20 Dental Tips: The DOs and DONT's

1) DO → Floss

Flossing is something that you should definitely do on a regular basis. The reason we recommend it so highly is that it removes the particles of food from your teeth that general brushing usually cannot. Extracting these pieces of whatever it is that you've consumed is so beneficial because it helps to remove plaque.

2) DO → Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is available in many different varieties these days. The general advantage that mouthwash offers is that it is able to get to the areas of your mouth that your toothbrush isn't capable of, helping your teeth to stay cleaner and to reduce the risk of plaque build-up. It is widely advised that you leave some time after brushing before you use your mouthwash each day, so that the fluoride in the toothpaste has a chance to work. Mouthwash will leave you with fresher breath, too.

3) DON'T → Use Teeth as Tools

Whilst it may sometimes seem easier and more convenient to hold things or open things with your teeth, it is not an idea that is recommended. By doing this you actually run the risk of causing damage to your teeth.

4) DO → Drink Water/Rinsing your Mouth with Water

We often hear that drinking water is a real boost to our overall health. However, it is very advantageous to your dental health, too. If you drink water promptly after finishing a meal and rinse your mouth with it as you do, you will dislodge any pieces of food left clinging to your teeth.

5) DON'T → Eat Too Many High-Sugar Foods

Certain types of food have a high-sugar content. We all know the kinds of thing that are heavy in sugar, and many of them taste delicious. Nonetheless, it is wise to eat these tasty things in moderation. Some sweet treats, like lollipops and caramel, are particularly detrimental to good dental health.

6) DO → Brush Regularly

Twice a day is the general advice given pertaining to daily teeth brushing, however, an extra session of brushing, or at least brushing following each of your meals, may be a better approach to take for better teeth all-round.

7) DON'T → Drink Too Many High-Sugar Drinks

There can be a large amount of sugar inside drinks, too. So it's always sensible to give some thought to what you're sipping on and how this will affect your teeth. The acidity of drink is also a problem for your teeth. So while a drink like cola is not great for your teeth, neither is red wine.

8) DO → Use an Electric Toothbrush

This is an excellent alternative to the standard manual toothbrush. The electric toothbrush is able to give a consistently thorough clean around each of your teeth, unlike a manual toothbrush, which gives an insufficient clean. The electric toothbrush, due to its small head, is able to reach difficult areas of your mouth, too.

9) DON'T → Use Low-Cost Providers for Procedures Like Dental Implants

A very specific yet very useful tip, low-cost providers for dental implant procedures are not recommended. It is crucial that you find a dentist with an extensive record of successful dental implant procedures. Midlands Smile Centres, for example, have over 25 years of experience in performing these procedures with successful results.

10) DO → Brush Your Tongue

There is no denying that brushing your tongue can make breath fresher and give you a cleaner, nicer overall feeling in your mouth after brushing. What may be less well-known, is that brushing your tongue actually decreases the number of bacteria inside your mouth. As a result of this, your teeth will be better off as well.

11) DON'T → Use the Same Toothbrush for Too Long

For electric toothbrushes, the head of the brush should be changed at regular intervals; the frequency of this change is usually once every three months. This is so that you are not using a head with worn-down bristles that are less successful at giving your teeth the kind of clean that they need. If you still have a manual toothbrush, then you should ensure that this is changed for a new one every three months as well.

12) DO → Use Sugar-free Gum

By chewing sugar-free gum you will increase the saliva inside your mouth, which helps to neutralise the acidity on your teeth. This means that sugar-free gum is useful after you have finished a meal. It can additionally help to free your teeth from any fragments of food that may still be clinging to them.

13) DON'T → Press Too Hard During Brushing

We all want to be thorough when we're brushing our teeth, but you should be cautious about applying too much pressure as you brush. Doing this can cause your teeth problems, such as gum damage.

14) DO → Increase Consumption of Foods Beneficial to Teeth

There are certain types of food that can actually enhance your dental health. Examples of these foods include cheese, strawberries and yoghurt. This may be worth bearing in mind in regards to your weekly diet and what you choose to buy when you go to the supermarket.

15) DO → Have Regular Dental Check-Ups

Vitally important, seeing your dentist on a regular basis allows your teeth to be checked for any issues that either require immediate attention and for your general dental health to be ascertained. There is also the possibility at dental check-ups, to ask any questions you might have, and for any issues with your teeth to be given expert attention before the problem worsens and becomes more severe.

16) DON'T → Rush your Brushing

Make time to brush your teeth properly. Life can be busy and it's easy to think you can just do a quick brush and rush off to the next thing. However, this often means that you miss parts of the mouth and teeth, leading to a build up of bacteria, plaque and acid in those areas. Rushing and not being careful can also lead to careless mistakes, such as slipping and damaging your teeth or gums.

17) DO → Have Necessary Treatments

This may sound obvious, but having the dental treatments you have been advised to have is crucial to keeping your teeth healthy. It is easy to delay having procedures done, or easy to forget about them. Whatever the obstacle, it's definitely not good to delay the treatment you have been told is important to your dental health.

18) DON'T → Ignore Dental Problems

For whatever reason - lack of time, nervousness - it is possible to ignore dental problems that you have become aware of. You may not think these problems are that severe, or you may be under the impression that you can cope, perhaps by relying on occasional painkillers. This is not helpful, however, because the issue you have noticed may be part of a larger, more serious dental difficulty. Failing to respond quickly to issues with your teeth can result in more extreme dental complications later on.

19) DO → Wait an Hour after Eating before Brushing

Giving yourself an hour between finishing your meal and giving your teeth a brush is something worth thinking about. Brushing your teeth too soon can damage your teeth's enamel.

20) DO → Choose your Brush Carefully

There is currently a wide selection of toothbrushes available in the shops. Take your time to browse through the options. You might find that certain types are more suitable for your teeth, and some types less so. Those who have chosen the more efficient option of purchasing an electric toothbrush will also discover a variety of head types, each with their own specific advantages to you.

A Comprehensive Guide to Dental Implants

Edit: Thank you for your interest in this blog. We have revised this guide in order to make it the best source of information for dental implants at MSC, second only to our website. We hope this helps you make an informed decision for your smile. 

Dental implants are often considered by many people at some stage in their life. Having a smile to be proud of is something that many people desire.

Dental implants are used to fill the gaps in your smile, this is often due to lost or damaged teeth that need to be removed. They are a great way to increase a person’s self-confidence with their smile.

This treatment offers a variety of benefits. The first of which is providing patients with a natural look, helping to dramatically increase self-confidence in the individual. It also offers more obvious benefits including a restored joy of eating and full function of the teeth. For many, there is a real fear of the dentist, and a procedure such as this can seem like a daunting task that you would rather avoid. At MSC, however, we look to ensure all our patients feel comfortable and relaxed, no matter the problem. Our dental implant specialists will discuss the entire process with you, ensuring that every one of your questions is answered.

More About Dental Implants

A dental implant can grant a more confident smile, whilst offering an alternative to a damaged or missing tooth. This provides a more natural look with increased comfort. Additionally, their durability makes them as robust as normal teeth meaning they are a good investment for the future. Alongside dental implants, MSC also provides implant support bridges and support dentures. These treatments are more likely to be used when there are multiple teeth missing. They have all the benefits of dental implants including their natural look and durability.

At Midlands Smile Centres, we are fully aware that the cost of dental work can be expensive. Because of this, MSC offers finance options on any treatment that exceeds £500. The finance term can be anywhere from 12 to 60 months. This ensures that all our patients can afford the treatment they require. If dental implants are something that you feel could be the right path for you than the next step is to book an appointment and talk to a dental implant specialist at MSC.

During your appointment, you’ll be able to discuss the options that are available to you and decide with your dentist which would suit you best. It is important that you ask any questions you may have throughout the process, this will help to put you at ease and stay relaxed.

At Midlands Smile Centres we pride ourselves on our highly qualified and experienced staff. We have over 29 years of experience with dental implants, which means you will always be in safe hands. Our dental implant specialists can be found at both our Selly Oak and Kings Heath practices in the Birmingham area.

Caring For Your Dental Implant

After you’ve had your implant treatment, there are still some important steps to take, caring for your implant is as important as looking after the rest of your teeth. Not looking after your new dental implant could cause you to experience the same problem as before. Just like looking after your normal teeth, if you don’t look after your implants, you be at risk of losing them. Read on to find out how to look after your implant properly.

After completing treatment, the surrounding area and the implant itself will be fragile and will need time to fully heal and set, during this time it is important to ensure that you do not agitate or aggravate the implant.

It is important to monitor your new implant, during the early stages you will see swelling and some possible bruising. This is common for this procedure and should not cause you any stress or worry, but you should see this slowly disappear. It is also good practice to try and eat using the opposite side of your mouth and avoid any hard chewing, again to help reduce any agitation to the new implant. Finally, try and avoid touching the implant or surrounding area with your tongue.

As many people will tell you, after having a dental implant, you will experience some swelling and pain, this is not something that should worry you and is very common. There are several ways in which you can reduce the pain and discomfort, one of which is painkillers. Painkillers will help to subdue the pain (not completely) for a period of time. It is important, however, do not take more than the suggested daily limit. A second method for helping the recovery process is using an ice pack. Without being overly firm, place a cold ice pack against your cheek, next to the implant. This should help to reduce swelling and pain. If the pain and swelling persist or become worse as time goes on, be sure to contact or visit your local Midlands Smile Centres.

The better you look after your implant and the cleaner you keep it the more likely it is for your implant to be a success, even though the new implant is sensitive at the beginning, you must still try and keep it clean. During the first few days continue to brush the remainder of your mouth while avoiding the new implant. After the initial swelling has subsided and the pain has dramatically reduced, you can begin to clean your implant, but of course be careful to not apply too much pressure or focus on it for too long.

Other ways to maintain a clean and healthy dental implant include washing your mouth with warm and salty water. This can be used as a mouthwash and is used to help clean hard to reach spots. This will help to speed up the recovery process. Be careful to not use boiling or very hot water, as this could cause you to burn your mouth, not to mention being even more painful on a sensitive implant.

Finally, one other simple method to speed up your recovery is simply ensuring a healthy lifestyle. Be sure to maintain a healthy diet with a mixture of all food groups. Completing daily exercise will also influence your recovery period. Make sure you regularly drink water, about 6 eight-ounce glasses a day, this should be done using a straw to avoid any movement that could cause bleeding.

The Different Types of Dental Implants

Single Dental Implants

Single Dental Implants are a comfortable way to replace missing teeth. They are natural in their appearance, plus they are versatile.

Single Dental Implants are made-up of two parts: a natural-looking false tooth and a titanium supporting rod. The supporting titanium rod replaces the root of the tooth and is placed into the jawbone, while the false tooth remains visible on top.

In terms of the procedure, here at MSC, we utilise a 'no scalpel' dental implant technique. This means that instead of a scalpel incision, our dentists use X-ray imaging to locate the precise place of the implant, before placing it directly into the gum. As a result, swelling, bleeding and pain are all reduced. Healing time is reduced as well. In some cases, the procedure can be completed in as little as three months and two visits.

Implanted Bridges

Implanted Bridges work in a similar way to traditional bridges. They consist of false teeth to fill the gaps you may have in your mouth due to having lost teeth. However, in contrast to traditional bridges, they make use of implants for support instead of nearby healthy teeth.

Implanted Bridges can fill the gap you may have in your teeth, increasing the possibility of improved alignment of your teeth and reduced shrinkage of your jaw. They will also help to restore the aesthetic charm to your smile.

In addition, due to this type of bridge being supported by implants rather than neighbouring healthy teeth, damage to your natural teeth will be reduced. Furthermore, implanted bridges are more durable than standard bridges, being able to last the entirety of your life if properly positioned and looked after.

Denture Implants

Denture Implants are another solution to the problem of having missing teeth. They are able to overcome one of the main issues linked to removable dentures which were the fact that they would move. Denture Implants involve the use of implants fixed to the jawbone making them stable, giving you the freedom to eat exactly as you wish. Furthermore, Denture Implants will feel comfortable and look natural. Alongside these benefits, Denture Implants are durable as well as long-lasting.

In terms of the procedure for Denture Implants at MSC, your dentist will check to see whether your jaw and mouth are suitable for Denture Implants. If your mouth and jaw are deemed to be suitable, X-rays of your mouth will be taken. This is done to determine the optimum place for the implants to go.

Next, a mould of your mouth will be taken, helping to ensure a perfect fit for the new teeth. Then, the implants which are titanium screws or cylinders, are attached to the jawbone. These implants act as the “roots” of your teeth.

After a period of between two and six months in which the bone will heal around the implants, a temporary denture will be provided for you to wear. Once the implants are healed and established, the extensions are attached, necessitating a further two-week healing period. There are varying types of extensions available, and some dental implants combine the root with the extension allowing for an immediate fitting of your new teeth after the initial healing period. The most appropriate system for you will be discussed at your initial consultation.

Lastly, the custom-made set of teeth are fixed to the implants. You can use your new set of teeth straight away; you may feel that a period of adjustment is needed, but you will soon become accustomed to your new teeth.

Gold Implants

Gold Implants at MSC offer a similar kind of function to that which is offered by ordinary implants, whilst giving your smile an additional visual boost at the same time.

Made-up of a titanium implant and a gold alloy false tooth that consists of such materials as copper, palladium and silver; gold implants at MSC are both strong and functional. The titanium implant is attached to the jawbone, making it irremovable, and the gold tooth part of this treatment remains visible on top.

As a result of the implant being fixed into the jawbone, our gold implants do not produce a strain on the surrounding teeth. The gold alloy that makes-up the false tooth in gold implants is also durable, meaning that gold implants are a suitable choice for your back teeth (molars) due to the fact that the majority of the chewing of food is done by these teeth.

What To Do Next

We hope that this guide has helped to inform you about dental implants and how to best look after them. If you are looking for a dental implant or feel you would like some more information, contact your local Midlands Smile Centres where we can book you in for a free consultation.

Man's Best Friend

Most people fear one thing or another, and at times your fear will get the better of you. This can make trips to the dentist or the hospital terrifying. However, a new trend has begun that may help anxious patients to fight the worry. “Man’s best friend”, the dog, has found a new role helping to combat fear in dentistry hospitals, nursing homes and more. In Queensland, Australia a dog called Beau has been employed for just this reason. Beau is a cavoodle and he was chosen for the role for several reasons, including: his chilled-out temperament, his intelligence and the fact that this particular breed does not shed its hair.

Beau was one of the very first dental practice dogs, we believe. He looked after patients in the waiting room, helping them to keep calm and relaxed before continuing with their appointment. This simple, but effective idea arose when owners noticed the popularity of a social media post about a therapy dog in America. Beau was loved by many and spent his days making hundreds of clients smile. He never ventured near the surgery rooms, of course, for hygiene purposes.

   

Unfortunately for our hero, his luck was on the turn and the dental practice was struck with a big blow. Beau’s inspirational work finally came to an end one day after an accident that in the end killed him. This left staff and patients very upset, not only because they missed Beau himself, but because of the key role he played in helping everyone to be relaxed during their visits to the practice. Luckily patients were not waiting long when Dexter, Beau's half-brother, took up the role. Dexter continues to look after patients to this very day.
 
How would you feel about a dog in the waiting room at your next visit?