Jamie Olivier is on a crusade to reduce the sugar intake in the UK and quite rightly so! There were shocking images of children having all of their teeth extracted because of tooth decay solely due to sugar intake. This is unacceptable and should not be the case in the day and age we live in. Sugary drinks are one of the main causes, with up to 4 large tablespoons of added sugar in some well know drinks. Yes, that's right, 4 tablespoons! We are happy to provide education to all to reduce sugar consumption, eat well and adopt sound prevention regimes to prevent tooth decay. Simply call us- families, schools, sports clubs, community centres.... all are welcome.

Our dental tip of the day involves prevention, in particular reversing early decay. Did you know that in many cases dental decay starts from in between the teeth called the interdental area? If left untreated, these lesions will gradually progress and become closer to the nerve leaving you at risk of the dreaded root canal treatment. Our tip is simple - prevention is better than cure. Ensure your oral hygiene is excellent, clean properly in between the teeth using dental floss and brushes. We can also prescribe higher fluoride toothpastes to aid reversal and remineralisation of the decay. 

At Progressive Dentistry, we use state of the art digital radiography to spot early decay. Once seen, we will advise you on how to reverse the decay and monitor the areas for peace of mind. Remember - prevention is better than cure!

Are you a Juicing Fanatic? Now the festive season has started, some of my patients have told me they are trying a juicing diet to detox after Christmas party excesses, or before the inevitable over-eating starts. People are often surprised to hear the damaging effect juices can have on our teeth. A lot of juices, especially those made with fruit, are full of sugar and highly acidic. This causes a drop in pH in the mouth, which in turn can cause acid erosion which damages tooth enamel and/or decay if sustained.

Despite the possible damage, we do recognise the benefits of a good daily intake of fruits and vegetables, in particular the importance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for good gum health. Almost all vegetables are low acid, but some fruits are higher than others High Erosion Risk Fruits: Citrus Berries Peaches Pears Grapes Pineapple Moderate Erosion Risk Fruits: Figs Bananas Asian pears Dates Papaya Melons Mangoes Here are some tips to help reduce the damage that can be caused by juicing diets or high fruit intake:

1. Try to limit fruits to meal times, constant grazing causes more damage than a large amount all at once.

2. Wait at least 20 minutes after eating/drinking before brushing so you are not brushing the acid in to the teeth.

3. Drink juice through a straw and don't hold it for long in your mouth. 

4. Dilute juice with water and drink water after each juice/fruit.

5. Use a good, de sensitising toothpaste, such as Sensodyne Repair and Protect. 

6. Increase use of fluoride mouthwash such as Colgate Flourigard. GC Tooth Mousse is excellent for repairing damage when applied topically at night and left on the teeth, and also comes in some delicious fruity flavours!

Did you know that we offer direct access to our dental hygienist through our walk-in service? As of May, this year, the General Dental Council (GDC) granted permission for members of the public to see the dental hygienist WITHOUT having to be referred by a dentist. Therefore, all you have to do is call us, e mail us or book online to see Jenny directly.

Why is dental hygiene so important? Here are 5 reasons why you should visit the dental hygienist at least twice a year:

1. Dental plaque is the main cause of dental disease - removing plaque will reduce your risks of developing dental problems.

2. Halitosis is caused mainly by poor oral hygiene - bad breath is not a desirable feature!

3. Poor gum health is linked to many systemic diseases such as heart disease and respiratory disease. Why increase your risk when you can see a hygienist straight away.

4. Poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease and ultimately tooth loss - prevention is far better than cure and there is NO direct cure for periodontal disease.

5. Clean teeth look great, healthy and fresh.

You will be amazed at the difference a visit to the hygienist can make. So why wait. Book your dental hygiene visit today- you will not regret it.