You don’t have to delve too deeply to start understanding how profoundly interconnected general health and oral health can be.

Gum disease is the world’s most common inflammatory condition – it’s one our hygienists and dentists treat every day – and there’s a proven link between gum disease and other conditions including respiratory issues, heart disease and diabetes. It’s a fascinating example of how oral health conditions often mirror or signpost what’s going on elsewhere throughout the body.

Indeed, diabetes and gum disease often go hand in hand. Oral health professionals and scientists focusing on diabetes research have long established a direct link between the two conditions, and have noted how when diabetes is treated, gum disease and its symptoms are often significantly reduced.

Brushing and flossing daily, which are the foundations of proactive dental health care, are often enough to keep bacteria in check. When adequate oral hygiene isn’t maintained, bacteria growth on and between the teeth and gums can cause tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health concerns. Gum inflammation – a common symptom of gum disease – can then cause harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This in turn can lead to respiratory health problems, issues with organ function, and a range of other issues with overall wellbeing.

Exploring the link between oral health and overall health

Poor dental health can contribute to a range of other issues, including:

• Pneumonia and respiratory issues: Your mouth is the entry point to your body’s respiratory system. Harmful bacteria can quite easily find its way from your gums into your lungs, resulting in conditions such as pneumonia and associated complications.
• Cardiovascular disease: There’s still plenty of research to be done when it comes to understanding the link between oral health and heart disease. However, strokes, clogged arteries and poor heart health may be linked to inflammation and infections caused by bacteria on the teeth and gums.
• Endocarditis: The inner lining of the heart chambers and valves (the endocardium) can become infected by bacteria that is spread through the bloodstream via the teeth and gums.
• Pregnancy issues: Dental sensitivity, tooth decay and inflamed gums are common issues experienced by pregnant people, who are advised to take extra steps to look after their oral health.

Spotting early signs of infection during dental check-ups

During your trip to one of our clinics, your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to spot early warning signs of infection, disease or other health issues when examining your teeth and gums. From picking up on symptoms of gum disease to more serious health complications like oral cancer, it’s a key reason why visiting the dentist regularly is such an important aspect of self care.

The symptoms and health concerns your dentist or hygienist is most likely to notice include

• Gum inflammation. Inflamed, sensitive and bleeding gums are a common symptom of gum disease.
• Gum discolouration. Pale gums may be a sign of anaemia, and darker gums – even blackened gums – can suggest a wide range of more serious health issues.
• White patches and sores that are slow to heal. These may be symptoms of oral cancer.
• Tooth loss. Arthritis and similar rheumatic diseases are associated with tooth loss and gum disease.
• Dehydration. Saliva neutralises acids present in the mouth and helps flush away the buildup of bacteria. A dry mouth can contribute to tooth decay and loss of natural tooth enamel.
• Osteoporosis. Conditions like osteoporosis cause a reduction in bone density. When this affects the jaw bone and supporting structure of the teeth, this can cause oral health concerns and potential tooth loss.
• Diabetes. Progressive gum disease and chronic dry mouth are both symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
• Oral Cancer. Mouth, head and neck cancers affect over 760 people in Ireland each year.¹ Your dentist will be able to identify early warning signs of mouth and lip cancers at a routine check-up, which include symptoms such as loose teeth, ulcers and sores in the mouth, and red and white patches on the gums.

A holistic approach to oral health with Smiles Dental

Wellbeing goes beyond your oral health and physical health – it’s something that encompasses many aspects of your day-to-day life, including your mental health and reducing stress and anxiety.

We know that visiting the dentist is something that many people find stressful. At Smiles Dental, our dentists, hygienists, nurses and practice staff work hard to ensure every visit is as stress-free as possible, whether you’re in one of our clinics for a routine check-up or a treatment or procedure.

By committing to regular check-ups throughout the year, sticking to a reliable oral healthcare routine (which should always include brushing with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice per day and flossing once per day), you can reduce the anxiety that often surrounds visiting your dentist.

Great dental health is key to excellent overall health, and we’re dedicated to ensure our patients and communities enjoy the benefits that holistic wellbeing and positive health habits bring.

Contact your nearest clinic

Reference

1. https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-types/mouth-head-and-neck-cancer The festive season is upon us once more, and we’re all a little excited for this most special time of year. The lights are twinkling, the decorations are up, and Christmas jumpers get their yearly outing.

The Christmas season has always been a time for indulging in no shortage of tasty foods – from the big feast itself to plentiful opportunities for catching up with our nearest and dearest with mince pies, cake, Christmas pudding, mulled wine and a plethora of other sweet treats. These dishes are as much a part of Christmas as kissing under the mistletoe, unwrapping presents and singing carols together, and the holidays simply wouldn’t be the same without them.

Keeping oral health in mind throughout the holidays

Amid all the joyful celebration, there’s no getting away from the fact that Christmas isn’t exactly the most tooth-friendly time of year. You don’t want to start 2024 with poor oral health, and taking care of your teeth and gums over the festive season remains as important as at any other time of year.

Committed to keeping your dental health in tip-top condition over Christmas? We’ve got you covered with our rundown of best dental practices for each of the 12 most indulgent days in the calendar. While there aren’t any maids-a-milking, turtle doves or partridges in our 12 days of Christmas, there are plenty of pieces of excellent dental care advice to get you set for a happy, healthy new year full of confident smiles.

Day 1: Put a new toothbrush on your wishlist

We reckon Santa is a stickler for good dental health, so putting a brand new toothbrush on your Christmas wishlist a good idea.. Remember, it’s recommended to replace your toothbrush three times a year in order to ensure it remains hygienic and effective.

Day 2: Rethink your advent calendar

This might be a controversial one, but there are some brilliant tooth-friendly alternatives to the traditional chocolate advent calendars out there, so why not choose one with toys, puzzles, jokes or other treats that don’t damage young teeth?

Day 3: Don’t brush after bubbly

Christmas and sparkling wine (or any alcohol-free version) go hand in hand. However, sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco and Cava are highly acidic and unexpectedly packed full of sugar, which makes those celebratory drinks harmful for tooth enamel. To minimise eroding your tooth enamel, be sure to wait for at least an hour before brushing and drink plenty of water.

Day 4: Nibble with care

It’s all too easy to find yourself grazing and nibbling your way through the festive season, as the cupboards tend to be fuller than usual and there always seems to be something tempting to snack on within reach. Constantly reaching for extra bites of food won’t do your teeth any favours, and we’d recommend sticking to three square meals whenever possible. If you do feel the need to snack, opt for tooth-friendly bites like cheese, fruits, nuts and vegetables, or have your sweet treats in one go, so you’re not constantly exposing your teeth to sugar attacks throughout the day.

Day 5: Sticky tape danger

You’d be amazed at how many people wind up at the dentist each Christmas with chipped, broken or otherwise damaged teeth because of biting off pieces of sticky tape while wrapping presents. Do your teeth a favour and use a pair of scissors instead.

Day 6: Choose sweets wisely

If you’re going to indulge in some sugary treats but want to reduce the harm to your teeth, choose carefully. Avoid hard, sticky or chewy sweets, and reach for chocolate and zero-sugar alternatives instead.

Day 7: Be sure to drink water

When faced with mulled wine, Champagne, alcohol-free cocktails or fizzy drinks, it’s easy to forget the importance of drinking water throughout the holidays. When it comes to tooth-friendly drinks, there’s no replacement for good old H2O – it rinses your mouth of bacteria and food particles, keeps you hydrated without any sugar, and maintains the saliva levels that keep teeth and gums healthy.

Day 8: Turkey? Yes please!

While most Christmas dishes wouldn’t make the list of tooth-friendly festive treats (we’re looking at you, mince pies and sherry trifle!), turkey is a seasonal treat your dentist is sure to get behind. Turkey is packed full of phosphorus, which is great for strengthening teeth and bones. Nut roasts – especially those packed with phosphorus-rich Brazil nuts – make an excellent veggie or vegan option your teeth will be grateful for. Tuck right in!

Day 9: Use a straw

Using a straw when drinking carbonated drinks or sugary beverages will reduce the sugars in the drinks making contact with your teeth. We’d also recommend picking up a sustainable reusable straw, so you can help reduce plastic waste while helping your teeth at the same time.

Day 10: Don’t let your oral health routine slip

It sometimes feels like the festive season causes all kinds of routines, plans and schedules to fly out of the window as soon as the star is popped on top of the tree. Make sure your daily dental health routine – which should include brushing at least twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once per day – remains in place, without exceptions.

Day 11: Don’t leave your toothbrush behind

If you’re heading out to visit friends and family for the holidays, be sure to pack all your dental care essentials with you. You wouldn’t be the first to forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss (or Invisalign aligners and cleaning solutions, if you’re on a teeth straightening journey), and during the sugar-packed Christmas season, these everyday fundamentals of oral health are at their most crucial.

Day 12: Book your first check-up of 2024

With the new year just around the corner, it’s time to commit to your best ever smile for 2024. Book your next dental appointment at your nearest Smiles Dental clinic, and start the year as you mean to continue – with a beautiful, confident and healthy smile.

At Smiles Dental, we’re dedicated to providing quality dental care and a wide array of treatments and procedures for ensuring excellent oral health. Contact your local Smiles Dental clinic today (https://www.smiles.ie/practices), and benefit from our exceptional care and expertise throughout the new year and beyond. Spooky season is back once again! Irish folklore has no shortage of scary monsters that go bump in the night – from the infamous banshee to the terrifying Abhartach – and while Halloween may delight kids with tales of vampires and witches, for many it’s a trip to the dentist that strikes the greatest fear.

Childhood phobia of the dentist is not uncommon. Studies have stated that around 17% of patients struggle with dental anxiety*, and the figure is presumed to be higher among children. This has been given as an explanation of why many children avoid visiting the dentist for important check-ups. Considering up to 25.4% of children aged one to nine years old in the Republic of Ireland have untreated cavities** this is a matter which needs to be addressed.

Are dentists really that scary?

Of course not. Contemporary dentistry in Ireland is worlds away from the horror stories that grew around the practices of a century or so ago, but it’s undeniable that many of those fears and stories remain as part of popular culture today. There are evil dentists in children’s books, cartoons and scary movies, and we’ve even seen dentist Halloween costumes on sale around this time of year!

Despite dentistry today being mostly pain-free and efficient, parents and caregivers sometimes (consciously or unconsciously) pass on their own childhood fears and outdated experiences to their children. As we all know, kids can be very perceptive – if they see an adult expressing fear about their upcoming filling or root canal treatment, they’ll feel scared about their own visits to the local clinic.

At Smiles Dental, we know that it’s unlikely children are going to start looking forward to going to the dentist or consider it a fun activity. However, it is an essential part of keeping your children’s oral health in excellent condition, and should never be stressful or cause anxiety.

Let’s look at eight top tips for helping your little ones feel better about their check-ups.

1. Start young

When should your child start visiting the dentist? Most oral health practitioners would agree that it should really start by their first birthday, or when their teeth start erupting. Often, fear of the dentist is nothing more than the fear of the unknown – get your children accustomed to visiting the dentist, and they’ll be less likely to feel scared.

2. Lead by example

Think carefully about how you – as a parent or caregiver – talk about the dentist regarding your own visits. Even if your experiences have been hair-raising in the past, don’t pass on these negative expectations to your children. Put on a brave face, and keep your little ones feeling optimistic about their routine exam.

3. Use some affirming resources

There are plenty of excellent books, cartoons and other resources out there designed to help kids feel better about going to the dentist. Speak to your child’s school or local library, or search a video sharing platform to see what you can find to read, watch and enjoy together.

We’re especially fond of Brush, Brush, Brush! by Alicia Padron, Peppa Pig’s Dentist Trip and The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums by Edward Miller.

4. Keep expectations realistic

Children respond badly to feeling as though they’ve been tricked or misled. Just as you shouldn’t say anything to make kids fearful of the dentist, you should probably avoid doing the opposite, too. Letting them believe their check-up will be something it probably won’t be might result in them feeling even more anxious in the future.

Simply let them know that while it might not always be comfortable or fun, there’s nothing to be scared of and their dentist is there to help them keep their teeth strong and healthy.

5. Use imaginative play

Kids love acting out what they imagine to be ‘grown up’ situations, especially if they get to play at having some authority over their parents and caregivers. Why not play being the patient and your child can take on the role of the dentist, allowing you to start a conversation about what happens at the clinic during a check-up?

6. Consider the timing of your appointments

Young childrens’ moods vary – often pretty wildly – throughout the day. Some kids are particularly challenging when they’re hungry, others get over emotional when they’re feeling sleepy or are overstimulated first thing in the morning. Any kind of dental anxiety is going to be worse when your child is already a little off-kilter, and this is something you should keep in mind.

Try and book your child’s appointment when you know they’re normally a bit more settled, such as after a good nap or a decent night’s sleep and a nourishing breakfast. It’s not a foolproof approach, but it might make things a little easier for everyone involved.

7. Speak to your dentist before the appointment

One of the best ways to help your child get comfortable in the dentist’s chair is to encourage some rapport between them. Dentists want their check-ups with children to go smoothly, and will appreciate knowing in advance if the child is feeling anxious or scared.

Having a chat with the dentist before the appointment will allow you to drop in a few hints of subjects that can be brought up to help the child relax. If your little one is passionate about unicorns, dinosaurs, or a particular cartoon or game, let the dentist know – these nuggets of wisdom can go a long way when a child is in need of distraction.

8. Consistency is key

Kids thrive on consistency and routine, no matter how chaotic and unpredictable your little ones sometimes seem to be. If possible, try and see the same dentist every time – they’ll then have the opportunity to build a relationship with your child, gaining their trust and even their enthusiasm for dental health.

9. Make oral health fun!

Brushing twice a day shouldn’t feel like a chore for your children. By bringing some fun into their oral health routine, you’ll be able to make maintaining healthy teeth and gums fun while removing fears of visiting the dentist, too.

Why not try picking up a musical toothbrush for your little one which plays a ditty for the two minutes the brush is being used? You could also play your favourite song and dance while brushing together, or remind your child how proud the dentist will be when they see their clean and sparkling teeth.

Keeping kids smiling this Halloween and all year round

At Smiles Dental, we take pride in providing fantastic dental care forthe whole family, no matter their age. We also know that happy kids make the best patients, and our friendly teams know all kinds of ways to ensure your little one looks forward to their next visit.

Find your nearest Smiles Dental clinic today. Together we’ll begin your child’s journey to excellent oral health, leaving all their fears and worries at the door.



*   cora.ucc.ie
** dentalhealth.ie Your smile is amazing. It has the power to elevate your mood and the emotions of those around you. It can open doors to brand new opportunities, secure that second date, and showcase your happiness to the world. Smiling is a universal symbol of happiness and kindness, and your smile is as unique as you are.

Here at Smiles, we know the difference a confident smile can make. That’s why we’re committed to keeping smiles shining up and down the Republic of Ireland, with dedicated dentists providing excellent dental care from Galway to Wexford and back again.

Let’s celebrate your smile

Launched in 1999 and celebrated on the first Friday of each October, the message of this annual event is as simple as it is clear: Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile.

Let’s dive right into our ten top tips for smiles that bring happiness throughout the year.

1. Stick to an effective teeth cleaning routine

When it comes to excellent oral health, it all starts with the essentials. Behind every sparkling smile is a teeth cleaning routine that covers all the basics. By brushing at least twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, you’ll be able to remove food residue, plaque and build-ups of bacteria, increasing your protections against gum disease and the complications it can cause.

This is important for everyone of all ages, but becomes especially significant as we get older. In Ireland, 18% of adults over the age of 54 have no natural teeth, and 6% of adults in Ireland claim to struggle with eating, talking and laughing as a result of dental health concerns.* By adopting (and sticking to!) a consistent teeth cleaning routine, you can keep your smile in better shape for longer.

2. Remember to floss

Regular brushing will remove the majority of the food residue that causes the development of bacteria on the teeth. However, the gaps between the teeth require careful and consistent attention. Daily flossing after brushing will help remove residue caught in the teeth, helping to maintain your tooth enamel and keeping gum disease at bay.

3. Plan regular visits to your dentist

Want to keep your smile in top condition? Your dentist should be your first port of call. Routine exams and dental hygiene appointments will help you keep your teeth sparkling and clean, and your dentist will also be able to provide advice on how to make your oral health regime even more effective.

On top of this, Smiles dentists have the experience and insight needed to spot oral health complications – ranging from gum disease to more serious concerns like mouth cancer – in their earliest stages.

4. Give your smile a confidence boost

All too many people shy away from letting their smile shine, as they feel self-conscious about common issues like crooked teeth, underbites, overbites or a smile that could be whiter and brighter.

Our Smiles clinics take pride in offering a range of teeth whitening and teeth straightening treatments, all of which can make a difference to your smile and the confidence it shows. Providing discreet teeth straightening with removable Invisalign aligners and other orthodontic treatments, in-practice teeth whitening and reliable whitening kits to take home (and much more besides), we’ve got all you need to unleash your confident smile.

5. Keep your diet smile-healthy

From comforting traditional bakes like barmbrack or scones to sweet pick-me-ups and fizzy drinks, we all enjoy a sugary treat now and then. We all know that such indulgences aren’t good for our dental health, and it’s important to enjoy such things in careful moderation if you want to maintain your smile over the years.

Consider switching up less healthy snacks for low-sugar alternatives. Fresh fruits and vegetables (especially crunchy vegetables which flush away bacteria as you eat them) are highly recommended. We’re lucky in Ireland to have access to plenty of delicious natural and seasonal produce – why not make the most of it? What’s more, the vitamin boost you’ll get from such ingredients can help you live an overall healthier lifestyle, elevate your energy levels and even potentially heighten your mood, too.**

6. Keep an eye on your mental health

A smile isn’t something that begins and ends with your teeth – it’s a symptom of happiness and inner peace that comes from deep within. There’s no denying that life can sometimes take some unexpected twists and turns, and good mental health is central to self-care and ensuring you keep on smiling.

A recent survey reported that up to 60% of adults in Ireland experience depression, and a worrying 80% of adults across the country feel they experience symptoms of anxiety.*** Making sure you have someone to talk to if things become too difficult, or taking the time to speak to a mental health professional can make a whole world of difference. Approaching dental health and mental health in a similar way – by ensuring positive routines, taking expert advice, and adjusting daily habits to maximise the best results – is a holistic way to keep smiling throughout the year.

7. Dive into mindfulness

Chances are, you’ve come across mindfulness before, or may already be an ardent practitioner. If not, it’s just as likely you could benefit from this approach of living in the present moment and allowing yourself to be aware or mindful of how you feel, what you do, and how your actions influence yourself and the people around you.

Those who practise mindfulness believe that by making a few small changes to the way you perceive yourself at any given moment, you can reduce stress, slow down and increase your happiness. It might be as simple as enjoying a sunset, savouring your food a little more thoroughly or enjoying the feeling of freshly-cleaned teeth. It may involve more active mindful techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga or meditation. By adopting ‘in the moment’ living, you may just discover a few more reasons to smile.

8. Do your bit for others

World Smile Day 2023 arrives with the important message of “Do an act of kindness. Make one person smile”. When we help others or share kindness and generosity, we not only help those around us feel better, we can also invite more happiness into our lives.

Volunteering for local charities, helping friends and neighbours, or assisting those in need in your community can make a huge difference to people’s lives. If you don’t have the time or resources, simply lend an ear to someone close to you and remind your loved ones you’re there for them. We all have the ability to help the smiles of other people shine, and by proactively lending a hand, we can all make the world a better place.

9. Reduce stress with creativity

A lot of people perceive themselves as being not very creative. However, we all have the ability to express ourselves creatively, and enjoying a hobby or artistic activity is a surefire way to relax, enjoy your individualism and spread some smiles.

There are countless ways to get creative. Baking delicious cakes or bread, dance classes (or hitting the clubs to throw some shapes!), painting, crochet, writing poetry… the list just goes on and on. No matter if you’re a natural talent or a keen amateur, being creative can be a fabulous source of daily happiness.

10. Let your smile shine

At Smiles, we know that truly beautiful smiles are those with confidence, health and real happiness behind them. Our clinicians, practice staff and specialists alike are here to help your smile reach its full potential. By taking care of your oral health, you’ll feel more comfortable showing off your smile and revealing its effect on those around you.

With 22 clinics across the Republic of Ireland, Smiles is dedicated to helping you gain happier, healthier and more confident smiles. Contact your nearest clinic today to book your next appointment.

* www.dentalhealth.ie
** www.washingtonpost.com
*** www.aware.ie The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has stated that there are over 64,000 people in the Republic of Ireland living with dementia¹, and these figures are expected to rise considerably across the next generation. By 2050, experts estimate that there will be 141,000 people in Ireland with dementia; approximately one in five people over the age of 80.

Dementia is a general term for a number of progressive syndromes which cause the decline of brain function, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease. This disease causes symptoms which include confusion, memory loss and difficulties with thinking clearly and problem solving. It also makes day-to-day tasks, such as adequate oral health care, a challenge for those living with the disease.

When you’re a carer for someone with dementia, ensuring good oral health in the person you’re caring for is an important aspect of their daily wellbeing. There are many ways to spot symptoms of dental and oral health issues in those suffering from dementia, and ways to assist with good oral health as the disease progresses.

The impact of dementia on oral health

Many people living with dementia find daily tasks we take for granted – including brushing their teeth and following a normal oral health routine – difficult to manage.

However, the results of poor oral health, and most notably tooth decay and gum disease, pose a serious risk to those living with dementia. This is because a lack of regular and thorough brushing can cause plaque to build up and result in damage to the surface of the teeth. Left unchecked, this can result in pain, sensitivity, more serious infection and tooth loss, all of which can make living with dementia even more difficult or uncomfortable.

Identifying when a person with dementia is experiencing issues with their oral health can be difficult, especially if they’re in the later stages of their illness. However, dentists with experience in treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease in Ireland have recommended looking out for a few tell-tale signs.

Spotting oral health issues in people living with dementia

While not every person living with dementia will struggle to think clearly or be able to articulate how they are feeling, it’s not uncommon for many to be unable to identify or express that they’re having issues with their oral health. It’s also quite usual for people living with dementia to find it difficult to maintain a regular oral health routine.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland have identified a handful of typical behavioural signs that indicate an individual is struggling with their oral health, including:
• Problems with sleeping
• Reluctance to eat or loss of appetite
• Aggressive outbursts or acting as though they are in pain
• Constant touching their face or indicating pain in the mouth area

Many of these behaviours are symptoms of dementia and may not be connected to the oral health of the individual. However, if any of these symptoms develop quickly or seem out of character, speak to your local dentist for advice.

Taking care of oral health in the early stages of dementia

The earlier stages of dementia are generally typified by milder and often more manageable symptoms. However, the person you’re caring for will likely still need frequent reminders, help and guidance on how best to look after their teeth. This might include:
• Clearly explaining to the individual how best to brush their teeth. Use simple, short and easily-understandable steps, and provide frequent reminders to make it a part of their morning and evening routine
• Provide a demonstration on how to brush their teeth and ensure they have easy access to a mirror so they can see themselves doing it
• If necessary, gently guide their toothbrush for them or brush their teeth if they are not able to.

The importance of dentist check-ups for people with dementia

While maintaining a consistent at-home oral health routine is essential, it’s also important to ensure the individual you’re caring for has regular dentist check-ups, too. Many Smiles dentists are specially trained to provide care for those living with dementia – simply ask at your local dental clinic for guidance or a recommendation.

Not only will your dentist be able to check for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, poor dental hygiene and other oral health issues, they’ll be able to build a trusting relationship with the individual which will make dentist visits less stressful.

Taking care of oral health in the later stages of dementia

In the later stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, people often lose the ability to adequately complete daily tasks by themselves. When this arises, carers may need to take a more active role in responsibilities such as brushing their teeth on their behalf.

It’s not uncommon for people living with later stage dementia to find someone brushing their teeth for them stressful or invasive, and it can cause them to become agitated. Should this occur, it’s important not to force the individual. Instead, consider postponing teeth brushing until later in the day or when they’re feeling calmer. If it becomes very difficult to brush their teeth, or if it frequently leads to outbursts of frustration or agitation, it may become necessary to seek out specialist care to make sure they have professional help in looking after their teeth.

Carers of people living with dementia often need support and guidance, or respite support to ensure they can continue living a fulfilling life. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, along with other organisations, can help you find support in the community for dementia carers.

Maintaining good oral health habits for people with dementia

Making sure the person with dementia you’re caring for maintains good oral health habits is essential for their continuing wellbeing. It’s important to take a holistic view of their oral health and to understand that this goes beyond simply brushing twice per day, and can include the following:
• Taking good care of dentures by cleaning them after every meal with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, and soaking them overnight to avoid drying out
• Keeping dentures in the same place all the time when they’re not being worn. People with dementia can struggle with memory loss and losing personal items, so ensuring important items like dentures are stored in the same place can make a difference
• Ensuring the individual has a healthy diet without too many sugar snacks, or replacing unhealthy snack foods with healthier sugar-free alternatives

If you’re seeking oral health advice for someone you care for or for yourself, contact your nearest Smiles dentist today.

Reference

1. https://alzheimer.ie/creating-change/awareness-raising/dementia-in-the-media/ In April 2023 we mark Stress Awareness Month – an annual event aimed at raising awareness of the causes and cures of stress, and that encourages conversations on this important topic.

The world of dentistry is one that’s sometimes associated with stress, anxiety and fear. People right across the globe may experience stress when it comes to the matter of their dental health and various procedures, treatments and processes involving their teeth and gums.

What is dentophobia?

Dentophobia (sometimes referred to as odontophobia) is the fear of visiting the dentists. It’s surprisingly common – about one in five Irish people surveyed claim to suffer from Dentophobia,* and as many as 20% of the population stated visits to the dentist cause them some anxiety.*

It’s a phobia which affects more women than men, and unlike many phobias, people are more likely to feel anxious about dentist visits as they get older. This is likely due to the increased likelihood of dental procedures being needed with age.

At Smiles, our dentists and hygienists work with anxious patients every day. With their expert approach, knowledge and calming manner, they can soothe all manner of anxieties while ensuring your oral health stays in great condition. What’s more, they can ensure early warning signs of dental health issues are spotted and treated – something which actually reduces stress and anxiety in the long term.

Taking the stress out of dentistry

We take pride in offering a wide range of dentist and dental hygiene services, and we aim to make every dentist visit as stress-free and comfortable as possible. With a choice of sedation methods and patient-focused approaches, we take your wellbeing and peace of mind as seriously as we take your oral health.

If you feel stressed or anxious about visiting the dentist, it’s really important you communicate this with us. We treat nervous patients every day, and we’re more than happy to put you at ease and make your visit as pleasant as possible. Let’s take a closer look at dental anxiety and stress and how to overcome these common issues.

Why are people afraid of the dentist?

There are several causes of stress, fear and anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist. However, most of these fears are completely irrational – not helped, of course, by negative portrayals of dentists in books and films. Our dentists have one key aim: to look after your dental health. While it may feel stressful to go to the dentist, your dental appointments are an important aspect of your overall wellbeing. Here are some of the most common fears relating to dental procedures, as well as the reassuring reality behind each one.

I’m afraid of needles

We get it – needles can be scary. Most of the time, it’s the anticipation of the injection that causes anxiety rather than the actual sensation of being injected (which is little more than a mild scratch). Numbing injections are a vital aspect of dentistry, and the miniscule discomfort of getting injected with a local anaesthetic is there entirely for your own benefit. If this is a real cause of stress for you, speak to your dentist. They can offer you a range of sedation options, as well as practical solutions like applying a numbing gel to the gums to make injections even more painless and unnoticeable.

I’m scared of not being in control during dental procedures

A lot of patients have anxieties around the thought of someone putting their hands in their mouth, or not being able to see what’s going on when the dentist is altering their teeth. If this sounds familiar, have a chat with your dentist before any procedure – they’ve got plenty of approaches to make you feel more comfortable. Sometimes it just helps to be spoken to constantly throughout each stage of a treatment, or you could agree on a hand signal to show you want to take a break.

I’m worried I’ll need fillings or other procedures

Nobody likes getting bad news when they go to the dentist, or finding out that they’ll need a filling, root canal treatment or other procedures. If you feel anxious about this, bear in mind that such procedures exist to stop issues or discomfort from getting worse. Your dentist is there to help you – they won’t recommend any procedures that aren’t necessary for your oral health. What’s more, early intervention can help stop toothache, decay, or more serious issues from arising.

I’ve had bad experiences in the past

A lot of stress surrounding dentist visits comes from bad childhood experiences and memories. When we are children, we often experience the world with heightened emotions and sitting in the dentist chair can be an intimidating experience. It’s important to remember that dentistry has come a long way over the past decade or two. At Smiles, we are proud of our modern practices and contemporary methods. Consider visiting a practice or take time to read some testimonials – your perceptions are likely vastly outdated!

Five ways to handle stress and fear of the dentist

It’s perfectly normal to be apprehensive or nervous about any dental procedure. However, there are a number of things we can all do to overcome stress and make visits to the dentist easier and more pleasant.
• Identify what is making you nervous. Most fears are irrational – once we stop and consider them rationally, they become less intimidating. Take the time to talk through your worries with your dentist. They can explain any procedures and answer all your questions.
• Schedule visits first thing in the morning. This is an interesting psychological trick – by arranging your procedures earlier in the day, you won’t spend hours worrying about or overthinking your appointments prior to your visit.
• Communicate your needs. Rest assured, your dentist treats nervous and stressed patients every day. They want you to feel comfortable during your appointment, and can offer sensory comforts like headphones, blankets or gentle sedation to keep you calm.

Staying positive to overcome dental stress and anxiety

Keeping a positive and level-headed mindset is a powerful tool for overcoming stress. We’d highly recommend spending some time reading some of the patient testimonials on our practice pages. All these reviews were written by people just like you, who most probably had plenty of their own anxieties before their Smiles appointments.

By staying positive, recognising the benefits that good dental care can bring and looking forward to better oral health, your stress surrounding the dentist can become more manageable.

Find your nearest Smiles clinic and book your appointment today.

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*CORA Dental anxiety prevalence and surgery environment factors It’s no secret that sugar is bad for our teeth, and yet in 2020 sugar consumption in Ireland was at 31.2kg per person, more than double the amount recommended by nutritionists. Such statistics raise all kinds of questions – is every type of sugar harmful for our oral and overall health? Do all sugars contribute towards tooth decay and cavities, or are some sugars – especially the so-called ‘natural’ sugars – somehow less harmful?

Dental professionals are quick to point out that all sugars – whether from ‘natural’ sources or processed foods – can lead to tooth decay, and it’s important to remain aware that even ‘natural’ sugars should be enjoyed in moderation, just the same as every other type of sugar. In short, there’s no such thing as sugar that’s tooth-friendly.

It’s widely understood that ingredients and products that feature ‘added sugar’ are the worst for your teeth. Added sugars are especially common in foods and ingredients aimed at children. Worryingly, recent studies have suggested that three-year-olds in Ireland are consuming an average of 10 tsp of ‘free sugar’ (sugars added during the processing and production of food) per day.

Let’s take a closer look at why sugar is bad for your teeth, and why different foods containing sugars – even those from natural sources – should be approached with your dental health in mind.

What makes sugar so bad for your teeth?

Sugars occur naturally in a huge array of vegetables, fruits and other healthy foods. Despite this, sugars aren’t beneficial to your dental health. This is because sugar feeds harmful types of oral bacteria, and when these bacteria feed upon sugar in the mouth, they quickly excrete acids that cause damage to the surface of the teeth. The sugar also helps these bacteria multiply, creating more bacteria which produce more acid… and the cycle continues.

Often, these bacteria end up causing the production of plaque – a film-like sticky substance that adheres to the teeth. Plaque surrounds and encases the bacteria, protecting it as it multiplies. Being aware of this cyclical process is important, and something we should all consider when selecting the food we eat and how we go about our dental health routine.

When choosing our food, it’s helpful to remember that our oral bacteria cannot tell the difference between ‘natural’ or ‘artificial’ sugars – every type of sugar will feed oral bacteria. This includes regular household sugar, grain sugars like glucose, fructose (fruit sugars) and lactose (the sugars present in milk and dairy products). It doesn’t matter what the source of the sugar in your diet is; it can still potentially cause the formation of cavities and tooth decay.

Certain carbohydrates can be broken down into sugar by oral bacteria too. However, sugars formed from carbohydrates produce less energy as others, and bacteria can’t use it to spread quite so quickly. As a result, while the sugar in grains, beans, potatoes, wholemeal bread and other complex carbohydrates won’t benefit your teeth, they also won’t have such a damaging effect, either.

Naturally-occurring sugars vs added sugar in processed foods

Ingredients containing natural sugars – such as dairy products, fruit and vegetables – are a key part of a balanced and healthy diet. The sugars found in these foods aren’t going to cause significant damage to your oral health when enjoyed in moderation and when a good oral health routine is maintained.

On top of this, while the sugars found in natural ingredients have the potential to harm your teeth in the same way as those found in sweet snacks and processed foods, they tend to be balanced by naturally occurring liquids which help to flush sugar and residue away. They’ll also often be present with the kinds of proteins that feed less harmful or beneficial bacteria, as well as fibre which promotes chewing – another tooth-friendly function which increases saliva production.

By brushing and flossing twice daily, visiting a dental hygienist and making regular trips to the dentist, oral bacteria present in the mouth shouldn’t lead to any build-up of plaque.

Foods with added sugars – often processed foods or artificially sweetened ingredients – are generally much worse for your teeth than those with natural sugars. This is because adding sugar to ingredients increases the quantity of sugar that makes contact with your teeth while you eat. Residue from your food will then be more likely to feed harmful oral bacteria, creating a higher likelihood of plaque developing.

Added sugars tend to be modified and processed, which often makes them more viscous and stickier than natural sugars. Caramel is a clear example of this, and it’s a worryingly common ingredient in lots of different foods. Because caramel is a sugar that has been processed into a polymer, it’s even more likely to cling to the teeth where it can feed more harmful bacteria – sometimes for many hours after eating or drinking. These kinds of added sugars are also sometimes artificially separated from natural antioxidants in foods (which help tackle oral bacteria), further compounding the problem.

There’s another issue here: sometimes, food and drinks which we’re led to believe are ‘natural’ are highly processed, and they might even include added sugar to make them taste sweeter. Concentrated fruit juice is a common culprit, and even ‘natural’ treats like dried fruit should be enjoyed in moderation for this reason.

What about alternative sugars and natural sweeteners?

There’s a lot of confusion out there surrounding natural sources of sweetness, and marketing companies put in a lot of effort to make people believe that some of these sugars are ‘healthy’ alternatives. Honey, agave nectar and maple syrup – along with plenty of other plant extracts and alternative sweetening ingredients are often championed as the new big thing in natural sugar… but are they any better than the rest?

On the whole, so-called ‘natural’ sources of sweetness – sometimes referred to as ‘alternative sugars’ are no healthier or unhealthier for your teeth than your standard sugars. Maple and agave syrups are actually just concentrates of sugar syrups and aren’t really ‘natural’ at all – they’re processed ingredients taken from plants other than the standard sugarcane.

Honey has plenty of health benefits, but it is still packed full of sugar that can cause harm to your teeth. What’s more, it’s still a processed product, although it’s processed by bees rather than by humans. It’s also worth mentioning that cheaper honey is sometimes blended with sugar syrup before being packaged and sold.

This brings us back to the point made earlier: it doesn’t really matter what kind of sugar you’re eating as far as your teeth concerned – your teeth can’t tell the difference between the sugar in a chocolate bar or an all-fruit smoothie with maple syrup, and quantity is more significant than quality. Some experts argue that sucrose (which you’ll find in sweets, cereals, chocolates and other treats) is slightly more harmful than glucose and fructose (found in vegetables, fruits and honey) due to its stickiness. However, the difference isn’t particularly significant.

Take steps to ensure a healthy, happy smile

Your diet plays a truly central role in maintaining a healthy and happy smile, and maintaining a great dental health routine alongside regular visits to the dentist will lower your risk of cavities, tooth decay and gum disease.

At Smiles, we take great pride in ensuring our patients’ teeth and gums remain healthy. Our dentists and dental hygienists will spot signs of oral health issues in their early stages, providing treatments and advice that can make a world of difference to your smile.

Make sure you’re attending the dentist and hygienist regularly. To find a local Smiles dentist, search for your nearest practice. As children grow, their teeth and overall dental development go through plenty of significant changes. As such, wondering whether your child needs braces or not is something plenty of parents and carers will experience.

You might notice that their permanent teeth are growing in a misaligned way, or that their bite isn’t as straight as it could or should be. The child might feel self-conscious of their smile, or experience some discomfort, pain or difficulty with cleaning due to crooked teeth.

All of these issues are treatable with orthodontic procedures and braces, and there are plenty of potential options to discuss and explore with your dentist or orthodontist.

Why should my child get braces?

Braces for children and teens have come a long way over the past few decades. The results they can produce can be genuinely transformative – not just to a child’s oral health and dental alignment, but to their confidence and overall well-being, too.

At Smiles, we work with young people every day, straightening their smiles and improving overall oral health. Our dentists and hygienists have the skills, experience and expertise to select the right orthodontic journey for your child, ensuring the best results that bring about real differences.

It’s normal to have lots of questions surrounding the safety, comfort levels and effectiveness of braces for your child – not least because there are so many options and approaches available nowadays. Let’s take a closer look at the most common questions surrounding braces and aligners for teens and children, and identify some of the most common signs that your child needs braces.

How do I know if my child needs braces?

There are many reasons why your dentist might recommend braces for your child. The majority of the time, this will be because of how your child’s permanent teeth have grown. Crooked teeth patterns, visible gaps, overcrowding and misaligned bites are very common, and can cause difficulty with brushing as well as issues with self-esteem.

It’s important to remember that before any orthodontic treatment can take place, your child’s teeth and gums need to be healthy. Your child’s dentist or dental hygienist may need to treat issues like gum disease and tooth decay – or insist on improvements to their oral health routine – before going ahead with any orthodontic treatment.

Here are some of the most common alignment issues seen in children and teens, all of which may require attention and treatment:
• Overbites, underbites and crossbites. When the teeth on the upper and lower jaw don’t align correctly, this can cause premature tooth wearing and a lack of confidence in smiling.
• Their top and bottom front teeth don’t touch. This is known as an ‘open bite’ – an alignment issue that can make it hard for your child to chew their food. It can also lead to speech issues and self-esteem problems.
• Crowded and crooked teeth. This is probably the most common reason for orthodontic treatments, and crooked teeth are generally caused by permanent teeth erupting in a jaw that hasn’t fully developed yet. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease (as crooked teeth are difficult to clean), as well as issues with confidence.
• Too much space between the teeth. Essentially the opposite of crowded teeth, having gaps can still cause issues with dental hygiene and confidence in your child’s smile.

The above aren’t the only reasons your teen or child might need braces. Other reasons include:
• Boosting their oral health. Weakened teeth (a common result of misaligned bites or malocclusions) can cause poor oral health. Braces will reduce the stress placed on certain teeth or parts of the mouth, bringing improvements to their oral health.
• Decreased likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay. Crowded teeth can be tricky to brush – teeth that overlap can cause a build-up of bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Conversely, straighter teeth are easier to clean and have fewer issues in the long term.
• Difficulty chewing and jaw pain. Some orthodontic issues aren’t as visible as others. Jaw pain and problems with chewing can be corrected by an orthodontist, too.
• Speech issues and impediments. Teeth that have developed incorrectly can cause speech to be impacted, especially if the teeth lean too far backwards or forwards. A speech therapist may be required for more severe issues, but orthodontics has been proven to bring improvements to communication.
• Self-esteem. A healthy or straight smile can really make a difference to your child’s confidence, especially during adolescence and early adulthood. Braces for children are one of the simplest and most enduring ways to improve their self-esteem.

Not sure if your child needs braces? Need advice on any of the above issues? Speak to a member of your Smiles team and get your questions answered by an expert. They’ll be able to talk you through all the options regarding your child’s teeth, and help you make an informed decision on next steps.

What is the best age to get braces?

There’s no cut-and-dried answer to this question, as all children are different and develop in different ways. Knowing when is best for your child or teen to get braces mostly comes down to when they have enough permanent teeth. For most children, this happens between the ages of 11 and 14, but for others, it could be younger or older.

Orthodontic treatments require the shifting of permanent teeth into new positions. As such, it’s best to wait for your child to develop as many permanent teeth as possible. Aligners and braces generally aren’t suitable for children whose teeth are still erupting or those who still have a lot of milk teeth. This can cause unpredictable results, and may require further correction as they get older.

Another common question is how long braces need to be worn for. In teenage years, image and confidence take on a whole new significance – so many teens are keen to get their orthodontic journey over with as quickly as possible.

Again, there’s no straightforward answer here. Some children get straighter teeth in as little as six months, and others need a year or more to achieve the desired results.

At Smiles, we believe in doing things properly. Your Smiles practitioner will keep you and your child informed regarding the progress of their treatment. They’ll also ensure quality aftercare, which most likely requires the wearing of retainers after the braces are removed.

Which are the best braces for children and teens?

Thanks to advances across dentistry, there are more options for teeth straightening than ever before. Our Smiles dentists will be happy to guide you and your child through the available teeth straightening options, keeping your child’s needs, your budget and their overall oral health in mind.

The principal types of braces for children are:

Fixed metal braces.

The most recognisable form of braces, these consist of wires attached to metal brackets bonded to the outside of the teeth. They’re the most common choice for teenagers across the Republic of Ireland.

Fixed ceramic braces

Sometimes referred to as ‘clear braces’, these are made of clear brackets bonded to the outer surface of the teeth, linked by tooth-coloured wires to reduce visibility. A discreet option, they’re popular with children and teens looking for an effective yet less-noticeable alternative to metal braces.

Lingual braces

Also known as ‘hidden braces’, these feature brackets bonded to the inside of the teeth. They’re a far more discreet option, but work in much the same way as other types of braces.

Invisalign braces

Using a series of custom-made transparent aligners, Invisalign aligners gradually straighten the teeth over time. They can be removed easily during mealtimes or when brushing, and are increasingly popular with teens who want a discreet teeth-straightening solution.

Smiles: expert teeth straightening for teens in ROI

At Smiles, we strive to bring straighter, more confident and healthier teeth to all patients of all ages. With practices across the Republic of Ireland, our team will be happy to ensure your child or teenager gets care and results that speak for themselves.

Want to find out more? Request an orthodontic treatment quote today, and see what Smiles can do for you and your child. Vaping – or using e-cigarettes – is often promoted as a safer alternative to tobacco smoking. This goes some way towards understanding the significant uptake in vaping’s popularity in recent years. However, concerns around vaping and its impact on oral health are plentiful. This partly comes down to the fact that there are just so many vaping products and ingredients available today, and medical professionals are finding it hard to understand and predict their long-term effects.

Recent government statistics have claimed that the number of people vaping more than doubled between 2021 and 2022, with the percentage leaping up from 4% to 8.6%. This is despite developing medical claims and concerns surrounding the impact on overall and oral health.

Vaping is the action of inhaling nicotine via a flavoured water vapor. Vape liquids often vary when it comes to nicotine strength, and many contain no nicotine at all. However, up and down the country, those who are vaping are increasingly beginning to ask: is vaping bad for your teeth?

There’s no shortage of conflicting information out there when it comes to the potential negative impact of vaping on oral health. It’s time to take a closer look at how e-cigarette usage might be harming your teeth and consider the latest research on the matter.

Will vaping stain my teeth?

The way traditional tobacco smoking, through cigarettes, cigars, and pipes affects the health and appearance of teeth is well understood. The high levels of tar present in tobacco can quickly discolour teeth, making a noticeable impact on your smile.

Vaping may remove the presence of tar from the equation. However, the sticky aerosol and artificial flavourings in vape liquids can also worsen the appearance of your smile, as they can cause stains to be trapped in the enamel. It’s important to note that the staining of both tooth enamel and tooth-coloured fillings can be caused even by vape liquids with no nicotine.

How does vaping affect my oral health?

Just like the rest of our body, our teeth and gums thrive on a delicately-balanced system – one which can be unbalanced by the introduction of harmful chemicals. While it’s true that e-cigarettes contain fewer and smaller quantities of harmful chemicals than tobacco, they still include plenty of ingredients recognized as damaging to both oral and general wellbeing.

When you vape, it’s not just the addictive nicotine that’s entering your body. There is also vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and many other chemical additives being transmitted, and these can cause a build-up of sticky substances that alter the bacterial makeup of the mouth. This may in turn lead to:
• Excess oral bacteria, resulting in gum disease, gum recession and tooth decay.
• Inhibited bloodflow to the gums caused by nicotine, which may lead to poor gum healing, failed gum treatments and affected dental implants.
• Dry mouth leading to bad breath, oral sores and tooth decay.
• A potential increase in teeth grinding or bruxism.

While medical professionals generally agree that vaping is safer than tobacco smoking, there is also concern that – rather than vaping as a ‘stop smoking’ method – many never-smokers are opting to vape as a lifestyle choice. This may lead to wider health implications than merely the oral health issues listed above.

Will my dentist be able to tell if I vape?

As shown, the effects on the teeth, gums and mouth caused by vaping are detectable. Your dentist will be able to spot the impact that vaping has on your oral health during your check-up, especially if you’ve been vaping for an extended period. Please don’t hide the fact that you’re vaping when you next visit your Smiles dentist; it’s important that your dentist or hygienist can advise on your oral care based on all the relevant information. If you feel you need support on quitting vaping or smoking, there is plenty of assistance available via your local health service provider.

Smoking or vaping: which causes most harm to my oral health?

Make no mistake: both vaping and smoking can cause oral health problems, even though vaping is generally considered to be the safer of these two habits. From an increased build-up of plaque to tooth discolouration, inhibited saliva production, heightened risk of gum disease, tooth loss, cavities and more, vaping can cause all kinds of issues because of changes to the bacterial biome of the mouth.

There’s a further factor to bear in mind: the impact of vaping on oral health is still an area of developing and ongoing research, and the effects are yet to be fully understood. Indeed, key insights to the damage that vaping can do to your mouth, teeth and gums are yet to be revealed.

Quite simply, vaping hasn’t been around for nearly long enough for scientists to fully assess all the associated risks. That being said, the risks that have already been revealed are worrying enough to discourage those who want to maintain good oral health, and the medical advice to quit should be heeded carefully.

How do I reduce the impact of vaping on my oral health?

There are plenty of things you can do to reduce the impact that vaping has on your oral health. These include:
• Quitting altogether
• Considering alternatives like xylitol mints and sugar-free gum as ways of handling addiction
• Staying hydrated, as vaping can cause dehydration which impacts the natural defences of the mouth. Drinking plenty of water will help counter any damage caused this way.
• Visit your Smiles hygienist and dentist regularly, as dental professionals will be able to spot oral health concerns and early warning signs and assist in helping with any issues.
• Maintain your good oral health routine by brushing and flossing twice per day.

Worried about how vaping is impacting your oral health? Contact your nearest Smiles clinic today and get the advice you need to make a difference. The 20th of March 2023 is World Oral Health Day, a special event founded by the FDI World Dental Federation to raise awareness of worldwide oral health issues. Its aim is to empower individuals everywhere with the tools and knowledge to ensure better oral health for all, and World Oral Health Day 2023 focuses on oral wellbeing at every stage of life.

At Smiles, innovation and technology forms much of the core of what we do best. You don’t have to look far back in history to see just how far dentistry has come. In fact, it wasn’t so long ago that relatively minor oral health issues were considerable risks to general health, and this is something that remains true in communities without access to modern, safe and professional dental care.

The progress made in the world of dentistry has ensured healthier and happier lives for countless people. Researchers, innovators and dental professionals have used their knowledge and discoveries to transform lives from early childhood to our senior years, and dentistry continues to improve with each new discovery.

From ancient roots to the dentistry of today

Dentistry – in one form or another – has been a part of healthcare since ancient times. The Egyptians were drilling teeth as far back as 2900 BCE, supposedly to drain abscesses and alleviate pain. Historians looking into the ancient roots of dentistry have also found evidence of dental implants from 600 BCE in modern day Lebanon, and the Etruscan civilisation were crafting gold dental crowns and rudimentary bridges around the same time.

Throughout South Asia and China, archaeological evidence of silver amalgam fillings have been discovered. Early Arabic physicians developed and practised the science of cleaning and scaling the teeth – it seems we’ve always been concerned with our oral health, no matter when or where around the world.

Knowledge of oral health has developed and grown throughout human history, with new ideas and expertise driving innovation and technology. In the 20th and 21st centuries, oral health truly leapt forward. With the technological advances this era brought, our insight, knowledge and understanding deepened considerably.

Let’s take a closer look at many of the most significant oral health innovations and discoveries from the last century. From new concepts and approaches to everyday oral health to jaw-dropping breakthroughs in dental technology, each one has contributed to healthier and more confident smiles for every stage of life.

Fluoride toothpaste and water fluoridation

Since the beginning of the 20th century, fluoride toothpaste has been the global standard for everyday dental care. It’s something we perhaps now take for granted, but there’s little doubt that this innovation has assisted billions worldwide in improving and maintaining their oral health each day.

The idea of fluoridation arose in an interesting way. American dentist Frederick McKay noticed that patients living in a part of Colorado had almost no tooth decay. After spending years researching why this was the case, McKay was able to show that it came down to a high level of natural fluoride in the drinking water. McKay’s findings led to fluoride being added to drinking water in many parts of the USA in 1945, and several developed countries soon followed suit.

The result? Since fluoridation was introduced, dental caries in children generally decreased by over 50% – it was truly a world-changing decision, and one which has affected how dental care products have been made ever since.

Anaesthesia and painless dentistry

It’s far from comfortable to imagine what dental surgery – even basic dental processes – would have been like prior to the development of anaesthetics.

While dentistry techniques have come such a long way as a result of anaesthetics, dentaphobia remains a common fear – 10% of people surveyed claim to fear the dentists, with many putting off important treatments due to their anxieties. Contemporary sedation methods – which include wearing face masks to inhale gas sedatives or IV sedatives, which involve sedatives being injected – have helped countless uneasy patients undergo important procedures.

The development of lidocaine in the 1940s was a significant milestone in painless dentistry, and it was soon followed by other numbing and nerve-blocking substances. Today, local and safe anaesthesia is absolutely central to modern dentistry. It allows dentists and dental surgeons to undertake operations or procedures in relatively pain-free ways, and provides comfort to anxious or phobic patients who may otherwise suffer unnecessarily.

Dental X-rays

To say that the X-ray changed modern medicine forever would be something of an understatement. Alongside obvious benefits to healthcare as a whole, X-rays are absolutely essential to orthodontics and a range of dental procedures, too.

The very first X-ray used in a dental setting was produced in 1896 by Dr. Otto Walkhoff. It took until the 1950s, however, for radiography to become standardised and safe enough to be used regularly in dental procedures. Today, dentists and orthodontists rely on X-ray imagery to make decisions, check for important health issues, plan orthodontic procedures and much, much more.

The electric toothbrush

From twigs wrapped in animal hair to the invention of plastic toothbrushes with nylon bristles and the electric toothbrush, the devices used for cleaning our teeth have changed a lot throughout history. The modern electric toothbrush has its roots in early inventions from the 1920s, when dentists experimented with vibrating and spinning toothbrushes and discovered them highly effective in cleaning teeth. Most dentists nowadays will say that your everyday manual toothbrush is perfectly fine for everyday oral health. However, they’ll also state that electric toothbrushes – by and large – are far more effective at removing plaque, ensuring more complete cleanliness and keeping tooth decay gum disease at bay.

Composite fillings and porcelain crowns

Fillings and crowns have been made with dozens of different substances over the centuries. Some were even made from lead, mercury and other toxic materials – thankfully, they’ve long been superseded by safer substances! Composite resins first began being used for fillings in the 1960s, and the technology rapidly developed to include the tooth-coloured composites we know today. In much the same way, using porcelain for crowns started being used in the middle of the 20th century. This was due to dentists seeking materials which matched durability with aesthetic and discreet qualities.

Intra-oral scanners

Combining cutting-edge optical technology with laser precision, intra-oral scanners are very much a new horizon for image creation in dentistry. This contemporary image generator makes use of detailed scans to create 3D colourised imagery – by capturing 6,000 pictures per second, the level of detail they provide is utterly unmatched. With an intra-oral scanner, clinical precision is advanced and the need to manually create teeth impressions is reduced. These types of scanners, which include iTero scanners, are often used to create implants, crowns, bridges and Invisalign aligners. They’re making dentistry more comfortable and increasing accuracy like never before.

Clear aligners

Good dentistry is all about enduring health matched by comfort and confidence. The field of orthodontics has progressed enormously over the last century, and the past 70 years has seen various innovations that have led us to where we are today. People seeking teeth straightening treatments – and the boost to self esteem and oral health they can result in – have an array of options available to them today. From traditional fixed metal braces to clear aligners, it’s never been easier to obtain a healthier, happier and confident smile.

Invisalign treatments, which are making orthodontics simpler and more comfortable for people across the globe, have signalled a new era of teeth straightening. Durable yet convenient, removable yet effective, they’re a discreet and novel approach that has become enormously popular with teens and adults alike.

Dentistry for a healthier, happier future

It says a lot about the innovative nature of contemporary dentistry that this list is far from exhaustive. We could quite easily have included teeth whitening treatments like Philips ZOOM!, progresses in dental implants and much more. Research continues revealing new approaches to oral wellbeing and dental health, and the years to come are sure to reveal many more discoveries and scientific breakthroughs.

At Smiles Dental, we understand the difference that quality care can make. This World Oral Health Day, join us in celebrating the innovations of the past and looking forward to the future, and supporting the ongoing quest to raise awareness of oral health worldwide. Together, we’ll spread smiles that stretch across the globe.

Dental health is key to wellbeing at all stages in life. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing or using interdental brushes, and making regular trips to the dentist or hygienist are central to maintaining excellent oral health.

Find your nearest Smiles Dental practice and book your next appointment if you are due a check-up or need some advice.