20 million people in the UK are leaving themselves open to illegal and potentially harmful tooth whitening treatment.
As of 31st October last year, it has been illegal for beauty kiosk staff and beauticians to provide teeth whitening treatments to the public, yet a shocking percentage of people believe it is still legal for them to do so.
A new survey reveals 28% would not go to the dentist for their bleaching treatment and instead would opt for home kits purchased over the internet or via a beautician or kiosk.
Under the European Council directive, tooth whitening products containing or releasing between 0.1 and six per cent hydrogen peroxide can now only be sold to a registered dental professional offering the treatment through their practice.
Tooth whitening has become extremely popular due to its availability and the celebrity endorsed culture for pearly white teeth. However, few are aware of the dangers posed by seeking treatment from untrained beauticians or using kits purchased over the internet. In many cases the tooth whitening agent contains hydrogen peroxide above the recommended limit, which can result in permanent damage.
If teeth whitening is carried out by someone without the necessary qualifications, it can result in increased sensitivity and damage to the gums. Crowns, bridges, and denture teeth will not bleach, which is something the unqualified will miss. If tooth whitening is carried out by the dentist they will use the time to examine for other problems.
The survey questioned than 2,000 people as part of National Smile Month 2013.
If you’re interested in tooth whitening treatments or you’re concerned about any of the issues raised in this article - please contact us for further information: 01227 463574
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
Monday, 20 May 2013
Healthy Choice: Cheese
It might sound odd but eating a piece of cheese after meal times is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your teeth. Of course, eating cheese is no substitute for an excellent oral health regime, but as an aid it can help bring immediate results - here’s how:
1.PROTECT
Teeth and bones are very much alike, so the calcium, phosphorus and protein found naturally in dairy foods - such as cheese 0 are just as important for teeth as they are for your bones.
2.RESTORE
The nutrients in cheese can help block the build up of acid on your teeth, which occurs naturally after eating sugary foods.
3.REBUILD
The combination of protein (casein), phosphorus and calcium in cheese may actually help put minerals back into the teeth.
4.WASH
Consuming cheese (especially a little piece after meals) stimulates saliva, which can help reduce dental problems. Saliva helps wash away any acids left on your teeth after eating.
5.BRIGHTEN
The protein called casein found in dairy products strengthens tooth enamel. Since enamel protects the dentin the layer that determines tooth colour), healthy dentin means bright, white teeth!
Cheddar is best, because it contains the highest level of alkali whereas soft cheese like brie or feta won’t have as much of an effect. Only a tiny piece is needed and is a great way to improve the health of your teeth quickly and easily, without having to leave the dinner table.
1.PROTECT
Teeth and bones are very much alike, so the calcium, phosphorus and protein found naturally in dairy foods - such as cheese 0 are just as important for teeth as they are for your bones.
2.RESTORE
The nutrients in cheese can help block the build up of acid on your teeth, which occurs naturally after eating sugary foods.
3.REBUILD
The combination of protein (casein), phosphorus and calcium in cheese may actually help put minerals back into the teeth.
4.WASH
Consuming cheese (especially a little piece after meals) stimulates saliva, which can help reduce dental problems. Saliva helps wash away any acids left on your teeth after eating.
5.BRIGHTEN
The protein called casein found in dairy products strengthens tooth enamel. Since enamel protects the dentin the layer that determines tooth colour), healthy dentin means bright, white teeth!
Cheddar is best, because it contains the highest level of alkali whereas soft cheese like brie or feta won’t have as much of an effect. Only a tiny piece is needed and is a great way to improve the health of your teeth quickly and easily, without having to leave the dinner table.
Monday, 13 May 2013
Healthy Choice: Carrots
It’s a well known fact that carrots are good for our eyesight.. but new studies show this tasty orange vegetable can benefit our teeth and gums too.
1.Nature’s toothbrush
Carrots are one of nature’s natural toothbrushes. Eaten raw, carrots help clean your teeth and mouth by scraping off plaque and food particles and stimulating gums, triggering saliva, which balances out the acid- and cavity-forming bacteria. Not to mention the minerals in carrots that can prevent tooth damage.
2.Maintains healthy teeth and bones
Orange-coloured vegetables and fruit are great sources of beta-carotene, which is turned into Vitamin A by the body. So eating carrots helps keep your teeth and bones strong and healthy.
3.Anticancer properties
Carrots contain falcarinol and falcarindiol, which researchers have discovered have anticancer properties. Meaning carrots can possibly reduce the risk of certain cancers.
4.A power antiseptic
Known by herbalists to prevent infection, carrots can be used on cuts (shredded raw, boiled, or mashed) and can potentially fight minor infections within the mouth.
5.Keep young and beautiful
Eating carrots not only helps your teeth and gums, they also help keep your skin, hair, and nails in prime condition. Vitamin A and the antioxidants found in carrots protect the skin from sun damage, preventing premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. Vitamin A also assists in the liver in flushing out toxins from the body, reducing bile and fat. That’s not all! Carrots have also been known for their marvellous health benefits - such as preventing strokes!
Phew! Who knew carrots were such a super food?
1.Nature’s toothbrush
Carrots are one of nature’s natural toothbrushes. Eaten raw, carrots help clean your teeth and mouth by scraping off plaque and food particles and stimulating gums, triggering saliva, which balances out the acid- and cavity-forming bacteria. Not to mention the minerals in carrots that can prevent tooth damage.
2.Maintains healthy teeth and bones
Orange-coloured vegetables and fruit are great sources of beta-carotene, which is turned into Vitamin A by the body. So eating carrots helps keep your teeth and bones strong and healthy.
3.Anticancer properties
Carrots contain falcarinol and falcarindiol, which researchers have discovered have anticancer properties. Meaning carrots can possibly reduce the risk of certain cancers.
4.A power antiseptic
Known by herbalists to prevent infection, carrots can be used on cuts (shredded raw, boiled, or mashed) and can potentially fight minor infections within the mouth.
5.Keep young and beautiful
Eating carrots not only helps your teeth and gums, they also help keep your skin, hair, and nails in prime condition. Vitamin A and the antioxidants found in carrots protect the skin from sun damage, preventing premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. Vitamin A also assists in the liver in flushing out toxins from the body, reducing bile and fat. That’s not all! Carrots have also been known for their marvellous health benefits - such as preventing strokes!
Phew! Who knew carrots were such a super food?
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Are Sweet Treats Damaging your Child’s Health?
Are sugary drinks and foods packed with preservatives damaging your child’s oral health?
If sugary foods and drinks are consumed too often obvious dental health issues such as dental decay, erosion, and tooth loss start become a real concern. In 2003, 1% of five-year-olds had obvious signs of tooth decay - a worrying statistic.
Not only is the number of infants and young children consuming sugary foods and drinks on the increase, the amount they are consuming is also rocketing causing concern amongst dental professionals and the British Dental Health Foundation.
The Diet and Nutrition Survey of Infants and Young Children discovered in their recent report that two in every three (62 per cent) of children aged 12-18 months had ‘sugar, preserves, and confectionary’ foods. One in four (26 per cent) of 12-18 month old instants also enjoyed fruit juices and soft drinks on a regular basis.
The result is an obvious problem of oral health in young children caused by consumption of sugary foods and drinks on a regular basis.
Whilst it is unrealistic to expect sweet foods and sugary drinks to be removed from a child’s diet completely, it is important to try to limit consumption to protect their teeth from erosion and decay.
Three Tips to Remember:
1.Water (or milk) instead of sugary drinks including fruit juice, which can cause decay.
2.Savoury foods such as cheese, pasta, and vegetables are great for the teeth.
3.Limit consumption of any sweet treats to mealtimes.
If sugary foods and drinks are consumed too often obvious dental health issues such as dental decay, erosion, and tooth loss start become a real concern. In 2003, 1% of five-year-olds had obvious signs of tooth decay - a worrying statistic.
Not only is the number of infants and young children consuming sugary foods and drinks on the increase, the amount they are consuming is also rocketing causing concern amongst dental professionals and the British Dental Health Foundation.
The Diet and Nutrition Survey of Infants and Young Children discovered in their recent report that two in every three (62 per cent) of children aged 12-18 months had ‘sugar, preserves, and confectionary’ foods. One in four (26 per cent) of 12-18 month old instants also enjoyed fruit juices and soft drinks on a regular basis.
The result is an obvious problem of oral health in young children caused by consumption of sugary foods and drinks on a regular basis.
Whilst it is unrealistic to expect sweet foods and sugary drinks to be removed from a child’s diet completely, it is important to try to limit consumption to protect their teeth from erosion and decay.
Three Tips to Remember:
1.Water (or milk) instead of sugary drinks including fruit juice, which can cause decay.
2.Savoury foods such as cheese, pasta, and vegetables are great for the teeth.
3.Limit consumption of any sweet treats to mealtimes.
Tea is officially good for your health! As if you needed an excuse to drink it here’s a few more reasons why drinking tea can make you feel good - inside and out!
Before you load up on Tetley’s, PG Tips, or your usual cuppa we recommend checking to make sure your “tea” is actually TEA.
Real tea is derived from a particular plant (Camellia sinensis) and includes only four varieties: green, black, white, and oolong. Anything else (like herbal “tea”) is an infusion of a different plant and isn’t technically tea.
Now before you get defensive about your favourite cuppa, what real tea lacks in variety and differs in taste, it makes up for it with some seriously amazing health benefits thanks to the polyphenols (antixoxidants) and phytochemicals.
We recommend introducing green tea into your diet but if you really can’t stand the taste, flavour, or maybe even the colour, you’ll be pleased to know your standard variety of tea - the kind you have with milk and two sugars (if you’re being naughty) - is still beneficial for your health!
1.Tea can boost endurance
2.Drinking tea could help reduce the risk of a heart attack
3.Tea could help protect against cardiovascular and degenerative diseases
4.The antioxidants in tea might help protect against cancers
5.Tea helps fight free radicals
6.Tea is hydrating for the body
7.Drinking tea is linked with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease
8.Tea might provide protection from ultraviolet rays
9.Green tea may act as a back-up sunscreen (but don’t ditch the sun protection!)
10.Tea could keep your waist circumference in check
11. Regular tea drinking might counteract some of the negative effects of smoking
12.Tea could benefit people with Type 2 diabetes
13.Tea can help the body recover from radiation
14.Green tea has been found to improve bone mineral density and strength
15.Tea might effective in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases
Do you drink tea regularly? Have you noticed any health benefits? Let us know!
Before you load up on Tetley’s, PG Tips, or your usual cuppa we recommend checking to make sure your “tea” is actually TEA.
Real tea is derived from a particular plant (Camellia sinensis) and includes only four varieties: green, black, white, and oolong. Anything else (like herbal “tea”) is an infusion of a different plant and isn’t technically tea.
Now before you get defensive about your favourite cuppa, what real tea lacks in variety and differs in taste, it makes up for it with some seriously amazing health benefits thanks to the polyphenols (antixoxidants) and phytochemicals.
We recommend introducing green tea into your diet but if you really can’t stand the taste, flavour, or maybe even the colour, you’ll be pleased to know your standard variety of tea - the kind you have with milk and two sugars (if you’re being naughty) - is still beneficial for your health!
1.Tea can boost endurance
2.Drinking tea could help reduce the risk of a heart attack
3.Tea could help protect against cardiovascular and degenerative diseases
4.The antioxidants in tea might help protect against cancers
5.Tea helps fight free radicals
6.Tea is hydrating for the body
7.Drinking tea is linked with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease
8.Tea might provide protection from ultraviolet rays
9.Green tea may act as a back-up sunscreen (but don’t ditch the sun protection!)
10.Tea could keep your waist circumference in check
11. Regular tea drinking might counteract some of the negative effects of smoking
12.Tea could benefit people with Type 2 diabetes
13.Tea can help the body recover from radiation
14.Green tea has been found to improve bone mineral density and strength
15.Tea might effective in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases
Do you drink tea regularly? Have you noticed any health benefits? Let us know!
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Healthy Choice: Green Tea
Green tea contains compounds that appear to control inflammation and fight bacterial infection - making it fantastic for combating several oral health issues. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which have many other health properties aside from toothy problems.
So what does this mean for your oral? Here are five reasons why drinking green tea could help keep your mouth healthy.
1.Cavity prevention
Research has found that drinking green tea shows it can be helpful at preventing tooth decay. Green tea controls bacteria and lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque, because of this is may be a useful tool in preventing cavities. A recent study tested people before and after they gave their mouths a five-minute rinse with green tea and discovered the subjects had less bacteria and acid in their mouths as well as reduced bleeding of the gums.
2.Gum health
Green tea acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can help control periodontal (gum) disease. Several research studies have found that subjects who drank green tea regularly had healthier gums than those who didn’t.
3.Less tooth loss
Drinking a cup of green tea a day could help prevent tooth loss. A research study published in 2010 reported that people who drink one or more cups of green tea a day are more likely to hold on to their natural teeth.
4.Cancer control
The antioxidants and other properties found in green tea appear to protect against cellular damage and cancerous tumour growths. A study where green tea extract was given to patients with precancerous lesions in their mouths found green tea slowed the progression to oral cancer. Other studies have also found tea compounds can inhibit cancer growths.
5.Better breath
Green tea kills the microbes that make our mouths smell bad. Reports have consistently proven green tea outperforms mints, chewing gum, and even parsley-seed oil when dealing with bad breath.
So what does this mean for your oral? Here are five reasons why drinking green tea could help keep your mouth healthy.
1.Cavity prevention
Research has found that drinking green tea shows it can be helpful at preventing tooth decay. Green tea controls bacteria and lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque, because of this is may be a useful tool in preventing cavities. A recent study tested people before and after they gave their mouths a five-minute rinse with green tea and discovered the subjects had less bacteria and acid in their mouths as well as reduced bleeding of the gums.
2.Gum health
Green tea acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can help control periodontal (gum) disease. Several research studies have found that subjects who drank green tea regularly had healthier gums than those who didn’t.
3.Less tooth loss
Drinking a cup of green tea a day could help prevent tooth loss. A research study published in 2010 reported that people who drink one or more cups of green tea a day are more likely to hold on to their natural teeth.
4.Cancer control
The antioxidants and other properties found in green tea appear to protect against cellular damage and cancerous tumour growths. A study where green tea extract was given to patients with precancerous lesions in their mouths found green tea slowed the progression to oral cancer. Other studies have also found tea compounds can inhibit cancer growths.
5.Better breath
Green tea kills the microbes that make our mouths smell bad. Reports have consistently proven green tea outperforms mints, chewing gum, and even parsley-seed oil when dealing with bad breath.
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