While research over recent years has revealed that the health of children’s teeth has improved, it’s still true that five year olds in the UK rank only seventh in Europe for dental health, and children from disadvantaged backgrounds are 50% more likely to have tooth decay.
So learning about how to keep teeth healthy from an early age is still important, and your private dentist in chelsea or hygienist at the Chelsea Dental Clinic is always on hand to advise on how to take care of your children’s teeth to prevent decay.
Some tips for healthy young teeth include starting brushing your baby’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through – usually at around six months, but it can be earlier or later.
Children under the age of three can use a smear of family toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm (parts per million) fluoride, and between the ages of three and six they can use a small blob of toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride.
Brush your child’s teeth twice a day, once just before bedtime and at least one other time during the day. Supervise tooth brushing until your child is seven or eight years old, either by brushing their teeth yourself or, if they brush their own teeth, by watching how they do it.
With a tooth-brushing routine established at home, bring your child with you when you visit the Chelsea Dental Clinic, so they become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist, who can identify any problems at an early stage.
 Just opening up their mouths for the dentist to take a look is useful practice for the first time they need treatment, and will help to make a visit to the dentist as routine as it is for you.
MAKE AN EARLY START FOR HEALTHY TEETH
TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT A CHANGE IN YOUR HEALTH
The importance of telling your dentist about any changes to your general health has been underlined in a timely reminder issued by the British Dental Health Foundation.
It is especially important to tell them if you are pregnant or have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or have ever had a stroke. You also need to tell them about any medicines you are taking as these can affect both your treatment and the health of your mouth”, says the Foundation.
Gum disease is another issue raised by the Foundation, which comments that although there is some evidence that gum disease runs in families, the main cause is the plaque which forms on the surface of your teeth. To prevent gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day.
When you make one of your regular visits to your dentist or hygienist at the Chelsea Dental Clinic, your teeth will be given a thorough clean to remove any scale or tartar, which may take a number of sessions.
Your Chelsea dentist will also show you how to effectively remove the soft plaque yourself, by cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly at home. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria which forms on the teeth and gums every day, and leaflets are available from the Chelsea Clinic to help you with your home treatment.
Gum disease is an on-going problem, but with routine home care you can slow down its progress and even stop it altogether. It’s important to remove plaque every day, and have regular check-ups with your Chelsea Dental Clinic dentist and hygienist, as often as they recommend.
TAKE A HOLIDAY – BUT NOT TO TREAT YOUR TEETH
Patients taking a trip overseas after seeing tempting website offers of cheaper treatment may gain short-term financial benefits, but a lack of aftercare can cause long-term problems for the ‘dental tourist’, warns an article in the dental magazine ‘The Probe’.
Some in search of quick-fix and cheap cosmetic dentistry, particularly for implants, are travelling to clinics as far away as Mexico, Thailand and India, while European countries are becoming increasingly popular.
Overseas dentists may be as professional as their UK counterparts, but many patients go abroad for dental implants only to discover there has been little treatment planning prepared, and that when there are problems there is no follow-up strategy in place.
The article makes the point that “In order to get the treatment right, you must know the patient’s history”, be able to communicate clearly with the patient, have the correct equipment and know how to use it, and be conveniently placed for aftercare.
An added complication is that the British NHS will only provide a returning dental “tourist” with emergency treatment for such problems as infection or bleeding, and any other problems with an dental implant, for example, will have to be solved at the patient’s expense – often a costly exercise.
With more than 800 implant systems available worldwide, if can often be a major exercise for a UK dentist to identify exactly what the overseas clinic used in its treatment before starting to sort out the post-operative problem.
“Many of those who go abroad for dental implant treatment won’t return to the (overseas) clinic for maintenance care as they expect their own UK dentist to provide it. Long-term care is often an after-thought”, says the article.
The good news is that your Chelsea Dental Clinic specialists are more than capable of providing expert dental implant treatment, as well as a range of other cosmetic dentistry solutions, with a financial plan that means you need not travel overseas – unless you fancy a holiday.
Bad Breath – Not a ‘Hit’ to the Rest of Us
Most of us have experienced the shock to the system when hit by a noticeably unpleasant odour exhaled on the breath of someone in close proximity.
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a subject that needs little introduction, We are all familiar with how the consumption of foods such as garlic and onions can affect our ‘morning after’ breath, which fortunately needs be only temporary and which can be overcome by some simple remedies.
Your Chelsea dentist will tell you that most breath odour problems come from food particles trapped in our mouths, where they become a breeding ground for bacteria. Other causes can include poor oral health, failing to clean dentures, periodontal disease and smoking. Bad breath can also be sign of an underlying medical condition of the stomach, lungs and bloodstream.
Another cause of halitosis is dry mouth, when saliva, our natural mouthwash, decreases, leaving the mouths natural ability to clean itself impaired. Alcohol, some medications, breathing through the mouth instead of the nose or a salivary gland disorder can contribute to having a dry mouth.
Ways to combat bad breath include brushing your teeth and tongue, and rinsing your mouth thoroughly, after every meal to remove food particles; regular visits to your Chelsea dentist and Hygienist to rule out gum disease and to correct any faulty fillings or crowns which can trap food in the mouth; chew sugarless gum or suck a lozenge to increase the flow of saliva, and take a regular drink of water.
Remember that alcohol and caffeine can dry the mouth, and that smoking, tar and nicotine can build up on the surface of the teeth, tongue and cheeks. It can also dry the mouth and inhibit saliva flow.
Chlorophyll is a natural breath freshener found in leafy green vegetables like parsley, while a few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil applied to the tongue or toothbrush can help freshen the breath – and their antibacterial properties can kill mouth bacteria.
Your hygienist at the Chelsea Dental Clinic will always be happy to advise on how to avoid that bad breath problem.
Beat Oral Cancer – Catch it in Time
Painful or unusual sensations or marks in your mouth should prompt you to make an immediate appointment with your dentist, and could be a life-saving decision when cancer statistics show one-third of the population suffer from the disease at some stage in their lives.
The disease can be treated effectively if caught in time, and underlines the importance of being extra vigilant about the way we react to and seek advice about strange or unusual signs on any part of the body.
While a regular appointment at the Chelsea Dental Clinic is a wise move, you should not hesitate to report any symptoms such as small red or white sores that are very painful and do not clear up naturally after a week or so. The sores are often very sensitive to hot and cold food and drink and may also be bleed. Other signs of oral cancer include bleeding in the mouth, unexplained weight loss and pain in the neck or head.
If you have any anxieties about anything in your mouth it’s really essential to have it checked out as soon as possible by a Chelsea Clinic dentist. It may be nothing more than an annoying mouth ulcer, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry – and your dentist will be very pleased to take a look, as you stand a more than 80% chance of surviving the disease, but the odds decrease quickly the longer you leave it.
The other important thing to remember is that by keeping up regular appointments with your dentist they will be able to examine your mouth for any signs of the disease.
Although the actual cause has still to be determined, the lack of oral hygiene, smoking, chewing tobacco and drugs that are rubbed on gums are seen as a factors. Tumours can grow on the lips, inner mouth, gums and tongue, forming lumps, lesions and white spots.
Difficulty with swallowing, throat infections and swelling are often associated with Oral Cancer, while poor blood circulation caused by diabetes and other related blood disorders are among accepted causes. Excessive use of alcohol not only harms the liver and kidneys, it also contains enzymes long associated with cancer cell growth in all parts of the body.
Ask your Chelsea dentist about how oral hygiene will greatly reduce the chances of Oral Cancer. Our dentists are helping in the battle to beat cancer, but you need to be vigilant and make sure you have your regular check ups.
Mini Implants can keep those Dentures in place
One problem that is frequently raised by patients at our Chelsea Dental Clinic is how to ensure that their dentures remain in place, even if they use one of the varieties of adhesives available.
Discussions with patients wishing to take advantage of modern advances in cosmetic dentistry, and dental examinations at our clinic reveal that many people are concerned about loose-fitting dentures, and the embarrassment and stress this problem can cause.
While dental adhesives do work, these days there is a permanent solution to an ill-fitting denture, and the need to keep it in place with an at least daily application of adhesive gel, which can in itself restrict a wearer’s choice of food.
Welcome to the world of mini-implants, which are small screws fitted by the dentist to fuse with the jawbone and tissue and act as an ‘anchor’ for your dentures. Once the implants are firmly in place, your dentures can be adjusted to fit, and clip on and off the new fixtures.
Having provided you with dentures that will stay put, and the freedom to eat as you choose, your Chelsea hygienist will advise on the proper care and cleaning of dentures, as well as how to look after the soft tissues and remaining teeth.
Daily cleaning is a must to prevent build-up of plaque and stains, use water or a mouthwash after eating, electric brushes are safe to use but care should be taken with dentures, and your hygienist may also recommend a clasp or denture brush.
Dissolved denture cleaning tablets can reach surfaces missed by brushing – but household detergents should definitely be avoided – and your mouth will benefit from a rest if you can remove your dentures for six to eight hours in 24.
Always feel free to telephone or email the Chelsea Dental Clinic for advice, or make an appointment to see one of our specialists.
Consult Your Dentist for Safe Teeth Whitening
Illegal products which could burn the lining of the mouth were found on three popular websites after an investigation by consumer watchdog Which? Underlined the importance of consulting your dentist about teeth whitening.
Advertisements for the potentially dangerous treatments were discovered by Which? On Amazon, eBay and Google, and the websites agreed to stop the products being listed on their pages.
In 2009 a European Union regulation banned the sale of teeth-whitening products containing more than 0.1 per cent hydrogen peroxide or chemicals which release hydrogen peroxide.
The limit was introduced in response to concerns that the substance could damage teeth, lips or gums. Said the the British Dental Association: “High doses of hydrogen peroxide can burn the lining of the mouth if its not protected”.
The three websites confirmed that the advertisements had been removed, and that “appropriate action” would be taken if others were discovered in future.
Teeth whitening at the Chelsea Dental Clinic has successfully been carried out on hundreds of patients in one of two established and well-proven treatments to improve the overall appearance of your smile in an efficient and painless way.
There are two methods for whitening your teeth – home whitening or the Chelsea Clinic in-surgery power whitening programme.
To whiten your teeth at home, impressions are taken of your upper and lower teeth at the Clinic, allowing the laboratory to custom make your trays. We then provide you with whitening gel and easy to follow instructions. The process is safe and fast. You may see a change in as little as 14 days.
This professional teeth whitening system offers the latest, most advanced state-of-the-art technology to whiten teeth. Our Chelsea in-house whitening system can be used in conjunction with the home kit to achieve the best results.
A whitening consultation is needed in order to assess which technique best suits your requirements and regular visits to the Chelsea Clinic hygienist will ensure you maintain your teeth in tip-top condition.
How To Feel At Ease In The Dentist’s Chair
Taking that first step towards getting dental treatment can be a major issue for patients who feel nervous or apprehensive, but who know they really need to make that all-important first appointment.
“The good news is that more and more dentists now understand their patients’ fears, and with a combination of kindness and gentleness can do a great deal to make dental treatment an acceptable, normal part of life”, says the British Dental Health Foundation.
“Dental techniques have improved so much over the last few years that modern dental treatment can now be completely painless”, it says.
You need to find a practice that will take good care of you, and your first visit should just be for a consultation, when you can meet the receptionist, dental nurse and dentist, and have a chat about how you feel and what to expect next.
At the Chelsea Dental Clinic we have found that with clear explanations, video demonstrations and 3D animated presentations, patients feel comfortable and their fears can be largely overcome.
Most importantly, we recognise that an increasing number of patients need a helping hand during some parts of a treatment programme about which they feel apprehensive – which is where the now routine practice of sedation is frequently used as a day-to-day solution.
As soon as you arrive for your appointment you will be made to feel at ease, before the dentist injects into your arm a slow, steady flow of local sedative, allowing you to remain fully conscious, and able to respond to the dental surgeon, but also feeling comfortable, relaxed and pain free.
The dentist will explain everything, and answer any of your questions, in advance of your appointment, but as with all sedation treatments, you will not be allowed to drive until the following day.
These days, many patients appreciate the little extra help sedation provides, particularly if they have had or heard of a bad previous experience elsewhere, have a low tolerance to pain, have very sensitive teeth, or simply feel uncomfortable in the dentist’s chair.
Sedation is also a perfect solution for patients needing an agreed amount of dental work in one treatment, such as a one-visit session for new crowns and inlays.
Take a look at our Testimonials section to see for yourself how patients have taken the trouble to let us know how pleased they have been after experiencing the ‘magic’ results of sedation, and how they can now smile at their previous apprehension!
Guard Against a ‘Tackling’ Problem!
It’s a great game for youngsters, and the not-so-young, but at the Chelsea Dental Clinic we are sometimes asked to treat rugby players with missing or damaged teeth – which could have been avoided had they worn a mouth guard.
Rugby is a high-impact sport, but football, cricket, boxing, martial arts and even cycling can carry the risk of damage to the teeth, not to mention a painful injury, a crooked smile and an urgent visit to a Chelsea dental specialist.
Dentists at our Clinic can advise on the best mouth protection to ensure you retain your looks, and safety, in your chosen sport, and should the worst case scenario happen, we offer a walk-in emergency service for patients who require urgent treatment.
Dental emergencies can include a broken tooth, missing filling or crown, a painful jaw or toothache – none of which have to be the result of your weekend sporting activity!
There are few pains worse than toothache, which indicates an underlying problem needing immediate investigation. A fractured tooth may be a sign that there is decay which has weakened the tough outer surface and is close to the nerve, or the fractured portion of the tooth has exposed a sensitive area.
Seeking assistance from our team will ensure the tooth is treated promptly and with care restore it back to its normal state. Whether you need a filling, inlay or crown these procedures can be undertaken in one visit. Visit our CEREC page for information on same day restorations
If you have lost a crown or filling, or if it has become dislodged, we can fix or replace it while you wait. It’s important to visit a dentist if you lose a crown/inlay as an unprotected tooth may lead to pain or further damage.
A swelling may be the sign that an infection is present, and redness or pain will tell you that you need immediate assistance to stop the infection from spreading.
If you have a dental emergency contact the clinic for expert advice and we will arrange an appointment within 24 hours.
Whiten that smile with Chelsea Cosmetic Dentists
Maintaining that cheerful look and a dazzling smile are among the main reasons why patients ask about teeth whitening as part of a cosmetic dentistry programme at the Chelsea Dental Clinic.
Teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways in which to improve the overall appearance of your smile in a efficient and painless way, and there are two kinds of treatment available.
These are power whitening, which only takes about 90 minutes at the Chelsea Clinic, and home whitening in your own time, which takes about an hour a day for 10 to 14 days.
Your Chelsea dental specialist will apply power or laser whitening after placing a shield over your teeth to protect the gums, and a whitening product is painted on the teeth themselves. The laser light speeds up the process, and the colour change can be achieved more quickly using this procedure. Laser whitening is said to make teeth up to five or six shades lighter.
Before you start your home teeth whitening process, impressions are taken of your upper and lower teeth so we can provide you with your own custom-made mouth guard or We then provide whitening gel and easy to follow instructions. The process is safe and fast, and you may see a change in as little as 14 days.
Teeth can become discoloured as we get older, and can also be stained through food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can, of course, also stain teeth.
Calculus or tartar can also affect the colour of teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.
Regular visits to the hygienist are advised, and a consultation is recommend in to discuss which whitening technique best suits your requirements.
In addition, Veneers, Lumineers, Invisalign and our Smile Makeover are all part of our Chelsea Cosmetic Dentistry programme, designed to give you the look you want.