The food we enjoy feeds all of our body, including our teeth and gums. Our oral and overall health is determined by the type of foods we choose to eat. At Clifton Dental Studio, we often get asked about the best type of diet for healthy teeth.
We are all made different, some with health conditions or faster metabolisms than others. Our health status and food tolerances or allergies may impact the kind of foods we eat. Therefore, we suggest some general markers as dietary options for healthy teeth.
Avoid foods high in sugar and acid
Foods with high sugar and acid content, such as fizzy drinks and certain sweets, may cause the saliva in the mouth to become acidic, eroding tooth enamel. As the structure of the tooth erodes, cavities form and the tooth may become weaker and more susceptible to fractures. The sugar and acid may trigger bacterial colonisation in the mouth that leads to tooth infections and possible gum disease. By avoiding high sugary and acidic foods, tooth decay and gum disease is less likely to develop.
Eat balanced and versatile meals
To get all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals our bodies need for healthy function, we need to eat a balanced and versatile diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Processed foods are more likely to contain ingredients that may in the long run be harmful to health. Eating fresh foods keeps all of the body strong, including our teeth and gums. Drinking enough water hydrates the skin, lips and gums. Eat softer foods as needed, like with dentures.
Get enough calcium
Our need calcium for healthy density and strength. Calcium-containing foods, such as dairy products, keep teeth strong and less vulnerable to breaks. For a hygiene appointment with us why not contact us today at Clifton Dental Studio in the city of Bristol.
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.
Looking for a cosmetic dentist? Bristol dentists are here to help
Your dentist can give you lots more advice about which chewing gum to choose and the benefits it can offer your mouth.
Dental hygienists are experts in oral hygiene and aim to promote good oral health through oral hygiene. A dental hygienist may also be involved in the treatment of oral health diseases.
Why would I need to see a dental hygienist?
Even people who brush their teeth twice a day may need to see a dental hygienist at some point for an extra level of cleanliness. Hygienists provide cleaning treatments that are much more intensive and effective than brushing with a manual brush and can help prevent oral health diseases from developing.
Cleaning treatments, such as a scale and polish, are powerful cleaning treatments that remove plaque and bacteria and can shift tartar and bacteria from areas that are hard to reach with a brush. Your hygienist will be able to see any problem areas and address them, helping you to reduce the risk of developing symptoms associated with dental problems. Such symptoms include swelling, pain, soreness and bleeding.
Your dentist may refer you to a hygienist if your teeth could benefit from a thorough clean or you are suffering from gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. You can arrange an appointment if you feel in need of a deep clean; many people enjoy the feeling of a deep clean as it leaves their teeth feeling smooth and looking shiny and healthy.
Dental hygiene tips
Dental hygiene is key for good oral health and a good everyday oral hygiene routine will help to prevent dental problems and enable you to flash a healthy, radiant smile. Your daily oral hygiene routine should incorporate using a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush morning and evening, as well as flossing and using mouthwash. Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups is also really important and most dentists advise patients to attend check-ups every six to twelve months.
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.
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.
When it comes to oral hygiene, it’s really easy to brush and floss your way to good oral health. The most common dental diseases, tooth decay and gum disease, are completely preventable and devoting five minutes a day to your mouth will make a massive difference. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time and flossing on a regular basis, to keep your mouth clean and free from harmful bacteria and plaque. When you brush, you remove bacteria and food debris from your teeth and tongue and this helps to prevent the formation of plaque. Plaque is a colourless film, which sticks and clings to the gum line and teeth and causes irritation to the gums and damage to the tooth enamel. Brushing removes plaque and drastically reduces the risk of gum disease, decay, bad breath, oral infections and staining. Flossing is also really important because it can be difficult to cover all areas of your mouth when you brush and flossing tackles the areas that are commonly missed, such as the gum line and the gaps between the teeth. Using fluoride toothpaste is also beneficial because fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel. At Clifton Dental of Bristol we also recommend regular dental checks and dental hygiene sessions, which provide a very deep clean and will leave the teeth feeling smooth and looking sparkly and bright. If you have any questions about oral hygiene, we will be happy to help.
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
When it comes to oral hygiene, it’s really easy to brush and floss your way to good oral health. The most common dental diseases, tooth decay and gum disease, are completely preventable and devoting five minutes a day to your mouth will make a massive difference. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time and flossing on a regular basis, to keep your mouth clean and free from harmful bacteria and plaque. When you brush, you remove bacteria and food debris from your teeth and tongue and this helps to prevent the formation of plaque. Plaque is a colourless film, which sticks and clings to the gum line and teeth and causes irritation to the gums and damage to the tooth enamel. Brushing removes plaque and drastically reduces the risk of gum disease, decay, bad breath, oral infections and staining. Flossing is also really important because it can be difficult to cover all areas of your mouth when you brush and flossing tackles the areas that are commonly missed, such as the gum line and the gaps between the teeth. Using fluoride toothpaste is also beneficial because fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel. At Clifton Dental of Bristol we also recommend regular dental checks and dental hygiene sessions, which provide a very deep clean and will leave the teeth feeling smooth and looking sparkly and bright. If you have any questions about oral hygiene, we will be happy to help.
