There are just 8 sleeps till Christmas; the big day is getting closer and closer. Here are 8 tips to look after your teeth over the festive period:
 

1. Brush your teeth twice a day using an electric tooth brush with a 2 minute timer
2. Floss or use inter dental brushes in between your teeth- this is vital
3. Use a flouride mouthwash afterwards-do not rinse with water
4. Limit sugary foods and drinks (sorry!) to mealtimes and reduce the frequency of acid attack on your teeth
5. Limit acidic foods and drinks as much as possible; did you know that hot lemon water has the same acidity as battery acid!
6. Drink alcohol in moderation (sorry again!)
7. For sensitivity, rub some sensitive toothpaste directly on to the tooth and leave overnight. Repeat for at least 7 days.
8. Visit your dentist and hygienist when due- early intervention means less extensive treatment in the long term

If you need to be seen prior to Christmas, please contact us on Monday morning. We will squeeze you in!

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!

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.

Brushing removes most plaque, but flossing tackles the tough spots between teeth, where decay and gum disease love to hide. Our expert hygienist, Beata, can show you the most effective techniques for a squeaky-clean smile. Call 020 7731 1162 or email info@progressivedentistry.co.uk to learn more!

We are very pleased to announce a walk in dental hygiene service every Tuesday with immediate effect. There is no need to make a dental appointment, please either walk in or call us to book your dental hygiene appointment. On your visit, an oral health assessment will be carried out by a dentist to ensure all the correct protocols are followed.

Your visit will include a full mouth cleaning and jet air polishing for a sparkling finish! If you have not seen a dental hygienist for a while, have stained, yellow teeth and feel the fur building up please call us today. Regular dental hygiene is one of the most crucial aspects of preventing dental disease and now there is no excuse. Of course, we advise that a full dental examination is carried out and after the assessment we will advise you accordingly.

Walk in dental hygiene every Tuesday, spread the word!

We are delighted to announce that dental hygiene appointments are now available on Saturday mornings. Our dental hygiene appointment inlcudes the very latest stain removal techniques using a jet air polish, for that sparkle finish. 

By removing everyday dietary stains from tea, coffee, smoking and curries for example, teeth can look instantly whiter and fresher. So start the weekend with a cleaner, whiter and fresher mouth and book a hygiene appointment today. 

Our first available Saturday hygiene appointment is on 23rd July and availability is limited, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Dental hygiene is crucial for not only oral health but also overall health. Many studies are now finding a link between poor oral hygiene and systemic disease such as heart disease, stroke and cardiovascular disease. A study last year by the University of California showed that women who regularly visited their dentist and hygienist could reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by up to one third. See leading author Timothy Brown comments of the report here. 

The British Dental Health Foundation warned that gum disease could be a much bigger problem than previously thought and stressed that people need to be made more aware of the condition. The good news is that gum disease is on the whole, a treatable and manageable condition. Our dental Hygienist and Therapist is an expert in managing simple and complex gum problems. She will show you the best way to manage your dental hygiene at home, which is the key to success. 

So why wait for symptoms, call us today and book your dental and hygiene appointment today.

We are running a series of case studies to demonstrate the treatments and outcomes that have been achieved at Progressive Dentistry. Our first case was a long and complicated case involving failing crowns and bridges, which required a full upper arch rehabilitation. Initially the gum disease was treated by our Dental Hygienist and Therapist, Jenny Wiggins. This was done over a number of sessions with superb results. After all the failing crowns and bridges were removed, the patient wore a set of temporary teeth to allow the gums to heal and ensure that they could get used to the new design and bite. This was left for a period of 3 months. After full healing and adaptation, the temporary crowns and bridges were removed and a new set could be made. The difference in the gums and overall oral health was outstanding. The overall result was natural, aesthetic and met all of the patient requirements. 

Please view the series of photographs below: