Mill Hill Dental Practice (Fee guide)

TIP! Chewing gum works - but only directly after a sugary snack.
This neutralises the harmful acids set up by the sugar.
Of course, it has to be sugar free chewing gum.

Fruit teas are very acidic and can lead to excessive wear on the tooth surfaces!

Toothbrushing

Technique and efficiency can be improved easily with the following tips:

Change the brush at about 2 monthly intervals
Brush for at least 2 minutes NIGHT and MORNING
Start your brushing technique on the inside surfaces of the teeth.

Snacking in any form is the cause of decay, and the modern scourge of teeth, excessive wear.

This obviously includes sweets and biscuits but also fizzy drinks and fruit juices and teas.
Acidic food and drinks are especially bad snacks.
Safe drinks are water and milk, whilst cheese, salted peanuts and chewing gum are all beneficialin reversing acidity.
It is the frequency of intake that results in problems not the quantity.

Gum disease was related to the incidence of heart attacks by the Americans a hundred years ago but was then forgotten about. Recent studies have shown that there is a link, although more research needs to be done. The theory is that bacteria from the gums get into the blood stream and then to the heart. Smokers are at greatest risk because they have an increased chance of both disease processes.

Children should have their teeth brushed by a parent, after they have brushed, up until the age of about 8. Thereafter, they should be closely supervised for a good few years!

Tip Disclosing tablets are the only method of showing up plaque and are useful for young and old alike. The best way to use them is to chew one tablet before brushing, to see exactly how much effort is required to get the teeth clean.

A change in circumstances can often lead to a change in diet resulting in decay. A new school may have a tuck shop, or the new office could have someone who stores sweets in a drawer. Retiring may also have risks, with more tea parties!

Tip The best way to clean the outside surfaces of the very back teeth is to have the upper and lower teeth very nearly touching. With the cheeks relaxed, the toothbrush can gain good access to those difficult areas.
Wetting the toothbrush should only be done after all the brushing has been done, and only to clean the brush. Washing your mouth round with water on the brush afterwards is not necessary. There is some benefit to be gained by leaving the fluoride containing toothpaste in your mouth.