dental examination

Exam Stress and your Oral Health

Exams are a rite of passage for many young people, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. However, beyond the pressure to perform well academically, there lies a lesser-known consequence of exam stress: its detrimental effects on oral health. While the mental and emotional toll of exams is widely acknowledged, the impact on oral health often goes unnoticed. Let’s delve into this overlooked aspect and shed light on how exam stress affects the oral well-being of young individuals.

Stress, whether it stems from looming exams or other sources, can manifest physically, affecting various systems of the body, including oral health. When stress becomes chronic or intense, it can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and oral health issues. Moreover, stress often leads to poor oral hygiene habits, such as neglecting regular brushing and flossing, which can exacerbate existing dental problems.

One of the most common manifestations of stress on oral health is bruxism, or teeth grinding. Many students, overwhelmed by exam pressure, unconsciously clench or grind their teeth, especially during sleep. This habit not only wears down tooth enamel but can also result in jaw pain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns. Over time, untreated bruxism can lead to more serious dental complications, including temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).

During exam periods, dietary habits often take a hit as students prioritise studying over proper nutrition. The consumption of sugary snacks and caffeinated beverages increases, providing temporary relief from stress but posing significant risks to oral health. Excessive sugar intake fuels the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to cavities and gum disease. Additionally, frequent consumption of acidic beverages like energy drinks and soda can erode tooth enamel, heightening the risk of dental decay.

As exam deadlines loom closer, students may neglect their oral hygiene routines in favour of extra study time. Late-night cramming sessions and irregular sleep patterns become the norm, leaving little time for self-care, including oral hygiene. Skipping brushing and flossing sessions, along with irregular dental check-ups, can exacerbate existing dental issues and pave the way for new ones.

Recognising the impact of exam stress on oral health is the first step toward mitigating its effects. Encouraging young people to adopt healthy coping strategies can alleviate stress and protect their oral well-being. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can help manage stress levels effectively. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and prioritising adequate sleep are crucial for overall health, including oral health.

Exam stress is a prevalent and often unavoidable aspect of academic life for young people. By acknowledging the stress-oral health connection and implementing preventive measures, we can safeguard the dental health of future generations. Through education, support, and healthy coping strategies, we can empower young individuals to prioritise both their academic success and their oral well-being, ensuring a brighter, healthier future.

Maintaining Healthy Smiles this Halloween

As Halloween approaches, the excitement in the air is undeniable. Costumes are being chosen, pumpkins are being carved, and the promise of sweets is all around. It’s a holiday that children and adults alike look forward to, but it’s also a time that can concern dentists. Yes, we’re talking about the sweet and spooky holiday of Halloween.

But let’s not be the dental curmudgeons who dampen your candy joy! Instead, we’re here to offer a different perspective – one that combines the fun of Halloween with a focus on maintaining healthy smiles. So, grab your broomstick or put on your vampire fangs because we’re about to embark on a Halloween journey through the eyes of a dentist.

Understanding the Halloween Sweet Dilemma

Before we delve into the dental dos and don’ts of Halloween, let’s grasp why sweets can be a potential dental nightmare. Many of the popular Halloween treats are high in sugar, which can lead to tooth decay. The bacteria in our mouths love to feast on sugars, producing acids that erode enamel and lead to cavities.

Now, we’re not saying to skip the treats entirely – that would be a ghastly proposition on Halloween night! Instead, let’s explore some strategies to enjoy your sweets while minimising the impact on your dental health.

1. Choose Wisely: The Sweet Selection

When you’re out trick-or-treating or selecting sweets to hand out, consider opting for sweets that are less damaging to your teeth. Sugar-free gum or sweets sweetened with xylitol can be less harmful because they stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and protect your teeth.

2. Timing is Key: Sweet Consumption

The longer your teeth are exposed to sugar, the more harm it can do. Encourage your little witches and wizards to enjoy their sweets after a meal, as this is when saliva production is at its peak and can help wash away sugars and acids.

3. Hydration Matters: Drink Water

Make sure your little goblins are staying hydrated with water throughout the evening. Water helps rinse away sugar and acids and keeps the mouth’s pH balanced.

4. Brush and Floss: The Aftermath

Once the Halloween festivities are over, make sure your little monsters brush and floss their teeth. Waiting for at least 30 minutes after consuming sweets is ideal to avoid brushing immediately after, as your enamel may be temporarily softened from the acids.

5. Don’t Forget the Dentist: Regular Check-ups

Encourage regular dental check-ups for your family, even after Halloween. This is essential for early detection and prevention of any dental issues that may arise.

Spooktacular Alternatives to Sweets

Halloween isn’t just about sweets – there are plenty of fun and healthy alternatives to keep the spirit alive. Consider giving out non-food treats like stickers, small toys, or temporary tattoos. These are not only enjoyable but also promote good dental hygiene.

Wrap-Up: Keeping Smiles Healthy

Halloween doesn’t have to be a nightmare for your dental health. With some strategic choices and good dental practices, you can enjoy the spooky season without sacrificing your smile. Remember, the key is moderation and smart choices. So, go ahead, have fun, and don’t forget to wear your fangs with pride, just as long as you remember to brush them afterward. Happy Halloween, and may your smiles stay spooky yet healthy!

Denplan

Denplan is a reputable paid dental plan service that offers individuals a comprehensive approach to dental care. With a range of benefits tailored to meet the diverse needs of patients, Denplan ensures access to high-quality dental services and promotes proactive oral health maintenance. This blog will explore the advantages of Denplan and shed light on the rationale behind its cost, highlighting why it is a valuable investment in dental care.

Denplan Essentials provides individuals with peace of mind regarding their oral health needs. The plans typically include one set of x rays, two dental check-ups  and cleans per year,  and 20% discount on preventative treatments such as fluoride applications, as well as restorative procedures like fillings and extractions. This comprehensive coverage ensures that patients receive necessary dental care without financial strain.

One of the primary benefits of Denplan is its ability to facilitate budgeting and financial predictability. By paying a fixed monthly fee,  patients can spread the cost of their dental care evenly throughout the year.

By addressing issues promptly, Denplan helps individuals avoid extensive treatments and reduces the risk of dental emergencies.

While Denplan is a paid dental plan service, the cost is justified by the numerous benefits it offers. The cost reflects the commitment to quality, convenience, and the overall value provided to patients seeking comprehensive dental care.

To enlist as a Denplan patient, contact your nearest Clear Dental practice.

Dental Examination

What is it?

A dental examination shows how healthy your mouth is. After the examination, you and your dentist can discuss the results and plan the best way to deal with any problems.

What will my dentist do?

As well as looking in your mouth, the dentist will ask you some questions.

These may include the following:

• Why you’ve come for an examination.

• Any problems you’ve noticed (such as pain or sensitivity). Your general health and any medicines you might be taking (because these can affect your dental care).

• Your diet (because sugary snacks and drinks can cause tooth decay, and because a balanced diet is important to your general health and resistance to disease).

• How you clean your teeth (because correct cleaning helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease).

• Tobacco and alcohol use (because both can harm your mouth as well as your general health).

Some of the questions will depend on what the dentist sees in your mouth.

You should expect your dentist to:

• look at your face and neck to see that they are healthy

• feel under your jaw

• look inside your mouth, at your tongue, your cheeks and lips, the roof of your mouth and the back of your throat (places where there might be a problem that you can’t see or feel) look at your teeth and gums to see whether they are healthy or whether there are signs of decay, damage or gum disease (for children, your dentist will also look at tooth and jaw development in case orthodontic treatment might be needed now or later)

• compare your mouth now with how it was when they last saw you

• decide whether they need more information from X-rays, or from plaster models showing how your teeth bite together

• tell you about any treatment you need, explaining the choices and whether there will be any cost.

The examination may take longer if you are seeing a new dentist for the first time.

What are the benefits?

• Regular examinations mean that your dentist can spot problems and correct them early before the treatment becomes complicated.

• A thorough examination helps you and your dentist look after your mouth and prevent future problems. The dentist will explain the options and then you can decide together what will be best for you.

Root planning / curettage

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a complex condition affecting the gums and bone supporting your teeth. Several factors contribute to it, including family history, smoking and chronic diseases such as diabetes.

It begins with plaque, a soft, sticky substance, that builds up on your teeth. Plaque is mostly made up of bacteria, which feed on sugar from food and drink. Tartar, formed by hardened plaque, helps plaque to gather and makes it harder to remove.

If plaque is allowed to build up, the bacteria in it can make your gums sore and infected; they will look red and puffy and hey will probably bleed when you brush your teeth.

The gum will then start to become detached from the tooth, forming ‘pockets’ in which plaque can gather – and bone supporting the tooth will slowly be lost. Because this process is usually painless, it can become very bad without you noticing.

If left unchecked, gum disease will lead to the loss of teeth.

What is root planing / curettage?

Root planing is a way of helping to halt gum disease. It involves ‘deep’ scaling, to clean parts of teeth below the gumline, which cannot be reached with a toothbrush. Root planing cleans out the pockets, and removes plaque and tartar from the tooth roots.

What does the dentist or dental hygienist do?

Dentist and hygienist use two types of instrument for root planing:

  • Hand scalers come in different sizes and shapes to reach different parts of the teeth. This is why you will see the dentist or hygienist changing instruments quite often.
  • Electric scalers use a tip that vibrates very fast in a stream of water. The water is removed from your mouth using a small suction device. A hand scaler is also used along with an electric scaler, to check whether the roots are completely clean.

After a tooth has been root planed, the pocket should shrink, making the gum sit closer to the tooth. You then need to be especially careful about cleaning the teeth above the gumline. Root planing will probably need to be repeated regularly.

Root planing usually takes longer than a normal scale and polish, and is often done under a local anaesthetic. Your mouth might be treated in sections, at more than one visit.

Points to remember:

  • Root planing can help stop gum disease becoming worse and prevent tooth loss
  • Like scaling and polishing, root planing helps you to keep your teeth and gums clean at home.
  • To reduce the risk of your gum disease progressing, do not smoke, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
  • Dentists and dental hygienists cannot keep your moth healthy by themselves. Your own cleaning is the key.

Speak to your local Clear Dental Practice to learn more.

Keeping a denture or bridge clean

Why is cleaning important?

Just like natural teeth, dentures and bridges collect bits of food, plaque (a sticky deposit, mostly made up of bacteria) and tartar (hardened plaque). By keeping them clean, you can stop decay in any remaining natural teeth and help prevent gum disease (which can lead to tooth-loss). It’s also good for your comfort and appearance to clean dentures, as dirty dentures can make your mouth swollen and sore.

Cleaning a denture is quite easy because, of course, you can take it out of your mouth. Cleaning all round and underneath a fixed bridge is harder. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to do it.

How do I look after a denture?

  • Clean the denture over a basin of water so that it doesn’t break if you drop it.
  • Brush the denture inside and out every day. Use a soft-to-medium brush so that you do not scratch the denture. Use your normal toothpaste, or soap and water. Then rinse the denture.
  • Ask your dentist about denture-soaking solutions. Soaking a denture will not clean it. You also need to brush it. Rinse the denture before you put it back in your mouth.
  • Ideally, denture should be left out of the mouth for at least four to six hours, preferably eight hours, in every 24. However, if you find this impractical or embarrassing, you should still make sure you clean your dentures by brushing with toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Keep a denture dry or in a denture-soaking solution when you are not wearing it. These solutions are mild disinfectants available at all chemists’ shops.

How do I clean a bridge?

  • How you clean will depend on where the bridge is in the mouth and its design. As well as normal brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing at each end of the bridge, you need to keep the bridge clean underneath.

You might use:

  • Floss with a threader or a special floss with a stiff end which you can poke underneath the bridge and pull through
  • ‘Bottle brushes’ (your dentist will tell you what size and shape to buy) or
  • Water jets – sending a stream of water under the bridge

What are the benefits?

  • By keeping a denture or bridge clean, you help keep your gums and teeth healthy and avoid bad breath.
  • People who wear dentures sometimes get an infection called oral thrush. Thrush is more likely if you wear the denture all the time.

Good denture hygiene is important for preventing oral thrush.

Speak to your local Clear Dental Practice to learn more.