Top tips to enjoy your ice cream this summer

Summer might be taking its time, but we all hope that sooner or later the sun will appear. There is nothing nicer when the sun is beating down, than an ice cream with friends and family, but what if you suffer with sensitive teeth.

Here at West Wickham Dental Practice  we have come up with 5 top tips to treat sensitivity, allowing you to enjoy your fill of ice cream this summer.

1. Use sensitive toothpaste and don’t brush too hard

There are a variety of different sensitive toothpastes available which if used routinely can help to improve sensitivity. You should brush your teeth twice and day, using small, circular movements and a soft bristled toothbrush. Brushing too hard will wear the enamel away and lead to sensitivity, by using a soft toothbrush you can help to prevent this.  You should be advised that if you stop using the sensitive toothpaste the sensitivity is likely to return.

2. Wait an hour after eating before brushing

Each time you eat the enamel on your teeth softens, if you brush your teeth straight after eating you will brush away tiny particles of the enamel. Over time this can lead to the dentine being exposed which can cause sensitivity. By waiting an hour, you give the enamel time to reharden.

3. Reduce how often you have sugary and acidic foods and drinks

Sugary and acidic food and drink can wear away the enamel. Where ever possible try to limit sugary and acidic foods to mealtimes as this reduces the number of attacks your teeth must contend with every day.

4. Consider wearing a mouth guard

If you grind your teeth, discuss with the dentist whether it would be worth having a mouth guard to wear at night. This will help to protect the teeth from further damage. Any areas where the teeth have been severely worn, exposing the dentine and causing sensitivity, can be treated by building the teeth up using a white filling material.

5. Visit your dental team regularly

It is important that you attend for regular dental appointments as this will ensure that any problems are identified early and can be treated without the need for extensive and expensive restorations.

If you would like further advice on treatment for sensitive teeth do not hesitate to call West Wickham Dental Practice today on 0208 776 1188 to book a consultation.

Benefits of joining West Wickham Dental Plans

West Wickham Dental Practice aims to reward its loyal patients by offering exclusive, affordable preventative maintenance plans tailored to optimise your oral health and save you money. Our Dental Plans are open to all our patients, regardless of their past dental history and current oral health and aim to help you smile proud.

Benefits of joining West Wickham Dental Plans

• Spread the cost of your dental care

West Wickham Dental Plans, help to spread the cost of your routine, preventative treatment across the year into 12 manageable monthly payments. For a fixed monthly fee, you can cover your examinations, hygienist appointments and x-rays. You will also receive 10% off any additional treatment.

• Reduce the risk of expensive dental treatment

By attending for your routine dental appointments, the dentist will be able to identify any problems early, reducing the need for expensive, extensive treatment. You have already paid for them, so be sure to attend!

• Oral health advice

The focus of West Wickham Dental Plans is preventing problems before they occur. This means that the dentist and hygienist will work closely together to ensure that you are provided with the latest oral hygiene advice, to ensure that you can keep your teeth in the best possible condition in between appointments. Enabling you to keep your natural teeth healthy, strong and in your mouth where they belong, for as long as possible.

• UK and Worldwide dental accident and emergency insurance

Whether at home or abroad, you have the peace of mind of knowing that you will be covered in the event of a dental accident or emergency. This means you can always be sure of getting to see a dentist no matter where in the world you might be.

If you would like to join one of West Wickham Dental Plans call West Wickham Dental Practice today on 0208 776 1188 and speak to one of our team or download a sign up form from our website.