Thank you so much for your kindness and patience you have all shown to me during all of my treatment. I never thought that I would actually feel happy to say I’m going to the dentist but, with all of your kindness I have overcome so many fears.
Thank you all.
Mrs P.A, Leicester.
Here’s what our other patients are saying…
If your dentist/mother-in-law/friend (delete as necessary) has been getting on at you about your little one sucking their thumb it may just be for good reason.
Thumb sucking is a common habit that generally affects infants and children. It’s reported that up to 90% of children will dabble in thumb sucking at some point between the ages of 2 and 4 years old. Most children stop sucking their thumb by 2 and 1/2 years of age, and thumb-sucking is often considered okay until age 3.
Children suck their thumbs because it’s comforting and calming. They turn to their thumb when they’re tired, scared, bored, sick, or trying to adjust to challenges such as starting nursery or preschool.
Long-term effects of thumb sucking occur when a child’s thumb sucking continues when their adult teeth start to come through. This usually happens around the age of 5-6 years old. It would be wise to try and break this habit by then.
The 5 consequences of thumb sucking
1) Teeth being pushed around, which might cause an overbite or an underbite to form. This can affect the way the face looks and how the teeth meet together.
2) Germs from your thumb and surrounding areas affecting your body. Frequent hand washing and keeping the nails short will help to minimise this risk.
3) The roof of the mouth becoming altered or more sensitive.
4) A lisp being formed because constant thumb sucking can affect the jaw bone positioning.
5) Skin Problems. When exposed to the moisture and enzymes found in the mouth, the skin can become vulnerable. In some cases, the skin may crack or bleed especially around the nail. This can make your child’s hands vulnerable to infection.
When trying to break the habit of thumb or finger sucking it’s important to be extra gentle with your child. As thumb sucking is often a comforter you don’t want to stress your little one as this may result in even more thumb sucking.
Our tips are:
• Teach your child the reasons why they can’t continue to suck their thumbs. Explain to them the long-term effects of such a habit and what that might entail.
• Observe and try to eliminate triggers that cause them to thumb suck.
• When your child sucks their thumb, distract them with a toy or a song.
• Ensure you give plenty of praise and perhaps track your child’s progress using a reward chart.
• Get your dentist to help! They can offer you support, guidance and possibly some handy tips!
• Try a thumb sucking aid. We have had patients report success when using a thumbsucking aid such as a Thumbsie.
If you’re at all concerned about any aspect of your child’s dental health than seek advice from your dentist.
Absolutely great practice! The best I have attended. I was very apprehensive about visiting a dentist but they made the process so simple, and least intimidating as possible. Also, their receptionists make the best cups of tea… promise!
Miss E.R, Leicester.
Find out about our new patient service…
Brushing and flossing are more important than you might think. Of course, you’re probably aware to brush and floss for better dental health but are you aware that your mouth health can have a direct effect on your overall health?
Your mouth is the gateway to your body and often if you have a healthy mouth then you will have a healthy body. Your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Usually, the body’s natural defences and good oral hygiene, such as daily brushing and flossing, help to keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper dental care, bacteria can reach high levels that might lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Diabetes
Inflammation impairs the body’s ability to utilise insulin. By improving your oral hygiene and treating gum disease you can help to bring diabetes under better control.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Treating periodontal disease has been shown to reduce pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Heart Disease
Though the reasons are still not fully understood, it is clear that gum disease and heart disease often go hand in hand. Up to 91% of patients with heart disease also have periodontitis. It’s suspected that periodontitis has a direct role in raising the risk for heart disease. The theory is that inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in the blood vessels.
Obesity
Two studies have linked obesity to gum disease. It appears that periodontitis progresses more quickly in the presence of higher body fat.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of gum related problems. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Researchers are looking into the connection but it is believed that gum infection and inflammation, in general, seem to interfere with a fetus’ development in the womb.
Lung Conditions
Periodontal disease may make pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worse, possibly by increasing the number of bacteria in the lungs.
It’s important to understand that the body and mouth are not separate. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can really help you live well longer. To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day by doing the following:
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss or use interdental brushes daily
• Eat a healthy balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
• Replace your toothbrush every three or sooner if needed
• Have regular dental health checks
• Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol
Need to arrange a dental health check with us…
I’ve put off going to the dentist for more years than I care to admit. I researched so many dentists before finally deciding to register here. Out of everyone I spoke to they were the first to email me back and definitely the friendliest over the phone (Dawn).
On arriving The receptionist (Adele) was so friendly and just nice, I know people are probably more bothered about the dentist but for me I tend to judge a place by the first person I speak to.
My dentist Zsolt was new to the dentist surgery he was very nice and told me everything he was about to do without making me feel scared.
Can’t recommend this overall experience enough!
Mr J.J, Leicester.
I can’t enthuse enough about this practice. The staff are all amazing and make you feel extremely welcome and very much at ease.
I had avoided going to the dentist for YEARS and Smile Essential not only managed to reassure me for the emergency appointment but have also rebuilt my confidence in the profession and have regular check-ups.
Again, I can’t enthuse enough about them, they are absolutely fantastic.
Mr S.B, Leicester.
Find out more about our emergency appointments…
As we head into a new year lots of us turn our attention to self-improvement, it’s a chance to start afresh. Many of us will use this opportunity to make age-old resolutions to drink less, get fit or a newer resolution to simply stop spending so much time on social media. Some people want to resolve their dental concerns so they can smile more confidently.
Your smile plays a huge role in how you see yourself and the impression you make on those around you. It’s long been known and many surveys show that your smile is what both men and women find most attractive above any other physical feature. It can gain people’s affections, reassure somebody and it can create confidence. Sadly it can also hold you back if you’re not confident with your smile due to dental problems. A great smile gives you more confidence and can open many doors.
The first step to improving your smile is a consultation with a suitably qualified dental practitioner. This begins with discussing what your concerns and expectations. More and more people are
opting for a more natural look rather than then the completely perfect Hollywood smile.
Then the dentist will look closely at your teeth, checking to see how straight they are, if there is any tooth decay, looking for cracks, chips and gaps, checking the size and seeing if they need to be brighter and whiter.
They will also want to take X-rays. This allows the dentist to see the areas that aren’t visible to the naked eye. They will look to check existing dental work, in-between teeth and the dental bone levels. When embarking on dental work it’s imperative that you have healthy foundations.
We examine the way your teeth meet together and if they support your lips correctly – this is vital and can make a huge difference to the way you look. We also look at your smile as a whole, as part of your face. We check that it is correctly aligned and in proportion to the rest of your face.
Lastly, the dentist will discuss his findings, your options and invite you to ask any questions you may have. You will be given a personalised treatment plan which lays out your journey step by step and the investment into getting that confident smile.
To find out more about our smile makeovers and arranging an appointment click here…
The first time we’ve been here and everyone is so friendly and helpful will definitely be back!
Ms S.R, Leicester.
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