Going to the dentist for regular check-ups is an important part of keeping in good health. It can help maintain your teeth and nip developing problems in the bud. Many people, however, are scared to visit the dentist because they associate the dentist with pain. There are now many new methods available from Dublin18 Dental Care, Dublin to help ease dental anxiety, all of which can be discussed with your dentist on the day of your visit or on the phone prior to your appointment.

Local anaesthetic

Pain free dentistry is no longer an optional “extra.” If your dentist feels that you may experience pain during any procedure, your mouth will be numbed first. Your dentist will use the precise amount of anaesthetic required and check that everything is okay periodically throughout the procedure. If you experience any discomfort the amount of anaesthetic can be adjusted. Communication is essential to a happy visit to the dentist.  At Dublin18 Dental Care we strive to ensure our patients are in control at all times and we endeavour to make it a pleasant experience.

It may sound a little extreme but some people find it impossible to sit through any kind of dental procedure. This means that it is necessary to sedate them so that they don’t experience it at all. Some people only require sedation during certain procedures or simply to ease their phobia. Sedation can be administered orally and helps our patients relax which eases their fear of dental treatment.

Oral cancer does not generate the same headlines as some other forms of the disease, such as lung cancer or breast cancer, and many people are under the misapprehension that because it does not affect any of the vital organs it is not as deadly. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, oral cancer – which covers cancers of the mouth and throat – is one of the most dangerous types of the disease, with early detection and treatment essential if the patient is to survive.

Part of a routine check-up at Dublin18 Dental Care for clients from Dundrum and neighbouring areas includes a check for any signs of oral cancer. Often these signs can be very small and subtle with no symptoms that the patient is able to notice. This is just yet one more reason why attending regular check-ups at Dublin18 Dental Care is so important. Yes, it might save a few of your teeth but it could also save your life.

Research has found that there are some things that can increase a person’s risk of developing oral cancer; smoking and drinking damage the cells in the mouth leaving them open to attack from the condition while unprotected sexual contact can also be a factor.

Early symptoms are often mistaken for general issues with oral health; bleeding from the mouth or gums, ulcers and a general feeling of soreness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it would be wise to make an appointment with Dublin18 Dental Care to check if there is anything to worry about. Early detection is so important and you shouldn’t worry that you are wasting anyone’s time. Throat cancer, the most serious of the oral cancers, has a survival rate of 90% if the disease is found and treated early; this drops to just 50% if it is not discovered for several months.

Speak to one of the dental staff at Dublin18 Dental Care today if you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer.   We provide free oral cancer screening as part of your 13 point dental health check.  This is important for all patients including patients with full dentures.

 

We all want to keep looking as good as we can for as long as possible; you just need to look at all the anti-ageing creams on sale in your local chemist to see that staying youthful is on peoples’ minds. Believe it or not there are even things that your dentist can do to help you fight the ageing process.

Dublin18 Dental Care offers non-invasive cosmetic surgery procedures including Anti wrinkle injections and dermal fillers for patients from Deansgrange and surroundings areas. These are simple and safe injections that can smooth out the skin or “fill in” wrinkles, with the effects lasting anywhere from a few months to over a year. Even those who have a phobia of needles have nothing to worry about, as the practitioner will use a local anaesthetic cream to numb the area slightly so you won’t even feel a thing.

However, your teeth are also an important part of fighting wrinkles and many people don’t realise how they could be causing their skin to age prematurely by not taking good care of their smile. As people get older they may find that their teeth become decayed or damaged and have to be removed; if these teeth are at the front of the mouth then most people will immediately sign up for a dental bridge or a false tooth. If the gap is hidden away at the back, a lot of patients decide to just manage without as no-one will see the missing teeth.

True, a missing tooth at the back of the mouth won’t show up on photographs – but give it a few years and the gap will start to have an effect on the shape of your face. A full set of teeth is essential to maintain the health of your jawbone. Gaps allow the bone to deteriorate which means it cannot support the flesh and skin on your face properly. Patients who have had missing teeth for years often look years older than their real age because of the way their faces have started to sag and wrinkle where there are gaps in the smile. Having false teeth fitted as soon as possible after initial tooth loss can help to prevent this happening in later years.

Gum disease is one of the most common dental complaints and many adults will suffer from it at some point in their lifetime. Gum disease will not cause any serious long-term oral health problems if it is treated quickly; however, if gum disease is left untreated it can develop into more serious conditions. Dublin18 Dental Care is here to ensure patients from Foxrock and surrounding areas do not have to put up with this problem.

There are two main types of gum disease:

Gingivitis 

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque (bacteria that builds up on teeth and around the gums). Gingivitis can develop if this plaque build-up is not removed.

Periodontitis 

Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is left untreated.  An excessive build-up of plaque will cause the gums to separate from the teeth, forming ‘pockets’ of space between the gum tissue and the tooth.  Plaque and tartar (a hardened build up of plaque) can build-up in these pockets and prolonged inflammation can destroy the bone tissue that fixes the teeth in place, causing the teeth to become loose and even fall out.

The symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Red, swollen gums.
• Bleeding gums (noticeable when brushing and/or flossing).

The more serious symptoms associated with periodontitis include:

• Dark red/purple swollen gums.
• Bleeding gums.
• Bad breath.
• Receding gums.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Loose teeth and tooth loss.

How is gum disease treated?

Prevention is, of course, the best way to avoid gum disease and you can maintain good oral hygiene by brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. It is also important to make regular visits to your dentist. Smoking is also one of the biggest causes of plaque build-up, so it is highly recommended that you quit.

If you are diagnosed with gingivitis then your dentist may recommend that you see a dental hygienist. Hygienists assist in the treatment and prevention of oral health problems such as gum disease, and your hygienist will remove the plaque build-up from your teeth through a procedure called ‘scaling’. You may also be prescribed antibiotics or an antiseptic mouthwash.  If you have developed periodontitis then more complicated procedures are required to remove the plaque and tartar from the roots of the teeth. In some cases surgery is required to either remove or strengthen teeth in cases of extensive bone loss.

If you are worried about gum disease make an appointment with Dublin18 Dental Care today.

Many people with stained and discoloured teeth feel embarrassed when they smile and they often find an excuse to hide their teeth from others. If you are one of these people, then don’t worry – you are not alone. Tooth discolouration is extremely common and can occur due to a number of reasons. Dublin18 Dental Care is here to help patients from Foxrock and nearby areas identify them:

Food and drink

The outer surface of the teeth – the enamel – becomes stained or discoloured over time by certain foods and drinks. Drinks such as coffee and tea, red wine, fizzy drinks like cola and foods that are high in sugar and acid, such as sweets and citrus fruits, are the primary causes of tooth discolouration.

Smoking

Cigarettes or cigars are another contributor to tooth discolouration with nicotine stains often difficult to get rid of. 

Genetics

Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to control our genetic make-up and some individuals are genetically pre-disposed to tooth discolouration.

Age

Tooth discolouration is a common side-effect of the ageing process. As we age our tooth enamel wears and become thinner, making the tissue inside our teeth (dentin) more visible. Dentin also darkens with age making teeth appear more yellow.

Antibiotics

Certain antibiotics (tetracyclines) can stain the teeth, particularly when taken in childhood or by mothers during pregnancy.

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and have a good diet in order to keep your teeth looking clean and healthy.

Tooth Whitening

If you are suffering from tooth discolouration and want a beautiful, sparkling white smile again, we have the perfect solution for you at Dublin18 Dental Care. We offer two types of tooth whitening treatments:

1.      In-Surgery Zoom!

This treatment takes place in the dental practice and takes up to one hour for instant results. A gel is applied to your teeth and then a special light will trigger the gel and whiten the teeth.

2.      Patient Home Kits

Home whitening kits involve tooth whitening that doesn’t need to be carried out in-surgery. With our home-whitening kits you’ll have noticeably whiter teeth in a matter of weeks or even days.

If your teeth are stained and discoloured, or you simply want a brighter, whiter smile, call Dublin18 Dental Care to book a consultation.

Taking good care of your baby’s teeth will help them establish a good oral hygiene routine, which will hopefully stay with them for the rest of their lives. Here is some useful advice for looking after your baby’s teeth:

Dentist

On average a baby’s first tooth will appear at around 6 months old and, although it sounds early, it is recommended that you register your baby with a dental practice as soon as their first tooth emerges. Dublin18 Dental Care welcomes families from Monkstown and adjacent areas looking to start their good oral health journey.

Brushing

Use a damp cloth to clean your baby’s gums when their teeth are not yet come through. Then, brushing can begin as soon as your baby’s very first tooth emerges, which will prevent bacteria from building-up on your baby’s teeth and gums, as well as getting them used to the brushing routine. You should use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles and you should replace the toothbrush every three months. Brush the front, back and biting surface of their teeth gently, twice a day. It is up to you to brush your baby’s teeth until they are old enough to do it for themselves, or without your assistance. Children should be supervised with tooth brushing until the age of seven.

Toothpaste

Using toothpaste will help strengthen your baby’s teeth. Make sure you check the fluoride content first. Children under three should use a low-fluoride toothpaste and you should look for a concentration of ‘1000ppm’ (parts per million) of fluoride. When your baby is old enough, encourage them to spit the toothpaste out once finished brushing. A small smear of toothpaste is enough for children under three.

To make sure your baby’s first smile is a healthy one, register them and the whole family at Dublin18 Dental Care.

Many people are afraid of the dentist, or to be more accurate, they are afraid of what they think the dentist is going to do to them. In some cases the fear or phobia is so strong that it stops the sufferer from going to the dentist for many years, meaning that their teeth are in desperate need of attention by the time they summon up the courage to make an appointment.

There are lots of things that you and Dublin18 Dental Care can do to try and alleviate such fears, whether you are coming from Carrickmines or adjoining areas. Ask to take a tour of the clinic ahead of your appointment. Dentists themselves can do a lot to help people get over their fear by having a good “bedside manner” and remaining calm and gentle at all times. Not only does this make the patient feel calm, but the dentist will instantly seem more approachable and the patient more comfortable asking questions that may have bothered them for years. Good communication between patient and dentist is essential at all times.

Simply by calmly talking through everything involved in an appointment, dentists can help to relieve a lot of the fear; for many, dental phobia is a fear of the unknown. People who have not been to the dentist often, or who had a bad experience as a child, will always imagine the worst, but by explaining what is happening dentists can remove the mysterious and scary image and make treatment less frightening.

If you have a fear of the dentist that has stopped you from making an appointment, the staff at Dublin18 Dental Care are happy to help. All our dentists and dental nurses have dealt with nervous patients many times in the past, changing smiles and perceptions of the dentist for the better. The sooner you make an appointment and have your oral health checked, the less likely it is that serious problems will develop with your teeth.

Crowns are a common dental treatment acting as synthetic cover for a natural tooth that has become cracked or chipped. Often this is because of an accident or injury, but sometimes the hard outer shell of a tooth, called the enamel, can break down over time.

A crown is available in different types for patients from Stillorgan. Traditionally crowns were made of porcelain and these are still the most popular, as they offer the most natural-looking results. Some people prefer to get the cheaper, metal crowns, especially if the tooth is in the back of the mouth, but as it is the front teeth that are most likely to get chipped in an accident or when playing sports, porcelain or ceramic crowns are still much in demand. The huge advantage of porcelain crowns for damaged teeth at the front of the mouth is that it is possible to match new tooth to the colour of natural teeth.

We can make this appointment very simple for you.  It involves just one visit.  We make our porcelain cerec crowns on the same day, so no need for you to wait for two weeks with a tempory crown.

Teeth which demonstrate extensive damage can be restored or optically enhanced with all ceramic porcelain crowns.  For this purpose, the outer dimensions of the entire visible area of the tooth are removed and replaced by a tooth-shaded all ceramic cover.

Older restorations that are regarded as ‘unattractive’ can also be given a natural and unobtrusive appearance.

Dublin18 Dental Care, South Dublin is here to support patients in taking care of their teeth and gums, but the hard work of preventing oral health problems has to be done at home too. Of course regular check-ups and appointments with our dental hygienist are a vital part of your oral healthcare routine, but it is no good taking care of your teeth and gums in the week leading up to an appointment at the clinic if you neglect your mouth for the rest of the year.

There are three important steps to ensure that your teeth and gums are as clean – and therefore as healthy – as possible; brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Everyone was probably taught how to brush their teeth as children, and when it comes to your own kids it is never too early to start. You should even start with a damp cloth on your baby’s gums if their teeth are not yet emerged.

Toothbrushes should be changed every two or three months, or when the bristles are starting to go flat. People with sensitive gums should make sure they select a brush with soft bristles to avoid bleeding. There are lots of expensive toothbrush brands with fancy attachments and angled heads; while they do make it easier to reach awkward spots at the back of the mouth, you can still give your teeth and gums a good clean with a basic but effective model.

Flossing is an essential part of an oral healthcare regime as it gets to the places that toothbrushes can’t; the tiny gaps between your teeth and even below the gum line. Dental floss can remove any trapped pieces of food or layers of plaque that have escaped the brush; and if you find flossing with string awkward, there are disposable plastic floss sticks which are much easier to use.

Finish your routine every morning, night and after each meal with mouthwash. Not only will this kill off the bacteria that cause bad breath, but it gives your teeth and gums one last clean to catch any food or plaque that both the brush and the floss have left behind.

The most important procedure you will ever have carried out at your dentist is your regular check-up. This appointment, often only made twice a year, can help keep your teeth healthy and spot any potential problems early, so they don’t become major problems. Dental health checks not only help patients maintain good oral health, but dentists can often spot the first signs of conditions such as mouth or throat cancer during these regular visits, diseases which are easier to treat if found early.

At Dublin18 Dental Care there is a comprehensive and detailed 13-point plan that all the dentists follow when giving patients a dental health check, whether they are new clients from Leopardstown or they have been coming here for years. Although each person is different and will have different problems and issues that they want to discuss with the dentist, the 13-point plan has been developed to cover the most common problems.

It will start with a general chat about the patient’s current oral and general health before the dentist carries out that vital screening for mouth cancer. Other areas of the mouth are then checked for any signs of disease, such as the salivary glands and the tongue. Only then does the practitioner move on to the parts of the mouth that other dentists usually start with i.e. the teeth and gums. After checking for any indication of tooth decay and any issues with the patient’s current fillings, crowns or false teeth, the next step at Dublin18 Dental Care is to make sure that both the teeth and the jaw are in the correct place.

After the gums have been checked the dentist will again have a chat with the patient about their oral healthcare routine. On a first visit, or if the practitioner has spotted something unusual, X-Rays may be required, but most dental health checks will end once both the patient and dentist are happy that all areas of the mouth have been checked and all questions answered.