Quit Smoking Forever

Smoking can lead to a wide range of oral health problems, including tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss and in more severe cases mouth cancer.

If you are considering making this year the year you quit smoking forever, we look at 10 top tips to help you quit.

1. Focus on your reason

To help keep you on track no matter how hard things get, consider your reasons for quitting. It may be to protect your family from second-hand smoke, reduce your chances of developing lung cancer, save money or to improve your appearance and health. Make sure that whatever the reason, it is strong enough to outweigh the urge to light up.

2. Put support in place

Smoking is an addiction and like any addiction you are going to need support to help you quit. The brain is hooked on nicotine, so without it you will go into withdrawal. Your doctor will be able to advise you on stop smoking groups, medication, counselling, hypnosis and apps. This will ensure that you are ready for the day you chose to quit.

3. Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy

When you stop smoking nicotine withdrawal may give you headaches, affect your mood and drain your energy. The craving for just one smoke can be tough, Nicotine Replacement therapy can help to take the edge of your cravings. Studies have shown that nicotine gum, lozenges and patches can help to dramatically increase your chance of succeeding.

4. Take advantage of family and friends

Tell your family and friends that you are trying to quit. They will be able to provide you with support and encourage you to keep going if you are tempted to light up.

5. Relax and Unwind

Many people smoke as a way to relax, once you quit you will need to find other ways to unwind. You could start a new exercise class, join the gym, listen to your favourite music, connect with friends or start a new hobby. Stressful situations can make quitting more difficult so try to stop smoking at a time when you feel relaxed and in control.

6. Avoid triggers

When you drink alcohol it reduces your willpower and so makes it harder to say no to that cigarette. When first quitting it is a good idea to reduce your alcohol intake. If you often smoke when you have your morning coffee, why not swap to tea for a few weeks to help break the association. If you like to have a cigarette after meals find something else to do, go for a walk, speak to a friend or do the dishes.

7. Clean, Clean, Clean

Once you decide to quit get rid of all your cigarettes, lighters and ash trays. Also try to remove anything that smells of smoke. This may mean washing clothes that smell of smoke, cleaning carpets and upholstery and cleaning the car. If you can get rid of the familiar smell of smoke and anything that reminds you of smoking, it can make it much easier to quit.

8. Exercise

Get moving! Being active can help to curb nicotine cravings and ease the withdrawal symptoms. It doesn’t need to be anything dramatic, simply going for a walk can help. The calories you burn can also help to ward of the weight gain that many experience when they quit smoking.

9. Don’t Diet

You need to tackle one issue at a time, trying to cut the cigarettes and calories is a recipe for failure. If you are worried about your food intake focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

10. Choose your reward

With all the money you are saving from not buying cigarettes, why not reward yourself by spending some of it on something special.

If you would like more help and advice on how to stop smoking book an appointment online, or call West Wickham Dental Practice today on 0208 776 1188

Fast Orthodontics - The Benefits Of Six Month Smiles

There’s no doubting that modern orthodontics have come a long way since those metallic train track style braces of old. Instead 21stcentury orthodontic treatments now cater for the growing number of adults who are looking to improve the appearance of their teeth. In fact, according to the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), latest figures suggest that 75% of UK orthodontists are seeing a surge in adult orthodontic treatment. One such treatment is Six Month Smiles.

As the name suggests this particular treatment is designed to be completed within six months or less and is part of a growing trend of fast or accelerated orthodontic procedures. It’s designed specifically for older teenagers and adults who have dental crowding, twisting, or spacing issues and offers some befitting advantages over conventional metal style braces.

Firstly, what they can’t do!

Although Six Month Smiles treatment can fix a whole host of dental issues, it isn’t designed to deal with major bite problems. Why? Because like all fast or accelerated orthodontic treatments Six Month Smiles focus their efforts solely on the top and bottom teeth that are visible when you smile. Because of the speedy time scale, it isn’t possible to fix the whole bite or correct tooth root alignment. That said, the vast majority of patients are actually more concerned with how their smile looks rather than how it functions, anyway. In this respect, speedy orthodontic treatments such as this work exceptionally well.

Now we know what they can’t do, let’s turn our attention to their advantages.

They’re discreet

Remember those train-track style braces we talked about at the beginning of this post? Not particularly discreet are they? Many adults are put off from wearing braces for this very reason. After all, who wants to be seen sporting a mouth full of metal every time they crack a smile or talk? On the contrary, Six Month Smiles uses a combination of tooth coloured braces and wiring which blend in with the teeth making their appearance far less obvious.

Utilises low force

A key component of the Six Month Smiles system is the nickel-titanium arch wires. Natural in colour they’re designed to exert a gentle but continual force in order to move the teeth back into the desired position. This means that unlike other brace systems, wearers won’t feel quite so much tenderness in the teeth when force is applied.

Perfect for teeth crowding issues

One of the most common complaints of those seeking orthodontic treatment is overcrowding. The Six Month Smiles system is perfectly made for dealing with this particular issue. This brace system has the ability to round out and develop the constricted arch, thus creating sufficient room to simultaneously align the crowded teeth.

They cost less

Aside from being safe and effective, Six Month Smiles typically costs less than many other orthodontic treatments. Invisalign for example (another discreet brace system) will typically cost up to twice as much. So not only are Six Month Smiles better for your teeth, they’re also better for your bank balance too. What’s more, at West Wickham Dental Practice we allow you to spread the cost of your treatment over a number of months making it an affordable and viable option. See our special offers and Smile Proud!

So there you have it – The benefits of Six Month Smiles orthodontic treatment for adults and how it can help you get straighter, healthier teeth.

If you’d like to find out more about how adult orthodontic treatment can help you, then contact the team here at West Wickham Dental Practice. To book an appointment either call us direct on 0208 776 1188 or visit the online booking form on our website. On behalf of the team, we look forward to helping you restore that great looking smile.

Six Month Smiles Vs Clear Braces Which One Would You Choose

It used to be that teeth straightening was a treatment purely reserved for teenagers but over the past few years there has been a large increase in the number of adults turning to teeth straightening to improve the appearance of their teeth. Here at West Wickham Dental Practice we are able to offer two different teeth straightening treatments. Six Month Smiles and Clear braces and in this blog we will look at the key benefits to each treatment.

Six Month Smiles	Clear Braces
Six Month Smiles uses the latest technology to move teeth quickly and safely.	Clear braces, also known as invisible aligners are a safe and effective way to straighten your teeth
Six Month Smiles focuses on those teeth visible when you smile means you can see results fast!	Clear braces use a system of retainers to move your teeth. These are almost transparent so should not affect your appearance
Six Month Smiles uses tooth coloured braces and wires which means that the braces should be barely visible	Clear braces have minimal effect on your speech, so no one will know that you are wearing them unless you tell them!
Six Month Smiles focuses on the cosmetic appearance of your teeth rather than the position of your bite, using standard orthodontic mechanisms	Clear braces are removed when you eat so you will still be able to eat a full and varied diet without the worry of getting food stuck in your braces
Six Month Smiles use low force to move teeth more comfortably.	Aligners are changed every 4-6 weeks to allow the teeth to move gradually into their final position causing little or no discomfort
Six Month Smiles can give you the smile you want in a fraction of the time taken with conventional treatments.	Fewer trips to the dentist are required with Clear braces than with other more traditional teeth straightening procedures.
Six Month Smiles are typically less expensive than traditional teeth straightening procedures	Clear braces enable you to still carry out your normal oral hygiene routine without the need to clean around fixed braces

Straightening your teeth can not only help to improve your confidence and self-esteem but can also help to dramatically improve the future health of your teeth and gums. Your oral health is improved following treatment as teeth are properly aligned so can be easily and effectively cleaned. This reduces the need for further dental treatment in the future.

Straighter teeth help the gums fit more securely around teeth and provides the strongest defence against periodontal problems. Properly aligned teeth can also decrease the stress placed on the jaw joints. If left untreated poorly aligned teeth can lead to chronic headaches and discomfort when you eat.

If you would like more help and advice on how teeth straightening can help to improve the appearance of your smile book an appointment online, or call West Wickham Dental Practice today on 0208 776 1188

Dentures vs Dental Implants

There is no longer any need to go through life with missing teeth. There are now a number of different options available to replace a missing tooth, with implants and dentures being the most common options. In this article we compare both options to help you make an informed choice as to whether dentures or implants are the right treatment for you.

Dentures	Implants
Dentures are made by creating either an acrylic (plastic) or chrome (metal) base and onto these composite teeth are added in a shade to match your natural teeth. This means once in place no-one should be able to tell that they are not your own teeth.	Implants are made by inserting a titanium screw into your jaw, which is then used to support a crown, bridge or denture depending on how many teeth need to be replaced.
Dentures can be made to replace either a few teeth or all the teeth on your upper or lower jaw. Dentures have the added advantage of allowing further teeth to be added following future extractions	Implants can be used to replace a few or all teeth. Implants can either be placed for individual teeth or can be used to support dentures replacing all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw
Dentures help to improve your appearance, bite and how you speak	Implants help to improve your appearance, bite and how you speak
Dentures can be fitted immediately after a tooth is extracted so no one will know you are missing a tooth	The base of the implant will be inserted into your jaw. This will then need to be left 3-4 months to heal before a crown, bridge or denture can be placed on top
Dentures can be fitted no matter how healthy your jaw is or whether you have lost the teeth because of damage, wear and tear, decay or periodontal disease	Implants can only be placed if you have sufficient bone in your jaw and it is healthy enough. If not a bone graft will be required prior to treatment starting
Dentures do not support the jaw so you will notice bone loss over time if you wear dentures	Implants help to maintain the bone levels in your jaw and can even help to promote bone growth needed to stabilise and secure the implant
Dentures are suitable for most people	Implants are not suitable if you smoke and if you suffer with gum disease there is a higher risk of the implant failing
Dentures can take time to get used to and will require practice to allow you to speak and eat with confidence	Implants look and feel like your natural teeth so you will be able to speak and eat with complete confidence
Dentures may need to be remade or relined as the shape of your jaw changes overtime	If cared for properly an implant should last as long as your natural teeth
Dentures are less expensive than implants but will only last on average 7 – 8 years before they need to be replaced	Implants are more expensive but once in place they should last a lifetime

If you would like more help and advice on whether dentures or implants are the right treatment for you book an appointment online, or call West Wickham Dental Practice today on 0208 776 1188

Teeth whitening is an effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without causing any damage to your teeth and gums. Tooth whitening can effectively lighten stains caused by foods, drinks and smoking. It can also improve stained teeth caused by some medications and the general ageing process.

The Law on Teeth Whitening

In 2012 new regulations where brought into effect, stating that teeth whitening is a dental procedure and as such should only be carried out by qualified dental professionals. This means that any beautician, hairdresser or salon staff offering tooth whitening will not have the necessary knowledge or training and are actually breaking the law by offering tooth whitening.

Regulation was also bought into effect to limit the strength of the whitening solutions used. Dentists can use solutions up to a maximum of 6% hydrogen peroxide whereas over the counter products and kits can only contain 0.1% hydrogen peroxide. This would be considered too low to have any noticeable effect on the colour of your teeth. So if you are looking for a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth consider asking your dentist at your next appointment.

At Home Tooth Whitening

Here at West Wickham Dental Practice we are able to offer at home teeth whitening

You will first need to attend the surgery for a consultation prior to starting your teeth whitening treatment. Our experienced dentist will be able to explain the sort of results that you can hope to achieve and the time frame for you to start to see results. She will also explain how the tooth whitening solution will only brighten the natural colour of your teeth. This means if you have crowns, veneers, bridges or dentures the whitening process will not affect the colour of these. This means it may be necessary to remake any dental restorations following whitening treatment so that they continue to match seamlessly with the new, brighter colour of your teeth.

Treatment

The dentist will first take impressions of your teeth. These are then used to create bespoke whitening trays. The dentist will show you how to apply the whitening gel to the trays and will explain how long and how often you will need to wear the trays depending on how quickly you are looking to get results.

Side Effects on Teeth Whitening

You may experience some sensitivity while you are whitening your teeth but this should subside within a couple of days of completing treatment. It may be a good idea to use a sensitive toothpaste during this time. Long term there are no negative side effects to teeth whitening and it can help to improve the health of gums.

We would expect the results to last for around 2 years although most people will have a top up treatment every six months.

If you would like more help and advice on getting a brighter, whiter smile book an appointment online, or call West Wickham Dental Practice today on  0208 776 1188

Different Tooth Filling Materials

If at any point your teeth become chipped or broken and need repairing there are a number of different materials available to help restore your teeth to their original condition. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best treatment option depending on the size of the area that needs to be repaired, whereabouts in your mouth the tooth is and the strength of your bite.

These treatment options include:

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings have improved greatly over the past few years as the demand for tooth coloured fillings has increased and they are now suitable for use in a much greater range of repairs. Composite fillings are made from powdered glass quartz, silica or other ceramic particles added to a resin base and are light set. They can be coloured to match closely the natural colour of your teeth.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays are made either in the laboratory by dental technicians from impressions taken by the dentist orin surgery using a Cerec machine. An inlay is small and placed within the biting surface of a tooth, while an onlay covers a much larger proportion of the tooth. Treatment may be completed over one or two visits and theinlay or onlay will be made of a porcelain material that will closely match the natural colour of your teeth. Porcelain is hard wearing and long lasting. Due to the time and skill taken to create inlays and onlays they will be more expensive than amalgam or composite fillings.

Crowns

Crowns are used for teeth that have been heavily damaged or have large areas of decay. A crown will fit over what is left of the tooth, similar to a thimble, making it strong and giving the appearance of a natural tooth. Crowns are made either in the laboratory by a dental technician or by the dentist using a Cerec machine in surgery. The tooth is first prepared and either impressions or phots taken depending on which method is being used and these are then used to create a custom made crown which is individually crafted to fit perfectly in your mouth and bite. They are also created so they match the natural colour of your teeth.

Prior to any treatment your dentist will discuss with you all the various options and provide details of the cost of treatment. The team atWest Wickham Dental Practice are able to work with you to create bespoke solutions to your specific dental needs and can help you to achieve the fantastic smile you want.

If you would like to find out how we can help you to achieve the perfect smile and repair damaged teeth book an appointment online, or call West Wickham Dental Practice today on 0208 776 1188

Dental Sedation - All you need to know.

Does the thought of sitting in the dental chair make you nervous? You are not alone, in fact studies have shown that 36% of adult patients suffer with moderate dental anxiety and 12% of adults have a dental phobia. However, putting off routine appointments and dental treatment can mean that you need much more extensive and complex treatment when you do attend.

All our dental staff are gentle, caring and sensitive to your needs, always discussing your treatment options and engaging you in all stages of treatment planning.

Intravenous Sedation

If you are really concerned about treatment we are able to offer intravenous sedation at the practice. This is given by injection either in the back of your hand or in your arm. The dose will depend on the amount of treatment needed and how long it will take to complete.

You will become drowsy and will not be aware that you are having treatment, but will still be able to cooperate and do what the dentist asks of you. The effects of the medication may take some time to wear off and because of this you will be required to bring someone with you to your treatment appointment who will be able to look after you following treatment. You will be unable to drink alcohol, drive or work machinery until the sedative medicine has left your system.

Uses of Intravenous Sedation

IV sedation, can be used for almost all types of dental treatments ranging from routine hygiene to extensive complex dental treatment, please. Additionally, IV sedation also has the ability to offer varying degrees of retrograde amnesia. This prevents recollection of the dental treatment which for some patients enables them to visit the dentist for routine check-up without being nervous.

Prior to undergoing treatment the dentist will need to have full details of your medical history and any medication you are taking whether or not they are prescribed by the dentist. This is to ensure that you are suitable for the treatment. If you have a very complex medical history it may be necessary to refer you to a specialist service for treatment.

Benefits of Sedation

• It allows the patient to visit their dentist without any pre-visit nerves and allows the dentist to
  
  complete the course of treatment in fewer visits than they would normally be               able to do so.
•  Many kinds of dental treatments can use sedation, allowing patients with different  types of dental phobia to relax and not have  to suffer the usual apprehension which they experience when visiting the dentist
•  It is particularly useful for those who suffer from dental phobia. It is also useful for those who have extremely sensitive teeth and find co-operating with the dentist and receiving dental treatment, as it will take the pain away from their treatment allowing them to receive the health care they deserve without the stress and anxiety that may usually accompany it.
•  Patients that have conditions which make controlling their body movements difficult such as Parkinson’s disease and who have gag reflexes that make controlling their mouth stressful will also benefit from sedation and the physical and mental relaxation that it gives to the patient.
• The patient can experience a freedom from their past fear and apprehension of the dentist, allowing them to receive treatment with peace of mind, as well as receiving treatment that they have not been able to have for many years because of their dental phobia. Patients that do not normally suffer from dental phobia can still take benefit from sedation during some treatments, particularly treatments that are very painful.
• For the dentist sedation gives them complete control during treatment as patients are more likely to co-operate fully with their dentist, and it also reduces the amount of time and number of sessions that dentists require to carry out their treatments on patients, because more treatment can be administered in a single session.

Dr Anhaar Mohamedali has had extensive oral surgery experience working at Kings College Hospital, where she routinely performed oral surgery on patients under IV sedation safely and comfortably. At West Wickham Dental Practice, we have routinely used IV sedation to treat patients apprehensive of dental treatment to make them Smile Proud! Book an appointment online, or call us today on 0208 776 1188

Healthy Teeth Equals Healthy Heart

New findings have shown that there is a definite link between oral health and problems in other parts of the body.

Problems which may be caused or made worse by poor dental health include:

• Heart disease
• Strokes
• Diabetes
• Lung Disease

In this article we will look specifically at the effect gum disease can have on our hearts. Gum disease is also currently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK. So be sure to make oral hygiene a top priority for a healthy heart and show stopping smile!

Signs of Gum Disease

The main signs of gum disease are:

• Inflammation of the gums, causing them to be red, swollen and to bleed easily
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Irregular mouth infections

If you notice any of these symptoms you should see your dental team. Everyone will be affected by gum disease at some point in their lives. However if it is effectively treated it should leave no lasting damage. Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria, on the surface of teeth and gums.

If you are smoker you are much more likely to experience gum disease, as smoking has been found to cause higher levels of bacteria in the plaque on your teeth and because of the reduced amount of oxygen in your bloodstream, infected gums will take much longer to heal.

Keeping your heart healthy

People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery heart disease as people without gum disease. Bacteria present in the plaque on teeth enter the bloodstream and produce proteins. These proteins cause the platelets in the blood to stick together in the blood vessels. If this happens in a great enough quantity it can increase the risk of blood clots forming. Blood clots reduce the normal blood flow affecting the amount of nutrients and oxygen reaching the heart. If this happens in enough quantity it can lead to a heart attack.

Treatment

Normally the first sign you will experience if you have gum disease is gums that bleed when you eat or brush yourteeth. You may also notice you have bad breath.

The best treatment for gum disease is to ensure that you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day by brushing and by cleaning in between your teeth.

At each check-up the dentist will assess your teeth and gums for any sign of gum disease. They will use probes to measure the amount of gum present around the teeth and may take x-rays to determine if there has been any bone loss in your jaw.

The dentist will remove the plaque and tartar present on your teeth and will refer you to the hygienist for ongoing cleanings. The hygienist will also be able to advise you on the best oral hygiene routine to ensure that you remove plaque effectively at home, through tooth brushing and inter-dental cleaning.

If left untreated gum disease can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the gums to recede and can lead to the loss of bone which anchors the teeth to the jaw. Over time teeth may become loose and even fall out.

If you would like help and advice to look after your teeth and gums, do not hesitate to contact West Wickham Dental Practice on 0208 776 1188 and book a consultation to find out how we can help you ensure that your heart stays healthy!

Teeth Whitening- Guide London

Wondering how teeth whitening works? Below is a brief guide with all the essential information on Teeth Whitening. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in West Wickham, Bromley and London in general.

5 Steps To Help You Smile Proud

Recent studies have shown that people often underestimate the age of someone who has a bright white smile, believing that it makes them look younger and more attractive. Your smile will often be the first thing a person will notice about you. Therefore making sure your smile is in tip top condition has never been so important.

Looking after your teeth can help improve your self-confidence and overall health and wellbeing. With a dazzling smile who knows what you can achieve!

In this article we look at our 5 steps to a great smile.

1. Oral hygiene

The first step to caring for your teeth is to ensure that you have in place an effective oral hygiene routine. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and use interdental cleaning aids such as floss, tape or interdental brushes to clean the 40% of tooth surfaces that brushing alone cannot reach. This ensures that you remove food particles that can become trapped between teeth. If left these provide a food source for bacteria and in the long term can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Regular Dental Appointments

At your dental examination the dentist will complete a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth and gums. This enables any problems to be identified early and should reduce the need for expensive and invasive treatments. The dentist may also advise that you see the hygienist who can provide regular scaling and polishing and oral hygiene advice. By ensuring that plaque and stains are not allowed to build up, you can ensure that your teeth remain as healthy as possible for a long as possible. At the end of each appointment the dentist or hygienist will advise you on when you next need to attend for an appointment.

3. Healthy Diet

Include plenty of dairy and other calcium rich foods in your diet to help maintain strong teeth and bones. Calciumcan be found in milk, yoghurt, butter and fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin C in citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons and limes, also helps to improve gum health. Sugary and sticky foods that stick to the crevices of your teeth are particularly bad as bacteria feed off the sugars and release acids that cause cavities. It is best where possible to restrict sugary foods to meal times to prevent regular acid attacks on your teeth.

4. Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening is a safe and effective way of brightening the natural colour of your teeth. Teeth whitening can improve staining caused by foods, drinks, smoking, medications and the general ageing process.

There are two main forms of tooth whitening:

• At home tooth whitening

In this case the dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which are used to create custom made whitening trays. The dentist will show you how to load the trays with whitening solution and you will need to wear this for 30 minutes to 8 hours overnight depending on the strength of the gel and the speed at which you are looking for results. This can be done in your own time and so can be fitted in at a time to suit you.

• In surgery tooth whitening

In this case the whitening gel will be applied to your teeth in the dental surgery and will be activated using a blue light. This process may be repeated 3 or 4 times in an hour session. It is often advised that in surgery tooth whitening is followed up with a course of at home tooth whitening in order to ensure the best possible results.

The effects of whitening would normally be expected to last for 2-3 years but this will depend on lifestyle factors. Your dentist will be able to give you an idea of the expected results prior to starting treatment.

5. Smile Makeover

For those people who would like to completely rejuvenate their smile, a smile makeover may be the treatment foryou. The dentist will complete a detailed assessment of your teeth and smile and will put together an individual treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. This may include crowns, bridges, implants, tooth whitening and facial aesthetics to help give you the younger and brighter smile you desire.

Here at West Wickham Dental Practice we are able to offer a wide range of services to help you achieve a great smile, including white fillings, teeth whitening, teeth straightening, dental implants, crowns and veneers.

If you have any questions or would like to find out what we are able to offer you, do not hesitate to contact the surgery on 0208 776 1188 and book a consultation to find out how we can help you Smile Proud today!