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.
Update for September 2021
We remain open, and committed to maintaining our patient’s oral health, and protecting our staff and client’s in a safe environment.
Please ensure you have completed a COVID-screen by clicking here 24 hours before your visit.
What to expect…..
Our front door is now open, please come straight up. We are using the waiting room, but you may be asked to wait outside at peak times.
Advice is to respect social distancing in communal areas.
Please checkout at the desk, and bring means for payment as these are usually being taken face to face again. Do expect some payments and appointments to be made remotely by email and phone.
We are providing phone consultations with the dentist rarther than face to face where appropriate.
The steps we are taking: we will require longer to decontaminate the treatment rooms. The room will need to be vacated, for a ‘fallow’ time period, after certain treatments, for the safety of everyone. You will notice extra technologies to enhance our COVID protocols such as, suction of aerosols, fixed & mobile extractors and air purification. We look forward to seeing you.
ZO Skin Health Inc. was founded in 2007 by world-renowned dermatologist Zein Obagi, MD.
Obagi has a long history in creating high quality anti-ageing skin care products, and this new range is again a results-orientated skin care. It is specifically aimed to fight ageing skin, as well as treat acne, rosacea and pigmentation marks.
The professional skincare products are medical grade, hence are only available through cosmetic clinics and practitioners throughout the UK.
SUMMARY:
Dr Judson will make you a specific regime for your issues whether it be for improved skin appearance, texture and tolerance, anti-aging, redness or brown spots, resolve acne.
This really works, by waking up the deep cells (keratinocytes) in your skin, to get your skin working for you. We advise no moisturiser as this just soaks into the dead skin cells on the surface, and sends messages for the deep cells to remain dormant.
products are from £30, and programs start from £142.50 for a complete package.
Consultations via video conferencing or appointments are required for dispensing.
Medical grade skin care
products, are scientifically supported. Products sold through mass retail skin
care often advertise big promises and make claims that haven’t been
scientifically supported.
What Does It
Contain?
The
products within the ZO Skin Health and ZO Medical ranges contain many
clinically proven active ingredients, including advanced peptides, vitamin E,
powerful anti-oxidants and pure retinol (vitamin A). The ingredients are in
high concentrations and superior delivery systems to give the maximum possible
benefits to the skin. Their use must be supervised by a skincare professional
(and sometimes prescribed by a medical professional) who can tailor a day and
night regime to suit your skin type, and to target your concerns.
How Does It Work?
ZO Skin
Health and Medical products aim to maintain skin health and to treat problem
skin, by working from the inside out, as opposed to the quick
fixes offered by many topical treatments available on the high street. Put
simply, they work by first activating, and then stimulating skin cells to repair,
replenish and maintain themselves. The way ZO products do this, is via a
multi-step process:
GETTING SKIN READY™
Cleanse and Scrub – To get rid of any surface debris on the
skin, and slough away any dead skin cells.
Oil Control and Tone – To either
control excess oil production or soothe dry skin.
PREVENT + CORRECT – To prepare the
barrier of the skin to maximise the absorption of the active ingredients, for
optimum effect.
Calm
and Nourish – To soothe the skin from irritation and provide hydration, as
well as anti-inflammatory action. Continual use not required.
PROTECT ZO® – To prevent any further skin damage, with
protection against UVA and UVB rays from the sun, as well as HEV (high energy
visible) or blue light.
What Do They
Treat?
The ZO
products, particularly the medical range, aim to address and treat the main
signs of ageing, as well as repairing skin conditions, including inflammation,
pigmentation marks, rosacea, sun damage, and acne. There are different products
for different skin types. Your consultation will determine which treatments
will be best for your skin. They are designed for home use, but under the
direction of a trained specialist or medical professional.
anti-ageing
acne Rosaceaanti-ageing
STEP
1 Healthy skin starts with the basics. Bring skin back to its most healthy,
balanced state for clear complexion, regardless of skin type.
STEP
2 A wide range of products that help correct skin issues from ageing + acne +
rosacea to hyperpigmentation while preventing future damage.
STEP
3 Sunscreens offer Triple-Spectrum Protection™ to protect against sun + light
damage.
Options:
ANTI-AGING
PROGRAM This moderately aggressive programme, with highly advanced anti-ageing
ingredients, is designed, to help reduce the appearance of early or significant
signs of environmental and chronological ageing. The Anti-Aging Program uses
potent ingredients, concentrated formulas and aggressive delivery systems to
improve and strengthen skin’s appearance and protect against future damage. It
is specifically targeted to:
• Help reduce the appearance of fine lines and
wrinkles
• Promote a more even skin tone and finer pore
appearance
• Preserve and maintain a youthful-looking
complexion
• Help prevent future skin damage by
protecting against the harmful effects of the sun
AGGRESSIVE
ANTI-AGING PROGRAM Deeper lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (age spots, sun
damage) and thinning skin with reduced elasticity/firmness all require more
aggressive treatment. The Aggressive Anti-Aging program features potent
formulas with enzymes, a functional hydrator, and antioxidants containing a
high concentration of retinol—a topical ingredient proven to mitigate the
effects of both environmental and chronological skin aging. This programme is
specifically targeted to:
• Help reduce the appearance of deeper lines
and wrinkles
• Minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation
and “age spots”
•
Promote a more even-looking skin tone
•
Aid in strengthening the skin by keeping hydration at the proper level
•
Help maintain results achieved with lasers or medical treatments
TARGETED PROGRAM SOLUTIONS These comprehensive programmes are designed specifically to provide solutions for some of the most common skin concerns. ZO® offers programmes that feature solutions for brightening, with both hydroquinone and non-hydroquinone options; therapeutic treatments for red, sensitised skin; and acne prevention and treatment – all conveniently air-travel safe.
THE POWER OF TRIPLE-SPECTRUM PROTECTION™
The ZO® sun protection portfolio offers scientifically superior sunscreens with the broadest, most comprehensive range of sun protection available.
Our
advanced, triple-spectrum protection shields against
UVA/UVB,
high-energy
visible (HEV) light and
IR-A
(infrared) rays.
The
ZO® sun protection portfolio offers both physical and chemical sunscreens that
provide broad-spectrum protection against harmful, skin-ageing UVA rays and
skin-burning UVB rays. Our physical sunscreens incorporate proven titanium
dioxide, which is proven to be effective, while our chemical sunscreens
incorporate a blend of FDA-approved filters. All ZO® sunscreens are oxybenzone
free.
FRACTIONATED
MELANIN PROTECTS AGAINST HEV LIGHT Fractionated melanin shields the skin from
the ageing effects of HEV light. Protection from this light is especially
important, as exposure comes from many daily sources including the sun,
fluorescent and LED lighting, smart phones, computers, tablets and more.
ANTIOXIDANTS PROTECT AGAINST IR-A RAYS Engineered with our exclusive 12-hour,
time-release ZOX12™ complex, our sunscreens help shield the skin from harmful
IR-A rays. They also help protect the skin from free-radical damage and prevent
future signs of premature ageing.
We sincerely thank you for your patience…. I know many will be waiting for our hands-on care to maintain your dental health or start cosmetic treatments.
We are aware of those who:
have contacted us requiring urgent appointments, and
had scheduled appointments during lockdown.
We will be contacting you in the next FEW WEEKS to schedule your appointment as our clinics re-open.
We will be providing our usual high standard of cross infection control and adding high-tech COVID-related protocols. Please do not be concerned as we will carefully guide you through each step of the process. We look forward to seeing many of you in person in the weeks ahead.
