8 Mistakes You Make When Cleaning Your Teeth 19 April 202312 July 2022As long as I brush my teeth twice a day my teeth will be healthy, right? Not necessarily. This is a common misconception. This post will walk you through some of the mistakes people make when brushing their teeth.1. Not Brushing For Long EnoughIt is recommended that you brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, once before going to bed and at least one other time in the day. If you struggle to tell how long you’re brushing, try setting up a timer on your phone.2. Rinsing Your Mouth After BrushingWhen you rinse your teeth, you wash away the fluoride and enamel-protecting properties of the toothpaste. This also means don’t rinse with a mouthwash after brushing. You should use your mouthwash at a different time of day to brushing as it will contain a lower concentration of fluoride.3. Using The Wrong ToothpasteMake sure that your toothpaste contains fluoride, and make sure it contains enough. For adults, this is between 1,350 ppm to 1,500 ppm. Fluoride is key in helping prevent tooth decay.4. Brushing At The Wrong TimeYou should always wait at least thirty minutes after eating before you brush your teeth. If you brush your teeth before this, the acid from your food will wear down your enamel, weakening your teeth, and making them more susceptible to decay.5. Brushing Too HardUsing the wrong technique when brushing can cause wear on your teeth and could lead to receding gums. A lot of electric toothbrushes have a sensor that will flicker a light if you’re brushing too hard.You should brush at a slight angle and focus on each tooth, instead of brushing side to side using a scrubbing motion.6. Using The Wrong ToothbrushBoth electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing oral plaque that causes decay and disease. However, electric toothbrushes can be more effective at cleaning the harder to reach areas, such as your wisdom teeth.You should also consider the toothbrush bristles. They should be soft or medium, instead of hard. This is because you want to clean your teeth gently, without damaging your teeth and gums. The same goes when choosing a toothbrush head size. A larger size isn’t necessary as you want to cover the surface one tooth at a time.7. Using An Old ToothbrushYour toothbrush won’t be as effective if the bristles become worn. You should change your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months. You should also change your toothbrush if you have been ill as bacteria grow on the toothbrush and could cause you to reinfect yourself.8. Replacing Flossing With Brushing Or MouthwashEven if you try to brush in between your teeth, your toothbrush won’t be able to reach those areas effectively. Mouthwash is also not an alternative to flossing as it can’t remove the plaque.These mistakes are a good starting point to find out how you can improve, however, it’s best to see a hygienist regularly who will be able to give advice and demonstrate techniques. To book an appointment with one of our hygienists, call us on 01723 670500.
5 Reasons To Consider Getting A Dental Implant 12 April 202312 July 2022Missing, damaged and broken teeth can cause pain and embarrassment. An implant may be the right choice for you.1. Damaged TeethIf you struggle with broken or chipped teeth, implants may be the best way to fully restore your teeth. Damaged teeth can be a source of embarrassment as well as causing difficulties eating, and in more severe cases, speech issues. Implant restoration involves removing the damaged teeth and replacing them with new, artificial ones that fit perfectly.2. Missing TeethMissing teeth can also cause eating and speech difficulties, as well as affecting your appearance. There are various reasons why you could be missing your teeth, such as trauma, health issues, or a lack of oral hygiene. Implants will help to resolve these issues by filling in the gaps with natural looking, sturdy artificial teeth.3. Loose-Fitting TeethIf you suffer with weak and wobbly teeth implants can help you. If you can easily move one of your teeth around, you might want to talk to your dentist about replacing it with an implant. Similarly to how damaged teeth can affect your lifestyle, unsecure teeth can affect your ability to speak and eat as you normally would.4. Infected teethTooth decay and gum disease are both very serious issues that may lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis, a form of gum disease, results in bone loss. This means that there aren’t enough supporting structures for your teeth, causing them to become loose and eventually fall out. If left untreated, mouth infections can even spread to other parts of your body. Your dentist will remove the infected tissue and and replace the natural tooth with an artificial one.5. Shrinking JawboneMissing teeth roots from the gum and jawbone can lead to the deterioration of the jawbone. Natural tooth roots transmit the pressures created by chewing into the jawbone, maintaining its form and function. The post portion of the implant acts as an artificial tooth root. It becomes osseointegrated, meaning it grows and fuses with the jawbone and transmits the necessary forces. Quickly replacing any missing teeth with implants helps stimulate the jawbone to continue its natural function.If implants are something that you are interested in, please give our team a call on 01723 670500 for more information.
How Long Should My Crown Last? 5 April 202316 August 2022What is A Dental Crown?A crown is a type of cap that completely covers a real tooth and is fixed in your mouth. They can be fitted where a tooth has broken, decayed, been damaged or to make a tooth look better. The old tooth will need to be drilled down so that the crown can be attached.A dental crown can last anywhere between fifteen years and a lifetime but it can be determined by a few factors:Type Of CrownThe material that the crown is made out of can have an impact on the lifespan. Composite crowns, although affordable and tailored to your tooth colour, are limited to their toughness and lifespan. Porcelain crowns can last just about fifteen years, and a gold crown can last a lifetime under the right circumstances.Health Of Affected ToothIf the tooth was relatively healthy to begin, with longer roots and healthier surrounding gum and bone levels, both the crown and the tooth are likely to have a longer lifespan.Injury And BreakageAn injury to the mouth can damage the crown as well as the tooth it sits on. If the damage to the crown is to severe to be repaired it will need to be replaced.Changes In The Mouth Due To AgingAs we age, the structures in our mouth change. For example, gum recession can affect the fit of a dental crown. If your dental crown begins to not fit properly, your dentist will advise you to get a new one.Tooth GrindingGrinding and clenching your teeth, especially at night, can wear down a crown’s surface and threaten its stability.So, How Long Do They Last?Depending on the type of crown used, the average lifespan of a crown is around 10-15 years. However, with a good oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist, some crowns can last for decades.Book an appointment with one of our dentists who will be able to talk you through the options available and which type of crown they think is suitable for you. Call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment.
How To Deal With Issues With Your Dental Crown 29 March 202312 July 2022Although issues with dental crowns are rare, they do still occur. You should arrange an appointment with your dentist, but in the meantime there are things that you can do to minimize the discomfort.Consistently Rinse Your Mouth With SaltwaterOne cause of discomfort can be when bacteria finds its way inside the dental crown. This could occur as a result of damage, the crown becoming loose, or a number of other issues. The best way to relieve discomfort until your dental appointment is to keep the crown as clean as possible. Simply use a saltwater rinse several times a day and avoid eating any foods that contain high levels of sugar.Apply A Cold CompressAnother problem caused by bacteria entering the crown includes swelling of the gums and irritation of the tooth’s root. One way to ease the pain is to apply a cold compress to the affected area. Hold the compress for fifteen to thirty minutes to keep the swelling down.When Is It Considered An Emergency?Every instance of a dental crown issue requires punctual care which may include repositioning or replacing the crown. However, the issue becomes a dental emergency when the pain becomes intolerable and treatment can’t wait until the next day. This may be due the the development of an infection.If you are concerned and your dental crown is causing you discomfort, please call us on 01723 670500 for advice.
6 Fun Ways To Teach Your Child To Brush Their Teeth 22 March 202312 July 2022You can begin introducing an oral hygiene routine a few days after birth. Use a clean, wet gauze or washcloth to gently wipe their gums after feedings. As soon as their first tooth erupts, it’s time to begin brushing using a small soft toothbrush twice a day. You should brush your child’s teeth until you feel that they can brush on their own. Every child will be ready at a different age but most can brush by the time they are in preschool. At that time, you should supervise to make sure they use the right amount of toothpaste and following up any places they might have missed.However, It may be difficult to get your child to brush their teeth when they reach the stage of being able to do it themselves. Follow our tips to find out how to make them enjoy implementing an oral hygiene routine.Make It A Family ActivitySetting an example for you children is one of the best ways to get them to enjoy brushing their teeth. By brushing your teeth at the same time, you are giving your child a fun, family activity to look forward to everyday. Brush and floss at least twice daily with your children, including once before bedtime. This routine will help to form consistency that they will carry with them into their later life.Find Fun Dental Education ResourcesRead age-appropriate books or watch videos about dental hygiene with your child. Your child will enjoy the time spent together but also they might find it interesting to learn about the importance of their oral health, especially if their parents are interested too.Use A Special ToothbrushIt is likely that your child will enjoy brushing their teeth more if they can use a special toothbrush of their choosing. As adults, it can be easy to forget the effect of incorporating toys into everyday life.Create A Tooth brushing CompetitionTo make tooth brushing more fun, make it a game and set a timer for two minutes. The winner must brush their teeth for two minutes without stopping. This will create a friendly competition and encourage your children to brush their teeth properly.Reward Tooth BrushingTo encourage your children to brush their teeth twice a day, use a simple rewards system. Start with small rewards, such as a gold star, and award it for the basic necessity, brushing twice a day. Then, award a larger reward for every 10 gold stars. This will make your child motivated to brush their teeth.Make A Trip To The Dentist A Fun VisitMake sure that your child understands that a trip to the dentist can be a reward for them keeping their teeth clean, and not a negative outcome for not brushing and flossing. Parents can pass on their fear of the dentist to their children by simply talking about it in a negative tone. Try to avoid this. If you are anxious about a trip to the dentist, try to talk about it in a neutral tone.Creating a fun routine a home from an early age will ensure that your child develops the habit of caring for their teeth.
How To Prepare For A Dental Crown 15 March 202312 July 2022There are lots of different reasons why you might require a dental crown, such as a covering a decayed tooth, covering a discoloured or misshapen tooth or protecting a tooth that has undergone a root canal.ProcedureThe dental crown procedure will usually take place over two appointments.First appointment: Your dentist will examine the tooth and prepare it for a crown. They will take x-rays of the tooth and surrounding bone and file down the tooth. The amount of filing required will depend on the type of crown used, metal crowns do not need as much tooth removed as porcelain crowns.Once the tooth is filed, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth that requires the crown. They will also take an impression of the teeth above the crown so that it can fit properly with your bite. The impressions are sent to the lab to create the crown which will take about two to three weeks. Your dentist will give you a temporary crown to protect your tooth.Second appointment: Now your dentist will fit your new crown. They will check the colour, shape, and the fit of your new crown. They will permanently cement it in place.Same Day CrownsSome dentists may offer a same day crown placement using computer-aided-design (CAD). In this case a scanning device takes images of your tooth and the software uses the images to make a 3D image of your mouth. The software then sends the model to a machine that carves the crown out of ceramic in about 15 minutes.Recovery ProcessThe recovery time should be relatively short as you will mostly be dealing with irritation and inflammation. Your dentist will provide you with after care tips. Your bite might feel slightly strange to begin with as your tooth may not be exactly the same shape as it was. Your bite should return to normal after a few days.How To Care For Your CrownOnce your crown has been placed, the best way to look after it is to maintain great oral care and treat your crown as if it were a natural tooth. The tooth beneath the crown still needs to be protected against gum disease and decay. Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and use either interdental brushes or floss to clean in between your teeth. Crowns can be susceptible to cracking and wear and tear, depending on the material they are made from. Avoid biting hard surfaces.If you think that a crown may be suitable for you, please call us on 01723 670500 for more information.
Why You Should Wear A Mouthguard During Contact Sports 8 March 20235 July 2022Mouthguards prevent injuries to the face and mouth. They are made of soft plastic or laminate and prevent injuries incurred when you receive contact to the face or mouth. As well as your teeth, they also protect your mouth, gums, cheeks and jaw.How Do They Protect?Although a mouthguard won’t stop you from being hit in the first place, they can reduce the damage. They spread the impact out, reducing it across each area. They also absorb some of the force as they are made from a soft material.Using Mouthguards In SportsSports injuries account for 1/3 of all injuries to the mouth and face. A direct blow to your face can result in a lot of tooth trauma. Not only can your teeth be completely knocked out, but they can become dislodged, cracked, chipped or loosened. A mouthguard acts as a cushion to reduce the blow and reduce the risk of fractures and bone damage to both the lower jaw and neck.Types Of MouthguardsThere are three types:Stock: comes in a range of premade shapes and sizes. They are the cheapest but they don’t offer a comfortable fit or a high level of protection because they are one-size-fits-all.Boil-and-bite: They are the middle ground between premade and custom fit in terms of cost and function. The process involves placing them in boiled water before biting into them to leave an impression of your teeth.Custom-made: offer the best protection and it is often worth the higher cost. A dentist will take an impression of your teeth and orders a guard personalised to your bite.Taking Care Of Your MouthguardRinse with cold water and clean with toothpaste and a toothbrush to remove plaque.Avoid hot water, hot surfaces and directly sunlight as they can lead to warping.soak in non-alcoholic mouth rinse before cleaning with water.Here at Newby Dental Practice your dentist can make you a mouthguard in as little as 3 days. Call us now on 01723 670500 to book your appointment.
5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Baby Teeth 15 February 20235 July 2022As your baby’s first teeth start to appear, it can be very exciting. With so many changes at this age, it can be easy to forget about the importance of their oral hygiene.1. Start Brushing As Soon As The First Tooth AppearsDecay can begin as soon as your child’s first tooth appears so it is important to implement an oral hygiene routine early on. You should brush their teeth twice a day, and continue to do so until you are confident that they can do it themselves.2. First Dental VisitIt is important that you take your child to see the dentist when their first tooth appears. Their dentist will be able to advise you on the best oral hygiene routine to follow and to provide any necessary treatment.3. Baby Teeth Are More Sensitive To DecayBaby teeth have a thinner layer of enamel, making them more susceptible to decay. A fluoride toothpaste will help to protect their teeth.4. Be Careful With DummiesIt is common for babies to suck their thumb or use a dummy but prolonged use can change the position of their teeth. This can make it hard for them to chew and speak and can cause adult teeth to be in the wrong position too. Dummies should be removed by the age of three to prevent any oral damage.5. Baby Teeth Are Just As Important As Adult TeethAs baby teeth aren’t permanent, many parents don’t understand the importance of their maintenance. Baby teeth affect the development, alignment, and position of their adult teeth as well as their speech and eating abilities.
How Can I Protect my Teeth From Sugar? 8 February 20235 July 2022Eating large amounts of sugar is bad for your health, and can result in obesity, heart disease, diabetes and tooth decay. The coating that covers your teeth is called plaque and it contains lots of bacteria that breakdown the sugar in your food into acid, damaging the hard, protective coating on your teeth called enamel.Here are five ways to help protect your teeth:Limit Your Sugar IntakeThis seems like the most obvious option, but switching out sugary foods in your diet for healthier ones, such as swapping out a slice of cake everyday for a bowl of yoghurt with fruit, can make a big difference. Other changes could include cutting out that teaspoon of sugar in your cup of tea or having a glass of water at meal times instead of a fizzy drink.However, there will be times when you fancy a treat! To help protect your teeth, try to eat the sugary snack at mealtimes to reduce the number or acid attacks on your teeth.Drink Through Paper StrawsWhen you are drinking sugary drinks, such as fruit juices and fizzy drinks, try to use a straw to limit the contact between the sugar and your teeth.Keep On Top of Your Oral HealthMake sure you keep up with your oral health routine. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. However, do not brush your teeth straight after eating as this can cause more damage by brushing acid into your teeth.Chew Sugar-Free Gum After EatingSaliva helps to defend against acids causing demineralisation. Chewing gum helps to stimulate your salivary glands to produce more saliva. However, make sure that the gum is sugar-free, otherwise it could be causing more harm than good.Visit Your Dentist For Regular Check UpsYour dentist will be able to spot the signs of decay before they worsen and provide any advice to improve your oral hygiene routine. Call us on 01723 670500 to book your appointment now!
How To Care For Your Teething Baby 1 February 20235 July 2022Teething is an inevitable part of your baby’s growth, but that doesn’t make it any easier to watch them struggle as the first few teeth come through. Most babies begin teething somewhere between 4 and 7 months. However, this can vary to earlier or later than this window.SymptomsAlong with difficulty sleeping, teething symptoms can include:ChewingIrritability/fussinessExcessive droolingIf your baby is experiencing a rash or fever, there may be something other than teething causing the problem, in which case you should contact your child’s doctor.Chilled Teething RingA teething ring is a great option when your child starts to chew things. Some can even be chilled for more relief. Never put a teething ring in the freezer as this can damage your baby’s soft gums. Don’t forget to clean and sterilise the ring regularly.Use A Crunchy Healthy TreatOnce your child has been introduced to solid foods, try to soothe their gums using raw carrot or apple sticks. Even breadsticks could help relieve their symptoms.Avoid sugary snacks which can quickly lead to tooth decay, even if they currently have very few teeth. Rusks and teething biscuits should be avoided too as they contain sugar.Massage Your Baby’s GumsMake sure your hands are clean before you put them in your baby’s mouth. Use your fingers to apply gentle pressure. Sometimes this simple action of rubbing their gums will be able to provide your baby some relief.Offer Them A Drink Of Cold WaterIf your baby has already started drinking plain water, it could offer them comfort. It is one of the most natural teething remedies.Wipe Away Any DribbleOne of the signs of teething is the constant dribbling. This could result in an uncomfortable rash around your baby’s mouth. Gently wipe it away to prevent any further discomfort.Distract Your BabyTry taking your child’s mind off their pain by singing or encouraging them to play their favourite games.Caring For Your Baby’s New TeethOnce your child’s teeth start to come through, you’ll need to register them with a dentist. Contact us on 01723 670500 to book their first appointment.Start brushing with a fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first tooth breaks through.