Brushing and flossing are more important than you might think. Of course, you’re probably aware to brush and floss for better dental health but are you aware that your mouth health can have a direct effect on your overall health?

Your mouth is the gateway to your body and often if you have a healthy mouth then you will have a healthy body. Your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Usually, the body’s natural defences and good oral hygiene, such as daily brushing and flossing, help to keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper dental care, bacteria can reach high levels that might lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Diabetes
Inflammation impairs the body’s ability to utilise insulin. By improving your oral hygiene and treating gum disease you can help to bring diabetes under better control.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Treating periodontal disease has been shown to reduce pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Heart Disease
Though the reasons are still not fully understood, it is clear that gum disease and heart disease often go hand in hand. Up to 91% of patients with heart disease also have periodontitis. It’s suspected that periodontitis has a direct role in raising the risk for heart disease. The theory is that inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in the blood vessels.

Obesity
Two studies have linked obesity to gum disease. It appears that periodontitis progresses more quickly in the presence of higher body fat.

Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of gum related problems. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Researchers are looking into the connection but it is believed that gum infection and inflammation, in general, seem to interfere with a fetus’ development in the womb.

Lung Conditions
Periodontal disease may make pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worse, possibly by increasing the number of bacteria in the lungs.

It’s important to understand that the body and mouth are not separate. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can really help you live well longer. To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day by doing the following:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss or use interdental brushes daily
• Eat a healthy balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
• Replace your toothbrush every three or sooner if needed
• Have regular dental health checks
• Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol

Need to arrange a dental health check with us…

Christmas is fast approaching! Everyone is getting ready for the festivities. Mince pies, champagne, selection boxes and lots of sweet goodies will no doubt make their way into our festive diets. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable time of year, but please do spare a thought for your teeth.

Constant snacking, drinking and eating of sugary foods and drinks over Christmas can make the holiday period a miserable time for teeth. The indulgences and tempting treats on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in particular means that teeth are going to be in harm’s way for over the 48 hours over the festive period.

It’s important to be extra vigilant with your dental health over the festive period. Remember, teeth are under attack for up to one hour after eating or drinking, and if you think about how much is consumed, and how often, particularly over Christmas and Boxing Day, your teeth don’t really get the chance to recover.

Dental emergency’s spike over Christmas as we tend to indulge in treats we would normally avoid. Here are our top 4 tips for avoiding an emergency trip to the dentist:

1) We can all confess to attempting to open a bottle of beer with our teeth at some point in our lives. But, please remember your teeth aren’t tools!

2) Nuts! If you have any heavily restored teeth than try and avoid harder nuts such as Brazil, Hazlenut and Almonds. Instead, opt for softer ones such as cashews and walnuts.

During this time of year, finances can seem ever more restricted. Christmas is fast approaching, the ever-increasing list of people to buy Christmas presents for and the impending January credit card bill will soon follow! That’s why we have a membership plan at Smile Essential because we are totally committed to providing our patients with the best quality dental care but at an affordable price for everyone. Our dental plan means that we can provide private but affordable dental care which allows us to spend more time with our patients and provide prompt treatment using the latest techniques and best quality dentistry.

It’s easy to let your 6 monthly dental health check slip into 7 months, then 8 and before you know it it’s been a whole year since your last dentist visit and your mouth is feeling icky! Our practice membership plan – Smile Plan offers a simple way to budget for your regular dental care for the same price as your monthly TV license direct debit.

Joining our Smile Plan membership provides you with a comprehensive programme of maintenance, your regular dental health checks are covered, as are x-rays, 2 hygiene appointments and a handy discount if treatment is required.

As a member of our dental plan, you’ll save a huge 15% discount on a wide variety of treatments including dental crowns, dental onlays, dental veneers, tooth coloured fillings, extra hygiene appointments and more.

However, the biggest benefit of joining is that patients who attend regularly tend not to as much dental treatment! Early detection and prevention is key! Being proactive with prevention is important to your dental health ensuring you’ll keep your teeth for life!

There are also a few added extras to the dental plan:

• 12-month guarantee on all restorative work (provided due care has been taken).
• Priority appointments for your convenience.
• Same day assessment of dental emergencies and dental pain.
• Dispensing of most antibiotics.
• Emergency call out.
• Dental insurance for treatment needed anywhere in the world as a result of accidental damage to your teeth.
• Worldwide emergency call out.

And it’s all at the great price of just £12.99 a month
This membership is open to new and existing patients that may want to budget for their dental care and take advantage of all of the benefits of smile plan. Also, you can join if you require some dental treatment that way you can take advantage of the 15% discount straight away!

Signing up is easy we just need your bank details to set up a direct debit and a signature.

Don’t delay join today! Find out more here…