10 years younger

Everyone’s been asking and as teeth is my favourite subject, I thought I would talk a little about the cases I treated for the programme

This is Mary who was a great lady to treat with an amazing laugh and great sense of fun

 

 

At face value, you would think Mary’s main problem would be her crowns.  They  were very old, stained, had the classic dark lines around them.  However the hidden story is her gum disease

A lifetime of smoking meant that the disease had destroyed Mary’s gums and the toxins from the bacteria had destroyed the bone so her teeth became looser.  Unfortunately I was not able to save her remaining bottom teeth but working as a team we were able to give her a great result

What did we do?

1. Treated her gums.  This formed the foundational basis of all the treatment.  Working with the hygienist and gum specialist we carried out deep cleaning to remove the bacteria embedded deep within the gums.  The key was Mary’s hard work at home, using the techniques and tools we gave her

2. Extracted teeth.  This always makes me so SAD because in the majority of cases it is totally preventable. If I had met Mary 10years ago, maybe even 5y I am sure we would have been able to save more of the teeth

3 Cosmetic Dentures.  These are lovingly made and so fit really well with life-like customised teeth placed in the detures

4 Porcelain Crowns.  These replaced the old metal based crowns that Mary had.  All porcelain crowns are now very strong and beautiful.  The great thing is there are no more dark lines around the gum which is a dead giveaway you have had a crown

5 Gum Lift to improve the aesthetics and blend into her smile

A lesson In Humility

So I call my youngest sister in excitement.  

Guess what I say, there’s a great article about us this week.  Which magazine she asks.  I tell her.  Ok I’ll read it at the station on my way home.  What!!! You mean you’re not going to buy it? Why would I waste my money she exclaims.  I come crashing down to earth.  

My secret to success, a down to earth family that keeps my feet firmly on the ground.  Thank goodness for mothers though!  

My mum buys 15 copies of the magazine to send to all her friends.  I feel important again and my mum helps the publishing economy

mouthwash and cancer

So the papers are full of stories of how using mouthwash will result in mass death of the public from mouth cancer.  My phones are off the hook with people anxious to find out if they are reporting the truth.  Well the answer is…kinda, so  here are the facts

The latest frenzy was caused by new research that claimed using mouthwashes containing alcohol can increase the risk of mouth cancer by up to nine times.  The alcohol is thought to help  cancer causing toxins such as nicotine from permeating the mouth faster.  Hoeverver there were lots of gaps in the paper.

What was the alcohol content of the mouthwashes, what was the length of time it was used, how long did people keep the mouthwash in their mouth.  That’s why the jury is still out

What is undisputed fact is that smoking and drinking more than 3 units of alcohol a day (that’s only one large glass of wine!) is directly linked to mouth cancer.  So my advise, quit smoking and cut out the booze :)

As to which mouthwash if any to use?  My recommendation is always the same.  

Ask your dentist what works best for you.  One caveat though is to use a fluoride mouthwash, doesn’t matter which brand!

Flouride helps make your teeth more resistant to tooth decay so I use it on a daily basis…like most of you, I am not a fan of the dentist either so do what I can to strengthen my teeth.

Happy swishing!

Secrets of a happy marriage

I read a quote by Tim Lott in the Independant on the secret of a happy marriage

“Women want you to listen to them and men want to be praised”

I personally want both…is that wrong? What about you

Let’s start a poll and see if he is right.  Men is it praise v/s listening you want?

Then again most men I know don’t talk much so he may be on to something