Oral health care tips from our dental hygienist in Edinburgh
As we get older our teeth take more work to look after and having a good oral health routine is key in making sure that those prized chompers stand the test of time. Sadly some people still struggle with finding a routine that works for them, so we’ve asked our dental hygienist in Edinburgh to provide a short list of things you can do to upgrade your oral care game.
Introduce flossing
First up on the list of things our dental hygienist in Edinburgh would recommend is flossing. Using dental floss at least once a day helps to clear out any plaque, tartar and food particles that stick in those hard to reach places that you may miss when you brush. To maximise your cleaning potential we recommend that you give your teeth a good once over with a strip of dental floss after every meal.
Regularly rinse with mouthwash
Another item that’s worth introducing to your cleaning routine is a mouthwash brand. Regularly rinsing at least once a day after brushing will provide a deep clean feeling, provide lasting protection from bacteria and eliminate bad breath that might be brought on by your diet or smoking. There are also a lot of different brands, strengths and types on the market that can cater to a wide range of cleaning needs.
At Craigentinny Dental Care our team can provide a wealth of information and recommendations to help you find a mouthwash brand that will suit you.
Brush often
Arguably one of the most important pieces of advice we can provide is to just brush as many times as you can throughout the day. Generally you should give your mouth a good clean at least twice a day if it’s possible, once in the morning and then again at night before you head to bed. Doing this will clear out any food particles that can build up throughout your day or during the night and not doing so will allow tartar and plaque to build up.
Try using an electric toothbrush
For that far reaching deep clean feeling you should consider swapping your manual brush for an electric powered version if you haven’t already. Using their vibrating heads and sonic technology they are able to reach further between your teeth and gums than you would be able to with a standard brush.
They are also a good choice for elderly or younger patients who may struggle to hold their arms in one position for long periods of time as they brush, as it does almost all of the work.
Schedule regular check-ups
Finally, booking an appointment every six months to come see our team is another recommendation from us, as it lets our team track your progress, as well as keep on top of any potential oral health issues that could crop up.
These are just a few things you can introduce to your current cleaning routine to increase your chances of keeping any oral health issues at bay as you get older. If you would like further information on how you can change your current cleaning routine then just contact our team at the practice for a chat.
Should you consider sedation dentistry in Edinburgh?
For most patients treatments that involve some mild discomfort are performed with a local anaesthetic to numb the area and limit the amount of pain that is felt. However, in some cases there may be call for a stronger sedative to make a potentially stressful procedure for one of our patients a little easier.
Although its use is a fairly common practice and not just for severe cases. So with that in mind, here is a little more information on sedation dentistry in Edinburgh and when we may use it.
What is it?
If you are not familiar with sedation dentistry in Edinburgh, it essentially involves the use of a mild sedative to relax a patient to the point where they can be taken through their prescribed treatment. It is a fairly common practice and it tends to involve your dentist and GP communicating with each other beforehand to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction to any anaesthetic. A reaction can occur either through allergies or the sedatives conflicting with any medication you may take outside of the dentist office.
When is it used?
Sedation is used in a number of different cases for our patients, but generally it tends to be used for patients with low pain thresholds or those that can’t sit still in the chair, such as young children. It can also be implemented for those that may have anxiety and fear of the dentist. Our dentist may decide it should be brought in if you have very sensitive teeth, an overactive gag reflex or if there’s an extensive amount of dental work to go through and it is a solution to avoid you going through any prolonged discomfort.
At Craigentinny Dental Care our team will assess your case to the full extent of their abilities, to make sure you are an acceptable and safe candidate for sedation.
Are there different types?
There are actually a number of different types of sedative used in dentistry and they are chosen based on the patient, their medical history and the treatment that’s being undertaken.
As an example, there is inhaled sedation through the use of nitrous oxide or ‘laughing gas’. There is oral sedation available with a pill from the valium family, IV sedation through the vein that will work more quickly than other normal methods and finally there’s general anaesthesia which puts patients to sleep.
Is it safe?
There is always a risk when anaesthesia is involved, but generally it is safe. It is only used by experienced dentists and they will always speak with you and your GP beforehand to make sure that there are not going to be any complications from you being sedated. We may also go through your medical history as well, to make sure that the entire process is as safe as we can possibly make it.
These are just a few facts about your options for sedation when you come into our practice. If you would like to discuss your options, the methods available to you, or if your dentist thinks it would be appropriate in your case, then just contact the practice for a chat.
Why you should consider an appointment for braces in Edinburgh?
When you think of braces it is usually something that you go through when you are very young, but were you aware that having them fitted when you are an adult can actually be quite beneficial to you?
Here are a few reasons why you may want to consider popping by for an appointment with us for braces in Edinburgh.
It helps shape your smile
One of the biggest benefits of having a brace fitted is that it can help make your smile look neater and straighter. This is because the appliance, whether it is a standard bracket and wire setup, or a visit for invisible braces in Edinburgh, slowly realigns any crooked or crowded teeth you may have. This is managed by the application of a small amount of gentle pressure in key spots around your teeth that will realign them to a neater and much straighter position.
Depending on the type of brace used, the location being straightened and the age of the patient, a realignment could take anywhere between six to thirteen months, but the end results are worth the wait.
Aids in speech problems
If you are having problems saying particular phrases and words or there is a pronounced whistling sound when you talk, then you may benefit from a set of braces. This is because your problem may stem from misaligned teeth that may be hampering your tongue as you talk.
At Craigentinny Dental Care our talented team can help identify the cause of these issues quickly before placing you on a beneficial brace treatment programme.
Helps with digestive issues
You may not realise it, but if you have problems with digestion then a brace may also help here. This is because when we chew our food it is broken up into manageable chunks by our teeth and if they are crooked then the lumps of food can end up being much larger than they ought to be. This is a lot harder for your body to break down. Not being able to chew properly leads to you feeling bloated and full for much longer or suffering from indigestion after meals.
The application of a brace can help straighten your teeth to a point where it is easier for your body to break down whatever your eat.
Reduces your chances of jawbone erosion
Last up in our shortlist is the fact that a brace can also help reduce the chances of your jawbone being eroded and although this may sound pretty frightening, it is easily avoidable.
This can happen when bacteria builds up between any crooked teeth you may have, this area then becomes inflamed and if left unchecked it can spread to the surrounding gums, teeth and bone. By simply straightening your teeth you will be able to clean into those previously hard to reach places, which in turn lets you keep your gums healthy and pink.
These are just a few interesting facts about braces and how they can benefit you, should you decide to book an appointment. If you are interested in learning more or would like to know how they could potentially benefit you, then contact our team at the practice at the next available opportunity.
Why your dentist in Edinburgh would recommend flossing
No we’re not talking about the dance, in this case we mean the thin filament you use to clean your teeth with, that sadly some of our patients still either don’t use or just forget about after they brush their teeth. Regularly using dental floss is incredibly beneficial to your overall oral health and any dentist would recommend you introduce it to your current dental routine.
That’s why we’ve come up with a few reasons as to why, being your dentist in Edinburgh, we would recommend you use floss more often.
Removes plaque
If you use dental floss at least once a day you’re already ahead of those that still don’t. Running a strip between your teeth can remove plaque and tartar build-up that can accrue over the day as you eat regular meals or snacks. If left alone this detritus can continue to increase to the point where you run the risk of serious tooth decay and cavities that will need to be treated with fillings.
Clears out stubborn food particles
Another example we, your dentist in Edinburgh give is that it helps to clear out any food particles that are left hanging around after brushing. Flossing allows you to hit those hard to reach places such as between your molars and between the canines. Also, if you have crooked teeth it lets you get around those difficult to brush parts where food particles love to hide.
Helps reduce bleeding gums
Bleeding gums are never a pleasant experience and even though some of our patients may be a tad hesitant to use floss whilst their gums are bleeding for fear of further irritation, regularly flossing is shown to reduce these symptoms over time. In most cases bleeding gums can be a sign of poor oral health and by simply improving your hygiene routine by introducing floss you can easily avoid this.
Our talented team at Craigentinny Dental Care can help you reduce any bleeding gum symptoms you may have, as well as provide helpful information on how to keep further instances of it at bay.
Lowers your risk of gum disease
Keeping your gums healthy by regular flossing can also reduce your chances of gum disease in the long term. Not regularly cleaning out plaque and tartar can lead to inflammation, irritation and infection of your gums, which opens you up to diseases such as the dreaded gingivitis and other potentially serious oral health issues.
Provides a deep clean feeling
There is nothing better than that super, deep clean feeling after you leave our practice and by just introducing dental floss at least once or twice a day you can experience this feeling at home without having to wait for another appointment with us.
These are just a few interesting facts about flossing and why you should consider adding it to your current oral health routine. If you would like a recommendation or further tips on how to maximise your cleaning potential with flossing then have a chat with our team on your next visit.
If you are looking for a professional dental hygienist in Edinburgh, try Craigentinny Dental Care?
For over 25 years Craigentinny Dental Care has been delivering a first class dental service to its patients from around the Edinburgh area. We offer a wide range of treatments and have justifiably acquired a great reputation for an exceptional level of patient care.
Why do I need a dental hygienist in Edinburgh?
Why wait until you have a raging toothache to see a dental hygienist in Edinburgh? It is always a lot easier to have a check-up before the problems start, so you can head off trouble at the pass. If you have regular visits to the hygienist many problems can be prevented from occurring as dental health comes from a good dental hygiene. Many of us are anxious about visiting the dentist and do leave it until we have a toothache or even a swollen gum, which could be a sign of an abscess. By this time it is a clear sign that you will have to got to the dentist sooner rather than later or even have to book an emergency appointment. With advancements in dental techniques and equipment there is no need why your visit with a dentist or dental hygienist today should be anything other than comfortable. Staff at Craigentinny Dental Care are well trained in helping and understanding anxious and nervous patients and will work hard to put you at your ease and explain things to you. If you have missing, broken or damaged teeth, there is no need to put your hand over your mouth when you smile, give yourself the gift of a great smile and see your confidence and self-esteem soar. With Craigentinny Dental Care it’s never too late to make a good first impression.
About Craigentinny in Edinburgh
At Craigentinny Dental Care we put our patients firmly at the very forefront of everything we do. We pride ourselves on being approachable and friendly and many of our patients come by way of referrals from our existing patients. We provide a truly outstanding dental service to both young and old. We offer both NHS service and private care all under one roof. Our team is lead by our principal dentists Fraser Hendrie and John Booth who, along with other highly qualified dentists and their superb team of support staff, work together to deliver a truly exceptional level of dental service. We offer an impressive range of treatments and our integrated team is able to provide a specialist service in many areas of dentistry. We firmly believe that good oral health starts with an excellent dental routine, including regular check- ups and ongoing maintenance and we advocate this to all of our patients both young and old. Where treatment is required we offer a range of procedures to get you smiling again. For missing, broken or damaged teeth we offer a full sphere of restorative dentistry including implants, crowns, bridgework and dentures. If you are looking to acquire that knock out Hollywood smile we are pleased to offer the latest whitening treatments and porcelain veneers. We offer a wide and comprehensive payment options including interest free finance to spread the cost of your dental treatment with easy monthly payments.
Is there a dental practice that offers sedation dentistry in Edinburgh?
Craigentinny Dental Care – we are a trusted and reliable dental practice and have a well established reputation as a dentist in Edinburgh, having provided service for over 25 years.
At Craigentinny Dental Care we love to exceed your expectations in both dental care and patient well-being. Creating great smiles and looking after your general dental health is what we do best!
What can I expect from Craigentinny Dental Care ?
Well one thing’s for sure – you can expect a warm welcome and some excellent dental care to start with! Our staff are trained to make you feel welcome when you stop by and visit us, because we believe that making you, the patient, feel at the very heart of the practice is a great place to start, in fact it runs throughout the very fabric of the practice. Firstly, we will need to assess your general health and we can do this by asking you to complete a very general questionnaire. Following this you will meet one of our team of dentists who will perform a comprehensive examination of your mouth and teeth and this will include screening your mouth for cancer and X-rays if required. Mouth cancer is on the rise and early detection and treatment can drastically improve the prognosis. Once we have a clearer picture of your oral health we can discuss treatment options with you if required and answer any questions you may have.
From preventive and general dentistry through to restorative and implant dentistry our team of highly qualified dentists offer an integrated team approach, ensuring you always receive the very best treatment in whatever you require. Our practice carries the very latest in dental technology and equipment, which helps us provide not only a comfortable and modern environment for our patients, but ensures we are able to deliver the very best treatment outcomes. Some of our patients suffer from dental phobia and we can offer intravenous sedation dentistry in Edinburgh. Intravenous sedation dentistry in Edinburgh is well established and can offer a good solution. If you need sedation dentistry in Edinburgh please ask for details and we will be pleased to go through the procedure with you. We offer both NHS service and private dentistry within the same practice, although some treatments will not be available on the NHS. We also offer an easy finance option which will allow you to spread the cost of your treatment with convenient monthly payments allowing you immediate access to treatment.
I am nervous about visiting a dentist and my teeth are in poor condition
It is never too late to make a good first impression and your smile is indeed your calling card. A great smile is your gift to yourself and will not only enhance your sense of well-being, it will fill you with an inner, radiant confidence and a new sense of yourself. We love watching how our patients really do start to feel great about themselves and well up with confidence when we complete their smile makeovers. Whether you have not been to the dentist in years and you have broken, missing or damaged teeth or you have a raging toothache, we of course have seen it all in 25 years. As for nervous patients we have had our fair share of people who are anxious and our specially trained team is on hand to talk to you and better understand why you may be anxious to try and put you at ease. Advancements in dental technology and treatment techniques allow us to perform most of the procedures whilst the patient is nothing other than comfortable. So why not let Craigentinny Dental Care look after your smile.
What can I expect from getting braces in Edinburgh?
At Craigentinny Dental Care, your local dentist in Edinburgh, looking after your teeth is second nature to us. Achieving the smile you have always wanted needn’t be lurking at the bottom of your to-do list any longer. Craigentinny Dental Care offer a fully comprehensive dental service and are experts at putting the smile back on your face.
Why do I need Craigentinny Dental Care?
If you live within the greater Edinburgh area and are looking for a dentist to trust who will exceed your expectations in every way, both with dental excellence, patient care and well-being, well look no further. We have been delivering an exceptional level of dental care to our patients, both young and old, for over a quarter of a century. Our reputation has been established by our patients, who trust us to deliver first class dental care. They also realise we have their well-being built into the very ethos of the practice.
Firstly we believe in giving our patients a choice when it comes to their dental treatment, that is why we offer both NHS and private treatment at the practice. We love to offer a wealth of advice on oral maintenance and extol the virtues of good oral health, especially to our younger patients. We need to ensure they establish good dental routines early on in life, as it pays dividends down the road! Regular check-ups always include a screening for mouth cancer, as early detection and treatment can dramatically improve outcomes. Our specialist team of dentists is headed up by our two principal dentists at the practice, Fraser Hendrie and John Booth. They are both highly trained dentists and specialists in their fields of dentistry. The practice employs an integrated team approach and the dentists along with their support team are able to offer a high degree of dental excellence across the sphere of dentistry. From routine and preventive dentistry to restorative dentistry including titanium implants which act as a solid anchor for crowns and dentures, you can be sure we have you covered. When to comes to orthodontics we have a range of braces in Edinburgh to suit your needs. From invisible braces like Invisalign, to clear braces, both removable and fixed. We also provide the latest contemporary technology and materials to enhance your smile, whether it is cosmetic teeth whitening and porcelain veneers you are looking for, or orthodontics and teeth alignment to make your smile more attractive and radiant, you can trust Craigentinny to go the extra mile for you.
Why do I need to register with a dentist?
If you are new in town and looking for a dentist in Edinburgh or maybe looking for a dentist who can really deliver what you are looking for, it’s time you registered with Craigentinny Dental Care. If you have not been to the dentist in a while for whatever reason then it’s time to register with Craigentinny Dental Care, so we can head off any surprises at the pass before they become a bigger problem for you down the road. If you have not been to a dentist in a while you owe it to yourself to have a check-up and a general clean to improve your breath and dental hygiene. Look after your teeth – they are one of your greatest assets.
Need a dentist that can cater for your entire family, from the 8 year olds, to the octogenarians?
Here at Craigentinny Dental Care in Edinburgh, we specialise in providing high quality dental care to patients of all ages, making us the trustworthy place that many local families come to when their smile is involved. Operating for 25 years, we have the knowledge and skill to treat people of any age, making us the perfect dental clinic to help local people in Scotland just like you.
Who are we?
Located in Edinburgh, we have been helping surrounding families just like yours for over 25 years. To us, dentistry is all about making personal connections with our patients, allowing you to feel properly comfortable, secure, and looked after, throughout your whole experience of visiting us. Getting to know patients on a friendly level is probably the reason why so many people put their smiles into our hands – they trust us. Arranging our system so that you will always see the same dentist each time you visit will ensure the familiarity that is needed for a proper working relationship. Offering flexible hours to fit into your busy lifestyle is another key feature of our dental care. Opening 5 days a week, we also pride ourselves in offering emergency same day appointments, so no need to panic if you suddenly wake up with a toothache one morning – by evening you will have been seen by us.
I need many different things from the dentist
Everyone’s needs differ when it comes to visiting the dentist, whether they are looking for general dentistry, dental implants, braces or cosmetic treatment. Well, here at Craigentinny, we have your back. No matter what problem occurs, or which member in your family is involved, we have a friendly, professional team waiting with open arms to assist you no matter what. Why not visit a dentist that does every job you could want, in one clinic? Teeth whitening for your husband? No problem. Braces for your eldest son? Say no more. Wrinkle reduction for your mum who doesn’t like the look of her smile anymore? Send her our way. Save yourself the hassle and time of looking around many different dentists to see which can offer you which service. Do it all in one place. Come to Craigentinny.
Do the prices of regular dentistry worry you?
We believe in giving patients the help and care that they deserve, whilst still being affordable. Nobody should feel dissatisfied and stuck with their current smile due to their financial situation, and that is why at our dentist practice we give people the opportunity to spread the cost of their treatment over a period of time. With interest free and low cost payment plans available, just speak to a member of the reception team to see how we can easily fit into your lifestyle. With children being treated for free with the NHS, the treatments usually have a 12 month guarantee. And forget any nasty surprises – a full estimate of the treatment cost will be provided for you to approve before you receive any treatment from us.
What does a dental hygienist in Edinburgh actually do?
Did you know that a dentist and a dental hygienist in Edinburgh are actually different people? They have been trained in many of the same fields of dentistry, giving them a broad and deep understanding of facial anatomy and structure and teeth and gum development and health, however both professionals have branched off into different fields and have specialised in a certain role that appeals to their personality and skills.
A dental hygienist in Edinburgh is an essential addition to your oral hygiene routine. They are just as important as your bi-yearly dental checkup and they can assist you in maintaining strong and healthy teeth that can last you a lifetime.
We have chosen our team members because they are compassionate, have a unique ability to communicate well and are gentle, perhaps not what you think of when you think of a hygienist! Our team members believe it is important that you feel comfortable with us, so that you are eager to return and establish good health habits for life.
Our work is based around preventive care. We educate you on how to look after your teeth properly in a bespoke manner, meaning that we understand what your areas of concern are and help you to focus your efforts on achieving maximum positive results.
We also clean your teeth. Properly. By using specialised tools and equipment, we are able to remove plaque and attack stubborn tartar that brushing alone cannot remove. This caked on substance is not only unsightly, but it damages the enamel on your teeth and can injure your gums.
We remove food that gets stuck in places that you didn’t know you had, reducing chances of infection, clearing away the culprits for bad breath and leaving you with a silky smooth feeling that you can’t help but keep running your teeth over.
Sounds amazing. How often should I visit?
The better your oral hygiene routine is at home, the less work that needs to be done. We recommend that you come in to see us every 6 months, just like you would with your dentist, so that we can keep on top of plaque and tartar and keep your mouth feeling fresh, looking great and best of all, healthy.
By having your teeth professionally cleaned, you can also benefit from an effective and natural whitening treatment. When we scale and polish your teeth, light staining can be removed. By doing this often enough, there is no chance for heavy staining to build up to cause you embarrassment or concern.
Your smile is very important. It is usually the first thing people see and first impressions are everything. By looking after your smile in the best way that you can, we want you to be able to put your best foot forward in all of the ventures that you may have in life.
We look forward to seeing you, getting to know who you are and enjoying our time together. Your journey towards a healthier and happier mouth is important to us, and every one of our patients can feel this warmth and compassion.
Sedation dentistry in Edinburgh can offer a chance for nervous patients
It isn’t uncommon for people to be a little nervous about going to the dentist, especially if they are preparing for a surgical procedure or a restorative treatment. This is why we offer sedation dentistry in Edinburgh for all of our patients. You can breeze through the treatment process without having to feel the full brunt of your fears and anxieties.
Just speak with one of our compassionate and understanding professionals in order to gain more information about our sedation dentistry in Edinburgh. There are a few options that you can choose from and we can recommend what we believe to be the best fit for your personal situation.
We always give you the full range of options that are suitable for you, with a recommendation of what we believe will be most suitable and why. It is important that you are given the final choice so that you are able to make an informed decision about what you believe is right for you.
What are my options?
If you are nervous about an upcoming treatment and want to learn more about the options available to you, then you should know that we can administer a sedative via intravenous means, in order to effectively relax you throughout the procedure.
We offer a free 20 minute consultation that goes over the basics that you need to know regarding this treatment, so that you can decide whether it is right for you. If you know ahead of time that you would like to be sedated during your treatment, then you can go right ahead and book your examination and consultation where a pre-sedation check will be administered.
During this consultation, we can ensure that we are able to administer the correct dosage during the procedure in question. We can give you an estimate of the costs in which you can agree to before booking sedation during your procedure appointment.
What other tools do you have to help me tackle my dental anxiety?
We are always looking for new ways in which to help you through your fears and anxiety so that you can enjoy a more relaxed relationship with us here. That is why we offer all of our patients the opportunity to enroll in our 7 day e-course, that guides people through beating their anxieties and fears.
Every person may find that they need to approach overcoming their anxiety in a different way because their fears have stemmed from different external or internal factors. We know that every person is unique and that is why you will need to find your own way to work through your dental fear and all in your own time.
Our e-course is simply a means of providing information that can help you to understand your anxiety, as well as many different tips and tools that you can use to stop hiding and start living confidently.
We are very experienced in these matters, are non-judgemental and compassionate for your concerns. We look forward to working with you and helping you in every way that we can.