Dental Visits For Children Before They Reach the Age of One

The journey to good dental health is one that starts early and begins when we’re children. You may not have realised though, that while a healthy standard of teeth in children is vitally important, there are strong indications out there to suggest that this process actually begins before the first teeth have appeared. Consequently, it is advisable for parents to consider taking their children for dental visits before their first birthday.

Failings

Despite the value of addressing the issue of children’s health at a very early age, it has been reported that a large number of children have not made a dental visit before they reach the age of one. To be more specific, research recently conducted by the University of Birmingham’s School of Dentistry in conjunction with the University of Edinburgh and Public Health England found that just 3% of children in England had visited the dentist prior to their first birthday. Furthermore, according to these findings, just 12% of children in the UK had made a visit to the dentist by the time they reached the age of two.

Despite this being an indication of the fact that a sizeable proportion of children are not receiving the professional dental attention that they should, it also means that children may be at greater risk of suffering problems related to their teeth later in life.

What Problems Does This Cause for Children?

It is unadvisable for children to not see a dentist before their first birthday and it increases the chance of them being affected by certain dental health problems. For example, the failure of children to be seen by a dentist in the initial few years of their life has been identified as creating a greater likelihood for them to develop tooth decay. According to the University of Birmingham’s research, the lack of dental visits in the early years of a child’s life can lead to a poor standard of all-round oral health. As a result of having poor dental health, there is a heightened risk of developing such problems as infection and pain in the mouth which can go hand-in-hand with poor sleeping, plus problems with eating as well as learning and socialising.    

Addressing the Problem

Although it would appear as though there is a lack of awareness amongst parents regarding the need of children to be seeing their dentist at a very early age, and though this would suggest that a large number of children face the potential of suffering poor dental health, there is the possibility of tackling these issues. For example, the Little Trip to the Dentist campaign launched by the NHS in the West Midlands has targeted parents and emphasised the important role that early dental check-ups can play in the lives of children. The increased awareness and the rise in visits to the dentists for young children that may stem from this campaign creates a better chance of improving oral health for children.           

A Future of Healthy Teeth with MSC

As mentioned earlier, having a healthy set of teeth is an ongoing journey, and while dental check-ups for young children are crucial, they represent the first steps of a process that needs consistent attention. For healthy teeth, it’s crucial that dental check-ups are regular, so why not make a wise decision now and choose the skill and dedication of MSC to help make sure your child’s teeth avoid unwanted dental problems as they grow?

Here at Midlands Smile Centres, we have a vast level of experience in dentistry and dental procedures. We are able to provide an array of treatments that will ensure that your child’s teeth remain healthy.

A Dentists For All Needs

MSC are the Bimingham-based dentists that combine an exceptional level of skill and professionalism with a patient-centred approach that makes sure every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Midlands Smile Centres are versatile too, making a variety of treatments available that range from orthodontics and restorative dentistry to cosmetic dental treatments and facial aesthetics. This means that whether you feel that your teeth are crooked or misaligned, discoloured or misshapen, or even if you have missing teeth or teeth that simply just need a little visual boost, we are ready to assist.

Being able to satisfy an entire range of needs, MSC also offer a Smile Plan which makes the affordable prices of our treatments even easier to adapt to your budget. And if you ever find yourself requiring immediate attention from a dentist, you can contact us on our EmergencyTreatment number- 07960344510- even if you’re not an MSC patient.

So, whether it’s you or your child that needs a dental visit or needs treatment, make sure it’s Midlands Smile Centres that you trust with maintaining your dental health. 

Contact MSC today and find-out how we can help you!!

The Right Treatment to Help You

Problems with your teeth are something that will inevitably come-up from time to time. Luckily, we at Midlands Smile Centres are on-hand to help you. MSC are staffed from a team of highly skilled and experienced dentists who can be relied upon to help you with whatever dental issues that you may need professional assistance with.

Continue reading for an insight into some of the tooth-related problems you could face and for an overview of the issues that MSC can alleviate for patients such as you.

An Overview of Dental Issues and How We Can Help

Crooked/Misaligned Teeth

Not necessarily something you would notice due to the pain or discomfort it would cause you, misaligned teeth can still create a problem for people due to the aesthetic impact that they have. Crooked or misaligned teeth affect the way a person's smile looks, and this can lower their confidence as a consequence.

Our answer at MSC to this problem is our fine range of orthodontic treatments. We provide a choice that stretches from the traditional types of braces that you would expect to the more impressive invisible braces that we can offer you.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can often be a noticeable cause of pain and discomfort. If you do experience some level of pain related to this wisdom teeth, our dentists can assist you. Our dentists will decide whether or not to remove your wisdom tooth/teeth with the possible use of an X-ray aiding their judgement. Other extractions can be performed by our dentists also.

Irregular Shaped Teeth/Discoloured Teeth

Teeth serve a purpose, but they are also a fairly conspicuous part of how we look, and imperfections in the way we look can be problematic for some of us. Irregular shaped or discoloured teeth may be responsible for certain people out there to feel uncomfortable about their smile or their overall look. There may also be some individuals who do not realise that this imperfection can be alleviated, and some that are so accustomed to having irregular shaped or discoloured teeth that they have forgotten about this issue, an issue which can be addressed relatively easily.

What we offer to combat this problem is veneers. Veneers are thin layers of material- usually porcelain- that are placed over individual teeth to hide their undesirable appearance. These layers of porcelain are tooth-coloured meaning that they have a natural look and will blend in with the surrounding teeth. Simple and effective, this form of cosmetic treatment makes a noticeable difference to your smile and at MSC, with as few as one or two veneers you can expect to see a huge improvement in the way your teeth look.

Lost Teeth

Whether through playing sports or some other sort of accident, having teeth knocked-out is considered by us to be an emergency. If you do lose a tooth in a certain situation, here's what we would advise you to do: put the tooth into a container of milk, seal it and bring it with you. (Don't clean or wash the tooth.) One of our dentists may be able to reinsert the dislodged tooth.

If, however, you lost your teeth some time ago and currently have a gap in your teeth which has been there ever since the tooth came out, the gap can also create some awkwardness. This is due to the less-than-perfect appearance it creates in addition to it not being ideal on a practical level.

The skilled dentists at Midlands Smile Centres are able to make this flaw in your smile a thing of the past. We can achieve this by implementing our dental implant treatment. Made-up of a false tooth and a titanium implant that is attached to the jawbone, single dental implants will not only help restore the natural charm of your smile but will be a comfortable and versatile addition to your mouth as well.

For those patients who have more than one tooth missing, you can opt for another of our treatments such as denture implants and implant supported bridges if these are suitable for your situation.

Yellow/Stained Teeth

Various aspects of our diet and daily dental care can be attributed to the causing of yellow and stained teeth. There are things though that can be done to counter-act this, and MSC are the people to see for these solutions.

One of our cosmetic dentistry treatments types that is sure to correct this imperfection for you is our teeth whitening treatment. At Midlands Smile Centres, we offer Enlighten tooth whitening, a system that incorporates whitening gel and specially made, close-fitting trays that are to be filled with the gel and worn on your teeth overnight. These trays need to be worn for two weeks to produce the cosmetic results that are important to you.

Another method we use to help those with stained/yellow teeth is airflow treatment. Similar in some ways to a scale and polish, MSC's airflow utilises a pressurised jet of water, air and sodium bicarbonate to clean your teeth. The airflow jet will polish your teeth as well. Also able to clear your teeth of plaque and reach into periodontal pockets, our airflow treatment can reduce tooth sensitivity and does not include chemicals so it won't cause any irritation or burning.

General Pain And Emergency Dentistry

There are various causes of dental pain, and all of them are likely to make you consider getting a dentists appointment soon. If you are experiencing some form of dental pain and it does not cease following 30 minutes after taking pain relief and brushing and flossing teeth, then you should contact MSC on our Emergency Treatment number- 07960344510. (You do not need to be an MSC patient to access our emergency dental treatment.)

However, pain is not the only reason that you should contact MSC straight away.

Here are some other reasons that you should get in touch with us immediately:

-A broken crown. This could lead to eventual tooth loss.

-A broken tooth or filling. This can result in eventual tooth loss.

-A lump on your gum line that is next to the root of your tooth. This could be an abscess.

-A tooth that has been knocked out.

-A lost tooth. Without treatment, the wound in your gum is at risk of infection, abscesses and other problems.

-A loose or partially dislodged tooth. Our dentist may be capable of reinserting it.

Get in touch with MSC today to see how we can help you!!

Improving Your Smile With MSC

Orthodontics is an important type of treatment that is available at Midlands Smile Centres. Generally speaking, one of the main reasons that people would opt for this types of treatment would be to achieve straighter teeth.

If you feel that your smile is affected by crooked or misaligned teeth, MSC can help you! Our team of vastly experienced dentists can provide you with the treatment you need to help you achieve the smile that you are looking for.

MSC Orthodontics

Invisalign - Invisalign treatment at MSC make use of invisible aligners that will gradually manoeuvre teeth into the desired position. Inivisalign treatment is an efficient way to alter your smile for the better. However, with their clear look, Invisalign invisible braces are a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to more conventional types of braces. In addition, Invisalign are comfortable to wear and, due to the fact that they can be removed, they are well-suited to eating and are easier to clean than traditional braces.

What's Involved? The clear aligners that are used by Invisalign invisible braces are tailor-made for your teeth, and the creation of these aligners is based on moulds taken of your teeth.

No wires or brackets are needed.

**We can also offer you our ClinCheck® 3D treatment plan which allows you to see beforehand what the results of the treatment will look like.

Six Months Smiles - Six Months Smiles at MSC are an impressive form of orthodontic treatment that can get results quickly. Six Months Smiles are a cosmetic braces system that are tooth-coloured and move your teeth at a gradual pace. The fact that they are tooth-coloured means that they will blend-in with your teeth and will be less conspicuous to the eye. Comfortable to wear, Six Months Smiles are sure to take as little as 6 months to make your teeth straighter.

Damon Braces - This form of orthodontic treatment harnesses innovative technology to create a better smile for you. It uses gentle, biologically-sensible forces to shift teeth quickly into the required position. Little to no discomfort is generally reported by patients when using Damon braces, and the whole process can often be completed without palatal expanders or painful extractions.

What's Involved? Damon Braces use high-tech brackets that have built-in clamps which hold the connecting wire. As is the case with ordinary braces, the brackets are glued to the front of your teeth.

The shape memory wire that we use will return to a predetermined shape, ensuring that the teeth move into the desired position.

After a series of appointments, the process will be complete, taking, on average, six months less to be finished than conventional braces.

Lingual Braces - Similar to traditional braces, Lingual Braces are capable of moving your teeth by utilising light yet consistent pressure. By sitting behind the teeth instead of in front of teeth, Lingual Braces are not noticeable to the eye, so are preferable to those who are self-conscious about having braces.

What's Involved? The initial step in this 18-36 month process is for one of our MSC dentists to verify that Lingual Braces are right for you. If so, the next stage will be for an impression of your teeth to be taken which facilitates the creation of the wires and brackets that are made specifically for your teeth.

Once these bespoke brackets are ready, they will be cemented to the back of your teeth by the dentist. The wire will also be attached so that the right amount of pressure can be exerted.

Your dentist will see you occasionally to ensure that there are no problems and to make any adjustments that are needed. After the process is finished, it is important to brush braces twice a day for two minutes with a soft bristled brush, as well as to floss between your teeth at least once a day and to use a fluoride mouthwash.

Specialist Orthodontics - An effective way to giving a bold and charming enhancement to your smile, under the heading of Specialist Orthodontics you will find treatment options that include invisible implements, fixed implements and removable implements for adults and children.

It may be that the problem with your smile is that fact that you have missing teeth. To combat this problem we, at Midlands Smile Centres can also offer you dental implants.

MSC Implants

Single Dental Implants - Versatile and comfortable, Single Dental Implants are an option for those with missing teeth that is definitely worth considering. Single Dental Implants are made-up of a titanium supporting rod that is inserted into the jawbone and a natural-looking false tooth that remains visible on top.

Denture Implants - An improvement on regular dentures, Denture Implants provide a level of function that is more similar to that of natural teeth than the function provided by regular dentures. This form of treatment makes use of implants that are fixed into the jawbone. They are secure and prevent the jawbone from receding as much as expected.

Implant Supported Bridges - Using implants for support instead of healthy teeth in the manner that traditional dental bridges would, Implant-Supported Bridges will not have a damaging effect on your surrounding teeth. Plus, Implant-Supported Bridges are longer-lasting than traditional bridges.

Gold Implants - Gold Implants at Midlands Smile Centres work in a way that is not too dissimilar to ordinary implants but are also capable of adding a bold, visual touch to your smile.

So contact MSC today to find-out what we can do for you!!

Better Smiles at MSC

Are you unsatisfied with the way your teeth look? MSC can assist you!

Here at Midlands Smile Centres, we can provide a range of cosmetic treatments that will help you achieve the kind of smile that you are looking for.

Teeth Whitening

For some of us, the staining of our teeth can be a big problem. Staining is caused by damage to the teeth's enamel and the consumption of food and drink that has a staining effect on teeth. Damage to the enamel is a result of poor dental hygiene, age, certain types of medication, accidents and acidic/sugary foods. The kinds of food and drink that cause staining on the teeth include tomatoes, blueberries, wine, tea and coffee. Tobacco will stain your teeth, too. At MSC, we can offer you treatment to help your teeth look whiter, making your smile a brighter one.

The Enlighten Tooth Whitening system which we provide at MSC is a popular and successful method to improve the whiteness of teeth. The process for using Enlighten Tooth Whitening begins with close fitting trays being made specifically for your teeth. These high-standard trays are provided to you along with a whitening gel. The trays are intended to be filled with a whitening gel and then worn by the patient every night for two weeks. After this, the patient will visit the dentist to receive the final treatment.

Our Enlighten Tooth Whitening system is completely safe, and to combat any sensitivity, you will be given some swabs to use. Also to strengthen and protect the teeth, a special tooth serum will be provided to you for you to brush with.

The impressive results that our Enlighten Tooth Whitening can create can be maintained. To ensure you heighten the chance of the whiteness on your teeth lasting for as long as possible, the trays can be worn once every two months, and to add further protection, you can continue to brush your teeth with the special tooth serum.

Veneers

For some people, the issue they have with their smile is that some of their teeth have an irregular shape. Whether teeth are damaged, decayed, misaligned or even discoloured, the veneers that are on offer here at Midlands Smile Centres can make a bold difference to your smile. Veneers are thin layers that have the colour of natural teeth. They are usually made of porcelain and are placed over the relevant teeth. In most cases, as few as only one or two veneers are required to make a clear improvement to a person's smile.

Airflow

We use airflow at MSC to give your teeth a thorough clean. It is an efficient way to polish your teeth and remove staining.

Airflow treatment at MSC makes use of a jet of air, water and sodium bicarbonate that is directed at the patient's teeth through a nozzle. Effective in reducing plaque build-up and cleaning between teeth, airflow is also quicker and more comfortable than alternative forms of stain and plaque removal. Suitable for those with sensitive teeth and actually able to lessen teeth sensitivity as well as capable of reaching up to 5mm into periodontal pockets, our airflow treatment is a sure way to make teeth look cleaner and brighter.

White Fillings

Providing a patient with the kind of function that they would expect from ordinary fillings, white fillings at Midlands Smile Centres are a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to grey amalgam fillings. More natural in their appearance, white fillings at MSC will not be noticeable in a person's mouth when they laugh or smile in the way that they would be with traditional grey or silver fillings.

Gold Services

Making use of a gold alloy that consists of gold blended with other materials and ideal for a striking visual lift to your smile, at MSC we are able to provide gold services that include: Gold Implants, Gold Crowns/Custom Crown Design, Gold Inlays, Gold Veneers.

Gold Implants

These consist of a titanium implant and a gold tooth. The implant is inserted into the jawbone while the gold tooth is attached to the implant. Gold Implants at MSC do not place pressure on your surrounding teeth and will give you the same level of function as ordinary implants but add an extra cosmetic boost to your smile.

Gold Crowns/Custom Crown Design

Perfect for replacing any crowns you currently have that are worn or stained, Gold Crowns at MSC bring a touch of glamour to your teeth. By opting for Gold Crowns with us you can restore the teeth in your mouth. The impact that crowns have on teeth is one that helps teeth affected by decay, loss of tooth surface as well as teeth at risk of disintegration. Also able to supply your teeth with extra protection, MSC Gold Crowns are durable, and because little preparation of the tooth is required, a larger proportion of the structure of your tooth will be maintained.

Gold Inlays

Useful for filling a large cavity when the tooth around the cavity is still healthy, Gold Inlays (or Inserts) are a choice for your teeth that are both functional and stylish.

Gold Veneers

Bringing an added sense of style to your smile, Gold Veneers come in thin layers and are placed over teeth that are misshapen, misaligned, damaged or discoloured. With just a couple of veneers in your mouth, the appearance of your teeth can change emphatically.

Brighter Smiles

MSC are here to help you with your smile, head to our website to book your consultation and speak with an experienced professional about the best cosmetic treatment for you.

Get In Touch with MSC Today to Find Out How We Can Help You!!

Emergency Dentistry at MSC

Do You Need Help Urgently?

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort related to your teeth or gums that has not been relieved by the use of painkillers, you should contact us on our emergency treatment number.

**You can contact us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year**

The sooner you see a dentist the better the chances will be of us treating you successfully. In some cases, an infection resulting from a failure to receive prompt medical attention in a dental emergency can potentially lead to the infection spreading to the neck and head and creating other serious health issues.

Please Remember:

**You Do Not Need To Be An MSC Patient To Receive MSC Emergency Dental Treatment**

You should be able to access emergency dental treatment at an MSC practice that is closest to you. If this is not possible, MSC emergency dentists should be able to help you at our Kings Heath and Selly Oak Midlands Smile Centres.

Examples of Dental Emergencies

- Toothache: If this lasts for more than 30 minutes after taking pain relief and cleaning and flossing between the teeth.

- Broken Tooth/Broken Filling: If left untreated, this can cause further tooth and filling damage as well as tooth loss.

- Lump On Gum Line Next To Tooths Root: This could be an abscess. Failure to access treatment for this will cause tooth loss.

- Broken Crown: Left untreated a broken crown can lead to untreatable decay in the root of the tooth as well as abscesses and eventual tooth loss.

- Knocked Out Tooth: A knocked-out tooth can be re-inserted. Place the knocked-out tooth inside a sealed container that is filled with milk and bring it to us when you access treatment. Do not clean the tooth; this reduces the chance of the tooth being successfully reinserted.

- Lost Tooth: It is important that a dentist gives their attention to the wound that is left in your gum. Any infection that is allowed to develop in your gum can lead to abscesses and other problems. If you are planning to have a Dental Implant, it is definitely worth being aware of this information.

- Loose/Partially Dislodged Tooth: This tooth may be able to be reinserted into its original location. It is important that you avoid touching the tooth unless you are preventing it from falling out. Aim to support the tooth instead of exerting pressure to keep it in place.

Dental Injuries: Other Issues To Be Aware Of

In regards to dental emergencies, there are some other things to be mindful of, as they may create problems for your teeth and/or gums. 

- Be aware of any kind of cuts or bleeding in your gums.

-Be careful with hard food. Biting into hard food can damage your teeth. Examples of these hard foods include corn-on-the-cob, ice cubes and hard candy. You could maybe consider eating a greater amount of soft foods instead, such as mashed potatoes, yoghurt and soup.

-Take care when playing contact sports as these activities carry a risk of causing damage to your teeth. To help keep your teeth free from damage during the playing of contact sports, you could wear a mouth guard.

-Be sure to take appropriate action if you notice any infections in or injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the cheek lining, gums and tongue, as this type of injury could necessitate emergency treatment.

-Be aware of any foreign bodies becoming trapped beneath the gum line. Use a toothpick or dental floss to carefully remove this foreign body; if this cannot be achieved easily, seek help from the dentist to minimise the risk of damage or infection.

-Any issues stemming from hardware implemented in relation to the orthodontic treatment you have undergone may also necessitate emergency attention from a dentist. 

Costs

The MSC price for receiving emergency treatment is: £32.95- Normal Price.

However, we at Midlands Smile Centres also offer the Smile Plan. The Smile Plan will cost you just £9.90 per month. The Smile Plan makes a multitude of different types of treatment more affordable for you. Please visit the MSC website to learn more about the Smile Plan.

Emergency Treatment Price with the MSC Smile Plan: Free.

About Us

Midlands Smile Centres have various practices located around the city of Birmingham and are staffed with a team of highly experienced and exceptionally skilled dentists. Able to provide a number of different types of treatment including a range of cosmetic services at reasonable prices, MSC provides a caring, compassionate service that allows their patients to achieve the smile that they are looking for.

MSC Emergency Treatment Number: 07960344510

Please visit the MSC website today or get in touch over the phone now to find out what we can do for you! 

Scuba Diving And Dental Health

Looking after your teeth is an important activity, particularly when engaging in high-risk activities.

Did you know that diving is such an activity and that divers can find themselves facing very specific problems, when it comes to their dental health? Many divers complain of similar dental problems, including jaw pain, loss of fillings and broken teeth. It's estimated that 4 in every 10 scuba-divers will experience some type of dental problem during their exploration of the sea floor.

There are a few factors singular to diving, which could directly cause problems with the teeth. These include the repeated clenching of the jaw on the mouthpiece used to control oxygen flow, and the high level of pressure that is experienced at greater depths of the ocean. It is advisable for divers to visit the dentist before every dive to ensure that they do not experience problems while diving.

Research conducted by Vinisha Ranna found that, after surveying 100 recreational divers, 41 of these people reported problems with their dental health, and almost half of those experienced a problem known as barodon-talgia.

Previously known as aerodontalgia, barodon-talgia is caused by pressure changes which cause damage to the tooth. As the pressure rises, air pockets in the teeth can also begin to pressurize. This can end in a shattered tooth. The deeper you go, the higher the risk becomes. At a mild level this can be rather painful, and then cease once pressure is equalized back at sea level. At an extreme level, it can lead to the loss of a tooth. A similar study showed that recreational divers could experience this difficulty with their teeth anywhere from only 33 feet down to as much as 80 feet. A very similar problem is often experienced by high-altitude climbers.

Ranna also found that 24 percent of those drivers who complained of dental problems, told of pain from holding the air regulator in their mouth. The constant pressure and friction to the teeth and gums from the breathing apparatus and the below surface pressure can cause pain and damage. This can be worse in new divers, as they tend to bite down hard on their breathing apparatus because of the cold temperatures and nerves. 

Finally, Ranna found that 5 percent said they had become aware of a loose or lost filling or crown during or caused by their diving activities.

Because of the vast number of injuries caused by this recreational activity, dentistry is seeing more and more clients who require a range of dental treatments ranging from dental crowns to fillings and dental implants. 

This is alarming when scuba diving is becoming an ever-growing recreational activity. The Professional Association of Diving has certified more than 24 million people around the world. For these people, it is suggested that a dental checkup before diving in, is key to ensuring the wellbeing of your teeth. 

Keeping on top of your dental health is important, as teeth won’t look after themselves. Midlands Smile Centres can offer support and advice, as well as dental checkups for anyone who may require them. Save yourself from the pain and the cost of damaged dental teeth and head to your local MSC now to wash your dental problems away.