Taking Care of Your Teeth During Your Summer Holidays

Summer holidays

As the summer holidays approach, many of us eagerly plan our trips away, whether it’s jetting off to an exotic destination or enjoying a relaxing staycation closer to home. While it’s tempting to let go of our regular routines and indulge in the joys of vacation, one aspect we must not neglect is our dental health. In this blog post, we emphasise the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene during your holiday and provide helpful tips to ensure your smile remains bright and healthy, no matter where your summer adventures take you.

Oral Health Matters Everywhere

Whether you’re exploring a new city or enjoying the tranquillity of your backyard, good oral hygiene should be a priority. Dental problems don’t take a vacation, and neglecting your oral health can lead to painful toothaches, infections, and discomfort that can dampen your holiday spirit. By following our best practice advice below and maintaining a healthy dental routine during your trip, you can minimise the risk of dental emergencies ensuring a worry-free time.

Be Prepared

It is advisable to visit your dentist before going on holiday. Scheduling a dental check-up before your trip ensures that any existing oral health issues can be addressed before they potentially worsen while you’re away. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums and identify any concerns that require treatment. By taking care of these issues beforehand, you can enjoy your time away with peace of mind, knowing that your oral health is in good condition. Why not book an air polish with Krystyna our hygienist to get that bright white summer smile for your holiday!

Pack the Essentials

Before setting off on your jollies, make sure to pack all the necessary dental essentials with your toiletries. This includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, interdental brushes and alcohol-free mouthwash. Opt for travel-sized versions or invest in a travel toothbrush with a case for convenience. Having these items readily available will help you maintain your oral hygiene routine effortlessly, regardless of your destination.

Stay Hydrated

During the summer months, it’s essential to stay hydrated, especially when the sun is shining, and temperatures rise. Keeping yourself hydrated not only benefits your overall health but also helps maintain a healthy mouth. Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles, neutralise acids, and keep your mouth moist, reducing the risk of bad breath and tooth decay. So, whether you’re lounging by the pool or exploring a new city, keep a water bottle handy and take regular sips.

Practice Mindful Eating and Drinking

Holidays often involve indulging in delicious treats and sipping on refreshing beverages. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy these treats in moderation, it’s essential to be mindful of your oral health. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary snacks and acidic drinks, as they can erode tooth enamel and contribute to cavities. Instead, opt for healthier choices like fresh fruits, vegetables, and water. If you do indulge in sugary treats, try to brush your teeth afterwards or at least rinse your mouth with water to minimise the exposure of your teeth to sugar. Find out more about protecting your teeth in the season of sugar. 

Whilst the fun of all-inclusive can add to your holiday it’s important to understand that excessive alcohol consumption, particularly with spirits, can erode tooth enamel due to the high acid content. Additionally, alcohol has a drying effect on the mouth, reducing saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in rinsing away food particles and neutralising acids, so a dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.   

It’s important to drink alcohol in moderation and maintain good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing regularly, to mitigate the potential negative effects on your teeth and gums. Find out more about how alcohol affects your teeth. 

Maintain Your Regular Routine

Even though you’re on holiday, it’s crucial to stick to your regular oral care routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, paying attention to all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to floss or use interdental brushes daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Additionally, if you’re wearing braces or other dental appliances, ensure you continue to clean them properly according to your dentist’s instructions.

Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies

No one wants a dental emergency to ruin their time away, but accidents can happen. Be prepared by researching and noting down the contact details of reputable local dental clinics or emergency services at your destination. If you experience severe tooth pain, injury, or any other dental problem, seek professional help immediately to prevent further complications and get back to enjoying your vacation as soon as possible. Be sure to make an appointment with us at Kennett Road Dental to ensure your teeth have been cared for correctly whilst away and to put in place any necessary ongoing work that is required. 

Lookout for Oral Health Red Flags

There are several red flags that may indicate potential oral health problems. It’s essential to be aware of these signs and seek professional dental care if you experience any of them. Red flags include:

  • Persistent bad breath
  • Bleeding or swollen gums
  • Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Toothaches
  • Loose teeth
  • Changes in the colour or texture of your gums
  • Persistent dry mouth
  • Sores or lumps in the mouth

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe dental issues, so it’s crucial to address them promptly by consulting your dentist whilst away or as soon as you return.

Taking care of your teeth during your summer holidays, whether you’re travelling abroad or having a staycation, is vital for maintaining good oral health. By packing the essentials, staying hydrated, being mindful of your eating and drinking choices, and maintaining a regular oral care routine, you can ensure a healthy and happy smile throughout your vacation and beyond. 

Remember, your dental health is an essential part of your overall well-being, so don’t let it take a back seat while you enjoy your summer adventures. Have a fantastic holiday and keep smiling!

Spring Cleaning for Your Smile: Tips for Refreshing Your Oral Health Routine

Spring Cleaning for Your Smile: Tips for Refreshing Your Oral Health Routine

Spring is here, which means it’s the perfect time to refresh your oral health routine and give your smile a spring cleaning! At Kennett Road Dental Practice, we believe that taking care of your oral health is an essential part of your overall health and wellbeing. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you refresh your oral health routine this spring.

Schedule a Dental Check-up

Spring is a great time to schedule a dental check-up. Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing any potential dental problems from developing into more serious issues. Our team at Kennett Road Dental Practice can help identify any issues and provide you with the necessary treatments to ensure a healthy smile.

Brush and Floss Regularly

Spring cleaning your smile starts with a good brushing and flossing routine. It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and floss or use interdental brushes once a day to remove any food particles and bacteria that can build up on and between your teeth. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three to four months to ensure you’re getting the best clean possible.

Switch to Healthier Snacks

Spring is a great time to refresh your diet and switch to healthier snacks that are better for your oral health. Choose crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples and celery that can help clean your teeth while you eat.

Cut Back on Sugary Treats

We all love indulging in sweets and treats, but too much sugar can lead to cavities and other dental problems. Spring is the perfect time to cut back on sugary treats and opt for healthier snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining good oral health. Water helps to wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider swapping sugary drinks for water.

Consider Cosmetic Treatments

If you are looking to refresh your smile for spring, consider cosmetic dental treatments like teeth whitening, composite bonding or veneers. These treatments can help to improve the appearance of your teeth and boost your confidence. Talk to your dentist about which cosmetic treatments are right for you.

Consider Professional Teeth Cleaning

If you’re looking for a deeper clean, consider professional teeth cleaning. Our friendly hygienist Krystyna can provide you with a thorough cleaning that can help remove any stubborn plaque and stains that may have built up on your teeth. We use a new air polishing system that removes stains quickly and gently.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your oral health routine and give your smile the attention it deserves. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your oral health stays in great shape for the rest of the year. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a dental check-up or professional teeth cleaning, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Kennett Road Dental Practice. We’re always here to help!

Tooth Brushing Guide for Parents and Carers

Kennett Dental Tooth Brushing Guide

At Kennett Road Dental Practice, we understand that being a parent, particularly a new parent, can be daunting and overwhelming. There’s so much information and theory to get your head around, that it can sometimes feel like an impossible task ahead of you. We promise you, you’re doing great, but we know that a lot of parents and carers find infant and child dental care completely baffling on top of Baby’s other demands. So, we created a handy guide for new parents on how to care for your baby’s teeth from birth until adolescence. You can access the guide here.

We also understand that learning the theory of implementing positive oral hygiene practices in a young child’s routine can be challenging. In some cases, it can feel like a fight that’s not worth picking twice a day. Maybe your baby loves having his or her teeth brushed, in which case we say lucky old you. It’s not always the case. To make things easier, we have put together this guide with helpful tips and tricks to make your baby, toddler or child’s dental care routine easier on you and fun for you both.

So, whether you’re a new parent who wants to get a head start on implementing healthy dental habits for your baby, or a veteran seeking to brush up (pun intended) on the best ways to encourage your children to brush their teeth thoroughly, we are here to help.

1. Why is it important to brush my child’s teeth?

There is a lot of misinformation out there about infant dental health. We’ve heard that babies who have teeth before they start eating solids don’t need their teeth brushing. We’ve heard it said that toddlers only need their teeth brushing once a day because they eat less than adults do. It’s also been said that milk teeth don’t matter as much anyway because they aren’t the permanent adult teeth. None of these things are true. So, let’s take a minute just to remind ourselves of why it is vital to care for your baby’s teeth.

On their website, Aquafresh says that “whether it’s one little tooth or a mouthful, it’s important they are all brushed from the moment they appear.” This is because milk teeth have a purpose. They have several actually. As your baby begins to wean and move on to solid foods, your baby will need his or her teeth in order to move on from small lumps to more grown-up foods. Another, less obvious function of milk teeth is that they pave the way for normal adult tooth development by ensuring there is ample space for them all and that they appear in the right places. NCT writes that “milk teeth play an important role in the alignment and spacing of your little one’s permanent teeth. Think of them as important placeholders.” If a milk tooth falls out prematurely due to neglect, it can sometimes cause problems with adult tooth spacing and alignment. This can result in the necessity of orthodontic treatment or tooth extraction. Believe us, it’s a lot easier to just look after their first teeth than to deal with the bother of complications down the line.

2. How do I look after them?

The NHS advises that you “start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through (usually at around 6 months, but it can be earlier or later).” You can also wash your baby’s gums with a damp, clean cloth after milk, or last thing at night before bed. This is a good way to look after your baby’s gums before teeth erupt. This is particularly a good idea if your child is eating food but hasn’t got teeth yet, to wipe away any residue. It also gets your baby used to being in the bathroom before bed as part of their bedtime routine. This will help later when you have to brush their teeth properly.

For children aged 0-3 years old, the NHS advises using a smear (smaller than a pea) of fluoride toothpaste which is designed for children of that age. “Use children’s fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check label)’. They advise that children aged 3-6 years should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and that children aged 7 and over should use a fluoride toothpaste that contains at least 1,450ppm of fluoride (ie adult toothpaste). In all age brackets, they should brush twice daily for two minutes. Preferably, just before bed and at one other time. If mornings are hectic in your house, why not choose a different time, such as after lunch to brush your child’s teeth? As long as their teeth are getting brushed with a toothpaste containing the appropriate level of fluoride, twice a day for two minutes, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Remember that creating good oral health habits now will help to ensure they have good dental health in their future.

3. Toothbrushes: what are the options?

There are a number of options for toothbrushes for babies and children. Unfortunately, we can’t predict which type your child will prefer as all babies are different. But we can tell you what is available and help you make an informed decision. The sad fact is, that buying more than one type of toothbrush is the most likely way to find one that your child likes. Because babies cannot tell us what they are feeling, it is rather a guessing game. Children as young as 12 months may be able to choose one toothbrush over another as a favourite. If you have a child who is able to choose, why not take them with you to the dentist, chemist or supermarket when you buy their next toothbrush? If they like the colours or something about the toothbrush, they’re more likely to accept it and even look forward to using it.

There are all sorts of toothbrushes you can get that claim they are intended for babies. From bamboo to plastic and chewable toothbrushes to tiny electric toothbrushes, the online marketplace in particular has a vast variety. Whichever style or brand you end up trying, do remember that electric toothbrushes are not advised for babies or children under three years of age.

If you find that a traditional-looking toothbrush isn’t working for your baby and they are crying a lot at toothbrushing time, you might consider trying a silicone finger brush which may feel nicer on Baby’s gums than the usual bristles. If you choose a traditional, long-handled brush, make sure that it is designed for babies or children, with a small head and softer bristles than adult versions. Using an adult toothbrush on a baby or toddler might cause discomfort as the stiffer bristles can feel abrasive on their gums.

You should change your child’s toothbrush every three months as per the guidance for adult toothbrushes. Once the bristles start to resemble Buckingham Palace guards at the end of a long shift, rather than at the beginning, it’s time to change it. This is because they are less effective at removing plaque and cleaning teeth when the bristles are damaged. NCT advises that you change your baby’s toothbrush “every three months or sooner – when the bristles begin to splay or fall out. Babies have a tendency to chew, chew, and chew the head of a toothbrush, so you might end up replacing it far more often than that.”

Kennett Road Dental Tooth Brushing Guide for Parents

4. Characters help!

Lots of toothbrushes come with designs inspired by some of the popular icons on children’s TV or films. If your little one is a fan of Paw Patrol, Hey Duggee or a particular Disney character, there is likely a toothbrush with pictures of the characters on it. There are also quite often episodes of popular children’s television shows about toothbrushing. The toothbrushing badge from Hey Duggee on BBC I-player is one of our favourites. We also admire the enthusiasm which the Tombliboos exhibit for brushing their teeth on In the Night Garden. Mr Tumble also does songs about thorough toothbrushing and hygiene habits. Whatever show your little one engages with best, see if there is an episode devoted to toothbrushing. Practising with their toothbrush in front of the TV can give your child the confidence to try it for real in the bathroom later.

Oral B boast a range of characters in their products including: “©Disney, Star Wars™, LucasFilm Ltd.™, ©MARVEL, ©Disney/Pixar characters”. They claim that using “characters they already know and love, [makes] brushing more fun.” So, shop around to see if any of the friendly faces your child is familiar with is being printed on dental products.

5. There’s an app for that.

Having trouble getting your child to brush their teeth or have them brushed? There’s an app for that. Actually, there are several to choose from. If you happen to have some music on your phone that your child will look forward to hearing, such as nursery rhymes or songs from their favourite Disney movie, try the Brush DJ app. This is an NHS-recommended app that plays two minutes of music from your phone to help you time the correct length of brushing. According to the NHS website, Brush DJ “is a fun and educational tool to help people improve their oral hygiene.” There are other features of the app too, such as “you get a buzz every 30 seconds to remind you to change sides and a round of applause when you finish.” Who doesn’t love a round of applause?

Aquafresh has launched a Brush Time app that features their own animated mascot, Captain Aquafresh who supposedly sings and dances for two minutes while your child brushes. If watching something engaging is the best distraction method for your baby or toddler while you brush their teeth, then this might work for you too. It will give your child something to focus on while timing the recommended length of brushing. Make sure if your child is brushing their own teeth, that they really are brushing for the whole two minutes. You don’t want them to be so diverted by the video that they forget what they’re supposed to be doing.

Oral B claims that “the Disney Magic Timer App will make 98% of kids brush longer. While brushing, your kids will unlock new characters and stickers as a fun reward.” That does sound like fun. Is there a rule that says it’s only for kids to use, we wonder? There are many other free apps you could try to get the job done, just be aware that watching exciting things on screens just before bedtime, might make your child less amenable to settle down to sleep. We recommend trying out different apps or timers to find the right fit for your family and your routine. As we’ve said before, if your child’s teeth are being brushed twice a day for two minutes with an appropriate fluoride toothpaste, then you’re winning.

6. Position matters.

The official advice is that sitting with your young child on your lap in front of a mirror to brush their teeth is the correct position. There are several reasons why this won’t work for everyone. Firstly, who has a mirror that low down so you can sit on a chair in front of it and see anything? Not everyone, we assume. Secondly, without something else to distract them, many children won’t like the feeling of being held fast on their parent’s lap while alien tools are moved about in their mouths. You wouldn’t like it either. Another reason this may not work for everyone is that even if you did have a low mirror with a chair handy and your child was happy with the arrangement, what are the chances that all this would take place within reaching distance of the sink? So, yes, while this is the recommended way to brush your infant’s teeth, we’re here to tell you that it’s not for everyone and if it isn’t working for you, don’t worry. We have alternatives to share.

You’ve heard the phrase “monkey see, monkey do,” right? Well, we are a sort of primate and never is this more evident than when a toddler isn’t getting their way. However, we can use this to our advantage by encouraging children to copy what we do when we brush our teeth. If you brush your teeth with your small child, then they’ll likely emulate you. If you have older children in the house, get them to all brush teeth together. Your baby or toddler won’t want to be left out and he or she’ll likely try to copy the brushing that they see older family members doing. If you can get a toothbrush for you that looks similar to theirs but a bigger version, do it. To try this, your baby will need to be able to grip their own toothbrush and you can hold them in front of the bathroom mirror on your hip or however you’d normally hold them. You then each have a brush with a smear of Baby’s toothpaste and start brushing your own teeth. Make sure your child can see you in the mirror clearly so they can copy you. Show them slow, exaggerated brushes that they can try on their own teeth. Praise them as they brush their own teeth. Just don’t forget to actually brush your teeth with your own toothpaste later as baby toothpastes contain less fluoride than adult ones.

If you have a particularly stubborn infant who hates toothbrushing time, try sitting and laying them on their back on the tops of your thighs, with their head near your knees. You should be able to see their teeth better this way and see what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to try unusual positions. Some children like being upside down for example. If your child associates this with fun and playtime then great. Put their legs round your waist, one hand under their neck, supporting their head and get the toothbrush at the ready. Once they’re tipped upside down, they should smile or laugh, which usually involves an open mouth. Get brushing and keep it fun by singing a song, making silly noises or swaying side to side. We advise that you only try this one with older babies and toddlers who can support their own heads.

Never try anything that feels unsafe with your baby. These are suggestions only, but they are intended to give you ideas of different ways to brush your child’s teeth. Every child is different, so don’t be afraid to try different things to see which your baby responds to more positively.

7. Other tips and resources.

The Childsmile website has videos and tips on how to brush your child’s teeth from birth to adolescence. Their website has a wealth of useful information on dental health for children. Childsmile is an initiative from the NHS in Scotland, but the NHS website also has good advice on how to effectively care for your child’s teeth.

Both Oral B and Aquafresh have tips on their websites about how to brush children’s teeth, as well as the trusted NCT website.

We hope this guide on infant toothbrushing will prove useful to parents and carers. We pride ourselves in being very family-friendly as a practice and like to see whole households of our patients with strong healthy teeth. For more information on dental health, the treatments we offer, or to get in touch, please see the Kennett Road Dental Practice website.

Take care and thanks for brushing up on child dental health with us.

Don’t Let a Cracked Tooth Shatter Your Confidence

Cracked teeth are more common than you may realise, but you don’t have to put up with the discomfort or inconvenience they cause you. They are not only irritating in your day-to-day life, but they can also be unsightly, and this can affect your confidence.

At Kennett Road Dental Practice, we understand how something as simple as a cracked tooth can cause you severe distress and we’re always happy to treat and advise you on your individual situation. In the meantime, though, here is everything you need to know about cracked teeth in case you or someone you know has one, or in case one of your teeth cracks in the future. Like we say, it happens more often than you might think.

What is a cracked tooth?

Essentially a cracked tooth is one which has become broken in some way. There are different types of cracks you can experience in your teeth and not all teeth crack in the same way. Levels of pain and discomfort can vary enormously and they can lead to an increased risk of bacteria entering the nerve of the tooth causing further oral health problems.

What are the different types?

There are many ways your tooth can crack but the main types of cracked or broken teeth we see are:

  • Cracked tooth: This is when a crack goes from the biting surface of the tooth towards the root. The tooth will not be split into two halves, but the sensitive dentine will usually be damaged and irritated if a crack has occurred.
  • Craze lines: These are very small cracks to the outer enamel and are common in adult teeth. They do not cause pain and require no treatment. Occasionally through staining, these craze lines can become visible and can cause embarrassment and a loss of confidence. If this is the case, you should absolutely talk to your dentist about how they can help, even though you’re not in pain.
  • Cracked cusp: The cusp is the pointed part of the biting surface of the tooth. If a cusp (or corner) becomes damaged, the tooth could break. If a cusp is cracked, you will usually experience a sharp pain in that tooth when biting.
  • Vertical root fracture: This is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth, and it happens when the tooth splits into two halves from the biting surface through to the root. This tooth will need to be extracted.

How can it happen?

There are several ways that a tooth can become cracked, including tooth grinding which can put teeth under extreme pressure if it is severe enough. Biting down on hard foods such as ice or boiled sweets can cause a tooth to crack. Also, if you bite something hard in your food that is unexpected such as a fruit stone or meat bone, this can cause a tooth to crack.

Sudden changes in mouth temperature can also cause tooth damage in a similar way to how outdoor pipes may crack in the winter when temperatures change suddenly. So, eating very cold or hot foods can exacerbate a crack or even cause one. Sharp trauma or a sudden blow to the face, chin or jaw can cause a tooth to crack or chip. Other oral treatments or issues can also contribute to a tooth cracking. Teeth with large fillings, for example will not be quite as strong as a tooth without a filling. They are, however, stronger than a tooth with a large cavity with no filling, so fear of your tooth cracking is not a reason to avoid getting a filling. At Kennett Dental we use white (composite) filling material to restore teeth which bonds to the tooth structure, thereby reinforcing it and protecting it.

What can I do about it?

Teeth can break and crack under all sorts of circumstances. The important thing to remember is to get the tooth looked at quickly. Especially so if it is causing you any pain or discomfort while eating as that means the tooth may not be stable or able to continue undergoing the stresses of eating for long without further problems occurring.

We understand that some people would rather put up with the pain than go and see a dentist and while we shall try not to be offended, we do understand. People can be anxious about visiting the dentist for all sorts of reasons and one of the main ones is a fear of needing treatments or further appointments. To that, we say that you are far more likely to need further treatments if you avoid getting a crack or a suspected crack checked out by a professional. As we have mentioned, the likely outcome of a cracked tooth when left untreated is eventually a split tooth. If you wouldn’t put off getting a crack in your windscreen seen to, then we don’t advise you avoid getting a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth seen to. Both cracks, if ignored can lead to a worse situation than the one you’re in now. Just like the windscreen, your tooth won’t heal itself. It needs professional help.

For more information on cracked teeth, you can check out this page on the Oral Health Foundation’s website. Or to book an appointment with one of our friendly dental care specialists at Kennett Road Dental Practice you can find our contact details here. We want you to achieve your best possible smile and we are always here to give dental advice that is clear and helpful.

Making Baby’s First Trip to the Dentist a Positive Experience

At Kennett Road Dental Practice, we are all about families. There is nothing more important in the world than your family, whatever form that comes in. We see parents everyday worrying about their baby’s first trip to the dentist. Will they scream? Will everyone look at us? Will the people in scary masks frighten him or her and what if something is actually wrong with their teeth? We’ve heard every possible anxiety and worry new parents experience when approaching the issue and we’re here to provide helpful, comforting advice on how to make your young child’s visit to the dentist a good experience for everyone.

When should your baby go to the dentist? Your baby should ideally visit the dentist before they are one year old. Although they may not have many teeth at the time you bring them, it is very beneficial to get them used to the lights, sounds and smells of the dental practice. This will make things go smoother later on when they have more teeth to examine. The NHS suggests you “take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear. This is so they become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist. The dentist can advise you on how to prevent decay and identify any oral health problems at an early stage.”

What if something IS wrong? At this stage it’s very unlikely there could be anything wrong that won’t correct itself in time. On the off chance we can identify a dental issue, it’s best to know about it sooner rather than later and to be proactive to protect their future adult teeth

How can you prepare your child for their first visit? There are many books and television programs aimed at preparing young children for their trip to see the dentist. Peppa Pig has a good book which we used to keep in the waiting room before the onset of the pandemic, but you may be able to borrow it from the library now they are open again.

CBeebies has an episode of ‘My Very First’ about visiting the dentist. Even ‘Sesame Street’ has a video about visiting the dentist which can be helpful in preparing your child. You should speak positively about going to the dentist and enforce this with older siblings too. Hearing negative things about visiting the dentist is likely to cause the child anxiety to some level before they even get to the surgery. Even if they aren’t talking yet, they are likely still able to understand a lot of what you say and pick up on tone of voice, so watch what they hear before your visit. You can also make a big thing of getting to “ride on” or “drive” the big dentist chair. This should make them feel more excited than resistant. Also, the idea of being able to see their own teeth on the television via a small camera should hold some level of curiosity for most children.

What should you bring with you? It’s a good idea to bring some calming toys and activities with you to the waiting room. It might be a good time to whip out a children’s book about visiting the dentist, so they can recognise some of the things they are seeing in the book nearby. Bringing a favourite teddy or doll with them is a grand idea because we can check their teeth too. Teddy bears are notorious for neglecting their dental health, so we’re happy to see to their toy’s teeth free of charge while your child visits the dentist!

If you would like to bring their pram or pushchair into the dental practice with you, it’s perfectly fine with us. There is plenty of manoeuvring room in the patient areas, so if they’re more comfortable in their buggy where they feel it’s safe, feel free to wheel them in. We only ask that you refrain from doing high-speed doughnuts in the waiting areas as it’s not really any one person’s job to clean up the tyre marks on the floor!

What we can do to help your child. We are invested in creating a comfortable and family-friendly atmosphere at Kennett Road Dental Practice. If for no other reason than that we hate to see anyone upset. If the child is upset, then so will the parent be and invariably the noise of a crying child will carry to the waiting room and cause a chain reaction of panic amongst our younger patients. We’ll go to any lengths to avoid that. We’re happy to use mirrors, toys, incentivising rides on our up and down chairs and stickers to create a positive experience. Rest assured that at one point or more in our careers every dentist has had to work around the arm of a parent holding a smartphone under their nose, playing ‘In the Night Garden’ at full volume to calm a nervous child. It happens and we’ll work around it as best we can. We’re all there for the same reason, we want the best for your child.

What you can do to help. One of the best things you can do if you have other children is to book back-to-back appointments for both of them. That way the little one can see their big brother or sister go first and they’ll feel more prepared for their turn, knowing what to expect. You could also sit your child on your lap if they are nervous and talk to them during the appointment. That way you get a free ride in the dentist’s chair too. We know you want to.

The first dentist trip is a learning curve for both parent and child, so don’t worry. Sometimes these things go well and both parent and baby leave with good behaviour stickers. That’s ideal, but sometimes it can feel more like trying to fold gravy as with any new experience with an infant. The best thing you can do is to remain calm and positive, be prepared with toys and Makka Pakka’s dance moves to distract your child. Above all it’s important for you to remember that visiting the dentist is not to be avoided on account of your anxiety or theirs. It’s really important that regular dental visits start now and remain consistent in your child’s life so they will be used to it and be less inclined to throw a tantrum later on.

Why We Still Ask Our Patients to Wear a Mask

Kennett-Dentist-Oxfordshire-Mask

At Kennett Road Dental Practice, we are happy things can start getting back to normal. Well done to the NHS, the vaccination program and those who have chosen to get vaccinated. Every little helps as we continue to work to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Some people have asked about our policy on those visiting our practice continuing to wear masks. We’d like to explain our current policy and explain why this decision has been made.

Firstly, rest assured that we are not talking about ourselves when we bring up the question of whether or not masks should be worn in the surgery. Our staff will continue to wear face coverings to protect you and dentists, hygienist, nurses and receptionists will continue to wear PPE, including masks, as we’ve always done.

Since the lifting of restrictions, many have rejoiced over the freedom of being able to choose whether they wear a mask or not in public places and inside business premises. We don’t wish to take away anyone’s freedom or choice, but at Kennett Road Dental Practice, we will continue to ask you to wear a face covering for the time being, if you can. By this we mean that if wearing a mask makes you very distressed or somehow affects your health, then do not worry. As before, we understand that certain people may be exempt from wearing face coverings and that some people may have adverse reactions to wearing masks. We would prefer our patients to be as relaxed as possible for their appointments. Anxiety helps no one in dentistry. If you cannot wear a mask for valid medical reasons, we will ask you to wear a face shield.

However, if you can wear a mask, we ask that you do so, while in the reception area and waiting areas. We expect it goes without saying, but you will not need to wear your face covering while in the dentist’s chair or while treatments are carried out for the obvious reason that we will need access to your mouth. We’re still asking patients to wear masks in other areas though because of the advice that we continue to be given. So, let’s see what the experts have to say on the subject:

  • The British Dental Association advises that “patients should attend wearing a mask if possible or be prepared to wear one. A distance of at least two metres must be observed if another patient is present in the dental practice.”
  • The NHS says, “NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected. Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.”
  • The Dental Tribune writes that “although people in England are no longer obliged to wear face masks when entering establishments such as shops, healthcare organisations in the UK have recently urged the government to keep face masks mandatory in healthcare settings.”
  • The General Dental Council advise that “infection prevention and control measures – such as social distancing and wearing a face covering – are staying in place for all healthcare settings across the UK, and for good reason. Everyone needs to be able to access dental treatment, including those who are clinically vulnerable, and members of the dental team of course need to be able to protect themselves too, not least to ensure they can stay open and continue providing the vital services to their patients that they do.”

We ask that you continue to protect those who are vulnerable by wearing your mask while visiting our dental practice. We must remember that although many people are double vaccinated (which is wonderful), that the virus is still around, is still extremely infectious and for some it can be dangerous. Masks protect others as well as yourself, so while a calculated risk might be acceptable to you, it could be fatal for someone else. We are continuing to carry out extra sterilising and cleaning on top of our usual exemplary hygienic protocols to keep us all as safe as we can possibly be. Please do your bit by wearing a mask to your appointment and be respectful of others.

Childhood Oral Health: How the Childsmile Initiative is Helping Parents Look After Their Children’s Teeth.

Seven years ago, the NHS in Scotland launched a successful initiative called ‘Childsmile’. The purpose of this is to promote the importance of good oral hygiene from childhood and beyond and to educate parents and carers in practical ways to encourage good dental health habits in their children. Childsmile says that “good oral health in childhood means healthy teeth and gums throughout life. Childsmile is working to ensure all children, regardless of income or background, have the best possible start.” We don’t have anything like this in England yet, but at Kennett Road Dental Practice, we admire the efforts of the Scottish NHS for the work they do to educate families and to promote good dental health for the next generation. So here are some of the helpful features of the Childsmile website that anyone can access and some ways that Childsmile are pioneering a blanket improvement in oral health in Scotland.

Oral health guide by age. The user-friendly Childsmile website provides advice on age-appropriate oral care products and practices. The free guides and tips are divided by the age of your child so parents can easily make sure they are getting the correct advice for their child’s age. There is a page for children from birth to 3 years old, one for 3 to 5 year olds and also one for children aged 5 to 12. This makes it so easy for parents and carers to know what they should be doing to look after their child’s teeth and at what age they need to do something slightly differently, such as changing the fluoride content of their toothpaste.

Toothbrushing help for parents. We know that not all children like having their teeth brushed. The important thing to remember is that if you ease up on oral care because they’re upset, then when they’re older, they won’t thank you. Better a tear now, and a beautiful smile they can be proud of later in life. With that being said, we understand that toothbrushing can be a source of stress and anxiety for both parent and child. Childsmile have some great advice and tips on their website for parents to accomplish toothbrushing with small children without the drama. What is particularly great about the advice from Childsmile is that they effectively communicate that there is no one “right” way to brush your baby or child’s teeth. There are different options, various positions you can try, different toothbrushes, toothpastes and tools you can try to relieve toothbrushing time of unpleasantness. Whatever gets the job done well, with the minimum of tantrums, that is what works for you. So, do what works for your child and for you.

Visiting the Dentist. Although we don’t have Childsmile here in England, their advice is still sound. They offer advice on what to expect when you take your baby to the dentist, when you should register them with a local practice and who the dental professionals are that you might meet while your child is young. Childsmile write that “taking your baby to the dental practice as early as possible helps them to get used to the sights, sounds and smells of a dental practice and give you access to information, advice and support for looking after your child’s teeth.” We couldn’t agree more. If you think it’s hard getting at your toddler’s teeth imagine how hard it would be for us to get a good look in their mouths if they aren’t used to going to the dentist. Your child already trusts you. Us, not so much yet.

Childsmile in Scotland. Childsmile is so dedicated to providing not just life-changing information to parents, but also physical dental care equipment for children. Regardless of the parent’s earnings or background, Childsmile provide every parent through their health visitor “with a free dental pack containing a toothbrush, toothpaste of at least 1000 parts per million (ppm) fluoride and oral health messages. They can also direct you to a dental practice in your area.” Talk about putting your money where your mouth is. The Scottish government are clearly willing to spend out a lot of money to ensure that children’s dental care is a priority. Scotland, we salute you!

Once the child reaches nursery age, they are then entitled to another free pack of dental care goodies as well as access to educational talks and supervised tooth brushing at nursery if your child’s nursery is part of the Childsmile program. What an amazing resource to ensure that parents are maintaining their small children’s teeth properly. This can be a crucial age for dental care because most milk teeth will have erupted by then and children grow in independence at this age. They become more responsible for their own self-care and their parents take on a less active role. This is fine as long as teeth really are being brushed properly and consistently, but it never hurts to check that this is actually the case. Did you ever lie about brushing your teeth as a child? No? Gold star, but seriously, if children are left to see to their own dental care routines, they might not be managing it as well as an adult would. That’s why regular dental checks for young children and age-friendly dental health talks are such a good idea in nurseries.

At Kennett Road Dental Practice, we admire the work of the Childsmile scheme, and we live in hope that our NHS will adopt a similar program to encourage good dental health routines from birth. To have such a well-connected network working with families, nurseries and dentists to take care of their children’s oral health is such a great idea. With an initiative like this, we hope it will continue to provide a long-term escape for those struggling with dental poverty and lack of access to information and resources to properly look after their family’s teeth.

If you need to register your baby or child with the practice, you can get in touch with us here. We are always happy to see new faces and we’ll work with you to make sure your children have no cause for anxiety when visiting the dentist.

 

 

Why You Don’t Need to Be Afraid of Your Dentist

We know a lot of people experience anxiety at the thought of attending their dental surgery. Don’t worry, we don’t take it personally. Of course, we know that very few people are afraid of the actual dentist, it’s the vulnerability and the fear of the possibility of pain that frightens most people. But we want you to be as relaxed about your next trip to the dentist as possible, so here are our top reasons why you shouldn’t be scared of your dentist, your dental surgery and why you shouldn’t skip your next appointment.

1. Dentists are awesome. No really, we can back that up. According to Dentalorg.com, “dental surgeons are very compassionate and kind people.” The same source suggests that people with a natural inclination towards helping people are attracted to the dental career and that dentists are predominantly easy-going, calm people. See, we are pretty nice people on the whole. We’re the opposite of scary.

2. Dentists only want to help. The truth is that no one actively enjoys rooting around in other people’s mouths all day. Well, no one we know, anyway. So, someone who has committed years of their life to the study of teeth and is prepared for decades to come of seeing tooth decay and dealing with bad breath, they’d have to be damn sure they’d get something out of it. What do we dentists get out of our work? We get to help people. We’re not out to cause anyone pain. We only want to heal and soothe.

Remember that you only have to deal with your own dental issues, we have to deal with everyone’s, so you can be sure that we are committed to being helpful in our jobs and to do no harm, otherwise no one would do it. Whatever you think we get paid, it’s not nearly enough to deal with all the gross parts of dental practice without the satisfaction of feeling that you helped someone that day.

3. Dentists aren’t scary. Imagine that two people met at a party and through polite conversation it becomes known that one of them is a dentist. Never in the history of small talk has the other person screamed out loud and fled from the room. That’s because dentists aren’t scary. We don’t look scary, we look just like normal people, because that’s what we are. However, for some reason, when we are in our uniform, our PPE and our masks, we suddenly become the plaque police in your eyes ready with a stern ticking-off and a rap on the knuckles for not flossing.

The truth is, we’re not here to judge you, we only want to help you feel good about yourself and to be without pain. You wouldn’t be afraid to sit next to us on the bus in our normal clothes, so there’s no need to be intimidated by us at our workplace. We don’t bite. If anything, we’re the ones getting bitten!

Woman and dentists. Hands of doctors holding tools. Dental care services.

4. Dentists don’t want you to have treatments. There’s no getting around it, some dental treatments aren’t too pleasant and that’s what many people are afraid of when they visit their dentist. They’re afraid that a routine dental health check could unearth some bad news that will lead to a painful procedure. The NHS Adult Dental Survey in 2009 unearthed that “30 per cent of adults said that having a tooth drilled would make them very or extremely anxious and 28 per cent reported similar levels of anxiety about having a local anaesthetic injection.” We don’t want that for you. Modern dentistry is centred around the concept that preventative care is the best treatment, which is why attending regular dental health checks and hygienist visits are so important, but according to the Oral Health Foundation, “more than a quarter of adults only visit the dentist when they have a problem”. Of course, sometimes further dental treatments are required after a dental health check, but seriously, we only want you to have a healthy, beautiful smile that you can be proud of.

Actually, you are more likely to need dental treatments such as fillings, root canal or dental implants if you don’t attend dental health checks regularly. That’s because it’s better to catch dental problems early and to implement a course of preventative treatment than to let it worsen and need a more invasive solution. This means that not going to the dentist can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. That the less you go to the dentist for dental health checks, the more you may have to go later on to have uncomfortable treatments as serious oral problems worsen. It’s best not to let a fear of the dentist cause you to have a foundation for those same worries.

A 2009 NHS study claims that as many as “twelve per cent of adults who had ever been to a dentist had an MDAS (Modified Dental Anxiety Scale) score of 19 or more which suggests extreme dental anxiety.” That’s so sad, to think that so many grown humans are afraid of something that can only do them good. We doubt as many people are phobic about eating their greens, but by all means, correct us if we are wrong.

We just hope that this post can alleviate any worry you may feel about visiting the dentist. We encourage you not to let a fear of routine appointments result in your having to visit us even more often in the future for less gentle treatments. Prevention is power when it comes to dental health and we really believe that here at Kennett Road Dental Practice.

If you wish to see the preventative, restorative and cosmetic services we offer at Kennett Road Dental Practice, click here. Or if you wish to contact us and book an appointment you can do so here.

Sugar Erosion: What Does it Mean for Children’s Teeth?

Yes, it’s time we talked about the big bad monster: sugar. We know your kids love the stuff. Don’t we all if we’re honest? The problem is that allowing teeth to be in contact with high quantities of sugar over long periods of time can really affect oral health, general health and even self-esteem in the long run. This can particularly be the case among children and young people.

According to the British Dental Association, “official data has revealed an 18% increase in the number of [tooth] extractions taking place on children in hospitals since 2012.” They also state that these (mostly preventable) extractions in young people are annually “costing the NHS £205 million.” That’s a lot of tax-payers money paying for the avoidable damage from sugary and acidic foods and beverages. Action on Sugar states that ’Tooth decay is the leading cause for hospitalisation among 5-9 year olds in the UK, with 26,000 children being hospitalised each year due to tooth decay – in other words, 500 each week.’

Manufacturers don’t help parents much though. Despite the hefty sugar tax on unhealthy products there are still so many foods and drinks on the supermarket shelves that are marketed for children but contain obscene amounts of sugar. To try and de-bunk some sugary myths, we’ve put together some answers to the questions we get a lot about the effect sugar has on teeth and especially children’s teeth.

How does Sugar harm teeth? Sugars in food and drinks play a major role in the development of dental caries. Bacteria within the plaque use the sugar as energy and release acid as a waste product, which gradually dissolves the enamel in the teeth (NHS Choices, Tooth Decay). So, there we have it. The sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in yours and your child’s mouths which can accelerate the erosion and decay process. Even though sugar does not directly harm tooth enamel, it enables the natural bacteria in our mouths to do its worst.

What about baby teeth? It’s a common misconception that children’s baby teeth, or milk teeth, aren’t as important to look after as adult teeth. We suspect that some may think this because they only last us for a fraction of our natural lives compared to adult teeth which must last us many decades. Some parents assume that if a child’s tooth falls out too early through decay, that it is not a concern, because it would have fallen out soon anyway- but premature tooth loss can certainly cause dental issues further down the line.

Baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, but they need to stay in a child’s mouth until they come out naturally. Your child’s baby teeth keep space open for permanent teeth to replace them. If they lose a tooth too soon, the other baby teeth can move into the open space and prevent the permanent teeth from erupting correctly. This can lead to unsightly crowding of the teeth and cleaning problems. It is really important that as a parent who wants the best for their child that you are mindful of how much sugar is in your child’s diet, because these decisions can affect their oral health down the line. Having a beautiful smile they can be proud of is what we want for all our babies and you can help them grow beautiful adult teeth by looking after their baby ones.

Where is the sugar coming from? According to NHS initiative Change 4 Life, “kids are getting half their sugar intake from unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks.” It’s not only the obvious things like sweets, chocolate and cakes that contain too much sugar for our own good. The hidden sugars in our diets are just as dangerous. Check the labels on the sauces you use in your cooking and on the table to see how much sugar they contain. Lower sugar alternatives to these are available in most supermarkets. One portion of breakfast cereal can contain more sugar than a sugary fizzy drink. Drinks are certainly a source of hidden sugars too. Sujatadin.com suggests that a portion of apple juice contains almost as much sugar as a can of Coca-Cola. A normal portion of Ribena contains around 6 and a half teaspoons of sugar whereas the no added sugar variety contains less than half a teaspoon.

Drinking too much sugar can really increase the overall amount of sugar we consume per day so be mindful and look at the labels if you are unsure. Many products use a traffic light system on the label to indicate how good (or bad) for you an item is. Making sure your shopping trolley is mostly filled up with green items is a good start to reducing the amount of sugar in your family’s diets. Do remember though that the traffic light system indicates what is healthy for an average adult and children cannot process sugars, fats and salts as well as we can, so they need to consume less of these things than adults, not more.

How can parents and carers help? Simply put, you need to limit the amount of sugar your child’s teeth come into contact with and also limit the time it is on their teeth for. You can do this by restricting the occasions they are allowed sugary treats per week and by encouraging and supervising the brushing of their teeth twice daily. We’re not saying to live a sugar-free existence, (we’re not even sure it’s possible these days) and it wouldn’t necessarily be healthy either since fruits and even vegetables contain sugars and acids. We are advising that parents are mindful of the amount of sugar that goes into your child’s diet and make better choices for their health and futures. Look out for sugar-free or reduced sugar alternatives to the staple items in your cupboards next time you do your weekly shop.

Sugar not only affects dental health but too much of the stuff can lead to other health complications. Change 4 Life advises that “too much sugar is bad for children’s health as it can lead to the build-up of harmful fat on the inside that we can’t see. This fat can cause weight gain and serious diseases like type 2 diabetes, which people are getting younger than ever before, and heart disease and some cancers.”

No one wants any of these health complications for their child, so be sugar aware. If you are unsure about how sugar affects the health of young people or how much sugar is too much, we encourage you to visit the sugar subsection of the Change 4 Life website where lots of helpful information is available including tips to help you easily cut down the sugar in your family’s diet.

If you are worried about tooth decay in your child or yourself, you can contact Kennett Dental Practice here to make an appointment where we can assess and advise. Dental practices are still open in lockdown to provide routine and emergency dental services to patients. Find out about our new safety measures that are in place during the pandemic by clicking here.

Fear of Visiting the Dentist? 5 Fears and How to Conquer Them

Fear of visiting dentist Oxford

It’s a worry many of us suffer from and although a genuine phobia of dentists is rare, a touch of anxiety is quite normal. The NHS Adult Dental Health Survey (2009) found that over 40% of adults are moderately or extremely anxious about dental procedures and 15% are extremely anxious just sitting in the dentist’s waiting room; but why?

We’ve done a little research to try to explain why anxiety around dental treatments and even just routine check-ups is so common. We think it’s important to know about where fear comes from and why you might have negative feelings about visiting us. Knowledge is power and the more we know about ourselves, the better we can manage our feelings.

So, without further ado, here are our top five reasons why people might be afraid of visiting their dentists.

1. It’s learned

The Association for Psychological Science says that fears of experiences like going to the dentists is a learned behaviour. They write, “Fear can be learned through direct experience with a threat, but it can also be learned via social means such as verbal warnings or observing others’. As humans, we are social animals who learn from people around us. If, as a child we see that our parents are frightened, we may learn to take up their fears. Scared parents who take their children to the dentist can easily influence their kids to adopt their worries. One of the best ways to break the cycle of fear for the next generation is to go for regular check-ups as an adult, even if you aren’t experiencing dental problems. This shows your children that there is nothing to be afraid of, it’s not something to be avoided and it’s not a negative experience.

You might think that your children haven’t seen you being anxious about visiting the dentist, they’ve never witnessed your fear, but just knowing that they have to go, and you never do is enough to plant a doubt in the mind of a child. They will subconsciously ask themselves “why don’t mum or dad go to the dentist like I do?” Which will naturally lead to “What’s wrong with the dentists?” So, you see, children don’t need to see your fear to suspect it exists. They are much more intuitive than we realise.

2. It’s in the air

Some people find themselves afraid specifically of having their airways blocked in the process of visiting their dentist. On paper it seems like an odd idea, I mean who has ever accidentally had their mouth and nose covered during a check-up? But it’s not a logical fear, it’s an instinctual one.

Part of our instinctual behaviours that have evolved with us and been passed down through generations, is to avoid situations where either of our air passages could conceivably be blocked. It makes sense. We instinctually avoid putting objects over or near our faces that air can’t pass through. The fear is over what could happen, not what is likely to happen. The subconscious idea that a dentist could slip and put their hand over your mouth and nose is what can cause the anxiety. It’s a ridiculous thought though, when has this ever happened and how could it ever happen? As we say, it’s not a logical thought or a conscious one, but once we know it exists, we can process that fear, label it as absurd and move on.

Close up of female dentist holding instruments while treating patient, copy space

3. We’re vulnerable

The very position we must be in during dental appointments makes us feel psychologically vulnerable. Having someone looming over us as we lie on our backs, sort of suspended in mid-air is a most unnatural position for us humans. We tend to only lie on our backs when we are extremely relaxed and feeling safe, such as when we are sleeping, lounging, or sunbathing.

We would never walk into a job interview, hand over a CV with trembling hands and when asked to take a seat spread out on the carpet like a beached starfish. When we are anxious, we sit upright or stand. Again, it’s our instinct to engage our muscles and be in a position from which we can easily move off from in case we need to retreat.

When the body releases adrenaline, the fight or flight instinct can kick in, which feeds our muscles extra power in case we are in danger. The problem is that our bodies cannot tell the difference between real and perceived threat. Your dentist is obviously not a real threat. We’re really very nice. But the truth is that lying in a recumbent position while experiencing anxiety can be psychologically confusing.

So, what’s to be done? We recommend taking a couple of deep breaths once you’re in position in the dentist’s chair and saying if it’s not a comfortable position for you. We want you to be as calm as possible during your appointment so whatever we can do to help relax you, we will. We don’t mind if you’re imagining that you’re on a beach in Jamaica and the bright lamp is the warm sun. Go for it! Do whatever works to relax your body and your mind will follow.

4. It’s the mouth

The thing about visiting the dentist is that they always want to look in your mouth. This won’t be new information to you, but we mention it because the mouth is a particularly sensitive part of the body. The mouth is also a very personal part of the body. It is where your thoughts become words which are used to communicate to others. There are not only teeth inside the mouth but the soft tissues inside it are very sensitive too. The gums and the tongue are full of nerve endings and for those of us who have accidentally bitten their tongue, we know how much the slightest injury can hurt. That is why we fear pain in that area in particular. It’s a very sensitive part of our bodies.

In addition to being a sensitive area, we also associate our mouths with intimate acts. Kissing is the obvious one and eating and speaking are all activities we use our mouths for.

When we associate our mouths with intimacy and familiarity it’s very difficult to accept someone you don’t know well invading it, particularly with instruments and tools. We understand that it can feel strange to have a near-stranger’s hands in your mouth, but a good dentist will do their best to put you at ease and alleviate the tension that such a strange encounter can create. They’re not just amazing with dentistry, they are masters of small talk. So, freely complain about the weather if you wish. We won’t mind and we’ll happily rabbit on about the roadworks in return to make your appointment as friendly and relaxing for you as possible.

5. It’s the head teacher’s office effect

Have you ever been called to the head teacher’s office when you were at school? Or maybe your boss asked to see you at work and wouldn’t tell you why beforehand. Sitting in the waiting room at the dentists can feel just like that. Anxiety over whether or not you’re going to be in trouble is a very unsettling feeling. Many people put off going to the dentist for routine appointments because they are afraid of getting told off by their dentist or don’t want to get bad news about their dental health.

It’s a legitimate fear because dentists do want the best for your teeth and it’s their job to advise you accordingly to make the most of your smile. With that being said, no dentist should make you feel inferior or guilty because of the state of your teeth. A good dentist will make you feel comfortable, but informed and at Kennett Road Dental Practice, we strive to always put you at ease during every stage of your experience.

Dental anxiety can make maintaining your oral health difficult. We sympathise, but we also wish to assure you that every member of our team at Kennett Road Dental Practice is trained and ready to make your experience as worry-free as possible. You do not need to be afraid of attending routine appointments or receiving dental treatments. We want the best for you and your smile, and we’ll find a way to achieve results together.

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