Blog
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, 4th 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.
Five Tips to Tackle Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that often remains undiagnosed until complications arise.
Teeth grinding frequently occurs during sleep, so many people are not aware that they are doing it. Typical symptoms include worn or sensitive teeth, soreness around the jaw in the morning, headaches, or making a grinding sound while asleep.
The cause of teeth grinding is not always clear, but it can be linked to both physical and psychological factors such as abnormal alignment of teeth, stress, anxiety or sleep problems.
With many dentists reporting an increase in stress-induced bruxism as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Colm Traynor from our Carlow practice shares some tips on how to prevent long-lasting damage.
#1 Regular dental visits
As you may not be aware of your teeth grinding, it is important to visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Your dentist will recognise signs of grinding such as worn teeth and fillings, or damaged dental crowns and bridges.
#2 Use of a mouthguard
If you grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend a custom-made mouthguard. This is a specially fitted plastic guard that fits over your top or bottom teeth. A mouthguard is one of the most successful and cost-effective means to stop teeth grinding. It is typically worn at night but can also be used during the day if needed.
#3 Mouth exercises
By learning to relax your jaw muscles, you can help to reduce the tension that often leads to an aching jaw or headache. Your dentist can suggest gentle, muscle relaxing exercises to ease tension and discomfort in the mouth and jaw area.
#4 Orthodontic braces
The way your jaw and teeth fit together is a common reason for grinding and clenching. Even at rest or asleep, your jaw sitting irregularly can cramp the muscles and cause unnecessary wear and tear on your teeth. If jaw misalignment is an issue, your dentist might suggest orthodontic braces as a solution to bruxism.
#5 Relaxation techniques
To stop stress-related grinding, both children and adults can benefit from regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, and relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga. Relaxation techniques, especially before bedtime, can drastically reduce grinding at night.
To book an appointment for a dental check-up, find your local Dental Care Ireland practice.
Tooth-Friendly Tricks for a Healthy Halloween
Six Halloween Dental Tips
Although Halloween celebrations may look a little different this year, there will always be time for scary costumes, spooky games and ghoulish treats.
Many Halloween sweets and drinks contain high levels of sugar, which can ultimately lead to cavities and tooth decay. With some clever planning, however, it is possible to limit the scary effects of Halloween treats on your family’s little fangs.
Dr Lean McMorrow from our Greystones and Knocklyon practices, shares some useful Halloween dental tips to help protect children’s teeth and oral health.
Halloween Dental Tips:
#1 Filter the feast
Try to avoid treats that tend to linger in the mouth, such as sticky sweets or hard candy canes. The length of time sugary food stays in your child’s mouth can affect tooth decay. A plain chocolate bar is an example of a less harmful option, as it is softer on the teeth and melts quickly in the mouth.
#2 Restrict treat frequency
Instead of grazing on Halloween treats throughout the day, try to limit sweet treats to mealtimes, such as straight after dinner. Saliva production increases during meals, which helps rinse away sugary food particles and can reduce the risk of cavities.
#3 Drink water
It is important for children to drink plenty of water to rinse away the sugar after eating Halloween treats. The water will help to dilute any acid attacks caused by sugary snacks. Try to avoid carbonated drinks and even some fruit juices or smoothies, which can be high in sugar and therefore lead to erosion of teeth.
#4 Try a mouth-cleanser
A small piece of cheese eaten after a treat will help return the mouth to its natural acid balance and reduce the chances of developing tooth decay. Alternatively, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples and celery will stimulate production of saliva, which in turn helps to wash away sugary foods.
#5 Wait before brushing
If teeth are exposed to more sugar than usual, maintaining a basic dental care routine is key for all the family. After eating sugary treats, however, it is a good idea for children to wait 30 minutes before brushing. Some acidic foods soften your enamel, so if you brush right after eating them, you can risk damaging your enamel further while it is in a weakened state.
#6 Schedule an annual exam
The mid-term break is a good reminder to schedule a family dental appointment if you have not already done so this year. The best way to prevent dental worries is a regular dental examination, and a thorough cleaning routine.
To book an appointment for a dental check-up, find your local Dental Care Ireland practice.
Official Opening of Tuam Practice
Dental Care Ireland this month marked the official opening of its newly rebranded practice on High Street in Tuam, Co. Galway.
Dental Care Ireland Tuam, previously known as Abbeytrinity Dental Practice, has been serving the community in Tuam for over 15 years. Despite a new sign over the door, it continues to be led by previous owner and well known Tuam dentist, Dr John Burke.
Dr Burke works alongside Dr Conor Gill and Dr Amita Bhagwat, as well as dental hygienists Jenna Howley and Aoife Kelly, to offer a full range of dental treatments for all the family. The clinical team is supported by practice manager Regina Farnham, who manages the day-to-day running of the practice.
In recent months, Dental Care Ireland has upgraded the five-surgery practice to provide state-of-the-art facilities, including additional safety equipment such as air purifier machines and perspex screens.
Tuam dentist, Dr John Burke says: “Partnering with Dental Care Ireland has allowed us to greatly enhance our overall patient offering, both in terms of latest facilities and new treatment options, as well as additional services such as online booking. In light of COVID-19, the practice has also implemented a number of new, group-wide procedures to ensure the safety of patients and staff.”
Dental Care Ireland Tuam is part of a growing network of 15 established, family dental practices nationwide, including locations in Claregalway, Ennis and Castlebar. As an essential healthcare service, Dental Care Ireland practices will remain open for patient appointments throughout all levels of the National Framework for living with COVID-19.
To book an appointment with a Tuam dentist or any of our Dental Care Ireland practices nationwide, contact us here.
Six Steps to a Stress-Free Smile
We have all become too familiar with stress and how it can impact both our physical and mental wellbeing. But did you know that there are also links between stress and oral health?
Too much stress can have serious implications for the mouth and gums, from teeth grinding and mouth sores to dry mouth and even gum disease. To combat the effects of stress on your oral health, it is vital to ensure a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and follow a basic oral health routine.
Dr Jennifer Collins from our Ballsbridge practice in Dublin 4 shares six stress and oral health tips to help maintain a healthy mouth throughout these challenging times.
Six Stress and Oral Health Tips:
#1 Remember your routine
During stressful times, it is important to continue with a basic dental routine at home. Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and drink plenty of water.
#2 A regular dental check-up
Regular check-ups are the best way to avoid unnecessary pain and reduce disruption to important work, family or study time. Consistent attendance allows your dentist to detect conditions such as tooth decay, teeth grinding and gum disease at an early stage.
#3 Maintain a balanced diet
A balanced and varied diet is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. Fresh fruit and milk are rich in vitamins C and D, which are necessary for keeping gums healthy. Try to avoid drinking fruit drinks and smoothies too frequently, as many tend to be high in sugar and therefore impact on dental decay. Instead, opt for water or milk if possible.
#4 Be aware of teeth grinding
Increased anxiety and stress can lead to teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism. Common symptoms of bruxism include worn, damaged or sensitive teeth, soreness around the jaw in the morning, sometimes headaches and making a grinding sound while asleep. Your dentist can examine the mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, help to work out possible causes, and suggest appropriate treatments, such as a mouth guard.
#5 Drink plenty of water
Stressful situations can result in a dry mouth, causing a lack of saliva, which increases the risk of tooth decay. Drinking plenty of water helps to promote healthy production of saliva, which washes away leftover food particles. To prevent dry mouth, sip tap water frequently or try chewing sugar-free gum.
#6 Treat mouth sores
Stress can impair the immune system’s response, resulting in inflammation of the gums, as well as unexpected mouth sores such as ulcers or cold sores. To ease irritation from ulcers, try an over-the-counter numbing remedy as recommended by your pharmacist, and avoid spicy, hot or acidic foods. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can be spread to other people, so if you feel that familiar tingle, it is best to treat straight away.
To book an appointment for a dental check-up, find your local Dental Care Ireland practice.
