If my teeth don’t hurt, they must be healthy

Tooth decay can develop for a long time without causing pain. By the time discomfort occurs, the damage is often advanced. Regular dental check-ups allow problems to be identified early—sometimes years before symptoms appear—helping to prevent more complex and costly treatment.

A hard‑bristled toothbrush cleans teeth more effectively

Hard bristles may feel more thorough, but they can damage tooth enamel and irritate the gums, leading to abrasion and recession. A soft‑bristled toothbrush is just as effective at cleaning, while being far gentler on both teeth and gums.

Diet fizzy drinks are harmless because they contain no sugar

While lower in sugar, diet fizzy drinks are still highly acidic. Acids such as citric, carbonic, and phosphoric acid can erode tooth enamel, increasing the risk of sensitivity and cavities over time.

You should brush your teeth immediately after eating

Brushing straight after a meal—particularly one that is acidic—can actually weaken enamel. It is best to wait at least an hour before brushing to allow enamel to re-harden naturally.

“Have a baby, lose a tooth”

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, but tooth loss is not inevitable. Maintaining good oral hygiene, following a balanced diet, and attending routine dental appointments can significantly reduce dental risks during pregnancy.

At Ringmer Dental, our skilled dentists are here to banish dental myths and provide you with only fact based advice on maintaining your oral health. Call Ringmer Dental on 01273 813898 for more information.

The post Dental Myths Busted appeared first on Dentists .

In this month’s blog the team at Ringmer Dental,try to answer some of the most commonly asked teeth straightening and cosmetic brace questions.

What Are the Benefits of Teeth Straightening Treatment?

For many people, getting their teeth straightened is a purely cosmetic decision. Having perfectly positioned teeth can make you feel better about how you look and give your self-confidence a boost.

But aside from the aesthetic benefits, there are also some fundamental health advantages including:

• Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Properly aligned teeth reduce the risk of developing TMJ (the joint that connects to your skull) disorders, which can cause considerable pain.

How Does Teeth Straightening Work?

Teeth straightening treatments use prolonged gentle force to gradually improve the position of each tooth. The pressure applied by a brace or aligner is so slight you’ll barely notice it after you’re used to wearing the appliance.

What Does Invisalign Treatment Involve?

Aligners use precise custom trays that fit your teeth perfectly but gradually apply pressure to promote movement. We offer Invisalign; a comfortable, subtle aligner that’s great for anyone that doesn’t want a fixed appliance. You’ll get a completely new custom-made tray every few weeks to continue your teeth movement.

How Long Does Teeth Straightening Take?

The exact length of your treatment depends on the complexity of your misalignments. We can address some cases in around six months to a year, while other cases can take two or more years. During your initial consultation, we’ll be able to give you more information about your expected treatment timeline.

How Often Will I Need to Come to The Surgery During Treatment?

For Invisalign, you’ll need to use new aligners roughly every two weeks and you will need to attend for appointments every four to six weeks to ensure your teeth are moving as expected.

Am I Too Old for Teeth Straightening?

No. Although you may see more teenagers undergoing teeth straightening treatments, it’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of straight teeth.

If you’re conscious of wearing a noticeable appliance, Invisalign is clear and removable, making it subtle and convenient.

At Ringmer Dental, we are pleased to offer Invisalign teeth straightening to suit your lifestyle and clinical needs. Our skilled dentists are here to advise you on which option is best for you.Call Ringmer Dental on 01273 and book a free consultation today!

The post Teeth Straightening appeared first on Dentists .

In order to ensure that you are Valentine’s ready, this month the team at Ringmer Dental look at some top tips to keep your breath, minty fresh.

Toothbrushing

It is important that you brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, for at least two minutes, twice a day. This helps to remove plaque and food debris which if left can become a breeding ground for odour causing bacteria. Choose a soft bristled toothbrush and be sure to change it every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed to ensure that you are brushing effectively. Just be careful not to over brush as this can wear away tooth enamel and cause sensitivity issues.

Interdental Cleaning Aids

Using interdental cleaning aids helps to remove food which may have become trapped between teeth, in areas brushing alone misses. If you are struggling to find an interdental cleaning aid you can use, ask the hygienist on your next visit and they will be able to advise on the best aids to meet your needs.

Ditch the Cigarettes!

Smoking cigarettes causes bad breath in a number of different ways. First, the smell of the cigarette smoke itself can linger on your breath. Smoking also dries out your mouth, one of the most common reasons for bad breath. Finally, smoking is one of the leading causes of gum disease, which is another source of odour from the mouth. There are many reasons to quit! Smoking, and bad breath might rank lower on the list than preventing heart disease or lung cancer, but it’s still a valid reason to stop.

Visit the dentist regularly

It is important that you attend for appointments as often as your dentist recommends. The dentist will be able to identify any problems which may be exacerbating your bad breath such as infections or gum disease.

If you are experiencing bad breath and it is affecting your confidence, do not hesitate to call Ringmer Dental on 01273 and book an appointment. The team at Ringmer Dental will welcome you with open arms and will treat your condition with the utmost care. You do not have to be embarrassed with us, all you need to do is sit down and we will do what we do best.

The post Fresh Breath appeared first on Dentists .

The post Dilys Ross appeared first on Dentists .

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is any dental work that improves the appearance of your teeth or gums. It primarily focuses on improving the aesthetics of your smile; colour, position, shape, size, alignment and overall smile appearance.

Cosmetic dental treatments include:

• Veneers – Veneers are a thin shell made from porcelain or composite. They are custom made and cemented to the front side of the tooth. A veneer can help to improve the appearance of crooked, discoloured, chipped or gapped teeth.
• Crowns – Crowns can help to restore a tooth that has been badly broken or heavily filled. With porcelain or ceramic crowns, they will be indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
• Bridges – Bridges are made to fill the gap caused by one or more missing teeth. Dental crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap and false teeth are used to fill the gap joining the crowns
• Tooth coloured fillings – New composite materials mean that it is much easier to find the perfect match for the shade of a tooth. In most cases it is impossible to see that the tooth has even been filled.

• Dental implants – Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implantslook and feel like natural teeth and if cared for properly should last for many years.
• Teeth straightening – Teeth straightening procedures are able to improve the appearance of crooked or overcrowded teeth.
• Teeth whitening – Teeth whitening is an effective and affordable way to enhance the appearance of your teeth, removing stains caused by food, drink, smoking and age.
• Facial Aesthetics – Facial aesthetics treatments are used to help soften lines, improve the appearance of facial wrinkles and enhance your natural beauty. Facial aesthetics also help to rejuvenate your skin, giving you a more youthful and radiant look for a more confident you. 

How do I know if I am suitable?

You will need to attend for a consultation with one of our highly experienced dentists. They will be able to assess the health of your teeth and gums, take x-rays and if necessary, may make study models to allow then to determine the best possible treatment plan to suit your needs.

How long will it take?

The time it takes will depend on what treatments you decide to have. With some treatments able to be completed in one or two visits, such as crowns and veneers, while others may take months or years in the case of dental implants and teeth straightening.

How much will it cost?

This will depend on the treatments you choose to have. Prior to any treatment you will be provided with a detailed treatment estimate detailing all the options and associated costs for your smile makeover.
Here at Ringmer Dental we want to ensure that monetary considerations do not create a barrier to you achieving the smile you desire. So, we are pleased to be able to offer a number of payment optionsto help you spread the cost of your dental treatment into more manageable monthly payments.
If you would like to find out more about how cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile , call Ringmer Dental on 01273 813898and book in for your free cosmetic consultation.

The post Cosmetic Dentistry appeared first on Dentists .

It is very important to be extra vigilant with your oral health over the festive period, if you want to avoid a dental visit in January. Remember your teeth are under attack from the sugars and acids in our foods for up to an hour every time you eat or drink. With regular snacking during the festivities this may mean that your teeth never really get a chance to recover.

Read on for some of our top tips to keep your teeth healthy this Christmas.

Regular Toothbrushing

During the festive period try to brush your teeth three times a day using a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth using interdental aids, such as interdental brushes, floss, or tape, daily. This will help to ensure that you do not develop any food traps which if left can lead to infection.

New Toothbrush

Why not treat yourself to a new toothbrush at the start of December. Toothbrushes should be changed every 3-4 months as this ensures that you are getting the most effective clean possible when you brush your teeth.

Eat the Rainbow

With all the sweet treats around do not forget to include fruit and vegetables in your diet these will help to ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Avoid All Day Grazing

With so much food available it can become easy to just graze all day. To help your teeth and general health aim to eat 3 meals a day plus no more than two snacks. If you do snack stick to crudities and nuts rather than sweets and chocolates. Nuts provide a great source of calcium and vitamin D which have been shown to help improve your dental health.

Keep Sugary Treats for Dessert

Wherever possible try to enjoy your sugary treats after your meals. This also true of those treats with a high dried fruit content such as mince pies, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake.  This is because we produce more saliva when we are eating which helps neutralise the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and it also helps to rinse away food particles and sugary substances.

Teeth are not tools

Many people end up damaging their teeth as they use them to tear Sellotape, open beer bottles or crack open nuts. Always ensure that you have a pair of scissors, bottle opener and a nut cracker handy, or you may be asking your dentist for a new set of teeth, come January.

Say cheese

Cheese is great for teeth as it helps to return the mouth to its natural pH balance and reduces the risks of tooth decay. That is why an end of dinner cheeseboard is a great idea. Sugar free chewing gum can have the same effect, although this is best left until you get down from the table!

Moderation in all things

Moderation is definitely the most important thing to remember. Bear in mind that it is not the quantity of sugary food and drink you have, but how often you have them that will affect your oral health. Try to limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes wherever possible and drink drinks through a straw to reduce the time the liquid is in contact with your teeth.

All the team at Ringmer Dental would like to wish our patients a happy and hopefully trouble free festive period, but should you have any problems do not hesitate to contact the surgery on 01273 813898.

The post Top tips for Festive Oral Health appeared first on Dentists .

Mouth cancer is one of the few cancers in the UK which has seen cases rise, over the past decade there has been an increase of nearly 50% in the number of people being diagnosed with mouth cancer. This year in the UK around 10,800 people will be given the life changing news that they have mouth cancer, and it still claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined.

Mouth cancer is known to affect twice as many men as women with smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and the human papillomavirus the main risk factors.

Oral health checks and visual examinations are the best way to identify any suspicious lesions. In this month’s blog the team at Ringmer Dental explain how the dentist will perform a mouth cancer check each time you attend for a routine dental appointment.

Your appointment

When you come in for your appointment the dentist will not only focus on an examination of your mouth they will also ask you a number of lifestyle questions. If you smoke, drink more than the recommended amount of alcohol per week, are over 50 or use chewing or smokeless tobacco these factors can increase your risk of developing mouth cancer.

The dentist will then perform a methodical examination of your mouth to detect any abnormalities.  They will use a mirror to check all the tissue in your mouth including your tongue and the sides of your mouth.

If the dentist finds anything that is unusual or abnormal they will refer you to the local hospital for a specialist to perform a thorough examination of your mouth and throat. They may take a biopsy of any affected areas so the cells can be looked at closely under a microscope.

If the cells turn out to be cancerous then the consultant will be able to advise on the best course of treatment.

If mouth cancer is spotted early the chances of a complete cure are very good and the smaller the area or ulcer the better the chance of a cure. However, too many people do not visit their dentist for routine dental appointments so often any problems are noticed too late.

Top tips to ensure that your mouth stays healthy

• Visit your dentist for regular appointments so that any problems can be identified early and treated quickly.
• When brushing your teeth look out for any red or white patches or ulcers that do not clear up within three weeks
• Ensure you have a full a varied diet, rich in vitamins. Plenty of fruit and vegetables can help the body protect itself from most cancers.
• Cut down on the amount you smoke and drink

If you are worried by a patch or ulcer that has not healed do not hesitate to book an appointment, call Ringmer Dental today on 01273 813898. If in doubt get it checked out!

The post Mouth Cancer Action Month appeared first on Dentists .

The team at Ringmer Dental are experts in providing veneers and ensure that we always get the best possible results for our patients.

What is a veneer?

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front of a tooth. Normally veneers will be constructed using a very thin layer of porcelain that will match the natural colour of your tooth. Veneers can be used to improve the colour of teeth, repair a chipped tooth or close a small gap between teeth where teeth straightening is not suitable.

How are veneers created?

To prepare the tooth a small amount of the outer layer of the tooth may be removed. A local anaesthetic may be used but is often not required. The dentistwill then take impressions of your teeth which will be sent to the laboratory for the technician to create the veneer. This will take around two weeks. At your second appointment, the veneer will be bonded in place using a special adhesive. You will not need to wear a temporary in between visits as there is very little preparation to your tooth.

Only minor adjustments can be made to the veneers after it is fitted. It is usually best to wait a little while to get used to them before any changes are made. Your dental team will probably want to check and polish it a week or so after it is fitted, and make sure that you are happy with it.

Will porcelain veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers should not stain. However, if your teeth are prone to staining it is a good idea to take extra care with your veneers by following a good oral hygiene routine and by attending for regular routine dental appointments.

How long will a veneer last?

Veneers should last for many years; but they can chip or break, just like your own teeth can. Your dental teamwill tell you how long each veneer should last. Small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted if necessary.

Benefits of Veneers

Veneers look natural – once in place the veneer will be indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Veneers are stain resistant – veneers will not pickup stains like your natural teeth will, so will retain their white finish.

Veneers are strong –dental veneers are extremely thin but once bonded to the tooth are unbelievably strong.

Veneers can correct multiple flaws – veneers can help to improve the shape, colour and position of teeth. Therefore, it is possible to change a range of cosmetic flaws such as spaces, discolouration, staining, chipped or fractured teeth in one go.

Veneers are a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s colour and shape – your teeth will not require extensive preparation to support a veneer as they would with a crown.

Veneers can dramatically change your smile – multiple veneers can be made to produce instant improvements to your smile.

We also offer 0% finance to help you spread the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly amounts.

Want to improve the appearance of broken, chipped, damaged, discoloured or misaligned teeth, c all Ringmer Dental on 01273 813898 today to book your appointment.

The post Veneers appeared first on Dentists .

The team at Ringmer Dental have therefore come up with some top tips to ensure that you can enjoy university without worrying about your oral health.

Oral hygiene routine

It is recommended to brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean interdentally every day. This practice helps remove food particles and plaque that are trapped between teeth, where brushing alone may not reach, thus reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Use a straw

While it may seem silly, using a straw can help prevent tooth staining by minimising direct contact with your front teeth. Additionally, this reduces the duration that harmful acids are in contact with your teeth, reducing the risk of acid erosion.

Limit your sugar intake

Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. Although sugar is an essential part of a balanced diet, excessive consumption can be harmful. Wherever possible try to limit your sugar intake to mealtimes and avoid frequent snacking on sugary foods to minimize the risk of tooth decay.

Do not constantly sip

Sugar in wine, mixed drinks and fizzy drinks combine with bacteria in your mouth to form acid which then attacks your teeth. This ‘attack’ generally has a life span of 20 minutes so every time you take another sip, the cycle restarts. The long-term effect is weakened enamel and susceptibility to tooth decay.

Visit the dentist

Whether you choose to register with a dentist at university or remain with your dentist at home, it is important that you attend for regular, routine appointments as often as your dentist recommends to maintain your oral health.

Want to ensure that you can hit the ground running when you arrive at University? Why not book in for a routine dental appointment and ensure that your oral health is top notch before you go. Call Ringmer Dental on 01273 813898 today to book your appointment.

The post University Oral Health appeared first on Dentists .

Composite bonding is an effective method for repairing chipped, fractured, or discoloured teeth, closing small gaps, and enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.

Using modern materials and simple techniques, composite bonding is an affordable and faster alternative to dental crowns or dental veneers, as it can be done in one single visit to the dentist, which saves you time and money.

Composite Bonding for Crooked Teeth

Composite bonding can enhance the appearance of slightly crooked teeth. By applying resin in specific areas, your dentist can disguise misaligned teeth, improving the appearance of your smile.

Composite bonding can only address minor alignment issues. For more significant misalignment, the team advise undergoing a teeth straightening treatment before considering cosmetic bonding.

Composite Bonding for Bottom Teeth

Composite bonding can also enhance the appearance of the bottom teeth. However, it is important to consider factors such as your bite and the alignment of the top and bottom teeth beforehand.

If you have bruxism or grind your teeth, cosmetic bonding is not a good option because the composite resin is not strong enough to resist to the forces and may fracture.

Can Composite Bonding Close Gaps in My Front Teeth?

Composite bonding is an excellent solution for closing minor gaps between teeth. Whether addressing a single gap or multiple small gaps among all the teeth, bonding can deliver outstanding results.

The dentist places the composite resin on the teeth, closing the gaps between them or making them more discrete if it is not possible to close them completely. However, if the gap is too big, the dentist might consider teeth straightening before using cosmetic bonding, to avoid extremely big or disproportional teeth.

If you would like to find out more about composite bonding, do not hesitate to call Ringmer Dental on 01273 813898 and book a consultation appointment.

The post Is dental bonding good for your teeth? appeared first on Dentists .