National Smile Month 2024 is here and we’re here to help promote the importance of having good oral health and the value of a healthy smile! Between 17th May and 17th June, the Oral Health Foundation is working to raise awareness of important oral health issues and we’re here to help share tips and advice on how to look after your smile and overall oral health.
Maintaining a healthy smile is relatively simple, but for some people it can be difficult. Despite the huge improvements in oral health over the past 40 years, there are still some barriers to be crossed and oral disease is still far too common. Here are four key National Smile Month messages to keep in mind when it comes to better oral health:
Brush your teeth for two minutes a day, in the morning and last thing at night, with a fluoride toothpaste.
Clean in between your teeth at least every other day.
Cut down your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
Visit your dentist regularly.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment and learning proper dental hygiene habits means that it’s easier to avoid costly dental procedures and long-term health issues in the future. In celebration of National Smile Month 2024, here are some further tips and advice on recognising and preventing oral health issues.
You shouldn’t wait until you have symptoms to visit your dentist, as often this means that the symptoms have developed and could require more work. Visiting your dentist twice a year means that your dentist will usually be able to spot any issues or problems before symptoms begin. If you experience any of these signs, then you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Your mouth is home to all sorts of bacteria and, whilst some of them are part of the normal flora of your mouth, there are some which can cause and contribute to dental and oral diseases. As part of National Smile Month 2024, we’re helping to spread awareness of these diseases and how they can affect your health.
Often, bacteria that lives in your mouth are generally harmless, there are some instances where it can become damaging to your teeth, oral health and overall wellbeing. Bacteria that lives near your gum line can create a sticky substance called plaque, which can then accumulate and harden, causing tartar that can be tricky to remove. Regular brushing and flossing can help to prevent this build up, but if left, it can cause your gums to inflame, leading to potential gingivitis.
We use our teeth and mouths a lot during the day, so it isn’t surprising that, over time, things can go wrong, especially if you don’t maintain proper oral care. A lot of dental and oral diseases can be prevented with proper hygiene, but you are likely to experience at least one dental problem during your lifetime.
Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are areas of the tooth or teeth which have been permanently damaged and may even develop small holes, which can often be painless meaning that you don’t realise they are there. Cavities are a fairly common dental complaint and occur when food, bacteria and acid coat your teeth and form plaque. The acid sitting on your teeth can start to eat away at the enamel and then the dentin which lies underneath and then, over time, this leads to permanent damage.
Although not a disease, sensitive teeth can have a huge impact on your oral health and can be the result or an indication of further dental issues. If you have sensitive teeth, then you’ll likely feel discomfort or pain whilst having hot or cold foods or drinks. It can sometimes occur after root canal, fillings or having braces removed, but can also be the result of gum disease, receding gums or worn down crowns or fillings.
Most of the time, sensitive teeth can be treated at home with a change in your daily hygiene routine. There are toothpastes and mouthwashes specially formulated for sensitive teeth.
Oral cancers can include cancer of the gums, tongue, lips, cheeks or palate of the mouth and in most cases, dentists are often the first person to recognise the symptoms of oral cancers. Alcohol and tobacco use are amongst some of the biggest risk factors when it comes to oral cancers. If you notice a lump in your mouth, ulcers or sores that don’t heal or frequent bleeding, then you should get these checked out as soon as possible. The earlier that oral cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome.
Our oral health is hugely important and, in recent years, there have been connections made between our oral health and general wellbeing. A healthy mouth can help to maintain a healthy body. Looking after your oral health is vital and this National Smile Month, we’re here to help you with any oral or dental concerns you may have. Contact Dental Solutions today to arrange a checkup, or get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns about your dental health and we’ll be happy to help!
EXCELLENTBased on 301 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Helen Asteriades2024-10-18I have had 3 implants now at dental solutions and have been very pleased with them My experience each time has been very positive I am very happy to recommend this excellent service Iam now having invisalign My appointment to dicuss it was very positive and very professionally managedTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Linda Madgwick2024-10-12Just started treatment for my fifth implant. Very quick and painless! Just felt some pressure, nothing else and all over in 20 minutes. Back in 3 months time to complete the treatment. Great care and service.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jean Sharpe2024-09-29Check up from Gavin, the principal dentist Treatment from Victoria, the hygienist Administration carried out by Janet, lead receptionist All areas of expertise were handled professionally and with competence and skill. Highly recommendTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Laura Barrett2024-09-25After years of issues with two missing teeth I went to see Gavin to see what could be done. I didn’t think implants would be an option due to the small space however I was proven wrong. Gavin went above and beyond during the process to ensure I ended up with an amazing smile. I was so happy with my teeth I even cried. Can’t thank Gavin and the team enough for everything they’ve done.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Vanessa Maria2024-09-25I have been a patient of Dental solutions for around 6 years and every visit has been a positive and pleasurable experience. I was in pain with a bottom front tooth a week ago, so phoned the practice and was given an appointment with Lauren an hour later. I am going through a difficult time at the moment and Lauren was very kind and caring as well as thorough and professional. Thankfully the source of pain was just induced by clenching, in turn causing sensitivity. Lauren prescribed a toothpaste which helped almost immediately. Thanks Lauren for the treatment suggestion but also for being so kind.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Carolyne Rogers2024-09-21I saw Lauren last week as I needed a root canal on a molar tooth. I found the experience to be very positive, I saw Lauren who was kind, considerate, friendly & informative. She explained each & every step before she proceeded & the treatment was totally pain free & successfull I would definitely recommend Lauren & her assistant for any dental treatment C A RogersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Barbara Gaskell2024-09-20I used to be an extremely nervous patient before I found this dental practice. Gavin and his team are lovely and immediately put you at ease, I really couldn't imagine going anywhere else now.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Andy Mackay2024-08-25Having a great fear of the dentist from my teens and having neglected my teeth since, i was forced to seek attention when my two front upper teeth came out. Gavin at Dental solutions was superb, putting me totally at ease. I then had all my top teeth replaced by implants. This was a totally free of pain experience. Two years later following a facial collision with a dog, I had four loose bottom teeth at the front. Another trip to see Gavin and again superb treatment throughout and painless. Another implant. The service at Dental Solutions is first class from the receptionists through to the dentist. I would recommend them without reservation.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.tom floyd2024-08-25An outstanding experience from beginning to end. I first connected with Dental Solutions through a friend's referral. Initially, I had planned to go to Turkey because I was unhappy with my smile and felt very self-conscious about it. Before making that decision, I visited Dental Solutions to see if there was any way to preserve my original teeth instead of undergoing invasive procedures abroad. The team exceeded my expectations at every step. Lauren suggested Invisalign treatment, and the results were incredible—my smile was completely transformed. She monitored my progress closely, even providing a home camera kit and regularly checking in via text to ensure everything was going smoothly. After the Invisalign treatment was complete, Gavin recommended edge bonding and assured me the results would be fantastic. Given my exceptional experience up to that point, I trusted their expertise and proceeded with the edge bonding. When I came in for the procedure, Dr. Amit delivered outstanding results. Having spoken with others who’ve had similar work done elsewhere, I can confidently say that the quality and care I received were unmatched. Dr. Amit took his time, thoroughly explaining each step and demonstrating his genuine passion for dentistry. Overall, the experience offered excellent value for money and was truly enjoyable. It has renewed my commitment to staying on top of dental appointments and restored my confidence in visiting the dentist. I highly recommend them.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Vrancken` Matthew2024-08-24I have been a customer for years now and my experiences have always been 5 star. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and most importantly they deliver a super professional job.