Diet Advice from Absolute Dental to the 1st Modbury Cubs

It is fair to say that no two days are the same at Absolute Dental, and so when I was asked to visit the 1st Modbury Cubs to give them some dietary advice, I thought "It's all in a days work!"

So, armed with pictures or decayed teeth, I set out to educate them on the causes of tooth decay, and how it can be prevented.

It is thought that one-third of 8 year olds in the UK currently has tooth decay.

The highest reason for admission to hospital for general anaesthetic for children is the extraction of teeth.

Two extremely worrying statistics that make me as a dental care professional sit up, and think how important my role in the education of patients is.

After a quick gross out session with the pictures and asking the cubs what they thought the cause was - and I was pleased to hear them say "not brushing your teeth" and eating too many sweets", we set about looking for sugar in the not so obvious places.

We all know a can of Coca-Cola has loads of sugar in it (about 9 teaspoons to be precise - yuk!), but it came as a huge surprise for the cubs (and their leaders!) to know that a bottle of Volvic Water "touch of fruit" can have up to 6 teaspoons of sugar in it too!

We asked the cubs to match up bags of white sugar with the pictures of the foods provided (Mars bars, tomato ketchup, fat free yoghurts etc) and I think everyone was surprised how much sugar is found in "low fat" foods and also how much sugar we add to our food in the form of ketchup and other sauces, not to mention drinks (12 teaspoons of sugar in a McDonalds milkshake!!!).

We all consume more than 3 times the recommended sugar per day and what the liver can't process, it deposits in fat around the body - this can lead to weight can & obesity, diabetes, liver disease and heart problems.

The "Sugar Smart" initiative had devised a smart phone app for parents to use to determine the amount of sugar in the processed foods they are buying (even tins of soup!), and leaflets are also being distributed throughout primary schools currently, so the timing of my talk was perfect.

If we can encourage the next generation to be "sugar detectives" and reduce the amount of sugar in their diet, we can reduce the health and dental problems of tomorrow.

Knowing the different names the manufactures use to "disguise" sugar in foods is vital too.

Along with encouraging thorough removal of plaque from every surface of every tooth, every day.

The cubs toothbrushes were assessed for their "fitness for purpose" for the job in hand, and George was awarded the certificate for "The Best Toothbrush In Town".

Having set them the challenge to design a poster to show what they learnt over the evening, I'm really excited to see the results and see which particular message resonated with each of them most.

Next stop.....South Pool Pony Club!

Diane

Emergency Dental Appointments at Absolute Dental

Dental emergencies often happen without warning or at very inconvenient times, and if you've ever experienced the pain of toothache, you will know that it can be both distressing and debilitating.

Therefore, here at Absolute Dental, we always reserve time, every single day, to see dental emergencies, because we know that in certain situations, it is vital for you to see your dentist as soon as possible.

 

Whether it be toothache, dental abscess, swelling, bleeding, broken teeth, broken denture or a lost crown, our team of dentists are here to help and provide our regular patients with same day emergency dental care where possible, during normal practice hours. These appointments are subject to availability, and offered on a priority basis, and so the earlier you can call us on the day, the easier it is for us to schedule you into the dentists diary for that day.

 

Outside of normal practice hours, we have a dedicated telephone number that will connect directly with one of our dentists who will be able to provide emergency dental advice over the phone, and if necessary they will arrange for a dental team to see you (please note, there may be a call out fee for this service). This service is always provided at the practice too, so no need for you to travel to Plymouth or Torquay for any treatment, and the team will always be formed from our regular team of dentists and nurses too.

 

So, be reassured that we are here for you, should you need us. All you need to do is call us! 01548852165 or info@absolute-dental.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Did you know that your Dentist can carry out Wrinkle Reducing Treatments at Absolute Dental?

Gone are the days when you had to visit a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist for Botox injections. Getting Botox was a lot less common, with fewer professionals carrying out the procedure, also making it more expensive. Today, dentists, with proper training, can carry out the procedure as well. Botox is used to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines to help correct and improve areas of the face affected by the ageing process.

 

 

 

Understanding Botox

If you’ve ever considered getting Botox, it’s important to understand what it is and what it does. Botox is the shortened trade name for botulinum toxin. It comes in the form of a purified protein, which is injected directly into the neuromuscular tissue. Botox, originally used for medicinal purposes, is now commonly used for cosmetic procedures.

Many people get Botox to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. It is most commonly injected on the upper third of the face – the forehead (horizontal and frown lines) as well as crows feet. Botox both prevents and corrects ‘dynamic’ ageing lines caused by muscle movement.

The protein attaches to the nerve endings and stops the nerve impulses from transmitting to the muscles. This stops the muscles from contracting, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The effect is usually noticeable after 5-8 days and has taken full effect after 2 weeks.

Botox treatments usually last on average, 3-4 months depending on a number of factors. It’s important to remember that Botox is a temporary treatment and must be repeated over time to maintain a consistent look.

 

Head to the Dentist

Today, a dentist may be able to perform this facial aesthetic treatment alongside other standard dental treatments.

Botox treatments work well within the dental community in a number of ways – especially since Botox can help with more than just cosmetic procedures.

Dentists commonly have patients suffering from bruxism (grinding), and Botox is a great option for those who suffer with it as it weakens the muscle contraction that normally occurs at night. Other areas where Botox can help is facial pain, excess sweating both under the arms, on the hands and feet, and is great for some types of migraines. This requires advanced training.

 

When treatment is administered by a trained professional, there are relatively few risks and complications with the procedure – including minor bruising, temporary swelling at the injection site, and skin redness. Asymmetry of facial expressions, drooping of upper eye lids and double vision can occur in the upper facial third, however, safe dosages into safe sights by experienced practitioners reduces this risk.

What’s more – dentists are actually best placed to work with Botox, as they are knowledgeable in facial anatomy and carry out injection procedures regularly.

 

“Botox is an elective cosmetic procedure and is a brilliant treatment we offer to patients. We are living in a generation where everyone wants to look younger for their age and Botox helps to achieve that. The treatment itself is so simple and easy to do that it is considered a ‘lunch-time treatment’ with relatively little or no down time."  Dr Nadine Skipp, dentist and injectable cosmetic provider.

 

Finding the Right Dentist

When you’re considering Botox treatments, it’s important to make sure you find the right dentist. Not all dentists do these treatments, however, Rhodri John here at Absolute Dental is a qualified and experienced practitioner.  As a medical procedure Botox should only be done in clinical environments.

Three Months into my Six Month Smiles treatment at Absolute Dental - and only One Month to go!

I am three months into my treatment at Absolute Dental, and the results have been amazing so far! It seems the act of straightening my teeth was substantially quicker than actually correcting my bite, in order to have my SMS brace off.

To speed up the process, I am currently wearing elastic bands, which whilst being fast and effective in moving my teeth, do have a tendency to snap in awkward situations i.e discreet yawning or badly timed public sneezing - but that's the thing, I forget I'm wearing these braces and open my mouth super wide at times.....You win some you lose some!

There have also been a few precarious situations involving desperate attempts to eat smarties, and loose brackets; ultimately showing me a 2016 goal should be to 'stop trying'.

Yet again, I have only positive things to say about my treatment and would strongly recommend it to anyone who yearns for a straighter, enhanced smile. Only a month or so to go!

Happy New Year from Absolute Dental! 20 Reasons to Smile in 2016

2015 is no longer, and for many this has been a year of trial and tribulation, especially surrounding current affairs in the Middle East and the refugee crisis in Europe in recent months. Instead of focusing on the negatives, the best way to start the new year would be to reflect on all the good we have seen as a global community, and get excited about what 2016 has in store...

1. 195 countries across the world have united and have agreed to a revolutionary and historic agreement to actively tackle climate change

2. A growing number of workers are earning more, and it is predicted that this increase will continue to rise

3. ACDC and MUSE are rumored for the Glastonbury Music Festival, now wouldn’t that be a show?

4.  The Olympics in Rio de Janeiro - time to get patriotic over sports once more

5.  The first ever hotel in space opens - talk about a long haul flight!

6.  Gay Marriage is now legal across all of the USA

7.  The fall in price of petrol and diesel

8.  The remaining British, American, and Australian troops will withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of the year

9.  Rubella has been eliminated from North and South America

10. Guinness is now a cruelty free, certified vegan drink

11.   The opportunity, for the first time in history, for a woman to win the vote for US president

12.   The potential that Jon Snow will return from the dead (If you don’t watch Game of Thrones, don’t worry about this one)

13. The new series of Top Gear -  will Chis Evans be able to fill those awfully big shoes?

14. David Bowie is releasing a brand new album

15. Africa went a year without any new Polio cases

16.   Euro16 in France - any excuse to go to Paris eh?

17. It is now illegal to smoke in a car or vehicle with anyone under the age of 18

18. Cuba and the US now have embassies in each other's territories for the fist time in half a century, showing we are slowly moving towards an age of peace

19. The Juno probe’s arrival at Jupiter, giving us all a chance to see, for the first time, high definition images of the planet’s surface

20. China will complete it’s largest environmental clean up of its history

Here’s to a Proactive, Aspirational, Happy New Year!

 

Paige