Frequently Asked Questions

General Dentistry

Why are regular dentist appointments so important?

Many people do not see a dentist as regularly as they should do, and only go for an appointment when they believe they have a problem. This habit is known as ‘crisis treatment’, which can potentially become unhealthy and eventually expensive if a serious problem was to occur. Patients who only go to the dentist for crisis treatment may believe that they are saving money, however, it is unlikely that it will remain that case. Many dental problems do not show any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. When a dentistry problem is at an advanced stage, it can be highly expensive to cure or repair. Preventative treatment is when you visit the dentist often to ensure that there is not a problem. This treatment is much more cost-effective and puts you at much less of a risk of having a dentistry problem progress to an advanced stage. Dental hygiene is extremely important and requires professional treatment to be checked. Only a dental hygienist will be able to detect any problems or treatment that is required. For preventative treatment with a dental hygienist in Ruislip, venture no further than the Victoria Road Dental Clinic.

What are the easiest prevention methods for cavities?

The easiest prevention method for cavities is to always brush your teeth for two to three minutes each day. This is because that is the length of time that it takes to destroy the bacteria that can destroy tooth enamel. When you brush your teeth, it is important to not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Flossing is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth.

Another simple way to prevent cavities is to watch the amount of sugar that you ears. In food and drink such as sweets, fizzy drinks, biscuits, crisps and more, there are large amounts of sugar that bacteria in your mouth like the best. You should also be mindful of foods like peanut butter and raisins that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth.

Rinsing your mouth out with water after eating is also an excellent way to prevent cavities as it removes food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help as chewing deskulates the flow of your saliva, which acts as a natural plaque fighting substance. Do not also forget regular dentist appointments! Good dental habits will go a long way towards a no-cavity visit.

Why should I floss as well as brush?

Flossing greatly reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of microscopic creatures feeding on food particles that are left on your teeth. These bacteria live in plaque which can only be removed by flossing as they live in between the gaps in your teeth which cannot be removed by brushing. If you do not floss, you are allowing this plaque to remain between your teeth to eventually harden and become tartar. If you are unsure how to properly floss, then ask us during your next appointment at the VRDC. One of our dentists will instruct you so that you can understand the difference and learn to floss properly.

Is there anything I can do about sensitive teeth?

Sensitivity toothpaste is widely available in stores and dentists. The most effective sensitivity kinds of toothpaste are those that contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. After a few weeks of use, you may notice a significant decrease in sensitivity. Acidic foods such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits, as well as drinks like tea and fizzy drinks can increase sensitivity and work against sensitivity toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using sensitivity toothpaste, please see one of our dentists. There are special compounds that can be applied in our clinic to the roots of your tooth to reduce or even eliminate the sensitivity. High fluoride-containing home care products can also be recommended to reduce tooth sensitivity.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting bone structure, which if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as stroke, heart disease, respiratory disease, prostate cancer and more. An advanced stage of periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums that are pulling away from your bone and teeth. Other signs of periodontal disease include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Bleeding gums
• Tender gums
• Pus coming from around the teeth
• Loose teeth

I am too scared to visit the dentist. What should I do?

Around 1 in 4 UK adults suffer with dental phobia. It is important not to let fear stop you from visiting the dentist, as not going could contribute to future problems with your teeth and gums. Fortunately, many dentists are trained to help nervous patients. Speak to your dentist about how they can help you if you are concerned. At Victoria Road Dental Clinic, our team are experienced in supporting nervous patients to feel more relaxed and comfortable for the duration of their appointment.

What can I do to help keep my mouth healthy?

The two most important things you can do to help maintain your dental health is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Try to limit your intake of food and drink that contains sugars, starches and acids that can damage your teeth. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also cause damage to your teeth so cutting down on these can also help. Finally, ensure you visit your dentist regularly for check ups to keep your teeth and gums in good condition and to help prevent any serious issues.

Which foods are the worst for teeth?

Certain food can be particularly bad for teeth, causing damage to the tooth’s enamel or resulting in discolouration of the tooth. Foods that are high in acids, starches or sugars can all contribute to plaque forming around the tooth and wearing down enamel. These include sweets, cakes, bread, citrus fruits, sauces and syrups to name a few.