5 Major Mistakes People Make When Whitening Their Own Teeth

Stained teeth are a common dental problem, which can be caused by various factors. Certain types of food and drink can cause staining, including coffee, tea, red wine and a few fruits and vegetables. Smoking can contribute to discoloured teeth, and other more major health concerns, as can poor oral care, such as a lack of adequate brushing and flossing. Sometimes trauma or disease can also cause discolouration, both in children and adults.

Luckily, tooth whitening treatment is available which can brighten your teeth and give you a shining smile. There are numerous types of tooth whitening treatment, but some of the more popular options are take home kits, which allow you to whiten your teeth in your own time. However, if they are of poor quality or used incorrectly, they can cause more harm than good. Here are the top 5 major mistakes that people make when whitening their own teeth:

Mistake:	Often people don’t use tooth whitening products that contain the correct amount of peroxide.
Correction:	At our Midlands Smile Centres practices, we use the latest tooth whitening gels that use the legally safe amount of peroxide.

Mistake:	Many people don’t know it is illegal for anyone other than GDC registered dental professionals to sell or apply the correct treatments.
Correction:	In all our MSC practices, we are fully trained and insured to make sure we deliver the best treatment to our patients, in a safe and trustworthy environment.

Mistake:	Poorly fitted whitening trays, not made specifically for your mouth by trained dentists, can result in unpredictable results.
Correction:	We only use high quality dental labs to make our bespoke trays. The better fitting the tray, the more predictable the result.

Mistake:	If you do not attend a check-up before the treatment, this could result in damage to your teeth and gums.
Correction:	Only a qualified dentist can make sure you are not at risk of causing harm to your teeth and gums, by ensuring your mouth is healthy before starting treatment.

Mistake:	Some people do not get crowns and fillings checked to make sure the colours will match after tooth whitening.
Correction:	Our dental team will ensure your treatment meets your needs, including helping to ensure your tooth whitening treatment gives you a smile that compliments any other dental treatments you may have had.

Getting professional advice before you start treatment is vital. Whatever it is that you want to improve, at MSC, we can give you the best advice and create a treatment plan to guide you towards your ideal smile.

Start your journey towards a brighter smile today!

The Crazy World of Teeth

There are several similarities between our teeth and those of animals. As humans, we form two sets of teeth over the course of our lifetime, starting with baby teeth that are then replaced by adult teeth. On average, every person should have around 32 teeth in total; this includes four wisdom teeth, eight incisors, four canines, twelve molars and eight premolars. Similarly, many animals have a variety of these same kinds of teeth, depending on whether they are meat eaters, plant eaters, insect eaters or a combination. Both us and animals have teeth that are very strong and amazingly constructed, made up of a mix of calcium, phosphorus, and other assorted minerals. Beavers also have massive amounts of iron in their teeth, resulting in their teeth having a strong orange colour but helping to keep the teeth strong enough to gnaw on trees.  

The Massive

With the wide variety of diets and lifestyles that animals live, there are several who have a very interesting and unique dental structure. Hippos have many hidden teeth. Though on first glance it may seem that they only have 4 big teeth, they commonly have 40 in total. Hippos also have the longest canine teeth of any animal, reaching up to 3 ft long. Their incisors are capable of biting right through a small boat.

Amongst the many fascinating creatures out there, Narwhals are truly intriguing. They are born with a horn on top of their head which is actually a tooth that can grow to 8 feet or longer. Narwhals use their horn to taste and measure the concentration of chemicals in the water around it in order to find food.

The Many 

Animals like giraffes, dogs and cats have a similar number of teeth to us, but some animals have even more. Like humans, there are many creatures that also lose their teeth throughout their life, for example elephants and sharks. Elephants can have four sets of teeth in their lifetime and their tusks are the longest teeth in the world.

Similarly, Sharks can have over 30,000 teeth in their entire lifetime and on average lose one tooth a week, which is then replaced with a fresh new tooth. Sharks also don’t get cavities because their teeth are protected with a layer of fluoride. The main difference is that unlike humans, they never stop producing new teeth. But for us, our adult teeth are all that we get, which means that we have to take good care of them. On the other hand, Dolphins only have one set of teeth for the entirety of their life and just like humans, they need to take care of the teeth they have too.

The Maintenance 

Animals have their own ways to care for their teeth, just like us, ensuring they stay healthy and free of cavities or other issues. But unlike humans, animal diets are naturally low in sugar and therefore are less likely to develop severe teeth problems. Some animals like zebras, beavers, squirrels and other rodents have teeth that never stop growing. They chew on tough foods like nuts, leaves and bark, which helps to wear down their teeth and keep them from growing too long. In fact, most animals have a habit of chewing on materials like bone or tree bark which helps to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Just like animals who are naturally proactive at cleaning and taking care of their teeth, we need to make sure that we are doing the same. Due to the commonly high amount of sugar in our diets, our teeth are extremely vulnerable, and it is very important to clean thoroughly and with care several times a day. It is also a good idea to have regular check ups with your dentist, in order to prevent any serious issues from arising and causing long term problems and hassle.

Don’t take your teeth for granted, because it’s the only set you get. Midlands Smile Centres is here to guide and help you along your dental journey, providing you with the right treatments and offering you the support you need.

Can Poor Oral Hygiene Cause Dementia?

Although most of us are probably aware that a good standard of oral hygiene is crucially important to us, research has been carried-out to explore the connection between tooth loss and dementia. The findings of this research may be an indication that taking extra care with your dental health is advisable, as not doing so could result in severe mental issues.

A study conducted between 2007-2012 by researchers at Kyushu University, Japan and published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, retrieved results showing that 180 (11.5%) of the 1,500 people participating in the study developed some form of dementia. Exploring these results further in specific detail, the results show that subjects who had between 10 and 19 teeth were at a 62% higher risk of suffering from dementia, those who had just 1-9 teeth had an 81% greater chance of developing dementia and individuals with no teeth at all seemed to be at a 63% increased risk of dementia.

Responding to the Findings

The researchers responsible for this study have also commented that these findings are representative of the fact that ensuring that your teeth remain at a good standard of health is a means of reducing the chance of developing dementia. The researchers have also suggested reasons as to why it might be that tooth loss is related to the development of dementia, highlighting the way that the flow of blood to the brain could be stimulated through chewing, or that those with a full-set of teeth may have a healthier diet. They also referred to the idea that inflammation as a result of gum disease or long-term tooth decay could possibly make it more likely for someone to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

How Does This Study Help Us?

This study draws attention to various issues, but it is also worth stressing that the limited nature of this study makes it difficult to be convinced of the connection between poor oral health and the development of dementia. These limitations are primarily the low number of people studied in the research and the small amount of people who were recorded as having dementia.

The NHS has highlighted that the fact that, according to research that has been carried-out elsewhere, it is likely that there are actually many potential causes for dementia and that the study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University fails to convince us of the direct relationship between tooth loss and dementia. 

On the Positive Side

However, given that this study underlines the connection that exists between oral health and a person’s overall health, it does reaffirm the importance of making every effort to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

To maintain the health of your teeth and gums, it is important to follow these important oral health tips:

• Brush your teeth at least twice every day
• It is preferable to brush with an electric toothbrush
• Floss at least once every day
• Use mouthwash
• Scrub your tongue
• Chew sugar-free gum after every meal
• Have regular dental check-ups.

There are plenty of other tips relevant to keeping teeth and gums healthy that you should know about; check our dental tips page for more.

MSC-Midlands Smile Centres

For keeping teeth at their best and for the regular dental visits that you need, placing yourself in the expert hands of MSC is the ideal option for you. With their various practices situated across Birmingham, Midlands Smile Centres are easily accessible and can provide an array of different treatment types. From implants and orthodontics to cosmetic dentistry and even facial aesthetics, the friendly, helpful and vastly experienced team at MSC will make your smile their priority.

Contact MSC today and learn what we can do for you!!

The Importance of Check-Ups at the Dentist

Dental check-ups are a crucial part of keeping your teeth healthy and free of pain and infection.  Although this may sound like stating the obvious, it is extremely important and highly advised to have regular check-ups at the dentist and to take them seriously for many reasons. There are numerous potential benefits to be gained from a regular dental check-up that can be easily overlooked. Scroll down and continue reading to discover what is involved in a dental check-up and how they can benefit you.

Why should you have regular Dental Check-Ups?

• To detect potential warning signs of serious problems with your teeth, increasing the chances of quick and successful treatment.
• The overall health of your teeth can be examined and maintained.
• Your gums can be checked, ensuring that they are in good, healthy condition.
• To prevent the build-up of plaque or tartar, by having them removed by your dentist, leaving you with a great smooth finish. This is especially worthwhile as gum disease and cavities are caused by plaque and tartar.
• To be given advice on the best ways to brush and floss your teeth.
• To have a space for asking questions and receiving guidance with regards to diet, smoking and drinking.
• To have the opportunity to ask your dentist about any problems with your teeth that you have discovered since your previous check-up, maintaining a healthy and up-to date knowledge of your teeth, gums and general health.

Further Help We Can Offer You

A dental check-up can help you discover problems early on and can also highlight potential problems before they become serious. Midlands Smiles Centres can then help to support and provide the necessary assistance and follow up that you will need. As mentioned earlier, a dental check-up can help to discover problems that will require further help from your dentist, before it’s too late. There are several possible issues with your teeth that you may be suffering from; listed below are some examples of the types of treatment that we offer here at Midlands Smile Centres, aimed at alleviating these potential problems.

Types of Dental Treatment

Orthodontic Treatment: 

This treatment is used to correct and straighten crooked or crowded teeth. By using braces, Orthodontic treatment focuses on moving your teeth into a comfortable position over time. There are four types of braces available: Traditional braces, Damon braces, Invisalign braces and Six Months Smiles. All of the above offer the desired effects, but are dependent on the severity and type of problem along with your own personal preference.

Oral Surgery(Extractions): 

A check-up may reveal that an extraction is necessary. Extractions may be needed due to severe crowding in the mouth, a corroded tooth, or wisdom teeth causing you discomfort. Though they can be a longer procedure, causing aching and initial discomfort, extractions provide the space needed to best reach the desired effect of teeth straightening and reducing overall aching and pain due to crowding and infection.

Hygienist Treatment: 

Over time, your teeth develop plaque and can feel quite rough. A visit to the hygienist will allow you to receive a professional clean for your teeth, commonly known as a scale and polish. This will leave your teeth feeling smooth and free of any roughness on the inside and outside of the teeth surface. Additionally, by visiting the hygienist regularly, you have a better chance at preventing tooth wear, tooth decay and gum disease. The Hygienist will encourage you to receive extra treatment if you do develop any of these problems, preventing them from getting any worse.

Fillings: 

As a means of repairing decayed or damaged teeth, one of three types of filling/restoration will be offered to you, depending on the nature of the problem. The types of filling/restoration that we provide are: Amalgam Fillings/Metal Fillings, Composite Fillings/White Filling, and Dental Restorations, which are more complex and can include blending composite, amalgam, porcelain and cement fillings, depending on the problem. These fillings are all capped at different prices, due to the materials used and are a great way to fix decayed or damaged teeth before they are past the point of fixing, which would then result in the need for an extraction.

Contact Your Local Practice Today

Choose Midlands Smiles Centres for your dental check-ups and rely on us to help make sure that your teeth and gums stay in the best possible health. Make sure that you get in touch with your dentist in the event that you experience difficulties with your teeth between dental check-ups. Contact MSC today to find out how we can assist you.

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!!

Emergency Dental treatment at MSC.

As a culture, we have come a long way in terms of dental health. This is mostly due to cheaper dental care on the NHS, and help resources being more readily available on the internet. However, dental emergencies can still occur, which is why it’s important to know the process to go through if you do ever experience an emergency with your dental health. Knowing how to get started on the road to recovery will save you time, money and quite possible pain.

In this blog, we take a look at Midlands Smile Centres emergency dentistry, how it can help, and what you should do if you find yourself with a dental emergency.

Quick action is the most important factor to increase the chance of successful treatment. Quick treatment helps to reduce the chance of infection. In some cases, patients will find an infection occurs if they have failed to address a dental problem within an appropriate time scale. If you require emergency dental treatment, please contact your local Midlands Smile Centres practice, and our reception team will be able to help you start your recovery.

Every MSC practice offers emergency dentistry. However, for emergency cases outside of normal work hours, please contact our Kings Heath or Selly Oak practices, where they can address your emergency at all times of the day.

What Should be Considered as a Dental Emergency?

We at MSC take various dental emergency cases. This can quite often mean that we come across new or different problems on a weekly basis. Generally, we can categorise a problem under one of the following headings:

Toothache

One of the more common problems we encounter with emergency treatment is toothache. This can be very painful but varies between each case. If you feel continuous pain for 30 minutes after taking pain killers and completing a thorough clean of your teeth, this is a clear sign that there is something wrong and getting to your local dentist as soon as possible is essential.

Broken Tooth or Filling

While this problem most commonly occurs with contact sports, this could happen to anyone. A broken tooth or filling can expose your teeth to further damage and discomfort. Failure to address this issue could ultimately lead to the loss of a tooth.

Lump Near the Tooth Line

Normally quite an uncommon dental emergency, but possibly one of the most uncomfortable of problems to have. The lump is normally caused by an abscess which can be rather painful. Addressing this immediately is paramount. Leaving this alone will, without doubt, cause tooth loss of one or more of the surrounding teeth.

Broken Crowns
Again this is a very common occurrence and one which is often ignored. However, in some cases leaving a broken crown can lead to tooth decay at the root of the tooth, which is irreversible. In more serious cases, this can cause an abscess and eventually loss of the tooth. If you have a broken crown, make sure you talk to your dentists as soon as possible.

Dislodged or Knocked Out Tooth

Like a broken tooth, this is a common occurrence for those playing in contact sports such as rugby. In instances such as this it is important to get to the dentist as soon as possible. The quicker a patient can get to the dentist, the better the chance they have of saving your tooth. Another way to increase the likelihood of your tooth being re-inserted is by placing your tooth in milk. This is a genuine way to help maintain the condition of a knocked-out tooth. If you follow these steps, you’ll give the dentist a greater chance of being able to re-insert the tooth.

Lost Tooth

If you’ve managed to knock out and lose a tooth you should still be getting to your dentist quickly. The loss of a tooth can result in infection of your gums, leading to pain and even the loss of more teeth. Getting to the dentist to have the wound cleaned and to introduce a plan of action should mean you can have your smile back in no time at all.

Preventing the Emergency

While some of these emergencies are almost impossible to foresee, most can be prevented as long as you know how. With that in mind here are some simple ways to avoid these problems:

Pay Attention to What You’re Eating

Hard sweets, ice cubes and even corn on the cob can be hard work for your teeth. Avoid eating these on a regular basis as to not damage crowns or fillings.

Wear Protection

When playing contact sports, wear a gum shield. This great bit of protective gear does a fantastic job of keeping your teeth where they’re meant to be. This will reduce the chance of a tooth being knocked out or broken.

Listen to Your Teeth

Have the same approach to your dentist as you do the doctors. Your teeth can tell you a lot, and you know when something doesn’t feel correct. This is a great way to catch a problem, such as an abscess, before it develops and causes any damage.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

It’s quite common for somebody to come into the practice and have broken or lost teeth because they tried to open a bottle with them. Your teeth are not tools, and using them for anything other than eating can cause damage.

Good Dental Hygiene

The easiest way to keep your teeth in good condition is to have an effective cleaning regime. Cleaning your teeth twice a day, including flossing and mouthwash, will help to give you a long-lasting smile for as long as possible.

About Midlands Smile Centres

Midlands Smile Centres have 5 practices located across Birmingham. All of our practices offer emergency service to all new and existing patients. MSC also offers a wide range of services including cosmetics, facial aesthetics and dental implants which provide a patient with a smile they can be proud of. For more information about the treatments we offer or to book an appointment, head to our website today.

Do you have a dental emergency? Contact your local MSCtoday.

Why You Should Get Regular Dental Check-Ups

When was the last time you had a regular dental appointment? Following the given advice of having a check-up every six months has a lot of benefits for your pearly whites. A regular check-up will normally include;

1.      An examination over your oral hygiene and overall health of your gum and teeth.

2.      Spotting any problems with your teeth such as cavities or gum disease and obtaining relevant and successful treatment.

3.      Checking on the condition of your gums.

4.      Removing build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth.

5.      Receiving professional dental advice on your brushing and flossing techniques.

6.      Time to ask any questions you may have relating to the effects of diet, alcohol and smoking on your teeth.

7.      Reporting any dental problems you may have had since your last appointment.

What if there is a problem with my teeth?

Nobody wants to endure things like toothache, nerve pain, build-up of plaque or bad breath.  Midlands Smile Centres offer several dental treatments to alleviate problems like these found during a routine check-up. These include:

1       Fillings – these are used by dentists to remedy decaying teeth. There are three different types of filling; composite/white fillings, metal fillings and dental restorations.

2       Orthodontic Treatment – this involves a brace being fitted to correct crooked teeth or the bite of the patient.  The different types of braces used include Damon braces, Invisalign braces and Six Month Smiles.

3       Hygienist Treatment - this is a scale and polish treatment for your teeth. This type of treatment helps to minimise tooth decay, gum disease and tooth wear.

4       Oral Surgery (extractions) – an example of this is the removal of wisdom teeth that may cause discomfort or to address overcrowding if there are too many teeth.

Ignoring a problem with our teeth is likely to lead to further problems if left untreated.  Be sure to book an appointment with your dentist for regular dental check-ups to keep your teeth and oral hygiene in good condition. You can book a dental check-up at your local dentist in Birmingham online.

Top tips for improving your dental health

The Do’s:

1.      Brush your teeth on a regular basis. The advice given for daily bushing is twice a day however, brushing in between meals would give your teeth an extra boost of protection and will lead to better oral hygiene.

2.      Use an electric toothbrush. Whilst brushing with a regular toothbrush using the correct technique can keep your teeth clean, using an electric toothbrush gives a more effective clean. The smaller brush head gets into the harder to reach back teeth to keep them healthy and in good condition.

3.      Brush your tongue. Doing this this reaps many benefits such as improving your oral hygiene, which is the result of the amount of bacteria inside your mouth. It can also make your breath smell minty fresh and feel cleaner.

4.      Have necessary treatments advised by your dentist. This is key to keeping your teeth happy and healthy.

5.      Eat foods that are beneficial to keep your teeth strong. Products that are high in calcium are particularly beneficial, such as cheese and yoghurt. Some fruits, such as strawberries, can also be beneficial for your dental health.

6.      Chew sugar free gum. Chewing sugar free gum helps your oral health by encouraging production of saliva in your mouth, which then neutralises the acidity on your teeth which would otherwise cause problems such as cavities and bad breath.

7.      Use dental products such as floss and mouthwash. Including these in your daily oral hygiene routine will minimise dental problems developing. Flossing is an extremely useful technique because it removes food from places in your mouth that regular brushing can’t, and it can also help to remove plaque.  Mouthwash is another dental product you can use to rinse out trapped food, which also helps to eliminate bad breath and the build-up of tartar. 

If you would like to know more about your dental health, contact your local Midlands Smile Centre today 

Happy Easter, Healthy Teeth

Easter is coming-up and we all know what that inevitably means; chocolate! It’s a time to relax, see the family and indulge. It’s also a time where it’s easy to really let yourself go when it comes to eating your way through that large stack of chocolate eggs. It’s good to enjoy yourself over this period, but whilst doing so, it’s just as important to do what you can to take care of your family’s teeth.

The reason why this is especially important over the Easter period is that chocolate is high in sugar content. The eating of chocolate produces acid in the mouth and can lead to the creation of plaque as well as the possible staining of teeth. And, because it turns into liquid form in your mouth as you eat it, chocolate can bathe your teeth in sugar, giving the sugar more time to stay in contact with your teeth for longer and increasing the risk of damaging your teeth.

To point-out that you should be careful eating too much chocolate and sweet-things during Easter is fairly obvious. It can also be difficult to do this when you just want to enjoy yourself. However, there are some things you can do to make sure you’re doing what you can to boost your dental health while also letting yourself delight in all of that chocolatey goodness.

Plus, if you’re a parent, being aware of these tips might be especially helpful as your little ones might be particularly eager to tuck into their Easter treats. They may potentially get through a lot of chocolate, so using this time to guide them on the correct methods to look after their teeth is especially important.

Brushing: Brushing teeth is probably something most of us do on a regular basis- a minimum of two times a day, preferably. If you’re eating an unusually large quantity of sugary treats though such as chocolate eggs, you might want to think about brushing a little more regularly, such as after every meal. On the subject of brushing it’s a good idea to use an electric toothbrush if you don’t use one already. Electric toothbrushes offer a more thorough, consistent standard of cleaning that the human hand with a manual brush in its palm can’t quite provide. They can get to those hard to reach places inside your mouth as well.

Sugar Free Gum: Chewing sugar free gum is a great little tip for better dental health as it increases the production of saliva in your mouth, helping your teeth stay protected from the acids present in your mouth after you have eaten. This is useful for those times when you simply can’t get to your toothbrush. Sugar free gum comes in conveniently sized little packets that you can slip into your pocket, making them easy to keep with you no matter where you go. They also make good treats for your kids.

Mouthwash: It is generally recommended that using mouthwash should be part of everybody’s daily dental routine. And given that it is likely your teeth are going to be put to the test a little more than normal due to eating chocolate over Easter, it’s advisable that you use your mouthwash. Talk to your dentist about the best kinds of mouthwash available to you.

Flossing: Flossing is perhaps one of those everyday dental tips that is easily disregarded. Perhaps because it is relatively time-consuming and takes perhaps more effort to do properly than brushing your teeth. However, regularly flossing your teeth is great for removing any trapped food or detritus in-between your teeth. It’s not difficult to let flossing fall by the wayside, but over the Easter period it’s even more important that you do it. Use floss sticks or regular floss and keep your teeth at their best.

Water: Drinking water is another simple way to defend your teeth from the effects of consuming excessive amounts of chocolate and sugary treats. When you get yourself a glass of water, instead of just sipping it as you normally would, you should try to swill your mouth with it to dislodge any pieces of food stuck to your teeth and to neutralise the harmful elements contained within what you have just eaten. For your children, make sure they drink a glass of water after their chocolate treats to help reduce the chance of dental problems.

Other Foods: There are certain types of food such as cheese, fish and vegetables that are beneficial for your teeth. This is maybe something else to think about after you have munched a load of chocolate and are concerned about the effect that this may have had on your teeth. It might even be prudent to swap some chocolate for other treats, such as small cheese bites.

MSC - Midlands Smile Centres

Midlands Smile Centres are based at various points around the city of Birmingham, making them extremely easy to get to. MSC are staffed by a tremendously talented team of dentists who are able to use their knowledge and expertise derived from years of experience in dentistry to improve your teeth and give your smile the little lift that it needs. Providing an array of treatment types from orthodontics to smile makeover treatments such as tooth whitening and veneers, Midlands Smile Centres are also worth contacting if you find that you have indulged a little too much over the Easter break and need an MSC dentist to put things right.

Get in-touch with MSC today to discover what we can do for you!!