Archives for August, 2011

The importance of charity to Sparkle Dental Boutique

August 30th, 2011

Sparkle Dental Boutique is committed to supporting a range of good causes and raising money for charity. It’s not only about cosmetic dentistry and treatment like teeth whitening. Over the course of the last four years, Sparkle has donated thousands of pounds to worthwhile causes in the UK and other parts of the world. Charity continues to be an important part of life at the practice and team members are keen to get involved in different projects, both at home and abroad.

Into the wild

The Sparkle team’s love of wildlife and elephants, in particular, encouraged them to adopt a four month old orphan elephant from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The team fostered Naipoki at the age of just three months old and continue to support and raise awareness of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

The Seema Sharma Foundation

Following the global success of the film, Slumdog Millionaire, Sparkle Dental Boutique donated £1,000 to the Seema Sharma Foundation, a charity which was set up by Seema to support people in underprivileged areas of East London and India. Projects launched by the foundation include the Doorstep School, which enables children to access education using a bus kitted out as a school and Toybank, a scheme that encourages children to learn through play.

Youth counselling

In 2010, Sparkle Dental donated £3,000 to the Hounslow Youth Counselling Service, a service which is dedicated to young people living in and around Hounslow. The service provides counselling and therapy free of charge and enables young people to gain confidence, deal with issues and concerns and move on with their lives.

Walking together

In 2009, the Sparkle team took on a sponsored walk to raise money for a children’s charity in Goa. The 18 mile walk around London was an opportunity to raise money for an excellent organisation, which provides medical care, shelter, food and education to slum children. In total the team raised £3,500. Kavita, practice manager at Sparkle, also spent time out in Goa volunteering and she has visited other parts of India to help with other projects, as well as volunteering at local schools to help children with reading.

What about the dentistry?

Needless to say Sparkle also put much effort into dentistry. One of the particular favourites among patients is teeth whitening. This is a treatment that can restore discoloured teeth and rejuvenate a smile. For more information on teeth whitening please get in contact.

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Dental injuries can strike at any time

August 25th, 2011

Dental treatment might now seem like an issue that needs to be considered when you are preparing to take a break abroad. But it could be something that ruins your holiday if it is not given the proper attention. That is where Sparkle Dental Boutique, Hounslow come in, offering travellers at Heathrow Airport a conveniently placed dental service.

Many people might think that they can survive a short break or a fortnight away without seeing their dentist for treatment, however, it is always beneficial to have peace of mind and this is how Sparkle Dental Boutique can help.

How Sparkle Dental Boutique could help you

The clinic is located close to the airport so you can get the treatment you need without having to change your travel plans. By seeing a dentist before you go you can rest assured that you will not need to dash to a dentist abroad, which may prove costly and be a difficult process, especially if you are going to a foreign country and you do not speak the language.

Sparkle Dental Boutique can also be beneficial for travellers who have developed dental problems or pain during their holiday. If you have not been able to see a dentist during your holiday, you can visit the Dental Boutique when you land to save on time and suffering, as you may not be able to get an appointment with your regular dentist for a long time.

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Have you ever been away and needed urgent dental treatment?

August 23rd, 2011

As with many health conditions dental pain can occur at any time and in any place. Accidents can also happen and treatment may be required urgently. Common dental emergency problems include toothache and tooth pain, which could even be associated with the development of wisdom, chipped or broken teeth or injuries that affect the jaw bone. So, what should you do when you are out of the country and your Hanwell dentist is not on hand to help?

Preparing for travelling

Many people may panic when they need urgent treatment at home, let alone abroad, so it is a good idea to see a dentist before you go and also to ensure that your travel policy includes cover for any medical or dental treatment. If you have children it is also a good idea to take them for a routine check-up before you go away.

It is also a good idea to do some research before you go and find out what kinds of facilities are available at the resort.

What to do if you need dental treatment

If you need urgent dental treatment and you are travelling abroad it is a good idea to ask staff at the hotel or resort you are staying at for advice about local facilities. Most hotels have a list of contact numbers and you can arrange to see a dentist simply by calling them. You will need to check the details of your travel insurance policy to see whether you need to pay directly. Some providers pay the dentist directly, while others will ask you to pay the bill and then reimburse you when you return.

If you suffer a serious injury and you require emergency treatment, you will need to use the number for the emergency services (equivalent to 999 in the UK). It would be useful to research this before you go or find out when you get there. When you get back you can then visit your Hanwell dentist to make sure all is well with your teeth and gums.

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And a lifetime award goes to … metal braces

August 21st, 2011

Fair enough: metal braces may not look ideal but they are the superlative way to permanently fix your teeth into a Hollywood smile. In just one year metal braces could manoeuvre your teeth from a hit and run scene of ruin into a temple of crystalline perfection.

Metal braces are used to treat various flaws of the teeth and jaw, such as cross bites, overbites and crooked teeth. Having a metal brace fitted could also significantly alter the structure of your face to create a stronger, healthier and more symmetrical appearance.

Metal braces work by slowly pushing your teeth into place, and looking after them is easy provided you maintain a good oral hygiene routine i.e. brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing around the braces to stop plaque from building up. The great news is that you can still eat most foods and chew gum!

If it’s the appearance of metal braces that worries you then fear not, as there are a variety of ways to jazz them up using different colours and accessories, such as green stars to add a sprinkle of sparkle to your smile.

So if you’re in Kew and wish to straighten your teeth once and for all, then contact your local Kew dentist today for a free consultation.

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Bring some Sparkle to your Saturdays

August 20th, 2011

In older cultures, Saturdays used to be the day for bathing.

Now that Sparkle is open on Saturdays, you can spend them with Sparkle cleaning up your smile!

We’d love to see you!

Get in touch to find out more.

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Why are retainers so important after wearing braces?

August 18th, 2011

Talk to any orthodontist and they will tell you that wearing retainers is perhaps the most important part of the orthodontic treatment process.

What are retainers?

Retainers are removable devices which are used to keep the teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. They are usually made from clear plastic and are designed to fit your mouth perfectly. Your dentist will advise you on how long you need to wear your retainer for and how often.

Why are retainers so important?

Retainers are important because they hold the teeth in place once treatment has been completed. The role of the retainer is to keep the teeth in position and maintain the healthy bite and the appearance of the smile. The jaw bone supports the teeth and the bone tissue is softer when people are younger. This allows the teeth to move more easily, which is why orthodontists prefer to carry out orthodontic treatment during the teenage years. When the fixed brace is removed the bone tissue may be relatively soft still and the retainers will help to hold the teeth in place until the bone has become denser.

If you do not wear your retainers there is a chance that your teeth will move out of position. This is sometimes known as relapse and means that all the hard work you have put into keeping your brace clean and wearing a brace for so long might have been wasted. Wearing a retainer for a set period of time each week will help to prevent relapse and enable you to show off your incredible new smile.

How long should retainers be worn?

Most dentists urge patients who have worn braces to wear a retainer for at least 12 months to ensure that their smile stays perfect. However, it is advisable to carry on wearing a retainer now and again for a longer period of time to maximise results and prevent relapse in the future. It is well-documented that Tom Cruise wears a retainer to maintain his A-list smile.

Your Ealing dentist will advise you to attend regular check-ups after treatment so remember to bring your retainers with you. This will enable them to check that the retainers still fit properly.

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Why we shouldn’t be surprised by the rates of tooth decay

August 16th, 2011

Shocking statistics about oral health in Australia have recently emerged and a leading dentist has responded to the figures by saying that he is not at all surprised by high rates of decay among children. Chief executive of the Australian Dental Association, Stuart Gairns, said that he was not surprised by the figures, which revealed that half of 6 and 12 year olds have decayed teeth.

Why are rates of decay so high?

The major reasons to blame for the alarming figures, according to Gairns, are a poor diet, a low fluoride intake and high consumption of fizzy drinks packed with sugar. Children today are exposed to a huge range of sugary treats and fizzy drinks, which are not simply given as treats like they used to. Many children consume sweets and fizzy drinks on a regular basis as well as sports and energy drinks instead of water.

According to the ADA chief executive, children are “bathing” their teeth in sugar and this is causing severe problems. Drinking fizzy drinks now and again is acceptable but many children are drinking them all through the day and this means that the enamel surface of the teeth is constantly weakened, leaving the teeth exposed and vulnerable.

Dr Gairns also noted that a lack of fluoride may be a contributing factor. Many areas do not have access to fluoridated water, and bottled water often does not have added fluoride. Fluoride helps to protect the teeth, making them more resistant to decay. When tooth decay is high this can lead to the need for restorative treatment like dental crowns.

Education

Dr Gairns also pointed out that rates of decay may be on the increase because children are not being educated about oral health and oral hygiene. Many parents admit that they are too busy or tired to supervise their children brushing their teeth and this also applies to preparing meals and snacks. Many parents are too busy to prepare home-cooked meals or to fight with their children about drinking water, rather than fruit juice or fizzy drinks.

Turning things around

In order to turn things around, Dr Gairns believes a multi-faceted approach is required. Education must be better, parents must take responsibility for their children’s oral health and diet from an early age, and older children must realise the consequences of their actions when it comes to making food choices. Regular dental visits are also extremely important and Gairns has encouraged the government to act to increase public awareness of oral health and improve access to dental services.

Talk to your Chiswick dentist to discover how you and your family can stop tooth decay from ruining your family photos, including such options as dental crowns and dental bridges.

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Why is it important to straighten misaligned teeth?

August 11th, 2011

Most people want a beautiful straight smile because it looks nice, but there are other important reasons to straighten misaligned teeth. Misaligned teeth affect the bite, which is the way in which the upper and lower sets of teeth fit together when the jaw is closed and relaxed. An abnormal bite can contribute to problems with oral health as well as affecting the aesthetic of the smile, which can have repercussions for self-esteem. And with advanced systems like Invisalign invisible braces available there has never been a better time to fix misaligned teeth.

Oral hygiene

Oral hygiene is the key to good oral health. A good oral hygiene regime will help to reduce the risk of oral health diseases, such as decay and gum disease. Misaligned teeth can make brushing more difficult and plaque can collect around the teeth as a consequence. Once plaque starts to collect around the teeth and gum line, the teeth become susceptible to damage and decay. Once the teeth have been straightened it is much easier to clean them thoroughly and this will help to reduce the risk of oral health problems.

Eating

One of the most important roles of the teeth is to break down, grind and chew food. Misaligned teeth cannot perform these functions as well and therefore people with misaligned teeth may struggle with certain foods.

Speech

Misaligned teeth can affect speech. Crooked and poorly positioned teeth may make it difficult to form certain sounds. Speech problems may contribute to low self-esteem and confidence, especially when it comes to public speaking or being in a group situation.

Aesthetics and confidence

Research studies have consistently shown that people hold their smile in high esteem. The smile is regularly voted the most important physical feature and people also list an attractive smile as an important characteristic in their future partner. Misaligned teeth affect the overall aesthetics of the smile and this can affect the way people feel about their physical appearance. Orthodontic treatment can boost confidence and self-esteem and this can have a real impact on how people live their lives.

Talk to your dentist in Brentford about treatment like Invisalign to find what can be done to fix your misaligned teeth.

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After-care following dental treatment abroad

August 9th, 2011

Many people choose to have dental treatment abroad because it is often cheaper than in the UK and waiting lists may be shorter. Some people are also forced to have treatment abroad because they develop oral health problems or suffer facial injuries while they are away travelling. When you visit a dentist in Acton or the rest of the UK for a course of treatment, you will be provided with an after-care service, which will help to monitor your progress and ensure everything is in order. When you visit a dentist abroad the after-care service may not be available.

Emergency dental care

If you require emergency dental treatment while you are abroad you will usually be able to see a dentist quickly. If the dentist can treat you in one appointment this may be the only time you see them, as they may advise you to visit your dentist in the UK when you get home. If you are travelling for a prolonged period of time you may be advised to schedule another appointment in a few weeks time to check that your treatment has been successful and make sure there are no other problems. If your dentist does offer you after-care services make sure that you get a price breakdown which includes all the costs.

Arranged dental treatment

Dental tourism is booming and more and more people are globe-trotting in order to benefit from lower prices. Dental tourism areas for European dental patients include Hungary and Romania, while Mexico and Costa Rica are popular destinations for patients in the USA and Canada, and South East Asian countries are popular with travellers from Australia and New Zealand. The major advantage of going abroad for most people is the cost. Sometimes it is cheaper to have a holiday and dental treatment than in the UK.

It is all very well travelling abroad to save money but it is important to factor in all the costs before you draw up your final budget and go ahead with the treatment. After-care may be available but this can come at an extra cost. You may be required to travel back to the country where you had treatment to receive your after-care, which will carry additional transport and accommodation costs.

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Is bad breath getting in the way?

August 4th, 2011

Having bad oral health can bring about a number of issues and problems, from embarrassing bad breath to potentially life threatening problems like cancer. Thankfully, bad breath is something that can be greatly reduced simply by making changes to your daily dental hygiene routine and visiting your dental hygienist.

What causes bad breath?

There are a number of things that can cause bad breath. From diet to sleeping habits, to how much you drink a day! Luckily many of these causes are easy to manage and treat. If you find your breath takes on a rather unappealing smell after a meal (especially if the meal includes stereotypically odorous foods such as garlic), then this can usually be cured with chewing gum or brushing your teeth (many dentists recommend you brush after every meal anyway!)

One of the main causes of bad breath is bacteria living in your mouth. These bacteria give off volatile sulphur compounds which gather in hard to reach areas of your mouth, such as under your tongue and, notably, at the back of the throat.

Another cause can be the stagnation of saliva. Ever woken up in the morning with really bad breath? The main suspect will be lazy saliva! When we sleep most of our bodily functions slow down, and this includes the circulation of saliva in the mouth. During the day our saliva is constantly being refreshed as we swallow; this rinses away loose pieces of food and a small amount of the volatile sulphur mentioned earlier. While we sleep this slows down dramatically and anything that needs to be washed away won’t be.

What can I do to help this?

A recent invention that has been made to help clean hard to reach areas of the mouth is the TheraBreath Plus Extinguisher Breath Spray. Quite a mouthful (no pun intended) isn’t it? This device works by spraying a formula to the back of the throat which neutralises the bacteria there.

If bad breath continues to bug you, book in to see a dental hygienist or a periodontist for a thorough gum cleaning. Not all dental surgeries offer periodontics, but those living in the Ealing area are in luck.

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