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 info@thegrosvenordental.co.uk

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 info@thegrosvenordental.co.uk

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 info@grosvenordentalpractice.co.uk

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 info@thegrosvenordental.co.uk now.

Dentists are trained professionals who carry out a vital job for billions of people around the globe. They do an amazing job in keeping our teeth clean and our mouths free from pain. Unfortunately, millions of people have developed an irrational fear of their dentist.

Now fear is a feeling we all experience. Some people are afraid of scary spiders. Others are petrified of creepy clowns. Many are frightened by flying. Personally, I can’t stand wasps (what is the point of them?) but I’m here to tell say you have nothing to fear when visiting the dentist.

Now I am going to be biased here, as we have the best dental team in the world at Grosvenor Dental Practice but, seriously, dentists do not need to be feared. Of course, as a practice we are sympathetic to the patients who come in feeling anxious and nervous. We get it, we truly do. But honestly, dentistry has changed considerably over the past 30-40 years and is relatively pain free.

The playground tales of horror visits to see the dentist are now long gone. Many of which were over exaggerated to scare the lives out of siblings and class mates any way. Plus, if you look after your teeth from an early age and get into a routine of brushing and flossing you won’t have to undergo any dental procedures.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, here are five reasons why we should love our dentists.

Dentists Have Your Dental Hygiene At Heart

It takes years of intensive study for dentists to qualify in their chosen profession. They are not going to spend that amount of time studying in order to inflict pain on purpose. If they wanted to cause pain to people daily, they could easily have become an MP! I mean, the only person who loves teeth more than a dentist is the Tooth Fairy! But at least dentists do all they can to keep your teeth inside your mouth and not under your pillow.

Dentists Are Also Looking After Your Overall Health

You may be undertaking a new year health kick, eating healthier and exercising more, but your dentist can ensure there’s no underlying issues with your heath too. Your dentist can show you how to brush your teeth effectively which can help reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Regular examinations also ensure you receive frequent oral cancer screenings alongside your routine check ups.

Dentists Can Protect You From Pain

Nothing comes close to equalling the pain toothache can inflict. It can be excruciating. You can try all the old wives’ tales and online advice you like, the only sure way of effectively treating that pain is to see a dentist. They will examine your mouth, take X-rays if necessary and offer a solution to end your pain. This could result in an extraction, root canal treatment or a course of antibiotics, but rest assured your dentist will – pardon the pun – get to the root cause of the problem.

There’s Always An Emergency Dentist To Rely On

Accidents can occur at any time and toothache can strike at any time of the day or night. Fortunately you can rely on an emergency dental service for swift and effective treatment at all times. Whether you experience pain at the weekend or accidentally had a tooth knocked out in the evening, you can always access an emergency dentist by calling the NHS 111 service.

Dentists Can Give You That Hollywood Smile

Nobody wants to have crooked, chipped or stained teeth. However, sometimes our life and dietary choices dictate what happens inside our mouths. Thankfully dentists are highly skilled in transforming people’s smiles. We can fit braces to straighten your teeth, offer teeth whitening, dental veneers, crowns and bridges. If you are looking to gain that Hollywood smile, speak to our dentists about the range of services we can provide.

We love our dentists here at Grosvenor Dental Practice. We are confident you do too.

For more details on Grosvenor Dental Practice, call 01782 848708 or email info@thegrosvenordental.co.uk