Cosmetic Dentistry Guide

It has been estimated that over 20 percent of the population avoid going to the dentist out of fear. Some sources suggest that those who avoid the dentist may also suffer from poor health in general, which is no surprise given the links between poor oral health and heart disease, strokes, and diabetes, just to name a few. That’s why many dentists feel so strongly about prevention. It’s much easier to maintain a healthy body or fight against the early symptoms of disease than to treat it once it’s started. Tooth decay is reversible, but a cavity must be treated. Pre-diabetes is reversible, but diabetes, once you have it, must be managed for the rest of one’s life. When it comes to dental health and care, it’s always best to see the same dentist regularly. You’ll establish a relationship, and that dentist will get to know all your individual requirements, from concerns to allergies. In addition you’ll have a history together. “Your regular dentist will be familiar with wha...

Periodontal or gum disease is one of the most common and potentially devastating oral disease. There are several types of periodontal disease. All are started by a bacterial infection that destroys the gums, bone, and ligaments supporting the teeth.  Periodontal disease progresses silently, often without pain or overt symptoms that would alert you to its presence. It may develop slowly or progress quite rapidly. The main cause of gum disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums Inadequate Oral Hygiene Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria begin infecting the gums and surrounding tissues. missing daily brushing and flossing allows the bacteria to form a sticky network of plaque. Eventually, bacteria can create an infection in the gums and underlying bone structure, causing periodontal disease. Poor nutrition can also be a risk factor for gum disease. Smoking and Tobacco Use  Not only are tobacco products hazard...

I am often asked by patients who are moving to another area, what they should look for when choosing a new dental practice; after all in these times of austerity you don’t want to be charged an extortionate amount of money for your dental treatment but at the same time most people are aware that in dentistry, like everything else in life, ‘you get what you pay for’. So my answer is always the same, use my 10 point check list to assess if your dental practice is offering you great value for money and the high standard of care you deserve. 1. Qualifications and accreditations Many dentists give the impression that they are ‘specialists’ in specific areas of dentistry, you can check a dentists qualifications at the General Dental Council’s website, (www.gdc-uk.org) Any dentist should be happy to show you membership certificates to associations they are in, ensure that they are registered as ‘accredited members ‘which requires evidence of excellence in dentistry to be ...