How Does Cleft Lip/Palate Affect the Teeth? A cleft of the lip, gum (alveolus), and/or palate in the mouth can produce a variety of dental problems. These may involve the number, size, shape, and position of both the baby teeth and the permanent teeth. The teeth most commonly affected by the clefting process are those in the area of the cleft, which usually occurs between the cuspid (eye tooth) and the lateral incisor. (more…)

Your local PCT is responsible for out-of-hours care and urgent NHS dental treatment. However your dentist may provide urgent treatment during normal working hours. You may be able to go for urgent treatment to one of the 50 dental access centres in England, if you live nearby. These centres may also offer the full range of NHS treatment. Appointments can be made by phone and in some cases (more…)

The first cultivation of tobacco is thought to have been around 6000 BC, with earliest reports of use amongst indigenous Americans around the first century BC. By the 16th century it was being used worldwide.With 1.3 billion current tobacco users in the world predicted to rise to 1.6 billion by 2030, this is not an epidemic that is going to go away in the lifetime of present readers of this preamble. (more…)

What is the problem? Tooth decay, although preventable, is a chronic disease affecting children’s ability to concentrate and learn, as well as their speech development, eating habits, activity levels and self-esteem. 2 In fact, it is the most common chronic disease of childhood.3 Nationally, tooth decay is five times more common than childhood asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. (more…)

Who is an oral health professional? An oral health professional forms an important part of the oral health team. Oral health professionals have skills in dental hygiene, dental therapy and oral health promotion. Dental hygienists educate patients about the health of their mouths and provide options for improving and maintaining oral health. Dental hygienists work closely with dentists in detecting (more…)

Sherri’s Story When I was pregnant, I began to have some bleeding around my gums when I brushed my teeth. My gums also looked swollen, and I started to get worried. I knew many pregnant women have some gum bleeding when brushing their teeth, but I decided to have my dentist check them out anyway. I am glad I did! She said that my problem was worse than what usually happens during (more…)

Despite consistent reports of the poor oral health of Californians, oral health/dental coverage has been largely absent from the current health care reform discussion. Yet, good oral health is a fundamental part of overall health and function. Oral health not only impacts overall physical health, but also reduces the risk and severity of other systemic conditions and diseases. Maintaining good oral health for all (more…)

Healthy teeth make a healthy body By the age of three, most children will have all 20 baby teeth. These baby teeth are for eating, talking and to hold a space for the permanent (adult) teeth. Healthy baby teeth are key for healthy adult teeth. How to brush • Choose a small toothbrush with soft bristles. • Choose a toothpaste containing fluoride. • Put toothpaste the size of a pea on the (more…)

Dental (tooth) decay is the most common disease that affects teeth, but it can be prevented. Decay is caused by plaque, a sticky film found on teeth. Bacteria found in plaque change sugars into acids, which produce holes (cavities) in the teeth. Plaque cannot be removed by rinsing. Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste or cleaning by a dentist or other oral health professional are the best (more…)

One good thing about growing older in the 21st century is that we’re more likely to keep our natural teeth as we age. Twenty years ago most people in Australia aged 65 or over had no natural teeth. But, thanks to better dental care, more of us are keeping our teeth, and experts predict that by 2019 only 20 per cent of elderly people will have lost their teeth. Keeping our teeth into old age is an advantage (more…)