Experts recommend fish oils for healthy gums
November 9, 2010
New research released in the prestigious Journal of The American Dietetic Association presents a possible new approach to treating gum disease. With 79% of adults over the age of 35 suffering some form of gum disease experts will welcome new ways to help beat this common problem. A study of over 9, 000 adults participating in the American National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that those eating good levels of Omega 3 Fatty Acids were less likely to have any forms of gum disease. Specifically it was higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that were associated with healthier gums. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are found in oily fish and some nuts and seeds and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.Gum disease is the most common cause for tooth loss, and often results in patients turning to dental implants or dentures to replace lost teeth. And whilst the technology in tooth replacements, like dental implants, has improved in recent years, the treatment for gum disease has not evolved. Traditionally dentists rely on deep cleaning in clinics and encouraging good hygiene routines with flossing or inter-dental brushes. Adding Omega 3 Fatty Acids into the treatment plan is also exciting as it may be more cost effective and they are also proven to help heart disease and prevent strokes.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids can be found in salmon, mackerel, swordfish, flax seeds and walnuts. You can also buy Omega-3 eggs in most supermarkets. Supplements are a popular way of ensuring your levels are topped up and if you are worried if you are not getting enough The Ideal Omega 3 Test Kit will give you the answers.
For anyone worried about gum disease the signs to look out for include:
- Red gums, rather than a pink colour.
- Bleeding when you floss or brush.
- White or yellow deposits around the gum line.
- Sensitive areas on the tooth where gums are receeding.
If you have any concerns speak to your dentist about them and make an appointment to visit a hygienist.
For anyone who has suffered tooth loss from severe gum disease then it’s good to know that dentures are not the only option. Dental Implants are the most natural looking and feeling tooth replacement available but it’s important to find an expert in implantology. Dr Kaman, from the Implant Centre in Budapest says: “It’s particularly important to find an experienced implant surgeon where gum disease has been the cause of tooth loss because there may be issues such as bone loss to overcome. Dental Implant technology is now highly developed and almost all patients are able to choose this tooth replacement option.”
So, now there’s three important steps to caring for your gums – grab some salmon in the supermarket and after dinner don’t forget to brush and floss!
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Brad and Angelina go Hungary!
October 26, 2010
Last week Brad Pitt and the kids landed in Budapest to support Angelina Jolie in her directorial debut and the city is now in the paparazzi spotlight! The actress, famous for her sultry pout and at times eccentric behaviour is filming a love story set during the Bosnia Serbia war. The family are setting up home in Hungary’s capital city for the duration of the filming. They have rented a large, 10 bedroom villa just outside Budapest and the children are reportedly attending an international school nearby.
Brad and Angelina have been spotted looking very loved up on set, and Brad’s been riding around town on his beloved motorbike. No doubt the couple will enjoy showing their children the beautiful city and some of its charming tourist spots. The historical city is dominated by the Danube river which is crossed by many beautiful bridges. They could enjoy stunning views from Gellert Hill from which some of the historical landmarks can easily be spotted. Parliament, St Stephens Basilica and Hero Square are all ‘must see’ tourist spots that the Pitt-Jolie family are sure to visit. The kids will love the Zoo, Planetarium and Tropicarium so there’s no chance for the family to miss their US home.
If Angelina needs some time out from the pressures of directing, she could enjoy a spot of shopping down Andrassy Avenue, said to the ‘Oxford Street’ of Budapest. In reality, the boulevard is a chic shopping street full of top restaurants and designer boutiques which is also a World Heritage Site.
For romantic nights out the couple could head to some of Budapest’s top hotels where there are five star bars and restaurants to enjoy. The Four Season’s Bar could be a great place to start the night, enjoying some cocktails before moving on to Gundel, the city’s best known restaurant which serves sophisticated yet traditional Hungarian fare. And if they’re up for a late night, the Dokk Club is where the beautiful people of Budapest hang out, and where visiting celebrities tend to finish up the evening.
Budapest is also famous for its thermal baths, and there are many to choose from. The waters are reputed to have therapeutic benefits, and the Széchenyi Bath in City Park is the largest, and most splendid of them all.
Budapest is a popular tourist spot for many visiting Europeans who flock to the city throughout the year and the highlight of the winter season is the Christmas Fair. Visit the festive markets to stock up on gifts and local delicacies and soak up their unique atmosphere.
The city is also famous for its top dental clinics where patients come to get the kind of Hollywood smile that Brad and Angelina are famous for. Prices for treatment in Budapest however are not only for celebrity pockets, people fly in from across Europe for excellent value and the most advanced dental treatments available.
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Research shows recession isn’t biting implant business
October 15, 2010
The recession has seen people investing in their smile.
Patients are realising the long term cost savings of choosing dental implants over more temporary options, and are keen to invest in their teeth, despite feeling the pinch of the recession. According to research the number of people asking for implants has tripled over the last two years, proving that Brits are taking their smile seriously, and are prepared to invest for long term benefits.
Whilst options such as dentures and bridges may appear cheaper in the short term, there are many advantages to implants and patients are considering their choices carefully before deciding that, despite the credit crunch long term value is the road to take.
Good implants will last for 15 – 20 years and have become increasingly popular with younger people who have lost teeth through accidents or sports injuries and who want to avoid dentures. This is a generation who understand the importance of appearance and self confidence, particularly in today’s highly competitive job market. There are also more reports of people spending redundancy money on their smiles to help them get a better job.
It’s clear also, that the recession has encouraged people to do their research carefully, so that when they do spend money it’s on the best options available. Savvy Brits have found that top clinics in European cities such as Budapest are able to give patients better value than their UK counter parts.
In addition, there are various implant cost options available to patients. Branemark are considered to be the ‘Rolls Royce’ of implants whilst Camlog, the ‘BMW’, are more affordable in places like Hungary, so people who want the best are finding ways of being able to afford that by flying overseas. In Hungary, Branemark and Camlog implants are 50 – 60% cheaper than in the UK. So it’s not so much a question of spending less in the recession, but rather spending more wisely.
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Metrosexual madness!
September 21, 2010
It’s official, the age of male vanity is upon us! A new study has found that men aged 18 to 35 spend on average £11.72 a week on skin and hair care products – a pound more than women. And its not just moisturiser, men are having Botox™, teeth whitening treatments and even using hair straighteners!
The survey questioned 3000 18 to 35-year-old men about their health, fitness and beauty regimes. The study found increasing evidence supporting the rise of the ‘metrosexual man’, with a fifth of men using a daily moisturiser.
Inspired by ‘alpha male’ celebrities such as Simon Cowell and Gordon Ramsey, more and more men are seeking out ways to look their best. And it seems our chaps are catching up with their American counterparts and asking for a ‘Hollywood smile’.
The top dental treatments for men are teeth whitening, veneers and implants. Teeth whitening is seen as an easy way to improve our smile, and it’s definitely a ‘quick fix’ that has male appeal. Zoom! Whitening is considered to be the best system available and harnesses light technology with a special hydrogen peroxide gel. According to leading dentist Dr Kaman, you only need to go a few shades whiter to make a big difference: “The optimal tooth shade is matching your teeth to the whites of your eyes, don’t make the mistake of going too white, as it will look fake and unnatural which most men want to avoid.”
Number two on the list are veneers, and for guys interested in the technical side of looking good, the best veneers are porcelain. Veneers are used to cover up minor imperfections such are teeth that are chipped or worn down. And with the proper care, veneers can be very long lasting – up to 12 years with a good oral hygiene routine.
Number three on the list of popular treatments for men are dental implants. Men who play a lot of contact sport or who enjoy more dangerous pastimes such as mountain biking or paragliding are more at risk of loosing a tooth at an earlier age. Good quality implants (Branemark are considered to be the best) will look exactly like your own teeth, and you care for them in the same way. They are secure enough to tackle a steak dinner and will last for years!
So for those guys who haven’t got in touch with their inner David Beckham it’s time to take a long hard look in the mirror. It’s officially OK to spend longer in the bathroom and more time in Boots – go on…..you’re worth it!
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Healthy smile, happy heart!
September 10, 2010
There has long been a recognised link between gum disease and heart disease and this week saw scientists get closer to indentifying the root of the problem. Up until now, experts have been unclear if the connection is simply that poor oral health is a marker for a general lack of well being and health awareness. But now scientists from the University of Bristol believe it is the Streptococcus bacteria that could be the cause of heart problems.
The bacteria are present in the mouth where there is poor gum health; and they can leave the mouth and enter the blood stream. Once in the blood, the bacteria form a protein around which platelets form, clumping together to surround the bacteria. Professor Howard Jenkinson, who led the research explains further: “Unfortunately, as well as helping out the bacteria, platelet clumping can cause small blood clots, growths on the heart valves, or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain.”
These latest findings will help scientists to continue their research into the links between healthy gums and teeth and a healthy heart. There is no doubt that a good teeth brushing and flossing routine will help keep gum disease at bay. Here are our top tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing at least once a day is essential for healthy gums
- Avoid snacking in between meals and remember that sweets and sugary drinks will cause tooth decay
- Have regular dental checks and make sure you see a hygienist who can help you prevent gum disease
- Take bleeding gums seriously, they are a sign of gum disease and a visit to your dentist and hygienist is essential
- If you need more extensive dental repair work done don’t delay, if your NHS dentist cannot help and UK private dentistry is too expense, consider travelling to European countries such as Hungary to have the treatment done there
Cardiologists are keen to point out that other factors such exercise, not smoking and a healthy diet are all absolutely essential for heart health.
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Travel friendly toothcare
August 20, 2010
It’s the height of the holiday season with many of us jetting off to desinations where the sunshine is more reliable. As your attention is turned to last minute holiday shopping and packing, we thought we’d round up the best of the travel friendly dental care products around.
There’s no need to comprimise your oral care routine just because you want to pack light. Boots The Chemist and Superdrug both sell a selection of dental care mini sizes including Listerine Total Care mouthwash in a flight regulation friendly 95ml, and Colgate Total Toothpaste in 25ml, 50ml and 75ml sizes.
The website www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk has the solution for messy spills with their ‘toothpaste tube’ which fits your regular toothbrush and toothpaste in a sealable tube. The Toothbrush Tube is £5.00 and is a good buy for anyone who travels regularly.
3-in-1 travel toothbrush
The Ortho Store sells this handy 3 in 1 Toothbrush – it’s the dental equivilent of a Swiss Army Knife! With a brush, a toothpick and an interdental brush this is particularly handy for anyone who wears braces and is £3.50. They also have a comprehensive little pack called the Orthodontic Travel Kit for £5.00 which contains a multitude of gadgets including floss and floss threaders and a mouth mirror to help you look after your braces on the move.
To keep your mouth fresh whilst you travel, pocket friendly tooth cleaners include the Chewable Tooth Brush, which are ubiquitous in station and airport toilets. We’ve never had the nerve to actually try one of these and would love to hear from anyone who has! We think sugar free chewing gum is also a travel essential and has the multi-function advantage of helping your ears adjust to altitude as well as keeping breath fresh.
For the more adventurous, those travelling to more remote areas where dentists are likely to be scarce may want to consider packing some clever kits for dental emergencies. Dentek has a range of kits to consider. From Temporary Fillings (£4.91) to Crown & Cap Cement (£4.99) and a handy Tooth Ache Kit (£8.29). We don’t recommend DIY dentistry, BUT, these kits could keep you smiling until you can get home. They are available online from Lloyds Pharmacy. 
And finally, denture wearers, like cyclists, shouldn’t leave home without a repair kit such as the Dentaire Swiss Denture RepairFix (£19.95). Happy holidays!
