Dental hygiene is the key to maintaining your teeth and ensuring that you do not suffer from dental issues. Nowadays people are a lot more conscious of their teeth and oral hygiene and this is due to the fact that National statistics show that one in three people will have dental issues in their lifetime and could end up losing their teeth.

People are also influenced by social media. We currently live in a world where social media plays a very large role in our day to day lives. So much so that people spend many hours of their day on social media, following their favourite celebrities, bloggers and influencers. It comes as no surprise that people aspire to be like their role models and therefore usually imitate and copy their hairstyles, dress sense and also their appearance.

If you are looking for a dentist in Wickham then look no further than Wickham Dental Practice where our highly trained dentists will be able to deal with all your needs and rework ends in a professional and friendly manner.

What is the most common treatment that people opt for?

At our dentist in Wickham we have found that teeth alignment is one of the most common treatments that people choose to have done. Having crooked teeth can be a cause for embarrassment and also make people feel self conscious. Often people feel uncomfortable to laugh or smile due to the fact that they do not like how their teeth look. At our dentist in Wickham we can ensure that you can have teeth that you are happy with and feel confidence in once you have had one of our alignment treatments.

At our dentist in Wickham we have three different alignment treatments that you can choose from. Speak to our friendly members of staff who will be able to book an initial consultation for you where you will be able to speak to our specialist dentists about your needs and requirements and what you are looking for from having treatment. Based on your individual preferences the dentist will be able to advise which treatment will suit you best.

What are the different types of alignment treatment available?

There are three different types of alignment treatments that are available at the dentist. These include Invisalign and Fastbraces, conventional braces that get fixed to the teeth directly, and invisible aligners.

Fastbraces is an American brand of aligning teeth and is able to give you straight teeth in the space of four to six months. In addition the dentist offers Invisalign which is also another fast and affordable method of aligning teeth. The dentist also offers conventional braces that are made of metal and attached to the surface of the teeth. This process takes longer than Fastbraces and also Invisalign however is the cheapest method.

All three types of braces are effective but you will need to speak to our dentist to determine which is the right option for you. Contact us now for a consultation on how best to proceed.

Here at Wickham Dental, we help our patients to make the best of their smile by offering an excellent choice of treatment options. In addition, we promote preventive care. Preventive care is a means of ensuring that the oral health is optimised so that there is less need for any intervention or treatment.

The first step in this kind of care is developing a routine of daily brushing and flossing. The second is to be mindful of the foods and drinks being consumed and keeping sugar and acidic items to an absolute minimum. In addition, drinking plenty of water can be a great way to look after the health of the teeth and gums. Here we explain why this is so important.

Fluoride

In many cases, the water that people get from their taps has had fluoride added to it. Fluoride is very beneficial to teeth. This is because it strengthens the enamel. Enamel is a protective layer that coats the teeth and helps to keep them healthy.

When the teeth are boosted by regular consumption of water that contains fluoride, they are much more robust in the face of acids. Acids can be found in many foods and other drinks, and these erode the teeth. Fluoride is also good for oral health because in the case of the early stages of tooth decay, it can eradicate it.

Keeps the mouth hydrated

Water doesn’t just hydrate the body in general, it also helps to keep the mouth moist. This is very important as the dentist in Wickham has found that a dry mouth is frequently the cause of bad breath. Bad breath can erode a person’s confidence and drinking plenty of water can significantly reduce the risk of this.

Drinking plenty of water also helps the mouth to produce healthy levels of saliva. This helps to maintain the health of the gums and can be a very effective means of minimising the risk of gum disease. Gum disease can result in tooth loss if it is allowed to progress, which can be very detrimental to a person’s self-image as well as their general health.

Superior alternative

People who don’t drink much water tend to choose other drinks that aren’t very healthy as alternatives. Fizzy drinks can cause cavities and erode the integrity of the teeth. Drinks like tea, coffee and red wine can result in the teeth becoming very stained. This means that they will not look and feel healthy, and the person can even look older than their years because of significant yellowing and staining.

Decreases urge to snack

The dentist in Wickham advises patients to eat three healthy meals a day, rather than snacking throughout the course of each day. This is because constant snacking means that the teeth are being frequently exposed to sugars and acids which will make them much less healthy and more vulnerable to damage. Drinking plenty of water and staying well hydrated throughout the day can suppress the urge to snack, and thus help to ensure healthier teeth and gums.

Many people find that their confidence is affected by the condition of their teeth. Here at Wickham Dental, we offer a wide range of treatments to help improve the smile and oral health. Visiting the dentist in Wickham for regular check-ups means that it is easier to keep the teeth and gums in good condition. In addition, there are lots of options for the patient who is feeling a little self-conscious about their smile.

Make that appointment

The first step to getting a better smile with the dentist in Wickham is to make an appointment with us. We can conduct a thorough assessment of the teeth and gums in order to ascertain any issues that need to be dealt with. We can also answer any queries the patient has about how best to safeguard oral health and discuss any potential treatments that may help.

A good clean

We encourage our patients to keep their teeth and gums as clean as possible at home. The best way to do this is to brush and floss thoroughly. Brushing should be done with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice daily.

Flossing should be completed once a day. Alternatively, interdental brushes can sometimes be more appropriate and easier to use. If in any doubt about how best to brush and floss, we are happy to give step-by-step advice to any patient who needs it.

In addition to keeping clean at home, it’s a good idea for the patient to get a thorough professional clean on a regular basis too. This can help to remove any plaque or debris that is difficult to reach at home, thus promoting better oral health. A good polish from the dentist in Wickham can also be great for removing stains that are caused by things like tea, coffee and red wine.

Whitening

Many people feel that their teeth aren’t quite as white as they should be. Although a professional clean can help, the patient who is looking for a dramatic improvement may well benefit from opting to get their teeth whitened.

While there are lots of whitening products advertised for use at home, they do not give the results that the dentist can. There is also a risk that home products are not safe. Therefore, the patient who is looking for effective whitening that does not compromise the integrity of the teeth should make an appointment with us.

Improve treatments

Dentistry has improved dramatically over the past number of years, so it is worth considering having previous treatments checked over with a view to having them upgraded. For example, fillings usually need to be replaced after several years, and it is often possible to get white ones that give a much superior cosmetic result. Crowns also need to be replaced and can be a great means of giving the shape and colour of the teeth a dramatic improvement. We are happy to help all patients who are feeling less confident than they should be about their smile. There are usually more options than most people have considered, so it is well worth coming to see us to discuss what can be done.

We all recognise the importance of maintaining a high standard within our oral health and hygiene routines. For this reason, you must brush and floss your teeth regularly so that you have the best possible experience of living with your teeth and avoid the need for invasive dental treatments such as fillings, root canals, or tooth extractions.

If you are parents, you may spend time trying to encourage any young children you provide care for to keep their teeth clean by brushing them twice a day, once in the morning and then once at night just before they go to bed to sleep. The best way to encourage this behaviour is to lead by example and let your children see their parents following a regular oral hygiene routine.

You may also decide to register your children with a dentist in Wickham so that they have the opportunity to access professional care and advice that will be offered to them in a friendly and compassionate way.

Our goal is to provide each and every client with an incredible experience that blows away their expectations.

Parents must be seen to engage

We all know that children can be very reluctant to engage with anything that they see as unusual or that they perceive may cause them pain. For this reason, it can prove difficult to get your children to engage with a dentist in Wickham. We often find that when children attend a dental appointment around the same time as their parents, this can make them feel more at ease and will increase the level of co-operation a child may have towards a dental professional.

Our advice to you as parents is that wherever possible let your children see you interacting with dental professionals in the practice, let them see you attending your check-ups and talking to people who are trying to help you with your oral health and hygiene in a friendly and calm manner. However, we are less inclined to advise you to let your children see you receiving invasive dental treatments, as this may be a little more upsetting for them.

Once your children can see that dental staff are helpful and friendly people, they will be a lot more likely to engage with them. It is well known that if children are taught to engage with a dental practice at an early age, they will mostly carry this habit throughout their lives and pass it on to their children, promoting high standards of oral health and hygiene going forward.

Dentistry for you and your family

As a leading dentist in Wickham, we want to encourage you and your entire family to engage with our practice. This will then give your entire family access to all the dental care and treatments they may need throughout your lives. We want you and your family to form a working relationship with us that will benefit you and give you the best possible chance to enjoy a high standard of oral hygiene.

One of the best pieces of advice we can offer you is to start a dialogue by asking questions, as this will help you gain a greater understanding of any treatment you are being offered and will help you to make informed choices that will help give you the standard of oral hygiene you desire.

Here at Wickham Dental, we work with our patients to help them achieve good oral health, offering advice and a range of treatments when needed. As the dentist in Wickham, we are often asked about the best ways to ensure that the teeth and gums can be kept in good condition. This guide details the habits of people who have sound oral health throughout their lives.

Brushing and flossing

Many people do not brush their teeth every day, or only do it once. Brushing twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste is vital to keep the mouth clean and remove any bits of food which have become trapped. A few seconds is not going to do the job, two minutes of brushing is needed to get the teeth properly clean.

Many electric toothbrushes have a sensor that beeps after 30 seconds, and this can be used to time the brushing session and ensure that all parts of the mouth are cleaned. If using a manual toothbrush, then setting a timer for two minutes on a mobile phone can be an effective way to ensure that the job is done to completion.

Flossing is also important and should be done once per day. Any patient who is unsure how best to do this should consult with the dentist in Wickham to get guidance on flossing techniques or on how to use interdental brushes.

Visiting the dentist

Many people make the mistake of only consulting with the dentist when they encounter a problem with their teeth. However, getting regular check-ups can minimise the risk of any issues from occurring in the first place. We can identify any issues before the patient is aware of them, which means that any treatment required will usually be minimal. This means that the patient spends less time and money at the dentist than if they had allowed any problems to escalate.

Regular appointments with the hygienist

The dentist in Wickham can provide a professional clean, which is important for maintaining oral health. Although brushing at home is vital and effective, our hygienist can remove plaque and tartar that brushing has missed. This allows the patient to keep their breath smelling fresh, helps to prevent gum disease and can be very effective in removing stains.

Regular water drinking

The people who have the healthiest teeth and gums drink water as their main beverage for hydration. Tap water contains fluoride which protects the teeth enamel, and this helps them to retain their strength and health. Fizzy drinks and juices as well as many alcoholic drinks can be very acidic. When these are consumed throughout the day, the patient has much less saliva coating their teeth. This makes them much more vulnerable to deterioration and damage.

Non-smoker

People who smoke are at high risk of receding gums, gum disease and tooth loss. The best thing any smoker can do for their oral health is to quit the habit. There is lots of help available such as nicotine replacement therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Here at Wickham Dental, we are focused on ensuring that all our patients enjoy good oral health as well as offering treatments that can help with any issues. As the dentist in Wickham, we often get asked about how best parents can help their children to have healthy teeth and gums.

Children who enjoy good oral health are much more likely to become adults who take care of their teeth, and this can have a positive impact on the general health too. Here, we explain what parents can do to help achieve this.

Start brushing early

Brushing should start as early as when a baby develops their first tooth. Parents should use a super soft brush and a toothpaste that is designed to cater for infants. If in any doubt about what brush or paste to use, talk to the dentist in Wickham to get advice and guidance.

This early brushing has two main benefits. Firstly, it means that the teeth are being protected as soon as they arrive, and this can reduce the likelihood of deterioration later in childhood. Secondly, it helps to establish a routine of regular brushing so that it does not become difficult or problematic as the child gets older.

Brush after milk

Many children continue to have milk before bed into toddlerhood and beyond. It is a comforting routine and helps to settle them for sleep. However, it is important to brush their teeth after they have had their milk. If they go to sleep with milk on their teeth, then this can cause cavities to develop and general deterioration of the health of the teeth and gums.

Other drinks

Aside from milk, the main drink that should be consumed by children is water. Tap water has fluoride in it, which helps to protect the enamel of the teeth and is important for preventing cavities. It is also sugar free, which is beneficial.

Fizzy drinks should be reserved for special occasions only, as these can erode the teeth and compromise their strength. If offering juice, it is best to do this with a meal and only as a treat. Children who drink juice throughout the day have a much greater risk of needing treatment such as fillings from the dentist in Wickham.

Diet

Most parents are mindful of the fact that treats like sweets, chocolate and cakes should be kept to a minimum if they want their child to have healthy teeth and gums. However, there can be a lot of hidden sugar in foods that are not thought of as sweet. For example, many pre-prepared and ready meals feature a high sugar content. The ideal is to make home cooked meals from scratch. However, if this is not always possible, then parents should check the labelling on any pre-prepared foods they are buying.

Set an example

Parents can encourage their children to take care of their teeth and gums by setting them a good example. Brushing together is a great way of modelling how it is done. It is also a good idea for children to see their parents drinking mostly water as their main drink and only having sweet things as an occasional treat. They will then grow up to see this behaviour as normal and something to be copied.

Here at Wickham Dental, we advise all our patients on how best to care for their teeth and offer treatments that help to resolve any issues. Many people ask the dentist in Wickham about how they can safeguard their oral health during pregnancy. Having a baby is an exciting time in which the mother’s general health must be greatly protected. Taking good care of the teeth and gums is an important part of that. Here, we explain what our pregnant patients can do to ensure that their oral health remains intact.

Trying for a baby

When trying for a baby, it is a good idea to do as much as possible to ensure good general health. This includes eating well, enjoying lots of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain carbohydrates as well as lean sources of protein. Regular exercise and taking folic acid and vitamin D supplements are also important ways to prepare for the demands of pregnancy and childbirth.

Regarding the teeth and gums, the dentist in Wickham recommends that they are cleaned twice a day every day. Doing this and flossing once per day helps to keep the mouth in tip top condition and can prevent conditions like gum disease which can impact the health of both mother and baby.

If any treatments are required from the dentist in Whickham it is a good idea to schedule these before pregnancy. Depending on the treatment, it may not be safe to have it done during the pregnancy itself. In addition, even if it is appropriate for the mother to have a procedure, she may be feeling ill and tired and may not want to go ahead.

Seeing the dentist while pregnant

Pregnant women should see their dentist for at least one check-up during the nine months. This helps to protect their own health as well as that of the baby. It is important to tell us if you are expecting a baby, as we will then be able to take the necessary precautions when it comes to recommending any treatments and prescribing any medicines needed.

Brushing during pregnancy

Brushing twice a day can be difficult for some expectant mums as it can sometimes cause them to gag. If this is an issue, a child’s toothbrush could be used to help minimise the risk of gagging. Alternatively, the teeth can be cleaned without anything on the brush before rubbing the fluoride toothpaste on afterwards and leaving it to sit on the teeth.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is very common. Many pregnant women are sick throughout the day as well as in the morning, especially in the early stages. Although the urge is to brush the teeth immediately after vomiting, this is not a good idea as it can cause damage. This is because vomiting creates an acidic environment within the mouth. The acid removes much of the saliva that is usually present, and saliva is important for helping to protect and maintain the enamel of the teeth.

It is best to wait at least half an hour after being sick to brush the teeth in order to prevent the deterioration of tooth enamel.