Eating yoghurt regularly could slash a child’s risk of developing tooth decay, according to new research.

Consuming the dairy product at least four times a week reduced the chances of three-year-olds developing cavities by 22 per cent, compared to those who ate it less than once a week.The findings, published in the Journal of Dentistry, came from a Japanese study which was investigating earlier claims that dairy foods generally could ward off dental decay in children.

But while butter, cheese and milk appeared to have no major benefit, high consumption of yoghurt did have a protective effect in young children.It’s not clear why yoghurt reduces the need for fillings.

But one theory is that it contains proteins that ‘bind’ to the surface of teeth and seals them against attack from harmful acids.This seal means the calcium and phosphate which makes up tooth enamel is not broken down over time.The research, by experts at Fukuoka University and the University of Tokyo, supports earlier work by Australian scientists who exposed extracted teeth to yoghurt and found it kept decay at bay.

Fears over children’s dental health in the UK were raised last year when figures revealed a steep rise in the number of children being admitted to hospital for emergency dental work due to tooth decay. Nearly 30,000 children a year in England need hospital treatment, many to have rotten teeth pulled. Children from poorer areas are twice as likely to need treatment as those from affluent families.

In the latest study, Japanese researchers looked at more than 2,000 children aged three and quizzed parents on their eating habits. Each child also had a dental check to assess the state of their teeth. The results showed a clear link with yoghurt but not with other popular dairy produce.

In a report on their findings the researchers said: ‘High consumption of yoghurt may be associated with a lower prevalence of dental cavities in young children.’ But British Dental Health Foundation chief executive Dr Nigel Carter warned: ‘It should be remembered that many yoghurts in the UK contain added sugar and it is well established that increasing the frequency of sugar containing foods and drinks leads to an increase in dental decay.

‘Yoghurts are also quite thick and will tend to coat the teeth for longer which can also lead to problems. If parents wish to increase their children’s yoghurt intake it is therefore important that this be confined to meal times.’ 

Source: Daily Mail

Before treatment: Gaps between teeth

After treatment: Gaps closed using composite bonding

Have you ever wanted to improve your smile…but were anxious about having extensive dental treatment? 

Well with our one visit smile makeover, remarkable improvements can be made in one appointment…and the great news is that it is as simple as having a filling! 

If your teeth are worn with jaggedy edges or are chipped, perhaps you have always had gaps between your teeth, then the one visit smile makeover is the ideal way to improve the aesthetics of your smile. 

Dr Sunita Verma from Sparkle Dental Boutique says, “We can make dramatic changes to the way people look and feel about their smiles in one very easy visit.”

“Take the above case for example, the patient was very conscious of a gap between her teeth that she felt was really visible. Within a space of an hour we were able to close the gap using tooth coloured resins and blending them to match the exact colour of the patients natural teeth. Something that had bothered the patient for many years, was now a distant memory.”

The British Dental Health Foundation, the oral health charity is advising men to brush their teeth regularly, after a study found that infertile men are more likely to suffer from gum disease.  A study of 56 men aged between 23 and 52 by the Bikur Hospital, Jerusalem and the Hebrew University Hadassah School of Medicine found that more than half the men with low sperm counts or no sperm at all, suffered from developed gum disease.  

Sunita says “Brushing your teeth twice a day is absolutely essential, to ensure not only an attractive smile, with healthy teeth and gums, but also better general health.“

When considering cosmetic dentistry what should you be looking for? 

Cosmetic dentistry is defined as “any type of dental procedure which enhances the patient’s teeth and their smile — thus improving a person’s overall appearance and self-confidence.” 

So if you have teeth that are crooked, uneven, missing, discoloured, short, long or crowded and you are not sure how to go about finding a dentist who can help you to achieve the smile of your dreams, then look no further.

When choosing a cosmetic dentist consider the following:

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Many cosmetic dentists attend conferences and courses through groups like the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD). Attending such courses demonstrates that the dentist is keeping up to date with the latest technologies and treatments.

Membership in Professional Societies:

Membership in dental societies shows a commitment to quality cosmetic dentistry. In the UK look out for memberships to organisations such as the British Dental Association (BDA) and the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF). Those that belong to the BACD demonstrate clinical excellence through continuing professional development.

Specialization:

As well as giving you a beautiful smile, a good cosmetic dentist should be concerned about your overall general dental health. 

PROFESSIONALISM

When considering cosmetic dentistry, you want to choose a dentist who you feel comfortable with, one who understands what you are looking to achieve. Consider things like:

Integrity:

Look for a cosmetic dentist who provides you with clear solutions and realistic expectations. Your satisfaction will be highest if you have a good understanding of what is truly possible from your dental treatment.

Evidence:

During your consultation, be prepared, ask lots of questions. Ask your cosmetic dentist to show you before and after photos of their previous work, powerpoint presentations, photo albums and so on. Ask to read previous testimonials from other patients who may have had similar treatment as to what you are considering and ask if the practice can put you in touch with a previous patient who has had similar work done.

Patience:

Look for a cosmetic dentist who takes the time to listen to your concerns and goals for your teeth and smile and thoroughly answers your questions.

ENVIRONMENT/TEAM

The environment as well as the team who will be looking after you, are also important things to consider when choosing your cosmetic dentist.

Team:

Look for people who are friendly, polite, knowledgeable and caring.

Technology:

Ask what latest equipment the practice uses. This will demonstrate how up to date the practice is. The more state of the art technology the practice has, the greater the likelihood of a more comfortable dental visit.

Practice:

Ask a team member to give you a tour of the practice. Do they have a separate sterilisation room? Does the practice look clean and tidy?