Blog

How to spot children’s tooth decay

Unfortunately, children’s tooth decay is quite common. For this reason, it’s extremely important to know the signs of tooth decay and to schedule regular dentist appointments for your child.

Below, Dr Davina Graham from Callan Dental has outlined the signs of children’s tooth decay and how to prevent cavities from forming.

Toothache

A toothache is an obvious sign that something may be wrong in your mouth. This is no different when it comes to children’s tooth decay. Pain is one of the most common complaints when it comes to cavities, so if your child is suffering from toothache, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitivity occurs when the enamel of the tooth wears down and is weakened. This leaves the tooth nerve exposed to the elements such as hot or cold food and drink, as well as sugary foods and drinks. If your child is complaining of tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking, it is important to book an appointment with your dentist as this may be a sign of tooth decay.

White spots

White spots on your child’s tooth can be a sign of weakening enamel and may indicate children’s tooth decay. Formation of a white spot on the tooth begins at the surface and works its way deeper as the decay progresses. The white spot can get darker in colour as the decay progresses, so it’s important to visit the dentist as soon as you notice a white spot to avoid allowing the decay to progress.

Holes in your child’s tooth

A hole or pit in your child’s tooth is usually the most obvious sign of children’s tooth decay. However, these cannot always be visible. Holes or pits in your child’s teeth can occur between teeth or at the back of the mouth where it is difficult for you to spot. Your child will often complain of pain or sensitivity in the area where a hole or pit is present before you even spot it.

So, how do you prevent cavities from forming in the first place?

Brush twice daily

Just like adults, children should brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day. Toothbrushing should begin as soon as the first baby tooth appears in the mouth. This is likely to begin at around 6 months, however it can vary from child to child. Babies and toddlers are too young to brush their teeth by themselves, so you should brush their teeth for them at the same time each day (morning and night) to encourage a good dental routine.

Encourage a tooth friendly diet

We all know that sugary food and drinks can lead to children’s tooth decay. It’s not only important to consume these foods and drinks in moderation, but it’s also important to be conscious of when and how they are consumed. For example, treats should be limited to after meal time only. This is because saliva production is at its highest after meals, and so sugar can be washed away from the mouth. Avoid grazing on sugary snacks throughout the day, as this allows sugar to linger in the mouth for longer which can increase the risk of tooth decay. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, especially after sugary snacks, as this helps wash away the sugar from the surface of the teeth.

Visit the dentist

Ideally, a dental visit should be made for your child by the age of 1. Essentially, you should be bringing your child to the dentist for check-ups from when their first tooth erupts. Getting them used to the dentist from an early age is important to encourage good dental hygiene and habits. Before you plan your child’s first dental visit, consider reading them books or singing songs about the dentist to get them ready for the experience.

Book your child an appointment at your local Dental Care Ireland practice.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Thanks to modern medicine, wisdom tooth extraction is a very straight-forward and largely pain free procedure. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom tooth, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist who will assess whether or not it needs to be removed.

Dr Victor Vidigal, our Dental Surgeon at Dental Care Ireland Ballyowen, has answered some of your frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth and their extraction.

Q: What is a wisdom tooth?

A: Most adults have 32 teeth, including four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. Your wisdom teeth are the last to arrive in your mouth. They are often referred to as third molars.

Q: When do wisdom teeth appear?

A: Wisdom teeth typically erupt after the body has finished its development, usually between the ages of 18 and 24.

Q: Does everybody get wisdom teeth?

A: The number of wisdom teeth can vary from person to person, and in some cases, they may not appear at all.

Q: Can wisdom teeth be painful?

A: It is common for wisdom teeth to cause some discomfort and pain, mainly due to a lack of space in the mouth. Not all wisdom teeth will cause issues. Where pain arises, however, it is important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Where there is not sufficient room, the wisdom teeth can erupt at an angle or only partially push through the gum. This is what is known as an impacted wisdom tooth.

Q: How will I know if there is a problem with my wisdom teeth?

A: Signs and symptoms of a problem tooth can include:

Swollen and tender gums
Pain when biting, chewing or swallowing.
Soreness at the back of the mouth
Difficulty opening the mouth
Bad taste in the mouth
Sleep disturbance

Q: Do all wisdom teeth have to be extracted?

A: No, not all wisdom teeth need removing. When wisdom teeth become a problem, however, your dentist will usually advise that they be removed to provide long-term relief and to prevent future problems.

Q: What can I do to ease wisdom tooth pain?

A: Rinsing the mouth with hot salt water or a medicated mouthwash such as Corsodyl can help reduce bacteria in the gums and thus tackle the source of pain. Alternatively, your pharmacist may recommend an over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen, or a numbing dental gel to help ease initial discomfort.

Q: Can I prepare for the arrival of wisdom teeth?

A: Although it is impossible to stop wisdom teeth coming through, maintaining a good oral health routine will help to prevent infection. Ideally, you should brush twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, drink plenty of water, and try to avoid sugary snacks.

Q: What will happen during wisdom tooth extraction?

A: Before the procedure, the patient is usually given a local/general anaesthetic or sedation to numb the area around the tooth. The main aim is to safely remove the tooth, while keeping the patient as comfortable as possible.

While the procedure is mostly pain-free, patients may experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days after the tooth has been removed.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will prescribe you with pain relief and an antibiotic if necessary to ensure the days post surgery are as comfortable as possible.

Q: What happens if I choose to not have my wisdom tooth extracted?

A: If left untreated, some problematic wisdom teeth can eventually lead to further issues, such as:

Damage to adjacent teeth
Cysts
Tooth decay
Gum disease
Jaw problems

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie

Combating bad breath for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a time for love, and to mark the occasion, a kiss is something many will be hoping for. However, for one in four of us the issue of bad breath can be a concern. Chronic bad breath (halitosis) is something many people deal with daily. Dr Jane McAleese from Dental Care Ireland Ballyowen has the following advice to keep your dental health in top shape to avoid dealing with bad breath this Valentine’s.

Brushing your teeth

A common cause of chronic bad breath (halitosis) is bacteria in the mouth working to naturally break down food, leading to some plaque lingering on your teeth, tongue and gums. When combined with saliva, this plaque can produce an unpleasant smell. Brushing your teeth is crucial for oral health and it’s your best defence against bad breath. It is typically advised that you need to brush for at least two minutes twice a day and be sure to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months or after an illness. You may want to rinse with an antibacterial or odour eliminating mouthwash too. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as it can also harbour bacteria.

Flossing

It’s important to remember that brushing only deals with about 60% of plaque build-up, so make sure that you floss regularly to get to those places where your toothbrush cannot reach. This will help to limit the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Generally speaking, it is advised to floss at least once a day.

Don’t smoke

Not only does the lingering smell of stale smoke cause bad breath, but smoking also stains your teeth, irritates your gums and increases your chance of tooth decay and gum disease. If you do smoke, there are mouthwashes and smokers’ toothpastes available that may be effective in removing stains and freshening up the mouth. While they can mask the symptoms of halitosis, they cannot treat any underlying damage caused by smoking.

Avoid strong-smelling foods and drinks

If you’re heading out on a date this Valentine’s Day, avoid strong-smelling foods or drinks such as onions, garlic and coffee. Bad breath from food is often only temporary and will go away once you brush and floss, however if you’re hoping for a kiss at the end of your dinner date, it might be best to opt for a milder meal! If you can’t resist your favourite strong-smelling food or drinks, make sure to drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum after your meal. This will increase saliva flow, which helps eliminate the odour-causing bacteria.

Visit your dentist

If you’ve followed the above advice and still struggle with bad breath, it could be a sign of underlying issues such as tooth decay or gum disease. Make sure you visit your dentist regularly so that you can keep your oral health in top shape and avoid dealing with bad breath in the first place.

Dental Care Ireland has practices around the country. Get in touch with your local practice for an appointment, and remember you can also book an appointment online.

Invisalign Go: All You Need to Know

If a straighter smile is top of your resolutions list, there are now plenty of clear and minimally invasive options to consider.

Invisalign Go is the latest system that straightens teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for your mouth. The aligners are removable and virtually invisible.

Dr Jennifer Collins, our clinical director, answers your most common questions about what to expect from Invisalign Go.

Q: Is Invisalign Go right for me?

A: Invisalign Go is an ideal treatment option for patients wishing to correct mild overcrowding, gaps or alignment issues with the front ten teeth. It is typically not recommended for more complex orthodontic cases. Invisalign Go Plus is a more advanced form of Invisalign treatment designed to move the front twelve teeth.

Q: How long will treatment take?

A: This depends on the degree of movement that your teeth require. For best results, Invisalign Go aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours each day. The treatment time varies from patient to patient but it can be as short as 3-6 months.

Q: How many appointments will I need?

A: As the aligners are built from a 3D scan of your teeth in a lab, progress visits are kept to a minimum, approximately every 4-6 weeks.

Q: Is Invisalign Go treatment painful?

A: Although an aligner may feel a little tight at the start of an alignment step and the teeth can be a bit tender at times, the aligners are comfortable to wear and very well tolerated by patients. They also eliminate the discomfort associated with sharp wires and the tightening of traditional metal braces.

Q: Can I eat and drink as normal during treatment?

A: You can remove your aligners to eat and drink. You also need to brush your teeth before replacing aligners, to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and to prevent staining.

Q: Will my speech be affected while wearing aligners?

A: It may take a day or two for your tongue and mouth to adapt, making some ‘s’ and ‘z’ sounds difficult to pronounce at first. Generally, after a very short time, people can speak normally with their aligners in.

Q: Is it possible for the aligners to fall out?

A: Your Invisalign Go aligners are custom-designed to fit your teeth snugly, so it will not be possible for them to accidentally fall out when you talk, laugh or sleep. Your dentist will also put attachments onto your teeth which will help keep the aligners in place.

Q: Can I go to any dentist for Invisalign Go treatment?
A: No, only dentists who have completed specialised Invisalign Go training are permitted to perform Invisalign Go treatments on patients.

Invisalign Go consultations are currently available at Dental Care Ireland in Virginia, Tuam, Ashbourne, Claregalway and Ballsbridge. To book an appointment, contact us here

Christmas Opening Hours 2021

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 Tuesday, 4^th January 2022.

Merry Christmas to all our patients and every good wish for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Ashbourne, Co. Meath

Monday 20th December: 9am – 5.30pm
Tuesday 21st December: 8.30am – 5pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 5.30pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 2pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: 10am – 1pm
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (Northumberland Dental Care)

Monday 20th December: 8am – 5pm (general dentistry only)
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 4pm (general dentistry only)
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am- 1pm (general dentistry only)
Thursday 23rd December: Closed
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Northumberland Dental Care

Ballyowen, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Monday 20th December: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday 21st December: 8am – 5pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 8am – 5pm
Thursday 23rd December: 8am – 1pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Ballyowen

Cabinteely, Dublin 18

Monday 20th December: 9am – 6pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 6pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 7pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 6pm
Friday 24th December: 9am – 1pm
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 1pm
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: 9am – 1pm
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Bank holiday

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely

Callan Dental, Co. Kilkenny

Monday 20th December: 9am – 8.30pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 7.30pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 7pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 1pm
Friday 24th December: 9am – 11am (emergency clinic)
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 11am (emergency clinic, both general and ortho)
Thursday 30th December: 9am – 11am (emergency clinic)
Friday 31st December: 9am – 11am (emergency clinic)
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Callan Dental

Carlow

Monday 20th December: 8.40am – 7pm
Tuesday 21st December: 8.40am – 5.40pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 8.40am – 5.40pm
Thursday 23rd December: 8.40am – 5.40pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 1pm (emergency clinic)
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed
Tuesday 4th January: 8.40am – 5.40pm

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Carlow

Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Monday 20th December: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday 21st December: 7am – 5pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 8am – 5pm
Thursday 23rd December: 8am – 5pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Castlebar

Cavan

Monday 20th December: 9am – 5.30pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 5.30pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 5.30pm
Thursday 23rd December: 12pm – 5pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: 10am – 2pm
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Cavan

Claregalway, Co. Galway

Monday 20th December: 9am – 5.15pm
Tuesday 21st December: 8am – 5.15pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 8am – 5.15pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 5.15pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: 10am – 1pm
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Claregalway

Cork

Monday 20th December: 9am – 6pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 5pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 5pm
Friday 24th December: 9am – 12.30pm
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: 9am– 1pm
Thursday 30th December: 9am – 1pm
Friday 31st December: 9am – 1pm
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Cork

Drogheda, Co. Louth

Monday 20th December: 8.30am – 5pm
Tuesday 21st December: 8.30am- 5pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 8.30am- 5pm
Thursday 23rd December: 8.30am- 6pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: 9am- 1pm
Thursday 30th December: 9am -1pm
Friday 31st December: 9am- 1pm
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Drogheda

Ennis, Co. Clare

Monday 20th December: 9am – 5.30pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 5.30pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 5.30pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 5.30pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Ennis

Greystones, Co. Wicklow

Monday 20th December: 9am – 6pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 6pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 6pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 6pm
Friday 24th December: 10am – 12pm (emergency clinic)
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: 10am – 12pm (emergency clinic)
Thursday 30th December: 10am – 12pm (emergency clinic)
Friday 31st December: 10am – 12pm (emergency clinic)
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Greystones

Kells, Co. Meath

Monday 20th December: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 5pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 5pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Kells

Kilbarrack, Dublin 5

Monday 20th December: 9am – 7pm
Tuesday 21st December: 8am – 8pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 8am – 7pm
Thursday 23rd December: 8.30am – 3pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: 10am – 2pm (emergency clinic)
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: 10am – 2pm (emergency clinic)
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Kilbarrack

Kimmage, Dublin 6W

Monday 20th December: 9am – 6pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 6pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 1.30pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 1.30pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: 9.30am – 1.30pm (emergency clinic)
Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 2pm (emergency clinic)
Thursday 30th December: 9am – 2pm (emergency clinic)
Friday 31st December: 9am – 1pm (emergency clinic)
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Kimmage

Knocklyon, Dublin 16

Monday 20th December: 8am – 7.30pm
Tuesday 21st December: 8am – 7.30pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 8am – 7.30pm
Thursday 23rd December: Closed
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: 8.30am – 12.30pm (emergency clinic)
Thursday 30th December: 8.30am – 12.30pm (emergency clinic)
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon

Navan, Co. Meath

Monday 20th December: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday 21st December: 8am – 5pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 8am – 5pm
Thursday 23rd December: 8am – 2pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 1pm
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: 9am – 1pm
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Navan

Sligo

Monday 20th December: 8.30am – 5pm
Tuesday 21st December: 8.30am – 5pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 8.30am – 3pm
Thursday 23rd December: 8.30am – 5pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Sligo

Swords, Co. Dublin

Monday 20th December: 8am-5pm
Tuesday 21st December: 8am-6pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 8am-5pm
Thursday 23rd December: 8am-5pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Swords

Tuam, Co. Galway

Monday 20th December: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 6.15pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 8am – 4pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 5pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Bank Holiday
Tuesday 28th December: Bank Holiday
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Bank Holiday
Tuesday 4th January: 9am – 5pm

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Tuam

Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Monday 20th December: 9am – 5.30pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 5.30pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 5.30pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 1pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: 9am – 12pm (emergency clinic)
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Tullamore

Virginia, Co. Cavan

Monday 20th December: 9am – 6pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 6pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 6pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 5pm
Friday 24th December: Closed
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: Closed
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Virginia

Waterford

Monday 20th December: 9am – 8pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9am – 6pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 6pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 6pm
Friday 24th December: 9am – 1pm
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 1pm
Thursday 30th December: 9am – 1pm
Friday 31st December: 9am – 1pm
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Waterford

Westport, Co. Mayo

Monday 20th December: 9am – 5.30pm
Tuesday 21st December: 9 – 5.30pm
Wednesday 22nd December: 9am – 5.30pm
Thursday 23rd December: 9am – 5.30pm
Friday 24th December: 9am – 1pm
Saturday 25th December: Closed
Sunday 26th December: Closed
Monday 27th December: Closed
Tuesday 28th December: Closed
Wednesday 29th December: Closed
Thursday 30th December: 9am – 1pm
Friday 31st December: Closed
Saturday 1st January: Closed
Sunday 2nd January: Closed
Monday 3rd January: Bank holiday

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Westport

For a full list of Dental Care Ireland practices nationwide, see our contact page

Dental Tips for Children with Autism

For children with autism and their carers, a routine dental appointment can be a challenging experience.

From the smells to the lights and the sounds, everything about a dental setting can cause distress to a child with sensory issues.

Dr Jennifer Collins, our clinical director, outlines some useful steps to help prepare your child with autism for a positive dental trip.

#1 Find an autism-friendly dentist

Most dental teams are trained in how to treat children with autism, and will adapt the experience to ensure a comfortable visit for both the child and their carer. Where possible, request the same dentist on each visit. Familiar faces will help to reduce anxiety for the child.

#2 Inform the dental practice

Ahead of the appointment, inform the dental practice of your child’s specific needs and wants. They can prepare the surgery by reducing noise levels, dimming lights or turning down music as necessary. Waiting times can also be kept to a minimum.

#3 Share a dental story

It can be useful to share a dental story with your child in advance of the appointment. Stories are a helpful tool to aid the child’s understanding of what will happen during the visit, from when they first arrive until it is time to leave.

#4 Review the practice website

To help your child visualise the dental surgery, it may help to show them photos from the practice website. Ideally, include photos of the autism-friendly dentist and dental team who your child will be meeting. Many practice websites feature a virtual tour of the surgery.

#5 Rehearse the sequence of events

It is a good idea to talk through the sequence of events at home before the dental appointment. You could introduce plastic dental mirrors and plastic gloves to help desensitise your child in advance. These can be purchased in most pharmacies or online.

#6 Maintain a dental routine

You can help to minimise the need for dental treatment by ensuring that your child brushes teeth twice a day for two minutes. Try a three-sided toothbrush to assist with efficient brushing, and introduce a flavour-free fluoridated toothpaste if the taste is a problem.

To book an appointment with an autism-friendly dentist, contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice.

Dental Anxiety: FAQ

Does fear of the dentist cause you to delay or avoid dental appointments at all costs?

If you are an anxious dental patient, there are many strategies that can help you to cope.

Here, Dr Jennifer Collins, our clinical director, answers some frequently asked questions about managing dental anxiety, including how and why to seek your dentist’s help.

Q. What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety or fear of visiting the dentist is a common complaint, which often results in patients delaying or avoiding dental treatment. It is a feeling of uneasiness at the thought of dental visits or procedures, and can affect people of any age.

Q. What causes dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety can sometimes stem from a traumatic past experience or a childhood fear passed on from other family members. It can also be triggered by a fear of pain, loss of control, or an invasion of personal space. In other cases, patients feel embarrassed to attend because of the condition of their teeth.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of dental anxiety?

Each person experiences dental anxiety in different ways. Some common signs include:

Feeling physically ill when thinking of visiting the dentist
Having trouble sleeping the night before a dental appointment
Difficulty breathing, a racing heartbeat or palpitations while waiting to be examined
Panic, distress or crying during a dental examination
Using humour or aggression to mask the anxiety

Q. How can dental anxiety impact oral health?

If anxiety prevents you from visiting the dentist for regular check-ups, it can lead to more complex and costly dental issues down the line. Regular attendance allows your dentist to detect any problems at an early stage, so that simpler and less invasive treatments are needed.

Q. How can my dentist help?

The first step is to let your dentist know if you experience any level of dental anxiety. Open discussion around the individual triggers of anxiety will allow your dentist to tailor a treatment plan especially for you.

Advances in dentistry mean that the majority of modern treatments are pain free. Starting with simple procedures such as a scale and polish can help to build confidence and trust. Your dentist can also help to ease anxiety by establishing a signal or signals with you for when you need a break.

Q. What if I still feel anxious?

There are a number of coping strategies that both you and your dentist can use to help manage dental anxiety, including:

Sedation – for severe dental anxiety or phobia, your dentist may suggest use of relative analgesia, anxiety relieving medication, conscious sedation or general anaesthesia.

Mindfulness – mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises can help you to think in the present, and move away from fear of what might happen or may have happened in the past.

Hypnotherapy – hypnotherapy has been proven to successfully help patients manage and overcome their fear of visiting the dentist. Hypnosis allows you to relax, while also providing an opportunity to change any negative, subconscious anxieties that may exist towards dentistry.

Distraction – if it helps you to relax during a procedure, try wearing headphones to listen to your favourite music, occupy your hands by squeezing a stress ball, or use visualisation techniques to imagine yourself at a relaxing beach.

To find your local Dental Care Ireland practice, contact us here

PRSI Dental Entitlements: Budget 2022

This week’s Budget announcement included some changes to dental benefits for PRSI workers under The Treatment Benefit Scheme.

From June 2022, the number of PRSI contributions required by people aged between 25 and 28 will be significantly reduced, allowing increased access to the Scheme for younger people.

Below we have outlined answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about PRSI dental entitlements.

Q. What are PRSI dental entitlements?

A. Dental Care Ireland is a registered provider of The Treatment Benefit Scheme, which entitles PRSI workers to claim a free oral examination once a calendar year, as well as a subsidised scale & polish (cleaning) for €15.

Q. Who can avail of PRSI dental entitlements?

A. The Treatment Benefit Scheme is available to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions. To qualify, you must have paid class A, E, P, H or S contributions.

Q. How do I know if I qualify for PRSI dental benefits?

A. Contact our reception team with details of your PPSN and date of birth in order for them to check your eligibility on the Welfare Partners website.

Q. Will my PRSI dental benefits change as a result of Budget 2022?

A. From June 2022, the number of contributions required by people aged between 25 and 28 will be reduced from 260 to 39 weeks.

Q. Can I claim my entitlements twice this year if I did not avail last year?

A. No, it is not possible to claim twice in one year. These benefits are only available once per calendar year, from January to December.

Q. Who administers The Treatment Benefit Scheme?

A. The Treatment Benefit Scheme is run by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

To speak to our team about claiming your dental benefits for 2021, find your local Dental Care Ireland practice.

Porcelain or Composite Veneers?

Dental veneers can transform a smile by significantly enhancing the shape, size and colour of your teeth.

The process involves bonding a thin layer of porcelain or composite resin to the front surface of one or multiple teeth. There are a number of factors to consider when determining which type of veneer is best suited to your individual needs.

Dr Jennifer Collins, our clinical director, outlines some of the key differences between porcelain and composite veneers.

#1 Treatment Time

Composite veneers can typically be fabricated while you wait, making it a same-day treatment. Your dentist matches a tooth-coloured resin material to the shade of your natural teeth. The resin is then added in layers to the tooth surface, sculpted and polished.

Porcelain veneers are made in a dental laboratory and therefore require at least two visits to prepare and fit. Your dentist will remove a very thin layer of your teeth, take an impression, and send a mould to the lab. During your second visit, the porcelain veneers will be bonded to the teeth.

#2 Durability

Although both materials are durable, porcelain is a stronger material than composite resin. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years. Composite veneers will need to be refreshed or replaced more frequently, typically every 3-5 years.

While composite veneers are more prone to chipping than porcelain, they can usually be repaired by your dentist in one visit. If porcelain veneers break, however, they cannot be repaired and must be replaced instead.

#3 Appearance

Both composite and porcelain veneers are designed to individual specifications, ensuring that they match the patient’s existing teeth. Due to the translucent properties of porcelain, it provides the most natural, tooth-like appearance.

Not only can porcelain veneers improve the shade of your teeth, but they also provide enhanced resistance to further staining from habits such as drinking coffee or smoking. Like natural teeth, composite can stain and discolour over time.

#4 Cost

Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers. They are made in a dental laboratory, requiring more time, expertise and resources.

In order to fit a porcelain veneer, some of the natural tooth surface is removed, meaning the treatment is irreversible. Composite veneers require minimal prep work to the natural teeth, making it possible to remove or replace them as needed.

#5 Suitability

Although veneers will not address any underlying dental issues, they can be an aesthetic solution for a variety of concerns such as fractures, chips, discolouration or uneven spacing.

Your dentist will assess your suitability for veneers based on the overall health of your teeth and gums.

Some severe cases of discolouration or spacing issues may not be adequately treatable with composite veneers, making porcelain the only viable option.

To find out more about dental veneers at Dental Care Ireland, contact us here

Back-to-School Dental Care

Following months of disruption and altered schedules, the return to school this year is a timely reminder to re-establish your family’s dental health routine.

From tooth-friendly lunchboxes to mouthguard fitting, Dr Karen Grealis at our Ashbourne/Navan practices shares six top tips on back-to-school dental care.

#1 Schedule a check-up

Prevention is better than cure, and regular check-ups are the best way to avoid unnecessary pain and minimise impact on important study time during the school year. Routine attendance will also help to reduce unexpected dental costs in the longer-term.

#2 Replace toothbrushes

In the rush to update school shoes, uniforms and stationery for the new school year, be sure to consider replacing the family’s toothbrushes too. It is important to replace your child’s toothbrush at least every three months, or after an illness. To keep their mouths healthy, regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is key.

#3 Supervise brushing

For younger children, parents will still need to provide assistance with brushing, whilst at the same time encouraging them to manage their own brushing routine. Experts recommend that brushing assistance is needed until such time as the child has demonstrated good manual dexterity for independent tasks such as tying shoelaces.

#4 Tooth-friendly lunch boxes

Most schools have a healthy lunch box policy, which goes hand-in-hand with maintaining good dental health, and should include a balance of grains, milk, cheese, raw vegetables, yoghurt or fruit. Ideally, opt for a small child’s size bottle of water or a small carton of milk. Drinking water will help to dilute any acid attacks on the teeth.

#5 Restrict treats to mealtime

With the prospect of birthday party season and Halloween on the horizon, try to limit treats to mealtimes and avoid grazing on them throughout the day. Our saliva production increases during meals, which helps rinse away sugary food particles and can reduce the risk of cavities. Avoid treats that tend to linger in the mouth, such as hard or sticky sweets.

#6 Mouth guard fitting

A properly fitted mouthguard is an essential safety feature for children ahead of the winter sports season. A dentist can custom fit your child’s mouthguard to ensure that it is accurately adapted to the mouth and stays in place securely. As the child’s teeth develop and change, it is important to check each year that their mouthguard still fits.

Dental Care Ireland is offering half-price kids’ check-ups throughout the month of September. To book a back-to-school dental exam, contact your nearest practice here