Goal setting tips from Absolute Dental

Top 10 goal-setting tips

Top 10 tips to achieving your New Year's resolution:

1. Make only one resolution. Your chances of success are greater when you channel energy into changing just one aspect of your behaviour.

2. Don’t wait until New Year’s Eve to think about your resolution and instead take some time out a few days before and reflect upon what you really want to achieve.

3. Avoid previous resolutions. Deciding to revisit a past resolution sets you up for frustration and disappointment.

4. Don’t run with the crowd and go with the usual resolutions. Instead think about what you really want out of life.

5. Break your goal into a series of steps, focusing on creating sub-goals that are concrete, measurable and time-based.

6. Tell your friends and family about your goals. You're more likely to get support and want to avoid failure.

7. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits associated with achieving your goals by creating a checklist of how life would be better once you obtain your aim.

8. Give yourself a small reward whenever you achieve a sub-goal, thus maintaining motivation and a sense of progress.

9. Make your plans and progress concrete by keeping a handwritten journal, completing a computer spreadsheet or covering a notice board with graphs or pictures.

10. Expect to revert to your old habits from time to time. Treat any failure as a temporary setback rather than a reason to give up altogether.

Don't forget your Toothbrush this Christmas! Some top Christmas tips from Absolute Dental.

With Christmas just around the corner, everyone is ready and geared up for the festivities to get underway. Mince pies, champagne, selection boxes and umpteen bags of sweets will no doubt make their way into our festive diets. It's a thoroughly enjoyable time of year, but spare a thought for your teeth.

Constant snacking, drinking and eating of sugary foods and drinks over Christmas can make the holiday period a miserable time for teeth. The indulgences and tempting treats on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in particular means that teeth are going to be in harm's way for over the 48 hours over the festive period.

Some traditional Christmas foods like Cranberries, the perfect accompaniment for your Turkey, are scientifically proven to be beneficial to overall health, and scientists have also shown they may have the capacity to help prevent both gum disease and tooth decay. However, moderation is important as cranberries are acidic and it is a good idea not to have them too often.

That means it is important to be extra vigilant with your oral health over the Christmas period. Remember, teeth are under attack for up to one hour after eating or drinking, and if you think about how much is consumed, and how often, particularly over Christmas and Boxing Day, your teeth don't really get the chance to recover.

Please forgive the Dental Grinch, and we only tell you this for your benefit, here are five ways to look after your teeth this Christmas and New Year:

1.Beware of the mince pies, Christmas cake and pudding

Mince pies, Christmas cake and Christmas pudding may satisfy millions of people after a traditional Christmas dinner, but one thing they do not satisfy is your teeth. They are all laden with dried fruit, which is high in sugar. These kinds of foods stick to teeth and can cause the most damage, particularly if we're gorging on them throughout Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

2.Don't ditch the routine

The worst thing you can do is wrap up your oral hygiene routine on Christmas Eve for a few days. Teeth take a bit of a hammering, what with all of the chocolates, sugary foods and drinks and the alcohol consumed over the festive period. Christmas morning might be an exciting time for children, but if you're a parent make them wait a little longer - it's only two minutes after all! If a post-Christmas snooze on the sofa is more your thing, then do remember to brush your teeth before you head to bed.

3.Say cheese!

Cheese is great for teeth. It helps to return the mouth to its natural acid balance and help reduce the chances of developing tooth decay. That's why cheeseboards after the main meal are a great idea. Even a little piece of cheese can have the same effect. The same can be said for sugar-free chewing gum (although it may not be great table etiquette!).

4.Use the bottle opener

We can all confess to attempting to open a bottle of beer with our teeth at some point in our lives. Although you can't legislate for genuine accidents, please remember your teeth aren't tools. If your party trick is to open a bottle of beer with your teeth, or if you're always biting open the crisp packet, you're actually doing your teeth more harm than good.
If you somehow lose a tooth, the important thing to remember is not to panic. Get to the emergency dentist as soon as possible, as with the right care, the tooth could be successfully put back into the socket. Ideally you should try and put it back in straight away, without handling the root.
The best chance of having your tooth successfully put back in is to keep the tooth in the cheek. If this isn't possible, keep it in some milk until you receive the necessary emergency dental work. The sooner you can do this the better.

5.Moderation

Moderation is definitely the most important thing to remember. In order to ensure you fully enjoy this time of year without having to compromise on what you eat and drink, bear in mind it is not how much sugary food and drink you have, it is how often you have them that causes a perilous situation for oral health. It's ok to say no to that extra sweet as the tin comes round, or have a glass of milk instead of one last glass of fizz.

Written by Karen Coates

DIY Tooth Whitening is NOT the way! Advice from Absolute Dental.

I wonder if anyone saw the article in the Daily Mail yesterday (16/12/14) regarding the concerns of a leading dentist over DIY tooth whitening and also the products used to whiten teeth by non-dental professionals, it made very interesting, but concerning reading.

It is true that tooth whitening is now very popular with people looking to brighten their smile, but it is also true that in these current economic times people are looking for cheaper alternatives where possible - but the warning is, when it comes to tooth whitening, not all treatments are equal!

The promise a perfect smile at a fraction of the price of professional treatments appeals to many. But cheap tooth-whitening methods and DIY remedies can do permanent damage. Some are so harsh they strip away the enamel, leaving healthy young people with dull brown teeth usually only seen in the elderly. Ken Harris, a leading cosmetic dentist, said: ‘You only get so much enamel in your life and once it has gone, you are in serious trouble.’  

 

 

 

There are "old wives tales" that foods such as strawberries or lemon juice can whiten teeth, but these, and many over the counter tooth whitening kits are extremely unlikely to work.

 

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Dr Harris said he has even seen patients go to extreme lengths to cut costs – from scrubbing their teeth with Vim scouring powder to rinsing with Toilet Duck or Domestos! Those doing this are at risk of chemical burns and causing permanent damage to the enamel of their teeth

 

Dr Harris, who studied tooth-whitening for a master’s degree, warned that the budget bleaching sessions are at best useless and at worst dangerous. His research shows that only hydrogen peroxide and derivatives of it, such as carbamide peroxide, whiten teeth.

 

However, some non dental professionals who provide a tooth whitening treatment use chlorine dioxide, which is better known as swimming pool bleach. Martin Fallowfield, of the British Dental Association, called the use of swimming pool bleach as a whitener ‘very scary’.

 

The warning also extends to buying kits online. Some contain five times as much carbamide peroxide as needed.

 

He also said it is illegal for anyone other than a dentist to whiten teeth – but some beauty salons try to get around this by helping customers with the treatment rather than fully carrying it out.

So, our advice is that if you are thinking of brightening or whitening your teeth - speak to trained professionals who are interested in more than simply changing the shade of your teeth, but actually looking our for the long term health of your whole mouth - your dentist! If you would like more advice on our tooth whitening treatments, please call us on 01548 852165 or pop in to the practice today and speak to one of the team.

Making Choices - Our Future is in Our Hands

Having attended a thought proving workshop with the team from Absolute a couple of weeks ago, a couple of key points have stuck out in my mind;

Firstly, I need to take more responsibility for where I find myself in life by being more pro-active and less passive.

Secondly, if my future doesn't look like I want it to, the only one who can change this is me!

So often in life we have choices to make, and many people often find it hard to make decisions - inevitably we all have to make decisions all the time, some are more important than others.
 

Some people put off making decisions by endlessly searching for more information or getting other people to offer their recommendations.  Others resort to decision making by taking a vote, sticking a pin in a list or tossing a coin. Sometimes it is often easier to walk away rather than having to decide - but even that is a decision in itself.

 

So, I have realised that sitting back, thinking "what will be, will be" is no longer good enough for me. If I want to change something, decisions have to be made!

 

On a personal level, I have kicked this off with some hypnotherapy to help me with my fear of flying (about time as I have my first ever long haul flight booked for January 2015!!), and I can honestly say, that even making the decision to change something feels incredibly positive!

 

I wanted to share this with you all as I know many people find themselves in a similar situation, of wanting to change something or alter their path, but don't know where to begin. My advice would be to first of all decide to make that change - this is often the hardest part, but once this is done, momentum is gathered and the rest becomes slightly easier.

 

Whether its losing some weight, improving your smile, looking for a new house, learning to drive or simply reading that book that you've never got around to - stop waiting for everything to happen to you, and go out there and make it happen for you. 2015 could be a great year for you too.

 

Di

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't forget your teeth this festive season!

Over the next month, our bodies are likely to take a battering as we indulge in fatty, sugary, rich foods, our alcohol intake goes up a few notches and late nights become the norm in the run up to Christmas.

 

And while many of us can see the obvious effects of festive season over-indulgence in the form of weight gain and a generally tired appearance, there’s one part of our bodies that we rarely give a second thought to – our teeth.

 

This time of year is particularly troublesome for our teeth and also our breath, but how many of us think about our oral hygiene routine during the festive season?

 

Not only could we be paying the price come January, but at the time of the year when we’re likely to be getting up close and personal in the form of hugs, dancing with friends and family, and kisses under the mistletoe, many of us could be putting people off without a second thought.

Take the office Christmas party for example. Research released by Wrigley shows that nearly a third of adults have romantically kissed a work colleague, with one in six adults seeing their office Christmas party as a good opportunity to make a move on one of their colleagues!

But if your plan is to make a move on the office cutie for a kiss under the mistletoe then be warned; over 70% of people say bad teeth or bad breath would be their biggest turnoff if they were to kiss someone at this year’s work party, with over a quarter ranking fresh breath as the most important factor when preparing for the Christmas bash.

 

So, to be sure your breath is fresh and your teeth are in top form ready for the festive season, visit your dentist or hygienist to ensure everything in your mouth is as healthy as can be, and don't forget to brush and floss as normal over the festive season - even chewing sugar free gum is a great way to remove debris and freshen your breath after your Christmas meal.

 

Call us on 01548 852165 today if you would like a last minute pre-Christmas party season sparkle!

Tooth Whitening at Absolute Dental

Ever thought you would like to see a brighter, lighter smile when you look in the mirror?

Our patients report that they feel younger and healthier following whitening treatment. It can change discoloured teeth stained by smoking red wine and the ravages of time into a smile restored and rejuvenated which still looks like you ....only better! 

If you wish to boost confidence socially and in business, to sparkle on your Wedding Day, Birthday or Anniversary or simply to have a special treat, Absolute Tooth Whitening is the perfect answer. 

At Absolute Dental we are delighted to offer our patients a choice of Tooth Whitening Systems to suit your teeth and lifestyle  The system uses gentle safe gels over several days or nights to give you the very best result. 

A short visit to take an impression is all that stands between you and your new smile. Painless minimally invasive dentistry with great results. A sound investment with great return.

Ask Rhodri, Ruth, or any of the team to learn more. We've all taken the plunge and are enjoying the benefits of a healthier looking smile.

Is Running good for your dental health?

Running

On Sunday Nov 2^nd, I and 2,008 other runners took part in the Plymouth 10k road race. Many spent weeks training for the event and the smiles on the finish line tell all. Running is an accessible, cheap activity to manage your weight, build strength in your bones and relieve stress. It is good for your health, good for your soul!

Is running good for our dental health?

 

Inevitably, when you are running, you need to breathe through your mouth. This dries the mouth, saliva thickens and the cleansing effects are reduced.

·         Sugary food or drink consumed on the go will cause more damage to your teeth than normal.

·         Avoid energy drinks; they cause decay and acid erosion. Acid erosion thins the enamel and causes sensitivity.

·         Frequent intake of sugary food or drink consumed during training causes tooth decay. Untreated advanced decay leads to pain - you may recall earlier in the year Mo Farah withdrew from the Commonwealth games due to an illness linked to his dental health.

So, you’re keen to enjoy the benefits of running and want to keep your mouth healthy?

·         Firstly, stop overestimating the amount of carbohydrates you need to complete runs of less than 90 minutes.

o   Did you know the body has enough glycogen stored in the muscles from our normal diets to run for about 2 hours?

o   The majority of runners do not need to consume energy drinks or energy gels.

o   You will run better and keep your teeth healthy by having a nutritious pre-run snack (such as a glass of water and cream cheese on wholemeal toast) rather than grazing on jelly sweets during the run. More ideas on pre-run snacks can be found on running forums.

For those of you with intensive training schedules (such as marathon training, where frequent intake of sugar is unavoidable on longer runs) in addition to brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (spit out the toothpaste, don’t rinse) you should also use a non-alcohol fluoride mouthwash. Rinse for 1min at a different time of the day to tooth brushing, such as post-run or after lunch.

Happy running everyone, stay visible!

Christina.

Supporting Mouth Cancer Action Month at Absolute Dental

 

 

Mouth Cancer Action Month is a charity campaign which aims to raise awareness of mouth cancer and make a difference by saving thousands of lives through early detection and prevention.

 

Throughout November we will be aiming to get more mouth cancers diagnosed at an early stage by increasing education of the risk factors and signs and symptoms while encouraging everybody to discuss them with their dental professional.

 

As long-time campaigners for mouth cancer, everybody at the British Dental Health Foundation is passionate and committed increasing awareness of the disease and reducing the number of lives lost to it every year.

 

In the UK, more than 6,700 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer last year. The disease has grown by a third in the last decade – and remains one of very few cancers which are predicted to increase further in the coming years – that’s why Mouth Cancer Action Month is so important.

 

Although there are risk factors heavily linked to the disease, mouth cancer can affect anybody – that’s why it’s so important that we all know what to look out for. The campaign is all about taking action. Don’t leave that ulcer unattended for more than three weeks. Don’t ignore that unusual lump or swelling or red and white patches in your mouth. Early detection could save your life.

 

Mouth cancer takes the lives of more than 2,000 people each year in the UK, which is more than testicular and cervical cancer combined. Mouth cancer also takes more lives a year than road traffic accidents. By knowing more about the risk factors, living healthier lifestyles and by learning what to look out we can help reduce our risk and lower the number of lives that mouth cancer effects.

 

This year, we want everybody to help us and getting involved in Mouth Cancer Action Month. Whether you’re on your own or as part of a team, we have lots of ways you can be part of the campaign and really make a difference.

Smile - like Beckham!

How good it is to be reminded that even the most beautiful and charismatic people in the world weren't born with perfect smiles !

 

 

David Beckham whose (very pleasing) image goes before him, has been on the receiving end of cosmetic dentistry. David has kept things very natural  avoiding the dreaded "Hollywood Makeover"....which can damage precious tooth material. Instead' he has opted to some tooth whitening, maybe a small amount of composite resin bonding (see pictures below of a case carried out here at Absolute Dental) or a veneer , however his smile is essentially the same.

 

With technological advances , modern dentistry and superb materials a skilled dentist can create a natural looking and beautiful smile tooth whitening is simple effective and safe and accessible to all. A modest investment yields big impact.

So if you want to smile like the stars, come and visit us at Absolute Dental.....

You will be in good company!

Ruth

Straight Teeth. Less Time. Clear Braces for Adults. All Available at Absolute Dental

Are you one of the millions of adults in need of adult braces who are unhappy, self-conscious  or even embarrassed of your smile?  

Many adults spend their entire lives covering their mouths when they laugh, smile or talk.  They feel stuck because they do not want to wear adult metal braces for years or they are concerned that other corrective teeth straightening procedures could be too invasive or too expensive.  

Now, there is an effective, safe and affordable cosmetic braces solution that fits your lifestyle that we continue to see give exceptional results.

This weeks case study shows before and after photographs of a gentleman who had hated for years his lower teeth. One tooth was very outstanding and stuck out, the rest were very crowded giving an overall impression of being uneven.

His treatment was very quick to get going with a great deal of movement and improvement seen within weeks, the final tweaks took a little longer however now finished we are all delighted with the result.

Is Six Month Smiles® right for you? The best way to find the answer to that question is to contact a Six Month Smiles Provider near you and schedule a consultation. However, by answering these six questions related to your lifestyle and your expectations we can help you determine if you should consider taking that next step.

Keep smiling :)

 

 

Your Childs First Dental Appointment at Absolute Dental

With my little one just turned 2, her first dental visit is fast approaching so here is some information for those of you in the same boat! 

I am sure your toddler has many teeth by now and it's now time to start thinking about keeping their adorable smile healthy. Baby teeth don’t hang around for long (they generally start to fall out to make way for adult teeth by the time your child is six or seven), but it’s still important to keep those tiny teeth (and gums) in tip-top condition.

The first step to your child's healthy mouth is to teach them to brush their teeth twice daily (morning and before bed). 

Next, book their first dentist appointment — if you haven’t already.

But before you assume that getting your toddler into the dentist’s chair will involve either a tantrum or bribery, remember that your child has no fear of the dentist chair and it is up to you not to put any negative thoughts in their head! Most toddlers are fascinated as the chair "magically" goes up and down by itself!

Here’s what you need to know about your child's first dentist appointment:

When to go. We recommend that you take your child to their first dental appointment around their second birthday, at a time when they are able to understand a bit more about what is happening and follow instructions.

What will happen. Expect the first dentist appointment to be short and informal — more of a meet and greet for your child and the dentist. Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, you may be asked to hold him while the dentist looks around their mouth and "counts" their teeth. Or you may be asked to just be in the room as support and reassurance.

As for the business of inspecting your child's teeth, the dentist will check for and take a look at your child’s teeth, gums and how the teeth come together. The dentist will talk to you about good oral-hygiene habits, thumb sucking, tooth-friendly foods, and anything else that effects your toddler’s oral health. 

How often to visit. Based on how your toddler’s teeth look, your dentist will let you know when to make the next visit. We usually recommend that toddlers see the dentist about every six months — as long as there are no major problems. So don’t forget to schedule your child’s second appointment on your way out the out the door!

If you need to book your little ones first dental appointment then please give us a call on 01548 85216.

Don't Hide Your Smile - Better Smile options from Absolute Dental.

A beautiful smile is the envy of many and seems to be a must have amongst celebrities and the fashion world; but is there more to a smile than just great looking teeth?

Yes! Many researches and surveys have proved that a nice broad smile is crucial when it comes to first impressions and makes all the difference when it comes to your perceived attitude, confidence and youthfulness.

People hiding their smile are unfortunately often judged to be unfriendly, shy, grumpy or even uninteresting.

At Absolute Dental we are very aware that if a patient hides their smile it is likely to be because they do not like its appearance and are self-conscious of it; I know, I have been there myself!

We never think twice about having a haircut or hair colour at the first sign of grey; we wear make up to look healthier, younger more vibrant and we never hesitate to change our wardrobe; so why not find out about options to improve your smile?

If you are not happy with the smile you see in the mirror, we can help; in fact you will probably be surprised at the number of options available to improve the appearance of your smile; from short term orthodontic treatment to replacement of missing teeth.

We offer complimentary consultation to people looking at improving their smile, you can book yours today by calling 01548 852165 or email us on info@absolute-dental.co.uk 

Absolute Dental Sharing What Is In the News Today - Tooth Decay in Youngsters

 

Public Health England researchers checked the teeth of nearly 54,000 children at nurseries, children's centres and playgroup and found 12% of children had evidence of tooth decay. These youngsters had an average of three teeth that were decayed, missing or filled

In one area - Leicester - 34% of children had tooth decay whereas in others it was only 2%.

Researchers also said that some children had a particular type of decay known as early childhood caries. This affects the upper front teeth and spreads quickly to other teeth. It is linked to the consumption of sugary drinks in baby bottles or sipping cups.

 

 

PHE said that parents should give their children sugary foods and drinks in smaller quantities and less often. It also urged them not to add sugar to weaning foods or drinks.

Parents and carers should also start brushing children's  teeth as soon as the first tooth appeared and supervise their brushing until they the age of seven or eight, PHE said.

Sandra White, director of dental public health at PHE, said while there had been "significant improvements" in oral health over the years, the findings were worrying.

"Tooth decay is an entirely preventable disease which can be very painful and even result in a child having teeth removed under general anaesthetic, which is stressful for children and parents alike."

Dr Christopher Allen, of the British Dental Association, said: "Parents and carers may feel that giving sugar-sweetened drinks is comforting, but in reality it's more likely to cause pain and suffering as it is the major cause of tooth decay in toddlers. 

"It's never too soon to take your toddler to the dentist - ideally no later than 18 months - because dentists can identify and treat tooth decay at the earliest stage and advise parents on tooth brushing and prevention." 

With thanks to BBC News / Health 30 09 2014

Let Our Children Love Their Smile

A shocking statistic recently released shows that 500 British children are admitted to hospital every week, because of oral related health issues. Children have been seen by Dentists whose baby teeth are rotten to the stumps.

It is hard to believe how this is possible when children have access to FREE, twice yearly dental check-ups. Dental teams visit schools to educate and support oral health initiatives and we have more choice of toothbrushes and toothpaste than penny sweets.

This is part of the problem; sugary drinks, snacks and sweets fill children’s lunch boxes or are used as a reward or a method of calming a child’s mood. Sugar is the prime culprit of dental decay and the more we have sugar in between meals the worse it is for our teeth.

The figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) are alarming: 25,812 children aged five to nine were admitted to hospital for dental problems in 2013/14 – 14 per cent up on 2010/11.

It appears that this is not a new problem, 30 years ago there would have been far more extractions performed on children in dental clinics. Now for safety reasons they are carried out in hospital and the statisticians are able to monitor these types of admissions. How in the 21^st century can these numbers be so high, with so much access and exposure to oral health advice and support?

There are still families that share a toothbrush, do not provide fluoride toothpaste or monitor their child’s brushing regime. Simple preventative measures that will keep your child’s smile looking healthy, bright and fresh. Having a great smile and a healthy mouth can also prevent the development of other health issues as well as being your very best asset to looking good!

Bight Smiles, Bright Futures at Absolute Dental

This years Colgate Oral Health Month is call "Bright Smiles, Bright Future" and is an added opportunity to engage with children and their families about the importance of oral health and how it contributes to overall health, as part of their ongoing delivery of care.

With this in mind, we are launching a competition for our younger patients to write a story or draw us a picture that has a dental theme - what this means, is up to your imagination!!

Closing date for entries will be Sept 30th and these can be dropped in to the practice, posted to us or added to our timeline on Facebook.

The tale of the tooth.

One very fine morning a little girl named Alice woke up to the singing of the birds and the swaying of the trees. However as she crawled out of her bed she heard her mother Felicity and brother George fighting about George playing tennis inside. Alice was so busy trying to get a peaceful breakfast she didn’t see her brother throwing his hard ball directly at her face, as Alice turned around the ball hit her front tooth and her tooth instantly fell on the table “Mum” Alice screamed even though her mum was right next to her “I know Alice your tooth has come out” Felicity her mother said “I’m going to put it under my pillow” Alice declared feeling upset her mother had not taken too much interest in the incident.

Throughout the whole day Alice was talking about her tooth right up until bed time, she went to get her night clothes on and instantly ran to brush her teeth then checked her tooth was still lying under her pillow and it once she had confirmed it was safely there she fell asleep.

At midnight the tooth fairy Laila appeared into Alice’s room. Laila took the tooth then remembered she had left all the tooth fund money at the fairy pond. As she flew back over the river the fetch the fund the tooth fell out of her bag and landed at the top of the river. Just as the tooth splashed into the river there was an additional  wave from an Otter family swimming past that pushed the tooth downstream to another young girls house her name was Lucy. Lucy picked up the tooth and placed it under her pillow which tricked Laila the following night as she gave Lucy the money instead. Lucy woke up in the middle of the night  as she wanted to see if the money had replaced the tooth. She was delighted to find it had and so excited she had tricked the tooth fairy she got up and  ran outside and span round and round and got so dizzy that she fell and the money went straight into the river.

Laila luckily had been flying past and by this time she realised what had happened and that she had been tricked. With help from her friends she fished the money out from the river and managed to place it back under Alice’s pillow all ready for the following morning.

 

By Scarlett age 9

Oral Health Month at Absolute Dental

Colgate and the British Dental Association are partnering during September for Oral Health Month 2014 to raise awareness of the importance of oral health in children.

During Oral Health Month Colgate is re-launching its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures™ campaign in the UK. This campaign is already running in other countries around the world.

Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures™ programme targets improving the oral health of children globally through education and prevention and, since 1991, has helped educate 700 million children across 80 countries worldwide.

As part of the UK Campaign, Colgate is distributing 300,000 oral health packs to schools where teachers of five to seven year-old children can pass on the important message. These packs contain resources designed to help children understand the importance of good oral health from an early age, and build self-esteem and good oral health practises for a lifetime.

Dental practices like Absolute Dental also use this as an added opportunity to engage with children and their families about the importance of oral health and how it contributes to overall health, as part of their ongoing delivery of care.

Absolute Dental at The Kingsbridge Show

On Saturday Sept 6th, Kingsbridge Show is celebrating its 133rd year at Borough Farm just outside of Kingsbridge this weekend and hopes to be bigger and better than 2013's show which saw over 6,500 visitors attend. 

We are very keen supporters of the event are proud to be sponsors as the traditional local feel is still very apparent, with a clear link back to its original agricultural heritage.

The show continues to offer something for everyone - and so much to see and do - it's a great family day out whether you farm, ride or just want to see "a little piece of rural England" and enjoy the atmosphere.

There is plenty of free parking but for those of you wishing to be eco friendly or make use of the bar and locally produced goodies there will be a FREE tally ho bus running from Kingsbridge Quay.

So do not miss the chance to be part of this fun, traditional day out for just £8 per adult and £3 per child. Children under 5 go free!

Ice Bucket Challenge - Absolute Dental

With everyone taking part in the infamous "Ice Bucket Challenge" at the moment to raise funds for charity (and yes, most of us here at Absolute have done ours!) I wonder if it has highlighted any tooth sensitivity issues  that you weren't previously aware of? If you now dread sweet or acidic drinks, ice cream or even avoid hot tea or coffee you are not alone.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

One in seven adults experiences tooth hypersensitivity when they eat, drink or even take a breath of cold air. It can be an early warning sign of more serious dental problems. Fortunately there are many simple and effective treatments for this uncomfortable condition.

The most common cause of tooth sensitivity is when the dentine of the root of the tooth becomes exposed when gums recede. Acidic foods & drinks, gum infections and aggressive tooth-brushing are common causative factors. Grinding your teeth can also wear them leading to sensitivity.

What can you do at home?

• Use a sensitive toothpaste twice a day to brush your teeth. You can also rub it onto the sensitive areas. These toothpastes can take anything from a few days to a couple of weeks to work, so persevere. Remember to spit out any excess toothpaste, do not rinse your mouth after brushing as this washes the toothpaste and its effective elements away.
• Avoiding hot, cold, sweet or acidic drinks, or foods like ice cream can help. If you have sensitivity when brushing your teeth with cold water from the tap, use warm water instead. Not brushing your teeth regularly could make the problem worse.
• If you have tried these remedies for a few weeks and have had no improvement then book an appointment with Absolute Dental. Something more serious could be going on.

What can Absolute Dental do to help?

Fluoride gels, rinses or varnishes can be applied to sensitive teeth. These can be painted onto the teeth at regular appointments one or two weeks apart, to help build up protection. Other protective barriers may also be suitable. If in doubt, ask! Our team of dentists, hygienists and therapists are here to help you.

 

Gum Disease in Dogs can have Serious Consequences

At Absolute Dental we are a practice of dog lovers - and we all like to look after our dogs in the best possible way. Not many people know that dogs can suffer with dental problems too.

It may be surprising to hear that dental disease is the most common ailment to affect our pets, with 80% of dogs and cats over the age of 3 suffering from this to some degree. It is often something we as owners do not view as important – how many times have you heard the phrase “normal doggy breath”? But in actual fact, there is more to gum disease than simply smelly breath. It can be behind a multitude of problems, some of which can be very serious.

Doggy Dentistry

Ever wondered why puppies have a penchant for chewing, especially things like shoes and hands?
It’s because they are teething! Just like humans, dogs also have a first set of baby teeth. These milk teeth are smaller and sharp in comparison to adult teeth. From 12 weeks to 6 months the milk teeth are lost with the adult teeth constantly erupting to replace them.

To give their gums relief, puppies gnaw, just like human babies! It is an essential behaviour, with pups needing suitable aids to encourage this natural gnawing action. Special teething toys can be bought for this purpose and pups should be encouraged to use these, instead of hands or shoes, to relieve their tender gums.



If by the age of 6 months some baby teeth remain (usually canines), then you should speak to your vet. Your pet may need these teeth to be removed as, if left, they can lead to dental problems in later life.

Dental Disease

Plaque builds up every day on the surface of teeth. If left to accumulate it can form a yellow discolouration. This plaque acts as a scaffold on which hard, brown tartar can then form. It is a self-perpetuating cycle, with the tartar now acting as a great place for plaque to again accumulate.

After time, the plaque and tartar will start to build up underneath the gum line too, acting to separate the gums from the teeth. This creates pockets in the gums which are brilliant places for bacteria to multiply. This gum separation, along with build-up of infection within the pockets, leads to inflammation and pain – gingivitis.

As dogs have a classically higher pain threshold and tend to think with their stomachs, gingivitis often will not put them off their food in the early stages. However, this is actually a very painful condition; just think how much we complain when we have a simple tooth ache! It should therefore not be ignored.

Eventually if left, dental disease will lead to gum recession and in the worst cases, tooth loss. At this stage disruption in diet is often seen, with the dog refusing to eat hard foods, choosing only to eat soft morsels. To manage to put a dog off its food is a strong sign of how severely painful dental disease can become in the later stages.

Dental disease can also have serious consequences elsewhere in the body. To a veterinarian – an unclean mouth means an unhealthy animal.

As bacteria build up in the gum pockets they start to gradually release toxins. These toxins, as well as the bacteria themselves, can enter directly into the animal’s blood stream through the inflamed gums. Once in the blood, they have an easy route straight to the heart where they can cause very serious complications such as infected valves, septic emboli and severe heart disease. Side effects can also been seen in the kidneys, intestines and joints as well.

Good news however, gum disease is completely preventable!

Symptoms of Gum Disease in Dogs

The symptoms of dental disease can be varied and sometimes quite subtle. The main ones to look out for are:

• Bad breath
• Increased drooling
• Chattering of mouth when drinking or eating
• Dropping of food from the mouth, or a reluctance to eat hard food
• Plaque discolouration of teeth (Yellow)
• Tartar build up on teeth (Hard brown material)
• Redness or bleeding of the gums
• White debris sitting around the gum line
• Exposed tooth roots. An obvious bulge at the bottom of a tooth should not be visible. The white surface should have an almost uniform colour with no change towards cream at the gum line. There should also be no holes or deep ridges at the bottom of a tooth.

If any of these signs are seen, you should discuss them with your vet to see if action is needed.

Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease in Dogs

It is never too early to start a good dental care regime. In young pups it is important to encourage them to get used to having their teeth checked and their mouths touched. You can do this by gently lifting their gums all around the mouth and running your fingers along the gum lines as much as possible, getting them used to this action. This will make for an adult dog who is very tolerant of dental care.

Once adult molar teeth have erupted, you can progress from gentle rubbing of the gums to using a “finger brush” once or twice daily. This is a thimble made of rubber with soft bristles which acts as a gentle tooth brush. Start doing this around the large molar teeth first before eventually also brushing around the front incisors where the gums are a little more sensitive. A small amount of doggy toothpaste can also be used from this stage. Most are meat flavoured and what’s more, most dogs love it! If dental care is encouraged from a young age, many pooches actually see tooth brushing as a tasty treat. It is important to always use doggy toothpaste and not human versions as, unlike us, dogs will not spit out the excess which can lead to upset stomachs.

As a dog approaches adulthood, you can progress to using a proper toothbrush with your doggy toothpaste. This has an excellent mechanical cleaning action alongside the benefits of the toothpaste, giving the best results.




The daily build-up of plaque on teeth can be removed well by daily brushing. This forms the gold standard of dental care that all veterinarians will recommend. Hard tartar is more cemented to the teeth and, once formed, can be difficult to remove without veterinary intervention. Therefore, prevention is always better than cure!

Daily dental chews and special teeth cleaning diets, along with oral gels and mouthwashes can also help in the fight against dental disease. These are not as good as tooth brushing, but can be used alongside or as an alternative in pets who really won’t tolerate the brush.
If dental disease is severe or tartar build up is significant, your vet may suggest a dental procedure be performed to help clean the teeth. This involves scaling to remove the build-up of plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line, polishing to make the surface of the teeth smooth and shiny so plaque can not easily stick, alongside removal of any diseased teeth. This is typically performed under a general anaesthetic to ensure your pet keeps their mouth nice and open during the procedure. It also protects them from injury from the dental instruments used. After any dental procedure, you now have a nice clean slate on which to build your doggy dental care regime.

And always remember, a healthy mouth equals a healthier pet!

Author - Jasmine Kleine via www.dogteeth.co.uk

Celebrity Smiles in the Public Eye - Can Absolute Dental help broaden your Smile?

First impressions and peoples perceptions are very much influenced by our teeth and smile.

No one is more aware of this than celebrities, as they are alway under the scrutiny of the public and the press. Many more than you think have had their natural smile enhanced by dental treatments.

As you can see from these pictures, they all now have beautiful smiles and very successful careers.

 

 

 

Some of the transformations are quite incredible and you can see they are not afraid to smile wide and are more confident in front of the camera!

If you think you could smile wider please come and see one of our lovely team at Absolute Dental , call 01548 852165 today to book a complimentary consultation.

Things that make us smile (but me in particular!), at Absolute Dental

In the outside world:

• A fabulous article in the Sunday paper reinforcing the message that research regularly suggests that a winning smile makes us more dateable, employable and charming!
• What about all the smiles and sometimes grimaces on the faces of the commonwealth athletes- Glasgows' grinning games!
• New toothpastes on the market Colgate's new sugar acid neuraliser toothpaste- tastes great and a more aniseedy than minty taste.
• Kolibree toothbrushes for the tech savvy come with an app that helps show you where you are missing and has games to help children brush better too.
• New head for Oral B electric toothbrushes called the cross action - this feels great and I think patients who use the trizone head will love this one too!

Closer to home:

• At work, enjoying recording the improvement in our patients oral hygiene, our smiles improving their smiles!
• Seeing the difference we have made not only to patients oral health but to their outlook and confidence!
• The wonderful get well cards and flowers I received from patients in the winter last year.
• Embracing technology and still being able to communicate without having to write! Especially our facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/absolutedentalcentre1
• Seeing all the wonderful pictures of Ambers' smile at the end of orthodontic treatment!
• My favourite toothpaste being available in my local Lidl store - big smile for that!
• Last but not least - a proper summer!!!!!

Maureen

Absolute Dental - Helping to Commemorate WWI - ‘Lights Out’

On this day, August 4^th 1914 at 10pm, Britain entered the First World War.

A century to the day we are all invited to go ‘lights out’ from 10-11pm, leaving on a single light or candle at the window for a shared moment of reflection.

 

This idea stems from a reference to the famous remark by Sir Edward Grey, foreign secretary on the eve of war that “the lamps were going out across Europe”.

During the First World War access to dental care was limited and very unlike the strict oral health soldiers today must obtain before they are allowed to serve. Most of us are familiar with ‘Trench Foot’, but have you heard of ‘Trench Mouth’? During both WWI & WWII ‘Trench Mouth’ was a common oral disease associated with the men serving in the trenches because they were exposed to the risk factors for the condition; a diet low in nutrients, smoking, stress, lack of rest and poor oral hygiene.

‘Trench Mouth’ is a painful gum condition known as Acute Ulcerative Necrotising Gingivitis causing bleeding, ulceration, sloughing of the gum membranes and distinct unpleasant bad breath. The pain experienced made eating, talking and swallowing difficult and, left untreated, resulted in tooth loss.

Imagine brushing your mouth with this (very large) bone & bristle toothbrush and the accompanying carbolic tooth powder.

We are very fortunate that we now have access to plentiful food and good dental care. Cases of ANUG are now rare, but would you believe, do still occur. You will avoid this painful condition by brushing effectively twice a day, not smoking, eating a balanced varied diet and avoiding stress.

We will always remember those who suffered and sacrificed their lives for us. Tonight we are going ‘lights out’ to commemorate the Centenary with Britain, are you?

If you would like to commemorate this moment in company The Royal British Legion in Kingsbridge are holding a candle-lit vigil. Please take along your own candle; all are welcome, at RBL Mill Club, Western Backway, Kingsbridge (just off lower Fore Street) at 10pm.

Christina.