Catching yourself in the mirror and focusing on misaligned teeth can really eat away at your self-esteem. Combine that with a fear of the dentist’s office and your smile can easily get neglected…

In fact, a new survey by teeth straightening experts at Align Technology found that one in five adults feel they get judged on their crooked teeth. Men are more affected by this, with 23% anxious about people scrutinising their teeth, compared to 17% of women.

But don’t despair. If you didn’t get a mouthful of metal braces as a teenager, you haven’t missed your chance! No matter your age, it’s not too late to get overcrowded, wonky teeth straightened out. Here’s what you need to know:

What treatments are available?
Invisalign works by repositioning the teeth a little at a time using custom-made clear acrylic aligners that are changed every two weeks, or you can opt for fixed cosmetic braces that are very discreet compared with metal braces. The possibilities don’t stop there, so check out the treatments we carry out to see which option is right for you!

Does it matter how old I am?
Nope, you are never too old to get your teeth straightened. Each person has their own individual needs and as long as your oral health is good, then you should be free to pursue it as you wish. I’ve had people well into their sixties getting their teeth straightened! One issue that older people may need to be aware of is that your bone may be less able to hold the teeth in their new position than younger people. Following treatment, permanent retention is very important to help prevent the teeth from moving back.

How long does treatment take?
Length of the procedure depends on how severe the problem is, and which course of treatment you decide to go for. It may take anything from just six weeks to over two years.

Can I still eat what I want?
Invisalign put their brand’s popularity down to the fact that “aligners can be removed during treatment for short periods of time to allow you to eat whatever you want, kiss without impediment, play a wind instrument and maintain your normal good oral hygiene routine, so that your treatment can be maintained without impacting on your life,” and claim their method is “virtually undetectable” so no one will even know you’re undergoing treatment.

With other methods such as traditional train track braces, this isn’t quite the case, so be sure to discuss with your dentist what your dietary limitations are for your particular treatment.

Is it worth it?
If you’re currently nervous about your smile and shy away from photographs or social situations because you’re unhappy with your teeth, then absolutely. When it comes to our patients, we have boosted both confidence and mental wellbeing. For many, having nice straight teeth is priceless.

If you decide that you aren’t too old to get your teeth straightened after all, then call us on 020 8088 2079 and we can discuss your options.

What would you do if your dentist told you they were going to print you a replacement tooth?

What if they went on to say that this would also aid in keeping your mouth free of bacteria?

I know, it sounds pretty ridiculous, like something you’d find in some kind of futuristic film. But this isn’t the stuff of fiction – this is reality.

One of the latest stories in New Scientist discusses this new revelation; Getting fitted for a false tooth or other dental treatment tends to involve a mouthful of foul-tasting gunk and plaster casts.

But now dentists are moving to high-tech digital scanning and 3D printing. That switch opens the door to more advanced materials that could improve your oral hygiene.

Here’s the full article if you’re interested in finding out more, I highly recommend giving it a read:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn28353-3d-printed-teeth-to-keep-your-mouth-free-of-bacteria/

It’s a medical product with a foreseeable application in the near future, much less time than developing a new drug.

We certainly can’t wait! Stay tuned everyone, and watch this space.

And don’t forget, if you’re interested in booking yourself in for an appointment, or you’re just looking for some dental health advice, then give us a call at Brightside Dental on 020 8088 2079.

It’s time to talk about teeth whitening again!

This week we’re going to take a look into the legalities of the procedure…

By law, teeth whitening can only be carried out by registered dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists and clinical dental technicians working to the prescription of a dentist.

Why is this so important? Many people don’t realise the laws surrounding teeth whitening, and the serious dangers that can result from getting it done by the wrong person.

Every week I see new horror stories popping up all over the papers and all over the Internet. Here’s one I found the other day:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mum-two-loses-two-front-6655635

This poor woman lost two front teeth because of how damaging the peroxide was to her gums.

Remember, even if a clinic looks the part, you should always check that they have the correct qualifications.

And if they don’t? Then report them to the General Dental Council, and perhaps you’ll save someone else from losing their two front teeth!

If you’d like pop in for a consultation to see if you’re suitable for teeth whitening, and to discuss which procedure would work best for you, then call us on 020 8088 2079.

What if I told you that there’s a bad side to flossing? You probably wouldn’t believe me.

Allow me elaborate…

Flossing at its core isn’t a bad process, as you’ve probably heard from your dentist, it’s an efficient way to get rid of plaque that a standard toothbrush simply cannot reach.

Plaque is a major contributor to gum disease, it generates acids that cause cavities, irritates and inflames gums, and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

So what’s so bad about flossing? It keeps all those nooks and crannies clean where bacteria like to fester and wreak havoc, right?

The bad can be the methods that people use to floss.

Poor technique can result in pushing plaque and bacteria into spaces underneath the gums and allowing them to grow; leaving people unaware of the damage they are causing until it’s too late.

Scary stuff, eh?

Then there’s the bleeding… a lot of dentists say it’s okay to see a little blood, but is it really? If your gums are bleeding, it means you’re doing something wrong. You shouldn’t be slicing into your gums at all!

Sadly flossing isn’t for everyone, some people really struggle with shoving something in between their teeth. Now these aren’t alternatives, but they can certainly help:

1. A strong, alcohol-free mouthwash.

After brushing your teeth thoroughly, swill your mouth out with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Mouthwashes that contain CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride) and essential oils are great at combating the bacteria that lingers in your mouth. It’ll also wash away any plaque you may have missed.

2. Use a high-powered toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes can have some really great features; they can oscillate, vibrate, rotate or use sonic technology to effectively get rid of plaque. They don’t do all the work though, so be sure to continue brushing thoroughly, and replace the heads every four to six weeks as the bristles do wear down.

3.    Use an interdental brush

These are small brushes that help clean in between the teeth where your normal toothbrush    doesn’t reach and are useful if you have difficulty in flossing or have large gaps between the teeth.

4.    Blast plaque away with a water jet.

To further help remove plaque in places your toothbrush and dental floss can’t reach, give this one a go. It’s especially great for people who wear braces, have complicated dental work, or gum disease.

So if you’ve got any qualms when it comes to flossing, there are alternatives… then again, it’s always beneficial to visit your dentist for a complete dental clean.

And if you use all of these techniques? You can be confident that you’ll have the cleanest, most hygienic set of teeth around.

If you’re after any more advice on this subject, or you’d like to book yourself in for an appointment, then simply give Brightside Dental a call on 020 8088 2079.

One of the things I get asked about the most as a dentist is for tips on how to maintain healthy teeth on a day-to-day basis.

So here you go guys – these are my eight pointers to keep your mouth happy and healthy:

1. Always clean before bed

This seems pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people only brush once a day, or even not at all! If you go to sleep without brushing, plaque will remain on your teeth and make you more vulnerable to decay. Research shows that if you remove plaque and the bacteria it harbours within 24 hours, it doesn’t have time to produce enough acid to damage your teeth.

2. Floss!

A toothbrush can’t reach all of those little nooks and crannies, so leave the rest of the work to your dental floss. If you don’t, plaque can settle and rot away your teeth and damage your gums even if you brush twice a day like a champ.

3. Avoid DIY tooth-whitening products

These tooth-whitening products are not regulated because they’re considered cosmetic, so there’s no guarantee if they are effective, or even safe for that matter. Your dentist can tell you if you’re a suitable candidate for whitening in the first place, and talk you through what your options are.

 4. Don’t share toothbrushes

Quite simply, other people’s toothbrushes can harbour foreign bacteria that can be harmful to your teeth. Make sure you stick to your own!

 5. Don’t chew your nails

We dentists can tell who is a nail biter! Chewing your nails can result in worn down, or even chipped teeth – so don’t do it.

6. Avoid smoking

Another obvious one. Smoking does not only severely discolour and weaken your teeth, but it can lead to gum disease and oral cancer. Not to mention the other adverse effects it has on your health.

7. Don’t open things with your teeth

Especially things like bottles and wrappers. Using your teeth as a tool for opening stubborn containers can dull, and even crack your teeth.

8. Avoid tongue piercings

A lot of people don’t realise it, but tongue piercings can cause infection, pain, and swelling; chipped teeth; and nerve damage. In many cases, the trauma of the piercing gently but repeatedly knocking against the lower front teeth can cause them teeth to eventually fall out.

Some of these are a little more obvious than others, but try and follow them and you’ll only be doing your teeth some good!

Time and time again these “natural” teeth whitening trends pop up around the Internet.

Unfortunately people constantly fall for them, wasting time, money and energy on something that isn’t really going to give them a whiter smile and can even cause harm to your teeth.

The only way forward when it comes to teeth whitening is talking to a dentist, and getting a professional procedure sorted out that’s completely suited to you.

So what’s the latest fad that’s spreading online?

Check it out:

http://www.hngn.com/articles/135504/20151001/teeth-whitening-banana-peel-whiten-save-money.htm

You read it right – banana peel.

An old piece of banana skin is absolutely not going to provide you with a deep, whitening clean!

There is no scientific evidence behind this strange new trend, so don’t let yourself fall for it too.

Get the job done properly, save yourself the hassle.

I know it sounds pretty crazy, but it’s absolutely true!

After months of research studying CAT scans of the remains of 30 men, women and children who perished beneath the ashes of Pompeii’s Mount Vesuvius, scientists found something incredible…

These Ancient Romans lived long before the days of modern dentistry but yet they had impressively healthy teeth.

How?

The inhabitants of Pompeii ate a lot of fruit and vegetables but very little sugar. They ate better than we did and have really good teeth. Studying their teeth could reveal a lot more about their lives.

Despite not having toothbrushes and toothpaste at their disposal, merely having a low sugar, high fibre diet proved to be enough to maintain a good pair of gnashers back in AD 79.

Here’s the news article if you fancy a read:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/11902097/Ancient-Romans-had-perfect-teeth-thanks-to-healthy-low-sugar-diet.html

Remember, eating well can do wonders for your mouth!

How many times a day do brush your teeth?

For how long?

Do you get into all the nooks and crannies, areas where bacteria likes to hide, or sugar likes to cling?

We all do it… a quick once over in the morning before we go to work, an even quicker brushing session before you climb into bed.

Thing is, if you are one of these people who doesn’t thoroughly clean their teeth, you’re leaving yourself open to a world of future pain, gum disease and tooth decay.

I found an interesting article which offers up a few tips you could practice every day to improve your oral hygiene, saving your teeth from any future calamity.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Get-the-most-out-of-your-daily-brushing-routine/articleshow/48807021.cms

Some of these tips are self-explanatory, but do you follow any of them? How often do you clean your toothbrush, or are you one of those people who rinse your toothbrush under the tap when you’ve finished brushing?

Do you floss? Use mouthwash? There are places your toothbrush can’t reach, no matter how hard you brush (brushing hard is a big no by the way,) so make sure you use alternate methods during your routine to ensure your teeth, gums and your mouth is in pristine condition.

If you’re looking for some advice about how to maintain your oral hygiene, or maybe you’re curious about how your teeth are doing lately, then why not give us a call on 020 8088 2079 to book an appointment, and we’ll tell you exactly where you stand and what can be improved.

When out on nights out and your friends are snapping photos of the evening’s best moments, are you always staring into the camera with pursed lips because you’re ashamed of your teeth?

Do you suffer from dental discoloration? Maybe your teeth are a teensy bit too creamy around the sides, or they may harbour significant stains that leave you feeling embarrassed whenever you open your mouth or smile. Even if nobody notices or cares… deep down, you know it’s starting to affect your confidence.

This doesn’t have to be the case because you can get your teeth whitened relatively easily. All you need to do is book an appointment with us and we’ll be able to talk you though the process to give you a fantastic pearly white smile in no time.

Here’s a little information about teeth whitening: Few Facts about Teeth Whitening.

Remember, teeth whitening is not a permanent solution to your problem, and depending on your lifestyle, your habits and the food you eat will determine how effective and the lifespan of the treatment.

If you’re unhappy with the level of discolouration on your teeth and would like to have a chat to see how you can have the most perfect smile on your side of the street, give us a call now on 020 8088 2079.

Nobody likes a closed mouth smile, so come and book an appointment and get whatever dental problem you have behind those lips sorted pronto.

If you were offered a free filling, extraction or cleaning for just one day, would you take that opportunity with open arms?

I found teeny article that piqued my interest. http://www.wxyz.com/news/dentistry-from-the-heart-event-will-provide-free-dental-care-for-adults

Dentistry from the Heart… it’s a cute title, and I’m sure it will make all 50 people happier, especially those from less fortunate backgrounds who may have been suffering from tooth pain for a while.

Thing is, it also got me thinking about how many people neglect their oral health on a daily basis. And in the extreme, the extent to which a patient’s mouth decays.

I went on thinking like this for a while until I came full-circle back to the principle point of the article… free dental care… and it got me wondering about what it would take for some patients to come in for regular check-ups.

Do people’s attitudes change when things are handed to them on a silver platter for free? It’s a nice concept, but in essence, over time the level of service would degrade. Sad, but true, I’m afraid.

However, what if there were other services to get patients to come down for a check-up. What is it that you would like to see implemented to make your visits more pleasant. Have you ever thought about it? We’re always thinking of new ways to improve your experience with us at Brightside Dental.

If you’ve been neglecting your teeth lately, why not book an appointment. If you do have any problems, we can nip then in the bud before the turn into anything more serious.

Please don’t hesitate to call on 020 8088 2079.

Brightside Dental want to make sure you have a lifelong set of fantastic teeth, so get in touch now.

If you have any other questions, or maybe a few suggestions, you could always email us on [email protected]