Category: Blog

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.

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.