Blog
Tooth Friendly Lunchboxes
A nutritious meal at lunchtime plays an important role in your child’s energy and focus at school. Dr Jennifer Collins, Clinical Director at Dental Care Ireland, has some tips on the types of foods you’re packing in your child’s lunchbox to maximise their oral and overall health.
“Packing a tooth-friendly school lunchbox doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming as long as you plan ahead in terms of shopping and chopping!” She tells.
Below, Dr Jennifer has outlined some tooth friendly lunchbox ideas.
Personalised Bottle with Tap Water
Fluoridated tap water is the best for developing teeth. Commercial bottled waters don’t always have regulated fluoride levels (or any at all), so it’s best to drink water that comes from your kitchen tap. If your children are very young, a themed cartoon water bottle makes the transition away from sugary juice boxes even easier.
Fresh Veggies and Whole Fruit
Crispy, fibrous fruits and vegetables are great for teeth and gums. When your child chews them, they dislodge plaque residue that’s been there all morning. Apples, carrots, grapes, etc. are all great choices. If your child is craving something sweet, throw in a few berries or melon.
Whole Grains
Processed and bleached breads are full of the types of carbs that lead to more plaque buildup on teeth, and more plaque means more cavities. Consider transitioning your kids to whole grain bread or mixing things up a bit by making sandwich wraps with wholegrain base.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Cheese is great at neutralising acidic pH levels in your child’s mouth. It’s also packed with calcium for stronger teeth and bones. You can cube this to make it easier to eat for small fingers.
Yoghurt with Berries and Nuts
Yogurt is chock full of calcium, which is great for oral health. A plain Greek yoghurt is ideal, since flavoured yoghurt is often loaded with sugar and other additives. Add some tooth-friendly fruits like strawberries and blueberries and crunchy chopped nuts like almonds for your little one to mix in. However, it is a good idea to check first to see if there is a no-nut policy in your child’s classroom.
Don’t forget to book your child’s back-to-school dental exam! Dental Care Ireland has 33 practices nationwide.
Brace Yourself for Back to School!
The summer holidays are coming to a close and it’s almost time to return to school. For parents this is a very busy time of year, from shopping for school supplies to organizing backpacks and lunch boxes. With all that there is to prepare, it can be easy to forget to book your child’s orthodontic appointment. Early intervention is key when it comes to orthodontics, so back to school time is the ideal time to start your child’s orthodontic journey.
Early Intervention
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, early intervention is key and can contribute to a healthier, more confident smile in the long run. By identifying dental issues such as overbites, underbites, crowding or gaps at an early stage, orthodontists can guide the growth of the jaw structure, leading to improved bite function and a straighter smile. While these dental issues can be addressed with orthodontic treatment in adults, it is much easier and effective to correct these concerns from a young age.
Routine
Forming good habits and a good routine from a young age is important with anything, but especially when it comes to orthodontics and oral health. Back to school time is when we reintroduce a stricter routine to our children; from bed times to meal times. This can lend itself very well to orthodontic treatment, as keeping up a good oral hygiene routine and regular orthodontic appointments are a crucial part of treatment. Introducing these new routines is easier done at a stage when routine is kept regular, such as back to school time.
Dental Practices Nationwide
Dental Care Ireland has 33 practices nationwide, 12 of which offer orthodontic treatments for kids and teens, meaning you are sure to find an orthodontic practice near you. Below, you can find our practices that offer orthodontic treatments for kids and teens. Contact our reception team today to book your consultation!
Ashbourne, Co. Meath (01) 835 0344
Cabinteely, Dublin (01) 268 9566
Cork City, Cork (021) 4502139
Dundrum, Dublin (01) 298 1133
Greystones, Co. Wicklow (01) 287 5133
Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (056) 776 3786
Kimmage, Dublin (01) 4909 153
Knocklyon, Dublin (01) 493 6909
Lucan, Dublin (01) 621 2399
Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (01) 661 5544
Navan, Co. Meath (046) 902 1372
Virginia, Co. Cavan (049) 854 3030
Meet a practice manager
A Practice Manager holds a crucial role in each Dental Care Ireland practice. They are responsible for the day-to-day running of the practice, to provide excellent service to our patients and to manage their practice’s team.
Una Hennessey is the Practice Manager of Dental Care Ireland Kimmage. Below, she tells us a little bit about her role.
How long have you been a Practice Manager?
Well, I had been working at the Kimmage practice for many years as a Dental Nurse before progressing on to Practice Manager over 15 years ago, and I’ve been Practice Manager here ever since.
What do you enjoy about being a Practice Manager?
The flexibility of my role is great. Keeping a busy dental practice running day-to-day involves a lot of various tasks, meaning each day is quite different. This keeps my role exciting and certainly keeps me busy!
I really enjoy meeting people from all walks of life on a daily basis, I think this suits my personality and is something I genuinely do enjoy. I also consider myself quite lucky to be working with a great team of Dentists, Nurses and Hygienists, and of course all of the background staff who have been so supportive since our practice joined the Dental Care Ireland group in November 2021.
How have you found being part of the Dental Care Ireland group?
As I mentioned, the support I receive from Dental Care Ireland is great. There is so much I need to be on top of as a Practice Manager, and having background support has really made it easier for me to thrive within my role.
Being part of a nationwide dental group is fantastic. It allows me to work with other Practice Managers and share tips and tricks with one another on how best to run our practices. We have access to various education and support events throughout the year, which again is great support to me within my role. I am really excited to be involved in the planning and growth of the practice as we evolve with Dental Care Ireland as a whole.
What goals do you have for your future as a Practice Manager?
I’ve always had an interest in further education, so this is something I plan on perusing. With my background as a Dental Nurse, I am already registered with the IDC and hold a Distinction in Dental Radiography, which I received in 1998. But as I said, I always have an interest in furthering my education and skills! I believe this is important no matter what role you’re in and is great for both professional and personal growth.
I’m always happy to try out new ideas and suggestions. I think it’s important as a Practice Manager to be receptive of new ideas, whether these come from team member or patients of our practice. I’m also excited to grow the team and encourage a positive and happy workplace. I think this really is an important goal for any Practice Manager to have.
What advice would you give to other Practice Managers?
My advice to other Practice Managers would be to trust yourself and use the skills and experience that you have acquired over the years and put them to good use. No matter what your background is, I believe all skills are valuable and transferable, so trust them and use them! Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help and guidance, there is always someone on hand to help. We are part of a team for a reason, and it’s so important to help each other and ask for help when you need it.
If you are interested in working with Dental Care Ireland, you can browse our careers page here.
Dental Care Ireland Dundrum, a merger of two practices
In the dynamic field of dentistry, continuous growth and innovation are essential to provide patients with the best possible care. In April this year, Bellavista Dental in Churchtown and Glenville Dental in Dundrum joined forces to create Dental Care Ireland Dundrum. This merger marks an exciting new chapter for these two practices, promising enhanced services, increased convenience, and a commitment to patient care.
A Unification of Excellence
The union of Bellavista Dental and Glenville Dental under the banner of Dental Care Ireland Dundrum combines the expertise and experience of two esteemed dental practices. Both Bellavista Dental and Glenville Dental have built a solid reputation for providing exceptional dental care and personalized service to their patients.
By merging together, these practices have pooled their resources, knowledge, and skills to create a dental practice that aims to set new standards in oral healthcare. Patients can now expect a comprehensive range of dental treatments, advanced technology, and a team of highly qualified professionals dedicated to their oral health.
Enhanced Services and Advanced Technology
Dental Care Ireland Dundrum is committed to offering an expanded array of dental services to cater to the diverse needs of patients. Whether it’s routine check-ups, root canals, or cosmetic dentistry, patients will have access to a wide range of dental care options all under one roof.
Moreover, this merger brings forth the integration of cutting-edge dental technology. Dental Care Ireland Dundrum is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced treatment techniques. By leveraging these advanced tools, the dental team can deliver more accurate diagnoses, efficient treatments, and improved patient comfort.
Continuity of Care and Patient Convenience
One of the primary goals of Dental Care Ireland Dundrum is to ensure a seamless transition for existing patients of Bellavista Dental and Glenville Dental. The merger emphasizes a commitment to preserving the trusted relationships between patients and their dentists. Patients can continue their treatment plans with their preferred dentist, with the added benefit of access to an expanded range of services and resources.
Dental Care Ireland Dundrum is committed to maintaining a patient-centric approach, ensuring that every individual receives the highest standard of care and attention. Open communication channels, personalized treatment plans, and a compassionate dental team create an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and well-cared-for.
To contact Dental Care Ireland Dundrum, please phone (01) 298 1133, email dundrum@dentalcareireland.ie, or visit our website.
Vaping and Oral Health: What Do I Need To Know?
E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young adults and teenagers. The use of e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. While this may be the case, there is mounting evidence to suggest that vaping still poses significant risks to oral health. Below, Dr Jennifer Collins, Clinical Director of Dental Care Ireland, discusses the harmful effects vaping has on our oral health.
Nicotine harms your oral health
E-cigarettes contain a liquid mixture of nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. When heated, the liquid turns into an aerosol, which is then inhaled. Nicotine is one of the most harmful chemicals found in e-cigarettes. It can cause a range of oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth loss. Nicotine also reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for them to heal from infections, injuries or dental procedures. This is why we advise you to avoid vaping after a dental procedure.
Nicotine can also cause yellow staining on your teeth. While this type of staining is usually associated with tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes can also do this to your teeth. If you wish to keep your smile pearly white, it is best to avoid vaping.
The flavourings used in e-cigarettes also pose a risk to oral health. Many of these flavourings contain chemicals that can irritate the mouth and throat. Some flavourings can also damage the enamel on the teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity and cavities.
Vaping can lead to dry mouth
Another issue with vaping is that it dries out the mouth. A dry mouth can lead to a host of oral health problems, including bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. When the mouth is dry, there is less saliva to wash away harmful bacteria, food particles, and other debris. This can lead to a build-up of plaque and tartar, which can cause cavities and gum disease.
Vaping is not a healthy habit
While we are only beginning to learn about the adverse effects of vaping for your oral health, it is becoming evident that vaping is not as safe as we may have initially assumed. However, e-cigarettes are certainly better for your oral health than tobacco cigarettes. This makes vaping a good segway for those trying to quit smoking, but it’s certainly not a good decision to start vaping from scratch! Unfortunately, we are seeing young people and teenagers beginning to vape even if they have never smoked before, which is not a trend we want to see.
Finally, if you do vape, make sure you are drinking plenty of water, keep up a good oral health routine, visit your dentist regularly, and do consider cutting back or quitting; your mouth will thank you for it!
If you would like to book a check-up with your local Dental Care Ireland practice, you can find our contact details here.
6 Ways to Protect Your Children’s Teeth This Easter
“It’s common knowledge that sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay, and unfortunately Easter eggs are full of it! However, there are effective steps you can take to help protect your child’s teeth this Easter,” says Dr Jennifer Collins, Clinical Director of the Dental Care Ireland group.
Before we all get stuck into our chocolate eggs over the Easter break, here are six ways you can protect your child’s teeth this Easter…
Save treats for after meals
“It’s not just the amount of chocolate and sweets we eat this Easter. The frequency and timing of consumption is also important when it comes to protecting our teeth,” says Dr Jennifer Collins.
Instead of grazing on Easter eggs throughout the day, enjoy some chocolate as dessert straight after a meal. Saliva production increases during meals, which helps to rinse away sugary food particles and can reduce the risk of cavities.
Don’t let it linger
As well as frequency of snacking, the length of time sugary food stays in your mouth can affect tooth decay. Avoid treats that tend to linger in the mouth, such as hard or sticky sweets, as they will do the most damage. These types of sweets can often be found in Easter treats, such as caramel or marshmallows.
Wash it down with water
After eating Easter treats, it is important to drink plenty of water to rinse away the sugar. The water will help to dilute any acid attacks caused by sugary snacks.
Where possible, avoid drinks that are packed with sugar. Fizzy drinks are the obvious culprit, but fruit drinks and smoothies which are often viewed as healthy can also be high in sugar and be bad for your teeth.
Try a mouth-cleansing snack
Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples and celery will stimulate production of saliva, which in turn helps to wash away chocolate and other sugary foods.
Alternatively, a small piece of cheese eaten after chocolate will help return the mouth to its natural acid balance and reduce the chances of developing tooth decay.
Remember your routine
As teeth may be exposed to more sugar and acid over the Easter period, 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.
After eating an Easter egg, a good tip is to 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.
Schedule an Easter check-up
The Easter holiday is a good opportunity to schedule a dental appointment if you have not already done so this year. Prevention is better than cure, and regular check-ups will help to avert future problems.
Contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice.
Exciting News for Dental Care Ireland Kells!
REVA Dental joined the Dental Care Ireland group in April 2022. The REVA group consisted of dental practices in Kilkenny, Limerick and Kells. As of February 2023, REVA Kells and Dental Care Ireland Kells have merged into one dental practice.
Below, we have answered your questions about the merge.
Where is the new (merged) Dental Care Ireland Kells practice located?
Dental Care Ireland Kells is now located in the REVA Kells building, which is right across the road from our old Dental Care Ireland Kells practice! You can find the new Dental Care Ireland practice at Bective Square, Townparks, Kells, Co. Meath; only a minute walk from our old location!
I am an existing patient of REVA Kells. What does this mean for me?
Existing patients of REVA Kells will continue to be patients in this location, now named Dental Care Ireland Kells. This means that you will continue to receive excellent dental care at the same location, without any fuss. You do not need to re-register as a new patient or fill out any new documents. In short, the only thing that will be changing for you is the name above the door.
I am an existing patient of the old Dental Care Ireland Kells practice. What does this mean for me?
Existing patients of Dental Care Ireland Kells will automatically have their information transferred to the new location. This means that you will continue to receive excellent dental care right across the road, without any fuss. You do not need to re-register as a new patient or fill out any new documents. In short, the only thing that will be changing for you is the location.
Why did Dental Care Ireland Kells and REVA Kells merge?
At Dental Care Ireland, we are constantly thinking of ways to improve our patients’ experience and how to bring them the best dental treatments. By merging the two dental practices together, we will be able to continue to provide excellent dental care, while also allowing ourselves room to improve. The new Dental Care Ireland Kells building is bigger, which will allow us to see more patients and add new treatments, meaning you will have more appointment options and treatment options to choose from!
How do I contact the new practice location?
Our new Dental Care Ireland Kells location can be found at Bective Square, Townparks, Kells, Co. Meath.
If you’d like to contact our dentist in Kells, you can do so by emailing kells@dentalcareireland.ie or calling us on (046) 924 0783.
If you would like to book an appointment with our dentist in Kells, you can do so online here.
Snore No More!
Sleep apnoea is a condition where the walls of the throat collapse during sleep which affects your normal breathing pattern. As a result, your regular sleeping pattern can be affected and you may snore.
Dr Michael Crowe from Dental Care Ireland Kimmage provides oral sleep apnoea appliances to patients who snore or have mild to moderate sleep apnoea. Below, he has answered some commonly asked sleep apnoea questions.
What are symptoms of sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is quite a common condition. However, you often won’t be the one to notice symptoms as they occur while you sleep. For this reason, it is usually a partner, friend or family member who spots the signs of sleep apnoea initially. These symptoms can include loud snoring, loud or struggling breathing, gasping or snorting. This may cause you to wake up frequently through the night. Even if you don’t awaken, you may be brought to a light sleep. As a result, you may find that you’re very tired during the day due to interruptions to your sleeping pattern.
What causes sleep apnoea?
The most common causes of sleep apnoea include weight, age, medication, lifestyle and family history.
Weight
If you are overweight, your risk of developing sleep apnoea greatly increases. This is because excess weight around your neck and airways can make breathing more difficult.
Age
While sleep apnoea can affect people of any age, you are more likely to develop the condition if you are aged 40 or above.
Medication
Certain medications may have an effect on your airways which can cause sleep apnoea. This includes medications with a sedative effect such as sleeping tablets.
Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking can increase your risk of developing sleep apnoea. Drinking alcohol, especially before you go to sleep, can relax and narrow your airways which may lead to snoring and sleep apnoea. If you smoke, you are three times more likely to develop sleep apnoea than someone who has never smoked. This is because smoking can increase inflammation of the airways.
Family History
If a family member has sleep apnoea, you may be at higher risk of developing the condition.
How can sleep apnoea be treated?
Sleep apnoea can often be treated by making certain lifestyle changes and using breathing apparatus while you sleep. Making healthy lifestyle changes is important if you’re dealing with sleep apnoea. This can include losing weight if you are overweight, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption (especially before you sleep).
What happens if sleep apnoea is left untreated?
People with sleep apnoea may go undiagnosed for a long time as the condition only occurs during sleep, making it difficult to spot. However, if you suspect you may have sleep apnoea, it is important to book an appointment with your doctor. In the short-term, sleep apnoea can affect a person’s life by causing tiredness during the day, impaired memory due to lack of sleep, and so on. In the long term, sleep apnoea can lead to more serious medical conditions, so it is important to see a doctor if you suspect you may be living with the condition.
If you are affected by sleep apnoea and are looking for a solution, Dental Care Ireland Kimmage can help. Contact details and location.
Looking for an Orthodontist in Ashbourne?
We are delighted to announce that Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne now offers full orthodontic service! Orthodontic treatment has become extremely popular throughout Ireland – no longer is it the preserve of young children and adolescents; now, people of all ages are interested in getting the treatment done to fix irregularly shaped teeth and, ultimately, to get a better smile.
Dr Heraclio Alves Barbosa Junior, also known as Leo, is our Orthodontist in Ashbourne with over 20 years of orthodontic experience. Below, he has outlined the types of braces available in Ashbourne and reasons why patients choose orthodontic treatment.
Types of braces in Ashbourne:
Traditional/Metal Braces:
Traditional/metal braces are made of individual brackets which are cemented to each tooth with an archwire attached to apply a continuous gentle pressure to the teeth.
Clear/Ceramic Braces:
Ceramic or “clear braces” work very similarly to traditional braces but are tooth coloured so that they blend in with your teeth and are much less noticeable.
Invisalign & Invisalign Go:
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that can effectively and discreetly straighten your teeth. Invisalign is comfortable and almost unnoticeable, making it an extremely popular method of teeth straightening.
Main reasons for having orthodontic treatment:
Appearance:
Many people seek orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of their smile by straightening teeth and correcting any spacing. This also often improves the appearance of a patient’s face. By correcting any dental issues, a person’s facial features are also aligned with a view to making the face as symmetrical as possible.
Health:
Once a straighter smile is achieved, it becomes easier for you to take care of your oral health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, brush and floss, which means it is less likely that you will suffer from tooth decay or gum disease down the line.
Function:
Correcting issues such as crooked teeth or spacing can improve the function of our teeth. This allows for better chewing which improves your digestion as food is properly chewed, where it may have not been before. If you have large spaces between your teeth, correcting this can also improve speech.
Braces are a safe, reliable and effective method for correcting teeth. If you are looking for an Orthodontist in Ashbourne, please contact our friendly team on (01) 835 0344 who can talk you through your options. Alternatively, you can visit our website.
New Year, New Career!
Have you made a 2023 New Year’s resolution? Maybe you want to take up a new hobby or live a healthier lifestyle… or embark on a new career? If this sounds like you, we currently have multiple clinical and support vacancies in Dental Care Ireland practices across the country.
At Dental Care Ireland, we have a commitment to career progression and upskilling. No matter what direction you’d like to take your career, we are here to support you. Support available to our team members includes access to clinical workshops, opportunities to work across a variety of practices nationwide, and education sponsorship, to name a few!
We currently have positions available right across the country for dental nurses, hygienists, dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and more! To view our full list of vacancies, see here.
Upskilling
Upskilling has been a large part of our 2022 focus, which will continue through 2023 and beyond. As our company continues to grow rapidly, we believe it is important to allow our clinical teams to continue to grow and develop their skills. As part of our upskilling commitment, we focus on:
- HeadStart, our hands-on clinical workshops
- Regular webinar sessions
- Peer support
- Compliance support
- Education sponsorship
Dr Jennifer Collins, our Clinical Director, is also on hand to assist with clinical challenges and offer guidance. Our in-house compliance team offers training and further education on a range of topics such as radiation safety and clinical compliance.
We also offer education sponsorship to clinicians who wish to further their skill sets. For example, Dental Care Ireland covers 50% of the fee for Invisalign training courses.
Career Growth
Progressing your career within the dental industry in Ireland can be traditionally quite challenging. At Dental Care Ireland, we pride ourselves on our commitment to career growth opportunities for our teams.
For example:
- We’ve had 21 team members promoted across the group since January 2022
- Our staff retention rate is significantly above the industry average at 92% of team members staying with Dental Care Ireland for six months or longer.
- Since 2021, we have advertised approx. 77 new roles within the company due to expansion.
To view our full list of clinical and support vacancies, as well as benefits of working with Dental Care Ireland, please see here.
If a suitable position is not advertised, don’t worry! We love hearing from people who are keen to join our team, and new positions are created frequently as the company grows. If you would like to get in touch about working at Dental Care Ireland, please email us on careers@dentalcareireland.ie.
