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Every time you attend for a dentist or hygienist appointment, they extol the virtues of interdental cleaning. But do you know why interdental cleaning is such an important part of your oral hygiene routine? The most important part of tooth care happens at home and in this month’s blog we look at why you shouldn’t be avoiding interdental cleaning.

 

• How do interdental cleaners work?

Did you know that brushing alone only reaches 60% of the tooth surface? Dental plaque builds up between your teeth where a toothbrush does not reach. Plaque usually hardens on the teeth within 24 to 36 hours. If you regularly floss and brush your teeth, plaque will not get a chance to harden on your teeth. 

Regular use of interdental cleaners removes plaque, which if left can lead to tartar build up. Interdental cleaning helps to prevent tooth decay and can reduce your risk of developing gum disease. 

Using interdental cleaning aids daily combined with brushing using a fluoride toothpaste can help to protect against gum disease by removing plaque and food particles, keeping your teeth and gums healthy, while giving you a beautiful smile. Interdental cleaning is essential to your smile’s health, no matter what your age. 

• Other health benefits to interdental cleaning

Daily flossing doesn’t just keep your teeth healthy – practicing good oral hygiene contributes to your health in other ways, too. In fact, there’s an increasing amount of evidence linking periodontal disease to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, strokes, poor pregnancy outcomes and even dementia. Looking after the health of your gums through a good oral hygiene routine is even more important than ever. 

• What should I do if my gums bleed?

Many people who suffer with sensitive or bleeding gums may be tempted to avoid interdental cleaning for fear of making their bleeding gums worse. But in fact, interdental cleaning can improve the health of your gums, thereby helping to prevent them from bleeding. The fact that your gums are bleeding makes it even more important that you continue with your interdental cleaning.

 

• What should I do first?

Brushing may come before flossing in the dictionary, but it shouldn’t when it comes to our oral hygiene routine. Interdental cleaning loosens bacteria and food debris from between the teeth, which allows brushing to be much more successful at removing plaque. The fluoride in your toothpaste is also better able to do its job in protecting your teeth if the plaque particles are removed first. 

• When should I see a dentist?

Not only should you see your dentist for regular routine dental appointments, you should also attend if you suspect any problems with your oral health. 

Your dentist can check your teeth and order dental X-rays to help identify any problems. Signs that you need to see a dentist include:

• red, swollen gums
• gums that bleed easily after brushing or flossing
• sensitivity to hot and cold
• persistent bad breath
• loose teeth
• receding gums
• tooth pain

Dental problems like cavities and gum disease are preventable, but the key is sticking with a good dental care routine. This involves regularly using interdental brushes and brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.

If you would like to find out more information on the best interdental cleaning aids to meet your needs. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029 to book an appointment with our hygienist today.

Let 2020 be the year that you decide to budget and spread the cost of your dental treatment. Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre Membership plans are designed to help you spread the cost of your dental treatment using regular monthly payments. It is possible to have either a maintenance plan or a comprehensive plan. Costs will depend on the health of your teeth and gums. 

Our maintenance plan offers preventative treatment including a set number of examinations, hygiene appointments and x-rays. You will also receive a discount on additional treatment, specialist treatment such as dental implants and teeth straightening excluded. 

Our comprehensive plan offers unlimited dental treatment but does not cover laboratory fees and other specialist treatments. You will need to ensure that you have no outstanding dental treatment prior to joining this plan. 

By joining our Membership plans you will know exactly what dental treatment you have paid for and if there will be any additional costs when you attend for your appointments. By knowing that your treatment is already paid for you are more likely to attend for regular dental appointments. By attending for routine appointments at the intervals specified by your dentist any issues will be found early and this can help to reduce the need for extensive and costly dental treatment. 

Joining a Membership plan gives a clear indication that you are focused on preventative dental treatment. Preventive dentistry is the modern way of helping you keep a healthy mouth. It helps you to keep your teeth, and means you need to have less dental treatment. The two main causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease. The better you prevent or deal with these two problems, the more chance you will have of keeping your teeth for life.

Preventive dentistry will benefit anyone with some of their own teeth. It is excellent for children and young people, but it is never too late to start.

It is very important that you keep up a good routine at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We recommend that you:

• Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with fluoride toothpaste 
• Clean in between your teeth with ‘interdental’ brushes or floss 
• Limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes. 
• Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.

If you would like more information about budgeting for your dental treatment do not hesitate to contact Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682029 and one of our team would be happy to assist you.

This year, here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre our new year’s resolution is to help you achieve the perfect smile. 

A recent survey revealed that 3 in 4 UK adults don’t like smiling for the camera. A bright white smile can not only help you to appear younger and more attractive but can also help to improve your confidence and self-esteem.

Our fully trained team of dentists at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan designed to achieve exactly what you want from your smile makeover. This treatment plan may consist of many cosmetic and functionally restorative procedures, potentially including teeth whitening, veneers, dental crowns, teeth straightening, dental implants and facial aesthetics.

Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we are able to offer:

• Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without damaging the tooth itself and there are two main forms of treatment available, either In Surgery Teeth Whitening or At Home Teeth whitening.

The darker your teeth, the longer your teeth will take to get lighter, but your dentist will be able to advise you on the expected time frame. You will need to have top up treatments every 1-2 years to ensure your smile stays looking great.

• Teeth Straightening

In the past few years there has been a large increase in the number of adults looking to improve the appearance of their smile using new teeth straightening methods. Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we are able to offer Invisalign, Quick Straight Teeth, Damon Braces, Six Month Braces, Social Six, Lingual braces and Inman Aligners. 

• Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. 

Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured tooth or to lighten the front teeth. A veneer can make a chipped tooth look intact again. The porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth with a thicker section replacing the broken part. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when teeth straightening is not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.

Veneers should last for many years; but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth can. Your dentist at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will give you an idea of how long each individual veneer should last. Small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted if necessary.

• Dental Implants

If you are missing some teeth, dental implants can provide the closest possible replacement to having your natural teeth back. Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants are secured to the jaw using a titanium post, so they will not shift or move, allowing you to live life to the full, talking, eating and smiling with confidence.

You will need to attend for a consultation with the dentist to see if you are suitable to have dental implants. The dentist will need to assess the level of bone present in your jaw, if there is insufficient bone or it is not healthy enough, it may be necessary to perform a bone graft before the treatment can go ahead.

• Facial Aesthetics

Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the UK. Anti-wrinkle injections are particularly effective in treating lines around the eyes commonly known as Crow’s Feet and is also used to treat lines on the forehead. Anti-wrinkle injections work quickly and are relatively painless, results should be visible within two weeks.

Dermal fillers are gels containing Hyaluronic acid which is normally present in skin. As part of the ageing process, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin reduces and skin loses its elasticity. Dermal fillers are used to “fill out” and “plump up” lines on the face such as those between the nose and the corner of the mouth. Dermal fillers are commonly used to treat lines around the lips, both above and below the mouth, lines between the nose and mouth and also frown and laughter lines.

Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029 to book your consultation and see what our dentists can do to help you achieve your perfect smile.

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we want to ensure that you have a white Christmas, with a course of teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is an effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without damaging your teeth and gums. Teeth whitening can be effective in lightening staining caused by food, drink, smoking, antibiotics and the general ageing process.

There are two main types of teeth whitening available.

 

• In chair teeth whitening

In this instance the whitening solution will either be painted onto your teeth or loaded into custom made bleaching trays and then a special light will be shone onto the teeth to help activate the bleaching solution. The treatment will normally take around an hour and during this time the procedure may be repeated with fresh solution two or three times.

• At home teeth whitening

In this instance the dentist will make custom made whitening trays by taking impressions of your teeth. You will then be given whitening solution to put into the trays and wear them at home. You will need to wear the trays for anywhere from 30 minutes to sleeping in them for 8 hours overnight dependent on the solution that the dentist uses and how quickly you would like to see results. Normally we would advise that treatment will take between 3-4 weeks to get the desired results.

 

Results

The effects of teeth whitening normally last for up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth.

Our dentists and hygienists have whitened thousands of patients’ teeth so you can be sure that you are in safe hands.

Following teeth whitening

• You can help to keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drink you have that can stain teeth.
• Don’t forget, stopping smoking can also help prevent discolouration and staining.
• We recommend the following tips to care for your teeth:
  • Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
  • Visit your dentist regularly

If you would like to find out more about ensuring this year you have a white Christmas, do not hesitate to call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682029.

If you attend for your regular appointments the chance of developing a dental emergency should be greatly reduced, but should the worst happen and you have a problem the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have some useful advice and guidance on what you can do.

• Toothache

Ring the surgery as soon as possible so that we can fit you in to one of our emergency appointments. These are filled on a first come first serve basis so please try to ring before 10am, so we can endeavour to help you as quickly as possible. While you are waiting, it is okay to take over the counter painkillers to help relieve the pain. You can also apply a cold compress to your cheek over the painful area. At your appointment, the dentist will be able to find the source of the pain, this may be an infection in the tooth or gum or a chipped or cracked tooth where the sensitive dentine has become exposed.

• Chipped or broken tooth or lost filling

If the tooth is sharp or there is a large gap where the filling once was it is possible to use sugar free chewing gum to fill the cavity or smooth the tooth. It is also possible to buy over the counter dental cement. You should then book an appointment with your dentist to have the problem rectified. The dentist may be able to re-fill or crown the tooth or in the worst case the tooth may need to be extracted. If this is the case the dentist will be able to advise on the treatments available to replacing a missing tooth, this could be a bridge, a denture or a dental implant.

• Knocked out tooth

If the tooth has been knocked out by a direct trauma, trip or fall, if possible, try to put the tooth back into the socket ensuring that it is the right way around. If this is not possible store the tooth in a container of body temperature milk. If there is severe bleeding apply direct pressure to the area and in all cases, seek immediate dental help. There is the greatest chance of a successful restoring the tooth if you can see a dentist within an hour of the incident.

• Lost Crown

If you lose one of your crowns, it is important that you keep the crown and book an appointment as soon as possible with the dentist. If you are unable to get to your dentist, it is possible to temporarily recement the crown using over the counter dental cement available in pharmacies.

• Broken braces or wires

If a wire breaks or sticks out of a bracket, it can be very irritating. If it is not possible to reposition the wire, place a small amount of orthodontic wax over the end of the wire to help protect your mouth and gums from further damage. Never cut a wire as you may end up swallowing it!

Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will be open as normal until Tuesday 24^th December. Should you have any problems in the lead up to Christmas, please call the practice on 01622 682029, before 10am and we will endeavour to fit you in as quickly as possible.

The practice will be closed on Wednesday 25^th and Thursday 27th December and Wednesday 1^st January. Should you have any problems when the surgery is closed please call 01622 682029, the answerphone message will give you details of how to contact the on-duty dentist.

All the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre would like to wish our patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in 2020.

In the UK around ,300 people will be given a mouth cancer diagnosis, completely turning their live around. Mouth cancer diagnosis have increased by over a third in the last decade and it is one of the few cancers that is predicted to see an increase in diagnosis in the coming years.

• Causes of mouth cancer

Mouth cancer can affect anyone. However, around 90% of mouth cancers can be linked to preventable lifestyle factors which can increase your risk of developing the disease. These include:

1. Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking tobacco and consuming large quantities of alcohol are the two main risk factors for mouth cancer. To reduce your risk be sure to keep your alcohol consumption within the weekly guidelines and consider quitting smoking. Your dentist will be able to direct you to other services which can help you quit.

2. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer and affects the skin that lines the moist areas of the body. HPV can be spread through oral sex, and research now suggests that it could soon rival smoking and drinking as one of the main causes of mouth cancer. Practicing safe sex and limiting the number of partners you have may help reduce your chances of contracting HPV. There is also now an HPV vaccine for both boys and girls.

3. Diet

A poor diet can increase your risk of developing mouth cancer. This can be due to a lack of vitamins and minerals. A diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables seems to reduce the risk of developing mouth cancer. Foods high in antioxidant vitamins, omega 3 and fibre help to prevent damage to body cells.

4. Sunlight and Sunbeds

Skin cancers are relatively common on the face and neck as these are areas most often exposed to ultraviolet light. Both the sun and tanning beds give off ultraviolet rays. These rays can cause skin cancers in unprotected skin. To reduce your risk be sure to use a high factor sun cream on your face and neck to help reduce expose to ultraviolet rays. If you still want that sun kissed look there are many self-tanning products available which pose no risk to your health.

• Signs of mouth cancer

There are a number of signs which you should look out for and these include:

• Mouth ulcers which do not heal within three weeks
• Persistent pain or discomfort in your mouth
• White or red patches in your mouth
• Unusual lumps or swellings in your mouth or around your jaw area

 

It is important that if you notice any of these things that you get them checked out by a dentist. Each time you attend for your routine dental check up your dentist will perform a mouth cancer assessment. Another great reason to ensure you attend for routine appointments as often as the dentist recommends.

If you are worried about any changes you have noticed or would like to discuss how you can best reduce your risk factors for mouth cancer, call The Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682029 and book an appointment.

I know not something that many of us like to think about, but it is now only 7 weeks until Christmas. With the shops starting to fill up with everything you need for the festive season, here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we have all you need to help ensure that your smile is ready for whatever the festive season may bring.

• Hygienist Appointments

Why not book in for a hygienist appointment to help ensure that your teeth are looking their best? The hygienist will be able to scale and polish your teeth, removing any staining, plaque or calculus that may have built up. They are also able to advise you on the best oral hygiene routine to follow at home to keep your mouth sparkling and your breath minty fresh. A clean and healthy mouth will ensure that you are the first one under the mistletoe this year.

Benefits

• Removes staining caused by a variety of lifestyle factors
• Reduces the risk of developing gum disease and bad breath
• Gives your smile a sparkly, radiant glow

• Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is currently the most popular form of cosmetic dentistry in the UK. It is a safe and long-lasting treatment, that can provide outstanding results for a relatively small outlay. At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we offer both at home and in surgery teeth whitening, so are able to provide the best solution to fit your lifestyle and with results visible in as little as two weeks, we can guarantee to have you looking your best for the busiest time of the year.

Benefits

• Dramatically improves appearance
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem
• Causes no damage to the natural teeth and gums

• Facial Aesthetics

Facial aesthetic procedures can help to give you a more youthful appearance quickly and painlessly. Increasing your confidence by reducing wrinkles, plumping skin and improving your overall appearance.

Benefits

• Treatment is pain free
• Can be completed in as little as 30 minutes
• Reveals a younger looking you

 

If you would like to find out how Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre can help get your smile festive ready, call the surgery on 01622 682029 to book an appointment today.

When you first attend Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre and at least every year from then on the receptionist will ask that you complete or amend your medical history. This is to ensure that the dentist has all the necessary information regarding your health to ensure that they can provide safe and effective treatment.

All this information is completely confidential and is held under the 1998 Data Protection Act. It may be necessary at times for your dentist to contact your GP, but we will always ask your permission prior to doing this and will only do this to ensure that any treatment will not be adversely affected by your current medication or health conditions.

• Medication

It is important that the dental team have an up to date list of any medication you are on to ensure that the treatment they propose is safe. For example, if you take warfarin this thins the blood and means that prior to extractions or invasive dental procedures you will need a blood test to check your INR level and ensure that you will be able to clot and stop the bleeding following the procedure.

There are also medications that can mean you will need to be referred to a specialist oral surgeon for certain procedures. This ensures that there is adequate provision in place to manage your conditions that may not be available within general dental practice.

• Antibiotic cover

Antibiotic cover is no longer considered necessary for patients with heart complaints or rheumatic fever. However, the dentist may well use a non-adrenaline anaesthetic if you suffer from these conditions.

• Allergies

Please be sure to include any allergies on your medical history and this means that the dental team are able to ensure that they do not use materials or prescribe medication that may cause you to have an anaphylactic attack.

• Diabetes

If you suffer with diabetes you are at higher risk of developing gum disease and so it is important the dentist is aware so can ensure you attend for more routine appointments. Diabetic patients may also take longer to heal following a procedure. We would advise that if you are diabetic you book your appointment early in the morning as this will reduce the risk of you needing to miss a meal.

• Epilepsy

If you suffer with epilepsy it is important that the dentist knows so that they can have the appropriate drugs on hand should you have an episode during treatment. Epileptic patients find that they are more likely to suffer fits when they are stressed or anxious so it is important to make sure that you discuss any worries with the dental team.

• Pregnancy

It is important to tell the dentist as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. The dentist will aim to leave any dental treatment until after the birth of your baby and will refrain from taking x-rays. During pregnancy some women find that their gums bleed and require closer attention. It may be worthwhile visiting the hygienist for regular cleaning and advice or oral care routines.

If you would like more information about how the dentist uses your medical history do not hesitate to ask at your next appointment. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682029 and book a consultation today!

Make this the year you quit for good!

Most people understand that smoking is bad for their health. However, many people do not realise the damage that smoking does to their mouth, teeth and gums. In the long term smoking can cause tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss and in severe cases mouth cancer.

Teeth Staining

The nicotine and tar present in cigarettes can cause your teeth to turn yellow very quickly and if you have been smoking for a number of years, they can turn brown. This can have a dramatic effect on your appearance and confidence.

Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

If you smoke you will have higher levels of bacteria present in your plaque, which if not removed can lead to gum disease. If you do develop gum disease, the lack of oxygen present in your bloodstream will prevent the gums from healing. If you are a smoker it is likely that any gum disease will progress quicker than for a non-smoker. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK.

Mouth Cancer

Not only can smoking lead to lung and throat cancer, it is also one of the main causes of mouth cancer as well. Every year thousands of people die from mouth cancer brought on by smoking.
With all this in mind the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have come up with their 5 top tips to help you quit

1. Set a date

Pick a date when you are going to stop and stick to it. Try to make sure that it is at a time when you are not trying to juggle too many other things. If it is a time of high stress you are much more likely to give in to temptation.

2. Think positive

This may not be the first time you have tried to quit smoking but that doesn’t mean it is not possible. Build on the experiences from when you have tried to quit before, what caused you to fall off the wagon and what can you put in place to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

3. Keep it simple

Do not attempt too much at once. A lot of people try to diet as well as quitting smoking, this is a recipe for disaster. Try to concentrate on one thing or the other, it may take a bit longer, but you are far more likely to succeed.

4. Get Moving

Exercise can help to cut cravings and may help your brain to produce positive hormones making it easier to stay strong. This can be a good thing to do if you are used to having a cigarette after meals, go for a walk instead and create a new habit to curb the cravings.

5. Remember Why

Before you stop make a list of all the reasons that you want to stop smoking. If you find that you are wavering or think you might have a relapse, get the list out and read it. This will help you to focus on the positives of not smoking until the craving has passed.

If you would like to find out more about how to make this year, the year you quit for good, do not hesitate to contact Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682029 and book an appointment for a consultation today.

 

From a young age we are all advised on the importance of good oral hygiene and how using a toothbrush regularly helps to remove plaque and bacteria which if left can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. However, over the past few years the number of toothbrushes available has increased dramatically and it is very easy to become overwhelmed by the vast array now available in the supermarkets and pharmacies. So which toothbrush is best?

In this month’s blog, we will look at some key characteristics you should consider when buying a toothbrush. 

• Size

It is best to choose a toothbrush with a small head as this will enable you to reach all areas of your mouth and clean hard to reach areas such as the sides and backs of your molars. The toothbrush should have a long enough handle so you can comfortably hold it in your hand. 

• Bristle Variety

A toothbrush with soft to medium bristles will provide the most comfortable clean. If you pick a brush with hard bristles it is very easy to cause damage to your teeth and gums by over brushing. In the long term, this could lead to toothbrush abrasion, where the enamel on the teeth is worn away and once the enamel is worn away it cannot be replaced. 

• Effectiveness

There have been numerous studies which have looked at the effectiveness of electric Vs manual toothbrushes and none have found that either is significantly better. Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush does not matter the key is tha you brush your teeth at least twice a day using an effective brushing technique to remove plaque. 

• Usability

The most important factor when choosing a toothbrush is whether you are going to use it and use it well. Some people prefer the clean from a manual toothbrush, others feel that an electric toothbrush cleans better. If you are comfortable and enjoy using your toothbrush you are more likely to use it for the recommended length of time

No matter what type of toothbrush you choose you should ensure that you change it every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn or splayed to ensure that you are cleaning effectively. 

Remember for every brush there is a season

If you are still unsure do not hesitate to ask the dentist or hygienist when you next attend for an appointment and they will be able to advise you on the best toothbrush to meet your needs. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682029 to book an appointment today.