Can Poor Oral Hygiene Cause Dementia?

Although most of us are probably aware that a good standard of oral hygiene is crucially important to us, research has been carried-out to explore the connection between tooth loss and dementia. The findings of this research may be an indication that taking extra care with your dental health is advisable, as not doing so could result in severe mental issues.

A study conducted between 2007-2012 by researchers at Kyushu University, Japan and published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, retrieved results showing that 180 (11.5%) of the 1,500 people participating in the study developed some form of dementia. Exploring these results further in specific detail, the results show that subjects who had between 10 and 19 teeth were at a 62% higher risk of suffering from dementia, those who had just 1-9 teeth had an 81% greater chance of developing dementia and individuals with no teeth at all seemed to be at a 63% increased risk of dementia.

Responding to the Findings

The researchers responsible for this study have also commented that these findings are representative of the fact that ensuring that your teeth remain at a good standard of health is a means of reducing the chance of developing dementia. The researchers have also suggested reasons as to why it might be that tooth loss is related to the development of dementia, highlighting the way that the flow of blood to the brain could be stimulated through chewing, or that those with a full-set of teeth may have a healthier diet. They also referred to the idea that inflammation as a result of gum disease or long-term tooth decay could possibly make it more likely for someone to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

How Does This Study Help Us?

This study draws attention to various issues, but it is also worth stressing that the limited nature of this study makes it difficult to be convinced of the connection between poor oral health and the development of dementia. These limitations are primarily the low number of people studied in the research and the small amount of people who were recorded as having dementia.

The NHS has highlighted that the fact that, according to research that has been carried-out elsewhere, it is likely that there are actually many potential causes for dementia and that the study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University fails to convince us of the direct relationship between tooth loss and dementia. 

On the Positive Side

However, given that this study underlines the connection that exists between oral health and a person’s overall health, it does reaffirm the importance of making every effort to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

To maintain the health of your teeth and gums, it is important to follow these important oral health tips:

• Brush your teeth at least twice every day
• It is preferable to brush with an electric toothbrush
• Floss at least once every day
• Use mouthwash
• Scrub your tongue
• Chew sugar-free gum after every meal
• Have regular dental check-ups.

There are plenty of other tips relevant to keeping teeth and gums healthy that you should know about; check our dental tips page for more.

MSC-Midlands Smile Centres

For keeping teeth at their best and for the regular dental visits that you need, placing yourself in the expert hands of MSC is the ideal option for you. With their various practices situated across Birmingham, Midlands Smile Centres are easily accessible and can provide an array of different treatment types. From implants and orthodontics to cosmetic dentistry and even facial aesthetics, the friendly, helpful and vastly experienced team at MSC will make your smile their priority.

Contact MSC today and learn what we can do for you!!

Quick Solutions to Your Dental Problems by MSC

There are times when we decide we need to improve our teeth, and times when there is simply no avoiding having dental work carried-out. However, the regular schedules and routines at the centre of our lives get in the way. In this blog, we take a look at the kind of treatments are available with MSC that won’t place huge demands on your time.

Orthodontic Treatment

Six Months Smiles

As the name of this orthodontic treatment would imply, having your teeth corrected through this procedure can leave you with the results you want within half a year. The Six Months Smiles treatment at MSC will take between 4 and 9 months on average. Not only is Six Months Smiles quick and effective, it is great for those that are slightly apprehensive about how braces will make them look. The reason for this is that Six Months Smiles are tooth-coloured, allowing them to blend-in with your other teeth and making them more pleasing to the eye as part of your overall smile.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an impressive form of orthodontic treatment. An advanced form of braces, Invisalign should give you better teeth in a minimum of 6 months. Invisalign is used to address such dental problems as crooked or misaligned teeth and its effectiveness is based on the creation of removable aligners that move your teeth comfortably and gradually into the desired position. What’s more, because these removable aligners are transparent, they will be aesthetically pleasing, hopefully making you feel less conscious wearing them.

Cosmetic Treatment

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is a great method of improving the appearance of your teeth, giving you a shining white smile. Here at MSC, we can offer you Enlighten Tooth Whitening which will combat the staining and discolouration on your teeth, making your teeth look whiter by up to 16 shades. The success rate with this treatment is very high, and in just two weeks via the use of whitening gel and close-fitting trays made especially for you, you will see the improvement that you want in your smile.

We also provide Pola Whitening. Pola Whitening can alter your teeth’s whiteness for the better in just a day. One of the most popular tooth whitening treatments in the UK, Pola Whitening works simply through the patient applying a whitening gel to their teeth. Once applied, the whitening gel breaks down into oxygen and water ions. The oxygen ions become attached to the enamel and react with the stain molecules, breaking them down and making them colourless, before the saliva in your mouth removes them completely.

Airflow

Another speedy cosmetic treatment which is sure to heighten the glow of your smile, MSC airflow treatment is similar to a scale and polish yet is much more efficient. MSC airflow treatment revolves around the use of a pressurised blast of water, air and sodium bicarbonate. This blast is directed at the teeth through a nozzle, clearing-away plaque build-up and reducing staining. Not only does this airflow jet improve the appearance of stained teeth, it also gives your teeth a thorough clean: it can reach between your teeth as well as up to 5mm into periodontal pockets.

Cost

For a full list of the costs for MSC treatments, please visit our website. Please note that we offer a Smile Plan, which can make your treatment more affordable.

Tackling Your Dental Problems

When it comes to finding dental treatment that can fit around the normal everyday routine of your life, MSC have the solution. Capable of alleviating dental issues relatively quickly, we at MSC are also able to rectify a variety of other problems you may have with your teeth. Take a look at our website and see how we can help you. Furthermore, if you ever find yourself in need of emergency dental treatment, we can also be contacted on 07960 344510. It is not necessary for you to be an MSC patient, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you need emergency dental help.

Midlands Smile Centres- A Birmingham Dentist for You

MSC boasts a number of practices around Birmingham that are fully-equipped with an impressive standard of technology. Putting your needs and dignity as a patient first, Midlands Smile Centres are staffed by a team of exceptionally skilled and highly experienced dentists that are wholly capable of bringing your ideal smile to life. From orthodontics and hygienist treatment, to facial aesthetics and other cosmetic treatments, make MSC your first-choice for the dental work you want or need for better, healthier teeth.

Get in-touch with MSC today and discover what we can do for you!!

A New Look with MSC Facial Aesthetics

Making slight adjustments here and there to your appearance is something that many of us ponder from time to time. Among the more serious of changes are those of facial aesthetic treatment. Facial aesthetic treatments cover a range of different types of procedure, all aimed towards helping you achieve your desired appearance. These can range from anti-wrinkle treatments, to volumizing and fillers. All of these treatments can help give a more youthful look and improve your confidence.

For those already aware of the superb standard of dental treatment offered at Midlands Smile Centres, the difference our dentistry can make to your teeth will be obvious. But with MSC offering an impressive range of facial aesthetics as well, it is clear that these kinds of treatments could be opted for after undergoing the dental work of your choice. In this way, facial aesthetics could be the final piece of the puzzle in correcting, improving and ultimately revitalising your appearance.

Any perceived imperfections with your appearance can cause a lack of confidence and may cause you to miss out on opportunities in life. You may believe that there are imperfections with your appearance that are a direct result of the ageing process, and these may be a cause of some discomfort for you. Whatever it is that you believe is the cause of the issue and the extent to which you feel that it makes you uncomfortable, we at Midlands Smile Centres can offer you something which could solve your problem. Choosing to go with MSC and make use of the vast expertise we have in providing treatments to alter your appearance can leave you with a better sense of well-being, and a greater level of confidence.

Facial Aesthetics For You at MSC

There are a range of treatments that can help give a boost to your facial aesthetics. Here are just a few of the options we have available at MSC, but you can find out more on our facial treatments page.

Dermal Fillers - Usually used around the nose and mouth areas, Dermal Fillers give wrinkles in the skin a little lift. Injected underneath the skin to allow them to take the appropriate effect, Dermal Fillers help create a more youthful appearance and will last between 6 months and a year.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections - Able to be used on the neck as well as the face, Anti-Wrinkle Injections take effect by relaxing the muscles in the targeted area. Also referred to as Botox, Anti-Wrinkle Injections work to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and lines, helping to create a look that will require an appointment every 3-6 months to maintain.

Cheek Volumizing/Sculpting - A further treatment for facial rejuvenation, Cheek Volumizing/Sculpting is designed to help give you a more youthful appearance. This treatment targets the cheeks as the cheeks are a part of the face that can begin to sag with age, leading to wrinkles and lines forming in the nose and mouth area. Capable of producing noticeable and wide-reaching cosmetic benefits, Cheek Volumizing/Sculpting at MSC is also a procedure that is very convenient, meaning that you can walk-in and walk-out and enjoy the effects that a single Cheek Volumizing/Sculpting appointment can bring you.

Lip Fillers - Boosting the lips by imbuing them with a bold, plump shape, Lip Fillers are delivered via injection to introduce new volume to both the upper and lower lips. Able to last for between 4 and 6 months, Lip Fillers can be carried-out again in order to renew the shape of the lips.

Non-Surgical Nasal Tip Lifting - A way of changing the appearance of your nose without the use of surgery, Non-Surgical Nasal Tip Lifting is a relatively new type of treatment and is provided by us, here at MSC. Non-Surgical Nasal Tip Lifting can be effective in removing bumps in the nose and for a period of between 4 months and two years (dependent on which treatment you choose), the treatment will help improve your appearance. Although the agent will dissolve after this period of time has elapsed, you can undergo the treatment again to renew the results.   

Teeth Grinding Therapy - The condition that causes individuals to grind their teeth is known as bruxism and it exists in two forms: sleep bruxism and awake bruxism. Related to stress and anxiety, bruxism can be combatted by the treatment we offer at Midland Smile Centres. By opting for this treatment, you can take steps to preserve your smile.

Gum Reduction - Another way to boost the appearance of your smile, Gum Reduction involves the altering of your gumline for cosmetic purposes. At MSC we can give you Gum Reduction treatment to mould and shape your gums for a reasonable price. What’s more, our MSC Gum Reduction treatment is permanent.

Get in-touch with MSC today and discover how our facial aesthetics might be right for you!

Wedding Day Smiles with MSC

At this point in the year with spring and summer both on the horizon, now may be a good time to time to talk about wedding season. And if the idea of wedding season gradually approaching has particular relevance for you, then making sure you look your best- especially for all of those wedding photos- is probably going to be somewhere in the back of your mind.

Midlands Smile Centres are here to give your teeth a cosmetic lift, helping you look your best for the wedding photos.

MSC boast an impressive selection of cosmetic treatments that are specifically designed to improve your teeth. So, when it comes to enhancing your smile for that special day, the cosmetic treatments that our MSC dentists can provide are hugely effective and are available for reasonable prices. We also offer an MSC Smile Plan which can make paying for the treatment that you have chosen more adaptable to your budget.                    

                      

Enhancing Your Smile

It’s not unusual to notice imperfections in your smile and want them to be improved in some way. With wedding season slowly creeping-up, being more concerned about your appearance is only natural.  

If you decide to go ahead now with an MSC cosmetic treatment, you could be making a crucial adjustment to the appearance of your teeth, elevating the overall charm of your smile. If there is a small blemish or imperfection with your smile, we can help remove that so you can enjoy a bright, confident smile. Whatever the full-extent of the impact of this treatment may be, there’s no denying that enhancing your smile can make you feel as though you look your absolute best on the day, and should get rid of any worries you have may have about not looking as good as you can. You will be left feeling confident and happy, and ready to make the most of the special occasion.

What Difference Can MSC Cosmetic Treatments Make?

Some people look at their smile and can’t help but notice that one or two of their teeth aren’t quite right. It may be that these teeth are crooked, misshapen or even discoloured. These small imperfections can make a massive impact on the way a person’s smile looks, and they can easily undermine that person’s confidence.

Veneers can help alleviate this problem.

Part of MSC’s cosmetic treatment range, veneers are thin layers of material-usually porcelain- that can be applied to the individual teeth that have imperfections. The thin layers of material are placed over the relevant teeth, enabling them to blend-in with your surrounding teeth. Veneers are a relatively straightforward way to correct imperfections, and with just one or two veneers, the positive impact made to your teeth can be immense.  

The problem with your teeth might be that they just have a general lack of that healthy white shade that teeth are supposed to have. This is not uncommon, as staining of teeth can be caused through a number of things that many of us come into contact with on a daily basis, such as tea, coffee, smoking, drinking red wine and eating certain foods like curry, berries, grapes and certain sauces.

The solution is easy: Enlighten Tooth Whitening and Pola Whitening.

Enlighten Tooth Whitening at MSC revolves around the use of bespoke, close fitting trays made especially for your teeth which are then taken home. These trays are to be filled with a whitening gel that is given to the patient who will wear the trays on their teeth overnight for a period of two weeks, culminating in a final treatment with our dentist. Pola Whitening treatment is based on the use of a whitening gel that removes the staining on your teeth. Pola Whitening not only helps to restore the natural whiteness of your teeth but is able to get results quickly.

It may be that what your teeth really need is a thorough professional clean to brighten them up.

Booking a hygienist treatment with airflow can do just that.

MSC airflow treatment is a pressurised blast of water, air and sodium bicarbonate that’s an excellent method of cleaning teeth, able to reach up to 5mm into periodontal pockets in your mouth. It is similar to a scale and polish but is actually more effective. Capable of removing stains, plaque and giving your teeth the polish that they need, airflow treatment at MSC is irritation-free and ideal for giving your smile a pleasant aesthetic lift.          

Further Treatment?

We also offer facial aesthetics at MSC. If facial aesthetic treatment is something that you are interested in, please visit MSC’s website to find-out more.

So, if you’re looking ahead to your big day and are concerned about how your teeth look:

Get in touch with MSC today to learn how we can improve your smile!

Keeping Up That Smile!

The more extensive and sophisticated forms of dental treatment that are available such as dental implants will probably seem obvious to you if they are required. And they will be quite necessary, too, as they will improve the overall standard of your dental health. However, there are other types of treatment that can be opted for which bring you benefits to your teeth that are perhaps not as crucial but still highly important. The kind of benefits we’re referring to here are those ones that don’t necessarily have a large and immediately practical impact on the effectiveness of your teeth, but that elevate the general health and visual charm of your teeth.

In addition, these enhancements will contribute to better dental health even though the scale of the work done may seem relatively minor. To give yourself the best chance of ensuring that the effect of these changes last, it is recommended that you take daily steps towards maintaining the health and standard of your teeth. Making sure that you keep-up an efficient regular dental hygiene routine is always a good idea anyway, so read-on now to discover more about how you can treat your teeth with care and keep your smile looking great.

MSC Hygienist Treatment

When it comes to improving the all-round health of your teeth, our hygienist treatment is hard-to-fault. Here at MSC, the hygienist treatment we offer provides you with a professional clean. Having a professional clean from one of the highly-skilled members of the Midlands Smile Centres team means your teeth and gums will have help in staying free from potential dental problems such as tooth wear, tooth decay and gum disease. Though many of us try to keep our teeth as clean as possible by brushing on a day-to-day basis and by using mouthwash, it is still possible to not quite achieve a completely thorough clean. Due to this, a visit to the hygienist can be really useful. 

         

MSC hygienist treatment involves the implementation of a process that is commonly termed a ‘scale and polish’. Our dental hygienists will provide this process as well as employing a number of treatments in order to improve your oral health.  They will work to help your teeth and gums stay protected and can actually make your teeth look whiter.

Additionally, the MSC hygienist advises patients as to the best methods of guarding the teeth against plaque and decay as well as informing them about suitable approaches to diet. 

Our hygienists are committed to providing you with a patient-centred service that meets your needs whilst also ensuring that you, as our patient are treated in the respectful manner that you would expect.

Further Dental Care

Keeping your teeth at their best does not depend solely on the work of an MSC hygienist, however. There are various ways in which you can take care of your teeth in your home in addition to the brushing that you should aim to do regularly. There are ways to enhance your brushing routine indicated here as well.

Doing what you can to keep-up your levels of dental hygiene will contribute to your teeth staying at the same clean and white standard that they will be in following your visit to the dental hygienist at MSC.

These daily dental hygiene methods include flossing, using the right toothpaste and the use of mouthwash.

       

Flossing: Research the kinds of floss available and you will discover waxed, unwaxed and mint floss, and even small floss sticks that are very easy to use. The act of flossing on the whole is something that is very much recommended as it enables you to remove particles of food trapped between the teeth that can gradually cause you problems if allowed to remain stuck there.

  

The Right Toothpaste: In general, you will find toothpaste in one of five different types- teeth whitening toothpaste, sensitive teeth toothpaste, smoker’s toothpaste, herbal toothpaste and children’s toothpaste. Take some time to look into what is best for you and make it a part of your dental hygiene routine. Just ensure that your toothpaste contains fluoride, for maximum cleaning effect.

Mouthwash: There are generally three kinds of mouthwash-  fluoride rinse mouthwash, alcohol mouthwash and alcohol-free mouthwash. There are also different brands of mouthwash with each brand offering a variety of mouthwash types that boast disparate features such as teeth whitening and fresher breath. Mouthwash is a sensible part of your daily dental routine due to the fact that it lessens the risk of tooth decay and helps to dislodge any remaining food pieces stuck between the teeth.              

Midlands Smile Centres

Midlands Smile Centres boast numerous practices around the city of Birmingham and are staffed by a team of exceptionally skilled and highly experienced dentists. Always ensuring that the patient’s needs are put first, MSC offer a selection of treatments such as orthodontics, dental implants, tooth whitening and even facial aesthetics, all at reasonable prices. So, whatever it is that you feel that your smile needs, Midlands Smile Centres are the people to go to.   

Get in touch with MSC now to find-out what we can do for you!!

Better Teeth for Valentine’s Day

It’s not exactly an uncommon thing for us to become a little self-conscious about our appearance from time to time, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this issue is exacerbated when around those we are trying to impress. On that basis, this could be the right time for you to begin pondering ways in which you could enhance your appearance, and this is where MSC come in.

MSC (Midlands Smile Centres) are a Birmingham-based dentist who boast a number of practices located around this expansive city. MSC offer an impressive range of dental treatments that are provided by a team of highly experienced and superbly skilled dentists who prioritise the standard of care you receive alongside your desire for a high-level of treatment. Ultimately, our dentists strive to ensure that our patients are completely satisfied with the results of their treatment, meaning that they can then look forward to a brand-new smile and a new level of confidence to go with it.

Where To Begin?

One fairly obvious change you may wish to make to your teeth is to reduce the yellow shade or staining that may be robbing your smile of the overall bright and charming edge it should have. The reduction in the brightness of your teeth is caused by a loss of enamel and a staining of teeth that stems from the consumption of certain food types, as well as the drinking of alcohol and other unadvisable habits liking smoking. One way to tackle this problem head-on is to opt for MSC’s tooth whitening treatment. At Midlands Smile Centres we can help you with either our Enlighten Tooth Whitening treatment or our Pola Tooth Whitening treatment.

Enlighten Tooth Whitening

Enlighten Tooth Whitening at MSC is a form of treatment that revolves around the usage of bespoke trays. These trays that are made specially for you, fitting closely to around your teeth, are taken home by the patient. In addition, a whitening gel is given to the patient for them to use in the trays. Then for a period of two weeks the patient is to wear the trays overnight, before eventually seeing the dentist for the final treatment. Enlighten Tooth Whitening is sure to make a huge difference to the appearance of your teeth; it’s an efficient treatment that is capable of elevating the whiteness of your teeth up to 16 shades. The results will last indefinitely as long as aftercare steps such as brushing with a tooth serum you’re provided with and wearing the trays once very two months are followed.

Enlighten Tooth Whitening is totally safe. Any sensitivity can be alleviated through the use of swabs that will be given to you, while brushing with the tooth serum will protect and strengthen your teeth.   

Pola Tooth Whitening

Pola ToothWhitening on the other hand is notable for its fast-acting properties. In fact, Pola Tooth Whitening at Midlands Smile Centres can produce great results for you in just one day, making it a simple and convenient way to boost the whiteness of your teeth. With this form of treatment, a whitening gel is utilised which separates into water and oxygen ions which bond with the enamel on your teeth before starting work on the stain molecules. Subsequently the stained molecules deteriorate and lose their colour prior to them being removed completely by the saliva in your mouth. The beneficial effect of Pola Tooth Whitening will be long lasting if the patient ensures that they try to avoid smoking and drinking as well as by adhering to an efficient daily routine for cleaning the teeth.    

    

Facial Aesthetics

If you feel that enhancing your appearance goes beyond dental procedures, then you may want to give a thought to Midlands Smile Centres’ facial aesthetics. Available from MSC practices for a reasonable price, our selection of aesthetic treatments such as wrinkle reduction and dermal fillings are ideal for eliminating what you may see as imperfections in your look, helping you to achieve the more youthful appearance that you desire. 

Where To Go Next?

Once you have completed the dental treatment that you felt was most important to you and have begun enjoying the results of the procedure, you may start to wonder what else you could have done that will further accentuate the appearance of your teeth and the charm of your smile. It’s not really unreasonable to set-off on this train of thought that can lead you to considering further improvements to your teeth, as a better-looking set of teeth is in many cases a healthier set of teeth.  

Further improvements to your teeth could mean putting yourself forward for more elaborate forms of MSC dental treatment such as dental implants and orthodontics that will probably be more time-consuming in terms of the length of the treatment process. The outcome and benefits of these treatments will make the entire journey worth the time and effort required. And with the treatments being provided with usual standard of care and professionalism that one can consistently expect from MSC’s team of dedicated dentists, a better smile can always be yours. 

*Tooth Whitening Offer at Sheldon and Handsworth Wood*

From 1st -22nd February, the Sheldon and Handsworth Wood MSC practices are offering Pola Tooth Whitening at a discounted price of just £199.

Get in touch with MSC today to start your journey to a more aesthetically pleasing smile!