Maintaining a good level of dental health isn’t only about brushing your teeth morning and night, flossing and using mouthwash. Your diet can also have a significant impact on the state of your teeth and gums. If you are to maintain a good level of dental health, it is best to:

• Consume sugary foods and drinks in moderation.
• Beware of foods with high acidic content, such as fruit juices.
• Drink milk and water to maintain healthy teeth.

Such dietary advice is necessary because:

• Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks increases the risk of dental health problems, such as dental caries.
• Acidic food and drink can lead to dental erosion, weakening the teeth and leading to potential sensitivity.
• Water from the tap is fluoridated in many areas, giving people a beneficial level of additional fluoride for their teeth.

Extrinsic sugars are particularly harmful to oral health. These include sugars found in fizzy drinks, confectionery and sweetened cereals. Substituting these foods with healthier choices is fat better for the wellbeing of your teeth and gums.

Dentist Dietary Advice and Patient Education

We at Dublin18 Dental Care have an important role to play in educating patients about nutrition, diet and lifestyle factors that can contribute to poor oral health. We believe that information on dietary advice for healthy teeth and gums should be clear, consistent and accessible for all patients.

Dental Health Promotion and Dietary Intervention

Young people are particularly at risk of dental caries in the Ireland.  Statistics of current cases are high and 53 percent of young people aged four to eighteen have dental caries. At Dublin18 Dental Care we provide dental health checks and inform patients how best to care for their teeth and gums. We also provide a wide selection of treatments when required.

As we age our teeth start to lose their natural whiteness – but there are other factors that can contribute to staining and discolouration.

Smoking is one of the most common causes of discolouration, and it can lead to heavy yellow and brown staining. This can be difficult to shift through brushing and cleaning treatments. Another common cause of discolouration is drinking strongly coloured drinks, including coffee, tea and red win. So if you’re partial to a latte in the morning or a glass of red at night, you may have noticed that your teeth aren’t quite as glossy and white as they used to be.

Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to discoloured teeth. If plaque and bacteria are allowed to collect they can turn into tartar, which is yellow in colour and difficult to remove. Tartar and plaque can also lead to other dental health problems, which have the potential to weaken teeth and contribute to unpleasant symptoms.

Effects of discolouration

Discolouration may not have any impact on the health of teeth, but it can have a substantial effect on a person’s confidence. This is because discolouration affects the aesthetics of a smile. White, bright teeth have long been associated with good health, and this certainly hasn’t changed.

Whitening solutions

A good oral hygiene routine and regular dental cleaning will both help to prevent staining. The most effective treatment for improving discolouration is available Dublin18 Dental Care.  Professional whitening treatments can lighten the teeth by several shades and only take a short period of time; some treatments take just an hour to completely transform your smile.

If you would like to learn more about how Dublin18 Dental Care can improve your discoloured teeth, get in touch with our team today and we will be happy to help.

The term ‘fixed braces’ may fill you with fear and images of chunky, unsightly braces, but this is no longer the case. If you are in need of orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening, Dublin18 Dental Care near Stillorgan provides a host of impressive treatments that can give you a beautiful, straight smile.

Why would I need fixed braces?

The world of orthodontics has advanced greatly in recent years and patients are now able to choose from a plethora of treatments. These include the likes of invisible braces, removable orthodontic appliances and other innovative devices. However, the fixed brace system remains an incredibly effective treatment for patients with moderate or severe orthodontic problems.

Fixed braces are a versatile treatment which can achieve a great deal of movement. This type of orthodontic appliance has been used for many years and its status is based on results. Fixed braces can correct a number of dental irregularities, including crowded teeth, gaps between the teeth, problems relating to bite and twisted and crooked teeth.

Benefits of fixed braces

Fixed braces may not be as aesthetically pleasing as some of the newer treatments, such as invisible aligners, 6 month smiles or the Inman aligner, but they have a proven track record of providing results. They are also suitable for a wider range of teeth straightening issues, able to handle the most complex orthodontic prescriptions. They do take a little getting used to and you may grumble about them every now and then, but for effective results there are none much better. And once they are removed you can enjoy a beautiful, straight smile.

At Dublin18 Dental Care we provide fixed braces to correct a range of orthodontic problems. Patients can also choose to use Clearstep and we offer bonded retainers.

Dental health checks are extremely important for good oral health. We advise our patients to attend for a check-up every 6 to 12 months, depending on oral health status. These help to keep dental health problems at bay, and also enable the dentist to spot early warning signs of oral health conditions.

What does a dental health check involve?

Dental health checks are quick and painless. They allow the dentist to examine your mouth and identify any conditions or problems. Dublin18 Dental Care near Leopardstown carry out a 13 point health check for every patient, which involves looking for signs of oral cancer, checking for decay and cavities, examining the gums, salivary glands and tongue. We will also take a look at your bite, which is the way the teeth fit together, and X-rays may also be carried out. Patient feedback is also important in discovering underlying conditions.

Why are dental health checks so important?

They allow us to monitor oral health and see if problems are getting worse or new problems have developed. If you experience symptoms and allow the condition to develop, it can be more complex and expensive to treat. And no one likes to put up with pain, swelling and soreness.

In the last decade the number of cases of oral cancer has doubled in Ireland. Regular dental checks are essential if we are to ensure cases of oral cancer are treated early, and dentists are in an ideal position to spot the early warning signs. That is why oral cancer screenings form a key part of our dental health checks.

Dental health checks also help to keep the teeth and gums looking clean and healthy. Get in contact with our team today to make an appointment.

Mouth cancer in the Ireland is an increasingly widespread problem, yet the majority of people are uninformed about its causes and symptoms. In recent years the government has teamed up with dental organisations and dental practices across the country, in order to try and raise awareness of mouth cancer and increase survival rates.

What causes mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer is most commonly associated with drinking alcohol and smoking. These are behaviours that can be easily stopped and doing so can make a big difference. Poor dental health is also a negative behaviour and can lead to several dental and general health problems.

Symptoms

Dr Goggins diagnosed 2 cases of oral cancer in the last two years. Early diagnosis is important and people must be aware of the relevant symptoms. Symptoms of mouth cancer include sores that take a prolonged amount of time to repair, red or white patches in the orifice and irregular bulges or swellings in the throat or mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms, feel free to call us for an appointment to have this problem checked or GP as soon as possible. Even if you are not sure it is best to err on the side of caution, as early diagnosis can save lives.

In Ireland survival rates for oral cancer are low because most people are diagnosed at an advanced stage. If people are better aware of the symptoms and causes, they can look out for the warning signs and get the treatment they need as quickly as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can better rates of survival by as much as 90%.

Reducing your risk

You can reduce your risk of developing mouth cancer by sticking to the recommended daily intake of alcohol, avoiding smoking and attending regular dental check-ups. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will also help to boost your general health, as well as your oral health.

At Dublin18 Dental Care near Deansgrange we provide mouth cancer screenings to enable early diagnosis.

Teeth can become sensitive when the tooth enamel erodes and the nerves become exposed. This can result from incorrect brushing technique, when bristles are too hard or even as a side-effect of whitening treatments. Tooth erosion may also be caused by sugars and acidic foods, some medications, poor oral hygiene and teeth grinding (bruxism).

Symptoms of tooth sensitivity

Patients with sensitive teeth feel pain when drinking and eating hot or cold foods; even breathing cold or hot air can trigger tooth pain. The pain is experienced because the dentin below the worn enamel surface is eroded, leaving the nerves exposed. This kind of sensitivity can impact daily routine and leave people disgruntled.

Treatment for sensitive teeth

Sensitive teeth can be treated with toothpastes that have desensitising agents, such as Sensodyne and other sensitive teeth toothpastes. There are also certain mouthwashes which help to reduce sensitivity; however, these products are unable to replace worn enamel, so it is always best to adopt a preventative stance where possible.

A trip to Dublin18 Dental Care can be of assistance if you are currently having issues with sensitive teeth. The dental team will be able to assess your teeth and decide upon a diagnosis. Whether the issue is caused by poor dental health or diet, bruxism or related health conditions, we will be able to provide advice and treatment where applicable.

Preventing sensitive teeth

We believe that prevention is always better than having to find a cure. It will prevent pain in the first instance and also save you money. It is advised to follow a good oral hygiene routine, limit intake of sugar and acidic foods, check your toothbrush’s bristles are soft, be gentle when brushing your teeth and to attend regular dental check-ups to ensure underlying conditions are diagnosed and treated quickly.

It is well documented that many people feel anxious about going to the dentist. The very idea of sitting in a waiting room surrounded by the sights and sounds of the surgery can often be daunting, so much so that it can cause people to avoid the dentist altogether. At Dublin18 Dental Care near Foxrock we understand that a visit to the dentist is not everyone’s idea of fun, but we will do all we can to make it a positive and relaxing experience.

Why do you feel nervous?

There are a myriad of reasons why people from Foxrock and around Ireland experience dental phobia or anxiousness. You may have had a negative experience in the past, be worried that there is a severe underlying problem or it may be a fear of needles or dental instruments that keeps you away. Rest assured that you are not alone and we can help you overcome your fears.

Distraction techniques

If you feel butterflies in your stomach and suffer from nerves when you think about going to see the dentist, try to distract yourself and think positively. At Dublin18 Dental Care we aim to provide techniques to help our patients feel relaxed when they come into the practice, and we invite all clients to take a moment and relax in their surroundings. We will never pressurise you and will always be on hand to provide reassurance and advice.

Speak to the dentist

If you suffer from anxiety or dental phobia feel free to inform us.  We take pride at Dublin18 Dental Care in caring for all our patients needs. We can offer nervous patients sedation to help alleviate the fear of your visit or we can simply talk you through every step of the way to ensure you are comfortable to proceed with treatment.

Once you have come into the practice and grown accustomed to your surroundings, we can then help you get the dental treatment you deserve.

There are many options available for people who have teeth that are damaged, weakened or missing. These include dental bridges and dental crowns, which are available at Dublin18 Dental Care, Dublin to our patients.

Dental bridges

Dental bridges have been used to fill gaps in the smile for many years with great success. There are different types of bridge, and we are pleased to offer our clients traditional fixed bridges and Maryland bridges:

A fixed bridge is usually used for patients who have a small number of missing teeth. The bridge is designed to blend in with the natural teeth, so patients will be unable to tell the restoration apart from the rest of their teeth.

A Maryland bridge is comprised of a false tooth attached to two wings, which are attached to the neighbouring teeth. Maryland bridges help to restore and strengthen the teeth, creating a functional and beautiful smile.

Dental crowns

Crowns are a popular cosmetic dental treatment at Dublin18 Dental Care. They are used to strengthen teeth damaged or weakened by injury or decay. Crowns are sometimes known as caps due to the way they sit over the teeth. The treatment process requires decayed tissue to first be removed and the tooth cleaned. The new crown will be based on tooth impressions and will be fixed in place once ready.

Crowns are available in different materials, including porcelain, ceramic and precious metals. Porcelain crowns are one of the more popular choices of dental crown because they are strong, durable and provide an excellent level of smile aesthetics.

At Dublin18 Dental Care we can offer our patients crowns on the same day. We are one of the 16 clinics in Ireland with the technology of the Cerec machine to enable us to perform this procedure. This means no more tray impressions which can sometimes be uncomfortable for our patients. We can simply scan the prepared tooth and watch the crown being made with our amazing modern technology. Gone are the days of waiting with a temporary crown for two to three weeks.

If you would like to learn more about dental bridge or crown treatment, please get in touch with our team today to learn how we can help with your smile.

Most adults feel a degree of trepidation when confronted by a trip to the dentist. For children this fright can be even more intensified on their first visit, especially when greeted with the noise of the dentist drill. At Dublin18 Dental Care, South Dublin we aim to promote good oral health habits for children. Taking your child to the dentist from an early age is essential if your child is to be comfortable in dental surroundings and in control of their oral health.

Why are dental check-ups important for children?

Recent statistics suggest a rise in the number of children with tooth decay. This can be related to issues such as diet, especially fizzy drinks and other sugary snacks, lack of dental education and poor oral hygiene. Tooth decay can lead to the possible development of pain and discomfort, and could even have an effect on your child’s confidence and self-esteem.

We recommend parents bring their child into the practice as soon as possible. This can even be done during one of your own appointments, so children can grow used to the sights, sounds and smells of the practice. This also encourages a friendly relationship with the dentist.

Tips for parents

Try to make a trip to the dentist fun by playing games, reading stories about going to the dentist and talking to them about what will happen. It is also important to set a good example and maintain your own dental check-ups. If your child doesn’t like brushing their teeth, try to make it fun by telling stories, or there are also fun dental health products with amusing characters to make the process more enjoyable.

We are happy to help your little ones feel at home when they visit our practice. Our team at Dublin18 Dental Care are friendly and happy to take time out so your child can become acquainted with their surroundings.

We all like a bit of chocolate. There’s no denying that. And we’re sure everyone will expect dentists to be killjoys when it comes to the topic of Easter eggs, but the fact is that eating a small amount of chocolate or sweet treats during the holidays is no problem at all – provided that you take care of your teeth by means of good oral health maintenance. This is important for children and adults alike, especially those with a particular liking for chocolate treats.

Adults should keep up with a good oral hygiene routine; brushing teeth, using mouthwash and don’t forget flossing. Sugar-free chewing gum can also prove a valuable asset after you have finished eating all those chocolate eggs. It helps to remove debris from around the mouth and aids in the production of saliva. This is vital to the removal of plaque and other bacteria in the mouth – though it is always best to go sugar-free.

Children also need to keep up with a good oral health routine, especially as their teeth are likely to come under attack from more sugar than normal. If your child is old enough then chewing gum can once again prove beneficial.

Sugar-free Easter eggs may not sound fun, but they do actually taste great and still give you that chocolate fix. What’s more they make sure that your teeth are not coming under constant attack from potentially damaging bacteria.

If you do partake in some munching of Easter eggs over the break, which we are sure many of you will do, please stick to a good dental health routine and don’t overdo it. And don’t forget that Dublin18 Dental Care near Dundrum is always here to help.