Month: December 2022

New Year, New You: Dental Health Resolutions

Most New Year’s resolutions involve trying to improve physical well being, but why not try something new this year? By making a dental resolution you will be helping to improve your oral health, which will also have an impact on your general health.

Take Charge Of Your Oral Hygiene Routine

  • Brush for two minutes twice daily.
  • Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum line.
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Thoroughly clean between your teeth once a day using floss or an interdental brush.
  • Rinse with a mouthwash at another time other than brushing.

Healthy Diet Choices

What you eat contributes to cavities and gum disease so it is important that you are eating healthily.

  • Limit consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
  • Try to avoid snacking between meals.
  • Rinse with water after eating.
  • Try to eat fruits, vegetables and other foods full of nutrients.

Restorations And Orthodontics

A new year is the perfect time to start considering any dental work that you have been thinking about. This could be a filling, a damaged tooth or even braces. Talk to your dentist about anything you are considering and they would be happy to provide any advice that you need.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is bad for your dental health and your overall health. Smoking causes staining as well as gum disease. This is a good time to set a goal for yourself to stop smoking. Speak to a medical professional who will help you finally quit smoking!

Routine Dental Visits

It is important that you visit your dentist at least once or twice a year, depending on what has been recommended for you. By visiting regularly, you can help to prevent problems arising as your dentist will be able to see the early signs, ensuring that they are stopped in their tracks. Book an appointment with us now to check that your mouth is in the best condition to start your resolution.

Making a New Year’s resolution to take better care of your dental health is a step in the right direction. However, if you face a setback, don’t be too hard on yourself. Our team are available to call on 01723 670500 if you require any advice.

Your Teeth And Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you may notice that your gums are more sore than usual. Some women get swollen and sore gums. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to plaque, leading to bleeding. This is also called pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease.

It is important that you keep your mouth clean and healthy while you are pregnant. The best way to do so is to practice good oral hygiene. Visit your dentist so that they can give your teeth a good clean, but also they can give you advice for how to properly care for your teeth during your pregnancy.

Here are our tips:

  • Clean your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes using a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss once a day to prevent the buildup of plaque.
  • Try not to have sugary foods or drinks too often. If you are going to have them, try to keep them to meal times.
  • If you’re feeling hungry between meals, try to snack on healthier foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables or yoghurt, and avoid acidic or sugary foods.
  • Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
  • A daily salt rinse can help reduce gum inflammation. Add one teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and swirl the wash around your mouth a few times, then spitting it out.

If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with plain water after each time you are sick. Do not brush your teeth immediately after you are sick as the acidity can soften your teeth. Wait an hour before brushing.

Dental Treatments To Avoid

When you visit the dentist, make sure they know you are pregnant. Discuss with them whether any new or replacement fillings should be delayed until after your pregnancy.

If you need an x-ray, your dentist will usually wait until after your pregnancy even though most dental x-rays will not affect the tummy.

If you are concerned about your dental health and how it may be affecting your baby, please call us on 01723 670500 for advice from our team.

Taking Care Of Your Teeth During The Festive Season

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s likely that we will all be indulging in more sweet treats. However, it is important that you know the impact that this can have on your teeth.

Whether it is through the sweet treats or alcohol, when increasing your sugar intake it is important to pay extra attention to keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Here are some tips for maintaining your oral health this festive season:

  • Although the amount of sugar we consume is important, the frequency that we eat it is even more so. If you are going to eat and drink sugary things, try to limit them to meal times. This will reduce the number of acid attacks taking place on your teeth.
  • Caramels and toffees are a popular festive treat. However, they can stick to the grooves in your teeth and feed the bacteria that is living there, leading to tooth decay. It is important that you thoroughly brush and floss your teeth to remove any remaining food particles.
  • Sour sweets have become more popular over recent years. The flavouring in these sweets contains more acid which can lead to tooth decay.
  • Fruit juices and sugary drinks contain high levels of sugar so need to be consumed in moderation. Drinking through a straw can help as it will help to reduce the contact with your teeth.
  • Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of oral cancer so try to limit your intake.
  • Lots of Christmas snacks, such as mince pies, Christmas cake and pudding contain dried fruit which is high in sugar. Therefore, it is important to pay extra attention when brushing your teeth.
  • Treat yourself or a loved one to an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are more powerful at removing plaque and reducing gum disease in the long term. It is important that you change your toothbrush (whether it is a manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head) regularly.

Opening times over the Christmas period:

Do I Need To Brush My Tongue?

You may notice that when you eat a strongly coloured food, your tongue will turn that colour too. Your tongue attracts bacteria just as much as your teeth, even though it can’t develop cavities.

Why Do I Need To Brush My Tongue?

Your tongue is not a smooth surface. It contains lots of crevices, such as those created by your tastebuds, where bacteria can hide. Just simply rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash will not remove the buildup. This buildup is a biofilm, a group of microorganisms, that stick together. When using mouthwash, only the bacteria on the outer surface of the film are removed. The bacteria that remains can lead to bad breath or even tooth decay. This is why it is vital to physically remove the bacteria by brushing your tongue. If the bacteria isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be professionally removed by a dentist.

How To Clean Your Tongue

The easiest way to clean your tongue is to use a soft bristled toothbrush:

  • Place a small amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
  • Start at the back of your tongue, brushing your way forward.
  • Use gentle but firm pressure in back-and-forth motions.
  • Try not to press to hard as this could damage the skin on your tongue.

How Often Should I Clean My Tongue?

Bacteria grow fast, so you should try to brush your tongue twice daily after you brush your teeth. This will also help to improve your oral hygiene routine.

Bad Breath?

Cleaning your tongue should help to eliminate bad breath but if it remains it may be a sign that there are other problems. If this is the case, please call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment and your dentist will check to see if there are any issues.