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Anybody can suffer from sensitivity, although it is most likely to affect those aged 20-40.

Toothbrush Abrasion

Toothbrush abrasion or brushing too hard can cause enamel to be worn away. This is especially likely to happen where the tooth meets the gum line. This exposes the dentine and can lead to sensitivity.

Be sure to only use a medium or soft bristled manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. This will make it more difficult to brush too hard. Where enamel has been worn away it may be necessary to build teeth up using white, composite fillings.

Acid Erosion

Every time we eat acidic foods or drink acidic drinks, the enamel on our teeth is softened and small particles can chip away. If you have a lot of acidic foods and drinks, the dentine may be exposed, causing sensitivity

Try to limit acid attacks on your teeth to mealtimes. Avoid sipping fizzy drinks throughout the day as this means that your teeth are constantly under attack. The dentist may also apply fluoride varnishes to your teeth to help strengthen and protect them.

Gum Disease

Gum disease affects most adults at some point. Over time a build-up of plaque or tartar can cause the gums to recede, exposing the tooth roots and causing sensitivity.

The best treatment for gum disease is a good oral hygiene routine, your dentist will remove the plaque from your teeth and advise you on the best oral hygiene aids to maintain your teeth between visits. In order to protect the roots of teeth it may be necessary to build the teeth up with a white, composite fillings. In severe cases it may be necessary to perform root canal treatment, removing the nerve from the tooth means that it can no longer be sensitive.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth is one that has become broken through eating or tooth grinding. A crack can run from the biting surface of a tooth down towards the root. Extreme temperatures, especially cold, may cause discomfort and sensitivity.

Cracked teeth can be repaired with white, composite fillings or crowns. If the crack runs right through the root, it may be necessary to perform a root canal treatment to ensure that the tooth remains strong.

Tooth Grinding

Tooth grinding is often a sign of stress and can occur while you are asleep, so you be unaware that you do it. Over time tooth grinding can wear away teeth, causing them to become sensitive.

In order to protect your teeth, it may be advised that you wear a gum shield. This means that rather than damage your teeth when you grind you will be grinding against the plastic retainer. Damaged teeth will also need to be repaired or built up to prevent them being damaged further.

Teeth Whitening

Some people may find that they experience sensitivity while undergoing teeth whitening. This should be temporary and stop when you complete the treatment.

The sensitivity should disappear when you finish treatment. The dental team will also be able to advise you on ways to reduce sensitivity during treatment, by filling the whitening trays with sensitive toothpaste in between whitening treatments.

Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre’s comprehensive dental services can help to treat your sensitive teeth. Call today on 01622 682 029 and book a consultation.

More and more people feel that having a bright, white smile is one of their top oral health goals. Everyone knows that they should brush their teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, clean their teeth interdentally daily and attend for regular dental appointments to keep their teeth in the best possible condition.

But did you know there are also certain foods which you should be mindful of to help keep your pearly whites stain free?

Wine

Red wine is acidic and contains tannins, most commonly thought of as being in tea. This gives the drink the potential to cause a large amount of staining on your teeth.

Wherever possible try to intersperse glasses of water in between the wine, not only will this help to reduce any potential hangover the following day, but it will also help to reduce the level of staining of your teeth.

Tea

Like wine, ordinary tea is rich in stain promoting tannins. Many dentists say that staining from tea can be an even bigger problem than staining from coffee as it is lower in tannins.

If you cannot bear the thought of giving up your morning brew why not consider switching to an herbal, green or white tea which have all been shown to have much less staining capacity.

Fizzy Drinks

Not only do you need to be concerned with the dark coloured fizzy drinks which have the ability to stain your teeth, lighter coloured drinks are sufficiently acidic that they promote the staining of teeth by other foods and drinks that you may have at the same time. Also, fizzy drinks are often drunk cold, and this has the effect of causing teeth to contract, making them more porous and easier to stain.

Dark Sauces

Dark sauces used to flavour foods can also have a staining effect. Soy Sauce, balsamic vinegar, and tomato sauces are often used sauces that can have a detrimental effect on the brightness of your smile.

One way to avoid staining is to eat lettuce, spinach, or broccoli at the start of your meal, these vegetables form a protective film over teeth so that foods that stain cannot seep into your teeth’s pores.

Berries

Blueberries, Blackberries, Cranberries, Cherries, and other intensely coloured fruit also have the potential to cause stains. This is true no matter what form they come in whether juices, smoothies, pies, or cakes.

Treatments Available to Remove Staining

Visit the hygienist

Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre our highly qualified hygienists can help to make your smile dazzle. The hygienist will scale and polish your teeth to remove any plaque and calculus build up, helping to improve the appearance of staining. They will also advise you on lifestyle factors that may be affecting the health of your teeth and gums, such as smoking and will collaborate with you to put together an oral hygiene routine that will keep your teeth looking their best in between appointments.

Teeth Whitening

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, teeth whitening is one of our most popular dental treatments we offer. No matter how well you clean your teeth and avoid foods and drinks that may stain your teeth, your teeth will naturally darken with age. Teeth whitening is a safe, effective and an affordable treatment that can drastically improve the appearance of your teeth.

Our dentists and hygienists are highly trained and qualified to offer the best form of teeth whitening to meet your individual needs.

If you would like more help and advice on removing those unsightly stains from your teeth call today on 01622 682 029 to book your appointment at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre and let our highly trained hygienists improve the appearance of your teeth.

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. Smile makeovers are performed for many reasons and our dentists will ensure that your treatment plan is tailored to ensure that you achieve the results you are looking for.

Studies have shown that a smile is the first thing we notice about one another when meeting new people. If you are unhappy with your smile, concerned about crooked, broken, missing or discoloured teeth, it can have a dramatic effect on your confidence and self-esteem. The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have treated thousands of people with just these problems and thanks to advances in modern cosmetic dental treatments, having a beautiful smile is easier than ever before.

At your consultation the dentist will perform a full assessment of your teeth and gums, take x-rays and will discuss the concerns you have with regard to your smile. From this discussion they will be able to provide you with a detailed treatment plan to help you achieve a smile you can have confidence in. This treatment plan may consist of many cosmetic and functionally restorative procedures, potentially including teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, dental implants and teeth straightening.

Chipped or Cracked Teeth

Minor chips can be repaired using dental bonding. Bigger chips or cracks will need a porcelain veneer or crown.

Stained or Discoloured Teeth

Most stains can be brightened with a course of teeth whitening. For stains resistant to teeth whitening, teeth can be brightened using veneers.

Crooked Teeth

Teeth straightening can help to improve the appearance of crooked teeth. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired position

Missing Teeth

Dental implants are the most effective and long-lasting solution to replace your missing teeth. If you are not a candidate for dental implants, dentures and bridges can help to restore your smile

Gapped Teeth

Small gaps can be corrected using dental veneers. Large gaps can be addressed by using a form of teeth straightening.

Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre’s comprehensive cosmetic dental services can help you to achieve the beautiful smile you deserve. Call today on 01622 682 029 and book a consultation.

Most of us do not really give our teeth a second thought, until something goes wrong! But we should, they play a vital role in our day to day lives, they help us chew and digest food, help us to speak clearly and can have a direct impact on our overall health.

By finding out a bit more about your pearly whites, you can take a positive step towards giving your teeth the attention they deserve.

Teeth Development

Everyone has two sets of teeth, baby teeth and then permanent teeth, which develop from around 6 months with some people’s wisdom teeth not surfacing until their twenties.

Teeth tend to erupt in parallel, which means that the top molar on your left side should appear at about the same time as your top molar on the right side. Tooth development starts in the second trimester of pregnancy although teeth will not become visible for several months.

The twenty baby teeth are normally in place by the age of three and will remain until around 6 years of age when they will fall out to make way for the permanent set of teeth. Most adults will have thirty-two permanent teeth.

Breakdown of the tooth

The tooth is divided into two main parts the crown, the part visible above the gum and the root which anchors the tooth below the gum.

The tooth is made up of four kinds of tissue, each of which does a different job

• Enamel – the visible substance that covers the crown of the tooth. Harder than bone, enamel protects the tooth from decay.
• Dentine – underneath the enamel is the dentine which is calcified and looks similar to bone. Dentine is not as strong as enamel so is at risk of decay should it become exposed.
• Cementum – This tissue covers the tooth root and helps to anchor it into the bone. Cementum is a light-yellow colour and is normally covered by the gum.
• Pulp – Pulp is found in the centre of the tooth and contains the blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues.

Types of Teeth

There are five distinct types of teeth, each had a slightly different shape and performs a different job.

• Incisors – these are the teeth in the front and centre of your mouth, four on the top and four on the bottom. These are the teeth you use to take bites of your food.
• Canines – you have four canines, and these are your sharpest teeth. They are used to rip and tear food apart.
• Premolars – these are used for chewing and grinding your food. You have four premolars on each side of your mouth, two on the upper and two on the lower jaw.
• Molars – these are also used for chewing and grinding food. These do not replace but come in behind your baby teeth.
• Wisdom teeth – these are the last teeth to develop and typically do not erupt until age 18 to 20. Some people may never develop them.

Caring for your teeth

It is very important that you care for your teeth.

• Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
• Clean in between your teeth using inter-dental cleaning aids once a day
• Attend for regular routine dental appointments
• Eat a healthy diet

If you would like more help and advice on caring for your teeth, why not book an appointment with our hygienist who specialises in preventative dentistry and oral hygiene. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 and book a consultation today.

With the warmer weather now upon us, it is important to ensure that you stay hydrated for your oral as well as your general health. In order for your mouth to work properly, it needs saliva. Saliva helps to ensure that your mouth remains moist, helps you to break down food and helps you to swallow. Saliva also helps to fight decay and keep your teeth clean. Without enough saliva, you can develop tooth decay and other infections in the mouth.

Everyone suffers from dry mouth now and again, but if you suffer with dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems.

Saliva helps to neutralise the acid that damages your teeth and is an important part of your dental health. Saliva helps to break down food while you are chewing, allowing you to swallow more easily. Saliva is also important in fighting tooth decay. It helps to fight the bacteria that form dental plaque and cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Having less saliva can also affect the taste of food and makes it harder to eat drier foods. Sometimes it can affect your speech and it makes people more likely to have bad breath.

Treatment for dry mouth

There are several different treatments for dry mouth, and they will depend on what is causing the problem. Dry mouth can be caused as a side effect of medication, medical treatments, and some medical conditions.

• If dry mouth is caused by medicine, your doctor may be able to adjust the dosage or offer an alternative
• If your salivary glands are not working correctly, your dentist may give you medication to help improve the effectiveness of the glands
• Your dentist may also be able to suggest an artificial saliva product to keep your mouth wet.

There are also some treatments you can complete at home to help reduce the effects of dry mouth

• Keep a bottle of water or other sugar free drink handy and take regular sips
• Avoid caffeine filled drinks
• Chew sugar free gum or suck sugar free sweets to help stimulate saliva flow. Look out for those that contain xylitol as this can help to reduce the risk of developing cavities.
• Quit Smoking
• Reduce your alcohol consumption

If you would like further help and advice on the best treatment for dry mouth, do not hesitate to call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029 and book a consultation with a dentist.

When undergoing any teeth straightening procedure it is very important that you care for your braces to ensure that you do not develop gum disease or tooth decay which can affect the outcome of your treatment.

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, we have produced our top tips to care for your brace, whether you have fixed or removable appliances.

Never Skip Brushing

It is important to ensure that you brush your teeth and brace following every meal, because food can easily become trapped and if left can lead to the development of gum disease and tooth decay. Gum disease is currently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK and could severely affect the outcome of any teeth straightening procedure. To ensure that you are never caught unprepared always carry a toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag.

Floss Daily

Flossing can help to remove those food particles missed by brushing alone. Gum disease and tooth decay can quickly develop where food particles are left trapped.

Avoid Fizzy Drinks

Fizzy drinks are often high in sugar and acidic. If teeth are not cleaned properly it can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion whether you have fixed or removable braces.

Get Damage Repaired Quickly

If you notice any damage to your braces or aligners, be sure to book a repair appointment as soon as possible. This will ensure that your treatment can be continued as planned and will prevent your teeth from regressing back to their original position.

Do not Skip Appointments

If you consistently miss appointments, it can greatly increase the length of time you will need to wear you brace for and in the long term can hinder your desire to achieve a straighter smile.

If you would like to find out more about how teeth straightening can improve the appearance of your smile, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 and book a consultation today.

X-rays also known as radiographs, are an essential part of any dental treatment plan. They are used to diagnose and prevent problems.

Use of X-rays

X-rays are used to detect decay under fillings or between teeth in areas that are not visible to the naked eye, as well as showing abscesses and infections in the roots of teeth. They also enable the dentist to determine the level and health of bone present in your jaw.

In children x-rays can show where their adult teeth will erupt or in adults can show where wisdom teeth are.

New Patients

If you are a new patient, unless you have had x-rays very recently, the dentist will recommend that x-rays are taken. This helps to assess the condition of your mouth and check for any hidden problems. After these x-rays are recommended every 9 to 24 months depending on various dental risk factors, including history of decay, age, and condition of your mouth.

Are x-rays dangerous?

The radiation received from a dental x-ray is incredibly small. With the constant advances in technology and the fact the dentist will only take x-rays when they are clinically necessary means that the risks from dental x-rays are very small.

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, we use digital imaging plates to take any dental x-rays required.

The main advantage of using digital imaging plates is that you, the Patient receives’ a much lower dose of radiation as the plates are extremely sensitive. The result is instant and can be seen immediately on our monitor in the surgery. This will make discussions about our findings much better as the image is much larger and easier to view than our original x-rays.

Pregnancy

You should inform the dentist if you know or believe that you may be pregnant prior to any treatment. They will not take x-rays until after the baby is born unless they have no other alternatives.

REMEMBER Prevention is better than cure and that is why x-rays are used.

If you need more information or would like to discuss how dental x-rays are used during your dental treatment call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, today on 01622 682 029and book a consultation today.

Teeth straightening procedures can be used to improve the appearance of crowded, gapped, crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. No matter what your age, it is possible to have straight teeth and a smile you can be confident in.

These procedures are on the increase in Maidstone, Kent and Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre is probably the leading practice in providing these treatments.

There are a wide range of teeth straightening procedures and your experienced dentist at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will be able to advise you on the best one to meet your needs.

There are a number of benefits to straightening your teeth and these include:

Improved Confidence and Self Esteem

One of the main reasons that people look to straighten their teeth is to improve the appearance of their smile. Many people feel the need to hide their mouth with their hands when they smile and laugh, from the embarrassment of wondering what people will think if they see their teeth. Straightening your teeth can be a life changer, helping to improve your confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to achieve things you never thought were possible.

Healthy Gums

If your teeth are crooked or overcrowded, it can be difficult to properly clean them and remove food debris. When food debris is left between teeth, bacteria can thrive irritating your gums and if this is allowed to progress can result in gum disease and tooth decay. By straightening teeth your gums will fit more securely around teeth and you will be able to adopt a normal oral hygiene routine reducing the risk of gum disease and in the long-term tooth loss.

Improved bite

Many people with incorrectly aligned teeth may suffer with problems such as difficulty speaking, chewing, problems with their jaw muscles and increased wear, chips and breaks in their tooth enamel. By straightening teeth and properly aligning the bite, it is possible to reduce discomfort and wear caused to your mouth and jaw.

Overall health

Your teeth and gums can provide a clear picture of your overall health. If you are taking good care of your teeth and gums, you are probably also taking good care of the rest of you. Bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease. If left untreated this can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, and possible tooth loss. Studies have shown that oral infections can also lead to more serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, and diabetes. By straightening your teeth, you will have a better chance of reducing oral infections and other potential health problems.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about teeth straightening at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, do not hesitate to contact the surgery on 01622 682 029 and book a consultation to find out how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

Brushing alone only cleans 60% off tooth surface. Over time food and plaque can build up between teeth. This can result in gum disease and decay. This is why it is so important to use interdental cleaning aids to clean those areas that brushing alone misses.

There are a number of different options available, so you are sure to find one to suit your needs.

Interdental Brushes

These are little brushes which fit between the teeth. They come in different sizes and are colour coded depending on the size. They are quick and easy to use and very useful for removing plaque from back teeth and around fixed braces.

Floss

Floss can come in many forms: waxed floss, waxed dental tape, minted floss, fluoride coated floss. The type that is best for you depends on your dexterity, what types of restorations you have and what you prefer.

Superfloss

This type of floss is made of increments of soft tufts and standard floss. Super floss is ideal for cleaning around braces, bridges and between wide gaps.

Floss Picks

Floss picks are perfect for people with challenged dexterity or bigger sized hands. They are quick and easy to use, and also have tension control which allows the floss to surround the sides of the tooth with each flossing action without breaking.

Waterpik

This is a type of water flosser, also called a dental water jet. It works by squirting a bit of water between the teeth under pressure and thus removing plaque. We do advise you use the water pick in conjunction with one of the conventional methods to ensure maximum plaque removal.

Still confused, book an appointment with the hygienist and they will be able to advise you of the best interdental cleaning aids to meet your needs. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 and book an appointment today.

This February be sure to look after your teeth and gums to help keep your heart healthy!

Study after study have shown that people who have poor oral health (such as gum disease or tooth loss) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke than people with good oral health.

In this month’s blog we are going to look specifically at the link between gum diseaseand how it can cause or make heart disease worse.

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is inflammation of the gums. It can lead to the breakdown of the gums, teeth, and bone tissues that hold them in place. Heart disease refers to a broad set of conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Heart disease is caused by the narrowing or blockage of important blood vessels.Gum diseasemay increase the risk of heart disease because inflammation in the gums and bacteria may eventually lead to narrowing of important arteries.

Gum diseaseis also currently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK. So, this Valentine’s be sure to make oral hygiene a top priority for a healthy heart and show stopping smile.

Signs of Gum Disease

The main signs of gum disease are:

• Inflammation of the gums, causing them to be red, swollen and to bleed easily
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Irregular mouth infections

 

If you notice any of these symptoms you should see your dental team immediately.Regular visits to your dentistcan help with early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

Gum diseasewill affect most people at some point in their lives and if treated effectively it should leave no lasting damage. Gum diseaseis caused by a build-up of plaque on the surface of teeth and gums. There are bacteria present in the plaque that have been found to be the leading cause of gum disease.

Treatment

Normally the first sign you will experience if you have gum diseaseis gums that bleed when you eat or brush your teeth. You may also notice you have bad breath.

At each check-up the dentist will assess your teeth and gums for any sign of gum disease. They will use probes to measure the amount of gum present around the teeth and may take x-rays to determine if there has been any bone loss in your jaw.

The dentist will remove the plaque and tartar present on your teeth and will refer you to the hygienistfor ongoing cleanings. The hygienist will also be able to advise you on the best oral hygiene routine to ensure that you remove plaque effectively at home, through tooth brushing and interdental cleaning.

If left untreated gum diseasecan progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the gums to recede and can lead to the loss of bone which anchors the teeth to the jaw. Over time teeth may become loose and even fall out.

So why wait call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centreon 01622 682 029and book an appointment with the dentist or hygienist to ensure that this Valentine’s Day you can smile proud and keep your heart healthy!