A huge amount of chocolate will be eaten over the Easter holidays - an estimated 80 million Easter eggs to be exact - that’s a whole heap of chocolate and no doubt lots of sweets too. If you’re worried about your children’s teeth and what to do to avoid damaging them, follow our helpful advice to avoid a dental disaster this Easter.
The best Easter treat is anything that “melts in the mouth” such as plain (preferably dark) chocolate. The worst Easter treat is anything hard or sticky - avoid giving these to children.
Oral health experts - and our dentists here at the Smile Centre - recommend ‘keeping Easter special’ by not eating any eggs (or any sweets) before Easter Sunday - a far healthier approach than eating treats all week long like the supermarkets and high street stores encourage you to do. You could always skip the chocolate and sweets altogether and instead offer more traditional treats such as Easter eggs hunts using hollow plastic eggs with non-edible surprises inside. You could get creative by painting eggs, making rabbit masks, and playing Easter games - Easter doesn’t have to always be about chocolate!
If you do decide to indulge this Easter holiday, here are some helpful tips to make sure you minimise the dental damage.
Be aware of the dental dangers
-Look for a balance
-Give them the treat they want while at the same time looking out for their teeth
-Buy smaller eggs with a lower sugar content
-Consider buying dark chocolate instead of milk or white chocolate, which has more sugar and will cause more damage to the teeth
-Buy an egg without any extra sweets or chocolate bars included
Spoil the children at mealtimes
-Encourage children to eat chocolate after a meal instead of as a snack
-Don’t let them snack on chocolate or sweets throughout the day
-Frequent consumption is far worse than the volume
Don’t rush the brush
-Make sure children brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day
-Wait 30 minutes before brushing teeth - brushing immediately can cause damage
-Encourage them to spit rather than rinse because rinsing after brushing reduces the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste
-Using fluoridated toothpaste can help strengthen the mineralization of the tooth enamel and protect teeth against acid erosion
Drink water
-Get children to drink plenty of water while consuming Easter treats
-Rinsing the mouth frequently helps clean away the acid formation and bacteria from sugar, minimising dental damage
-Dry mouths are more conductive to bacteria so drinking water is good practice for daily oral hygiene, promoting the production of saliva and helping to wash away bacteria
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Dental Diagnosis
Most of us “online diagnose,” but few of us share health information.
We frequently share aspects of our lives from what we’ve been eating, to how hard we have been working, to what we have been doing in our spare time - we post about almost everything except our health.
A new study has found more than 60 per cent of internet users go online for health advice but only 10 per cent actively engaged with content by posting information, answering questions, and sharing their experiences. Researches say social media could be more valuable if more people joined in the health discussion. Health professionals could be more aware of public discourse and engage with patients via social media - answering questions, giving advice, and preventing misdiagnosis.
Source: BYU
At the Smile Centre we are available - online and offline - to answer any dental related questions or concerns you may have.
Have you ever used the internet to self diagnose a dental problem?
We frequently share aspects of our lives from what we’ve been eating, to how hard we have been working, to what we have been doing in our spare time - we post about almost everything except our health.
A new study has found more than 60 per cent of internet users go online for health advice but only 10 per cent actively engaged with content by posting information, answering questions, and sharing their experiences. Researches say social media could be more valuable if more people joined in the health discussion. Health professionals could be more aware of public discourse and engage with patients via social media - answering questions, giving advice, and preventing misdiagnosis.
Source: BYU
At the Smile Centre we are available - online and offline - to answer any dental related questions or concerns you may have.
Have you ever used the internet to self diagnose a dental problem?
Monday, 18 March 2013
Word of Mouth
28 million people in the UK chose their current dentist via word of mouth, according to recent research.
44.7 per cent of people polled picked their current dentist via recommendations made by friends and family.
Trust is a huge issue when it comes to selecting a dentist - so recommendations made by friends and family are incredibly important - the survey also highlighted a massive 66.3 per cent of people want to see the same dentist every time they visit.
With the World Oral Health Day right around the corner, it’s a great opportunity to find a dentist you can trust. At the Smile Centre surgery in Canterbury, we understand how important finding a dentist you can trust can be and we like you to see the same dentist every time you visit.
The Smile Centre surgery was designed with the comfort and relaxation of patients in mind. We encourage nervous patients and those who have experienced poor quality care in the past to come and visit our surgery, where you can feel peaceful and relaxed throughout the treatment process.
If you are a patient at our practice we would very much appreciate if you would share your experience with your friends and family - recommendations help us to grow and provide excellent quality care to those who need it.
With the World Oral Health Day right around the corner, it’s a great opportunity to find a dentist you can trust. At the Smile Centre surgery in Canterbury, we understand how important finding a dentist you can trust can be and we like you to see the same dentist every time you visit.
The Smile Centre surgery was designed with the comfort and relaxation of patients in mind. We encourage nervous patients and those who have experienced poor quality care in the past to come and visit our surgery, where you can feel peaceful and relaxed throughout the treatment process.
If you are a patient at our practice we would very much appreciate if you would share your experience with your friends and family - recommendations help us to grow and provide excellent quality care to those who need it.
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Quit Today
Every year 750,000 smokers try to quit on No Smoking Day but for the last six years the number of smokers in the UK has stalled at 20% - leaving 10 million smokers left. Smoking is one of the most damaging things a human can do to their body and is responsible for 30% of all cancer related deaths.
A cigarette releases a dangerous cocktail of around 4,000 chemicals including 70 cancer-causing chemicals, hundreds of poisons, and nicotine. Some of the chemicals and poisons include those used in batteries (Cadmium), industrial solvents (Benzene), fertilisers (Ammonia), dyes, paints, and alloys (Chromium), and even chemicals usually found in mortuaries (Formaldehyde).
Most people are now aware smoking is extremely bad for our health - resulting in a variety of medical problems and, in some cases, fatal diseases. However, some people remain unaware the damage smoking causes to their mouth, gums, teeth and overall dental health. Smoking can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, staining of the teeth and in severe cases, mouth cancer.
Patients who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease - which is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Smoking affects the gums because it causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, meaning any infected gums will fail to heal. Since smoking causes people to have more dental plaque, gum disease tends to progress more rapidly than in non-smokers.
Smoking also causes lung, throat, and mouth cancer. Every year thousands of people die from cancers caused by smoking. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer kills roughly 1 person each hour of the day. Carcinogens in cigarettes cause uncontrolled cell growth, leading to pre-cancer (red and white sore areas within the moth), and ultimately cancer.
Bad breath, tooth discolouration, and changes in the way you taste and smell are all side-effects of smoking.
What can be done?
It goes without saying but the best solution is to STOP SMOKING. In addiction there are some things you can do that will protect and preserve your dental health.
-See one of our dentist’s regularly and receive an oral cancer screening in addition to a routine examination and cleaning
-Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day
-Floss your teeth twice daily
-If you’re suffering from stained teeth, ask one of our dentists about teeth whitening
If you’re concerned about the damage smoking is doing to your oral health and would like more information on how to deal with the situation, please contact us for more advice.
01227 463574 | reception@smilecentres.net
A cigarette releases a dangerous cocktail of around 4,000 chemicals including 70 cancer-causing chemicals, hundreds of poisons, and nicotine. Some of the chemicals and poisons include those used in batteries (Cadmium), industrial solvents (Benzene), fertilisers (Ammonia), dyes, paints, and alloys (Chromium), and even chemicals usually found in mortuaries (Formaldehyde).
Most people are now aware smoking is extremely bad for our health - resulting in a variety of medical problems and, in some cases, fatal diseases. However, some people remain unaware the damage smoking causes to their mouth, gums, teeth and overall dental health. Smoking can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, staining of the teeth and in severe cases, mouth cancer.
Patients who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease - which is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Smoking affects the gums because it causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, meaning any infected gums will fail to heal. Since smoking causes people to have more dental plaque, gum disease tends to progress more rapidly than in non-smokers.
Smoking also causes lung, throat, and mouth cancer. Every year thousands of people die from cancers caused by smoking. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer kills roughly 1 person each hour of the day. Carcinogens in cigarettes cause uncontrolled cell growth, leading to pre-cancer (red and white sore areas within the moth), and ultimately cancer.
Bad breath, tooth discolouration, and changes in the way you taste and smell are all side-effects of smoking.
What can be done?
It goes without saying but the best solution is to STOP SMOKING. In addiction there are some things you can do that will protect and preserve your dental health.
-See one of our dentist’s regularly and receive an oral cancer screening in addition to a routine examination and cleaning
-Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day
-Floss your teeth twice daily
-If you’re suffering from stained teeth, ask one of our dentists about teeth whitening
If you’re concerned about the damage smoking is doing to your oral health and would like more information on how to deal with the situation, please contact us for more advice.
01227 463574 | reception@smilecentres.net
Monday, 4 March 2013
Mild twinges to severe discomfort for several hours can be the result of over-sensitive teeth, it can also be an early warning sign of a more serious dental issue.
A recent study has found as many as 1 in 8 adults has over-sensitive teeth, with occurrences being most common in young adults, women and people who had receding gums or used a tooth-whitening kit at home. Sensitive teeth often occurs when the enamel on the tooth wears away revealing the softer dentine underneath. Once the dentine is exposed, a tooth can become sensitive. You are more likely to experience sensitivity and discomfort when drinking or eating something cold, when cold catches your teeth, and occasionally with hot, spicy or sweet food and drinks.
Causes of sensitivity:
-Toothbrush abrasion: Brushing too hard and brushing from side to side causing enamel to wear away, particularly where the teeth meet the gums.
-Dental erosion: This refers to the loss of enamel caused by acid attacks on the teeth from acidic foods and drinks.
-Gum recession: Plaque or tartar building up on the teeth can cause the gums to recede and even destroy the bone supporting the tooth.
-Tooth grinding: This habit involving clenching and grinding the teeth can cause enamel to wear away.
-Cracked teeth or fillings: Extreme temperatures (although particularly cold) may cause discomfort and pain due to cracked or broken teeth.
-Tooth bleaching: Although some sensitivity for a short time after tooth bleaching is considered normal, if discomfort is prolonged patients are encouraged to seek advice from their dentist.
Treating sensitive teeth at home:
There are several brands of toothpaste designed to help ease the discomfort of sensitive teeth. Using these toothpastes twice a day and rubbing them onto the sensitive areas can aid the problem. It is important you do not avoid brushing your teeth due to sensitivity or pain, this will make the problem worse. It may take anything from a few days to several weeks to take effect, however, if there is no improvement after a few weeks or the pain worsens - you must seek treatment from you dentist.
How to prevent sensitive teeth:
-Determine the cause with your dentist.
-Receive regular cleanings from a dental hygienist.
-Brush twice a day for at least two minutes using small circular motions, a soft-bristled brush and with a fluoride toothpaste. Avoid brushing from side to side.
-Change your toothbrush every two to three months.
-Limit the amount of sugary foods and fizzy, acidic drinks you consume, eating/drinking them only at mealtimes.
-For those who grind their teeth, discuss the possibility of having a mouthguard made to wear at night to prevent damaged caused by grinding.
-If you are considering having your teeth whitened, avoid over the counter whitening kits and instead discuss your options with your dentist before starting any treatment.
-Visit your dentist regularly to highlight any signs of potential dental problems.
Sensitive teeth is a message telling you something in your mouth is wrong and in danger of being damaged. Take swift action and the damage is minimised - the message of sensitive teeth can be a good thing if you listen to it and take action.
A recent study has found as many as 1 in 8 adults has over-sensitive teeth, with occurrences being most common in young adults, women and people who had receding gums or used a tooth-whitening kit at home. Sensitive teeth often occurs when the enamel on the tooth wears away revealing the softer dentine underneath. Once the dentine is exposed, a tooth can become sensitive. You are more likely to experience sensitivity and discomfort when drinking or eating something cold, when cold catches your teeth, and occasionally with hot, spicy or sweet food and drinks.
Causes of sensitivity:
-Toothbrush abrasion: Brushing too hard and brushing from side to side causing enamel to wear away, particularly where the teeth meet the gums.
-Dental erosion: This refers to the loss of enamel caused by acid attacks on the teeth from acidic foods and drinks.
-Gum recession: Plaque or tartar building up on the teeth can cause the gums to recede and even destroy the bone supporting the tooth.
-Tooth grinding: This habit involving clenching and grinding the teeth can cause enamel to wear away.
-Cracked teeth or fillings: Extreme temperatures (although particularly cold) may cause discomfort and pain due to cracked or broken teeth.
-Tooth bleaching: Although some sensitivity for a short time after tooth bleaching is considered normal, if discomfort is prolonged patients are encouraged to seek advice from their dentist.
Treating sensitive teeth at home:
There are several brands of toothpaste designed to help ease the discomfort of sensitive teeth. Using these toothpastes twice a day and rubbing them onto the sensitive areas can aid the problem. It is important you do not avoid brushing your teeth due to sensitivity or pain, this will make the problem worse. It may take anything from a few days to several weeks to take effect, however, if there is no improvement after a few weeks or the pain worsens - you must seek treatment from you dentist.
How to prevent sensitive teeth:
-Determine the cause with your dentist.
-Receive regular cleanings from a dental hygienist.
-Brush twice a day for at least two minutes using small circular motions, a soft-bristled brush and with a fluoride toothpaste. Avoid brushing from side to side.
-Change your toothbrush every two to three months.
-Limit the amount of sugary foods and fizzy, acidic drinks you consume, eating/drinking them only at mealtimes.
-For those who grind their teeth, discuss the possibility of having a mouthguard made to wear at night to prevent damaged caused by grinding.
-If you are considering having your teeth whitened, avoid over the counter whitening kits and instead discuss your options with your dentist before starting any treatment.
-Visit your dentist regularly to highlight any signs of potential dental problems.
Sensitive teeth is a message telling you something in your mouth is wrong and in danger of being damaged. Take swift action and the damage is minimised - the message of sensitive teeth can be a good thing if you listen to it and take action.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Global Dental Brigades
Global Brigades is the world’s largest student-led global health and sustainable development organisation, helping to improve the quality of life in under resourced communities in Honduras, Panama, and Ghana. Their mission is to work with passionate individuals - both students and professionals - to work towards positive social change.
Our very own Dr. Ashley Watson will be travelling to Ghana to become part of the Ghana Dental Brigade, whose mission is to provide immediate, restorative, and preventative dental services in rural communities. Helping to educate the community on oral health and hygiene, empowering local leaders to perpetuate a consistent level of dental care.
Global Brigades’ operations are 100% derived from volunteer contribution and charitable donations, relying on the passion of students and professionals to raise funding to provide much needed education, care, and support.
To find out more about the cause, visit the Global Brigade website and if you’d like to make a personal donations to Dr. Ashley Watson’s efforts in Ghana, please visit the Global Brigades Empowered donation page which can be found here. Thank you.
Our very own Dr. Ashley Watson will be travelling to Ghana to become part of the Ghana Dental Brigade, whose mission is to provide immediate, restorative, and preventative dental services in rural communities. Helping to educate the community on oral health and hygiene, empowering local leaders to perpetuate a consistent level of dental care.
Global Brigades’ operations are 100% derived from volunteer contribution and charitable donations, relying on the passion of students and professionals to raise funding to provide much needed education, care, and support.
To find out more about the cause, visit the Global Brigade website and if you’d like to make a personal donations to Dr. Ashley Watson’s efforts in Ghana, please visit the Global Brigades Empowered donation page which can be found here. Thank you.
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