HIV and Gum Disease

Patients suffering from HIV may find themselves at a higher risk of gum disease. With HIV, your immune system is compromised, making it harder for your body to fight off infection, as a result your body may be completely unable to fight off the infection causing the gum disease.

There are two types of gum disease that you need to know about. Gingivitis is a mild to moderate type of gum disease that usually causes discomfort, swelling and bleeding when brushing. If untreated or without taking steps to treat the gingivitis, it can become periodontitis.

According to Dr Tariq Drabu, a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon in the United Kingdom, periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease. It causes pockets to form between the teeth and gums, which is a warm home for unwelcome bacteria to breed. In time, the bacteria eat at the stabilization of the tooth and in turn, if completely ignored, periodontitis can result in tooth loss.

Dr Tariq Drabu also advised that oral infection is often the first sign that the patient has HIV or AIDS. Three quarters of HIV patients will hjave an oral infection at some point during their disease.

HIV has become a manageable disease and when diagnosed, while you may believe your life is over, you can live a normal and long life, if you take the right steps and precautions to ensure that they don’t suffer from unwelcome gum disease and enjoy a healthy life.

With HIV, patients will experience the same symptoms of gingivitis as someone without HIV. This means swollen and red gums, sensitivity and bleeding when brushing. The difference is that a person with HIV may find the symptoms more severe that the healthy person. In some instances HIV patients may suffer with gingivitis as a recurring problem.

The good news is that gum disease sis treatable, even if you have HIV. Your dentist will first schedule you in for a professional dental clean. This removes all the plaque and tar tar from your teeth, leaving them squeaky clean. In the process all the harmful bacteria is also removed.

You will be given instructions on good oral hygiene programmes to do at home. This will include brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Dr Drabu also mentioned that brushing at night is the most important time to brush, right before bed. You will then need to brush a second time at some point throughout the day.

Flossing is also exceptionally important. Though anyone who is suffering from gum disease should floss twice daily. Flossing reaches areas that your toothbrush can’t reach, removing unwelcome plaque and debris.

Anyone suffering from HIV need to be very diligent about their oral health. This includes visiting the dentist for routine dental appointments. Most people will be called in to see their dentist every twelve months. Someone with gum disease or HIV will be called in every few months to enable the dentist to carefully examine the mouth, teeth and gums.

Further, anyone with HIV may be at increased risk of oral cancer. When it comes to oral diseases, the chances of the dentist prescribing antibiotics is increased, helping fight off the infection and reducing the risk.

Dr Tariq Drabu recommends that patients suffering from HIV take the time to find a reputable dentist that they feel comfortable with. It is imperative to be completely honest about your condition, enabling the dentist to put the best treatment plan in place and helping you enjoy good oral heath in the future.

Tariq Drabu Discussed What Foods You Should Be Eating to Promote Oral Health

Diet, what you should be eating and what you shouldn’t be eating is always a hot topic, especially when it comes to your general health. Many patients don’t realise what an impact their diet has on their oral health. Eating a healthy diet brimming with calcium and crunch vegetables and fruits can have a positive impact on your oral health, reducing the risk of tooth decay, cavities and gum disease.

Calcium is imperative when it comes to healthy teeth and bones, which is why milk is a great product to add to your diet on a daily basis. Milk is filled with calcium and while it does contain lactose, lactose is the least damaging sugar you can have when it comes to protecting your teeth and gums.

There is an important note about milk. While it’s great during the day, avoid it at night. Ensure you brush your teeth for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste as you go to bed to protect your teeth and gums as you sleep.

Green tea is another item you can add to your daily diet to promote healthy teeth and gums. Green tea is brimming with polyphenols which remove plaque from the teeth. Be careful though, green tea can be very acidic, so it should only be consumed in moderation. Don’t drink too much of it, otherwise you could be harming your teeth rather than protecting them in the long run.

Children that eat cheese on a daily basis can reduce the number of calories they have. You should also include plenty of crunchy fruits and vegetables to your diet. Eating crunchy foods increases the saliva production. Saliva is alkaline and imperative in protecting your teeth and gums. Anyone who suffers from dry mouth will find that their teeth will suffer as a result.

Yoghurt is also a fantastic food to add to your oral health diet. Yoghurt is filled with healthy live bacteria, proteins and probiotics which can help promote healthy teeth and reduce the risk of infection.

The two things you should eliminate from your diet is sugars and acids. Sugared foods and drinks are a leading cause of tooth decay, especially in children in the United Kingdom. Eliminating sugared drinks and fruit juices from your diet can help you enjoy healthy teeth and gums moving forward.

Tobacco Linked to Oral Health – How Does it Affect You?

There has been so much press over the past few years about tobacco use and your overall health. According to Tariq Drabu, a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon in the United Kingdom, tobacco use can also have a significantly negative impact on your oral health, in addition to tooth discolouration.

In addition to tobacco use, the number of mouth cancer cases being reported throughout the world each year is increasing at an alarming rate. In the United Kingdom alone there are over six thousand five hundred new cases reported on an annual basis and over two thousand fatalities as a result of mouth cancer. Ninety per cent of these cases are linked to tobacco use of some kind and at some point in life.

Oral cancer can be treated, with the best results when caught in early stages. Of course the best option is to stop smoking as soon as possible to reduce the risk of contracting this form of cancer. Red and white patches in the mouth, an ulcer that won’t heal, problems swallowing and pain are all signs of mouth cancer. Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms should seek medical or dental advice as soon as possible.

Another way that tobacco can severely affect oral health is with periodontal disease. Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that starts with the inflammation of the gums and then moves to the roots and bone. With periodontal disease, treatment is essential as soon as possible to reduce the risk of further complications. Failure to treat periodontitis can result in tooth loss and jaw bone damage in the long run.

Tariq Drabu did mention that it doesn’t matter if you smoke or chew tobacco; the risks of oral health problems are dramatically increased. Chewing tobacco can increase your risk of oral cancer by six times of that of a person who has never chewed tobacco before. You will also find that chewing tobacco increases your risk of tooth decay. While pipe smokers may not smoke on a regular basis, they have an increased risk of lip cancer.

In the United Kingdom there are ways to stop smoking with the help and guidance of your doctor. Smoking cessation is offered in all doctors’ surgeries throughout the country, along with support groups and medications to try and assist patients to stop smoking and improve their overall health.

Smoking cessation can be anything from nicotine patches to chewing gum to medications to help stop smoking. Some people need to use a number of treatments at first and slowly wean themselves off the nicotine. It is not an easy process and requires determination and perseverance, according to Dr Tariq Drabu. The results are outstanding and the oral health risk is greatly reduces within a very short time.

Whether you currently use tobacco or you have recently stopped, it is imperative to keep up with your routine dental appointments. Routine dental appointments vary from one person to the next, based on your overall oral health. This means you may need to visit the dentist every six months or every year. Routine appointments are an opportunity for the dentist to examine your mouth, teeth and gums. It enables them to catch any problems early on and put an effective treatment plan in place.

In addition to this, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, according to Dr Tariq Drabu. The most important time to brush is right before bed for a minimum of two minutes and then once more during the course of the day.

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Fun Ways to Use the Tooth Fairy as a Good Dental Hygiene Tool for Children

I remember as a child losing my milk teeth. It was such an exciting time as I carefully wrapped my tooth in a tissue, placing it under my pillow and waiting for the tooth fairy to come take it away and leave me with some pocket money. Things haven’t changed and children are still excited when they lose a tooth, anticipating the tooth fairy and what they will leave them under their pillows.

The tooth fairy is a fantastic opportunity for parents to promote good oral health and it can be used from a very early age, which is very beneficial. Children start losing their primary teeth from around six years of age, which gives you plenty of time leading up to this point to talk to them about the tooth fairy and what she expects.

Early Age

Once your child is old enough to understand about tooth brushing and flossing, you can start telling them about the tooth fairy. Explaining that the tooth fairy will only take healthy teeth that have been brushed twice a day can encourage children to ensure they carry out a good oral health routine at home because they don’t want there to be nothing under their pillow after losing a tooth.

It is also very effective when the children don’t want to brush their teeth before bed or before going to school. You can take this opportunity to remind them that if they don’t the tooth fairy won’t be leaving them anything.

Don’t Only Leave Cash under the Pillow

Children expect the tooth fairy to leave them some cash when they lose their teeth. After they have carefully placed their tooth under the pillow, before you sneak into their room with a few coins, you could write a little note. A personalised note from the tooth fairy can be very exciting for any child. The note can be tips on how to enjoy healthy teeth to congratulating them for looking after the tooth, which is why they have been paid for their hard work and effort.

Another effective tool is that in addition to cash, you can leave a fun toothbrush or a great flavoured toothpaste, this can help encourage brushing. These days children’s toothbrushes come in a variety of designs. You can find their favourite cartoon character on a toothbrush and leave this as an additional gift, promoting the importance of brushing.

Do You Have Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a mild to moderate form of gum disease, which affects millions of people around the world each year. This form of gum disease is not as severe as periodontitis, but if left untreated it can cause serious oral and healthy problems moving forward.

Anyone with gingivitis will experience inflamed and red gums; they will probably bleed when you brush your teeth. Ignoring the signs of this gum disease and not seeking dental help can result in it progressing. Untreated gum disease can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Dr Tariq Drabu, a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon in the United Kingdom, advised that many people don’t realise the link between gum disease and their overall health. When gingivitis is ignored and becomes periodontal disease, the bacterial infection can get into the blood stream, which can have a seriously negative effect on overall health.

There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing gingivitis. Most people believe the cause is due to poor oral health and while this may be one of the leading causes, it is not the only reason you may be experiencing discomfort, inflammation and bleeding.

Gingivitis is normally caused by plaque build-up. When plaque isn’t removed effectively through brushing and flossing it becomes tartar, which sticks to the teeth, welcoming harmful bacteria to stick to it. Other causes include an injury to the gums, which could be caused by aggressive brushing and flossing, tobacco use and pregnancy

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Those with uncontrolled diabetes are also in a higher risk bracket when it comes to gingivitis, along with those with problematic teeth alignment, changes to braces fitment and those with cancer and HIV/AIDS.

Gingivitis can be exceptionally uncomfortable and frustrating, according to Dr Tariq Drabu. This form of gum disease causes bleeding, mouth sores, tenderness, swelling, shiny and irritated gums, bad breath and pain when chewing. One of the first signs of gingivitis is bad breath. Patients that experience one or more of these symptoms should make an urgent appointment with their dentist to have it checked and identify a treatment plan moving forward.

Dr Tariq Drabu did mention that treatment for gingivitis isn’t as aggressive as treatment for periodontitis. With gingivitis the dentist will diagnose by thoroughly checking the mouth, teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken to identify if any bone tissue has been affected.

From here patients usually undergo a professional dental clean with the hygienist. These cleans remove all plaque and tartar, teeth may be slightly sensitive after the clean. It is also common for the teeth to fell rough where any tartar was removed.

From here some dentists may prescribe medication to fight infection or reduce swelling, this will be determined on the severity of the gum disease.

Dr Tariq Drabu also mentioned that a good oral health routine at home is imperative to fighting and preventing gum disease. Everyone should be brushing their teeth twice a day with good quality fluoride toothpaste. Brushing should be for a minimum of two minutes and you need to concentrate on the front and back of each individual tooth to ensure you remove all plaque and bacteria.

In addition to this, when brushing close to the gums, turn your brush slightly to ensure the tip brushes the top of the gums. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, which is a home to bacteria in the mouth.

Flossing is also important and helps reach between the teeth, covering areas the toothbrush misses. Flossing once a day is valuable in preventing gum disease. If you have already been told you have gingivitis, then floss twice a day as part of your oral health routine.

Things to Remember When Choosing Dental Braces as an Adult

Deciding to have dental braces as an adult is a difficult and daunting experience. When you think of dental braces you think of a young teenager with silver braces on their teeth.

Dentistry is constantly evolving and when it comes to dental braces for adults where there is a selection of options to choose from, ensuring that you feel comfortable on a daily basis.

Most people will choose dental braces as an adult if they never had crooked teeth repaired as a child or they have overcrowding their mouth. Other reasons to consider dental braces are an overbite or under bite or jaw positioning problems. Failure to treat these conditions can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, chewing problems, speech and more.

There are a wide range of braces available for adults, according to leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon, Dr TariqDrabu. The first is the traditional metal braces. These are metal brackets which are fitted to the teeth and are adjusted at regular intervals. The braces put pressure on the teeth moving them to the chosen position. The metal braces are the cheapest option and also the most visible, which is why it’s the one that most adults eliminate from their selection first.

The second option when it comes to dental braces for adults is the clear ceramic braces. These are made from tooth coloured porcelain which blends in with the teeth, limiting the visibility. The only part of the braces that is very noticeable is the wires. This is an affordable solution that hides the fact you have braces and enables adults to feel comfortable while undergoing dental treatment.

Lingual braces are growing in popularity. These are dental braces which are positioned on the back of the teeth, between the teeth and the tongue. You cannot see that the person is wearing braces at all, though for the person with them, they may experience some tongue irritation.

The final option for dental braces for adults is the acrylic aligners. These are clear custom made braces which you can remove when needed. You can remove them to clean or when eating and then replace them quickly and easily. These are replaced at regular intervals to ensure the teeth are moved to the desired position with ease.

Many adults are concerned on how long they will need to wear dental braces as they are already adults. How long you wear braces will be determined by the work needed and your orthodontist requirements. In most instances you can expect to wear braces for up to two years.

Dr Tariq Drabu also mentioned that once the braces have been removed, the patient will be required to wear a retainer. The retainer is worn just to ensure the teeth remain in their new position, giving them time to adjust and reduce the risk of them returning to their original positioning.

One of the very important things to remember when choosing dental braces as an adult is oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is even more important when you have been fitted with braces, according to Tariq Drabu.

Brushing twice daily may not be enough to remove all the food that gets caught in the braces. What you eat and how often you brush your teeth will be determined by your dental professional. Most people will braces tend to brush after each meal to ensure the best oral health at all times.

It is also imperative that you keep your routine dental appointments and orthodontic appointments when you have dental braces to ensure your teeth and gums remain in good condition at all times.

Implants vs. Dentures – Which One Will You Choose?

Losing your natural teeth can be an exceptionally difficult time. If you have teeth missing your confidence can be crushed and you can suffer from low self-esteem. There are options available if you have no choice but to have your natural teeth removed, you can choose dental implants or dentures, depending on your personal preference and budget.

Your dentist should do whatever they can to save your natural teeth will extraction being the final resort. In some instances the natural tooth cannot be saved, which means in order to ensure your overall health, the tooth needs to be removed. This can leave you with an unsightly gap in any part of your mouth. If you have more than one tooth missing, you may find eating, chewing and even your speech is affected.

Dr Tariq Drabu, a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon, advised that a diseased tooth can have a negative impact on your overall oral health. Dangerous bacteria can get into your bloodstream causing you to become ill. Dental health has been linked to a number of medical illnesses and diseases including cardiovascular problems and stroke.

Implants are an investment; they are more expensive than dentures, but look and feel like natural teeth. If looked after and you follow your dentists instructions to the letter, your dental implants can last a lifetime.

In some instances, depending on the amount of work your mouth needs, you may be given dentures to use while your gums heal before implant work is carried out. You can also have your implants done at any stage so if you do choose to go with dentures and after a while you feel you aren’t comfortable with them, you can choose to change to implants, which are a permanent solution.

Dentures are cost effective, they are easy to use and you can remove them with ease. Some people feel self-conscious with dentures, because they feel them moving within the mouth. In most cases you will find that dentures on the upper jaw are more stable than those in the lower jaw. Eating certain foods, talking and chewing can be difficult to start, until you get used to the foreign teeth in your mouth.

There are certain factors to take into consideration when trying to decide whether to have implants or dentures. The first thing is to take your age and overall health into consideration. If you suffer from diabetes or blood clotting disorders, you may not be an ideal candidate for implants and your dental professional may sway your decision towards dentures.

Choose your dental specialist with care. Choose a specialist with years of experience in dental implants, someone who constantly updates their training and has a good reputation in your local area.

Next you need to understand exactly what dentures and implants are. Dentures are usually referred to as false teeth. They are a number of teeth that is set on plate which you can put in and take out as and when needed. Most people use sealants to hold their dentures in place throughout the day.

Implants on the other hand, are very different. With dental implants the dental professional will screw a titanium screw into your jaw; this replaces the root of the tooth. They then place a crown, which looks and feels like a real tooth on top, matching it to your natural tooth colour.

With the choices available, you may want to discuss the options with your dentist if you have to have your teeth extracted and see what they recommend based on your age, medical history and overall health.

Water Fluoridation – What You Need to Know

Water fluoridation is being used around the world. Adding fluoride to drinking water in residential areas is helping reduce the risk of tooth decay in children and adults. Fluoridation has been a hot debate in the United Kingdom for many years, according to leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon, Dr Tariq Drabu, which has resulted in some areas benefiting from the water and others still deciding whether to include it into the systems.

Fluoride is a mineral which strengthens the enamel on teeth and prevents decay. It is found naturally in water, though not at high enough levels to have an impact on teeth. Scientists have tested the water by adding more fluoride to benefit households throughout the world on a daily basis.

Fluoridation in water can dramatically reduce tooth decay, especially in children, with the CDD backing the system and describing it as one of the ten greatest public health inventions in the 20^th century. In most instances the public is only aware of fluoride in their toothpaste and mouth wash, some aren’t aware that their area already benefits from fluoridation in the water supplied to their homes.

Unfortunately not all areas within the United Kingdom have embraced water fluoridation, a solution which could save the National Health Service millions in the long run. Some areas have reservations based on potential risks of the water; some believe it could result in negative side effects in the future.

According to Dr Tariq Drabu, over six million people in the United Kingdom enjoy the benefits of water fluoridation, that’s ten per cent of the UK population compared to seventy four per cent of the US population who are taking advantage of this mineral to reduce tooth decay.

In the areas that have water fluoridation, forty five per cent less children are admitted to hospital when compared to areas that haven’t embraced this water solution. It has also been recorded that fifteen per cent of five year olds and eleven per cent of twelve year olds have a decrease in tooth decay.

Water fluoridation is going to be a top topic among departments and health professionals for many years to come as areas throughout the country identify if this is the best method to choose moving forward. The results are proven, just by the volume of children being admitted to hospital for oral health problems. Children in non-fluoride areas are much higher than those in water fluoridation areas.

In Cumbria alone, more than one hundred and twenty thousand people benefit from water fluoridation which was introduced to the area in the late 1960’s and more than six hundred thousand are benefitting in Tyneside, which was also introduced in the 1960’s.

Reports show that more than five million seven hundred people enjoy the benefits of artificially treated water fluoridation, these are areas where there wasn’t enough fluoride in the water and a further three hundred thousand benefit from natural fluoride water in their homes.

Water fluoridation is being used worldwide from United States to Africa and Europe to Asia. The results seen in the reduction of tooth decay is proven and therefore countries are embracing adding this mineral to their main water supply to help residents enjoy good oral health moving forward.

Areas that aren’t benefiting from water fluoridation yet, should follow a strict oral health routine at home with regular dental check-ups, according to Tariq Drabu. Patients should be brushing their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, once before bed. They should also floss.

In addition to this, Dr Tariq Drabu also advised that diet plays a big role in dental health. A healthy and well-balanced diet with limited sugar and acidic foods can help keep teeth and gums healthy moving forward.