So why are so many patients choosing dental implants?

They look and feel like natural teeth
Dental implants are designed to blend in seamlessly with your existing teeth. Unlike bridges or dentures, they won’t slip or feel bulky, and they don’t interfere with eating, speaking or smiling. Once they’re in place, most people say they simply forget they’re there. Best of all, you care for implant‑supported teeth just as you would your natural ones—by brushing and flossing as normal.

They help maintain your natural face shape
Losing teeth can cause changes to your facial structure over time, often leading to a sunken or prematurely aged appearance. Dental implants help support the bone beneath the skin, allowing you to maintain your natural smile and facial contours.

They protect your jawbone
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area can gradually weaken because it’s no longer being stimulated. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that helps keep the jawbone active, reducing bone loss and helping to preserve long‑term oral health.

You can enjoy food again
Because dental implants are firmly anchored in the jaw, they allow you to bite and chew naturally. This means you can enjoy a wide range of foods without the discomfort or worry that can come with removable dentures—and you’ll be able to enjoy the full taste of your meals too.

They don’t rely on healthy teeth
Unlike traditional bridges, which require neighbouring teeth to be trimmed down for support, dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone. This means your surrounding healthy teeth are left untouched.

If you’re wondering whether dental implants could be right for you, we’re here to help. Call Valley Dental Practice on 01255 220322to book an appointment and take the first step towards restoring your smile.

The post Dental Implants – still not convinced? appeared first on Valley Dental Practice.

Here at Valley Dental Practice the team some top tips to ensure that you keep your teeth as white as  possible for as long as possible following treatment!

Avoid Food & Drink That Stain Your Teeth – Any food or drink which has the ability to stain a tablecloth or white t-shirt has the ability to stain your teeth. To help protect your teeth, drink liquids that stain through a straw and try to end meals with foods that are firm or crisp, which help clean teeth as they’re eaten. Apples, raw carrots and celery can all help to keep teeth white.

Quit Smoking – It is advised that you do not smoke while undergoing teeth whitening treatment, and for at least 48 hours after treatment. So why not take this opportunity to quit for good? As soon as you start smoking the staining on your teeth will start to build again and it is likely that you would need to repeat treatment every year to keep your teeth white.

Visit The Hygienist – Why not book in an appointment with the hygienist for Airflow stain removal? The innovative system is fast, painless and effective, helping to remove stains and keep your teeth white. Airflow stain removal is more than just a normal clean…..it is the best clean you will ever have.

Put in Place a Good Oral Hygiene Routine – It is important to ensure that you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste and use interdental cleaning aids daily. Be sure to change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if it becomes worn to ensure an effective clean. Attend for routine dental appointments as often as the dentist recommends to ensure that any issues are identified early and can be easily treated.

If you would like to find out more about teeth whitening, do not hesitate to call Valley Dental Practice on 01255 220322 and one of the team would be happy to assist you.

The post Keeping your teeth white following teeth whitening appeared first on Valley Dental Practice.

Maintain your oral hygiene

This may seem obvious but the best way to ensure the health of your smile is to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. You should also use interdental cleaning aids to clean between teeth, removing any food that may become trapped. It is this food which if left will start to decay and is the leading cause of bad breath, which was found by the Oral Health Foundation to be the number one reason first dates fail.

Don’t over share

Despite being bad for your health (and let’s face it, a bit gross) 26% of British adults are reportedly happy to share their toothbrush – and not just with their partners. Friends and family all qualify to share but this leaves you extremely vulnerable to picking up germs.

The mouth is home to hundreds of different bacteria, not all of which are friendly, which can be easily passed from one person to another if you share your toothbrush. This also increases the risk of picking up colds, viruses and a kiss’ biggest enemy – cold sores!

Avoid Stains

Certain foods, drinks and lifestyle habits can be notoriously bad for staining teeth. Anything that has the potential to stain a top or a tablecloth has the potential to stain your teeth. Smoking can also cause yellowing of the teeth, the only way to avoid this is by giving up the cigarettes!

Book an appointment with the hygienist

Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice about you. Be sure to impress your date with your bright and radiant smile! Treat yourself to an appointment with our hygienist, who will remove plaque and calculus present on your teeth for a truly kissable smile. The hygienist may also recommend air polishing a dental hygiene technique that uses a stream of compressed air, water, and a fine powder to remove stains and plaque from teeth. It’s a gentler and more effective way to remove surface stains than traditional polishing methods.

Consider cosmetic dentistry

You may not have time to get anything extensive completed before Valentine’s Day, but you could get it booked in ready for the summer so you have something to be excited about, even if you can’t smile about it just yet!

Get regular check ups

The best way to preserve your smile and avoid nasty problems? Regular check-ups with your dentist. Even if you think things are looking and feeling ok, it’s still essential to maintain regular appointments to help prevent problems before they start and keep your smile in peak condition.

Are you ready to start your journey to a kissable smile? Contact Valley Dental Practice today on 01255 220322to schedule a consultation.

The post Top tips for a kissable smile appeared first on Valley Dental Practice.

Habits for a Healthier Smile

Small, consistent changes in your daily routine can lead to significant long-term improvements in oral health.

• Commit to a consistent oral hygiene routine: Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and use interdental cleaning aids at least once a day to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist and hygienist at least twice a year for professional cleaning and examinations to detect issues early and prevent the need for complex dental treatment.
• Make smart diet choices: Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks (like fizzy drinks, coffee, and citrus fruits) that can erode enamel and cause decay. Drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
• Quit smoking: Smoking is a leading cause of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer, and quitting can yield significant health benefits.

Cosmetic Dental Treatments for a Confident Smile
If you are looking for a more dramatic transformation, various cosmetic and restorative dental treatments are available.

• Teeth Whitening: A safe and effective way to remove stains caused by food, drink, and aging, brightening your smile by several shades.
• Teeth Straightening: Our selection of teeth straightening appliances can straighten misaligned, crooked, or gapped teeth, improving both appearance and oral function.
• Composite Bonding: A non-invasive procedure using tooth-coloured resin to fix minor imperfections like chips, cracks, or discoloration.
• Veneers: Custom-made shells (porcelain or composite) that cover the front surface of teeth to address various issues, offering a dramatic and long-lasting smile makeover.
• Dental Implants: A permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth that restores function and prevents bone loss.
• Inlays and Onlays: Inlays and onlays offer a well-fitting, stronger and more long-lasting solution to treat decayed teeth compared with a traditional dental filling.

There’s no better time than the new year to take charge of your smile. Whether you’re looking to make a small change or completely transform your appearance.
Are you ready to start your journey to a new smile? Contact us today on 01255 220322 to schedule a consultation and explore the best treatment options for your unique goals.

The post New Year, New Smile appeared first on Valley Dental Practice.

What is classed as a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies can be split into two main groups.

• Visible damage to teeth– teeth can be chipped, cracked or knocked out, crowns can fall out and fillings can be lost.
• Pain – dental pain may be caused by an infection in the tooth or gum or by a cavity or decay exposing the sensitive dentine of the tooth.

How do I treat a toothache?

If you are suffering with a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water. Using interdental cleaning aids, clean between your teeth to remove any trapped food. A cold compress placed on the cheek at the side of the toothache can help to reduce the pain, as can over the counter pain killers.

What if I knock a tooth out?

If a permanent tooth is knocked out by force, with a trip or a fall, it is important that it is replaced into the socket as soon as possible. If the tooth cannot be replaced, keep it within a container of body temperature milk until dental help can be sought. It is important that you get to a dentist as quickly as possible, the best results are seen when a tooth is replaced into the socket within an hour of the accident.

What if I crack or chip a tooth or lose a filling?

If you crack or chip a tooth, rinse your mouth to remove any remaining loose fragments of teeth preventing you from swallowing them. It is possible to use sugar free chewing gum to fill the gap caused by a lost filling or chipped tooth as a temporary measure until you can get to an appointment with your dentist.

What if I have a dental emergency over the festive period?

Valley Dental Practice is open as normal in the week leading up to Christmas. If you have a dental emergency in the days preceding Christmas, please contact the surgery on 01255 220322 and we will endeavour to book you in for treatment as quickly as possible.

Should you have a dental emergency over the festive period while the surgery is closed please ring on 01255 220322 and the answer-phone message will give you details on how to access emergency treatment.

All the team at Valley Dental Practice would like to wish our patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you all in 2026.

The post Emergency Dentistry appeared first on Valley Dental Practice.

Although there are several risk factors, including smoking, excess alcohol consumption, poor diet and the Human Papilloma Virus, that will increase your chance of developing the disease, mouth cancer can affect anyone. Therefore, in this month’s blog the team at Valley Dental Practice look at the symptoms you should look out for.

Symptoms to get checked out

Ulcers that do not heal – a broken area of skin or ulcer that does not heal within three weeks is one of the two most common symptoms of mouth cancer. They may not necessarily be painful.
Persistent discomfort or pain in your mouth – ongoing pain or discomfort in the mouth for which you cannot fix a specific cause is the other most common symptom of mouth cancer.
White or red patches in your mouth or throat – an abnormal looking patch in your mouth or throat can be a sign of precancerous changes in the cells. Areas of abnormal cells may look white or red. These patches are not cancer, but if left untreated can lead to cancer developing. A white or red patch in the mouth can also be caused by fungal infections such as thrush. The white patches of thrush usually rub away to leave a sore red patch underneath. If this is the case your dentist will prescribe an anti-fungal treatment and if the patches go away they are not related to cancer.
Difficulty Swallowing – Mouth cancer can cause pain or a burning sensation when chewing or swallowing food or you may feel that food is sticking in your throat. Difficulty swallowing can be associated with a number of different conditions and it is important that if you experience this that you get it checked out by a doctor or a dentist.
Speech Problems – Cancer in your mouth or throat can affect your voice. It may be quieter or sound like you have a cold. You may also have difficulty in pronouncing certain words.
A lump in the neck – you may find you have a lump in your neck caused by an enlarged lymph node. A hot, red painful lump is often a sign of infection, lumps that come and go are also unlikely to be cancerous. Cancerous lumps will normally start small and grow over time.
Other symptoms – other symptoms can include but are not limited to a lump in the mouth or throat, unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth, loose teeth for no apparent reason or difficulty moving the jaw.
Many of these symptoms can be related to other less serious conditions but it is important that if you experience any of the above that you get it checked out by your dentist or doctor.

If you are worried about any of these symptoms do not hesitate to ask the dentist when you next visit. Call Valley Dental Practice today on 01255 220322 and book a consultation.

The post Mouth cancer action month appeared first on Valley Dental Practice.

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However, tooth decay can start as soon as your baby’s teeth emerge. Therefore, establishing good oral hygiene routines from an early age is crucial.

In this month’s blog the team at Valley Dental Practice look at 5 things every parent needs to know about baby teeth.

Good dental health starts with your baby’s first tooth.

Although they are later replaced with adult teeth, baby teeth are important for your child’s development. They assist in chewing, speaking, and smiling, and maintain spaces for adult teeth to emerge.

Teething starts at around 6 months, when baby teeth will begin to appear, and this will continue until age 3 when your child will have a full set of baby teeth. Enamel, which is the strong layer that protects your teeth, is thinner in baby teeth than adult teeth and this makes them more prone to cavities.

First dental visit

A child should visit the dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. The dentist can offer guidance on an effective oral hygiene routine and provide timely treatment if needed. It is recommended that children attend dental appointments every six months, or as advised by the dentist, following the initial visit.

Start brushing as soon as teeth appear.

Decay can happen as soon as your child’s teeth first appear, so you should start brushing at the same time. You should brush your child’s teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed. A great way to encourage children to take care of their teeth is to help them brush and have them watch you do it as well. Most children cannot effectively brush on their own until at least 8 years of age so it is important that you continue to help them as they grow up.

Studies have shown that children’s brushing habits are largely influenced by their parents. Encouraging and teaching your child to brush their teeth can have a lasting impact on their oral hygiene, well into their adult years.

Baby teeth are more sensitive to decay.

Baby teeth have a thinner layer of enamel and are more susceptible to decay. Fluoride in tap water and toothpaste helps to provide an extra level of defence to your child’s baby and adult teeth. The fluoride is absorbed into the outer layer of the teeth, making them stronger and better able to resist decay. Dental sealants can also be used to further protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are a thin coating that is painted on teeth to protect them from cavities.

Baby teeth can be harmed by finger sucking and dummies.

It is common for children to use dummies or suck their thumbs. But prolonged sucking can change the position of their teeth! This can make it hard to chew or speak and can cause adult teeth to be displaced as well. Ideally dummies should be removed by the time your child turns 3, to reduce the risk of any oral damage.

Even though your child will lose their baby teeth, they should be cared for as though they were permanent. Maintaining baby teeth largely falls on the adults who care for them. Simply keeping your own teeth healthy and brushing your teeth regularly can have a positive impact on your child’s oral health. By helping prevent dental decay and forming good oral hygiene routines with your children, you can help them keep their smiles for a lifetime.

If you would like to book an appointment for your child, do not hesitate to call Valley Dental Practice on 01255 220322 or ask one of the team at your next visit.

The post 5 things every parent needs to know about baby teeth. appeared first on Valley Dental Practice.

Gum Disease

In the UK, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The hygienist will concentrate on removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, which, if not addressed, can result in gum disease, tooth decay, and possibly tooth loss.

More than 50% of individuals aged 35 suffer from various severities of gum issues. While early-stage gum disease is reversible, advanced gum disease is not. Therefore, it is essential to address gum issues promptly, and your dental hygienist will assist you in maintaining optimal gum health.

Staining

Over time, teeth can develop staining due to regular use. External stains that accumulate on the teeth cannot be removed by brushing alone. These stains are commonly caused by consuming tea, coffee, tobacco, red wine, and other strongly pigmented food and beverages. A dental hygienist possesses the expertise to remove these stains, thereby restoring your teeth to their natural whiteness.

Preventive Dentistry

A lot has changed in dentistry over the last few decades. This means that more patients are able to benefit from enjoying their original teeth for a lifetime. Dental hygienists play a vital role in this new approach to dentistry, helping you not just to keep your teeth, but also to avoid the discomfort and costs that come with repairs and replacements.

Lifestyle Factors

The hygienist may give advice on lifestyle changes which could help to improve the health of your teeth and gums, for example smoking. Smoking will have a detrimental effect on your teeth, in-creasing the risk of gum disease and staining. They may also give dietary advice on reducing the number of times you have sugary food and drink throughout the day.

Procedures

The hygienist is able to perform a number of procedures including:

• Demonstrations on effective tooth brushing techniques to remove plaque without causing tooth wear and receding gums.
• Discussions on the latest oral hygiene products.
• Advice on the best aid to clean in-between teeth
• Detailed explanation of periodontal disease.
• Removal of plaque and hard tarter deposits.
• Discussion on the secondary factors that cause (periodontal) gum disease, for example smoking and diabetes.
• Discussion on how (periodontal) gum disease could affect or complicate other health problems, for example heart disease.
• Prevention of tooth decay and erosion
• Diet advice on how to reduce sugary and acidic food and drink.
• Advice on fluoride and apply fluoride varnishes to help remineralise early signs of tooth decay.
• Polishing the teeth to remove food and drink stain.
• Helping to change red and inflamed gums to a healthy pink.
• Stopping gums from bleeding when brushing.
• Preventing teeth from becoming mobile and drifting.
• Preventing unpleasant tastes and bad breath caused by the damaging bacteria in the mouth.
• By having regular hygienist appointments, it is possible to help change red and inflamed gums to a healthy pink, prevent teeth from becoming mobile and drifting and prevent gums from bleeding when they are brushed.

In between appointments

In between appointments with our hygienists, the team at Valley Dental Practice would advise you follow our simple steps to help keep your teeth healthy:

• Use a medium toothbrush with a rounded head
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
• Brush twice daily. Last thing at night and before breakfast in the morning
• Use toothpaste with fluoride and always place the toothpaste on a dry brush
• Try to use interdental cleaning aids daily at night before brushing
• Avoid tobacco products
• Avoid excessive alcohol use

Call today to find out what our excellent team of hygienists can do for you, call Valley Dental Practice today on 01255 220322 and book your appointment now.

The post What does the hygienist do? appeared first on Valley Dental Practice.

Myth 1: Root canal treatment is painful.

Historically, root canal treatments were perceived as highly painful pr ocedures; however, advancements in technology and anaesthetics now allow them to be performed with minimal discomfort, comparable to that experienced during a standard dental filling.

Patients typically seek the expertise of a dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) when experiencing severe toothache, often due to damaged tissues within the tooth. Root canal treatment effectively removes the compromised tissue, thus alleviating the associated pain.

Myth 2: You only need root canal treatment if you are in pain.

Sometimes teeth that have died no longer cause pain and need to have root canal treatment in order to avoid becoming infected. Dentists have several tests, including temperature testing and percussion testing, that allow them to know when a tooth has died and needs to receive root canal treatment.

Myth 3: Root canal treatment causes illness.

You may find information on the internet, claiming that undergoing root canal treatment makes you more susceptible to illness or disease in the future, this simply is not true! This false claim was based on research conducted nearly a century ago, long before modern medicine understood the causes of many illnesses. There is no valid scientific evidence linking root canal treatment to disease elsewhere in the body.

Myth 4: Root canal treatments only last a short time.

Root canal treatment results are long-lasting and effective in alleviating toothaches while preserving the affected tooth indefinitely. The success of this treatment largely depends on the final restoration or crown applied. A properly constructed and well-fitted crown, combined with consistent at-home oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits, can ensure the longevity of the treated tooth for a lifetime.

Myth 5: It is better to have a tooth extracted than have root canal treatment.

Maintaining natural teeth is always the ideal choice. No artificial replacement, regardless of its quality, can fully replicate the functionality of a natural tooth. Root canal treatment boasts a high success rate, with many treated teeth remaining functional for a lifetime. Conversely, bridges, dental implants, and other replacement options necessitate additional procedures, increased chair time, and higher costs.

Millions of healthy root canal treated teeth serve patients all over the world, years and years after treatment. Those healthy teeth are helping patients chew efficiently, maintain the natural appearance of their smiles and enhance their enjoyment of life.

Through root canal treatment, dentists worldwide enable patients to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.

If you need more information or would like to discuss how root canal treatment can help to save your natural teeth call Valley Dental Practice on 01255 220322and book a consultation.

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