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Staff profile: Anne Francis is a hygienist in our dentist practice in Carlow

We sat down and talked to Anne about her passion for her work, the importance of good oral hygiene and why she loves working in our dentist practice in Carlow.

What does your role entail?

I am a Dental Hygienist. This means I will clean all the deposits and stains from patients’ teeth, scale away tartar build-up and then polish the teeth.

What do you most love about your job?

I love restoring the oral health of all my patients, both young and old.

Why did you choose to become a Dental Hygienist?

I wanted to be a Dental Hygienist because I want to help people look after their mouths.

Where did you study?

I studied in the Dublin Dental Hospital.

What advice would you give young people about entering dentistry as a career?

The advice I would give to young people entering dentistry as a career would be to expect that the job can be stressful at times, but it is very rewarding.

What piece of advice do you tend to give to all your patients?

The advice I would give to my patients is to attend the dentist regularly, that is very important.

What’s the best way to encourage children to keep their teeth strong and healthy?

A happy, healthy smile is better than a bad one is the advice I would give to encourage kids to keep their teeth healthy.

What should older patients do to look after their teeth?

Older people should ensure they attend the dentist regularly and get their teeth cleaned in order to keep their teeth healthy.

What are the most common problems you see?

The most common problems we see in the dentist practice in Carlow would be gum disease, tooth decay or poor diets.

And how do you advise patients to deal with them?

We stress the importance of a good diet and good dental hygiene.

What do you most like about working in Dental Care Ireland?

I love working in Dental Care Ireland as I love helping the patients. And the team here is great too!

How do you relax after work and on the weekends?

I relax after work and on the weekends by spending time with my family, reading and doing yoga.

If you hadn’t entered dentistry, what would your dream job have been?

If I hadn’t entered dentistry, my dream job would be a travel consultant.

Find out more about Dental Care Ireland in Carlow

Invisalign: all you need to know about the alternative to braces

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Jacqueline Clune, specialist orthodontist at our Callan practice in Kilkenny, answers some frequently asked questions about the benefits of Invisalign versus traditional braces

Q: What is Invisalign?

Aligner braces, such as Invisalign, straighten teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for your mouth. The aligners are removable and barely visible.

Q: Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces?

A: The type of orthodontic treatment that is suitable for you depends on the type of orthodontic problem you need to have corrected. It is typically not recommended for more complex orthodontic cases. Often a combination of Invisalign and traditional braces may work best. Your orthodontist can advise you on the treatment best suited to your individual needs.

Q: What are the benefits of Invisalign?

A: The biggest benefit is that the retainers are virtually invisible. Unlike fixed metal braces, you can also remove your aligners to eat or brush and floss your teeth as normal. As your aligners are built from a 3D scan of your teeth in a lab, progress visits are kept to a minimum of every few months. You just change your aligners as your orthodontist advises.

Q: Is Invisalign suitable for everybody?

A: It is an ideal treatment method for many patients but it is not suitable for all orthodontic issues. Your orthodontist will first need to assess a range of factors including the shape of your teeth, the position of your teeth, if your teeth are tilted, if the gap between your teeth is larger than 6mm, and whether you have had previous dental treatments such as a dental bridge, veneer or crown.

Q: Are there any drawbacks to Invisalign for a suitable candidate?

A: For best results, it needs to be worn for 20 – 22 hours each day. The aligners need to be removed before eating and drinking anything other than water. It requires discipline to replace them afterwards. You also need to brush your teeth before replacing aligners, as food particles can stop your teeth from moving, and put you at increased risk of cavities and bad breath.

Q: When are braces a better choice than Invisalign?

A: With braces, you can treat all dental and facial issues. Even if you have multiple problems with your teeth, braces can treat each one individually. Braces also have more force than the Invisalign aligner to move crooked teeth into the desired position. Outside of the aesthetics of wearing braces, they are often the best solution for straightening your teeth.

Q: Is there any alternative to traditional metal braces?

A: In addition to metal braces, there are now lingual (behind the teeth) and ceramic options available.

Q: What are the disadvantages of braces?

A: Aside from being visible in the mouth, it is a little more difficult to brush and floss with braces. Extra care also needs to be taken with the food and drink you consume. Certain foods can cause the arch wire to break or a bracket to dislodge from a tooth, preventing the effectiveness of the treatment. Regular visits to the orthodontist are required with braces to check on progress and have them adjusted.

Q: Is Invisalign more painful than braces?

A: Whilst your clear retainer may still cause some discomfort and pain, there are typically fewer mouth and gum problems. Unlike braces, Invisalign retainers are unlikely to cut the inside of the mouth. They also eliminate the discomfort associated with tightening braces.

Q: Which treatment is faster?

A: When closing gaps and aligning teeth, the treatment time is generally faster with braces than Invisalign.

Q: Is it cheaper to get braces or Invisalign?

Due to advances in the 3D scanning technology and the flexible material involved in making the aligners, the cost of Invisalign can be similar to braces. However, some treatment results are not possible to achieve with Invisalign alone. In some cases, it may be necessary to finalise tooth positions with braces, which could result in a more expensive treatment overall.

Callan Orthodontics, which is part of our practice in Callan, Co Kilkenny, is hosting an Invisalign Open Day on Saturday, November 9th, 2019. There will be exclusive offers including:

  • €500 off Invisalign
  • Free Consultations
  • Free 3D scan of your new smile
  • Free whitening with treatment
  • Free goodie bag.

Appointments are necessary so book today by calling Callan Orthodontics on (056) 7755577.

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

Halloween treats: how to protect your family’s teeth

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Darragh Byrne from our Claregalway practice answers some common questions about how best to protect your family’s teeth from the ‘horrors’ of Halloween treats

Q: Will some Halloween treats do more damage to my child’s teeth than others? 

A: The length of time sugary food stays in your child’s mouth can affect tooth decay. Avoid Halloween treats that tend to linger in the mouth, such as hard candy canes, sticky sweets or even the dried fruit in seasonal favourites such as barmbrack, as they will do the most damage to teeth.

Q: What drinks are best for my child’s teeth?

A: It is important for children to drink plenty of water to rinse away the sugar after eating Halloween treats. Carbonated drinks and even some fruit juices or smoothies tend to be high in sugar and bad for your teeth. Instead, try to opt for water or milk whenever possible.

Q: How can I limit the damage caused by sugary treats?

A: Instead of grazing on Halloween treats throughout the day, allow children to enjoy a few sweet snacks as dessert after a meal. Saliva production increases during meals, which helps rinse away sugary food particles and can reduce the risk of cavities.

Q: Should I change my child’s dental health routine at Halloween?

A: As teeth may be exposed to more sugar and acid during Halloween, maintaining a basic dental care routine at home is key for all the family. Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and drink plenty of water.

Q: Should my child brush teeth straight after eating a sugary snack?

A: After eating sugary treats, children should wait 30 minutes before brushing. Some acidic foods soften your enamel, so if you brush right after eating them, you can risk hurting your enamel further while it is still sensitive.

Q: Could Halloween fangs or false teeth damage my child’s mouth?

A: It is important to be cautious of Halloween costumes that may impact dental health, such as fake teeth or prosthetics. Read the labels carefully to avoid any potential choking hazards for children. For younger children, who are losing baby teeth, it is best to avoid wearing any false teeth or fangs, in case tooth loss may be accelerated.

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

And check out our Halloween special offer for children.

Halloween special offer for children at Dental Care Ireland

Halloween special offer: Our practices around the country are offering two children’s dental exams for the price of one from October 28th to November 8th

 As parents, we naturally want our children to have fun and enjoy themselves. However, at the same time, we also have to take responsibility for their health and well-being, which is where our Halloween special offer comes in.

This is highlighted each year at Halloween when the fun of dressing up and going ‘trick-or-treating’ has to be balanced with the ‘nightmare’ amount of sweets and chocolate they receive (and want to consume).

To help with this, all Dental Care Ireland practices around the country are offering a two-for-the-price-of-one Halloween special offer on children’s dental exams. This is available from Monday, October 28th to Friday, November 8th.

To book your children in, contact the Dental Care Ireland practice nearest you. Full list of Dental Care Ireland locations.

Tips for parents at Halloween

Obviously, you don’t really want your child to eat all the treats they get. Parents will have often witnessed their children coming home with huge bags full of treats donated from houses in the neighbourhood. So introduce some rules, such as only allowing sweets and chocolate to be eaten after a meal as a dessert substitute.

It is also worth getting them to eat before they go out ‘trick-or-treating’ so they aren’t as hungry and won’t be tempted to eat as many sweets as a replacement for dinner. Try to also spread out the number of days when they can consume the treats as well as putting an end date in sight. You can always donate any remaining treats.

Drink water

It is also beneficial to get your children to drink lots of water around Halloween as this will help to get rid of any sugar in the mouth. It will also dilute the acidity of sugary snacks.

And if you can, encourage the eating of fruit, nuts and cheese around this time so the child will be getting some healthier options as well as all the other stuff. (Bear in mind that this doesn’t include fruit juices and smoothies which often tend to contain a lot of sugar.)

Keep on brushing

It is important that your children stick to their teeth-cleaning routines around Halloween, particularly as so many will be on mid-term break at the same time this year. Our dentists here in Dental Care Ireland recommend brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste as well as flossing once a day. As mentioned above, drinking lots of water is also beneficial.

Get a check-up

There’s no time like the present for booking your children in for a check-up. You could always use have a dental examination as the balance for the consumption of sweets at Halloween!

The October mid-term break is also a good opportunity to take your children to the dentist as time always gets tight in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year. An exam will allow your dentist to check up on your child’s progress and assess what work needs to be done if any.

It will also give the dentist the chance to advise the child on the benefits of brushing which is always good for them to hear from the professionals, as well as from their parents. They can also tell them the professional view on eating too many sweets and drinking too many sugary drinks. This information is often best taken on board when coming from a dentist or dental hygienist.

Our offer

The Dental Care Ireland special offer is a good incentive for you to take your children to the dentist during the mid-term break. So, if you have children under 16 and want to get their teeth checked out, take advantage of our two-for-the-price-of-one deal.

To find out more about this Dental Care Ireland special offer, as well as the terms and conditions, go here: www.dentalcareireland.ie/special-offers/halloween-mid-term-kids-offer/

And, lastly, we hope you and your children have a great break and a ‘superscary’ Halloween!

To find the Dental Care Ireland practice nearest you, check our list of locations here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/

Baby teeth: all you need to know about your child’s oral health

Baby teeth: In this week’s Q&A, Dr Suzanne O’Connor from our Knocklyon practice in Dublin answers some common queries on how to prepare for a child’s first dental visit

 

 

Q: When should I first bring my child to the dentist to have their baby teeth looked at?

A: Ideally before the age of two, and preferably when the first tooth arrives at around six months. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the development of your child’s teeth and give you an opportunity to ask questions on brushing, maintenance and diet.

Q: What is the best time to schedule a visit?

A: Try to pick a time of day that suits you both, so that nobody feels too rushed, tired or hungry. For a first visit, it is particularly important to ensure that your child is as relaxed as possible.

Q: How can I prepare my child for a first visit?

A: It can be useful to introduce child-friendly books or songs about brushing teeth and trips to the dentist. Try to also use positive words and phrases such as check-up, counting teeth or looking at the mouth, rather than unfamiliar terms such as extractions or fillings.

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

A: It is a good idea to introduce the concept of oral hygiene as soon as the first baby teeth arrive at approximately six months. Try introducing a small brush for your baby to hold at bath time so that they can get used to the idea of brushing.

Q: Should I use toothpaste to brush my baby’s teeth?

A: For 0-2 year olds, brushing with atoothbrush and water is best. From 2-7 years, children should brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Incorporating supervised brushing into your child’s usual morning and evening schedules is key.

Q: What happens at a first dental visit?

A: Depending on the child’s age, they can either sit on a parent’s lap, or else sit on the chair by themselves. The dentist examines the child’s mouth and gums, in order to identify any issues such as decay, crowding problems, or developmental anomalies. If needed, they may take an X-ray. They will then polish the child’s teeth and offer the parent preventative hygiene and dietary advice.

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

Baltinglass Dental joins Dental Care Ireland in Carlow

Baltinglass Dental, a well-established Wicklow dentist in Baltinglass led by Dr Lotte Ramsden, is to merge with Dental Care Ireland Carlow

Baltinglass Dental, the renowned dentist in Baltinglass, will relocate from Church Lane in the County Wicklow town to the recently refurbished Dental Care Ireland practice on Tullow Street in Carlow.

Where can I find a dentist near me in Baltinglass?

Dr Lotte Ramsden will now be moving her practice to Dental Care Ireland Carlow where she will work alongside Dr Richard Gillman, Dr Colm Traynor and Dr Róisín Brady to provide a full range of dental treatments for all the family.

What is the best dentist in Wicklow?

Dr Ramsden, formerly of Baltinglass Dental, will now work in the Carlow town, just across the border between Wicklow and Carlow. Dr Ramsden trained and worked as a dentist in Wales, before relocating to Ireland in 2005.

Where has Baltinglass Dental moved to?

The practice is now in Carlow.

Can I become a patient in Dental Care Ireland Carlow?

Yes, all patients from Baltinglass Dental will be welcome at Dental Care Ireland in Carlow.

Does the Carlow practice accept children as patients?

Yes, it is a family-friendly practice renowned for its professional and caring approach. It also does orthodontics for children and adults.

What experience does Dr Ramsden have?

Before Baltinglass Dental, she worked as a dental associate in both Tallaght and Carlow. She is particularly good with nervous patients and is trained in providing sedation.

How does she feel about the move to Carlow?

“We have so many loyal patients at Baltinglass Dental, who come from County Wicklow, County Carlow and County Kildare. By merging with Dental Care Ireland in Carlow, we will greatly improve the service for all our patients,” she said.

Where is Dental Care Ireland Carlow located?

The practice is at 83 Tullow Street in the town. It has been upgraded in recent years and the merger with Baltinglass Dental is an ideal opportunity to consolidate many years of experience under the one roof.

What services does Dental Care Ireland Carlow offer?

As well as the most modern facilities and the latest technology, patients will have access to an endodontist, a specialist orthodontist and an oral surgeon, as well as a team of highly qualified hygienists and dental nurses.

How will the move improve service to patients?

“The two practices have excellent reputations in family dentistry so the merger will help us to enhance the service we provide to people living in the Wicklow, Carlow and Kildare area,” says Dr Richard Gillman, principal dentist at Dental Care Ireland Carlow. “The move also demonstrates Dental Care Ireland’s commitment to working with established, trusted and high quality dental practices all over Ireland.”

Where can I find teeth whitening in Wicklow?

Our practice in Carlow, just over the border from Co Wicklow, does whitening as well as other cosmetic treatments.

Where will I find an orthodontist near Baltinglass?

Baltinglass Dental does orthodontics now that it has merged with Dental Care Ireland in Carlow.

How do I contact Dental Care Ireland Carlow?

You can get in touch with the practice and make an appointment via the website. You can also phone the practice on 059-9141245 or email it at carlow@dentalcareireland.ie.

What are the opening hours?

Dental Care Ireland in Carlow is open on the following days:

Monday: 9am-7pm

Tuesday: 9am-5.40pm

Wednesday: 9am-5.40pm

Thursday: 9am-7pm

Friday: 9am-5.40pm

Saturday: 9am-12.40pm

For further information on Dental Care Ireland and its locations around the country, visit www.dentalcareireland.ie

Dental emergencies: how to deal with them

Dental emergencies: In this week’s Q&A, Dr Maura McGuinness from our Navan practice in Meath answers some common queries about how to handle a dental emergency, from toothache tips to saving a knocked-out tooth

 

 

Dental emergencies? We’ve all experienced them but what’s the best way to deal with them?

Q: What should I do at the first sign of a toothache?

A: If you or your child is experiencing a toothache, it is best to first rinse the mouth with warm water to thoroughly clean it out. Gently use some dental floss to remove any stubborn food or debris from between the teeth.

Q: How can I ease the pain of a toothache?

A: A suitable over-the-counter pain relief remedy can help to ease discomfort, as recommended by your pharmacist. If the pain persists, contact a dentist as soon as possible.

Q: What happens if a tooth is knocked out?

A: Should you or your child fall and knock out a tooth, try to retrieve the lost tooth and go straight to the dentist. Hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root.

Q: How should I store the tooth until I get to the dentist?

A: Put the tooth in a cup of milk, or carry it in your mouth, between the teeth and the inside of the cheek, and try to get to a dentist within half an hour. Avoid storing the tooth in regular tap water or mineral water.

Q: What if my child knocks out a baby tooth?

A: Baby teeth are not typically replanted in the mouth. However, it is still important for your dentist to assess the damage, particularly as the permanent successors may be affected by the injury.

Q: Should I look for any other symptoms?

A: When a tooth is knocked out, look immediately for any symptoms of severe head injury such as bleeding from the nose or ears. It is also important to check for tongue, cheek or jaw lacerations. If any of these symptoms are present, go straight to the hospital emergency department.

Q: What if a tooth is chipped or broken?

A: Gently rinse the mouth using warm water. If there is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.Your dentist will need to examine the area as soon as possible, as there is always a chance that some tooth splinter has lodged in the cheek or lip.

Q: Should I be worried if the chipped tooth starts to change colour?

A: If the tooth starts to change colour, it could be a sign of nerve damage. Even if it is a baby tooth, it is best to visit the dentist to ensure that your child’s adult teeth will not be affected in the future.

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

Dentist near Swords provides full range of treatments

Dentist near Swords uses the most up-to-date technology to ensure patients of all ages get the very best service

Dentist near Swords has undergone a major refurbishment since becoming part of Dental Care Ireland and has maintained its excellent reputation in north County Dublin.

Is there a dentist near me in Swords?

Yes, Dental Care Ireland Swords is situated in St Brendan’s in Seatown West in the north Dublin town. You will find directions here (scroll down to map). You can also contact the practice here, by phone on 01-8402971 or by email on swords@dentalcareireland.ie.

I am looking for a dentist for me and my children in north Dublin. Is Dental Care Ireland Swords family-friendly?

Yes, our practice caters for patients of all ages.

Who is the best dentist in the Swords area of north County Dublin?

Our practice was recently modernised to a very high standard. It now has four surgeries on the premises and covers all general and cosmetic treatments.

We have a team of three dentists at the practice: Dr Orla McGeary and Dr Niamh Row. There is also an orthodontist, Dr Susan O’Connell.

Click here will find more information on our team.

What general treatments are carried out in your Swords practice?

General dentistry includes dental examinations and regular check-ups, dental cleaning, fillings, extractions and dental crowns.

Does the practice cater for other areas in north Dublin?

Yes, we have patients from Malahide, Donabate, Rush, Skerries, Portmarnock, Portrane and various other parts of north County Dublin.

Does your practice offer cosmetic dentistry?

Yes. Our practice does dental veneers, dentures, bridges and teeth whitening.

Is your north Dublin practice accepting new patients?

Yes, our newly expanded and refurbished practice is currently taking on new patients. Get in touch with the team to make an appointment.

Is there a good dental hygienist near me in the Swords area of Dublin?

Our practice has its own dental hygienist on site, Lynsey Neill. At Dental Care Ireland, we advise our patients to have an appointment with a hygienist at least once every six months. This will minimise the risk of developing more serious issues.

What specialist treatments are carried out in Dental Care Ireland Swords?

We do dental implants, root canal treatment and orthodontics. We do Invisalign, ceramic and traditional braces here in Swords.

Is there parking at your Swords practice?

Yes, the practice has free parking for patients both off-street (when available) and on-street. It also has full disabled access.

Can I book online for dental treatments at your practice?

Yes, you can book via the Dental Care Ireland website or make a general enquiry. Alternatively, you can call the practice on 01-8402971 or email us on swords@dentalcareireland.ie. Our staff will also be able to tell you if you can get an ‘Exam, Scale & Polish’ for just €15 as part of the Government’s PRSI initiative.

When is the Swords practice open?

The practice’s opening hours are as follows:

Monday: 8am-8pm

Tuesday: 8am-7pm

Wednesday: 8am-5pm

Thursday: 8am-5pm

Friday: 8am-5pm

Book an appointment in our Swords practice. You can also call the practice on 01-8402971.

Find out more about our Dental Care Ireland practice in Swords, north County Dublin and about all our practices in Dublin.

All you need to know about baby teeth

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Colm Traynor from our Carlow practice answers some common questions about losing baby teeth and how best to protect the new permanent teeth that will shortly follow

 

Q: When do children lose their baby teeth?

A: A child’s baby teeth typically begin to loosen and fall out at about age six, allowing space for the permanent adult teeth to grow.

Q: Which is the first tooth to fall out?

A: Children usually lose teeth in the same order that they first appeared. Hence, the first baby teeth to fall out tend to be the two bottom front teeth and the two top front teeth.

Q: When will my child stop losing baby teeth?

A: Although timing varies from child to child, the process of losing baby teeth usually continues for a number of years until they lose the last tooth at around age 12 or 13.

Q: What if a baby tooth falls out too early?

A: Baby teeth generally stay in place until they are pushed out by permanent teeth. If a child loses a baby tooth early as a result of tooth decay or trauma, make sure to visit your dentist as there may be a risk of infection or damage to the permanent tooth underneath.

Q: How long does it take a wobbly tooth to fall out?

A:  Once you or your child notices that a tooth is loose, it can sometimes take a few days or even a few months to fall out. This depends on how quickly the tooth root resorbs.

Q: Should I help my child to loosen a wobbly tooth?

A: It is generally best not to pull a loose tooth, but rather to let nature take its course. Most children will wiggle a tooth themselves until it falls out of its own accord. This will minimise any pain and bleeding associated with losing the tooth.

Q: What happens after a tooth falls out?

A: When a tooth finally falls out, you can help minimise your child’s discomfort by following some simple steps:

  • Remove the tooth with clean fingers or a moistened gauze
  • Reduce any bleeding with pressure from tissue or gauze for a brief few minutes
  • Encourage your child to gently rinse with warm water later that day
  • Brush the area gently for a day or two, to avoid irritation
  • Contact your dentist if you have any concerns, or if any portion of the baby tooth remains in the socket

Q: How can I help my child to look after the new adult teeth?  

A: Your child’s new permanent teeth will need to last them a lifetime, so establishing a thorough dental care routine from the outset is key.

  • Remind your child to brush at least twice a day for two minutes
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste to help keep their teeth strong and prevent dental decay
  • Help your child floss his or her teeth daily to remove plaque
  • Ensure a healthy diet and limit frequency of snacks, especially those high in sugar
  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of water to help dilute any acid attacks
  • Schedule regular dental visits for your child, to monitor permanent teeth eruption

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

Wise words about wisdom teeth

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Ali Logue from our Greystones practice in Co Wicklow answers your queries about wisdom teeth, when to expect their arrival and how to spot the symptoms.

Q: What is a wisdom tooth?

A: A wisdom tooth is the last tooth to arrive in the mouth. Most adults have 32 teeth, including four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth.

Q: When do wisdom teeth appear?

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

Q: Does everybody get them?

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

Q: Can these 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 will cause issues. Where pain arises, however, it is important to visit a dentist as soon as possible.

Q: How will I know if there is a problem?

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

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

Q: Do all wisdom teeth have to be removed?

A: No, not all of these teeth cause issues. When wisdom teeth become a problem, however, your dentist will usually advise that they be removed to provide long-term relief.

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

A: Rinsing the mouth with salt water or a medicated mouth wash 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, brush twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, drink plenty of water, and try to avoid sugary snacks.

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