Month: November 2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for holiday cheer and keeping your smile bright! 🎄✨

Christmas may be filled with tempting treats, festive toasts, and indulgent buffets, but that doesn’t mean your oral health has to take a holiday!

We’re here to help you keep your smile merry and bright with our “12 Days of Christmas” guide – a seasonal collection of easy dental tips to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape from Christmas to the New Year.

12 Days of Christmas

Day 1: Set up a “tooth-friendly” snack zone
If you’re snacking at home or a party, consider creating a go-to spot with tooth-friendly choices like nuts, cheese, raw veggies, and fresh fruits. This makes it easy to steer clear of sugary snacks that can stick to teeth.

Day 2: Festive hydration
With sugary drinks everywhere, try to drink water between any festive beverages. Water helps rinse food particles and combats dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities.

Day 3: Wait before you brush
If you’ve enjoyed some festive bubbly or any acidic foods, hold off brushing for about an hour. Brushing too soon can spread the acids, weakening enamel and making teeth more prone to erosion.

Day 4: Choose turkey over sweet treats
Turkey is high in phosphorus and strengthens teeth. Try reaching for a helping of turkey instead of sugary snacks when possible. It’s a tasty choice that’s also great for dental health!

Day 5: Sing as you brush
Turn brushing into a festive moment! Singing a verse or two of your favourite festive song while you brush ensures you reach the recommended two minutes, making it fun and effective.

Day 6: Don’t risk it with wrapping
When wrapping or unwrapping gifts, avoid using your teeth to cut tape or rip packages. Using teeth as tools can lead to chips and cracks, which could mean a trip to the dentist.

Day 7: Pack a travel oral kit
If you’re travelling, pack a quick-to-go kit with essentials like a toothbrush, floss, and mini toothpaste. Keeping up your routine while away helps avoid plaque buildup and brightens your smile through the season.

Day 8: Swap sticky treats for dark chocolate
Opt for dark chocolate over sticky toffees and candies. Dark chocolate melts quickly and has less sugar, making it less likely to stick to teeth or cause decay than other treats.

Day 9: Mind your red wine smile
Red wine can stain teeth. To avoid discolouration, drink water between sips and consider eating cheese. Cheese contains calcium and helps neutralise acids, reducing potential staining.

Day 10: Limit buffet grazing
Eating continuously can increase acid production in your mouth. If you’re at a Christmas buffet, try to eat in set sessions rather than snacking all day. Choose foods like cheese, veggies, or lean proteins if you snack.

Day 11: Keep up the routine, even with late nights
Busy schedules and late nights can make it easy to skip brushing or flossing. But staying consistent with twice-daily brushing and flossing keeps plaque at bay, preventing issues after Christmas.

Day 12: Schedule a post-festive check-up
Start the New Year with a clean slate! Book a dental check-up to catch any early signs of tooth decay and give your smile a fresh start for the year ahead.

At Newby Dental Practice, we offer a range of incredible treatments, such as teeth whitening, dental implants and veneers, to give you the youthful, rejuvenated smile you deserve.

Book a consultation for 2025 – why spend another year with a smile you don’t love? – book here

In the UK, dental therapists and hygienists are trained professionals who bring specialised skills to the practice, with therapists focusing on a broader range of dental procedures and hygienists emphasising preventative care.

What is a Dental Therapist?
A dental therapist is a registered dental professional with advanced qualifications and training to perform a variety of dental treatments. They work directly with patients or under the prescription of a dentist, offering a broad scope of care. Unlike dental hygienists, who focus on prevention, dental therapists are trained to carry out certain procedures that overlap with dentists’ work, making them an invaluable part of a dental team.

Main Responsibilities of a Dental Therapist
– Conduct full dental examinations and identify abnormalities in oral health
– Perform fillings and other restorative treatments, especially for children’s baby teeth
– Extract baby teeth when necessary
– Place crowns on baby teeth
– Scale and polish teeth to maintain oral hygiene
– Apply materials such as fluoride and fissure sealants for cavity prevention.
– Take dental X-rays and impressions of teeth
– Educate patients on oral hygiene, including tips for a healthy lifestyle

What is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a registered dental professional specialising in preventative oral care. Dental hygienists focus on helping patients maintain oral health through plaque removal, periodontal disease prevention, and oral hygiene education. They typically work independently with patients but may also, collaborate with dentists for specific treatments. Their expertise is primarily in preventing dental issues, making them essential for long-term oral health maintenance.

Main Responsibilities of a Dental Hygienist
– Conduct dental cleanings by removing plaque and tartar buildup
– Apply preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride to help reduce cavities
– Take dental X-rays to assist in diagnosing oral health issues
– Provide education on proper oral care practices, including guidance for dental implants and orthodontic appliances
– Develop treatment plans in collaboration with dentists to manage caries, periodontal disease, and tooth wear
– Diagnose and plan treatment within their scope of competence

To round up
By having dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists on our team, we can provide a high-quality, comprehensive approach to dental care that addresses a full range of oral health needs.

Whether you’re seeking preventive treatment from a hygienist or restorative care from a therapist, our team’s combined expertise ensures that you receive the most efficient, effective, and personalised care possible.