Welcome Dental Nurse Helen To Our Dental Clinic In Clifton

dental clinic in Clifton

We are delighted to welcome Dental Nurse Helen Williams to our new dental clinic in Clifton Village.

Helen comes with over 20 years’ experience since gaining her dental nursing diploma at Bristol dental hospital. She spent 17 years at a specialist Bristol orthodontics practice, where she became lead nurse and an expert in dental X-rays.

Helen has also developed her knowledge in dental and facial aesthetics, and treatments that can help to enhance smiles and faces.

“My love for nursing is seeing patients transform their smiles,” Helen says. “I love seeing patients’ reactions when they have completed their treatment and you hand them the mirror for the first time,” she added.

Now Helen is excited to bring her skills to the family-run dental practice at its new home at 1 West Mall in Clifton Village.

“The practice really appealed to me because of it’s friendly, family run environment,” she said.

Find out about Helen and the rest of the dental team here. To arrange a consultation at our dental clinic in Clifton Village, call 0117 472 1600.

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Our Five Tips To Protect Your Teeth This Winter

Protect Your Teeth

Did you know that the cold winter weather can prove hazardous for your teeth? The drop in temperature throughout the winter months can lead to a wide range of dental issues. This includes tooth sensitivity and the development of cracks in the teeth. So, what can you do to help protect your teeth from the harsh elements?

Discover some of the best oral healthcare tips you should follow below.

Make sure you undergo a winter check-up

The best way to look after your teeth this winter is to attend a dental check-up. The teeth are known to expand during the colder weather. This can lead to cracks developing within the enamel. If they aren’t repaired quickly, they could expand further causing permanent damage to the enamel of the teeth.

By booking an appointment with one of our skilled dentists, we can help identify any potential issues quickly. We can also carry out any repair work if necessary, as well as ensure your teeth are in the best condition for winter.

Don’t neglect your gums

Winter is notorious for being the prime cold and flu season. Did you know the germs that make you ill with a cold are also the same ones that can cause gum infections? If you are prone to gum disease, you are at an increased risk of developing issues during the colder months.

Keep a lookout for any signs of inflammation or redness of the gums. Rinsing the mouth out with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day will also help to keep any germs at bay.

Switch up your teeth cleaning routine

If you already suffer from sensitive teeth, you’ll want to switch up your cleaning routine. Change to a soft-bristled brush if you don’t already use one. You should also make sure you are using a sensitive toothpaste, and that you are brushing twice each day.

A regular routine of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist can really make a difference to your oral health. At CK Dental, our hygienist can give your teeth a thorough clean, and check on your home-care, to make sure your routine is effective.

Protect your teeth with a mouth guard

If you enjoy partaking in winter sports, a mouth guard can prove invaluable during winter. Not only does this reduce the risk of injury to the teeth, but it also helps to protect them from the cold. We recommend that you use a custom mouth guard, which is also something we can help with at CK Dental. That way, it will fit the teeth perfectly, guaranteeing the guard will stay firmly in place.

Drink lots of water

As the weather gets colder, it’s tempting to switch to more hot drinks. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate may be comforting on a cold day, but they can also damage the teeth. You will also find that drinking hot drinks on a cold day can increase tooth sensitivity. So, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep the teeth protected.

These are some of the best ways to protect your teeth this winter. The good news is that we are taking new patient registrations following the opening of our new clinic at 1 West Mall in Clifton. So if you are a new or existing patient, why not book an appointment today for your winter teeth check-up.

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Stress-Related Teeth Problems – Are Your Teeth Giving It Away?

Stress-Related Teeth Problems

A recent survey published within the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry has revealed dental hygiene reduced during the lockdowns. Many people neglected their teeth and oral health, with participants of the study admitting to cleaning their teeth less often.

Stress has been a huge contributor to the decline in oral hygiene. Alongside anxiety, it has also contributed to other oral problems such as teeth grinding. Here, you’ll discover how anxiety and stress could be leading to stress-related teeth problems.

What stress-related teeth problems are dentists seeing?

There have been several dental health issues that have increased since the start of the pandemic. Some of the most common stress-related issues that we are seeing in patients include:

  • Cracked teeth
  • Bruxism (tooth grinding or clenching)
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Bad breath

The reason patients are experiencing these issues is linked to stress. During lockdown, many people didn’t prioritise oral health as they were no longer leaving the house. When we were allowed to venture out, masks meant there wasn’t as much of a need to focus on smile aesthetics.

Higher stress levels have also led to an increase in Bruxism, or teeth grinding. Over time, teeth grinding wears down the enamel, and it can become quite painful.

Finally, a lack of teeth brushing has led to an increase in bad breath. Thankfully, this embarrassing problem is easy to clear up with a visit to the dentist.

Stress over visiting the dentist has also increased

Many patients also developed anxiety over visiting the dentist during the pandemic. Even when practices were open, there was a worry over the safety of procedures. There are also patients who already have a fear of the dentist, so the pandemic heightened their stress and anxiety levels.

Fear of the dentist is a common issue that can cause a lot of distress for some patients. But the good news is that if you are nervous about seeing the dentist, there are ways that we can help you at CK Dental.

How can we help stressed or nervous patients?

At CK Dental, we have created a calm and relaxing environment. Our friendly team understands that visiting the dentist can be nerve-racking for some people, so we will always do our best to put you at ease.

If anxiety is stopping you from visiting the dentist and taking care of your oral hygiene, you may benefit from having your treatment under conscious sedation. You could even choose to have treatment under general anaesthetic. CK Dental is one of the few dental practices in the UK to offer dental treatment under general anaesthetic.

If you need to see a dentist, or if you are a nervous patient and want to feel confident to organise a treatment, or want to learn more about treatments under sedation, please get in touch with us today.

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How to Spot the Signs of Mouth Cancer

Mouth Cancer

By spotting the signs of mouth cancer early, we have a much better chance of beating it – with early diagnosis, your chances of survival are nine out of ten.

Mouth cancer affects over 8,300 people in the UK each year. Over the past decade, the number of cases has increased by around a third. While it cannot always be prevented, there are ways to ensure you catch it early enough to increase your chances of recovery.

Here, you will discover how to spot the signs of mouth cancer, and ways you can help manage your oral health to protect yourself against the disease.

What are the signs of mouth cancer?

To catch mouth cancer quickly, you need to be aware of the symptoms. The most common signs include:

  • Persistent painful mouth ulcers
  • Persistent, unexplained lumps in the mouth or lymph glands
  • Pain or trouble when swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Issues with your speech or changes in the voice
  • Loose teeth

It is worth noting that all the symptoms above can also point to other less serious conditions. For this reason, if you develop any of these signs, you should have them checked over right away.

What causes it?

Otherwise referred to as oral cancer, mouth cancer largely develops on the surface of the tongue, the lips, roof of the mouth, or on the inside of the cheeks. Rarely, it can also develop on the tonsils, pharynx, or saliva glands.
The leading causes of mouth cancer are smoking and drinking alcohol. As tobacco and alcohol are carcinogenic, the chemicals they contain can damage the DNA, leading to cancer. Other known causes include HPV and following an unhealthy diet.

Poor oral hygiene can also lead to mouth cancer due to a build-up of bacteria. When you don’t look after the teeth and gums, harmful bacteria can build up and cause potentially serious health issues.

Prevention tips

It isn’t always possible to prevent mouth cancer. However, there are some prevention tips you can follow.
Cutting down your consumption of alcohol and quitting smoking are the best tips you can follow. You will also want to focus on improving your teeth and gum health. There are a lot of ways to do this such as;

  • brushing your teeth twice each day
  • using a fluoride mouthwash
  • using interdental brushes between your teeth daily, and
  • going for regular dental check-ups

Making sure you eat a nutritious, balanced diet is also important. Vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, are crucial for keeping the gums healthy.

Staying on top of oral hygiene is the best thing you can do to prevent mouth cancer and other potentially harmful conditions.
Sam, our dental hygienist, recommends a check-up every three to six months. She can monitor your gum and tooth health, and remove any hard and soft plaque deposits. She can also check on your home-care routine to make sure that it is effective, and she can give you plenty of advice, such as brushing correctly. If you need extra support with your dental health, book an appointment with Sam today.

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How to Achieve a Winning Smile

Winning smile

If you don’t like your smile, it can have a huge impact on your life. According to one study published by the American Dental Association, 40% of young adults feel the state of their teeth limits their quality of life. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are many dental treatments available that can help you to achieve that winning smile.

Here, you’ll discover some of the best options to give you a whiter, healthier smile.

Whitening treatments

One of the most common treatments to help you achieve that winning smile is teeth whitening. While you can purchase at-home whitening kits online, these are dangerous to use because they are not regulated. Online kits are also not overly effective and can even damage your teeth.

Getting your teeth whitened professionally ensures you get the best, safest results. The treatment involves using chemicals such as peroxide, to lighten the teeth. It may take a few sessions to get the results you want. CK Dental only uses the most advanced, effective products, including the Enlighten teeth whitening system. This means a B1 tooth shade guarantee, so you can achieve a beautiful white smile in next to no time.

Invisalign

If you have crooked teeth, you can get them straightened out with Invisalign teeth-straightening aligners. Traditional braces are still available, but Invisalign treatment is a more advanced and effective option. This new technique produces clear braces that are difficult to spot with the naked eye. They produce much faster results than traditional braces and are known to be a lot more comfortable to wear.

CK Dental is an approved Invisalign Provider – so our dental team is trained in providing this treatment.

Crowns

If you have cracked or broken teeth, crowns are a great solution. They fit perfectly over the tooth, helping to improve alignment, function, and appearance. After scanning your teeth, an impression will be made, and a ceramic crown will be created.

You can choose from several crown options, so it’s best to talk it through with your dentist to decide which one is right for you.

Dental implants

When you need to replace the teeth, dental implants are a good permanent solution. However, the procedure is one of the more intense solutions. A metal post is embedded into the gums to act as an anchor for the implant. A crowned tooth is then inserted and secured to the metal post.

Dental implants offer natural-looking results, but they aren’t for everyone. Give CK Dental a call to see if this could be an ideal option for you.

Dental hygiene appointment

One of the best ways to ensure you get that winning smile is to have regular dental hygiene check-ups. These help to keep plaque under control, greatly reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Frequent hygiene appointments will also help to keep bad breath at bay. Additionally, they can help to spot any potential issues early on.

These are some of the top procedures for helping you achieve that perfect smile. Book a consultation now with our friendly team to talk through your options and see which treatment is right for you.

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Looking After Your Children’s Dental Health in Bristol

Children's Dental Health

Tooth decay has become a common problem amongst children in the UK. In a bid to try and reduce the issue, medical experts have suggested adding fluoride to tap water. They argue that doing so would help to reduce cavities by as much as 28% for the poorest children.

While a sugar-heavy diet is the biggest cause of tooth decay, there are many other factors that can impact our children’s dental health. If you want to make sure their gums and teeth stay healthy, practising correct dental hygiene is essential.

Here, we reveal the best ways to look after your children’s dental health.

Make sure they use a Fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in water. It is known to help keep the teeth and gums healthy, preventing tooth decay. The mineral does this by strengthening the enamel of the teeth and reducing the amount of acid released from bacteria in the mouth.

Children who use fluoride toothpaste when their teeth are developing don’t tend to have as many grooves in the teeth. This makes them easier to clean and therefore easier to keep healthy.

When choosing a fluoride toothpaste for the kids, pay attention to the ppm listed on the tube. Children aged up to six years old should use a toothpaste with 1000ppm of fluoride. Children aged six and over should use toothpaste with 1450ppm.
Brush twice each day

Though they may not like it, your children need to clean their teeth twice each day to maintain good oral hygiene. There are a lot of tricks children can pull to avoid cleaning their teeth. For this reason, it’s always worth supervising them while they do it.
Brushing twice each day is important because plaque is constantly forming on the teeth. If you only brush in the morning or at night, it allows plaque and bacteria to build up inside the mouth. This can lead to a whole host of oral health issues.

Watch their diet

What your children eat will play a big role in how healthy their teeth and gums are. High-sugar foods should be consumed in moderation. Similarly, you shouldn’t give your child too many high-sugar drinks. This includes fizzy drinks and fruit juices.

Take them to regular check-ups

Finally, if you really want to protect your children’s dental health, it’s important to take them to regular check-ups. A hygienist will be able to ensure the teeth are properly clean and any issues can be identified early.

At CK Dental, we understand not everyone loves going to the dentist. Our family dentistry service offers a gentle approach, suitable for anyone with a fear of going to the dentist. Book a consultation today to see how we can help protect your children’s dental health in Bristol.

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Untreated Gum Disease and COVID

Gum Disease

A new study has revealed that over 80% of patients who have had complications from COVID, also had periodontitis. Commonly known as gum disease, periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the gums.

Here, we’ll look at how gum disease is linked to COVID. And because it’s more important than ever, we include our top tips for you to take care of your oral hygiene.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a severe infection of the gum, capable of destroying the bones of the teeth. It is mostly caused by poor oral hygiene, making it a highly preventable condition. Over time, it can lead to tooth loss or at least a loosening of the teeth. It presents the following symptoms:

  • Bad breath
  • Puffy or swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Spaces between the teeth
  • Pain when chewing

It starts when plaque sticks to the teeth. If it isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar which is packed full of bacteria. Over time, it will lead to gingivitis, a mild type of gum disease. At this stage, it is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional treatment. However, if left it will go on to cause periodontitis.

How is gum disease linked to COVID?

Currently, research is underway to determine the connection between gum disease and COVID. A study has already revealed that over 80% of patients who had COVID complications, also had periodontitis. Out of the patients who didn’t experience any complications, just 43% had periodontitis.

This shows that gum disease does appear to increase your risk of suffering complications if you develop COVID. Now, additional research is needed to determine the exact link between the two conditions.

Oral hygiene advice to keep your gums healthy

Gum disease is a common health problem worldwide. It is estimated that around 50% of the entire population suffer from a mild to moderate form of the disease. An additional 10% of the population is thought to have severe gum disease. COVID has only exacerbated the problem, as millions of patients missed their dental check-ups during lockdown.

If you want to avoid potential COVID complications and stay healthy, taking care of your oral hygiene is important. Some of the best ways to do this include:

  • Brush twice a day with an electric toothbrush
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste
  • Avoid smoking
  • Visit your dental hygienist

Brushing twice a day is something we should all be doing. However, you should make sure you are using fluoride toothpaste and ideally an electric toothbrush too. Flossing daily will also help to keep gum disease at bay.

Keeping up with your dental hygiene appointments is also important. These help you to keep on top of your oral health, identifying any potential problems quickly. At CK Dental, our friendly hygienist, Sam, recently had training with a leading periodontist. She can remove any hard or soft plaque deposits on your teeth, and most importantly, give you advice on how to keep your mouth healthy. The more regularly you visit, the better the health and appearance of your teeth will be.

If you suspect you may have periodontitis, or if you are overdue a hygienist appointment, give us a call at 0117 905 9866 or fill in the short form on the website.

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Dental Treatment Under General Anaesthetic

dental treatment under general anaesthetic

One unique thing about CK Dental is that it is able to offer patients dental treatment under conscious sedation, as well as general anaesthetic (GA). This is because it is located in a hospital setting, at the Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital in Clifton.

Having the option to be sedated, coupled with it being a very relaxing and calm environment, allows many nervous patients to be immediately put at ease. But it is also the highly experienced dental team who deliver the treatments that make a trip to the dentist far easier to bear.

Dr Neil Rasburn has been CK Dental’s consultant anaesthetist for the past five years. He works closely with principal dentist Dr Cornelius Krause, as well as an anaesthetic assistant. They are in fact a very ‘well-oiled’ team! And this is uncommon, as in most practices, the dentist carries out a treatment whilst also monitoring a patient’s sedation. But at CK Dental, Neil and his assistant can keep a close eye on the patient and ensure they are as safe as possible. This allows Cornelius to focus solely on the dental treatment.

We asked Neil about dental work under general anaesthetic, as well as conscious sedation.

What can a patient expect from a dental treatment under general anaesthetic?

“The patient always has a full pre-op assessment to ensure that they are safe to have general anaesthetic. If they are coming from quite far away, this can be done over the phone. The procedure is always fully explained beforehand during the initial consultation.

“Any dental surgery where general anaesthetic is used takes place in the theatre at the Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital. I will meet with the patient on the ward and explain what is involved, and how they will feel. Then, when they are prepared, the GA will be administered via one of the veins on the back of the hand. It doesn’t take long for them to become unconscious. So all they know is waking up in the recovery room after the treatment.”

And for those patients with a fear of needles, there is also an option to have gas through a mask to fall asleep.

“We ensure that you are comfortable on waking, and you will be supplied with painkillers to keep you comfortable after the treatment.”

Is there any risk of waking up?

A big concern that many patients have is the possibility of waking up during treatment. Neil said that this was extremely rare. And it is very unlikely at CK Dental because of the undivided attention he and his assistant give the patient. Not to mention all the different monitoring equipment throughout the procedure.

How is this different to conscious sedation?

“Similarly to GA, there will be a pre-op assessment to ensure safety. And similarly to GA, the medication is administered via a drip in the hand. However, with conscious sedation, the level of sedative is very slowly increased over time to ensure it is just right. So they are still awake and conscious. This might take ten minutes or so and allows the patient to be compliant with whatever Cornelius needs them to do. Whilst making sure that they are comfortably numb.

“Once the dental treatment is underway, the local anaesthetic can then be reduced. This is to a level that means they are alert and awake as soon as the procedure is over. They are still observed after the treatment, until they are fully alert and ready to be taken home.

“There are very few side-effects from conscious sedation as there is very little medication. However, 80% – 90% of patients cannot even remember the treatment!”

And what about those with a real fear of the dentist?

Neil explained that because of the number of people with dental phobia, the treatments that conscious sedation is used can be varied. These can range from a basic check, or a clean, to a two hour procedure. And sometimes, it is only during the check that Cornelius can see what extra work is needed.

He said that before the procedure takes place, his role is mainly to reassure patients that they will be in a comfortable place. A place where they will be able to open their mouth for the treatment.

“Many patients have built up fear over a long time. But they have such a good treatment experience using conscious sedation, that they choose not to have it again when they come back for a follow-up treatment.”

Are you still waiting for dental treatment?

Neil spoke about the growing waiting lists for dental work under general anaesthetic – because of the pandemic. So treatments such as root canals and cosmetic dental work with general anesthesia, are hard to find outside CK Dental.

If you need to see a dentist, or if you are a nervous patient and want to feel confident about your dental treatment, please get in touch. And if you have any questions about dental treatment under general anaesthetic or conscious sedation, contact the team.

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Two in five athletes report oral health problems

Oral health problems

A new study has found that two out of five athletes suffer with oral health problems that have negatively impacted their lives. While a lot of focus goes into injury prevention, oral health is something that is often forgotten about.

Here, we’ll look at what the study found and the importance of getting oral issues sorted out quickly.

Understanding the latest study

The study, carried out by Sunstar, included 302 athletes. They were asked questions regarding their health, and 40% revealed they were concerned about their oral health.

Around 55% of athletes stated they had dental cavities, 76% had periodontal disease, and 45% suffered with dental erosion. Interestingly, the study also revealed the impact oral health issues can have on athletes. As well as impacting overall health and wellness, oral troubles can impact performance. Those with a tooth infection were more likely to perform badly or have to pull out of sporting competitions completely.

The cause of oral health problems in athletes is said to be linked to their high-sugar diets. They consume a lot of sugary snacks and energy drinks which can be detrimental for the teeth.

Why treat oral health problems quickly

Due to the impact oral health issues can have on performance, as well as your health, getting them sorted quickly is crucial. This is especially true in the case of infections.

Tooth infections can spread to other areas if they are left untreated. They can also cause significant pain that can be difficult to treat with standard pain medication. Ignoring an infection or abscess could:

  • Cause infection within the surrounding bone
  • Lead to tooth loss
  • Cause an infection of the sinuses and soft tissue
  • Lead to an abscess on the brain
  • Cause septicaemia

Each of the issues above can be serious, with some proving to be life threatening. So, how can you tell if you have a tooth infection that is spreading to other areas of the body?

Symptoms of a tooth infection to watch out for

If you want to catch a tooth infection quickly, it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for. Pain in the mouth or tongue, swelling in the face, cheeks, and neck, and nausea can all point towards an infection.

You may also experience double vision, a fever, vomiting, confusion, and difficulty breathing. At the first sign of any infection, you should seek treatment as quickly as possible.

How are tooth infections treated?

Tooth infections can be treated in a number of ways. It depends upon the severity of the infection and how early it has been caught. Antibiotics alone may be effective for mild infections. However, if the infection is severe, a root canal treatment may be required.

Root canal treatments are very successful in removing tooth infection. And they are done using a local anaesthetic, so should feel no different to having a regular filling. There are other options available at CK Dental for very nervous patients.

If you suspect you have a tooth or gum infection, book a consultation with CK Dental today. The earlier you catch an infection, the easier it will be to treat. By having regular check-ups, we can help you to identify any potential oral health issues quickly.

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Is Invisalign treatment right for me?

Invisalign treatment

Invisalign treatment is an innovative tooth straightening procedure. Ideal for all ages, it replaces traditional braces, with clear ones. Made with SmartTrack material, these aligners are comfortable to wear. They are customised to perfectly fit each patient for maximum results.

While Invisalign is suitable for most patients, there are some factors to consider before you book the procedure. Here, you’ll discover how to decide whether Invisalign is right for you.

What kind of problems can Invisalign treat?

Invisalign treatment is suitable for a wide range of tooth problems. Just some of the things this innovative treatment can help with include:

  • Overbite/Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Gaps in the teeth
  • Crowded teeth

Each of the problems above can lead to more severe issues if left untreated. Traditional braces are effective, but they can be uncomfortable. They are also easy to spot, whereas Invisalign aligners blend in with the teeth. If you have any of these problems, Invisalign might be for you.

Is there an age limit?

Invisalign is suitable for anyone 13 years and over. Unlike most orthodontic treatments, this one is largely designed with adults in mind. There is no upper age limit for the treatment, the main requirement is that you don’t have any baby teeth still present.

When might an Invisalign treatment not be recommended?

In some cases, Invisalign treatment might not be right for you. If you still have baby teeth, or if certain teeth have been removed, the procedure may not be suitable. This is because if teeth are missing, it isn’t going to be possible to fill in the gap between them. Similarly, if you have false teeth Invisalign isn’t going to be suitable for you.

Those with periodontal disease, or acute gum disease, are also unsuitable for the treatment. The dentist will be able to assess your suitability for the procedure during your consultation.

What results can I expect?

You will usually need to wear Invisalign aligners for an average of 12-18 months before you complete the treatment. The exact time will depend upon the type of problem you are experiencing, and how severe it is.

Unlike traditional teeth straightening methods, the results for Invisalign can be more accurately predicted prior to the treatment. This is down to their customised design. The aligners are created using dental impressions taken from the patient’s mouth.

Overall, Invisalign is suitable for a wide range of patients. It can correct many different problems with teeth alignment, remaining invisible to the naked eye. You will find them comfortable to wear and they provide much faster results than traditional braces.

You can learn more about teeth straightening, and about our Invisalign treatments, at your initial consultation. Call CK Dental today on 0117 905 9866 to book a consultation with our experienced dentists.

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