Your Checklist For A Healthy Smile
Monday, June 13th, 2016
To help maintain a healthy mouth, Brite Dental have made a daily checklist with some handy tips.
Brushing your teeth twice a day, in the morning and before you go to bed, is absolutely vital for keeping them healthy. Not only does brushing eliminate food particles and plaque from the mouth, but it prevents gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. The recommended time of 2 minutes helps ensure that you are not rushing through the process and that all the teeth are clean. Always use gentle back and forth motion across your teeth and gum line when brushing.
After consuming acidic or sugary foods you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth as this allows enough time for your saliva to neutralise the food acids. Theses acids are found in most foods and can be harmful to your tooth enamel as the acid contained in the food temporarily softens the enamel as these foods interact with the plaque in the mouth. Brushing directly after the consumption of such foods will cause further damage to the teeth surface. Don’t neglect your tongue! brushing your tongue helps remove plaque and bacteria that sticks to the surface which in turn can help fight bad breath.
Many people forget this one! Flossing your teeth makes all the difference, it helps get rid of food particles that get stuck between your teeth that you cannot reach when brushing. It plays an important role in helping maintain good oral hygiene and preventing gum disease. Care must be taken when flossing to avoid irritating your gums which can often result in bleeding. Just ask at your local Brite, we would be more than happy to demonstrate how you can floss effectively.
Rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash after brushing is strongly recommended. Not only does it help remove plague and refresh your breath but can also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Brushing your teeth after every meal is not very practical, plus over brushing can damage your enamel. So we advise chewing sugarless gum after eating. This will help to keep your breath smelling fresh but chewing also encourages the production of saliva which acts as a natural defence against acid. This also washes away food particles, helping to keep your teeth clean.
We all enjoy indulging in sugary snacks every now and again, however consuming these too often can affect the whiteness of your smile and the freshness of your breath. What’s more of a concern is a poor diet can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. This is due to the sugar reacting to bacteria in the plaque (the sticky layer on your teeth) and producing harmful acids. These acids then attack the teeth and destroy the enamel which can result in a cavity or hole forming.
Incorporating these things into your daily routine will help you maintain a healthy smile. You should also remember to replace your toothbrush regularly. This should be done every 3 to 4 months or when the bristles start to look worn. Don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly; frequent check-ups are essential, so why not contact us and book your next appointment at Brite Dental?
Teeth Whitening At Brite Dental
Friday, May 27th, 2016
Unfortunately, teeth can become stained and discoloured due to a variety of reasons. Sometimes your teeth will become discoloured simply due to ageing. However, lifestyle and food choices can also take their toll on your pearly whites. Luckily you don’t need to put up with stained teeth and a highly effective, affordable and pain-free solution is to visit your local Brite practice to have your teeth professionally whitened. From whitening strips to whitening toothpaste there’s a wide range of ways to get your teeth brighter. Here’s how to choose a safe method that is effective and won’t harm your teeth.
Teeth whitening is a dental treatment that lightens your teeth and helps to remove stains and discolouration. It is one of the most popular dental cosmetic procedures because your teeth can have such a huge impact on your overall appearance. It is the process of restoring the natural tooth colour shade or making the teeth whiter than the natural colour shade.
To give your smile a quick, effective mini-makeover pop into your local Brite where our dental clinician performs in-house whitening on you by placing a protective barrier between your teeth and your gums. The teeth whitening gel is then applied to your teeth and the gel is stimulated with a blue light that is on the teeth for ten minutes. The gel is then washed off and this step is repeated twice. This safe in house procedure allows our dentists to whiten your teeth within the hour, meaning you can leave your local Brite with a glistening smile. To help maintain this or if you would simply prefer to whiten your teeth in your own home. Our dental team can offer you safe and effective teeth whitening kits which include bespoke whitening trays and professional teeth whitening gels.
With Brite Dental’s whitening treatment, you can achieve a smile up to 10 shades lighter! Whether you choose to undergo treatment in the comfort of your local Brite dental practice or use our teeth whitening kits in the convenience of your own home, teeth whitening is a quick and convenient way to gain a better-looking smile. There is no need for you to smile with a closed mouth any more because your brighter and healthier smile will give you a shot of self- confidence. Improving your self-esteem, appearance and positively affecting other people’s perceptions of you are only a few of the benefits that you will experience from teeth whitening.
The first thing many people notice about us is our smile and with our current teeth whitening plan, this is the perfect time to spoil yourself with a brightness boost. For more information about our fantastic offer contact us today!
Childsmile Scheme Saves Scotland £5M A Year
Tuesday, July 7th, 2015
Recent data has shown that the Scottish Childsmile programme saves nearly £5 million a year in treatments costs. The statement was made by Scotland’s public health minister Maureen Watt. She explained that the savings have been made due to a decrease in the amount of fillings, general anaesthetics and extractions required.
Childsmile is a national programme that was created in Scotland to improve the oral health of children and improve access to dental services. The scheme was created in 2008 and works in partnership with various schools, nurseries and dental practices.
The Childmsile programme has not only helped save millions of pounds but it has also helped improve the dental health of children in Scotland. Since the scheme was introduced, Scotland has seen a decrease in the number of primary one children with ‘obvious decay experience’ from 46% to 32%. 92% of Scottish children are also now registered to a NHS dentist. The results of the scheme have shown what a focus on prevention and education can achieve.
Brite Dental is happy to be a part of Scotland’s Childsmile programme. As part of the Childsmile scheme, children receive free toothbrushes, toothpaste and two fluoride varnish applications per year. Children attending nursery and those who attend a primary school in a deprived area are also offered daily supervised brushing. A key focus of the programme is to prevent the development of dental decay which is important to avoid the need for root canal treatment. Brite Dental are proud to help children learn about their dental health and ways to improve it.
Brite Dental is an NHS and cosmetic dentistry dental practice. To find out more, or to register, contact us today.
Are You Considering Dental Veneers?
Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
There are many ways that your teeth can become damaged over time, from chipping and wearing to staining and overall ageing. Few of us are born with a perfect Hollywood smile, and many people find that their imperfect teeth can lead to a general lack of confidence in their appearance and a reluctance to smile. If you are one of these people, then it may be time to consider dental veneers.
Veneers are the dental equivalent of false fingernails, using an overlay to cover up dental damage, staining, and general signs of wear. It is an effective method of teeth whitening for severely stained teeth without resorting to harsh chemical treatments, and it can also be used for teeth straightening in cases where your teeth are not too crooked and orthodontic braces are not an option.
Veneers are made out of porcelain, ceramic or a composite substance, shaped and coloured to match your existing healthy teeth, and cut into slivers as thin as an egg shell. These slivers are then permanently bonded to your teeth to undetectably cover up the unsightly damage or staining. Veneers can be used on a single tooth to quickly repair any localised damage, or on your whole smile to improve overall appearance and remedy excessive discolouration. They can also be used to fill in gaps by reshaping and enlarging your existing teeth, and also to fix mild cases of crookedness where conventional orthodontic treatment could take up to a year or more.
Dental veneers are resistant to staining from tea, coffee or even cigarette smoking meaning you can have a straight, white smile for many years.
The dental veneer procedure is a fairly complicated one and will require two visits to the clinic. You should be wary of dentists who are willing to perform the treatment quickly in one appointment. In the first appointment, your teeth are given a detailed check up to look for any underlying signs of trouble that might negatively impact the success of the veneers, and then a detailed mould of your teeth is made from which the final veneers will be fashioned. While your veneers are being made, which will take approximately a fortnight, you will be fitted with a temporary set which will give a good indication of the final results. Once the finished veneers have been received back from the ceramist, they can be permanently bonded to your teeth leaving you with the attractive smile you’ve been looking for.
Dental veneers are one of many cosmetic dentistry treatments. If you are unhappy with your smile, you should discuss with your dentist the various options available to find the one that is right for you. Brite Dental offer their patients a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments including Six Month Smiles and teeth whitening.
To find out more about how we can help you achieve your perfect smile, contact us today to make an appointment.
What To Do in a Dental Emergency
Monday, June 22nd, 2015
Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, however, it is not completely invincible. Through bad oral hygiene, accidental damage or hard foods, tooth enamel can become chipped, cracked, or in worse case scenarios, the tooth can be completely knocked out.
Enamel has no living cells so the body is unable to repair chipped or cracked teeth itself. This is why it is important that if you or someone in your family experiences a dental emergency you follow the right precautions in order to cause the least amount of damage and stress.
In this short blog on dental emergencies, we’ll answer the question of “what is a dental emergency” as well as listing some of the most common dental emergencies you may experience and how you should cope with them if they ever arise.
A dental emergency involves severe dental trauma or pain. Common examples of a dental emergency are:
Please remember that it’s critical for a dental emergency to be addressed as soon as possible in order to prevent long-term damage and more severe trauma from developing.
For patients experiencing a dental emergency, you can contact one of our surgeries directly or phone NHS 111 if the emergency happens out of hours.
Toothache is the pain you can experience in and around your jaw and teeth. Toothache can feel different and ranges from constant dull pain to shooting, more intense pain. It can also be caused by a number of different reasons, including sensitivity, tooth decay and gum disease.
If your toothache has lasted more than one or two days then you should make an emergency appointment to visit your dentist to have it checked and to find out its cause.
If your toothache is caused by dental decay and you leave it untreated then your tooth will become infected, leading to severe pain and in some cases, you will require root canal treatment to save the tooth from extraction.
To aid your toothache whilst you wait to see the dentist you can take painkillers, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. You can also hold a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. You should not hold anything cold directly on your tooth as this can make the pain worse.
If you have chipped a part of your tooth and have managed to recover it, you should store the fragment in a clean container filled with your saliva or milk until you are able to visit a dentist.
Your dentist may be able to reattach the fragment back onto your tooth. You should also make sure to rinse your mouth out with warm water and apply pressure with a piece of gauze to the area if your mouth is bleeding.
If your dentist is unable to reattach your own tooth, they will replace it with a filling or crown depending on which tooth it is that is chipped. If the chip has occurred and broken half way down your tooth then you may have damaged the nerves. These instances can become very serious as damaged pulp can become infected.
If your tooth has been completely knocked out it is very important that you treat it with care – only handling it by the crown (white part at the top) and avoid touching the tooth’s root. If the tooth is dirty, you should avoid brushing or scraping it and instead rinse it with milk or saline (salt water) – not water or alcohol.
You should attempt to put the tooth back in the socket as soon as possible and once it is in place bite down on a clean piece of fabric such as a handkerchief to keep it in place.
If you are unable to place the tooth back in its socket you should keep it in a clean container filled with either your own saliva or milk until you are able to visit a dentist. Like a chipped tooth, you should also make sure to rinse your mouth out with warm water and apply pressure with a piece of gauze to the area if your mouth is bleeding.
This advice is only for adult teeth. If your child’s baby tooth falls out, you should not try and reinsert it as their adult teeth will grow in as a replacement.
What Else Could Your Bad Breath Mean?
Wednesday, June 17th, 2015
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?
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.
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.
You can prevent or reduce your bad breath by following a number of steps:
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.
Your Dental Health During Pregnancy
Thursday, June 11th, 2015
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Achieve Your Perfect Smile With Six Month Smiles At Brite Dental
Monday, April 13th, 2015
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.
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.
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.
Brite Dental sponsors Paisley Fashion Show in support of Accord Hospice Charity
Wednesday, April 1st, 2015
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!
Legalities Of Teeth Whitening
Thursday, March 19th, 2015
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.
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!