Category: Blog

Looking after your teeth and gums is an essential part of learning to live with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as problems with teeth and gums can be more common for people with diabetes. 

If left untreated diabetes can cause:

• Dry mouth
• Increased risk of cavities
• Inflamed and bleeding gums
• Problems tasting food
• Oral thrush
• Delayed wound healing
• Increased risk of dental infections
• Tooth loss

It is important that you inform your dentist if you have either new onset or long-standing diabetes as this will affect your dental treatment and how often the dentist will want to review your teeth and gums. 

Diabetes and Dental Hygiene

People with diabetes who have poor control of their blood glucose levels are more likely to develop dental health problems. Keeping your blood sugar within a normal range will help to reduce this risk. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and giving up smoking is also advised to help lessen the risk of oral health problems. 

Symptoms of dental health problems

You should visit the dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms, to enable them to prevent any problems from worsening:

• Sore or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth 
• Bad breath

Diabetes and gum diseases

Gum disease is the most common dental disease affecting those living with diabetes, affecting nearly 22% of those diagnosed. Having prolonged high blood glucose levels can lead to gum disease developing or worsening more quickly, too much sugar in your blood can lead to more sugar in your saliva, and that’s the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria produce acid which attacks your tooth enamel and damages your gums. High blood sugar levels can also damage the blood vessels in your gums, and this makes them more likely to get infected. Keeping your levels within a normal range reduces the risk of infection spreading.

Unfortunately, when your body begins to fight an infection, blood glucose levels will usually rise in response. Should the infection in your mouth become worse, you could have problems with food intake, which might affect your diabetes management.

Your dentist can help you with your diabetes if you have developed gum disease or another mouth infection.

Diabetes and thrush

Thrush is a fungal infection which can occur in the mouth. People with poor blood sugar control are more likely to develop thrush. 

Signs of oral thrush include white patches within the mouth, redness of tongue and cracking of the skin at the corner of the lips. 

Dental appointments

It is important that you arrange your dental appointments to fit your diabetes treatment regime. This will help to reduce the risk of hypos during treatment. 

7 tips to maintain good oral health

1. 1.Check your blood sugars regularly to keep them in your target range
2. 2. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
3. 3. After brushing spit don’t rinse, to enable to fluoride in the toothpaste to continue working. 
4. 4. Use interdental cleaning aids to remove plaque from between teeth, ideally before toothbrushing
5. 5. To prevent dental decay, you should reduce the frequency of sugary snacks and carbonated drinks
6. 6. Water is the only drink you should take to bed at night
7. 7. If you are diagnosed with gum disease your blood sugar may be more difficult to manage, but effective gum treatment can help to improve it
8. 8.Your teeth and gums should be checked every 6 months and your dentist will advise how often you should attend for appointments with the hygienist

Diabetes increases your risk of dental problems, so it is important that you attend for regular dental appointments. The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre work closely with you to customise individual treatment plans that successfully meet your personal needs. Although we are currently unable to see patients for face to face consultations if you are concerned about your dental health do not hesitate to contact us on info@maidstonndental.co.uk and we will endeavour to help you in any way possible. 

There may come a time when you have a tooth that can no longer be repaired, and the only option will be to have the tooth extracted. Then you must decide about what to do with the gap left behind. Two of the most popular treatment choices to replace a missing tooth are dentures or dental implants. 

In this blog we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of both dentures and dental implants to help give you the information you need to make an informed decision on the treatment that best meets your needs. 

Dentures

Dentures are made by creating either an acrylic (plastic) or chrome (metal) base and onto these composite teeth are added in a shade to match your natural teeth. 

Advantages

• Dentures can be made to replace either one, several or all teeth on your upper or lower jaw
• Dentures can be fitted immediately after a tooth is extracted so no-one will even know you are missing a tooth
• Dentures allow further teeth to be added following any future extractions
• Dentures improve your appearance and bite
• Dentures are suitable for most people
• Dentures are less expensive than dental implants

Disadvantages

• Dentures will need to be remade and relined as the shape of your jaw changes overtime
• Dentures do not support the jaw so you will notice bone loss over time
• Dentures will need to be completely replaced every 7-8 years
• Dentures can take time to get used to and you will need to practice in order to be able to speak and eat with confidence

Dental implants

Dental implants are made by inserting a titanium screw into your jaw which is then used to support a crown, bridge or denture depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. 

Advantages

• Dental implants can be used to replace one, several or all teeth. 
• Dental implants can either be placed for individual teeth or can be used to support dentures replacing all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. 
• Dental implants help to improve your appearance, bite and how you speak.
• Dental implants help to maintain the bone levels in your jaw and can even help to promote bone growth needed to stabilise and secure the implant
• Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth so you will be able to speak and eat with complete confidence
• Dental implants allow you to eat a full and varied diet, nothing is off limits!
• If properly cared for a dental implant should last for at least 10 years

Disadvantages

• It takes 3-4 months for the dental implants to be completed. The base of the implant will be inserted and then left to heal before a crown, bridge or denture can be placed on top.
• Dental implants can only be placed if you have sufficient bone in your jaw and it is healthy enough. If not, a bone graft will be required prior to treatment starting
• Dental implants are not suitable if you smoke and if you suffer with gum disease there is a higher risk of the implant failing
• Dental implants are expensive to place initially

No one treatment is better than the other. It is dependent on what you would like and whether you are suitable for that treatment.

Currently we are unable to see patients for face to face consultations but if you would like to find out more about dentures or dental implants email Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on info@maidstonndental.co.uk and we will endeavour to get back to you as quickly as possible.

Around Easter, most of us end up consuming more chocolate than we would on a normal basis.

Whether you love dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or any variety of these, you may be surprised at the amount of positive data there is out there about how consuming chocolate affects the body and how it can have positive effects on your oral health.
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There are lots of myths and old wives tales about teeth and here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we have heard them all! But here are the top 5 myths busted just for you!

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When you find out you are pregnant, you know that it means some big changes to your body over the coming nine months, but you might know less about how your oral health may be affected. 

• Morning Sickness and your oral health

Morning sickness is part of pregnancy for many women, but it can also affect your oral health as the acid present in your teeth can lead to tooth erosion. Although you may be tempted to brush your teeth immediately after a bout of morning sickness, the best thing you can do to protect your enamel is wait an hour to give your enamel a chance to reharden. 

If you can’t stand waiting another minute, try rinsing your mouth out with a non-acidic, alcohol-free mouthwash or plain old water. Trust us; it’s well worth waiting to have fresh breath when it comes to your dental health.

• Dental appointments

There’s no better way to keep your teeth and gums in excellent shape than visiting your dentist. They can catch problems before they become serious and recommend the best treatment. And it’s completely safe to get regular dental check-ups when pregnant and urgent dental procedures if absolutely required.

It is important that you let the dentist know that you are pregnant as soon as you do. They may need to adjust your treatment plan and will postpone certain treatment until after your baby is born to avoid taking any risks. 

• Pregnancy Gingivitis

During pregnancy your hormones can cause your gums to swell, leading to pregnancy gingivitis. If you notice that your gums are bleeding when you brush, be sure to book an appointment with the dentist. They may advise that you attend for regular hygienist appointments throughout your pregnancy to help keep your teeth and gums clean. 

It is also important that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home, brushing your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and clean interdentally daily. 

• Pregnancy Tumours

Some women develop also develop pregnancy tumours. These growths most often occur in the second trimester and look like little raspberries that form between the teeth. Your dentist will be able to remove them if they case discomfort, but in most cases, they will disappear by themselves once your baby is born. 

• Avoid Teeth Whitening

There’s not a whole lot of research on teeth whitening during pregnancy. But as there’s no guarantee it’s safe, the advice is not to do it at all when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Teeth whitening involves a range of chemicals, the safety of which is not known, so if best avoided when pregnant. 

 

Pregnancy means big changes in your body and your lifestyle; remember that it’s just as important to take care of your teeth and gums as it is the rest of you. The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre work closely with each of our patients to customise individual treatment plans that successfully meet their personal needs.  Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682029 and book in for your routine dental appointment today.

Your dentist may suggest root canal treatment if there is inflammation or infection inside one of your teeth. They will clean and fill inside the tooth to prevent further damage or infection. Root canal treatment can save your tooth from having to be taken out. Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you will not feel any pain and is normally carried out over two or three appointments. Dentists can perform root canal treatment but your dentist may refer you to an endodontist, a dentist that specialises in root canal treatment if your tooth is difficult to treat and they think this will give you a better chance of saving the tooth.  

You may experience some discomfort and the tooth may feel sensitive for a couple of days following treatment, but this can normally be controlled using over the counter pain killers and  you should be able to return to your normal activities the following day.  

The tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day to day functioning of the tooth. 

Benefits of root canal treatment

• Saves the Tooth – If left untreated the infection in the pulp of a tooth can cause the tooth structure to deteriorate. This means that the tooth will eventually become unsalvageable and will need to be extracted. 
• Reduces Pain – Root canal treatment will help to alleviate the pain and discomfort, by removing the infected pulp and nerve.
• Prevents abscess forming – In the early stages an infection can be painless, by undergoing root canal treatment at this stage it is possible to prevent abscesses forming.  
• Prevents the spread of infection – Root canal treatment removes the bacteria that causes the infection and prevents any further spread. 
• Improves oral health – If left untreated the infection in the tooth can spread from the mouth into other parts of the body. Undergoing root canal treatment is a proactive way to protect your health and maintain your smile.  

• Helps to preserve your jawbone – When teeth are preserved, the jawbone remains intact. A missing tooth causes jawbone degeneration over time.
• Maintains confidence and self-esteem – With root canal treatment there is no need to worry about an un-slightly gap or expensive dental implant treatment to replace a missing tooth. Your smile will remain intact and looking its best. 

 

If you would like to find out more information about root canal treatment, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029 to book an appointment with one of our dentists today.

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain cemented to the front surface of teeth and are an easy way to address a variety of aesthetic issues. They can change the size, shape, and colour of your teeth if they are discoloured, chipped, broken, or irregularly shaped.

In this month’s blog we look at the pros and cons of dental veneers so you can have all the information to make an informed decision on whether dental veneers are the right treatment to meet your needs. 

Pros

 

• Whiten your smile

If you are looking for an easier way to whiten your teeth for good, dental veneers may be a good treatment for you. Veneers are largely stain resistant and should maintain their colour for the lifespan of the veneer. With a flawless smile your confidence and self-esteem will improve. 

 

• Fix minor problems

Slightly crooked or gapped teeth can be improved with dental veneers. Veneers are applied to the front surface of your teeth – so although they don’t change their positions, they will camouflage slight teeth straightening problems once they’re applied. Your natural teeth will still be gapped or crooked but no-one will know aside from you and your dentist. 

 

• Replace damaged enamel

Enamel is strong but can become damaged through over-zealous brushing or can be worn away by highly acidic food and drink. Veneers can provide a great treatment for teeth with enamel abrasion or enamel erosion, helping to strengthen and protect your teeth. 

 

• Natural looking

The porcelain veneer will closely resemble your natural tooth enamel, reflecting light in much the same way as natural teeth.

 

• Fast results

 

Veneers can be completed in only two visits, providing a quick way to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. 

 

• Little or no maintenance

Once the veneers are in place they require very little maintenance only brushing and flossing and regular hygienist appointments. 

Cons

 

• Expensive

Veneers can be expensive, but with a 10-15-year lifespan they can provide a good investment for the future. 

 

• Susceptible to damage

Veneers are delicate and so can be susceptible to chipping, breaking and falling off. Though they can be replaced, this can dramatically increase costs. 

 

• Increased sensitivity

You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold foods in the days following your procedure, but this will usually disappear and there are also dental products that ca help to strengthen the tooth enamel. 

The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre work closely with each of our patients to customise individual treatment plans that successfully meet their personal needs.  If you would like more information about dental veneers do not hesitate to contact Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682029 and one of our team would be happy to assist you. 

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.