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Posts Tagged ‘Advice’

Five Tips To Protect Your Braces

Friday, April 14th, 2017

shutterstock_449128402When you wear braces, it’s important to look after them to make sure that they do their job and you can enjoy a perfectly straight smile when treatment draws to a close. If you have braces, here are 5 tips to help you protect them:

  1. Wear a mouth guard: if you’re playing contact sports, wear a mouth guard to protect your braces and your teeth and gums. You can get specially made guards for braces from your dentist.
  2. Avoid hard foods: if you’re wearing braces, you won’t have to make wholesale changes to your diet, but it’s wise to bear a few tips in mind, especially avoiding hard foods. Most foods will be fine, but take care when eating things like boiled sweets, popcorn and crusty bread rolls.
  3. Keep your braces clean: if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment and you’ve got a fixed brace, you need to keep it clean as possible to minimise the risk of dental decay. Clean your teeth at least twice a day, and make sure you do a thorough job each time. It can be beneficial to take a brush around with you so that you can brush after eating if you find that food tends to get stuck in your braces.
  4. Keep up to date with dental checks: if you have braces, it’s more important than ever to keep up to date with dental checks and follow-up appointments. Your dentist can keep an eye on your oral health, as well as the progress of your treatment.
  5. Use additional cleaning methods: brushing is often the most effective means of cleaning the mouth, but it’s also useful to floss or clean using an oral irrigator. If you need advice or help with cleaning, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist.

Top 5 Sugar Free Snacks to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Friday, April 7th, 2017

shutterstock_96256037Many of us try and adapt our diets to lose weight and trim down when the summer is approaching, but have you ever thought of making changes to keep your smile in shape? If you’d like healthier teeth and gums, here are 5 sugar-free snacks to add to your diet:

  1. Fruit: Fruit is not strictly sugar-free, but it contains natural sugars, which are much less harmful than the artificial, added sugars you find in sweets and cakes. Opt for strawberries if you’re keen to boost your vitamin intake, as well as making your teeth gleam. The rough coating of the skin helps to remove surface stains, giving you a gorgeous, bright smile.
  2. Natural Yoghurt: Yoghurts are a really popular snack, and they can be brilliant for your teeth, as they’re a good source of calcium. However, it’s important to choose the right products. Many flavoured yoghurts contain a lot of sugar, so try and stick to natural yoghurt. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, add a sprinkling of berries, a banana or a spoonful of honey.
  3. Raw vegetables: If you’re hungry between meals, there’s nothing better for your teeth than raw vegetables. Chewing raw carrots and celery increases saliva production, which neutralises acids in the mouth, and it can also stimulate blood flow to the gums. These snacks are completely sugar-free and they’re also high in fibre and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
  4. Cheese: Cheese may not be the best option if you’re desperate to lose weight, but it’s very good for your teeth. Cheese is rich in calcium, and it’s also low in sugar. Cheese is also a good source of protein.
  5. Nuts: Nuts are often touted as a superfood snack because they contain essential oils and fatty acids. If you choose plain nuts, rather than sugar-coated or honeyed nuts, you should also find that they have low sugar content. You only need a small handful of nuts to keep you going between meals.

Spotting the Signs of Gum Disease

Friday, February 17th, 2017

shutterstock_195237566Gum disease is one of the most common dental health issues. There’s good and bad news when it comes to gum disease. The bad news is that it can cause irreparable damage to your gums and the bone structure beneath. The good news is that it can be prevented. If you’re worried about gum disease, here are some tips to help you spot the danger signs and keep your gums healthy.

Spotting the signs of gum disease

Mild gum disease can be treated, but if it’s left to develop, gum disease can result in severe symptoms, and even premature tooth loss. If you spot the warning signs, see your dentist as soon as possible. Don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment. The most common signs of gum disease include:

  • Swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums (usually this is most noticeable when you brush your teeth)
  • Redness in the gums
  • Painful gums

When gum disease becomes more advanced, you may also notice that your gums have receded (this can make the teeth look longer than normal) and you may experience an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Preventing gum disease

Gum disease is preventable, and your best weapon against unwanted symptoms is good oral hygiene. Gum disease is caused by harmful bacteria, which combine with food debris and saliva to form a substance called plaque. The bacteria in plaque release acids, which irritate the gums, and cause them to become painful and inflamed. If you brush twice a day and follow your dentist’s hygiene recommendations, you should be able to keep gum disease at bay. We also recommend regular dental checks, and avoiding a sugary diet. Smoking can also increase your risk of gum disease. If you do spot signs, call and make an appointment as quickly as possible. The sooner we can treat you, the lower the risk of permanent damage.