Author Archives: Smile Essential
So How Much Does the Tooth Fairy Pay?
Being a Dental Clinic in the heart of Leicester Smile Essential see a number of parents and children from every part of Leicestershire, from Anstey to Oadby. We always find it intriguing to discover what the tooth fairy pays in different part of the county and how the world in general sees the tooth fairy so we thought we would investigate this a little. Here are some things we discovered:
- It’s common for the tooth fairy to pay more for a first tooth
- The most common amount given to Leicester children is £1
- The tooth fairy pays more if the lost tooth has been looked after
- In America the average is $3.70
- Parents on the West side of Leicestershire pay more than those on the East side Leicestershire.
- If you accidentally lose the tooth you can leave a note detailing where the tooth was lost and the tooth fairy will try to find it and a leave some money.
- Not everybody believes that the tooth fairy is a female.
We found some interesting history on the tooth fairy thanks to Wikipedia–
During the Middle Ages, other superstitions arose surrounding children’s teeth. In England, for example, children were instructed to burn their baby teeth in order to save the child from hardship in the afterlife. Children who didn’t consign their baby teeth to the fire would spend eternity searching for them in the afterlife. The Vikings, it is said, paid children for their teeth. In the Norse culture, children’s teeth and other articles belonging to children, were said to bring good luck in battle, and Scandinavian warriors hung children’s teeth on a string around their necks. But there was another reason to burn or bury baby teeth: fear of witches. In medieval Europe, it was thought that if a witch were to get hold of one of your teeth, you could be in big trouble – possession of this part of your body might give them total power over you.
The modern incarnation of these traditions into an actual tooth fairy first appeared in print in 1927 in play for children by Esther Watkins Arnold.
So how much should you pay?
Taking into account our research from our Leicester children, parents and a little help from google and wikipedia we have the following guide from the tooth fairy recommending the following
- First tooth £2 (a large gold coin)
- All teeth after that £1 (a gold coin)
- If teeth have decay or aren’t looked after 50p
But remember this is just a guide and if teeth are particularly special or aren’t taken care of the tooth fairy may leave a different amount. 
Leicester Dentist: a model for other dental practice’s
We received this lovely email from one of our Leicestershire dental patients. It’s so lovely when our local patients take the time to let us know how we are doing as a dental practice. Here at Smile Essential Dental Practice we are always striving to offer the people of Leicester the best in terms of clinical care and dental excellence.
“Hi, I just want to say a big thank you for the sympathetic and professional manner in which you treated me whilst I was suffering from a painful abscess which eventually required the tooth to be removed. On each occasion I was seen on the day of request. From front of house to “back room” I received treatment that I have never experienced before at a dental practice. You have created a practice that should be the model of all dental practices. Many thanks to Nik, Lina, and the dental nurses on the respective days (superb) and not forgetting the first impression maker, the all important reception staff. Finally to “Mr Bean” thanks for the distraction, it certainly helped.”
B. S, Narborough Road, Leicester
Six Month Smiles. Watch the before video of Smile Essential’s Dental Nurse Gemma
Six Month Smiles is an adult cosmetic brace system which is fast becoming one of the most popular methods for straightening adults who want straight teeth without having to have years of orthodontic treatment. Our journey at Smile Essential Dental Practice started when Gemma a Leicestershire Dental Nurse at our Narborough road clinic decided to get her teeth straightened. Heres what she said:
“I had always had reasonably straight teeth but as I got older they seemed to get more crowded and then my front teeth started to cross over, unfortunately the first time I noticed how bad it had got was on my wedding photos! To be honest I was quite upset here were the photos of my wedding day with everything looking amazing apart from my teeth! After that I stopped showing my teeth when I had to smile in photos and it kind of made me sad. Being a dental nurse teeth are important to me and I get to be part of patients journeys to improve their smile all the time. To see people’s increase in confidence is one of the best things about my job as a dental nurse. After we completed one particular smile makeover for a woman around my age and how great her teeth now looked I knew I had to do something to sort out my crooked teeth and get my confident smile back. Smile Essential Dentist work closely with a few Leicester Orthodontists (brace specialists) and I went for a couple of consultations to see what options I had to have fixed (train tracks) cosmetic braces but I thought the brace treatment was expensive (nearly £4000!) and for me it was a huge commitment to wear braces for 2 years. I thought the alternative might have been an invisible brace system for adults called Invisalign, but was disheartened again by the cost, the 2 year commitment and the inconvenience of taking them in and out everytime I ate or have a cup of tea! I discussed my disappointment with my dental colleagues and this is where I learnt about a new revolution in straightening teeth called Six Month Smiles. To be honest it sounded to good to be true! Straight teeth in just 6 months and it was cheaper?! But I went for a consultation and as you can see from my video I had the treatment carried out. I started in November 2012 and finished in time for my romantic holiday in May 2013 with my new straight teeth! Ever since the treatment I literally dont stop smiling! I wanted to share my photo from my holiday after the treatment to show just how great my smile makeover has been and how confident I am in smiling for photos now. Six Month Smile was definitely the best option for me. Straighter teeth in just 6 months and a life time of now smiling confidently.”
Six Month Smiles is different from conventional brace systems offered at Orthodontic (braces specialists) Practices, because it works by moving or straightening the teeth that are visible when you smile and not adjusting the bite on the back teeth treatment can be completed anywhere from 4-9 months with the average smile taking 6 months. Watching Gemma’s teeth straighten with this simple yet effective brace system inspired all of the dentist to learn more about this exciting cosmetic treatment and all 3 dentists at Smile Essential Dental Clinic under went the relevant advance training in London and liaising with the Six Month Smiles Specialists so that they could offer this incredible treatment to their Leicester Patients. Six Month Smiles has proved to be very popular and understandably so. As one of Leicestershire’s leading private cosmetic dental practices we like to be at the forefront of new advances in dentistry and Six Month Smiles is certainly changing the face (literally) of the easy way for adults to straighten teeth in dentistry.
Gemma at Smile Essential Dental Practices Before and After Pictures of her 6 month smiles journey
Six Month Smiles Brace treatment means that you can straighten your teeth in time for special occasions such a weddings or if you’re escaping Leicester like Gemma for a Roman holiday and just want to smile more confidently in photos.
If you would like to find out more about this treatment you can give us a call and arrange to come and see us for a chat so you can find out what the treatment involves and if it is suitable for you: 0116 2891317
Smile Essential Dental Practice: Walk on the Wildside
I should imagine that every Leicestershire person at some point in their life has a fond memory of Bradgate Park. Whether it’s a Sunday stroll after dinner or paddling in the River with fishing net in hand as a child on a summers day. This is a place to make life’s treasured memories and enjoy quality family time. With this in mind there doesn’t seem a more suited location to have a sponsored walk to raise money for Leicester based charity LOROS.
LOROS care for around 2,500 terminally ill people across Rutland, Leicester and Leicestershire each year and hold an annual Walk on the Wildside sponsored walking event at Bradgate Park in Leicester. At Smile Essential Dentist we are committed to Patient care and this has earned us a reputation as one of Leicesters Best Dental Clinics. To do this there is a lot of work in the background at the dentist to ensure that we can offer this level of patient dental care consistently. However our work is always rewarded as we get to see a new smile or improve people’s dental anxiety. Patient care is our top priority at Smile Essential Dental Practice. This is one of the reasons we felt that this year we would raise funds to help LOROS and the amazing patient care they provide to terminally ill people when they most need it.
And raise funds we did! With the help of our Patients, Dental Colleagues and Local Business’s we set about raising a huge £1000 for LOROS and are pleased to say that we have actually raised a massive £1166.58. So a heart felt thank you to everyone that has helped and we hope you enjoy these photos of the dental team from the event.
Flossing so Easy it’s Monkey Business
WARNING: 2 out of 3 people make these 7 common dental mistakes
- Brushing too hard. Remember although your teeth are hard, your gums are soft.
- Using an old toothbrush. Toothbrushes should be replaced every 8-12 weeks.
- Not flossing regularly. The surfaces in-between teeth make up a 3rd of the tooth surface.
- Brushing too quickly. Recommendations state 2 minutes but often people rush in the morning and only spend 30 seconds to 1 minute brushing.
- Cleaning teeth after meals. Acid levels are higher in the mouth after eating, brushing straight away could damage the tooth enamel.
- Not visiting the dentist. If you attend a dental clinic regularly then any problems that arise can be spotted early and prevented.
- Eating hidden sugars. Hidden sugar is everywhere! From tomato ketchup to low fat yoghurts, always read the label.
Now You CAN Have Something SWEET Without the Tooth Decay
dentists in leicester
We are loving these sweets from Peppersmiths. They’re made with natural ingredients and a sugar alternative called Xylitol. Most living things produce Xylitol, cats, dogs, flowers and even us humans produce around 15 grams a day. The Xylitol in these sweets comes from Beech trees.
The amazing thing about these little Xylitol sweeties is that they actually help reduce plaque and help to prevent tooth decay. A dentists dream treat!
While these Tingz sweets are aimed at children they make a perfect treat for all of the family and at only 36 calories a pack they’re diet friendly too. Even the British Dental Health Foundation is endorsing these tooth friendly sweets.
You can buy them from us or online.
Need a Reason to Smile? Here’s 10…
1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive
We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away — but a smile draws them in.
2. Smiling Changes Our Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.
3. Smiling Is Contagious
When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.
4. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you’ll be better able to take action.
5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.
6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?
7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.
8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don’t go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day — you’ll look younger and feel better.
9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful
Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.
10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive
Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.
Kidz Week at the Dentist…
Lets be honest most adults wish that they had looked after their teeth better as a child. And they probably despair when they’re own kids fail to adhere to their tales of wisdom. If you’re a child in Leicester nowadays then the chances are you will have tooth decay. Children in Leicester are the most likely in the whole of the England to have tooth decay.
We are here to help! On Monday 18th August until Thursday 21st August, the dentist will be a great place for kids this summer. From Frozen on the TVs in surgery, fun games, a party bag for all kids that week, competitions to win loom bands! And many more surprises, your kids will be brushing their teeth and ditching the sugar before you know it!
Prevention, Prevention, Prevention. Prevention really is the key to dental decay. Brushing twice a day and limiting sugary foods is a major part in preventing tooth decay. But did you know that your dentist can apply a fluoride varnish to teeth to help better protect them?
You are not alone Getting children to brush their teeth properly can be a battle! We hear all sorts of stories about the length at which some children go to to avoid this including our own! Sometimes a word from the dentist can set them on the straight and narrow, but even then it can take a few check up appointments. Consistency is key.
Not a patient of the practice. We believe coming to the dentist as a family is the best option. There are no charges for children at the dentist and we will see all children whose parents are patients at the practice. Most of our patients are on our membership plan as it’s a really easy way to budget for your dental treatment.
Call our friendly team to schedule your appointment today 0116 2891317