Dental Blog David Madruga Gonzalez -

Overall Health: The Mouth and Body Connection

Decades ago, physicians were unlikely to refer a patient to a dentist or gum specialist, if they are suffering from diabetes or heart disease. However, times changed and research revealed that dental health may indicate the state of the rest of your body.

The Link Between the Mouth and the Rest of Your Body

dental health The mouth-body connection is the idea that inflammatory chemicals or bacteria released by certain cells in the gums may enter the bloodstream and affect other organs or tissues. This is not exactly groundbreaking science; in 1900, William Hunter, a British doctor, proposed that focal infections in the gums and teeth caused a disease in another part the body.

Fast-forward to the 21^st century and more research linking dental health to ailments such as cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes are gaining traction. Inflammation may be the best explaining the connection between the two; chronic swelling is damaging to the cells and the DNA they hold.

The main cause of the inflammation is the formation of plaque on teeth and gums. The bacteria living in it create an acid that damages and erodes enamel and result in cavities. Other kinds of bacteria develop within plaque which may also trigger inflammation in some of the tissues surrounding your teeth.

The strongest connection of the mouth-body argument is between cardiovascular disease and gum health. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested that deep cleaning gums and teeth resulted in healthier and more elastic arteries six months after.

More studies are underway to determine if there really is a direct link between dental health and other illnesses. However, you must not wait to have toothaches, decay or gum disease treated to avoid being the first person to prove the correlation.

David Madruga is Here to Help

Dr David Madruga Gonzales is a qualified and experienced dentist that provides multiple treatments for patients who have specific dental health problems. The dentist has worked in several practices in the UK for almost a decade. Dr Gonzales received an award from the Oxford Society of Oral Implantology with a Postgraduate Certificate in Comprehensive Oral Implantology and Prosthetics in 2008 along with other credentials since then.

Dental Implants or Dentures: Which Should You Choose?

The problem of missing teeth is not only unsightly; it can affect your quality of life. Whether it is due to an injury or a sign of aging, you have different options to choose from when replacing your missing teeth—dentures and dental implants. The ideal choice for your condition depends on many factors. Read the following comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Price Check and Lifespan

dental implants An implant for a single tooth may cost between 2,000£ and 2,500£ because you will need the expertise of a dental surgeon, not only a general dentist. What is beneficial about this is that it can last a lifetime with proper care. Dentures still win in terms of price, though. A complete set costs around 1,700£ for both the upper and lower jaws.

Chew Better, Eat Better

Dentures tend to slip, slide, and in worst-case scenario, jump out of your mouth when you are trying to eat or speak. This makes it difficult for you to do your daily tasks, but this will not happen if you choose to have an implant. Dental implants are titanium screws placed in your jawbone. They replace the root of your tooth, allowing it to support a single or a set of false teeth. As implants are steadier, they feel like natural teeth.

Aesthetic Appeal

Implants look more natural than dentures because they fit according to your existing teeth. In addition, they help prevent bone loss and the changes that may happen to your face due to missing teeth. The surrounding teeth move closer to fill in all the gaps over time, creating spaces that are difficult to clean and putting you at risk of oral diseases.

Here at Dr David Madruga Gonzalez’s dental practice, rest assured that you are working with a dental surgeon who can meet your needs. Contact us today to know more of our services and treatments.

The Real Reasons Dental Implants are Popular in the UK

This is the prevailing trend in the UK. Many people are now visiting dental practices instead of beauty salons and dermatologists. They are choosing dental implants and other cosmetic dental procedures to improve not only their oral health but appearance as well. Recent studies explain the Brits’ latest obsession with dental implants:

Affordable Dental Treatments

dental implants The falling prices of dental treatments are encouraging consumers with modest means to undergo implant installations. Dental Implant Advisory’s The Dental Implant Cost Survey 2012 revealed that the average price of a dental implant in the UK decreased to £1,868. Many dental practices even offer implants for as low as £995.

Researchers attribute this change in costs to competition. The number of dental practices that offer dental implants is increasing. It prompts dental practices to attract patients by lowering their rates. And since patients do not want the hassle and cost of travelling overseas for treatments, they go to these dental practices for implants instead.

Changing perceptions in appearances

People’s changing perceptions in appearances are another reason dental implants are popular nowadays. For them, a complete set of teeth is as important as having a pleasant face. Good oral health is tied to better appearance, self-esteem and even opportunities for love and career.

BUPA’s survey revealed that about 28% of Brits do not smile in ‘selfies’ and pictures to hide their teeth. In addition, 81% of them worry about their teeth’s appearance in photographs. Around 35% expressed embarrassment about the appearance of their teeth as well.

The negative perceptions about their teeth were offset by their desire for better teeth. About 42% of the respondents admitted that teeth were the first thing they would change about themselves. Approximately 53% also said they feel pressured to undergo dental treatments like implants because of the impeccable teeth that celebrities and other public figures have.

Changing Lives with Dental Implants

People get dental implants because it means having a better life. That, and the fact that such treatments are becoming more affordable, means people will have more reasons to try them. This is where Dr David Madruga Gonzalez comes in.

Through advanced implant and aesthetic dentistry, he helps transform people’s lives by improving their oral health and appearance. He is committed toward improving a person’s smile, function, comfort, confidence and overall quality of life.

Click here for more information about his dental treatments.

Nervous Patients

If you are afraid of visiting the dentist, you can rest assured you are not alone. Fear of the dentist is the number one reason patients in the UK give for putting off seeking treatment. This fear can range from a mild anxiety to full-blown dental phobia, and there are many causes of dental fear, from bad past experiences to worry about not being in control. For some people, they can identify specific triggers such as the sound of the drill, while for others the whole idea of visiting a dental practice can be terrifying.

Our team is sympathetic to these fears and anxieties, and will always take your concerns seriously. However, we do not think fear should be a barrier to essential and life-changing dental treatment, which is why we offer special care for nervous patients.

We find that many nervous patients benefit from treatment under conscious sedation. This is not like general anaesthetic as you remain awake and able to cooperate with your dentist, but are in a highly relaxed state and will not experience any pain or discomfort.

Dr Madruga leads a highly-experienced team in the field of conscious sedation. He has helped to set up many conscious sedation clinics across the UK, and accepts referrals from other dentists whose patients would benefit from this treatment.

Conscious sedation can either be delivered intravenously, using a needle, or orally, which is a great option if you are afraid of needles. You will quickly start to feel very relaxed and will be largely unaware of treatment, while still able to follow any instructions your dentist gives you. It is a very safe, well-tested procedure that has enabled many nervous patients to get the treatment they want or need.

If you have treatment under sedation you will need to bring a friend with you to drive you home and to stay with you for a few hours after treatment, as you may feel woozy for a while. Full pre- and after-care instructions will be given to you before treatment begins.

Anxiety Relief and Pain Management: Pillars of Patient Comfort

A dental procedure is something that may scare even the bravest of patients. After all, when a surgery is so near a person’s face and in a sensitive area, it is bound to raise anxiety. There is no area of medical or surgical practice is this truer than in dentistry. In fact, this is what terrifies people to regularly see their dentist.

dental fear This is why at the office of David Madruga, we dedicate a special effort to making patients comfortable. We know that the prospect of injections to the gums and tooth removal is scary. Furthermore, it is not just about calming them; they should also know that whatever anaesthetic the dentist use, they would be fine after the surgery.

Anxiety Alleviation

Do not underestimate how dangerous anxiety is during a dental procedure. You yourself could think that it will be fine, and then you go under the knife. We do not risk the success of the operation; before the surgery, we invite our patients for consultations. Dr Madruga will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and the surrounding structures.

If necessary, he will take photographs and radiographs to be exhaustive. We will ensure that your concern is accurate and give you peace of mind before the surgery to stay calm.

Pain Management

There are patients who are not as anxious as the others are. Yet, when it comes to pain, they are relentless in asking if they will feel anything. The promise of pain is enough to turn them around, putting more importance to pre-surgery procedure.

Unless your dentist is a magician, there should be a process as to how they assure patients. We follow the same steps we preach, you can be sure of that.

Can Humans Grow More Than Two Sets of Teeth

Scientists and dentists alike have marvelled at the ability of some animals – mainly sharks –to regrow individual teeth as soon as they lose one. Humans, along with every other mammal, lost that ability and only retained two sets of teeth. But, what if researchers found a way to turn back the evolutionary clock and gave us back that ability?

No More Permanent Teeth

dental health Scientists are currently studying the embryonic development of the cichlid, a small fish found in Lake Malawi, which can also regrow its teeth. Unlike shark embryos, these fish are easier to cultivate and observe in a controlled laboratory setting.

Several researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and King’s College in London published their latest findings in the early edition of the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences.

The study is being conducted with another work attempting to record the dental differentiation in mice. Current results show that the process responsible for growing new teeth may remain active longer than previously thought. If confirmed, it could mean that the capability of growing teeth can be reactivated in human adults.

Tooth Loss Dangers

According to statistics, nearly 60% of the working population have lost one or two teeth once they reach the age of 60. If these patients do not receive the dental attention that they need, they can suffer through painful health issues and nutritional problems that can shorten their lives. These are the kinds of situations that can be avoided if humans can grow back teeth.

Some researchers caution that growing teeth, however, would not be enough as scientists will still need to learn how the pertinent nerves and blood vessels grow into the teeth. But, the first step still remains determining how far into adulthood the plasticity of teeth and taste bud cells extend.

If these kinds of studies continue getting support humans growing more teeth may not stay in the realm of science fiction for long. If you want to keep learning about the latest developments in the dental world, or want to see the status of your own dental health set an appointment with us today. We love talking to our patients about our craft, and want to share our knowledge with as many people as possible.

For Long-Term Whiter Teeth, Just Leave It to the Professionals

The food and drinks you consume leave their traces on the surfaces of your teeth. Even the occasional smoke leaves your pearly whites less than white with just a whiff.

People not satisfied with their current look sometimes turn to do-it-yourself teeth whitening. While there is no problem with doing it yourself, it does not guarantee prolonged results. If you wish to enjoy whiter teeth longer, best to book an appointment with a professional.

The Need-to-Knows of In-House Whitening

Proper bleaching easily remedies yellowing teeth; greying and brownish teeth, however, are more challenging. If your front teeth have tooth-coloured fillings or bonding, bleaching is not an option. To achieve a brighter smile, a professional’s help comes in handy.

For a more attractive smile, consult a dentist first to know which whitening procedure is the most effective in your case.

Why Depend on Professionals

Professional in-office whitening (also known as chair side bleaching) is one of the most popular options for people who seek whiter teeth. Some patients prefer home-use whitening systems (e.g. whitening toothpaste, whitening trays or gel strips) for convenience and to save money.

In-house whitening, however, offers more long-term benefits. Unlike home whitening procedures, leaving it to the professionals guarantees controlled, safe and monitored whitening. No need to worry about getting it wrong; a dental practice will oversee and perform the process.

What to Expect During the Procedure

If your teeth are suitable for the procedure, your dentist will schedule you for an appointment. Each session at your dental practice usually lasts for thirty minutes to an hour. The procedure involves the application of a protective gel to your gums, which protects the mouth’s soft tissues from the whitening agent.

After applying the bleaching agent, the dentist uses a laser to enhance the product’s effect. For stubborn surface stains, dentists use bleaching materials such as hydrogen peroxide.

Professional whitening procedures do wonders for yellowing teeth. Rather than settle for DIYs, leave the procedure with the professionals. Here at David Maruga, we make sure you leave our practice with healthier and whiter teeth. Get in touch with us now and learn more about our treatments.

Gum Contouring: A Solution to Gummy Smile

You probably have something in your smile that makes you uncomfortable to flash it. Yet, you have clean, straight teeth and a breath devoid of halitosis. Maybe, it is your gum that is bothering you. If it is more than present every time you flash your whites, then you have a viable reason to be shy about it. It is not something that would hinder your overall happiness, but it does prevent you from expressing joy at times.

A gummy smile is not so bad, but it hinders some people. Maybe, that includes you. If you feel conscious about your more-than-fleshy smile, then fret not, because there is something you can do about it. Gum contouring is that solution.

The Good, and Nothing But

The first thing you will notice with your less prominent gums is that your teeth would seem bigger. It does not seem much, but a less obvious problem is a one less thing to worry about. This is about your smile, and anything not normal about your teeth will gain you unwanted attention.

Furthermore, ridding another dental problem benefits your entire oral health. Now, wouldn’t it be better if you can brush your teeth and floss without having to worry about bleeding? And now that you can smile more, there will be an increase in your confidence. More than anything, maybe that will help you become a more open person.

An Acquired Problem

Uneven gums stem from many things, many of which are artificial. If you smoke, chew tobacco or even brush too hard, you may be wearing your gums and decreasing the state of your dental health. Poor dental health is not something you should worry about later in your life, believe us.

Here at David Madruga Implants, we can do the gum contouring as well as implants. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your needs.

Preparing for Your First Sedation Procedure

We understand that many patients delay getting a dental treatment because of fear and anxiety. Some patients may find it difficult to give them some assurance that things will be just fine. For this group of patients, we can ease the stress with our sedation procedures.

If you are thinking of undergoing a sedation procedure, it is important that you take note of the following reminders.

Do Not Eat Before the Surgery

This is the first thing to put on your list. If you forget this piece of advice, we will have to reschedule the procedure. If you are supposed to take any medication, drink a small amount of water necessary to swallow it.

You cannot eat or drink anything eight hours prior to the procedure. Fasting is necessary to reduce the risk of inhaling stomach contents into your lungs. When your body is under anaesthesia, all the functions are relaxed, which means your gag reflex will also be put to rest.

Do Not Smoke or Drink Before the Surgery

Smoking and drinking can negatively affect the procedure, so we recommend that you keep yourself from consuming any alcoholic drink 24 hours prior to the procedure. Likewise, restrain yourself from holding that cigarette at least 12 hours before the surgery.

Bring Someone With You

We highly recommend that you bring someone with you to the clinic. The procedure may render you lightheaded afterwards, and it will be safer if someone is going to help you walk or drive you home.

What to Expect from the Procedure

Managing certain expectations is part of the preparation. After we administer the anaesthesia in a specific area, you will then start to lose feeling there. We will only start the procedure once we are 100% sure you are not feeling anything.

The sedation procedure will calm and relax your entire body. You may even feel sleepy in case the amount of anaesthetic is increased. Your breathing may be affected as your lungs are at rest. But do not worry. Your supply of oxygen will be monitored, and we may even provide you with additional oxygen.

These are only some of the things you need to keep in mind before the procedure. For more information, we encourage you to get in touch with our patient services department.

The Secret to the Ancient Romans’ Perfect Teeth

New research recently revealed the ancient Romans had better teeth than people do today. Although dental care during that time time was rudimentary at best, they had what researchers defined as “perfect teeth”. But how?

perfect teeth The research team brought together an expert team of Italian radiologists, archaeologists, orthodontists and anthropologists. They used CAT scans to examine the remains of 30 Romans killed in Pompeii during AD 79.

It took the team months of research until they found a startling discovery that the Romans’ teeth were in excellent condition, even better than our teeth today. It’s no longer news that Brits have bad teeth. The good news is, we are exerting an effort and committing to measures to change this.

As one of the leading dental practices in the region, we want to learn all that we can from this ancient civilization and how they took care of their teeth. Although we have new technologies and better equipment, it seems the Ancient Romans knew more than we do.

It’s All in the Diet

The results were consulted with dental experts and according to them, the inhabitants of Pompeii had very little sugar and instead ate a lot of fruit and vegetables. Essentially, it all came down to their eating habits, which dentists now say is so much better than how we eat today.

Despite the absence of toothbrushes and toothpastes during their time, their diet was balanced, healthy and free of refined sugar. This meant they didn’t suffer from cavities and had little cause for other types of dental problems. Their diet, then, is what we know now as the Mediterranean diet.

Diet truly plays a role in your oral health. We personally recommend staying away or at least minimising the intake of food items high in sugar. Instead, eat organic fruits and vegetables, grass fed meats and dairy, and great sources of calcium like spinach, kale, shrimp and almonds.

These will ensure you supply your body with vital nutrients that protect your teeth. It is also important to commit to a healthy oral regimen. Consult with David Madruga today to know more how you can take better care of your teeth and transform your smile.