General Health
Protect yourself from the flu and other nasty viruses
We all want to protect ourselves from flu and other nasty viruses. Have you had the flu recently? Are you worried about other nasty viruses? Coronavirus is all over the news. Just how do you protect yourself from catching the flu and other nasty viruses? Get a flu vaccine The best way to protect yourself…
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…
Are you scared of the dentist?
OVERCOME your fear of the dentist GUEST BLOG BY HAYLEY IRONS Being afraid of the dentist might sound like a cliché. However for many people this is a reality. In fact, according to the Oral Health Foundation, around half of UK adults admit to being scared of the dentist. Around 12% of us have…
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…
Natural Teeth Whitening Tips
When looked after properly, our teeth are naturally white. However, many people prefer to have whiter teeth. The attraction is that white teeth are healthy, therefore ultra-white teeth are ultra-healthy. There are a number of chemical solutions available that take teeth from their natural white to an ultra-white. Typically, these solutions will include a peroxide…
World Mental Health Day 2018
The 10th of October is World Mental Health Day. Today on the Defacto Dentists blog, we’re talking about the taboo that is mental health. 1 in 6 people in the last week experienced a common mental health problem – so why aren’t more people talking about it? Mental Health is Just As Important as Physical…
Oral Health and Your Skin – How Are They Linked?
Can your oral health really affect your skin? If you think that your oral health has nothing to do with the appearance of your skin, you’re wrong. Just like every other area of our body, everything is linked. Skin can make us or break us. It can make us feel super confident, or super self…
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Contains Over DOUBLE Adult’s RDA of Sugar
PSL Lovers Rejoice! Everyone’s favourite autumnal hot drink is back! Yes, the Pumpkin Spice Latte has made it’s highly anticipated annual return! Is there anything nicer than wrapping up in your cosy new knitwear on a crisp autumn day and picking up a Pumpkin Spice Latte to enjoy on your coffee break? Well, yes actually.…
HPV Vaccine Now Offered To Boys Ten Years After Girls
UK Government advisers recommend extending funding for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to boys. Since 2008, girls aged between 12-13 years old in the UK have been receiving HPV jags to prevent against cervical cancer. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by certain strains of HPV, which can be transmitted through sexual contact. Cervical cancer can be…
Can Being Pregnant Really Harm Your Teeth?
Can Being Pregnant Harm Your Teeth? Pregnancy. Some women love it. Some women hate it. Regardless, being pregnant can impact teeth and gums. As such, when women are pregnant, they should be taking extra care of their oral health to ensure there are no complications. Today on the Defacto Dentists blog, we look at the…
Too Big For Dental Treatment?
People in the UK are being forced to go to specialist treatment centres to receive dental treatment because of their weight. Is there such a thing as being too big for the dentist? Can weight really affect how you can be treated by a dentist? In short, yes. Obesity levels are soaring. Unsurprisingly, obesity is…
The Link Between Dementia and Dental Care – Defacto Blog
Preventive dental care provided in the early stages of dementia could help limit major tooth problems later, researchers say. According to Dementia UK, Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders. There are many different types and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. Some people may have a combination of…
Dentists Will Spot The Signs of Eating Disorders.
Dentists are able to spot the initial signs on eating disorders. Dentists can play a key role in the detection of health conditions including anorexia nervosa and bulimia according to new research from King’s College London. Data which has been published in the British Dental Journal has found that many of the medical conditions that…
Dentists Can Spot The Signs of Domestic Abuse
Dentists are undergoing training so they can spot the signs of domestic abuse. Our dentists are trained to recognise a whole host of problems. From gum disease and decay, to illnesses such as oral cancers or even diabetes. But Dentists all around the world are being trained to recognise symptoms of abuse. Today on the…
How Can Good Oral Health Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes?
A new study has highlighted the importance of oral hygiene for those who have type 2 diabetes. This is after discovering that people with Type 2 Diabetes may have better blood glucose levels if they look after their teeth. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, and it accounts for 90–95 percent of all cases.…
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…
Dry January & Increased Sugar Intake
The festivities are over! Three course dinners have been swapped for salads, nobody wants the left over chocolates, we’ve bought our gym memberships and even given up alcohol. Dry January has made its return! People are swapping beer and wine for water and avoiding all things party! What is Dry January? Dry January is an…
The Unico Smartbrush: A Toothbrush That Cleans Teeth in THREE Seconds?
What would you say if someone offered you a toothbrush that could clean your teeth in just 3 seconds? We’d say that it sounds totally bonkers, but a Kickstarter company seems to think it is the way forward! The device looks like a bit of a weird contraption. Kind of like a cross between…
Gift Guide: Electric Toothbrushes
Christmas is coming folks! With only a handful more sleeps to go, we hope you’re getting organised! Have you thought about giving the gift of a new electric toothbrush this year? Our electric toothbrush gift guide is here to help! Whether you’re looking to save or splurge, we have options to suit every budget this…
Oral Health vs Mental Health
It is often the case that people only give thought to their physical health. Mental health and Oral health are often an after-thought, but here at Defacto Dentists, we want to challenge you to think differently about the way you take care of your overall health! Poor oral health has been linked with illnesses…
Coca-cola, Christmas & Kid’s Teeth!
The holidays are coming the holidays are coming! If you didn’t sing along to that in your head, you probably haven’t seen the iconic advert yet. That, or you’re a massive scrooge! The Coca-cola advert has been on our screens for year as the festive period begins. The ever famous Coca-cola truck is gearing up…
It’s The Most Sugar-Filled Time of The Year!
Christmas is coming! It’s not unusual for people to go to multiple shops while getting that good old Christmas food shop! It could be to save money, or maybe you can’t get all your ingredients in one place.But did you know that switching up your supermarket shop could save your teeth too? Calorific Christmas.…
Vegan Toothpaste : Friend or Foe?
Is vegan toothpaste the way forward? Being vegan is more than just not eating animal products, it’s about omitting animal products for all aspects of your life. From your hair and beauty products to your clothing, accessories and household products. Veganism is much More than just food. Vegans have to give a lot of…
E-cigarettes & Your Oral Health
E-cigarettes have soared in popularity over the past few years. More and more people are attempting to quit smoking and are opting for e-cigarettes or are ‘vaping’ instead. These e-cigs have been hailed as a safer alternative, and in some respects that is true. We all know that cigarettes are harmful on the teeth, but…
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…
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…
Mouth Cancer Action Month
November is Mouth Cancer Action Month Dentists are not only great at looking at our teeth and gums, we know from previous Defacto Dentist blog posts that dentists can also spot the signs of some other health problems, including cancer. What is Mouth Cancer? Mouth cancer seems like quite a generalised term, and…
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! We’re probably all guilty of pinching…
Why Should You Replace Your Missing Teeth?
Missing several teeth can severely affect your daily life. It can affect your general health, your appearance and diminish your self-esteem. Not only will replacing missing teeth make you look better and boost your confidence, it is crucial for the overall health of your other teeth and your gums. You may think that missing only…
Is Giving Up Alcohol The Cause Of Your Sweet Tooth?
Giving up alcohol can’t be easy. With the pressures of social gatherings, national holidays, and celebrations, the temptation to drink can be a hard one to beat! Studies have shown that those who try to give up alcohol are more likely to crave sugar. People who binge drink are more likely to suffer from fluctuations…
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…
Smiling About The Flu Jab
Smiling is good for the soul. Just last week on Defacto Dentists, we looked at the reasons why we should smile more. Not only is it a great natural mood booster, make us more attractive and make us appear more trustworthy and welcoming, but it turns out that it is really good for our immune…
Subconsciously Damaging Our Teeth?
If we are brushing our teeth twice daily, visiting the dentist regularly, surely our teeth must be fine? We wish that was the case! We might have a really good dental hygiene routine, but there are plenty of things we do subconsciously every single day that are seriously damaging our teeth – let’s take a…
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.…
Tooth Decay Vaccine Being Developed
Scientists are developing a tooth decay vaccine to boost your oral health. Of course, here at Defacto we are advocates for practicing good oral health and attending regular dental visits. However, if you could give your dental health a head start with a tooth decay vaccine, would you? Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIOV) of…
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…
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…
Patients Are Suffering From Dental Care Drought
Patients are going without vital dental appointments. This morning it was announced that almost 50% of dental practices in the UK are not accepting new adult patients while 40% are not accepting new child patients! Shocking Statistics BBC news have recently conducted a survey which showed that out of 7000 dental practice in England,…
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…
Off to University!
It’s that time of year again! University and college students are away to revel in the fresher’s week celebrations and moan about their fresher’s flu for at least three weeks… So, you’ve moved out. Your parents are worried sick and you’re excited at the prospect of complete freedom and new friends. You’ve…
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.…
Prosecco – The Drink That’s Destroying Our Teeth.
Prosecco – one of the most on trend drinks of the moment. Prosecco is all over every twenty something’s Snapchat and Instagram stories. It’s the current pre-drink of choice and just the other week, people were queuing in their hundreds outside Aldi stores to snap up 6 bottles for only £20 – a total steal!…
The Many Uses of Toothpaste
Toothpaste has many uses. While it keeps our teeth clean and helps to freshen our breath, it also has many other uses, making it very handy to have around! Today on the Defacto Dentists blog, we’re looking at some surprising uses of toothpaste. Have you or would you try any of these? It…
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,…
Discounted Dental Treatment – Do’s and Don’ts.
Today we’re looking at Discounted Dental Treatments. In recent weeks on the Defacto Dentists Blog, we’ve been looking at the do’s and don’ts of teeth whitening and buying dental products online. From charcoal whitening powders being pushed on Instagram by our favourite Instagram stars, to beauty salons offering illegal whitening. But what about discounted…
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…
National Tooth Fairy Day!
The Tooth Fairy was undoubtedly a big part of our childhoods. We got excited about our very first wobbly tooth and waited impatiently for it to finally fall out, all so we could get a visit from the Tooth Fairy. We’d leave our tooth tucked safely under the pillow in exchange for a small sum…
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…
0% Finance At The Dentist – A Guide for Patients
Getting the perfect smile can be an expensive process. Whether it’s a cosmetic procedure you’ve been longing for or it’s clinic treatment that’s crucial to improve your oral health, the costs can really begin to mount up. This doesn’t mean that you can’t get the treatment that you need. Many dental practices offer 0% Finance…
The Things Your Dentist Wishes You Knew
Investing in your smile is crucial, the more you take care of it, the less problems you’ll encounter. There is more to looking after teeth than just brushing, flossing and going for regular dental check-ups, here are a few things your dentist wishes you knew! Honesty is the best policy. If you have been having…
The Bad Dental Habits You Need To Break
The saying goes ‘old habits die hard’ and it’s true. Even when it comes to oral care! Today, we’re taking a look at some of the worst dental habits that can be hard to break. Do any of these apply to you? Brushing too hard. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as…
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…
Electric Toothbrush Poll Results!
Manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush? Which one is favoured by the public? Which one do you use? These are the questions we asked ourselves regarding people’s habits with brushing their teeth. So we conducted a survey! We started off by asking people if they have ever bought an electric toothbrush and received the results that…
The Difference Between Dentists in Scotland and Germany
My name is Sophie and I’m from Germany. For my apprenticeship as an industrial clerk in Germany I’m staying in Glasgow for four weeks working for Defacto Dentists to improve my English skills. Here I’m learning more about dentistry in the UK and I’ve noticed some differences. In the following article I’ll compare the systems…
Helping Autistic Children With Dental Visits
Sometimes, taking a child to the dentist can be particularly challenging. The experience may be new to them – they may be scared of feeling pain or feel worried about not knowing what is happening. Often, children will grow out of this and after their 3rd of 4th visit, heading to the dentist will be…
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…
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…
8 Ways to Reduce Braces Pain
Braces are one of the best ways of effectively straightening teeth. However, braces pain can be hard to deal with… It’s very common now for young adults to experience having braces, as they are available at no cost to under-18s through the NHS. However, it’s becoming more and more popular to But, the most common…
Calls for Better Heart Emergency Measures on Planes
Heart emergency measures need to be better on planes according to doctors. Although the event of cardiac arrest on board flights is rare, airlines are being called upon to carry more medical equipment focused on this issue. About 1,000 people a year die from cardiac arrest in the air, according to data presented at a…
How Does a Cleft Lip and Palate Impact a Child?
It’s likely you’ve heard of cleft lip and palate, however it only impacts around 1 in 700 children in the UK. Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. Together, these birth defects commonly are called “orofacial clefts”. The two can occur…
Are You Thinking About Getting Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers. We’ve been seeing them everywhere lately! From Tom Cruise to reality TV stars, veneers are gaining popularity! If done well, you’ll have a Hollywood smile in no time but if they’re done badly, you could end up looking more like a racehorse than a Hollywood starlet. What are dental veneers? Veneers are thin…
Devices That Stop Snoring: What’s Right for You?
Snoring can be a nightmare, not only for the person who snores, but whoever shares their bed. We’re sure many an argument have been started over snoring in relationships. So, lets try and put a stop to it and discuss devices that stop snoring in its tracks. Treatments for snoring can be either surgical or…
NHS Prescriptions and Dental Costs Set to Rise
NHS prescriptions costs are set to rise in England on April 1st. The government has announced that NHS prescriptions will rise by 20p due to inflation. This makes the new cost of NHS prescriptions £8.60. Health minister Philip Dunne explained that this rise was “broadly in line with inflation,”. However, in comparison to the rest…
Why You Shouldn’t Go to Your GP for Dental Problems
More and more reports are circulating about the public heading to their GP for dental problems. Research suggests that 600,000 patients a year see their GPs with dental problems, instead of a dental professional. The British Dental Association (BDA) believes that this number is due to the charges at the dentist. Therefore, people meaning to…
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…
How to Increase Happiness in the Workplace
For some work is a passion, for others its an obligation and maybe for some its somewhere in between. However, everyone deserves to feel happy in his or her workplace. Last year stress accounted for 35% of all work related ill health cases and 43% of all working days lost due to ill health. Unhappiness…