Ballyowen

Mouthguards: Protect Your Smile

When it comes to protecting our bodies during physical activity, we often focus on wearing helmets, knee pads, and other protective gear. However, one area that is frequently overlooked is the mouth. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who wants to safeguard against dental injuries, investing in a mouthguard/gum shield can be one of the smartest decisions you can make for your oral health.

Why do Mouthguards matter?

Mouthguards are crucial for safeguarding your teeth, gums, and jaw during various sports and activities. Mouthguards act as a cushion, absorbing the impact of blows or falls that could otherwise result in broken teeth, cut lips, or injuries to the tongue and cheeks. For athletes engaged in contact sports like football, rugby, or boxing, wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma, and in many cases, it is a mandatory requirement.

Who are they designed for?

Mouthguards aren’t just for kids on the soccer field or adults in the boxing ring – they’re essential for everyone, regardless of age. Whether you’re participating in sports or grappling with nighttime teeth grinding, mouthguards play a vital role in protecting your oral health and preserving your smile.

How many types of Gum Shields are there?

There are three types of gum shields available in Ireland, but not all of them meet sports regulation requirements:

Stock Gum Shield: Stock gum shields are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive but can feel cumbersome and occasionally affect breathing or talking.
Boil and Bite Gum Shield: Boil and bite gum shields are moulded to your teeth and jaw structure in a basic way. Typically, you place the gum shield into warm water and bite as per the instructions to mould it. While they satisfy most sports clubs’ mandatory ruling, the CE mark must be on the packaging to indicate that it has met certain acceptable standards.
Custom Gum Shield: Custom gum shields are professionally fitted to your mouth by a dentist and offer the highest level of comfort and protection while meeting sports regulation requirements.

What makes dentist Mouthguards different from retail Mouthguards?

Dentist-fitted mouthguards offer several advantages over retail options, thanks to their custom design and professional craftsmanship:

Customisation: Dentist-fitted mouthguards are tailor-made to fit the unique contours of your mouth. Dentists take impressions of your teeth and gums, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit that offers maximum protection and stability.
Enhanced Protection: Custom-fitted mouthguards provide superior protection against impact and injury compared to off-the-shelf options. By conforming closely to the teeth and gums, they effectively absorb and distribute the force of impact, reducing the risk of dental trauma, jaw injuries, and concussions.
Durability and Longevity: Dentist-fitted mouthguards are crafted using high-quality materials and professional techniques, ensuring durability and longevity. Custom-fitted guards are designed to withstand regular use and maintain their shape and effectiveness for an extended period. This durability makes them a cost-effective investment in the long run.

How often should I change my Gum Shield?

Replacing your gum shield is recommended each year for a growing child, as their jaw and teeth arrangement will change. For adults, replacement is needed when the guard shows signs of wear. Bring your gum shield to your dental check-up so your dentist can assess whether or not it needs to be replaced.

If you would like to inquire about acquiring mouthguards in one of our dental practices around the country, please use our practice locator to find your local practice.

Fall in Love with Your Smile: Teeth Whitening

This Valentine’s Day, let’s not just celebrate romantic love, but also embrace the beauty of self-love. Join us as we explore how to unlock the radiance of your smile, not just for February 14th, but for every day that follows. Let us help you to radiate confidence and charm with a smile that captures hearts and leaves a lasting impression.

Am I a suitable for teeth whitening?

Finding out if teeth whitening is right for you starts with a thorough check-up with your dentist. Generally, professional teeth whitening is recommended for patients with healthy teeth and gums, free from issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or hypersensitivity.

What does the teeth whitening treatment involve?

Your dentist will work with you to establish your desired shade of white. Customised whitening trays will be created based on impressions of your teeth. These trays, along with a special whitening gel, will be provided for at-home use.

How long does the treatment take?

Teeth whitening typically involves using the trays and gel at home for approximately one hour per day over seven to 14 days, depending on your desired shade outcome.

How white will my teeth go?

The achievable shade of white varies based on your teeth’s initial color. Your dentist can provide insight into the likely outcome before beginning the treatment.

Will I feel pain or sensitivity?

It’s common to experience some sensitivity during the whitening process, but this usually subsides after treatment. Using a sensitive toothpaste before and during whitening may help alleviate discomfort, especially if you have sensitive teeth.

Does the teeth whitening treatment whiten crowns, veneers, or fillings?

No, teeth whitening only affects natural teeth. Restorations like crowns, veneers, or tooth-coloured fillings won’t whiten. If you have such restorations on your front teeth, you may consider replacing them after whitening to match your new tooth shade.

Are teeth whitening results permanent?

Results vary from person to person and may be influenced by lifestyle factors like smoking and consumption of staining foods and drinks. Annual touch-ups or as-needed applications of whitening gel can help maintain your brighter smile.

How can I maintain my brighter smile?

Consistent oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is key to preserving your whitened teeth. Additionally, avoiding smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and scheduling regular dental visits for cleanings and check-ups are essential for long-term oral health.

Book yourself in for a teeth whitening treatment at one of our many practices all over Ireland.

Christmas Opening Hours 2023

Our Christmas opening hours are listed below, along with details of emergency clinics during the holiday period. All practices will return to normal opening hours from Wednesday, 3rd of January 2024.

We’d like to wish all our patients a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.

Ashbourne, Co. Meath

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne, see here.

Ballincollig, Co. Cork

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: 08.00-12.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ballincollig, see here.

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (Northumberland Dental Care)

Thursday 21st December: 07.30-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 07.30-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 07.30-17.30

For contact details of Northumberland Dental Care, see here.

Ballyowen, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-13.00
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ballyowen, see here.

Beechwood Dental, Ranelagh, Co. Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-20.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-20.00

For contact details of Beechwood Dental, see here.

Cabinteely, Dublin 18

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-19.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely, see here.

Callan Dental, Co. Kilkenny

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 08.30-11.00 emergencies only
Thursday 28th December: 08.30-11.00 emergencies only
Friday 29th December: 08.30-11.00 emergencies only
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.00

For contact details of Callan Dental, see here.

Carlow Town, Co. Carlow

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-19.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-11.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-11.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.40

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Carlow, see here.

Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Castlebar, see here.

Claregalway, Co. Galway

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-15.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Claregalway, see here.

Cork City, Co. Cork

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: 09.00-17.00
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 30th December: 09.00-14.00
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Cork, see here.

Douglas, Co. Cork

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-19.45
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-19.45

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Douglas, see here.

Drogheda, Co. Louth

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-16.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 11.00-15.00
Friday 29th December: 08.30-16.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Drogheda, see here.

Dundrum, Dublin 14

Thursday 21st December: 07.30-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-16.15
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Dundrum, see here.

Ennis, Co. Clare

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: Closed

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ennis, see here.

Greystones, Co. Wicklow

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-16.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-13.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: 09.00-13.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Greystones, see here.

Kells, Co. Meath

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-13.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kells, see here.

Kilbarrack, Dublin 5

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-19.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: 10.00-14.00
Saturday 30th December: 10.00-14.00
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kilbarrack, see here.

Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-16.30
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.30-15.30
Thursday 28th December: 09.30-15.30
Friday 29th December: 09.30-15.30
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kilkenny, see here.

Killarney, Co. Kerry

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-17.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

Kimmage, Dublin 6W

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-20.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kimmage, see here.

Knocklyon, Dublin 16

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-19.30
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-16.00
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: 09.00-16.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-19.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon, see here.

Limerick, Co. Limerick

Thursday 21st December: 09.30-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.30-17.30
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.30-16.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.30-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Limerick, see here.

Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-15.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Molesworth, see here.

Navan, Co. Meath

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: Closed

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Navan, see here.

Rathfarnham, Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-17.00

Sligo Town, Co. Sligo

Thursday 21st December: 08.15-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.15-16.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.15-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Sligo, see here.

Swords, Co. Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-16.30
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-14.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-16.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Swords, see here.

Tuam, Co. Galway

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: Closed
Wednesday 3rd January: 09.00-16.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Tuam, see here.

Virginia, Co. Cavan

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-15.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00 emergency only
Friday 29th December: 11.00-15.00 emergency only
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Virginia, see here.

Waterford City, Co. Waterford

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 29th December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Waterford, see here.

Westport, Co. Mayo

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Westport, see here.

Wexford Town, Co. Wexford

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-19.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 10.00-15.00
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-15.00
Friday 29th December: 10.00-15.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-19.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Wexford, see here.

If you experience a dental emergency while your local Dental Care Ireland practice is closed during the Christmas period, you can contact an emergency service below:

Leinster:

Dublin Dental Hospital: (01) 6127391
VHI SwiftCare Dundrum: (01) 4482450
St James’s Hospital A&E: (01) 4103000
Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, Co. Meath: (046) 9078770
NEDOC, Navan, Co. Meath: (046) 6850750
Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore: (057) 932 1501
Wexford General Hospital: (053) 9153000
Caredoc (South East & South Wicklow): 0818 300 365 or (059) 913 8100
Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny: (056) 7785000
Midoc: 1850 302 702

Munster:

Cork University Dental School & Hospital: (021) 4901100
University Hospital Limerick: (061) 301 111
Midoc: 1850 302 702

Connacht:

University College Galway: (091) 524222
Sligo University Hospital: 071 9171111
Caredoc Sligo: 0818 365 399
Westdoc: 1850 365 000

Ulster:

Caredoc (West Cavan): 0818 365 399

Vaping and Oral Health: What Do I Need To Know?

E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young adults and teenagers. The use of e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. While this may be the case, there is mounting evidence to suggest that vaping still poses significant risks to oral health. Below, Dr Jennifer Collins, Clinical Director of Dental Care Ireland, discusses the harmful effects vaping has on our oral health.

Nicotine harms your oral health

E-cigarettes contain a liquid mixture of nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. When heated, the liquid turns into an aerosol, which is then inhaled. Nicotine is one of the most harmful chemicals found in e-cigarettes. It can cause a range of oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth loss. Nicotine also reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for them to heal from infections, injuries or dental procedures. This is why we advise you to avoid vaping after a dental procedure.

Nicotine can also cause yellow staining on your teeth. While this type of staining is usually associated with tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes can also do this to your teeth. If you wish to keep your smile pearly white, it is best to avoid vaping.

The flavourings used in e-cigarettes also pose a risk to oral health. Many of these flavourings contain chemicals that can irritate the mouth and throat. Some flavourings can also damage the enamel on the teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity and cavities.

Vaping can lead to dry mouth

Another issue with vaping is that it dries out the mouth. A dry mouth can lead to a host of oral health problems, including bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. When the mouth is dry, there is less saliva to wash away harmful bacteria, food particles, and other debris. This can lead to a build-up of plaque and tartar, which can cause cavities and gum disease.

Vaping is not a healthy habit

While we are only beginning to learn about the adverse effects of vaping for your oral health, it is becoming evident that vaping is not as safe as we may have initially assumed. However, e-cigarettes are certainly better for your oral health than tobacco cigarettes. This makes vaping a good segway for those trying to quit smoking, but it’s certainly not a good decision to start vaping from scratch! Unfortunately, we are seeing young people and teenagers beginning to vape even if they have never smoked before, which is not a trend we want to see.

Finally, if you do vape, make sure you are drinking plenty of water, keep up a good oral health routine, visit your dentist regularly, and do consider cutting back or quitting; your mouth will thank you for it!

If you would like to book a check-up with your local Dental Care Ireland practice, you can find our contact details here.

Ballyowen Dentist Joins Group

Dental Care Ireland has expanded its presence in Dublin with the acquisition of two former Centric Health dental practices in Lucan and Citywest. The new partnership will see both practices merge to form Dental Care Ireland Ballyowen, located at Ballyowen Castle Shopping Centre in Lucan.

Previously known as Ballyowen Castle Dental, the practice continues to be led by well-known Ballyowen dentist, Dr Anna Andruchow, along with Dr Adeen Solaiman and all of the existing team.

With state-of-the-art facilities and technology, patients at Dental Care Ireland in Ballyowen have access to a full range of treatments, from check-ups and cleaning to teeth whitening and veneers.

Dental Care Ireland now operates 20 practices nationwide, including six Dublin practices in Ballyowen, Ballsbridge, Cabinteely, Kilbarrack, Knocklyon and Swords.

Colm Davitt, CEO, Dental Care Ireland, says: “We are delighted to broaden our offering to Dublin patients in the Lucan and Citywest areas. As we continue to expand the group, partnering with trusted and established dental practices is hugely important to us. We look forward to working closely with the team in Ballyowen to further develop the practice over the coming months and years.”

To book an appointment with a Ballyowen dentist, please contact us here