Clifton Dental Studio offers a comprehensive range of general dental services in addition to preventative treatments, including hygienist services. We are proud to promote healthy, happy smiles and we try to encourage our clients, young and old, to live by the motto ‘prevention is better than cure’.
Our amazing hygienists
We are fortunate to have excellent dental hygienists in our team and they provide a range of highly beneficial treatments for patients of all ages. Seeing a hygienist is incredibly important for patients with existing oral health issues, such as gum disease, but it can also really benefit those who have good oral health.
For younger patients in Bristol and beyond, we offer preventative services, such as fluoride varnish and fissure sealant treatment. Fluoride is applied to the teeth to strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of cavities, while fissure sealant treatment provides a protective barrier to prevent food debris and bacteria getting lodged in the tiny pits on the tooth surface. Both of these treatments are completely painless and they only take a few minutes.
For adult patients, we offer intensive, highly effective cleaning treatments, bad breath clinics and treatment for gum disease. We are also on hand to offer advice about oral hygiene at home, giving up smoking and healthy eating.
Our hygienists work alongside our dentists to provide the best standards of care for patients with gum disease and we do everything we can to ease symptoms and halt the progress of the condition as quickly as possible.
How often should I see a hygienist?
If you have existing oral health issues, for example gum disease or halitosis, it is advisable to see a hygienist on a regular basis and your dentist will recommend frequent sessions. If you have good oral health, seeing a hygienist can still be advantageous and we generally recommend an annual hygiene session.
Most people rinse their mouth out with water or mouthwash, or both, after they’ve finished brushing their teeth and spat out the toothpaste. But should you? There are now a large number of people, including a lot of dentists, who believe rinsing the mouth after brushing shouldn’t be done and needs to be expelled as a natural routine of dental hygiene.
To rinse or not to rinse
It’s something that is simply accepted by many people, that you rinse after brushing. But when you sit down and think about it, it makes sense not to. Spitting out the toothpaste once you’re done brushing and leaving the residue on the teeth not only keeps your mouth fresh but means the fluoride in your toothpaste continues to work after you’ve finished brushing and this is exactly what many dentists are now saying.
Many companies that make and sell toothpaste are also preaching the same message. Colgate has stated that leaving fluoride on the teeth can allow the toothpaste to continue to work up until your next meal.
Are there other views?
If you were to follow up reading this article with a look into other people’s views on the internet you would discover an ongoing debate between those who believe in rinsing and those who don’t. Despite many dentists advising to not rinse, a large number of people still stick by the idea of rinsing. This can be true for some toothpaste with very high fluoride concentrations, such as whiteners and smokers’ toothpaste, or toothpastes with other added chemicals which could damage teeth if there is prolonged contact.
It should be stressed however that these toothpastes are not common orthodox toothpastes and are usually prescribed or specialised types.
Many people may assume that visiting a hygienist is only necessary when you have gum disease, but this is not the case. A visit to the hygienist can be hugely beneficial for all patients, even those with excellent oral health. Now, you can book appointments with a dental hygienist directly so there’s no need to go through a dentist first.
Why should I consider seeing a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists have advanced training in providing dental hygiene services, including scale and polish, fresh breath clinics and preventative dental treatments and seeing a hygienist on a regular basis can help to cut your risk of developing decay and gum disease. Hygiene sessions can also give your teeth a healthy radiance and boost whiteness by removing surface stains.
What is a scale and polish?
Scaling is a process used to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and the gum line. Your dental hygienist will use specially designed instruments to remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth and then polish them, giving them a lovely brightness and a smooth finish.
Cleaning treatments provided by dental hygienists are much more powerful and effective than brushing at home and you will really notice the difference after your session. Surface stains will be banished, leaving your smile looking much brighter and more attractive and your teeth will feel lovely and smooth; your chances of developing oral diseases will also be significantly lower.
Is a scale and polish painful?
The procedure is not painful, although it may feel a little odd at first when your hygienist starts to remove the plaque from the teeth. There is no recovery time required and you won’t feel any pain when you get home.
If you’re interested in hygiene treatments or you would like to book an appointment with one of our excellent dental hygienists, call the clinic today!
Get advice on chewing gum benefits from Bristol dentists
There are many things you can do to help ensure continuing good oral hygiene. Of course brushing and flossing in the proper manner is very important and it is crucial that you let your dentist examine your mouth every six months so that harmful condition can be spotted and dealt with. Chewing gum has benefits too that can help your mouth to stay in good health.
Chewing anything stimulates the production of saliva, which is one of your mouth’s natural defences against the buildup of plaque. Plaque needs to be stopped because a sufficient build up will begin to attack the protective enamel on your teeth. Too much plaque will begin to interfere with the nerves in your teeth and cavities might start to form.
You can chew gum after meals, particularly if the food you have eaten contains lots of sugar and starch, both of which aid the formation of plaque. Of course it is better to brush your teeth but if you find yourself in a situation where this is not possible then chewing gum is the next best thing.
An added chewing gum benefit is that it freshens your breath. If you have just eaten food that might make your breath smell, chewing gum will give you a minty, fresh feeling that can increase your confidence.
Most chewing gums are sugar free so you are not doing further damage to your teeth when you are chewing it.
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Your dentist can give you lots more advice about which chewing gum to choose and the benefits it can offer your mouth.
Brushing and cleaning your teeth should be a daily occurrence for everyone. But you may wonder whether you are doing it right. It may sound strange but there is a right and wrong way to brush your teeth, and this may be the difference to having a healthy smile and one troubled with tooth decay and gum disease.
The key components to brushing your teeth are:
Timing
You should always spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth to ensure that you have thoroughly cleaned away the plaque and bacteria (most adults throughout Bristol and the UK don’t spend anywhere near this amount of time brushing).
Thoroughness
Make sure you get every single space there is. This is because the hardest places to reach are where the majority of bacterial build up will occur, which can result in erosion. The backs of the teeth are particularly important, along with the tongue and roof of your mouth, as these are the areas most people forget.
The gum line
Bacteria congregates on the gum line quite a lot and if left unattended can result in gum disease, bad breath and tooth decay. To avoid sensitivity issues, just brush along the gum line gently at a 45-degree angle.
Use the right brush
Firm bristles aren’t the most effective way of cleaning your teeth and soft bristles are actually much more efficient at removing plaque and food particles between your teeth, which could be missed with firmer bristles. A smaller head will also allow you to get into more places than a bigger headed toothbrush.
Do more than brush
You may think that by just using a toothbrush and some toothpaste you are doing everything in your power to protect your teeth. Make sure you floss regularly and use mouthwash to clear any bacteria that may be hiding or managed to escape your toothbrush.
Bristol dentists advise on chewing gum benefits to enhance oral hygiene
Fresh breath is not the only benefit that chewing gum can give you. It is an activity that can really help your oral hygiene. It is one of the simplest ways to achieve increased production of saliva, which helps to protect your teeth from being damaged by build ups of plaque.
Having fresh breath can increase your confidence in social occasions by ensuring that you are not worried about the smell of your breath while talking and smiling. Chewing gum is an easy and convenient way to achieve this by increasing saliva production and combatting the uncomfortable sensation of having a dry mouth.
When you eat sugary and starchy foods, the acids produced in the mouth form into plaque. Plaque breaks down your teeth’s natural defence, enamel, and can lead to cavities and painful tooth decay. Saliva is another of your mouth’s natural defences as it neutralizes these harmful acids. You can produce saliva by chewing gum.
Another chewing gum benefit is that it actually helps to clean your teeth. Of course it is no substitute for brushing and flossing but you might find yourself in a situation without access to your brush and chewing gum will be the next best thing for after dinner at a party, for example. The activity of chewing means that some debris will be moved from the teeth and gums and plaque finds it more difficult to form.
Chewing gum also helps teeth to retain a degree of whiteness by preventing stains from taking hold.
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Your Bristol dentist can advise you which of the chewing gums on the market are best for enhancing your oral hygiene.
Most people admit they’d like whiter, brighter teeth, but during our day to day lives we notice our teeth becoming discoloured. What causes discolouration and how can you take steps to preserve the natural whiteness of your smile?
What causes discolouration?
Everybody has slightly different enamel and some people have naturally whiter teeth than others. The tooth enamel is naturally slightly off-white and with time, whiteness tends to fade. However, there are certain foods, drinks and lifestyle habits that can accelerate the staining process. Here are some of the most common causes of tooth discolouration:
Diet
Your diet has an important influence on your oral health, but it can also affect the aesthetic of your smile, as some foods and drinks contribute to staining. The worst offenders include coffee, tea, cola, dark juices, blueberries, blackberries, soy sauce, dark or richly coloured sauces and wine. If you want to keep your teeth looking white without changing your diet, drink through a straw and always have a glass of water to hand to rinse your mouth out after eating.
Wear and tear
Ageing brings about general wear and tear and it’s inevitable that over the years, your teeth will lose a little sparkle. In order to slow the ageing process, take good care of your teeth and visit the dentist on a regular basis.
Smoking
Cigarettes contain over 1,000 different chemicals, many of which contribute to teeth staining. Smokers tend to have noticeably worse discolouration than non-smokers and their teeth often look yellow or brown. The only way to prevent these effects is to stop smoking. If you want to try and quit, our dental team will be more than happy to offer help and support.
Oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene can really help to keep your teeth looking bright and healthy, but neglecting your daily regime can soon take its toll. Skipping your daily brush and floss soon contributes to discolouration. In the worst cases, tartar, a hard brown substance, starts to form on the teeth and around the gum lines, making the smile look unhealthy and unattractive.
If you would like to whiten your smile ready for the autumn, we recommend following the simple steps listed above. If you long for a more dramatic result, why not treat yourself to a whitening treatment? We offer in-chair and at-home systems and we can lighten your smile by several shades in a matter of weeks! Call today to arrange an appointment.
In addition to providing our patients with the latest cosmetic innovations, we are also committed to promoting good oral health and providing preventative and general dental treatments to free your mouth from oral disease and ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. Bad breath (halitosis) is a very common problem, which is usually easily treated. If you’re suffering, call us and we will help you to banish halitosis for good and boost your confidence.
About bad breath
Bad breath affects most people from time to time, but if you have persistent bad breath, this can really take its toll on your confidence. Occasional bad breath is usually linked to your diet, but if you have bad breath on a regular basis, this is commonly associated with poor oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is an effective means of getting rid of bacteria; if you don’t brush and floss frequently, these bacteria gather in the mouth and multiply, increasing the risk of bad breath, as well as gum disease and decay.
When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed, and this causes them to give off gases that have a very unpleasant odour. This is why you experienced bad breath.
How we can help
Our dentists and hygienists are experienced in treating bad breath and they use oral hygiene treatments such as scale and polish, and offer advice about oral hygiene at home, to help you get rid of harmful bacteria and enjoy clean, fresh breath.
We can provide regular intensive cleaning treatments and give you advice about brushing and flossing at home to prevent bad breath in the future. We can also offer lifestyle and diet and nutrition tips to help to reduce the risk of bad breath.
If you’ve read the news this week, you’ll probably have noticed many articles devoted to dental decay and tackling high rates of decay among youngsters. At Clifton Dental Studio, we take dental health very seriously and we are determined to do all we can to ensure our patients have a clean bill of oral health.
Decay is extremely common, but it is preventable and we are committed to ensuring that our patients have the knowledge and tools to keep their teeth healthy and cavity-free.
About tooth decay
Tooth decay is a common dental problem, and it is almost always preventable. It is caused by harmful bacteria, which attack and erode the enamel and create holes known as cavities. Plaque is the main risk factor for tooth decay. Plaque is a colourless film that forms when saliva joins together bits of food and bacteria. When the bacteria feed, they release acids, and these acids weaken the enamel, eventually creating cavities. Once there are cavities in the enamel, there is a risk of infection spreading to the dentin, which contains the nerve tissue and blood vessels.
Dealing with decay
If you have a cavity in your tooth, we will usually fill the tooth, a process that involves placing a filling inside the cavity. Before the filling is placed, the tooth is cleaned and all the decayed tissue is taken away. Fillings make the teeth stronger and more durable and they also help to stem the spread of bacteria through the tooth, reducing the risk of infection.
If decay is left untreated, it can get worse and infection can spread to the living pulp tissue. If this is the case, root canal treatment may be required.
Preventing decay
The best ways to prevent decay are to maintain good oral hygiene at home, to keep up to date with dental visits and to avoid consuming excessive amounts of sugar. It’s also advisable to keep an eye out for hidden sugars in foods and to avoid acidic foods and drinks.
We are determined for the people of Bristol to have stunning, radiant smiles and strong, healthy teeth and we are on a mission to fight off dental disease. Oral health education is a priority for us and we want all our patients to be aware of the importance of good oral health and the impact of oral hygiene on general wellbeing.
Why is oral hygiene so important?
Good oral hygiene makes the world of difference when it comes to oral health and ensuring that the teeth and gums and healthy and strong. With a rigorous daily oral hygiene routine in place, you will be drastically reducing your risk of decay, gum disease and bad breath, as well as taking steps to boost your overall health. Numerous studies have found a link between poor oral health and elevated risks of general health issues, including strokes and heart disease, so brushing and flossing are extremely important.
Good oral hygiene also has a positive impact on your looks and confidence, as brushing and flossing help to reduce the risk of staining and crumbling and will help to ensure your teeth look shiny and clean.
Practising good oral hygiene
The importance of good oral hygiene should never be underestimated, and the good news is that it’s actually really simple to stick to a good regime at home. All we ask is for our patients to dedicate just 5 minutes a day to cleaning their teeth and gums. We recommend brushing for 2 minutes each morning and evening and flossing daily. Brushing helps to break up and wash away food debris and polish the teeth, while flossing targets those hard to reach areas that are missed during brushing, including the tiny gaps between the teeth.
If you have any questions about oral hygiene or oral health in general, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
