How To Combat Staining!

Are you concerned about the staining on or inbetween your teeth? Then this post is perfect for you. Tooth staining can cause people to be conscious about their smile. Firstly, it is important to understand why staining occurs!

Staining appears on the teeth from;

  • Smoking.
  • Eating heavily coloured foods.
  • Excessivly drinking red wine, tea or coffee.
  • Certain mouthwashes.

Well, how can I remove staining?

Step 1.

Start by using a slightly abrasive toothpaste, this will remove extrinsic staining. A whitening toothpaste will usually do the trick for minimal amounts of staining.

Step 2.

Flossing or using interdental brushes. This will help keep staining down by removing plaque and debris from areas the toothbrush cant reach!

Step 3.

Book in with Eccleshill Dental Practice. Our Specialist hygiene therapist will assess whether those difficult stains require a hygiene scale and polish r an airpolish. If the staining is heavy and has been there for a while then you would require an air polishing appointment. The pressurised sand removes extrinsic staining without damaging the tooth surface.

What is Air Polising?

Air polishing is a a high pressurised sand which is blasted at the teeth to remove staining from the areas of the teeth a toothbrush cannot reach. This is pain free and works wonders for for stain removal!

How Air polishing is beneficial.

  • Creates a brighter and cleaner smile.
  • Removes years of stain build up.
  • Perfectly safe towards tooth surface.
  • Quick and easy.
  • Pain-free.

To book an appointment today, contact Eccleshill Dental on 01274 633 406.

Alternatively email our treatment coordinator for more advise.

Email – Info@eccleshilldental.com

Tel – 01274 633406

5 Ways That Quitting The Cigarettes Will Benefit Your Health!

Smoking is a very debatable topic as people are either for or against it. Over the years smoking has always been a popular activity but in recent years cigarettes have become harder to get hold of and have increased in cost massively. However, I’m not here to talk about the costs or availability. I am here to focus on the health benefits of quitting those cigarettes.

There are many different to aids to assist quitting smoking. For example; E-Cigarettes, patches, Nicotine chewing gum, hypnotising and the list goes on! Quitting smoking is easier said than done as I’m sure many will know…but its worth a shot! Here’s how your health will benefit from quitting.

Continue reading “5 Ways That Quitting The Cigarettes Will Benefit Your Health!”

Interdental Brushes Or Floss. Which Works Best For Me?

A diligent tooth brushing regime is important to ensure we have healthy teeth and gums throughout our lives. However, brushing twice a day for two minutes is just the bare minimum we can do to ensure we are looking after our mouths correctly, as dentistry has progressed over the years we are now aware that most leading problems in tooth loss comes from unhealthy gums causing recession and wobbly teeth. It is now proven that cleaning in between the teeth is how we can ensure we are looking after them properly! Daily flossing allows the removal of plaque and bacteria every 24 hours and because bacteria becomes toxic after 24 hours, it ensures you are on the right tack to keeping the mouth at its healthiest state.

There are many benefits which are associated with inter-dental cleaning (cleaning in between the teeth) including the lowered risk of gum disease which is the leading cause of tooth loss. As well as fighting any bad smelling breath as it helps to remove the plaque and debris which could not be removed with an ordinary toothbrush. It is also known that people have improved self confidence when they have got flossing in their daily lifestyle as they are no longer conscious of smells and food getting trapped in their teeth throughout the day.

Interdental Brushs Vs Floss. Which will win?

Tepes are inter-dental brushes which come in all sizes and some are softer than others. If you can fit an interdental brush through the gaps between your teeth I would highly suggest doing this once a day than using dental string floss. This is because it pushing out more plaque and debris than dental floss would. As dental floss can be tricky to establish the correct technique, some people prefer using Tepes as they are easier to manage as all you need to do is push the brush through each gap once per day. At Eccleshill Dental our dental hygienist deep cleans the gums and will demonstrate which type of product to use for inter-dental cleaning during the appointment. As shes the expert she will assess whether floss or interdental brushes will work for you specifically, as well as explaining which size or type will work best. For example, someone with larger gaps may benefit from a interdental brushes but someone with smaller gaps and overlapped teeth, may find it easier to use string floss.

Floss is great if you can use the right technique and is also a well known product. Over the years floss was not deemed essential as part of the oral hygiene regime but in most recent years studies have been put together show that flossing is key and dentists are now focusing on making sure everyone’s regime is changing for the better. Here at Eccleshill Dental we are now demonstrating and educating the younger generation to introduce floss into their daily routine so that they have grown up knowing the importance of floss, as well as persuading the older generation that their routine has to change.

What If My Gums Bleed?

Keep flossing! Bleeding is encouraged when there is active disease present, but do not worry this may only be mild. The body’s immune system attempts to fight off the bacteria and this is why it bleeds. I’m in no way suggesting that bleeding is a good sign or that this is the aim, but when there is a significant change in the brushing regime the bleeding should reduce in approximately 10 days and even further as flossing continues. My advice would be, do not be put off by bleeding. Be encouraged to tackle the problem at its earlier state and watch the obvious signs of progression!

Interdental brushes are the gold standard option but if you find floss works better for yourself, then use floss. Cleaning is personal preference and can be adapted to anyone! Your dentist will be pleased that you’re spending more time on cleaning!

Tooth Whitening – What Works and What Doesn’t?

Tooth whitening is a cosmetic treatment which is used to improve the smile aesthetically. A brighter and whiter smile is appealing to the public as it is known that the eyes and the smile are the first thing a person looks at. There are many different types of methods for tooth whitening, some better than others, some even illegal.

Whats the deal about whitening toothpaste?

Whitening tooth paste for big named brands is used to promote business and selling, as no toothpaste will whiten your teeth like in house dental tooth whitening or laser whitening. So you could say it’s a slight gimmick to boost sales. Whitening tooth paste is known to brighten teeth by removing stains, but not actually improving the colour of the teeth. Their abrasive texture dislodges some stains making them appear cleaner and brighter.


The new craze – charcoal toothpaste.  

Charcoal toothpaste has been floating around social media quite a lot recently and is now sold across many supermarkets and high street stores. I can assure you that charcoal toothpaste will only give similar affects as whitening toothpaste, stain removal and brightening the smile. Except that they have a very low concentration of fluoride, if any. This can actually be more clinically harmful as fluoride strengthens the teeth which is why it is included in toothpastes and mouthwashes, I’m sure you can imagine why a toothpaste without it would not be beneficial.

Also Read: 4 Ways Your Dental Care is More Affordable Than You Think

Home Remedies.

Home remedies like bicarbonate soda and banana peels won’t make a massive difference in terms of wanting to gain that Hollywood smile.  These are made up methods of whitening teeth which not only can be harmful but essentially are a waste of time. Some stain removal can be seen by using bicarbonate soda but using imagine using an abrasive powder against you teeth 2-3 times a day, this can create notches, recession and even tooth surface loss exposing the dentine from underneath the enamel, which is actually more yellow in colour so it defeats the point of using a tooth whitener.

What about / UV whitening and ordering from online. 

Please BE CAREFUL when ordering whitening gels and systems from online as it is not legal to prescribe gels at a high percentage online, the only people who are legally allowed to sell higher percentages is dental practitioners with a GDC registration number. The risks of UV whitening and online whitening gels are very high which can lead to severe sensitivity, soft tissue burns or even nerve damage to the tooth. I would recommend seeing a specialist for tooth whitening to be on the safe side and please please do your research.

The big debate. Beautician and in-salon whitening.  

Lots of beauticians offer tooth whitening. However, this in some cases is illegal as they have not had the official training like a dental professional has had and they are not registered under the GDC to be  legally allowed to prescribe dental tooth whitening. In some circumstances beauticians may feel like that have had in depth training through courses they have been on but they have not had 5 years studying the mouth like a dental professional. Also, if a something happens during the treatment the insurance will not cover for any damage done during the whitening procedure, which is not ideal as you or the beautician are not covered for any problems which may occur. In some cases beauticians do provide tooth whitening but this is a weaker solution and therefore you wouldn’t get the results that you aspire for.

Also Read: How To Find The Right Dental Practice For You

Dental Whitening and why we advise it.  

Dental professionals have had the correct training to know the mouth inside and out, which is why they are the best people to approach regarding whitening. At Eccleshill dental we offer two different systems, Enlighten and Boutique. Enlighten is actually the Gold standard system and it is promised that you will see a great improving across the shade guide.

With dental whitening it is the most effective way to improve your smile without causing any tooth damage. In most cases tooth whitening actually masks initial problems that patients present with. So in this way it is the most  cost effective as you only have to ever buy it once and only need to top it up every couple of years and this is if you feel they have slightly faded but will never return to original shade.

So why not come and try out our Whitening Wednesdays for 20% off when two or more people book in!

4 Ways Your Dental Care is More Affordable Than You Think

When was the last time you visited the dentist for a regular dental health check and hygiene appointment? You’re probably busy worrying about your family, work, finances, and array of other concerns and stresses. You might consider a trip to the dentist as more of a luxury, or something you’ll get to when your life (and your finances) settle down a bit. Does this sound familiar?

Unfortunately, good dental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. A recent UK survey found that 54% of adults over the age of 16 had moderate signs of periodontal (gum) disease, the leading cause of tooth loss. The only available treatment (which believe it or not, reduces the need for more costly procedures later down the line) is regular trips to your dentist/hygienist. Like most people, you may know these things, but you still hesitate to pick up the phone to book an appointment. Why? You expect those dental visits to be costlier than you can afford.

At Eccleshill Dental, your dental health could be more affordable than you think. We’ve compiled a list of important things to consider:

How much do you value your smile?

When it comes to your health and appearance, the value you place upon them is a very personal decision. Most of us take these things for granted, and what we don’t stop to consider is how we will feel in the longer-term, when our health and appearance start to deteriorate. It is quite often at this late stage (where procedures are much more expensive), that people choose to take action.

Also Read: How To Find The Right Dental Practice For You

What is the cost?

Consider that the average British household spends 6.5% of their annual income on coffee, 3.7% on clothes, and 1.4% on alcohol. The cost of your routine dental care (based on two dental health checks and two hygiene appointments per year) is only 0.6% of an average household budget. That’s less than 1%!

Find out if you have insurance

Surprising as it might seem, there are many of us that don’t realise we have access to dental insurance, perhaps through an employer or through a policy we have taken out in the past. If you have dental insurance that is not being used, then you will be missing out on an array of benefits. Many insurance companies allow you to claim back 50-100% of the cost of your dental bill (dependent on the treatment type). Many insurance policies cover routine dental care and treatment, which allow you to plan for your future dental needs. Policies which offer emergency and worldwide cover allow you to plan for any unexpected dental accidents at home or abroad. If you don’t yet have dental insurance, take some time to shop around online. There are many different insurance schemes available, each with different benefits.

No insurance? We’ve got you covered!

At Eccleshill Dental, we offer a variety of different payment methods to suit your needs, from 0% finance, to tailored payment plans. Many of our patients opt to join one of our affordable membership plans, which for a small monthly fee, offer a range of fantastic benefits.

We believe that everyone should be able to afford excellent dental care, which is why we pride ourselves on delivering fantastic services at affordable prices. If you would like any further information on our practice, services, fees, or payment methods, why not give us a call on 01274 633406.

 

NHS Vs. Private Dentistry: Which One Is Right For Me?

Most patients looking to find a new dental practice are searching for NHS dental services. Inevitably, people have reservations about paying for a private dentist when the NHS offers dental care, usually at a lower cost.

Certainly, there are some excellent NHS dentists in the UK, many of whom now offer a mix of NHS and private dental services. However, the demand for private dental care continues to rise. We have looked at some of the many reasons why people are turning to private dental care:

  1. ‘No Room at The Inn’

Prior to joining a private dental practice, the chances are that many patients have spent a great deal of time ringing around NHS practices in the area to see if they are accepting new patients. With such a reduction in the availability of NHS places, the majority of practices in the West Yorkshire area are at full capacity. Patients lucky enough to be accepted on to a waiting list could still face lengthy delays before they are offered an appointment. Private practices operate very differently, and you are likely to be offered an appointment within the coming days, and at a convenient time for you.

  1. Better Treatment Options

The NHS offer a range of core treatment options, from fillings and dentures, to crowns and bridges. All treatments are offered within three fixed price brackets. However, there are limitations to the types of treatments that are offered. Fillings and crowns are often available in a silver material only (unless they are being placed on a front tooth). Cosmetic treatment options such as short-term orthodontics, veneers, whitening, and implants are often unavailable on the NHS. Attending a private practice ensures that you are offered all treatment options, and you are delivered a treatment plan which is better tailored to your individual needs.

  1. A Relaxed Patient Journey

With such a high volume of patients, many NHS dental practices do not have long periods of time to spend with their patients. For anxious patients, time can be invaluable. Feeling rushed or having inadequate time to discuss your treatment plan and prepare, can be extremely off-putting for anyone phobic of visiting the dentist.

At Eccleshill Dental, we are able to offer you the gift of time. Taking time with our patients allows us to get to know you, and better understand your treatment needs. We believe in bringing kindness and dentistry together, and we place great importance on making our patients as comfortable and relaxed as possible. We believe your patient journey should be an enjoyable one. Longer and less rushed appointments allow us to take our time, and ensure you are at ease and happy at your dental visits.

  1. Priority Appointments

In an NHS dental practice, access to appointments can be restrictive. Appointments are often available through working hours only, and treatment may be spaced out over longer time periods because appointments are simply unavailable.

At Eccleshill Dental, our private patients receive priority appointments. We are open 8.00-18.00 Monday to Friday, giving you easy access to appointment times outside of working hours.

  1. Additional Support

We like to provide support at each stage of your patient journey. For our private patients, our patient care coordinator is available throughout your treatment to provide support and guidance, and ensure you are comfortable. Our care coordinator will discuss your treatment plan with you in detail, so you can understand your treatment options, what to expect from your appointments, and your different payment options.

  1. Affordable Options

Many patients that join us privately are surprised at the range of affordable payment options. At Eccleshill Dental, we offer membership plans for as little as £12.99 a month, which allow you to plan for your future dental needs. For larger treatment plans, we offer tailored plan agreements and 0% finance options, which allow you to spread the cost of treatment for up to 60 months. With so many affordable payment options, your finances need not be a barrier to receiving the dental care you desire.

  1. Do Your Research

When selecting your private dental practice, it is important that you do your research, and find the right practice for you. Take the time to look at the practice Google reviews, and ask members of the community about their experiences. At Eccleshill Dental, we offer complimentary consultations with our patient care coordinator. This is a very relaxed appointment where we get to know you over a cup of tea. It is an excellent opportunity to look around the practice, meet the team, and see if we are a fit for you. This appointment is completely free, and there is no obligation to book in again.

Key questions to ask a dental practice you are thinking of joining:

  • Do you offer weekend or evening appointments?
  • What can you do to help nervous patients?
  • Do you treat children?
  • What additional services do you offer?
  • Do you offer any dental payment plans?
  • Do you have a dental membership scheme?
  • Can you send me a welcome pack with a price list?
  • Do you offer complimentary consultations?
  • Do you provide a printed copy of my proposed treatment plan?

People have different approaches to their dental care, and what is right for one patient may not be for the next. It is important to remember that you have a choice. Many patients are perfectly satisfied with their NHS dental care. For other patients, the benefits of private dentistry vastly outweigh the services available on the NHS.

If you would like any further information on joining our practice, or you would like to book your complimentary consultation with our patient care coordinator, telephone Eccleshill Dental on 01274 633406.

The Magic In Your Smile: 10 Ways Smiling Benefits Your Health and Happiness

They say that there is magic in a smile, and we can’t deny the warmth we feel when we’re on the receiving end of a glowing grin. Nonetheless, smiles haven’t always been considered fashionable. A US study reviewing smiles in photographs was carried out by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Brown. The study showed that in the early 1900’s, smiling was anything but on-trend, with a preference for pensive, serious poses in front of the camera.

 

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(image of smiles from the early 1900’s to 2010’s, taken from the Washington Post)

 

Luckily for us today, a smile is considered our most beautiful asset. Research today indicates that smiling is just plain good for you. And with many a good reason:

1. We all smile in the same language

Smiling is the universal symbol for happiness. Many gestures have different meanings across different societies. However, no matter where you are in the world, a smile is a symbol of warmth.

2. Smiling can extend your life

A 2009 US study into major league baseball players in the 1950’s showed that players who smiled more, lived up to 7 years longer than players who did not. The study conducted by Ernest L. Abel and Michael L. Kruger indicated that people who smiled more, actually lived longer, happier, and more stable lives. Biochemist Sondra Barrett states that when we smile, we reduce the rigidness of our cells, and this physical relaxation can reduce the risk of stress-induced cell mutations that can lead to the development of certain cancers.

Also Read: Achieve Your Dream Smile: All You Need to Know about Smile Makeovers

3. Smiling reduces stress and lowers blood pressure

We are all familiar with the stress life throws at us, and the toll it takes on the human body. Studies have shown that the heart recovers more quickly from stress in subjects that smile, as opposed to subjects that are asked to hold a straight face. So the next time you are feeling your blood boil, remember that a simple smile might the help you were looking for.

4. Smiling can lift your spirits

Many people think that smiling is just a result of being happy. What many of us don’t realise is that smiling can actually make us happier! Our facial expressions do not just communicate our mood, but influence it as well. Recent studies into facial expressions have shown that a person’s mood aligns strongly with the emotion his or her face is communicating. So think happy thoughts, smile, and your mood will smile too.

5. Your smile has the power to heal everyone – not just you!

Smiles are contagious (and no, it’s not just a saying). Research conducted as part of a study in Sweden indicated that people had difficulty frowning when looking at other subjects who were smiling. Many of the subjects’ facial muscles involuntarily formed into a smile. So spread that joy and share a smile today.

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6. You were doing it before you were born

Many babies start smiling regularly at around 6 weeks old, but studies show that smiling begins in the womb. Smiling is in fact hard-wired into our genes, rather than an entirely learned behaviour.

7. Smiling can benefit your career

Facial expressions have a big impact on first and future impressions. This is particularly important in our professional lives. People who smile are more likely to be remembered. Furthermore, the smilers of the workplace are considered more approachable, and have better success in social and professional interactions. So a smile may just be the key to that long sought after promotion!

Also Read: 4 Ways Your Dental Care is More Affordable Than You Think

8. Smiling makes us look younger

Smiling exercises anywhere between 5 and 53 muscles in the face. With all this muscular exertion, the skin stays firm and taut, aiding youthfulness and vitality. Who knew a face lift could be so easy.

9. Smiling makes you seem more approachable and trustworthy

Your smile communicates more than you may realise. An authentic smile goes a long way. A 2004 Penn University study found that authentic smiles shared by employees in the service industry influenced their impressions on customers in a positive way. The study also showed that we are much more likely to trust someone with a smile, than someone with a neutral expression, or worse still – a frowner!

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10. Smiling heals the body and the soul

Endorphins (the feel-good chemicals released by the brain) help us feel better when we are in pain. Studies show that people who smile and laugh experience less pain than those who do not. A further study indicated that people diagnosed with immune diseases showed signs of recovery more quickly when they spent more time laughing and smiling.

We have never felt more like smiling! Don’t let your teeth be a barrier to a happier, healthier life. A smile makeover can help you achieve the smile you have always dreamed of. Let us find your smile!

Welcome To Our Blog!

At Eccleshill Dental, we pride ourselves on delivering the very best patient experience. We believe that patients should feel like a part of our family from the moment they step through the door. We champion open and honest communication, and want everyone to feel a part of practice achievements, changes, and decisions. Our weekly blog is another way we will be communicating with our patient family. Here you will find news about the practice, interesting articles about oral health and the latest in the dental field, the practice calendar and events, and fun things happening at Eccleshill Dental.

We will be updating our blog weekly, and welcome your interaction. Remember – we love to hear your thoughts and ideas, so get posting your comments!

Thanks everyone – and enjoy our blogs.

The Eccleshill Dental Team