Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can be an embarrassing problem. But did you know that bad breath can also be a sign of other health problems?

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath has a number of causes, the most common being poor oral and dental hygiene. If you have a poor dental routine then bacteria will build up in your mouth which can result in plaque, tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing your teeth, flossing and cleaning your tongue will help you to remove these bacteria.

Bad breath may also be caused by your habits. Smoking and consuming strongly flavoured foods and drinks such as garlic, alcohol and coffee may cause bad breath. This type of bad breath is generally temporary and can be remedied with good dental care and regularly visiting your dentist.

You may also experience bad breath as a result of crash dieting. Dramatically altering the foods you consume, either by through a low-carbohydrate diet or fasting causes your body to break down fat, producing chemicals called ketones which smell.

What are the Health Problems Associated with Bad Breath?

Bad breath is an embarrassing problem to have but did you know that it could also be a sign of other health issues? Halitosis has been found to be a sign of a number of health problems including: stomach cancer, lung cancer, kidney failure, diabetes and gum disease. Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body and any problems you are experiencing there may be an indication of a more serious problem. If you have noticed any change in your oral health you should make an appointment to visit your dentist who will be able to advise you.

What Can You Do To Prevent Bad Breath?

You can prevent or reduce your bad breath by following a number of steps:

1. Visit your dentist regularly. Not only will they be able to determine the cause of your bad breath but they will also be able to provide tips and techniques to help.
2. Practice good dental hygiene including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing. This will help you to remove bacteria in your mouth.
3. Stop smoking.
4. Drink water and chew on (sugarless) gum.
5. Eat snacks with a high water content such as cucumber, celery and carrots.
6. Drink water. Dry mouth (xerostomia) has an effect on the flow of saliva into your mouth which can cause a build-up of bacteria, leading to bad breath. By drinking water you can help to keep your mouth moist and prevent bad breath.

Dental Care at Brite Dental?

If you are concerned about your dental health the contact the Brite Dental team. Our clinical care team is here to look after you and your dental health needs. We have practices in four locations and offer both NHS and cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Pregnancy can lead to dental problems in women, including an increased risk of tooth decay and an increased chance of developing gingivitis (gum disease). These problems can in turn affect your delivery, with studies showing that as many as 18 out of every 100 premature births may be triggered by gum disease.

It is always important to take proper care of your teeth and gums. However, if you are pregnant it is even more essential that you do all you can to avoid gum disease and other dental problems. Your baby’s teeth and mouth start to develop in the first weeks of pregnancy so by taking good care of your own oral health you will, in turn, help support the correct development of your baby’s dental health.

 

You (and Your Baby) Are What You Eat

Cravings

You may find that your experience unusual food cravings (or avoidance) during your pregnancy. It may also be the case that you have increased cravings for sugary foods. Snacking on sugary foods too often is bad for your teeth and can lead to an increased chance of tooth decay. You should try to snack on low-sugar alternatives where possible. However if you are finding it difficult to avoid your cravings then you should always rinse your mouth out with milk or water after consuming sugary food and drinks to stop plaque building up on your teeth.

Calcium & Vitamin D

During your pregnancy you will need an increased amount of certain vitamins. Calcium in particular is important not only to help your developing baby but also to protect your own bone mass. Vitamin D is important as well as it help the body utilise calcium. You can find calcium in yoghurt, milk and cheese and Vitamin D in eggs, fatty fish including salmon and margarine. During your pregnancy you should look to increase the amounts of these foods you are consuming.

Gum Disease During Pregnancy

During your pregnancy your body will have increased hormone levels which can make your gums more vulnerable to plaque. In fact, 40% of women will develop gum disease as some point in their pregnancy.

Research has also indicated a connection between gum disease and premature births and low birth weight. If your baby is born prematurely they could have problems with their hearing and eyesight and are at risk of health conditions such as cerebral palsy. If you experience soreness, swelling, pregnancy tumours (growths between your teeth) or bleeding gums you may be showing the first signs of gum disease It is imperative that if you experience any of these symptoms that you visit your dentist.

Morning Sickness and Your Teeth

It is often the case that hormones produced during pregnancy will soften the ring of muscle that keeps your food inside your stomach. As a result, you may experience morning sickness or gastric reflux during your pregnancy which will lead to your teeth becoming coated with stomach acids. If this happens repeatedly during your pregnancy you can damage your tooth enamel which can lead to an increased chance of tooth decay. If tooth decay is left untreated you may require root canal treatment.

To ensure your teeth are not affected by morning sickness you should rinse your mouth out thoroughly with tap water and follow up with a fluoridated mouthwash. Whilst it will be tempting to brush your teeth straight away you should try and wait at least an hour as your stomach acids weaken your teeth and brushing straight away can damage your teeth.

It may also be the case that brushing your teeth is affecting your gag reflex. If you are experiencing this problem then you can try using a toothbrush with a smaller head, try distractions whilst brushing including listening to music, or simply slowing down your brushing action.

Brite Dental and Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a difficult time for your health in a variety of ways. If you are trying to become pregnant then you should consider your current dental hygiene routine. You are less likely to develop dental problems during your pregnancy if you already maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Correct dental treatment during pregnancy was found in one study to reduce the risk of premature birth by over 80 percent.

Dental care is provided for free by the NHS during your pregnancy and for one year after your due date. You simply need to fill out a FW8 form to apply for a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx). To find out more you can contact Brite Dental NHS Dentist and Cosmetic Dentistry in Scotland.

 

To quote Mother Theresa, “Peace begins with a smile.” A lovely smile can do wonders. You can even get away with certain things, like Justin Bieber. Or your entire face can shine beautifully like Kylie Minogue. So if you happen to have crowded or crooked teeth, don’t worry. There is always the alternative of cosmetic dentistry, as was chosen by Miley Cyrus. If the thought of braces is off-putting, rest assured that with clear braces, most people won’t even suspect that you are wearing them. Apart from doing its job of perfecting your smile, the braces are hardly visible to others.

How Can Clear Braces Help to Perfect Your Smile?

To start with, clear brackets, braces or aligners are barely visible. So even if you were to wear them, others who see your smile are hardly going to be aware of them. To keep the brackets in place, an orthodontist normally places special nickel titanium wires that are of the same colour as your teeth. Considering how it is a proven thing that wearing braces is the best dental treatment for teeth straightening, there is nothing to worry about effective results. Brite Dental team offers a variety of orthodontic teeth straightening solutions including Six Month Smiles, Inman Aligner, Invisalign and similar cost effective treatments.

Why choose Six Month Smiles orthodontic treatment?

The clear Six Month Smiles clear brackets are more cost effective, hygienic, safer and more comfortable compared to traditional wired braces. With traditional braces, a dentist utilizes a higher amount of force and the treatment is of a longer period, ranging from two to three years. Six Month Smiles usually take around six months to complete and achieve a desired result.

The Six Month Smiles dental treatment is not something that is absolutely unusual. It is merely a result of traditional dental treatment and modern advancement in dental treatment. Six Month Smiles clear braces are the product of research and studies to give the best of cosmetic dental care within a shorter period of time to patients.

Adults and those older than 15 normally stay away from braces even when they are yearning to better or perfect their smiles because of the embarrassment, time and cost of wearing traditional braces. Six Month Smiles is the answer to this. Would it yield results? Since its core concept is similar to that of traditional braces, there is no worry about its effectiveness. With Six Month Smiles Patient Tray Kits, you can enjoy shorter dental trips, which would save your time and money.

Did you know that our dental practice in Paisley has become a recognized Six Month Smiles provider due to years of experience in the industry? Contact your local Brite Dental clinics in Paisley, Clarkston, Bridge of Weir or Houston and book your consultation today.

You don’t have to feel self-conscious about wearing the braces in public. After six months, you get to enjoy the feeling of being able to bestow a perfect smile on anyone.

Just last week Paisley Town Hall was filled with people interested in fashion and local charity support. A lady called Gillian Matthew has organized a tremendous fashion show where a number of local Paisley boutique shops presented their clothes, accessories and bags. The collection was styled by a famous designer John Amabile and demonstrated by the local people from Paisley and the Brite Dental Paisley team.

The entire event was organized in support of the Accord Hospice charity and managed to raise an amazing amount of £15,000.

The audience was able to view a number of gorgeous wedding dresses, wedding guest and mother of the bride wear, luxurious lingerie collection and a beautiful kid clothing collection. All of the clothes and accessories were demonstrated on the massive catwalk that went though the entire Paisley Hall.

The audience was entertained by a huge choir called ‘RockUs’ who were singing popular pop songs such as Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’, Kool & The Gang ‘Celebration’ and more. The audience was able to refresh themselves with a glass of Prosecco and buy some of the local designer accessories during a break.

Brite Dental was one of the main sponsors of the event. We are often supporting local charity activities and events.
Brite Dental is an NHS and cosmetic dentistry practice offering a variety of dental treatments including teeth whitening, dental implants, crowns, veneers, dental bridge, white fillings, root canal treatment and more. If you are looking for a dentist in Paisley contact Brite Dental and register today!

Are you looking for the most effective teeth whitening treatment? Would you like to whiten your smile in the safest way possible? Did you know that not all teeth whitening products and treatments are legal and may damage your teeth?

Many people still believe that teeth whitening treatments can be carried out at a beauty salon or at home by a beautician. Also, unscrupulous traders have been selling expensive tooth whitening equipment and courses to people in the beauty industry while making them believe that the process is legal.

Who Can Perform Teeth Whitening Treatments Legally?

It is not legal for anyone other than a dentist or prescription dental therapist/hygienist to carry out tooth whitening. These dental professionals will have undergone training for many years in order to understand the structures of the mouth and to recognize dental problems so they are able to prescribe the correct treatment for their patients.

The incorrect use of the teeth whitening chemicals can permanently damage teeth and gums as these chemicals actually sink into the tooth surface. Therefore, the person providing the treatment must be fully dentally qualified and registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) to protect the public against this type of damage.

A recent court case highlighted the fact that tooth whitening had been decided by a High Court judge, to be an ‘act of dentistry’. So even if the amount of hydrogen peroxide being used is below the legal limit or if the product being used does not release hydrogen peroxide, a non-qualified person will be breaking the law and putting their clients at risk by providing the treatment.

All of the tooth whitening products used by dental professionals are safe, tested and proven to be non-harmful to teeth or gums. In addition, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) states that it will not provide insurance for tooth whitening as there isn’t a recognized qualification for these kind of treatments. It is also highly unlikely that any other insurance company would cover anyone for a treatment that has been proven to be illegal in the High Court.

If you would like to whiten your teeth safe and professionally contact your local Brite Dental clinic in Paisley, Clarkston, Bridge of Weir or Houston and book your consultation today!

Dr Gordon Matthew at Brite Dental clinic in Paisley has been announced to be a recognized Six Month Smiles provider. He has been straightening patients’ teeth for years and now is able to offer various orthodontic options to suit your dental needs and budget.

What Is Six Month Smiles?

6 month smiles clear braces system is effective, user friendly and fast solution for teeth straightening. Many of the teeth straightening methods on the market take a long time: 1-2 years or so. However, with 6 month smiles, you can get the smile of your dreams in just 6 months.

How does 6 Month Smiles orthodontic system work?

The 6 month smiles clear braces system concentrates only on the teeth that are seen when you smile. So, because these clear braces/aligners do not attempt to make big changes to your bite, they are able to make a noticeable different to your front teeth – and thus to your smile – in just 6 months.

Because of the low forces and the short overall treatment time used, this is one of the most comfortable, safe, and professional options for getting straighter teeth. Moreover, the 6 month smile system delivers some of the most predictable results of any orthodontic system. The incorporation of Six Month Smiles Patient Tray Kits into your treatment programme will ensure that all of your appointments and check-ups are performed in a timely manner.

How noticeable is 6 Month Smiles system?

These braces are designed to be discreet, so you can wear them to work without a worry. They use ceramic aligners and tooth coloured wires so that they are very unobtrusive in your mouth. They can barely be seen when you are talking and smiling at a normal distance from other people, so you can smile with confidence even when you are wearing the braces. And, after 6 months when you remove them, you will have wonderfully straight teeth. This makes 6 Month Smiles one of the most user friendly orthodontic solutions in dentistry market today.

Do not let crooked teeth dent your confidence any longer. Opt for a set of 6 Month Smiles braces and in just 6 months you can have the straight teeth that you have always dreamed of. If that is not a reason to smile all of the time, then we don’t know what is.

Contact Brite Dental in Paisley and register today!

NHS & Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Thank you for choosing Brite Dental to look after your oral health needs!

We have decorated our practices in Clarkston, Paisley, Bridge of Weir and Houston to celebrate the most romantic day of the year. Visit us and see our romantic Valentine’s display.

Brite Dental team would like to wish you happy Valentine’s Day with your husbands, wifes, partners, relatives and friends. Love is in the air!

If you would like to find out about NHS and cosmetic dental treatments at Brite Dental click here.

 

Would You Like To Win An Electric Toothbrush For Christmas?

If you have all of your Christmas presents sorted it’s time to relax and unwind. Grab a cup of tea, put your feet up and think what would YOU like for Christmas? A new car, iPhone, tablet….

What about an electric toothbrush? It can greatly improve your oral health and make your teeth beautiful and white. Wouldn’t it be a fabulous Christmas gift for yourself? We would like to invite you to participate in our social media competition on Facebook and win an electric Oral B toothbrush! It’s very easy! Simply like Brite Dental page on Facebook and wish us a ‘Merry Christmas’ under the competition picture. This prize will help you to keep your smile bright and healthy all year round!

The winner will be announced on the Christmas Eve, 24th of December. Good luck!

Buy A Dental Gift Voucher Today!

Welcome to December! Holiday season is approaching fast and everyone is rushing to get presents for their loved ones. Did you know that you can buy teeth whitening and other dental work vouchers for you family members and friends at Brite Dental? There is nothing better than seeing them smile bright! Contact your local Brite Dental clinic and ask about dental work gift vouchers.

Season’s Greetings from Brite Dental!

Our dental teams have started decorating practices for Christmas. The first one to wish you happy holiday season is our dental clinic in Clarkston. If you are a patient with us or are looking for a dentist in Clarkston visit us and see our Christmas display.

If you would like to find out more contact us today!

Proper oral hygiene is essential for living a healthy and happy life. If you neglect your teeth and oral hygiene, it’s likely that you’ll experience levels of pain, discomfort that will have a significant impact on your daily life and mental well-being.  

In addition, having missing, damaged or cracked teeth can negatively impact our self-confidence and mental well-being, highlighting that oral hygiene is extremely important if we want to create a happy, care-free lifestyle.  

This article looks further into the question of why oral hygiene is important, giving helpful advice, tips and tricks on how to improve your oral hygiene and look after your teeth so they remain in great condition for many years to come.  

How to improve your oral hygiene?

If you would like to have beautiful and healthy teeth throughout your life, we would recommend visiting your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and having your teeth scaled and polished by a professional dental hygienist. 

Another thing that will help keep your smile healthy is reducing your consumption of sugary, salty and acidy foods and drinks. Improving your diet and keeping sugary treats to a minimum (I.e. only once after dinner time) can vastly improve your oral health. 

As a dental clinic, we want you to have the best possible oral health, so here are some more helpful tips to help you improve your oral hygiene: 

• Brush twice a day: Brushing your teeth twice a day is crucial for removing food particles and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth. 
• Floss daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. It’s best to floss before you brush your teeth to help dislodge any debris that might have been caught between your teeth. 
• Use mouthwash: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Look for one that is alcohol-free and contains fluoride. 
• Schedule regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help catch any potential issues early, before they become more serious. 
• Consider adult orthodontic treatment: If you have crooked or crowded teeth, orthodontic treatment can help straighten your smile and improve your overall oral health. 

Remember, good oral hygiene habits are essential for maintaining a healthy smile. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our dental clinic for further advice and guidance. 

The importance of having strong, healthy teeth

We’re told from a young age that we need to brush our teeth regularly and look after our teeth properly, but why are teeth so important?  

You may think you know the answer; Without healthy teeth, we cannot chew and eat the foods that we love. However, whilst this is certainly one reason why teeth are important, it isn’t the only answer! 

Teeth also play a vital role in many other areas, including speech, facial structure and our physical appearance. In addition, without a healthy, attractive smile our self-confidence may suffer and our mental well-being can take a hit.  

There are several reasons why teeth are important, including:  

• Chewing: Teeth play a crucial role in chewing and breaking down food into smaller pieces, which makes it easier for our bodies to digest. 
• Speech: Without a full set of teeth, it can be difficult to form words and sounds properly. 
• Appearance: Teeth are a prominent facial feature and can significantly impact our overall appearance and self-confidence. 
• Supporting facial structure: Teeth help support our facial structure and prevent our cheeks and lips from collapsing. 
• Protecting gums and jawbone: Teeth provide protection for our gums and jawbone by evenly distributing the force of our bite and preventing damage from occuring.  
• Maintaining overall health: Good oral health is linked to overall health, so by keeping our teeth healthy and clean, we can actually help prevent serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. 
• Digestive health: Teeth play a critical role in the digestive process, as they help break down food so that it can be absorbed and used by our bodies. 
• Preventing tooth decay and gum disease: Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can cause pain, discomfort, and potentially lead to tooth loss. 

As we can see, keeping on top of our oral health and ensuring our teeth are clean, healthy and happy will have a positive impact on our overall well-being.  

Not only will healthy teeth help us maintain a good level of physical health but they will also improve our appearance and with it, ensure a good level of self-confidence and mental well-being.  

Top tips for Looking after your teeth correctly

It is vital to get into a regular habit of cleaning your teeth if you wish to maintain a good level of oral hygiene. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes at a time.  

Whilst you don’t need to buy expensive toothpaste to make your teeth healthy, you do need to make sure that your toothpaste has fluoride in it. Regularly change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. If you use an electric toothbrush. change the heads at the same rate. Make sure to brush either before or an hour after eating or drinking acidy drinks such as juice or wine in order to prevent teeth erosion.  

We also strongly recommend flossing regularly, as brushing on its own will not fully clean the teeth and gums. Without flossing, plaque buildup or stray food particles will be left between teeth.  

Some additional tips for looking after your teeth include: 

• Eat a healthy diet 
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco 
• Consider getting dental sealants 
• Be mindful of teeth grinding 
• Visit your dentist regularly  

The last point is one we cannot stress enough. Even with a great level of oral hygiene, serious issues can still be missed if you neglect visiting a professional dental clinic.  

Having a dental check-up every 6 months will allow your dentist to spot any emerging issues and deal with them before they turn into a serious problem. If you find that cosmetic dentistry treatments are needed, remember we offer a fantastic dental finance plan that helps make necessary treatments more affordable. 

Why not get ahead of the game and book your next dental checkup today via the Brite Dental website?  

That way, you can relax knowing that your teeth will be checked, monitored and evaluated by a professional, giving you peace of mind that any pesky issues will be dealt with quickly, efficiently and effectively.  

Book or join the practice the Brite Dental practice that suits you best and take a step towards a happier, healthier smile.