National Smile Month 2025: Feed Your Smile

At Newby Dental Practice, we’re excited to join the Oral Health Foundation in celebrating National Smile Month 2025, running from 12 May to 12 June. 

This year’s theme, Feed Your Smile, highlights the vital connection between your diet and oral health.

Your smile is more than just cosmetic – it reflects your overall health and well-being. 

Key Messages for Great Oral Health

Maintaining excellent oral health doesn’t have to be complicated. During National Smile Month, we’re promoting these four key messages to help everyone take better care of their teeth and gums:

  1. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
    Brush your teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and one other time during the day, using a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and protect against decay.
  2. Clean between your teeth daily
    Use interdental brushes or floss to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach, and add a fluoride mouthwash to your routine for extra protection.
  3. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks
    Limit how much and how often you consume sugary snacks and beverages. Reducing sugar intake is key to preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy smile.
  4. Visit your dentist regularly
    Routine dental check-ups are essential for detecting and preventing oral health issues before they become serious.

By following these simple steps, you can make a big difference to your oral health and overall well-being.

Why Feed Your Smile?

This year’s theme focuses on how diet influences oral health.

  • The benefits of a balanced diet, proper hydration, and healthy snacks.
  • How reducing sugar supports healthier teeth and gums.
  • Foods like dairy and probiotics that strengthen teeth and protect against damage from sugary and acidic items.

Why Your Support Matters

Oral health inequalities still affect many individuals, making simple oral care a challenge. By supporting National Smile Month, you can help spread these vital messages and reach vulnerable groups in your community. Together, we can create happier, healthier smiles for everyone.

Book your next appointment at Newby Dental Practice – call 01723 670500, email Info@NewbyDental.co.uk  or book through the website.

5 ways to keep your teeth happy and healthy this Easter

Enjoy the sweetness of Easter while keeping your smile bright and healthy!

Easter is a time of joy, family, and delicious treats. While indulging in chocolate eggs and sweets is part of the fun, taking care of your teeth is also important. 

With a little mindfulness and moderation, you can enjoy the season while keeping your smile healthy.

  1. Choosing Easter treats wisely

Not all Easter treats are created equal when it comes to dental health. Opt for dark chocolate, which contains less sugar and antioxidants that may benefit your oral health, and sugar-free options. If you’re putting together an Easter basket, consider including some non-edible treats like stickers, small toys, or books to balance out the sugary goodies.

  1. Moderation is key

Rather than grazing on sweets throughout the day, try to enjoy them in moderation and preferably during meal times. Every time we eat sugary foods, our teeth are exposed to acid attacks that can last up to an hour. By limiting the frequency of sugary snacks, you reduce the amount of time your teeth are at risk. Encourage children (and yourself!) to be mindful of how often they reach for Easter treats.

  1. Maintain a strong oral hygiene routine

With all the extra sweets around, sticking to a solid oral hygiene routine is even more important. Make sure to brush twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. Avoid brushing immediately after eating sugary foods and wait about an hour to allow your enamel to recover before cleaning your teeth.

  1. Hydration helps protect your teeth

Drinking plenty of water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your teeth during Easter. Water helps wash away food particles and neutralises acids that can lead to tooth decay. If you’re enjoying an Easter feast, try sipping on water throughout the meal and encouraging children to do the same. It’s a great habit that benefits both your oral and overall health.

  1. Don’t skip your dental check-ups

Regular dental check-ups help catch issues early and keep teeth in top shape. After Easter, it’s a great time to book a visit, especially if you or your little ones have enjoyed a few extra treats over the holiday.

Book your next check-up at Newby Dental Practice via our booking system on the website, phone 01723 670 500 or email Info@NewbyDental.co.uk 

National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and it’s a great time to focus on building strong oral care habits for your little ones.

As a parent, early attention to your child’s dental hygiene can set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Whether it’s starting with gum care before their teeth appear or preparing for their first dental visit, these early steps are key to ensuring a healthy smile from the very beginning.

Caring for Gums Before Teeth Appear
Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, it’s important to begin cleaning their gums. Wipe their gums gently after feedings with a soft washcloth or a finger brush dipped in warm water. This removes bacteria and food particles and helps your baby get used to the feeling of brushing in preparation for when their teeth come in.

When Teeth Start to Erupt
As your child’s first teeth start to emerge around 6-10 months, you can begin brushing with a soft infant toothbrush. Use a very small amount of fluoride-free toothpaste until they’re around 2 years old. Gently brush their teeth in a circular motion, helping them form good habits early. It’s also important to remember that baby teeth can develop at different rates, so be patient with your child’s individual timeline.

Understanding Tooth Development
Tooth development follows a general pattern. Typically, the lower front teeth appear first, followed by the upper front teeth. Canines usually come in by the end of the first year, and molars start to emerge around 12-18 months. By age 6, your child will start losing their baby teeth, which will gradually be replaced by permanent teeth. Remember that children develop at different speeds, so don’t worry if your child’s teeth appear a little earlier or later than expected.

Scheduling the First Dental Visit
We recommend bringing your child to the dentist by their first birthday or once their first tooth erupts. Early dental visits help your child become familiar with the dentist and reduce dental anxiety as they grow. During this first visit, the dentist will check your child’s oral health, offer guidance on teething, and answer any questions you may have about their dental development.

Making Dental Visits Enjoyable
Many kids feel anxious about their first dental visit, but there are plenty of ways to ease their nerves. Explain the process in simple, positive terms, like how the dentist is there to help them keep their teeth strong and clean. Encourage your child by talking about the fun aspects of visiting the dentist, such as sitting in the “special chair” or getting a sticker at the end. Bringing a favourite toy or stuffed animal can also provide comfort, and you might want to watch a fun children’s cartoon about visiting the dentist together beforehand to help them feel more comfortable.

Establishing Healthy Habits
By introducing a consistent routine early, your child will get into the habit of caring for their teeth and gums properly. Brushing together, making dental visits a positive experience, and creating a fun, positive atmosphere around oral care will help your child grow into an adult with healthy teeth. Use positive reinforcement to celebrate their efforts and encourage them to take pride in their oral hygiene.


Tips for Oral Care at Home

Creating a positive, consistent routine at home is essential for setting your child up for long-term oral health. Here are some tips for parents to make oral care fun and effective:

  • Brush Together: Make brushing time a family affair! Brush your teeth alongside your child so they can mimic your actions and learn proper technique.
  • Use Fun Toothbrushes and Toothpaste: Let your child choose their toothbrush with fun colours or characters and pick a child-friendly toothpaste flavour they enjoy.
  • Encourage Flossing: As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, it’s time to start flossing. You can use floss picks designed for kids to make it easier for them.
  • Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks: Too much sugar can lead to cavities, so try to limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals. Water or milk is always the best choice.
  • Establish a Routine: Make brushing twice a day (morning and night) a regular part of their daily routine. Use a timer or sing a song to make brushing for two minutes more fun!

Book your child first dentist appointment today – 01723 670 500 or Info@NewbyDental.co.uk 

Restore your smile and confidence with Dental Implants

A long-term, natural-looking solution for missing teeth at Newby Dental Practice in Scarborough.

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is more than just a replacement tooth – it’s a way to regain your smile and boost your confidence. Dental implants provide a fixed solution for missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.

The implant itself is a titanium screw placed into your jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the bone fuses with the implant, creating a secure foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. This allows your replacement teeth to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.

Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or need multiple replacements, dental implants offer a discreet and durable way to enhance your smile and oral health.

Who might need a dental implant?
Dental implants are a great option for anyone struggling with missing teeth.

  • Do you feel self-conscious when eating, speaking, or smiling?
  • Are you worried about loose or uncomfortable dentures?
  • Have missing teeth impacted your confidence or quality of life?

If you answered yes to any of these, dental implants could be the ideal solution. They’re designed to improve your ability to chew and speak, enhance your appearance, and give you the confidence to smile again. At Newby Dental Practice, we tailor implant treatments to meet your individual needs, whether replacing a single tooth, supporting a bridge, or providing a full mouth of fixed implants.

What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants go beyond aesthetics – they’re a long-term investment in your oral health and quality of life. Here are some key benefits:

– Natural Functionality: Implants look, feel, and work like natural teeth.
– Improved Confidence: Say goodbye to loose dentures or gaps in your smile.
– Better Oral Health: Implants preserve the bone structure in your jaw and protect surrounding teeth.
– Enhanced Comfort: Enjoy eating, chewing, and speaking without worry.
– Long-Term Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
– Minimally Destructive: Implants don’t require altering adjacent teeth, unlike conventional bridges.
From replacing one tooth to a full set, implants provide a secure and permanent solution tailored to your needs.

Are you ready to reclaim your smile and confidence?

At Newby Dental Practice in Scarborough, our experienced team is here to help. Book a free consultation with our friendly treatment coordinator to discuss how dental implants can transform your life.

Your journey to a healthier, more confident smile starts here – Contact us today! 🦷✨

Make 2025 your year for a new smile

We believe everyone deserves a smile they’re proud to show off.

Whether you’re looking to address a specific dental concern or want to refresh your look, our comprehensive range of services can help you achieve your best smile in 2025.

Here’s how we can help:

Dental Implants
Missing teeth don’t have to be permanent. Dental implants offer a durable, natural-looking solution by replacing the root of your missing tooth. Implants can support crowns, bridges, or dentures, restoring function and appearance so you can eat, speak, and smile confidently again.

Invisalign
Say goodbye to traditional braces and hello to Invisalign! These nearly invisible aligners straighten teeth comfortably and discreetly. Whether you’re dealing with crowding, spacing, or bite issues, Invisalign offers a customisable treatment plan tailored to your needs with minimal impact on your daily life.

Boutique Tooth Whitening
Brighten your smile in just a few weeks with Boutique tooth whitening. This premium treatment uses custom-made trays to safely whiten your natural teeth, whether worn during the day or overnight. A brighter, whiter smile has never been so simple.

Hygienist Treatments
Our hygienists do more than clean your teeth, they help protect your gums and brighten your smile. From routine scale-and-polish appointments to deep cleaning for gum disease, we offer tailored solutions to suit your needs. Let us help you maintain a healthy, radiant smile.

Veneers
Transform the look of chipped, stained, or misaligned teeth with veneers. These thin, custom-made ceramic layers bond to your teeth to create a straighter, more uniform appearance. Veneers are perfect for achieving a dramatic smile makeover.

Routine Family Dentistry
At Newby Dental Practice, we care for the whole family. From babies’ first dental check-ups to teenagers’ orthodontic needs and routine care for adults, we provide high-quality dental care tailored to every stage of life.

Bridges and Dentures
Replace missing teeth with natural-looking bridges or dentures. Bridges offer a fixed solution, while dentures provide removable options for restoring function and preventing teeth from shifting. Both options are designed to improve your smile and boost your confidence.

Dental Crowns
When a tooth is heavily filled or broken, a dental crown can restore its strength and appearance. With advanced materials like E-Max or Zirconia, our crowns are durable, long-lasting, and designed to match the colour of your natural teeth seamlessly.

Composite Bonding
For a quick and cost-effective way to fix minor imperfections, composite bonding is a great option. This treatment adds tooth-coloured resin to chipped, cracked, or discoloured teeth, giving you a more polished, symmetrical smile without invasive procedures.

Start your journey to a new smile today! Contact Newby Dental Practice to book your consultation and make 2025 the year you embrace the confidence of a healthier, brighter smile.

12 Days of Christmas Dental Tips

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for holiday cheer and keeping your smile bright! 🎄✨

Christmas may be filled with tempting treats, festive toasts, and indulgent buffets, but that doesn’t mean your oral health has to take a holiday!

We’re here to help you keep your smile merry and bright with our “12 Days of Christmas” guide – a seasonal collection of easy dental tips to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape from Christmas to the New Year.

12 Days of Christmas

Day 1: Set up a “tooth-friendly” snack zone
If you’re snacking at home or a party, consider creating a go-to spot with tooth-friendly choices like nuts, cheese, raw veggies, and fresh fruits. This makes it easy to steer clear of sugary snacks that can stick to teeth.

Day 2: Festive hydration
With sugary drinks everywhere, try to drink water between any festive beverages. Water helps rinse food particles and combats dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities.

Day 3: Wait before you brush
If you’ve enjoyed some festive bubbly or any acidic foods, hold off brushing for about an hour. Brushing too soon can spread the acids, weakening enamel and making teeth more prone to erosion.

Day 4: Choose turkey over sweet treats
Turkey is high in phosphorus and strengthens teeth. Try reaching for a helping of turkey instead of sugary snacks when possible. It’s a tasty choice that’s also great for dental health!

Day 5: Sing as you brush
Turn brushing into a festive moment! Singing a verse or two of your favourite festive song while you brush ensures you reach the recommended two minutes, making it fun and effective.

Day 6: Don’t risk it with wrapping
When wrapping or unwrapping gifts, avoid using your teeth to cut tape or rip packages. Using teeth as tools can lead to chips and cracks, which could mean a trip to the dentist.

Day 7: Pack a travel oral kit
If you’re travelling, pack a quick-to-go kit with essentials like a toothbrush, floss, and mini toothpaste. Keeping up your routine while away helps avoid plaque buildup and brightens your smile through the season.

Day 8: Swap sticky treats for dark chocolate
Opt for dark chocolate over sticky toffees and candies. Dark chocolate melts quickly and has less sugar, making it less likely to stick to teeth or cause decay than other treats.

Day 9: Mind your red wine smile
Red wine can stain teeth. To avoid discolouration, drink water between sips and consider eating cheese. Cheese contains calcium and helps neutralise acids, reducing potential staining.

Day 10: Limit buffet grazing
Eating continuously can increase acid production in your mouth. If you’re at a Christmas buffet, try to eat in set sessions rather than snacking all day. Choose foods like cheese, veggies, or lean proteins if you snack.

Day 11: Keep up the routine, even with late nights
Busy schedules and late nights can make it easy to skip brushing or flossing. But staying consistent with twice-daily brushing and flossing keeps plaque at bay, preventing issues after Christmas.

Day 12: Schedule a post-festive check-up
Start the New Year with a clean slate! Book a dental check-up to catch any early signs of tooth decay and give your smile a fresh start for the year ahead.

At Newby Dental Practice, we offer a range of incredible treatments, such as teeth whitening, dental implants and veneers, to give you the youthful, rejuvenated smile you deserve.

Book a consultation for 2025 – why spend another year with a smile you don’t love? – book here

The difference between a Dental Therapist and a Dental Hygienist

In the UK, dental therapists and hygienists are trained professionals who bring specialised skills to the practice, with therapists focusing on a broader range of dental procedures and hygienists emphasising preventative care.

What is a Dental Therapist?
A dental therapist is a registered dental professional with advanced qualifications and training to perform a variety of dental treatments. They work directly with patients or under the prescription of a dentist, offering a broad scope of care. Unlike dental hygienists, who focus on prevention, dental therapists are trained to carry out certain procedures that overlap with dentists’ work, making them an invaluable part of a dental team.

Main Responsibilities of a Dental Therapist
– Conduct full dental examinations and identify abnormalities in oral health
– Perform fillings and other restorative treatments, especially for children’s baby teeth
– Extract baby teeth when necessary
– Place crowns on baby teeth
– Scale and polish teeth to maintain oral hygiene
– Apply materials such as fluoride and fissure sealants for cavity prevention.
– Take dental X-rays and impressions of teeth
– Educate patients on oral hygiene, including tips for a healthy lifestyle

What is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a registered dental professional specialising in preventative oral care. Dental hygienists focus on helping patients maintain oral health through plaque removal, periodontal disease prevention, and oral hygiene education. They typically work independently with patients but may also, collaborate with dentists for specific treatments. Their expertise is primarily in preventing dental issues, making them essential for long-term oral health maintenance.

Main Responsibilities of a Dental Hygienist
– Conduct dental cleanings by removing plaque and tartar buildup
– Apply preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride to help reduce cavities
– Take dental X-rays to assist in diagnosing oral health issues
– Provide education on proper oral care practices, including guidance for dental implants and orthodontic appliances
– Develop treatment plans in collaboration with dentists to manage caries, periodontal disease, and tooth wear
– Diagnose and plan treatment within their scope of competence

To round up
By having dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists on our team, we can provide a high-quality, comprehensive approach to dental care that addresses a full range of oral health needs.

Whether you’re seeking preventive treatment from a hygienist or restorative care from a therapist, our team’s combined expertise ensures that you receive the most efficient, effective, and personalised care possible.

The Benefits of Microneedling with the Raffine Microneedling Pen

The Raffine microneedling pen, a state-of-the-art device that helps rejuvenate the skin by boosting skin luminosity and improving texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

At Newby Dental we are always looking at treatments that will make you look and feel your best. Hello, Raffine microneedling pen!

The Raffine microneedling pen is a state-of-the-art device that helps rejuvenate the skin by boosting skin luminosity and improving texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin’s surface. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process, promoting collagen and elastin production. The result? A firmer, smoother, and more youthful complexion.

Benefits of using the Raffine Microneedling Pen
◦ Improved Skin Texture: The Raffine microneedling pen creates precise micro-channels that allow for better absorption of topical treatments, such as our specially formulated hyaluronic skin cocktails. These cocktails hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it plump and radiant.
◦ Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: By promoting collagen production, microneedling helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leading to a smoother skin surface.
◦ Improved Pigmentation: Microneedling can effectively target uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more uniform complexion.
◦ Customisable Treatment: Each session will be tailored to your specific skin needs, ensuring optimal results based on individual skin concerns.
◦ Synergistic Treatments for Optimal Results: Microneedling can be combined with other aesthetic treatments for even more profound results. Our practice offers complementary therapies such as polynucleotides, dermal fillers, and wrinkle relaxation treatments.

A Gentle and Effective Approach
Dr Annie O’Sullivan is dedicated to providing gentle, effective treatments that prioritise your comfort and satisfaction. Her commitment to achieving natural-looking results ensures that you will leave feeling revitalised and confident.

So, if you’re looking to boost your skin’s appearance and address concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation, consider microneedling with the Raffine microneedling pen at our practice. With Annie’s expertise and a holistic approach that incorporates various aesthetic treatments, you can achieve stunning, natural results that help you feel your best.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our friendly team at Newby Dental Practice today – Info@NewbyDental.co.uk

Your journey to radiant skin starts here.

Take control of your health this October by quitting smoking with Stoptober.

Stoptober is back, offering smokers across England the chance to quit for 28 days and improve their chances of quitting for good by five times.

Over 2.5 million people have already successfully quit with the help of this annual campaign, and now is the perfect time for you to join them.

Why Quit Smoking for Stoptober?

Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. With over 64,000 smoking-related deaths each year in England, smoking is the single largest cause of preventable illness and death.

Here are five key reasons why Stoptober is the perfect time to stop smoking:

1. Quit for 28 days, and you’re five times more likely to quit for good
Studies show that committing to quitting for 28 days dramatically increases your chances of staying smoke-free permanently. Stoptober has already helped over 2.5 million people quit smoking—now it’s your turn to boost your chances of success by taking part.

2. Immediate health benefits
The health improvements begin almost immediately once you stop smoking. Within days, your lung function starts to improve, and over time, your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer decreases significantly. Smokers lose an average of 10 years of life, but quitting can help you regain many of those years.

3. Support makes a difference
Quitting smoking is much easier with the right support, and Stoptober offers plenty of it. The Better Health campaign provides access to the NHS Quit Smoking app, a 28-day email programme, a local stop smoking service locator. Many services even offer free vape starter kits, making it easier to transition away from cigarettes.

4. It’s never too late to quit
Whether it’s your first or tenth attempt, it’s never too late to quit smoking. Stoptober is a fresh opportunity to try again. Even if you’ve struggled before, the tools and support available this year can help make this attempt your last.

5. Financial and social benefits
Beyond health, quitting smoking can save you a significant amount of money. The average smoker spends thousands of pounds a year on cigarettes. By quitting, you’ll have more disposable income, which can be spent on things that bring you joy, rather than something that harms your health. Additionally, quitting smoking can positively influence those around you, including family and friends who may be motivated to quit as well.

With over 5 million smokers still in England, by stopping smoking for 28 days during Stoptober, you’ll not only experience immediate health benefits but also be five times more likely to quit for good.

Signs Of Gum Disease

Gum Disease is very avoidable. It’s usually the case of bad hygiene and oral health. Gum disease is where the gums become swollen, red, sore and bleed. It can be prevented by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing and getting regular checkups and dental hygiene appointments.

Gum Disease image

Signs of Gum Disease

Signs and Symptoms of gum disease can include:

  • Swollen or inflamed gums
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Gums that feel sensitive and tender
  • Bright red/purple coloured gums
  • Bad Breath
  • Pus between gums and teeth
  • Loose teeth/loss of teeth
  • painful chewing

Typical Causes of Gum Disease

Gum Disease, also known as Periodontitis is a serious gum infection which damages the soft tissue around the teeth. It tends to start with plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of bacteria from the mouth. Here’s how Plaque can develop into Periodontitis:

  • Plaque, which forms on your teeth when sugars and starches in food cause a reaction with the bacteria, likely to be come in your mouth. Make sure you are brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day to prevent this from happening.
  • Tartar, which is plaque that hardens under the gumline and turns into tartar. It is very difficult to remove, you need professional dental cleaning to remove it. Plaque and tarter can do a lot of damage the longer it stays on your teeth as they’re filled with bacteria.
  • Gingivitis, which is the mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis is swelling and irritation of the gum tissue around the base of your teeth. It can be solved professionally with a dentist and good home oral care as early as possible as it can lead to bone loss.
  • Periodontitis, which is caused by swelling of the gum, gum irritation and inflammation. Over time this causes deep pockets to form between your gums and teeth, these are filled with plaque, bacteria and tartar. if not treated, it can cause the loss of tissue and bone.

Worried about your dental health?

If you are currently going through or experienced any of these signs or symptoms then please schedule a dental hygiene appointment or dental exam at Newby Dentist practice today!

We are happily taking on new patients and want to give you a warm welcome into our family dental practice.

Book now via this link

hygine photo