Dietary Impact On Our Teeth

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What do the foods that you eat say about the likely long term health of your teeth and gums?

Especially when compared to early dental care, modern dentistry can now perform wonders in restoring teeth that are damaged or decayed. The latest procedures make the chances of retaining a damaged natural tooth much higher; but what also plays a major part in your ability to keep your own teeth, is what you put into your mouth.

In addition to the specialist dental treatments that we provide at Blue Sky Dental, we always keep in mind the fundamentals of good oral health care, and regularly remind our Chelmsford patients that, by and large, they have the majority of control over whether their teeth are healthy or not.

In addition to how well they clean and floss their teeth at home, supplemented by periodic visits to our hygienist, it is often day-to-day eating and drinking habits that create the biggest impact on their teeth.

Sugar

The well known number one enemy of healthy teeth is, of course, sugar. What may not be as well known though, is that sugar itself is not directly responsible for tooth decay. What it does is provide an effective food source for the bacteria in our teeth that do cause the damage to our teeth. A constant and steady flow of sugar products will almost certainly mean a rise in the number of harmful bacteria in our mouth. It is the acidic bi-products from these which will gradually destroy the enamel of your teeth and eventually allow the bacteria to find their way into the inner and more vulnerable parts of our teeth. When this occurs, toothache and root canal infections are probably not very far away.

By reducing the quantity of sugar that you consume, including sugars that are ‘hidden’ in foods, you will, in effect, be cutting off the food source of these bacteria and limiting the damage that they do. By reducing their number, it should be easier to to keep your teeth clean and healthy with regular brushing and flossing.

Carbonated and sports drinks

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Are Your Teeth At The Crossroads?

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Blue Sky Dental in Chelmsford

When the time comes and you decide to improve your teeth, the Blue Sky Dental team are here to help!

There is an old story about a guitar player whose career is going nowhere. He arrives at a crossroads, where he is met by the devil who tells him that if he sells his soul to him, he will be rich and famous. The guitarist agrees, and that, so the myth goes, is how the ‘Blues’ was born.

Fortunately for our Chelmsford patients, you don’t need  to sell your soul in order to help you have great looking teeth, but you will probably arrive at your very own crossroads, when you decide that your own teeth are not as healthy or as attractive as they could be. This is probably more likely if you have either not seen a dentist for some time, or have done so very sporadically over the preceding years.

Making the decision

Everybody will be different, but you may have been living with unhealthy and discoloured teeth for a while and not been especially bothered by it, providing that you weren’t in any discomfort. Sometimes though, a change of circumstances, such as being in a new relationship, may bring these problems to light. For others, it can be a spur of the moment ‘Eureka’ moment when you look in the mirror and think ‘enough is enough’. When this happens, Blue Sky Dental of Chelmsford will be here to help you in your quest for healthy *and* great looking teeth.

The starting point

The first thing that needs to be done when you decide to turn the corner is to have a consultation with one of our Chelmsford dentists. We will discuss your general health and other issues before giving you a thorough oral examination. If you have neglected to keep dental appointments for some time, it is quite likely that we will find some common issues that occur when this happens. Both gum disease and dental cavities are very common; the extent of these will probably depend on how well you have looked after your teeth.

Before we look at any restorative or cosmetic treatment, it is essential that your gums are given a clean bill of health. If early stage gum problems are found, in most cases, straightforward scale and polish procedures by the hygienist, coupled with enhanced personal oral care will suffice to clear them up. Any signs of advanced gum disease though, may need specialist treatment that requires affected teeth and gums to be cleaned right down to the tooth roots.

Restoring your teeth

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Why You Should Use A Trusted Dentist For Your Dental Implants

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Dr Edward Sammut - Specialist Dentist

Cutting corners on medical procedures could very easily backfire, says Dr Edward Sammut.

Choosing to have dental implants is understandably a major decision for most people. The cost implications and the invasive procedure involved means that people don’t take this decision lightly.

Almost without exception though, patients of Blue Sky Dental  tell us, at a later date, that it has changed their life in many different, but positive, ways. Because it is a complex procedure, that may stretch your budget a little however, it is important that the correct choices are made.

One of the biggest factors for many people is the cost of teeth implants. It isn’t the cheapest method of replacing missing teeth, but does offer a large number of benefits over cheaper treatments like bridges or dentures. Implants are though, actually good value for money, and whilst there may be an initial outlay; with good care, dental implants can last for well over twenty years, whereas dentures and the like may sometimes need replacing a few times in the same time period.

Getting it right

A major concern of implant dentists in the UK, are the advertisements that some patients may see about having your implants placed cheaply abroad. Many of these are at a significantly reduced price and some even throw in flights and hotels too! Unfortunately, the old saying that if it sounds too good to be a bargain, then it probably is, almost certainly applies here.

For the benefit of any of our Chelmsford patients who may be considering taking up one of these offers, here are a few good reasons why you possibly shouldn’t.

Qualifications and experience

If you have your implants placed by the team at Blue Sky Dental, or any UK practice, you can be sure that the treatment will be carried out by someone who has undergone years of additional training and has the relevant qualifications. Can you be sure that this the case when you go abroad to an unfamiliar dental practice? Standards and qualifications can vary from country to country and it may well be that they are not experienced, or even worse; you could even be their very first patient! Precise dental implant placement is a complex procedure and cutting corners in this way could potentially have a very bad outcome. There have also been a few instances noted of people travelling to have a single implant placed, only to be ‘pressured’ into have more extensive treatment when they get there.

Language and understanding

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Back To School – Oral Health Tips For Your Kids!

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Hygienist Samantha Henly

With school ahead, it’s time to reassess your child’s oral health, says Blue Sky Dental hygienist, Samantha Henly.

Within the next few weeks, children in the UK will be returning to school, perhaps causing a sigh of relief for some parents who can then return to normal ‘adult life’. Whilst we all love our children, we are also responsible for encouraging good habits; none more so than how they look after their teeth and gums.

Naturally, we can’t expect very young children to understand the details of why they should brush their teeth or not eat so many sweets. To a child, the taste of sugar in their mouth is very nice, thank you very much, so why spoil it with the taste of toothpaste!

However good your own child is at cleaning their teeth, there are always areas where, as parents, we can improve how they do this by taking the time and effort to help them. In today’s post, we take a look at a few of these areas where things can, perhaps, improve.

Night time routine

Children should, of course, clean their teeth in the morning, but night times are especially important as there is a fair chance that they will have consumed quite a lot of sugar throughout the day. It is essential that this is removed before they go to sleep by brushing their teeth well. Parents should supervise young children when they brush, and make sure that they do so for at least two minutes of actual brushing time. Once cleaned, nothing but water should be consumed, not even a drink of milk, as this contains natural sugars which are just as harmful to the teeth as refined sugar.

Involve your children

Children like to be involved in decisions as much as they can. Whilst there are areas where this is obviously not practical, you can certainly involve them more in the area of their oral health care. Simple things like letting them pick a new toothbrush or which flavour toothpaste (make sure it is suitable for their age and contains fluoride) can also encourage them to be more willing to clean their teeth. A timer, or timer phone app, are also useful things that can be used to encourage them.

Packed lunch

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The Importance Of Replacing Missing Teeth

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Dental Specialist in Chelmsford, Essex

How Dental Implants Can Help

There are many reasons why a person can lose a tooth. Dental decay or disease can cause tooth loss, but even with optimum oral health, injuries can occur that cause teeth to be lost permanently.

When you lose a tooth, it is important that the tooth is replaced. It might seem to be the cheapest and easiest option to just keep that tooth missing, especially if it sits towards the back of the mouth and can’t be seen.

However, lots of problems can occur when a missing tooth gap is left alone which Dr Hiten Pabari consultant prosthodontist, lists below:

  • The gum can be prone to dryness and infections
  • Other teeth around it can shift and the whole arch can be affected
  • The jaw bone will eventually degrade so future implants may be more difficult
  • Speech may be affected
  • Eating may be affected
  • Facial aesthetics might be affected
  • The bite of the jaw could be affected, causing various issues like headaches and excessive tooth wear in places

What Are The Solutions?

There are lots of solutions to replacing missing teeth, with some of the most common options being dentures and bridges. Dentures especially, have come on a long way from basic traditional dentures from years ago. These days they are very realistic, more comfortable and still very affordable. However, none of the more common options can currently compare to the most innovative and modern tooth replacement option currently available; dental implants.

Dental implants have been around for a long time, but the most modern implants have proven to be truly revolutionary in dentistry.

Modern implants are made of titanium and are made to be accepted by the body when they are placed in the jawbone and gum. The device essentially replaces the tooth root, providing an exceptionally strong base for a replacement tooth. It is designed to last a long time, and in many cases, it can last a lifetime. Of all tooth replacement options, dental implants are made to look and feel the most realistic.

Are Dental Implants The Right Choice For You?

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Boost Your Confidence, As Well As Your Smile

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Dr Amit Duggal specialist dentist

Latest Cosmetic dentistry at Blue Sky Dental in Chelmsford

In a time where social media and reality TV blur the lines between the public and celebrity, everybody seems to want an ‘A list’ smile these days. With an increase in cosmetic dentistry treatments being available in everyday dental clinics, and with those treatments being much more affordable than before, a great new smile is very accessible for many. Dr Amit Duggal takes a closer look.

Lots of people are unhappy with their smile and seek help from Blue Sky Dental. Here at your local Chelmsford clinic we have dentists able to provide professional aesthetic treatments which can not only boost the look of your smile, but also boost your confidence at the same time; helping you feel more confident in various different areas of your life.

At Blue Sky Dental we see lots of patients whose teeth and gums are causing them to feel down. If you can relate, you may find yourself never smiling due to poor teeth and maybe even covering your mouth with your hands when you talk or laugh. Patients who visit us for cosmetic dentistry let us know how treatments have made them feel so much more confident and happy with their smile, and how this has helped them to progress in both their personal and professional lives.

If you would like to boost the look of your smile, and your confidence with the help of a cosmetic dentist, you might be interested to know that these are some of the treatments available to you:

White Fillings

White fillings can significantly change how a smile looks where metal fillings are highly visible. Ideally they are placed when the tooth is initially filled, however, in some instances metal fillings can be replaced.

Veneers

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The Tooth Fairy Story

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Dental Specialist in Chelmsford, Essex

Getting your kids enthused about their dental health!

Here at your local Chelmsford dentist we have lots of tricks and approaches to getting children comfortable and even excited about their dental health.

However, much of the work occurs at home, and a strong day-to-day brushing routine established from an early age makes for a happy, healthy smile into adult life.

There are lots of ways to help young children feel positive about their oral health, but today, we want to highlight one very special way, through the story of the tooth fairy. Dr Hiten Pabari, specialist peridontist at Blue Sky Dental, explains how the team achieves this.

This magical character can really be a very handy tool when it comes to getting your child excited about keeping their teeth in good condition. Want to know how? Take a look at these 3 handy tips so you can use the story of the tooth fairy to help your kids care for their smile every day:

1. Start Building The Magic Early On

The story of the tooth fairy should be established early on, so that the child has a certain level of excitement about the first tooth loss and the first visit from the tooth fairy. Watching cartoons and films including the tooth fairy character, is an easy way to get them introduced to the story. You could also reference the tale during tooth brushing times, and when you are helping your child become accustomed to the dentist.

2. Make The First ‘Visit’ Special

When the first tooth falls out, the first tooth fairy visit should be an exciting and positive experience. Take your child to pick out a box or a pouch for their tooth to go in and get them to write a note or draw a picture for the tooth fairy to establish a connection. As well as a treat in exchange for the tooth, they should also receive a note from the tooth fairy telling them to brush and clean their teeth, and also leave a little something to help with tooth care, like some character toothpaste. When they tell you all about what they got in the morning, use the excitement as a platform to establish day-to-day oral care enthusiasm, so the next tooth is healthy and clean for the tooth fairy!

3. Include The Dentist In The Magic

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Sugar Free Chewing Gum

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Your Secret Dental Health Hero!

Sugar free gum helps with freshening breath, helping the mouth feel clean after food, moistening the mouth and it just tastes nice doesn’t it? Do you also know that sugar free chewing gum helps aid your dental health?

Sugar free chewing gum is a bit of a hero in the dental world, and yet, many people don’t realise exactly how much it can do for dental health. Here at your local Chelmsford dentist we want to give you plenty of Q&As about sugar free chewing gum so you’re clued on up on this amazing secret oral health hero:

What Is Sugar Free Chewing Gum?

Sugar free chewing gum is just like normal chewing gum but with sweeteners in it, instead of sugar.

Why Is Sugar Free Chewing Gum Good For Dental Health?

Sugar free gum has no sugar in it, so it does not contribute towards tooth decay. It also helps provide protection for your teeth after you have eaten in two ways. One way is to simply aid in breaking away food debris so it doesn’t stick to teeth and create an acid attack after eating. It also helps you produce more saliva which washes away food debris and bacteria, and also has natural acid defenses in it.

Bad Breath Elimination

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Bone Grafting

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Using bone augmentation and tissue regeneration at Blue Sky Dental.

We all like to have nice looking teeth, and, providing that what we can physically see appears to be in good health, we are generally happy. Like an iceberg though, much of our teeth and their supporting structures actually lie hidden, in this case beneath the gum line. Providing that we do look after our teeth and gums well, with effective home cleaning and supported by our Chelmsford dental hygienist, all should be well. For those who don’t though, problems could well lie ahead.

Periodontitis

One of the leading causes of tooth loss is not decay but gum disease, and particularly its most advanced form, periodontitis. The most significant danger of this disease is not the soreness or bleeding of the gums, but the fact that it can start to destroy both the gum and the bone tissue which secure our teeth in place.

Once periodontitis takes hold, it is very possible that you will need to have a ‘deep clean’, performed by a specialist. This is an invasive treatment which cleans right down to the roots of your teeth and the surrounding bone tissue. Whilst this may help to resolve the immediate problem, very often the bone will have been already affected to the point where teeth may have started to become loose.

Bone grafts

Depending on each individual case, it may be possible for our Blue Sky Dental Team to rebuild this supportive bone using a bone graft, or bone augmentation as it is also known. This procedure involves the removal of a small piece of bone tissue from another part of the patient’s body, or alternatively, artificial bone material may be used. This is then placed in the area where the bone has degraded, and is allowed to bond securely with the natural bone; in effect, helping the body to heal itself. If necessary, tissue stimulating proteins may also be used in order to encourage the healing process.

Dental implants and bone grafts

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Welcome To Our New Prosthodontist

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Dr Harminder Sehmi joins our Chelmsford practice as a specialist prosthodontist.

We would like to introduce Dr Sehmi to our patients and you can read his full profile over at our website team page.

Briefly though, he qualified from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’s, University of London in 2003 and has undergone extensive training since, enabling him to develop advanced skills in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in need of significant oral restorations.

As the role of the prosthodontist is perhaps less well understood than some other dentistry fields, such as dentist or hygienist, we thought that we would take this opportunity to look at the type of work a prosthodontist may typically do.

What is a prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a specialist dentist who treats patients who have dental or facial problems that require reconstruction through replacement methods. They are highly skilled in procedures such as the placing of dental implants, crowns, bridges and other general and cosmetic restorations.

For a prosthodontist to carry out significant restoration work, and especially where dental implants are to be used, other dentists and hygienists play an important role too. Prior to this kind of advanced treatment, it is particularly important for the mouth to be healthy, and any problems such as gum disease must be treated beforehand.

Restoration and replacement of teeth

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