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Dental Care Ireland Acquires 20th Practice

Dental Care Ireland recently celebrated six years in business, with the acquisition of its 20^th dental practice in Ireland.

Kilbarrack Dental Care in Dublin 5 is the group’s sixth acquisition in the last 12 months, along with Ennis Dental in Co. Clare, Wellington Quay Dental Centre in Co. Louth, Virginia Dental Surgery in Co. Cavan, Farnham Street Dental Surgery in Cavan Town, and two former Centric Health practices in Dublin.

Dental Care Ireland will invest in upgrading and rebranding the practices in 2021, while providing management and administrative support to practice teams in operations, finance, quality and compliance, HR and marketing.

Since its establishment in March 2015 by Colm Davitt, former CEO of Affidea, and his brother Dr Kieran Davitt, a Galway-based dentist, Dental Care Ireland has acquired 25 practices in total, five of which have been absorbed into other practice locations.

According to Dublin-based CEO, Colm Davitt: “Over the last six years, we have acquired some exceptional dental practices, and helped them to reach their full potential. Our significant track record in the Irish market, as well as a strong support team in Dublin, has enabled us to continue our expansion despite the challenges of the last 12 months. Our ultimate aim is to provide a Dental Care Ireland practice in every single county, so we have ambitious plans to grow the organisation further in the year ahead.”

To date, Dental Care Ireland employs over 250 team members across the country, comprising 80 general and specialist dentists, dental hygienists, dental nurses and practice managers, as well as operations, finance and marketing support staff. Practices are located in Dublin, Meath, Carlow, Mayo, Offaly, Wicklow, Galway, Kilkenny, Clare, Cavan and Louth.

To find out more about joining the Dental Care Ireland group, you can contact us here

Six Dental Hygiene Habits

The best way to prevent long-term dental issues is a thorough cleaning regime, coupled with regular dental visits.

If your oral health has taken a back seat during the pandemic, it may be time to spring clean your dental hygiene routine.

Kathy Delaney, dental hygienist at our Cabinteely practice in Dublin, shares her top six dental hygiene tips for a healthy mouth and gums.

#1 Regular brushing

It is recommended to brush twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, using a medium textured toothbrush with a small head, especially last thing at night. Remember to include your tongue, as it can also harbour bacteria, leading to bad breath.

#2 Replace your toothbrush

It is important to replace your toothbrush at least every 2-3 months, after an illness, or when the bristles start to splay. Similarly, an electric toothbrush head should be replaced approximately every 12 weeks or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you are using an electric toothbrush, do not apply too much pressure. Allow the brush to do the work for you, and watch the sensor guide on the model.

#3 Floss daily

To help remove food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums, floss daily or use an interdental brush. Ideally, floss before brushing so that any released particles can be removed from the mouth. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can lead to cavities and gum disease.

#4 Rinse with care

Using a fluoride toothpaste helps keep teeth strong and prevent dental decay. Be sure to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing but avoid rinsing, so that fluoride remains on your teeth for as long as possible.

#5 Drink water

Drink plenty of water to help minimise acid attacks on your teeth, particularly after a meal. Drinking water promotes healthy saliva production, which washes away leftover food particles and helps deter the growth of smelly oral bacteria.

#6 Schedule a check-up

Regular check-ups allow your dentist or dental hygienist to detect conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease early. In addition to a good dental hygiene routine at home, professional cleaning helps to prevent a build-up of plaque bacteria which can cause gum disease.

To book a dental hygiene appointment at your nearest Dental Care Ireland practice, contact us here

Level 5: Frequently Asked Questions

With the continued rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme, Level 5 restrictions remain in place nationwide. During this transition period, you may be wondering if dentistry is considered an essential service, and are dentists open in Ireland?

Below we have outlined answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about visiting the dentist during Level 5.

Q. Is dentistry considered an essential service during Level 5?

A. Yes. Dental care is designated as an essential service by the Government.

Q. Are dentists open in Ireland during Level 5?

A. Yes. Dental Care Ireland practices remain open for all patient appointments during Level 5 restrictions. Due to Covid-19 safety measures, we request that patients do not visit us without a pre-arranged appointment.

Q. Are dentists open in Ireland for routine dental care?

A. Yes. We continue to provide both routine and emergency dental care at this time.

Q. Can I travel outside my 5km limit for a dental appointment?

A. Yes. As an essential healthcare service, patients are permitted to travel more than 5km from home to attend the dentist.

Q. What procedures are in place to ensure the safety of patients and staff?

A. At Dental Care Ireland, we continue to implement a number of group-wide procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both our patients and staff. These include:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Staff and patient temperature checks
Pre-appointment screening
Staggered and lengthened appointments
Increased infection prevention and control (IPC) processes
Addition of air purifier machines

Q. What should I do in the event of a dental emergency?

A. If you have a dental emergency, please call your local Dental Care Ireland practice immediately. A team member will be on hand to advise you on what to do next. Due to Covid-19 safety measures, please do not arrive at the practice without a pre-arranged appointment.

If you have further queries regarding your visit or to book an appointment, contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice.

When to Consider Children’s Braces

There are many reasons why children’s braces can be of benefit, including improved appearance, mouth function and better oral hygiene.

If you think your child may need some orthodontic treatment due to issues such as crowding or a misaligned jaw, you may be wondering about an ideal age to start the process?

In this month’s Q&A, Dr Lían O’Dwyer, a specialist orthodontist at our Knocklyon practice in Dublin, answers some common questions about the timing of orthodontic treatment for children.

Q: When should my child first visit an orthodontist?

A: The Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends that you bring your child for an orthodontic assessment at approximately 7 or 8 years of age. Some children may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation as young as age 5 or 6, and others can wait until the baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth are coming into place at 11 or 12 years.

Q: How will I know when my child needs to see an orthodontist?

A: Your family dentist can help you determine if and when to consider orthodontic evaluation, as well as recommending a specialist orthodontist. Starting the process early does not mean a child will get braces right away. It just means the orthodontist will be able to assess the child’s situation and decide the best time to start treatment.

Q: What is the best age for children’s braces?

A: The best time for your child to be fitted with braces depends on the severity and the cause of their misaligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 8 and 14. Children in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing. Your orthodontist will help you choose the optimal time to begin your child’s treatment.

Q: Should my child have all their adult teeth before getting braces?

A: No, it is not always necessary for a child to have all their permanent teeth before fitting braces. It can actually be beneficial to have some baby teeth in the mouth when starting orthodontic treatment. Baby teeth are bigger than the underlying adult teeth and this extra space can be used to alleviate dental crowding.

Q: How long does orthodontic treatment take?

A: Treatment typically lasts 12-24 months, depending on the child’s individual requirements. Regular visits for adjustment and progress review will vary in frequency from every five to eight weeks, according to the treatment stage. Following treatment, your child will be advised to use a fixed or removable retainer to keep the teeth in their new position.

Q: Is it possible to correct alignment issues in younger children?

A: In some cases, interceptive orthodontic treatment can be carried out from age 7 or 8, to correct or improve an incorrect bite or malalignment of the teeth. This type of early treatment could last from three months to a year and aims to correct a specific problem during the development of the teeth.

Q: Will early intervention prevent the need for braces at a later stage?

A: A phase of interceptive treatment may remove the need for future treatment or simplify future brace treatment. However, it does not guarantee that further orthodontic treatment will not be required once the permanent teeth have fully erupted.

To find out more about children’s braces at Dental Care Ireland, visit our orthodontics information page.

Sandyford Dental Joins Dental Care Ireland

Dental Care Ireland in Cabinteely, formerly Park Clinic Dental, this month announced its merger with Sandyford Dental, a long-standing Dublin 18 practice led by Dr Liam Daly and Dr Raffaele Apicella.

Following Dr Daly’s retirement, the partnership will see Sandyford Dental relocate from Beacon South Quarter to the recently refurbished Dental Care Ireland practice in the Park Shopping Centre, Cabinteely. Dr Apicella (pictured) will work alongside Dr Brendan O’Connor, Dr Vincent McDonagh and all of the existing team in Cabinteely to provide a range of general and specialist dental treatments.

A native of Italy, Dr Apicella trained and worked as a dentist in both Naples and Wales, before moving to Dublin in 2016. At Sandyford Dental, he practised as a general dentist, as well as gaining specialist expertise in both endodontics and cosmetic dentistry.

In addition to state-of-the-art facilities and technology, patients at Dental Care Ireland in Cabinteely have access to a team of specialist orthodontists, paediatric dentists, and a hygienist.

Commenting on the merger, Dr Apicella said: “Our move to Cabinteely is an exciting opportunity to join an exceptional team in top class facilities. With many treatment options available under the one roof, it will allow us to broaden our overall offering for patients in the area. I very much look forward to working alongside Brendan, Vincent and the entire team at Dental Care Ireland.”

To find out more about the range of treatments available at our Cabinteely practice, contact us here

How to Prevent Sensitive Teeth

Do you find that hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks cause discomfort in your mouth? If so, it may be the result of tooth sensitivity.

Sensitive teeth are typically caused by worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Although it is a common condition, it can also be an early warning sign of more serious dental problems. Your dentist or dental hygienist can help to identify or eliminate any underlying issues.

Here, Dr Rachel Birt from our Cavan practice shares ten tips to help manage and prevent sensitive teeth as part of your regular oral health regime.

Ten Tips to Prevent Sensitive Teeth

#1 Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes, especially last thing at night, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

#2 Try to brush in a circular motion with gentle pressure, rather than side-to-side.

#3 Use a fluoride toothpaste to help keep teeth strong and prevent dental decay, or try a desensitising toothpaste as recommended by your dentist.

#4 Floss teeth once a day to remove plaque, preferably before brushing.

#5 Reduce frequency of sugary or acidic snacks and carbonated drinks.

#6 Drink plenty of water to help dilute any acid attacks caused by food or drinks.

#7 After eating, wait 30 minutes before brushing, which will give your enamel a chance to re-harden.

#8 If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about wearing a mouth guard at night.

#9 If you are considering teeth whitening, discuss sensitivity with your dentist before starting treatment.

#10 Schedule a full dental check-up with your dentist at least once a year, or more frequently as advised.

If you pay PRSI, you may be entitled to an annual exam, scale & polish, for only €15 at any Dental Care Ireland practice. Find your nearest practice or book an appointment online.

Six Simple Dental Resolutions

The start of a new year is an ideal time to review your oral health regime and consider some simple dental resolutions as part of your overall wellbeing.

A good cleaning routine and regular dental visits can go a long way to ensuring a healthy mouth and gums. Dr Jennifer Collins from our Ballsbridge practice in Dublin shares six simple dental health habits to consider in 2021.

#1 Brush up on your routine

A thorough brushing routine is key to maintaining a healthy mouth. Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, especially last thing at night. Remember to include your tongue, as it can also harbour bacteria. It is important to replace your toothbrush at least every three months, or after an illness.

#2 Floss daily

Try committing to floss your teeth at least once a day, preferably before brushing. Flossing helps to remove any food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums, that may be beyond your toothbrush’s reach. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can lead to cavities and gum disease.

#3 Drink more water

Among your dental resolutions for 2021, make sure to drink plenty of water, particularly after eating a meal. Drinking water promotes healthy saliva production, which washes away leftover food particles and helps deter the growth of smelly oral bacteria.

#4 Schedule a regular check-up

Regular check-ups are the best way to avoid unnecessary pain and minimise unexpected dental costs in the longer-term. Regular attendance allows your dentist to detect conditions such as tooth decay, teeth grinding and gum disease at an early stage. Your dentist will also offer professional advice on hygiene, diet and best maintenance.

#5 Teeth straightening

If a straighter smile is top of your new year’s resolution list, there are a number of minimally invasive and even invisible options to consider. Some of the latest treatments, such as Invisalign Go, can correct mild overcrowding, gaps or alignment issues in as little as 3-6 months. Your dentist or orthodontist can advise you on the treatment best suited to your individual needs.

#6 Check your dental entitlements

If you pay PRSI, you may be entitled to claim a free oral examination in 2021, as well as a subsidised scale & polish for €15. Under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, dental benefits are available to insured workers, the self-employed, and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions.

To check your new year’s dental entitlements, contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice.

Christmas Opening Hours

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 Monday, 4^th January 2021.

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

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS @ DENTAL CARE IRELAND

Ashbourne, Co. Meath

Monday, December 21st: Normal hours
Tuesday, December 22nd: Normal hours
Wednesday, December 23rd: Closed
Thursday, December 24th: Closed
Friday, December 25th: Closed
Saturday, December 26th: Closed
Monday, December 28th: Closed
Tuesday, December 29th: Closed
Wednesday, December 30th: Closed
Thursday, December 31st: Closed
Friday, January 1st: Closed
Saturday, January 2nd: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

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

For contact details, see Northumberland Dental Care

Cabinteely, Dublin 18

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

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely

Callan, Co. Kilkenny

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

For contact details, see Callan Dental

Carlow, Co. Carlow

Monday, December 21st: Normal hours
Tuesday, December 22nd: Normal hours
Wednesday, December 23rd: Normal hours
Thursday, December 24th: Closed
Friday, December 25th: Closed
Saturday, December 26th: Closed
Monday, December 28th: Closed
Tuesday, December 29th: Closed
Wednesday, December 30th: Closed
Thursday, December 31st: Closed
Friday, January 1st: Closed
Saturday, January 2nd: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Carlow

Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Monday, December 21st: Normal hours
Tuesday, December 22nd: Normal hours
Wednesday, December 23rd: Normal hours
Thursday, December 24th: Closed
Friday, December 25th: Closed
Saturday, December 26th: Closed
Monday, December 28th: Closed
Tuesday, December 29th: Closed
Wednesday, December 30th: Closed
Thursday, December 31st: Closed
Friday, January 1st: Closed
Saturday, January 2nd: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Castlebar

Cavan, Co. Cavan

Monday, December 21st: Normal hours
Tuesday, December 22nd: Normal hours
Wednesday, December 23rd: 9am – 1pm (emergency clinic)
Thursday, December 24th: Closed
Friday, December 25th: Closed
Saturday, December 26th: Closed
Monday, December 28th: Closed
Tuesday, December 29th: 9am – 2pm (emergency clinic)
Wednesday, December 30th: 9am – 2pm (emergency clinic)
Thursday, December 31st: Closed
Friday, January 1st: Closed
Saturday, January 2nd: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Cavan

Claregalway, Co. Galway

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

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Claregalway

Ennis, Co. Clare

Monday, December 21st: Normal hours
Tuesday, December 22nd: Normal hours
Wednesday, December 23rd: Normal hours
Thursday, December 24th: Closed
Friday, December 25th: Closed
Saturday, December 26th: Closed
Monday, December 28th: Closed
Tuesday, December 29th: Closed
Wednesday, December 30th: Closed
Thursday, December 31st: Closed
Friday, January 1st: Closed
Saturday, January 2nd: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Ennis

Greystones, Co. Wicklow

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

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Greystones

Kells, Co. Meath

Monday, December 21st: Normal hours
Tuesday, December 22nd: Normal hours
Wednesday, December 23rd: Normal hours
Thursday, December 24th: Closed
Friday, December 25th: Closed
Saturday, December 26th: Closed
Monday, December 28th: Closed
Tuesday, December 29th: Closed
Wednesday, December 30th: Closed
Thursday, December 31st: Closed
Friday, January 1st: Closed
Saturday, January 2nd: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Kells

Knocklyon, Dublin 16

Monday, December 21st: Normal hours
Tuesday, December 22nd: Normal hours
Wednesday, December 23rd: Normal hours
Thursday, December 24th: Closed
Friday, December 25th: Closed
Saturday, December 26th: Closed
Monday, December 28th: Closed
Tuesday, December 29th: 9am – 2pm (emergency clinic)
Wednesday, December 30th: 9am – 2pm (emergency clinic)
Thursday, December 31st: Closed
Friday, January 1st: Closed
Saturday, January 2nd: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon

Navan, Co. Meath

Monday, December 21st: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday, December 22nd: 8am – 5pm
Wednesday, December 23rd: 8am – 1pm
Thursday, December 24th: Closed
Friday, December 25th: Closed
Saturday, December 26th: Closed
Monday, December 28th: Closed
Tuesday, December 29th: 10am – 4pm
Wednesday, December 30th: 10am – 4pm
Thursday, December 31st: Closed
Friday, January 1st: Closed
Saturday, January 2nd: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Navan

Swords, Co. Dublin

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

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Swords

Tuam, Co. Galway

Monday, December 21st: Normal hours
Tuesday, December 22nd: Normal hours
Wednesday, December 23rd: 8.30am – 1pm
Thursday, December 24th: Closed
Friday, December 25th: Closed
Saturday, December 26th: Closed
Monday, December 28th: Closed
Tuesday, December 29th: Closed
Wednesday, December 30th: 10am – 1pm (emergency clinic)
Thursday, December 31st: Closed
Friday, January 1st: Closed
Saturday, January 2nd: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Tuam

Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Monday, December 21st: Normal hours
Tuesday, December 22nd: Normal hours
Wednesday, December 23rd: Normal hours
Thursday, December 24th: Closed
Friday, December 25th: Closed
Saturday, December 26th: Closed
Monday, December 28th: Closed
Tuesday, December 29th: 10am – 1pm
Wednesday, December 30th: Closed
Thursday, December 31st: 10am – 1pm
Friday, January 1st: Closed
Saturday, January 2nd: Closed

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Tullamore

Virginia, Co. Cavan

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

For contact details, see Dental Care Ireland Virginia

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

Tooth Care Tips for Tots

Baby teeth are just as prone to cavities as adult teeth, so establishing an effective oral health routine from an early age is key. Teaching children to look after their baby teeth will help lay the foundations for a healthy adult mouth.

Dr Elaine Shore, a paediatric dentist at our Cabinteely practice in Dublin, answers some frequently asked questions about toddlers’ dental health.

Q. When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

A. Toothbrushing should start as soon as the first baby tooth appears in the mouth. The first teeth begin to erupt at around 6 months, but each child is different so it may be a little earlier or later in some cases.

Q. How can I encourage toothbrushing for my child?

A. The best way to encourage toothbrushing is to make it part of their normal routine from when the first tooth appears in their mouth. Toddlers are too young to brush their teeth by themselves. We recommend that parents brush their child’s teeth for them at bedtime or bath time, and at one other time during the day. The easiest and safest way for you to do this effectively is for the child to be lying down in a comfortable place while you brush their teeth.

Consultant paediatric dentist Dr Kirsten FitzGerald from Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, has developed a very helpful video demonstrating this technique.

Q. What type of toothpaste should I use to brush my toddler’s teeth?

A. For children aged 0-2 years, the use of toothpaste depends on how much your child is at risk of tooth decay.

If your child is at low risk of dental decay, there is no need to use fluoride toothpaste until age 2 years. Instead, just use the toothbrush with some plain tap water on it.

If your child already has decay in their teeth under the age of 2, or is at high risk of developing decay before age 2, you may be advised by your dentist to use a small smear of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush (roughly the same size as a grain of rice). The fluoride in toothpaste helps to strengthen and support teeth so they can recover from the acid attacks caused by foods and drinks, reducing the risk of dental decay.

From age 2 years, children should be using a smear of fluoride toothpaste twice a day. From age 3 onwards, a small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste may be used on the toothbrush, twice daily.

Q. How long should brushing last?

A. Teeth should be brushed twice a day for two minutes. There are several songs and videos available online to help with timing this, which may also help to make it more fun. Always make sure your child spits out after brushing to avoid swallowing toothpaste, with no rinsing afterwards for at least 20 minutes. This is to allow the fluoride toothpaste to work on strengthening the teeth.

Q. When can my child brush without supervision?

A. We recommend that parents help with toothbrushing until the child has demonstrated good manual dexterity for independent tasks such as tying shoelaces. This varies from child to child. In general, children must have parental help with toothbrushing throughout the toddler years.

Q. When should a child start visiting the dentist?

A. Ideally, a “dental home” should be established by the age of 1. This means bringing your child to a dentist for check-ups from when their first teeth erupt. Getting them used to the dentist early means the child is introduced to the dental environment at a young age in a non-urgent setting, so it is a more positive experience. It is also an opportunity for dentists to provide support and advice for families on how to generate healthy dental habits at home to prevent decay from the very start.

Q. How can I prepare my toddler for a dental visit?

A. We recommend that you explain in positive, child-friendly language that the dentist will count your child’s teeth and check that they are healthy. There are lots of child-friendly books and songs about toothbrushing and visiting the dentist which may be useful for very young children to help them understand what to expect.

Q. What is a paediatric dentist, and why might my child need to see one?

A. A paediatric dentist specialises in providing dental care for children. Paediatric dentists undergo three years of full-time specialist training, in addition to their general dentistry training, so they have additional expertise in providing dental care for children in a way that is safe, effective, and acceptable to the child. This may involve using techniques like inhalation sedation (“happy air”) or general anaesthesia, if needed. The focus of paediatric dentistry is helping your child to have a positive dental experience and build lifelong healthy dental habits, so that they need minimal dentistry in future.

To book an appointment at your nearest Dental Care Ireland practice, contact us here

Ten Teeth Whitening Tips

Contrary to popular belief, our teeth are not naturally white, and typically get darker or more yellow with age. Professional teeth whitening can brighten the shade of your teeth and help to remove discolouration.

If you are considering teeth whitening, Dr Karen Grealis from our Ashbourne and Navan practices shares her top ten tips for achieving best results.

Ten Teeth Whitening Tips:

#1 Schedule a check-up with your dentist to determine the suitability of your teeth for whitening. You may not be a suitable candidate if you have gum disease, tooth decay or hypersensitivity.

#2 Teeth whitening is only effective on natural teeth. Crowns, veneers or tooth-coloured fillings will not whiten. If you have any crowns, veneers or fillings in your front teeth, you may need to have these replaced after your whitening treatment to match your new shade.

#3 For best results, your dentist may recommend a professional scale and polish prior to whitening. During this treatment, your dentist or dental hygienist will thoroughly clean all deposits and stains, scale away tartar build-up and polish the teeth.

#4 The outcome of your whitening treatment will depend on the shade of your teeth at the outset. Before you begin, your dentist will advise you on whether your desired shade is achievable or not.

#5 Allow sufficient time for your whitening treatment ahead of any special events or occasions. Whitening trays and gel are typically used at home for two to four hours per day for approximately one to four weeks, depending on the shade you aim to achieve.

#6 If you usually have sensitive teeth, it may be helpful to use a sensitive toothpaste before and during whitening. It is normal to experience some sensitivity during the whitening process but sensitivity is only temporary and will disappear when you finish the treatment.

#7 The effects of whitening will vary from person to person. To help maintain results, try to avoid smoking or consuming foods and drinks that tend to stain teeth such as tea, coffee, red wine, balsamic vinegar or even berries.

#8 Working in conjunction with your dentist, whitening is a safe and easy way to brighten your smile. After the initial application, you can use your whitening gel to top-up your tooth shade annually or as needed.

#9 For maximum impact, try to maintain a good oral health routine at home. Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and drink plenty of water.

#10 Visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly to help keep your mouth healthy and ensure that teeth are adapting well to the whitening treatment.

If a sparkling smile is top of your Christmas list this year, Dental Care Ireland practices are offering 20% off teeth whitening until 31 December.

For further information, contact your local practice.