Blog
A guide to teeth whitening in Dublin
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you’re looking to avail of teeth whitening in Dublin, we’re here for you.
More and more often, people are enquiring about teeth whitening in Dublin, and indeed all around the country. It is an incredibly popular treatment, and for good reason. It helps give people a better smile, and makes their teeth gleam.
Interestingly, one of the biggest misconceptions about dental health is that our teeth are white in colour. In fact, they are more likely to be grey or yellow. Baby teeth look very white, due to a thin layer of enamel which allows light through to your teeth. However, as we age, our permanent teeth grow, which have stronger dentine and enamel. Light doesn’t travel through these easily, so they look darker.
But that fact doesn’t stop people looking to get their teeth whitened!
At Dental Care Ireland, we recommend that the first step in deciding whether or not to whiten your teeth should be taken in consultation with your dentist.
Your dentist will first need to examine your teeth, mouth and gums to better understand if there are any outstanding treatment needs and to assess your suitability for teeth whitening.
He or she will then take impressions of your teeth to make the teeth whitening trays for use with a home whitening kit. You will then receive an appointment to try out the kit and will receive advice and instruction on how to use it in the best possible manner.
Your dentist will also work closely with you to identify the shade of white you wish to achieve. Teeth whitening can take approximately 10 days to three weeks depending on the shade you have chosen.
It is important to remember that whitening your teeth involves a bit of time and effort, but it is worth it. Your teeth occasionally can be a little sensitive after the treatment, but this generally resolves itself shortly afterwards. But remember to keep taking care of your teeth afterwards!
If you’re looking to book an appointment for teeth whitening in Dublin, the Dental Care Ireland practices in Swords, Knocklyon and Cabinteely can offer you the help you need. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours
The Importance of Baby Teeth
Teeth Tips for Toddlers & Babies
Despite the fact that baby teeth will eventually fall out, the importance of deciduous or “baby” teeth cannot be overstated. A good primary dentition helps your child to establish strong biting and chewing patterns, develop speech, and hold healthy space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.
Baby teeth are just as prone to cavities as permanent or ‘adult’ teeth. When a baby tooth falls out prematurely or is lost to decay, other teeth can tilt into the empty spaces and it can cause delay in eruption, as the ‘gate-keeper’ is now lost. Teaching children to look after their baby teeth from an early age, will also help pave the way for a healthy adult mouth.
Development of Baby Teeth
Even before they appear, baby teeth have begun their journey as far back as the second trimester of pregnancy. They usually start to erupt into the baby’s mouth at about six months, although sometimes earlier. Typically, most children will have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they reach three years old.
The baby teeth usually start to fall out from about six years of age. The first permanent molar teeth are the first permanent teeth to arrive and replace them, quickly followed by the permanent incisor teeth.
This pattern of loss and replacement continues up to around the age of 11 or 12.
Taking care of our baby teeth, therefore, is an essential part of developing good oral health for the future.
Teeth Tips for Toddlers & Babies
1. Getting started
As the first baby teeth arrive at approximately six months, it is often a good idea to introduce the concept of oral hygiene at this time.
In my experience, parents often find it challenging to introduce brushing and establish a good oral hygiene regime at this early stage. As all parents will know, toddlers and infants put everything in their mouths! So, why not a toothbrush?
Aside from being a dental surgeon, I am also a parent. I used to introduce a kids’ toothbrush at bath time, allowing my toddlers to place the brush in their mouths and get used to the idea of brushing.
2. Visiting the dentist
Early attendance at the dentist is the cornerstone of good dental health. The ideal time to bring your child to the dentist is before the age of two, and preferably when the first tooth arrives. This gives you, the parent, an opportunity to ask dietary and hygiene questions, and seek professional advice on best maintenance.
It also allows your dentist to establish a baseline record of your child’s dental health and development, further safe-guarding the establishment of good dental health and preventing the premature loss of vital baby teeth through decay.
3. Establishing a brushing routine
To keep their mouths healthy and help establish an oral health routine, regular brushing is key. For 0-2 year olds, brushing with a toothbrush and water is best.
From 2-7 years, children should brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Parents will still need to provide assistance and supervision with brushing, whilst at the same time encouraging children to manage their own brushing routine.
For children under 7, a mild scrub technique is generally recommended but your dentist is best placed to advise you on the exact technique suitable for your child.
4. Reducing bottle feeding
Most babies will be able to use a cup from approximately six months, and to avoid tooth decay, bottle feeding should ideally be decreased from 12 months old. Parents should also avoid giving fizzy drinks in a bottle. Cooled boiled water and milk are the ideal fluids for development and growth.
5. Baby teeth and soothers
Overuse of a soother can have implications for tooth crowding in the longer-term, and use of soothers should therefore be avoided unless necessary. If choosing a soother, however, opt for an orthodontic one, available in most pharmacies. Avoid dipping a soother in sugar or any sugary snacks.
Dr Paul O’Dwyer BDS, MSc is a clinical advisor at Dental Care Ireland. For further information, visit our children’s dentistry page.
Dentist in Castlebar looking after the community
Dental Care Ireland practice manager Margaret Robinson discusses why the community means so much for the dentist in Castlebar, Co Mayo
“We have had patients coming here since the year dot, and they keep coming back.” These are the words of Dental Care Ireland Castlebar practice manager Margaret Robinson, who stresses the importance of the community to the team in the vibrant Co Mayo town.
Dental Care Ireland took over the running of this Castlebar practice in March 2015, but its ties in the community go back nearly 40 years. “I’ve been working in this dental practice for over 30 years – we’re a huge part of the town and everyone knows us,” says Margaret.
“Since Dental Care Ireland have come on board, we have overseen a complete refurbishment with more comfortable surgeries, seats and a fantastic waiting room, and overall a much more modern feel. Many of our staff have been here for decades.”
This dentist in Castlebar employs 11 staff. “We have three dentists, a dental hygienist, a lab technician, a student nurse, three qualified nurses, and other administrative staff. It really is a great atmosphere – we socialise together and get on really well. Our staff turnover is very low because once you start working for this practice in this beautiful town, it’s very difficult to leave.”
Since Dental Care Ireland have come on board, patients have seen an improved experience all round. “Along with the improvements to the actual practice itself, we also offer flexible opening hours, including early openings, opening at lunchtimes and late on certain weekdays,” says Margaret. “We also offer good treatment plans, and cater for PRSI entitlements and medical card holders.
“When patients come in, we always greet them with a smile. This practice is built around patients. Castlebar is a small town, so that familiarity we have with the community really helps. We are lucky to get Christmas cards in the festive season, and make sure to support families who lose loved ones with bereavement cards. That’s the kind of practice we are.”
The dentist in Castlebar has certainly fostered a special atmosphere. “We don’t want people to feel nervous when they come in here, so we add little touches to put them at ease. We have a couple of iPads for children, we get in new books every month so they’re in good condition, and we light a candle every single day. It makes it so nice and relaxed – comfort for the patient is paramount.
The practical benefits don’t end there, as the whole community is catered for. “We are wheelchair-friendly here in Castlebar, as we want easy access for everyone. That makes a huge difference,” says Margaret.
Dental Care Ireland Castlebar offers a variety of treatments, including x-rays, hygienist treatments, fillings and extractions, as well as specialised treatments like root canal treatment and teeth whitening. It’s a formula that leads to patient loyalty. “I see patients in here that we’ve treated since they were children, and they are bringing in their own children now!” says Margaret.
“I’m from Castlebar myself, and I just love working in this town. We have a great mix of experienced and younger staff who know their business but at the end of the day, primarily want to ensure that our patients are happy with our service. That’s what it’s all about.”
This approach is paying dividends, as this dentist in Castlebar is attracting a lot of new business, alongside its regular patients. “Sometimes it feels like we are catering for ten new patients a week,” says Margaret. “Just today I’ve taken the details of four new patients. It’s really busy here, and we thrive on that.”
The DCI Castlebar dental practice is located on Station Road in Castlebar town, and is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8am to 7pm, and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8am to 5pm. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. Click this link or call 094-9022317
Invisalign braces: the future of orthodontics?
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you are interested in orthodontic treatment, get in touch with us
Orthodontics is defined as the treatment of irregularities of the teeth and the jaws. Up until recently, people assumed that braces could only really be worn by children, as their jaws and teeth were generally softer than those of adults, and thus had the potential to be “corrected” effectively.
Fortunately, technology has improved hugely the design of braces, and now the likes of Invisalign braces have resulted in more controlled, faster, less forceful orthodontic movement of teeth. Importantly, these new braces, and others like them, are far more discreet than some of the older models, resulting in a surge of interest from adults.
Barely visible
Invisalign braces work to straighten teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for the patient’s mouth. The aligners are removable and are barely visible, making them particularly popular with adults.
These are just one type of braces that can be used – among other options are ceramic braces which are clear and “tooth-coloured” so they blend in with your teeth to make them almost unnoticeable. Of course, traditional metal braces are still an option, and are still used by children and adolescents.
As technology has improved, so naturally has the prominence of orthodontic treatment acorss the demographic spectrum. A number of celebrities have invested in orthodontics over the past number of years, including Faith Hill and even Faye Dunaway at 61 years old.
Lian O’Dwyer, orthodontist with Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon, says: “The best age for orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient. A specialist orthodontist will be able to advise you on the appropriate time to start any treatment.
“However, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy there is no age limit to treatment, and an increasing number of adults are availing of the benefits of orthodontic, including Invisalign braces.”
If you’re looking to book an appointment for orthodontic treatment, the Dental Care Ireland practices around the country can offer you the help you need. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours
Our Christmas opening hours
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. Please see the Christmas opening hours for every dental practice below
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but you still may need a dentist over the festive season. Please see our Christmas opening hours below. From all of us here in Dental Care Ireland, have a very merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years. We look forward to seeing you in 2018!
Ashbourne, Co Meath: Open until Friday, December 22nd and on Friday, December 29th from 10am to 12pm. Normal hours resume on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Ballsbridge (NIDM), Dublin 4: Open until Friday, December 22nd. Then closed until Tuesday, January 2nd.
Cabinteely, Co Dublin: Open until Friday, December 22nd and on Thursday, December 28th from 9am to 1pm, and Saturday, December 30th from 9am to 1pm. Normal hours resume on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Callan, Co Kilkenny: Our Callan practice will provide an emergency clinic for patients from 8.45am to 11am over the Christmas period. This clinic will operate on a first-come, first-served basis and will be open on December 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th, and on January 2nd and 3rd. Normal hours resume on Thursday, January 4th.
Carlow: Open until 5.40pm on Friday, December 22nd. This practice will run an emergency clinic until lunch-time on Wednesday, December 27th and Friday, December 29th for which there will be no set appointments. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Castlebar, Co Mayo: Open until Friday, December 22nd. Then closed until Tuesday, January 2nd.
Greystones, Co Wicklow: Open until 12pm on Friday, December 22nd. Open on Wednesday, December 27th from 1pm to 5pm, and on Thursday and Friday, December 28th and 29th, from 9am to 1pm. Normal hours resume on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Kells, Co Meath: Open until Friday, December 22nd. Open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, December 27th, 28th and 29th, from 9.30am to 5pm. Normal hours resume on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Knocklyon, Dublin 16: Open until Friday, December 22nd. Open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 28th, 29th and 30th, from 9am to 1pm. Normal hours resume on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Navan, Co Meath: Open on Friday, December 22nd from 8.30am to 2.30pm, and on Saturday, December 23rd from 8.30am to 12pm. Open on Wednesday, December 27th from 8.30am to 12.30pm, andon Thursday and Friday, December 28th and 29th, from 9.30am to 1pm. Normal hours resume on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Tullamore, Co Offaly: Open until Friday, December 22nd. Open on Thursday and Friday, December 28th and 29th, from 9am to 1pm. Normal hours resume on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Swords, Co Dublin: Open until Friday, December 22nd, with normal hours resuming on Tuesday, January 2nd. An emergency clinic will also operate on Thursday and Friday, December 28th and 29th, from 9am to 4pm. Please call 087-3623898, and leave a message. Dr Orla McGeary will contact you in relation to your emergency.
If you want to book an appointment with any Dental Care Ireland practice or find out more information, please click this link. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours
Dentist in Knocklyon gets a sparkling makeover
Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon practice manager Finnola Jones discusses how a recent makeover has made a huge difference for this dentist in Knocklyon
Dental Care Ireland’s practice in Knocklyon, Dublin 16, is conveniently located in Knocklyon Shopping Centre. Even though it rebranded as a Dental Care Ireland practice in June 2015, this dentist in Knocklyon is a mainstay in the community, having been operating there since 1992.
Strong links with the community
“Our principal dentist, Dr Vincent McDonagh, managed a one-surgery practice here for years, so he has built up very strong links with the community,” says Finnola Jones, practice manager with Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon.
“The practice has been transformed in the last couple of years; we have taken on five people since Dental Care Ireland became involved. Now, we have three dentists, one orthodontist, four dental nurses and myself.”
A complete refurbishment
As the number of staff has grown, so too has the practice itself. “We recently underwent a complete refurbishment, and took on additional space,” says Finnola.
“We added another surgery and a brand-new reception area to the practice to deal with increasing demand, and also improved our visibility. Beforehand, our unit has a little hidden away from the public, but now we’re front and centre in the shopping centre so people know we’re here!”
‘It’s the nicest surgery I’ve ever been in!’
This investment has certainly paid dividends with the community. “We’re gotten lots of comments from our patients, who are really impressed with the new look of the practice,” says Finnola. “It used to be a little old-fashioned, but now it really catches the eye. To be honest, it’s the nicest surgery I’ve ever worked in, or been in full stop!”
The dentist in Knocklyon offers all the general dental treatments like fillings, x-rays, crowns and extractions. However, it has also responded to demand by adding orthodontic treatment. “We have an orthodontist, Dr Lian O’Dwyer, who looks after patients who are looking for this treatment. It really is becoming more and more popular among both children and adults,” says Finnola.
We’ve doubled our capacity
It is clear that this dentist in Knocklyon is benefitting hugely from the revamp. “We’re just so busy at the moment,” says Finnola. “We’ve doubled our capacity after the renovation, and we really needed to because the demand was there. Knocklyon is a really family-focused area, and we see that demographic reflected in the patients who come into the practice.”
Everything that Finnola and the team do is focused on providing patients with a better experience. “Our top priority is making sure that our patients are comfortable,” she says. “We try to be friendly to everyone who walks in the door, and maintain an upbeat atmosphere. That’s a great formula, whether it’s with Vincent’s patients who he’s been treating since the 1990s, or some of the new patients who are coming in all the time.”
Making patients feel at ease
“Because we have lots of families and younger patients coming in, it’s so important to recognise that they can be a little bit nervous. Our dentists are fantastic at recognising this and making patients feel really at ease,” says Finnola.
The team are delighted to be operating in Knocklyon, and dealing with such a great community. “I’m originally from Wicklow, but it’s been brilliant working in Knocklyon,” says Finnola. “Everyone is so friendly and they’re delighted to see a local practice with staff that they know so well getting such an impressive makeover.”
The practice also makes sure to offer patients the new dental entitlements that have been brought in by the government. “There have been a number of welcome benefits that we offer here in Knocklyon, so I would ask patients to always enquire so we can check whether they qualify,” says Finnola.
“This is a community dentist, and we’re proud to represent Knocklyon!”
The DCI Knocklyon dental practice is open on Mondays from 8am to 6.30pm, on Tuesdays from 8am to 6pm, on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 7pm, on Fridays from 9am to 5pm, on Saturdays from 8.30am to 12pm, and at lunchtimes. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. Call 01-4936909 for more information
Get specialist treatment from a dentist in Dublin
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. Our strong presence in the capital means you will always be able to get specialist dental treatments from a dentist in Dublin
These days, going to the dentist can involve more than just a check-up. Alongside general dental treatments like fillings, X-rays and extractions, there are also a number of specialist treatments that our patients want. If you’re looking to get these specialist treatments done by a reliable and experienced dentist in Dublin, you’re in good hands with Dental Care Ireland.
Along with our practices outside the capital, we currently have four practices in Dublin: in Swords, Knocklyon, Cabinteely and Ballsbridge.
Our practice in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, the Northumberland Institute of Dental Medicine on Northumberland Road, offers various specialist treatments. This dentist in Dublin practice offers sedation for nervous patients, gum treatments, braces and Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and root canal treatments. It also caters for referrals.
Each practice in the Dental Care Ireland network is an established dentist in Dublin. Our practice in Knocklyon is conveniently located in Knocklyon Shopping Centre and among the staff is orthodontist Dr Lian O’Dwyer. In Knocklyon, we offer root canal treatment, as well as metal and ceramic braces and Invisalign.
Lian says that braces can be fitted at any age: “A specialist orthodontist will be able to advise you on the appropriate time to start any treatment that may be indicated. It is never too late to have treatment. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy there is no age limit to treatment, and an increasing number of adults are availing of the benefits of orthodontics.”
Our next dentist in Dublin is Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely. Dental Care Ireland took over the running of this practice in June 2015, and just like in Knockyon, also offers orthodontic and root canal procedures.
Finally, the practice formerly known as Swords Dentist is our local dentist in Swords, and is conveniently located in St Brendan’s, Seatown West. The practice offers root canal treatment.
Here at Dental Care Ireland, our practices are an established and trusted part of the local community, and benefit from state-of- the-art training methods. Our specialist treatments are fully safe and reliable. If you’re looking for a dentist in Dublin, you know where to find us.
If you want to book an appointment with any Dental Care Ireland dentist in Dublin, please pick from one of four practices in the capital. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours
Sensodyne Sensitive Dentist of the Year Awards 2017
Congratulations and good luck to all of our dentists and practices who have been nominated for the 2017 Sensodyne Sensitive Dentist of the Year Awards.
Thanks to our loyal patients throughout the country, Dental Care Ireland received 13 nominations this year in total. Our practices in Callan, Tullamore, Greystones and Castlebar are all in the running for ‘Dental Team of the Year’, while nine of our dentists have been shortlisted for ‘Sensitive Dentist of the Year’.
The annual awards, supported by Sensodyne and the Irish Dental Association, highlight excellence in the Irish dental profession, through the eyes of the patient. From regular check-ups or toothaches to emergency treatments, dentists nationwide are nominated by their patients for going above and beyond normal patient care.
The overall winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony hosted by RTE’s Joe Duffy in the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin on Saturday, 2nd December 2017.
Dental Care Ireland’s ‘Dental Team of The Year’ Nominees 2017:
Dental Care Ireland’s ‘Sensitive Dentist of The Year’ Nominees 2017:
- Dr Teresa Fitzgerald, Dental Care Ireland Castlebar
- Dr Maeibh McNamara, Dental Care Ireland Castlebar
- Dr Sally McCarthy, Dental Care Ireland Swords
- Dr Gerry Kilfeather, Dental Care Ireland Greystones
- Dr Gina Kilfeather, Dental Care Ireland Greystones
- Dr Jackie Clune, Callan Dental
- Dr Dympna Reynolds, Callan Dental
- Dr Jenny Huston, Callan Dental
- Dr Aoife O’Dwyer, Callan Dental
Are you looking for a reliable dentist in Dublin?
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, community dental experience. Our strong presence in the capital means you will never struggle to find a dentist in Dublin
The Dental Care Ireland network is extensive, and it’s growing all the time. This means that, if you need a dentist in Dublin, you won’t have far to travel. Along with our practices outside the capital, we currently have four practices in Dublin: in Swords, Knocklyon, Cabinteely and Ballsbridge.
Each practice is an established dentist in Dublin, as a key Dental Care Ireland strategy is to retain existing, experienced staff when we take over the management of a dental practice. It’s so important for us that people recognise and trust our reliable staff members.
The practice formerly known as Swords Dentist is our local dentist in Swords, and is conveniently located in St Brendan’s, Seatown West. The practice offers a range of general and specialist dental treatments, and is a vital part of the community in the north Dublin village.
Our practice in Knocklyon, previously owned by Dr Vincent McDonagh, is conveniently located in Knocklyon Shopping Centre and is staffed with four dentists including orthodontist Dr Lian O’Dwyer. Our orthodontist in Knocklyon offers metal and ceramic braces, as well as Invisalign.
Our next dentist in Dublin is Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely, formerly known as Park Clinic Dental. Dental Care Ireland took over the running of this practice in June 2015, and offers many dental treatments, including orthodontics and root canal procedures.
Our final dentist in Dublin is our practice in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, the Northumberland Institute of Dental Medicine on Northumberland Road. This practice offers a range of general and specialist treatments, including sedation for nervous patients, extractions, dental implants and root canal treatments. It also caters for referrals.
Here at Dental Care Ireland, we pride ourselves on offering a fantastic, professional service with a smile. Our practices are an established and trusted part of the local community, and benefit from the very best, state-of-the-art training methods. If you’re looking for a dentist in Dublin, you know where to find us.
If you want to book an appointment with any Dental Care Ireland dentist in Dublin, please get in touch with our team in Swords, Knocklyon, Cabinteely or Ballsbridge. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours
Our dentist in Swords is building on a strong base
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, personal community dental experience. With our new local dentist in Swords, Dental Care Ireland is certainly paving the way.
The practice, formerly known as Swords Dentist, is the newest practice in the Dental Care Ireland community. With the new dentist in Swords conveniently located in St Brendan’s, Seatown West, it’s certainly in the heart of the community. The practice offers a range of general and specialist dental treatments, and is a vital part of the community in the north Dublin village.
Our team in Swords consists of Dr David Patton, Dr Orla McGeary and Dr Patricia Kennedy, who are our resident dentists. The practice also employs a hygienist, Lynsey Neill, as well as a team of dental nurses, and the practice manager, Lindi Barber. They are a fantastic, reliable and friendly team that offer a wide range of treatments and services.
Along with general dental treatments such as check-ups, teeth whitening, x-rays, fillings, extractions, crowns, bridges, veneers, hygienist treatments and gum shield fitting, the dentist in Swords can also cater for root canal treatment.
Dental Care Ireland Swords prides itself on offering a fantastic, professional service with a smile. The practice is an established and trusted part of the local community, and is set for further growth under the management of Dental Care Ireland. Our team is dedicated and reliable, and benefits from the very best, state-of-the-art training methods.
If you would like to book an appointment with our Swords clinic, please call our practice on 01-8402971 or book an appointment online. Our dentist in Swords is open on Mondays & Tuesday from 8am-8pm; and on Wednesday to Fridays from 8am-5pm; and every lunchtime.
