Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems. The most common ailments include:dental cavities, gingivitis, periodontal diseases and bad breath. There are also mouth diseases, in which good oral hygiene is required for healing and regeneration of the oral tissues. These conditions can include gingivitis, periodontists or dental trauma, such as that experienced after a wisdom tooth extraction.
Dental hygienists
At Benhill Dental Practice, our staff who specialise in dental hygiene in Sutton are called dental hygienists. The hygienist’s main job is to prevent and treat gum disease. This will include professionally cleaning your teeth, by removing plaque and tartar. This is called a scale and polish.
Our dental hygienists’ most important role is showing you the best way to keep your teeth free of plaque. Plaque is a coating that forms constantly on your teeth. Our hygienists will also give advice about diet and about preventing tooth decay, to ensure your dental hygiene is the finest it can be. The hygienist will work with our dental team to give you care that is tailored to your needs.
At Benhill Dental Practice your dental hygienist has been specially trained to carry out scaling and polishing and can spend longer with you than your dentist. They are also experts at teaching you how to look after your teeth and gums. Often your dental hygienist will spend several appointments getting your gums healthy and ready for the dentist to restore your teeth with crowns and fillings.
Why is dental hygiene in Sutton important?
Regular professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, combined with looking after your teeth and gums properly at home, can greatly improve your mouth’s health. A healthy mouth will greatly improve your appearance, help you to keep your teeth and give you fresh breath.
To maintain your dental hygiene in Sutton, we recommend that you follow three simple steps. Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day using a fluoride toothpaste. Also, we recommend you cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks. Most importantly you should visit Benhill Dental Practice regularly to ensure a good level of dental hygiene in Sutton.
Smoking cessation is the process a person completes in order to quit smoking tobacco. According to studies, 70% of people who smoke tobacco would like to quit and 50% have tried to quit in the last 12 months. Smoking is the leading cause of death in the world where the death could have been prevented. It greatly affects health and drastically increases the chances of heart disease and lung cancer.
Dentists and smoking cessation
Dentists can now play a major role in helping people to quit smoking. Dentists see people affected by smoking constantly, can see the negative effects it has in their patients’ mouths and they know that a lot of patients will trust their advice. At Benhill Dental Practice we offer smoking cessation in Sutton to our patients; it’s important that as dentists we advise you of the risks related to smoking tobacco and support you with regards to quitting. Oral health is greatly benefitted when tobacco use is minimised and you will notice some positive changes. It’s important for you to a check in at the clinic often so you can receive support and information from a dental professional.
The damage smoking does to your mouth
Smoking tobacco has a very bad effect on teeth and gums and tobacco chemicals make smokes more receptive to getting gum disease. Benhill Dental Practice offer our patients in Sutton smoking cessation as patients come to the practice regularly with dental health problems associated with smoking. Some of these problems are: sores in the mouth, bad breath, teeth stains and a hairy tongue. In addition to these problems, tobacco smoking is the number one cause of cancer in the mouth and it causes numerous deaths each year.
We provide smoking cessation in Sutton to patients needing advice and assistance. The practice has fully trained advisers to help you throughout your journey to quit smoking, supporting you from beginning to end. To find out more information about smoking cessation in Sutton, or to make an appointment with a trained adviser, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic. With the right help and support, you could quit smoking for good.
Do you still have a silver filling or two lurking in the back of your mouth? Have you not really given it much thought until now? If you are looking to swap from silver to white fillings, in Sutton, then talk to us at Benhill Dental Practice. It is an easy and safe procedure for our skilled dentist, who simply takes away your old silver filling and replaces it with a hardwearing white filling. This hardened substance will stand the test of time and allows you to eat the foods you love. Of course, you still need to look after all your teeth properly. We always recommend that all of our patients clean their teeth at least twice a day.
Why should I get them swapped?
Perhaps you don’t notice the shimmering silver in the back of your mouth, buy maybe your loved ones do? Would you not like to open your mouth for that hearty laugh, knowing all they will see is a mouth-full of white? If so, we have the solution for anyone in this position living in Sutton; silver to white fillings is a growing trend! Come and modernise your teeth and smile, you never know what else might change! A new modern you! Fees are very affordable and all prices for fillings and other treatments are available on our website: https://www.benhill-dental-practice.co.uk. If you are unsure about this procedure or have any questions, then please give us a call and we will help you to gather the information that you require.
Why do we need fillings in the first place?
Teeth require fillings, because an excess of sugary foods and drink cause tooth decay, which eats away at the tooth causing a hole. If teeth are cleaned regularly and thoroughly, the sugar should be removed and decay would not happen, but often this is not the case and many children and adults will have at least one filling. Today, dentists will only use the white fillings as they are the best substance for longevity and give the best look. If you still have the old style of filling, then do not despair, come and join others opting to change from silver to white fillings in Sutton.
Did you know that fear of the dentist is the primary reason UK adults give for failing to attend regular dental appointments – far more than worries about costs or lack of time? Fear of the dentist is a common issue and can range from mild anxiety to full-blown phobia.
At Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton we empathise with patients who suffer from dental phobia, but do not believe it should be a barrier to getting the treatment you need or the smile you deserve. Our skilled and experienced dental team have worked with many anxious and phobic patients to help them conquer their fear once and for all.
We don’t believe in using sedation during treatment, but instead take the time to talk to our patients and find out the cause of their fear. We are proud to practice gentle dentistry.
Thanks to advances in techniques and equipment, many dental treatments are now pain-free. For more complex procedures we use local anaesthetic to ensure that you will experience no discomfort.
One of the main factors of dental anxiety is a fear of being out of control. We will take the time to ensure you feel in control at all stages of treatment, and will provide you with hand signals so that you can indicate if you need to take a short break at any time. Don’t think this will upset the dentist or affect their schedule; we always ensure that adequate time is built into every appointment for breaks, because we know that everyone needs to take a breather now and again.
Many patients who have not seen a dentist in some years because of dental phobia also fear being judged because their teeth are in poor condition. You can rest assured that at Benhill Dental Practice we will never be judgemental; the whole team is sympathetic to patients’ concerns, and all we want is to help you get back into full oral health, then to maintain it for life.
Do you have prominent silver fillings that make you embarrassed to smile in public? Fillings made from metal amalgam are very strong and durable, but are also very obvious because they do not blend in with the natural colour of your teeth.
When they were first developed, white or tooth-coloured fillings were not as strong as metal amalgam fillings. These days things have changed; thanks to big advances in materials and techniques used, white fillings are now considered almost as strong as metal ones, and suitable for use in all areas of your mouth.
White or tooth-coloured fillings are made of a very strong composite material. When your dentist places a white filling, they will carefully select a colour of composite that matches closely to the natural colour of your teeth. This means that the fillings will blend in seamlessly to your smile and nobody will know they are there.
At Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton, we offer the option of replacing silver-coloured metal amalgam fillings with tooth-coloured composite fillings, to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. If your metal fillings are old, worn or discoloured, or if you just want to give your smile a cosmetic makeover, replacing metal fillings with composite fillings is an excellent option.
This is a simple and fast procedure carried out in a single appointment here at our Sutton dental practice. Your dentist will first remove your old metal fillings from your teeth, using local anaesthetic so that you won’t experience any discomfort.
If there are any new areas of decay, your dentist will also remove these and will prepare your tooth to take a new filling. After carefully choosing the correct shade of composite material, your dentist will place this in the cavity and shape it for a perfect, smooth and seamless fit. Once in place the material hardens quickly, giving you a strong, healthy and natural-looking smile.
Whiter teeth are top of the wish-list for many people interested in cosmetic dentistry. Our teeth become stained by certain foods and drinks, including red wine and coffee, by smoking and by some medicines and medicated mouthwashes. Many people also find that as they become older they notice their teeth start to lose much of their natural lustre.
At Benhill Dental Practice we offer teeth whitening treatment to help you get that sparkle back in your smile. Teeth whitening can be carried out here at the dental practice or in the comfort of your own home. It’s a fast and effective way to remove the everyday stains from your teeth and give them a natural, brighter, whiter appearance.
Here’s how the treatment options work:
Home teeth whitening
If you choose home teeth whitening, you will still need to visit the dental practice so that your dentist can assess your suitability for treatment, and can take impressions of your teeth for your custom-made teeth whitening trays to be created.
When these trays are ready, we will see you again to check that they fit snuggly and will show you how to use them. You place a small amount of teeth whitening gel in the trays and wear them overnight for about two weeks.
Power whitening
Power whitening takes place here in our Sutton dental practice. Your lips and gums will be shielded and whitening gel will be applied to your teeth. A special lamp is placed over your teeth to activate the gel, which will gently remove even stubborn stains from your teeth. Power whitening takes just one hour, and will result in teeth that are several shades whiter.
Whichever option you choose, it’s important to remember that teeth whitening should only be carried out by a dentist or dental hygienist. The products used in dental practices, unlike those available online or on the high street, are tried, tested and safe. Teeth whitening should also only be carried out on healthy teeth, as patients with cavities or enamel erosion are more likely to experience sensitivity.
How does your oral hygiene scrub up? Good dental hygiene is vital to maintaining your oral health. Many common dental problems, including gum disease and tooth decay, can be prevented with good oral hygiene.
At Benhill Dental Practice we are passionate about preventative dentistry, which is why we are always keen to stress the importance of a strong oral hygiene routine. Good dental health involves team work, combining regular visits to your dentist and hygienist with stringent home practices.
We recommend that most patients visit the dentist for a check-up and they hygienist for a scale and polish every six months. In some cases – for example if you have gum disease and your treatment needs monitoring – we will want to see you more frequently, and you should always follow your dentist’s recommendations.
Our hygienist, Debbie, will professionally clean your teeth with a scale and polish. This involves using special equipment and pastes to remove all traces of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. Plaque and tartar build-up can lead to the development of gum disease, which if left untreated can ultimately lead to your teeth falling out.
Debbie will also provide bespoke advice on how best to look after your teeth at home. This will include tips on brushing techniques, flossing and using interdental brushes to clean in between your teeth effectively. This advice will be presented in an individualised, age-appropriate manner – Debbie runs a special Toothy Pegs Club for children to help them learn the importance of good dental hygiene in a fun way.
She will also advise on how dietary and lifestyle factors, such as drinking too much fruit juice or smoking, can affect your dental health, and offer advice on how to develop more tooth-friendly habits.
Sensitive teeth are a common problem that can make sufferers’ lives a nightmare. When your teeth are sensitive to extremes of hot and cold, treats such as a cooling ice cream on a hot summer’s day or a fresh, crunchy apple straight from the fridge may be off the menu. You may find yourself leaving your morning coffee to go lukewarm before you can drink it, wincing at the thought of ice in your cocktail coming into contact with your teeth. . .
The good news is that if you suffer from sensitive teeth, your dentist will be able to help. While sensitive toothpastes work temporarily, many people find that when they stop using them their sensitivity returns.
You should always seek advice from a dental professional, because sensitive teeth have many causes. Your dentist will be able to identify the source of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment to get rid of sensitivity for good.
One of the most common causes of sensitive teeth is enamel erosion, also called dental erosion. Our teeth are coated by very strong enamel, which protects the more sensitive dentine underneath. Enamel may be worn away by dietary factors – consuming too much acidic or sugary food and drink – or by brushing your teeth too hard. Eating disorders and bruxism (tooth grinding) can also lead to enamel erosion.
Other common causes of sensitive teeth include gum disease, which can lead to gum recession, exposing the more sensitive roots of the teeth. Pockets may form in the gums around the tooth, making it more difficult to keep the area clean and thus further exacerbating the problem.
Cracked teeth and broken fillings can also lead to sensitive teeth, as cracks can run all the way from the tooth surface down to the sensitive root.
Using second-rate tooth whitening products bought from the internet or from beauty salons can also increase your chances of developing sensitive teeth. If you have teeth whitening from a dental professional, the products will be safe and in some cases will have added ingredients to help prevent sensitivity from developing.
Good dental health isn’t just about the condition of your teeth. Your gums play a vitally important role, too, and healthy gums help maintain a happy smile.
Your gums act like cushions for your teeth, surrounding the teeth in the jaws, helping to support them. Gum disease is a very common problem – most patients will experience a mild form at some point in their life. If you notice any of the early symptoms of gum disease, you should contact your dentist straight away. Without treatment, it can develop into a more serious form and can lead to tooth loss.
Gum disease is caused by plaque bacteria, which builds up on your teeth when you don’t clean them properly. This bacteria starts to attack the gums, leading to the mild form of gum disease, which is called gingivitis.
Early symptoms of gum disease can be hard to spot, but common signs include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth or bite into hard foods
- Red or swollen gums
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should book an appointment with a dentist. At this early stage gum disease can be treated and managed with professional tooth cleaning by your dentist or hygienist, who can remove all traces of plaque and tartar even from areas that are difficult to reach when brushing.
Gum disease is easily prevented with a good dental hygiene regime. This involves both regular visits to your dentist and hygienist and the use of proper brushing and flossing techniques at home. Your hygienist can help you to prevent a customised home-care regime to help prevent the problem from arising again.
Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into the more serious form of gum disease, known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. Symptoms of this can include teeth that become loose and dental abscesses. Ultimately this can lead to teeth falling out, so you should get in touch with your dentist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Are you afraid of the dentist? Then you are not alone. Fear of the dentist is the main reason patients in the UK cite for failing to keep up regular dental appointments. At Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton, we have helped many nervous patients to get the dental treatment they need, by practising gentle dentistry.
Fear of the dentist has a plethora of causes. Some people have had a bad experience as a child, which has put them off seeking dental treatment for life. Others have specific triggers, such as the sound of the drill or the sight of a needle. The fear of not being in control is also common, along with shame about the condition of your teeth if you haven’t seen a dentist in many years.
Putting off dental treatment until an emergency arises can also add to nervous patients’ fear, as problems that could have been prevented with regular dental check-ups end up requiring more invasive treatment.
At Benhill Dental Practice has many years of experience working with nervous patients, without the need for sedation. By taking the time to talk to patients about their concerns and by practising gentle dentistry, we have helped scores of patients get the treatment they need.
Modern dental techniques have advanced greatly and most treatments are now practically pain-free. We use local anaesthetic for more complex procedures, and will ensure that you know how to signal to us if you need a break during treatment. That way, you can be assured that you will always be comfortable and in control at all stages of treatment.
If you first come to us for emergency dental treatment, our first priority will be to get you out of pain. We will treat any urgent problems, then will schedule follow-up appointments are necessary to help get you back to full dental health – and maintain your health going forward.
