How Much Sugar Is Really In Your Cereal 7 February 20246 September 2022When you’re eating your cereal in the morning, you might just pick up the first box you see as you’re running out the door. However, if you knew how much sugar was in your cereal, you might take a bit more time considering how to start your day.This table shows you the guidelines we use to categorise foods into different sugar levels.High Sugar CerealsSadly, lots of family favourites fall into this category. When visiting the supermarket, try to read the nutritional values to choose the healthiest option for you and your family.Moderate Sugar CerealsThis category of cereals show the cereals that are ok to eat sometimes, but not everyday.Low Sugar CerealsThese cereals are low in sugar so they are ok to eat everyday. These are the cereals you should be encouraging your children to eat so that they get into the habit of staring off their days with a healthy meal.The main aim of this post is to try and show you the ways that you are consuming high quantities of sugar without realising it. Although some of the high sugar cereals might seem more appealing, they are much worse for your health in the long term, not only because of the impact they have on your teeth but also on the rest of your body.
What To Do About Wisdom Tooth Pain? 27 December 202330 August 2022Wisdom tooth pain affects many people and it can range from quite mild to severe symptoms. Pain can be felt at the back of the mouth where the teeth erupt but it may also make the surrounding teeth painful too.What Causes The PainYour wisdom teeth will erupt during your late teens and early twenties so there may be growing pains as they come in. This should fully subside once they have fully formed. However, if there is not enough space for the tooth to emerge, your wisdom tooth may become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in:Tooth Decay: As it is more difficult to clean, they are more vulnerable to tooth decay.Infection: If you have an impacted wisdom tooth you may develop an abscess more easily which can lead to an infection in your mouth.Gum Disease: Similarly to tooth decay, it is more difficult to clean your wisdom teeth when the become impacted to the likelihood of developing gum disease increases.An impacted wisdom tooth may partially emerge so that some of the crown is visible, or it may never break through the gums. The tooth may:Grow at an angle towards the next tooth.Grow at an angle towards the back of the mouth.Grow at a right angle to the other teeth.Grow straight up or down but stay trapped in the jawbone.SymptomsImpacted teeth don’t always develop symptoms but if it becomes infected or damages other teeth, there are some symptoms you might notice:Red or swollen gumsTender or bleeding gumsJaw painSwelling around the jawBad breathAn unpleasant taste in your mouthDifficulty opening your mouthHow To Ease The PainSaltwater rinse: Rinsing your gums with warm water and salt helps promote healthy gums and kit harmful bacteria.Painkillers: ibuprofen is an over the counter medication with anti-inflammatory properties.Visit your dentist: If you are concerned with the pain and think that your tooth might be impacted, call your dentist as it may need to be extracted.
10 Dental Hygiene Tips For A Healthy Mouth 20 December 202330 August 2022Brushing your teeth is a good start to keeping your mouth healthy, but there are other things you could be doing as well.1. Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day For Two MinutesKeeping your teeth healthy starts with regular maintenance. Brushing for two minutes twice a day will help to keep plaque at bay, reducing the risk of developing tooth decay and other diseases. If you have young children it would be a good idea to start this routine fairly early in their life. Find ways to make it fun such as playing a song or setting a timer for the two minutes.To make it easier to clean every tooth, try to spend 30 seconds cleaning each quadrant or your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left). Using the right techniques to brush your teeth will help to ensure you don’t damage the soft tissue around them. Use small, circular motions and angle the brush towards the gums. Make sure you brush all surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line.2. Floss DailyIt is recommended to floss every night before brushing to remove any food that has become lodged between your teeth. This is a step that many patients admit to skipping, but it is a very important step in preventing gum disease. Don’t ignore the tight spaces, these are especially important as your toothbrush can’t reach here.3. Replace Your Toothbrush RegularlyAs a rule, you should be replacing your toothbrush every three months so that it can work effectively. Damaged toothbrushes won’t clean your teeth correctly and can cause damage to your gums. Remember to replace your toothbrush if you have been ill to prevent the bacteria from re-entering your mouth.4. Visit Your Dentist RegularlyYour dentist will be able to notice any issues before you would and prevent them before they become serious. Regular visits allow your teeth to get a professional cleaning to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar, helping to keep your teeth and gums healthy.5. Maintain A Healthy DietAvoiding foods high in sugar such as fizzy drinks, sweets, and chocolate will help to reduce your chances of tooth decay. Instead try to incorporate foods that are high in calcium such as yoghurt, milk and cheese to help strengthen your teeth. Ask your dentist for recommendations of food that will help keep your teeth strong and healthy.6. Keep Hydrated Throughout The DayKeeping hydrated is not only beneficial for your overall health, but it also helps to maintain a healthy saliva flow. Saliva washes away food particles in your mouth, preventing them from becoming lodged in your teeth where bacteria can grow.7. Don’t SmokeSmoking causes cosmetic issues such as tooth staining, but it also causes more serious health concerns including gum disease, oral cancer and other issues. The best thing you can do is to quit smoking immediately.8. Use A MouthwashMouthwash helps to freshen breath, reduce plaque and gingivitis, whitens teeth and soothes dry mouth. It also has antimicrobial benefits and additional fluoride. However, make sure you are using your mouthwash at a different time to brushing your teeth as it contains less fluoride and will be washing away the benefits that your toothpaste has provided.9. Don’t Forget About Your TongueFood particles can build up on your tongue, along with plaque, which can lead to bad mouth odour and other health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.10. Try An Electric ToothbrushWhen choosing a new toothbrush, you may want to consider an electric one. The bristle movements help to remove plaque more efficiently than a manual one.
The Most Important Questions To Ask Your Dentist 13 December 202330 August 2022Your dental appointments are a time to take control of your dental health. Your dental team has important advice to offer so make sure you are making the most of your appointments by asking questions.How Is My Overall Dental Health?Your dentist will explain any severe dental issues that they have noticed during your appointment. However, you should try to learn about some of the other small differences that are going on in your mouth.Asking your dentist to give you a short overview of your overall dental health should help to prevent the issues worsening. You should learn:Whether or not you are brushing and flossing correctly.How your gums look.If there are any areas that you should keep an eye on, such as weak teeth and areas at risk of decay.How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?Gum disease is a serious issue that affects your gum tissue and the bone supporting your teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and have negative effects on your overall well-being.By asking your dentist how to prevent gum disease, they will be able to explain your risk level and how to change your dental hygiene routine to be more effective.What Does This Mean?If you are having any problems or concerns, it is important that you bring this up with your dentist. If you are experiencing any pain or you think you are noticing some discolouration, mention it to your dentist so that they can find the source of the problem and diagnose it early.What Type Of Toothbrush And Toothpaste Should I Be Using?It may not seem important, but the tools that you use daily can have a big impact on your dental health. With more and more options of toothbrushes becoming available, it would be a good idea to ask you dentist what they would recommend for you. The same goes for your toothpaste. If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist will be able to recommend a toothpaste to help.What Foods Are Bad For My Teeth?Certain foods can be particularly harmful to your mouth so it is important that you understand which foods to be wary of. Ask your dentist the foods that are especially damaging to your oral health. It is almost impossible to completely avoid all harmful foods, but it is good practice to reduce the frequency at which you eat them.Should I Use A Mouthwash?Although mouthwash isn’t an alternative to brushing and flossing, it can be beneficial to your oral hygiene routine. Using mouthwash helps to control the level of bacteria, fight bad breath and strengthen your teeth. However, it is important that it is used appropriately. Speak to your dentist about how you should use mouthwash, and what type they would recommend for you.What’s The Best Way To Whiten My Teeth?Over the counter tooth whitening kits can cause tooth sensitivity and damage the roots of your teeth. So if you are interested in whitening your teeth, mention it to your dentist and they can provide information on how to keep your teeth white and the best whitening treatment options.
5 Things Every Person With Dentures Needs To Know 30 November 20231 November 2023We are told from a young age how important our oral hygiene is to keep our mouth and teeth healthy. However, even if looked after to the best standard, there is a high chance that you will need dentures at some point in your life. To be able to experience the benefits of your dentures, you need to understand how to care for them.Dental Hygiene Is Still CrucialEven though your dentures are not natural teeth, they still need cleaning frequently to keep them looking good and to keep the rest of your mouth healthy. To clean your dentures you should soak and brush them using a soft bristled toothbrush and non abrasive denture cleaner. Soak them overnight. Dentures get stained easily if not cleaned properly.It Takes Time To Get Used To ThemWhen you put your dentures on, you are placing something artificial in your mouth so it is normal for this to feel strange. It could also result in the development of some mouth sores. However, your dentist will tell you how to minimise the initial discomfort and avoid sores. After a short while, your dentures will start to feel natural in your mouth.Dentures Should Be Removed When PossibleWhenever you do not need to wear your dentures, you should remove them. Extended wear can place pressure on the gum, which could lead to a receding gum condition. If in place too long, they can also cause bad breath. Taking them out will allow your gums to relax.Practice Makes PerfectThe reasons for wearing dentures are to allow you to eat and talk naturally. However, this may take a while to get used to.Dentures Require MaintenanceOnce you get used to your dentures, you will almost forget that they are there. However, because they are subject to so much wear, they need regular maintenance and there may be times that they need repairing. If they do need repairing, make sure you take them back to your dentist who will ensure that they are repaired correctly.Your dentures will give you the confidence to smile and go about your day to day life as if you had your natural teeth, as long as you care for them correctly. If you have any issues with your dentures, please call us on 01723 670500 and one of our dentists will do everything they can to help.
What Is Sedation Dentistry? 22 November 20231 November 2023Dental anxiety can create a huge barrier when trying to access routine dental care. A visit to the dentist for some people can be extremely difficult. This is where sedation dentistry could work for you.Types Of SedationThere are two types of sedation available, intravenous sedation and inhalation sedation.Intravenous sedation is administered by the dentist through your vein. IV sedation provides several benefits:It starts working quickly, and you feel minimal to no pain during the procedure.The dentist can monitor your vitals and easily adjust the the dosage.It creates a long period of amnesia so you won’t remember the procedure at all when you wake up.It allows you to cooperate for a more extended period so more than one procedure can be performed in one appointment.Inhalation sedation involves breathing in nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. The gas helps you to relax and your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive. The gas tends to wear off quickly.Who Can Have Sedation?Sedation is most appropriate for people who suffer with moderate to severe dental anxiety. It may also be appropriate for people who:Have a low pain threshold.Can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair.Have very sensitive teeth.Have a bad gag reflex.Need a large amount of dental work completed.
What To Do Following A Tooth Extraction 8 November 20231 November 2023Immediately after you have had a tooth removed, you should take it easy for the rest of the day. Do as little exercise as possible and keep your head up to avoid any bleeding.What Precautions Should I Take?Avoid hot foods and drinks until the anaesthetic wears off. This is because when you are under anaesthesia you will not be able to feel if you are burning your mouth and this could result in serious injury. Also, be careful not to chew your cheek.Should I Rinse My Mouth Out?Do not rinse the area for the first 24 hours. It is vital that the socket heals, and you must be careful not to damage the blood clot that is forming. This means that you should try to eat on the other side of your mouth and try not to let your tongue disturb it. If it is disturbed, it can allow infection into the socket which will affect the healing process.Are There Any Foods Or Drinks I Should Avoid?Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours as this can encourage bleeding which would delay the healing process. Eat and drink lukewarm food as normal but try to avoid eating on that side of your mouth.When Should I Brush?It is vital that your mouth is kept clean after an extraction to prevent infection. However, be careful around the extraction site as the clot could become dislodged.What Should I Do If It Bleeds?It is important to remember that there is likely to be some bleeding for the first day or so. However, if you do notice bleeding, do not rinse out, instead apply pressure to the socket. Bite down on folded piece of clean material, such as a handkerchief for at least 15 minutes. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after an hour or two, contact your dentist.How Long Until I Can I Have A Cigarette?It is important that you don’t do anything that can raise your blood pressure, as this can cause further bleeding. It is recommended that you avoid smoking for as long as possible after an extraction, but this should be for at least the rest of the day after your extraction.What Should I Do To Help My Mouth Heal?Different people will heal at different rates. You should keep your mouth and the extraction site as clean as possible, free of debris and food. Don’t rinse for the first 24 hours as this can delay the healing process. After this time, use a salt water mouthwash, which will help to heal the socket. Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and gently rinse around the socket twice a day.What Should I Do If I Am In Pain?There will usually be some pain in the area for the first few days, and normally some simple pain relief is enough to ease the discomfort. Do not take aspirin as this will make your mouth bleed.If you are still in pain, it could be due to an infection that has entered the socket. This is called a dry socket. If this is the case it is important to see your dentist, who may place a dressing and prescribe some antibiotics.If, after reading this post, you still have an unanswered question, please call us on 01723 670500 for advice.
Dental Implant Procedure 12 October 202312 October 2023Dental implants have a titanium screw that is drilled into your jawbone. Over several months, the bone surrounding the implant grows, holding it in place.Types Of Dental ImplantsThere are two types of implants:Endosteal (In The Bone)Endosteal are the most common types of implants. They are surgically inserted into the the jawbone where they take the place of the tooth roots. One implant can be used to anchor one or several teeth.Subperiosteal (On The Bone)This implant is used when there isn’t enough healthy jawbone to support an endosteal implant.They are inserted under the gum but aren’t drilled into the jawbone. They are placed on or above the jawbone.Surgery TimelineImplant procedures require lots of steps over a period of 3 to 9 months.EvaluationThe first step will be to get your teeth, gums and jawbone evaluated. This will help to determine if you have enough healthy jawbone to maintain the implant. If the bone is too thin or soft, a bone graft may be necessary first. Your gums must also be free of periodontal disease.Placing The ImplantAn endosteal implant:The dentist will cut the gum and expose the jawbone underneath.Holes will be drilled into the bowl where the implant will be inserted.If you would like, a temporary, removable denture can be placed over the hole until the permanent tooth can be fitted to the implant.If you have a subperiosteal implant, your jawbone won’t be drilled and the implant will be put on or above the bone.After the procedure, you will experience some swelling and pain which will subside over the following days.OsseointegrationAfter the implant is placed, it can take between 2-6 months for the bone to grow around it. This is osseointegration. Natural jawbone will strengthen and grow around the the dental implant. This keeps it firmly in place.Abutment PlacementA metal extender called an abutment is typically added to the implant and they are used to connect the replacement tooth to the implant.Sometimes the abutment will be attached when the implant is placed but sometimes it may require a second appointment. If this is the case, the dentist may need to make an incision if the gum tissue has grown over the implant. The gums will take several weeks to heal after the abutment placement.Placing The ToothOnce the healing process is complete, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth so that the replacement tooth can be made to fit. It can be fixed or removable.If you choose to have a removable tooth, it will be mounted onto a metal frame and attached to the abutment. It can be removed for daily cleaning.If you choose to have a fixed tooth, it will be cemented or screwed onto the abutment.Your new teeth must be cared for with daily brushing and flossing, just like your natural teeth. Your implant should last for decades if looked after properly.If you are interested in having an implant, please call us on 01723 670500 for more information.
Why Is Preventative Dentistry So Important? 4 October 20233 October 2023Preventative dentistry focuses on the prevention of oral diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. It relies on methods of early detection and preventative treatments. These are examples of preventative methods.Patient EducationIt is extremely important that patients are aware of the different dental diseases as well as the treatments available. This allows you to make well informed decisions not only regarding your dental treatment, but also your everyday lifestyle choices. As you become more informed, you become more responsible surrounding your oral health, leading to more healthy choices.CleaningsWhen plaque and calculus build up on your teeth, problems start to arise, such as gum disease and tooth decay. This is why, when you visit your dental hygienist, you will be given a scale and polish to remove the materials that you find difficult to clean off at home. A scaler is used to remove these hard substances. Your teeth will also be polished to remove stains and make them smooth so that it is more difficult for plaque to stick to your teeth.Oral Cancer ScreeningWhen you visit the dentist for a check up, they will conduct an oral cancer screening. Your dentist will look for the early signs of oral cancer so that there is a higher chance of a cure.Fluoride TreatmentFluoride treatment supports healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm your teeth and gums. A topical fluoride gel is applied to your teeth.Preventative dentistry helps to reduce the likelihood of oral diseases that will require intervention. By having an oral hygiene regime, you are less likely to develop these diseases.
Sensitive Teeth Causes And Treatments 20 September 20234 September 2023A sudden pain or discomfort when eating hot or cold foods or breathing in through your mouth are common symptoms of sensitive teeth. It is very treatable with our useful tips below.What Is Sensitivity?If you get a sharp, sudden pain in your teeth when you bite into something hot or cold, it’s very likely that you are suffering from sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth are an exaggerated response to a stimuli such as hot or cold.What Causes Sensitive Teeth?There are a range of things that can cause sensitivity, but there are two main reasons: enamel loss and gum recession.Enamel loss can be caused by:Brushing too aggressively too often.Acid erosion from acidic foods and drinks such as fizzy drinks or sweets.Gum recession can be caused by:Using a hard bristle toothbrush as this can injure the gum tissue.Gum disease.Your genes. No matter how well you look after your oral health, you may be genetically susceptible to gum recession.Smoking increases plaque buildup on teeth which can lead to a greater risk of gum recession.Professional and at home whitening can cause temporary sensitivity, but this should subside within a short period of time.How To Treat Sensitive TeethMaintaining a good oral hygiene routine is key to preventing sensitivity. This means brushing twice a day for 2 minutes and flossing. You can also use a specialist sensitive toothpaste such as those sold by sensodyne.If, after treating at home, you are still suffering with sensitivity, we would recommend that you visit your dentist so that they can offer you advice and treatment if you need it.