Category: Questions & Answers

Questions and answers that patients ask about the range of dental treatments available from blue court dental centre, here in Harrow.

Six Month Braces Videos

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit is the founder and principal dentist of Blue Court Dental. Patients enjoy his relaxed, friendly and gentle approach while experiencing his meticulous attention to detail. He has a special interest in providing smile makeovers, natural-looking white fillings and cosmetic braces, but also provides a range of treatments from preventative and general dental care to complex dental rehabilitation.
Dr Nishan Dixit

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There you are a range of Six Month Smiles videos that have been uploaded to the Internet and so to help you in your search we thought it was a good idea to post a few of them here. Six Month Smiles is a revolutionary new orthodontic technique which allows you to have tooth coloured braces that can move your front teeth into a more cosmetic and aesthetically pleasing alignment.

Up until recently the only option for braces was to have the metal train track type – well, no longer is this the case with 6 Month Braces.

Our dental practice is the only provider of Six Month Braces in Harrow
This first video shows what can change in six months…

People are often asking for personal reviews of six months braces and how this treatment could work for them as an individual. Here is one such story of Mia who underwent straight teeth treatment with six month smiles.

Another video on six-month smiles

This video shows some patient reviews of the treatment, and then talks to a dentist about the treatment with braces and whether it could be right for you.

The Videos above have been taken from the six month smiles YouTube channel, however here is another video, again taken from YouTube, but this time taken from a private channel of a happy patient having six-month smiles… Here she gives her own case review.

Top tips for people with sensitive teeth

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit is the founder and principal dentist of Blue Court Dental. Patients enjoy his relaxed, friendly and gentle approach while experiencing his meticulous attention to detail. He has a special interest in providing smile makeovers, natural-looking white fillings and cosmetic braces, but also provides a range of treatments from preventative and general dental care to complex dental rehabilitation.
Dr Nishan Dixit

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We often have people come to our dental practice with sensitive teeth and so we thought we would provide some top tips for people in this situation.

Blue Court Dental Practice in Harrow’s top tips for people with sensitive teeth

01 Make sure you are cleaning your teeth properly.  A simple message but if bacteria and plaque build up on the teeth they produce acids and toxins that attack the teeth and gums.  These acids can cause decay and make the teeth uncomfortable, whilst the toxins can cause the gums to shrink away from the teeth making the situation worse.  Always remember to clean your teeth.

02 Avoid acidic food and drink.  Certain foods contain a great deal of acid, examples are many types of fruit; oranges, lemons, apples etc which contain citric acid.  Some fizzy drinks like cola and lemonade, alcoholic drinks like sparkling wines and drinks with mixers are also high in acid.  Using a straw to drink through reduces the amount of liquid that goes onto the teeth and helps sensitive teeth.

03 Avoid extremes of hot or cold.  Sensitivity of teeth is believed to be due to movement of fluids along tiny tubes on the root surface.  Extremes of hot or cold move the fluid in these tubes causing pain.  The nerve is not actually exposed, but it can feel very uncomfortable.  Luke warm drinks can usually be tolerated well.

04 Use a sensitive formula toothpaste.  There are many good toothpastes that can help reduce sensitivity.  It is often essential to use them for a few weeks to feel the effect and they work better if some of the toothpaste is rubbed into the area and left to soak in.  Some mouthwashes that contain fluoride can also be helpful.  Ask your dentist or hygienist for advice.

05 Have a dental examination.  Although sensitivity is often caused by the problems mentioned, there may be other reasons for the discomfort.  It is always worth seeking professional advice in case there is some decay, a cracked tooth or broken filling.  Your dentist will be pleased to discuss your needs and offer you tailored help and advice.

Bad Breath Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit is the founder and principal dentist of Blue Court Dental. Patients enjoy his relaxed, friendly and gentle approach while experiencing his meticulous attention to detail. He has a special interest in providing smile makeovers, natural-looking white fillings and cosmetic braces, but also provides a range of treatments from preventative and general dental care to complex dental rehabilitation.
Dr Nishan Dixit

Latest posts by Dr Nishan Dixit (see all)

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem that can affect anyone of any age. Most people have short periods of bad breath at some point, and it is estimated that up to 50% of people have persistent bad breath.

Causes of bad breath

Bad breath can have several causes:

Poor oral hygiene

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Bacteria that coat your teeth, tongue and gums can cause plaque (the soft white deposit that forms on the surface of the teeth), gum disease and dental decay. These bacteria combine with saliva and food in the mouth, breaking down food particles and proteins. This releases an unpleasant smelling gas.
If you do not floss your teeth regularly, any food that is trapped between your teeth will be broken down by the bacteria, causing bad breath.

Morning bad breath

Most people have bad breath when they wake up in the morning. This is normal and occurs because the mouth dries up overnight. This slows down the flow of saliva that normally washes away food particles. Bacteria quickly break down any bits of food left in the mouth, and an unpleasant, stale smell is released.

Food and drink

Eating strongly flavoured foods, such as garlic, onions and spices, often cause your breath to smell. Strong smelling drinks, such as alcohol and coffee, can also cause bad breath. This type of bad breath is usually temporary and can be avoided by not eating or drinking these types of food or drink.

some foods can cause bad breathsome medicine can cause bad breath

Medicines

Some medication can cause bad breath. Medicines that have been associated with bad breath include:
– Medicines used to treat angina
– Some chemotherapy drugs
– Tranquilisers

Smoking

If you smoke, your breath is likely to smell of stale smoke. As well as making your breath smell, smoking also causes staining and loss of taste and irritates your gums. This increases your risk of gum disease, another cause of bad breath.

Medical conditions

Bad breath can be caused by a medical condition, although this is rare. Dry mouth is a condition that affects the flow of saliva. This can cause bacteria to build up in the mouth, leading to bad breath.

  • Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include:
  • Infections in the lungs, throat or nose
  • Bronchitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Diabetes
  • Liver or kidney problems

Crash dieting, fasting and low carbohydrate diets can also cause bad breath.

Treatment and prevention of bad breath

dental instruments to keep halitosis at bayThe most effective treatment of bad breath is usually improving your dental hygiene. To avoid bad breath, keep your mouth and teeth clean.
– Regularly brush your teeth and gums. Choose a small to medium sized toothbrush with soft multi-tufted bristles and replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Your dentist is likely to recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

– Floss in between your teeth. Use dental floss to clean between your teeth and remove any trapped food that could cause bad breath and tooth decay.

– Keep your tongue clean. Use a separate tongue scraper to lightly brush your tongue.

toothbrushRegular check-ups with your dentist will make sure any plaque is removed from your teeth. It will also ensure any signs of gum disease are noted and treated early on.

 

Mouth Ulcers – causes, treatment and symptoms

Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers are small painful sores that form in the mouth. The most common type is called aphthous or simple ulcers.

There are three main types of ulcers:mouth ulcers

  • Minor ulcers are small, non-scarring and usually heal without any treatment within two weeks.
  • Major ulcers are 1cm or larger, have a raised border and can last from two weeks to several months. Usually only one or two appear at a time. They can be very painful and cause difficulty eating, are slower to heal and can leave scars.
  • Herpetiform ulcers are multiple tiny sores that can be very painful, particularly if they fuse together to form one larger sore. They can last from one week to two months.

Who’s at risk from ulcers?

Most people have at least one attack of mouth ulcers in their lifetime, but mouth ulcers are more common in women and those under the age of 40. Up to one in five people have repeated attacks of mouth ulcers.
More than a third of people with recurrent mouth ulcers have a family history of it. This figure rises to over 80% if both parents get frequent mouth ulcers.

What causes mouth ulcers?

Minor mouth ulcers are usually caused by:

  • Damage to the inside lining of your mouth by very hot or acidic food or drink
  • Biting your inner cheeks
  • Brushing your teeth and gums very hard
  • Poorly fitted dentures or orthodontic appliances (braces)
  • A very dry mouth due to a medical condition
  •  Eating food to which you are allergic
  •  Trauma from food like crusty bread and crisps
  •  Stress, or lacking vitamins or minerals
  • Certain medications

Certain medical conditions can also make mouth ulcers more likely, such as:

  1. Vitamin B12 deficiency
  2. Viral infections
  3. Iron deficiency
  4. Celiac disease ( intolerance to a protein called gluten )
  5. Crohn’s disease
  6. HIV infection

What are the symptoms?

Most mouth ulcers are easy to spot because they are round or oval in shape, whitish in colour and inflamed around the edge.
They are usually seen on the inside of the lips and cheeks, on the floor of the mouth and under the tongue.

Treatment of mouth ulcers

Most mouth ulcers do not need specific treatment and heal naturally without medication. Mouth ulcers usually heal within 7 – 14 days, however treatment can help to numb the pain, protect the ulcer from further damage and decrease the chances of a bacterial infection. Some medicines may also speed up the healing if used early.

In a very small number of cases, ulcers may be a sign of mouth cancer. The recovery rate for mouth cancer is good if spotted early enough, so you should get any persistent mouth ulcers checked out and have regular check-ups with your dentist. We offer a mouth cancer screening service, if you are concerned or interested please do contact us.

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit is the founder and principal dentist of Blue Court Dental. Patients enjoy his relaxed, friendly and gentle approach while experiencing his meticulous attention to detail. He has a special interest in providing smile makeovers, natural-looking white fillings and cosmetic braces, but also provides a range of treatments from preventative and general dental care to complex dental rehabilitation.
Dr Nishan Dixit

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Mouth Cancer Awareness Week – Have you Been Checked?

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit is the founder and principal dentist of Blue Court Dental. Patients enjoy his relaxed, friendly and gentle approach while experiencing his meticulous attention to detail. He has a special interest in providing smile makeovers, natural-looking white fillings and cosmetic braces, but also provides a range of treatments from preventative and general dental care to complex dental rehabilitation.
Dr Nishan Dixit

Latest posts by Dr Nishan Dixit (see all)

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

What is mouth cancer?

mouth cancer diagnosisMouth 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.

poor diet excessive alcohol increases risk of oral cancer

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.

 

John Bishop has teeth whitening

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit is the founder and principal dentist of Blue Court Dental. Patients enjoy his relaxed, friendly and gentle approach while experiencing his meticulous attention to detail. He has a special interest in providing smile makeovers, natural-looking white fillings and cosmetic braces, but also provides a range of treatments from preventative and general dental care to complex dental rehabilitation.
Dr Nishan Dixit

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the comedian John Bishop enjoys teeth whitening

The comedian John Bishop has recently had teeth whitening, a process where we can apply a small amount of whitening gel to your teeth to remove dark and yellow staining in order that your teeth can be beautifully white again.

teeth whitening is an increasingly popular option for people in the public eye, or for those who are concerned about their appearance. So long as you have all of your natural teeth, and don’t have a veneer or Crown at the front it is more than likely that you are suitable for a teeth whitening procedure.

Your smile is the most important feature of your face, as this is what people tend to notice first. In fact John Bishop has been quoted as saying on Radio Fours Desert Island discs:

“They are my real teeth! I’ve had them whitened, because my teeth probably account for about 30 per cent of my head,”

What other types of teeth whitening available?

Teeth whitening in Harrow is available from Blue Court Dental using either home teeth whitening or dental tooth whitening.  Home teeth whitening allows you to easily control the amount of whitening that you want, you simply use the whitening trays with a small amount of bleaching gel each day until you reach your desired whiteness. You can also stop whitening if your teeth come too sensitive.

Teeth whitening works by applying a small amount of gel to your teeth which then breaks up the stains and discolouration. This gel is held in place by seeing, clear whitening tray which is made to fit precisely over your teeth.

Blue Court Dental Centre provides teeth whitening in Harrow for the local people.

Are your gums healthy

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit is the founder and principal dentist of Blue Court Dental. Patients enjoy his relaxed, friendly and gentle approach while experiencing his meticulous attention to detail. He has a special interest in providing smile makeovers, natural-looking white fillings and cosmetic braces, but also provides a range of treatments from preventative and general dental care to complex dental rehabilitation.
Dr Nishan Dixit

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Gum infections are the most common cause of adult tooth loss but often go unnoticed as they progress without pain.  However, the following are warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored:

  • Gums that bleed when brushing/flossing
  • Bad breath or bad tastes in the mouth
  • Loosening of teeth
  • Loss of teeth
  • Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
  • Gum recession
  • Teeth that drift from their original position

In order to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth and gums healthy, we advise:

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially at bedtime.  You should clean them for 2 minutes, making sure you brush every surface of each tooth – be thorough but not forceful as you can cause damage to your teeth and gums.

Make sure youclean between your teeth and under your gumline.  We advise you on the best method for your teeth.

Eat a healthy diet.  In particular, don’t eat too much sugar, and dont consume sugary foods or drinks too often – we recommend limiting sugar intake to mealtimes only.

Don’t smoke! Smoking has a particulary damaging effect on your oral health.  Smokers are four times as likely to suffer gum disease ( the biggest cause of tooth loss among UK adults ).

Visit the practice regulary so we can check your mouth for signs of potential problems and treat them early.  Having your teeth professionally cleaned by us also helps protect you from gum disease by removing any hardened plaque and flushing away plaque bio-films.

If you are overdue for a check-up or have any concerns, please give us a call and book an appointment, and let us help you to enjoy healthy teeth and gums for life!

School Visit

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit is the founder and principal dentist of Blue Court Dental. Patients enjoy his relaxed, friendly and gentle approach while experiencing his meticulous attention to detail. He has a special interest in providing smile makeovers, natural-looking white fillings and cosmetic braces, but also provides a range of treatments from preventative and general dental care to complex dental rehabilitation.
Dr Nishan Dixit

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A local junior school in Stanmore/Edgware invited Dr Sonal Patel and her nurse, Neeta, to give a talk about dental hygiene and tooth decay to two classes of 8yr old girls.

The morning was a great success, with the girls having fun and learning at the same time.

Xmas Holiday Period

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit is the founder and principal dentist of Blue Court Dental. Patients enjoy his relaxed, friendly and gentle approach while experiencing his meticulous attention to detail. He has a special interest in providing smile makeovers, natural-looking white fillings and cosmetic braces, but also provides a range of treatments from preventative and general dental care to complex dental rehabilitation.
Dr Nishan Dixit

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The practice will be closed from Friday 24th  December for the Christmas period. We will re open again on Tuesday 4th January. In the event of an emergency,  please call the practice and follow the answer phone message.

May we take this oppurtunity to wish all our patients a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

THE BENEFITS OF CHEWING GUM

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit

Dr Nishan Dixit is the founder and principal dentist of Blue Court Dental. Patients enjoy his relaxed, friendly and gentle approach while experiencing his meticulous attention to detail. He has a special interest in providing smile makeovers, natural-looking white fillings and cosmetic braces, but also provides a range of treatments from preventative and general dental care to complex dental rehabilitation.
Dr Nishan Dixit

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I’ve heard that chewing gum after eating can help prevent fillings.  Is this true, and if so how?

As long as it is sugar-free, yes, chewing gum can help to maintain a healthy mouth.  This is because it helps to boost saliva flow, helps to wash away food remnants, bacteria and plague, neutralising harmful acids and so helping to reduce decay.  According to gum manufacturers, Wrigleys, 80% of dentists now recommend chewing sugar-free gum after meals