oral health

Dental Check Ups With Dr Kevin Murphy At Dublin18 Dental Care Near Deansgrange

At Dublin18 Dental Care we believe that good dental health starts with good dental hygiene. That’s why during this month of September we are offering a complimentary hygienist session for all our patients who book a dental check up with Dr Kevin Murphy.

Our 13-point dental health check

During your check up we will assess 13 key areas, to ensure that you are in the very best of dental health.

We will discuss any personal concerns you have about your teeth and mouth.
We will look over your medical history and discuss how certain issues may affect your dental health.
We will carry out an oral cancer screening, checking your lips, cheeks, tongue, glands and skin for any warning signs. Catching oral cancer early can literally save your life.
We will check the flow of saliva in the mouth.
We will look over the tongue for illnesses or bad-breath causing coatings.
We will check for tooth decay.
We will check for erosion and cracks, which are an indication of wear.
We will examine any existing fillings, bridges and crowns you have, to ensure that they are still performing at an optimal level.
We will check how your bite sits in your mouth, as misalignment can cause numerous problems
We will check the joints of your jaw and its muscles for problems that may be affecting the way you eat and chew.
We will look over your gums to ensure that you are not suffering from periodontal disease.
We will look at areas in the mouth that you have been accidentally missing during your oral hygiene routine. We will then provide advice as to the best way to address these areas.
We may also provide x-ray examination if we feel we need to check between, under or inside your teeth.

Why are dental checks and cleaning sessions so important?

The health of your mouth can affect your whole body, with numerous studies linking dental plaque to heart disease and other problems. Oral cancer is also a worry, not just to your mouth but also to your whole body, but with a dental health check and a hygienist clean you can feel happy in the health of your mouth. Our 13-point health check helps us spot any problems you may have, and with a hygienist cleaning session plaque and bacteria that cause so many problems will be banished. To arrange a dental health check-up with Dr Kevin Murphy contact the team at Dublin18 Dental Care near Deansgrange,

What Should I Look For In A Good Toothpaste Near Foxrock Village?

If you’ve been shopping for toothpaste recently, you will probably have noticed that there hundreds of different products on offer, so how do you choose which toothpaste is best for you?

We recommend using fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel ad protect the teeth from decay and damage. Most toothpastes contain fluoride, but you should take care when buying products for children, as the level of fluoride in adult toothpaste may be too high and it is usually best to stick to children’s oral hygiene products, particularly with children under the age of 6 years old.

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth

Sensodyne is the leading toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth and they have a range of products, which are designed to reduce sensitivity, provide relief from pain caused by sensitivity and protect the enamel. Sensitivity is caused by the enamel becoming worn; this results in the dentin being exposed.

Whitening toothpaste

The jury is out on whitening toothpaste, as some studies have shown that they have little effect. You may notice minor changes in the shade of your teeth, but if you are looking for drastic results, a professional whitening treatment is a much more reliable option.

Toothpaste features and benefits

If you take time to read the labels or packaging on toothpaste, you will see the features of the toothpaste listed; these usually include fighting bad breath, preventing gum disease and strengthening the teeth, but you can also buy products that claim to whiten the teeth and remove surface stains, repair and protect the enamel and tackle plaque.

If you have any questions about toothpaste or any other oral hygiene products, our dentists and dental hygienists will be happy to answer them and recommend products, which will benefit you and cater for your individual needs. Contact us at Dublin18 Dental Care near Foxrock Village for more oral hygiene information.

The Important Role Our Hygienists Play In Dental Health For Patients Near Seapoint

Many of us are aware that brushing our teeth helps to keep cavities and gum disease at bay, but did you know that dental hygiene also has a major impact on your overall health?

Our experienced dental hygienists are a very important part of the Dublin18 Dental team and they offer an array of services to promote good oral health and reduce the risk of harmful oral health conditions.

What do dental hygienists do?

Dental hygienists are experts in oral hygiene and they provide a range of treatments and therapies, which are designed to strengthen and protect the teeth, keep the gums and teeth healthy and the mouth clean and fresh. Cleaning treatments are much more intensive than brushing at home and they leave the teeth shiny and bright and the breath lovely and fresh. Cleaning treatments can also lighten the teeth by removing surface stains, which gives you a gorgeous, glowing smile.

One of the most important services offered by our dental hygienists is gum disease treatment; our hygienists work closely with the dentists to treat and manage gum disease and ensure that patients are pain-free and as healthy as possible. Scale and polish treatments and advice about oral hygiene, smoking and nutrition can all help to ease symptoms of gum disease and reduce the risk of problems in the future.

Prevention is better than cure

At Dublin18 Dental Care near Seapoint we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure and we offer sealant treatment and fluoride varnish for children to help strengthen the teeth and reduce the risk of dental decay. The treatments are quick and completely painless.

Our hygienists are also committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and they are always on hand to offer advice about choosing oral hygiene products, brushing technique, healthy eating and giving up smoking.

Dental hygiene is really important, especially as numerous studies have now indicated that poor oral health increases the risk of general health conditions, including heart disease and strokes.

Oral Cancer Screening For Patients Near The Park- Dublin18

Oral cancer is an increasingly prevalent form of cancer; research suggests that the number of cases has almost doubled in the last decade alone and alarmingly, survival rates have stalled, as many cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Oral cancer affects the mouth, tongue or throat; it is also known as mouth cancer. Oral cancer has become increasingly common among young people in the last decade and more than 300 cases are diagnosed in Ireland every year.

What causes oral cancer?

There are many risk factors for oral cancer; they include smoking, drinking alcohol, a poor diet and exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV). People who smoke and drink are up to 30 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers who drink in moderation.

Symptoms of oral cancer

Symptoms of oral cancer include red or white patches in the mouth or throat, abnormal swelling or lumps in the mouth or throat, which may cause difficulty with swallowing and slow-healing sores or ulcers.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the warning signs and symptoms of oral cancer and this means that they do not seek help from their doctor or dentist; as the disease progresses, the chances of survival decrease. Regular check-ups are very important because they enable dentists to look for the early warning signs of oral cancer; if there are symptoms, treatment can be arranged as early as possible, which increases the chance of survival.

Preventing oral cancer

It may be impossible to prevent oral cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition considerably. Giving up smoking has a range of benefits for your oral and general health and we can offer advice and support to help you quit. Limiting alcohol intake will also reduce your risk of oral cancer, as well as a host of other illnesses, including liver disease and high blood pressure. Aim to get your 5 a day every day and avoid processed, fatty and sugary foods. HPV has emerged as a major risk factor for oral cancer, especially among younger people, so take care to have safe sex.

Regular dental checks are essential; check-ups are very quick and straight-forward, but they can save lives; we recommend attending a check-up every 6 months at Dublin18 Dental Care near The Park- Dublin18.

School Is Out For Summer- Children’s Oral Health Near Cornelscourt

Many of us have find memories of the bell ringing to mark the end of the summer term and the start of the holidays, but the summer holidays can be troublesome for children’s teeth. This summer, make sure your children have the time of their life, rather than worrying about toothache or having to visit the dentist with painful abscesses or cavities, and organise a check-up for your child.

The summer holidays are a great opportunity for families to spend time together, have fun, get out and about and relax, but a long period of time off school can have its problems, especially for the teeth and gums. The holidays are synonymous with treats, which can spell trouble for little teeth.

Healthy eating advice for parents

Diet plays a really important role in children’s oral health and unfortunately, many children tend to go a bit crazy in the holidays and indulge in all kinds of sweet treats, from chocolate bars and sweeties to ice lollies and ice creams. Most of us like sweets, but they are incredibly damaging to the teeth and if you are planning to treat your child this summer, try to restrict their consumption of sugary foods to mealtimes. Eating sugary snacks and drinking fizzy drinks between meals means that the teeth are under constant attack; when you eat sugary foods or drinks, the bacteria in plaque releases harmful plaque acids, which erode the protective tooth enamel.

Try to encourage your children to eat healthy foods; you can encourage children to eat healthily by making cooking and food preparation fun, getting them involved and talking to them about the benefits their meals and snacks have for their body.

Some ‘healthy’ drinks and snacks are harmful for the teeth and many parents are unaware that the drinks they are buying their children are actually doing more harm than good. Fruit juices and smoothies often contain a lot of sugar and many are also acidic, which causes problems for the tooth enamel. Try to stick to sugar-free juices and avoid drinking smoothies and fruit juice between meals.

Check-ups

The summer holidays are the ideal time to book a check-up for your child; with so much time off, there are plenty of opportunities to arrange a check-up without the child having to miss out on valuable school hours. Check-ups only last a few minutes, they are completely painless and they enable dentists to check that your child’s mouth is healthy. At Dublin18 Dental Care near Cornelscourt we recommend 6 monthly check-ups for children from the age of 12 months old. Check-ups enable dentists to identify problems, such as cavities, as early as possible and this means that treatment can be arranged before the situation gets worse, preventing children from suffering from dental pain.

Gum Disease Advice For Patients Near Seapoint

Many people are aware that brushing their teeth helps to keep gum disease and cavities at bay, but did you know that your oral hygiene regime can also help to reduce the risk of serious general health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and strokes?

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an oral disease, which affects the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. The warning signs of gum disease include bleeding, which usually occurs during or after brushing, swollen and red gums and soreness. Mild gum disease (gingivitis) is treatable with good oral hygiene, but if it is left untreated, it can develop into periodontal disease. This can cause permanent damage to the gums and may even result in tooth loss. Gum disease is the most common cause of premature tooth loss in adults in the UK.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky white substance, which is made from bacteria and food debris. If plaque is not removed by brushing or flossing, it collects and starts to irritate the gums, causing inflammation and pain. Additional risk factors for gum disease include smoking, a poor diet, stress and hormonal changes.

Gum disease is extremely common, affecting around 80 per cent of people at some point in their lives.

What should I do if I have symptoms of gum disease?

If your gums are swollen, sore or red and you notice blood when you brush your teeth, see your dentist as soon as possible; it is important to treat gum disease early to prevent it from developing into a long-term condition. Other symptoms of gum disease include pain when you bite down on food and increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. Symptoms of advanced gum disease include unpleasant smelling breath and loose tooth.

Gum disease can cause complications during labour and childbirth and it is particularly important for pregnant women to see their dentist for regular check-ups.

What are the health implications of gum disease?

Numerous studies conducted in countries all over the world have implied that gum disease has wider health implications, including an increased risk of heart disease and strokes, both of which are life-threatening conditions. Gum disease affects general health because harmful bacteria from the mouth can travel to other parts of the body and researchers believe that in some cases, the bacteria can contribute to narrowing of the arteries (known as atherosclerosis), which may reduce the efficiency of blood flow around the body and the formation of blood clots, which may block blood flow, resulting in a heart attack (when blood flow to the heart is blocked) or stroke (when blood flow to the brain is disrupted). Contact the team at Dublin18 Dental Care near Seapoint for more information

Sugar-Free Chewing Gum: Benefits For Your Oral Health For Patients Near Blackrock

As a child, you may have been told off for chewing gum, but some types of chewing gum can actually be beneficial for your oral health.

How can chewing gum benefit me?

Chewing sugar free chewing gum increases the production of saliva, the moist substance, which is secreted into the mouth to aid chewing and remove food debris from the mouth after eating. It is important that the mouth is kept moist and saliva is constantly secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands. Without saliva, the mouth would be very dry and it would be difficult to eat and chew food properly.

Saliva can also help to neutralise plaque acids, which can be very damaging for the protective tooth enamel; it also helps to wash away food particles and remineralise tooth enamel. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which has numerous benefits, but it is important to stick to sugar-free gum. Sugary gum is not good for the teeth and it can be very harmful for the tooth enamel, as sugary foods cause bacteria to release harmful plaque acids, which attack and weaken the enamel and exposes the teeth to bacterial infection.

When should I chew gum?

Sugar-free chewing gum also helps to keep breath smelling clean and fresh after eating and is particularly beneficial for people who are prone to bad breath after meals. Research has shown that chewing sugar free chewing gum for 2 minutes after meals and snacks can help to reduce tooth decay by up to 40%, which is very helpful for patients who are at high risk of developing cavities and caries.

Dublin18 Dental Care near Blackrock are supplying free samples of Wrigley’s chewing gum which can be picked up at your dental appointment; please ask the reception team or your dentist for details.

Heart Disease In Connection With Dentistry For Patients Near Deansgrange

Many people are aware that heart disease is the UK and Ireland’s biggest killer, but did you know that your oral health has a bearing on your heart health?

How is oral health linked to heart disease?

In recent years, numerous studies have linked poor oral health to an increased risk of heart disease and strokes. Bacteria from the mouth can travel to other parts of the body, triggering an immune system response, which cause inflammation; this can disrupt blood flow around the body.

Inflammation is a cause of heart attacks and strokes; heart attacks occur when there is a blockage in blood flow to the heart and strokes are caused by disruption in blood flow to the brain. If blood flow is interrupted or slowed, this means that oxygen is not travelling around the body as it should and the organs are not getting enough oxygen.

A healthy mouth, a healthy heart

Like oral health diseases, many cases of heart disease are preventable and lifestyle changes that improve oral health are often likely to improve general health. Diet plays a very important role in determining how healthy your mouth and body are and many of the foods that contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are also harmful for the teeth and gums. Sugary foods like cakes, sweets and biscuits can contribute to decay and gum disease, as well as diabetes and weight-related health problems, including hypertension and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Looking after your mouth helps to reduce the risk of heart disease; studies have found that heart disease is much more common among people who have gum disease, compared to those who have good oral health and keeping your teeth and gums healthy is so simple. At Dublin18 Dental Care near Deansgrange we actively promote good oral hygiene and regular dental visits where we check for oral cancer. We also offer preventative treatments and advice about giving up smoking, dealing with bad breath and eating a healthy diet.

We advise our patients to brush their teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste, floss and rinse with mouthwash regularly and to see their dentist every 6 months for a routine check-up. Diet is also very important and we urge patients to keep an eye on their sugar consumption and to avoid eating sugary or acidic foods and drinks between meals.

Hygienist Teeth Cleaning For Patients Near Ballinteer

If you are looking for that dentist-clean feeling, why not visit one of our brilliant dental hygienists? At Dublin18 Dental Care, our team of dental hygienists are an integral part of the practice and we actively promote oral hygiene and good oral health.

What does a hygienist do?

A dental hygienist is an expert in oral hygiene and the prevention of oral health conditions, such as gum disease. Dental hygienists actively promote good oral health, they are on hand to talk to patients about brushing tips, oral hygiene products and diet and they can also help with giving up smoking and making lifestyle changes. Dental hygienists also play a very important role in the prevention and treatment of gum disease, a very common condition, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Why would I need to see a dental hygienist?

You can see a dental hygienist for many reasons and you do not necessarily have to have anything wrong with you to see a hygienist. Many people like to visit a hygienist on a regular basis to achieve a deep clean, keep their teeth looking clean and healthy and reduce their risk of developing oral health problems.

You may be advised to see a dental hygienist if you have gum disease or you smoke. A dental hygienist can use treatments, such as scale and polish, to remove deposits of tartar from the teeth and ensure that your mouth is as clean as possible. Tartar is a hard substance, which develops when plaque hardens; unlike plaque, it cannot be removed by brushing alone. Dental hygienists can also advise you about healthy eating, brushing and choosing the best dental hygiene products; they can also help with quitting smoking.

Visiting a dental hygienist will keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy and reduce your risk of developing oral health problems; recent studies have indicated that gum disease can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, strokes and diabetes, so looking after your teeth and gums has never been more important! Contact us today at Dublin18 Dental Care near Ballinteer to find out more about our excellent dental hygiene service.

Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings at Dublin18 Dental Care for People near Goatstown

Oral cancer is becoming increasingly common and oral cancer screenings are really important for ensuring cases are diagnosed at an early stage when cancer is more treatable. Unfortunately, research shows that most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, as many people are unaware of the symptoms and causes and neglect regular check-ups. This means that survival rates have remained at the same level for the last 5 years. Here at Dublin18 Dental Care near Goatstown we are committed to the fight against oral cancer, actively encouraging all of our patients to attend regular check-ups and oral cancer screenings.

About oral cancer

This is a form of cancer that affects the mouth, tongue or throat. Research shows that this form of cancer has become much more common over the last ten years, with the number of cases almost doubling.

Risk factors include smoking, drinking alcohol, a poor diet and exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection.

Symptoms of oral cancer include red or white patches in the mouth, abnormal lumps or swelling in the mouth or throat, and ulcers that take a long time (more than 2 weeks) to heal. It is extremely important to see your dentist or doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival by up to 90 per cent.

What does an oral cancer screening involve?

The screening process is vital for improving survival rates and only takes a few minutes. The actually screening test is similar to a quick check-up. There is absolutely no pain involved and your dentist will simply check for relevant symptoms and changes in your mouth. If your dentist suspects that there may be warning signs they will refer you for further tests.

Screening is vital because it detects cases of cancer at an early stage. If the condition is diagnosed at an early stage this will mean that patients can receive treatment when is more likely to be effective.

If you have any questions about oral cancer or if simply want to find out more about oral cancer screenings, do not hesitate to give us a call.