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Dec
20

It’s the festive season! but not so much for your teeth…

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It’s that time of year again when people start to hang up their christmas trees and sing along to christmas songs on the radio. Christmas time is not only about gifts and celebration, but food is also a big part of the festivities.

As British people, we all look forward to a big juicy roasted turkey and wine for christmas,  but not to mention the mountains of chocolates, ice creams, mince pies, biscuits, christmas pudding, tarts, jellies….you get the point.

Although we use Christmas as an excuse to stuff ourselves with food, our stomachs aren’t the only areas that we should be wary of…..

All the sweets and cakes contain piles of sugar which cause tooth decay, and the red wines and berries are acidic which can cause tooth erosion. As a dentist, we want to warn people not to constantly consume sugary or acidic foods and drinks. It is actually better to eat sweet things at meal times rather than inbetween meals. This is because if  sugars are continuously being eaten, the teeth are frequently being exposed to acid erosion by the bacteria in the mouth, which leads to tooth decay and erosion. Therefore, it is important to allow your teeth to remineralise and recover after a meal, and try to avoid eating in-between meals.

It is also important to brush your teeth twice a day with the correct brushing technique. For a video of how to properly care for your teeth click here.

If you would like to have a dental assessment to ensure you have a pain-free new years, why not come and visit our London dentist at Smile Cliniq.

Finchley branch: 0208 343 1133

St John’s Wood branch: 0207 328 1200

email: info@smilecliniq.com

You can also send us an instand enquiry form via our website www.smilecliniq.com

 

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Oct
06

Nearly Half Admit Skipping Brushing Teeth At Bedtime, UK

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Nearly half of the population (47 per cent) has admitted to regularly skipping brushing their teeth at bedtime putting their oral health at risk.

Women are the most likely to break one of the three golden rules for clean and healthy teeth, with nearly six out of ten (59 per cent) regularly skipping brushing their teeth at bedtime, compared to just over a third of men (35 per cent). In contrast, relatively few people skip brushing their teeth in the morning with just one in ten people starting the day without looking after their teeth.

The findings have been revealed by the British Dental Health Foundation as part of its National Smile Month campaign, which has been running since 1977. The survey – which looked at the nation’s brushing habits – also found that over a quarter of the population (28 per cent) have admitted to not brushing their teeth for 24 hours and around one in seven people (15 per cent) have not cleaned their teeth for more than two days.

During National Smile Month, the Foundation seeks to remind everyone of the three golden rules for good oral health: brushing for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste; cutting down on how often you eat and drink sugary foods and drinks; and visiting your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, said: “Anyone who regularly skips brushing their teeth – morning or night-time – is storing up oral health problems for the future such as tooth decay and gum disease – the biggest cause of tooth loss often resulting in the need for bridges, dentures or implants. Gum disease has also been linked to other medical problems such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes and respiratory disease.

“Good oral health cannot be maintained by brushing once a day as each brushing session has a specific purpose. Brushing first thing in the morning coats the tooth’s enamel with fluoride to strengthen and protect the tooth surface against acid attacks throughout the day.

“Brushing last thing at night removes the deposits which have built up from eating and drinking during the day, as well as removing plaque – the cause of gum disease. The last brush of the day also coats the teeth with fluoride, which is not washed away through eating and drinking, and continues to protect the tooth’s surface further during sleep,” advised Dr Carter.

Source:

British Dental Health Foundation

We all appreciate that sometimes we can end up unable to get ourselves up from the bed after a long days work, but we must remember that brushing your teeth only takes 2 minutes, and will prevent you waking up with bad breath. Brushing your teeth morning and night is important, but also using the correct technique and interproximal brushes is just as importnt is maintaining good oral health. To find out if you are brushing your teeth correctly and effectively, click here for a video tutorial.

Regular check ups with the dentist is also important to check for signs of decay and gum disease, and to be able to treat it in their early stages. An examination appointment at Smile Cliniq is on offer for just £30 including small digital x-rays if necessary. Why not give us a call and book in for your check up, as a step towards a healthy smile.

Finchley branch: 0208 343 1133

St John’s Wood branch: 0207 328 1200

or why not send us an email to info@smilecliniq.com

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Sep
22

Young smokers and drinkers risking oral health

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Protect your child from oral health problems

According to recent research undertaken by the NHS Information Centre, nearly 1 in 2 (45%) of 11 to 15 year olds are cosuming alcohol, and over 1 in 4 (27%) admitted to smoking. Although these figures show an improvement over the last 10 years, the British Dental Health Foundation believes they still show cause for concern.

The Chief executive of the Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, warns that smokers are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Smoking and alcohol are also the two predominant causes of mouth cancer, and, when combined, increase the risk of getting the disease by up to 30 times.

Guidelines suggest men should not consume more than 21 units of alcohol per week, and women no more than 14 units. The survey revealed that children of this age group were consuming 12.9 units, which is even as adults, approaching unhealthy levels.

Although the levels of smokers has fallen since previous years, it is still a fact that habits concerning smoking and alcohol consumtion relating to oral health is of concern. It is still found that smoking and alcohol abuse accounts for 3 in every 4 cases of mouth cancer.

Smile Cliniq understands the importance of oral health and how smoking and alcohol abuse can cause a devastating effect on a person’s oral health. An examination at Smile Cliniq dental practice includes a full check-up of the patient’s teeth, gums, and soft tissues. During this the dentist checks for signs of oral cancer, and also takes a thorough record of the medical history to identify any risks.

To find out more about gum disease and how they can lead to tooth loss, please click here

Attending regular 6-monthly check-ups and catching signs for potential diseases like gum disease and oral cancer is vital to allow for quick action and preventing further deterioration. If you would like to book in for a dental  assessment with our dentists at Smile Cliniq, please give us a call on:

0208 343 1133 (Finchley Branch)

0207 328 1200 (St Johns Wood Branch)

or send us an email to info@smilecliniq.com

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Aug
31

Oral facts and tips – gum disease

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Bacteria in plaque cause gum disease

Considering it’s one of the major causes of tooth loss, it’s pretty difficult to spot the signs of gum disease. Links between gum disease and, in some cases, life-threatening illnesses are constantly developing, so taking care of your gums is vitally important.

As we all have gum disease at some point in our lives, it’s important to remember plenty can be done to ensure it does not develop into something more serious. The British Dental Health Foundation is offering the following information on gum disease:

10 FACTS ABOUT GUM DISEASE
1. There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
2. More teeth are lost through periodontal disease than tooth decay.
3. The first sign of gum disease may be bleeding when you clean your teeth.
4. All gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surface of teeth every day.
5. Gum disease is never cured, but it can be controlled.
6. Gum disease develops painlessly, so most of the time you’ll be unaware of the damage it is causing.
7. Studies have shown regular exercise decreases the chances of developing tooth-threatening gum infections.
8. Gum disease has been linked to heart and lung disease, diabetes, strokes, cardio vascular disease, Alzheimer’s, premature and low-birth-weight babies.
9. Fertility and sexual problems have also been linked to the presence of gum disease.
10. If you have bad breath, or it becomes unpleasant over time, this may be a sign of gum disease.

5 TIPS TO HELP PREVENT GUM DISEASE
In addition to following the Foundation’s key rules for good oral health, the following tips are recommended for preventing gum disease:

1. Always tell your dentist about changes to your health, as it may help them prevent gum disease from developing.
2. Clean in between your teeth using interdental brushes or floss. This will help to clean a higher portion of the tooth and prevent the build up of plaque.
3. Eat a good, healthy and balanced diet.
4. Quitting smoking will help you reduce the chances of gum disease deteriorating.
5. Use a mouthwash containing anti-bacterial to help control gum disease.

For more information on how to prevent and care for gum disease, click here.

You can also book in for a professional clean, or get more information about treatment of gum disease and our periodontist by calling our number 0208 343 1133 or emailing us at info@smilecliniq.com

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Jul
14

Dental phobia management

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Dental Phobia Dentist LondonWe all know that most of us have a fear of dentists. Some are scared of needles, others of having a drill in their mouth.

Having a fear of dentists is called dental phobia, and is a very common problem amongst children and adults. People with dental phobia tend to refrain from visiting the dentist even when they are in pain, and leave it hoping that it will eventually go away. This is a big mistake. Dental pain is one of the worst types of pain you can feel, and it will generally not heal itself without any treatment. If a dental problem is left untreated, it will progress into a bigger problem. Such examples are caries extending into the pulp causing a root canal treatment to be required, or progression of gum disease causing loss of bone to become periodontitis.

We at Smile Cliniq dental practice in North London understand how frightening it is for a person with dental phobia to visit the dentist, but also recognise how important it is to overcome their fear of dentists so that they can undergo the suitable treatment to achieve a good oral health.

Therefore, Smile Cliniq Dental Practice, winner of Best Dentist London and UK, provide patients with CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy, to help them overcome their fear of the dentist.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is highly recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) as the most effective way of treating anxiety. It is offered here at Smile Cliniq Dental Practice by Helen Chapman, our dental phobia management specialist. Helen also has qualification as a dentist, and is therefore highly experienced with treating people with dental phobia. Helen also understands problems such as depression, OCD, and agoraphobia which can make it difficult to visit the dentist.

Treatment of dental phobia by CBT consists of an hour long consultation with Helen, to discuss thoughts and beliefs about going to the dentist, any past experiences, and to try and work out the source of the fear. This allows Helen to understand the background of each person’s phobia of dentists, as each person is different. This way the therapist will be able to derive what actions will best help the patient overcome their fear, and at what pace. Understandably, patients will not recover from dental phobia overnight, and the process will be gradual. Helen assesses the patient’s reaction after treatment, and will monitor the progress.

CBT is a gradual process, and will require patient’s courage and determination. Sedation will get a dental phobic patient though a treatment, but it will not cure dental phobia. Cognitive behavioural therapy is the most effective way of overcoming dental phobia, and is a great solution for patients who care about their oral health.

If you would like to take the first step towards overcoming your dental phobia, or would like to know more about it, please contact us on 0208 343 1133, or by email to info@smilecliniq.com

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Jul
07

Poor Oral Health can impact on your sex life

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gum disease can be a cause of unhappy relationships...

A recent study has revealed erectile dysfunction can be linked to gum disease.

The research, carried out on 70 male subjects, showed a correlation between gum disease and the ability to achieve an erection.

The data indicates that as the severity of erectile dysfunction increased, so did the prevalence of chronic periodontitis (gum disease).

Overall, more than four out of five men (81.8%) with severe erectile dysfunction had gum disease.

In comparison, in cases of mild erectile dysfunction, the incidence of gum disease was less than two in five men.

According to the National Institutes of Health, erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to attain and or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.

It is a condition that affects one in 10 men worldwide, and is more commonly experienced after the age of 40.

Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, believes the stigma attached to the subject could be forcing men up and down the country to turn a blind eye on their oral health.

Dr Carter said: ‘To associate gum disease, the major preventable cause of tooth loss in adults, with such a taboo subject amongst males is not something that should be taken lightly.

‘If, in theory, four out of five men who suffer from erectile dysfunction have poor oral health, the effect it could have on their general health poses a serious health risk to those individuals affected.’

For men who experience erectile dysfunction and resulting anxiety, loss of self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, tension and difficulty in the relationship with their partner, the message is simple.

Dr Carter said: ‘As the findings of this study suggests, looking after your gums and oral health in general can reduce this risk and in turn offer better quality of life.

At Smile Cliniq our experienced and dedicated team can help you deal with gum disease and maintain a healthy mouth. Many people do not realise how progressed gum disease has become until it causes irreversible bone loss and gum recession. A professional clean and guide to correct maintenance techniques at home is the only way that you can keep your mouth healthy.

Our scale and polish clean is currently on offer at £45. If you would like to book an appointment with us, please call us on:

0208 343 1133 for the Finchley branch

0207 328 1200 for the St Johns Wood branch

or send us an email to info@smilecliniq.com

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May
26

Endodontist

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An endodontist is a specialist that deals with problems with the pulp of the tooth.  Generally they have completed a dental degree (5-years) and then completed further specialist training (3-5 years) on root canal treatments. Treatment of an infected pulp usually requires a root canal treatment. A root canal treatment is when the pulp, containing the nerve and blood supply of the tooth, is removed and a rubber  filling is packed inside, with a crown or a filling to cover the tooth at the end.

Root canal treatment can be very complex and is a time consuming procedure. In some difficult cases it is best to see a specialist endodontist straight away. This is because the first root canal treatment has the highest success rate, and if it is not done to a high standard, there is a risk of the root canal treatment failing. If this happens, there is a need for a re-root canal treatment.  Unfortunately, the success rates of re-root canal treatments are much lower, hence it is important to get it completed correctly the first time.

A root canal treatment can be done in one or two stages. It consists of the caries and pulp initially being removed. The canal walls are then smoothed and shaped using single use files. The canals are then disinfected using an irrigant. An antibiotic paste may be placed inside the root and a temporary filling placed if the treatment is to be done in two stages.

The tooth is then left for a few days to settle down and allow the intra canal medicament to work, and the second stage can take place. The temporary filling and intra canal medicament is removed, and canals smoothed and disinfected. A gutta percha filling is then packed tightly inside the canal, and a filling is placed on top. Most root canal treated teeth require crowns afterwards.

At Smile Cliniq, winner of Best Practice London, we are certain that Dr Kaher (winner of Best Dentist London and UK) and Dr Kotecha together with our specialist endodontist Dr Nojan Khalehoghli are highly skilled and experienced at delivering excellent root canal treatments, to ensure highest chances of the root canal treatment succeeding the first time.

All specialist treatments are carried out at the Smile Cliniq Dental surgery in Finchley, North London. If you think you require treatment from a specialist endodontist, or want to ask a few questions about seeing a specialist endodontist, just simply call our number on 0208 343 1133. You can also contact us via email at info@smilecliniq.com

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May
12

Orthodontist

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As a person’s smile is regarded as one of their most attractive features, more and more people are now taking better care of their teeth. However, not all of us are lucky enough to be born with perfectly straight teeth. If someone wanted to improve their smile by straightening their teeth, one option will be to have orthodontic treatment.

An Orthodontist is a specialist who deals with straightening teeth. Straightening teeth will not only improve your smile and appearance, but it also improves the function of the bite and allows for easier cleaning to prevent dental problems from arising.

At Smile Cliniq Dental Practice in London, our Specialist Orthodontist, Paroo Mistry, provides patients with conventional type fixed orthodontic braces which work by bodily movement of the teeth. This type of orthodontic brace has proven to show dramatic improvements in the way teeth are aligned in the mouth. It is the most effective and stable way of achieving alignment of the tooth that requires significant amounts of movement, and has a very high success rate of producing the perfect smile.

The process of seeing the orthodontist would be to initially have a consultation with the dentist. The dentist will explain to you all the orthodontic treatments available, and give pros and cons of each. The dentist will then have a brief look at your teeth and discuss with you which orthodontic treatment would be most effective. All the questions you may have will be answered during the consultation. If you have been referred to Smile Cliniq Dental Practice by your own dentist to see the Specialist Orthodontist, then the consultation with the dentist here may not be necessary.

Once you are happy to have the orthodontic treatment, you will be booked in for an appointment to see the Specialist Orthodontist, Paroo Mistry, for an assessment. During the assessment, the orthodontist will discuss what your main issues are, take measurements and records of the alignment of the teeth, and explain to you the findings and the treatment plan. An OPG (full jaw) radiograph will be needed for the assessment, but this can be taken at the dental practice if you do not have it already.

You will be booked in to see the orthodontist every six weeks for reviews and adjustment after the orthodontic braces are fitted, until the perfect smile is achieved. Length of treatment varies from person to person but tends to be quicker on growing patients. All details of your personal treatment will be clear once you’ve had the assessment with the orthodontist.

Other orthodontic appliances such as invisalign and inman aligners are also available at Smile Cliniq Dental Practice. However these options are best for cases where there is not a huge amount of movement required, or where there are just a couple of teeth involved in the alignment of the teeth. Each person is unique and therefore one option may be more suited to some than others.

If you would like to know more about the orthodontic treatments available at Smile Cliniq Dental Practice in London, please contact us on 0208 343 1133 or by email to info@smilecliniq.com

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May
07

Dental Sedation

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Are you a nervous patient? Do you hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental treatment? Are you unable to block it all out? Why not try dental sedation?

Dental Sedation is a way in which a patient can undergo their treatment without feeling frightened. It is a popular request amongst patients with dental phobia, and will be suited for those that

  • Don’t want to be aware of what’s happening during the procedure
  • Would like some help to relax during treatments

During dental sedation, an Anaesthetist will carry out the sedation. Ranjana Khiroya is our anaesthetist with 36 years of experience, as well as Dr Kotecha who some of you may know already. The anaesthetist will ensure that the patient is feeling relaxed and happy while monitoring the blood pressure, oxygen saturation in the blood, and the pulse. The dental treatment is carried out by the dentist who would have previously talked to the patient in the consultation and examination, with the aneasthetist and nurse keeping a close eye on the patient during sedation.

Once the treatment is finished, the patient is left to relax and is taken home by a friend or relative.

The most common way to describe the feeling during sedation is like being merry on alcohol but without the hangover afterwards.  Patients need an escort to take them home and are advised not to work/drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day. May I suggest you also do not sign any paperwork – especially those who’ve had very unhappy wives for the past few weeks!

Our experiences with providing patients with dental sedation have proven very effective, and always receive positive feedback that the experience was great.

If you have dental phobia, and would like to know more about having sedation at Smile Cliniq Dental Practice, please contact us via telephone on 0208 343 1133 or by email to info@smilecliniq.com

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Mar
17

Dental Phobia Management at Smile Cliniq Dental Practice in Finchley and St John’s Wood

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Do you have dental anxiety, dental fear or dental phobia? Are you frightened of going to the dentist? Do you avoid going to the dentist or do you keep your appointments and endure them with a good deal of stress? Do you feel embarrassed or ashamed of your fear or your mouth? Do you have your treatment with dental sedation or general anaesthetic? Are you looking for a dentist who really understands your problems?

If the answer to any of these questions is “Yes”, then we can help you at the Smile Cliniq dental practice, winners of Best Dentist London and UK, in Finchley and St John’s Wood.

Helen Chapman, our Dental Phobia Management Specialist, works at both these dental practices with the other staff to provide a specialised service for treating dental fear, dental anxiety and dental phobia. This includes specific problems like gagging.

Helen is trained in and has 15 years of experience in using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to treat dental anxiety and dental phobia. Do you want to visit a gentle dentist in the Finchley or St John’s Wood area? This is the ultimate way to achieve this as having control of how and when things happen is an integral part of treatment. If you have other problems such as chronic pain, GAD and OCD, Helen’s training means that she understands the impact of these conditions on your dental anxiety or dental phobia.

If you want effective treatment for your dental fear, dental anxiety or dental phobia, this is it. CBT is the NICE (National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence) approved treatment for specific phobias. To gain this status, there has to be scientific proof of the treatment’s effectiveness. A study just published in the scientific journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics[1]  found that long term improvement in dental fear, dental phobia or dental anxiety was more likely after treatment with CBT than hypnosis or general anaesthesia. (More people treated with hypnosis than CBT dropped out of the study before completing treatment.)

If you are interested in CBT for your dental anxiety or dental fear please ring the Finchley or St John’s Wood dental practice and arrange an appointment. This will involve getting a detailed understanding of your problem and will not involve any dental treatment.

Finchley practice: 0208 343 1133

St John’s Wood dentist: 0207 328 1200

[1] Wannemeuller, A et al (2011) A practice-based comparison of brief cognitive behavioural treatment, two kinds of hypnosis and general anaesthesia in dental phobia. Psychother Psyhosom 80;3: e pub

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