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Frequently Asked Questions at Crook Log Dental Practice

18 / 04 / 2023

   Dental FAQs

 

Frequently Asked Questions at Crook Log Dental Practice

These FAQs are the most commonly-asked questions put to our team over the last year.

Asking questions to your dental professional is an important part of your long-term healthcare and we are more than happy to answer and enhance your dental health knowledge.

Let Crook Log Dental Practice answer some of our most common FAQs.

How often should I get a dental Check-up?

Dental health varies from person to person. A general rule for adults (over 18 years of age) is to visit every 6 months, twice a year. The dentist, as well as checking for decay and any problems, also completes a full oral cancer screening check which is very important if you smoke/consume alcohol.

Routine dental check-ups are a key factor in preventive dental care. Preventative dentistry helps you maintain good oral health. It’s critical to keeping your mouth healthy.

A simple visit to your Bexleyheath-based dentist could save you a lot of money and hassle or complications in the long run.

What Are the Best Ways to Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home?

In addition to daily brushing and flossing, take your oral hygiene to the next level by following a few steps to good dental health. These include using products that contain fluoride such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Limit your snacks that are high in sugar and eat a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables. Avoiding tobacco in any form is important for your oral health and preventing gum disease.

 

Dental Floss

How do I use dental floss?

Dental floss is a thin, soft thread used to clean between your teeth, in areas your toothbrush can’t reach. You can also try dental tape, which is thicker or flossettes which are harp-shaped and can be easier to hold and manoeuvre.

Flossing Tips

  • Break off about 40-50cm of floss and wind some around 1 finger of each hand.
  • Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, with about 2-3cm of floss between them, leaving no slack.
  • Use a gentle “rocking” motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Do not snap the floss into the gums.
  • When the floss reaches your gumline, curve it into a C-shape against a tooth until you feel resistance.
  • Hold the floss against the tooth. Gently scrape the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum. Repeat on the other side of the gap, along the side of the next tooth (Do not forget the back of your last tooth)
  • When flossing, work systematically and keep to a regular pattern. Start at the top and work from left to right, then move to the bottom and again work from the left to right. This way you’re less likely to miss any teeth.

I have sensitive teeth, what can I do?

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects many patients of Kent. You can try using toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Brush your teeth as normal using your sensitive toothpaste and then rub a little into the sensitive area after brushing. This helps protect the surface.

Try to avoid strongly acidic foods and drinks and wait at least 45 minutes to an hour after eating before brushing as this could cause even more sensitivity. Grinding your teeth can also increase sensitivity and a mouth guard may be advised by your Crook Log dentist.

 

Tooth Cleaning

Can I see the hygienist only?

Yes, you can. Our hygienists at Crook Log Dental Practice offer direct access, meaning you can visit them for a scale and polish without being referred by your dentist. But do remember to keep seeing your dentist for regular check-ups!

Please visit Hygienist Bexleyheath | Dental Hygiene Kent | Crook Log Dental (crooklogdentalpractice.co.uk) for more information.

How can I prevent cavities?

Tooth decay is often caused by having too much sugary food and drink and not thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums. Early diagnosis and dental treatment will prevent cavities from getting bigger.

Tooth decay (cavities) are associated with a variety of factors, including your dietary choices and dental hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily are the most effective ways to remove plaque build-up from between the teeth and below the gum line.

Maintaining a well-balanced diet that is low in sugar and avoiding acidic food and beverages can prevent caries from forming.

Why does the dentist need to take X-rays?

X-Rays allow your dentist to look for oral health issues that may be difficult to identify with a visual examination alone. X-Rays identify potential problems such as infections, bone loss, tooth decay, and impacted teeth.

Are taking X-Rays harmful?

The radiation dose received from dental X-rays is measured in microsieverts. To help you relate the following numbers to your life, the background radiation that we encounter per day is around 9 microsieverts. A small routine dental X-Ray equates to around 10 microsieverts. Equivalent to the radiation from a flight from London to Spain! Your dentist will only take X-Rays if clinically necessary.

Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a whiter smile?

Firstly, if you smoke, stop! Nicotine darkens and stains the tooth enamel surface. Coffee, red wine and curries with turmeric can also darken and stain the tooth surface. An air polish with our hygienist can remove these stubborn surface stains.

If the staining is deep within the enamel, your dentist may recommend in-practice teeth whitening or customised take-home trays to brighten your teeth by several shades.

Visit Teeth Whitening Bexleyheath | Brighter Smile Kent | Crook Log Dental (crooklogdentalpractice.co.uk) for further information on achieving a whiter smile. We’re always happy to talk with you about all cosmetic treatments to give you confidence in your smile.

Should I be using mouthwash?

While mouthwash is not a substitute for flossing or brushing, it can be a great addition to your oral health routine. Using a fluoride mouthwash at another time during the day other than when you brush, can help prevent tooth decay by killing bacteria that live on the surfaces of your tongue and teeth.

Using a mouthwash immediately after brushing, will rinse all the fluoride toothpaste off of your teeth. You should also spit not rinse!

Why is fluoride important for your dental health?

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in many foods and water. Fluoride plays an important role in fighting tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to acid-producing bacteria. Over time, plaque and bacteria can contribute to the erosion of teeth enamel. By drinking fluoridated tap water, using toothpaste with fluoride, or rinsing with fluoridated mouthwash, you can protect your teeth against cavities.

 

Childrens Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions

At What Age Should My Child First See a Dentist?

Studies have shown children can develop their first cavities from one to two years old, so we recommend booking your child in for an exam once their first baby tooth appears, or at the latest, their first birthday.

As well as checking your child’s teeth, your dentist can also provide you with oral health advice and discuss any concerns you may have.

The earlier you bring in your child, the more positive the experience will become at each 6-month check-up. Children especially love to ‘have a ride’ in our dental chair!

What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that can cause tooth loss and other health problems if left untreated. It occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth, leading to inflammation of the gum line. This can cause bleeding, redness, tenderness, swelling and receding gums. If left untreated, it

Can I spread the cost of my treatment?

Yes, as well as offering pay-as-you-go at our practice, we offer Interest-free finance for up to 12 months and ‘7.9% finance for up to 3 years for your treatment plan.

Please visit 0% Finance | Cosmetic Dentist Bexleyheath | Crook Log Dental Practice for further information

How do I book an appointment at the practice?

We have an amazing team of dentists and hygienists at our Bexleyheath-based practice to cater to all your oral hygiene and cosmetic needs.

 

Booking has never been easier!

Call our reception team on 020 8303 3838 to book in for an examination or if you have any more questions for our fantastic reception team!

Book now (https://uk.dentalhub.online/v1/view/organization/4515/index.html#/perspectives/3)

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