Dental News

There are many ways to impress your lover this Valentine’s Day. You can splash out on a new outfit or makeover to look incredible. You can wine and dine them by booking a table at the most luxurious restaurant in town. You can even sweep them off their feet by treating them to a gift they have always wanted. However, the deal breaker could be when you try to seal your love with a kiss.

Being a bad kisser and having bad breath are two of the biggest turn offs for both men and women when looking for love. Fortunately, not all is lost. With a patient lover, you can work on your technique and become an incredible kisser, and with a visit to your dentist you can cure your bad breath too.

Halitosis, as it is medically known, can be caused by several factors including food, smoke, underlying health problems, dry mouth, poor dental hygiene, dental problems and oral infections. Sometimes, a resolution can be a simple fix. It could mean quitting smoking or changing your dietary habits. The rest can be solved by our dentists.

Food such as garlic, onions, some cheeses, fish and spicy foods can have a lingering effect on your breath. While it’s unlikely you will find a dish loaded with these ingredients on the menu of most restaurants this Valentine’s Day, most of the time the effects are short lived and will pass. However, food can also easily become stuck in your teeth and breed bacteria and plaque. This can exacerbate the effects of bad breath. With a thorough and regular brushing and flossing regime, you can minimise the risk of plaque buildup and be in possession of a mouth everyone wants to kiss.

When food isn’t the problem, and you are not a smoker, your dentist will get to the root of the issue. Our dentists will take a close-up look at your mouth and identify any potential causes of bad breath. You may have the onset of gum disease or gingivitis. Your fillings may need replaced or you could have an infection. The one thing you can rely on is that our dentists will go to great lengths to identify what exactly is going on inside your mouth.

There are other issues that could affect the freshness of your breath. You may have an allergy, your dentures may have become loose and even certain medications could have an effect.

The bottom line is, if your breath has developed an unwelcome whiff, book an appointment to see your dentist. Afterall, nothing beats a good smooch, but bad breath can definitely prevent you from sealing the deal with a kiss.

To book an appointment with one of our dentists or dental hygienists, call Grosvenor Dental Practice on 01782 848708 or email [email protected]

The rule book gets thrown out of the window in most homes over the Christmas period. It’s the only time of the year when drinking Buck’s Fizz for breakfast and eating chocolate and mince pies directly afterwards is deemed acceptable. If you do that at any other time of the year people will say you’ve got a serious problem!

The holiday season allows people to let their hair down and take a much-needed break from work. However, the lack of structure to a day, combined with a never-ending flow of alcohol, can cause people to lose track of time and forget what day it is. Every day will feel like a Sunday as you entertain guests or go to visit relatives.

There is no routine at Christmas and everyday tasks can be forgotten about. But there’s one thing you must not forget to do in order to keep your teeth, mouth and gums healthy and that’s brush your teeth twice a day or run the risk of tooth decay.

You will be faced with an array of sugary treats over the festive period. From sweets and chocolates to syrupy drinks and cocktails, your teeth and waistband can take a right beating. But while you can hit the gym in January and fight the flab, it’s much harder to combat the effects of sugar and tooth decay if you forget the basic rituals of brushing your teeth morning and night.

Just two minutes twice a day can ensure you have a great Christmas, keep your teeth in check and prevent tooth decay.

But there are other potential hazards that you should try and avoid at Christmas time. Eating too many nuts and Christmas toffees can lead to a trip to the dentist. Toffees are notoriously sticky and can pull off crowns and fillings, while cracking nuts with your teeth could shatter your molars.

Wrapping up Christmas presents seems a pretty innocuous task for teeth, but what do you do when the scissors aren’t close by and you have a parcel to wrap? You tear off a piece of Sellotape with your teeth, don’t you. Well, don’t. It may not seem that risky, but doing this puts pressure on your teeth and can crack or weaken teeth.

Then there’s the party animals who have had one too many and think they are Jaws from the James Bond films. Why search the kitchen for the bottle opener when I can use my teeth? If you get to this state it’s probably time to go home before you are left with serious dental damage. You can crack teeth putting that much pressure on them, resulting in a costly trip to the dentist.

You should also try to refrain from too much Prosecco and modern-day ciders. Their high levels of acid and sugar can put great strain on your teeth.

By all means enjoy yourself and have a great Christmas. 2019 has been a tough year for everyone so please have fun. But please, please, please, most importantly take care of your teeth.

Halloween is just around the corner and the annual Spooktacular is now almost as popular with children as Christmas. With little monsters getting in the spirit of dressing up as ghosts, werewolves and skeletons, carving pumpkins and painting their faces, Halloween can be a real scream.

Children around Stoke-on-Trent will already have their costumes ready to hit the streets for trick or treating, hoping to return home with an impressive haul of chocolate and sweets. There’s no denying that your kids will think it’s a treat. They will enjoy the spectacle and may even let out a few screams along the way.

However, the biggest scream this time of year will definitely be heard by your dentist!

As dental professionals, we have no problem with children enjoying a sweet treat here and there. Everything is great in moderation. Unfortunately, with so many doors to knock on there is an endless amount of treats available for your children to collect. If your offspring are old enough to go trick or treating with their friends you have no idea how many fizzy sweets they are guzzling down before they reach home, which could lead to significant dental problems down the line.

We all know sweets can lead to the erosion of teeth, but there are a few ways of protecting your cherubs’ teeth while still enjoying Halloween.

Fill up before you go out

Before you venture off into the great unknown, make sure your children have been fed a wholesome meal. Not only will this limit the room for sweets, it will also give them plenty of energy to really enjoy the festivities.

Don’t eat everything in one go

While it is tempting to eat every sweet in your basket in one full swoop, the sensible thing to do is collect your hoard and enjoy them one day at a time. Parents can also use these treats as a reward and dish them out for good behaviour after meal times to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.

Avoid the candy cane

Hard sweets such as candy canes will do the most damage to your teeth as they are extremely hard and the sugar tends to linger around the mouth. If you crunch them you could chip one of your teeth, while if you suck them the sugar still sticks around. It doesn’t matter how you eat them, they are just bad for your teeth.

Don’t skip the brushing because it is Halloween

You may let your kids revel in the spirit of Halloween by relaxing your boundaries slightly, but do not forget about the importance of brushing their teeth. With the average child consuming more than five times their usual amount of sugar over Halloween it is imperative that your children continue to brush their teeth twice a day. We are taking on new children patients. Check out our children’s dentist services here.

Don’t be scared by the power of water

Ditch the sugary drinks, smoothies and fruit specials for our faithful friend, water. Not only is water available to everyone through the tap, it also plays a vital role in reducing the risk of acid attacks caused by too many sweets.

Fangs for the advice

Children love dressing up and are prepared to go the full hog to look the part. If they are playing Dracula you can guarantee they will want the teeth to go with it. However, fake teeth and fangs do not only provide a choking hazard, they can also speed up the process of losing baby teeth. Please be careful.

Halloween only comes around once a year, but its effects can be felt for a long, long time. Please, have fun, but make sure you treat your teeth well.

If you would like to book an appointment for your little one, or yourself, at Grosvenor Dental Practice please call 01782 848708 or email [email protected]

Modern Life Is Rubbish! That’s what Britpop legends Blur sang about more than 25 years ago – and this was before the rise of reality TV, the political chaos brought about by Brexit and the quest for effective teeth whitening services began.

Having lived through the 90s I totally understand where Damon Albarn was coming from. During the early part of that decade we were still under Margaret Thatcher’s reign and there was little optimism in the country. The outlook was pretty bleak for most Britons – and most of the country only had FOUR television channels to choose from as only the privileged could afford satellite television and there was NO INTERNET!

Those were dark days as a teenager growing up, but if I was given the option to relive that or grow up now in the modern era I would choose the 90s every time – if only because I know that we, as a nation, finally found some hope and gave the public the chance to live life to the full.

Pressures of social media on health

Today’s generation may have access to the internet and Netflix and be able to make contact with virtually anyone from around the world, but they also face the burden of having to live up to the pressures of social media.

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have changed the way the world communicates. It has helped to connect long-lost relatives, bridge the gap between superstars and us mere mortals and bring the world together. Unfortunately, social media has also allowed faceless keyboard warriors to vent their spleen, spread hate and be downright nasty to anyone and everyone. People face criticism for everything. Their weight, their dress style, their views … even their spelling!

It also doesn’t help that some social media influencers are portraying an image that is so desirable, yet equally as unattainable for someone struggling to hold down a full-time job or gain a career. They show off their washboard six-packs, sparkling hair and revel in their jet-setting party lifestyle. They make it seem so easy, forcing some people looking for an instant fix to take unnecessary risks with their health.

For instance, we have all seen adverts for charcoal toothpaste. Influencers have been promoting these products to their loyal followers, but, as we have covered in a separate blog, charcoal toothpaste is one of the most damaging products you can use on your teeth. Just don’t do it. It is an abrasive substance and will destroy your enamel!

The Dangers Of Illegal Teeth Whitening Services

We have also seen “so-called experts” offering teeth whitening services at incredibly reduced prices in order to satisfy the public’s need in this get results quick society. But how many of these “experts” are qualified to carry out these procedures properly? Not to mention the surgeries from abroad that promise to give clients cut-price dental implants. Sure, you may save hundreds of pounds, but what quality of care and treatment are you going to get?

At Grosvenor Dental Practice, we know the world has changed, but our number one priority is, and always will be, you and your health. There have been some unbelievable advances in dental technology over the past decade, making it easier for clients to smile with confidence. We want you to be happy. We want you to have dazzling white teeth and show them off because we know what effects a sparking smile can have on your outlook on life.

We may not be able to give you the washboard six-pack or jet-setting lifestyle, but we can help you achieve that Hollywood smile without putting your health at risk. Whether you are looking at teeth whitening, teeth straightening, dental veneers or dental crowns, we can help you achieve your goal.

Our dentists are highly trained professionals and are specialists in their field, providing the best pain-free dental treatment available.

If you are interested in our range of dental treatments and would like to smile with confidence once more, contact a member of our dental team today on 01782 848708 or email [email protected]

Canadian rocker Alanis Morrisette enjoyed worldwide success with her 90s hit Ironic. Throughout the song she referenced several incidents that could be labelled ironic. For example, my favourite lyric is: “It’s like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife, it’s meeting the man of my dreams, and then meeting his beautiful wife”.

Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think?!

However, if Miss Morrisette was to create an updated version for this current generation, she would surely reference the following point. Millions of parents in the UK endure punishing diet and fitness regimes to get beach body ready, yet these same adults are also prepared to let their children eat more than FIVE times as much sugar during the summer holidays.

Now that is ironic!

Some parents are willing to do whatever it takes in the vain hope of looking good, yet they overlook their child’s teeth when all they need is a few minutes each day. What’s that all about?!

Tooth Decay Is Not Fun For Children

As a youngster, the summer holidays are the greatest time of the year. No school, no homework, you can go to the park and have fun in the sun with your friends, you can enjoy day trips to the park and seaside, stay up later than normal and have the best time ever.

Unfortunately, as a parent, trying to keep your offspring entertained for six weeks can be a challenge, so we can understand why using sugary treats as a means of rewarding good behaviour and keeping them occupied seems like a good solution. But ultimately it is not as tooth decay in children is reaching epidemic proportions.

An increase in sugar is not only bad for your weight, it is terrible news for your teeth, especially in the formative years of your children.

The combustible mix of the summer holidays and the steep increase in sugar intake is made even more explosive with the revelation that more than 40% of children failed to see a dentist last year! With tooth extractions being the most common reason for hospital admissions for children aged five to nine and 40% of adults admitting they forget to check whether their child has brushed their teeth or not, we urge you all to step up your children’s dental routine this summer.

Children receive free check-ups under the NHS, so the summer holidays are the ideal time to book in for an appointment and make sure your children’s teeth are growing as they should and decay free.

You can also get creative with your culinary treats, ensuring they enjoy plenty of fruit and vegetables in a fun way, along with their special treats.

However, being a parent is never easy. Even when you think you are doing the best by your offspring by opting for orange juice ahead of fizzy drinks and choosing products that are labelled as no added sugar, you could still be loading your kids full of sugar. Some brands of orange juice contain more sugar than cola, while certain breakfast cereals – which are thought to be healthy – are swimming in sugar, along with yoghurts, puddings, cakes and biscuits. Even BBQ sauce and ketchup contain unexpectedly large amounts of sugar.

There have been plenty of tests carried out on the erosive power of cola. One study on the internet showed a tooth turning pure black within three days of being placed in a glass of cola. So, if coke can do that, imagine the damage some of these high sugar orange juices could do!

Prevent your children from suffering tooth decay with a few of these healthy swaps.

Swap high sugar orange juice and sports drinks for ones that has no added sugar.

Replace that individually packed chocolate cake bar for a slice of malt loaf.

Change your chocolate cereal for a shredded wholegrain version.

Swap fizzy drinks and milkshakes for water and sugar-free options

At the end of the day, there’s nothing wrong with a special treat or a bit of sugar now and again. What we don’t want though is for our children to overindulge in sugar on a daily basis.

If you are looking for expert advice on how to look after your children’s teeth this summer, and for ideas on what you should and shouldn’t be feeding them, get in touch with us today. We can book your little ones in for a pain-free dental examination and pass on our vast knowledge of dietary advice.

For more details call 01782 848708 or email [email protected]

Some people will go to extraordinary lengths to look their best. Whether that means limiting the number of calories they consume in order to get beach body ready for holiday or being prepared to go under the knife to prevent the ageing process or enhance their physical attributes, people are willing to do whatever it takes in order to achieve their dream look.

However, our quest for eternal youth leaves us exposed to several unscrupulous individuals. These charlatans and chancers are desperate to make us part with our hard-earned cash, regardless of what the health implications may be. And even though we know these characters should not be trusted and cannot deliver on their amazing promises, sometimes they make their products appear so enticing that you believe you would be crazy to miss out on this opportunity.

Over the past decade tooth whitening has been one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures around the world. Everyone desires to have that Hollywood smile. They want dazzling white teeth, as they not only look great, they boost your self-confidence and make you appear more attractive.

Unfortunately, the obsession for our pearly whites to be whiter than white has consumed many people. So much so that they are prepared to try anything that promises to give them their desired result, whether the operator or product happens to be regulated or not. That’s why tooth whitening kits, tooth whitening powder and tooth whitening strips are so highly searched on Google.

Just this month the British Dental Association warned Britons who use unqualified dental operators that they were “gambling with their health”.

The warning came after a man in Northern Ireland was convicted of supplying illegal tooth-whitening products which the BDA said would be like “brushing your teeth in bleach”.

The products contained the banned substance sodium perborate, which is carcinogenic, and excessive levels of hydrogen peroxide.

A spokesman for the BDA said: “This fraudster was convicted for levels of hydrogen peroxide higher than dentists are legally permitted to use. It is the equivalent of brushing your teeth in bleach. Such high levels of hydrogen peroxide are likely to cause irreparable harm to teeth and gums, including blisters and burns to the gum and damage to nerves and tooth enamel.”

We understand not everyone can afford tooth whitening services. Tooth whitening can be expensive, so it can be tempting to take up these amazing offers, but you are literally taking your life in your own hands. You need to know that the people who are offering these services are trained professionals and have the relevant qualifications. You also need to know that the products that are using contain the correct materials and not any banned substances.

At Grosvenor Dental Practice we can provide you with an effective and affordable tooth whitening service that will leave you smiling like a Cheshire cat. We can eliminate stains and leave you with dazzling pearly whites that will not put your wellbeing at risk.

We are a fully regulated dental practice and everyone in our professional dental team is trained to the highest standard. Contact us today on 01782 848708 or email [email protected]

We often take our teeth for granted, but they are simply amazing. They help us to eat, they give us the best smiles and also enable us to communicate. However, there are so many other incredible facts about our pearly whites – and mouth in general – that people are not aware of. Well, until today that is.

Here are Grosvenor Dental Practice’s Top 10 amazing facts about teeth

ONE.  Wow! Nobody has a smile quite like yours. No, don’t worry, I’m not flirting with you. I’m telling you the truth. Your smile is as unique as your fingerprint. Even though all adults have room in their mouths for 32 teeth, the way they are arranged is unique to every single person in the world. That is why your dental records are often used to identify people.

TWO. Fruit and vegetables play a vital role in our diets. Not only are they natural products packed with essential nutrients and vitamins, they also taste amazing. However, some fruits have a high sugar content that can be bad for your teeth. The worst culprit is dry fruit. The drying process releases free sugars that contribute to a build up of plaque.

THREE. What’s the hardest part of your body? If you said your cranium, you’re wrong. If you said you’re elbow, you’re wrong. If you said your teeth, then give yourself a round of applause. Thanks to your enamel being a rock-hard mineral, your teeth are easily your body’s toughest substance. However, it can be damaged and cannot regrow or heal itself. Make sure your enamel stays tough by using toothpastes, mouthwashes and eating plenty of calcium-rich foods.

FOUR. Say cheese! Everyone who has ever had a picture taken has been ordered to say cheese at some point, but did you know cheese can act like a superhero to your teeth? Whether you prefer Edam, Cheddar, feta or brie, cheese creates a protective film around your teeth that neutralises the acid in plaque. Now, where are those crackers?!

FIVE. Talking of food, there are some products that have an adverse effect on your teeth. Too much red wine can stain your teeth, but curry sauce, ketchup and balsamic dressing can also dull your pearly whites. However, there’s no need to throw your takeaway menus in the bin just yet as eating a leafy salad or steamed veg before your main meal will create a protective barrier. Not only will you be eating better, you will also be protecting your teeth.

SIX. Toothpaste has been around for centuries. The ancient Egyptians are believed to have been using a type of paste since 5,000BC. Unfortunately, toothbrushes weren’t created for another 1,500 years. During this time people were using their fingers or even twigs to brush their teeth.

SEVEN. What have the Romans ever done for us?! That was a famous question made in jest by the Monty Python crew in The Life of Brian. Of course the Romans gave us sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, roads and a fresh water system. They also gave us the first type of mouthwash. Unfortunately, we wouldn’t recommend it today as it was sterile urine!

EIGHT. The average child only has 20 teeth. This number grows to 32 when they reach adulthood. That’s an awful lot of brushing! In fact the average adult will spend 38.5 days brushing his teeth. But if you think that’s a lot, spare a thought for the vet that must look at a spinner dolphin’s gnashers. They pack a colossal 252 teeth in their mouth. Luckily they don’t have fizzy pop and sweets to consume otherwise their toothache would be unbearable!

NINE. Some people may find salvia disgusting but it plays an essential role in creating a healthy mouth. It helps to protect your teeth from bacteria and aids with your digestion. But did you know your mouth produces on average two swimming pools’ worth of saliva over your lifetime? Where’s my trunks, I’m going for a dip!

TEN. Finally, your gums need as much love and affection as your teeth do if you are to keep tooth decay at bay. Because only two thirds of your teeth are visible it is important to brush, floss and use mouthwash twice daily. Plaque is the enemy of teeth. If left, plaque will turn into stubborn tartar which is hard to remove and causes decay.

There you have it. Ten incredible facts about our teeth – and mouth – in general.

If you are looking to book a dental appointment, find a new dentist or speak to one of our dentists about our services, call 01782 848708.

At a time when adults are taking more pride in their personal appearance than ever before, it’s scandalous to discover that more than half of children under the age of four in the UK failed to see a dentist last year.

It is a shocking statistic that could have a devastating long-term effect on the next generation.

While adults take full advantage of the advances in modern dentistry to gain that Hollywood smile – like teeth whitening, dental implants and crowns – more and more children are being admitted to hospital with severe tooth decay.

But why?

As a parent, it is your duty to look after the health and well-being of your offspring. With free dental checks and treatment provided on the NHS for children under the age of 18, I just don’t understand why any parent would put their kids’ oral health at risk.

Children should see a dentist as soon as their first teeth emerge. Not only does this allow the dentist to assess your child’s mouth, it also normalises the process, significantly reducing the risk of children developing an unnecessary phobia of the dentist. They should then book in to see their dentist every 12 months. If not, the risks associated could not only be damning for a child’s baby teeth, but have long-term consequences in later life.

Yet, as we can see, this is clearly not happening, with more than 40% of children under the age of 17 failing to see a dentist.

Modern life can be hugely demanding for parents, but there is simply no excuse for not taking your child to see a dentist for a routine check-up. Some parents may blame working long and unsociable hours, others may irresponsibly highlight the fact that young children will lose their baby teeth any way. Neither is acceptable. The bottom line is parents have to be responsible for their children’s teeth, especially as many youngsters today enjoy a diet high in sugar.

It could be argued that we, as a nation, are becoming complacent about our dental health. With so many advances in dental care – and dentists now able to resolve several issues relatively pain free – Brits may be willing to sacrifice their dental health, knowing that there are numerous options around to rectify their problems at a later date. But there is nothing better than preserving your own teeth and making sure they are strong and healthy.

Give your child the best start in life by allowing them to smile with confidence. Make sure their dental hygiene is up to scratch from an early age and that they attend check ups regularly. Restrict sugary treats and fizzy drinks to an absolute minimum too. Trust me, your children will thank you for it later in life.

If you would like to book your child in for a check up at Grosvenor Dental Practice, call us today on 01782 848708.

Tooth whitening continues to be a popular cosmetic dental treatment – and with good reason. It is affordable and very effective, and can make a big difference to the way your smile looks. It can also provide a huge boost to your confidence.

We are now using the market leading brand Zoom for all our take home kits.

Teeth often need whitening because they have become stained by drinking tea, coffee, red wine and by smoking. Teeth also naturally become darker with age, whitening can make them lighter again, and can have a fantastic side effect of making you look younger.

To find out more about our tooth whitening and other smile enhancement treatments, please call 01782 848708 or speak to us when you come in.

Good dental hygiene may be the key to preventing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study.

A link between gingivitis and dementia has long been suspected, but a recent investigation from an international team of researchers in America has further strengthened that case.

The study, published in the journal Science Advances, discovered bacteria associated with chronic gum disease, P. gingivalis, in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

Initial tests confirmed the bacteria could travel from the mouth to the brain and that the toxic protein they secrete, called gingipain, actually destroyed brain neurons. They also found the bacteria sped up the production of amyloid beta, a key component of the amyloid plaques that is commonly associated with Alzheimer’s. Further tests found that drugs aimed at blocking the toxic proteins were able to stop degeneration in the brain.

Almost half (45%) of the UK population could be affected by gum disease, according to the last dental survey.

The study was published by a private company Cortexme and its principle author Dr Steve Dominay said: “The findings offer a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s, providing a new conceptual framework for disease treatment.

“For the first time, we are providing strong evidence of a link between the Gram-negative intracellular pathogen Pg and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Experts have welcomed the discovery, but have also been quick to warn it is still not clear what role the bacteria found in gum disease has in the development of Alzheimer’s. Previous studies have found links between gum disease and other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

There is no denying that people with Alzheimer’s have an increased risk of catching infections in their brains, but it is still not clear whether the toxic proteins secreted are a by-product of Alzheimer’s rather than the cure.

Whether there is a direct link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s or not, good dental hygiene will keep your teeth sparkling and your gums healthy.

The British Dental Association has used the news to remind the public on the importance of oral health.

Gum disease can vary from mild inflammation to reddened, bleeding gums and even loose teeth.

If you have any concerns about your gums or are bleeding from the mouth, contact Grosvenor Dental Practice on 01782 848708 or email [email protected] now.