South Dublin Dentists Help Patients to take Care of Their Teeth and Gums

Dublin18 Dental Care, South Dublin is here to support patients in taking care of their teeth and gums, but the hard work of preventing oral health problems has to be done at home too. Of course regular check-ups and appointments with our dental hygienist are a vital part of your oral healthcare routine, but it is no good taking care of your teeth and gums in the week leading up to an appointment at the clinic if you neglect your mouth for the rest of the year.

There are three important steps to ensure that your teeth and gums are as clean – and therefore as healthy – as possible; brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Everyone was probably taught how to brush their teeth as children, and when it comes to your own kids it is never too early to start. You should even start with a damp cloth on your baby’s gums if their teeth are not yet emerged.

Toothbrushes should be changed every two or three months, or when the bristles are starting to go flat. People with sensitive gums should make sure they select a brush with soft bristles to avoid bleeding. There are lots of expensive toothbrush brands with fancy attachments and angled heads; while they do make it easier to reach awkward spots at the back of the mouth, you can still give your teeth and gums a good clean with a basic but effective model.

Flossing is an essential part of an oral healthcare regime as it gets to the places that toothbrushes can’t; the tiny gaps between your teeth and even below the gum line. Dental floss can remove any trapped pieces of food or layers of plaque that have escaped the brush; and if you find flossing with string awkward, there are disposable plastic floss sticks which are much easier to use.

Finish your routine every morning, night and after each meal with mouthwash. Not only will this kill off the bacteria that cause bad breath, but it gives your teeth and gums one last clean to catch any food or plaque that both the brush and the floss have left behind.

Dublin18 Dental Care Offers Regular Dental Checks for Patients from Leopardstown

The most important procedure you will ever have carried out at your dentist is your regular check-up. This appointment, often only made twice a year, can help keep your teeth healthy and spot any potential problems early, so they don’t become major problems. Dental health checks not only help patients maintain good oral health, but dentists can often spot the first signs of conditions such as mouth or throat cancer during these regular visits, diseases which are easier to treat if found early.

At Dublin18 Dental Care there is a comprehensive and detailed 13-point plan that all the dentists follow when giving patients a dental health check, whether they are new clients from Leopardstown or they have been coming here for years. Although each person is different and will have different problems and issues that they want to discuss with the dentist, the 13-point plan has been developed to cover the most common problems.

It will start with a general chat about the patient’s current oral and general health before the dentist carries out that vital screening for mouth cancer. Other areas of the mouth are then checked for any signs of disease, such as the salivary glands and the tongue. Only then does the practitioner move on to the parts of the mouth that other dentists usually start with i.e. the teeth and gums. After checking for any indication of tooth decay and any issues with the patient’s current fillings, crowns or false teeth, the next step at Dublin18 Dental Care is to make sure that both the teeth and the jaw are in the correct place.

After the gums have been checked the dentist will again have a chat with the patient about their oral healthcare routine. On a first visit, or if the practitioner has spotted something unusual, X-Rays may be required, but most dental health checks will end once both the patient and dentist are happy that all areas of the mouth have been checked and all questions answered.

Mouthguards are Available at Dublin18 Dental Care for People in Leopardstown

You don’t have to be a professional boxer or rugby player to need a mouthguard. In fact you don’t need to be interested in sport at all, as mouthguards of different shapes and designs can be used for many different purposes. Whatever the reason you need a mouthguard, the staff at Dublin18 Dental Care will be able to give you advice and information before you make your decision.

Quite a number of the enquiries we receive about mouthguards are from patients who grind their teeth while asleep. This is not just an annoying habit, but something that can cause problems with oral health further down the line. Often people don’t even realise they are grinding their teeth, until a new partner mentions it or they decide to try and find out just why they always have such a sore mouth in the morning. Specially-designed mouthguards can be worn at night to prevent damage to both the teeth and jaw. Mouthguards are comfortable to wear and many people get used to wearing their mouthguard at night within just a few days.

Anyone who has had orthodontic work done at Dublin18 Dental Care near Leopardstown will be given a retainer to wear once their braces are removed to make sure that their newly-straightened teeth don’t slip back into their old positions. An Essex retainer is different to the usual style and is more like a mouthguard, made of moulded plastic, which is comfortable to wear and easy to remove and maintain. Patients who are given an Essex retainer should wear it every night and for at least four hours each day, to make sure that they keep their new smile looking as straight as possible.

However, we do still get many enquiries from sportsmen and women about mouthguards that will protect them during their chosen activity and a lot of the time it is parents who are concerned about the safety of a child who has just started playing rugby at school or taken up boxing. Any sport that involves significant physical contact could require participants to wear a mouthguard, in order to protect their teeth in the event of an accidental or, in the case of boxing, deliberate blows to the mouth.

The Importance of Dental Bridges from Dublin18 Dental Care for People from Deansgrange

Having a dental bridge fitted is a common procedure and is one of the most effective ways of dealing with missing teeth. The natural teeth either side of the gap are used to anchor the false tooth in place, which helps to create a completely natural smile that no-one would ever know has been created thanks to the wonders of dentistry! Bridges can either be permanent, in which case they are cemented to the natural teeth, or removable, and both can be fitted in just a couple of appointments at Dublin18 Dental Care near Deansgrange.

But why is it so important to have a false tooth securely fitted wherever there is a gap in our smiles? Aside from the fact that gaps, even at the back, look ugly and can really affect a person’s self confidence, gaps can also affect the teeth that remain around them, as well as the general oral health of the patient. Even those who have decided to get a bridge fitted do not realise this, as they have often made the decision to undergo the treatment for what they see as purely cosmetic reasons.

Our mouths were designed to boast a full set of teeth, and each tooth has their own job to do when it comes to eating, chewing and even speaking. If one tooth is missing that dynamic is destroyed and some teeth have to take on jobs they were not designed to do, putting them under unexpected stress.

Missing teeth also means that your whole mouth and jaw area are not getting the full support they need, something which is especially important with the back teeth. Many people who are missing teeth right at the back of their mouth decide that they don’t need a bridge, but over time these empty spaces can cause cheeks to appear sunken and the appearance of dreaded wrinkles.

Finally, an empty area of gum where a tooth used to be is much more at risk of infection, which can cause gum disease. Gum disease has now also been linked to other more serious conditions affecting the heart and respiratory systems. The decision to get a dental bridge to complete your smile is therefore not a vain one and could be a move that could end up saving your life!

General Dentistry Available from Dublin18 Dental Care near Dundrum

Dublin18 Dental Care has a vast array of cosmetic dental treatments available, but our primary concern has always been the health of your teeth. It is impossible to achieve a healthy smile if your teeth aren’t at their natural best.

Dental health checks

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly helps maintain the health of your teeth, but it is also important to get checked out by Dublin18 Dental Care near Dundrum every so often (approximately every six months). This means your dentist can check that there are no problems developing and you can discuss any worries you have. Your dentist can also offer advice about how you can improve your oral hygiene routine.

Fillings

Fillings are designed to provide protection against bacteria by forming a seal over a damaged tooth. Composite fillings are white in colour and therefore far more popular than traditional amalgam metal fillings. They often cost more but are worth it for a completely natural looking smile. Cerec onlays combine the sturdiness of amalgam fillings with the discreet nature of composite fillings and able to treat larger cavities.

Root canal treatment

This is a slightly unpleasant but completely necessary treatment that involves drilling into the tooth cavity and removing diseased pulp. The tooth is then refilled with dental putty and sealed. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic so it is completely painless and can save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

Extractions

Unfortunately, leaving an infected tooth inside the mouth can endanger your health, and that tooth will need to be removed. Usually teeth can be removed under local anaesthetic by your dentist, but sometimes more invasive surgery may be required. No matter what happens, you will always be in the hands of an experienced dental professional who is acting in your best interests. There are many options available for replacing lost teeth, which can be found in other areas of the website.

No matter how large or small, Dublin18 Dental Care is here to deal with all your dental needs.

Dublin18 Dental Care near Foxrock Care about Children’s Dental Health

Want to know the best way to look after your children’s teeth? It’s as easy as A – B – C!

A is for … ADVICE. As a parent, it is important to know that you are doing the right thing for your child. Taking your child to regular dental check-ups at Dublin18 Dental Care near Foxrock is important, because at these appointments you will be able to get all the advice you need to help ensure your child’s teeth are healthy, strong and well looked after. Dentists draw upon their expert knowledge and years of experience to help you make informed choices about your child’s dental health care. Regular visits to the dentist will help familiarise your child with the practice, reduce their nerves and minimise the risk of developing dental phobia.

B is for… BRACES. Deciding whether or not your child needs orthodontic treatment can be a difficult decision, but the importance of braces should not be under-estimated. Braces can help correct tooth alignment problems, such as gaps, crowding or abnormally shaped teeth. They also correct bad bites, including Overbites (when the upper teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth), Underbites (when the lower set of teeth overlap the top teeth) and Crossbites. Properly aligned teeth not only improve your child’s confidence and self-esteem, they also ensure that your child can eat and speak properly and maintain good oral hygiene in later life. If your son or daughter is worried about wearing the traditional metal braces, ask their dentist about some of the more discreet treatment options, such as our ‘invisible’ braces.

C is for… CLEAN. When it comes to young children and oral hygiene, it is important to establish a good routine. Teeth should be brushed twice a day – once in the morning and once at night before bed. The recommended brushing time is two minutes, and you could even try setting an egg timer to make the process more fun for your child and to let them know when they can stop. There’s also a good selection of novelty toothbrushes out there to make brushing more appealing for children. To strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent tooth decay, it is important to buy toothpaste that contains fluoride and to monitor their sugar intake.

The Importance of a Visit to Dublin18 Dental Care’s Dental Hygienist Serving Carrickmines

Dental hygienists don’t just clean your teeth – they are there to check that your teeth and mouth are in good health and offer advice on the best products and techniques required to maintain good oral hygiene. Sometimes a hygienist may even offer you dietary advice if they believe that it will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Neglecting your oral hygiene can cause discolouration or staining of the teeth, gum disease (swollen, inflamed and bleeding gums) and even tooth loss.

Here are some of the things a dental hygienist can do for you.

Scaling and Polishing

By scaling and polishing your teeth, the hygienist at Dublin18 Dental Care serving Carrickmines removes plaque (a yellowish coloured substance that clings to your teeth caused by a build up of bacteria) and tartar (also known as calculus, plaque that has become hard and scaly over time). A dental cleaning helps makes your teeth both look and feel cleaner and will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Fluoride Therapy

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel. It is applied to the surface of the teeth in the form of a gel, foam or varnish, to help prevent plaque from forming.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants work in a similar way to fluoride application. A clear or tooth-coloured substance is applied to the teeth (mainly those at the back of the mouth) to form a protective layer that will ‘seal’ the surface of the tooth and make it smoother. This treatment helps prevent plaque build-up both on and around the teeth and protects them from decay.

Hygienists are there to give patients advice and guidance about the best ways that they can look after their teeth. First and foremost, a visit to the hygienist should be seen as a preventative step – hygienists have been specially trained to notice problems with your teeth and gums at an early stage in order to prevent them developing into more serious conditions.

Can Root Canal Treatment from Dublin18 Dental Care Near Leopardstown Save Your Smile?

A root canal is a channel of soft dental pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels, which goes from the root of the tooth right down to the bottom of the crown (the parts of the tooth you can see in your mouth). There can be additional root canal in each tooth.

What is root canal treatment?

If your root canal becomes infected, most commonly due to tooth decay, you are left with two options. The first is to extract the tooth, which, as you can imagine, could completely ruin your smile. The second is root canal treatment from Dublin18 Dental Care near Leopardstown.

Root canal treatment involves the dentist drilling into your tooth and removing any dead or diseased pulp from within. Although that may sound intimidating, local anaesthetic is used, so you won’t feel a thing and your dentist will make sure that you are comfortable throughout the treatment. If necessary, your dentist may put some medicine inside the cavity to ensure that all the bacteria is gone. The now empty cavity is then filled up, most commonly with a rubber like substance called gutta percha and the tooth is sealed with a crown or a filling to stop bacteria entering the tooth again.

As the anaesthetic wears off you may experience pain or discomfort in the affected tooth. This is normal and can be remedied with painkillers. You will then have to go for checkups annually, so your dentist can check that everything is going smoothly.

It is well worth getting root canal treatment if you are a suitable candidate, as it is always better to save a tooth than deal with losing one.

Patients near Rathmichael Want to Learn about Dental Implant Treatment from Dublin18 Dental Care

A dental implant, to put it simply, is a device made of titanium that is implanted into the bone of the jaw. It acts as an anchor for new teeth and is an alternative to bridges or dentures.

How do I get one?

The procedure is a fairly lengthy one. First off your teeth and gums need to be clean and healthy and Dublin18 Dental Care, serving patients from Rathmichael, will need to check that the bones in your jaw are dense enough to accommodate the implant. A small hole is then drilled in the precise place where the implant will be (don’t worry, you will be under local anaesthetic at this point). The implant is fitted into the hole and the gum is stitched back over the area. The implant is then left to fuse with your jawbone, which can take anything from six weeks to six months. Dentures and bridges can be worn during this time, but care should be taken not to put too much pressure on the implant.

When enough time has passed, a temporary crown can be fitted to the implant for around four to six weeks. After this permanent tooth restorations can be attached.

What are the advantages?

The procedure may seem long and complicated, but there are many advantages.

The biggest benefit for most people is that these implants look and function like your natural teeth. Dentures can be painful and can sometimes come loose and often need to be refitted as the shape of your mouth changes. Implants can be treated like your ordinary teeth and require no extra care and after a while, people often forget that they are there as they feel so natural. Implants usually last up to thirty years and can even last a lifetime if treated properly.

The risk factors of this procedure are low, but as always you should consult your dentist before making any decisions.

Dublin18 Dental Care is Happy to Provide Dental Check-ups to Patients Near Foxrock

Getting your teeth checked by a dentist is an important part of your general health routine. How regularly you need to be checked varies, depending on how healthy your teeth are. But why are dental check-ups so important?

What will my dentist check?

Your Dublin18 Dental Care dentist near Foxrock will carry out a 15 point dental health check and will discuss any issues or concerns that may arise. When they carry out this examination, they are looking for signs of plaque build up, gum disease and any other potential problems. They will then give you advice on how to maintain or improve the health of your teeth. At the end of your appointment you will receive a full detailed treatment plan and your follow on appointment.

What if something needs treatment?

If your dentist finds something that needs further treatment they will discuss your options. It may be worrying to think about the prospect of dental treatment, but this is no reason to avoid your dental checkups. If there is a problem it is best to catch it early, when it will be easily treatable. Allowing issues to continue may entail lengthy treatments and more cost to you. Your dentist will inform you about every stage of your treatment in detail and you will be able to outline your preferences.

The health of your teeth dictates the regularity of your dental checkups. Following the advice, your dentist will ensure that you maintain healthy teeth; therefore reducing the number of visits you need to make with your dentist.