Jan 2010:
The fluoride varnish programme.
Somerset PCT have begun this on-going health promotion project which seeks to raise the oral health aspirations of local children by identifying the best ways of looking after their teeth. The opportunity to have fluoride varnish painted onto their teeth is one of the preventative measures against decay.
Fluoride varnish alongside tooth brushing and diet helps protect teeth from decay and the need for fillings. Research shows that fluoride varnish when applied at regular intervals helps to strengthen teeth, and therefore protect against decay.
How is the varnish applied?
The varnish is applied to clean teeth and it is painted on with a very small brush. The nurse will keep the area dry with a blow of air and a small cotton wool roll. Other than the paint brush, mirror and varnish no other equipment is needed.
Does the varnish have a taste or smell?
The varnish has a pleasant taste and smell.
Can I have too much fluoride?
Children who consume too much fluoride can develop white spots on their teeth. The majority of toothpastes contain fluoride and whilst you or your child should continue to use (a pea sized amount of) toothpaste after having the varnish applied, children should be discouraged from eating it. Your child should not take fluoride drops, tablets or mouthwash on the day of having the varnish applied.
How does fluoride work on the tooth?
The anticaries action of fluoride results from two different mechanisms.
First, the fluoride ion is incorporated into the hard tissues of the tooth, strengthening its crystalline structure.
Second, the fluoride ion is able to interfere with metabolism of cariogenic microorganisms, reducing both their number and pathogenicity. Fluoride inhibits enolase, an enzyme which bacteria need to metabolise carbohydrates.
Richard’s advice on implants
What may come as a surprise is that the loss of even one tooth can have far reaching effects. It can compromise eating habits and speech, and can even change the appearance and shape of one’s mouth.
Dental implants provide the ideal solution to dental ’gaps’ and an alternative to dentures.
What are implants?
Dental implants are usually small titanium screws fixed into the jaw bone to act like the root of a natural tooth with a special crown is fitted onto it. Implants allow the tooth to function completely independently of the adjacent teeth, providing a permanent, healthy and attractive solution.
What are the benefits of implants?
Implants preserve the integrity of your facial structure and replicate your natural teeth as closely as possible, both in function and appearance. They also overcome the disadvantages of bridges and dentures that do not preserve bone and can necessitate the grinding down of adjacent teeth to fit.
In this newsletter we are going to look at the work of Dr.John Lover; our specialist endodontist.
John is married to Rachel a local physiotherapist and has a grown up family.
He is with us on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays by arrangement.
On Thursdays John travels to Bristol Dental Hospital to be a mentor for the dental students. During this time he helps the young people attain his high level of clinical excellence.
John not only has patients referred to him from the other dentists at Rock House but also from a large number of practices from as far away as Sherborne and South Devon.
His appointments are often for an hour when he settles down to do the precision work assisted by one of our nurses.
Notice about extracted teeth
Teeth which are extracted in this practice are sent to King’s college London Dental Institute at Guy’s Hospital to help train dental students before they start to treat patients.
The Dental Institute makes a contribution to the Evelina Childrens’s Hospital Appeal for each tooth we send.
Please let us know if you have any objections to your (or your children’s) extracted teeth bring used in this way.
Digital X-ray software for our computers is on its way and by the New Year 2007 all new X-rays will be stored digitally. Previous X-rays will be scanned in to each patient’s records so we will have a continuous record.
What will this mean for our patients?
Digital x-rays use far less radiation and so are safer, not only for the patient but for the dentist and nurses as well. The images will be digitally scanned and can then be magnified larger on the computer screen. This will help the dentist to diagnose problems with greater accuracy.
Also, the small plastic disc that now is positioned in your mouth is much softer than the old style cardboard film that used to feel hard against you gums or roof of your mouth.
At your next visit please bring with you any new mobile telephone numbers or e-mail addresses so we can continue to send computer generated appointment reminders.
Our reception staff may also ask you to update your medical history at your next visit so we can scan a new A4 form into your records.
Many people decide to give up smoking. If this is your resolution, not only will it help your overall health and wellbeing but also your dental health.
How to stop smoking:
Reward Yourself!
One of our patients put all the money aside she had saved from not smoking and
has decided to have her teeth whitened. For more information see over and pick
up an Illumine leaflet.
Why are my teeth becoming darker?
Dental discolorations are mainly caused by products such as nicotine, tea, coffee and red wine. Tooth discolorations are also age related. With time not only the outer enamel but also the dentine in the inner tooth is affected. Damage to the dental nerve, or certain medications can also lead to tooth discolorations.
Can my teeth be whitened without harming them?
The modern bleaching technology is based on a natural mode of action. Coloured pigments in your teeth are neutralised, only water and oxygen are the by-products. What is the effect? The whiteness of your teeth is restored.
You will see a change within a few days. In most cases the desired result is obtained after two weeks.
The change is obvious:
If you thought bleaching was only for models or film stars think again, it is quite simple and normal. You can even do it in the comfort of your home. We will show you how to apply it and regularly check the enduring effect.
“Aesthetic white teeth may change your smile, your aura, and the reaction of people around you. This will make you feel self-assured.”
Following his trip to Peru last July, Richard intends to continue to help raise more funds for this worthwhile charity and hopes to return to the Amazon sometime with his wife Sue.
There continues to be a display of framed photographs of his trip in the waiting room available to purchase.
We are pleased to welcome Mr. Les Wheatley, a Clinical Dental Technician trained in Canada, to our practice. If you would like an appointment with Les, please ask our receptionists.
Sometimes, when too much shrinkage occurs in the gums, supporting your dentures, the lower jaw can get out of its proper relationship with the upper jaw. This can lead to a number of problems. The facial muscles can virtually collapse, giving the appearance of premature ageing.
A carefully designed denture can often improve your appearance and the comfort of the denture.
The monthly payment for this is still £15.10
Ask for details and a joining form today.
T: 01749 674250 - Mail: 81 High Street, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2AQ. © 2010 Rock House