As well as new uniforms, stationery and booster shots, a regular dental check-up should be part of back to school preparations:

– Many children are suffering from untreated tooth decay; dental pain can affect eating, playing, learning and lead to missed school.

– Regular checkups at the dentist can diagnose any problems early and they can provide mouthguards for your child if they play contact sports.

– Make sure brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste is part of their daily routine.

“Parents and teachers may not realize there’s a dental problem, so regular checkups are important.”

Read the full story here:

Brushing the teeth twice daily is the recommended norm by most dental professionals but the quality of brushing is equally, if not more, important. Many people tend to hurry the procedure, fail to brush correctly or use the wrong toothbrush. 

A dentist can advise you as to which toothbrush is best and how to clean the teeth properly but the basic guidelines are:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush

• Use small circular motions not back and forth

• Never brush too aggressively

Proper brushing should take “between two and three minutes” and toothbrushes should be replaced every three months or when worn or frayed. More tips on proper dental care can be found at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324708.php.

Dummies (pacifiers) can have both positive and negative effects on baby’s oral health:

– Dummies provide comfort to baby and can actually reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

– Unfortunately, dummies can affect baby’s jaw development and the shape of the roof of the mouth if used too much.

– The dentist will advise you to only use them at nap and sleep time, and to wean baby off their dummy by the age of two.

“Your child’s teeth may slant forward or protrude from the mouth and the teeth may not come in properly.”

Read the full story here:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-does-a-pacifier-impact-your-childs-oral-health/

The modern dentist has a range of filling types to choose from but composite fillings are fast becoming the most popular choice for patients. This is because composite fillings, unlike silver or amalgam, are mixed to match a patient’s existing tooth colour. 

Benefits of composite fillings:

• Unnoticeable

• Give a natural look to teeth

• Provide a great smile

Although composite fillings are more expensive than amalgam they are ideal for patients who “prefer that fillings look more natural” and are suitable for small fillings in the front and back teeth.

Read more at https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/composite-fillings.

Have you heard of a condition known as obstructive sleep apnoea? This chronic illness is generally caused by a narrowing of your airways whilst you sleep. 

Not only will it be difficult (if not impossible) to obtain the rest that you require, but other health conditions can be caused by sleep apnoea. Heart attack, obesity, stroke and even adult-onset diabetes have all been linked to obstructive sleep apnoea. 

This is why it is important to recognise the associated symptoms before taking the next step. Some signs that this condition may be present include:

• Feelings of tiredness and malaise throughout the day.
• Chronic and loud snoring.
• Suddenly waking up gasping and out of breath.

If you have experienced one or more of these situations, it is prudent to obtain an at-home sleep test. This will provide you with accurate results and you can then seek treatment from a doctor. 

You may also wish to speak with your dentist, as he or she might offer additional solutions such as a mouthpiece which can be worn during the overnight hours in order to supply your body with the proper levels of oxygen. 

As with any medical condition, sleep apnoea needs to be taken very seriously. 

Do you have sleep apnoea? An in-home Sleep Test provides a quick, convenient and affordable way to have sleep apnoea confirmed. All studies are independently analysed by experienced NHS-qualified sleep professionals, and use the WatchPAT recording device for unrivalled accuracy. 

Learn more about sleep apnoea: https://www.sleeptest.co.uk

It’s often believed that you should only follow a strict dental care routine once permanent teeth are in place, but it’s never too early to start caring for your child’s teeth.

Key takeaways:

• You can start even before teeth emerge, by wiping the gums with gauze or a cloth.
• Regular brushing should start as soon as the first teeth appear.
• Dental appointments are recommended within six months of the first tooth coming in.

The earlier you start a dental care routine, the healthier and stronger your child’s teeth will be.

Read the full story here:

Did you know there are numerous cosmetic dentistry options that can give you the perfect smile?

– Damaged, uneven or missing teeth can be repaired or masked using cosmetic dentistry techniques such as the application of veneers, reshaping or dental implants.

– Professional teeth whitening can quickly brighten and whiten teeth.

– Braces and aligners can quickly straighten teeth; they are much more affordable than in the past.

Don’t let a fear of the dentist stop you from getting the smile of your dreams.Make an appointment with your dentist to discuss how cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile.

“It is time to visit a good dentist and to find out about the advantages of cosmetic dentistry.”

Read the full story here: https://www.getholistichealth.com/79988/the-advantages-of-cosmetic-dentistry/

There are certain actions you should take in a dental emergency:

– If teeth have been knocked out, try to find them, rinse in water, put in a glass of milk, then get to the dentist as soon as possible.

– If you lose or break a filling you can get a temporary filling and ibuprofen for any pain from the chemist until you can visit the dentist.

– If you get something stuck between your teeth you can try flossing to remove it — but if it’s still stuck, it’s best to get your dentist to remove it soon.

– Head to A&E with any difficulty breathing or sudden facial swelling.

“You can wait on a cracked or chipped tooth as long as it isn’t causing pain.”

Read the full story here: https://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/dental-health-11/misc-dental-problem-news-174/dental-emergencies-645351.html

Bad breath is often a sign of insufficient or ineffective oral hygiene. This condition is usually temporary and can be reversed by taking the following measures:

Key takeaways:

• Brush, floss, and use a tongue scraper on a daily basis.
• Avoid anything that could cause dry mouth, like smoking and alcohol-based mouthwashes.
• Snack on healthy foods, like fresh fruit and crunchy vegetables, as these will keep your mouth hydrated.

Having your teeth and gums professionally cleaned by a dentist is also helpful if you’re struggling with bad breath.

Read the full story here:

https://www.drmichaels.com/blog/ways-to-eliminate-bad-breath