Rye Dental Surgery

Like other dental and oral care devices, electric toothbrushes must be kept clean and in good condition to be effective. Here are some suggestions on how to look after them.

Key takeaways:

-Replace the head every 3 or 4 months.

-Don’t store the toothbrush in a case or locked compartment to prevent bacterial buildup that could eventually affect your teeth.

-Keep it in a dry and well-ventilated area between uses.

-Replace the head if you’ve been ill or treated for cavities/gum disease.

It is estimated over 5 million people have wisdom teeth removed each year. Carried out by a qualified dentist and considered safe, there still remains the chance complications can happen.

Key takeaways:

-If the blood clot does not form correctly or gets dislodged it creates a complication called dry socket, which can be painful.

-A rarer complication is an infection, for which your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic if caught at an early stage.

-Some people can have excessive bleeding after wisdom teeth removal, and should consult their dentist if concerned.

“How do you know if you have dry socket? You may have pain that ranges from moderate to severe with a bad taste in your mouth.”

If your tongue is discoloured, see the dentist for assessment. Tongue discolouration is an indication that the papillae (rough structures on the surface of the tongue) are discoloured.

Potential causes:

-Dehydration, fever and oral thrush (white patches)

-Leukoplakia, vitamin B12 deficiency, medical conditions

-Tobacco and poor oral hygiene.

-Diabetes and oral cancer

Brush both your teeth and tongue twice daily and see the dentist for cleaning.

Thin, porcelain dental veneers can be an ideal solution to oral issues like chipped teeth, deeply stained teeth, uneven or gapped teeth. Having veneers does not exclude you from also having braces or Invisalign fitted if required.

Key takeaways:

-While it is best to avoid attaching a braces bracket to a veneer, they should not damage it if the veneer is in good condition.

-Invisalign is customised to fit the patient, and the clear aligners are removable.

-Talk to your dentist about which option would best meet your orthodontic requirements.

“Orthodontic work is still possible if you have dental veneers, but it’s important to make the best choice for you when it comes to your treatment options. Depending on what issues you’re having with the alignment of your smile, you can have either braces or Invisalign to get your teeth back to normal.”