Your diet has a huge effect on your dental health. Habits such as sipping fizzy drinks all day (even the diet versions), or snacking frequently can all make a difference to your teeth and gums. We often find that people are unaware many of their favourite foods are less healthy than they imagine. One good example is fruit juice which can be high in sugar. Another example is low-fat yoghurt which can often have a lot of added sugar.
Our hygienist can discuss your diet with you and will be able to suggest simple ways to make it more tooth-friendly. This is unlikely to involve massive changes, but is more about making smarter food choices. For example, if you usually reach for biscuits or crisps in between meals, opting for calcium-rich cheese or fresh fruits and veggies could be all that is required.
Can you remember brushing your teeth this morning? Most of us perform this task automatically and this is why Dental hygiene instructions can be very beneficial. Our Dentists and Dental hygienist can provide you with customised oral hygiene instruction that will help you maintain the highest standards of oral care at home.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease which affects the gums and the bone supporting your teeth, and can eventually lead to tooth loss if not treated. If you notice that you have bleeding gums, receding gums or bad breath, a visit to one of our Dental Hygienists or Dentists can set you on the path to well-maintained oral hygiene.
Tooth decay is a common problem and many people have at least one filling, often on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. If you look at these surfaces you’ll see they have a lot of quite intricate fissures and grooves which can be awkward to clean thoroughly. A toothbrush is often unable to fully penetrate these grooves, enabling bacteria and food debris to build up. This is why we suggest sealing the chewing surfaces of healthy back teeth.
Fissure sealants create a smooth surface, completely sealing up the grooves and fissures so teeth are easy to keep clean. The procedure is quick and non-invasive and the fissure sealants are made from extremely thin, hardwearing plastic that is painted onto the tooth surfaces and hardened. There is no need to have a local anaesthetic and you will be able to eat and drink straightaway.
Fissure sealants are a very easy and inexpensive way to protect more vulnerable tooth surfaces but can only be applied to healthy teeth that do not have any signs of decay. For this reason we recommend their application soon after adult back teeth have first erupted.
Everyone wants to feel confident about their breath. While most of us will have the occasional bout of bad breath (halitosis), more persistent halitosis can be a sign that something is wrong. If you think you may have halitosis, it is worth booking an appointment with one of our dentists. It is possible your bad breath may be down to untreated disease such as tooth decay or gum disease. We can examine your mouth and if necessary will recommend treatment for any issues which might have arisen since your last visit.
It is possible for bad breath to be caused by a condition called xerostomia, or dry mouth. Xerostomia is where insufficient salvia is produced to keep the mouth fresh and clean. We can suggest various ways of dealing with this problem, which will help freshen up your breath, reducing your risk of any dental problems. Sometimes bad breath may be caused by an undiagnosed medical condition and if we cannot find any reason for your halitosis then we might recommend you visit your doctor.
No matter how well you brush and floss each day, it is almost inevitable that some areas will be missed or are too tricky to clean. When this occurs plaque can quickly harden into calculus or tartar, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This is why we recommend all our patients have a regular scale and polish.
Our hygienist will use special tools to gently scrape or scale away the calculus before carefully polishing and smoothing your teeth. The smooth surface makes it harder for plaque to stick to your teeth and polishing is great for lifting some surface stains so afterwards you may notice your teeth look slightly brighter.
Regular hygiene treatments are an easy way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and looking their best. In addition, our hygienist can provide a tailored program showing the most effective way to look after your teeth at home, based on your oral health needs. For added convenience book a scale and polish at the same time as your regular examination with your dentist.
