Dental Health
Deprived Areas are Receiving Poor Dental Care
Adults living in deprived areas are likely to receive worse dental care than those in less deprived areas according to new research. A new study, published in the journal PLOS One, has found that the type of dental care your receive could vary depending on your state of deprivation. Adults from highly deprived areas were…
Prevention is better than cure
We all know that prevention is better than cure. In the strange and ‘unprecedented’ times we are currently living in, it means so much more. We are all practising prevention by doing our best to slow and eventually stop the spread of Covid-19, or Coronavirus. However, we should be mindful of the same mantra with…
Diets and their affect on your teeth
Did you know that some diets can affect your teeth? Post lockdown has made most of us think about dieting. But is this having a negative impact on our teeth? What you might not realise about dieting is that it can have quite the impact on your teeth, and not the good kind. How can diets…
Halloween Treats That Won’t Harm Kid’s Teeth!
Halloween is just around the corner! It’s that time of year again where the supermarket shelves fill up with sweet treats and kids go crazy from all of the sugary sweets. While giving kids treats in moderation is fine, at Halloween, things can get a bit out of hand! Why not also try and incorporate…
Does Covid affect oral health?
Questions have been asked about the effect that Coronavirus has on oral health. Most of the scientific findings point to there being little or no evidence between the virus and poor oral health. However, one of the main symptoms of Covid-19 is the loss of taste and smell. Sensory problems have been reported in those…
Robert De Niro Has Dentophobia!
Celebrities are just like us after all! Apparently, Robert De Niro suffers from Dentophobia. As you can imagine Dentophobia is a fear of the dentist and we know Robert De Niro isn’t the only one out there who has it. The Goodfella’s actor believes that dentistry equipment can and will cause diseases. While that may…
The Rise of Orthodontics
Its undeniable that teeth are one of the first things we notice about people. Whether it’s vanity or popularity, there’s also no denying the rising trend of orthodontics. The dream of having straighter, whiter and healthier teeth is more accessible than ever before. The public have a greater awareness of how orthodontics can positively impact…
Five Reasons to Whiten Teeth
In recent years, inspired by celebrities and influencers, the general public has been choosing more and more to whiten their teeth. Have you thought about going to the dentist for professional teeth whitening? You may have considered trying the newest Instagram teeth whitening craze. Let’s have a look at the five main reasons whiten teeth.…
Are you ruining your smile?
You could be ruining your smile without even knowing it! You have a more extensive knowledge of dental health these days. Brushing twice a day with toothpaste is not all you need to do though. Here are some hints and tips on how and why these things could be wasting your teeth and therefore ruining…
What exactly is a dental emergency?
What is a dental emergency? Getting scheduled appointments with your dentist can take time. Getting an emergency appointment at inconvenient times can be a struggle. That alone can make dental issues feel more urgent. Deciding what truly constitutes as a dental emergency can be difficult. Who provides emergency dental appointments? Many dental practices offer a…
What to expect at your next dental appointment
What should you expect from your next dental appointment? Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the things we are able to do are looking a little different to life before lockdown. Many are calling it the ‘new normal’. No one knows how long these measures are going to be in place for. Whether it’s just for…
Thinking of stopping brushing your teeth?
Ever wondered what would happen if you stopped brushing your teeth altogether? Have you ever wondered what would happen? Exactly what would happen if I stopped brushing my teeth altogether? You’ve probably thought “my teeth would probably just fall out if I stopped brushing and that would be it”. You’re half right. Kind of. Not brushing…
The Unusual Suspects: Surprising Things That Harm Your Teeth.
Are we subconsciously harming our teeth? When we think of the things that can harm our teeth, we automatically think of foods that stain our teeth or sugary foods. We think of not brushing our teeth and missing dental appointments. While all of those will certainly cause damage to your teeth, have you ever considered…
How do you look after your teeth in winter?
Just how do you look after your teeth in winter? The weather forecast doesn’t look too good. Snow is forecast for most of the UK over the coming weeks. Here are some helpful tips on how to protect your mouth. It’s getting colder! Ok, you have already looked out your coat, hat, scarf and gloves.…
Your appointment with the dental hygienist
Why your hygiene appointments are as important as dental check ups guest blog by hayley irons We all know that we should attend for a dental check-up. Normally this is as regularly as every six months. This helps your dentist to keep a close eye on your oral health and spot any changes early before…
Why are gums just as important as teeth?
Why gums are just as important as teeth GUEST BLOG BY HAYLEY IRONS When you think about your dream smile, you probably focus on the appearance of your teeth. Perhaps you’ll consider the shape of your lips, but it usually doesn’t go much further than that. Why should it? Those are the only bits people…
Do I Need Dental Implants?
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS AND DO I NEED THEM? GUEST BLOG BY HAYLEY IRons We now seem to live in a world where looks mean everything. Falling short in any way is not an option in this social media/selfie-driven world. It is easy to hear the term ‘dental implants’ and believe that this could be…
What are orthodontic treatments?
What types of orthodontic treatments are available? Guest Blog by Hayley Irons Have you always thought about having a straighter smile? Have you been put off by traditional ‘train track’ braces? Then it’s time to think again! There are orthodontic treatments for you! Thanks to advances in technology, and some very clever people with some great…
Why you should attend regular dental check-ups
a defacto dentists guest blog from Hayley Irons Dental check-ups. They’re not the most exciting plans in your diary and you can probably think of about 10 different things you’d rather be doing instead! However, they are one of the most important errands you need to run, and it’s worth remembering why… Attending regular…
What are Your Teeth Telling You?
Your teeth and your mouth can highlight a lot of underlying health issues. You may notice some abnormalities but what are they trying to tell you? What can your mouth tell you about any underlying health issues? We’re going to delve into some common symptoms of the teeth and mouth and explain their potential health…
Fear of visiting the dentist – an easy option!
nearly one in three adults do not see a dentist for up to ten years at a time due to anxiety. it’s important for dentists to offer the best possible patient experience. We take a look at some dental clinics to see how they deliberately create an angst-free patient experience. Consideration of the practice décor One…
Why are levels of Mouth Cancer on the rise?
The number of mouth cancer cases has risen sharply over the past decade. It’s Mouth Cancer Action Month, and we’re dedicating November to raising awareness among our followers. Sadly, mouth cancer rates are on the rise in the UK, with almost 3000 Brits dying from the disease in 2017 alone. In today’s blog we’re talking…
Can The Winter Months Affect My Oral Health?
Did you know that your oral health is more likely to worsen during the winter months? New research has shown that your oral health is more likely to worsen in the winter months, due to a number of factors. In this blog post, we look at the reasons why your oral health is likely to…
A Dental Check Up Before Cancer Surgery is a Good Idea.
New research shows that attending a dental appointment before cancer surgery could be the difference between life and death. It sounds shocking, but that’s because it is. A simple dental check up before undergoing major cancer surgery could prevent death, or other post-operative illnesses. It might not be at the top of your to-do list…
Four Common Misconceptions About Fillings
Due to get a dental filling soon Having a dental filling nowadays is more common than not. A sad but true fact. Some people are shocked when they find out that they need a filling. They brush and floss every single day, so the news that they have a cavity can be quite shocking! We…
Are Sports Lovers Really More Prone To Gum Disease?
Do you participate in sports frequently? Maybe you’re an avid gym go-er. Or maybe you love to go outdoors for a run or a jog. Maybe you prefer a contact sport, such as rugby or martial arts? Well, regardless of what sports you enjoy, the more sports you do, the more prone you are to…
Is Vaping The Reason For The Staining On Your Teeth?
Are you one of those people who switched from smoking cigarettes to vaping? Maybe you made the switch to vaping for the health benefits, maybe it’s because you like treating yourself to a new vape-y flavour whether it be toffee, cherry or blueberry muffin, or maybe you bowed to peer pressure after someone asked ‘do…
The Top Ten Best & Worst Drinks For Your Teeth
The foods and drinks we consume can really affect our oral health. Recently, a group of dentists ranked the top ten best to worst drinks for your teeth. We thought we’d be able to guess them all, but a few of them surprised us! How many of these do you regularly have? Let’s start…
Too Many Adults Are Skipping Out On Hygienist Appointments
When was the last time you visited the hygienist? Almost one third of adults in the UK have never had a hygiene appointment at the dentist, research from Tepe has shown. This is a truly shocking statistic. Some people think that visiting the dentist is enough. And in some cases, that is true. There are…
Dental Care and The Elderly.
Dental health is important at all ages, but it can decline as you get older. Even with vigilant dental care as a child and an adult, a whole host of dental related problems can emerge later in life. Tooth sensitivity and tooth loss are not just a fact of life as you age, they can…
Tea and Crisps Are Causing Tooth Erosion!
It would seem like we learn of something else that isn’t good for our teeth just about every day. First it was sugar, then it was using the wrong toothbrush, and now? It’s drinking tea and eating salt and vinegar crisps. Yep, you heard it. Herbal teas and crisps. There’s a good chance you do…
Aftercare Tips for Fillings!
Getting fillings is a pretty common procedure, but what should you do after treatment? Most adults have at least one filling. Although they are not the worst possible thing you could have done at the dentist, they’re not a lot of fun. If you don’t care for them, you might land yourself back in the…
Special Needs Patients At The Dentist
Children and adults with special needs require frequent dental check-ups and occasional treatment, just like everyone else. We know that visiting the dentist isn’t a lot of fun. But it can be particularly distressing for patients who have special needs. Similarly, to anxious and phobic patients, the sights, sounds and smells of a practice can…
Smile Your Way Into A New Job
Looking for a new job? Look at your smile first. Studies have shown that you can smile your way into a new job whether it be with a new company, or as a promotion. When it comes to preparing for an interview, we instantly think about preparing for tough questions, selling ourselves or what we’re…
How to Remove Stains From Teeth
It seems like we will never stop searching for that ‘perfect’ smile. One of the main thing that people search online is ‘How To Remove Stains From Teeth’. So today on the Defacto Dentists blog we though we would share our two cents on how to beat staining. How to remove stains from teeth… You…
Beat Bad Breath!
Nobody wants to be told that they have bad breath! Bad breath, also known as halitosis or fetor oris, affects an estimated 25% of people, globally. There are a number of potential causes of halitosis but the vast majority come down to oral hygiene. It is unpleasant, and can make socialising and professional situations awkward…
The Truth About At Home Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a multi billion pound industry. We are all desperate for that Hollywood smile. We see the pearly whites of those celebrities that we love and it would seem that we would do anything to get a similar look, except visit the dentist! Today on the Defacto Dentists blog, we’re looking at the…
White Spots on Your Teeth: Spotting The Signs of Decay
Nowadays, it can seem like there is so much to look out for in term of our dental health. Swollen gums, increased sensitivity and shifting teeth to name just a few. We hate to add to the list, but there is something that many people have and don’t realise there is a problem! Ever noticed…
Caring For Your Teeth During The Cold Months
It’s getting colder! It’s time to look out the winter coats, our hats, scarves and gloves and it is also time to start taking care of your teeth. The cold weather can cause our teeth problems if we don’t take care extra care of them in the winter months. What should you watch out…
HPV & Dentistry: How They’re Linked & What You Need To Know.
HPV or the Human Papillomavirus is a group of viruses and is the most common sexually transmitted virus. But what has this got to do with dentistry? Well, HPV is most commonly attributed to causing genital warts or cervical cancer but HPV can also cause oral cancer. HPV is the leading cause of oro-pharyngeal cancers…
Ensuring Healthy Development of Kid’s Teeth!
Promoting good oral health in children is vital. The younger they learn, the better! We really do take our teeth for granted. We need them to eat, they play a vital role in holding the structure of our face and they help us to look great in photos too. Ensuring good dental care from…
Gum Lifts: What Are They & Who Are They For?
Gum lifting, also known as ‘gingivectomy’, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure which improves the overall appearance of your smile. This popular procedure ensures that the gum line of your teeth is in the best possible position to show off your teeth. Usually, a cosmetic gum lift is carried out in conjunction with other cosmetic dentistry…
Extraction – What You Should and Shouldn’t Do Afterwards!
Extraction of a tooth is one of the most common dental procedures. But what should you do after you’ve had a tooth removed? As with all dental procedures, making sure you follow a strict aftercare routine is vital. Extractions need that little bit of extra care because there is essentially a gap in your mouth…
Retain Your Retainers!
As a teenager, there was nothing quite like getting your braces off. You were excited and couldn’t wait to show off your new smile you had waited so long for! After the braces come off, the retainer comes out and you vow that you’ll wear it. You do, day in and day out, it’s almost…
Wisdom Teeth: What Are They And Why Do We Have Them?
Wisdom Teeth – What are they and why do we have them? Most adults have 32 teeth, including 4 wisdom teeth that usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 21. This final set of molars can play a useful part in the mouth for many people. However, for some people, if the wisdom teeth don’t come through properly, or…
Healthy Snacks for Kids That Won’t Damage Their Teeth!
Kids will do anything to get their hands on sweet treats. We’ll admit it, sometimes handing our kids a chocolate bar is easier than dealing with a tantrum or two. Dishing out sweet treats is fine on occasion but we should try to limit how often we hand over sweets, biscuits, cakes or chocolate! Today…
Stress Could Be Harming Your Teeth…
Stress can damage our teeth just as much as a bad diet or poor dental hygiene can. Stress can really affect our emotional and physical health. It can also wreak havoc on our teeth and gums. Today on the blog, we’re looking at what you can do to help ease the harsh effects of stress…
Apple Cider Vinegar – The Natural Tooth Whitener?
Apple Cider Vinegar has grown in popularity over the last few years. Apple Cider Vinegar – eating it, drinking it, using it on our skin, rinsing our hair with it – you name it, someone is bound to have tried it. Once only available from niche stores, it’s now well stocked in our everyday supermarkets.…
Picking the Perfect Practice!
Picking the right dental practice for you is vital. Picking a dental practice that suits your needs will ensure that you get the best possible care. But everyone always wonders what factors they should look at before choosing. Today, we’re going to look at the 5 main factors you should consider when choosing a practice.…
Children Urged To Take Good Care of Their Teeth.
Children in the UK have access to free dental care on the NHS. Ensuring that children attend dental appointments from a young age is crucial to ensure that they develop good dental habits from a young age. If a child pays good attention to their teeth and gums when they are young, they can prevent…
Morning Sickness & Your Smile
Morning sickness is one of the major downsides of pregnancy. While some women suffer only from the nauseous and queasy feeling, some women suffer from intense morning sickness and are sick multiple times a day. Being sick can really damage our teeth, and this is something that people rarely discuss. Sick is extremely acidic and…
Taking Control of Your Dental Health
Are you in control of your dental health? Do you feel like you have bad teeth? Have they always had cavities? Every time you go to the dentist, they find something different. A new hole. A problem with your gums. Maybe a broken tooth? Your teeth are weak. Or maybe it was bad genes? If…
Make A Point of Making Appointments!
Missing dental appointments is something you shouldn’t make a habit of. One missed appointment can easily become many year’s worth of missed appointments. The problem is, too many of us don’t make visiting the dentist a priority. Unfortunately, by doing this, we open the doors to more dental problems further down the line! No…
How Do Your Teeth Affect Your Sleep?
Sleep is crucial for the day to day functioning of our bodies. Too much caffeine from coffee or energy drinks, feeling too full after a big meal, or worrying too much can cause us to have a terrible night’s sleep. But did you know that your teeth may be the reason that you can’t fall…
The City With A Sweet Tooth
Sweet treats are hard to resist. Whether it’s cakes, chocolates, sweets or ice cream, we’re all guilty of occasionally over indulging on our favourite treats. In a recent survey, it was discovered that out of all of the major cities in the UK that Belfast have the sweetest tooth, with over 80% of all residents…
The Food That Is Good For Our Teeth.
The food that we eat can hugely impact our dental health. On the blog before, we’ve looked at Food that can help to whiten our teeth. We also briefly looked at the food we should pass up on to avoid tooth discolouration. Today, we’re looking at the food that is actually surprisingly good for our…
Is There Such a Thing as Bad Brushing?
Brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day is a sure-fire way to keep any dental problems at bay. But are you doing it right? Sure, you might be brushing twice a day for the right amount of time, but doing it wrong could be just as bad as not brushing at all.…
Designer Dentistry?
Designer Dentistry has a whole new meaning. When we think of designer dentistry, we think of the bright white and perfectly straight smiles. Smiles that are customised and designed by patients and their dentists with extreme precision. Now, streetwear fashion brands are giving designer dentistry a whole new meaning. As an International Fashion Branding student,…
Tooth Loss in Adults
Tooth loss in adults can be worrying and really knock your confidence. It’s a dental problem that adults never really think about but it does happen, probably more than you think. The most common reasons for tooth loss in adults are: bad oral hygiene routines, serious illness, chronic illness such as diabetes, gum disease, sudden…
Tooth Loss In Children
Tooth loss in children is expected. When a child’s first tooth falls out, it can be a pretty scary moment for both you and them but it is an exciting experience! This week, for part of our National Tooth Fairy Day celebrations, we looked at how to introduce The Tooth Fairy to young children. If…
Going Back To The Dentist
Going back to the dentist after a long period of avoiding appointments can be a daunting experience. Everyone has their own reasons for not going to the dentist – some people have dental phobia and are scared of the dentist, some people don’t feel the need to visit the dentist unless they feel pain…
Social Media Selling and Dental Products
With the rise of social media selling, everywhere is slowly becoming a retail platform. It’s unusual to scroll down social media sites such as Instagram or Facebook without online influencers pushing products in our faces. While influencers may say that they are ‘really loving’ a product, there is a possibility that they haven’t even…
Oral Health Problems and Your Overall Health
Did you know that your Oral Health can really affect your health? Our teeth and gums are brilliant indicators of our overall health. Teeth and gums can show tell-tale signs of heart problems, digestive problems and poor brain function. The human body really is amazing and our overall health truly does start with…
Can Dentists Identify Health Problems?
When we think of going to the dentist, we automatically think of our teeth – check-ups, fillings, visiting the hygienist but did you know that your dentist is there to care for more than just your teeth? Your dentist is able to identify a number of health problems. Can dentists identify eating disorders? People…
First Visit to the Dentist!
Your child’s first visit to the dentist is a big milestone! It’s a new experience for both you and them and it can be quite nerve-wracking as it’s difficult to determine how they will react. Here are some of our top tips to ensure that your child’s first visit to the dentist runs as smoothly…
Common Dental Problems in Children
As a parent, it’s crucial that you encourage your kids into a brilliant dental hygiene routine. The earlier that you instil this into them, the more likely they are to maintain it throughout their childhood, teen years and into adulthood. Unfortunately, dental problems in children are the norm due to various factors. Here are a…
Caring for Kids’ Teeth
We wanted to share some top tips for keeping your kids’ teeth healthy! The more you teach a child to take care of their teeth from a young age, the less likely they are to encounter problems with their teeth as they reach their teens and progress through adulthood. Take your child to the dentist…
Celebrities With Braces
There have been more celebrities with braces than you might think. For kids, teenagers and even some adults, the prospect of having braces can be quite daunting. Maybe they feel self-conscious about smiling or eating, or they may even feel like the odd one out but it can be reassuring to know that just about…
Invisalign: The Barely There Brace
Invisalign is a modern alternative to metal braces. Invisalign works like a normal brace but are much less noticeable and more comfortable to wear. These braces have been around since the early 2000s but hadn’t gained much popularity until recent years. Many celebrities including, Khloe Kardashian and Zac Efron, have been opting for Invisalign and…
Caring for Braces
Looking after your teeth well while you have braces is crucial. After a dentist has fitted their patient’s braces, they will explain to the patients all of the steps that should be taken to ensure that the braces remain clean and in good working condition. Many dental surgeries will provide information leaflets on care and…
The Dangers of at Home Whitening
Everyone wants to have a bright white smile and while most dentists offer teeth whitening at their practices, patients often do to try and get the same results from the comfort of their own home. From using at home whitening kits, to using harsh abrasive concoctions, it is certain that people will try just about…
The State of Children’s Oral Health in the UK
Children’s oral health within the UK has improved drastically since the 1970’s. This is due to greater awareness of oral hygiene and the consequences of a lack of good oral hygiene. However, children in the UK are still facing common dental issues such as tooth decay, infections and abscesses. These require costly treatments, putting pressure…
8 Ways to Cut Down on Sugar
Sugar is a nation wide addiction. Should you want to kick the habit, we can offer you 8 ways to cut down on sugar. We don’t expect people to cut it out entirely. Sugar is hard to escape these days. But, there are ways to skirt around it without eating too much. Not only will…
Recovering From Dental Surgery: Do’s and Dont’s
Dental surgery could be required for a multitude of reasons. From tooth removal to implants, there are various reasons you may need dental surgery. However, it’s likely that your surgery will be a pain free ordeal. Dealing with the aftercare is where people might be a bit lost. For the first two days it is…
Dental Hygiene Rules You Don’t Know but Should Follow
We think we know all the basic dental hygiene tips. But we probably don’t. You’ve been brushing your teeth your whole life but its likely there are a couple of things you could be incorporating into your dental hygiene routine that you haven’t already. Brushing and flossing twice a day is still important. However, we’d…
Dental Tips for Diabetics
Around 700 people are diagnosed as diabetics each day. That’s roughly one person every two minutes. Since 1996, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK has more than doubled from 1.4 million to almost 3.5 million. Not only can diabetes wreak havoc on your body, it can do the same to your…
How Our Teeth Age
We all get older and we know the standard side effects. Like wrinkles, poor eyesight and age spots. But, have you ever thought about when you age, how your teeth age too? Your teeth can change dramatically over short spaces of time. If you’re really consistent with brushing, you’re teeth will look a lot whiter…
How to Have a Good Dentist Appointment: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do
You might be approaching your six-month check up, or you might have just registered at a new practice. It’s common that we all want to have a good dentist appointment. But, it goes beyond excessive brushing beforehand. Actually that could be one of the things you don’t do. Brushing right before you go for your…
When Should You Replace a Filling?
It’s common nowadays for an individual to have a filling. However, it may not be common knowledge that sometimes you need to replace a filling… Tooth decay affects around 31% of adults. So, it’s not surprising that fillings are as common as they are. But, before we get to why you would need to replace…
Why are Teeth Sensitive After Whitening?
Whether you’ve had it done or not, we’re sure we’ve all thought about teeth whitening. When done properly, it’s a sure fire way to have the pearliest of whites. However, it comes with a downside, tooth sensitivity. More often than not, patients will experience tooth sensitivity after a whitening procedure. This can lead to discomfort…
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Dental Appointments
Dental appointments can feel inconvenient. You might need to go during work and they cost money. However, they are necessary. We’ve seen a couple of articles this week explaining how people are skipping their dental appointments to save money. Here’s a few reasons why that isn’t a great idea. Flossing and brushing isn’t enough. You…
The History of Dentistry: Where Did it Originate?
When we think of going to the dentist, we think of a sterile environment, 6-month check ups and the whirr of the dental drill. But, what is the history of dentistry? Whether or not you like going to the dentist, there’s no denying we have it lucky. We live in an age of advanced technology…
How Can Dentists Help with Sleep Apnea
Do you have trouble with snoring or sleeping? Do you wake up tired? It’s possible that you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes.…
Why do Scuba Divers Need Regular Dental Visits?
We all need to visit the dentist regularly. However, it seems that scuba divers might need some special attention… A study, by the British Dental Journal, suggests that scuba divers commonly suffer from dental issues. More than 40 percent of a small group of divers surveyed online had “experienced dental problems during a dive.” A…
Why You Should Visit Your Dentist Over the Holidays
Christmas and New Year can be a busy time for us all. But, you should be making it a busy time for your dentist. We’re not saying we want dentists laden down with work over the holidays. What we are saying is that you should be focusing on maintaining your dental health over this festive…
A Quarter of Brits Attempting DIY Dentistry
Here at Defacto we focus on the large number of the UK public who avoid the dentist. Whether its poor memory or dental anxiety, we encourage those people to get the dental care they need. However, it appears that British people are trying their hand at DIY dentistry. It goes without saying that we are against…
The Toothbrushing Programme Improving Children’s Oral Health
A pilot scheme in nurseries is paving the way for improving children’s oral health. A toothbrushing programme in early years settings has made children less reluctant to clean their teeth. The programme was piloted in 68 nurseries and with 20 childminders from April. The Smiles4Children programme explores the best ways of getting children under five…
E-cigarettes Shown to Damage Gums
Whether it’s for health or a hobby, we’re pretty sure we all know someone who uses an e-cigarette. The business of e-cigarettes has boomed over the last few years. It’s no longer a business solely for weaning smokers off their habit. Vaping now even has a solid fan base of enthusiasts. A surprising hobby, but…
Winter Tooth Pain: Does the Cold Affect Your Teeth?
Are your teeth feeling the chill? We wouldn’t be surprised if they were. With temperatures plummeting we’re expecting some people to be experiencing some winter tooth pain. At Defacto we’re asking ourselves, does the winter affect your teeth? Long story short, yes it does. If you already have sensitive teeth there’s a chance you may…
What Causes Dry Mouth?
We’ve all experienced dry mouth at some point in our lives, but what causes it? We don’t mean dry mouth in the sense that you’ve woken up with a hangover or an illness. What we mean is chronic dry mouth. Frequent dry mouth can be a sign of underlying health issues and we want you…
What Does Smoking Do To Your Smile?
We all know that smoking is bad for us. However, while the majority of us are focusing on the cancer risk or our lungs, what does smoking do to our mouth? It has been estimated that every year in the UK around 96,000 people die from diseases caused by smoking. Also, about half of all…
Oral Cancer Symptoms You Should Watch Out For
Oral Cancer is the 11th most common cancer, in males, in the UK. Do you watch out for oral cancer symptoms? There has been a 92% increases in cases of oral cancer since the 70s. There are thousands of new cases diagnosed annually. It’s estimated that 91% of the cases are preventable if they are…
Improving Children’s Oral Health
To improve children’s oral health, issues need to be tackled in schools first. Children’s oral health has become more of an issue of late. With child tooth decay rising rapidly, it’s no surprise people want to see the problem addressed. In 2014/15 over 26,000 children aged between five and nine were admitted to hospital for…
40% of Children Not Seeing a Dentist
Over 40% of children didn’t attend the dentist last year. NHS statistics show that 4 in 10 children haven’t been for regular check ups. The British Dental Association calls the figure ‘embarrassing’. Tooth decay remains the most common reason young children go to hospital. The BDA say regular dental check-ups are the key to preventing…
What Can Plaque Tell Us?
You may be familiar with adverts in TV showing plaque being buffed away. But what do we actually know about it? What many dentists know is that plaque is a biofilm, a combination of bacteria (500+ types), fungi, and protozoa. This mixes with nutrients from foods and drinks in the mouth to create a self-sustaining…
How to Keep Bad Breath at Bay
We’ve all had bad breath at some point in our life. Whether it’s in the morning or after a meal heavy on garlic. However, for some it’s a daily struggle. It is caused by the accumulation and breakdown of bacteria in the mouth. That’s why frequent bad breath–also known as halitosis–is also a sign of…
How to Improve Your Child’s First Dental Visit
How can you improve your child’s first dental visit? We don’t know a lot of people who like going to the dentist. However, for us it’s routine, for children it could be intimidating. A strange place with loud noises and strangers doesn’t even sound comfortable for us. Although, there are ways you can improve your…
Wisdom Teeth: Why They May Need To Go
Wisdom teeth are inevitable for us all. However, keeping them might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Having your wisdom teeth coming in can be painful and can undo whatever cosmetic work you may have already had done. But, there is also the possibility of other unforeseen issues with cutting these teeth… Impacted…
Top 10 Teeth Whitening Foods
It seems like there’s so much food and drink that does damage to your teeth these days. Although, what if there are teeth whitening foods… It’s not really a ‘what if’, there are loads of healthy teeth whitening foods. They may not bleach them but a lot of these foods work to wash away discolouration…
Why is Tongue Scraping Important?
Of course we know that brushing and flossing is an important part of your dental routine, but why is tongue scraping important? You may or may not have heard of this technique before, however, tongue scraping does a lot to aid in your dental health. The small instrument is a plastic tool that you would…