Are you unhappy with your smile or those annoying little lines and wrinkles that can often age us?, be reassured that there is usually a solution.
Nick Mathias of Haven Spa and Therapy spent much of last month developing working relationships with other like minded local businesses and we are delighted to report that they have teamed up with ourselves and the Hair Advice Centre, both well known for expertise, professionalism and outstanding customer service.
In both cases we sought each other out as we realised that our businesses could benefit and complement each other. Absolute Dental are therefore delighted to announce that Dr. Rhodri John, principal dentist,
will be providing non-surgical facial aesthetic treatments at The Haven from early January, these treatments will still also be available at Absolute Dental.

To launch the new treatments we would like to invite you to an Open Evening at The Haven on Tuesday 18th January 2011 at 6pm where Dr. John will give a talk and demonstration of the procedures he will be offering. Following the talk he will be available for short consultations for anyone wishing to discuss their requirements in private. Come and join us for a glass of wine and a very informative talk and demonstration.
Please RSVP to info@havenspaandtherapy.co.uk or call us on (01548) 855922.
written by Denise

It's been 2 weeks since this country girl has returned from her adventure in the "Big Smoke" as an examiner for the National Certificate for Dental Nurses. My trip to London was interesting in so many ways. It was great to meet other dental professionals who are all involved in the training of dental nurses, these people are all passionate about their role in training, and I got a real sense that in coming together for the National Certificate we were all hoping to have successful encounters with the students which would in turn make us feel successful in our role as trainers.Despite not having as many successful encounters with the candidates as I had originally hoped at my particular examination centre, I still found the experience worthwhile. Most importantly I realised the importance of gaining feedback from my students after they have sat their exam - asking them "Did we prepare you enough for your exam?". It's a question that leaves us vulnerable to criticism - but I would rather know where our students felt the course was lacking. This is the same for our patients at Absolute Dental – we value their feedback and want to know where they feel our strengths and weaknesses lie, and encourage them to write about their experience at Absolute. We want our practice and our training programmes to be first class, and we will take advantage of all experiences and feedback available to us to ensure that it is.

Written by Diane

Being a part of the Absolute Dental team is a privilege and something I am very proud of.
Having recently moved to the area from Bristol I am very grateful for this wonderful opportunity.
Life has been very hectic since I started with lots of new people to meet and lots to learn but I am really enjoying the challenge.

The Team here at Absolute are a pleasure to work with and have done so much to help me settle in. I hope to be part of the team for many years to come.

Written by Kelly

As Oral Cancer Awareness month draws to a close here's a recap of the influences which increase the risk of Oral Cancers?

Smoking

Smoking is the most common cause of mouth cancer. Risk is the same for users of all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, paan, areca nut and guthka.
Research has found that switching to low-tar cigarettes does not help either as users are likely to inhale more smoke to compensate.
Alcohol

Alcohol is another major risk factor – more than 7 in 10 people diagnosed drink more than the recommended daily limit.
Drinking increases the mouth's rate of absorption of tobacco. People who drink and smoke to excess are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.
It is recommended that men drink no more than 3-4 units per day and women drink no more than 2-3. (One unit is equivalent to ½ a pint of lager, a single measure of spirits or a small glass of wine).
Diet

A healthy balanced diet containing the recommended five a day fruit and vegetable portions can help lower mouth cancer risk.
Studies have also suggested that each extra portion of fruit and veg lowers risks yet further.
Eat green and yellow fresh fruit and vegetables every day - bananas, peppers, broccoli, beans and cabbage are good sources of beta-carotene that can help to prevent other cancers too.
Fish and eggs have also been linked to reduced risk.
Sunblock

To prevent lip cancer, make sure you wear protective screening lotion when the sun is shining.

All Absolute Dental patients can be reassured they are routinely screened for abnormalities of the soft tissues at every examination appointment.

Written by Denise

We aim to keep our patients up to date with information regarding not only their dental health but also there overall health and as we have previously written there is all too often a link between the two.
The global statistics regarding diabetes make for sobering reading: - Every 10 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes- Every 10 seconds two people develop diabetes- Diabetes affects 246 million people worldwide and is expected to affect some 380 million by 2025- Each year another 7 million people develop diabetes- Each year, 3.8 million deaths are linked directly to diabetes-related causes including cardiovascular disease made worse by diabetes-related lipid disorders and hypertension
One of the most frightening things is that there are many people who have no idea they have the condition, putting their long-term health at risk through blissful ignorance.The link between systemic conditions such as diabetes and oral health has been getting stronger in recent years; with a growing body of evidence to highlight how diabetes, if poorly controlled, can affect the perio status of a patient.Dental practices are seeing more and more patients trying to manage their perio (gum) condition and diabetes at the same time. The team here at Absolute are keen to work with our patients, to assist them in every way we can and give advice on diet, brushing techniques and home management.

For more advice please call 01548 852165

Written by Emma

If in doubt get it checked out
Mouth Cancer Awareness campaign continues throughout November, endeavouring to make everyone aware of the signs of mouth cancers and the importance of regular examinations in order for detection of any abnormalities to the soft tissues. Earlier detection of the disease increases the survival rate to more than 90%.
* 1 person in 10 has never heard of throat cancer - more awareness being the over 50's age group
* An increasing number of young people are being diagnosed with the disease.
* It kills more people than testicular and ovarian cancer combined.
* The incidences of mouth cancer have increased by over 40% during the past decade.
* There has been an increase in 10% over last year's figures to 6000 new cases a year.
* Drinking alcohol to excess is a major risk factor for mouth cancer, this combined with a smoking habit increases the risk further.

The response to an article published in the Kingsbridge Gazette and radio interview on Heart Radio promoting our Mouth Cancer open morning has been encouraging with patients saying when they ring to book their appointment, that they were not sure whether they have been checked for mouth cancers at their routine examinations with their own dentists. All patients attending Absolute Dental are routinely screened and are made aware of what changes we, and they should be looking out for.
If you missed the Heart Radio interview you can listen to it by following the link www.heart.co.uk/southhams/local/news/truth-mouth-cancer/
There are still limited spaces available for our Mouth Cancer Awareness open morning November 24th, all welcome, to reserve your place please ring 01548 852165

‘If In Doubt, Get Checked Out’

November sees the launch of Mouth Cancer Action month.

Absolute Dental is helping to raise awareness of Mouth Cancer Action Month in Kingsbridge by organising an event for the campaign. We are opening our doors to the general public to have a Mouth Cancer screening free of charge on Wednesday 24th November, an appointment will be necessary so call now to book your place to avoid disappointment.

Andy Ballantyne from Heart Radio came to Absolute Dental last week to interview Rhodri John, Principal Dentist on the importance of regular screening for this disease which affects over 5,000 people in the UK annually and kills almost 2,000 people each year - one death every 5 hours. Listen out for the broadcasts and visit the link http://www.heart.co.uk/southhams/local/news/truth-mouth-cancer/

Professional check-ups and regular self-examinations are the best route to early detection of mouth cancer. Early diagnosis saves lives, improving survival chances from just half of cases to more than 90%.
Early warning signs include ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual changes in the mouth.

Bacterial Tricksters

A recent study carried out by scientists at the University of Bristol have found that bacteria entering the bloodstream via sore gums, depositing a clot forming protein may prove the long considered link between gum and heart disease. It has been found that certain bacteria present in the mouth can activate platelets, tricking them into clotting. Hopefully by publicising this knowledge it will become more recognised that bacteria in the mouth can be responsible for more than just tooth decay and gum disease, but also diseases of the circulation.
This is a great reinforcement of the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth, with a thorough, daily, oral health routine.
Having a clean, healthy mouth & effectively removing plaque, reduces the potential risk of bacteria getting into the blood stream. Hopefully this will give patients the motivation to take better care of their oral health.
A spokesperson for the DoH said “This very interesting study contributes to the growing body of evidence linking periodontal disease with cardiovascular disease, which has been developing over two decades”

Our practice reputation and patient base is built on referrals. We believe that if a patient has a good experience they will tell at least 5 other people, to ease the process we give our patients a set of referral cards at their appointment, personalised with their name for them to hand out to friends and family. To show our appreciation to our loyal patients who refer others, we regularly hold a prize draw into which all the names of referring patients are placed. The lucky winner this month received a hamper of Molton Brown pamper products.

On Saturday 9th October, a team from three Kingsbridge businesses took part in the Royal Marines “Commando Challenge” on Woodbury Common. A team from one of our wonderful labs - Kingsbridge Dental Laboratory - headed by its owner Julian Dorey, and Nick Cox from Palladium Builders Merchants joined the team from Absolute Dental who had chosen this as their latest fundraising challenge. Absolute always try and choose a fundraising event each year in support of charities close to their hearts, and also an event that will really promote team building, as we feel this is fundamental to the growth of the Absolute team.

The course, which is only open to the public on this one weekend of the year, is punishing both physically and mentally. Once you have negotiated waist-deep bogs and tunnels full of stones and water on your hands and knees, then comes the ultimate challenge of “The Sheep Dip”, which as the name suggests involves full immersion in a pool of muddy water as you are thrust through what can only be described as a Smartie tube!

The aim was to raise as much money for the Devon Air Ambulance and C-Commando a charity that aids the rehabilitation of injured soldiers. The team raised over £1200 for the charities and team captain Rhodri John of Absolute Dental said after the event “It was a real test of teamwork – we put our trust completely in those around us to overcome some very personal challenges – we all felt amazing afterwards; a real sense of achievement for a worthwhile cause.” It just goes to show that when we work together with and trust those around us we can really achieve great things. Emma is now on the look out for our next team challenge.....

Team building is an important factor in any environment; its focus is to specialise in bringing out the best in a team to ensure self development, positive communication, leadership skills and the ability to work closely together as a team to problem solve which, in turn helps us to work efficiently and effectively as an excellent dental team.
Team building is pursued in a variety of ways, and can range from simple bonding exercises to complex simulations and multi-day team building retreats designed to help develop a team.
The Absolute Dental ‘Absolute Stars’ next team challenge will be testing the limits – The Royal Marines Commando Challenge, the 4k fun challenge on Saturday 9th October, which involves lots of running up hills, crawling through tunnels (some full of water!) The infamous sheep dip, need I explain more! And the very muddy crocodile pit.
The Challenge is all in aid of 2 great charities – Devon Air Ambulance and The C Group which was founded in 2007 by a growing number of businessmen, who have an interest in supporting the Royal Marines, which pledges as one of its three Objectives ‘to support the on-going rehabilitation and re-integration of injured Royal Marines, whether within the corps or in a new direction in a civilian career.The Absolute Stars team hope to raise £500 for each of these charities – if you would like to pledge a donation for the Commando Challenge call into the practice, or donate online following the link http://www.justgiving.com/Absolutestarsdental

As I write today the rain is pouring down ...summer holidays are almost over and its time to go back to school ... for some
At Absolute Dental we are perusing Journals and favourite Dental Websites to plan some education for ourselves ...
CPD
Continuing Professional Development is the means by which members of professional associations maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge and skills and develop the personal qualities required in their professional lives.
It is as a commitment to structured skills enhancement and personal or professional competence.
CPD should be engaging, informative and progressive, embracing 'best practice' and easily digestible knowledge. It should neither be excessively demanding nor uninteresting. It should stimulate a desire to learn more about the profession in which we participate
There is CPD for Hygienists , Dental Nurses , Practice Managers

What does it mean for an Absolute Dentist ?
A day or two immersed in discussions on the latest materials for Crowns and Fillings

New techniques and developments in the world of Implants or Tooth Whitening
Effective ways of communicating with our Dental Team and Patients

How to work closely with our Dental Technicians for fantastic results

An update on the best treatment for managing Periodontal Disease

All of this translates into allowing us to provide the great care that our own patients at Absolute Dental expect ...in a happy working environment
Equals personal satisfaction and a nice feeling that we are doing our best to be the best !!!

This is the last of the best of the International Symposium covering the latest in enamel therapy, sensitivity and allergies.

First, a question you may have asked yourself over the years. When your dentist or hygienist is looking at your teeth, how do they find decay? Some decay or caries as we call it can be seen between teeth on your dental x-rays. Where the tooth surface has been damaged by caries the x rays pass through the weaker part of the tooth giving a dark area on the x-ray. On the smooth surfaces when the decay is in its early stage and active, the tooth will appear as a dull white patch and feels rough to probing. If the decay has stopped, the surface will look shiny and feel smooth. We then need to look at two different aspects of caries, the first is why it occurred in the first place and secondly how we manage and prevent it from progressing. Diet is the key to why most caries occurs and as plaque is present on the tooth surface all the time, we have to look to the foods and drinks we eat and the timing of them. The tooth surface can repair from the minerals in saliva if it has enough time in between eating or drinking as it can take up to 45 minutes for this to occur. Managing the early caries apart from diet, is then down to either applying fluoride at home in the form of toothpastes or mouthrinses or even tooth mousse! In the surgery there have been recent developments in varnishes which can be applied in the surgery and they bind to the tooth surface and can also fill in defects on the enamel. One of the other problems patients encounter is sensitivity. About 75% of patients experience sensitivity and many think that sensitivity is normal. Personally there is nothing more disappointing than facing a very tasty looking ice cream and wondering if the taste will be worth the suffering! We should always investigate the causes of sensitivity as they can be very varied and may indicate either sensitive dentine or caries. When we see patients with sensitivity we need to find out the full history of where and when the sensitivity occurs and this helps to exclude caries. So after elimination of all other causes we can then consider home therapies including toothpastes and mouthwashes and tooth mousse. The latest toothpastes from Colgate and Sensodyne use Pro-Argin technology. This involves arginine, a substance already found in saliva, which mixes in with saliva and enters into the dentine tubules and blocks the open ends of the tubules. The advantage of these toothpastes is that they can be used as a cream and rubbed into the tooth surface but also as a toothpaste to be brushed with on a twice daily basis. Colgate have also brought out a sensitive toothbrush as well. In the surgery, we have a great variety of varnishes and high fluoride pastes we can apply to the tooth surface and Colgate have brought out a pro relief polishing paste which works well as an adjunct to the toothpaste and we can also use it before we commence scaling on patients who find this process uncomfortable. The last lecture of the conference centred on allergies. We have noticed an increase in allergies over the last few years and many of our patients present with a variety of allergies and some can be to food substances, antibiotics or preservatives. Sometimes we can develop an intolerance to a substance and sometimes it may be a full blown allergy and tends to be a very fast reaction. Some of the allergies we have to be particularly careful of in the surgery include latex. Its incredible when we look at the substances we use in the surgery and how they may affect patients. We carry a stock of latex free gloves in the surgeries and its always really helpful for patients to provide us with any details of allergies they may have. Some of the latest research has indicated that there may be a link between allergies and low birth weight and also if there has been a pattern of childhood infection and this may include Hepatitis A.

Toothpastes can also contain substances which patients have allergies to and this includes sodium laurel sulphate (SLS), which provides the foaming capacity in the toothpaste. Fortunately there are toothpastes which don't contain SLS and this includes some of the Sensodyne range.

Research has also been revealing a link with apthous ulcers relating to deficiencies in iron and folic acid and some of the food allergies relate to benzoates particularly E210-E219. All of the lectures I attended at this Symposium were very helpful to gain information and also confirmed many of the treatment regimes we already practice at Absolute Dental!

Pucker Up and kiss your health woes goodbye…

...everyone enjoys kissing, it may not be as effective as flossing and brushing but here are more reasons than ever to do it….
There are powerful proteins and protective bacteria in saliva that make it a natural antiseptic, when kissing excess saliva is produced, this helps neutralise acids which can cause decay, and washes away food particles and cavity inducing plaque that’s beginning to form. Some experts think that the mineral salts in saliva may help strengthen enamel giving you stronger chompers.
Kissing also prevents the formation of the stress hormones glucocorticoids that are responsible for high blood pressure. Regular kissing has been shown to lower blood pressure by maintaining and stabilising cardiovascular activity and lowers cholesterol by production of anti-oxidants.
Of course more than a good night kiss is needed to protect your teeth, keep up your daily dental hygiene regime, and always brush and floss before going to bed , since sleep slows the production of saliva.
No one to kiss????? Get saliva flowing by chewing sugar-free gum…..

Mwah
xx

Career Opportunity

Is there someone out there ready to move on in their career that would like to join the Absolute Team?

Are you motivated, enthusiastic and like to work as part of a team?
We are looking for an additional nurse, qualified or unqualified to join our team.

All training can be provided as we are an NEBDN accredited training centre

For more details contact Emma on 01548852165 or email emma@absolute-dental.co.uk

Step up to better oral health
Although September is National Smile Month, Absolute Dental reinforce the message of good oral health DAILY to all our patients.
We have adopted a policy of asking all our patients to bring in their toothbrushes to Hygienist or Oral Health Instruction appointments. This enables us to assess patients brushing techniques and modify as necessary so we know that patients are getting the best from their brushes to maintain their oral health in the best possible condition.
We also reinforce the importance of cleaning in between the teeth at least once a day, as brushing alone only covers 60% of the tooth surface, a staggering 40% is between the teeth.

By following these simple steps will help you maintain a healthier smile.

Brush twice a day
Change your toothbrush every 3 months or when it shows signs of wear
Clean in between the teeth at least once a day
Avoid sugary snacks between meals

Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly

Absolute Dental In Kingsbridge.

Working at Absolute Dental is a pleasure for me, for a start as I live in Kingsbridge I don’t need to get up quite so early although Alfie my Beardie still demands exercise at the crack of dawn!

As a specialist in restorative dentistry I have always travelled and worked in many different practices. I have been impressed by the way Absolute Dental is managed and by the enthusiasm of all the dentists and nurses. They are all very keen to embrace the latest ideas as well as the well tried and tested.
The study club is very active and though organised by Absolute we invite dentists and staff from the other practices in the neighbourhood. I enjoyed talking on dental implants to the last meeting, which was well attended. It was good to meet many of the other dentists and their staff. 12th January is the next study group and will be presenting 'Perio Treatment for the non-responder'. Call to book your place as spaces are limited.

Bill Beare

Dental care is important to so many...

I was horrified a few weeks ago whilst queuing to purchase my lunch to catch a glimpse of the horrific pictures on the front page of the newspaper.

A donkey being forced to parascending 150 feet above the ground on a beach in Russia. Her name was Anapka.

Everyone who knows me here realise that I am a huge fan or all things furry and feathered and I found this story really upsetting. I was later delighted to hear that one of the donkey sanctuaries in this country was trying hard to re home the donkey into a nice kind new environment.
The story then it seems developed a dental twist

Donkeys are unable to eat if their teeth become overgrown.

Anapka, has now been rescued and had her over sized teeth ground down by dentist Julia Ostanina. Anapka will need at least three more operations before she is able to eat properly, and vets fear she could slowly starve to death unless her teeth are reduced by half. Julia said: 'Her teeth are awful, some of the worst I've seen. She's never been properly checked before.' Her next operation will be in two weeks. The world-famous donkey has fast become a national treasure in Russia, with huge TV coverage of her story. She is living at the prestigious Kremlin School of Riding in Moscow before her long-term future is sorted.

I hope Anapka continues to be looked after. So may animals suffer from various dental problems.

Perhaps its time to get all those you love and care for checked out, both two legged and four http://www.absolute-dental.co.uk/treatments/assessment.html

Record of Experience - what are the benefits?

Having just met with my new intake of students for the next evening course for dental nurses, http://www.absolute-dental.co.uk/absolute%20training/absolute_training_course4.htm one of the first things I am keen to impress upon them, and their workplace mentors, is the significance of the NEBDNs Record of Experience (RoE) and the huge part it will play in their workplace training.

The RoE was introduced after the GDC decided there needed to be a better way of continually assessing student dental nurses, rather than just basing their pass/fail award on the final examination. I think this is a great idea. For many the thought of sitting an examination, with your career in the balance is terrifying. At least with a RoE behind them, the students have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on and a real sense of achievement upon completion of the RoE that it offers a boost of confidence too.

The RoE consists of approximately 145 Personal Experience Record Sheets (PERS) for the students to complete, and they cover all procedures within general dentistry and usually include treatment room set up, instrument preparation, dental nurse role during the procedure and treatment room clear down/sterilisation procedure. The PERS needs to be witnessed by the students mentor (who is already registered with the GDC), and gives room for both the student and witness to add their reflections on the procedure. If completed correctly, the PERS serve to be a valuable learning tool for the student, who can ask their mentor to give pointers on how they could have assisted in the procedure in a different way, or how they could improve a certain technique (eg mixing alginate) in the future. This way, the student is encouraged to improve their performance and receives constructive feedback at the same time. This benefits both the student and the patients, who are receiving treatment from a team working together to offer a first class service. I always teach "best practice" on the course, and I expect to see this reflected in the PERS, once again aiming to improve the students understanding and performance of their duties.

A hurried RoE, a mentor who is reluctant to sign PERS or offer any feedback to their student is NOT a useful learning tool. Students and mentors need to accept the responsibility that comes with the RoE and plan to complete it in a way that is beneficial to the students learning and treatment offered to our patients. It should be embraced, viewed as a challenge and something the students can look back on and reflect on their improvements as they progressed with their training - every day presents opportunities to improve on yesterdays performance -the scale of the improvements is up to us!

Are your teeth going to be a collectors item?

A collector bid more than three times the guide price at a recent auction in order to purchase a set of gold plated false teeth once worn by Winston Churchill paying £15,200.


They were sold by Nigel Cudlipp, the son of Derek Cudlipp, the technician who made them, at an auction at Keys Auction rooms in Aylsham, Norfolk.



The dentures helped the British prime minister overcome terrible dental problems and he was believed to be so anxious about losing them, that he always kept a spare set - which is why several survive.


Two years ago, two letters written by Sir Winston Churchill to his dentist, telling him that he had been nominated for a knighthood, went up for auction. The letters were written in 1952 and 1954 when Sir Winston was in his third term as prime minister, to Sir Wilfred Fish, the most acclaimed dentist of his generation.


Throughout his life, the statesman feared that problems with his teeth would affect his public speaking, one of his most powerful attributes.


We pride ourselves at Absolute in the quality of the workmanship that goes into our denture design and construction, often giving our patients back the ability to speak, chew and smile again with confidence. http://www.absolute-dental.co.uk/treatments/abouttreatments.html I wonder if any of our patients feel they would like to nominate us for a knighthood?

This is the second in a series of mini blogs from the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene. In my previous blog we were looking at some of the evidence that links periodontal disease to other systemic diseases including diabetes. Moving on from this we have realised that there may be a great deal we can do to not only help the oral hygiene of our patients but to identify other conditions affecting the mouth. The great challenges that we face are not only a question of which toothbrush to use but about how to change the behaviour of our patients to help them take greater responsibility for their oral care. Some of the ways we can help improve are care at the chairside are:Biofeedback - this means measuring plaque on the tooth surfaces, bleeding on probing or use of disclosing solutions.Near patient testing at point of care- this can mean recording the levels of cotinine in saliva of patients who smoke. This could be done in house so that results can be instant. Other new forms of biofeedback include a system called Previser which we can use as a risk assessor for periodontal disease. It is a computer based system which allows us to record details of patients general health, including smoking, levels of bone loss, recession and periodontal pocket depths. This is then e-mailed to a computer system which gives a prediction of risk of further disease. Oralinsights is also a very new concept for toothbrushing. It is also computer generated and the patient uses a toothbrush which has a sensor in the head. This produces a computer generated picture of the areas of the teeth which are being brushed well and the deepest darkest corners where we have missed! Its great to see how far technology is reaching into dentistry! In my next mini blog I will take us through some of the other hot topics at the conference of enamel therapy, sensitivity and allergies. In the meantime, I want to share with you a conversation I had recently with a patient which made me think how important it is when we are advising patients on their oral hygiene methods.I saw this particular patient last week and we had been discussing how he had improved his oral care since his last appointment and he said that he had been thinking about the toothpaste he uses as I wanted to know. On closer inspection of his toothpaste tube he said that it had two arrows pointing to the cap of the toothpaste and instructions to squeeze from the bottom on the tube. He was very amused as he looked everywhere on the tube but couldn't find anything to say you had to take the cap off to get the toothpaste out!!!!!! Happy brushing! http://www.absolute-dental.co.uk/treatments/preventive.html

Sensitive Teeth
If you suffer from a sudden sharp pain or twinge when eating or drinking something hot or cold it is probably caused by sensitivity.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Teeth have an outer layer of hard enamel. If it is worn away or damaged the layer underneath known as dentine is exposed. Dentine is made up of lots of tubules, which join the nerve, so if you drink something hot the nerve expands, if you drink something cold the nerve shrinks causing a short sharp pain.
What causes enamel to become damaged or dentine to be exposed?
Enamel can be damaged by aggressive tooth brushing (abrasion) or acidic foods and drinks, which can cause erosion. Gum disease also causes recession.
How to prevent enamel damage:
Changing brushing technique; either slow down brushing with a manual toothbrush (visit the hygienist or oral health educator for advice and a brushing demonstration) or change to an electric toothbrush – I would recommend a rechargeable Oral B 550 @ £39.99.
Avoid fizzy, acidic drinks and food. Drink lots of water. Always wait at least 1 hour before brushing your teeth.
How to treat sensitive teeth:
Sensitive teeth need special care. Use a de-sensitising toothpaste, a fluoride mouthwash and avoid very hot and cold drinks etc.
How does sensitive toothpaste work?
The sensitive toothpaste creates a protective layer over the dentine surface and works by blocking the tubules that make up the dentine (a bit like a cork!) Blocking the tubules creates a barrier, which prevents the nerve from being stimulated and triggering pain.

Written by Nicola Adams - Hygienist

Injuries to Children’s teeth
My one year old daughter is currently crawling around the floor, head butting the furniture, so writing this blog and refreshing my memory couldn’t come at a better time.
One in five children will have some sort of accident involving their teeth, with boys being twice as likely to have an accident.
Toddlers can injure their teeth by falling, whilst older children are more likely to suffer a dental trauma from a sports injury or hobbies such as skateboarding, running, diving into pools. Normally it is the top front teeth that are most commonly injured.
Always call your dentist immediately if your child has a tooth or gum injury.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out it can actually be saved by placing it back into the socket. This needs to be done as soon as possible following these steps:
Remain calm and reassure your child you can help.
Rinse off the tooth with saliva or milk but do NOT scrub it.
Hold the tooth by the crown (NOT the root) and gently push into the socket making sure it is the right way round.
Hold the tooth in place and ask the child to bite gently onto a clean handkerchief.
Go to your dentist immediately.
If you can’t replace the tooth then either place it in some milk or place the tooth in the mouth between the cheek and gum until you can get to a dentist. It is important not to let the tooth become dry.
We cannot wrap our children in cotton wool, trips, slips and bumps are inevitable but knowing these instructions may help put you at ease and help keep your children smiling.
To minimise the risk of a tooth injury in children:
Teach your child NOT to walk or run whilst holding an object in their mouth
Make sure your child wears a mouth guard for any contact sports

A printable download is available click on this link.

Written by Sophie Loxton - Dental Nurse

Botox Treatment at Absolute
We have a fantastic offer throughout the month of July. We are offering upto £100 off Botox treatments. So go on spoil yourself.

Deep wrinkles such as crows feet and frown lines are caused by overactive muscle movement which gradually wear away the collagen in the skin, causing the skin to sink and wrinkles to appear. The Botox treatment, botulinium toxin, is used to reduce muscle contraction by injecting it directly into the wrinkle. It temporarily relaxes the muscles thus softening existing lines. The result is a more youthful look. This treatment has been used to treat over 1 million patients worldwide for more than 11 years.
For more details or to make a booking please call 01548 852165 or email info@absolute-dental.co.uk

Oral Health – New Concepts for the New Millennium, new technology for preventing oral diseases including alternative treatments.

The 18th international symposium on Dental hygiene was held in Glasgow on the first three days of July 2010. The international federation has several aims including to promote and co-ordinate the exchange of knowledge and information about the profession, its education, and its practice, which translates to hygienists as a good chance to catch up with all the gossip! And of course to further our knowledge and pass it on to our colleagues and patients. The conference had a very varied format including workshop sessions and smaller lectures on a huge variety of subjects, ranging from enamel therapy to everything you wanted to know about consumer products but were afraid to ask! As you can imagine, this entailed several pages of scribbling as we picked up on the nuggets of information so I have divided my blogs into mini blogs to help get the most out of these current concepts.

Oral and systemic link
There has been a tremendous amount of research recently into the effects of plaque on systemic disease and also the effect of medical condition in the oral cavity and links have been established between periodontal disease and:
Osteoporosis
Endometriosis
Cancer
Gastritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic nephritis
Diabetes
Interestingly more than 50% of the causes of endocarditis have not been identified and only 15.1% of cases caused by the organisms in the oral cavity. There also seems to be a genetic link between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease.

The links with Diabetes have been reported for many years now and we know that periodontal disease reduces the efficacy of insulin and periodontal treatment leads to an improvement in glycaemic control in type 2 diabetics. It is now becoming more relevant to screen patients showing signs of increasing periodontal desease, for diabetes. http://www.absolute-dental.co.uk/treatments/preventive.html

Absolutely Fabulous News
We have just received this morning, the fabulous news that Lucy has passed her National Certificate for Dental Nursing exam. Well done Lucy, all the hard work, sleepless nights and dedication has paid off.

The Big Day
In September of last year I started my training for my Dental Nurse qualification. I knew that my life for the next eight months would revolve around studying and hard dedication. I was willing and ready to give it all I had. I knew I needed to do everything I possibly could and put everything I had into giving this my best shot.
From the start Diane Cox (my tutor) had informed us she would do everything she could to help us in any way, giving us all the support and guidance we needed. I knew if I ever needed help with anything she was always there to talk to which was so reassuring for me, for this I am extremely grateful.
Looking back now I remember thinking May was so far in the future and that we all had so much time, but before I knew it the Big Day arrived (after a not so pleasant nights sleep, thanks to my nerves)
The journey to the examination centre went so fast, squeezing in some last minute revision, my heart was racing. On arrival at Plymouth University, I knew I just had to focus and remember everything that Di had taught us, along with all the hard work and time I had put into the last 8 months, I had to do my best for myself and all the team at Absolute.
When the last section of the exam had finished. I was so emotional, I had done it and I had done all I could. Now the waiting game is on until the results are posted mid July.
I just want to thanks everyone at Absolute for supporting me, and Di for all of her time, hard work and guidance, we wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.
Written by Lucy Wells – Trainee Dental Nurse

Absolute Treatment Co-Ordinator

It has been interesting and extremely beneficial for our clients introducing the role of treatment co-ordinator at Absolute Dental.

A treatment co-ordinator opens up a line of communication for the patient right from the very beginning. This communication can be vital particularly for a new patient, as often they have a number of questions, sometimes are anxious and need to develop trust in the new relationship they are about to form with their dentist.

Our treatment co-ordinators are all very qualified, knowledgeable nurses that are familiar with the dentistry we provide. They are here to understand the aspirations patients have for their dental health, and will guide them through any options that are available.

They will answer all the questions that patients can sometimes have before and after a consultation and they then become a point of contact throughout any treatment. At Absolute your treatment co-ordinator can discuss dental insurance with you and assist you in the completion of the paperwork.

Our aim is that you as a customer don't feel rushed and leave us well informed and looked after.

Written by Rhodri John - Clinical Director

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

During the last few weeks, I have been asking our patients to bring their toothbrushes to the practice for their appointments with me. It never ceases to amaze me the choice available in both manual and electric toothbrushes and fortunately the days of Badger hair bristles are well and truly behind us! One of the main considerations are the choice between electric and manual toothbrushes and patients are always interested in why I would choose one type of brush over another for them. Scientific research and also government department of health guidelines, lie behind the brushes I recommend and we should consider at least three different aspects of dental health when comparing both manual and electric brushes. 1. Removal of plaque.2. Reduction of gingival bleeding.3. Prevention of gingivitis.4. Less gingival recession. All of the above are improved with the use of electric toothbrushes, in particular, those which oscillate and rotate. The aspect of using these brushes that I find particularly useful is that the brush can be used to shape around the contours of the teeth so that the maximum number of bristles are in contact with the tooth surface, ensuring a very thorough clean Some may think that electric brushes are expensive but with the right guidance on the best technique for you, even the most basic of models can make a significant improvement to your dental health. A little statistic I wanted to share with you was from an American study last year that revealed that when patients used an electric toothbrush, they could remove 75% of plaque from their teeth in the first minute and when they used a manual toothbrush it took 6 minutes to remove the same amount!!! We should, however bear in mind that electric toothbrushes are not for everyone so watch out for my future tips on manual brushes too!

Written by Maureen Milne Hygienist

Sunday was a wonderful day! Rachel and I travelled down to the Eden Project near St Austell to take part in one of this years Cancer Research's Race For Life. This was my 5th Race for Life, but it was Rachel's first one, and I think we'd both agree that it is an amazing experience. There were over 1300 women taking part at this particular "race", all determined to run walk or jog to raise money & awareness for this very worthy cause. Rachel & I decided to run the 5k course, and we did it!! Not only did we tackle all the hills that they threw at us (and there were several!!), but we even coped with running through the Sub-Tropical Biome (which is like running through a rain forest, complete with branches at head height!!). It always feels amazing when you achieve a goal you set yourself. I don't find running easy, but with determination, and the right people around you (thanks Rach!), it's amazing what you can achieve.

Di

The second Absolute Dental Study Group, Tuesday 1st June saw the group captivated by guest speaker Chris Barrow. In an informal, relaxed way the group benefited from Chris's wealth of experience and knowledge on many topics including the importance of 'Branding', how first impressions count, and what the future of dentistry holds. At present there are over 10,000 independent dental practices and it is predicted that in 10 years time only 1000 of the strongest independents will survive the rest will have been absorbed by the corporates. This was discussed at length and Chris offered his advice on what practices should be doing to be in this elite group of survivors.
The group were also encouraged to raise their own topics for discussion. A great night was had by all, Absolute Dental would like to thank Chris Barrow for giving up his time in his very busy schedule and making the evening very entertaining and interesting. From the excellent feedback, I am sure that this is also extended from all those who attended.
Places still available for our next Study Group 14th September with Diane Cox - 'The needs of a dental nurse in a forward thinking practice' call 01548 852165 or email info@absolute-dental.co.uk for more details

Race for Life 2010
Race for life, says it all in the title, racing to help someone’s life. It’s an amazing event for Cancer Research UK to help beat cancer.
For those people who have never been part of a charity fund raising event like the Race for Life, with all those hundreds of people all walking, running for a cause that is going to help or make someone’s life happier, will know it’s the most incredibly amazing feeling to have.
After doing the Great South run in October 2009 I knew during the 10 mile stretch that I wanted to be part of this amazing team again!!
Some people may think I am mad, but to have that feeling when looking around at the hundreds of people gathered running for loved one’s memories, I can truly say that I will never forget that day!
I jumped at the chance of running the Race for Life at the Eden project on 13th June 2010 along with one of my colleagues Di.
So many people have been touched by cancer, in some way; it’s a fact that 1 in 3 people will develop cancer at some point in our lifetime.
Cancer Research UK’s ambitious new plan is to spend £1.5 billion on research into beating cancer over the next 5 years.
With only 3 weeks to go, I have a mixture of emotions, excitement, nervousness and admiration…will keep you posted on how we got on!!

Written by Rachel Wotton RDN

Absolute Dental study group will be welcoming guest speaker Chris Barrow on Tuesday 2nd June at the Thurlestone Hotel. This will be a fantastic evening for all the dental team, Chris will be sharing his wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise, Chris will have you captivated and motivated to have the confidence to sell high value treatments.
As a speaker Chris is dynamic, energetic and charismatic enough to captivate audiences of any size. His style is casual, open and authentic and – being naturally caring and funny – he’s as easy to talk to as he is to listen to.
Chris combines his long experience and deep expertise with the originality and independence needed to resolve the thorniest problems. Naturally direct, assertive and determined, he has the ability to reach conclusions quickly, as well as the sharp reflexes and lightness of touch to innovate, change tack and push boundaries.
The next study evening will be Tuesday 14th September with Diane Cox presenting 'The needs of a dental nurse in a forward thinking practice' limited spaces still available for the 14th September, book early to avoid disappointment.

As you will all (hopefully!) be aware, we run a training course for student dental nurses from Absolute Dental that has been accredited by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN). I am the main tutor of the course and feel that I am well placed to know what it takes to succeed in the examination, having sat it myself in recent years and achieving a distinction. However, I always strive to be the very best at anything I set out to do, and I began to think; “How can I improve this course?”……and so I applied to the NEBDN to become an examiner for the National Certificate exam! I thought what an added string to our bow it would be to teach the course not only from a students’ perspective, but also from an examiners perspective, teaching exactly what the examiners are looking for. I truly believe it will enhance the course dramatically. So, I was thrilled to learn recently that my initial application has been successful, and subject to a weekend training in October and an interview with the Chairman of the NEBDN, I should hopefully be an official NEBDN examiner before the end of the year! I’m very proud and very excited to be considered, and as always will endeavour to perform my role to the very best of my abilities in the hope of producing a fine generation of exceptional dental nurses.

Maureens First Blog!

Welcome to my first Absolute Dental blog! I am thrilled to have the chance to contribute to our blog and as the newest member of the team I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you about the changes you will find and the benefits I will be bringing to your hygiene appointments. The first three words I considered in describing my arrival at Absolute Dental were new, different and change. These are all words we use almost daily and some of us see them as a positive and some see them as more challenging!
Although I am technically new to working at Absolute Dental, I have had the good fortune to have enjoyed the friendship and professional company of many of our team over the last decade, so it feels very much like being a part of the family and I want to contribute to the warm, friendly atmosphere we create in the practice.
Sometimes taking a different approach or introducing you to new techniques can make a considerable improvement to your dental health and you will find that I will regularly ask our patients to bring in their toothbrushes or I may ask more questions about your general health or maybe your diet as well! All the little details about your daily dental routine are key to helping me give you get the maximum benefit from your dental health and helps me form a picture of how things look and feel from your point of view.
I understand that change can be daunting for some and that it sometimes feels that just when we have got to know someone and gained their trust, situations or people change!!! I want these changes to be a very positive experience and to help you enjoy getting the best out of your dental health.
Welcome!!!!!!!!!!!

I think all dental professionals never really “switch off” from the job, and so it was with interest that I read an article in The Sunday Times this week. The article detailed how the snacks on our supermarket shelves that are branded as the “healthy”, low-fat snacks can actually contain more than 3 times the amount of sugar than chocolate ice cream. So, these healthy alternatives that we put in our children’s lunchboxes or take to work are often sweetened with extra sugar to improve the taste (taste that was lost when the food industry focused its attention on reducing saturated fats in foods a while ago), and often end up with a higher sugar content than the conventional “regular” alternative. Tinned foods are often over sweetened and some supermarket made sushi were even found to be sprinkled with sugar.
Leading health experts are concerned that this reliance on sugar in processed foods could not only cause obesity, but also heart disease, diabetes and tooth decay.
One example given in the article was Kellogg’s Special K Fruits of the Forest bars, which are promoted as a healthy alternative during slimming. However, they contain a whooping 39% sugar (including 5 different types of sugar AND an artificial sweetener too!), which is a higher proportion than in the company’s Coco Pops cereal! Even Walkers “Baked” low fat crisps were found to contain 16 times more sugar than the regular variety and Yeo Valley natural yoghurt has 8.4g of sugar in it’s low fat version compared to 6.6g in the regular version. Despite a spokesperson from Kellogg’s defending the ingredients of their Special K bar by saying that the sugar content was equivalent to less than 2 teaspoons of sugar, it does highlight the need to look more closely at food labelling to discover the “hidden sugars” in our diets. Words like fructose, dextrose and glycerol are all types of sugars and should be looked for on food labels. We know of the proven link between sugar in our diet and tooth decay, but when food manufacturers are “sneaking” sugar into so many of our foods, we often unwittingly consume higher levels of sugar than is recommended (which is just 6 teaspoons per day according to the American Heart Association). So, be extra vigilant with food labels, check the levels of sugar contained in “low fat” or “healthy” foods and always keep sugary foods to mealtimes only, try to avoid snacking between meals. Speak to anyone of the team at Absolute Dental if you would like more advice when it comes to a healthy diet.

National Smile Month 2010

National Smile Month Runs from May 16th – June 16th and is aimed at improving the public’s oral health. The British Dental Health Foundation are the charity behind the campaign, which is this year entitled “Teeth 4 Life”, and they have three key messages:
1) Twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste
2) Cut down on sugary foods & drinks
3) Regular visits to the dentist

The campaign highlights the importance of looking after your teeth & maintaining them for life, also stressing that a healthy diet can improve your quality of life. Once again, the message also intends to raise awareness of the systemic link between good oral health and good overall body health. The foundation has evidence of links between poor oral health and premature births, diabetes, strokes and coronary heart disease.

The February issue of Obstetrics & Gynaecology published details of a case in Ohio where oral bacteria from a 35 year-old woman’s gingivitis was found to be the cause of her stillborn baby. The Foundation reported that preventative treatment of severe gum disease in pregnant women could help avoid premature births.

Studies have also found that some of the bacteria involved in aggressive periodontal disease carry a “statistically significant association” with an increased risk of heart attack. This follows previous research into the direct link between oral bacteria and heart attacks.

At the University of California, scientists have found that gum disease may contribute to the blocking of the carotid artery, leading to an increased risk of strokes. Blocked carotid arteries were much more common in patients with gum disease.

In May 2009, evidence was presented at the International Association of Dental Research Conference which supported the link between oral health & diabetes. Regular dental checks are an ideal screening for early signs of diabetes and the evidence also suggested that those who have undiagnosed gum disease are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
For the foundation, and all of us involved in dentistry, the 2010 campaign gives us an excellent opportunity to get EVERYONE involved in promoting good oral healthcare, and the benefits to our overall well-being. For more information please visit www.smilemonth.org

Bad Breath Beware!

… Have you ever found yourself at a party talking to a stranger or friend & trying to edge away from them inch by inch because they have bad breath?!

Bad breath (halitosis) is a very common problem & can affect all people at all ages. It can be a socially embarrassing disorder; though many people are unaware they have it unless they have been told!!
It's been estimated that 40% of the population suffers from halitosis at some point.
The causes of bad breath:
Most common is poor dental hygiene, such as ineffective brushing & not cleaning in between the teeth, this can lead to plaque build up, which in contact with oxygen releases gases, causing bad breath. If plaque is not removed efficiently dental cavities can form causing an added odour of decaying teeth.
Eating strong flavoured foods such as onions & garlic, these can linger on your breath & even with effective brushing it cannot be removed immediately.
Alcohol can also cause bad breath, even alcohol with no smell can remain of breath for hours.
Crash dieters, those with eating disorders, can develop bad breath, as the chemical reaction caused by not eating can make the breath smell ‘acidy’
Smoking, can cause oral cavity & airways to be dehydrated, also smokers have a tobacco odour in their breath.
Sinus problems from colds or allergies increase secretions from the nose to the throat, these bacteria stay in the back of mouth causing bad breath.
Gum disease, ineffective brushing can lead to plaque being left behind, this produces toxins (poisons) which can produce bad breath.
So now you know about bad breath, how can you treat it?
Ensure good oral hygiene is maintained, this is done by brushing twice a day & using something in between the teeth, this will remove plaque & food debris.
Keep well hydrated, this can help avoid bad breath & can help remove debris in the mouth.
Stop smoking & avoid excessive drinking of alcohol.
Change your toothbrush at least every 3months or before if bristles have become splayed.
Mouthwashes can help as a temporary measure, good for parties!
Brushing twice a day using a technique advised to you from your hygienist with a small headed toothbrush (so gets to awkward areas, brush teeth & along gumline).
Using interdental aids once a day, best time is at night & try drinking lots of fluids.
Brush your tongue gently to remove build up of bacteria & dead cells.
If you wear a denture, remove denture at night & clean with a suitable cleaning agent.
But also just to make you aware please do not judge people if they do have bad breath, sometimes it can be more serious, as the symptoms can be underlying medical problems such as: Lung conditions, kidney failure, liver or gastric problems, all of which can cause bad breath.

By Rachel Wotton RDN

Nature or Nurture?

Helping children to develop into fit healthy young adults is no mean feat!
Instilling good oral hygiene habits together with a healthy diet from a very early age will set children off on the right path for taking a healthy, happy smile into adulthood.

We recommend children from an early age, are brought along with parents when they attend for their examination appointments with the reassurance of a pleasant dental introduction.

Massaging the gums of babies, with a clean finger prior to teeth erupting will prepare a child for the sensation of brushing when a toothbrush is introduced. Children’s brushing needs to be undertaken/supervised by a parent until the age of seven when manual dexterity is generally fully developed.
Brushing twice daily with a small headed toothbrush, using small circular motions, before breakfast and last thing before bed.
Using a pea sized blob of fluoride toothpaste is sufficient.
Encourage spitting NOT rinsing away the paste allowing the fluoride to have full benefit of helping to strengthen the enamel.
Visiting your dentist every 6 months for a full examination to check for signs of early changes in the tooth structure. Also regular appointments with an Oral Health Educator to reinforce good brushing techniques and dietary habits.
Fissure sealants may be considered if the pits and fissures are deep eliminating a stagnation area.
The main cause of tooth decay is not necessarily the amount of sugar or acid in the diet, but how often it is consumed. The more often your child has sugary or acidic foods or drinks, the more likely they are to have decay. It is therefore important to keep sugary and acidic foods to mealtimes only. If you want to give your child a snack, try to stick to cheese, vegetables and fruit, but not dried fruit. It is also worth remembering that some processed baby foods and some foods marketed as healthy options can contain quite a lot of sugar. Check the list of ingredients: the higher up the list sugar is, the more there is in the product. Sometimes, these are shown as fructose, glucose, lactose or sucrose, generally ingredients ending with the letters 'ose.

Written by Denise Bingham OHE RDN

Smile like you mean it!
Everybody loves a smile! It’s a universal language that everyone understands in every country across the world. A smile can be the first thing you notice when you meet someone, and first impressions count.
Not only will a smile make you feel great, a smiling person is a confident person, and having confidence is half the battle.
But having a great smile is not only important to your mortal well being, it’s imperative to your physical health.
If teeth are nice and straight they are easier to keep clean and as a result your gums are more likely to be healthier.
Maintaining a healthy smile can reduce the risk of many diseases, including oral cancer.
So remember, keep those pearly whites in tiptop condition and let everybody see them.
A smile is a curve which sets everything straight. Smile like you mean it.
Written by Sophie Loxton

Do your false teeth wave in the breeze?
Are you fed up with your dentures slipping and moving when you eat or even talk? If so Absolute Dental has the answers to stabilise the situation.
If you have some remaining teeth and a partial plastic denture you may well be able to have a metal chrome denture made. This chrome denture is precision made by our technicians and uses the remaining teeth to provide extra stability – meaning no more rocking, slipping and sliding during eating.
If you have no remaining teeth and a full set of dentures that are unstable and you are fed up with using fixative, then implant retained dentures are the thing for you. Two or more implants can be placed into the jawbone and used to retain your denture. With a snug ‘snap’ fit – no more embarrassing moments when teeth part company.
For people with enough good quality bone more implants can be placed to make a fixed implant bridge with no more need to remove dentures for cleaning, just permanent natural looking teeth.
So there you have it – 3 ways to get you smiling again.
Written by Rhodri John

What great Lab to have on your doorstep
Kingsbridge Dental Laboratory kindly invited the Team at Absolute for a tour of the lab to explain the systems and processes that the work we send to them goes through.
It was very reassuring to see the excellent systems in place for processing and tracking work through the many stages, of which Sharon keeps very close tabs on.
Our patients are often encouraged to make a lab visit particularly for shading, which also gives them the appreciation of what goes into making their crown, bridge etc. The shading is undertaken in perfect lighting conditions allowing for a perfect match, Julian spends a lot of time with our patients making them feel comfortable and answering the many questions they may have.
The laboratory are at the forefront of technology using Straumann CadCam, 3M Espe lava scan and their very latest aquisition a Zirconzhan milling machine.
We have a close working relationship with Kingsbridge Laboratory, Julian is always willing to make a special visit to the practice during a patients visit to offer help/advice.
We would like to say a big thank you to the team at Kingsbridge Dental Laboratory for all their help and support and a special thank you to Sharon for all the hard work she put into organising the visit.