Update from Blyton Dental

Update from Blyton Dental

We, the team here at Blyton Dental, hope you and your loved ones are keeping safe and well. We have missed you and look forward to welcoming you back to the clinic.  As we all are getting used to the "new normal" way of life, we plan to reopen in a 'phased' manner from early June and will be following certain  protocols and procedures.

You will see some changes when you come in for your next visit. These are important to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.Over the last few weeks we have been able to source adequate amounts of enhanced Personal Protective Equipment and have been fine tuning our 'Standard Operating Procedures' in line with the recommendations from various health care agencies.

The priority for appointments at this stage would be for patients whose treatments had to be abruptly discontinued  during the course of this pandemic and all our existing patients with dental problems.  Many of you have contacted us with a wide range of problems over the last couple of months.Please call us on 01427 628999 or email us to hello@blytondental.co.uk to book an appointment if you haven’t already done so.

The most obvious difference in our mode of functioning in this immediate post COVID phase would be, now you will need an appointment to enter the practice.
While booking your appointment over the phone, our reception staff will ask you certain screening questions. You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire with the same questions and any updates in your medical history when you attend the appointment and have your temperature recorded with a hand held forehead thermometer.

We will ask you to use the hand sanitizer kept in reception. You will find these in many other places in the practice to use as needed.

You will be provided with a face mask which is to be worn whilst in reception, and then again after treatment before leaving the practice. It would be helpful if you would bring your own pen to fill in any paperwork .

Please use a card /contactless methods for payments where ever possible.

Some of the team will be dressed in masks and surgical gowns, which is a part of our enhanced infection control procedure

We are already highly trained in infection control, and as always ,will maintain these high standards.

Appointments will be managed to allow for adequate social distancing between patients in the surgery and to minimise your waiting time. Please try to attend by yourself unless you need a carer or in case of minor patients.

Thank you for being our patient ,we value your trust and loyalty and looking forward to serving you soon.

Kind Regards

Everyone at Blyton Dental

monitoring the developing situation with Novel Coronavirus,(Covid-19)

To all our patients,

We are actively monitoring the developing situation with Novel Coronavirus,(Covid-19)

in Britain, Europe and Worldwide.

We would like to reassure you that, as always we are here for you and shall continue to act to ensure the health and the safety of our patients and team.

At Blyton Dental,we are accustomed to stringent cleaning and decontamination procedures .All our treatment rooms are wiped down and sanitized between each patient as standard procedure.Within the practice, throughout the day all the door handles, buzzers,tablets, card machine and reception desk are wiped down with alcohol wipes. We have plenty of hand soap and hand towels in all our rooms and toilets. There is hand sanitizer on the reception desk and we ask each patient when they come in to sanitize their hands.

We have stopped all deliveries coming into the practice unless necessary in which case the delivery person sanitizes their hands. We are offering the option for patients to wait in their own cars after they have checked in, and receive a phone call when it is their turn for treatment ,if they don’t want to wait in the reception.

As matters develop we will need to respond to changing advice, possibly on a daily basis. We will do our best to continue to provide care with a proportionate response. As part of this,we would ask any patient who have a new continuous cough or high fever (over 37.8 )to cancel their appointment, follow government advice,  and not attend till those symptoms have settled .



If you are over 70, or medically compromised,  we offer deferral of routine examination appointments. If, over the next period you are feeling anxious and isolated we are very happy for you to call us for a chat and to keep in touch with you regularly by phone.

Online consultation - if you are self-isolating, or would just prefer to stay at home, and have dental concerns, we will be glad to arrange to have a discussion with you on the phone or with a video call.  Clearly this won’t be able to deal with everything but we hope we may be able to provide reassurance in many situations.

We would like to remind you of our constant message , to be proactive about your oral health. Keeping your mouth healthy is an important part in keeping your immune system strong.

With very best wishes from everyone  at Blyton Dental

Let 2020 shine brightly for you, and your teeth!

A new year does offer an excellent opportunity to reassess your health goals and decide what changes you could make. Whether it’s your dental health, or a boost for your teeth, (and your confidence!), Blyton Dental can help you achieve great dental health and wellbeing.

Preventative dentistry is often the key to healthy teeth and gums, if you are brushing your teeth twice a day, why not add flossing/interdental brushing into your daily routine? Brushing your teeth alone isn't enough to keep plaque from building up on your teeth, or to remove bits of food. If it's been a while since you've seen your dentist, you're not alone.

Many adults miss dental appointments but booking a dental check-up is one of the most important things you can do when looking after your teeth. Even if your teeth look and feel fine it’s far better to prevent problems before they start, and if you are experiencing sensitivity in your teeth or you have noticed your gums bleed then it’s definitely time to see the dentist.

Make sure you eat a healthy diet, dairy products are high in calcium, which is great for your teeth, and cutting down on sugar reduces the risk of tooth decay considerably. You can reduce the number of sugary snacks you eat by making some simple changes, buy sugar-free drinks or chew a piece of sugar-free gum when you have a craving for something sweet.

We know that smoking increases your risk for gum disease and is linked to a host of other health issues, let your dental health be an incentive to stop smoking. Pick a date to give up the habit and ask your friends and family to help you quit. Many ex-smokers have said that chewing sugar free gum and brushing their teeth has helped with cravings.

It may be that 2020 is the year for you to make a big difference, Blyton Dental offer a wide range of high quality yet affordable cosmetic dental treatments including dental implants, teeth straightening for adults and teenagers, smile makeovers, teeth whitening, veneers and gum reshaping.

If you’re not completely happy with your smile, then contact us for a free consultation and see how we can help you.

Season’s greetings from everyone at Blyton Dental, here’s to outstanding dental health in 2020!

Clear braces versus invisible braces: Which should you choose?

More and more adults are turning to orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles, and with so many options available there’s no need to feel self-conscious about having a mouth full of metal during treatment. Blyton Dental offers two types of short-term orthodontic treatment: clear ceramic braces and invisible braces. Read on to find out which might be right for you.

What are clear ceramic braces?

Clear ceramic braces work the same way as traditional fixed braces – the difference is that the brackets and archwires are transparent or coloured to blend in with your teeth, making them far less conspicuous. One type of short-term orthodontic treatment that uses clear braces is Six Month Smiles, which focuses only on straightening the teeth that show when you smile. Six Month Smiles will not alter your bite, but it can be used to fix a range of mild-to-moderate orthodontic issues, including:

·         Overcrowding.

·         Unwanted gaps between teeth.

·         Crooked teeth.

·         Misplaced midline.

As the name suggests, the average treatment time is about six months, depending on the amount of correction needed.

Advantages of Six Month Smiles

Benefits of opting for short-term clear brace treatments include:

·         Subtle – Clear braces are more discreet than traditional metal braces.

·         Fast - Treatment time is quicker than both traditional braces and invisible braces.

·         Convenient - Fewer dental visits are required during the treatment process than with traditional or removable braces.

·         Affordable – Short-term brace treatments are more affordable than comprehensive orthodontic treatments.

What are invisible braces?

Invisible brace treatments consist of a series of removable clear plastic aligners (trays) that are custom made to fit over your teeth. You wear the aligners for 22 hours a day, taking them out to eat, drink, and clean teeth as normal. Every two weeks, you exchange your aligners for a new set, which gradually shifts teeth into their desired position. At Blyton, we offer several types of invisible brace treatments, including Invisalign and Inman Aligners. Invisible braces can commonly treat:

·         Crowded teeth.

·         Gapped teeth.

·         Overbite/underbite/open bite.

The average treatment time for invisible braces is 9-18 months, depending on the severity of the issue.

Advantages of Invisalign/Inman Aligner

Benefits of opting for invisible brace treatments include:

·         Extremely discreet – as the name suggests, the aligners are almost invisible.

·         Removable – patients can remove the aligners for up to two hours a day, which makes cleaning teeth much easier than with fixed braces and means that there are no food restrictions during treatment.

·         Comfortable – the aligners are made of smooth material and there are no wires or brackets that might irritate the inside of your mouth.

·         Predictable results – Blyton Dental’s iTero digital scanner can show you what your teeth will look like once they are straightened before you even begin treatment.

Your dentist here at Blyton will be able to advise you on which type of orthodontic treatment is best for you. To book a free consultation, contact one of our helpful team members today.

Which toothpaste should I use?

Do you ever walk down the dental care aisle of your local supermarket and stare blankly at rows and rows of toothpaste, all promising different results? With so many options, how on earth do you know which tube to put in your trolley? Here’s how to look beyond the marketing hype and ensure your teeth stay in mint condition.

What is toothpaste made of?

The basic ingredients in toothpaste include an abrasive filler (which polishes your teeth and dislodges particles of food caught between them), and fluoride (which protects the enamel on your teeth and prevents caries). These are bound together with different variations of thickeners, sweeteners, stabilisers, and flavours.

Types of toothpastes

Some of the main toothpaste categories include:

Whitening toothpaste

Transforming the colour of your teeth by choosing whitening toothpaste instead of regular toothpaste sounds almost too good to be true – and it is. Whitening toothpastes usually don’t contain any bleaching agents at all – instead they use abrasives or other additives to remove surface stains from the enamel layer of your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth you should steer clear of whitening toothpastes because they can wear down the enamel layer and exacerbate the issue.

Sensitive toothpaste

Thinning enamel or receding gums can expose the nerve endings in your teeth, causing sensitivity to pressure or to hot or cold temperatures. Sensitive toothpaste uses potassium nitrate to soothe the nerves in your teeth and stannous fluoride to form a protective barrier over teeth that blocks triggers from reaching the nerves.

Anti-cavity/Fluoride toothpaste

Nearly all toothpaste contains fluoride, and most dentists agree that brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is the best way to prevent cavities. Anti-cavity toothpastes contain levels of fluoride that are higher than normal toothpastes, but unless your dentist advises you that you need higher-strength toothpaste most over-the-counter brands with the ADA seal of acceptance are fine. The NHS recommends toothpastes with 1350-1500ppm fluoride for adults and 1000ppm for children.

Natural toothpaste

Be cautious of natural or herbal toothpastes that don’t contain fluoride – many have not been approved by professional dental organisations and some ‘natural’ ingredients such as lemon can be harmful to tooth enamel because of their high acidity. If you prefer to go for a greener dental care product, choose a brand that leaves out the commercial additives but still contains fluoride and other essential ingredients.

Toothpaste tips:

·         Read the label to make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride.

·         Avoid heavily sweetened toothpaste – many children’s toothpastes are very high in sugar, so check the label carefully.

·         Don’t believe the hype – most supermarket brand toothpastes are just as effective as their more expensive counterparts and contain the same ingredients.

To keep your teeth in top condition, visit your dentist for regular checkups. Contact Blyton Dental today to schedule your next appointment.

5 reasons to make that dental hygienist appointment

With our increasingly busy modern lifestyles it’s easy to let routine dental appointments slide. Here’s why you should attend a bi-annual hygienist appointment, even if you don’t have any current oral health issues.

1.       Dental hygienists can detect problems early on

You might be brushing and flossing twice a day, but still experiencing very early signs of gum disease. In many cases, the problem is so slight it is unnoticeable except to the trained eye of your dental hygienist. Mild symptoms of gum disease (gingivitis) can easily be treated with a thorough clean to remove any hardened plaque (tartar) on your teeth. However, if left untreated gingivitis can develop into a more serious condition called periodontitis that may result in tooth loss. Clare and Emily, our experienced hygienists here at Blyton Dental, can show you the best way to keep your teeth plaque-free and stop the progression of gum disease before it becomes a serious problem.

2.       Visiting the hygienist means less time in the dental chair

It may seem contradictory but keeping bi-annual visits to your dental hygienist can save you time and money on your dental bills in the long term. Hygienists play a vital role in preventative dental health – showing you how to keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid serious oral health issues that may require complicated and costly dental procedures.

3.       Fresher breath, more confidence, better quality of life

One of the side effects of poor oral hygiene is bad breath, and this can negatively impact our daily lives – every social interaction from chatting with work colleagues to going on a first date is vastly improved when we have fresh breath. The hygienists here at Blyton’s Fresh Breath Clinic can show you the correct home care to keep your teeth and gums healthy and eliminate bad breath, enabling you to go about your daily life with improved confidence.

4.       A dental hygiene visit means a brighter smile

Lifestyle habits such as drinking tea, coffee, and red wine can leave visible surface stains on teeth, making us feel self-conscious about our appearance. At Blyton Dental, we offer a 30-minute deep cleaning and stain removal that will remove superficial stains caused by eating and drinking and give your smile a boost.

5.        Hygiene visits keep cancer in check

Dental hygiene appointments are particularly important for tobacco smokers, who are at an increased risk of developing oral cancer. During your appointment, your hygienist will be able to carry out an oral cancer screening to check for any early signs of the disease. When caught early, 1- and 3-year survival rates are much higher than survival rates for sufferers with more advanced forms of the disease.

Blyton Dental offers a 20-minute hygienist appointment for £38.40 and a 30-minute deep cleaning and stain removal option equivalent to the band 2 NHS charge. Call us today to make an appointment with one of our experienced hygienists. We look forward to your visit.

What do I do in a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies such as a chipped or lost tooth can be a frightening and stressful experience. Here at Blyton Dental we understand the need to deal with these types of situations as soon as possible and aim to see all urgent care patients the same day. Here are some tips to help you prepare for an unexpected dental emergency and what to do while you are waiting for your appointment.

Get prepared

No one expects to fall and knock out a tooth, but sometimes accidents happen. Keeping an emergency dental kit at home can help you temporarily deal with the problem until you get professional treatment. Your kit should include:

·         Latex/nitrile gloves

·         Paracetamol/Ibuprofen (for sudden severe pain or swelling)

·         Antiseptic mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide

·         Cotton wool balls/gauze

·         Clove oil (a natural remedy for toothache)

·         A small container (to keep loose teeth in)

·         Sugar-free gum or dental cement (to temporarily fix a loose filling)

Remember that prevention is much better than cure – you can reduce your likelihood of developing severe toothache and other oral health issues by attending regular checkups with your dentist and making an appointment as soon as your symptoms appear. Dental pain can begin intermittently and return later to a much more severe degree if you ignore it.

Lost adult tooth

If your tooth comes out, call your dentist immediately to make an emergency appointment. Pick the tooth up from the crown, not the root, and rinse it with saliva or milk. If possible, try to push your tooth back into the empty socket (the saliva will improve your chances of successfully re-implanting your tooth). If this is not possible, store the tooth in milk and go to the dentist as soon as possible.

Chipped tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help prevent infection. Use clean gauze to apply pressure to your tooth if there is any bleeding and use an ice pack to reduce swelling. If the chip has left jagged edges in your mouth that may damage your tongue or the inside of your cheek, put sugar-free gum over the sharp corners to protect your mouth. Make a dental appointment as soon as possible – if the chip is large enough to expose the pulp you may be at risk of infection.

Lost filling or crown

If you can feel a loose filling or crown in your mouth, take it out so you don’t accidentally swallow it. Keep the area clean by rinsing with warm salt water and try to avoid foods that might cause pain or further decay. If you have dental cement you can temporarily seal the tooth while you are waiting for your appointment.

Severe toothache

If you have sudden, severe toothache, make a dental appointment immediately. You can temporarily alleviate the pain by dabbing clove oil on the affected area and taking ibuprofen up to four times a day.

For urgent dental treatment, please call the practice on 01427 62899. If you are calling outside of surgery hours a recorded message will advise you of the number of the dentist on call or your call will automatically be diverted.

5 reasons to start your kids’ dental checkups early

With a million other parental responsibilities, the temptation to leave dental visits until kids reach adolescence is high – after all, baby teeth will fall out to make way for their permanent counterparts so early dental visits aren’t a big deal, right? Wrong! Here’s why you should start your kids’ dental checkups as soon as their first tooth appears.

1.       Get them into an early routine

An effective oral hygiene routine is the best way to prevent tooth decay and cavities, and regular dental checkups are an important part of getting your kids used to taking care of their teeth. At your child’s appointment here at Blyton, we will examine their teeth and gums for any problems and may apply fissure sealant (a thin coating of plastic that covers the back teeth to prevent food trapping in the grooves) and fluoride varnish, which strengthens the tooth enamel, helping to make teeth more resistant to decay.

2.       Prevent cavities wreaking havoc on baby teeth

Baby teeth are softer and thinner than adult teeth, and a cavity can form in as little as six months. If left untreated, a cavity can reach the tooth’s nerve, causing additional damage. Children who lose their baby teeth to cavities or decay may face long-term issues such as speech impediments, overcrowding, and asymmetric growth of adult teeth. Regular dental checkups are essential for the prevention and early treatment of tooth decay.

3.       Stop dental phobia before it starts

Around 1 in 4 patients in the UK dread visiting the dentist, but that fear is often rooted in traumatising experiences that took place when patient care and dental treatment were not as advanced as they are today. Taking your child to the dentist early on shows them that they have nothing to be afraid of and helps to prevent dental anxiety later in life.

4.       Teach them a sense of responsibility

Like household chore timetables and homework assignments, keeping regular dental appointments is a great way to teach children the importance of committing to necessary obligations. If they view dental visits as an important part of caring for their teeth from an early age, they will be more likely to maintain healthy oral habits throughout adulthood.

5.       Give them positive self-esteem

Smiling has numerous health benefits, from boosting our immune system to relieving stress. When children are ashamed of their teeth they often try to hide them, which can prevent them from smiling. Ensuring that their teeth are in good condition and aren’t a potential source of anxiety for your children is vital for their emotional wellbeing.

We recommend that parents bring their children for regular dental check-ups from a very young age when they start having baby teeth to establish a comprehensive oral health prevention program for your child. To schedule an appointment, contact one of our friendly team members today.

Cosmetic dentistry: Smile with confidence!

If you’re unhappy with your smile, it’s no exaggeration to say that your entire wellbeing is in jeopardy. Smiling boosts our immune system, lowers our blood pressure, and improves our mood when we’re feeling low. Read on to find out how affordable cosmetic dentistry can give you back your self-esteem, so you can smile with confidence.

Before

After

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry improves the aesthetics of your smile (for example the colour, shape, size, or alignment of your teeth). Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include bleaching, bonding, crowns, and veneers.

What are the advantages of cosmetic dentistry?

In addition to boosting your confidence levels, cosmetic dentistry offers numerous other benefits, including:

·         Improved bite – Fixing minor alignment issues can prevent additional damage to your teeth and enable you to eat the foods you enjoy.

·         Younger-looking appearance – Correcting minor issues such as discolouration and dental erosion can take years off your appearance.

·         Prevention of future dental damage – Cosmetic dentistry often gives patients the motivation they need to rethink their oral hygiene routine and prevent the need for future treatment.

·         Better relationships at home and at work – Higher confidence levels mean that patients who are happy with their smiles speak up more in the workplace, pursue the promotion they want, and are more successful in their personal lives.

What types of cosmetic dentistry do you offer?

At Blyton Dental, we can help you with a range of cosmetic dental procedures, including:

·         Teeth whitening – We provide whitening treatment at a cost equivalent to a Band 3 NHS charge.

·         Veneers – These fit over the front surface of teeth to correct worn out enamel, uneven alignment, chipped, damaged, or discoloured teeth.

·         Smile makeovers – This often involves a combination of teeth whitening, veneers, or crowns for a sparkling new smile.

·         Gum reshaping – Got a gummy smile? We may be able to help you reshape your gums using painless dental soft tissue lasers.

·         Replacing old fillings/crowns – We can replace your unsightly amalgam fillings with strong and natural looking ceramic options.

Call one of our friendly team members today to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to your visit.