For decades, dentists have recognised the fundamental role that good oral hygiene plays in the general well-being of our bodies. Brushing and flossing goes a long way in ensuring a healthy mouth, but the question remains, how does mouthwash benefit our oral health? Well, here are some of the answers. 

Key takeaway:

• Mouthwash prevents plaque buildup on your teeth and gums.

• Mouthwash can be used to temporarily reduce bad breath.

• The use of mouthwash can also kill bacteria and prevent gum disease.

There are many different kinds of mouthwash. Your dentist can help you choose.

Read more here https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/mouth-wash-is-it-really-necessary

An electronic water flosser, sometimes called a Waterpik, is an alternative to dental floss. A waterpik works by directing a pressurised jet of water between the teeth and into awkward areas that a toothbrush or string floss cannot access. 

Water flossers are not cheap but they do have some distinct advantages over dental floss as they:

• Are more effective in cleaning around dental braces or crowns

• Can clean under the top of the gums

• Can easily clean between tightly spaced teeth

Water flossers are also more effective than floss at removing plaque from tooth surfaces and your dentist can recommend the best type of water flosser for your particular requirements. Read more at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/is-a-waterpik-better-than-dental-floss/

Because there are several types of fillings, choosing the right one for your teeth can be confusing. Here are three things to bear in mind when having a filling.

Key takeaways:

• How big the area to be filled is: porcelain is best for large fillings, whereas composite works mainly in small and medium-sized areas.
• Visibility: silver fillings are the most noticeable. Resin and porcelain offer the most natural appearance.
• Cost: composite resin fillings are the cheapest, and gold and porcelain the most expensive.

If you’re still in doubt, have a chat with your dentist to see which filling material they recommend.

Read the full story here: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/procedures/fillings/what-is-a-filling 

Retainers are custom-made devices which are intended to be worn so teeth don’t shift position after braces are removed. What are some of the reasons why this device should be worn as recommended?

• Your teeth may otherwise shift and require further attention.
• Shifting teeth can lead to other orthodontic problems.
• Retainers are generally comfortable and easy to wear.

“The vast majority of people who receive orthodontic treatment will need to wear a retainer after their teeth are straightened.”

Check out why it is important to follow the instructions of your dentist:

You may have temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder but don’t know it. This is because the unusual symptoms are strongly related to other medical problems.

TMJ disorder can cause jaw pain, but there are other symptoms that are not so obviously connected to the jaw.

Key takeaways:

Jaw misalignment can cause neck problems including numbness, severe neck pains, and stiffness when you turn your head. You may also have a tingling sensation in your fingers. 

TMJ disorder builds up tension around the surrounding muscles and tissue which often affects the trigeminal nerve, resulting in poor vision. Patients may experience watery eyes, blurred vision and sensitivity to light.

 Although not common, TMJ disorder can also cause a ringing sound in the ear which is often not accompanied by other problems such as loss of balance, dizziness, ear pain or pressure. This medical condition is known as tinnitus.

If you do worry about your teeth and overall health, then you will schedule an appointment with your dentist who will examine your mouth to determine if you have an incorrect bite.

Read more at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/two-unexpected-symptoms-of-tmj/

New patients joining our Denplan Essentials cover plan will receive a half price registration appointment (£45 instead of £90)*. This appointment includes a full clinical examination and radiographs as necessary.

They will also get an added benefit of the 5% discount on treatment fees straight away.

*If Denplan is cancelled within 3 months, the  difference between coverage (private fees/Denplan) will need to be paid.

As soon as your child’s permanent teeth come through it’s advisable to get their teeth assessed by the dentist to see if any orthodontic work is required:

– Early assessment of teeth alignment can identify and treat any problems, saving extensive treatment being required later on in life.

– Some orthodontic correction can wait until children are teenagers.

– The average treatment time needed to fix most children’s teeth is just under two years.

The first orthodontist visit should be at age 7, and is usually simple and painless for children, and will involve an exam and some questions, including x-rays. 

Read the full story here: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/what-is-the-best-age-for-your-child-to-have-braces/

Poor dental health can impact on your overall health, including your athletic performance. By looking after your teeth and gums, including regular check-ups with your dentist, you can help your physical performance.

Key takeaways:

• Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to inflammation in the body, making it hard to maximise athletic performance.
• Dehydration from sports can cause dry mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Pain from your teeth and gums can affect sporting performance and make it difficult to fully apply yourself to a contest or event.

“Athletes that have existing oral health problems such as tooth decay have a higher chance of sustaining an injury to their smile during their sport or competition.”

Read the full story here