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A dental hygienist is a highly trained member of the dental team who specialises in the treatment of gum disease and provides oral hygiene instruction.

The hygienist will perform thorough scaling of your teeth to remove any plaque or calculus present, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. They will also advise you on the best ways to maintain your oral hygiene between appointments. Additionally, they will provide targeted advice to care for dental implants and teeth straightening appliances. They may also recommend smoking cessation, as smoking has a detrimental effect on dental health, increasing the risk of gum disease and staining.

How often should I see the hygienist?

The frequency of your visits to the hygienist will depend on the condition of your oral health. Initially, it may be necessary to schedule appointments every three months in order for the hygienist to manage any gum disease effectively. As long as you maintain a proper oral hygiene routine between visits, the interval between appointments can be extended to every four months and, eventually, every six months.

Benefits of seeing the hygienist.

There are several benefits to seeing the hygienist and they include:

• Demonstrations on effective tooth brushing techniques to remove plaque without causing tooth wear and receding gums.
• Discussions on the latest oral hygiene products.
• Advice on the best aid to clean in-between teeth.
• Detailed explanation of the causes of gum disease.
• Removal of plaque and hard calculus deposits.
• Discussion on the secondary factors that cause gum disease, for example smoking and diabetes.
• Discussion on how gum disease could affect or complicate other health problems, for example heart disease.
• Prevention of tooth decay and erosion
• Diet advice on how to reduce sugary and acidic food and drink.
• Advice on fluoride and apply fluoride varnishes to help remineralise early signs of tooth caries.
• The removal of food and drink stains.
• Changing red and inflamed gums to a healthy pink.
• Stopping gums from bleeding when brushing.
• Preventing teeth from becoming mobile and drifting.
• Preventing unpleasant tastes and bad breath caused by the damaging bacteria in the mouth.

Do I need to see the dentist first?

A new regulation has recently come into effect, allowing you to book an appointment with the hygienist without first seeing the dentist. However, it is important to note that a visit to the hygienist is not a substitute for seeing the dentist. Routine appointments with the dentist are still necessary, and the hygienist will refer you to the dentist if they detect any issues or if you require treatment beyond their expertise.

What should I do in between hygienist visits to improve the health of my teeth and gums?

In between visits to see the hygienist you should maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This includes:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
• Be sure to change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if it becomes worn to ensure you are brushing effectively.
• Clean in between your teeth using interdental aids such as floss, interdental brushes or water flossers.
• Aim to cut down the number of sugary foods and drinks you have throughout the day and where possible limit them to mealtimes.

So why wait call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029and book an appointment with the hygienist today!

Composite bonding or cosmetic bonding is a procedure where a dentist applies tooth-coloured resin to enhance your teeth’s appearance. It is painless, requires no anaesthesia, and does not alter the natural tooth structure since no drilling is needed.

Composite bonding effectively fixes chipped, fractured, or discoloured teeth, closes small gaps, and improves your smile.

Using modern materials, it is a cost-effective and quick alternative to dental crowns or veneers, and is usually completed in one visit, saving you time and money.

Composite Bonding for Crooked Teeth

Composite bonding is an effective method to enhance the aesthetic alignment of slightly crooked teeth. By strategically applying resin, the dentist can mask minor misalignments, thus improving the overall appearance of your smile.

However, composite bonding is only suitable for addressing minor positional discrepancies. For more significant misalignment issues, it is advisable to undergo teeth straightening treatment.

Composite Bonding for Bottom Teeth

Composite bonding can be applied to enhance the aesthetics of the lower teeth as well; however, several factors need to be considered prior to treatment, such as your bite and the alignment of the upper and lower teeth.

For patients with bruxism or those who experience teeth grinding, composite bonding is not recommended due to the composite resin’s inability to withstand the substantial forces, which may result in fracturing.

Can Composite Bonding Close Gaps in My Front Teeth?

Composite bonding is an excellent option for closing minor gaps between teeth. Whether addressing a single gap or multiple small gaps among various teeth, composite bonding can yield remarkable results.

The dentist applies composite resin to the teeth, effectively closing the gaps or making them less noticeable when complete closure is not feasible. However, if the gap is significantly large, the dentist may recommend teeth straightening treatment prior to composite bonding. This approach prevents the creation of excessively large or disproportionate teeth.

If you would like to find out more about whether composite bonding is for you, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029 and book a consultation.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for keeping your teeth healthy. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Regular brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria, which if neglected, can result in gum disease and tooth decay.

Recently, the variety of available toothbrushes has significantly increased, making it easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast selection in supermarkets and pharmacies. Therefore, it is important to determine which toothbrush is most suitable for your needs.

In this blog, the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will examine some key characteristics to consider when purchasing a toothbrush:

Size

Opt for a toothbrush with a small enough head to reach all areas of your mouth, including hard-to-reach regions like the sides and backs of your molars. Additionally, the handle should be long enough to hold comfortably.

Bristle Variety

Choose a toothbrush with soft to medium bristles. Hard bristles can easily damage your teeth and gums through overbrushing. Over time, this can lead to toothbrush abrasion, where the enamel is worn away and cannot be replaced.

Effectiveness

Numerous studies have compared the effectiveness of electric versus manual toothbrushes, finding no significant difference. Whether you use an electric or a manual toothbrush, the key lies in employing an effective brushing technique to remove plaque.

Usability

The most crucial factor in selecting a toothbrush is ensuring its regular and proper use. Some individuals prefer the clean sensation from a manual toothbrush, while others believe an electric toothbrush provides a better clean. Comfort and enjoyment in using your toothbrush increase the likelihood of adhering to the recommended brushing duration.

Regardless of the type of toothbrush you choose, it is essential to replace it every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn or splayed to ensure effective brushing.

If you remain uncertain, consult your dentist or hygienist at your next appointment for personalized advice on the best toothbrush for your needs. Contact Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre at 01622 682 029 to schedule an appointment.

Dental implants are a common method to replace missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw to serve as an anchor for a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the number of teeth to be replaced.

This month the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will discuss the benefits of dental implants and the procedure involved in restoring teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants:

• Dental implants are the closest possible replacement to natural teeth and, if cared for properly, can last for over 10 years.
• Dental implants have a high success rate among implantation treatments, though no treatment has a 100% guarantee of success.
• Dental implants can support crowns, bridges, or dentures, reducing the need for individual dental implants for each missing tooth.
• Dental implants help stabilize the jaw, promote new bone growth, and reduce the risk of bone loss, which can prevent sagging and premature aging of the face.
• Dental implants blend seamlessly with natural teeth, making it difficult to distinguish restorations from original teeth.
• Over the long term, dental implants can be cost-effective compared to dentures or bridges, which need to be replaced every 5-7 years.
• Dental implants can securely anchor a denture, preventing movement when talking, eating, or smiling.

Dental Implant Treatment:

Before any treatment, the dentist will assess your teeth and gums and take x-rays to determine the health of the jawbone. If the bone is not sufficient, a bone graft may be necessary before implant placement.

Dental implants are placed under local anaesthesia. Some discomfort may occur in the week following surgery as the bone fuses to the implant, but this is manageable with over-the-counter pain killers. The implant is left for 3-5 months to form a secure foundation as the bone grows around it.

Once the implant has healed, an abutment is fitted to support a crown, bridge, or denture.

Prior to treatment, the dentist will provide a written treatment plan outlining the procedures and estimated costs.

A dental implant should be maintained with good oral hygiene and regular dental and hygienist appointments.

For more information or to see if dental implants are suitable for you, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 to book a consultation.

There are a number of key steps involved in using Invisalign to straighten your teeth.

In this month’s blog the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre look at these key stages.

Attend a consultation appointment.

Using the iTero Element scanner, your dentist can take a fast and precise 3D digital scan of your teeth determining if you are a suitable candidate and mapping out a custom treatment plan.

Moulding Process

Digital scan, photographs, and x-rays create an accurate model of your mouth and teeth. These are sent to the Invisalign laboratory for your custom aligner trays to be created

Start wearing your aligners.

When you pick up your first custom aligners, your dentist will examine your smile, ensuring high standards from start. With your trays fitted, and your aftercare program clearly explained, you’re ready to go! Your Invisalign aligners are virtually transparent and easy to take out, so you can eat and brush your teeth as normal.

Regular appointments

You’ll have check-ups roughly every 6-8 weeks to check your progress and collect your next set of aligners. Your dentist will check your tooth movements, and tray fit. before providing you with your next set of trays. Depending on the complexity of your case, you could complete your treatment in 6 months, and you’ll start seeing results in a matter of weeks.

Straighter teeth

After a period of time, your teeth will have straightened out and you will have the smile you desire.

Retainers

It is important that you wear your retainers following treatment to ensure that your teeth do not regress back into their initial position.

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre you can be safe in the knowledge that you will always receive the highest possible level of care, in a relaxed and calm environment. If you would like more information about Invisalign and teeth straightening or have any questions do not hesitate to ring the surgery on 01622 682 029.

Have you ever thought about what the fluoride in our toothpaste does?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in many foods and in all drinking water. Most toothpastes also now contain fluoride, and it is the main way that most people get their fluoride.

Many reports have been published throughout the world about fluoride. After many years, the scientific conclusion is that fluoride toothpaste and correctly fluoridated water are of great benefit to dental health, help to reduce decay, and cause no harmful side effects to general health.

Tooth decay is a major health concern worldwide and is still a big problem in the UK. Despite being preventable, it is one of the most common reasons for hospital admission in children.

Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth decay.

Fluoride Benefits

Fluoride is beneficial to teeth because it helps to:

• Rebuild weakened tooth enamel.
• Slow down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel.
• Reverse early signs of tooth decay.
• Prevent the growth of certain harmful oral bacteria.

Fluoride Levels

A range of toothpastes are available containing different levels of fluoride.

• All children up to three years old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million).
• After three years old they should use a toothpaste that contains more than 1,000ppm fluoride.
• Adults should use a toothpaste containing 1350ppm to 1500ppm fluoride.

Oral hygiene advice

It is important that although over the past year all our routines have changed, that we make sure not to forget our oral hygiene.

• Brush at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes.
• Use interdental cleaning aids to clean between teeth in those areas that brushing alone misses. There are a wide range of interdental products available so there is bound to be one for you: floss, tape, interdental brushes, floss picks or an air flosser.
• Parents should supervise their children’s brushing, starting brushing as soon as their first tooth appears and using only a pea-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste until they are about 7 years old.
• Spit your toothpaste out after brushing and do not rinse. This will help to ensure that the fluoride stays on your teeth longer.
• If you use a mouthwash, use this at different times to brushing to ensure that you do not wash away the beneficial fluoride from your toothpaste.
• Aim to limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes to reduce the number of acid attacks your teeth must contend with each day.

 

If you would like more oral hygiene advice, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centreon 01622 682 029 to book an appointment with our hygienist today.

Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits or may be a sign of other health problems. In this month’s blog, the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre advise on the causes and ways to prevent and treat bad breath.

Bad Breath Causes

Bad breath can result from several factors, from medical conditions and medications, bad habits such as smoking, and the foods you eat.

Food and bad breath – The food you eat begins to break down in your mouth, leading to a buildup of bacteria that can cause bad breath. Also, foods are absorbed into your bloodstream and move to the lungs, affecting the air you exhale. If you eat foods with strong odours (such as garlic or onions), brushing, flossing, and even mouthwash can cover up the odour only temporarily. The odour will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.

Hygiene habits – Most of the time, bad breath results from not taking good care of your teeth, such as not brushing and flossing daily and not seeing the dentist regularly for a deeper cleaning. This ups your risk of gum disease and allows bacteria to build up in the spaces between your teeth and gums.

Gum disease – Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) from poor dental hygiene can also cause bad breath.

Smoking – Smoking also causes dry mouth and bad breath, and it raises your risk of gum disease.

Bad breath after tooth extraction – When your dentist removes a tooth, a blood clot normally forms in the empty space as part of the healing process. However, in some cases, the clot becomes dislodged, or it does not form at all. This leaves your bone and nerves exposed, a condition called dry socket, which causes pain as well as bad breath.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) – Saliva helps keep things clean by carrying away some of the little bits of food that collect in your mouth. If you have dry mouth — for example, due to smoking — there won’t be enough saliva to move things along, leading to an accumulation of bad breath-causing bacteria.

Infections – Sinus and throat infections can cause postnasal drip, a source of bad breath. Bacterial infections can lead to tooth abscesses, or pockets of pus, which may make your breath stink.

Diabetes – This puts you at higher risk of gum disease, a cause of bad breath.

Liver and kidney disease – These two organs help rid your body of toxins. When they’re not working at full capacity, those toxins can linger and cause bad breath.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you:

• Treat what’s causing your bad breath. If it’s due to an underlying health condition, treating that condition should improve your breath.
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after an illness. Use interdental cleaning aids to remove food particles and plaque between teeth at least once a day.
• Scrape your tongue. The coating that normally forms on your tongue can be a host for smelly bacteria. Tongue scrapers are designed specifically to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area and clear any buildup.
• Avoid foods that sour your breath. Onions and garlic are big offenders.
• Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum instead. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
• Keep your gums healthy. Antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath and plaque that can lead to gingivitis — an early, mild form of gum disease.
• Moisten your mouth. You can get tooth decay and bad breath if you don’t make enough saliva. If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water during the day.
• Keep your dental devices clean. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning. Clean braces and retainersas directed by your dentist.
• See your dentist regularly, at least twice a year. They will do an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning and will be able to find and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad breath.
• Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

  Who Treats Bad Breath?

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath.

If the odour is due to gum disease, for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.

Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029 to book a consultation, should you have any concerns about bad breath.

A recent survey revealed that three quarters of 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.

A smile makeover is the process of improving the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants and teeth whitening.

A smile makeover takes into consideration your facial appearance, skin tone, hair colour, teeth (colour, width, length, shape and tooth display), gum tissue and lips to develop your ideal smile. Smile makeovers are performed for many reasons and customised according to your unique considerations.

Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, the team will work closely with you to ensure that we design a treatment plan to address all your areas of concern.

What is it that you like or dislike about your smile or your teeth?

Tooth Colour

Silver or amalgam dental fillings can be replaced with natural, tooth-coloured composite restorations, while teeth whitening can improve the colour of stained or dulled teeth. It is also possible to use dental veneers and crowns to help improve the appearance of damaged or decayed teeth.

Alignment and Spacing

Teeth that are crooked, overlapping or have gaps between them can be straightened and aligned when necessary, through teeth straightening procedures and improved with dental veneers.

Missing Teeth

One or more missing teeth can negatively affect the appearance of your smile – as well as affect your bite and increase your risk for tooth decay – making replacement an integral part of oral health and facial aesthetics. Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants, bridges or partial dentures.

Harmony and Balance

Uneven, chipped and cracked teeth can be improved using crowns and dental veneers and a gummy smile can be re-contoured to help improve the overall look of the smile.

Our dentists will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan designed to achieve exactly what you want from your makeover. This treatment plan may consist of many cosmetic and functionally restorative procedures, potentially including teeth whitening, dental veneers, crowns, teeth straightening (braces), bridges or partial dentures.

For more information on improving the appearance of your smile, do not hesitate to book an appointment for a consultation with one of our highly trained dentists. They will be able to fully assess your needs and provide you with a treatment plan to best suit your requirements.

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.

The Christmas holidays are one of the most joyful times of the year. Cue the parties, delicious foods, and drinks that hit the right spot- what’s not to enjoy? But while we’re having the time of our lives, our skin has other plans. The late nights and overindulgence begin to take a toll on our skin, so by the time the big day comes around, our skin isn’t feeling so merry and bright. Facial treatments can help you to stay festive and fabulous throughout the Christmas holidays. With many different types of facial treatments available at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, you can target just about any skin concern to look and feel your best on Christmas Day.

Lucious lips

The most popular beauty treatment all year long, it’s time to book your Christmas lip filler appointment. Boosting volume and definition as well as hydrating the lips, lip filler can be a major boost in confidence for many of us.

Slim the face

Many of us are self-conscious about our face looking too bulky. Anti-wrinkle injections can be injected into the masseter muscle. This works to relax the muscle, making the face appear slimmer.

Tackle a trio of wrinkles!

Wrinkles and fine lines can become increasingly prevalent and pronounced on our faces during the colder months, making us look tired and older. For a quick refresh and rejuvenation, anti-wrinkle injections can be used to tackle the trio of most common wrinkles including forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet.

Skin Peels

Chemical peels have long been the best way to take your skin back to the drawing board, and our fabulous Skin Peels are certainly no exception! As the perfect treatment for those afflicted by seasonal acne, unsightly scarring or all manner of tonal inconsistencies, this powerful, three-step facial can be adapted to meet your skin concerns head-on, with your skin tone and type also playing a leading role in our approach to treatment.

As we’re sure you can imagine, the treatments listed above are but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what we have to offer at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre. To find out more about how we can help you get your skin ready for Christmas, call us on 01622 682 029 today.

What do you think of when you picture Christmas day? Everyone slumped on the sofa, with their waistbands straining, a large tin of brightly coloured wrapped chocolates, a pile of nutshells or a few empty glasses of your favourite tipple? The festive season is full of fun and indulgence but be aware that all these wonderful culinary delights can put a strain on your dental health.

It is very important to be extra vigilant with your oral health over the festive period, if you want to avoid a dental visit in January. Remember your teeth are under attack from the sugars and acids in our foods for up to an hour every time you eat or drink. With regular snacking during the festivities this may mean that your teeth never really get a chance to recover.

So, the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have come up with five top tips to keep your teeth looking their best into 2025.

Beware dried fruits.

During the drying process, the sugars present in the fruits are concentrated. This means that a holiday favourite such as dates can contain as much as 63g of sugar in every 100g, which can be more than is in some chocolate bars! This is true whether they are eaten individually or in mince pies, Christmas cake or pudding.

Teeth are not tools.

Many people end up damaging their teeth as they use them to tear Sellotape, open beer bottles or crack open nuts. Always ensure that you have a pair of scissors, bottle opener and a nutcracker handy, or you may be asking your dentist for a new set of teeth, come January.

Say cheese.

Cheese is great for teeth. It helps to return the mouth to its natural pH balance and reduces the risks of tooth decay. That is why an end of dinner cheeseboard is a great idea.

Do not forget your oral hygiene.

It is extremely easy on busy days to forgo your usual routine and just give your teeth a cursory brush before bed. Teeth take a bit of a hammering, with all the chocolates, sugary foods and drinks and alcohol consumed over the festive period so be sure to take the time to:

• Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Use interdental cleaning aids, such as floss or interdental brushes daily.

Moderation in all things

Moderation is definitely the most important thing to remember. Bear in mind that it is not the quantity of sugary food and drink you have, but how often you have them that will affect your oral health. Try to limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes wherever possible and drink drinks through a straw to reduce the time the liquid is in contact with your teeth.

All the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patients for their continued support and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you all in 2025. Should you have any dental problems during the festive period do not hesitate to contact the surgery on 01622 682 029 for details of our out of hours emergency cover.