Underestimating the power of dental hygiene

Dental hygiene has numerous benefits, not just for oral health. On a basic level, oral hygiene means avoiding bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth infection, and even loss of teeth. On a higher level disease such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia have been linked to oral health. Studies have shown that maintaining healthy gums and keeping them disease free, has lasting results for your overall health.

You need not look any further for dental hygiene in Wimbledon, than Wimbledon Dental Care. Here we understand that tooth decay is one of the most common diseases in the developed world. However, we also know that it is the most preventable.

How does tooth decay occur?

Even with regular brushing and flossing, there is no guarantee that all plaque is removed. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as poor cleaning regime, inadequate old equipment, lifestyle choices (smoking, junk food eating, tea and coffee drinking), or even if you do everything right, some areas are just missed.

Plaque build-up, for whatever the reason, can cause inflammation of the gums, otherwise known as gingivitis. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can cause periodontal disease. Periodontitis is a severe gum disease that is a gum infection involving the soft tissue supporting your teeth. Eventually, the bone beneath the teeth is eroded, and the tooth falls out if not treated.

We recommend you don’t delay and seek dental hygiene in Wimbledon today. It may seem counter-intuitive, but it is actually when your teeth are healthiest that you should see a dental hygienist. This is because we try to prevent oral diseases from occurring in our patients. So visit us before the toothache!

What does a dental hygienist do?

The dental hygienist is a dental worker who specialises in scaling and polishing teeth, while also advising how best to maintain oral hygiene. We recommend you visit your dental hygienist every six months or less depending on your own oral health needs.

Professional cleans ensure that we get to the places you may have missed. This will reduce the likelihood of contracting an oral disease. Professional cleans consist of three main steps:

Scaling – during this step, the dental hygienist uses an array of specialised dental tools to ‘scrape’ the built-up plaque or tartar from the teeth. Often the combination of ultrasound and manual scraping is used by the dental hygienist.
Polishing – the next step is the polish. This is where the dental hygienist smooths the teeth’s surfaces, leaving them bright and shiny. By smoothing the enamel of the teeth, this makes it less likely for plaque build up in the minor imperfections and crevices.
Educating – generally, the dental hygienist after completing the scaling and polishing will impart wisdom on how to properly maintain your oral health by illustrating proper technique and form in the cleaning.

General dental hygiene advice

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that prevention, not cure, is the best type of oral care. This is why we at Wimbledon Dental Care promote general oral health advice. Because by caring and cleaning properly for their teeth, our patients will be able to avoid painful diseases and unnecessary expense.

Use the right equipment and change your toothbrush when the bristles become splayed and ruined. Soft toothbrushes are preferable to hard. Proper form and technique while brushing and flossing is important, regular check-ups are necessary to miss any hard to reach places.

Maintain your dental hygiene in Wimbledon by visiting us today!

Staying on top of your dental hygiene in Wimbledon

Many individuals may believe their oral health is up to scratch by brushing and flossing twice daily, however a regular visit to our clinic in Wimbledon can help prevent the onset of oral diseases and infections, such as gum disease, to name just one common example. At our surgery in Wimbledon we are huge believers that preventive dentistry is better than needing a cure, which is why we always encourage our patients to stay on top of their dental hygiene in Wimbledon!

Did you know?

There has been a proven correlation between the health of your mouth and other health concerns of the body as a whole, such as associations between oral diseases and more severe health concerns such as heart disease, which is why it is so vital for teeth and gums to stay healthy. Tooth decay is in fact the most common disease within the developed world, however it is easily preventable! In addition to tooth decay, gingivitis is also common and when left untreated, due to a build-up of plaque, can develop into periodontal disease.

How to prevent the loss of teeth from within the mouth

Periodontal disease is unfortunately extremely common and causes the loss of teeth from within the mouth! Periodontal diseases can occur due to the accumulation of oral bacteria which can develop into plaque and can therefore be prevented by vigorous brushing, and frequent visits to our clinic.

How can we help?

Our dental team is fully equipped to offer sound hygiene advice to all of our patients, tailor making our dental hygiene plans for each individual dental case. As a general rule we suggest our patients visit our clinic every six months for a deep clean, however some of our patients may be told to visit more frequently).

What to expect

Many of our patients (especially those who experience anxiety within a dental environment) may feel more comfortable knowing what to expect from a dental hygiene appointment. After we have given your mouth an oral assessment and checked for any signs of dental decay we can start with your cleaning treatment! Many patients may not require a scale and polish however it is extremely common, and only takes a few minutes!

What is a scale and polish?

A scale and polish strives to remove the hard calculus on the surface of the teeth by using a combination of special dental brushes and pastes to clean the gum line, finishing off with a polish to result in a cleaner and healthier smile.

Helping you take care of your teeth

A dental hygiene appointment not only consists of an oral examination and a cleaning scale and polish, however it also consists of advice on how to take care of your smile in the comfort of your own home. Despite common misconception, talk on dental hygiene in Wimbledon is not just about brushing and flossing, but may also consist of special interdental brushes and fluoride toothpastes.

A tailor made dental plan

Our dental specialists will not only suggest the correct brushes and pastes to use and the most effective way to brush your teeth, but we will also tailor your hygiene plan to you, which will be dependent on your dental case, thinking about things such as implants, bridges, or dentures.

Keeping on top of your dental hygiene in Wimbledon

At our dental clinic in Wimbledon we offer our patients a bespoke dental service within a modern, clean, and welcoming dental environment. Our clinic never compromises, this is why our team embraces both quality and quantity of dental treatments, and we are proud to offer general routine dentistry, preventive dentistry, and facial aesthetics, in addition to cosmetic dental care. One key dental treatment on offer at our clinic is dental hygiene in Wimbledon.

Why is dental hygiene in Wimbledon so important?

Many patients may overlook their oral health, and therefore may refrain from visiting their local clinic for their biannual check up (suggested by dental healthcare professionals to be every six months) however in Wimbledon we strive to promote a healthy smile through the means of preventive dentistry. Dental hygiene focuses primarily on the prevention of oral diseases and infections such as gum disease, which are caused by oral bacteria.

Did you know?

Many patients may not be aware that the health of their mouth correlates directly with the general well-being of their body. Many studies show a clear correlation between oral diseases and infections (such as gum disease) and more serious health concerns (such as heart disease), which is why it is so important to stay on top of your oral hygiene.

How can we help?

Our dental team suggests you visit our clinic for a clean every six months, however many of our patients may require more frequent appointments, this depends greatly on your unique dental case. Our role is to educate our patients, whatever their age, on how to look after their teeth correctly at home, therefore minimising the accumulation of plaque on the surface of the teeth.

Preventing the decay of your teeth

Tooth decay is extremely common to see in dental practices, however it is easy to prevent! Tooth decay can be caused by the build-up of oral bacteria on the surface of the teeth (when food and drink is left uncleaned from any areas of the teeth), however our team have several treatments to help reduce the build-up.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is caused by the accumulation of plaque on the surface of the teeth, which unfortunately leads to inflammation of the gums. If gingivitis is left untreated it can worsen further into periodontal disease which affects the tissue within the mouth. At its most severe periodontal disease can start to affect the bone of the tooth, eventually leading to tooth loss.

Keeping your smile healthy

With these dental concerns in mind, our experienced team of dental healthcare professionals promote general educational dental advice, in addition to a thorough cleaning of the surface of the teeth (commonly referred to as a ‘scale and polish’).

What is a scale and polish?

A scale and polish is a rigorous cleaning treatment that is extremely common within the field of dental hygiene. The sticky plaque and hard calculus is removed from the surface of the teeth using a dental buffer, the gum line is then also cleaned before finishing off with a polish of the teeth to provide an enhanced healthy smile.

Transform your smile, with veneers in Wimbledon

What are veneers?

You’ve probably heard of dental veneers in the past, but usually in reference to some A-list Hollywood celebrity or media personality. However, far from being an inaccessible luxury reserved for the stars, veneers are actually a moderately priced and completely transformative cosmetic dentistry solution which can entirely change the way your smile looks. Veneers in Wimbledon which we offer at Wimbledon Dental Care, are wafer-thin layers of porcelain which are bonded permanently to the fronts of a patient’s teeth, to give their smile a more overall look of togetherness and address a number of superficial issues patients may have. These include, but are not entirely limited to; misaligned or crooked teeth, staining or discolouration, gaps between teeth, and minor overbites.

Preparing for veneer treatment

For those who are interested in the potential benefits of receiving veneers in Wimbledon from our experts at Wimbledon Dental Care, we typically encourage potential patients to visit our practice to have an instructive, informal chat with a veneer specialist. This consultation allows us to clarify the nature of veneer treatment in detail, as well as answer any questions that the patient may have. It is also during this initial consultation that patients are encouraged to tell us why they feel they could benefit from veneers in Wimbledon, and what exactly it is about the aesthetics of their teeth they wish to address. Then, provided that the patient feels comfortable and clued-up on the basis of veneer treatment and what to expect, an impression of the patient’s teeth is made – either physically or digitally – from which the custom built veneer models are to be created.

As each patient’s teeth are a unique shape, a great deal of attention to detail is required when creating the veneers, which is why models are created initially to gauge how well the patient can receive them and rectify any preliminary issues they may have in order to have them fitted. After the correct shape of the veneers has been established, the models and measurements are then sent to a specialist dental technician who will begin to mould them out of porcelain to be fitted thereafter.

Fitting veneers

After the individual veneers have been created to the specific shapes and contours of the patient’s teeth, the actual installation will begin. In order to permanently bond the porcelain veneers to the front of the patient’s teeth, a small portion of the enamel of their teeth must first be filed down, and their teeth slightly etched to allow for them to bond to the veneers properly. Then, a specialist multi-layer bonding agent is applied to the front of the patient’s teeth, and each veneer is individually bonded to the front of each patient’s teeth. In instances where teeth are misaligned, a portion of tooth may have to be filed away prior to the bonding, to give the patient’s teeth a more cohesive look. After each veneer has been successfully bonded, the patient’s teeth will appear far more together, straighter and whiter and their self-confidence is often given a boost as they now enjoy their very own Hollywood, A-list smile.

Visit your dentist for whitening in Wimbledon today

When you visit us as your local dentist for whitening in Wimbledon and speak to us about our range of treatments that can whiten and brighten your teeth, you can feel confident in knowing that your unique smile will be able to look its best and you are on track to having a strong, healthy smile for many years to come.

It is important that you attend your dental appointments routinely and use any products that are directed by your dentist so that any concerns that we may have regarding the health of your smile are addressed. A healthy smile is a beautiful one, so by ensuring that your teeth and gums are healthy, you can work on improving their appearance confidently.

You will also want to ensure that the results of any cleaning and whitening in Wimbledon treatments are long term. So that you are able to benefit from an enduring white smile, it is imperative that you take care of your teeth after any teeth whitening procedures. Your dentist can provide you with advice and tools that you can use for aftercare.

How to care for these whiter, brighter teeth.

We recommend that you try to develop a habit of brushing your teeth after each meal in order to combat the effects of staining foods and drinks that will dull the colour of them.

The first 48 hours after your whitening in Wimbledon procedure are the most crucial to the final outcome of the procedure. Your teeth are prone to discolouration at this time. Therefore, if you want the best, long-lasting effects of teeth whitening, you should avoid the intake of foods and drinks that are known to stain your teeth.

It is not uncommon to experience some degree of sensitivity after you have undergone this procedure. You can invest in a sensitive toothpaste or gel that can alleviate these symptoms. This feeling of discomfort should go away after a few days.

These kinds of treatments are an affordable way to allow you to enjoy a healthier looking smile. Having brighter and whiter teeth can enhance your natural beauty and let you shine with more confidence.

Results for every budget

You do not need to spend a lot to get that feel good feeling that comes with looking after your health and well-being. Rather, it is important to focus on treatment plans that provide you with the best opportunity for a healthy and happy smile.

Even by having a routine check-up and a scale and polish, by removing that built up plaque and tartar, your smile will look and feel more fresh and healthy. We ensure that during every appointment we set aside some time for discussion so that you can ask any questions you may have about your smile.

Together we can arrange a treatment plan that focusses on allowing you to have that smile you have always wanted. We take every aspect into account when devising this plan with you, so if you are concerned about a budget, rest assured that we will work with you to find a solution that suits you.

Your options for cosmetic dentistry in Wimbledon

Having cosmetic work performed on your teeth is fairly commonplace and a lot of patients have walked through our practice doors looking for a little dental touch-up. We have a number of treatments available for those looking to give their smile a makeover, so with that in mind here are some of your options for cosmetic dentistry in Wimbledon.

Invisalign

First up on our list are Invisalign treatments.

For those that are unfamiliar with this type of cosmetic dentistry in Wimbledon, they are used to realign any crooked teeth you may have, that are either causing issues with self-confidence or causing other oral health problems. They work by gently realigning your teeth by placing a small, gentle and directed amount of pressure on them to slowly turn them into a straighter position within your gum line. The braces are made from a see-through plastic material which renders them almost invisible and they can be removed at will.

Teeth whitening

Another option for cosmetic work comes in the form of our whitening therapy that we can perform at the practice, or we can provide you with a custom made kit to use at home.

The goal of this treatment is to slowly reduce any staining or discolouration that has built up on your teeth over time. Using a dental bleaching gel, or powder depending on the procedure, we are able to restore your teeth’s natural shade to give you a bright and healthy looking smile. At Wimbledon Dental Care our expert team of trained professionals will help restore those less than brilliant teeth to give you a shining confident smile you will want to show off.

Veneers

If there are any chips, cracks or gaps in your teeth that may be giving you grief, then we may recommend you try veneers. These small porcelain chips are shaped and moulded by our team to cover up cracks and gaps in your teeth to give you a natural looking smile.

Dental implants

Almost like having your own teeth back, implants are prosthetic teeth that are inserted using an artificial tooth root beneath your gum line and into the bone of your jaw. They are made from a porcelain material that allows them to be sturdy and easy to clean and they are held in place with a sterilised titanium screw that will bond with your jawbone over time as you heal after the procedure.

White fillings

Cavities and decay can happen to any of us. They are mainly caused by a poor oral health routine or a diet that’s high in acidic foods or sugary drinks and once that decay has set in it can absolutely destroy a tooth. To remedy this type of situation our team would clean out an infected tooth before sealing it off with a sturdy white filling that blends right in with the other teeth.

These are just a handful of treatment options that we have available at the practice to help you give that smile a makeover. If you would like to learn about our other procedures and how we can give you a strong and confident smile you will love to show off, please contact our practice.

Why might I choose to undergo Six Month Smiles in Wimbledon?

Six Month Smiles are a form of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is essentially a form of dentistry that aims to improve the aesthetic appearance of an individual’s smile. At our dental clinic we are an accredited provider of Six Month Smiles in Wimbledon, and are proud to offer a modern and hugely popular form of cosmetic dentistry. Many individuals (whether they are young or of the slightly older generation) may refrain from undergoing any form of orthodontic treatment due to the unsightly appearance of some braces. Individuals that suffer from low self-confidence may be particularly reluctant to undergo obvious traditional metal orthodontics.

Individuals who have a hectic life and work schedule may not have time to wait year upon year for orthodontic results, therefore may wish to undergo a faster orthodontic alternative like Six Month Smiles in Wimbledon.

How long does it take to see results from Six Month Smiles in Wimbledon?

Not long! Our technology implements the world’s best known orthodontic system. Six Month Smiles can create perfectly straight teeth within as little as a few months. It is a solution utilising a modern orthodontic system that creates beautiful smiles, solving common dental imperfections such as overcrowding, misalignment, and misplaced teeth within the mouth.

Are Six Month Smiles orthodontics visible?

Six Month Smiles devices are significantly less visible than traditional metal braces, due to the huge difference in the colour of the brackets. Traditional metal braces are extremely visible when adhered (using special dental glue) to the surfaces of the teeth. Six Month Smiles uses tooth coloured brackets and wires which are significantly more discreet than traditional metal braces. Individuals who undergo this form of orthodontics are not alone, as the number of people undergoing this treatment has increased dramatically within recent years.

How does the Six Month Smiles process work?

Before any work takes place, an initial consultation is always required. During this appointment your mouth will be examined, this will determine whether or not this treatment will be suitable for you, impressions will be taken of your teeth which are used to create the Six Month Smiles orthodontics. During the later fitting appointment the brackets are adhered to the surface of the teeth, the wires are then connected to the brackets.

How often should I come and see you at your clinic?

Individuals who are undergoing Six Month Smiles with us can come in for adjustments and fittings every four weeks.

What happens after my braces are removed?

Once removed, you will undergo a few finishing touches, such as teeth whitening. Other alterations that may be undergone could include repairs to any chips or imperfections within the mouth.

What if I feel nervous about visiting your dental clinic in Wimbledon?

Individuals may feel nervous about visiting their local dental clinic for a wide array of reasons, one of which may be an irrational fear of dentists.

What is an irrational fear?

An irrational fear (also commonly referred to as a phobia) may be developed due to a negative childhood experience, this can be reinforced by anxiety experienced when visiting your local dental clinic.

Signs you may need white fillings in Wimbledon

Our teeth go through quite a lot from our daily diet and activities, and over time this continued abuse can start to manifest itself on your teeth in the form of cracks, damage and decay. Fillings tend to be the best way of countering this, but for many patients it can be hard to tell when you need them and if these kinds of problems are left unchecked, they can become much worse.

So with that in mind, here are a few signs that mean you may need to come in for white fillings in Wimbledon.

What are fillings?

Coming in for white fillings in Wimbledon is fairly common and a lot of our patients end up with one or more at some point in their lifetime. The fillings are basically a covering that we place on your teeth to fill in any cracks or holes and to prevent the further spread of any decay that might be eating away at the enamel of your tooth or the insides of it.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is fairly common amongst patients and the causes can surprisingly vary.

As an example, decay can start to appear if there are cracks in your teeth or if you have managed to damage them, either through a fall or while playing sports. Another common cause for decay being present in a patient’s teeth is if they have a poor oral health routine. Not regularly cleaning your teeth can cause plaque to build up, which can cause degenerative diseases like gingivitis to occur.

Diet also plays a huge factor, as food and drinks that are high in acidity can speed up the rate at which your teeth wear down.

At Wimbledon Dental Care our talented team will help you diagnose the source of your problem quickly to get you on the way to a healthier smile in no time at all.

The signs of tooth decay

As we mentioned above there are a number of different causes of tooth decay, but there are signs to keep an eye out for.

For example, if you start to experience a constant throbbing or sharp pain in your teeth that doesn’t go away, even after you use pain killers, then you should immediately contact the practice for an appointment. Or if there’s a lot of sensitivity when you chew or touch one of your teeth.

Should you ignore it?

In any case of suspected tooth decay you should absolutely not ignore it. If you do, you will open yourself up to more decay, as well as infections that could spread into your jawbone and disintegrate the bone and cause more teeth to fall out, or become loose. You will also be susceptible to gum disease and potential tooth extraction, to contain and prevent any further infections or decay from occurring.

These are just a few interesting facts about fillings and what signs you should keep an eye out for. If you would like to know more or need to check if you require a filling then contact our practice and have a chat with our team.

Isn’t it time you got in touch with Wimbledon Dental Care and see why our patients are always smiling?

Wimbledon Dental Care is located in the very heart of Wimbledon and since 1950, we have been dedicated to providing not only a first class dental service, but unrivalled patient care. We believe that our patients are at the very centre of our practice and we are pleased that many of our new referrals come from family and friends of our existing patients. So whether it is routine and preventative dentistry you require, or a cosmetic treatment to give you whiter teeth, Wimbledon Dental Care is your go-to dentist in Wimbledon.

Why choose us?

A great smile is probably the most precious gift any of us would love to give to ourselves. A knock-out smile can increase our confidence and sense of well-being and really put a spring back into our step. A fantastic smile and whiter teeth are no longer reserved for movie stars and celebrities. Modern advancements in dental technology can help to deliver whiter teeth and a killer smile, at a cost that will frankly keep you smiling.

Who are we?

Wimbledon Dental Care is not just about cosmetic dentistry. We specialise in a wide variety of dental treatments that will get you smiling again. Preventative care is at the heart of good oral health and regular check ups and cleaning is essential to optimising your dental health. Beyond this,we offer general dentistry, including extractions, root canal treatment and, when necessary, emergency appointments. Our team also has vast experience in implant dentistry, which utilises titanium posts to act as an anchor for bridges, crowns and dentures which look and act like natural, whiter teeth. Our team of highly trained dentists strive to deliver dental excellence and our welcoming support staff are trained and experienced in welcoming you and making you feel at ease during your visit with us.

Your visit

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a member of our friendly staff and asked to complete a medical questionnaire which will give us an insight and overview of you current health. You will then meet with your dentist who will perform a comprehensive examination to determine the condition of your oral health. If treatment is required, we will then review and discuss the options available to you, and together we will design a treatment program which will help you achieve the results you require. We will discuss the costs involved in your treatment and a likely time-scale. We offer a variety of payment options for your convenience, allowing you to spread the costs of your treatment with easy affordable monthly payments. If no treatment is needed, we will simply advise you of a maintenance program, in order to ensure your optimum oral health.

Why not get in touch with Wimbledon Dental Care today and discover why getting the smile of your dreams could be a lot simpler than you thought!

How to get straighter teeth in Wimbledon with Invisalign

Thanks to ongoing improvements in the dental industry there are a number of methods at our proverbial fingertips to help you straighten up your smile. One particular treatment we offer that’s popular with patients looking for that perfectly in-line smile is Invisalign. Here’s a brief outline of how this treatment can help you get straighter teeth in Wimbledon.

What is Invisalign?

If you’re not familiar with this procedure, then here’s a quick breakdown.

Invisalign involves the fitting of a temporary see-through brace over your teeth to correctly realign them using a small amount of gentle pressure. Throughout your treatment, we may also ask you to wear additional mouthguards as your teeth change position over time, to ensure the realignment goes off smoothly.

Brief summary of treatment

Having straighter teeth in Wimbledon couldn’t be any simpler, as this treatment is relatively non-invasive and pretty quick to perform.

A brief outline of the process is as follows, first we get you in for a consultation visit, then from there we would use lasers or LEDs to perform a series of scans of your teeth. With this data we then construct a 3D representation of your mouth using sophisticated software and we can then manipulate this image to show you how we can give you that lovely straight smile.

After this stage the information we gather will be sent off to a lab that will produce your brace that we will then fit and advise you to continue wearing until your treatment is complete, which is usually around 12 months.

At Wimbledon Dental Care our team will take you through the fitting process in a calm and professional manner that will get you on the road to a realigned smile in no time at all.

How to care for your brace

Once the procedure is complete and you’re sitting at home here’s some advice we can provide to help you keep your mouthguard clean.

First, use a recommended brace cleaning solution, then lightly brush this solution across the guard before leaving it to dry in a hard-bodied container to keep it sterile and safe. Generally, we recommend that you do this at least once every other day to help clear out any built-up bacteria and reduce any staining that might start to occur.

Last of all, you can remove your brace to clean your teeth or eat meals, but outside of that you should have it in place at least 22 hours a day to make sure you don’t interrupt the realignment process.

Further reading

Worth noting is that you may start to feel some discomfort after the treatment, our patients describe ‘pressure’ on their teeth. To counter this just use general painkillers whenever it starts to get a little too much.

These are just a couple of interesting facts about how our Invisalign braces can help you straighten out your teeth. If you’re interested in learning more or want to see how we can shape your smile, then have a chat with your dentist the next time you’re in our practice.

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