Why should I care about antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotics were invented in the early 20th century, and since then they’ve prevented millions of deaths. This is because they are fantastic at stopping infection.

But imagine a future where antibiotics no longer work. Many routine operations would become dangerous. You could even die from simply pricking your finger while gardening. What’s more, treatments such as organ transplants and chemotherapy would be impossible, since these treatments require antibiotics.

What’s scary is that antibiotic resistance just isn’t a problem of the future. In the words of the World Health Organisation, “it is happening right now in every region of the world”. According to the BBC, so-called ‘super bugs’ are already responsible for 700,000 deaths worldwide each year.

How does antibiotic resistance happen?

Antibiotics don’t kill 100% of bacteria; some bacteria are just naturally immune. This wasn’t a problem until doctors started giving out antibiotics left, right and centre. The antibiotics kill all the weak bacteria but suddenly, the few resistant bacteria have the environment all to themselves. They’re free to multiply and create more resistant bacteria. Over the years, antibiotic resistance then becomes more and more commonplace in the environment, until nearly all the bacteria are resistant. Essentially, by using antibiotics, we are ‘training’ bacteria to become resistant.

Where do dentists come into this?

Dentists have an important role to play because around 10% of antibiotic prescriptions come from dentists.

Dentists prescribe antibiotics for things like dental abscesses and gum disease. But often, the prescriptions are unnecessary. According to one study, many doctors overprescribe patients with antibiotics because they just don’t know enough about them.

What can I do to prevent antibiotic resistance?

Feeling like you want to help? Here’s a few ways you can help prevent an antibiotic apocalypse:

• If you have toothache, then don’t self-medicate with antibiotics. Firstly, any self-medication is dangerous. Secondly, your toothache might not be due to an infection, which means antibiotics wouldn’t help. Thirdly, dentists can sometimes treat infections without antibiotics, thus helping to avoid antibiotic resistance.
• If your dentist wants to give you an antibiotic, ask her if it’s really necessary.
• If the antibiotic is necessary, then take it exactly as the dentist tells you to. Don’t give it to your sick family or friends.
• Return unused antibiotics to a pharmacy to prevent them from getting into the environment.
• Show you support by signing Public Health England’s Antibiotic Guardianship pledge.

Here at S A Benton Dental, we’re taking measures to fight antibiotic resistance. For example, we audit our antibiotic prescriptions so we can check whether our prescriptions are really necessary. So, rest assured that we’re doing our part to prevent antibiotic resistance. But are you?

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Unfortunately, the process can also be unpleasant, especially if you have strong gag reflex. This is because our bodies instinctively want to gag unfamiliar materials out of the mouth. Dental impressions can definitely be one of the most unpleasant experiences at the dentist.

Luckily, there’s a modern alternative to impressions: digital scanning. Read on to learn more.

What is digital scanning?

Digital scanning in dentistry started in the mid-1980s. Since then, it’s really taken off and now many dentists offer this procedure.

With digital scanning, the dentist uses a machine to scan an image of your teeth into a computer. It’s a bit like taking an x-ray, but the machine can create a 3D image instead of just a 2D one. The machine uses either lasers or a special light to capture the image.

The benefits of digital scanning

Digital scanning has several benefits over the old way of doing things. The main benefit is that the process removes the need for a physical impression. This means there is no need for patients to keep an unpleasant substance in their mouths.

Digital scans are also more accurate than physical impressions. This is because there are less steps required, so therefore there is less room for error. Ultimately it means that dentists can create fixtures that fit better.

Another advantage to digital scans is that dentists can manipulate the scan using a computer. This allows the dentist to see the exact effect treatments will have on your teeth. You might also get to see what your finished smile will look like.

Digital impression systems are also much faster than physical systems, particularly for dentists. This is because digital systems remove the need for time-consuming tasks such as preparing materials, disinfecting impressions, and mailing the impressions to the lab. The dental laboratory also saves time because they no longer have to pour up plaster or cut and shape dies. It’s a win-win for everyone.

What should I expect from a digital scan?

A digital scans can take between 3 and 5 minutes. There is no need to hold any unpleasant material in your mouth but the dentist might spray your teeth with a special powder to make sure the scan is accurate. Rest assured that all scans are safe.

The post Digital scans versus physical impressions: Which is better? appeared first on Benson Dental Practice.

Night guards must be worn throughout the night. This means patients wear their night guards for an average of around eight hours a day. Therefore, it’s important to keep night guards clean and cared for. If you’re unlucky enough to have bruxism then this article will show you how to take care of your night guard.

Keep your night guard clean

You should clean your night guard once a day to remove any food and bacteria that transferred onto the guard overnight. The best way to clean a night guard is simply by brushing it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. After brushing, rinse off the toothpaste with warm water.

Some dentists recommend patients store their night guard in cold tap water when not in use. Others recommend drying the guard and then storing it in a container. Whichever method you use, be sure to clean the glass or container regularly too. This is because placing a night guard into a container that hasn’t been cleaned in a long time can contaminate the guard with bacteria.

Keep your night guard away from heat

Some night guards are made of a material that changes shape under heat, such as boiling water. However, sometimes even heat from a radiator or sunlight can affect the shape of night guards. Therefore, don’t leave your night guard in a hot area, such as in direct sunlight, because this can change its shape.

Replace your night guard when needed

Like all good things, night guards do not last forever. They can only endure the grinding of a patient’s teeth for so long before they thin and break.

Your guard’s lifespan will depend on the severity of the patient’s bruxism. Patients who grind their teeth a lot can wear down a night guard in just a few weeks. Other patients find their night guard lasts months before it needs replacing.

The lifespan also depends on the material it is made from. Patients with severe bruxism need acrylic night guards, which is a very tough material and can last for up to five years. But since these guards last so long, it is especially important to take care of them properly.

Examine your guard regularly for holes and other signs of breakage. If there are large holes or cracks, then it’s time for a replacement.

Contact us for a custom-made night guard

We offer custom-made night guards for patients with bruxism. If you suspect you grind or clench your teeth during the night, then pop in for an appointment. We’ll inspect your teeth and let you know whether you need a night guard. Book an appointment by calling us on 01384 637 835 or by emailing us at info@bensondental.co.uk

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1. Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening brings a dazzle to your smile. The effect of this treatment can last up to a few months and is more effective on yellowed teeth.

However, be wary of toothpastes that claim to whiten your teeth. These toothpastes rarely contain any bleaching agent, and instead use abrasive agents such as silica. These abrasives are designed only to remove surface stains, and over time they thin the enamel layer and will make the dark dentin layer underneath the enamel more noticeable.

2. Braces

If you’re cursed with crooked teeth then braces can do wonders for your smile. You will typically need to wear the braces for a period of six months to two years. Afterwards your teeth will be permanently straight and you’ll be able to smile with more confidence.

3. Dental crowns

Crowns are a solution for teeth that are badly discoloured or misshapen. Crowns are caps that fit onto your teeth and are then bound using dental cement. Crowns improve not just appearance of teeth, but can also strengthen weak teeth as well. However, the preparation work for a crown can involve removing parts of teeth that are still healthy. Since crowns are not as strong as healthy teeth, they should therefore only be applied when the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

4. Porcelain veneers

A veneer is a like a crown but just for the front of your teeth. They look natural and can help to improve the appearance of your smile. However, like dental crowns, veneers require the removal of healthy teeth material in order to accommodate them.

5. Dental bonding

Dental bonding is less intrusive than dental crowns and veneers because no removal of healthy tooth enamel is required. Dental bonding involves the application of resin material to the tooth using adhesives. The material is tooth-coloured and helps to hide flaws on the front of your teeth.

6. Dental implants

Implants are the solution to replace missing teeth. They are made of titanium and other materials. If you have a tooth or several teeth missing, then implants are the long-term solution to improve your smile.

7. Regular dentist check-ups

Regular visits to the dentist help to maintain your teeth and smile smile. Your dentist can check for gum disease and can also give your teeth a deep clean. This will also help prevent problems later down the road.

8. Brushing and flossing

Although this isn’t a dental procedure, we’re including brushing and flossing here anyway because they are both so important. Brushing and flossing help to reduce plaque and keep your teeth healthy. This is one of the most fundamental things you can do for your smile.

We offer a range of treatments to improve your smile. Contact us today to find out more.

The post Eight ways to get a better smile appeared first on Benson Dental Practice.