A common misconception most parents have is that their infants or children do not require visits to the dentist. Infant and child dentistry is just as important as yours, so we highly encourage you to bring your child for a visit to our dentist in Wickham to ensure they get the best start to their oral health and hygiene.

The importance of child dental care

While some babies are born with teeth, most begin teething at around six months of age and by the age of three, your child would have grown a full set of primary teeth. Here at Wickham Dental, we recommend you book your child in for an appointment with our dentist in Wickham after their first milk teeth appear so that they may undergo a thorough check-up. In doing so, your child will familiarise themselves with the dental environment, thus preventing the development of fears around visiting the dentist in the future. It is also extremely important to begin integrating oral hygiene practises into their daily routines so that it becomes a normal part of their day. You can do this by brushing your teeth in their presence, encouraging them to mimic your actions and restricting their intake of sugary drinks and snacks.

Why taking your child to the dentist is important

You must bring your child for regular visits to our dentist in Wickham so that they may become familiar with the environment and get to know our dentist. This will prevent visits to the dentist from becoming a negative experience for them and make regular visits more pleasant. Upon assessing your child’s teeth, the dentist can detect any early signs of tooth decay or other oral health problems and advise you on how to prevent future damage. In doing so, you can ensure your child’s future oral health is maintained well, which will, in turn, result in fewer trips to the dentist and less costly dental bills as they will not require as much treatment as they would if their oral health is poor.

Guiding your child to good oral health

When your child’s teeth are neglected, tooth decay may occur, which can lead to pain in the mouth, dental abscesses and other dental issues. This can be extremely distressing for your child, affecting their sleeping and eating and sometimes even their growth. To ensure your child develops good oral health maintenance techniques, there are several steps you can teach them to incorporate into their daily routine. It is best to commence brushing your child’s teeth when their first tooth appears; you can begin by guiding their hand when they brush their teeth so that they can get an idea of what the correct movements are. Other measures you can take are to make sure your child is brushing their teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride and that they brush twice daily for approximately two minutes. Like adults, children’s teeth are greatly affected by their dietary habits; snacks and drinks with a high sugar content can contribute to the development of cavities, the requirement of fillings and even the decay of teeth, so your child must enjoy such foods in a controlled manner.

Many people who grew up in the 80s or 90s will have been taught to use a manual toothbrush to clean their teeth.

While these were the standard for, well, centuries, with the electric toothbrush coming into widespread production in the mid-90s, there was a shift in dental care. Fewer cavities were reported at check-ups, and there were fewer incidents of gum disease being seen by dental teams too.

So, if you haven’t made the switch from a manual toothbrush to an electric one, you may actually be losing out!

When you come to see our team at Wickham Dental, our dentist in Wickham will always talk about the best ways for you to keep your teeth healthy at home. And so, we are big advocates of electric toothbrushes, water pics and interdental brushes!

If you haven’t made the switch, here are 5 reasons from our dentist in Wickham to switch to an electric toothbrush today!

Better plaque removal

One of the primary advantages of using an electric toothbrush is its ability to remove plaque more effectively than manual toothbrushes. The oscillating or vibrating bristles of an electric toothbrush can remove more plaque from teeth and gums than a manual toothbrush. Research has shown that electric toothbrushes can remove up to 21% more plaque than manual toothbrushes. So, it’s easy to see why our dentist in Wickham is so pro-them!

More effective at removing stains

Electric toothbrushes can also remove surface stains more effectively than manual toothbrushes. The bristles of an electric toothbrush vibrate at high speeds, which can help remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or tobacco more effectively than manual toothbrushes, thus giving you a brighter, whiter smile. Of course, if you find that there is a long-term issue with staining, you should contact our team to assess the options that we can offer.

Timer function

These toothbrushes often come with a built-in timer, which can help ensure that you brush your teeth for the recommended two minutes. Many people don’t brush their teeth for long enough, which can lead to inadequate cleaning. A timer can help make sure you brush for the recommended time, improving your oral hygiene.

Easy to use

 People who have limited mobility, such as the elderly or those with arthritis, may find it challenging to brush their teeth properly using a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can make brushing easier for these individuals, as they require less physical effort to use. Additionally, electric toothbrushes with larger handles or those designed for people with disabilities can make it easier for people with limited mobility to grip and use them.

Long-lasting battery life

An electric toothbrush will typically have a long-lasting battery life, which means you don’t have to replace the batteries as often as you would with a manual toothbrush. Some electric toothbrushes can last for several weeks on a single charge, making them convenient for travel and reducing the environmental impact of frequent battery replacements, also meaning that they are a lot cheaper to run than most people think

At Wickham Dental, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the best dental care possible. As a dental practice, we understand the discomfort that sensitive teeth can cause, and we strive to help our patients find the most effective treatments for their individual needs. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common treatments for sensitive teeth and their benefits.

The impact of sensitive teeth on your daily life

Sensitive teeth can have a major impact on your daily life, making even the most routine tasks painful and uncomfortable. Drinking a hot cup of tea or eating a cold dessert can cause sharp jolts of pain to shoot through your teeth, making it difficult to enjoy even your favourite foods. This discomfort can lead to a lack of confidence when eating in public and can also make it difficult to fully enjoy social situations.

Common causes of sensitive teeth

Sensitive teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out tooth enamel, gum recession, and cracks or chips in the teeth. In some cases, the sensitivity can be a result of an underlying dental issue, such as a cavity or infection.

Desensitising toothpaste

One of the most effective treatments for sensitive teeth is desensitising toothpaste. This type of toothpaste works by filling in the microscopic pores in the teeth responsible for sensitivity. Desensitising toothpaste should be used twice daily and can provide long-term relief from sensitivity.

Fluoride Treatments

Another common treatment for sensitive teeth is fluoride treatment. Fluoride treatments can help to strengthen the teeth and reduce sensitivity by repairing the tooth enamel. At Wickham Dental, our dentist in Wickham can provide fluoride treatments in the form of gels, varnishes, or foams.

Bonding and crowns

In some cases, sensitivity can be caused by structural issues with the teeth, such as cracks or chips. If this is the case, our dentist in Wickham may recommend bonding or crowns to repair the damaged teeth and reduce sensitivity.

Root canal therapy

In more severe cases of sensitivity, root canal therapy may be necessary. Root canal therapy is a procedure that involves removing the damaged or infected portion of the tooth and filling it with a material to prevent further sensitivity. Although root canal therapy can be a more invasive treatment, it can provide long-term relief from sensitivity and help save a damaged tooth.

Prevention

In addition to the treatments mentioned above, the best way to prevent sensitivity is through good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily, flossing daily and having regular dental check-ups. During these check-ups, our dentist in Wickham can identify any potential issues early on and provide preventive treatments to reduce the risk of sensitivity.

In conclusion, there are a variety of effective treatments for sensitive teeth, including desensitising toothpaste, fluoride treatments, bonding and crowns, and root canal therapy. At Wickham Dental, our top priority is helping patients achieve and maintain a healthy, comfortable smile. If you are experiencing sensitivity in your teeth, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and find the right treatment.

It is only natural to have certain expectations when needing healthcare, including dental care. You will want quality care of course, but also a positive patient experience. Most healthcare facilities provide the former, but only a select few offer the latter. To receive a positive patient experience at a dentist in Wickham, you first need to choose the right dental practice.

Each dental practice has its own unique philosophy on how to approach dental care and what providing quality dental care means. At Wickham Dental, we aim to exceed our patients’ expectations by offering quality care with a patient-first philosophy. We know that a good relationship with our dentist in Wickham is one of the best ways to enjoy life-long good dental health.

Here are a few additional reasons why making the best choice in your dentist in Wickham matters.

Importance of choosing the best dentist

The best dentist will do more than just treat your dental problem. It is part of good dental practice today to identify other concerning issues and put in place preventive measures to avoid them progressing into complex problems.

The best dentist will want to educate you about your oral health. Dental diseases belong to that category of illnesses that can be prevented. There would be no reason for cavities, tooth loss, gum disease, chronic bad breath, infections and inflammation if patients knew what to do to prevent them from occurring.

Teaching patients how to maintain their dental health is an important part of modern-day dentistry. Equally important is making patients understand why this is important. Keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy not only impacts dental health, but plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.

Finding the best dentist will help you avoid dental anxiety. It is regrettable that dental anxiety still persists in modern-day dentistry. This is more because patients often don’t choose the right dentist – one that accommodates the needs of the nervous, is patient and takes the time to explain complex dental issues rather than one who is unapproachable and disagreeable. It is worth taking the time and effort to choose a dentist who is at pains to make patients feel at ease and comfortable.

What to look for when choosing a dentist

Now that you understand the importance of finding the best dentist, the next question is, how to find one. This is easier to do if you prioritise a few must-have qualities.

A dentist who believes in building a good rapport with their patients will be proud to say so. You can find evidence of this on their digital platforms and in patient reviews.

You may also want to be on the lookout for the mention of accommodating nervous patients. This is a good indication of a dental practice that pays particular attention to the needs and comfort of its patients.

Something it is nice to have is a dental practice that offers a full-service dental menu where you can receive a variety of treatments and procedures all at one place.

Your dentist is your first port of call when requiring dental care and looking after your dental health. Our dentist at Wickham Dental has a wonderful reputation for being a competent and caring dental professional who is firmly committed to offering quality dental care.

So many people we see have worries when it comes to the dentist, and it’s no wonder why when we’ve been fed negative stories from a young age! But we at Wickham Dental want to fight back, we want to give patients all the tools they need in order to build a more positive relationship with our dentist in Wickham. If you or someone you know is a big worrier with all things dental then this one’s for you.

Why are so many of us bothered by the dentist?

We absorb negative stories with regard to the dentist in Wickham from a young age. The media isn’t good to the dentist and more often than not the older generations have also had bad experiences. However, it’s worth noting that dentistry has come a very long way in the last sixty years and with our evolution has come a far more comfortable experience.

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is the name used to describe the negative feeling some people get when thinking about the dentist. It might mean that they go out of their way to avoid seeing the dentist in Wickham or it might be that they worry a lot and think about the dentist a lot. It is very common and is actually totally manageable, it’s just about finding the right techniques for you!

Practical solutions

There are a few practical things you can do to help with your dental anxiety and if they don’t work then you might well need to seek further advice as avoiding the dentist for long periods could be damaging to your oral health.

Meeting the team

Going somewhere new or meeting new people can be daunting in any aspect of life, but when you’re trying to do something you really aren’t keen on doing anyway the whole thing can be totally debilitating. For this reason we would always recommend coming to see us before any appointment. You can meet the team and become familiar with the practice surroundings. This small trip might seriously ease some of your worries.

Bring support

Don’t ever feel like you can’t bring support with you to the practice, just because we’re adults doesn’t mean we don’t need a familiar face in our hour of need. Having a loved one there to support us can be a real game changer when we aren’t feeling our best.

Distractions are fine

If you think wearing headphones will help you to relax and zone out then don’t feel like you’re being rude or that we’ll be upset, whatever works for you is great. Eye masks and stress balls can also be very helpful for those wanting to take their minds elsewhere.

Don’t wait

It’s tempting to not see a dentist until you really need one but this is a mistake! You want to come and see us as soon as you can, as starting out with a simple check-up will be far easier for you to manage than an emergency treatment.

When most people are asked why they think attending a dental check-up is important, the majority will say that it prevents tooth decay and gum disease.

And this is a core part of what dental teams aim to do, as both of these conditions can result in the loss of teeth, bad breath and, of course, extensive discomfort. However, both of these conditions have symptoms that show themselves much earlier than discomfort, which can be warning signs that there is an issue.

At Wickham Dental, our dentist in Wickham is all about preventing dental decay and toothache and can advise you on how best to avoid these common issues with dental hygiene and diet. Of course, we will also be able to offer you pointers on how to spot the signs of a cavity or gum disease at home, so you can get treatment sooner, which will be less invasive.

So, with that in mind, what are the most common signs of a cavity, according to our dentist in

Wickham? Read on to find out!

Staining

Dental staining is not unusual, especially if you drink a lot of coffee or smoke cigarettes.

But persistent staining on a tooth or teeth can be an early indicator of a cavity forming, according to our dentist in Wickham. Why? Because when bacteria collects in the mouth, it forms plaque, which can look yellow in colour or even brown as it hardens into tartar. So, staining on a tooth can indicate that you have a colony of bacteria that may turn into a cavity if it is not removed by brushing or by our team.

Lingering discomfort with sugar

Most people will consume sugar throughout the day, even if it is only in fruit.

But if you notice that there is discomfort with one of your teeth after eating a piece of fruit or a biscuit, it’s possible that you may have a cavity forming. The sensitivity is due to the nerve or pulp of the tooth being exposed and reacting to the sugar, causing that pang of discomfort.

Hot and cold sensitivity

Much like the sensitivity to sugar, if you notice hot and cold sensations in your teeth, this can be a sign that there is an issue with one of the roots or pulp in your mouth being exposed, caused by a cavity. So, if you have a pang of discomfort after you take a sip of coffee, then you may need to see our team to have a filling!

A hole in the tooth

Holes in the tooth can be tough to spot, especially if they are at the back. But if you notice a small brown hole (or even a clear one) in one of your teeth, you will need to see our team promptly before it begins to burrow deeper into the tooth.

Toothache

Lingering toothache is a sign that you have a cavity, especially if it occurs spontaneously throughout the day. If you notice dental discomfort and have any of the other symptoms in this list, you will need to see our dental team promptly.

Have you ever wondered exactly what it is you could be doing that will help prevent your teeth from decaying? Well fear not because we the team at Wickham Dental have put together a little list of all the small things you can be doing to keep that dental decay at bay!!

why do teeth decay?

Teeth can decay for lots of different reasons but the most common is that they’ve been neglected either through poor oral hygiene or an inconsiderate diet. Your dentist in Wickham can shine a little bit more light on this.

“Lots of patients I see come in thinking they are cleaning their teeth well and eating a low sugar diet but their teeth tell a totally different story. From the look of their teeth I’m able to see if the cleaning they’re doing is effective and if their diet is doing them any favours”.

Now your dentist in Wickham isn’t trying to embarrass patients through telling them they’re wrong, it’s just that unfortunately ignorance is bliss, and until our current ways are challenged humans by nature will continue to do whatever thing it is they’re doing out of habit.

What To Look Out For

If you’re worried about the health of your teeth but aren’t sure what you should be looking for then first of all you should be booking in to see your dentist in Wickham anyway, however in the meantime have a look at the inside of your bottom teeth and if you are a build up of a yellow/white substance then your current cleaning routine isn’t doing enough and could be about to cause you decaying issues!

If your teeth have become sensitive to foods or temperatures then this could also be a sign that you’re losing enamel and that perhaps there is too much sugar in your diet after all!

How To To Prevent Decay

Now, we want to normalise decay first of all and take away any shame or embarrassment that patients might be feeling surrounding it, because it does happen and it doesn’t mean you don’t clean your teeth at all or that you’re in any way a bad person!!

There are ways that you can help with decay forming though and for the most part they’re pretty simple steps.

Firstly make sure you’re cleaning for long enough and across the whole tooth, and that you’re paying attention to the gum line as this is where lots of the bacteria is stored!

Second make sure you are flossing everyday as floss is the only way to get between the teeth which is where lots of decay begins.

Another top tip is to put a little bit of toothpaste onto an interdental brush and use this between the back teeth as this is a very common area for decay to start as naturally it’s much harder for us to clean.

Checks Ups

If you want to avoid decay the best thing you can be doing is to come and see us at the practice! We have all the tools needed to monitor the health of your teeth and advise you on your particular circumstances!

It is truly something that the majority of people never want to consider happening to them. However, following the pandemic of 2020, emergency dental services saw their patient lists boom, as more people than ever before realised that they needed emergency dental care.

While most people would assume that a dental emergency involves discomfort from an issue like a dental abscess, there are in fact many other conditions that people may be experiencing that do warrant a same day visit to their dental surgery. But, these are currently being treated correctly, due to a lack of information about the seriousness of these issues.

At Wickham Dental, we are exceedingly proud of our emergency dentist in Wickham, and we will always aim to see our emergency patients within 24 hours of them contacting the surgery. We will treat you with the TLC you need when you come to us with a dental issue and will always aim to resolve any discomfort that you are in.

So, which conditions warrant a same day visit to see our dentist in Wickham?

Abscesses

As mentioned before, one of the most common reasons why people seek out our emergency dentist in Wickham is due to dental abscesses. Many people assume that the only symptom of a dental abscess is discomfort when, in actuality, many people notice a sensation of pressure before the discomfort sets in, along with swelling and discolouration to the gum. If you notice any of these symptoms followed by a fever, or vomiting, then you need to book a same day appointment to see our dental team.

Lost filling or crown

Most people who have had fillings or crowns can attest to the fact that sometimes they simply come loose and fall out. While this is usually associated with some level of discomfort, for some individuals, there is no sensation at all. But if you have lost a filling or crown, then you do urgently need to see our same day dental team, as delaying treatment could cause decay to set in and even for an abscess to form. Yikes!

Wobbly teeth

Wobbly teeth are usually the result of a trauma to the face or, in some instances, severe gum disease that has been untreated. But irrespective of the cause, if you notice that one of your teeth, or many of your teeth are wobbling, then you need to see our team. We will, of course, attempt to splint the wobbly tooth to the nearest secure teeth but based on the underlying cause, this is not always a guarantee.

Bleeding

Much like the wobbly teeth, bleeding in the mouth is usually the result of either trauma to the face or a dental extraction. If after around 20 minutes of applying pressure to the area with gauze there is no slowing of the bleed, then you need to see our emergency team to prevent any further blood loss.

Swelling

Swelling anywhere in the mouth, in the throat, under the chin or jaw line needs to be treated as an emergency situation as, if left unchecked, this can cause issues with eating and breathing. So, always be sure to contact us if you have this issue.

At Wickham Dental, we are here to help the whole family have healthy and happy smiles. We use the latest techniques, technology and training to ensure that all of our treatments are delivered with comfort and ease for all the patients we treat. We are keen to offer treatments that can also improve wellbeing, such as smile makeovers which improve the appearance of your smile. With a vast array of discreet treatments available for realigning your smile, we are the go-to dental practice for creating beautiful smiles. One of our popular treatments is Invisalign and our dentist in Wickham could recommend this if you have mild to moderate alignment issues such as gapped teeth, crowded teeth, overbite, underbite or crossbite.

How does Invisailgn work?

Invisalign is a system that consists of plastic aligners being worn over your teeth. They are clear, so the aligners themselves are not visible. This means that they are highly discreet and afford patients the freedom to wear them whenever they choose, wherever they are.

When the aligners are being worn, they press against the teeth and, over time, they move them into the targeted position. This could take as little as 6 to 18 months and is just one of our discreet and time-efficient treatment options.

The other benefits

By choosing Invisalign, you will not only have discretion, but you will also have convenience. Invisalign’s aligners may be removed for up to 2 hours a day, which means that you can take a break from them when you need to. It also means that you don’t have to wear them at mealtimes and this is a great bonus for patients as it removes the need to clean the aligners of masticated food after eating, and it also means that you can clean your teeth without having anything in your mouth, so you can be sure to do a proper job! You should also have time to take them out for special occasions or playing sports, for example. The choice and flexibility of approach is all down to you and your preferences. You will be able to wear your aligners anywhere you go and you can have the confidence to do so with people not realising you are wearing them.

The aligners should not be uncomfortable to wear. This is because we use iTero technology to take a digital scan while getting accurate measurements for your smile to ensure that your aligners will sit snugly along the gumline.

Is it time for Invisalign?

If you are wondering whether or not Invisalign could be the right treatment for you, book in for a consultation with our dentist in Wickham and we will be able to examine your mouth to ascertain what the treatment options are. We can then discuss this together and we will answer any questions you may have. If you decide to go ahead with Invisalign, you could have a beautiful smile in a relatively short amount of time, fuss-free!

Tired of the long waiting lists and unavailable appointments at your dental practice? Are you looking for a dentist in Wickham where you can avoid delays? Then look no further than Wickham Dental, leading dentists in Wickham who can deal with all your dental needs and problems under one roof.

About us and how we operate

Our dentist in Wickham is a small dental practice based in the heart of Wickham Village and is very family orientated. We welcome families to join our practice and we will take care of all your dental needs. We have a team of skilled and highly professional individuals and we use the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art technology for our treatments. We endeavour to keep the costs of our treatments at affordable prices to make them accessible to all.

What services are available?

At our dentist in Wickham we have a wide range of modern dental treatments and these range from general and family services to specialist, complex oral reconstructions. What sets us apart from other dental practices is that we use cutting edge methods and technology and ensure that we put patient comfort and satisfaction at the forefront of everything we do.

We have a routine service which covers simple white fillings, fluoride treatments, and fissure sealants. We also offer comprehensive oral examinations, and scale and polish treatments with our expert hygienists. Our members of staff are highly professional and friendly and will ensure to provide you with excellent service and make certain that you feel comfortable and at ease throughout the appointment.

Smile makeovers are what we excel in at our dental practice. A lot of people look to have smile makeovers as they are unhappy with their smiles and with their teeth. It can have a big impact on a person’s self-confidence and therefore we look to deal with this to ensure that you can have a smile that gives you a real boost. There are a number of ways in which you can achieve your smile makeover and this includes oral restructuring, implants, crowns and veneers.

Another key treatment that we offer at our dental practice is orthodontic work. This is the way in which we straighten and align teeth. This is a very popular treatment particularly amongst young adults who look to have straight teeth. There are a number of ways in which we can straighten teeth. These include conventional metal braces, FastBraces, Invisalign, Damon, and Inman aligners.

A lot of people these days have moved away from the traditional metal braces due to the fact that they are unsightly and also take a lot of time to work. In comparison newer treatments such as Invisalign, Damon and Inman aligners are faster acting and have the added benefit of being invisible. They are clear aligners and therefore won’t be visible to anyone unless you wish to tell them!

If you are looking to have braces contact our receptionist who will be able to make an appointment for you with one of our highly trained, expert orthodontists.