Category: Blog

Taking care of your teeth is important for your overall health. The quality of your smile also affects how much you show off your teeth and your overall mood in general. Of course, you can smile and laugh no matter what your teeth look like, but you are more likely to do it if you know that you have a smile worth showing off. You will get a big boost of self-confidence, and some other great physical and mental benefits.

Here are a just a few fun facts about smiling and laughing and why it is so great to smile:

Improved Mood

When you are in a bad mood, the last thing you feel like doing is smiling or laughing. But did you know that faking it can help improve your mood? Just the act of curling your lips into a smile or letting out a small giggle is enough to trigger your brain into feeling happier.

That sounds like something that is too good to be true, but studies show that it does in fact happen. Try it the next time you are feeling angry or sad and see what happens. It might feel weird at first, but it could turn into a long-term coping strategy for when those feelings arise.

Become More Approachable

Not only will you help yourself feel better when you smile and laugh, but you will also give the signal to others that you are a good person to be around.

The more you can engage and interact with others, the happier you will be. It is a cycle that is worth getting into. Smiles and laughter are contagious — whenever you see someone else doing it, you cannot help but do the same. You can thank your mirror neurons for that. Whenever we see someone doing certain behaviours, we feel inclined to do the same.

Be More Productive

Work might not be a place that makes you smile or laugh, but the more you can do those things, the more productive you will be. When you smile and laugh, your mood improves, and you will be able to better focus on the task at hand.

Physical Health Benefits

Laughing works your abdominal muscles and releases endorphins that can alleviate pain and boost your immune system.

Studies have even found that smiling and laughing can help decrease your risk for heart disease because they protect the heart and prevent the build-up of fat and cholesterol. These actions can also lower your blood pressure and keep it that way for up to 24 hours.

The Best Perk of All…

Putting all the scientific research aside, the best reason to smile and laugh more is that it makes you feel good. We should all strive to spend time doing things that make us feel that way, and that begins with smiling and laughing.

Whether your teeth look the way you want them to or not, everyone can benefit from a happier life. Do not let the state of your teeth get in the way of that.

The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre work closely with you to customise individual treatment plans that successfully meet your personal needs, helping to ensure you can have a smile you can be confident in.  Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029 to book a consultation.

Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre our team understand that deciding to undergo teeth straightening is a big decision and we want to ensure that you have as much information as possible so you can decide whether it is the treatment for you.

Therefore, in this month’s blog we are going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about teeth straightening.

Can I get teeth straightening treatment on the NHS?

Teeth straightening is currently only available to children under the age of eighteen and adults with complex dental needs on the NHS. If your case is less severe or is for aesthetic reasons you will probably need to have teeth straightening treatment through a private dentist.

Is there an age limit for teeth straightening?

There is no age limit for teeth straightening, it can be done at any time of life, provided your teeth and gums are healthy.

Will I have to have teeth extracted?

We will do everything we can to preserve your natural teeth and straighten your smile without the need to carry out any extractions. Although we will of course let you know if we feel an extraction is the best course of treatment.

How long will treatment take?

How long teeth straightening treatment takes will depend on your individual case, the degree of movement and the type of treatment you are having. Teeth straighteningcan be carried out in as little as four to six months for minor issues or up to 24 months for more complex cases. Prior to starting treatment, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan that will provide an estimated treatment time scale.

How often will I need to attend the surgery?

Again, this will depend on the teeth straightening system you have, but is normally every four to eight weeks.

How do I look after my braces?

Once your brace is fitted the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will provide you with detailed aftercare advice. It is advised that you brush your teeth after every meal and use interdental cleaning aids daily.

What is a retainer?

A retainer can be removable or fitted to the back of the teeth in order to keep the teeth in their final position after teeth straightening treatment has been completed and the brace has been removed. The retainer prevents the teeth from regressing back to their original position.

How much will it cost?

All costs will be fully explained when you attend for your consultation appointment. At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we want to ensure that financial considerations do not prevent you from achieving the smile of your dreams and we are therefore pleased to be able to offer a range of finance options, to help you spread your treatment into manageable monthly amounts.

While there is a lot of great information online regarding teeth straightening, you can’t make an informed decision about what is best for your unique situation without talking to a dental professional. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029to book a consultation.

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 on

set 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 disease

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.

 

Eight tips to maintain good oral health.

1. Check your blood sugars regularly to keep them in your target range.
2. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
3. After brushing spit don’t rinse, to enable to fluoride in the toothpaste to continue working.
4. Use interdental cleaning aids to remove plaque from between teeth, ideally before toothbrushing.
5. To prevent dental decay, you should reduce the frequency of sugary snacks and carbonated drinks.
6. Water is the only drink you should take to bed at night.
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. 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 appointment.  The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre work closely with you to customise individual treatment plans that successfully meet your personal needs.

It’s finally time.

You’ve been thinking about it for a long time and have decided that now is the right time to investigate the options available to you for replacing missing teeth.

It is estimated that nearly 70% of all 35-44-year-olds have at least one missing tooth. Missing teeth are nothing to be ashamed off but can drastically affect your oral health and self-esteem.

There are two main options available to you either dentures or dental implants. In this month’s blog the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre look at the benefits of both options. Both dental implants and dentures can be fantastic options to replace missing or decaying teeth, and truth be told, there isn’t a “right option” for everyone, each case should be assessed on an individual basis.

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable dental appliances that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. They can be made with an acrylic or chrome base and composite teeth. The colour of the teeth will be matched so they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Dentures help you to eat comfortably, speak clearly and will improve your confidence and self-esteem. Dentures can also help to prevent your remaining teeth from shifting in a way that can affect the way you bite and could damage your other teeth.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant consists of a post which is inserted into the gums and an artificial tooth which attaches to the post.

A dental implant consists mainly of two parts, the ‘screw or post’ acting as the root of the tooth, and the crown. The implant ‘post’ is made of titanium which osseointegrates to the surrounding bone. The crown is then attached to the post.

What are the benefits of dentures and dental Implants?

Benefits of Dental Implants	Benefits of Dentures
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Once completed they will be indistinguishable from your actual teeth	Dentures provide a new set of teeth that are natural looking, and custom made
Dental implants are easy to maintain with good oral hygiene and regular hygienist visits	Dentures are low maintenance and once made only require cleaning in the same way as your natural teeth
Dental implants are strong enabling you to eat hard foods that may be difficult with dentures	Dentures allow you to eat a full and varied diet
Dental implants are long lasting and should last at least 10 years	Dentures can help you look younger, filling out your cheeks and giving your face support
Dental implants are minimally invasive and help to minimise further bone loss due to bone stimulation	Dentures can be made so you teeth are straighter or whiter than your original smile, helping to give you confidence in your appearance.

 

While there is a lot of great information online regarding dentures and dental implants, you can’t make an informed decision about what is best for your unique situation without talking to a dental professional. Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029to book an appointment.

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.

Is Milk Chocolate Bad for Your Teeth?

Milk chocolate is probably one of the most popular and widely consumed types of chocolate. Unfortunately, it is not so great for your teeth. Milk chocolate contains more sugar than its dark chocolate counterparts and much more than raw and unprocessed chocolate.

Milk chocolate is a chocolate made from a combination of cocoa, powdered milk, and sugar. The breakdown is usually 20-30% real cocoa, with the balance consisting of sugar and powdered milk. The higher sugar content that is contained in milk chocolate can cause cavities and tooth decay more so than dark, raw, or organic chocolate.

Is Dark Chocolate Bad for Your Teeth?

Dark chocolate is by far the better choice when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and cavity free. There are some studies that even suggest that dark chocolate can be a cavity fighter. Chocolate is made up of over three hundred compounds and is a highly complex substance.

Dark chocolate contains polyphenols. These chemicals can help fight the overgrowth of bacteria and other organisms in the mouth. They can neutralize organisms that cause bad breath and they can prevent some sugars form turning into acid, which can break down the enamel of your teeth and cause tooth decay and cavities. Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids. Flavonoids have been shown to slow tooth decay.

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are beneficial to overall health in many ways but when it comes to oral health, having higher levels of antioxidants in your saliva has been shown to help fight gum disease.

Dark chocolate, otherwise known as “real chocolate,” is made up of around 70% cocoa and only 30% powdered milk and sugar. This drastically reduces the detrimental effect that it could have on tooth enamel when compared to milk chocolate.

How Tooth Decay Occurs & How You Can Prevent It?

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth turn sugar into acids. Those acids eat away at surface of your teeth, causing decay and cavities.

Tooth decay occurs over time. However, it can be mostly prevented by cutting down on your sugar intake, watching what types of foods you eat, both sweet and savoury, and ensuring that you are brushing and flossing your teeth daily. It also helps to visit your dentist twice a year to identify oral problems early and remove plaque and tartar build-up.

This Easter, it is okay to go ahead and indulge. Just remember that, as with most things, moderation is the key.

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.

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 five myths busted just for you!

If my teeth don’t hurt, they must be healthy!

By the time that tooth decay erodes the surface of your teeth to the point that you feel pain, the decay is already quite advanced. Although your teeth may not be causing you pain, you could be suffering from early-stage tooth decay without even realising. By attending for regular dental appointments, the dentist will be able to identify any problems up to 5 years before they cause you pain. Reducing the risk of you needing expensive treatment.

Using a hard-bristled toothbrush will clean my teeth better.

Although you may feel like you are getting a more effective clean with a hard-bristled toothbrush, you may actually be damaging your pearly whites. Hard bristles can cause toothbrush abrasion, the tooth enamel to wear away and can damage your gums. A soft bristled toothbrush will clean the teeth effectively, without the risk of toothbrush abrasion and gum recession.

Diet fizzy drinks are okay as they contain no sugar.

Although they may contain less sugar, diet fizzy drinks still contain high levels of citric, carbonic, or phosphoric acid and can erode the surface of the tooth enamel, weakening the surface and increasing your risk of cavities.

You should brush your teeth immediately after eating.

It may seem like a good idea to brush your teeth immediately after eating to remove any food particles from your teeth and to minimise the amount of time your teeth are under attack from acid causing bacteria. But brushing within an hour of finishing a meal can actually damage your tooth enamel which softens after eating!

Have a baby, lose a tooth.

It’s true that a woman’s oral health is at greater risk during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can make tooth decay, infections, and gum disease more likely.

But that doesn’t mean you’re fated to lose a tooth! If you maintain a good oral care routine, follow a healthy diet, and keep up with your routine dental appointments, you can lessen your risk of many different dental issues.

If you would like to find out more information on keeping your teeth healthy. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029to book an appointment.

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.

Root canal treatment is used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. During the procedure the dentist will remove the nerve and pulp from the tooth, clean the canal to remove any remaining infection and will ensure that the tooth is sealed to prevent the infection reoccurring. Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you will not feel any pain and is normally carried out over two or three appointments.

The tooth may feel sensitive for a couple of days following root canal 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 tooth – if left untreated the infection in the pulp of your 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 the patient can prevent the formation of a painful abscess.

Improves oral health – If left untreated the infection in the tooth can spread from the mouth into other parts of a patient’s body. Undergoing root canal treatment is a proactive way to protect their health and maintain their smile.

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 on root canal treatment. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029to book an appointment.

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 the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre 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. Dental 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. They are applied to the front surface of your teeth – so although they don’t change the tooth’s position, 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. Dental veneers can provide a great treatment for teeth with enamel abrasion or enamel erosion, helping to strengthen and protect your teeth.

Natural looking

Porcelain dental veneers will closely resemble your natural tooth enamel, reflecting light in much the same way as natural teeth.

Fast results

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

Cons

Expensive

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

Susceptible to damage

Dental 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 can 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.

The most important part of tooth care happens at home and in this month’s blog the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre 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. Interdental cleaners work by cleaning those areas that brushing alone misses.

Using interdental cleaning aids daily combined with brushing using a fluoride toothpaste can help to protect against gum disease and tooth decay by removing plaque and food particles, keeping your teeth and gums healthy, while giving you a beautiful smile.

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 gum disease to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, strokes, poor pregnancy outcomes and even dementia.

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 029to book an appointment with our hygienist today.