This summer, take on the Big Family Brush-Up! 24th June – 31st August 2019

Without a doubt, one of the most stressful parts of the day for any parent is the teeth brushing battle that commences first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Tiredness, general averseness and lack of time all contribute to a hurried, often ineffective teeth clean.

This summer at Oakley Road Dental Practice we are supporting families by helping them to understand the importance of a proper teeth brushing routine and the impact it has on their oral health.

We’ll be providing a helping hand in getting your kids to brush their teeth in conjunction with Denplan and Simplyhealth’s national campaign – The Big Family Brush Up!

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some top tips, visiting local schools, hosting an open day here at the practice and offering advice on how to make teeth brushing fun for all the family – so stay tuned for more information.

Teething problems

Tooth decay is a huge problem in the UK, especially amongst school aged children. In a recent survey conducted by Simplyhealth, statistics showed almost a third of children under the age of 18 taking part in the study had already needed a filling with some requiring up to five!

These statistics are shocking. We all know that we need to brush our teeth for two minutes twice a day, the question is, are we actually all doing it?

Out of 1,000 parents questioned, 18% admitted that their child only brushed their teeth once a day, with two thirds confessing that two minutes proved too challenging for their child. So how can we help our children to brush their teeth thoroughly and overcome their reluctance to brush regularly?

Top dental tips that are easy to follow

We want your child to adopt a healthy brushing routine so here’s some simple advice to help you all.

1. Make sure you brush your teeth the minute you wake up. Brushing after breakfast is actually more damaging for your teeth, due to the acid and sugars that soften our enamel, found in the foods that we eat. It is also easier to get your child to do two minutes when they have longer to linger, rather than last minute as they scramble to school.
2. Brush your teeth at least an hour after eating each evening. Similar to the morning routine, certain foods can cause damage to your teeth so it’s always best to wait a while before cleaning. Once brushed, make sure your child only drinks water without extra snacks.
3. Invest in a timer so that your child can grasp the concept of time. Whether it is a sand egg timer or a musical app, two minutes can feel like an eternity without watching the seconds tick by.
4. Make sure that your child’s toothpaste contains the recommended strength of fluoride for their age group. Children under the age of three years old should use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1000 ppm. Children between three and six years old should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1000 ppm fluoride, whilst children aged 7 and over can have fluoride toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm.

Be a part of the big family brush-up

Get your toothbrushes at the ready and join us for a summer challenge as part of the national brush-up campaign. Running from 24th June – 31st August you can pick a four week timeframe to suit you and your family.

Don’t forget to download your very own reward chart and send your pictures to www.bigfamilybrushup.co.uk for a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Here you can also find more tips, information and downloadable resources to help your family brush better.

Book your child a check-up today

We know that visiting the dentist can be nerve wracking, especially for children, but our friendly team of dentists and dental staff at Oakley Road are here to make it fun.

We offer family appointments so that you can all be seen at once and can provide a host of different payment plans including Denplan for Children to make life easier for you when check-ups are due.

So, to make an appointment get in touch today by booking online or calling 023 8077 1450.

It’s never too early to start a good oral health routine

The daily battles that commence morning and night; the constant bribery; the singing of songs…getting your kids to brush their teeth can often be challenging. But let us reassure you, that caring for your children’s teeth now will be well worth it in the long run.

Children’s teeth are prone to decay, just like adult’s teeth, so it is essential that your child is taught the importance of good oral hygiene and a healthy diet from an early age – even if they still have their milk teeth.

See our Children’s dentistry in Southampton page.

Brushing up on teeth cleaning skills

Mornings are manic when time is of the essence and you are juggling everything around the school or nursery run. But there are some things we just shouldn’t rush. On average, we brush our teeth for just 45 to 70 seconds a time, which is well under the recommendation of 2-3 minutes.

Failure to make sure that our kids are looking after their teeth is having a major implication on their dental hygiene, with one in three children starting school with tooth decay! But it isn’t just poor brushing that’s to blame, a combination of readily available sugary snacks and drinks and a lack of preventative care has led to an increase in the number of children having teeth extractions.

Shockingly teeth decay in children is now 5 times more likely than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever. However, with a good brushing routine, regular dental check-ups and a balanced diet, you can ensure that your child has a healthy mouth today, tomorrow and for the future.

The importance of check-ups for children

It is not uncommon for parents to hold off taking their children to see the dentist until their adult teeth start to come through. However, baby teeth have an important role to play and should not be dismissed, as they help with a child’s physical, emotional, and social development.

We strongly recommend that from the age of 3 your child has six monthly check-ups, as tooth decay with children can happen quickly and catch everyone unaware.

Most children start to receive regular visits from the tooth fairy around the age of 6 years when their permanent teeth start to push through from below. Children tend to lose their teeth in the order they arrived, with their upper and lower front teeth often falling out first – enabling them to perfect the art of whistling.

Last year, according to an NHS survey, only 58.6% of children saw a dentist. At Oakley Road Dental Practice, we like to see patients of all ages and the younger they are the more familiar they can get with our comfortable dental surroundings.

Denplan for Children

From wobbly teeth, right through to misalignment, your children’s oral health can change rapidly as they grow. At Oakley Road Dental Practice, we place an emphasis on preventative care and now offer Denplan for Children.

This monthly plan not only helps to protect your children’s teeth with regular check-ups, dental x-rays and hygiene treatments but offers educational care to encourage a healthy smile for life.

The category your child is placed in is based on the condition of their oral health and the amount of treatment that may be required. Denplan for Children allows you to budget for your family treatments and helps our dentists to spot and avoid problems before they occur.

For more information on Denplan for Children, please call us on 02380 771450.

Oral advice and preventative care for parents

Below we have put together some simple steps that you and your family can take every day to protect and improve your child’s dental health.

1. Brush two minutes, twice a day: make sure that your child brushes their teeth for a full two minutes last thing at night and at least one other time during the day. Either use an app or a timer, sing a song or tick it off on a reward chart, but make sure that you supervise, watch and assist at all times.
2. For more information on the correct way to brush your teeth, our dental hygienist Michelle has created a YouTube video which you can view by clicking here.
3. Do not brush straight after eating: wait at least an hour after eating and drinking before encouraging your child to brush their teeth. This will allow their saliva time to neutralize the acids in their mouth and for their tooth enamel to reharden.
4. No need to rinse: often we encourage children to rinse their mouths after they’ve brushed their teeth, especially if they don’t like the minty taste of toothpaste. However, rinsing actually washes away the protective fluoride found in toothpaste which is meant to coat their teeth and offer continuous protection against decay.
5. Use age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste: ensure that your child’s toothpaste contains the recommended level of fluoride for their age group – this can be found on the side of the tube. Toothpastes containing 1350 – 1500 parts per million fluoride (ppm) are the most effective at helping to prevent tooth decay.
6. Children under the age of three years old should use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1000 ppm. Children between three and six years old should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1000 ppm fluoride, whilst children aged 7 and over can have fluoride toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm.
7. Replace brushes regularly: when choosing a toothbrush for your child, choose a small headed toothbrush with medium texture bristles. Use either a manual or powered (rotation action), but make sure that you replace the toothbrush heads as soon as they become worn.
8. Promote healthy eating: sugar consumption is the major cause of tooth decay in children and whilst we all like a piece of chocolate, a bag of sweets or a slice of cake; they should be considered a treat and not an everyday occurrence.

Try and avoid giving your child sugary foods and drinks just before bedtime and only give snacks such as dried fruit and juice at mealtimes. Remember that smoothies and fruit juice may count towards your child’s 5 a day, but even unsweetened fruit juice is sugary, so should be monitored.

Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruit, vegetables and starchy foods, making sure that you include some proteins, milk and dairy products. And, where possible, always ask for sugar-free medicines.

Book your child a check-up today

We know that visiting the dentist can be nerve-wracking, especially for children, but our friendly team of dentists and dental staff at Oakley Road are here to make it fun.

We offer family appointments so that you can all be seen at once and can provide a host of different payment plans to make life easier for you when check-ups are due. So, to make an appointment get in touch today by booking online or calling 023 8077 1450.

Managing Diabetes and Dental Problems

Everyone knows that keeping your teeth, gums and mouth healthy helps to improve your overall health and wellbeing. But did you know that this is particularly important if you have diabetes, as you are at a higher risk of developing oral health issues such as gum disease, dry mouth, dental decay, oral thrush and infections?

Here at Oakley Road Dental Practice, as part of National Diabetes week, we will be highlighting the benefits of healthy living and offering dental support and advice to those who are dealing with all types of diabetes on an everyday basis.

Diabetes and your oral health

4.7 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes. That’s enough to fill Wembley Stadium 52 times over, and with figures predicted to reach 5 million in 2020, it is important that we understand the implications of living with this disease.

Diabetes is connected to a number of serious medical conditions such as kidney failure, strokes and heart attacks, but it can also have detrimental effects on our oral health.

Keeping your teeth, gums & mouth healthy is particularly important if you have diabetes, as research has shown that high blood glucose levels can increase the risk of developing gum disease, dry mouth, dental decay, oral thrush & dental infections. In fact, if you have Type 2 diabetes, you’re three times more likely to develop periodontal disease than someone without, but by controlling blood glucose levels, these risks can be minimised.

Gum disease

Too much sugar in your blood can lead to more sugar in your saliva, which ultimately helps to create bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria then goes on to produce acid which attacks your teeth’s enamel and infects the gum line. Left untreated, gum disease can cause bad breath, pain, bleeding of the gums, make chewing difficult and even result in tooth loss.

And the bad news does not stop there, as the above situation can also work vice versa. Gum disease and infection can, in turn, increase your blood sugar levels, and lead to other complications like cardiovascular disease.

Oral thrush

People with diabetes are also more at risk of oral thrush. The yeast fungus, Candida albicans, that causes oral thrush is often present without causing problems. However, a change in the environment of the mouth, such as high sugar levels, a dry mouth or increased amounts of glucose, can make favourable conditions for thrush to thrive.

Symptoms may include redness, soreness of the lining of the mouth and cracking at the corners, although in some instances there aren’t any symptoms until it is diagnosed at an oral examination.

Dry mouth

A dry mouth is more frequent in patients with diabetes, and although it is unknown exactly why, some professionals put it down to the result of dehydration, the side-effects of medication and constantly breathing through the mouth.

Problems caused by dry mouth include increased plaque, fungal infections, dental decay, thinning or peeling of the lining of the mouth, reduced ability to chew, difficulty in swallowing and impaired taste sensation.

Diabetes and Oral Health: What to watch out for!

Whilst the warning signs of diabetes are difficult to ignore, the connection to your oral health is often overlooked. Below are some tell-tale signs you should look out for:

• Sore, swollen or bleeding gums
• Eroding of the gum line
• Thrush, bad breath or other fungal infections
• Prolonged healing of sores or open wounds
• Loose or sensitive teeth
• Dry mouth or burning sensations
• Loss of taste buds
• Jaw or facial pain when eating

If you are concerned about any of the symptoms listed above, please get in touch with us today at our private dental practice in Southampton, and we can book you in for a full dental check-up. Failure to act straight away could lead to serious implications for the future.

Our top tips for improving your oral health

Although you should always check out the reasons why you may be suffering with the above symptoms, there are certain remedies you can try yourself to attempt to improve your saliva production.

Try swapping sugary drinks and those that are high in caffeine for a cold glass of water. Pile your plate with plenty of high-fibre fruit and vegetables and remember to floss (the dental not the dance variety!) after every meal. Use a toothpick to gently scrape away any soft plaque that is covering your teeth and remember to brush them at least twice a day. Finally, chew on some gum or suck a mint and you’ll not only benefit from increased saliva flow but a minty, fresh breath.

Just how clean are your teeth?

We all know that in order to ensure our teeth stay in tip-top condition that we should brush them both day at night. However, in order to properly maintain both oral and general health, it is imperative that you schedule regular routine check-ups with both your dentist and hygienist.

Our in-house hygienists are passionate about educating patients on their oral health. From in chair teeth cleaning demonstrations to comprehensive treatment plans and informative YouTube videos, every appointment is tailored to our patient’s needs.

If you have diabetes or any other medical condition, then please let our dental team know and together we can avoid complications and maintain good oral health standards.

National Smile Month 2019

There’s plenty to be smiling about this month. Brighter days, warmer weather, the start of BBQ season, plus, we have some fantastic offers on dental cosmetic treatments that will have you beaming from ear to ear.

Smile and the world smiles with you

Here at Oakley Road Dental Practice, we are passionate about promoting the benefits of good oral health. Whether it’s attending regular check-ups or hygienist appointments; getting your teeth whitened or straightened or indulging in some anti-ageing cosmetic treatments; we strive to give you the perfect smile.

Be kind to your teeth

As part of National Smile Month, we are actively encouraging you to:

1. Review your oral health routine: We only get one set of teeth, so it’s important that we do our best to look after them. Most people brush their teeth regularly both day and night with fluoride toothpaste, but few remember to floss. A good brush will effectively clean all areas of the teeth and remove surface stains but by flossing regularly, you can keep plaque at bay.Good oral care can not only save you money at the dentist but will reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and even mouth cancer and can ensure that you enjoy the confidence that comes from having a pristine set of pearly whites.
2. Cut down on your sugar intake: It has been much debated over the years as to whether we are born with a ‘sweet tooth’ or if it is something we simply develop over time. Either way, we all know that piling spoonful’s of sugar into our tea, guzzling gallons of fizzy drinks and chomping on copious amounts of cake is not only harmful to our wellbeing but is detrimental for our dental health too.Everything should be enjoyed in moderation, so whilst a pudding after mealtimes is perfectly fine, we need to watch out for any added sugars contained in the snacks and drinks that we consume throughout the day and cut down wherever possible.
3. Schedule regular dental visits: Life is hectic and before you know it, we are in the month of May! But as busy as your every day may be, try not to put off a routine visit to your dentist or hygienist, as preventative care can negate the need for remedial treatment.At Oakley Road Dental Practice, we place our patients at the heart of everything we do and strive to make visiting the dentist as effortless and stress-free as possible. So, come and visit us – we promise we won’t bit.

Big smiles all round

There’s nothing quite like beautiful teeth for giving your smile and your spirits a lift. Which is probably why according to a new aesthetics survey conducted by RealSelf, 40% of the UK adult population would like to improve their look through non-surgical cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening or Invisalign clear braces.

Teeth Whitening

For thousands of years, we have been whitening our teeth. The ancient Egyptians used a cream made from oxen hooves, burnt eggshell, pumice and water; whilst the Romans imported urine (yuck!)! At Oakley Road Dental Practice, you’ll be pleased to hear that we use much safer methods which not only produce longer lasting results but come with far less damaging side effects.

Our teeth whitening treatment provides our patients with a quick and easy solution to a brighter smile and can be carried out in conjunction with other dental remedial work.

Invisalign Clear Braces

Invisalign is a revolutionary teeth-straightening system that has taken the world of dentistry by storm. No longer do we have to endure bulky and uncomfortable metal braces being strapped to our teeth, when instead we can accomplish the same results with clear, removable aligners.

By using the latest 3D ITero scanning technology, a virtual treatment plan can be plotted so that you can see how your teeth will look before treatment even begins. Invisalign braces work by gently repositioning the teeth bit by bit, using a series of custom-made, see-through aligners.

This innovative orthodontic treatment is available at Oakley Road Dental Practice and has proven popular with patients who want to achieve the smile of their dreams in a discreet and pain-free way.

Another reason to smile

As part of National Smile Month, from 13th May-13th June 2019, we are offering free iTero Scans to all new and existing patients.

Designed to deliver outstanding imagery at the touch of a button, when you book in for our iTero Element Scanner, we’ll show you 3D imagery of your teeth whilst you sit and relax in our dentist’s chair.

Don’t delay, book an appointment by calling today.

Botox – the secret to eternal youth

We all know that Peter Pan only exists in fairy tales, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could keep up the appearance of natural, well-rested, refreshed skin forever? Well, now you can thanks to a bout of Botox. This cosmetic treatment can assist you naturally in the ageing process, erasing noticeable lines from your skin and leaving you looking and feeling younger.

Click here for more information on the Botox treatments we offer in Southampton.

Frequently asked questions

Botox gets its share of bad press, but this is mainly down to the conflicting information that circulates the media. Here to dispel any Botox myths and misnomers is Hollie, our new Aesthetic Nurse at Oakley Road Dental Practice.

From frozen faces to follow up treatments, she will separate the fact from the fiction and explain why Botox continues to be one of the most sorts after cosmetic treatments available to both men and women.

What is Botox?

Botox is a neurotoxin, that is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by paralyzing the facial muscles. It may sound ominous, but it is actually safe to administer in small doses and has been used in science and medicine for many years.

Originally developed to reduce muscle spasms, today it is used to treat excessive sweating, migraines, bladder and bowel disorders and of course for cosmetic reasons. Made from a protein called botulinum it has the ability to freeze and relax your muscles, providing you with instant relief from lines, wrinkles and crows’ feet.

Approved for aesthetic cosmetic procedures in 2002 by the FDA, Botox works just like a mute button. Once injected into the skin it prevents signals from flowing between the nerve and the muscle and stalling facial movements temporarily, leaving you with smoother, silkier more radiant skin.

How safe is Botox?

Over many years there has been extensive research and testing into the integrity and effectiveness of Botox treatments. And whilst the safety record for Botox is very robust, it is worth noting that all medical and cosmetic treatments carry an element of risk and should always be carried out by a trained professional.

Will my Botox look natural?

One of the main reasons why Botox is such a popular cosmetic choice is that the treatment is subtle. Whilst friends may pass comment that you look brighter, fresher and stress-free, the treatment itself should not radically alter your facial appearance or natural expressions.

In order to maintain the harmony of your muscles and movement of your skin, it is important that the precise amount of Botox is applied, lifting and accentuating the skin for a flatter, firmer look.

At Oakley Road Dental Practice, you can rest assured, knowing that we will recommend and advise you on the best areas for Botox application in order to soften the signs of ageing in the most natural and discreet way possible.

How long does it take to have Botox?

The method for administering Botox only takes around 10-15 minutes, which is why it has become such a popular lunchtime procedure. At Oakley Road Dental Practice, however, we do insist on an initial consultation where we take the time to discuss your medical history, desired outcomes and expectations.

Will Botox hurt?

Botox is injected into the skin using very fine needles so the process itself is relatively painless. Most people do experience a small pricking or pinching sensation and occasionally redness or bruising can occur afterwards. In general, however, we always receive positive feedback from our patients who say the procedure was far more straightforward and stress-free than they had ever imagined.

What areas can Botox address?

Botox is most commonly applied to the upper half of the face, with the forehead, fold between the eyes and crow’s feet being the most popular areas to treat and retain a youthful-looking complexion.

Botox can also be used to lift the corners of the mouth that sag over time, smooth out the dips in our chins and to soften smoker’s lines around the mouth.

It is important to remember that lines and wrinkles do not always age you and can, in fact, add character and warmth to your face. At Oakley Road Dental Practice, we will happily advise you of the areas in which we think Botox can complement and enhance your facial features.

When will I start to see the results of my Botox treatment?

Some patients profess to see results almost instantly post-treatment, but for most people, it will take between 5-14 days for the full effects of Botox to become visible. Therefore, if you are wanting Botox for a special occasion, we strongly advise having treatment a good 2-3 weeks in advance of the event.

How long will the results of my Botox last for?

The cosmetic effects of Botox can last for anything up to six months but typically range from between 3-4 months. After this time, the muscles start to regain motion and fine crinkles and wrinkles will begin to reappear gradually. But don’t panic, you won’t just wake up one day to a face full of lines!

What do I need to do after my Botox treatment?

What you do for 48 hours post your Botox treatment is really important in order to prolong the effects and look after your skin. Therefore, we always recommend that you:

1. Avoid facials, massaging or rubbing the area treated as you do not want Botox moving to unintended muscles.
2. Do not partake in any vigorous exercise.
3. Try not to consume any alcohol as this will dehydrate your skin.
4. Apply arnica cream if bruising starts to develop.
5. Get in contact with us if you require any touch-ups or need any further advice.

What is the difference between Botox and Dermal Fillers?

Botox and dermal fillers are both cosmetic treatments given via small injections, however, that is where the similarity ends as they are used for entirely different outcomes.

Botox is a muscle relaxant, used to freeze and soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Dermal fillers, however, are used to build up an area that may require volume or has sagged, thinned or dropped over time.

At Oakley Road Dental Practice, we offer both types of cosmetic treatments and can advise and consult on the best procedure for your individual needs.

How much does Botox cost?

At Oakley Road Dental Practice, we offer Botox treatment from between £160-£300 depending on your exact requirements. Currently, our highly trained and newly appointed practitioner Hollie is offering a fabulous 25% off Botox and Dermal Fillers when you make an appointment before 12th April 2019.