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.

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 

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!!

Avoiding Ongoing and Persistent Dental Problems

The best time to give a thought towards the overall standard of your dental health was in the past, the next best time is now. Your dental health is very important, but it's easy to not give your teeth the attention they deserve. Sometimes this is a result of being busy and having to deal with all of the other things that go on in life. It's a good idea to use this as an opportunity to ensure that the health of your teeth is at a good standard, and to start getting into good habits when it comes to keeping your dental health at a good standard.

Ongoing/Persistent Dental Problems

This could be the perfect opportunity to finally get the treatment and care for your teeth that could have been neglected until now. Here at MSC, our team of highly qualified, highly skilled dentists are able to assist with a whole range of dental problems. Explore the range of services that we offer here at Midlands Smile Centres and allow us to improve your teeth.


 If your dental problem is crowded, crooked or irregular teeth we can help...

• Midlands Smile Centres provides a range of orthodontic treatments that are designed to help alleviate the problem of crowded, crooked or irregular teeth. These treatment types include: Damon Braces which quickly manoeuvre teeth by utilising gentle pressure, Lingual Braces which are not dissimilar to traditional braces and shift teeth using light force, Invisalign Braces which are transparent in their appearance and move teeth at a gradual pace, and Six months Smiles which are a tooth-coloured brace to correct teeth in an average time frame of between 4-9 months.

If your dental problem is a missing tooth, we can help...

• MSC are capable of giving you an expert dental implant procedure that will replace your missing teeth. The different types of treatment for this dental problem include: Dental Implants, which consist of a false tooth and a titanium rod inserted directly into the gum; Denture Implants, which are available as either fixed or removable dentures that use dental implants fitted to the jawbone; Implant-Supported Bridges, which are given the support they need by dental implants.

If your dental problem is a tooth that is damaged or severely damaged, we can help...

• MSC can provide you with a crown. Crowns are artificial caps that are placed over the remaining part of a tooth, imbuing it with strength and returning to it a natural tooth shape.

Smile Dentistry

Dental health can be seen as intrinsically linked with dental aesthetics, as a healthier looking smile can help you in life. If this is where your thoughts are heading, you may wish to begin looking into Smile Dentistry at MSC. Smile Dentistry encompasses the broad selection of cosmetic treatments that are available at our various Birmingham practices.

Discover MSC's cosmetic treatments below.

White Fillings: A much more appealing alternative to grey amalgam fillings, white fillings are a simple yet effective cosmetic improvement to your teeth. MSC's white fillings give you the function you need and eliminate the potential of feeling awkward about smiling or laughing that having metal fillings can cause.

Tooth Whitening: Another way to achieve whiter teeth, our Enlighten Tooth Whitening system is sure to create the look you want for your teeth. This form of treatment begins with the creation of specially made close fitting trays for your mouth. Next, these trays are filled with a whitening gel that is given to you and these trays are then to be worn overnight for two weeks. Finally, a visit to the dentist for your last treatment will be required. Safe and highly effective, this is a superb option for better-looking teeth. 

Veneers: Are you concerned about irregular teeth inside your mouth? Whether you have teeth that are damaged, decayed or discoloured, veneers can help to rectify the issue, leading to the kind of smile you're looking for. They are simply thin layers of material -usually porcelain- that are placed over the top of teeth. They are tooth-coloured and are a straightforward method for enhancing your teeth's appearance.

Airflow: A pressurised jet of air, water and sodium bicarbonate, our airflow treatment is designed to offer you a thorough, efficient clean. This helps to remove the build-up of plaque and staining, leaving you with brighter, healthier looking teeth as a result.

Gold Services: Here at Midlands Smiles Centres, we are able to provide a range of gold services that bring a bold visual touch to your smile. Our gold services include- Gold Implants, Gold Crowns/Custom Crown Design, Gold Inlays, Gold Veneers. All are intended to introduce a striking charm to your teeth.

Now's the Time

Whether it's work you know is needed on your teeth, or changes you know you want to be made to your teeth, we can help you. Midlands Smile Centres boast a superbly skilled team of dentists with extensive experience that are able to carry out the types of treatment that you are seeking. It's time you got the smile you deserve.

The Road To A Beautiful Smile

With 2018 now upon us, it is a great time to give a thought to the overall standard of your teeth. Your dental health is very important, but it can be easy to not give your teeth the attention they deserve. Sometimes this is a result of being busy and having to deal with all of the other things that go on in life. So it's a good idea to use the beginning of the year as an opportunity to ensure that the health of your teeth is at a good standard, and to start getting into good habits when it comes to keeping your dental health at a good standard.

Ongoing/Persistent Dental Problems

2018 could be the perfect opportunity to finally get the treatment for your teeth that you have been avoiding for some time. Here at MSC, our team of highly qualified, highly skilled dentists are able to assist with a whole range of dental problems. Explore the range of services that we offer here at Midlands Smile Centres that can help give you a healthy smile. 

If your dental problem is crowded, crooked or irregular teeth we can help...

Midlands Smile Centres provide a range of orthodontic treatments that are designed to help alleviate the problem of crowded, crooked or irregular teeth. These treatment types include: Damon Braces which quickly manoeuvrer teeth by utilising gentle pressure, Lingual Braces which are not dissimilar to traditional braces and shift teeth using light force, Invisalign Braces which are transparent in their appearance and move teeth at a gradual pace, and Six months Smiles which are a tooth-coloured brace to correct teeth in an average time frame of between 4-9 months.

If your dental problem is a missing tooth, we can help...

MSC are capable of giving you an expert dental implant procedure that will replace your missing teeth. The different types of treatment for this dental problem include: Dental Implants, which consist of a false tooth and a titanium rod inserted directly into the gum; Denture Implants, which are available as either fixed or removable dentures that use dental implants fitted to the jawbone; Implant Supported Bridges, which are given the support they need by dental implants.

If your dental problem is a tooth that is damaged or severely damaged, we can help...

MSC can provide you with a crown. Crowns are artificial caps that are placed over the remaining part of a tooth, imbuing it with strength and returning to it a natural tooth shape.

Smile Dentistry

You might also be worried about the appearance of your teeth. After all, studies have shown that people make their initial judgement of someone almost in the blink of an eye. Having a bright smile really goes a long way towards making that first meeting count. If you'd like a bright smile to make a great impression, you may wish to begin looking into Smile Dentistry at MSC. Smile Dentistry encompasses the broad selection of cosmetic treatments that are available at our various Birmingham practices.

Discover MSC's cosmetic treatments below:

• White Fillings: A much more appealing alternative to grey amalgam fillings, white fillings are a simple yet effective cosmetic improvement to your teeth. MSC's white fillings maintains the function, but eliminate the potential of feeling awkward about smiling or laughing that having metal fillings can cause.

• Tooth Whitening: Another way to achieve whiter teeth, our Enlighten Tooth Whitening system is sure to create the look you want for your teeth. This form of treatment begins with the creation of specially made close fitting trays for your mouth. Next, these trays are filled with whitening gel that is given to you and these trays are then to be worn overnight for two weeks. Finally, a visit to the dentist for your last treatment will be required. Safe and highly effective, this is a superb option for better looking teeth.

• Veneers: Are you concerned about irregular teeth inside your mouth? Whether you have teeth that are damaged, decayed or discoloured, veneers can help to rectify the issue, leading to the kind of smile you're looking for. They are simply thin layers of material -usually porcelain- that are placed over the top of teeth. They are tooth-coloured and are a straightforward method for enhancing your teeth's appearance.

• Airflow: A pressurised jet of air,water and sodium bicarbonate, our airflow treatment is designed to offer you a thorough, efficient clean. This helps to remove the build-up of plaque and staining, leaving you with brighter, healthier looking teeth as a result.

• Gold Services: Here at Midlands Smiles Centres, we are able to provide a range of gold services that bring a bold visual touch to your smile. Our gold services include- Gold Implants, Gold Crowns/Custom Crown Design, Gold Inlays, Gold Veneers. All are intended to introduce a striking charm to your teeth.

Now's the Time

Whether it's work you know is needed on your teeth, or changes you know you want made to your teeth, we can help you. Midlands Smile Centres boast a superbly skilled team of dentists with extensive experience that are able to carry-out the types of treatment that you are seeking. Its 2018; it's time you got the smile you want.

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.

The Importance of Check-Ups at the Dentist

It is advisable to take check-ups at the dentist’s seriously for a variety of reasons. Although this may sound like stating the obvious, it is surprising to learn the number of potential benefits to be gained from a dental check-up that can be overlooked. Continue reading to discover what is involved in dental check-ups and how they can benefit you.

What Is Involved With A Dental Check-Up?

• Warning signs of serious problems with your teeth can be detected, increasing the chances of prompt and successful treatment.

• The examination of the overall health of your teeth.

• The checking of the condition of your gums.

• Gives the opportunity for any plaque or tartar to be removed by your dentist. This is especially worthwhile as gum disease and cavities are caused by plaque and tartar.

• The chance to get advice on the best ways to brush and floss your teeth.

• The chance to ask questions and receive guidance in reference to diet, smoking and drinking.

• The opportunity to ask about any problems with your teeth that you have discovered since your previous check-up.

Further Help We Can Offer You

As it has been pointed out, a dental check-up can highlight problems that will require further help from your dentist. If it is discovered that you do require further help, Midlands Smiles Centres can provide assistance. There are a number of possible issues with your teeth that you may be suffering from, and here are some examples of the types of treatment that we, at Midlands Smile Centres can provide to help alleviate these possible problems.

Types Of Dental Treatment

• Orthodontic Treatment: 

This is the treatment that is used to correct crooked or crowded teeth. Orthodontic treatment works by moving your teeth into a comfortable position and it does this by using braces. There are four types of braces available: Traditional braces, Damon braces, Invisalign braces and Six Months Smiles.

• Oral Surgery (Extractions): 

A check-up may reveal that an extraction is necessary. An example of this is in instances where you have wisdom teeth coming through and causing you discomfort.

• Hygienist Treatment: 

A visit to the hygienist will allow you to receive a professional clean for your teeth, commonly known as a scale and polish. Visiting the hygienist is a sure way to help you combat the risk of tooth wear, tooth decay and gum disease.

• Fillings: 

Depending on what is required, one of three types of filling/restoration will be offered to you as a means of repairing decayed or damaged teeth. The three types of filling/restoration are- Amalgam Fillings/Metal Fillings, Composite Fillings/White Filling, Dental Restorations (More complex, possibly blending composite, amalgam, porcelain and cement).

*An important note:  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 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. Contact MSC today to find out how we can assist you.