Dental

Pharmacy Online is more than just a pharmacy; we’re your partner in maintaining optimal oral health. Let's explore how we can help you find the right dental care treatment effortlessly.

What is dental and oral health

Dental and oral health is a vital part of overall well-being that goes beyond just having a bright smile. It involves the health of your teeth, gums, and the entire mouth. Good oral hygiene is key in preventing dental issues like cavities, gum disease, as well as maintaining the health of your entire mouth, including teeth, gums, and tongue.

Whether you’re aware of it or not, healthy oral practices play a huge role in the quality of your daily life, allowing you to eat, speak, and socialise without discomfort or embarrassment.

The connection between oral health and overall health

Oral health is intrinsically linked to your general health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to issues far beyond toothaches and bad breath. Research has shown a link between oral health issues and systemic health conditions. For instance, periodontitis, a severe gum disease, has been associated with heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Periodontitis is when bacteria from your mouth enter your bloodstream, leading to inflammation and disease in other parts of your body. This connection underscores the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene not just for a healthy mouth, but for a healthy body too

The basics of oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is the foundation of dental health. It involves several practices:

• Flossing: Daily flossing is vital for cleaning those tight spaces between your teeth and under the gumline, areas where a regular toothbrush might not reach. This practice helps in removing plaque and food particles, contributing significantly to overall oral health.
• Regular brushing: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is crucial for removing dental plaque and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. For those particularly at risk from caries, a specialised option like Colgate Duraphat 5000 toothpaste can be prescribed. This prescription-only toothpaste is specifically designed for adults with a high caries risk. Containing fluoride as a sodium salt, Colgate Duraphat toothpaste falls under caries preventing agents, offering an enhanced level of protection against tooth decay.
• Dental check-ups: Regular visits to the dentist are necessary for professional cleanings and to identify any potential issues early on. During these visits, your dentist can also advise if a prescription toothpaste like Colgate Duraphat 5000 is suitable for your dental care needs.

Impact of poor oral hygiene

Ignoring oral hygiene can lead to several problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. More serious consequences can include tooth loss, which can affect your ability to chew and your overall nutritional status. In children, poor oral health has been linked to decreased school performance and lower self-esteem

Common dental problems and their symptoms

Good dental health is key to overall well-being, but sometimes, dental problems can arise despite our best efforts. Recognising the symptoms of common dental issues is the first step towards getting timely and appropriate care.

Tooth decay (Cavities)

Symptoms: Toothache, tooth sensitivity, visible holes in your teeth, pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold.

Tooth decay is a sneaky problem that starts small but can lead to big issues. It's all about plaque, a sticky film loaded with bacteria, clinging to your teeth. When you consume sugary foods or drinks, these bacteria have a feast, producing acids as a byproduct. These acids are troublemakers; they begin to erode the tooth's hard outer shell, the enamel. Over time, this results in cavities – small holes that can grow larger and deeper if untreated. The pain and sensitivity you feel are warning signs that your teeth are under attack.

Gum disease (Periodontal Disease)

Symptoms: Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, red, swollen, or tender gums, receding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth.

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The main culprit? Inadequate oral hygiene. When you don't brush or floss properly, plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, a substance even brushing can't clean. This leads to inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, which can progress to more severe periodontitis if left unchecked. This is where the real damage occurs – gums pull away from the teeth, forming spaces that become infected. It's a leading cause of tooth loss, so catching it early is key.

Tooth infection (Abscessed Tooth)

Symptoms: Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, fever, swelling in your face or cheek, tender, swollen lymph nodes.

An abscessed tooth is a dental emergency. It's essentially an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. It's usually a consequence of severe tooth decay, gum disease, or a cracked tooth. These issues allow bacteria to penetrate deep into the tooth, reaching the pulp – the collection of blood vessels and nerves. The bacteria's invasion leads to pus formation, causing an abscess. This infection can spread to other parts of the body if not treated, posing a serious health risk.

Tooth erosion

Symptoms: Sensitivity, discoloration, rounded teeth, transparent or sandblasted appearance of teeth, cracks and chips.

Tooth erosion is the gradual wearing away of tooth enamel by acid. Unlike decay caused by sugar and bacteria, tooth erosion involves direct acid attacks on the enamel. Common culprits are acidic foods and beverages, like citrus fruits and sodas. Even stomach acid, making its way into the mouth from conditions like acid reflux, contributes to this erosion. Early signs include tooth sensitivity and discoloration, but as the enamel wears away, teeth can become increasingly vulnerable to further damage.

Tooth sensitivity

Symptoms: Pain or discomfort in teeth when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or very acidic foods and drinks, or even when breathing cold air.

Sensitive teeth can turn eating, drinking, and even breathing into uncomfortable experiences. The sensation is typically the result of exposed nerve endings. This can happen due to worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Several factors contribute to this condition, including brushing too hard, gum recession, gum disease, cracked teeth, and even tooth whitening products. It's a common issue but not one to ignore, as it might indicate more serious underlying problems.

Oral cancer

Symptoms: Sores, lumps, or rough areas in the mouth, difficulty chewing or swallowing, changes in your voice, dramatic weight loss.

Oral cancer is a serious health condition manifesting in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. It might start as a painless sore or lump that doesn't go away. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Early detection is crucial. Regular dental check-ups are important as dentists can often spot the early stages of oral cancer.

At Pharmacy Online, we offer a variety of prescription treatments to address these common dental problems, so you can receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific symptoms and conditions.

Choose Pharmacy Online for dental care treatments

With a myriad of dental products available, selecting the right ones is crucial. Pharmacy Online offers a range of prescription dental care treatments tailored to specific oral health needs. Whether it's toothpaste for sensitive teeth, treatments for gum disease, or mouthwashes to combat bad breath, the right product can make a significant difference in your oral hygiene routine.

Choosing Pharmacy Online for your dental care needs means choosing convenience and reliability. Our user-friendly online platform makes finding and purchasing the right dental treatments a breeze. We offer a selection of products, including specialised prescription treatments, delivered swiftly to your doorstep across the UK. Plus, our dedicated customer service ensures a personalised shopping experience.

With Pharmacy Online, you get more than just dental care products; you gain a trusted partner committed to your oral health.