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Healthy Snack Choices For Your Teeth

Healthy Snack Choices

A recent survey revealed that 82% of dentists reported an increase in numbers of patients requiring fillings following the pandemic. One reason for this is that oral health routines have slipped, with many people only brushing their teeth once a day and forgoing flossing. However, another study showed that more people gave into their cravings, turning to sweets, chocolate and salty snacks.

Here, we share some healthy snacking choices to help protect your oral health in light of Healthy Eating Week that runs from 14th to 18th June.

What are healthy snack choices?

Although savoury snacks are a healthier choice, you still need to take care with highly processed foods such as crisps and snacks; they may still contain some sugar.

Some recommended healthier snacks include:

  • Carrots, celery or other crunchy vegetables
  • Unsweetened natural yoghurt, cheese and nuts – eating yoghurt and cheese helps to neutralise acids in the mouth and restores a natural PH balance
  • Rice cakes or oatcakes with hummus or cream cheese – oatcakes can provide more natural vitamins and minerals. Especially compared to white breads

Consider a dental treatment

If this all sounds like too much hard work, don’t worry. By visiting your dentist and dental hygienist regularly, you will be able to keep your teeth in good condition. As well as cleaning away any plaque debris and giving you tips on your oral hygiene, they can recommend treatments to keep your teeth healthy.

A teeth whitening treatment is a great option for people who need to brighten up teeth that have become stained. Also, an Invisalign teeth straightening treatment can make them easier to clean. Both these treatments can give you a huge boost in confidence, with very little interference in your daily life, and with the results seen in very little time.

Keep your smile healthy by giving us a call on 0117 472 1600 to book an appointment.

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Questions For Your Dental Hygienist

dental hygienist

Sam, the dental hygienist at CK Dental, carries out professional plaque removal and other dental services for patients of all ages that visit our Clifton dental clinic.

A Dental Hygienist and Therapist graduate, Sam is always learning and developing her skills. Recently, she trained with a leading periodontist to further improve her gum disease knowledge and treatment techniques. Sam loves empowering her patients to manage their oral health.

To support our patients, we have put together some common questions to ask your dental hygienist – with some helpful answers from Sam.

Why do my teeth feel sensitive?

It is important to check with your dentist or hygienist about tooth sensitivity as this is often something that can be easily treated. It may also indicate that there is a more serious oral health condition.

Common reasons for teeth sensitivity include:

  • Brushing too hard: Brushing your teeth too firmly causes gum recession and tooth wear, leading to sensitivity, and using an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor can prevent this.
  • Acid erosion: Avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks between meals. Brushing too frequently and after meals can increase sensitivity, so brush only twice a day and wait at least an hour after eating before brushing your teeth.
  • Teeth grinding: Grinding and clenching your teeth will cause tooth wear and sensitivity. Stress management and a night guard can help protect your teeth from tooth wear.

Sam’s tip: “If there is a particular area or tooth that causes sensitivity, you can try rubbing sensitive toothpaste directly on the area.”

Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?

“Gums bleed when they are irritated and inflamed,” Sam explains. “This is due to plaque being left on the gum line of the teeth, resulting in gum disease.”

It is important to look after your teeth and gums and have regular dental check-ups and hygiene visits to manage plaque build-up and your home care.

Clean your teeth with an electric toothbrush twice a day and also in between teeth daily using well-fitting interdental brushes; this will maintain gum health between visits.

How often should I see my hygienist?

At CK Dental, we believe that early detection of any oral health problems is better than dealing with more extensive damage further down the line.

“Bacteria build up on your teeth every day, so by visiting your hygienist regularly, we can remove hard and soft plaque deposits and, most importantly, give you the skills you need to keep your mouth healthy,” confirms Sam.

We recommend maintenance every three to six months, depending on your level of risk. Some patients may start with an active phase of treatment to get gum disease under control. Maintenance allows us to monitor your gum and tooth health and work with you to correct any incorrect dental techniques – like missed areas and poor brushing.

Will a hygienist appointment hurt?

Professional plaque removal is usually pain-free, and we make sure our patients are as comfortable as possible. However, if we anticipate some discomfort, we provide local anaesthetic injections to make sure your treatment is painless.

For those patients that are anxious about the treatment, CK Dental offers conscious sedation.

See the hygienist – and leave smiling brighter!

Although we have covered some common questions asked about oral hygiene, it is important to ask questions relating to your own teeth and gum health. Sam can give advice on making your teeth look better – be that diet changes and brushing techniques or with a whitening treatment.

A lot can be discussed and achieved in a dental hygiene appointment – and you will leave with bright, clean teeth and fresh breath!

Give us a call on 0117 472 1600 to book your appointment with the hygienist today.

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Protect Your Teeth From Stress

Protect your teeth from stress

This month is Stress Awareness Month, a yearly campaign that raises awareness of the causes and cures of stress. We all know that too much stress can cause havoc on our health and well-being and one of the key messages for this year’s campaign is self-care.

Did you know that stress can have a direct impact on your gums, mouth, and teeth? If you want to protect your oral health, managing your stress levels is crucial.

Here, you’ll discover what you can do to protect your teeth from stress.

How can stress impact your teeth?

When you are stressed, the body releases hormones such as cortisol. While useful in fight or flight situations, these stress hormones can cause changes within the immune system. In turn, this can lead to a variety of issues with your health, including your teeth. Let’s take a look at some of the most common teeth and gum issues that can be triggered by stress…

Canker sores

While experts aren’t sure exactly what causes canker sores (aphthous ulcers), it is thought to be related to issues with the immune system and stress. Small white or grey spots develop on the inside of the mouth under the tongue, inside your cheek or lip or at the base of gums, typically in small groups or pairs. They tend to have a red border and they can be painful to the touch.

If you develop canker sores, it is a good idea to avoid high-acid food and drink. You should find they disappear by themselves within 10 days. However, if you get them frequently, you may benefit from a steroid cream provided by your dentist.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding is a common side effect of stress, and you may be doing it without even realising. Not only does this habit wear down the teeth over time, but it can also lead to issues with the TMJ joint that is located where the lower jaw and the skull meet. Most patients also find their teeth grinding is worse at night.

If you have developed this habit, your dentist may recommend wearing a night guard. When you aren’t eating, you can also try and ensure your teeth are slightly apart.

Issues with dental hygiene

When you are stressed, you may skip brushing your teeth completely. Mood can greatly impact how well we take care of ourselves. If you are going through a stressful time, it’s important to try and look after the mind and body as you normally would. If you don’t, you could develop a range of issues such as gum disease, and cavities.

Stress can also cause you to eat high-sugar, fast foods. This again can have a negative impact on your oral health.

How to protect your teeth from stress

The most effective way to protect your teeth and gums from stress is to focus on reducing the amount of stress in your life. However, you can also keep on top of your oral health with regular visits to the dentist as well as the hygienist for a professional clean.

We can help you with an affordable monthly treatment plan to cover all your family’s essential dental needs. Our Denplan treatment plans start from £22.50 a month and include 2 check-ups and hygiene visits as well as discounts on other treatments.

To ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy, book an appointment with our friendly hygienist Sam. Call us on 0117 472 1600 and speak to our friendly reception team to book an appointment.

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Win A Free Enlighten Teeth Whitening Treatment Worth £600

Enlighten Teeth Whitening

We have just launched an exciting competition on Instagram to win a free Enlighten Teeth Whitening treatment at CK Dental. This effective treatment, from the technology leader in professional teeth whitening, can remove stains and transform your smile up to 16 shades whiter in just 2 weeks!

Here, discover what you need to know about this popular treatment and find out how to enter our competition.

Enlighten Teeth Whitening

Did you know that over 75% of Brits aren’t happy with their smile? We think that everyone deserves a smile they are happy with. That is why we offer our patients Enlighten teeth whitening – a premium whitening treatment created by dentists to give you ever lasting results.

There are 3 things you need to keep an eye out for if you’re looking to whiten your teeth:

  1. A safe treatment that guarantees results
  2. No changes to your diet – you can even drink red wine and coffee during the treatment!
  3. A lasting result

You can get all 3 at our practice with Enlighten whitening.

How It Works

Your whitening treatment journey always starts with a consultation to check that you are suitable. If you are pregnant, for example, you should avoid the treatment. After this you will have a simple scan of your teeth, so that customised trays can be made for you to fit comfortably in your mouth.

You then take the tooth whitening kit home, and it will need to be applied each night. After two weeks, you will then have a final treatment at the dental clinic. This is normally enough time to see full results, which is a B1 shade of white.

Here, Emma, one of our dentists, explains more about Enlighten Teeth Whitening treatment.

 

Win a FREE Enlighten treatment

Take advantage of our Easter offer and get the smile you’re looking for from a premium teeth whitening system!

To be in with a chance of winning, head over to our Instagram page and give us a follow. Then, like the competition post and tag a couple of friends you feel might be interested in this fab promotion. Your name will be entered into the prize draw for the Enlighten teeth whitening treatment.

For terms and conditions of our competition you can visit here – https://ckdental.co.uk/teeth-whitening-easter-promo/

 

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Common Questions About Invisalign Teeth Straightening Answered

Invisalign Teeth Straightening

Invisalign is a popular, discreet teeth straightening treatment designed to give you the teeth you have always wanted. This innovative procedure has so far helped over 12 million people achieve their dream smile.

So, what is Invisalign and why is it so popular? Here, we will answer some of the most common questions about Invisalign teeth straightening to help you decide if it is right for you.

What is Invisalign teeth straightening?

Invisalign teeth straightening is a 3-step process that aims to straighten out the teeth in adults and teens. You will wear clear aligners that are practically invisible to the naked eye, and there are no wires or brackets to worry about.

The clear aligners are created from a flexible plastic known as SmartTrack. This is specifically created for Invisalign treatment, and it makes the aligners comfortable to wear. They are developed to apply just the right amount of pressure onto the teeth to bring them into alignment.

Each Invisalign treatment is tailored to the patient’s mouth, ensuring natural, effective results.

What are the benefits of Invisalign teeth straightening?

Invisalign teeth straightening offers a range of excellent benefits. These include:

  • Discreet yet highly effective
  • You can remove them when needed, such as to eat or drink
  • There are no wires or brackets that could break

How long do I need to wear the aligners for?

The clear aligners will need to be worn for around 20-22 hours each day. You need to keep them in as long as possible to experience best results. You can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

When can I expect to see results?

You could experience full results in as little as six months. However, most patients find it takes between 12 and 18 months to complete the treatment. This will depend upon the complexity of the case.

The aligners will also need to be changed regularly throughout the treatment. Again, this will differ depending upon your specific case. However, you can expect to change them weekly or fortnightly.

How much will Invisalign treatment cost?

The cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend upon several factors. These include the complexity of your case and how long you need to have the treatment for. Your dentist will be able to give you an accurate quote after an initial assessment.

Save £750 on your treatment!

If you are looking to save money on Invisalign teeth straightening, come to our Invisalign open day on Friday 18th March 2022. From 9am until 3pm, we will be carrying out free Invisalign assessments. This also includes a free 3D iTero scan, a free tooth whitening treatment, and you’ll receive up to £750 off your Invisalign treatment.

Be advised that we have limited availability. Call us now to secure your place on 0117 472 1600. Alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@ckdental.co.uk .

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New App That Helps Children’s Oral Health

Children's oral health

As part of their New Better Health campaign, the NHS has launched a new app focused on improving children’s food choices. The new campaign comes as statistics revealed that more parents fed their children unhealthy snacks throughout the pandemic than before. Since the beginning of the pandemic, obesity in children has risen, affecting 1 in 4 children of reception school age.

The new app comes with a scan, swipe, and swap feature, allowing parents to scan foods and discover healthier alternatives. Here, we will look at the new app and how it might help protect our children’s oral health, as well as their overall health.

What is the new app?

The NHS food scanner app lets you scan the barcodes of foods. It then lets you swipe to discover healthier alternatives. You can then swap to the recommended foods the next time you do your food shop.

The app also comes with additional features to teach you and your children more about the foods you eat. Traffic light ratings are used to help you clearly see which foods contain high, medium, and low amounts of fat, salt, and sugar. All your scans are saved and can be accessed at any time. This allows you to go back and see which foods are the better options.

Could it really help to tackle obesity?

The NHS food scanner app could help to tackle obesity as it clearly shows healthier replacements. Often parents get stuck when it comes to choosing a healthy diet for their children. There is a lot of contradictory advice out there, making it difficult to know what you should and shouldn’t consume.

Another benefit is that it makes parents more conscious about what they are feeding their children. The app has received a lot of praise from those who have tried it. Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle, states:

“As a busy working mum, I find it hard to say no to my kid’s demands and often give in to snack pressure – even though I know it’s not good for them. I had no idea some foods were so high in sugar, saturated fat, and salt – so it’s great that the app gives you alternatives.”

One of the best things about the app is that it lets you make small changes that are easy to maintain. Obesity isn’t the only health issue the new app could help with. It could also greatly benefit your oral health too.

Why it could also be great for children’s oral health

The app encourages healthier food choices, including cutting back on sugary snacks. This is great news for your family’s teeth. The rise in unhealthy snacks throughout the pandemic is starting to show, with many children requiring fillings and treatment for diet-related damage to the teeth.

Poor oral health can lead to a range of other health troubles. Eating a healthy diet is key to keeping the teeth and gums healthy at any age. Getting used to regular brushing, a healthy diet and dentist visits will mean huge benefits to a child’s health in the long run.

If your children need to see the dentist, we offer dental check-ups for children for £30. Book your appointment at our family dentistry clinic in Clifton Village, by calling 0117 472 1600.

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Common Questions About Dental Implants

Dental implants

Having one or more missing teeth can dramatically impact your smile and your confidence. Rather than hiding your smile, you could fix the problem with dental implants.

Dental implants are a long-term solution that can help you regain your confidence. So, what are they and what should you know before you decide whether to get them? Discover the answers to some of the most common questions about dental implants below.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium screws that are inserted into the jawbone. They cover up missing teeth by replacing them at the root. Once the implant is in place, the bone will start to gradually fuse to it, holding the implant in place.

When the titanium screw is in position, a false tooth such as a denture or crown will be fitted over the top. The false tooth will be carefully created to match the rest of your teeth for a natural result.

Am I an ideal candidate?

Most adults who are generally healthy are ideal candidates. However, if you have gum disease, have had radiotherapy near the jaw, or if you smoke, you may not be suitable for the procedure.

Will the procedure hurt?

One of the most common questions is whether they will hurt when they are inserted. The procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic. This means you shouldn’t feel any pain when it is being performed.

After the procedure, you may experience some pain for a few days. This is normal and you should be able to control it with over-the-counter pain medication. If you are concerned about the amount of pain that you are in, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for advice.

Are there any risks and complications?

Dental implants have a high success rate, but there are some risks and complications to be aware of. These include:

  • The implant might not take to the bone
  • Nerve damage
  • Peri-implantitis
  • Gum disease

The risks and complications are small, but it is still worth going over them with your dentist before deciding if implants are right for you.

How long will dental implants last?

One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is how long they last. Provided you care for them correctly, you should find they last as long as your natural teeth. Compared to some other solutions, they are a more convenient option. You won’t need to take them out and replace them as they are drilled into the bone. This also means you aren’t likely to lose them like you can with crowns and dentures.

As you can see, dental implants can be a great solution for missing teeth. The procedure isn’t painful, but if you are nervous about it there are options to help you relax, and it provides a long-term solution. To find out if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants, call our friendly reception team to book an appointment today on 0117 472 1600.

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Associate Dentist Dr Nicholas Banfield Joins Our Clifton Village Practice

Clifton Village Practice

Our new Associate Dentist, Nick joins us at our brand new Clifton Village practice with fifteen years of general dentistry experience under his belt, working at a very busy Practice in Stroud. But his journey into dentistry may not have followed the traditional route. It actually began with a degree in Biological Sciences and then into research in oral and dental sciences at the Bristol Dental School.

To our delight though, Nick decided it was the right time to move on and he now joins our ever-growing team at our new modern clinic in Clifton Village. He brings with him years of general dentistry experience, a practical approach and a strong passion for preventative care.

Nick’s dental experience

One of the benefits to our team, after being based at one dental practice over such a long period of time? “Over the years, you learn what techniques and treatments work for individual patients and what doesn’t,” he said.

Nick really enjoys building relationships with his patients. Over the years, he has seen the long-term effects of his handiwork. Additionally, as an experienced dentist, he quickly builds trust and rapport with his patients. For this reason, he can quickly put anyone that is nervous at ease.

Describing himself as a very practical person, Nick really enjoys the physical work involved in a patient’s dental transformation.

“Transforming a rotten tooth into one that is totally fixed! It just becomes like second nature,” he said.

Prevention is key!

Nick undertakes all aspects of general dentistry and places a strong emphasis on educating his patients to prevent future dental problems arising.

He sees Periodontal (gum) disease as something that should be treated better in general practice. Therefore, he spends more time than most other dentists on prevention.

“90% of dental problems are self-inflicted and can be prevented,” he said.

“By talking to the patient and finding out more about their daily eating and oral hygiene habits, I quickly find out the real cause of the problem.”

Nick believes that people are taking better care of their teeth and are keeping more of their teeth into old age. However, he sees the British public lagging behind other countries in their dental care. Why?

“Regular examinations and hygiene visits are absolutely key.

“A lot of people do not get the advice and time needed in their dental visits to achieve good oral health. And this can only be done really well at a private practice.”

So Why CK Dental?

One of the key things that Nick enjoys with private dental care is the quality of dentistry it is able to provide. From the availability of better materials and equipment to the time the dentist can spend on each patient. And that is certainly the case at the new practice in Clifton. An independent practice run by a dentist he knows is also a main draw for Nick. And having previously worked alongside Principal Dentist, Cornelius – he is confident about the standards of patient care this practice can deliver and provide.

You can find out more about Nick, as well as the rest of the CK Dental team on our Team page.

If you would like to book an appointment at our Clifton dental practice, please call us on 0117 472 1600.

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New Year, New Smile! Five Popular Dental Treatments

dental treatments

Every year we resolve to embrace a healthy new way of life, whether that’s fitness related or eating better. If a happier, healthier and more confident smile is also on your list of New Year’s Resolutions – there are plenty of dental treatments for you to consider.

Here is CK Dental’s guide to some of the most popular dental treatments that will enable you to move forward into 2022 with confidence. Offering a wide range of cosmetic treatments, from teeth straightening to dental implants, to a simple winter check-up. We are sure you can find something that will brighten your smile!

Five Popular Dental Treatments To Consider

  1. Straighten up: Invisalign clear aligners have become hugely popular with teens and adults in recent years. These offer a discreet way to straighten moderately misaligned, crowded, or gapped teeth. As well as the cosmetic improvement, the health benefits of Invisalign can include improved digestion, easier oral care maintenance, and reduced pain from TMJ caused by misalignment.
  2. Sparkle and shine: as we get older, our teeth can often become dull and discoloured, leaving many of us embarrassed. Teeth whitening is a highly effective, speedy solution to a less than sparkling smile.
  3. Mind the gap: missing teeth can cause significant problems including issues with alignment, bone loss, and the chance of losing more teeth. Gaps in your smile put you at greater risk of gum disease which can lead to serious health concerns. So, if you’ve got a missing tooth, resolve to get it fixed this year. At CK Dental, we offer several treatment options for filling in the gaps. For example, our dental implants, can deliver a long-lasting and natural-looking replacement.
  4. Embrace healthy habits: there are many health benefits to giving up smoking, committing to a balanced diet, or upping your water intake. But it can also mean reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
  5. Practice makes perfect: adopting regular routines is a must for ensuring good dental health. Brushing and flossing the teeth on a regular basis can help prevent plaque from building up which can result in staining, decay, and gum disease. Regular check-ups with your dentist and dental hygienist are also essential as they can monitor your oral hygiene and address any concerns before they develop into serious problems.

Book your New Year’s Appointment

Would you like to achieve a brighter, whiter, and healthier smile in 2022? Then get in touch to arrange a consultation at CK Dental! If you are not quite sure what dental treatment you need, our friendly and professional team can help advise you.

And don’t worry if you are nervous about visiting the dentist. Our staff will make your dental experience as gentle and comfortable as possible. We can offer all patients conscious sedation – which is a really good option if you have very sensitive teeth.

To book an appointment, or to register as a new patient with us, please get in touch by calling us today on 0117 472 1600.

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Welcome Dental Nurse Beth To Our Growing Clifton Dental Practice

Clifton Dental Practice

We are happy to reveal another new face and part of our growing Clifton dental practice. A very warm welcome to Beth Cains, our new Dental Nurse.

Beth completed her training in 2015 at Bristol dental hospital whilst working at a busy private practice in Keynsham. She went on to join the Cavity Dental Agency, gaining experience in all areas of dentistry, whilst supporting both NHS and private dental practices.

Beth has a keen interest in dental implants, always furthering her knowledge in this area and enjoys assisting Principal Dentist, Dr Cornelius Krause with these treatments.
“I find it very interesting and rewarding. I have done a few day courses concentrating on implants and hope to gain more knowledge as I continue dental nursing.”

With a real talent of putting nervous patients at ease, Beth enjoys being part of a positive dental experience. “I enjoy being a part of their journey, especially when they are anxious as you are able to help put them at ease,” she says.

You can find out more about Beth, as well as the rest of the CK Dental team on our Team page.

If you would like to book an appointment at our Clifton dental practice, please call us on 0117 472 1600.

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