Dr Nishan Dixit

Dental Erosion and Tooth Wear – What can you do?

What is dental erosion?

Erosion is the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack. Enamel is the hard, protective coating of the tooth, which protects the sensitive dentine underneath. When the enamel is worn away, the dentine underneath is exposed, which may lead to pain and sensitivity.

Dental erosion, also known as tooth erosion, is the largely preventable yet irreversible damage to tooth structure due from exposure of acids through food or drink, or from sometimes chronic medical conditions that are not dental related. It has only been recently, that tooth erosion has been recognized as a dental health problem despite it being commonly present especially among children and teenagers.

Tooth Wear & Erosion Causes

Most often, tooth erosion is caused by consumption of acidic foods and drinks – typically those which have a ph that is below 5.7. Sodas and other carbonated drinks, including those that are diet or un-caffeinated, are a frequent culprit along with fruit juices, especially those that contain citrus.

With dental erosion, the damage is caused by citric and phosphoric acids.

Saliva is designed to act as a buffer that regulates the impact of acidic drinks that have been consumed but some drinks have a resistance to the effect. Research has concluded that fruit juices are the most resistance to saliva benefits.

Other drinks include:

Fruit based carbonated drinks
Flavoured mineral waters
Other carbonated drinks such as sodas and mineral water
Some medications such as vitamin c.

Conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion and more serious medical problems like anorexia and bulimia can also contribute to tooth erosion.

Symptoms of tooth erosion

Discolouration – Since the dentine of the tooth is exposed during tooth erosion, discolouration or yellowing of the teeth can occur. The more dentine that is exposed, the more yellow the teeth will become.
Tooth Sensitivity – Sensitive teeth are very common symptoms of tooth erosion because the enamel that protects the teeth wears away, leaving exposed dentine.
Rounded teeth – During the early stages of tooth erosion, it is common for teeth to have a rounded look.
Transparent or sand blasted appearance – It is not uncommon in the early stages of tooth erosion for the teeth to have a sand blasted look or for the tips of the front teeth to look transparent.
Cracking – If tooth erosion continues into the advanced stage, the edges of the teeth can start to crack and have a rough feeling.
Dents – Little dents can start to appear on the biting areas on the teeth.
Extreme sensitivity – The teeth can become extremely sensitive during the advanced stage of tooth erosion.

Treatment of tooth wear

Consult a dentist about treatment options to restore enamel. Your treatment will depend on the level of erosion and presence of cavities, and can include crowns, composite fillings or veneers.

Crowns can be used to cap the teeth and restore them to their original shape.
Veneers cover eroded, cracked, broken or chipped teeth and help prevent further erosion.
Composite fillings can be used to repair cavities, which contribute to tooth erosion. These fillings are designed to smooth out surfaces and decrease tooth sensitivity.

How can you protect tooth enamel from erosion?

Good dental care can help prevent tooth enamel from erosion.

Cut down on acidic drinks and foods, such as carbonated drinks and citrus fruit juices. If you do drink them, do so at meal times to minimise their effects on the enamel.
Rinse your mouth with water right after having acidic foods or drinks.
Drink fizzy drinks and fruit juices with a straw which helps acids to bypass the teeth.
Finish a meal with a glass of milk or a piece of cheese to neutralise acids.
Chew sugar free gum with xylitol, which helps neutralise acids from foods and drinks.
Drink more water during the day if you have a dry mouth or low saliva problems.
Use a soft toothbrush and avoid brushing too vigorously.
Wait for at least 30 minutes to brush teeth after they have been exposed to acids in foods or drinks. Acid leaves the enamel softened and more prone to erosion during brushing.

Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth against decay.

You should have your teeth checked regularly by your dentist to prevent the need for tooth enamel restoration. When dental erosion is caught early, your dentist is able to suggest treatment that may prevent further erosion or tooth decay.

Blue Court Dental Centre in Harrow offers a range of dental hygiene preventive treatments to help you keep your teeth for life.

Faith Hill Has Adult Orthodontic Braces

Faith Hill has adult orthodontic braces

It’s great that celebrities are starting now to not be ashamed about telling the world they have had cosmetic dentistry. More and more people in the limelight are talking about their dentistry including Cheryl Cole, Chris Evans and now James Arthur after he won the X factor.

Another celebrity who has had cosmetic dentistry is the country singer Faith Hill. She can be seen in this photograph wearing what appear to be ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces such as Six Month Smiles are becoming more and more popular due to a number of factors. Consider these:

Six Month Smiles are barely noticeable, as you can see from the photo of Faith Hill.
Ceramic braces and indeed many other forms of orthodontics are becoming more acceptable for adults.
Fixed orthodontic braces such as Six Month Smiles work much faster than invisible braces like Invisalign or Clear Braces, so you are able to get the results you want much quicker.

We applaud Faith Hill for stepping out and telling the world that she is wearing braces, she seems more than happy to have her photograph taken and to talk about them. Here’s a video we found on YouTube where she talks openly about wearing adult braces at the same time as her children wear conventional orthodontic braces.

Watch this video now and see if you can notice the braces that she is wearing… We bet you can’t!

If you have crooked teeth, especially the front teeth, and want to pop in for a chat then we offer an exclusive free consultation for adult orthodontic braces. We have a few options at our practice in Harrow including the Inman aligner, Clear Braces invisible braces and Six Month Smiles – each of these adult braces options have different criteria and it’s only by having a full assessment with you that we can tell if you are suitable for a particular treatment.

Reviews for the Dentist in Harrow

One of the great things about being a dentist in Harrow is that we get to meet the local people on a regular basis, and these lovely people very often leave reviews for us either on the website or in person at the practice.

We’ve been asked by a few patients recently if we can put all of these reviews into one place and so here we are with a blog post.

Patient traumatised by dentists in the past

This patient was particularly nervous and was worried about some bridges that need to be made, after the treatment this was the review that this patient wrote for us.

After searching for years for that Dentist that you have a great rapport with and that you can trust, we came across Dr. Nishan Dixit. We have been with him now for over 8 years and couldn’t be more satisfied. Not only is the quality of treatment we receive there great, but the friendly staff are more like an extended family making you feel comfortable at all times and —always providing a “reminder” call and doing their best to accommodate our busy schedules.

A review of our dentists by a patient who had immediate composite dental veneers

This lady had what is known as ‘Peg laterals’ this is where the two teeth either side of the front teeth are very small and underdeveloped. We made some instant composite dental veneers to fit precisely over her natural teeth to create a final result that she was pleased with. Here is the review that she wrote for us:

A treatment that definitely exceeded expectations. Very happy with the results – Thankyou.

Replacing old dental crowns

We are very lucky that many of our patients stay with us for many years. This lady had some old dental crowns which she wanted remade as they had black lines around them – that classic look that so many people hate. After this treatment she wrote this review for our dentists:

I have been with this surgery for many years and have always had ” first class” treatment from Dr Dixit. The staff are very friendly and professional. – SR

A dental review after teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is becoming more and more popular, consequently we have many patients who have been through this amazing and life changing treatment and left a review for us-is one of them:

Last day of my whitening teeth treatment. The result is amazing. Thank you so much. This is such a great team and I just enjoy coming here. Never thought I would enjoy going to the dentist before! Thank you again. – EL

After closing gaps between teeth

a review of treatment after dental veneers

As you can see in the before and after photographs of the dental veneers that we may for this patient that the spaces between her teeth have been completely closed. She is also very anxious and nervous of coming to the dentist and was so happy with a treatment that she wrote this review for us:

I am normally terrified of coming to the dentist for any treatment but since having my consultation, I felt at ease and have found all my treatments very relaxing, and now have an amazing smile to be proud of !

Dr Dixit and all the staff at the surgery are so kind and professional.

Many Thanks

RL

A review of our after-care support

As you will know after scare support is extremely important for any dental practice, this patient was so pleased with the support that we gave that they wrote this review for us:

I’ve been coming to the practice for the last few months for treatment. The staff at the practice have been excellent, from the quality of the treatment to the after care support.

I would encourage anyone to join the practice. Thanks Blue Court Dental.

DK

Orthodontic treatment reviews

Adults wanting to straighten their teeth are a fairly new treatment group for dentistry. At our dental practice in Harrow we are pleased to work with 3 great systems for straightening teeth, Clear Braces, Six Month Smiles and Inman Aligner. The Inman aligner is able to straighten teeth very rapidly and many patients tolerate it extremely well and indeed find it comfortable to wear.

After about 13 weeks of treatment this patient wrote this wonderful review for our dental practice.

I was very impressed at how fast the Inman Aligner worked. It was very comfortable to wear and very discreet. Taking it in and out was very easy . Dr Dixit explained the treatment to me very clearly and I was very happy with my teeth. When I smile now, my tooth does not hit my lip.

Not all of our patients live in Harrow

We are fortunate that a few of our patients travel a great distance to come and see us. This really does allow us to know that treatment and dental care we offer in our practice is second to none. After travelling some distance to CS this patient wrote this review.

We drive over an hour to get here which says it all. Always have great confidence and are treated really well.

Of course the best reviews for any dentist come when our lovely patients right their reviews of live on the website. If you like to leave a review for our dental practice in Harrow please do so in the following box – thank you.

British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry – Dr Dixit is Elected to the Board

We’re proud to announce that Dr Nishan Dixit has recently been elected to the board of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD).

This is a great achievement and as a practice we’re very proud of this… so what does it mean for you as a patient?

Here’s what this new opportunity for Dr Dixit uncovers:

Thought leadership – the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recognises leaders in the field of cosmetic dentistry and invites them to the board to assist them in the development of cosmetic dentistry in the UK
The BACD offers unparalleled training and education for dentists offering cosmetic dentistry, board membership means Dr Dixit is part of this education process
Board membership of the BACD is recognition of the time and dedication Dr Dixit puts into the field of cosmetic dentistry
A community of innovative positive-thinkers – Dr Dixit will meet, socialise and network with like-minded professionals allowing him to continue to develop his cosmetic dentistry skills
BACD membership grants access for Dr Dixit to the best International Speakers in the field of cosmetic dentistry
The BACD develops a team approach ensuring Dr Dixit is able to work with key dental team members to provide the highest quality cosmetic dentistry

As will know Blue Court Dental Centre offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry options for the people around the Harrow, Middlesex area. Including treatments for dark, missing, crooked and unsightly teeth. The extra dimensional that is so important for any dental practice to offer is the combination of cosmetic dentistry with oral health. By combining both of these disciplines you as a patient end up with the best looking and most healthy teeth for life.

Always a good thing, don’t you agree?

X-Factor Winner James Arthur’s Teeth

X factor winner James Arthur's teeth

As the X-Factor competition comes to a close once more the interest in each of the contestants rises, and with that comes the pressure for them to look like a superstar.

And this year James Arthur is no different!

When Cheryl Cole one the talent show a few years ago when she joined girls aloud she also had dentistry to enhance her smile, and many people are aware that Tulisa, one of the judges on X factor also had cosmetic dentistry.

Of course it is down to James Arthur’s dentist to decide exactly what type of treatment is suitable for him, and it is not for us to make that decision however we can make some suggestions based on the photographs.

The purpose of doing this is so that you can see the similarities between your own situation and James’ situation so that you can decide which type of treatment might be right for you.

Overlapping teeth.

As you can see James is teeth overlap quite considerably, especially the front tooth (known as the central) to the left of the photograph. This has the effect of making the next tooth along (known as the lateral) to look darker. This effect is simply caused by the shadowing of the rotated central. When this happens it is sometimes possible to use orthodontics to straighten the teeth out, and the systems commonly used are as follows.

Clear Braces.

These are almost invisible braces and are typically worn for around 12 months. Every two weeks or so you will wear a new clear aligner to align your teeth to the new position. You will be prescribed a series of aligners, each of which move your teeth a small amount towards their final position. From what we know this was the type of brace that Cheryl Cole had to move her teeth.

Inman aligner.

The Inman aligner is a new form of rapid orthodontics. The appliance is removable and works on the principle of pushing and pulling your teeth at the same time in the direction required. Sometimes the final result can be achieved in around 12 weeks, which is much faster than any of the other orthodontic systems around.

More information on the Inman aligner

Six month smiles.

This is one of the most modern systems and involves the use of fixed ceramic brackets. Because Six Month Smiles is a fixed orthodontic the results can often be achieved faster than with removable orthodontics, typically within six months. This type of orthodontic brace has also been worn by many celebrities including Tom Cruise and Faith Hill.

More information on six month smiles

Instant veneers.

Moving crooked teeth to the new position is generally the preferred option as you maintain your natural teeth. In some instances this may not be possible, or indeed the client may require a more rapid alternative. If you look at James Arthurs lateral on the left-hand side of the photograph (his right hand side) this tooth is set back. It might be possible in this instance to add some instant veneer bonding material to the lateral to to build it out somewhat.

The disadvantage with this technique is that there will always be this bonding material on the outside of your tooth, this does have a tendency overtime to discolour so regular appointments at the dentist will be required to ensure the tooth stays nice and white.

Ceramic dental veneers.

These are used in exactly the same way as instant veneers, however the results are not as instant (typically taking three weeks) however the advantage is that ceramic veneers will not stain the same way that instant veneers may. The this advantage with ceramic veneers is the slight possibility that they could chip, so you need to be aware if you are wearing veneers that chipping is a possibility – although highly unlikely with modern materials.

More information on ceramic dental veneers.

As James Arthur increases in popularity and his photographs are used more around the Internet it will be interesting to see which type of treatment he opts for. Which ever treatment James decides is best Blue Court Dental Centre in Harrow, Middlesex sincerely wish him all the very best with his new smile and new career.

Adult Braces Reviews

Before starting any form of orthodontics, or indeed any treatment within dentistry at a new dentist, we recommend that you review some of the treatments and cases undertaken by your chosen dentist. To help you undertake this review we’ve written this blog post which takes a look at a range of orthodontic options so that you can best make your own decision about which one is right for you.

Of course it is not possible to make a diagnosis online, so in every case you will need to visit a reputable dentist who is suitably trained in adult orthodontics who can then make the best decision for you, dependent upon your tooth position.

A few years ago braces were only prescribed for children, however with modern advances in technology adult braces have become more popular.

Train track braces may be on their way out for adults

As more and more adults decide to have braces, it is becoming increasingly important for dentists to recognise the fact that many adults do not want to wear train track braces which are obvious and stand out. Due to this there have been a range of treatments for adults which overcome this problem by using either clear braces or tooth coloured braces.

Tooth coloured braces for adults

One of the big advantages of fixed orthodontics, such as you see with the metal train track braces, is their overall ability to move teeth faster than other forms of orthodontics. When this general principle is combined with a brand new design of orthodontic bracket, a whole new system is born – and that system is Six Month Smiles.

By combining a unique tooth coloured bracket with conventional fixed orthodontics it is now possible to provide braces for adults in the local Harrow area. Notice the before photograph below, this patient did not like the gap between had to front teeth, and so by using tooth coloured braces it was possible to realign her smile and close up this space.

The problem with having gaps between teeth is that the gaps can often look black, this is a common problem which many patients mentioned to us. Six Month Smiles is a great way to move teeth and overcome this particular dental problem with misaligned or crooked teeth.

six month smiles adult braces

Clear or Invisible Adult Braces

Clear Braces invisible adult braces

Another way to have adult orthodontics or braces is to go for one of the almost invisible options. Rather than being fixed to the teeth permanently, this type of braces is removable. It works by applying pressure to the teeth in the direction that we want to move it, once the tooth has moved into the new position the clear brace becomes loose and does not work any more.

We then simply supply you with a new brace which continues to put pressure on to the tooth. You wear a succession of clear adult braces until your teeth have moved to their final position.

Take a look at the following cases, this patient was clearly not happy with the alignment of their lower front teeth.

You can see that after treatment with clear adult braces the teeth are now in a nice arch line and any crooked or mis-alignment has been corrected using Clear Braces braces.

Almost invisible adult braces

You can see that after treatment with clear adult braces the teeth are now in a nice arch line and any crooked or mis-alignment has been corrected using Clear Braces braces.

The next option for adults who need to wear braces is what is commonly known as almost invisible. In this instance we are talking specifically about the Inman aligner which is a removable appliance. The orthodontic brace has metal springs which are visible towards the back of the mouth, however towards the front of the mouth the part of the brace that is normally seen is actually clear.

wearing the inman aligner adult brace

The Inman Aligner adult brace is also a a modern invention utilising a revolutionary concept. This brace works by a combination of pushing and pulling at the same time which makes for rapid movement of the teeth. Treatment can be as little as 12 to 16 weeks, which is generally much faster than any other adult orthodontic system. This adult brace is however only suitable for moving the front teeth into a more aesthetic and generally pleasing position. It cannot be used for more severe crooked or rotated teeth.

Summary of our adult braces review

As you can see there is no right or wrong adult brace, it depends upon the severity of your crooked teeth which need straightening. It also depends upon whether you want invisible braces which may take a little longer to move your teeth, or one of the less invisible options such as the Inman aligner or Six Month Smiles.

Blue Court Dental Centre is a local dentist in Harrow offering adult braces for the local people. We also offer a free orthodontic consultation for people interested in this form of treatment.

Mouth Cancer Awareness Week – Have you Been Checked?

This week (11th-17th November) is Mouth Cancer Awareness Week.

What is mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer is caused by an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. It is a malignant growth that can occur in any part of the mouth. The Two most common symptoms of mouth cancer are:
• an ulcer in your mouth or on your lip that won’t heal
• constant discomfort or pain in your mouth

Other symptoms can include:

• red or white patches in your mouth
• a lump on your lip, tongue or in your neck
• bad breath
• unexplained bleeding in your mouth
• numbness in your mouth
• loose teeth
• problems chewing or swallowing, difficulty moving your jaw or a feeling that something is caught in your throat
• changes to your voice – it may sound husky or quieter or you may slur your words
• weight loss because of problems swallowing

The BBC have more information about identifying oral cancer on their website.

Who is most at risk?

Nearly 6,236 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer every year in the UK. Just under half (44 per cent) of all mouth cancer cases were diagnosed in people aged 65 and over, with more than a quarter (25 per cent) diagnosed in the under 55s. Although the gap has significantly diminished over time, men are still twice more likely to develop mouth cancer than women.

Risk Factors

Smoking – Still considered to be the leading cause of mouth cancer in the UK, tobacco use transforms saliva into a deadly cocktail that damages cells in the mouth and can turn them cancerous. Advice on giving up smoking is here.
Chewing tobacco – Smokeless tobacco such as betel quid, gutkha and paan, is normally defined as any tobacco product that is placed in the mouth or nose and not burned. Smokeless tobacco is used particularly by south Asian communities. Other parts of Asian communities are also more at risk from the effects of smokeless tobacco including people of Bangladeshi origin.
High alcohol consumption– People who smoke and drink to excess are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer, as alcohol aids the absorption of tobacco into the mouth. Drinking to excess can increase the risk of developing mouth cancer by four times.
Have a weakened immune system – People who have HIV/AIDS, or who are taking medicines that suppress the immune system, are more likely to develop mouth cancer.
Poor diet – It is recommended that people eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes many vitamins and minerals.

The earlier mouth cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of recovery. Your dentist may spot mouth cancer in its early stages during a routine examination, so it’s important to visit your dentist regularly.

More information about Oral Cancer is Here. And there’s our own tips on oral cancer prevention on our own website.

Blue Court Dental Care in Harrow always check for early signs of oral cancer. Please book your health check appointment today.

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Author: Dr Nishan Dixit