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06/Nov/2024

Our iTero Element 5D with itero NIRI (Near infa-red imaging Offers our Patients digital Impressions, Interproximal caries detection aid, No radiation, Comprehensive preventive and restorative oral care, scans sent to dental labs Instead of gooey Impressions these provide more accurate digital impressions.

This new technology improves the level of Dental care by providing our patients with a more comfortable and pleasant experience from start to finish.

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06/Nov/2024

Being a new mum is exciting, but it’s also stressful and tiring too. Often, it means putting your own needs aside for a while to meet the demands of your baby.

For example, many new mums stop brushing their teeth as often as they should, or neglect to go to routine dental visits. Unfortunately, this can cause your dental health to decline, and if you’re not careful then you can end up with a cavity or gum disease.

To keep your teeth healthy as a new mum, follow these simple tips.

1. Keep to your oral hygiene routine

Taking care of a newborn can be very tiring. There might be some evenings when you’ll feel like you won’t even have the energy to brush your teeth!

Despite this, you should still stick to your oral hygiene routine. That means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Your teeth will thank you for it!

2. Don’t neglect your gums

Gum disease is a common complication of pregnancy. In fact, around two-fifths of pregnant women suffer from it. After giving birth though, the risk of gum disease usually returns to normal. Be careful though if you’re taking oral contraceptives though, as they can increase your risk of gum disease.

The best way to avoid gum disease is to also brush your gums thoroughly when you brush your teeth.

3. Keep going to routine dental checkups

Make sure to keep going to routine dental checkups during this busy time of your life. This means checkups every six to twelve months, or however often your dentist thinks is necessary.

Also, did you know that it’s free for new mums to see an NHS dentist? So you have no excuse not to go!

4. Tell your dentist if you’re breastfeeding

During pregnancy, women are often advised to postpone dental treatments such as braces, whitening and implants. X-rays are also discouraged for pregnant women because of the unknown effects on the fetus.

However, once you give birth then you’re free to have whatever treatments you want. Well – almost any treatment that is. You still can’t have any treatments that could affect your breast milk. This includes some medications, as they can pass on to the baby via your breast milk. So do make sure to tell your dentist that you’re breastfeeding so she knows which medications not to prescribe.

5. Don’t get dehydrated

Did you know that breastfeeding can cause dehydration? That’s because when you breastfeed, you’re giving some of your fluids to your baby.

Unfortunately, dehydration can cause problems for your dental health. That’s because a dry mouth is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. So if you’re breastfeeding, make sure to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Conclusion

Being a new parent will be a magical chapter of your life. However, it will also be difficult and testing at times. But don’t let your oral health standards slip during this time though. It’s important to keep yourself in good health.

If you’d like to speak to a dental professional about any of the topics that we’ve raised in this blog post, then simply call one of our receptionists to make an appointment. We’ll be happy to see you – and of course your new baby!


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06/Nov/2024

Did you know that it’s National Smile Month? National Smile Month is a campaign that takes place every year between May and June. In fact, it’s the UK’s largest oral health campaign.

This year, National Smile Month is being held between the 13th of May and the 13th of June. Want to know more about it? Read on!

What is National Smile Month?

National Smile month is run by the British Dental Health Foundation. They’re a charity whose goal is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.

National Smile Month started in 1977 in the West Midlands. At first, it was called the “Smile 77″ project. Poet Pam Ayres wrote a poem called “I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth” for it, a poem that would later be voted as one of the nation’s favourite poems in a BBC poll. Smile 77 was held again the following year, and the year after that it was renamed to National Smile Week.

National Smile Week soon became National Smile Month, however. What’s more, in 2009, the campaign was held in the USA for the first time, when the British Dental Health Foundation partnered with oral health America to reach an estimated 180 million people. The slogan that year was “Brush for Health” and the campaign aimed to educate people about the link between poor oral health and other illnesses.

Currently, the campaign encourages stakeholders in the UK – including dentists, doctors, pharmacists, schools, and workplaces – to help communicate the message about the need for good oral health. Throughout National Smile Month, thousands of events are held across the UK to educate people about the importance of a healthy mouth.

What are the goals of National Smile Month?

The goal of National Smile Month is to improve the nation’s oral health. To do this, the campaign has three main messages, all of which are important for maintaining a healthy mouth.

  1. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. One of the times should be just before you go to bed.
  2. Limit the number of sugary foods and drinks that you consume, as well as the number of times per day that you consume them.
  3. Make sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups.

How can I take part in National Smile Month?

People can take part in National Smile Month in many ways. You can hold an event to raise awareness about oral health, for example, or you can fundraise for the British Dental Health Foundation. Another way you can take part is just by posting something on your social media feed. Even the smallest act can help to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. In the end, all the acts add up and hopefully have real change on the health of everyone’s teeth.

Conclusion

In this post, we’ve talked about National Smile Month, the largest oral health campaign in the UK. If you’d like to know more about it, then visit the campaign’s website at http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/. It has lots of information about the campaign, including what you can do to take part.


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06/Nov/2024

Getting small children to brush their teeth might seem impossible, especially if your little ones hate having their teeth brushed. And we understand how frustrating it can be when toddlers doesn’t want to cooperate.

But don’t give up on brushing your toddler’s teeth just yet. In this post, we’ll give you a few tips on how to make brushing time fun and how to make sure your child brushes his teeth.

1. Make sure she sees your brushing your teeth

Most toddlers love to emulate their parents. They want to help with the shopping, they want to help with the cooking, and they even like to pretend to talk on the phone like adults. The same goes for brushing. So if your toddler sees you brushing your own teeth, then she’ll be much more interested in brushing her own. Go forth and set a good example!

2. Play copycat

Try standing in front of a mirror with your toddler while you brush your teeth and he brushes his. He’ll be able to see you brushing in the mirror so with some luck, he’ll copy your actions.

3. Lower your expectations

Most toddlers are still too young to brush their teeth thoroughly, but this is normal. The idea at this age is to instil the habit of brushing into your child and not to make your child an expert at brushing her teeth right away. So don’t expect too much to begin with.

4. Keep it short

Since your toddler won’t be able to brush his teeth properly to begin with, you’ll have to help by brushing his teeth as well. However, this is always tricky because children don’t like having things put into their mouths. But always make sure to keep brushing fun so that your child associates brushing with positive feelings. You can do this by keeping the amount of time you’re brushing your child’s teeth to a minimum. Remember, all you’re doing when you brush your child’s teeth for them is doing a quick swipe over all the teeth. Later, when your child feels more comfortable, you can extend the amount of time that you brush your child’s teeth.

5. Keep it fun

Make brushing into a fun activity by incorporating games. For example, you can pretend that she’s a lion and that she has to roar so you can reach all her teeth. Another fun activity for children is songs. You can turn any song into a toothbrush themed one by changing the words – The Wheels on the Bus becomes “the toothbrush in the mouth goes round and round” for example.

6. Give plenty of encouragement

Make sure to tell your child what a good job he did brushing his teeth, even if all he did was chew on the toothbrush. All children like praise and over time, he’ll get better at brushing – all it takes is encouragement and practice.

7. Read books with your child about brushing teeth

Books can be a great help to encourage your child to brush her teeth. There are lots of books out there featuring children brushing their teeth, and when kids read them, it can make brushing seem like a fun activity rather than a chore.

Another option is to watch a YouTube video together of toddlers brushing their teeth. Some parents even find that videos are more motivating for their children than books.

Conclusion

Teaching your child to brush his teeth doesn’t have to be a monumental task. By taking it slow and being patient, you can eventually get your child to brush his own teeth.


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06/Nov/2024

Easter is just around the corner, and with Easter of course comes lots of chocolate! From Easter eggs to chocolate bars, the day is one big sugar-fest. It’s therefore natural to be concerned about your children’s teeth at Easter. But don’t worry – in this post, we’ll give some tips on how to minimise the damage to your children’s oral health.

1. Stick to the brushing routine

The Easter weekend is the time to indulge in sugary chocolate, but all that sugar can cause plaque and cavities if your children don’t brush their teeth properly. So it’s important that your children stick to their brushing routine throughout the Easter weekend, even amongst all the excitement. That means brushing at least twice a day, ideally once in the morning and once before they go to bed.

2. Don’t let your children graze on chocolate throughout the day

Eating sugar and chocolate is inevitable at Easter time. However, you can minimise the damage to your children’s teeth by limiting their consumption of chocolate to just a specific time of day. For example, you can let your children eat chocolate only in the morning, or after lunch. This is much better than letting your children graze on chocolate all day.

3. Small eggs are better

It’s tempting to get your children the biggest eggs you can find just to see the smile on their faces on Easter morning. But if you’re worried about their teeth, then it’s much better to get smaller eggs instead. Small eggs will still satisfy their chocolate cravings while also doing less damage to their teeth.

Also, try not to get eggs that come with additional treats like chocolate bars or bags of chocolate. The less chocolate that your children eat overall, the better it will be for their teeth.

4. Offer plenty of water

Water is the best drink for your teeth because it’s pH neutral and it doesn’t contain sugar. So make sure your children drink water during the Easter weekend instead of fizzy drinks or fruit juice.

5. Don’t give your children sticky sweets

Chocolate is the main treat associated with Easter, but we’ve also heard of parents giving out toffee and other sticky treats too. These don’t make ideal Easter treats because they can get stuck to your children’s teeth and therefore cause more damage. Opt for softer treats instead, like chocolate.

6. Give dark chocolate instead of milk or white chocolate

Dark chocolate is a healthier choice than milk and white chocolate because it contains less sugar. So if your kids don’t mind eating dark chocolate, then consider buying them a dark chocolate egg instead of a milk one.

7. Book a dental appointment after Easter

Book a dental appointment for your children after Easter to make sure there are no cavities forming. Even if you don’t do this, make sure your children are visiting the dentist every six months anyway, as recommended by the NHS.

Conclusion

It’s inevitable that your children’s teeth and chocolate will come into contact with each other this Easter, but we’re sure these tips will minimise the damage. Have a great Easter!


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06/Nov/2024

Cavities are a problem that nearly everyone gets at least once in their life. No matter how well you take care of your teeth, it’s likely that at some point, you will get a cavity.

In this month’s blog post, we’ll explain what cavities are and how they form. We’ll also tell you how to minimise your risk of cavities and what to do if you think you have one. So, let’s go!

What is a cavity?

A cavity is a small hole in your enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth. Over time, the hole can get bigger and bigger, eventually causing tooth pain and even an abscess.

What causes cavities?

The cause of cavities is bacteria. Everyone has bacteria in their mouths, and some of these bacteria are good while others are harmful. Problems occur when the harmful bacteria gain a foothold in your mouth and create plaque, which is a sticky, acidic substance. The acid in plaque can dissolve your enamel and that’s what causes a cavity.

What are the risk factors for cavities?

You’re much more likely to get cavities if you have one or more of the following risk factors:

  • Poor diet. A diet high in sugar is a major risk factor for cavities. This is because the bad bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and convert it into acids, which in turn dissolve your teeth. For this reason, it’s important to limit the number of sugary foods you eat during the day. Also, try to avoid highly acidic foods as these can directly dissolve your enamel.
  • Poor oral hygiene. It’s important to have a good oral hygiene routine as this is your main defence against cavities. This means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and seeing a dentist for regular check-ups. It goes without saying that if you fail to maintain an oral hygiene routine then you’ll be at greater risk of cavities.
  • Smoking. Smokers have a higher risk of cavities than non-smokers because cigarettes can make your mouth dry, and a dry mouth is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow in.
  • Alcohol. Alcohol also increases your risk of cavities for the same reason as smoking – alcohol dries out your mouth, which makes your mouth a more welcoming environment for bacteria.

Do cavities go away on their own?

Some cavities do go away on their own, but only when they’re very small. Most cavities unfortunately do not go away on their own and will require a dentist to fix them.

How are cavities treated?

The treatment depends on the size of the cavity and how far into the tooth it has reached.

  • A small cavity might not need a filling; instead, it might be possible to treat it with a fluoride treatment. Your dentist will decide if this could work for you.
  • Medium-sized cavities need to be covered with fillings, which are small blobs of resin, porcelain or amalgam.
  • Cavities that have reached the tooth’s pulp might require a root canal, which is where the diseased pulp is removed. The good news is that the rest of the tooth can usually be saved.
  • The most extreme type of cavity is where the cavity reaches the root. In this case, removal of the tooth is usually necessary.

Conclusion

If you think you have a cavity, then do see a dentist as soon as possible. The earlier you receive treatment, the less invasive the treatment will be. And remember to brush your teeth twice a day, as it’s a very important way to minimise your risk of cavities.


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06/Nov/2024

If you’re planning on getting your teeth straightened, then at some point you’ll have to choose: braces or Invisalign? In this post, we’ll look at the differences between these two methods so that you can make an informed choice.

What are braces?

Braces are metal brackets that are glued to your teeth and wires that connect all the brackets together. The wires slowly pull your teeth in the right direction, eventually giving you a straighter smile.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a relatively new technology that uses clear plastic retainers instead of metal brackets and wires. You have to wear the plastic retainers day and night for several months. The retainers are designed to be comfortable though, and what’s more, they’re almost invisible thanks to their transparent design.

How does Invisalign compare to braces?

Now let’s look at the differences between Invisalign and braces to get a better idea of how they compare.

  • Colour. Braces are usually a metallic grey colour, but you can sometimes pay extra to have them painted the same colour as your teeth. Invisalign, on the other hand, are transparent, which means most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
  • Maintenance. If you choose braces, then you’ll need to brush them carefully at least twice a day to keep them clean. If you choose Invisalign, then you’ll need to clean your retainers regularly either by brushing them or by using a special Invisalign cleaning system.
  • Follow up visits. With braces, you’ll need to see your orthodontist about once a month to have your braces readjusted. With Invisalign, you’ll see an orthodontist every four to ten weeks to see how you’re getting on and to get a new set of retainers.

What are the advantages of braces?

  • No temptation to leave them out. Since braces are stuck to your teeth, you won’t have the temptation to leave them out.
  • Effective for complex cases. Braces have higher success rate for complex cases.
  • Easier to take care of. There are no extra cleaning steps involved with braces; just the usual flossing and brushing will do.

What are the disadvantages of braces?

  • Look. Some people feel self-conscious about wearing braces, although you can get them in a colour that matches your teeth.
  • Have to avoid certain foods. Sticky and hard foods, such as toffee, caramel and boiled sweets, should be avoided if you have braces.
  • Possibility of discomfort. The wires and brackets of braces can sometimes be uncomfortable.

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

  • Nearly invisible. Thanks to the clear plastic material that Invisalign is made from, people will find it hard to tell that you’re wearing retainers.
  • No difficulty eating. With Invisalign, you can take the retainers out before eating, so you can eat normally.
  • More comfortable than braces. Many people find Invisalign more comfortable than braces because there are no wires involved.

What are the disadvantages of Invisalign?

  • Require more care. Invisalign retainers have to be cleaned several times a day to kill any bacteria.
  • Cost. Typically, Invisalign works out as slightly more expensive than braces.
  • Requires dedication. Invisalign requires dedication because you have to make sure that you wear them for at least 22 hours per day.
  • Have to brush more often. With Invisalign, you have to brush your teeth after every snack or meal to avoid staining you teeth.

Conclusion

So which is better: Invisalign or braces? The answer to that question isn’t clear cut, and will depend on your own personal preference.

We hope that now you’re better informed about the differences between braces and Invisalign. Deciding which one to go for isn’t easy, but whichever you choose, we’re sure you’ll have a lovely straight smile by the end of it!


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06/Nov/2024

We’d like to think that most people are happy with their teeth and that they feel confident when they smile. If you’re one of these people, then that’s great, because you have teeth that you love.

However, some people aren’t scontent with their teeth. This can be for many reasons, but often the reason is that they have teeth that are crooked, stained or missing. Read on if you’re unhappy with your teeth, because in this post we’ll go over ways to improve the appearance of your smile.

1. Braces

If you’re cursed with crooked teeth then it might be time to consider braces. You might already have had braces when you were a teenager, or maybe you haven’t had braces at all yet. Regardless of whether you’ve already experienced them or not, braces are a great way to straighten out your smile. They typically take six month to two years to achieve the final effect (and we promise that it’s worth it). There are even some types of braces nowadays that are practically invisible, so you don’t have to feel self-concious when you wear them. If you’d like to talk about braces with one of our dentists, then simply make an appointment with reception.

2. Teeth whitening

If your teeth are yellow or brown instead of pearly white, then teeth whitening could be the solution. Generally this involves putting a special dental bleach onto your teeth so that they regain their white colour. Don’t try to do this at home though – only dentists are qualified to perform the procedure.

3. Veneers

If your teeth are crooked, chipped or misshapen, then veneers might be the answer. Veneers are small, thin pieces of porcelain that fit on the fronts of your teeth, thereby giving people the illusion that you have a perfect set of gnashers. It must be said though that veneers aren’t for everyone – for one thing, they require the permanent removal of a small layer of your teeth. However, if you’re sure that veneers are for you, then they could provide an easy and affordable way to get a Hollywood smile.

4. Implants

If you’re missing one or two teeth, then an implant is likely to be the best solution. Implants are basically fake teeth that can be permanently fitted into your mouth. You’ll be able to eat, talk and smile normally again – just as if you still had all your own teeth. What’s more, implants can be made to look like your existing teeth, so no-one will be able to tell that they aren’t real.

5. Dentures

If you’re missing several teeth, then consider getting dentures. They’re an affordable way to regain your smile when several teeth are missing. There are two types depending on how many teeth you have left – partial dentures (when only some of your teeth have gone) and complete dentures (when you’re missing all of your teeth).

Conclusion

If you’re not happy with your smile, then you don’t have to suffer in silence. Just book an appointment with us and we’ll be delighted to work with you to find a solution. Whether it’s braces, whitening, veneers or even dentures, there’s always a way to get the winning smile you deserve.


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06/Nov/2024

Did you know that most cavities happen between your teeth and not the fronts or backs of your teeth? That’s why it’s very important to clean the gaps between your teeth.

However, most toothbrushes don’t actually reach between your teeth. Therefore, while brushing is important, it’s not enough. Luckily, we have to floss to help us here. Floss is great at removing bacteria and plaque from in between your teeth so it’s fantastic at preventing cavities.

Keep reading, because in this post, we’ll explain a simple flossing technique that we encourage everybody to do.

How to floss

  1. First, take a good piece of dental floss and wind it up with your index fingers. Don’t wind it too tightly though or you might hurt yourself!
  2. Next, use both thumbs to pinch the floss. You should only leave about one inch of floss to work with at this point. If you leave any more, then you will make it more difficult to floss your teeth. Indeed, one reason why so many people have trouble flossing is that they try to get too much floss in their mouths.
  3. Then, start flossing your upper teeth. Simply choose a place to start from and slide the floss between the two teeth. Then clean the surface of each tooth by sliding the floss up and down. Don’t use a side to side ‘saw’ motion though – it’s better to use an up and down motion.
  4. When you’ve removed all the plaque from a tooth, you’ll hear the floss start to squeak. At this point, work on the next tooth. Then gradually work your way all around your mouth until you’ve done all your upper teeth.
  5. Once you’ve finished flossing your upper teeth, you can move on to your lower teeth. With your lower teeth, it’s actually easier to use your index fingers and middle fingers rather than your index fingers and thumbs. By using your middle fingers, it will makes be easier to manipulate the floss from one tooth to the next.

Overall, it should only take you a couple of minutes to floss all your teeth. But if you’re slow at first, then don’t worry – your technique will improve will practice!

What should I do if my gums bleed when I floss?

If your gums bleed when you floss, it’s normal if it’s your first time flossing. Your gums will get used to the floss after about a week of flossing, after which they won’t bleed anymore.

Bleeding gums can also be a sign of gum disease, so if your gums continue to bleed when you floss, then do see a dentist to get it checked out.

Conclusion

Flossing really makes a big difference in the long term of your dental health and it’s not very difficult to do either. So please do make flossing a part of your regular dental routine, if you haven’t done so already.

If you’d like to talk to use about flossing or about any other dental topic, then just make an appointment with one of our dentists by speaking to our friendly reception team. We look forward to seeing you!


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06/Nov/2024

Cavities and gum disease or two of the most common problems that we see here in our clinic, and both are caused by the cumulation of bacteria in the mouth. For this reason, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day to fight bacteria and maintain good oral health.

Believe it or not, many techniques exist for brushing your teeth. It’s important to find the technique that works best for you because it might not be the same as what everyone else is using.

In this post, we’ll cover three methods for brushing your teeth: the Bass technique, the Stillman technique and the Charter technique. Read on to find out more!

The Bass technique

This technique focuses on cleaning your gums as much as your teeth. This makes the Bass technique great at preventing gum disease, which is a very common problem, especially in older patients.

To perform the Bass technique, follow these simple steps:

  1. First, put the toothbrush next to your upper teeth.
  2. Point the bristles of the brush upwards towards your gums. The brush should be at a 45-degree angle.
  3. Brush your teeth using a small, gentle circular motion. Make sure to clean under the gumline as this is where gum disease usually occurs.
  4. Once you’ve cleaned one area, move onto the next one. You should be able to clean two to three teeth at a time with the circular motion.
  5. Once you’ve finished cleaning the outside areas of your teeth, move onto the inside areas.
  6. Finally, brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth as well as your tongue.

The Stillman technique

The Stillman technique is very similar to the Bass technique but it can be more effective for some people.

To perform the Stillman brushing technique, follow the same instructions as the Bass technique except that after making little circles, pull the brush downwards to scrape off any remaining food or plaque on your teeth.

The Charter technique

The Bass technique and the Stillman technique both involve pointing the bristles of the toothbrush upwards towards your gumline. The Charter technique, in contrast, involves pointing the bristles downwards instead.

Dentists often recommend the Charter technique to people with braces and dentures. You might also benefit from the technique if you have gum recession or if you’ve had periodontal surgery.

To perform the Charter technique, follow these instructions:

  1. Place the toothbrush against your upper teeth.
  2. Point the bristles up towards your gums so they’re at a 45-degree angle. As mentioned, unlike the Bass and Stillman techniques, the bristles should be pointing upwards instead of downwards.
  3. Use small, gentle circular strokes to clean your teeth, one area at a time.
  4. Once you’ve finished cleaning the outer surfaces of your teeth, move on to the inner surfaces and then finally, the chewing surfaces.

Need more information?

If you’d like to speak to a dentist about these brushing techniques, or indeed about any dental issue, then don’t be shy – make an appointment with us today by simply calling 01282 428435. We look forward to seeing you!


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