Advice & Prevention

In dentistry, prevention is naturally better than cure. Looking after your teeth is also the best way to avoid unnecessary discomfort or cost. At Island House, we’re always happy to discuss your every day dental care routine to help ensure that you’re doing the best for you and your teeth.

Easy ways to healthier teeth:

• Drink water after drinking fruit juice but do not brush straight away as the acid will have softened the tooth surface.
• Chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva.
• Don’t rinse with water after brushing at night, only spit out excess toothpaste so that the rest stays on your teeth.

Babies and children

We encourage visits from children and babies as soon as their first teeth appear. Becoming familiar with visiting a dentist helps children to form good dental hygiene habits early. We also find that they do not become anxious about attending check-ups and as a result, we can suggest and carry out necessary preventative procedures before problems occur. It is recommended by the Department of Health that children from the age of 3 have Flouride varnish applied to their teeth (Delivering Better Oral Health).

Brushing

We recommend brushing twice a day - once in the morning and the evening. Extra brushing may be harmful to the teeth and gums, causing tooth wear and gum recession.

The best technique is to use small circular movements with the bristles of the brush angled up or down to the gum-line, remembering hard to reach areas. Brushing should take 1-2 minutes. Use small-headed brushes with soft or medium bristles.

There are a variety of electric toothbrushes on the market and we stock Oral B at the practice. We also stock other oral hygiene products. Ask your dentist or hygienist for advice on what will best suit your needs.

Diet

Most of us are aware that sugar is bad for our teeth. However, you may not realise that natural sugars can be equally damaging. Acid erosion to teeth is a growing problem and acid in natural products such as fruit juices is as bad as that in acidic fizzy drinks.

For healthy teeth, it is important to aim to limit the amount of time sugars and acids are in contact with tooth surfaces. Frequency of intake is more important than quantity, so try not to sip drinks continuously throughout the day or to nibble on snacks. Give your teeth a chance to recover between eating or drinking

Grinding teeth

Many people grind their teeth at one time or another. The proper name for the condition is Bruxism. Stress can be a contributing factor, and the symptoms can be serious, including broken fillings and fractured teeth, wear to tooth surfaces and aching jaws.

Bruxism can be affected by changes in bite and if it is a problem, dental splints can be made for you to be worn at night-time.