Below is some information to patients on brushing regime and how offer dental check ups are recommended by the department of health.

The first section gives dietary advice, and toothbrushing and tooth paste instructions.

The second breaks down the age groups and outlines the procedure in relation to age and risk, this is what your dental practioner should be looking at as a guideline when determining a course of treatment for yourself and your family.

The final section outlines the procedure for individual conditions, for example children with orthodontic appliances often have difficulty in keeping their teeth clean due to the metal acting as a food trap, therefore there are aids and advice how to acheive a cleaner mouth.

 

A new marketing strategy from GSK asks people to love their mouth, which we think is a great idea.They have offered advice how to pamper your mouth on a daily basis, Read the step by steps tips on brushing and flossing below.  We think these are simple instructions that only take 10 minutes every day and night as part of your normal beauty or early morning regime.

 

East Kent Health trust are currently promoting walking to ensure a healthier life.

They state that research shows that walking could reduce your risk of getting heart disease, diabetes and some forms  of cancer. Exercising regulary can help maintain a healthly weight and lower your blood pressure.

It can help reduce tension and stress, you get to meet new people and most importantly it is completely free.

There is no need to call and book, you simply just turn up and enjoy the fun.

For more information click here

 

or alternatively call

0800 8494000

and choose option 6

 

 

The below images highlight walks in the Ashford and Shepway areas.

Ashford borough council has also got involved as part of the change 4 life scheme offering useful advice into acheiving a healthier lifestyle.

Tooth decay

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or a cavity, is a disease where bacterial processes change carbohydrate like sugar in food left on teeth to acid that demineralises hard tooth structure (enamel,dentin, and cementum).[1] If demineralisation exceeds saliva and other remineralisation like from fluoride, these tissues progressively break down, producing dental caries (cavities, holes in the teeth). Two groups of bacteria are responsible for initiating caries: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. If left untreated, the disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and, in severe cases, death.[2] Today, caries remains one of the most common diseases throughout the world. Cariology is the study of dental caries.

Below is a video showing decay progression in the teeth.

 

The presentation of caries is highly variable; however, the risk factors and stages of development are similar. Initially, it may appear as a small chalky area that may eventually develop into a large cavitation. Sometimes caries may be directly visible, however other methods of detection such as radiographs are used for less visible areas of teeth and to judge the extent of destruction. Lasers for detecting caries allow detection without radiation and now are being used for detection of interproximal decay (between the teeth). Disclosing solutions are also available that are used during tooth restoration to minimize the chance of the recurrence.

Tooth decay is caused by specific types of acid-producing bacteria that cause damage in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose. The mineral content of teeth is sensitive to increases in acidity from the production of lactic acid. Specifically, a tooth (which is primarily mineral in content) is in a constant state of back-and-forth demineralization andremineralization between the tooth and surrounding saliva. For people who have little saliva, there also exists remineralization gel, especially due to radiation therapies which may destroy the salivary glands. These patients are particularly susceptible to dental caries. When the pH at the surface of the tooth drops below 5.5, demineralization proceeds faster than remineralization (meaning that there is a net loss of mineral structure on the tooth’s surface). Most foods are in this acidic range and without remineralization, this results in the ensuing decay. Depending on the extent of tooth destruction, various treatments can be used to restore teeth to proper form, function, and aesthetics, but there is no known method to regenerate large amounts of tooth structure, though stem cell related research suggests one possibility. Instead, dental health organizations advocate preventive and prophylactic measures, such as regular oral hygiene and dietary modifications, to avoid dental caries.

 

 

 

Introducing Opalescence Go PF Hydrogen Peroxide 6%

A new product that we are currently stocking in our surgery is the Opalescence go home whitening kit. The trays are pre-lined with 6% PF Hydrogen Peroxide which is EU compliant.

They boast an UltraFit tray that shapes to the mouth and molds to the teeth. The tray is activated by heat and can be molded to the teeth in a matter of minutes. They believe it to be a more comfortable tooth whitening experience. This is especially true for those of us who hate the process of taking impressions of our teeth. Once the tray is molded to the teeth the gel starts working on whitening the teeth.
Therefore if you are interested book an appointment to discuss home whitening with us. Unfortunately these items are prescription only and you would need to be seen by a dentist first.

We are currently selling these at the introductory price of £90.00 per kit to our patients. (While stocks last)

The contents of each pack are as follows, you can use one daily or as needed but you should always consult your Dentist prior undergoing any form of Whitening.
10 x Upper Prefilled Trays
10 x Lower Prefilled Trays

The Opalescence leaflet used to promote this product states 10 good reasons to use their product:

1. They boast quick predictable results using their 6% hydrogen peroxide patented gel.
2. That to product is easy to use, with a short 30-90 minute application time.
3. Soft Ultrafit tray for a snug and comfortable fit.
4. The Opalescence gel contains potassium nitrate and fluoride. Potassium Nitrate has been shown in studies to reduce sensitivity whereas Fluoride has been shown in studies to reduce caries and strengthen enamel. Opalescence states that they help to improve the overall health of the teeth.
5.  Boast a delicious mint flavor.
6.  A box of 10 upper and 10 lower individually sealed trays giving flexibility of when you wish to whiten.
7. Single use and disposable, therefore more hygienic.
8. Ideal for travelling and topping up already bleached teeth.
9. No impression needed.
10. Opalescence state that they are a world leader in tooth whitening systems and they believe they are a professional and trusted brand that we can have confidence in.

How to use:
Please follow these simple instructions when using this  Home Whitening systems.

The Progression of Gum Disease 
In its earliest stages, gum disease is referred to as gingivitis inflammation of the gums. Every day a clear sticky film called plaque builds up on the surface of the tooth. Plaque is made up of bacteria and their secretions, and it is easily removed by proper brushing and flossing. However, if plaque is allowed to build up, then eventually the gum tissue in contact with the plaque becomes red and inflamed. You may have observed that sometimes your gums bleed when you brush your teeth. This is because of the inflammation, and is often the first sign that you have the earliest stages of periodontal disease. In most cases, a thorough professional cleaning from your dental professional, and more attention to brushing and flossing can reverse the inflammation and bleeding associated with gingivitis.

Treatment
Oral hygiene instruction brushing and flossing advise and the use of single tufted brushes
Disclosing to help you visualize
Routine visits with the hygienist or periodontist for scaling cleaning root debridement and maintenance.
The use of medication including antibiotic s both short and long term.
And regenerative surgical procedures.
Below is a video explaining Gingivitis.

What is Periodontitis? Periodontitis is the most serious of the periodontal diseases, commonly referred to as gum diseases. It is remarkably common in adults over the age of 35, with some sources estimating that up to one third of American adults (more than 50 million people) suffer from some form of periodontitis. Periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, and is particularly prevalent in smokers and those with complicating diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis. There are also some individuals who are genetically predisposed to developing this disease. Below are the stages of periodontal disease.

Periodontitis is the end result of a complex interaction between the bacteria (or plaque) that accumulates on tooth surfaces and your own body’s efforts to fight this bacterial infection. Everyone has bacteria in their mouth; if you follow normal oral hygiene procedures (brushing and flossing) and see your dentist regularly, under most circumstances these bacteria live in balance with your body’s defense mechanisms. However, if the bacteria build up on the tooth near the gums, and particularly if your body’s defense mechanisms are compromised, then an imbalance can arise and your gums will become red and inflamed. This inflammation, if left untreated, eventually results in damage to the ligaments and bone which hold your teeth in place, and in the worst cases can cause the teeth to become loose or to be lost.

We believe that prevention is better than cure. We hope to prevent our patients losing teeth if we can help it. Therefore we like to educate via our blog and in surgery so that our patients are aware that help is at hand.

Give yourself a treat this Easter with our       Anti- Wrinkle Therapy

For a booking of 1 person the cost is £220.00 per vial for as many areas as possible.

We can reduce this fee for a party of 3 or more people to £150 per person.

Our resident dentist Roma Patel is fully qualified and registered to perform cosmetic anti-aging treatments. We like to provide a safe, comfortable environment for our patients so that you are in control of your treatment.

Roma conducted her training at the International Academy of Advanced Facial Aesthetics and regularly updates herself on the current procedures and trends.

http://www.iaafa.net/welcome.htm

She simply freezes the skin with a topical cream to minimize discomfort, and using the finest needles as well as a gentle technique, places injections.
Areas targeted are Frown lines, Crows feet, worry lines, High lip lines, chin area. The process is extremely relaxed,  and providing you follow the aftercare advice you can resume your daily activities afterwards.

What is anti-wrinkle treatment?

We currently use Botulinum Toxin Type A for our anti-wrinkle therapy. This is a naturally occurring bacterial protein produced by Clostridium botulinum.

This is because the toxin blocks the junction between the nerves and muscle to prevent the release of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine.  This temporarily prevents the muscles from contracting, This effect gradually wears off over time.

See the below diagram for further explanation.

The effects can start to take effect within 2 to 3 days, and can last about 4 months and sometimes more. It is recommended that re-treatment is not performed more often than every 3 months.

Other uses for botulinum within the dental surgery are as follows.

• Migraine and other headache disorders, although the evidence is conflicting in this indication.
• Grinding/Clenching (bruxism): by injecting the toxin into the muscles of mastication, such as the masseter
• Temporal Mandibular joint (Jaw)  pain disorders
• Excessive salivation.
• Reduction of the masseter muscle for decreasing the apparent size of the lower jaw.

What aftercare advice should I follow?

We recommend that following patients follow this aftercare advice.

For at least 4 hours after treatment:

Keep upright and do not bend excessively.

For 12 hours after treatment:

Avoid extreme expressions, alcohol and wearing make-up.

For 2 days after treatment:

Don’t rub or massage treated area. Gently pat skin dry with a soft towel after washing.

For 2 weeks after treatment:

Avoid strong sunlight and saunas.

Don’t have facials

 

What are the risks and possible side effects?

However unlikely all medicines come with a certain amount of risks and side effects so it is important information for us to provide our patients should the worst happen. If you are unsure or experience any problems then please also call the surgery.

You should seek urgent medical help if:

• You have difficulties breathing, swallowing or speaking.
• Your face swells or skin goes red or you get an itchy lumpy rash. This may mean you are having an allergic reaction to the product.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:

Very Common (affects more than 1 user in 10)

• Redness,swelling, irritation, rash, itching, tingling , pain, discomfort, stinging or bruising at the site of the injection.
• Headache.

Common (affects 1 to 10 users in 100)

• Tired eyes or dim vision, drooping of the upper eyelid, swelling of the eyelid, swelling of the eyelid, watering eyes, dry eye, twitching of muscles around the eye.
• Facial paralysis.

Uncommon (affects 1 in 10 users in 1000)

• Disturbed, blurred or double vision.
• Dizziness.
• Itching, rash.
• Allergic reactions, see above.

Rare (affects 1 to 10 users in 10,000)

• Itchy and lumpy rash
• eye movement disorder.

This guidance states that usually the side effects occur within the first week and do not last long. If you experience these side effects for longer or completely different side effects than state then please consult your doctor and our practice.

The risk of side effects is increased with patients with swallowing disorders, certain neuromuscular disorders, pre- existing pulmonary problems or patients taking medications that can amplify the effect of the botulinum toxin . It is important to disclose all medical information to the clinician performing the treatment so that the risk can be assessed.

The clinician may wish the contact your doctor prior to treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Oral Health Day on the 20th March

This day promotes Oral Health and serves to Celebrate the benefits that are involved with having good oral hygiene. This day reaches out to all: old, young, rich, poor and whichever race or religion you are. Poor oral health and oral disease is a global problem.
It is reported that 90% of people will suffer from some kind of oral health disease within their lifetime. Most of this can be prevented by early detection, screening, good oral health.
The WOHD website states that it is a day to do the activities that make you laugh sing and smile and We are not ones to disagree with tradition!!
Why not book in a check up or clean with your dentist today and celebrate with us?
http://www.worldoralhealthday.com/about-wohd/

There has  also been a lot of publicity recently on how oral health can effect your general health.  The British Dental Health Foundation has recently published this image. 

 

They suggest problems could arise or made worse by poor dental health. The examples are heart disease, strokes, diabetes, giving birth to premature babies and lung disease, which is generally quite a frightening thought. They suggest these three simple methods to keeping your mouth healthy in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.
http://www.dentalhealth.org

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
• Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks
• Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend

We also have access to this education video through our guru software.