FAQs

FAQs

How can I fix my Teeth and Smile?

There are many options open to you, from fixing an individual tooth using a dental crown to full mouth rehabilitation with implants and immediate dentures.

The possibilities are vast, and many are described on this website. Take a look through the services pages, watch the videos and if you want more information, book in with our reception team for a consultation.

What's the best way to Whiten my Teeth?

The best way to whiten your teeth is at a “lower temp” (or lower concentration of whitening gel) over a longer period of time.

This results in a deeper penetration of the tooth and a more permanent colour change.

This is because the higher concentration of in-house whitening gels can dehydrate the tooth, causing a rebound effect (tendency to return to the original colour). Dehydration is much less likely to happen when you whiten with custom-made trays since the whitening gel isn’t so concentrated.

In-house whitening certainly has its place, especially when you need to whiten your teeth in a hurry, but if you have the time, custom whitening trays from your dentist are the way to go because they will be the most effective in the long run, as well as the safest way to whiten.

What are the early signs of Dental Trouble?

  • Toothache
    If your mouth or jaw hurts, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity, but they can also signal gum disease.
  • Sensitive Teeth
    This can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession.
  • Bleeding or Sore Gums
    This can be a sign of gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease, or simply the result of brushing too hard or starting a new flossing routine.
  • Mouth Sores
    They could be the symptom of a disease or disorder, infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus, or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling.
  • Bad Breath
    This can be caused by what you eat, not cleaning your mouth, dry mouth, smoking or other medical conditions. Persistent bad breath can also be one of the warning signs of gum disease.
  • Jaw Pain/Clicking Jaw
    Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gingivitis or problems with your jaw like TMJ.
  • Dry Mouth
    If you have a dry mouth, it may be the symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications. Saliva is the mouth’s primary defence against tooth decay.It washes away food and other debris, neutralises acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth.
  • Cracked or Broken Teeth
    A cracked or broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons—brittle teeth, teeth grinding and injury.The crack may be invisible to the naked eye and even X-rays, but they can be incredibly painful and create bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing, see your dentist.
  • Stained or Discoloured Teeth
    This is often the result of eating certain foods, such as coffee or tea, smoking, ageing, genetics, injury, or certain medications.

In all cases, it is best to check with your general dentist or hygienist to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.

Why do I need Regular Hygiene Check Ups?

For most of us, our mouths are the main method of communication; this alone should be reason enough to look after our teeth and gums.

Every day our teeth come into contact with sugar that can, over time, cause dental complications.

Maintaining a good level of oral health requires consistency throughout a combination of elements, including regular appointments with your hygienist.

  • Maintain your Teeth.
  • Spot Early Signs of Disease.
  • A Brighter Smile.
  • Fresh Breath.
  • And many more reasons besides!

Are Dental X-rays Safe and Needed?

Dental X-rays (radiographs) are images of your teeth that your dentist uses to evaluate your oral health. These X-rays are used with low levels of radiation to capture images of the interior of your teeth and gums. This can help your dentist to identify problems, like cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth.

Dental X-rays may seem complex, but they’re actually very common tools that are just as important as your teeth cleanings.

If you’re a new patient, you’ll probably undergo dental X-rays so that your new dentist can get a clear picture of your dental health. This is especially important if you don’t have any X-rays from your previous dentist.

While dental X-rays do involve radiation, the exposed levels are so low that they’re considered safe for children and adults. If your dentist uses digital X-rays instead of developing them on film, your risks from radiation exposure are even lower.

Do Teeth need Fluoride?

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by slowing the breakdown of enamel and increasing the rate of the remineralisation process. The new enamel crystals that form are harder, larger and more resistant to acid. Tooth enamel is hard yet porous.

Plaque on the surface of your teeth can produce acids that seep into the pores (rods) of the enamel and break down its internal structure. This process, called demineralisation, can create a weak spot in the tooth that may become a cavity if left untreated.

Learning what fluoride does for the health of your teeth will help you become more aware of how to identify plaque and prevent it from becoming a cavity.

Do I really need to use Floss?

When you don’t floss, you’re at risk for two major dental issues in your mouth: Gingivitis, and cavities between your teeth. Without flossing, you are not able to remove dental plaque buildup.

According to Clinical Microbiology Reviews, there are over 1,000 bacteria in dental plaque. These bacteria can irritate the gum tissue, causing it to become red and inflamed and bleed easily, which breeds more bacteria and causes gingivitis to occur.

Another risk of not flossing is that cavities are more likely to form between your teeth. The same dental plaque that causes gingivitis can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria that will destroy the enamel between your teeth, consequently forming a cavity.

Does Mouthwash help?

Yes. A short 30-second mouthwash investment can result in a clear reduction in dental issues such as plaque and gingivitis.

Other benefits that come from committing to a regular dental regime that includes mouthwash include:

  • Fresher Breath: mouthwash can make your mouth feel and smell fresher.
  • May Provide Additional Protection Against Cavities And Gum Disease: when you use a mouth rinse with fluoride – don’t dilute the fluoride mouthwash with water as this stops the fluoride from coating the teeth.
  • ‘Bye-Bye’ Bacteria: mouthwash can reduce the amount of dental plaque and bacteria in your mouth.

But remember mouthwash shouldn’t be used as your only weapon in the fight for good oral health; it should be part of your daily dental routine, along with regular brushing, flossing and professional dental check-ups.

Not sure how to start your dental journey with us?

Just tell us a little about your main concerns and we will find the right treatment to suit your needs

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Meet Our Friendly Team

Meet Our Team
Philip (senior principal dentist)

Philip McCauley

Clinical Director and Lead dental surgeon

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Kayley McCauley

Director and Hygiene Therapist

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Sara De Moel Belo

Orthodontic Dentist

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Kate Luke Taylor

Hygienist

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Zuzanna Sadura

Dental Hygiene Therapist

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Miriam Mikatova

Lead Dental Nurse

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Georgina Radford

Dental Nurse

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Martina Downs

Dental Nurse

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Fiona Mchugh

Practice Manager & Administrator

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Trudy Horne

Front of House Lead Receptionist

Philip McCauley

Clinical Director and Lead dental surgeon

Kayley McCauley

Director and Hygiene Therapist

Sara De Moel Belo

Orthodontic Dentist

Kate Luke Taylor

Hygienist

Zuzanna Sadura

Dental Hygiene Therapist

Miriam Mikatova

Lead Dental Nurse

Georgina Radford

Dental Nurse

Martina Downs

Dental Nurse

Fiona Mchugh

Practice Manager & Administrator

Trudy Horne

Front of House Lead Receptionist

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