Preventative dentistry is all about being proactive. At The Smile Suite, we aim to prevent dental problems from occurring in the first place. The main things to remember are regular appointments as recommended by your dentist, brushing effectively twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing at least once a day and ensuring a healthy, well-balanced diet.

 

Want to know more? Then you can also visit the British Dental Health Foundation page related to this subject.

Tooth decay causes damage to the structure of the tooth, leading it to need a filling or even extraction. It occurs when sugar reacts with bacteria in plaque, producing an acid that causes damage to the enamel and dentine.

​

Dental decay is caused by dietary as well as oral hygiene components. Every time you eat, your teeth are exposed to acid attack for up to an hour. Eating three meals a day and reducing snacking can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

 

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help reduce tooth decay as it helps to produce saliva that neutralises acids in the mouth after eating or drinking. Certain foods and drinks contain less or no sugar and are less damaging to teeth. Therefore, choosing the right drinks and snacks between meals can also contribute to reducing this risk.

You can brush your teeth effectively with either a manual or an electric toothbrush. However, electric brushes can be more beneficial in that they offer a range of modes, bristle movements and even pressure sensors.

​

Remember to replace your brush every 3-4 months, or when you start to notice the bristles splaying. Speak with your dentist at The Smile Suite to see what could work best for you.

Oral cancer can occur in different forms and affect the mouth, tongue and lips. Mouth cancer can be often be detected early by a visit to the dentist. Remember an early diagnosis can increase the chances of recovery.

​

It is also important to examine yourself regularly and be aware of what is going on in your mouth. Be wary of symptoms, such as painful ulcers, red or white patches, lumps in the mouth, jaw and neck area or persistent hoarseness, that do not heal or resolve in three weeks. Be sure to contact your dentist or doctor if you have any concerns.

Gum disease is a very common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected. It is frequently caused by the build-up of plaque and calculus, which harbours harmful bacteria.

​

Looking after your gums is just as important as looking after your teeth. The gums and bone make up the supporting structure for the teeth. Gum disease is preventable through consistent appointments and cleans, as well as good oral hygiene habits. Our trained clinicians will help to get your gums healthy. All gum treatments go hand in hand with a regular home oral hygiene routine. Call or book an appointment with us today to get your gums healthy in no time!

Loss of tooth surface can occur through erosion. This is the loss of enamel as a result of acid attack and is commonly caused by excessive consumption of acidic foods and drinks, or medical conditions such as bulimia or acid reflux.

​

Erosion of enamel can expose the more sensitive underlying dentine, leading to pain and sensitivity. The exposed dentine is also darker and softer, and this can leave a darker yellowish appearance and cause parts of the teeth to chip away or fracture. Prevention is key and we can provide simple advice on diet, brushing, use of fluoride containing products and other preventative measures, such using a straw when consuming drinks or chewing sugar-free gum. Treatments can also include composite bonding or the provision of veneers.

​

Tooth wear can also be caused by bruxism. This is a parafunctional habit, which commonly occurs during sleep and involves excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching. At The Smile Suite, we can provide you with a custom-made mouthguard to help even out the pressure and create a physical barrier between the teeth to prevent further damage. Our highly skilled dentists can also provide other advice on treating bruxism and breaking the habit.

Taking care of your teeth and gums is a worthy goal in itself! Poor plaque control and gum disease can also increase the risk of other serious health problems, such as a heart attack, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes, or giving birth to a premature or low weight baby.

​

Research is constantly progressing and the case for maintaining good oral hygiene is getting stronger as we begin to understand more on its connection to overall health.

 

Your mouth can exhibit signs of what may be happening elsewhere in your body. Certain signs or symptoms presenting in the mouth can be linked with conditions, such as diabetes, anaemia, or other vitamin deficiencies. Saliva tests can detect toxins, hormones and antibodies, all of which can be indicators of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis and HIV.

​

It is always important to tell us about any changes in your general health. Keeping us informed on any medications you are taking is also vital, as these can affect your treatment as well as your mouth.

Dental treatment during pregnancy is not only safe but also essential. Hormonal changes occurring during the growth and development of your baby can affect your oral health and lead to problems such as sore or bleeding gums.

​

Visit us in the family planning stages so we can complete a full examination. Here a baseline can be recorded to help keep track of any changes that might occur whilst you are pregnant. We can also ensure any problems are identified and treated without delay.

​

Caring for your baby’s teeth is also important to make sure they too have a healthy mouth in the future.

​

​If you have any concerns at any stage, please feel free to call us today or make an enquiry.

At The Smile Suite we are encouraging the practice of Green Dentistry - an environmentally friendly way of practising dentistry! We are reducing our carbon footprint through simple measures,  such as light sensors and paperless dental records. We have even incorporated LED light bulbs into the dental chair!

​

We also use mercury separation filters to decrease the amount of mercury discarded into water systems. At The Smile Suite we use digital x-rays, enabling efficiency in material use, reduction in radiation levels and the amount of toxic waste generated.

​

We really do try to go above and beyond to provide modern, professional and effective dental treatment for the whole family. Please get in touch with us on 0115 697 577 for more information and to book an appointment. Alternatively, you can contact us using our enquiry form.

Do you have a dental emergency?

Are you suffering from severe tooth ache? Have you broken a tooth or lost a denture?

 

Our emergency appointment fee is £38, plus the cost of any treatment you may require.

​

During your visit we will carry out an assessment, take any required x-rays and advise on the options for a course of action.

 

Common dental emergencies include:

​

• general tooth ache

• a broken or chipped tooth

• a dental abscess or infection

• root canal related pain

• swollen or painful gums

• pain when chewing or biting

• sensitivity to hot and cold foods

• infected or painful wisdom teeth pain

• trauma to teeth.

 

We will do our best to make sure you are pain-free and comfortable as soon as possible. For the completion of more complex treatments, we will schedule a time for you to return.

 

Contact us as soon as you can, on 0115 697 5777 to book an emergency appointment, or click here.

We understand that you can never be fully prepared, and that accidents happen. Dental trauma can occur anywhere and anytime -when playing sports, cycling to work, or during accidental trips or falls.

 

When they do, it is always good to know what you should do in order to try and improve your chance of saving injured teeth. Seeking professional help can promote healing and chances of reattachment.

Broken teeth: clean the area very carefully to help lower the risk of infection. Using sterile gauze can help protect any area which is left exposed. If you can find the broken tooth or teeth, it can be ideal to try and put them in water, and bring this to your emergency dental appointment.

Loosened teeth: direct impact to the mouth area, can cause teeth to start to feel loose. The best approach initially is to apply an ice pack to the affected area, and if possible, attempt to insert the tooth or teeth back into the socket.

Knocked out tooth: find and hold the bigger part (the crown), rather than the root (which is the end part), of the tooth. If possible, try to clean the tooth using water to remove any material coating it. Remember to avoid any contact with the root area. You should then (by inserting the root first), try and put the tooth back into the socket. Be aware you should never attempt to re-insert a baby tooth. A protective gauze should then be used to help cover the area. If you cannot insert the tooth back into the socket, placing it in milk will help keep it moist. Once you have tried these steps, call us immediately on 0115 697 5777.

If you experience a short sharp pain when having hot, cold, sweet or very acidic food and drinks, or breathing in cold air, it may be due to tooth sensitivity, also known as dentine hypersensitivity.

 

Tooth sensitivity is very common. It has been estimated that approximately half the population is affected by this. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.

 

Common causes include clenching or grinding your teeth, aggressive toothbrushing, or excessive consumption of sensitivity causing foods and drinks.

 

Certain measures can be taken to manage and reduce symptoms. These can include the use of soft-bristled brushes, de-sensitising home products or dental treatments, or incorporating the use of resin-based materials or gingival grafts.

 

At The Smile Suite, we encourage regular appointments to limit your risks. Contact us today if you are concerned about tooth sensitivity.