New Faces at Absolute dental

Hello, my name is Carys and I'm the newest member of the team here at Absolute Dental, I'm working and and training to be a dental nurse with Absolute.

I've been working at Absolute Dental for a few weeks and I've already learnt so much and learn more and more everyday with the help of the team, they have all been so kind and welcoming and I look forward to going to work each day.

I'm really looking forward to starting my training course in March where I'm lucky enough to train with our very own Absolute tutor Diane.

I'm excited to continue working and learning more and look forward to meeting more and more of the Absolute patients soon.

Halfway there! An Absolute success story.

Hello everyone, my name is Melanie and I am a dental nurse in training at Absolute Dental. I have been working with the Absolute Team for a little over a year and have been very lucky to take my course in my own practice with my colleague and tutor Diane.


A few days ago, I received the results for my written exam for the National Diploma in Dental Nursing which I sat on 17th November and…after 22 days of waiting…I PASSED!

Saying that I was pleased would be an under statement…

It was such fantastic news and really boosted my confidence for the second part of the exam, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination which will take place on the 1st Feb 2013. So despite feeling rather nervous, I am really looking forward to it.

Diane has organised an OSCEs training day on the 12th January which I am sure will be brilliant and reassuring for all the Absolute candidates.

I have been unbelievably privileged to have the support of all the Absolute Team members throughout the course, the completion of my Record of Experience and in the run up to the big day; I am so grateful for their advice, care and patience.

So, I am halfway there and need to pass this next stage in order to qualify and carry on with my career.

Keep everything crossed for me!



Melanie (future RDN)

Why do I need to floss?! I brush twice a day!

I have heard so many patients tell our dentists and hygienists that they “do not floss as often as they should” but brush twice daily.

Is it because they struggle to do it or because they do not understand the importance of doing it?

Many patients also complain that flossing is uncomfortable and makes their gums bleed. Well… healthy gums do not bleed and should not be tender, swollen or red.

Flossing and interdental cleaning is just as essential as tooth brushing.

Brushing alone does not clean all the surfaces of your teeth but only around 65% of them.

Some areas between the teeth cannot be reached by a tooth brush, leaving behind harmful plaque bacteria which can cause gum disease and decay.

Many mouthwashes claim to clean in those ”hard to reach places” but this is simply not true as plaque can only be removed by positive friction.

Extensive research has shown the link between oral bacteria and heart health so a really thorough daily cleaning routine has never been so crucial.

The solution? Flossing I’m afraid.

Flossing is not so much about removing debris as it is agitating the bacteria, stopping it sticking to the tooth surface thus protecting the tooth’s foundations.

Interdental cleaning does not have to be tricky, many products are now available on the market: dental floss holders, interdental brushes, waterpick, air flossers and the practice’s favourite, the single tufted brush.

Here at Absolute dental our hygienists Maureen and Rachael can help you not only to perfect your cleaning technique and provide you with the right cleaning aids for YOUR teeth but also to stay away from the dentist by helping you to improve your oral health and protect your teeth and gums.

The secret is to remove harmful plaque from every surface of every tooth every day…so keep calm and floss daily!

Melanie

Great Customer Service at Absolute Dental - it's official!

According to a recent survey,dentists offer the best customer service of any profession. Out of the 1000 people surveyed 47% rated dentists highly, followed by waiters, who received 30% of the votes.


According to the report gym staff are amongst the worst to deliver customer service, while 40% of people think council staff have a bad attitude. Police, hospital workers and shop assistants were also rated badly, as were post office staff. The poll concluded that people are more than twice as likely to receive good customer service from a dental practice as they are from bar staff, great news for our profession.

Great Inman Aligner Results at Absolute Dental

 Here are some pictures of one of our lovely patients who came to see Rhod asking if the Inaman Aligner  could help her improve her smile as she was unhappy about her crooked upper front teeth:

The results were simply amazing! We have been able to transform this patients smile - she now has straight teeth and a great smile - all in just 12 weeks!

Call in or telephone us on 01548 852165 if you would like us to see if we can improve your smile too!




 

Mouth Cancer Awareness Month at Absolute Dental - Early detection could save lives

November is Mouth Cancer Action Month and their slogan this year is "If in doubt, get it checked out". It is very important that awareness of this disease is highlighted, as 6,000 will be diagnosed with Mouth Cancer this year in the UK alone. Without early detection, half of these will die.

The five-year survival rate of mouth cancer patients is just 50 per cent. But early diagnosis gives patients a 90 per cent chance of survival. Absolute Dental support Mouth Cancer Action Month to increase awareness of the disease, the symptoms and the risk factors.



Between 1997 and 2008, the number of mouth cancer cases has risen by nearly 46 per cent to 5,790. Over 20,000 people have lost their lives in the same period. Unless we continue to keep awareness high around 30,000 people could lose their lives over the next decade as a result of mouth cancer.

Prevention is definitley the key and at every Dental Health Assesment at Absolute Dental, Rhod & Ruth include an oral cancer check within their assessment - not just this month, but every time they see you. These checks make sure that your mouth is healthy, and we tell you that everything is healthy, so that your mind can be put at ease. Or, on the rare occasion that something abnormal is found, as it was recently for one or Rhods' patients, we ensure prompt referral to a specialist for treatment.


We also help our patients recognise the symptoms and identify the risk factors. We help to promoting better lifestyle choices that can reduce significant threats and make a huge difference, especially amongst young people. According to research undertaken by the NHS Information Centre in 2011, nearly one in two (45 per cent) 11 to 15 year olds have consumed alcohol, while more than one in four (27 per cent) admitted to smoking.

Here are some Mouth Cancer statistics:

The five year survival rate of mouth cancer patients is just 50%.


BUT early diagnosis gives patients a 90% survival.


Regular visit to your dentist will ensure you are professionally screened for signs of mouth cancer. Talk to your dentists about the process and mouth cancer risk factors.

Self-examination is a simple, potentially life-saving process.


Look out for:

· Ulcers which do not heal within three weeks

· Red and white patches in the mouth


· Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth


If your mouth is a concern make an appointment with your dentist or GP immediately and make sure they know your worries.

KNOW THE RISKS – PREVENTION IS KEY

Lifestyle choices can prevent this significant threat.


SMOKING, CHEWING TOBACCO, ARECA NUT, PAAN and GUTHKA are main risks.


· ALCOHOL can be deadly. Drinking and smoking to excess raises risk by up to 30 times as alcohol aids absorption of tobacco into the mouth.


· POOR DIET has been linked to mouth cancer. Make sure you get your five-a-day fruit and vegetables. Evidence shows that extra portions of fruit and vegetables reduce the risk still further, as can fish and eggs.


· HPV: the human papilloma virus (HPV), transmitted via oral sex, is a growing threat as a mouth cancer cause. Experts suggest it may rival tobacco and alcohol as a major cancer cause within 10 years.


Sadly risk knows no boundaries in relation to mouth cancer.


A growing number are developing the disease without displaying any traditional risk factors – underlining the need for check-ups and self-examination.


Men were once five times more likely to develop mouth cancer – now they are just twice as likely.


The age group affected is falling as younger people than ever are diagnosed.

Diane

Mr Movember makes an appearance at Absolute Dental

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Rhod has joined the campaign this year and has become, what is referred to as a “Mo Bro”.


Once registered at movember.com each Mo Bro must begin the 1st of Movember with a clean shaven face. For the entire month each Mo Bro must grow and groom a moustache. It’s quite strictt: there is to be no joining of the mo to the sideburns (that’s considered a beard); and there’s to be no joining of the handlebars to the chin (that’s considered a goatee) and each Mo Bro must conduct himself like a true gentleman.

Rhod has effectively become a walking, talking billboard for the 30 days of November and through his actions is raising awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

You can sponsor Rhod for his efforts by going to https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/payment/member_id/5308101/

The Movember Effect: Awareness & Education, Survivorship, Research

The funds raised in the UK are directed to programmes run directly by Movember and our men’s health partners, Prostate Cancer UK and the Institute of Cancer Research. Movember funds are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programmes in line with thier strategic goals in the areas of awareness and education, survivorship and research.

We will post regular updates from our Mo Bro on our Facebook page, so if you haven’t already done it, visit http://www.facebook.com/absolutedentalcentre1 and click “Like” to watch his progress throughout Movember!

The Sugar Diaries - The Sweet Truth

Do you know how much sugar you eat each day? Sugar is the main cause of tooth decay. According to the Food & Drink Federation's Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA), women should aim to restrict their daily intake to 90g (the equivalent of 22.5 sugar cubes). Sound easy, doesn't it? But while we can steer clear of the obvious sweet foods (not eating chocolate or not ordering dessert), it's the hidden sugars lurking in the processed foods & "fat-free" alternatives that we buy that are often loaded with hidden sugars. Packaged sauces are ladden with hidden sugars as are "ready meals". Always try to make suaces from fresh produce adding fresh herbs to add flavour. If we were to all keep a sugar diary, and had it analysed, I think we'd all be really surprised at how high our sugar intake actually is. Try to remember these handy hints when you're planning your meals:

• If it says "low fat" it's likely to be high in sugar
• Look out for the "hidden sugars" on food labels - sucrose, fructose, maltose & corn syrup are, in fact, all sugars and if they appear near the top of an ingredients list, the sugar content of that food item is likely to be very high.
• To work out the sugar content of food, look for "Carbohydrates.....of which....sugars" on the nutrition label. A food with 5g (or less) of sugar per 100g is considered low in sugar; 15g of sugar per 100g is considered high (15g is the equivalent of 4 sugar cubes).
• Not all sugars are bad - those which occur naturally in fruit and vegetables offer a source of slow-releasing energy & nutrients. It is the sugars that are added to foods during the processing or cooking that are devoid of nutrients.

The sad discovery of oral cancer

I found myself in the unfortunate position last week of having to refer one of my patients to the hospital on discovering of what I believe it is a malignant mouth cancer.
We screen everyone for mouth cancer every time we carry out a Dental Health Assessment. It is part of our routine in checking all parts of your dental health. You may even in more recent times received something that looks a little like an MOT certificate updating you on all our findings, and to keep you as involved as possible.

The oral cavity comprises the lip, tongue, lining of the cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth and roof of the mouth, the hard palate and soft palate; while the tonsils, back of the tongue (base of tongue/epiglottis) and mouth (posterior pharyngeal wall) collectively form the oropharynx.

Malignant growths in the oral cavity and the oropharynx are called oral cancers. Most of these cancers are of a type called squamous carcinoma, which means they begin on the surface layer of the mouth and can spread if left untreated. Other types, such as adenocarcinomas, lymphomas and melanomas, may also occur.

Every year in the UK about 6000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer. About one-third of these will die because of the condition.

Oral cancer is more common in men and is diagnosed most frequently in people over 60, but it's rising in people under 40, particularly young people, due to alcohol intake or exposure to HPV.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

The most common symptoms of oral cancer are:

An ulcer in the mouth that doesn't heal or bleeds easily on touch

Persistent pain in the mouth or throat

Less common symptoms are:

Lump in the mouth, tongue or throat

Difficulty in opening the mouth or chewing

Difficulty or pain when swallowing

Pain going from the mouth or throat into the ear

Persistent white or red patches in the mouth

If you are concerned about any of the above that have been present for 2 weeks or more, then please make an appointment to see either myself (Rhodri) or Ruth; a 15 minute assesment can be all that it takes to put your mind at rest.

Absolute Dental holds the Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning!

On Friday the 28th of September Absolute Dental took part in the Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care, to raise funds for those affected by cancer and their families. Being the first in house charity event we have held, we were all slightly nervous but very excited to see how the day would pan out as we all geared up to make coffee & sell our delicious home-made cakes (and of course eating some ourselves!) as well as running the practice as normal....... We are delighted to say it turned out fantastically! Weeks were spent by the team preparing invitations, arranging a raffle, selling raffle tickets & most importantly deciding which cakes everyone was going to bake for the big day! It was great fun & very worth every minute spent! We owe everyone that joined in the fun (and those who donated the very generous raffle prizes) a massive thank you! The day was a huge success & we raised a total of £360!

The effects of hormonal changes on your dental health - by Absolute Dental

In the week that saw the safe arrival of Maisie Sapphire (congratulations to our wonderful dental nurse Kelly and her husband Rod), it seemed appropriate that our 3rd blog in the Oral Health Month series call "The Four P's" should be about Pregnancy and other hormonal changes, and their effect on our dental health.

Hormonal changes such as Pregnancy, Menopause & HRT can have a huge effect on overall oral health. Every woman will go through at least one of these hormonal changes and it is therefore very important that a woman is aware of the effects they can have on her oral health so she can adapt her oral hygiene routine to prevent conditions such as periodontal disease & caries.


Research shows that gingivitis occurs in 75% of all pregnant women.

It occurs due to hormonal and circulation changes. Pregnancy often changes the body’s inflammatory response to plaque and other irritants, which lead to an increased chance of gingivitis. Changes in the gum health are normally most noticeable from the second month of pregnancy, reaching a maximum change in the eighth month stage of pregnancy, and are more common in front teeth than back teeth.

Although gum changes are the most common changes with pregnancy, there are a number of other less common changes that women may deal with:

• Hormonal changes can cause some women to produce either too much saliva or too little.

• Studies show that pregnant women are at higher risk of caries. Although hormones do not contribute directly to cavities, they do cause an increase in appetite and tend to snack more which leads to an increased chance of cavities.

• Morning sickness & repeated vomiting can cause acid erosion.

Menopausal changes can cause discomfort in the mouth, burning sensations, a change in taste and dryness. Dryness particularly can create a huge problem making the chance of cavities greater due to the lack of saliva neutralising the plaque. However 30% to 50% have no changes during this 5 to 10 year stage period of menopause.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also causes a hormonal imbalance & can have an effect on the body’s inflammatory response. This means that the gums can be more sensitive and prone to inflaming if plaque removal is poor.

Therefore thorough, effective oral hygiene is a BIG must during these situations to maintain healthy teeth and gums!

Palpitations, Pacemakers & Protection at Absolute Dental

When patients come to Absolute Dental we want to provide the best care possible and this involves us finding out about general health at present and also any past medical conditions. We know that certain medical conditions, pills, potions and lotions can affect the mouth but also we need to protect our patients whilst they are under our care.


One aspect of our general health which we need to know about are any heart conditions and also if there is an artificial pacemaker fitted.

What is a pacemaker and what does it do?

An artificial pacemaker is a medical device which maintains an adequate heartbeat by delivering electrical impulses to the heart. They are indicated when the natural impulses are absent or too slow. Some of the more recent types are controlled externally and some even include an inbuilt defibrillator.

There are currently over 500,000 people in the UK fitted with them and may be fitted to patients who experience symptoms of heart failure and a common use is for cardiac arrhythmia ( irregular heartbeat)

Patients who are fitted with a pacemaker should have a Pacemaker Identification card which should list the doctor, hospital, date and type of pacemaker fitted. This helps us to provide safe treatment and a safe environment to deliver this in.

Why should we be informed if you have an artificial pacemaker?

Certain types of treatment and equipment in a dental practice can affect the pacemaker due to their electromagnetic interference. Included in this are ultrasonic scalers and baths, even some head rests for dental chairs which are held in place by powerful magnets.

The problems created by this could include some of the following:

1. Inhibition of pacing - stimulus not provided when needed

2. Asychronous pacing - pacing occurs at a fixed rate regardless of the heart's need for therapy

3. Inappropriate stimuli - shock therapy provided when not needed.

How do we protect you at Absolute Dental?

The want to ensure that you get the best care possible and so we will always ask you about your general health at each visit and once a year will ask you to complete a written medical update for us. This is part of our best practice policy and adheres to guidelines established by our governing body, the General Dental Council, to help protect patients.

We may need your consent to contact your doctor to find out which type of pacemaker you have, as this then gives us the most up to date information if further treatment is to be carried out.

For patients who may require plaque removal by our hygienists, we have sonic scalers which work differently to ultrasonic scalers and may be used on some patients with pacemakers. We can also use hand instruments on all patients which also reduces the risk and provides peace of mind if a patient is unsure of which type of pacemaker is fitted.

We conform to the latest cross infection guidelines and do not use ultrasonic baths in the practice at all.

We find out about the latest policies about your health through continuing professional development and hope this explains why we ask about your general health, providing you with the best care possible at Absolute Dental.

Week One of Oral Health Month 2012 with Absolute Dental

September 2012 is Oral Health Month where we encourage out patients to "Love Your Mouth - it's good for your health".

Research shows that some illnesses, medical conditions, medications and lifestyle habits can have an adverse affect on your oral health. With this in mind, here at Absolute Dental, we have decided to write our blogs in September with this in mind - calling the series "The Four P's". Here is the first blog for September, written by our newest team member, dental nurse Caroline.

Pills, Potions & Poisons

Oral health is not only important to your appearance and sense of well being, but also to your overall health.


Smoking is a major risk factor for oral and dental disease, including oral cancer. Tobacco smoke is very harmful to gum tissues and other tissues in your mouth. Toxins in smoke can cause oral cancer and also damage the bone around your teeth, a major cause of tooth loss. In fact, smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease and perhaps the biggest risk factor for oral cancer.

How Does Smoking Lead to Gum Disease?

Smoking and other tobacco products can lead to gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. More specifically, it appears that smoking interferes with the normal function of gum tissue cells. This interference makes smokers more susceptible to infections, such as periodontal disease, and also seems to impair blood flow to the gums - which may affect wound healing.

Medications can cause tooth damage and can affect gums

Many drugs, both prescription and illegal, can cause tooth damage. Estimates suggest that about 40 per cent of people take at least one type of medicine that could damage their teeth. They can cause gum problems such as inflammation, bleeding or ulceration. Diseased gums can lead to other dental problems including tooth loss.

Excessive fluoride can damage children's teeth. Antihistamines, aspirin, asthma medications and syrups may cause tooth damage. Illegal drugs including cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and methamphetamine can damage teeth.

When you come to Absolute Dental, we will often ask you to complete a confidential medical update. Here we ask you to list any pills, potions or lotions that you might be taking - not only does this ensure we keep you safe whilst you are with us, but it also helps us to build a complete picture of your dental health, and the ways in which we can help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Talking Xylitol and the Absolute Dental "Taste Challenge"

It is no secret that dental caries (tooth decay) is caused in a large part by refined carbohydrates (sugars). The main culprit amongst these sugars is sucrose - and this is the table sugar you might put in your tea, coffee & cooking two or three times a day. It is these regular "sugar baths" that lead to caries.

 

Here at Absolute Dental we are constantly trying to ensure your mouths are as healthy as can be, and one of our constant messages is the reduction of sugar in our diets - easier said than done when much of the processed foods we can buy in our supermarkets are full of sugar and even the "low fat" options are pumped full of sugar to improve the taste.

 

There is increasing research which shows that the use of Xylitol (a naturally occurring, sweet carbohydrate found in virtually all fruits, but produced commercially from birch bark) in place of sugar can not only help to reduce the incidence of caries, but can also make the mouth a healthier place by:

• making it a less acidic environment
• reducing the number of harmful bacteria sticking to the surface of the teeth
• encouraging the uptake of minerals in our saliva into the tooth structure to repair damage 

Xylitol can be found in chewing gum, some sugar free sweets and also increasing, in dental products, because of its known anti-caries properties.

 

So, as we at Absolute Dental prepare to take part in the Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on September 28th - are you ready for the "Xylitol Taste Challenge"....???

 

Are you ABSOLUTELY ready for your date? Or is your smile a big let down?

According to a new survey, yellow teeth are  bigger turn-off on a first date spotty skin or bad table manners.

 

Although 86% of women, and 74% of men, would turn down a second date because of bad breath, women spend more time applying make up every day than they do brushing their teeth Almost half of men surveyed spend less than FIVE minutes each day brushing their teeth, with 1% admitting they do not brush at all.

 

The study also found that 85% of people would turn down a kiss on a first date because of bad breath.

 

Inman Aligner Treatment at Absolute Dental

We've been seeing some great results with the Inman Aligner treatments that we've carried out here at Absolute Dental, and wanted to share with you some before and after pictures from a recent case.

This lovely patient had received orthodontic treatment when they were younger, but was concerned that her upper front teeth had drifted since she completed the treatment and was no longer happy with their appearance - this is a very common reason for people attending the practice for an Inman Aligner consultation with either Rhodri or Ruth.

Following only 4 months of treatment with the Inman Aligner, during which the patient attended the practice for regular appointments, the results were remarkable, and the patient was fitted with a retainer to hold the teeth in their new position.





If you would like to know more about the Inman Aligner, or to see if you are suitable for the treatment, please call our team on 01548 852165. Or you can listen to this patients own testimonial on our website http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqE-qzDqxhU&feature=player_embedded

Interdental cleaning- Why? what with? how? where and when!

In today's market place, we are faced with a huge range of interdental cleaning aids. Over the last few years we have seen a move forward from conventional aids such as floss and interdental wood sticks to more effective and easy to use solutions.


Why clean in between? When we examine the structure of the gum tissue under the microscope, we can see that gum is constructed of many layers and in between the teeth in an area we refer to as the interdental col, the top layer of gum is naturally absent. This gives harmful plaque bacteria easy access to get underneath the gum and cause gingivitis, and in some cases periodontitis. If we were making similar comparisons with skin, it would be like comparing the very soft, almost translucent skin on the underside of the wrist to the thicker skin on the palm of the hand.

Due to the nature of this weakness, it becomes just as important if not more, to remove the plaque thoroughly from in between teeth every day. Manual toothbrushes generally only remove approximately 60 % of plaque between teeth so removing the other 40% is just as important for good dental health!
At absolute dental, we know that there is no " One size fits all" strategy to finding out what suits our patients as individuals.

Different shapes of teeth also need different methods of cleaning and this can also be made more challenging by the different positions of teeth and the fact that there is a certain amount of "give" in the fibres of the periodontal ligament, which means that one size of interdental brush on one appointment, may change due to the movement of a tooth and a different size required at the next visit.

What to clean with and where:

Here are a few of the range of interdental aids which are now available on the market and their suitability.

Dental floss:

There are several types of floss available and include unwaxed, waxed, dental tapes, ultra floss and superfloss which was designed particularly for use around bridges.

Floss works best in between anterior teeth where the sides of the teeth are generally uniform in structure, and particularly helpful where there is very little room between teeth.

As we look at the areas in between posterior teeth, there are slight concavities in the natural shape of teeth which means that floss does not easily remove all dental plaque.

Floss works very well at removing plaque from underneath the gum margin in these areas and can often be made more comfortable to use by tying the floss in a small loop, and using the fingers as a frame. Floss holders or floss picks can also make flossing much easier.
Interdental brushes:

This is an area which has expanded considerably in the last few years, with the advent of Tepe brushes. These are based around the concept of a variety of diffentent lenghts of bristles on a plastic coated wire, colour coded for easy use. They are very effective at removing plaque from in between pre molar and molar teeth but do need careful attention so that the wire doesn't bend and loses its shape. These type of brushes are mainly used above the gum margin and only get 2-3mm underneath the gum margin. They also some in a range which has a longer handle, making it easier to reach the areas towards the back of the mouth.

Denti brushes are a new range of rubber interdental brushes, which are tapered and some makes also contain fluoride. These work well throughout the mouth and can be particularly helpful where there are different sizes of space in between teeth and they also reach 2-3mm under the gum margin.
Single tufted brushes:

These brushes are designed to be used anywhere in the mouth but are particularly helpful for patients who have periodontal pockets, crowded teeth and those who have orthodontic appliances. They can be used with or without toothpaste and if held in a pen grasp, give the best flexibility and control of the brush to the user.
Interdental heads for electric toothbrushes:

Oral b Braun have an interdental brush head, which is very helpful in particular for molar areas and also lingual areas next to the tongue which collect plaque more readily. The fit onto most makes of Oral B Braun electric brush handles and if you are unsure if it will fit onto the model you have, we can try this for you at Absolute Dental, particularly as these brush heads are only sold in single units through dental practices.
Dental woodsticks:

These still have a place in plaque removal and removal of food debris but are not as effective as other forms of interdental cleaning due to their rigidity and shape. There is also a possible risk of innoculation.

Air floss:

This is a very new device made by philips within their sonicare range. It works by the use of a very fine and powerful spray of air and water to the interdental areas. It resembles an electric toothbrush in that it has a handle and charging unit and it is most suitable for patients who have a slight space interdentally. The air flosser is used from the outside of the teeth inwards which makes positioning easy.
Water Piks:

These work on a similar principal to the air flosser and can be used and the aim of both is to disrupt the plaque on the tooth surface so that it is unable to settle and release the harmful substances which can cause gingivitis. Many of the water piks can be used throughout the insides and outsides of the dental arch.

When and how often should you clean in between?

At least once daily and generally before you brush. This allows you to remove the harmful plaque and food debris first, and then your toothpaste will have a clearer channel to get much further between your teeth.

Brace yourself

Looking at me you would think I have a very normal, healthy smile. My teeth are fairly straight & I take every opportunity to give a smile.

So it may be a surprise to many of you that I will be having fixed orthodontic braces placed in a few months time.

You may be thinking why would someone with fairly straight teeth need a brace? Well, for me its all about the bite! For a few years I have suffered with a clicky jaw & discomfort when eating on the left hand side.

It wasn’t until I started my career in dentistry that I discovered I had a very abnormal bite with only minimal contact between my upper & lower teeth. This was causing me all sorts of problems such as severe ache, being unable to close my teeth in a comfortable position, not  to mention how this was wearing some of my teeth away!

Thanks to Ruthie, who made me more aware of the problem, I was referred to a specialist orthodontist who has started my treatment to achieve a much healthier bite. So, next time you see me I will most probably be wearing my fixed braces to help me gain a healthier bite. I can’t wait!

Orthodontic treatment doesn't always mean the use of fixed braces and there are many different ways to correct occlusal problems - so if you have any concerns regarding the way your teeth look or come together, please call in and see us for more information on the ways in which we may be able to help you.

Amber

40 something and afraid ......

Research suggests that women in their late forties are the most afraid of the dentist .....


Possibly because this age group are more likely to have experienced trauma, abuse or oro-facial trauma and are also more likely to be depressed anxious or stressed (Research at University of Sydney)


Dental anxiety is very real and complex and should never be downplayed. According to Dr Avanti, people who fear the dentist wait 17 days before they make an appointment even when they are in severe pain; compared to the rest of the population who wait for 3 days.


Ironically ,women in their late 40's ought to pay particular attention to their health in general. Hormonal changes at menopause can have a significant impact on periodontal condition and additional care from your dentist and hygienist can really benefit. Changes in dietary habits and increased sugar intake will increase the chance of developing dental decay.This is a good time to review diet and nutrition for optimum health - and this is a regular part of your Dental Health Assessment here at Absolute Dental.

Depression anxiety and stress lead to smoking more heavily as a quick fix.....While giving up has untold health benefits.


An understanding approach by the dental team will help all frightened patients. It seems that women in their late 40's might be particularly deserving of this gentle care.

Happy Patients with wonderful New Smiles at Absolute Dental

This week saw the completion of a short course of treatment for one of Rhods' lovely patients, that completely restored a smile worn by grinding and discoloured over time.

When a patient comes to us asking for straighter, whiter & brighter teeth, we do our best to fulfil their wishes knowing that simple changes we can make can make a huge difference to them and often restore confidence meaning patients that came to us embarrassed by their smile, leave with a the broadest of smiles.

Patients often think that to solve broken, worn or chipped teeth the solution is wall to wall veneers. Not only is this not always the most cost effective treatment option, but it is also not the most conservative treatment option either and can mean the removal of healthy tooth tissue. There are several great alternatives that we will always discuss with out patients.

With this case, we offered the patient a course of tooth whitening initially to improve the shade of her teeth, sometimes this is enough for a patient to feel happier about the appearance of their teeth, and then to restore the teeth with a composite (tooth coloured) restorative material to close the gaps and repair the chips.

You will see from the models that the patient presented with quite worn front teeth with noticeable gaps between them. The picture taken following the treatment shows how these gaps have been reduced and the chips repaired - with a very natural appearance that the patient was thrilled with. Simple, yet very eeffective treatment that changes a patients smile - please call in or see our website for some of our other very happy patients. We have a wide range of payment options too which we are also happy to discuss with you to help turn your dream into a reality.

Results of our Patient Feedback Survey

We carry out patient questionnaires quite frequently here at Absolute as we are always looking to provide the very best care we can and really value our patients feedback.
I thought I would share with everyone the results and should anyone be reading this who was not invited to participate please do feel you can pass on your comments to any of the team at any stage either in person, by telephone on 01548854894, email info@absolute-dental.co.uk, or even by adding a comment to our facebook page www.facebook.com/absolutedentalcentre1

We try and choose random dates in the diary to carry out this type of survey so that we are very unspecific in the type of feedback we can expect. We always review the results and look for ways to improve what we believe to be the best levels of care and service, both clinical and non clinical.

All patients were asked to score each of the following between 1 and 5 (1 being poor and 5 being exceptional) and we also split the results between our two dentists, Rhodri and Ruth

Rhodri John RESULTS JUNE 2012

 

What is your overall opinion of the clinical treatment you received at Absolute? 100% of patients scored 5


How satisfied were you with the overall experience at Absolute Dental? 100% of patients scored 5


Do you feel you receive value for money at Absolute? 66% of patients scored 5 22% scored 4 & 11% scored 3


What is your opinion of customer service at Absolute? 100% of patients scored 5


I really understand the condition of my teeth and gums 100% scored 5


I really feel that my dentist/hygienist listened to me 100% scored 5


I really feel that my dentist understands the concerns I have about my teeth and gums 100% scored 5


Do you feel you are seen on time for your appointments 100% said always. No one said Sometimes or Rarely


Do you feel confident about the cleanliness of the practice? 100% said YES


Do you feel we treat you with dignity and respect and high levels of confidentiality? 100% said YES


How easy is it to make an appointment at Absolute? 44% said VERY EASY 55% said EASY. No one said Difficult or Very Difficult

 Ruth Page RESULTS JUNE 2012


What is your overall opinion of the clinical treatment you received at Absolute? 91% of patients scored 5 9% scored 4


How satisfied were you with the overall experience at Absolute Dental? 81% of patients scored 5 19% scored 4


Do you feel you receive value for money at Absolute? 64% scored 5 36% scored 4


What is your opinion of customer service at Absolute? 91% of patients scored 5 9% scored 4


I really understand the condition of my teeth and gums 81% of patients scored 5 19% scored 4


I really feel that my dentist/hygienist listened to me 91% scored 5 9% scored 4


I really feel that my dentist understands the concerns I have about my teeth and gums 91% scored 5 9% scored 4


Do you feel you are seen on time for your appointments 100% said ALWAYS


Do you feel confident about the cleanliness of the practice? 100% said YES 100% said YES


Do you feel we treat you with dignity and respect and high levels of confidentiality? 100% said YES


How easy is it to make an appointment at Absolute? 45% said VERY EASY 54% said EASY

The benefits of interdental cleaning - advice from the Absolute Dental Team.

We all know how important it is to clean between our teeth and that by not doing so we are leaving up to 40% of our tooth surfaces covered in plaque bacteria - these bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease if not effectively removed from every surface, of every tooth, every day.

Dental floss is one of the most effective tools we can use, but how many of us forget to do it or find the whole process quite challenging?

There are products on the market called water flossers such as the Phillips Sonicare Airfloss which may just make life a little easier!

They work by forcing a jet of water and air through the spaces between your teeth, not only removing debris but also inserting oxygen which helps to improve gum health.

Studies have shown that water flossers, when used in conjunction with toothbrushing, are an easier, more effective alternative to floss and are up to 93% more effective at reducing bleeding and 52% more effective at reducing gingivitis.

It has also been documented that a water flosser can be particularly effective at helping patients with orthodontic appliances, diabetes, periodontal disease and implants maintain good oral health.

If you would like any further information regarding the Sonicare Airfloss or some advice on whether a water flosser would be suitable for you, please do not hesitate to ask Rhod, Ruth Maureen or Rachael next time you're with us, or call us on 01548 852165 for more information today.

Benefits of Privilege Membership at Absolute Dental

Have we told you about our Privilege Membership, available here at Absolute Dental? What is the Privilege Membership?

Privilege membership is available for children and adults. The benefits of privilege membership are not only to be able to spread your dental costs over the year by paying monthly, but it also brings with it generous members rates on treatments, oral health products and with the added benefit of insurance cover. It enables you to budget for your dental well being and gives you the peace of mind that in the event of accidental damage you are covered.
For an example of how beneficial this aspect of the membership can be, we recently saw a patient who had fallen and chipped her two front teeth. Thankfully we were able to restore these teeth with a tooth coloured filling material so that the teeth were restored to their normal appearance, at no cost to the patient. But, we understand that with any knock to the teeth there could be unseen damage that will only be apparent as time goes by. Should this be the case, all future remedial care for these teeth will also be covered by the insurance aspect of this patients Privilege Membership - how reassuring that must be, at a time like this!
To assess whether privilege membership would benefit you or your family you should arrange to discuss with a member of the Absolute team. Monthly payments start at £18 for an adult and from £5.45 for children's membership.

Not only does the membership benefit our patients, it also benefits the practice itself. The administration for the membership is through a national company called Practice Plan. Practice Plan offer training and support to the practice and the team to ensure we are all kept up to date up to date in many key areas - this then, in turn benefits our patients in terms of the service and level of care we are able to provide.

This year Practice Plan took their lead dental practices to Alicante for a team building weekend, it was not for the faint hearted, as this video link of Rhod & Emma will show you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz5arHAinvs&feature=youtu.be

Why breakfast is fast becoming the most unhealty meal of the day - diet advice from the Absolute Dental team

Did you know, that chocolate spread is now more popular than marmalade??

I found the following information in my recent copy of the British Dental Association magazine, and I felt that it was important to share it with you as I myself am a parent and therefore see it as my responsibility to give my children the very best start.

Oral health charity the British Dental Health Foundation believe that breakfast is becoming the unhealthiest meal of the day.

Despite expert advice that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, research group Which? has discovered that 12 out of 14 popular brands of breakfast cereal contain worryingly high levels of sugar and that many people misjudge the amount of sugar in some fruit juices, particularly those perceived as healthy - notably pomegranate & pure apple juice.

Chocolate spread sales have now overtaken those of marmalade, with some analysts suggesting busy parents looking to satisfy fussy eaters are a possible reason behind the boom. Did you know that Nutella has more sugar in it than it does hazelnuts? It is NOT a healthy option.

Around one in three children now start primary school with signs of tooth decay.

An ideal breakfast would be porridge or a boiled egg with wholemeal toast. Parents are encouraged to move away from breakfast cereals loaded with sugar.

Emma

Could your Sports Drink be causing Acid Erosion on your teeth? Advice from Absolute Dental

The consumption of sport and energy drinks is increasing. This is causing irreversible damage to teeth- specifically the high acidity levels in the drinks erode tooth enamel.

Young adults are consuming these drinks assuming that they will improve their sports performance and energy levels and that they are better for them than fizzy drinks. The facts are however that these drinks are essentially bathing their teeth with acid.

Recent tests carried out show that the damage caused by energy drinks is twice as great as the damage caused by sports drinks. However damage to enamel was apparent in all tests.

At Absolute Dental we try and advise our patients with the very best advice. Minimise your intake of these drinks. If you do have to have a sports or energy drinks then rinse your mouth with water afterwards or chew sugar free gum. Both of these tactics will increase your saliva flow which helps reduce the acidity levels in your mouth. Also you must wait an hour after the consumption of these drinks before brushing your teeth otherwise you are spreading the acids onto all the surfaces of your teeth, which increases the erosive action.

Inman Aligner Open Evening Success at Absolute Dental

Last week we held a very successful, well attended open evening to introduce our patients and new clients to a fantastic new way to have straighter teeth in just 12 weeks!

An Inman Aligner can help those who often wished they had  received orthodontic treatment as a child, or who have received treatment in the past only to see their teeth slip back into their original crooked position. Also it can be the ideal treatment for many who are generally unhappy with the alignment of their teeth and longing for a beautiful, straight smile.

Rhodri John, Clinical Director of Absolute Dental welcomed all of those who attended, and this was followed by a presentation by Ruth Page to give more details on the Inman Aligner treatment and benefits of such a fast, safe & great value treatment.

Guests were then invited to ask questions, view before and after photos and study models & hear patient testimonials to see the effects of the treatment for themselves. One of our nurses, Diane, was also present to give a first hand account of the Inman Aligner treatment as she has completed treatment on her upper teeth and is currently undergoing treatment on her lower teeth.

Any guests who were interested in the treatment were then offered complimentary initial consultations with both Rhod and Ruth to asses their suitability for the treatment.

The evening was a great success, many of those assessed were suitable for the treatment and are booked in for the next stage of the treatment!

If you were unable to make the open evening or would just like more information on the Inman Aligner, please pop into the practice or call us on 01548 852165 and speak to one of the team.

Memories from a patient on the building we now know as Absolute Dental

Here at Absolute Dental, we love to get to know our patients and appreciate them as individuals. What follows is an account, written by one of our lovely patients, who has seen Kingsbridge change considerably over the years. We feel privileged to have been offered this insight into the building we now call home, and wanted to share it with others too:

The story of two sisters living in Duke Street in the war years.



We were both school teachers and nursing members of St John and were asked to train in war emergency work and enrol in the first aid party.


The Iron Foundry (now in 2012, where Absolute Dental stands) was employed on war work.


At midday on Saturday 3rd January 1943, German bombers flying low, flew up the estuary to Kingsbridge and with a deafening roar and machine gun fire, dropped high explosives bombs on the town. One of these, dropped from a low altitude, went through a bedroom in our home, through the next door garage/store and exploded in the adjacent jewellers shop, killing the jeweller and his wife.


Fortunately, there was no fire, but almost; a man from the local gas works arrived to turn off the gas from the meters to prevent possible gas explosions.


All the shops and houses in Duke Street from number 3 on one side and all on the other side were very seriously damaged and had to be totally demolished.


Amazingly, 7 people came from the ruins of our home and a lady with her children from the flat above next doors garage, with nothing more than minor cuts grazes and bruises.


After a was at our aunts cottage we reported at the first post, then after some time it was apparent that all the injured and dying had been taken to the local hospital, we were told that we could go home, but we had no home to go to, we were then given a message to stay at a cousins home.


The next call would be to render first aid after the air raid on Aveton Gifford. One girl of 5 years was killed and 20 people injured.


P.S If one stands and looks out of the door and windows of the Absolute Dental rooms, one looks right into the area of the bomb explosion and damage.


LM, Kingsbridge, April 2012

Emma John from Absolute Dental gives her advice on effective team communication

As everyone knows I am usually on the case of the reception teams. I grill them, I make them uncomfortable in their current delivery of care and then I work with them to create more efficient, effective systems.

I make their life tough for a while, but they allow me to do so to make the rest of the dental teams lives better, and the practice more successful and profitable.

For the starting point of this blog, lets for a moment assume that your reception team has already received my Perfect Front Desk training.

They are, therefore, a group of exceptionally skilled individuals who not only supply you with a series of new patients, but also deliver exceptional care and service before and after a visit.

Now liken your reception team to air traffic control (takes me back to my RAF roots). Air traffic controllers manage aircraft through all aspects of their flight with the priority of safety, followed by other aspects such as ensuring arrivals and departures are on time. They use navigation and surveillance to communicate advice, information and instructions to pilots via radio.

Air traffic controllers are well known for working in control towers at airports, but the majority actually work in area control centres. They are responsible for the en-route stage of the aircraft, using radar to track its exact position, keeping it safe in the airspace and providing the most efficient route.

Now we all know air traffic control are in contact with those in charge of the aircraft - namely the pilots. In dentistry, if your front desk team are the air traffic controllers, the pilots are the dentists. How can air traffic control carry out their job if the pilots are not communicating with them?

So today I am not on the case of the reception team; instead I am asking our dentists (pilots) if they are constantly communicating with their air traffic controllers?

Do they know how long you want for the next appointment?

Do they know if you are experiencing difficulties and are going to be running late?

Do they know if you are planning to use your 1030 gap of 15 minutes to make a phone call?

And so the list continues……...

Frequently the customer care baton is being dropped because our air traffic controllers are trying to work alone and this hinders the efficiency of the practice and can compromise the overall “in flight” experience of our passengers.

Emma John