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Are You Sweet Enough?

When it comes to keeping your family’s teeth healthy, it’s important to ensure they brush and floss well, but its just as important to be mindful of what they put in their mouth. There is a long list of foods that are bad for your teeth, but do you think about what they are drinking throughout the day? Sugary foods and drinks can actually hinder or reverse any good your dental routine is doing.

Sugary drinks such as fruit juices, soft drinks, fizzy colas and energy drinks are definitely on the dental naughty list! Although they seem to be the go-to beverage for children everywhere (including those bottles and cans being brought into the practice), they are definitely not a good choice. Sipping on sugary drinks can cause a host of dental problems, including dental decay, cavities and bad breath.

What Do Sugary Drinks Do to Teeth?

It’s widely known that regular consumption of sugary drinks is not good for you, but even the occasional indulgence can have a negative effect on oral health. Every time you have one of these drinks, the sugar latches onto your teeth. Bacteria that are normally found inside the mouth eat away at the sugars these drinks leave behind. However, as the bacteria consumes the sugar, it begins to produce acid. Eventually the acid begins to eat away some of the enamel on your teeth. This makes the teeth thinner and weaker. As the enamel weakens, the likelihood of developing cavities becomes greater. Sugary drinks are known as one of the most common dietary causes of tooth decay.

How can We Avoid This Damage?

The best way to minimise the tooth decay that is caused by consuming sugary and fizzy drinks is to avoid them. Consider other, more healthy options to quench your family’s thirst. The most obvious choice is water, of course and milk is another good choice. Natural fruit juices provide a bit of sweetness but are best drunk as part of a meal because they are still acidic, rather than on their own. However, make sure you are choosing real fruit juices with a juice content higher than 10%. You can further dilute the juice with water to reduce the sugar content further.

Quick Tips to Protect Your teeth From Sweet Drinks

1. Avoid sipping on sweet drinks throughout the day, drink all in one go.
2. Use a straw and consume with a meal.
3. Rinse with water to flush remaining sugar from the teeth.
4. Avoid brushing straight after sugary drinks, the enamel will be soft for a least an hour and can cause enamel erosion.
5. Remember that alcoholic drinks can be sugary and acid as well.
6. Use a good fluoride toothpaste, brush for two minutes twice a day and spit, don’t rinse to leave fluoride to do its job, Protecting and strengthening enamel.

As with everything we do, it's all about moderation! Enjoy sugary drinks as a treat and keep hydrated with water as the norm. Please ask your dentist, hygienist or dental nurse for any advice regarding diet and oral health. Children seen at the practice will be routinely offered an application of fluoride varnish every six months as a way of extra protection.

Good luck to all those starting school for the first time, those changing schools and those off to university soon. Hope you all have a wonderful start to the new term.

Don’t Fall for it!

Social media has been around for a while now and a lot of us (and our children) are seeing posts about dentistry on TikTok, Instagram and similar platforms. New videos emerge daily promoting so called ‘clever’ hacks and products that claim to straighten or whiten teeth. Whilst some of these can be helpful, some of them can be quite dangerous and cause harm. These promoters often have no medical or dental training and are encouraging their followers to copy DIY dentistry to save time and expensive dentistry bills.

It goes without saying that we will always encourage our patients to seek advice from their dentist, hygienist or nurse before trying anything that has been advertised on social media. We will always give impartial advice and discuss all options available and use dentally safe products available in house. Just in case you are still wondering about these products here are a few pointers:

• Fruit flavoured toothpastes aimed at children are extremely expensive and do not have the required amount of fluoride. Children over seven and adults should use a toothpaste with between 1,350 and 1,500 ppm. (Parts per million)Remember that a pea sized amount is enough and always spit, don’t rinse with water. There is no need to spend a lot on toothpaste-own brands are just as good as long as they have the right amount of fluoride.
• Tooth whitening powders are very abrasive and will wear away the protective enamel surface and expose dentine which is yellower and much more sensitive.Theses powders will eventually make teeth darker and painful. The only safe and effective way to whiten is using a system from your dentist. Any toothpaste claiming to remove stains will only provide very superficial results. Much better to discuss your concerns with your dentist to replace stained or broken fillings or book a session with the hygienist who will help with your cleaning regime and make sure you are using the correct type of flossor small brushes for cleaning between the teeth.
• Anything that clips onto the teeth to straighten your teeth won’t fit and may damage soft tissues and using anything to try and move a tooth is dangerous. Talk to your dentist about options for orthodontics and clear aligners. Going abroad for cheap dentistry may mean that if anything goes wrong on your return will mean a reluctance for your own dentist to get involved. Getting emergency treatment to resolve issues will inevitably be difficult and expensiveto resolve. Crowns, bridges and implants are excellent options and your dentist will always explain pros and cons and let you know what is right for you.

Don’t forget that we are available to discuss your concerns and we hope that all our patients enjoy the rest of the summer and we look forward to seeing you in thepractice soon.

Let’s Go Back to Basics!

We have just had the hottest June for a longer time and we have all been very grateful for air conditioning in the waiting room and the surgeries. The practice has been extremely busy as usual and we are committed to providing the very best care and advice to all our patients. With that in mind, this blog is all about the advice we pass on every day – the advice that helps you to keep your mouth healthy and treatment down to minimum. We can only do so much in the time we spend with you in the practice and the rest is up to you at home!

So here it is - the advice that will set you up to keep your teeth for a lifetime. No complicated time consuming regimes – no expensive equipment,(unless you want it), just a simple two minute routine and some common sense.

• Brush your teeth twice a day, before you go to bed and at one other time with a fluoride toothpaste. Technique is important though. A manual brush requires using a small circular motion not forgetting the gum as well as the tooth with a medium to soft brush with a smallish head to avoid scrubbing away protective enamel. An electric brush requires no scrubbing at all -simply hold the brush on the tooth and gum line for a few seconds and then move on. If you don’t have a brush with a two minute timer then buy a timer, use a phone timer or ask in the practice, we might be able to help you.
• Make sure you are using a toothpaste with the right amount of fluoride. Adults should use a toothpaste containing at least 1,350 parts per million. Children can use the family toothpaste as long as it contains between 1,350 to 1,500 (ppm) Children under 3 should use a toothpaste with at least 1,000ppm. Most importantly spit, don’t rinse, the toothpaste needs to be on the teeth to be effective. Little ones need a smear of toothpaste and everyone else needs a pea size amount. Children need help with brushing until they can tie their own shoelaces, manual dexterity is important.
• Mouthwash is not necessary unless you have been specifically advised to use it. However if you would like to include it in your routine it needs to be used at a different time from brushing, such as lunch time. Using it straight after brushing washes off the toothpaste that has just been applied.
• Clean in between. Brushing only cleans 40% of the tooth surface so it is vital to get to the the other 60% using floss or small brushes. It might well be trial and error to find what suits you best and floss isn’t for everyone. That is where the little brushes come in handy-they should fit snugly between the teeth and there are different sizes for different gaps. Floss on a handle is also a popular choice. Your dentist or hygienist will be happy to advise and demonstrate the correct technique so please do ask. Everything you need is available at reception and supermarket own brands are just as good.As with everything, practice makes perfect and learning something new may take a little longer but you will, eventually be able to do all of this with your eyes shut!

Let’s talk teeth- Weird and Wonderful Facts.

Many of our blogs cover quite serious dental health topics that we share with you. Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from the serious, so here are some weird and wonderful toothy facts about teeth and dental health.

• Nobody has a smile quite like you! Your tooth prints are as unique as your fingerprints.
• You miss cleaning 40% of the surface of your teeth if you don’t floss.
• Half of Brits are unhappy with their smile. – with discolouration and crooked teeth being their main dislikes.
• The very firsts toothbrushes were twigs- people would chew ends of twigs and spread out the fibres to clean their teeth.
• Eating cheese can protect your teeth. It forms a protective layer which neutralises the acid in your mouth.
• Your teeth are made of enamel and are the hardest substance in the body. But once tooth enamel is damaged it cannot regrow-so take care of them and keep that enamel strong.
• There are as many bacteria in your mouth as there are people on earth.
• A snail’s mouth is as small as the head of a pin, but, they have around 25000 teeth in there !!!
• In our lifetime we spend about 38.5 days brushing our teeth.
• 27% of people only visit the dentist when they have a problem. Please don’t be one of those people.
• Baby teeth start to form before you are born.
• In a lifetime your mouth will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools! – Saliva has many uses including assisting with digestion and protecting the teeth from bad bacteria.
• Many diseases are linked to oral health, including heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes.
• Only two thirds of your tooth is visible – the rest is underneath your gums.
• If your tooth gets knocked out, put it in milk or hold it in your mouth, this will help the tooth survive longer until you get to your dentist.

So there you have it- this is why we find teeth and oral health so interesting!! If you have any questions about anything you have read here then please get in touch with us. You can ask your dentist, hygienist and any of our lovely nurses about your concerns.

Let’s be kind to our mind and our mouth.

How are you doing? No, really – how are you? Our lives are busier than ever, we are facing unprecedented pressures both financially and socially to survive in a world that never seems to stop. When do we ever have time to pause and be aware of whatever we are doing at any given time? Do we ever take a moment out of our busy day to calm our minds and take some ‘me’ time?

Mindfulness is being present with whatever we are doing for just a few moments and it is possible to turn tooth brushing into a mindfulness exercise to set you up for the day or improve quality of sleep whilst maintaining good oral health and wellbeing.

Here are a few tips on mindful tooth brushing.

Focus on where you are. What can you see and what can you hear? Just let your mind wander and be present in the moment.

Focus on your toothbrush. What colour is it? How does it feel in your hand? Is it comfortable to hold? Are the bristles tired and splayed? It might be time for a new one.

How are you holding your brush?

What about toothpaste?

Is it a tube? Is it an own brand or specifically for sensitive teeth or a whitening paste? What colour is it? Be aware of the sensation of putting the paste on the brush – no need to wet the brush at all. Slow down and take notice of what you are doing.

How does your mouth feel as you start to brush?

Where is your arm and how are you standing?Is there a mirror -a good idea to focus on technique. Many of us brush our teeth on autopilot, with our mind already racing on to what’s happening next.

Start brushing.

Focus on the sensation of the bristles as they move from tooth to gum line. Focus on the sound and the taste, move the toothbrush methodically around your mouth- every surface, every tooth, inside, outside and the biting surfaces.

Be aware of cleaning the soft plaque away.

Feel the back of brush on your cheeks and be aware of where your tongue is and try to relax it. Relax your shoulders, neck and jaw. Relax the grip on your toothbrush and concentrate on the task in hand, take your time and focus on your breathing.

Be aware of your body.

How does it feel, be aware of your surroundings now, relax your body and focus on spitting out – you can rinse your brush with water but do not rinse your mouth, allow the toothpaste to do its job of protecting your teeth.

Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.

Run your tongue around your mouth and feel what a great job you did and how amazing your mouth feels now!

SMILE, RELAX and you are ready for the day or ready for a good night’s sleep.

Have a chocolate treat!

Yes!  Really! Have a sweet treat. There is no need to completely deny yourself some chocolate or cake especially at times like Christmas and Easter. In fact the best time to have something sugary is as part of a meal whilst the mouth is already under attack from the acids that are produced every time we have something to eat. It really is all about when you have sugar rather than how much.

Let’s look at the story of two builders who both like sugary tea. One builder has around eight cups of tea a day, taking half a teaspoon of sugar in each one. The other builder likes to start his day with a huge mug of tea with eight sugars in it and for the rest of the day he drinks only water. Who is most at risk fro tooth decay?  It is the builder drinking sugary tea throughout the day. Even though he only has half a teaspoon of sugar each time, the mouth will never have time to recover from one sugar hit before another comes, demineralising the enamel and leaving the mouth vulnerable to decay.

We all have bacteria in our mouths and this bacteria feed off the sugar and produce the acid that is so harmful. The more sugar we consume, the more chance the acid has to destroy the enamel that protects the softer inner part of the tooth. This is why it is better to consume sugary foods all in one go, rather than little and often throughout the day. If you tend to suck boiled sweets on long car journeys or if there are mints in your desk drawer at work you are going to end up with tooth decay.

Choose chocolate over sticky toffee type sweets. Chocolate dissolves quite quickly whereas toffees and chews stick to all the crevices in our teeth and stay there for much longer.

Being aware of the part sugar plays for yourself and your children is half the battle. Keep a food diary if necessary. It is surprising how much we pop into our mouths without thinking!

What else can we do?

• Brush teeth for two minutes in the morning and at one other time during the day. (Remember not to brush straight after eating as this is when the enamel is softest)
• Reduce the amount of sugary/sticky foods between main meals.
• Snack less.
• Keep sugary foods to mealtimes.
• See your dentist when recommended .
• Choose snacks such as cheese, bread sticks, whole fruits, sugar free juices and yogurt.

It’s all about moderation, making good choices and including the treats and enjoying them.

How to “Spring Clean” Your Dental Routine

So meteorological spring is here! No, really, it is spring despite the cold temperatures and grey skies. Daffodils and crocuses are poking through the ground in the Causeway, ever hopeful of warmer weather and budding trees. The first few glimpses of spring-like weather may send us into a spring cleaning frenzy around our homes but before you grab you dusters, take a moment to think about your dental health routine. Could it need a little sprucing up?

Here are a few quick and easy tips to spring clean your dental routine so your smile is healthy and ready for the new season.

Replace your toothbrush

It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head every three month or sooner if the bristles become splayed or if you have been ill.

• Never share your toothbrush.
• Store toothbrushes upright if possible so they can air-dry faster after use.
• Rinse your brush thoroughly with tap water after use.
• Children’s toothbrushes may need to be replaced more often and never keep them near the toilet.

Mix things up and try something new.

Do you find it difficult to remember to floss every day? You may be more likely to stick to your dental routine if you keep things fresh and new. Consider trying a different kind of floss or little brushes.

• Dental tape is wider and and glides through small spaces more easily and is less likely to snag making it easier to use.
• Floss picks have the floss on a handle that makes them easier if you tend to be all fingers and thumbs with conventional floss.
• Try Tepe or Inbetweeners, both can be easily mastered, just ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate their use.
• Keep floss of brushes near by so that you can use them while watching tv or waiting in the car for the children to come out of school.

Visit your dentist.

As you check things off your spring-cleaning to-do list, don’t forget to make sure you have your family dental visit scheduled into your diary. It’s so important to have regular check ups for everyone.

Perking up your dental heath routine is quick and easy.

Spring is often referred to as a time for new beginnings. If your dental routine has suffered, now is the perfect time to get things back on track with afresh toothbrush, new floss options and a visit to your dentist and hygienist. These quick and easy steps can help you enjoy a healthy smile whatever the season.

Cold weather, Cold teeth!

We have certainly had some very cold weather recently and being outdoors can make sensitive teeth very painful. Just breathing in cold air can be quite uncomfortable. Eating foods such as ice cream, cold drinks or fruit from the fridge can all trigger short lasting pain. Knowing a bit more about the structure of your teeth will help you understand the reasons for sensitive teeth.

The outer layer of teeth is called enamel, and is the strongest part. Underneath the enamel is a soft layer called dentine. The short, sharp twinge of pain you get with tooth sensitivity is caused when the enamel is weakened and the soft dentine inside the tooth becomes exposed, revealing the tiny pores or tubules inside. These tubules are the openings to channels that run through the dentine straight to the centre of the tooth where the nerve is. When you eat or drink something cold, or breathe in cold air, this sensation can travel through the tubules and irritate the nerve, and this is what causes the sensitivity.

What are the reasons for sensitive teeth?

• Receding gums, caused by gum disease.
• Over enthusiastic brushing or using a toothbrush that is too hard.
• Eating and drink inking too many acidic foods and drinks.
• Grinding your teeth, this wears away enamel.
• Tooth decay or broken teeth.
• Whitening can cause short lived sensitivity.

Anyone can suffer from sensitive teeth but it’s more common in people between the ages of 20 and 40, and women are more likely to experience sensitive teeth than men.

How should I deal with sensitive teeth?

One of the best ways of dealing with sensitive teeth is by using a fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth. These really do work as long as you use them consistently and leave enough of the toothpaste on the teeth to make a difference. Use like and ointment on particularly sensitive areas, smooth on with your fingers and leave overnight.

Other ways of helping sensitive teeth include:

• Brush using small circular motions or using and electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor. Brush for two minutes, twice a day and spit the toothpaste away rather than rinsing with water.
• Change your toothbrush (or electric brush head) every three months or when it starts to look splayed.
• Always wait at least an hour after eating before brushing. (Teeth are softer after eating and it is possible to brush acids into softer enamel.
• Try to avoid sugary foods and fizzy drinks.
• If you think you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a custom made night guard.
• Lastly, always visit regularly for check ups, in case there is decay or a cracked tooth present and always contact us if you are worried in between your regular appointments.

With spring just around the corner we hope that we can enjoy some sunshine and warmer time soon.

New Year - Doesn’t have to be New You

First and foremost – Happy New Year!! The new year can be an exciting time with parties, all kinds of delicious foods and drinks to enjoy and time spent with family and friends.

Equally the new year can feel overwhelming and the expectation to make resolutions that quite often centre around health and lifestyle choices can slip by the wayside before the month is out.

However, making small changes can boost confidence and help to start the new year on a positive note and to that end here are some things to think about as we set of into 2023.

Firstly, brush and floss every day. The advice is to brush at night and at least one other time during the day. That gives the flexibility you may need to fit brushing into your lifestyle. Flossing doesn’t have to be flossing – It can be little brushes or floss on a stick or sticks that look a bit like a Christmas tree! And the more you do it, the quicker you will get. Keep interdental brushes where ever you think you are most likely to use them. By the tv or in the car while waiting to pick up children. Clean in between at least twice a week to start with and build up until you do it every day.

Secondly, try and cut back on sugar. Sugar is not just present in chocolate, biscuits, sweets and alcohol, it is also in a lot of the foods we eat regularly. The more frequently we have sugar, the more likely we are to form cavities.

Keep snacking to a minimum or choose snacks like cheese, breadsticks or fruit and raw vegetables.

Thirdly, keep hydrated. Not only will this keep your body hydrated, it will stop your mouth from drying out. When you are well hydrated your saliva can do the best job at keeping your mouth clean and free from the kind of bacteria that leads tooth decay and gum disease.

The last small change that can make a big difference is to keep up with dental check ups and hygienist visits. Your dentist will advise you on how often we should be seeing you so pop a reminder on the calendar, in your diary or on your phone and that way you will always be up to date with your dental care.

It’s not always the big changes that make the most difference, its just little tweaks to the routine you already have. So more power to your elbow!!!

Don’t let christmas stress get to your mouth

How is it December already! So many of our patients comment on how fast this yearhas gone –and we agree. This time last year we left our Corner Housepractice in the hands of the refurbishment teamand finally inMarch,the transformation was complete. Everyone agrees that the result has been totally worth the disruption and dust!! We have a practice to be proud of and the state of the art equipment is being put to good use on a daily basis.So here we are, December again and with Christmas looming every one is a little distracted and extra busyand that can lead to a little les thought to our oral health habits. Unfortunately stress can affect your oral health in a negative way.

• Poor Oral Hygiene –self care becomes less important and indulging in high sugar foods at this time of year can cause more plaque build up. This in turn increases the risk of decay and gum disease.
• Jaw Clenching –Constant muscle tension in the jaw caused by stress can pain around the jaw and earwith difficulty in opening the mouth and chewing food. –If this is you then talk to your dentist about a night guard to protect the teeth and reduce the habit.
• Teeth grinding is also commonwhen we are stressed or anxiousand quite often occurs at night while we aresleeping. Teeth grinding can also cause significant wear to teethleading to sensitivityand pain in the surrounding tissues.A night guard can also help in this instance.
• Cold sores –These are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus and are usually inactive unless activated by stress. These lesions can be very painful and highly infectious. Cold sores tend to last between 5-7 days so keeping up with brushing and flossing during this time isvery important.
• Mouth ulcers -can be triggered by stress but also be cheek biting, highly acidic foods and smoking. Mouth ulcers that do not heal within two weeks need to be checked by your dentist.

When you are stressed your immune system is compromised, making it harder for your body to fight infections. High levels of the stress hormone cortisoltriggers protein production in the gums, thus increasing your risk of gum disease.Let’s all try to fight the negative effects of stress on our oral health this Christmas and enjoy the time in the best way we can.It may be a good idea to try some stress busting activities throughout the year to try and reduce stress. Yoga, meditation, exercise, journalingand counselling can be a great source of help and arenot just for the difficult times.
We wish all our patients a peaceful and stress free festive periodand as always our dentists, hygienists and nurses are here to support youin any way we can.

The good, the Bad and the Ugly! (Thumb sucking and teeth)

If you are a parent your child’s health will be at the forefront of your mind and if you have a thumbsucker in the family –here’s what you need to know.It is totally normal and safe for a child to suck their thumbdepending on their age and the intensity of their habit. Asyour child is growing, putting objects and fingersin their mouthin their mouth is a natural way to exploreand understand the world around them. Additionally, some children suck their thumb or fingers as a source of comfort.

Children often stop this habit of their own accord between theages of twoand four. They my return to this behaviour when stressed, anxiousor needing extra comfort while falling asleep.

There are a number of ways that smoking can affect your oral health and it can be quite an alarming list.

It is important from a dental point of view to monitor this habit as it can lead to issues later on in the child’s development. Oral problems for your child associated with thumb sucking can include:

• Palate issues.
• Misaligned bite.
• Speech problems.
• Overbite of overset.

Thumb sucking is typically not thought of as a problem until around five or six. At this age thumb sucking can start to contribute to oral health concerns like a misaligned bite. For this reason it may be better to wean your child offthis habit sooner rather than later, especially if you have already noticed changesinyour child’s teeth or the way your child’s teeth meet when they bite down. This is the time to speak to your dentist for advice and optionsto help your child developer healthy alternatives to thumb sucking.

How to help your child stop thumb sucking.

• Reinforce healthy behaviour with a reward chartrather than punishing unhealthy behaviour.
• Offer an alternative such as a new cuddly toy of blanket for bed time or any times of stress for your child.
• Use a thumbsie to discourage the habit -especially at night.
• If your child is old enough then explain how the habit is affecting their teeth.
• Help your child reduce or manage stressful situations.
• Reinforce success ,no matter how small the progress is.

There will always be orthodontic (teeth aligning) options if the damage is already done but thumb sucking stopped early can greatly reduce any intervention by the dental team.

Stop something- Start something!

Suddenly - it’s October, the seasons are changing and there is a chill in the air and we are looking for our woolly jumpers, scarves and coats. October is also the month that the NHS promotes its Stoptober campaign to encourage smokers to kick the habit and join thousands of people who have seen the benefits of giving up smoking and if you can give up for 28 days then there is a good chance of giving up for good.

From a dental point of view, dental professionals would always encourage patients to give up smoking to cut the risks of mouth cancer, gum disease and tooth loss.

There are a number of ways that smoking can affect your oral health and it can be quite an alarming list.

1. Stained teeth, bad breath and loss of taste and smell
2. Gum disease – you are twice as likely to have gum disease if you smoke.
3. Tooth loss -smoking supports bacteria, plaque and tartar that destroy the gum and bone that supports the teeth, leaving them loose and prone to falling out.
4. Mouth sores and ulcers that may not heal and be the precursor to oral cancers.
5. Receding gums that makes oral hygiene more difficult.
6. Oral cancer- exposure to harmful chemicals in cigarettes cause mutations in the healthy cells of the mouth and throat, increasing the risk of developing one of the more serious and challenging types of cancers to treat.

So- what can you do if you want to stop smoking or drinking alcohol, (also a higher risk factor for oral disease)

• Get ready – set a date to quit. List reasons to quit.
• Tell people you are quitting. Get support from family, friends, health professionals and on line support and apps like the NHS Stoptober campaign.
• If you tried to stop in the past, think about what worked before. Speak to your doctor about the benefits of using nicotine patches or gum.
• Prepare for setbacks. Have a plan if you are tempted to smoke Recognise that they will happen, try not to be disheartened, overcome them and keep going.

So, what happens when you stop smoking?

After 20 minutes- check your pulse, it may already be returning to normal.

After 8 hours- your oxygen levels are recovering and harmful carbon monoxide in your blood will have reduced by half.

After 48 hours- all carbon monoxide is flushed out. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your sense of taste and snell are returning.

After 72 hours- you notice that breathing feels easier, it’s because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also your energy will be increasing.

After 2-12 weeks- Blood will be pumping through your heart and muscles much better and your circulation will have improved.

After 3-9 months- any coughs and wheezing and breathing problems will be improved.

After 1 year- your risk of heart attack will have been halved.

And the best news of all -your mouth will feel cleaner, your gums will be pinker and tighter, your teeth will be firmer and your risk of oral cancer will be reduced.

While you are in the process of stopping smoking and afterwards it is still important to keep up a good dental regime so always –

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss or use little brushes in between the teeth once a day.
• See a dentist regularly so that gum disease can be treated and you can be screened for oral cancer.

Stopping anything that’s has become a habit is not easy but the benefits will mean a healthier, happy, and maybe richer you in the future. Get all the help that you can and feel free to ask you dentist or hygienist at your next appointment. It doesn’t have to be October to take the first step but now is as good a time as any!

Back to School-the lunch box challenge

There is change in the air. Autumn is just around the corner and the extreme heat of August is all but a memory now. September has announce itself with thundery downpours and some interesting light shows at night.

September also heralds the start of a new school year and all the challenges that come along with it.

Some children happily have the meal provided by their school but for a lot of families a packed lunch is the way to go. It is certainly a challenge finding a healthy and nutritiously balanced lunch that even the fussy eaters will enjoy. It’s easy to slip into the habit of putting high sugar snacks in the lunchbox and quite often there are hidden sugars lurking that can affect the teeth causing cavities.

Every time your child eats sugary foods or drinks, they increase the risk of tooth decay. That’s why children should limit the amount of times during the day they consume snacks such as raisins, sugary yogurts and cereal bars.

A balanced packed lunch could include………

• Starchy foods such as bread, rice or pasta.
• Protein foods such as meat, fish or eggs.
• A dairy item such as cheese or natural yogurt.

Always check supermarket labels. We need to become tooth kind heroes and spot the high sugar culprits.

Look for – CARBOHYDRATES (of which Sugars)…..

HIGH- 15grams and over.

LOW- 5 grams or less.

Watch out for hidden sugars!!!!

These are all names for sugar…

Glucose, Fructose, Maltose, Dextrose, Lactose, Molasses, Treacle, Invert Syrup, Hydrolysed Starch and Honey.

In order to encourage our children away from extremely sugary foods we need to be inventive and encourage them to try new foods such as –

Kiwi Fruit, Wraps, Pineapple, Hummus, Melon, Soft cheese, Bread Sticks.

Try to avoid –

Biscuits, Jams, Fruit Buns, Dried Fruit, Chocolate Spread, Fizzy Drinks, Fruit Squash and Milk Shakes.

Choose these – Milk, Water, Salads, Tuna, Cheese, Plain Popcorn, Raw Vegetables and Fresh Fruit.

Aside from diet, here are a few general tips to keep your child free from cavities.

• Brush twice a day (with adult supervision) and older children can use a mirror to see where they are brushing
• Use a pea sized amount of an age appropriate toothpaste and encourage your child to spit and not rinse.
• Try disclosing tablets to assess which teeth are clean and which teeth are being missed when brushing. KIDS LOVE DOING THIS!
• Reduce snacking in between meals.
• Have sweet treats once a week (Saturday or Sunday) and on special occasions.
• Encourage the ‘one hour before bed’ rule.(ie no snacks or drinks for at least one hour before bedtime)
• Only provide water if children need a drink during the night.
• Be consistent and encourage all family members and carers to support your oral health regime.
• Be firm – dental decay is a completely preventable disease and our aim is to keep our children pain free and avoiding dental treatment of any kind. If we all work together there is no reason why your child should ever need a filling!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral health you can contact reception, email or talk to your dentist at your child’s next check up.

A summer of sport is not always good for teeth!!

So far, this summer has proved to be a great time for sport. Firstly, Wimbledon and then woman’s Euros that brought the nation together as we cheered on the England team to victory and the Commonwealth Games have enthralled us with the prowess of the athletes in all areas of sport. Chances are that the athletes will have their diet and nutrition closely monitored and its likely that sports drinks and nutrition bars will be used for a quick energy boost along the way. However, energy drinks are also readily available across the counter at gyms, sports centres, supermarkets , petrol  stations and corner shops and its not just athletes that buy them.

New research from the Oral Health Foundation (https://www.dental health.org/) has discovered that one in four British adults say they have an energy drink at least once a day, and this figure rises to almost one in three of 25/35 year olds.

Some energy drinks contain 55 grams of sugar, the equivalent of 14 teaspoons of sugar and almost twice the recommended daily allowance. According to research, it only takes 5 days for the enamel to start eroding after energy during consumption.

Energy drinks are also dangerously acidic and can cause a devastating effect the oral health of those drinking them.

The continual use of energy drinks can very quickly lead to tooth decay and erosion as well as many general health conditions and diseases causing irreparable damage to millions or British people.

Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. When teeth are not cleaned properly after eating, plaque bacteria in the mouth use the sugar to produce acids that can destroy the hard surface of the tooth, (enamel). After a while tooth decay occurs. When teeth come into frequent contact with drinks with added sugars, the risk of decay increases.

When your tooth enamel is significantly damaged, your mouth is prone to bacteria, due to a lack of protection from the enamel that has become soft and eroded. Serious dental problems can  arise when the bacteria seeps into the teeth.

If you think you are consuming too many energy drinks and are concerned about sensitivity and painful teeth 

What can you do? – CUT DOWN!

Drink plenty of water to dilute the acid and don’t brush your teeth for at least an hour after drinking energy drinks because it can spread the acid around your teeth. Use a straw if you do drink them to avoid bathing all the teeth in the sugary solution or try chewing sugar free gum after but the best solution is to avoid energy drinks all together.

If you are at all worried about anything described above, then please talk to your dentist at your next visit for advice and treatment where necessary. 

We do hope all our patients enjoy the warm summer weather, keep cool, keep hydrated and if you visit us while it is warm, the air con will keep you comfortable while you are inside the practice. 

Let’s love the planet and our teeth!!

Do you want to keep a healthy oral care routine making conscious choices to minimise negative human impact on the planet? Let’s think about an eco friendly oral care routine and see if we can do our bit to save the planet.

How to get started.

First things first, what is eco- friendly? It means not harmful to the environment, and by protecting the environment, we are also ensuring ourselves and future generations a better quality of life and overall health. And yes, you can be eco-friendly in your oral care routine, saving water while brushing and choosing a biodegradable toothbrush and making less waste.

Where to start?

Reduce water consumption.

• Turn off water whilst brushing. Doing this can save two litres of water every time you brush.
• Install a tap flow restrictor. This would regulate the flow of water from the tap cutting usage by up to 50% and still giving good pressure.
• Use a glass or mug. Use around 250 ml of water in your mug and then use this water to wet your toothbrush and use the water to rinse your brush when you are done.
• Don’t rinse your mouth after brushing. We have been giving this advice for a number of years now. It is important to leave the toothpaste where it is to benefit from the protection that the fluoride gives. Always spit and don’t rinse.
• Brush twice a day. You don’t really need to brush anymore than that. Brushing immediately after eating acidic foods and juices can erode enamel as it has been made temporarily softer. Always wait at least one hour. Brushing more frequently can also lead to sensitivity due to wear and exposing the more sensitive dentine.
• Remember to brush last thing at night and at one other time with the water turned off.

Reduce waste in oral care products.

Why?

Because it will help the environment.

How?

Try to avoid single use plastics and less packaging and research products that you may be able to use instead of the brands you are using now.

Plastic toothbrushes are almost indestructible and end up in the oceans so look out for bamboo and recycled plastic alternatives. This isn’t a perfect solution as most bamboo grows in China so there are transport implications and carbon emissions and the bristles are not necessarily a cruelty free or vegan option. There are more sustainable electric toothbrushes available as well now.

Look out for alternatives to the type of floss and interdental brushes you are using to seeing in supermarkets that are made of nylon and plastic which is a petroleum compound. This takes 50-80 years to decompose.

The products are out there and a little more effort will be required to source the items that are right for you but it is important that any effort put in to be more environmentally sustainable must be matched by the effort you put in to keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Happy brushing – whatever products you end up using!

Older and wiser about oral care

We are all still basking in the warm glow of the Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations and there was something for everyone. A four day weekend, Paddington Bear, pomp, ceremony, music and bunting. The queen looked radiant on the balcony and still looks amazing despite the mobility problems that have been reported. Her winning smile shows that despite the years, keeping natural teeth is perfectly possible in later life.

Advancing years do put senior citizens at risk of a number of dental issues that can be addressed by your dentist and hygienist.

• Darkened teeth caused by the hard outer layer of enamel wearing to expose the darker denting, giving a more yellow appearance. Smoking and diet can add to the discolouration. A hygienist visit can help with superficial staining
• Dry mouth caused by reduced saliva flow which can be a side effect of some medications and cancer treatments or a condition called Sjogren’s Syndrome and our dentist can advise on saliva replacement options on the market
• Diminished sense of taste due to advancing years is common and may be caused by medications or wearing dentures.
• Root decay this is caused by more of the root of the tooth being exposed and starting to decay due to acids caused by sugar in the diet. Roots do not have enamel to protect them and are more prone to decay.
• Gum disease Caused by plaque and food debris left on the teeth. Some conditions such as arthritis in the hands and fingers can make brushing and flossing much more difficult. An electric toothbrush with a nice solid handle can help greatly and there are interdental brushes with handles as well. Untreated gum disease will cause tooth loss eventually and lack of chewing teeth can cause problems with digestion and chewing. Not replacing missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to drift and become uneven.
• Denture induced stomatitis Caused by ill fitting dentures and poor oral hygiene that leads to a thrush like condition that inflames the soft tissues under the denture. Treatment is sometimes required but leaving dentures out at night and using a denture cleanser once a week will help.

To maintain good oral health, it’s important for all, regardless of age to:

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Use floss or brushes in between the teeth once a day.

Visit your dentist regularly so that problems can be picked up and dealt with as early as possible. Your dentist will screen for head, neck and oral cancers at every check up as well as checking the fit of dentures, crowns and bridges.

Don’t wait until the golden years to think about good oral care, do DO IT NOW! You have every chance of keeping your teeth for life and avoiding the pitfalls of later years.

Blowing our own trumpet!

As many of you know we have undergone a complete refurbishment of the practice which was finally completed in March 2022 and of course we were very keen to show everyone what we have achieved now that the builders have all gone.

On May 12th we had a very successful open day event and invited patients along to look around and for us to show you some of the latest digital technology we have invested in at the practice to continue providing a high level of dental care and improving the patient experience.

We were able to show our guests the five refurbished surgeries that are now light and airy and decorated in the blue colour way that is reflected throughout the practice.

They were also able to see a demonstration of the digital scanner which replaces impressions in the mouth. This piece of technology is ideal for patients with a sensitive palate or a strong gag reflex. This way of recording the details of the mouth is so much more pleasant for all concerned.

We now have a bespoke X-ray room housing a 2D/3D scanner as well as the digital X-ray developer that we have been using for some time. The 2D scanner is ideal for patients who cannot tolerate the normal dental X-rays and the 3D scanner can provide an extremely accurate picture of the jaw, teeth and surrounding anatomy.

Along with information about treatments and dental plans, patients interested in facial aesthetics, Invisalign and tooth whitening were also able to discuss these treatments with our dentists which proved very popular.

What is facial aesthetics?

This is a term used to describe a range of non surgical treatments our practice offers to soften expression lines or define facial features using Botox, fillers and anti wrinkle treatments.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a system of transparent aligners (rather like a night guard or sports guard) that are used to gradually adjust the teeth. Patients are assessed for suitability and given a plan of time needed and final result expectations. The aligners do need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day and are suitable for a wide range of patients.

What is tooth whitening?

We provide a dentist supervised home whitening system that is suitable for most people. Patients are provided with bespoke trays that fit snugly rather like gum shields. The whitening gel is then placed in the trays at home and worn for around 90 minutes a day for about 10 days or until the the required shade is reached. This type of whitening is extremely safe and easy to use, however, existing fillings, crowns or bridges will not change colour. As with all our treatments, your dentist will advise you of your suitability and discuss the pros and cons of any treatment that you are thinking about trying.

The feedback from the new surroundings at Corner House has been extremely positive and we do hope you will be pleasantly surprised next time you visit us.

Sharing the science

Spring has sprung and the Easter bank holiday was glorious! We hope that you were able to enjoy some of the long weekend in the sunshine and of course eating chocolate!! Even dentists love a sweet treat and indulge from time to time as it is perfectly possible to enjoy some sugary foods without compromising your overall dental health. Let’s look at the science and see how this works.

The basis of this knowledge is something call the Stephan Curve and it’s something that all dental professionals learn about whilst training. It shows the effect of eating and drinking in your mouth and is crucial in helping you understand dental decay.

It uses the pH scale as a measure of how acidic an environment is as it is acid that starts the process of decay. 7 is the neutral point and anything under that is acidic, (and likely to have a detrimental effect on the teeth) and anything above is alkali. The further away from neutral you get the stronger the acid or alkali environment. The critical pH in your mouth is 5.5 as it is when the pH drops below this point that your teeth start to demineralise or dissolve.

This information holds the key to not getting cavities and hopefully everything the dentist has told you about brushing, fluoride and diet will start to make sense.

Bear in mind that saliva is your natural protection against acid attacks. Let’s imagine that a person ate five times during the day,

Breakfast, Morning snack, Lunch, Afternoon snack, Dinner.

Let’s also suppose that the person had three sugary drinks like tea or coffee with sugar or juice or fizzy drinks. And has some sweets in the evening before bed. This increases the time that there is acid dissolving the enamel in the mouth. If this was your routine over time, you would find yourself with quite a few cavities. Even brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste will not be enough protection.

Here are the facts

• Every time you eat something, the pH drops below the critical 5.5.
• It takes 30-40 minutes for your saliva to get you back to the safe zone.
• The longer you snack for, the longer you are at risk and the longer it takes for your mouth to. Recover.
• If you have something else sugary before your saliva has done its job then you head straight back down into acid territory- the danger zone and your teeth continue to demineralise.

Let’s see how diet advice can get you back on track

• Avoid sugary snacks between meals. Eat a healthy amount at meal times instead.
• Have sugary things with your meals particularly sugary drinks to limit acid attacks throughout the day.
• Limit chocolate and sweets, not every day but maybe as a treat at the weekend.
• Try sweeteners in tea and coffee.
• Avoid sipping sugary drinks over the course of the day and drink water instead.
• Nothing sugary before bed and nothing sugary during the night as your saliva flow drops (that’s why your mouth feels so dry when you wake up)

Now think about your average day

• What do you eat and drink?
• When do you eat and drink?
• How much time does your mouth spend in the danger zone?
• How much time does your mouth spend in the safe zone?

Lastly let’s look at what affects the Stephan Curve

• How long you are eating and drinking for in one go.
• What you eat and drink.
• The consistency of food – sticky foods stay around the mouth and on the teeth for much longer.
• What you eat or drink after the sugar – try a glass of water, some cheese or sugar free gum to neutralise the acid.
• The amount of plaque (bacteria) in your mouth. If your mouth is clean there are less bacteria to feed on the sugars you consume. This means less acid and your saliva can remineralise your teeth that much quicker.
• Fluoride stops demineralisation, promotes remineralisation and reduces the amount of acid the plaque produces.

So, there it is!! Your guide to a healthier mouth and less decay. Change is not easy but being aware or the facts will put you on the right road.

Corner House Out and About

Spring is in the air and while the finishing touches are being done inside the practice, two of the team have been out visiting schools and nurseries spreading the the word about good oral health.

Emma, our foundation dentist and Mandy, our oral health educator have put together exciting and informative sessions aimed at early years and junior school children. It’s an exciting prospect to be able to get into classrooms again, engage with the children and their teachers on all things dental.

It’s so important to get families taking responsibility for oral care and supporting them with useful hints, tips and helpful information on brushing and diet. Children just love to get involved with these sessions and enjoyed the activities and question and answer sessions.

Emma introduced them to some basic tips on good brushing and all the children had a go at brushing green plaque off laminated activity sheets. The older children played a game of ‘guess how long two minutes is’ using a tooth brushing timer and no with peeping the children put their hand up when they thought two minutes was up. It’s a lot longer than they thought!! Then the children were encouraged to choose tooth kind and un-healthy snack options for lunch boxes using play food. All the children had a good idea of what they should be having but still wanted the cakes and sweets!

The team were also able to show the children how much sugar was in their favourite drinks and this was a great visual explanation of how much sugar can be consumed in some drinks that are marketed as a healthy choice.

It’s important that the children see the dental team as people who help them rather than viewing dental visits as stressful and scary. Parents can help a lot with this by making dental visits a positive experience and caring for teeth as important as other areas of personal care.

As a practice we hope that meeting children means we can spread the word and encourage them to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day. To spit, don’t rinse and to only have sugary drinks at mealtimes. We also want to encourage regular dental check ups so that any problems can be picked up early with minimal intervention.

It’s worth remembering that dental decay is a completely preventable disease and the aim is to keep our children pain free and avoiding treatment of any kind.

Is it make-over time?

If you have visited the practice since January 4^th you will have noticed that we are mid renovation. We now have a smart new reception and waiting area We have two brand new treatment rooms and a completely renovated ground floor surgery. In the next few weeks we will have a dedicated X-ray room that will mean all types of X-rays will be done in house. We are also able to use a state of the art scanner that is much more accurate than the traditional and rather messy impressions for crowns, some dentures night guards and Invisalign.  Within the next month or so all the painting and decorating will be completed and we will be like a brand new building with the same family( feel and offering all the treatments you would expect from us.

Just like our new look, there are cosmetic options in dentistry now and patients are looking for ways of improving the appearance of their teeth. Treatments can include straightening, whitening, crowns, bridges, composite bonding (using tooth coloured filling material) and implants.

Straightening crooked teeth.

Crooked or twisted teeth can be straightened at any age and clear aligners are a very popular choice both for ease of use and the time it takes to get good results. The aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day to get good results and the aligners are barely noticeable.

Teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening can be a highly effective way of lightening the natural colour of teeth without doing any damage to the enamel. Your dentist will take a scan of your teeth and provide you with custom made trays (like a mouth guard) and the whitening gel for you to use at home. An hour a day should be sufficient to lift the shade and leave a pleasing result. There are no side effects to this treatment apart from short lasting sensitivity that stops once the whitening is complete. Sensitive toothpastes used during whitening can help significantly. Never use your buy whitening products on line or in pop up clinics  this is illegal. It is also illegal to offer whitening to under eighteens.

Crowns and Bridges

When a tooth is badly broken or has had a root canal treatment then a crown is an ideal option to restore appearance and strengthen it. The tooth will need to be shaped to make room for the crown to fit like a little hat and a temporary crown will be placed until the new crown is ready to be fitted.  Crowns can be made of several different types of materials and the options will be explained to you at the time of treatment. A bridge is a clever way of filling a space left by a missing tooth by using a healthy tooth to span the gap. This option is not suitable in all situations so advice from your dentist is essential.

Tooth coloured fillings and bonding.

For many years now standard fillings have been made of a silvery grey material called amalgam and is a strong and long lasting option but many people find the appearance unattractive. White fillings a becoming a very popular option that can match the colour of the natural tooth. These new materials can also be used to mask stains and enhance the look of the teeth. Once placed they cannot be detected from the natural tooth surface 

Implants.

Implants are an alternative to dentures and bridges and are the next best thing to the natural tooth. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jaw bone and once it has anchored a crown or denture can be placed.

All the options described are offered at the practice and your dentist will be more than happy to advise on the right treatment for you. We do hope that you will be impressed with our new look when you visit us as we are excited to show you what has been going on. As always you can contact us on the usual number for appointments and advice.

Let’s get serious about oral hygiene

Happy New Year to all our patients. We really hope that however long or short your Christmas break , there was some relaxation and enjoyment to be had. This time of year isn’t easy for everyone but we are on the other side now and looking forward to a new year and new challenges along the way.

To start the year, let’s look at the basic tools and tips for good oral care to set you on the right path and make looking after your teeth as easy as possible.

As you browse the dental care aisle at the supermarket, the wide variety of products can make your head spin. Just look at dental floss, do you want, waxed, untaxed, flavoured, eco friendly or tape? How are you supposed to know? And then there is mouthwash and toothpastes that make all sorts of claims.

To choose the right kind of dental products is difficult and you can ask your dentist or hygienist for advice and also choose a brand that is well known such as Colgate or Oral b with good customer service and reliable online websites. However supermarket own brand toothpastes can be a great alternative to the big brands as long as they contain fluoride.

Toothbrushes

Dental professionals will always recommend an electric toothbrush where possible. They give the most consistent brushing experience as long as they are charged regularly and the heads are changed at least every three months. If you prefer a manual brush then choose a medium head (unless advised otherwise) and throw away as soon as the bristles look splayed. Children need an age appropriate brush. Little mouths need smaller toothbrush heads.

Toothpaste

Always choose a toothpaste with fluoride and age appropriate amounts for children up to the age of ten or eleven. If you suffer from sensitive teeth then there are excellent options that really help as long as the one you choose is used consistently. When you you find the one that works for you – stick to it. Don’t be tempted by the so called ‘whitening’ toothpastes. These can be very abrasive and wear away healthy enamel. Ask your dentist about home tooth whitening at your next visit.

Floss and interdental brushes

Cleaning in between your teeth is essential for a healthy mouth but floss doesn’t work for everyone. If manual dexterity is an issue or if the gaps between your teeth are quite wide, a bespoke sized interdental brush is a much better option. Choose a size that fits snuggly between to remove the sticky plaque.

Mouthwash

ifferent mouthwashes tackle different dental problems, some help reduce plaque and help with gum disease, some contain fluoride and help to strengthen enamel and children with fixed appliances can benefit from a good fluoride rinse to protect the teeth from damage. Always use a mouthwash at a different time from brushing so that the toothpaste remains on the teeth for as long as possible.

Tongue scraper

Can be useful and will do no harm if used correctly.

Denture cleansers and fixers

It is important to keep dentures just as clean as natural teeth. Always take dentures out at night to rest the soft tissues and keep in water to avoid drying out. A denture cleaning tablet once a week will kill any harmful bacteria but a little soap, water and a denture brush can keep them fresh on a daily basis. Fixatives can be very helpful in some instances and less is more with these products.

As always we are happy to answer any questions you may have so that you are completely informed about the health and care of your own mouth.

We look forward to welcoming patients back to Corner House now that the refurbishment is almost complete. We can’t wait for you to see what has been done to our lovely practice.

‘Tis The Season’ (to look after your teeth)

Yes! Christmas is just around the corner and it seems that it has come even earlier this year. The shops have been looking festive for a few weeks now and already families are bringing out the twinkly lights and decorating their trees. Christmas also means that we will be indulging in a few more sweet treats than usual. During the party season alcohol and sweet foods will be consumed in higher quantities so it is really important to take extra care of our teeth.

• It’s not so much about how much sugar we have, its more about how long it sits in the mouth. It is better to have sugary treats as part of meal when more saliva is produced to neutralise the acids that attack the teeth.
• Sticky foods like caramel and toffee that stick to the teeth are much more harmful than chocolate that dissolves away more quickly.
• Eating very hard sweets or chocolate that has been in the fridge can lead to chipped teeth. Once a tooth is chipped the plaque has a place to cling on to and hasten the process of decay.
• Sour sweets have become much more popular with children recently and are extremely acid and are just as bad as sugar for causing sensitivity and decay.
• Limit the amount of fruit juices and sugary drinks consumed. If you are constantly bathing the teeth in sweet liquids, damage can occur.

Drinking through a straw can minimise contact with the teeth.

During the festive season try to keep up your oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Spit, don’t rinse and use something to clean in between the teeth at least once a day.

Over the Christmas holidays it is easy to forget all the good work we have done to keep our mouths healthy and a few days of late nights and lots of food and drinks will not make a huge difference but its important to get back to all those good habits as soon as possible.

The Corner House Team wish all our patients a happy and peaceful festive season and look forward to sharing with you the exciting changes being made to our building in Horsham. In the meantime we can be contacted by telephone on the usual number.

Sugar!!!!

News this month from The British Dental Association on the nation’s sugar intake. Tooth decay is now the number one reason for hospital admissions among young children. 170 children and teenagers are undergoing tooth extractions under general anaesthesia in hospital in England every day. These are truly shocking statistics. There has been n 18% increase in the number of extractions taking place in hospitals since 2012 at a cost to the NHS of £205 million.

The BDA are continuing to urge the government to take action, such as lowering the recommended daily sugar allowance and supervised tooth brushing in nurseries to action on marketing, labelling and sales taxes.

As dental professionals, one of the most important messages we can give to our patients is to remember that it is not just the amount of sugar that you eat and drink that causes tooth decay, but also how often you have those sugar foods and drinks.

With that in mind here are some top tips to help us all be more mindful of our sugar intake.

• Quitting fizzy drinks: Fizzy drinks are the largest single source of sugar consumption for children aged 11-18- cutting them out for one month is an easy way to reduce sugar intake and a chance to look for healthier alternatives.
• Sugar free fizz is still bad for teeth. The fizz in sugar free drinks is still acidic, and can cause tooth erosion so it is much better to switch to tooth friendly drinks such as milk or water or a small serving of fruit juice with a main meal.
• Reduce sugary snacks. The risk of developing tooth decay increases as the amount and frequency of sugar consumption rises.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. All children up to three years old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million) both morning and night. From three to six years old, their toothpaste should contain more than 1000ppm and for children of six and over, the recommended amount is 1350-1500ppm.
• Visit your dentist on a regular basis. Make sure you know how often you should be seeing your dentist and always keep your appointments. If oral health problems are spotted early they can often be dealt with very easily with minimal interventions. Your dentist can answer any questions about how to look after your child’s teeth.
• Watch out for hidden sugars. Pure fruit juices can be a healthy choice but the natural sugars these contain can still damage teeth and many so called ‘healthy’ yoghurts and cereal bars have a lot of hidden sugars.

It’s a good idea to look on line for lots of resources to help your family reduce sugars on a daily basis and hopefully reduce any treatments when you visit the dentist.

Look out for –

• My Dental Care app. An educational phone app
• Brush dj app. Toothbrush timer app
• NHS choices – the facts about sugar
• Change4life. An online resource and a phone app to help make better dietary and lifestyle choices.

As autumn is drawing in and we are all hunkering down for the winter, keep and eye out on all our social media platforms for exciting news about the practice that may affect you in December.

How healthy is your mouth?

How is it September already? Summer has almost disappeared now that the children are back at school. Here at the practice the workmen have been back! We now have a new surgery almost ready to use at the very top of the building and soon work will start on the reception area and we are looking forward to seeing the new look waiting area. Exciting times for Corner House ahead.

As always, our main priority is the care of our patients on a daily basis and making sure we are providing the right treatment and advice. Of course, we can only do so much. The majority of dental care has to be done by the patient at home. The day to day brushing, flossing and a healthy diet is what really makes a difference.

Maintaining good oral health is a full time job but perfectly manageable with the right equipment and advice. The mouth contains over 700 different species of bacteria and the mouth is the gateway to the body. There are links between gum disease and several chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease and type2 diabetes. There is also evidence that oral ill health is linked to the inflammatory status of the gut and increasing evidence that poor oral health is linked to an increased risk of covid complications.

So how do you know if your mouth’s microbiome is unbalanced? Symptoms can include bleeding gums, a build up of plaque, a furry tongue, bad breath, temperature sensitivity and a dry mouth.

However a healthy balanced diet is just as important as good dental care. Too much sugar increases bad bacteria in the mouth and inhibits the growth of good bacteria. Beware though! The hidden sugars in juices and smoothies can be just as damaging. Swapping sweet snacks for savoury ones is to be encouraged, especially for children. Try oat cakes, peanut butter, hummus and vegetable sticks. Vitamin D is as good for our mouths as it is for the rest of our body so keep taking it regularly unless you have been advised not to.

Lastly, please coming for your dental check ups when you have been advised to. That way we can keep treatment to a minimum and help you understand how to keep your mouth healthy. Please feel free to ask questions of your dentist and hygienist. We are all here to help you. We hope you can enjoy the last of the late summer sunshine and hope to see you in the practice soon.

Doing the right the thing can be hard!!

Who is guilty of forgetting to floss or skimping on brushing times – until the morning of your dental check up? And then – wow – Those teeth get the best brush of their life!! You are in the bathroom for twice as long and finally find the floss at the back of the cupboard and give it your best shot!! Feeling smug you bounce into your appointment and then your dentist says “how often do you floss?” Ooops!! We can tell if you are a regular flosser and if you brush for two minutes twice a day. Regular brushers have firm pink gums and not inflamed red gums that bleed easily. In that moment you promise from now on to do the right thing and make oral health your priority and then unfortunately life gets in the way!!

We don’t always do the right thing even when we know exactly what we should be doing. Building a new habit isn’t easy, and to make a permanent lifestyle change takes a lot of commitment. It takes 21 days to make a habit and 90 days to make that habit something that you do automatically without thinking about it but it can be done.

Apart from brushing and cleaning in between the teeth, diet plays a huge role. Frequent sugar in the diet will cause decay and means more time in the dental chair having treatment. Dietary changes aren’t easy to make either. It takes will power and commitment to stop snacking and to look for healthier options.

Dental professionals understand that life isn’t always easy and that we look for quick fixes to get us through. Whether its an extra chocolate bar or a few more glasses of wine at the end of the day, falling into bed, too exhausted to brush properly or giving up on floss because its too fiddly.

However we will still encourage you to try as many times as it takes to make a few changes that might make the difference between keeping your teeth for a lifetime or losing them early. We love a success story and nothing gives us greater pleasure than seeing patients walking away from their check up without needing treatment!

Here are a few pointers to get you started .

• Baby teeth matter so set a good example to your children.
• Always brush twice a day with an electric brush if possible.
• Mouthwash isn’t essential but use it at a different time from brushing if you want to include it in your regime.
• Cleaning between your teeth is very important, so do try.
• Dentures need to be brushed too! Care for older people’s teeth is just as important as it is for toddlers and children.

Your dentist, hygienist or oral health educator can answer any questions you may have on the issues raised in this blog and we look forward to seeing you in the practice soon.

Thumbs Up For A Healthy Life Style!

Welcome to our latest blog after what seems like a very wet few weeks. Heavy skies and torrential rain have been with us for the longest time but the sun has made a welcome return this week. Everyone feels happier when the sun shines and we can get out and about in lovely parks and gardens or maybe a staycation? Fresh air and exercise is good for our mental and physical health and a healthy mouth is an important part of our overall health and well being.

Your dentist will always ask you about your oral hygiene routine at home when you come for a check up and whether you floss or use interdental brushes is important. Flossing doesn’t just keep your dentist happy -it may also protect you from a host of other health problems including heart disease, endocarditis, pregnancy and birth complications, pancreatic cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

Good oral heath habits like brushing for two minutes twice a day and using floss or interdental brushes once a day will prevent gum disease and the inevitable tooth loss when the bone holding teeth in is eroded away and can no longer support the tooth.

A healthy mouth means a healthier brain and the impact of lost teeth can impair chewing which limits options for healthy food and may mean the loss of nutrients vital for brain heath. Let’s get cleaning and discourage harmful bacteria inflaming gums, destroying bone and risking our long term heath.

While we are thinking about long term goals for our oral health, lets talk thumb sucking!! Lots of us may have done it and some adults still do but it does have a negative impact on a growing child’s teeth. Thumb sucking is a natural instinct and many children start in the womb. Problems only start to arise when the habit lasts beyond the age of two or three. If the thumb sucking lasts beyond seven or eight then the position of the adult teeth can be permanently affected. Problems such as a cross- bite, mis-sharpen palate and front teeth that protrude forward with a perfect thumb or finger shaped gap can cause problems with eating, speech impairment or psychological image issues for the child.

The earlier you can discourage thumb sucking, the more chance there is of irregularities correcting themselves and by instilling good oral health in children you can set them up with a healthy smile for life . Distraction techniques may work and if your child is a night time thumb sucker then gently removing it once they are asleep can help. Gadgets such as a ‘thumbsie’ maybe an option. Thumbsie comes in fun designs and fits over the thumb along with reward charts and fun incentives to stop may do the trick!

It’s never too early or too late to make small changes that can make a huge difference to our overall health so let’s do it!!

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone continuing to wear a mask and socially distance to protect us all. We are a health care setting and we have worked extremely hard to provide care for our patients within the restrictions and guidelines set out for us. and as such we will continue to wear the correct ppe until we are advised otherwise. We wish all our patients a happy and healthy summer time!

Oral health is more than just brushing!!

Summer is here at last and it’s hot!hot!hot! If you would like to see how we are coping with enhanced ppe in the warmer weather then please check out our Facebook and Instagram pages to keep up with news and special offers from the practice at the moment. If you have been thinking about Invisalign or teeth whitening, now is a good time to find out more!

Everyone feels better in the sunshine and at this time of year our thoughts may turn to feeling fit and healthy, braving summer fashions and choosing lots of healthy fruit and vegetables but if you want to really improve overall health then start with your mouth – yes really!!

Your mouth is the gateway to your entire body, if your mouth does not feel healthy it can mean something is not right in your body. It’s great if you brush twice a day and clean in between the teeth but its not enough by itself. Opt for a good diet and healthy lifestyle to improve your wellbeing

There are good and bad bacteria in the mouth that make up something called the oral micro biome. This delicate ecosystem needs the right balance of bacteria to keep your mouth healthy and the oral microbiome is your mouth’s first line of defence and has been linked to to a healthy immune system.

Bad bacteria are present all the time, even in a healthy mouth but are kept in check by the good bacteria. If the balance is shifted, dental problems occur such as decay or gum disease.

Simple changes can strengthen your mouth’s defences. An apple a day may keep the dentist away!! Organic fruit and veg have a high diversity of bacteria and along with whole grains and nuts can be very beneficial.

 Sugar, processed foods, alcohol and smoking can all upset the delicate balance in your mouth. Be kind to your mouth and your mouth will be kind to you!. If you are worried about choosing the right toothpaste or mouthwash then please ask your dentist or hygienist. An electric toothbrush is the best choice for overall effectiveness and we can advise you on that as well.

Everyone at Corner House hopes you all enjoy this lovely weather and are keeping well. Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice on anything you have read here.

Trouble for the tooth fairy!!

Wild and windy May bank holiday weather is blowing all the blossom off the trees in the Causeway and some of the covid restrictions have been lifted with more changes to be announced soon. At the practice we are very busy now, catching up with checkups that were put on hold last year.  Family checkups are an important part of the working day for practices up and down the country and children’s oral health is at the top of our to do list as we get back to doing the routine dental care.

Leading dentists are urging schools to do more to reduce tooth decay in children and say that there should be supervised tooth brushing sessions for pupils. It comes amid concerns over tooth decay and childhood obesity and a call for bans on sugary foods and drinks on school premises.

Dentists want schools to take more of an active role in stopping tooth decay in their pupils as pleas to parents to encourage their children to care for their teeth have not been enough. Before the pandemic, tooth decay was the top reason for children aged between five and nine to be admitted to hospital in England. There are now fears that the problem could get worse since many children have missed at least one check up despite recommendations to see children once a year. Pain caused by decay can affect pupil’s concentration in lessons and require them to take time off for dental appointments. At worst, children with untreated decay may need to have teeth taken out under a general anaesthetic.

A Public Health England report published last month on the oral health of five year olds in England in 2019 found that almost a quarter of them had signs of tooth decay and as many as 45,000 operations took place in 2018/19 to remove rotten teeth.

British Dental Association chairman, Eddie Crouch said “ food and drink loaded with sugar have absolutely no place in our children’s schools. These products have little or no nutritional value.

We can all play our part in looking after our children’s teeth but it is what happens at home that is the most important thing.  We will always provide advice on caring for children’s teeth and pre pandemic we had an oral health educator working within the practice to offer advice, guidance and practical tips on helping children keep their teeth decay free.

Children should use an age appropriate fluoride toothpaste and brush with a pea size amount or a smear for little ones, brush twice a day and spitting and not rinsing with water and always making toothpaste the last thing on the teeth before bedtime. Adult supervision is vital for under eights or any child that has not mastered shoe laces yet.

Be aware of how many sugary snacks your child is having during the day and try to choose tooth friendly options such as cheese, bread sticks or plain crisps.  Look out for the change 4 life website and app for lots of health sugar swap ideas and recipes at www.nhs.uk>change4life.

As always we hope all our patients are well and able to take advantage of the new freedoms as they unfold. We urge you to keep your scheduled appointments and look forward to seeing you soon.

Let’s Talk Chocolate!

We have had the hottest day of the year so far and we are back to winter coat weather within the same week! Easter is early this year and the long weekend is much appreciated at the practice. Time to rest, recharge the batteries and probably eat chocolate! Yes folks dentists eat chocolate too!!

Easter can be a challenging time for teeth and tempting treats seem to be hiding around every corner. Sugar is the main cause of tooth decay and, of course, chocolate is laden with it. Here are a few tips to help us all enjoy some treats and protect our teeth at the same time.

• Choose your chocolate carefully. White chocolate is not chocolate at all but a mixture of cocoa butter, lots of sugar and milk solids. The most tooth friendly option is dark chocolate because it contains less sugar and a higher percentage of cocoa.
• Eat your chocolate all in one go! . The point of this is to lessen the sugar attacks on the teeth by eating it in one go, ideally after a main meal as a dessert. Grazing on sugary snacks throughout the day is trouble for teeth. Every time we have something sweet it feeds the bacteria on the teeth causing an acid attack that softens the enamel. Your mouth needs time to recover from these acid attacks otherwise teeth are more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
• Once you have enjoyed the chocolate don’t brush the teeth for at least thirty minutes, this means the enamel has time to harden again. Drinking water or chewing sugar free gum helps to neutralise the acid.

For the very disciplined there maybe Easter eggs in your cupboards for a long time but a few sensible measures mean your teeth will thank you for it in the long run. This advice works for any time we snack on sweet treats and chocolate is not just for Easter!!

Every one at the practice is hoping that our patients are keeping well and safe and we know that lots of you are happy to have had one or both vaccinations which gives us all hope that better times are round the corner now. Enjoy your treats and we we look forward to seeing you in the practice very soon.

Why Go Electric?

Spring is springing out all over and the daffodils and crocuses can be clearly seen from the windows at the practice.  We are very lucky to be situated in such a picturesque part of the town. We are still as busy as ever and seeing lots of patients a day! The locked door and temperature checks are still in place and mask wearing is encouraged whilst patients are inside. 

As part of the normal check up patients will be asked what type of toothbrush is used at home, along with which toothpaste and interdental brushes. This information gives us an idea of the overall oral health and how we can help things improve if needed.

A trained eye can quite often see if a an electric brush is being used as it is regarded as gold standard as far as oral health care is concerned.An electric toothbrush cleans teeth and gums much better than a manual toothbrush and there have been plenty of studies over the years that confirm this as fact.

The latest groundbreaking 11 year long research from The Oral Health Foundation ‘National Smile Month’ Nationwide survey 2019* found that people using an electric toothbrush have healthier gums, less tooth decay and keep their teeth for longer compared to those using a manual toothbrush.

It’s the electric toothbrushes with a round oscillating head that rotate in both directions that are really effective at removing the  plaque that is a contributing factor in gum disease and tooth decay.

Unfortunately it seems that less than one in two British adults currently use an electric brush. Of course the cost of switching from manual to an electric brush can be off-putting but there are bargains to be had and affordable rechargeable brushes are easily available in supermarkets and high street stores.  As a practice we will always encourage our patients to think about making the change and dental professionals have been using electric toothbrushes for the twenty years or more since they first came onto the market.

Once patients make the change and get used to the feeling of the rotating head they rarely go back to the manual option. The electric toothbrush does all the work for you!! As long as it is held at a 45 degree angle against the tooth and the gum its job done!! There is no need to scrub or make a sawing action, just work methodically around the mouth cleaning one tooth at a time. For those who have a tendency to over brush, causing wear and sensitivity the brush has sensors that tell you if you are pressing too hard and a timer so that you know that you are achieving two minutes twice a day. Make sure the brush is charged regularly or left on the charger if possible and change the brush heads every three months or when they start to look frayed.

Electric toothbrushes are ideal for children or anyone with dexterity problems as the large handle is easy to grip. There are interspace heads for those undergoing orthodontics and some brushes can be connected to phone apps for those who like high tech options. Given the advantages of electric toothbrushes, having one is an excellent investment and could really benefit the health of your mouth. All that said, its important that whether you use an electric toothbrush or not , you should be following a good oral health routine. That means brushing twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and using floss or brushes in between the teeth. The aim for all our patients is a healthy mouth and there is plenty of advice available from your dentist or hygienist at your next visit.

*ORAL HEALTH FOUNDATION National Smile Month Nationwide survey 2019 Atomik Research May 2019 Sample 2,003.

February Blues?

February is here and its still very wet, wet, wet!! Some of us saw a little bit of snow at the end of January which cheered the children up for a while but its still very much winter in full swing! 

The weather hasn’t stopped us from keeping very busy at the practice.. We still have a locked door policy and we thank you for being so patient while reception staff expertly keep everything moving smoothly whilst we still monitor temperatures at the door and manage the number of patients inside the practice at any one time. We are also grateful to those of you who are able to observe the wearing of face masks inside the building.

This month - Let’s talk plaque!!

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth every day. It’s that fuzzy coating that you feel when you first wake up. Plaque forms as you sleep and during the day when you eat and drink. Scientists call plaque ‘biofilm’ because it is actually a collection of living microbes surrounded by a sticky layer. The sticky coating attaches to the surfaces in the mouth and grows into micro colonies. 

Most of the time, plaque is colourless or a creamy colour. A dentist can spot plaque on your teeth and you may see it if you scrape your finger nail along the base of your lower front teeth.

You can easily remove plaque while it is soft by brushing well and using something to clean in between the teeth. An electric tooth brush is the best way to do this efficiently but a manual brush can be as effective with good technique. Use a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste (for adults) and a smear for children.

Disclosing tablets are a great way to see the plaque on the teeth! Have a lockdown disclosing party and see who is the best and worst for plaque in your household!! After brushing, just chew up on of the purple tablets, rinse away and see how much plaque has been stained red/blue. The darker the colour the older the plaque.

Plaque that has been left to harden is called tartar or calculus. At this stage it can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist. Because tartan can build up in hard to reach places it is important to visit your dentist twice a year to keep it under control. There is bacteria in plaque and it will be harmful to the teeth and gums if left for long periods. The most important thing you can do is brush you’re teeth twice a day for two minutes, every day.

Please ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the correct brushing technique to use or check out on line tutorials and dedicated websites such as Colgate. Make sure you brush gums as well as the teeth, try not to scrub but use a gentle circular motion. An electric brush will do the work for you as long as you hold it at a 45 degree angle and brush teeth and gums.

So lets make February not quite as blue and get plaque gone!!!

We hope all our patients are staying well and safe and as always we can be contacted by telephone during normal hours or email info@thecornerhousedentalpractice.com

Here we Go Again!!

As I write, we are day one of the latest severe lockdown. We have sacrificed a lot since March and even the most positive ‘glass half full’ people must be feeling a little jaded by now! At this time of year social media is usually full of the usual new year resolutions, diets, exercise routines, giving up alcohol or cigarettes, new year new you!! This blog would be encouraging the reader to brush more, try flossing or get a new toothbrush in the January Sales and of course all of this is to be applauded and encouraged and we will be saying all of that if you read on!!. However we are busy keeping our heads above water, keeping our loved ones and our lives afloat, doing the right thing and obeying the rules.

At the practice we are very thankful that we have all the necessary protocols in place to keep the staff and patients safe. Our air exchange units and extensive PPE mean we can welcome our patients into the practice in as near to normal way as is possible and following all government guidelines. The latest stage of surgery refurbishment is under way and we will soon have another sparkly new room that is bright, light and ready for action in 2021.

We want our patients to enjoy the benefits of what we have to offer and part of that is wanting everyone to stay as fit, well and motivated toward good oral health this year as possible. The science tells us that looking after our bodies and our minds as much as we can will be of great benefit should we succumb to the virus. A healthy diet, a bit of exercise, keeping in touch with friends, neighbours and family can all boost our morale just now and a healthy mouth is part of that. We need to do what we can to get us through and here are a few tips to help motivate us to do what we can.

• Keep brushing. Twice a day for two minutes with a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. (Get timers for the kids or and electric brush that does the hard work for you)
• Watch the snacking! Being at home means its easier to grab the biscuits. Opt for healthier options like cheese or pitta breads and drink plenty of water!! You may not be hungry at all!
• Clean in between. It may be a good time to master the art of flossing or using little brushes. It really will keep gum disease at bay if done correctly.
• Keep your dental and hygienist appointments and discuss any worries you may have with you dentist.Please don’t put off making an appointment if you have pain, swelling or a broken tooth. We can see you!!
• Try and limit alcohol and cigarettes, the main factors causing mouth cancers. Look out for ulcers that don’t heal or white/red patches that don’t clear up in two or three weeks.

Finally, be kind to yourself. If you miss a day flossing or dip into the chocolates it is not the end of the world. Start again the very next day. You can do this!!

All of us at The Corner House would like to wish our patients the very best at this time and we look forward to seeing you in the practice in 2021.

Tis The Season!!

Hands up if you have felt anxious or stressed this year! Yep, we all put our hands up I am sure. Christmas can be a stressful time on its own for many, with the pressure of planning and presents, food and entertaining so our current situation will exacerbate all those feelings. Maybe this year we need to be a little kinder to ourselves and lower our expectations. Christmas is going to be a little different this year and there will be big decisions to be made about how we approach with the celebrations. A little December self care is in order for all of us and of course oral health is part of that process.

Stress can manifest its self in many ways and from a dental point of view teeth grinding or Bruxism is something that patients mention when we see them in the practice at any time of year.

Symptoms of teeth grinding can include:

1. Facial pain
2. Headaches
3. Disrupted sleep
4. Worn teeth causing sensitivity and broken teeth or fillings.

It’s worth mentioning here that small children often grind their teeth and the noise can be quite alarming but is short lived and usually children grow out of it.

It might well be that your dentist will see signs of grinding during your check up and it is always worth mentioning it if you recognise any of the symptoms described.

Mouth guards or splints worn at night are a very helpful therapy in these situations and a mouth guard will help to even out the pressure across the jaw and create a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth to protect from further damage and reduce any noise from the grinding at night.

Your dentist will be able to make a device for you in the practice. There is usually a charge for a custom made appliance but many patients report an improvement in symptoms.

It is important to think about some other relaxation techniques to try and get a good nigh’s sleep and things like yoga, deep breathing ,massage, reading, a warm bath or listening to music may be worth a try. We all deserve some relaxing down time if it is possible!!

The whole Corner House team would like to wish our patients a happy, safe and peaceful Christmas time this year and as always we are available for advice and appointments on the usual phone number.

Do you have room for a bit of wisdom?

It’s autumn and The Causeway is looking splendid as the trees turn from green to orange and red. Everything at The Corner House is ticking along nicely now and we will continue to welcome patients into the practice throughout this one month lockdown. We have everything in place to make your visit safe and we look forward to seeing our patients. These times are still challenging for many but we are still here for appointments, advice and emergencies.

Let’s talk wisdom teeth!

You only have to mention wisdom teeth and the world and his dog will have a story to tell about how terrible they are before they come through properly and after they are removed. These teeth (sometimes referred to as the third molars) can be the bane of your life or you may not even know if you have any at all!

The wisdom teeth were so named because of the time at which they make their appearance at the very back of the mouth, usually between17 and 25, just when young people are starting further education. Wisdom teeth have a nasty habit of getting stuck or impacted and lying awkwardly, jammed up against the molar next to it. The poor positioning can cause pain and infection. Even if they do come through correctly they often get missed at the back of the mouth because it’s not always comfortable to get the toothbrush that far back. In an otherwise healthy mouth the wisdom teeth maybe the ones that end up being extracted and they are not usually missed once they are gone.

So, if we don’t use them and we don’t need them then why do we have them and might they eventually disappear all together from the jaw? There was a time when prehistoric man easily accommodated the 32 teeth because the jaw was larger and the diet was mostly raw meat, roots and leaves. Eventually evolution had its way and as our brains got bigger the jaw got smaller and there we have it!! Troublesome wisdom teeth!

Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted and may stay in the mouth with very little trouble and not everyone has them any more. Whether you have third molars or not you still need to take care to get right to the back of your mouth with your toothbrush and if they are slightly stuck it is important to keep the flap of gum clean even when it is uncomfortable to do so. Always seek advice from your dentist if you are in pain, finding it difficult to open wide or have swelling. Salt water mouthwash can help in the short term and your dentist will advise you if you need to think about extraction.

As always we hope all our patients are staying well and looking out for each other.

How did that happen?

Well! It’s October!! How did that happen? This year has been such a challenge and so different for all of us in so many different ways and yet we are staring autumn in its leafy face now. Darker nights, darker mornings and watery autumn sunshine. We opened our doors again on 8th June and took our first tentative steps in the new normal and now we are ready for the challenges of autumn and winter in a covid secure environment. We blinked and here we are!!

We have been seeing as many patients as we can and in some cases patients will be advised that they need treatment for a tooth that needs a filling due to dental caries ( tooth decay) and they may wonder, “how did that happen”.

The thing about dental caries is that it won’t be obvious until it is well established and may then need root canal treatment or extraction.

There are a number of stages required for cavities to form, starting with demineralisation of the hard enamel surface. A sugary diet and frequent snacking can kick start this process as can poor brushing and lack of interdental cleaning with floss or little brushes.

It can take up to 90 minutes on average to neutralise the sugars you have eaten/drank if you are healthy and have enough saliva and brush and floss properly. If your saliva isn’t allowed to do it’s job to remineralise the enamel the tooth decay process begins. Saliva really is our best friend!

If left undetected the decay will blossom within the tooth (think upside down cauliflower floret) and the first you know about it is when the weakened enamel caves in and make a hole that you can feel. Left untreated the next stage is that the nerve inside the tooth retreats to avoid the decay and will eventually die off causing pain and swelling. Not a pretty picture is it? And that’s usually when the patient says “how did that happen?”

There is, of course, lots we can do to prevent tooth decay and it’s all quite simple really.

• Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. No more than three sugary things a day, ideally with a meal.
• Think about your food choices. Avoid anything that will stick and this includes dried fruit such as raisins, toffees and chewy sweets.
• Brush more often. Two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily. Or if you find it too fiddly try tape which glides through more easily or choose interdental brushes.
• Visit your dentist. If you are at all concerned and if you are invited in for a routine check up.

Just a final thought for those of you who take sugar in your tea and coffee. We often hear patients say that they have cut right down and only have half a teaspoon of sugar now. Unfortunately it’s still a sugary hit! Try a sugar replacement or try and give up sugar all together. It could be the best thing you do to save your teeth from the dentists drill!!

As always we are here for all your dental needs and to offer advice on the usual number and we hope that all our patients are keeping safe and well.

It’s time for new routines

At the time of writing this the schools have welcomed all  children in for the first time in six months. There has been more continuity for the children of key workers but even for them it’s a bit of a red letter day!  It is time for setting the alarm, prepping for the week ahead and planning lunches and p.e kits. Lots of shiny shoes and scratchy new blazers are the order of the day! 

Here at Corner House we have got used to our new routines and we hope our patients have found the new protocols reassuring. We are grateful for the continuing patience and understanding as we do our best to accommodate the backlog of appointments and continue to see emergencies on a day to day basis.

Routines are important. They help us to get done what needs to be done with the least amount of fuss for maximum effect. The same can be said for oral hygiene routines because the home care for you and your family is paramount until we can offer routine check up appointments as we used to.

Now is a great time to establish a new brushing routine (if you haven’t already) and within a few weeks you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!  Physiologists believe that a new habit can be established in as little as three weeks, good or bad – so make sure ifs a good one!!

Brushing your teeth.

• Brush for two minutes twice a day.
• Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle.
• Brush all surfaces.
• Floss or use interdental brushes once a day.
• Spit out toothpaste but don’t rinse with water.
• Clean your tongue gently
• If you want to use mouthwash then do it at a different time from brushing.
• Check your mouth and gums for any abnormalities or lesions that don’t heal within two to three weeks.
• Try to have a healthy balanced diet, keeping sugary snacks to a minimum.

Although you will never know for sure if you have good oral health until you visit your dentist or hygienist, here is some factors that may indicate that you are on the right track.

• Your gums should be pink and do not get sore or bleed when you brush or floss.
• Your teeth should feel clean and not ‘fuzzy’ when you rub your tongue over them.
• You don’t constantly get a bad taste or smelly breath.

Try to establish a good routine for the children as well. Supervise brushing at least until they are ten and try to be aware of how well your older children are doing as well.  Disclosing tablets are a great tool to use to see how much plaque is being left behind. They are easy to use and a great family activity. A little bit of competition is always good!! Lead by example, if you are doing the right thing then the children will soon get the idea that good oral hygiene is the norm, just like showering. Reward charts can be great for younger children and the rewards don’t have to cost a fortune, keep it simple.

As always we are here if you have any worries or concerns for yourselves or family members. Call reception on the usual number during normal working hours. As always we wish all our patients well and hope everyone keeps safe as we go into autumn and we look forward to seeing more of you in the practice soon.

Feeling the Fizz!!!!

 How is it August already? After putting our lives on hold for three months, it feel like we are now on fast forward. How are you all getting on with wearing masks in a lot more public spaces? They can be hot-right? Here at Corner House we have been getting used to our enhanced ppe and the challenges of trying to communicate, stay hydrated and keep cool in the heatwave that is now upon us.

We are able to see more patients now and offer check ups and hygiene appointments but the constraints of the new way of working mean that we see fewer patients in a day. Despite of all the new protocols in place we want to help all our patients maintain good oral hygiene at home.

The warmer weather means that we want to drink more and we all know water is the healthiest option but a cold beer or glass of Prosecco can be a refreshing treat in the garden.

Fizziness is often a tell tale sign of an acidic drink such as carbonated pop and cola. Even the ‘diet’ brands are still harmful to our teeth and flavoured fizzy waters can have an effect on teeth if drunk in large quantities. Beer, cider,Prosecco and white wine are also extremely erosive to our teeth.

Acid is a problem for our teeth as it weakens the enamel, leaving them vulnerable to damage. Every time we eat or drink something acidic , the enamel becomes softer for a while and looses mineral content. Our saliva will slowly cancel out this acidity and get the mouth back to a natural balance. However, if the acid attacks are happening too frequently the mouth does not recover and enamel will be lost.

Once the hard enamel has gone the sensitive dentine layer will be exposed and this can lead to pain and sensitivity. There are ways of managing this damage at home by using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and there are some toothpastes that help to re- mineralise lost enamel but once lost, the enamel can not ever be replaced successfully. It is important not to rinse with water after brushing as all the benefits of the toothpaste will be washed away. It is possible to use a little toothpaste as an ointment and smear it on to particularly sensitive areas last thing at night.

As always, you can ask about tooth erosion and sensitive teeth at your next visit and your dentist will advise you on the treatments available.

We wish all our patients well at this time and hope you are taking good care of yourselves and your friends and families. We look forward to seeing you in the practice soon.

Onwards and Upwards!

We do hope that everyone has kept safe over this locked down time. We would like to say thank you to all our patients for being so understanding with us while we were completely closed and as we have been finding our feet during this new normal. As you can imagine we have been very busy implementing new measures to enable us to offer a pared down service for the time being.

Our re-opening protocols have been based on current advice from within the dental profession and from the government. Infection control has always been a top priority within the practice and the new measures in place just mean that we are as safe as we can be for patients and staff and we really appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.

Dental anxiety and Covid 19.

Dental anxiety is fairly common and most patients feel a little apprehensive when visiting the dentist but are able to cope well with their appointment. . We are aware that if you already struggle with anxiety you will find appointments now even more difficult. Please tell us if you are finding the thought of visiting us now even more difficult and we will try to help you manage your visit as easily as possible. We can’t avoid the temperature check and the increased personal protective equipment but we will make your visit as ‘normal’ as we can.

Snacking during lockdown.

Before lockdown most of us would eat three meals a day fitted around our work and family life with a few treats in between. For a lot of families, home schooling,the furlough scheme and working from home has meant usual routines have been put on hold. Snacking has undoubtedly increased and this can affect dental health. Every time we eat sugary or acidic foods there is an attack on the protective enamel coating, temporarily softening the outer layer and it takes around forty minutes for saliva to neutralise the acid to protect the tooth again. The more we snack the less chance the saliva has to protect your teeth. That’s when cavities can start. This will not be obvious until it is too late and a cavity has formed. Keep snacking to a minimum and try to keep sweet treat as part of a meal and if you do have a sweet treat eat it all in one go rather than nibbling on something throughout the day.

Lockdown stress and our teeth.

The lockdown has affected everyone differently but the general daily challenges of staying home, whether alone or with family has been hard. Combine this with the tragic news on tv and in the newspapers and it’s not surprising that people are feeling more stressed than usual. One of the impacts that stress can have on our teeth is grinding and clenching, usually at night that results in pain, headaches and tenderness around the jaw joint with difficulty in opening and eating in some cases. The forces on the teeth can be so great that teeth may begin to wear away and chip. The loss of enamel can also cause sensitivity. Please seek advice if you think this is you and we can begin to offer help with this.

Children’s care during lockdown.

Many children have been home for much longer than expected and it is important not to fall into the trap of giving in to their pleas for sweets and biscuits because they are bored. Try and find some healthy snacking options and there is lots of fun ideas and advice on line. It is a difficult time and that it is why it is important to look after their teeth as much as you can until we can get back to routine check ups in the practice. Make sure children are cleaning their teeth with adult supervision with an age appropriate fluoride toothpaste twice a day, spit don’t rinse in order to make sure toothpaste stays on the teeth especially at night.

Keeping teeth healthy in lockdown.

The advice hasn’t changed as far as good oral hygiene is concerned and although dental emergencies may crop up from time to time it’s the every day care that will give the best chance of not needing treatment on a regular basis.

Regular brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, spit don’t rinse and floss or use little brushes in between the teeth. If possible, choose an electric toothbrush and change brush heads regularly. Make sure you brush gums as well as teeth and keep snacking to a minimum.

We look forward to seeing patients back in the practice with less restrictions as soon as we are able to but things are constantly changing and we will keep updating everyone as we move forward in this new normal. We hope our patients keep safe and well and as always we can be contacted by phone or email.

The same but different

Welcome to the third Corner House blog since lockdown began. We have moved forward a little since the end of March and our experiences of the pandemic will have been very different. However, we will have, at various times felt anxiety, uncertainty, confusion and feelings of lack of control in a situation that came seemingly from nowhere and changed how we live our lives.

As a practice we really hope that our patients are doing as well as they can and that there is plenty of support for those of you with additional needs and more challenging circumstances. Like the rest of the population we have been on the sidelines, watching and waiting for instructions on how to proceed in our new normal.

We are getting nearer to a time when we will be seeing patients again and we all have to get used to doing things differently. Of course, if you have any of the known symptoms of covid 19 or if you have had a positive test result we will not be seeing you at the practice. Your pathway to treatment will take a different route.

Before your appointment: you may be contacted so that we are clear about your appointment expectations and to check personal details, medical history. and where possible you will be asked to pay for your treatment. Before you leave home it would be ideal if you have used the toilet and brushed your teeth. It is important that you bring as little as possible with you.

When you arrive: the door will be locked so you can call to let us know that you have arrived. Please attend alone if you are able and remember to practice social distancing.

Entering the practice: when it is time for your appointment you will be greeted at the door and your temperature will be checked and you will be asked to use the hand gel provided. There will be a box provided for any bags, coats, or personal belongings. You will then be invited straight into see the dentist. (If you need to pay, this will be done before you go in)

After the appointment: you will be able to collect your belongs and leave the practice.

All the dentists that you are used to seeing will still be waiting to help you with you dental concerns and we will do our very best to make your visit as easy as we can. Of course you can do your part as well by still looking after your teeth and encouraging family members to do the same. We understand that with so many of us being at home in such unusual circumstances, self-care is not at the top of our priorities but keeping sugary snacks to a minimum, flossing or cleaning in between and brushing for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste will help you maintain good oral heath until we see you again. We all look forward to a time when we just chat about the weather and our holidays but until then stay safe and keep smiling!

Keep Calm and Carry On!

From everyone at Corner House Dental Practice, we hope that you are all keeping well in these exceptionally difficult times. The Coronavirus pandemic has had a very significant impact on every aspect of our lives, personally and professionally. From our point of view it has meant that we are unable to interact with our patients in the way we would want to.

We are still able to give advice over the phone and there are now dental hubs popping up around our area for more complicated dental needs but it’s just not the same, is it?

We want to be able to help our patients in the same way as we always have and at some point we will again but for now we are all getting used to a new normal.

There are new words in our vocabulary now, being furloughed, social distancing, flatten the curve, the R number, lockdown, so much to get used to but we are doing it and we will do it until we are told otherwise!

Visiting the dentist is going to to look different for a while with enhanced protection for all concerned but we need to protect each other for the time being and for the time being a little bit of home care will go a long way! You only have to look back at previous blogs to find all the oral health advice that you need and I am sure we all know what we need to be doing until we can get back to our routine check ups.

So just for fun here is some light hearted trivia to while away a few minutes.

• Just like fingerprints, tooth and tongue prints are unique to each individual.


• If you don’t floss, you miss brushing 40% of your tooth surface.


• More people buy a blue toothbrush than a red one.


• If you are right handed you tend to chew food on the right side of the mouth and left handed people chew mainly on the left.


• The average woman smiles 62 times a day. Men only manage 8 smiles a day.


• In 1994, a prisoner in West Virginia USA, plaited a rope from dental floss and escaped from jail.


• The first commercial on British tv in September 1955 was for toothpaste.


• The first toothpaste was created by the ancient Egyptians and contained ox hooves, myrrh, and burned egg shells.

So for now we would encourage you to do everything you can to stay healthy in mind and body, enjoy the sun when it shines, make the most of the time we have been gifted and look out for our friends and neighbours. And of course keep brushing! Keep flossing! And watch out for those sugary treats!

We are in this together!

This blog comes to you in unprecedented times and the whole Corner House team would like to wish all our patients and their extended families the very best in these difficult times We do hope you are keeping well and still smiling.

Despite the ongoing situation we hope you are able to maintain your oral hygiene routine as much as you can to minimise the need to seek emergency treatment.

You may already know that all routine appointments have been cancelled including fillings and extractions on teeth that are not painful.

We are still contactable during surgery hours on the usual number but where ever possible, please stay at home and help stop the spread of corona virus. This includes people of all ages-even if you do not have a health condition.

If you are in pain that keeps you awake at night, bleeding, have swelling or have had an accident then you can still contact us by telephone only. Do not come to the practice.

In the meantime here are a few tips to help you stay motivate to keep brushing.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and night and at one other time during the day.


• Cut down on sugary snacks as much as you can and enjoy your treats all in one go and not spread out through the day.


• Use floss or interdental brushes once a day if possible.


• If you use a mouthwash then use it at a different time from brushing.


• Given the current situation, never share your toothbrush.


• Close the toilet lid before flushing.


• Change your toothbrush regularly if you are able to.

We very much want you to feel reassured that we are still here and can assure you that we will be back at Corner House as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime we must all try to stay positive, try and make each day count in some small way, be there for each other and don’t be afraid to reach out if you are struggling. Please check out our Facebook page for handy information and tips. Look out for helpline numbers and advice online and on radio and television.

Now Brush Your Teeth!

No one can have missed the public heath advice on tv, radio, across social media and on posters in the public places that we visit. Of course it is wise that we practice good hygiene at this time and we need to be well informed so that we can help ourselves and the people that we come into contact with on a daily basis. Maybe we should have as much advice on good oral hygiene which is just as important as hand washing.

We are being advised to washing our hands using hot soapy water whilst singing ‘happy Birthday’ twice through. Not too difficult is it? So maybe brushing for two minutes twice a day is just as achievable and equally important.

Tips For Healthy Teeth:

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.


• If you are a parent, its really important to start teaching your child good oral hygiene habits as soon as their first baby teeth come through - usually around six months old.


• Children need to be supervised when they brush until around the age of seven, to make sure they are brushing correctly and for long enough.


• It is often forgotten that good oral hygiene I not just important for your teeth but for your general health and well-being.


• If you have a healthy diet, brush your teeth and visit your dentist regularly, you will minimise your risk of having oral health problems.

Myth Busters On Brushing Your Teeth

• "Baby teeth don’t matter." YES, they do!
  It’s really important to establish good oral hygiene habits and get small children used to brushing as early as possible. Take your child to the dentist before their first birthday so that they get used to regular checkups and any problems can be picked up early. You will also get plenty of advice on caring for their baby teeth.


• "Brushing once a day is fine."NO, it’s not!
  To protect your teeth, it has to be two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. It doesn’t really matter if you are using an electric or manual toothbrush (although the electric brush is preferable in most circumstances) as long as you are getting to all surfaces or your teeth and using something to clean in between. Spit, don’t rinse so that the fluoride has more time to protect your teeth effectively.


• "I can use mouthwash instead of brushing." NO, nothing beats brushing!
  A fluoride mouthwash can be a useful extra in some cases but it can’t replace the actual removal of food and debris from the tooth surface. If you do opt for a mouthwash then use it at a different time from brushing to prevent fluoride from brushing from being washed away.


• "Cleaning in between doesn’t matter if I brush well." YES, it does!
  No matter how well you brush, you can’t get in between your teeth unless you use floss or little brushes. Your dentist or hygienist can advise which ids best for you.


• "Older people’s teeth or dentures , don’t need brushing." Of course they do!
  It’s really important to look after teeth and gums at any age and can have a huge impact on the quality of life of older people. Dentures should be removed at night to rest the soft tissues of the mouth and brushed and rinsed every day. It is advisable that even if you have all teeth replaced with dentures that you get your mouth checked once a year for any underlying problems such as sore areas and mouth cancer screening.

As always, you can get lots of advice and information by calling the practice on the usual number and we will be happy to help. Let’s all take responsibility for our health and welfare and work together to protect each other.

Water, water, everywhere!
But still my mouth is dry!!

Will it ever stop raining!! As we leave January behind and enter the shortest month of the year the weather is still on everyone’s mind. The bright crisp winters days are few and far between and the view from the practice through rain splashed windows is one mostly of muddy puddles. Of course water is essential to all of us and and even our mouth waters at the thought of a delicious meal or treat but for some a dry mouth is a real problem.

We all have a dry mouth from time to time caused by dehydration, medication, feeling anxious or even sleeping with your mouth open.

Unfortunately, for some, dry mouth is a chronic problem that can have a distressing impact on day to day life. In addition to the physical side effects, it can leave people feeling far less confident in social situations, to the point where speaking and eating in public is avoided.

It is thought that 1 in 4 adults suffer from the condition and this number rises to 40%in the over 55’s. This makes dry mouth one of the most common oral health problems.

Top ten facts about dry mouth:

1. Dry mouth or xerostoma is a condition that affects the flow of saliva, causing the mouth to feel dry.


2. The mouth needs saliva to function properly.Saliva helps keep the mouth moist and break down your food and help you swallow. It acts as a cleanser, neutralising plaque acids. It is constantly washing around the mouth and teeth, fighting tooth decay and helping to keep the teeth clean.


3. Having less saliva affects the taste of food and makes it harder to eat drier foods. Sometimes it can affect speech and increases the risk of bad breath.


4. Dry mouth is usually worse at night when less saliva is produced.


5. Dry mouth can mean the soft tissues become sore and there is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.


6. It can be caused as a result of medication and your doctor or pharmacist or dental team will be able to tell if your medication has this side effect.


7. In some cases , dry mouth can be the direct result of a medical condition such as diabetes, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and blocked salivary glands.


8. Women are more likely to suffer from chronic dry mouth than men.


9. The elderly have a higher chance of suffering with a dry mouth.


10. Currently there is no way of preventing the problem but there’re are products to ease the symptoms.

Top Five Tips:

1. Make sure you visit the dentist regularly. There is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease and these can get worse more quickly than usual.


2. It is important to use a fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1350 to 1500 parts per million of fluoride. Be aware that some fluoride toothpaste contain Sodium Laurel Sulphate which can be an irritant to a very dry mouth. A product such as Oranurse toothpaste can be helpful in this instance.


3. There are a number of products that can help the mouth stay moist and comfortable such as gels or sprays. A high fluoride mouthwash can be useful to guard against tooth decay.


4. Chewing sugar free gum can help ease a dry mouth as it encourages saliva production.


5. Regular sips of water and a tumbler of water by the bedside can be of help as can lozenges as long as they are sugar free.

It is important that if you are suffering from a dry mouth that you go and visit your dentist. Your dental team are best placed to have a look at your mouth, pinpoint the cause and advise on treatment. Please don’t hesitate to contact the practice so that you don’t have to put up with the misery of a dry mouth.

Let's start the year smiling!

The new year is upon us and we are bombarded at every turn with diets and make overs, so to avoid taking that predictable path as well, lets look at the lighter side of all things teeth! Oral health is important and will always be the corner stone of all we do at the practice but here are some surprising facts to celebrate the funny side of teeth.

1. Before modern dentistry, reliable treatments for toothache were few and far between. Every country had its own old wives tales and home remedies but the strangest has to go to Germany in the Middle Ages when it was thought that kissing a donkey would bring relief! We, of course have very accurate ways of diagnosing and treating dental pain. No donkeys required!


2. If you wanted dental treatment before the 19th century then your best bet was to visit a barber. The barber surgeons who had expertise with cutting tools made them the most qualified professionals to perform extractions and basic treatments. Now our dental professions are highly qualified and experts in their field.


3. Sharks can grow over 30,000 teeth in their lifetime. Not only do they have multiple rows of razor sharp teeth, as many as fifty rows in a bull shark but these teeth get instantly replaced as they are lost. Some of the largest sharks can shed up to 35,000 teeth in a lifetime. For us, however, two sets is all we get. 20 deciduous or baby teeth and 28 adult teeth, possibly 32 if wisdom teeth are also present. Less of us are born with the third set of molars since evolution has caused us to have smaller jaws and less room for them to erupt.


4. When you were a child, did you put your milk teeth under your pillow for the tooth fairy? In many Asian countries, milk teeth are thrown into the air if they are upper teeth and down to the ground if they are lower teeth! In Turkey, children traditionally throw their teeth onto the roof and in Italy, children are told stories about the tooth mouse!


5. Crowded teeth are often considered attractive in Japan and not every culture prizes straight teeth. In 2011 The New York Times reported a Japanese women visiting as dentist to request her straight teeth were made to look more crowded. The ‘double tooth’ look is considered cute despite the oral health problems that crooked teeth cause. We have plenty of options available for children and adults to choose orthodontic treatment if they wish.


6. It is said that Brad Pitt chipped his teeth on purpose for Fight Club. Brad Pitt is known for his dedication to his art and wanted a more authentic look for his role. He asked his dentist to chip his teeth and then his Hollywood smile was restored after the filming was complete. Of course it goes without saying that dentistry is all about prevention and the least intervention possible to maintain a healthy mouth.


7. Are you a redhead? You may need more anaesthetic! Apparently the colour of your hair may reflect how sensitive you are to pain. In a study at The University of Louisville in Texas it was a found that women with red hair required 20% more anaesthetic during dental treatment compared to women with other hair colours! Rest assured that no matter what colour your hair is our anaesthetics are extremely reliable and accurate.



So, there you have it, a light hearted look at teeth to kick off the new year. We would like to wish all our Corner House patients the very best for 2020 and look forward to seeing you at your next visit.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… But not for your teeth!

If you have visited us this autumn you will have been aware of the renovation work being done on the outside of the building but all the work is done and the scaffolding is finally down! Our view of the historic causeway is finally restored and despite the toll that the wind and rain has taken on the trees outside, it’s so good to see out again. Inside the practice Christmas is just around the corner and as usual we are busy making sure that all our patients are looked after during the festivities.

Christmas is a time of over indulgence and spending time with nearest and dearest. It’s no surprise that your teeth may not be high on the list of priorities. Here are a few tips to help you maintain good oral heath at Christmas.

With the festivities in full swing, it’s time to enjoy the festivities and remember to give your teeth a little love. If you have a dental emergency over the Christmas period then call the practice on the usual number for contact details for the out of hours service. From everyone at The Corner House Dental Practice, have a very happy Christmas!

Let's get motivated

November is here and Christmas is just around the corner. It’s dark and dreary, the rain has been relentless and there is much temptation to curl up on the sofa with lots of comfort food and not move until next April! It’s hard to get motivated and stay motivated to look after ourselves at this time of year.

If you visit the practice for a check up or for treatment we are still going to give advice and suggest ways to implement oral hygiene regimes for you and your family. We want you to be able to maintain a standard of care that minimises treatment and keeps you from needing urgent appointments for pain and broken fillings. It’s the day to day care at home that keeps us out of trouble dentally, so effective brushing, interdental cleaning (floss or little brushes) and sensible diet are important.

Just after visiting the dentist or hygienist we are fully engaged with enthusiasm to brush for two minutes twice a day and floss in between our teeth and we promise ourselves to cut the sugar and make healthier choices.Keeping the enthusiasm going however is much harder, especially at this time of year.

When it comes to making a change for the better we need to understand the WHY. Once we know that looking after our teeth means we can keep them for longer without too much intervention then it makes doing it a little easier.

Then we can start to think about the HOW. If we can get an electric toothbrush with a two minute timer or get tooth brushing charts to encourage the children then brushing for two minutes becomes a reality on a daily basis.

Remember the FEELING on the days we did remember to floss before we got too tired or when we chose not to snack on sugary foods for a while. When we feel good about the small successes then it is easier to build on them.

Sometimes it is as easy as taking ACTION! If want to start flossing regularly then maybe start with the front six teeth top and bottom and then when you get good at that you can start adding another tooth and then another. Taking action and giving it a go helps to find motivation to keep going.

CHOOSE to make a change. If you tell yourself you”have” to do this or you”must “ do that then you can weaken your motivation. The power of choice can be incredibly empowering.

Sometimes TIME is the hardest thing to find when trying to make a change and it is important to make time work for us. Flossing doesn’t have to be done in the  bathroom,floss while watching tv or waiting in the car on the school run. Get inventive and creative with your time and make time work for you!

Lastly, play to your STREGNTHS , celebrate small achievements, give yourself a virtual pat on the back and don’t dwell on the days you were too rushed to brush properly. Never think its too late to start over, start over as many times as it takes to get to the goal. In the meantime, we are always here for advice and helpful tips and hints to keep you on the oral health straight and narrow! Please check out our Facebook page where there is lots of useful information.

Stopping or Starting in October

If you have visited us recently you will have seen our building swathed in scaffolding and blue safety netting. The outside of The Corner House is getting a facelift and we have had to get used to extra noise and lack of our usual picturesque view of The Causeway. We have had a few sunny days but it seems like September left us soggy and rain lashed. October bringers darker nights and mornings, autumn hues and a chill in the air. Definitely time to put the central heating on and find the winter woolies!

As with any essential renovation, there will be set backs and inconvenience on the way to a smarter appearance and this can be said of anything we do in our personal life to improve our health and well being.

This month is also Stoptober, a campaign to help and support smokers who want to quit for good. It goes without saying that, of course, we are interested in the effects that smoking has on oral health and why screening for mouth cancer is part of a routine check up.

The effect that smoking has on oral health:

It’s never too late to stop smoking, your health will start to improve as soon as you quit. f you do decide to quit then here are some tips to help you on your way:

You are more likely to quit if you have laid the groundwork. There is plenty of support out there; join a facebook group and check out the Stoptober website, where you will get more in depth advice than we have here. There is an app so that you can track your progress, see how much you are saving and get daily support wherever you are.

After your last cigarette your pulse rate will start to return to normal in the first 20 minutes, oxygen levels will start to return to normal, your body will flush out all the carbon monoxide, breathing will become easier and energy will increase and circulation will start to improve. If you hang on in there you will decrease your chance of lung cancer and heart attack! Oral health will of course improve and although existing damage can’t be reversed further damage will be lessened dramatically.

Tip Top Tooth Tips For Summer!

The summer months are truly upon us. For many this might mean barbecues, festivals, holidays and trips out with friends and family. However at the time of writing there is rain lashing down, there have been floods and strong winds causing all sorts of disruption. Typical British summer really! At the practice we are all busy with family check-ups and seeing student’s home from university for the summer.

It is also the time to say goodbye to our foundation dentist who will move on to pastures new after a year with us at Corner House.

While the sun brings out a more active life style, it doesn’t come without its pitfalls. Especially when it comes to the health of your mouth. It’s important during this time to look after your mouth, teeth and gums.

Here are five top tips that will help you look after your oral health in the best way possible this summer.

1. Stick to your routine

No matter how eventful your summer may be, it is important to stick to your dental routine. Make sure you brush for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste as well as cleaning in between your teeth with floss or little brushes.

2. Plan ahead

It may too late for this summer but try and schedule a check-up before you go on holiday, that way any problems can be detected early and dealt with before you go and you won’t need dental treatment whilst you are abroad. It is also a good idea to stock up on manual toothbrushes, spare brush heads and plug adaptors. Look out in the practice for travel size toothpaste samples and don’t forget the floss and interdental brushes.

3. Stay hydrated

Keeping hydrated, especially in warmer weather is important for the health of your mouth and your general health too. Be sure to make the right choices when choosing cooling drinks and coffee shop treats. Water and milk are the best options for our dental health. Water especially will keep you hydrated and refreshed. Try to avoid those drinks high in sugar and acid. Fizzy drinks, fruit juices and energy drinks can be harmful to your teeth if sipped throughout the day. They can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion.

4. Keep your teeth out of harm's way

Nearly 65% of brits are regularly putting their dental health at risk by using their teeth as tools. Please don’t use your precious teeth to crack open bottles and packets. Equally don’t be tempted to try and hold things with your teeth when your hands are full. Thousands of accidents happen every year when teeth are used inappropriately. Stick to using your teeth for biting and chewing. No one wants cracked, dislocated or broken teeth on holiday.

5. The tright amount of sun for healthier gums

Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D which plays a key role in the immune system. Research has shown that it can give your health a boost by helping to prevent gum disease. Healthy gums mean that you can keep your teeth much longer. Gum disease is also linked to heart health, mental health and diabetes so getting out in the sun could be a great choice for a healthy mouth. Be sure not to stay in the sun for too long and use a high factor sun screen on all the family. Don’t forget to protect your lips too with a lip balm with sun screen added or simply use a little Vaseline applied regularly.

We really hope you enjoy your summer to the full and keep your smile healthy and happy. If you need any other advice this summer then please contact the practice in the usual way.

What’s for in it for you?

What’s in your toothpaste? Here are five common ingredients:

No matter the brand of toothpaste you chose, be it a recognised brand or a supermarket own brand, as long as it contains fluoride at the correct amount it will do the job. There are however toothpastes that target various specific dental problems such as sensitivity, gum health and whitening. De-sensitising toothpastes work really well as long as you find the one that works for you and use it consistently. It can also be used like an ointment by smearing it on to a particularly sensitive area and leaving it there overnight. Claims that some toothpaste manufacturers make about being tartar control, anti cavity or whitening do have a limited effect but the bottom line is that the only way to keep cavities at bay is to limit sugar in the diet and if you have gum health issues then although a good brushing technique is essential regular visits to your dentist and hygienist will prove invaluable. Some ‘whitening toothpastes’ may help with surface stains but the only effective way to lift the shade of your teeth is tooth whitening under the supervision of your dentist.

As always there is plenty of advice to be had by calling the practice or speaking to your dentist.

Think Before You Drink!

June is here and instead enjoying balmy summer evenings and sunshine we seem to be getting extremely soggy and umbrellas are never far from our grasp. However the torrential downpours have not stopped the more energetic of us pounding the pavements and getting to the gym after work.

Of course there is no doubt that keeping fit and healthy is good for our overall wellbeing but we should still be aware of the potential problems that may arise if we rely on energy drinks and gels to keep us going. Many runners, cyclists, football players and gym goers spend a lot of time putting sugary drinks, gels, bars and other goodies into their mouths during or after exercise. Frequent snacks and drinks during exercise increases the number of times that acid come into contact with the teeth.

So, do regular users of sports nutrition products actually have a higher risk of dental problems than other people?

Sports drinks and gels are generally quite acidic and they tend to stick to teeth due to their sugar content. While there are many normal foods that are consumed that have the same effect (soft drinks, confectionary, dried fruit and more) it’s the frequency of exposure during exercise that will concern your dentist.

The two specific problems that may arise are tooth erosion and tooth decay.

Tooth Erosion

Our teeth have an outer layer of enamel, which can be eroded by acid. The acid can come from acidic food and drinks that come into contact with teeth.

Tooth Decay

Bacteria in the mouth stick to teeth, forming plaque. This bacteria feeds on the sugars stuck to the teeth from the food that is eaten. These bacteria produce acid that erodes the tooth enamel.

The saliva that is produced in the mouth tries to combat tooth erosion by neutralising the acid produced by the bacteria. Saliva contains bicarbonate which buffers the acids to neutralise them.

Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, much harder than bone but enamel will still dissolve in these highly acidic drinks. Saliva is roughly a pH of 6.8 which is considered neutral. The lower the pH, the greater the potential for enamel loss. Even a small amount of a highly acidic drink can send your saliva’s pH plummeting. It then takes the mouth approximately 30 minutes to buffer the saliva back to a normal pH and for those 30 minutes, your teeth are essentially bathed in acid.

Fluoride in toothpaste can strengthen tooth enamel and make it stronger. However, the action of saliva to neutralise acid in the mouth can be compromised during exercise because heavy breathing can dry the mouth out, reducing the amount of saliva able to protect the teeth. Dehydration can also reduce the amount of saliva produced during and after exercise.

How to reduce the risk to your teeth.

For those of you taking regular exercise and are concerned about your teeth, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of avoidable erosion of your teeth. Firstly, reduce the frequency of energy drinks and gels or simply drink water. Choosing snacks such as bananas is also an option. Beware some fresh fruit or vegetable juices often have a higher acidity.

A word of warning – firstly, following up a sports drink with a rinse of water has very little effect. By the time you’ve rinsed, the acid from the drink has already done its thing. Secondly, brushing your teeth immediately after exercise is not recommended as the enamel will be much softer after the acid attack and so it is best not to brush for at least an hour. Brushing sooner will actually increase enamel erosion.

There is no doubt that exercise is good for us and regular dental check-ups will detect any problems before the damage is done. If you think that you are at risk from acid erosion from sports drinks then please ask your dentist at your next check-up.

Why Baby Teeth Matter

“They are just his baby teeth, they don’t really matter do they?”

This kind of conversation is repeated from time to time in dental practices all over the country and guess what? ….. Baby teeth DO matter!!

A lot of parents think that baby teeth aren’t important since they eventually fall out- of course they do but here are some very good reasons why you should look after your child’s baby teeth and encourage good oral hygiene habits early.

They save space for adult teeth.

Baby teeth help the permanent teeth develop properly by saving space for them and guiding them into the correct position. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, then the teeth beside it will drift to fill the gap and this means that when the permanent teeth start to come through there will not be enough space causing the permanent teeth to become crooked, misaligned and crowded. Some baby teeth are not replaced by permanent teeth until a child is between 12 and 14 years of age.

They help your child to eat and chew naturally.

As little ones move onto solid food, they learn to bite and chew their food. There are three baby tooth types, each performing a different function.

They help with speech development.

Your baby’s teeth, mouth and lips all work together to form words and help the child develop their speech. Teeth help form words by controlling the flow of air out of the mouth. Babies will learn to make certain sounds when the tongue moves and strike the baby teeth in different ways.

They affect your child’s smile, self -confidence and social skills.

Nothing is as special as your child’s happy glowing smile. Having strong healthy teeth will help your child smile brightly and feel good about themselves and be confident in their interactions with other children.

They can affect overall health and development.

Tooth decay and cavities cause pain and discomfort for your child. If left untreated, infection can quickly develop on gums and surrounding teeth. Pain will make it difficult for your child to sleep, play, eat and talk – impacting the child’s overall health and development. Children with healthy teeth are better able to learn at school, form relationships with their friends and develop a healthy mind and body.

Baby teeth do contain stem cells which may have a use in the future for regenerating damaged parts of the body.

So whilst baby teeth may be a fleeting moment in your child’s life, looking after them has lifetime of benefits.

Good oral care begins from birth. Even before your baby’s teeth first appear, gently wipe their gums and tongue after feeds with a tooth wipe. This helps remove residue and help the baby get used to having something placed in the mouth to clean it and consequently make tooth brushing easier later on.

Healthy habits start from birth and last a lifetime.

Time For A Change

It is officially British Summer Time and spring is definitely in the air! There is a sense of anticipation and excitement all around the practice at the moment and it’s not just about season eight of Game of Thrones!!

Our principal dentists Amit and Priya are expecting the arrival of their second child any time now and we wish them every happiness when the baby arrives. We have welcomed Harshil to the practice to look after Priya’s patients until her return next year.

Almost as exciting has been the transformation of the surgery at the top of the building. Despite a little noise and disruption the renovation has been relatively smooth and we now have a light, bright, airy surgery for all our patients to benefit from.

Change isn’t always easy but whether we perceive it or not, everything is constantly changing, the environment, the weather technology, society, culture, friends and family, everything changes.

Things change in dentistry all the time as well, particularly because of the advances being made in materials and technology. Digital x-rays have been the norm for a while and they are faster and contain less radiation, up to 90% less compared to the old style films. When a patient has a digital x-ray done, the image appears on a computer screen in a matter of seconds. Your dentist can then zoom into the image to better assess and educate patients about their oral health.

Teeth straightening options have changed too. Invisalign type orthodontic appliances are clear, practically invisible braces that can gently straighten your teeth. They provide an effective and comfortable way to straighten your smile without the inconvenience of wearing heavy metal braces and are easy to remove and clean and they get the job done in a short amount of time with less hassle.

Dental implants are screw-in replacements for the root part of a missing tooth onto which a very realistic looking tooth can be placed. Implants are the ideal type of restoration for patients with missing teeth and give the feel and appearance of a natural tooth.

The intraoral camera is another bit of kit that is invaluable to gain precise and well defined pictures of hard to see areas in the mouth. The camera also allows the dentist to show these images to the patient while assessing and educating the patient’s needs. This new technology allows dentists to conduct a thorough assessment and plan future treatment.

Teeth whitening is now a very convenient and effective option just to lift the shade of teeth over a couple of weeks using bespoke trays and gel that can be worn for just an hour a day.

Crowns and bridges have been around for a while but thanks to new technology they can be made with out a base later of metal meaning that they have a more natural appearance. The glues used to secure crowns and bridges are also more advanced giving an altogether more satisfactory fit and look.

Please ask your dentist to advise you if you want to find out how to change your smile for the better. Not all the options may be right for you but we feel confident that we can find a way to help. Let’s all embrace the change!

ALL Things Green

We were treated to few very warm February days before March came upon us with the wet and windy weather that we are used to. The green shoots of spring are definitely on show now and not only outside. More of us are becoming aware that we all have a role to play as healthcare providers and as patients in tackling the biggest threat to global health in the 21st century CLIMATE CHANGE

Our patients are beginning to ask questions about the products that we are recommending them to use on a daily basis to maintain good oral health. Equally, the manufacturers and dental product companies that we rely on are starting to offer products that are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly.

The Swedish company TePe have just launched a new sustainable toothbrush which is 96% bio based plastic. Eco friendly toothbrushes made of bamboo and bio degradable materials are widely available now but it is worth noting that these need to be replaced extremely regularly given the warm, damp conditions they are kept in. Bathrooms can be a breeding ground for for bacteria.

Floss and plastic interdental brushes have become a concern for our patients recently and there are alternatives here too. Dental floss made of biodegradable mulberry silk in a glass container is now available, the lid is stainless steel and the floss itself is coated in natural candelila wax and a natural mint flavouring. The box and the refills are both biodegradable as well.

There is now some debate about whether electric toothbrushes are less harmful to the environment than manual toothbrushes. Points to remember are:

• Electric tooth brush heads need changing less than manual alternatives
• Only the head needs disposing of
• The rechargeable handle will be good for around ten years of normal use

Of course at some point the toothbrush handle will have to be discarded when it no longer holds its charge but many will argue it is still more environmentally friendly and you our dentist and hygienist will always advise a round headed electric toothbrush as these are proven to offer the best all round clean.

What ever your thoughts are on this subject, we still want to offer the best dental advice and the best array or products to help you maintain a healthy mouth and it seems that there are choices out there now if helping the environment is a priority for you.

Just a word... about mouth cancer

Here at Corner House Dental Practice we take your oral health very seriously and along with dental practices all over the country we screen our patients for mouth cancer at every check up. We don’t get our patients to do ‘tongue olympics’ for fun! Checking the mouth, tongue and surrounding areas is part of a normal dental exam nowadays. We also ask you about some life style choices such as drinking and smoking so that we can be aware of individual risk factories and tailor your care accordingly. A simple check takes about thirty seconds and could be life saving.

Like a lot of health conditions, awareness is key. It is so important that we learn more about the risk factors, signs and symptoms and where to go if you spot anything out of the ordinary. If you become aware of long lasting ulcers, red or white patches or any unusual lumps and bumps then get it checked. The earlier a problem is caught, the easier it tends to be to tackle.

SMOKING

Smoking tobacco increases the risk of mouth cancer by up to ten times and more than 60% of mouth cancers are linked to smoking.

ALCOHOL

Drinking alcohol to excess increases the risk of mouth cancers and is linked to just under a third of this type of cancer. UK guidelines recommends no more than 14 units of alcohol a week.

HPV

Many recent reports have linked mouth cancer to the human papillomavirus (HPV)

CHEWING AND SMOKELESS TOBACCO

Any tobacco that is placed in the mouth (such as betel) but is not burned comes under this category.

DIET

It is of course recommended that we eat a healthy balanced diet including lot of fruit and vegetables each day. Omega 3 in foods such as eggs and fish may help lower the risk as can foods high in fibre.

SUNLIGHT AND SUNBEDS

Too much ultraviolet radiation is a known cause of skin cancers and these can develop on the lips.

FAMILY HISTORY, GENETICS AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Although it is not known why, there is a slight risk of mouth cancer if you have a relative who has had the disease.

We hope all our patient will find it reassuring to know that we are monitoring oral health in this way. It is good to be aware, take control and learn how to be mouth aware. For more information you can visit www.mouthcancer.org and of course you can discuss any concerns you have with your dentist at any time.

January Blues!

Hopefully we all survived the Christmas and New Years celebrations! Suddenly it all seems like a distant memory as we all get back to normal and try and ignore the hot cross buns and Easter Egg that are already in the shops!

Of course some one will have mentioned new year resolutions and whether you make them or not there are still little things we can do to look after ourselves and make the best decisions in regard to our own health and well being.

Already this year there has been research published that says that a quarter of five year olds has tooth decay and the average 10 year old has already consumed more than 20 stones worth of sugar. If we don’t change things for ourselves then maybe we can try and change things for our children.

Beware of grazing and snacking. It is easy to find yourself nibbling on sugary treats throughout the day and this drip feed approach can cause tooth decay if it is prolonged.

Perhaps you would like to improve your oral health by improving tooth brushing and flossing. This can be easily achieved by brushing twice a day with a pea sized amount of toothpaste using a manual or electric toothbrush and spit, don’t rinse. Floss or use little brushes in between the teeth as often as you can.

Another good dental health resolution is healthier food and drink choices. Frequent snacking on sugary and acidic foods contributes to tooth decay. Try some sugar free gum after a meal or a pice of cheese to reduce the acid attack or simply rinse with water.

If you want to improve your smile then tooth whitening may be right for you and there is plenty of advice available on how you can do this at home with bespoke trays made by your dentist.

If your New Year resolution is braces then there several options available and your dentist will be happy to talk you through your options.

The New Year might be the right time to think about restorative treatments such as tooth coloured fillings, crowns or implants. Again, your dentist will be happy to talk you through these procedures.

Stopping smoking is bound to be on the list of things to address in the New Year and there is no better time to do it. Consider on line tools, smoking cessation groups, progress tracking apps and support from friends and family.

And finally book that check up NOW!! Your routine check up may help prevent oral disease or reveal an existing problem that can be caught in its early stage.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our our patients a very healthy New Year and look forward to seeing you soon.

Naughty or Nice!

It is the middle of December already! It’s dark by 4.15 and the Christmas trees are out of their boxes and twinkling from the corner of both waiting rooms. Children are getting excited and parents are starting to feel the pressure of getting everything ready for the big day when Santa finally does what he does best! What ever your feelings are about Christmas, it is hard to ignore it. Routine tends to go astray at this time of year and the big question as far as your teeth are concerned is……

Are you going to be naughty or nice to your teeth this December?

We understand that it’s the season to indulge in treats, snacks and the extra tipple or two and we really don’t want to sound like Mr Scrooge with his ‘Bah Humbug!’ But here are a few tips on not completely wrecking your teeth this Christmas!

• Beware of grazing and snacking. It is easy to find yourself nibbling on sugary treats throughout the day and this drip feed approach can cause tooth decay if it is prolonged.
• The curse of the sticky tape!! We have all been there! Last minute wrapping and no one around to help. Please try not to tear the tape with your teeth, it is a hazard waiting to happen as it is easy to weaken or crack teeth this way.
• Don’t reach for a cocktail stick if you have something stuck between your teeth. Wooden sticks can splinter easily and cut your gums. Stick to floss or interdental brushes that are made for the job.
• Beware the rogue toffees! So often we hear patients say, I never normally eat toffees as they produce a chunk of lost filling or a wayward crown! Choose chocolate because it melts away very quickly.
• Raise a glass but beware the Prosecco! It was one of the most dentally damaging drinks due to the acidity, sugar and alcohol level. Limit the effects by drinking lots of water.
• Have a cracking time but not with nuts or bottle tops! It may sound obvious but use a nut cracker and a bottle opener and not your teeth. Bare in mind that on ice can create microscopic fractures in your precious enamel.
• Christmas injuries to the teeth can be more common than you think with all the new bikes, scooters and skateboards and it’s not always the children who fall off!
• Please don’t forget to brush and encourage over excited children to stick to their two minutes twice a day with a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

All of us at The Corner House Dental Practice would like to wish all our patients a very happy Christmas and a joyous New Year and never fear, we will be around if you need us!

Could stress be causing your dental pain?

Dare we mention the C word! It does feel like Christmas is hurtling towards us at a great pace. The autumn hues are visible from the practice windows and the shops are in full Christmas mode. If just reading these words made you clench your teeth and become tense then you could be suffering from Bruxism or teeth grinding.

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching is often related to stress or anxiety. Symptoms can vary but the most common ones are;

• Facial pain
• Headaches
• Earache
• Pain and stiffness in the jaw.
• Disrupted sleep
• Tooth wear which causes sensitivity.
• Broken teeth or fillings.

What causes teeth grinding?

It is not always clear what causes tooth grinding but it is usually linked to stress or anxiety. It is not uncommon for students studying for exams to complain about jaw stiffness and facial pain that disappears once the exams are over. The side effects of some medications can also cause teeth grinding as can drinking and smoking and snoring.

Small children sometimes grind at night for a time and the noise can be quite distinctive, however they usually grow out of it without any intervention.

What can your dentist do?

Your dentist may well diagnose grinding before the patient even realises it for themselves if your teeth are worn, if your jaw is painful or if your partner has said you make a grinding noise in the night. The most common treatment for grinding is a night guard, (made of a material similar to a sports guard but much thinner). This is worn at night to reduce the sensation of clenching or grinding. A mouth guard may also reduce pain and protect against further damage.

Your dental check ups are a great opportunity for you to ask about teeth grinding or facial pain and a soft mouth guard can be made if your dentist thinks it is appropriate. However you can arrange to see your dentist at anytime if you have facial pain that is affecting you on a daily basis.

All you need to know about dental x-rays

You may have noticed that from time to time your dentist may suggest taking x-rays as part of your routine dental check up. For most of us these x-rays are taken every two years or if it is your first visit to us then x-rays will be part of the initial check up, although this recommendation may be different depending on the individual needs of the patient. X-rays are also a great tool in diagnosing pain and other dental conditions.

Early tooth decay does not tend to show visually and the teeth can look perfectly healthy. However an x-ray will help the dentist see whether there is any decay in between the teeth, any infection on the root of the tooth or any bone loss around the tooth itself. It is not unusual to x-ray children’s teeth because they can show teeth that haven’t erupted yet and to ascertain whether there is room for all the permanent teeth to come through.

Once taken, the x-rays become an essential part of your health records. If you change dentists, your x-rays will not usually be needed by your new dentist but if copies are required then there may be a charge. Your x-rays will never be shared with any other health professional without your permission.

Dental x-rays are not in any way dangerous. The amount of radiation from a dental x-ray is extremely small. We get more radiation from natural sources, including minerals in the soil and from our general environment. There is more radiation on a transatlantic flight than that from dental x-rays. With modern techniques and equipment, risks are kept as small a possible and x-rays will only be taken when they are absolutely necessary. Always tell the dental team if you think that you may be pregnant. Extra care will be taken and x-rays will only be taken in the first three months especially, if they are needed.

There are various types of x-rays. Some of them show one or two teeth and their roots, while others show several teeth at once. The most common type are the small ones that show the condition of the teeth and gums. Larger x-rays show the whole mouth including the teeth and the bone structure and are useful for diagnosing impacted wisdom teeth.

The dental team can take quite a few x-rays during their working day, so to limit the amount of radiation they receive, it is normal procedure for them to leave the room whilst the x-ray is taken. This is nothing to worry about and as we have said before, the risk to the patient is tiny. X-rays are a great diagnostic tool that dentists could not manage without.

Teeth Whitening - It can be illegal!

Just a touch of autumn in the air and a hint of colour change on the leaves outside the practice. The Corner House has been busy all summer with a lot of family check-ups and now the children are back at school mums and dads may be heard breathing sigh of relief!

Over the summer illegal teeth whitening was highlighted in the press after a few cases of beauticians providing whitening procedures which can leave patients in severe pain if they go wrong. In one shocking instance a man was given 35% hydrogen peroxide and the highest percentage used in dental practices is 16%. He was left in severe pain with raw open blisters on his lips.

Teeth whitening by beauticians in their own homes or in whitening kiosks in shopping centres is illegal. It is also illegal to supply bleaching material containing more than 0.1% peroxide, or the equivalent in carbamide peroxide to the general public.

Since the high court ruling in May 2013 it is now deemed illegal to carry out teeth whitening unless you are a registered dentist with the General Dental Council. Anyone who is not on the GDC register and who provides teeth whitening services to the public is committing a criminal act.

The active ingredient used in dental practices is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which is put in to a tailor made mouth guard for a few hours each day until the desired shade is reached. The effects of teeth whitening can last for several years with only the occasional top up required. Teeth whitening by a dental professional has very few side effects and short term sensitivity can be managed with a good sensitive toothpaste. Teeth whitening can only lighten the existing tooth shade and only works on natural teeth. It will not change the shade of fillings, crowns or bridges.

Please contact us if you are interested in teeth whitening or just ask at your next check up and we will be happy to advise you. Please remember that dental professionals are the only safe option for this type of procedure.

Choices, Choices.

After the extreme heat of June and July, August has a decidedly damp edge to it! Instead of trying our best to keep everyone cool we are now finding suitable corners for wet umbrellas and damp raincoats. Corner House is busy as usual especially as it is summer break for our schools and a good time for family check-ups. All our dentists and hygienists are happy to answer questions about the dental health of all the family. One of the questions that comes up frequently is “which toothpaste should I be using”.

It’s a very reasonable question as there are so many products out there, all claiming different properties and different uses. So how do we choose?

A nationwide poll found that 41% of those asked were influenced by brand power, that is, picking a household name that is well recognised. 24% said cost was a factor and 23% said they would buy on recommendation of dental professionals. Only 4% said they would be influenced by a celebrity endorsement. Instagram, YouTube and Facebook are often filled with celebrities singing the praises of whitening toothpaste or other products. It is good to know that despite products such as charcoal toothpaste getting high profile endorsements (even though its effectiveness has been disproved), consumers are still putting more trust into proven and professionally recommended products.

Here are a few top tips to look for in dental products:

• Look for independent endorsement. This is a great way of knowing that the products do what they say they do.
• Check the ingredients. Especially important when it comes to toothpaste, ensure it has the correct amount of fluoride to protect your teeth. Children should use toothpaste containing no less than 1000ppm fluoride and adults up to 1500 ppm
• Make sure the product is suitable for you. Everybody has their own specific needs, check packaging to make sure it does what you want it to.
• Don’t be seduced by packaging and jargon. With hundreds of oral health products on the market it can be easy to pick the flashiest on the shelf but this may not be the right choice for you.
• If in doubt, ask your dental team. If you are not sure about something, ask an expert, the dental team knows you and we are perfectly placed to find the right product for you and there are often samples in the practice so that you can try before you buy.

The practice is open throughout the rest of the summer and a simple call to the reception team will put you on the path to the right information for excellent oral health.

Happy holidays and enjoy the rest of the summer, come rain or shine!

School's out for summer!

We are into a second week of blue skies and unbroken sunshine. The air con is on in the surgeries and we are doing our best to keep the rest of the practice as cool as we can. For some, the sunshine is a welcome break from the usual warm rain and dull skies and for others it is a challenge that leaves them fatigued and drained.

Much like the weather, the school summer break is a love it or hate it thing. For some, lazy mornings and days out are a welcome change from the clock watching and routine and for others it is a juggling act of child care and holiday clubs but like it or not there is nothing we can do about the weather or the six week summer break.

According to the British Dental Association the heatwave is already driving a spike in sugar consumption among kids. New figures show kids are consuming five times their recommended sugar intake during the summer with the heat pushing them to ice creams, lollies and soft drinks. A poll of 1,000 parents with children aged2-17 conducted by my dentist found sugar intake will be hugely boosted during the break from school.

Every ten minutes a child in England has a tooth removed in hospital due to preventable decay according to figures from Public Health England. Tooth extraction also remains the most common reason for hospital admissions for five to nine year olds.

As a family practice we see children every day and we take their care very seriously. Ideally our youngsters should be getting a check up at least twice year that involves nothing more than a quick count up to see what they have and maybe a referral for orthodontics if required. Doing treatment on our younger patients is not what we would wish for them but is sometimes necessary.

Whilst parents need to take responsibility over what they buy for their children it is clear that the government needs to force the soft drinks suppliers to change the way they formulate these products. Added sugar is cheap, addictive and has no nutritional benefit.

The advice must be – if you want to keep the kids cool then reach for the water, offer fruits like watermelon and frozen banana and keep the lollies and ice creams for desert.

Dental Anxiety

What causes dental anxiety?

It is not unusual to feel a little apprehensive when a dental appointment is looming, especially if there is treatment involved but for some patients even being in the practice can be a very difficult situation for them. In the UK it is thought that one in three adults has moderate dental anxiety and one in ten has an extreme form of this condition.Both adults and children can be affected and getting the right help is important.

This anxiety may be as a result of a bad experience as a child or as a result of other people’s anxiety influencing your own thoughts and feelings. (A parent can pass on their own fear to their children without realising that they are doing it).

Anxiety may be made worse by hearing the dental drill or thinking about local anaesthetic (needle phobia). Fear of pain, blood, choking/gagging and feeling out of control or vulnerable whilst in the dental chair. All of these reactions are perfectly understandable.

Tips to help with dental anxiety.

The most important tip is to make sure you tell us! If we know how you are feeling then we will make a special effort to help you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. We will talk you through your appointment and answer any questions that you may have. If you are unsure about anything then please don’t be afraid to ask.

Some patients find that listening to music is helpful so bring your mobile phone or iPod with you so that you can listen to your own music. You can also bring a friend or relative to the appointment for moral support.

How can dental anxiety be controlled?

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or mindfulness can help lower your levels of stress and anxiety and help you cope. There are helpful on line sites that can help you find something that and is right for you.

Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you gain control of negative thoughts and a therapist can guide you through this kind of treatment.

Sedation is an option if your anxiety is very severe and this would be done on referral to a sedation clinic. With this option you are awake enough to respond to the dentist throughout the procedure but you will not be aware of what is happening.

Complementary therapies such as acupuncture and reflexology are not considered part of conventional medicine but can be used along side the other options to help treat dental anxiety.

Fear is a powerful and primitive emotion that alerts us to the presence of danger but we are here to help and support all our patients so that we can offer the very best dental care. Please talk to us. We are here to help.

It’s all about the smiles!!!

May is all about two things for us here at Corner House. It’s about changes to the Data Protection Regulations and Smile Month (which is much more fun!)

On 25th May 2018 General Data Protection Regulation becomes a reality and along with almost every organisation in the country we have been taking steps to ensure that we are compliant. Patients understandably get a bit fed up with all the forms that we ask you to complete before you see your dentist but this is a legal requirement and all the information that you provide is stored securely and in accordance with GDPR and viewed only by our dental professionals when necessary.

We do not share information unless you have been referred to another health care provider (a hospital or clinic), and this would only be with specific consent from you - the patient.

The forms that we ask you to complete for us are important as it gives your dentist an awareness of conditions and medications which may interfere with your dental treatment. Information on alcohol consumption and smoking help us to advise you on the risks these pose to your dental health. Please be patient with us as we have your best interests at the heart of the care we provide for you.

Smile Month starts on 14th May this year and it is our chance to promote a practical oral health message within our practice. Despite the many improvements in oral health over the last thirty years there are still topics we can help with that can improve the way we all look after our teeth and gums. National Smile Month gives us a chance to make a difference for our patients in a fun and practical way.

As a practice we want to help more and more of our patients understand the benefits of a healthy smile and of course, your dentist and hygienist can answer any questions you may have.

If you visit us in the next few weeks you will find posters, bunting and leaflets with the familiar ‘smile ‘logo. The Oral Health Educator is always available for free sessions if there is anything you are unsure about including brushing and diet advice. Please feel free to grab a Smiley packed with information on the back. Smiley selfies can be uploaded to our face book page if you wish to join in the fun!

Are you bothered by the sugar tax?

In a surprise move by the chancellor, the sugar tax was unveiled in the budget of 2016 and the British Dental Association is totally in support of this initiative. Soft drinks are the largest single source of sugar for children aged 4-10 years old as well as for teenagers. The tax does not apply to all drinks that contain sugar but the idea is to place a levy on the most sugary drinks available, typically fizzy drinks.

Part of the battle with drinks high in sugar is that often consumers don’t realise exactly what the sugar content is.

Sugar plays a harmful role in tooth decay. Many of us will have seen the experiment that involves a tooth being placed in a beaker of cola and over a matter of a few days it dissolves. The reason that sugar is so bad for our teeth is because the bacteria that form on our teeth become plaque (a creamy layer that forms in our mouths every day) and uses sugar to multiply and become an acid that burns a minute lesion into the enamel.

Over time and with frequent attacks of sugar the tiny lesions become decay that can be picked up on dental X-rays and become visible areas in the teeth. Frequent sipping on these kinds of drinks is a recipe for disaster as far as tooth decay is concerned. It is hoped that at the very least consumers may start to be aware of how much sugar is in the drinks they choose for themselves and give their children.

Less sugar in our diet means healthier teeth and gums for all of us. ONE in FOUR children in England are living with tooth decay, a preventable disease and is the number one reason children are admitted to hospital across the UK. This painful and distressing condition causes untold misery, including severe pain, sleepless nights and missed schooling.

Whether or not the sugar tax has the desired effect still remains to be seen but at least the debate has been opened up and the topic has been well documented in the press. As health care professionals we are glad that awareness has been heightened and maybe in the future we will not have to treat so many youngsters in pain.

Spring has Sprung!

The first day of March roared in on the back of ‘the beast from the east’ but despite the cold snap and a few days when the The Causeway looked like a Christmas card we battled through and carried on as normal! It is starting to look more like spring now, daffodils and tulips are determined to push their way through the soggy earth and we can look forward to lighter mornings and brighter evenings and no excuse for putting off the inevitable spring clean, and brushing all the old winter cobwebs away.

Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, I wonder where the toothpaste is!!

A tenuous link, I know, but toothpaste is the mainstay of our oral hygiene routine. The development of modern toothpastes started in the 1800’s. In 1873 Colgate started the mass production of toothpaste in jars and within a few years Colgate introduced its toothpaste in a tube, similar to modern day toothpastes.

In the second half of the twentieth century modern toothpastes were developed to help treat specific conditions such as tooth sensitivity. Fluoride toothpastes to help prevent decay were first introduced in 1914. Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth decay.

There have been some concerns that fluoride may be linked to a variety of health conditions but studies have so far, found no convincing evidence to support these concerns. Overall, scientific evidence leads us to believe that fluoride does contribute to reduced tooth decay provided that it is used correctly with the suitable amount measured in parts per million along side a sensible diet and low sugar intake.

• Children under three years old should brush with a smear of toothpaste containing less than1000ppm fluoride
• Children between three and six years old should use a pea sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1000ppm fluoride
• Adults should use a toothpaste containing 1350-1500ppm fluoride.

Fluoride mouthwash may be prescribed for adults and children who have tooth decay and should be used at a different time to brushing to avoid washing off toothpaste and reducing its effectiveness.

Fluoride varnish can be applied by a dentist. The varnish containing high levels of fluoride is painted on the teeth every six months to help prevent decay and it works by strengthening the tooth enamel and making it more resistant to decay.

The most recent advances in toothpastes have included the development of whitening toothpastes that can help with surface staining and toothpaste containing triclosan which provides extra protection against decay, gum disease, plaque and bad breath.

If you think of toothpaste as the equivalent of using washing up liquid for the dishes then it is clear that it is a useful aid to good oral hygiene.

No need to buy the big brand names if you don’t want to, own brand toothpastes with the amounts of fluoride as described above are perfectly fine!

If you are at all unsure about which toothpaste is right for you or your family then please ask at your next check up. Happy brushing and happy spring cleaning!

From cradle to grave and everywhere in between

Parents are often unsure when to take a child to the dentist for the first time, should you wait until all the teeth are through or until there is a problem?

The answer is simple really. Bring them as soon as you can to get them used to the sights and sounds of the dental surgery. Ideally we like to see the newest members of the family before their first birthday or as soon as the first baby teeth have erupted. The first visit familiarises your child with the staff and the surgery and if all goes well a ride in the chair and a sticker is all that needs to be achieved. This lays the foundation for future visits in a relaxed way in order to count the child’s teeth and address any concerns. From this point on six monthly family check ups will be completely normal and nothing to worry about.

There comes a time as families grow and the children are spreading their wings and off to further education or travelling abroad when dental check-ups are way down the list of priorities! However, dental check- ups are vital when the diet may not be too good, oral hygiene is not great either and wisdom teeth start to erupt. It’s worth knowing that not all over eighteens have to pay for their NHS treatment and our receptionists can give further information and advice.

We get enquiries about teeth whitening and orthodontics (teeth straightening) as a confidence boost before a wedding or after landing a new job and these options are available to our patients at any time and advice is always available.

At any age our patients are regularly screened for oral cancers and other abnormalities and this is a vital part of the usual check-up.

Sometimes patients going through stressful times or even preparing for exams can clench or grind their teeth, causing facial pain. Soft bite guards can be provided to protect the teeth during these times.

For our more senior patients who wear dentures, a dental check-up is still sensible every couple of years just to check that there is nothing unusual happening to the soft tissues where the denture rests and to make sure the dentures still fit well and do the job that they were designed for.

So, you see – the dental team is there at every stage of life to advise and support all our patients and ensure that good oral care is always a priority.

January is Go!!

Christmas seems like a distant memory and here at The Corner House Dental Practice we are back to our normal busy selves! At this time of year we are bombarded by the media and social networks with ideas on how to get fit or stick to resolutions made as January dawned.

If there was one thing that we could do to improve our oral health in January then it would be, without a doubt, taking a little more care of our gums. For most of us brushing our teeth twice a day is the norm and it is very important. We can all be proud of ourselves for ticking that box but let’s go a little further and concentrate on the one surface of the teeth that the brush cannot get to. Unless we use something in between our teeth we are leaving bacteria sitting there having their own little New Year party!

We have a great little poster in the room that our hygienists use and it is quite an eye opener. Leaving the bacteria that cause gum disease in between our teeth can have a detrimental effect on the rest of our body. There have been very credible studies done and we now know that there is a link between gum disease and increased risk of a fatal heart attack and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs and cause pneumonia. Chronic gum disease can be very detrimental for those with diabetes and smokers with diabetes increase the risk of tooth loss by 20% and people with type two diabetes are three times more likely to develop the most serious type of gum disease than non-diabetics.

Reduction in bone mass is also associated with gum disease and tooth loss and women with severe gum disease run the risk of preterm or low birth weight babies because oral microbes can cross the placental barrier.

All this information can seem pretty worrying but it is good to know why we put so much emphasis on good oral hygiene. If you are visiting the hygienist then look out for the poster.

We wish all our patients a happy and gum healthy 2018 and if you do one new thing this year them make it interdental cleaning! All the dentists and hygienists are here to support you.

Seasons Greetings

The Christmas trees have been put up in the waiting rooms, signalling that time of year for most, when children have a rosy glow and an air of expectation and adults are feeling the pressure to get everything bought, wrapped and cooked in time for the big day. The countdown is definitely on for those of us who celebrate the big day.

A change in routine can disrupt our usual oral hygiene routine at this time of year and of course we are going to indulge in sweet treats and a little tipple! However, here are a few tips to keep us all on the right track over the Christmas break.

1. Try not to ditch the routine altogether. Teeth take a bit of a hammering at this time of year. Christmas morning is an exciting time, especially if you are a parent but try to make sure everyone is brushing with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, twice a day

2. Cheese is great for the teeth, it helps to return the mouth to its natural acid balance and reduces the chance of developing tooth decay. Even a little piece of cheese after a main meal can be beneficial. The same can be said for sugar free chewing gum but it's not quite as festive!.

3. Beware of the mince pies, Christmas cake and pudding, all traditional festive foods but they are laden with dried fruits which are high in sugar and can stick to the teeth very easily. These kinds of treats can cause the most damage, particularly if we are having them frequently throughout Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

4. Never ever use your teeth as a bottle opener! Please remember that your teeth are not tools. Should the worst happen and you lose a tooth, first of all, don't panic. Get to the dentist as soon as possible. With the right care the tooth can be put back into the socket. Ideally though, it should be put back straight away without handling the root. Try to keep the tooth within the cheek if possible or keep it in some milk until you see the dentist. Chipped or broken teeth may be sensitive or sharp and will need some treatment..

5. Moderation is the key word over the Christmas period and of course we all want to enjoy the festivities without having to compromise on what we eat and drink. The trick is to remember that it's not how much sugar we have but the frequency of sugary foods during the day. Try to have the extra treats as part of a meal and sneak in a few tooth kind foods as well.

The whole Corner House team would like to wish all our patients a happy and peaceful Christmas time.

Sugar isn’t always called Sugar!

When we talk to our patients about sugar in the diet there seems to be a lot of confusion around sugar, sweeteners and ‘no added sugar’. To help clarify the situation here is a brief explanation of sugar in its various guises as found on the ingredients labels. XYLITOL – found in specialist foods, medications and oral health products such as toothpaste and sugar free chewing gum is the most well known product containing this sweetener. It is a helpful alternative to sugar as it does not contribute to tooth decay.

AGAVE NECTAR – this sweet syrup can be bought from health food shops and supermarkets and is popular with those wanting a sugar substitute as it is labelled as a slow-release carbohydrate. This syrup is detrimental to oral health as it forms acid in the same way as traditional granulated sugar and there are no advantages to choosing it.

STIVIOL GLYCOSIDES – This sweetener is 250-300 times sweeter than sugar and is found in sugar-free products such as jams, yoghurts, cakes and deserts, it is also useful in cooking. Since it is calorie free it is useful for those trying to lose weight as it has no calorific value. This product is tooth friendly and an excellent alternative to sugar but still advisable to check the labelling as there my be traditional sugar added as well.

SYRUP – such as honey, maple syrup sugar, black treacle, (molasses), golden syrup, date syrup all fall under this heading. Available in many products and used for the flavour they can add to products like cakes and coffee. All these syrups are harmful to teeth and should be used sparingly.

LACTOSE (milk sugar) – this is the sugar found in milk and dairy products commonly known as lactose. The amount of lactose is similar whether the milk is from a cow, goat or sheep and whether it is semi skimmed or skimmed. Lactose is tooth friendly and does not cause decay as long as there are not other sugars added as in the case of milkshakes. Plain milk and dairy products with no added sugar such as natural yoghurt are good tooth kind choices. The only time milk may be become detrimental to dental health is when it is given to babies and toddlers in a bottle which the child sucks as a comforter over a long period of time on a regular basis. This habit can cause bottle caries and is a very distressing situation for all concerned.

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS (sucralose)- this is used to sweeten hot drinks and in cooking and has no calorific value and does not cause tooth decay. This type of sweetener is a good alternative to sugar and as long as good oral health is maintained can be of great benefit.

So there we have it! Sugar isn’t always sugar and reading food labels is imperative if we want to do all we can to to avoid tooth decay in old and young alike.

Fads Fashions and Whitening Toothpastes

Who would have thought that the latest craze in toothpaste is charcoal? Through the centuries various concoctions [including soot, salt and chalk] have been used. Ancient Egyptians made a kind of brush by splitting the end of a twig and some of the more bazaar ideas included powdered ox hooves and burned egg shells. Try these if you dare!

Activated charcoal is a modern day take on the old idea of how to keep teeth stain free and clean. At this point in time there there is insufficient clinical and laboratory data to substantiate the claims of charcoal based oral health products.

Many toothpastes which claim to whiten our teeth are simply removing surface stains, and will not offer the long lasting white smiles that consumers are looking for. Further more some of these products may do more harm than good as they do not contain the effective ingredients to help prevent tooth decay. Toothpaste needs to contain 1350 to 1,500 parts per million [ppm] of fluoride to protect teeth from decay.

There are many reasons why you may want your teeth whitened and our advice is to do your homework and speak to your dentist for the best option. It is worth mentioning at this point that any whitening offered on social media or in beauty salons is illegal. Some of these products can be too abrasive and if used often can erode enamel and cause extreme sensitivity.

It is important to understand that the only way to get the white teeth that you want is by professional whitening provided by your dentist.

Why do we care about your gums?

Did you know that gum disease isn't just bad news for your teeth, it's also linked to serious health problems in other parts of your body?

Gum disease may increase your risk of other health complications including stroke, diabetes and its control, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. The link between oral health and overall body health is well documented and backed up by robust scientific evidence.

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It's mainly caused by bacteria from plaque build up. In some people who are susceptible to gum disease, the body over-reacts and causes too much inflammation. The result is that it also affects the blood stream, and is believed to slowly damage blood vessels in the heart and brain over a long period of time.

Recent research has suggested that there may be a link between gum disease and Alzheimer's. The thought is that when the bacteria reach the brain they may trigger an auto immune response (like they do in the mouth) killing brain cells. This was a small study with big implications if proved right.

So now you know why we take your gum health so seriously and assess your gums at every routine check up. Please talk to your dentist or hygienist about your gum health and treatment available.

The good news is that brushing your teeth properly and looking after your gums can prevent and treat gum disease, improve overall health and help reduce your risk of health problems.

If you are unsure about your brushing regime then a free session with our Oral Health Educator might be the option for you.

After all - where would you be without your gums!!

Mind the Gap!

No one wants to have a tooth taken out but sometimes it is the only option left. Once the tooth is removed the source of your problem is gone and the area will soon heal but what next?  
It may be that doing nothing about the space is right for you and it is a perfectly reasonable option especially if the gap is at the back or does not have an opposing tooth to bite on. 
However there are good reasons why your dentist may recommend  that you replace missing teeth. Reasons include improving your appearance, making eating more comfortable and keeping your mouth healthy. 
The options that you may want to discuss with your dentist are-

• Bridges - if only one tooth is missing your dentist might suggest this option. Bridges are made of porcelain and metal. They come in various designs depending on the location in your moth and are cemented in. 
• Dentures - A denture may be recommended to replace a larger number of teeth and can be made of acrylic or metal. Dentures need to be taken out at night to let your mouth rest. Getting used to dentures may take time but can be a good option. 
• Implants. - A dental implant is made of titanium and is placed directly into the jawbone at a specialist centre. Dentures, bridges or a single tooth can then be screwed onto the implant back in the surgery by your dentist. Having an implant is a surgical procedure and your gums need to be healthy.    

A Little Too Sensitive!

Of all the topics raised during a patient consultation, sensitive teeth is one of the most common.

Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to discomfort that can last several hours.

Many people suffer from sensitive teeth and it can start at any time, although it is more common in people aged between 20 and 40 and women are more likely to be affected than men.

If the dentine is exposed a tooth can become sensitive. This usually happens where the tooth and the gum meet and the enamel layer is much thinner.

• Brushing too hard and brushing from side to side can cause the enamel to be worn away. The freshly exposed dentine may then become sensitive.

• The loss of tooth enamel caused by attacks of acid from acidic foods and drinks.

• Gums may naturally shrink back and the roots of the teeth become exposed and can be more sensitive as root surfaces do not have enamel to protect them.

• Gum disease can cause the gum to recede down the tooth and even destroy bony support making the area difficult to clean.

• Tooth grinding is a habit which involves clenching and grinding the teeth together. This can cause the protective enamel to be worn away making the teeth sensitive.

• A cracked tooth or filling can cause sensitivity to extreme temperature especially if the crack runs from the biting surface of the tooth to the root.

• In some patients tooth bleaching can cause sensitivity for a short time but this is easily managed with advice from your dentist before treatment starts.

You may find that hot,cold,sweet or acidic drinks or foods such as ice cream can bring on sensitivity so you may want to avoid these. If you have sensitivity when brushing your teeth with cold water you may need to use warm water instead. It is important to keep brushing your teeth regularly and spit the toothpaste away without a final rinse as there is de- sensitising properties in the fluoride.

During your check up your dentist will talk to you about your symptoms and may treat affected teeth with special de-sensitising products not available over the counter.

There are many brands of toothpaste on the market made to ease the pain of sensitive teeth and as well as brushing twice a day you can also rub it onto the affected areas and leave it over night. These toothpastes can take several weeks to take affect and your dentist can give you advice on the best one for you. Sensitive teeth can be managed effectively so don't suffer in silence!

Here Comes Summer

June is here and it has felt a lot like summer. Lots of sunshine and the trees in The Causeway are in full leaf, no sign of the spring blossom now. Staff and patients alike are glad of the air conditioned surgeries and although we are well aware that it can rain at any moment a bit of sunshine makes us all feel better!!

A lot of us will be taking holidays soon and a change of routine can mean that our teeth get a little neglected.

Many of you know that dentists and hygienists recommend the Oralb 2000 electric toothbrush but how many of you abandon your electric brush in favour of a manual brush at holiday time?

We would like to encourage you to take a multi adapter plug in your suitcase. The benefits of an electric toothbrush have been well known a very long time and to keep your mouth in tip top condition it should be fully charged and used consistently, change the head every three months and you are set for better oral hygiene. The electric brush does all the work for you. All you have to do is hold it against each tooth in turn at a 45% angle to the gum.

If you are unsure about the brushing technique with an electric toothbrush then your dentist,hygienist or oral health educator will be happy to help.

So here's to a happy summer and if you are traveling for business or pleasure please take your electric toothbrush with you, your teeth with thank you for it!

National Smile Month

You may think going to the dentist is nothing to smile about but we beg to differ! National Smile month has just started and if you come into the practice between now and June 16th you may see the smile promotional goodies dotted around. In a nutshell, National Smile Month is the largest and longest running campaign to promote oral health. The crux of the message is to highlight three things,

They are;.

- Brush your teeth last thing at night and at one other time during the day with fluoride toothpaste.

- They are;.

- Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they come recommended.

Our teeth have such an important role to play in our lives. They help us chew and digest food, they help us to talk and speak clearly and they also give our face shape. A healthy smile can transform your visual appearance, the positivity of your mind-set as well as improving the health of not only your mouth but your body too. Because of this, it only makes sense to give our oral health the best care possible. National Smile Month is our chance to give our oral health the best care possible. National Smile Month is our chance to look at our oral health, learn more about why a healthy mouth is so important and share tips on how to improve and maintain it.

We believe that prevention is much better than cure and to that end we want to provide all our patients with information for managing good oral health at home..

The new Oral Health Education initiative is part of that, providing one to one sessions along with the advice given by your dentist and hygienist. That is why we are interested in what type of toothbrush you use and whether you floss or little brushes at home. All this information helps us provide a tailor-made regime for you to follow at home.

Looking after your teeth is a team effort and we want to encourage our patients to ask for support where it is needed so that together we are working towards a healthier mouth.

CQC Inspection

We had a CQC inspection on 19th April 2016. The inspection involved looking to see if the practice is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led

We are glad to report that the inspectors were very impressed with the way the practice is run and led. You can read the full report by downloading the report.

We have also been acknowledged by the local County Times for our good work. We hope to keep providing a high level of care to our patients.

Visiting the Hygienist

Fay Eves and Marie Fitt are our dental hygienists. They are specially trained to work as part of our dental team, to give care to patients.

Their main work is to prevent and treat gum disease. This includes professionally cleaning your teeth by removing plaque and tartar. However, perhaps their most important role is showing you the best way to keep your teeth free of plaque. Plaque is a sticky coating that forms constantly on your teeth.

Some dentists will do this type of work themselves. However, the hygienist has been specially trained to carry out simple or complex scaling and spend longer with you. They are also expert at teaching you how to look after your teeth and gums. Often the hygienist will spend a number of appointments getting the gums healthy ready for the dentist to restore the teeth with crowns and fillings.

Diet

Every time you eat or drink anything sugary, your mouth becomes acidic. This is because the sugar will react with the bacteria in plaque (the sticky coating on your teeth) and produce harmful acids. So it is important to have sugary foods or drinks just at mealtimes, limiting the amount of time your mouth is at risk. Constant snacking can leave the teeth on a constant acid attack. You should never brush your teeth for at least an hour after a meal.

Many processed foods have sugar in them, and the higher up it appears in the list of ingredients, the more sugar there is in the product. Always read the list of ingredients on the labels when you are food shopping.

The lower the pH number, the more acidic the product. Anything with a pH value lower than 5.5 may cause erosion. pH 7 is the middle figure between acid and alkali. Have a look at these common foods:

• mineral water (still) pH 7.6
• milk pH 6.9
• cheddar cheese pH 5.9
• beer pH 4.4
• orange juice pH 3.8
• grapefruit pH 3.3
• cola pH 2.5
• red wine pH 2.5
• vinegar pH 2.0
• Ketchup pH 3.9
• Raisins pH 3.5

NHS England Inspection

The Corner House Dental Practice had a NHS inspection of the practice on 21st January 2016. Most practices have this done every three years.

The inspection is very thorough and includes looking at dental records, the premises and speaking to staff.

Two inspectors were present on the day. One looked at policies, audits and continued professional development (on going training) for all staff. This was to ensure that the practice is up to date and continually improving its services.

The second inspector looked around the surgeries and practice itself. This was to confirm that the practice is clean, maintaining a high standard in cross infection, all materials and drugs are in date, looking at x-ray machines and making sure equipment is serviced on a regular basis.

They were really pleased with the practice and one said we ‘passed with flying colours’. They were really impressed with the iPads to update all the information. We are proud to be providing a high level of care to all our patients.

Simple Rules for a Healthy Smile

Teeth and gum disease is preventable. These simple tips will make it easier to keep their mouth healthy.

Limit sugary snacks – Stop grazing on sugar-filled foods or sipping on sugary drinks between meals is a great way to protect your teeth against excess sugar and acids. The more you snack outside your main meals, the mouth never has a chance to rest and neutralize and is on a constant acid high!

Brushing – Brushing twice a day for two minutes is the best way to look after your teeth and gums. We recommend using an electric toothbrush making your life easier and it clinically proven to reduce plaque. After brushing spit the toothpaste out and don’t rinse out with water.

Flossing – This doesn’t have to be a chore. Flossing can be simple and there are many things on the market now to make it easier for you. Many patients book in with the hygienist to help them look after there teeth and gums but also get to learn ways to look after them.

Chewing gum – Sugar-free chewing gum is proven to help reduce dental cavities. After a meal, chewing gum increases saliva so helps bring the acid levels to a neutral level.