‘Preventive’ Category

Flossing and orthodontics

25th April, 2013

Flossing is an important part of proper dental hygiene habits. Gum disease starts between the teeth and along the gum line, places where a normal toothbrush simply cannot reach. Floss is an effective tool for preventing the build-up of plaque, but this is only true if the proper flossing techniques are used.

There are four components of proper flossing techniques. The first component has to do with the length of the floss used in in each cleaning. The proper length of floss should be about 18 inches, so that the fingers can wind the floss to create a space of one to two inches to be used per tooth. The patient should use a new section of floss for each tooth to prevent spreading bacteria from one tooth to another. The second component is proper guidance of the floss. The patient should use their index fingers to direct the floss between the teeth on their lower jaw and their thumb to guide the floss between the teeth on the upper jaw.

The third component is gliding the floss between the teeth in a zigzag motion. This allows the floss to reach all parts of the space between the teeth. The patient should contour the floss around the outsides of each tooth and should avoid snapping the floss between the teeth. The fourth component is the sliding action of the floss. The patient should slide the floss down and up along the tooth’s surface and under the gum lines. The flossing process should be thorough and the patient should not reuse the same section of floss.

Flossing is recommended to patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, as this will prevent food particles becoming trapped between the teeth. For patients who have braces such as the Six Month Smiles programme, specially adapted orthodontic floss can be used to floss around the brackets and wires. Proper flossing techniques will help patients avoid common dental problems such as tooth decay, cavities, periodontists, halitosis and gingivitis.

People who have questions regarding the proper regular care of their teeth or who would like more information about braces in Gravesend, should consider the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre. Here patients can receive regular check-ups and quality dental treatments. More information regarding the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre can be found online at www.kentcosmeticdentists.co.uk or by calling 01474 537191.

The practice is located at 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN and is run by lead dentist Dr Rik Trivedi. This dental office can provide cosmetic and aesthetic dental treatments as well as routine maintenance and care.


Prevent disease with straighter teeth

19th April, 2013

A large percentage of common dental diseases are caused by a lack of proper dental care. In addition to regular dental checkups, the best way to avoid these kinds of dental problems is through good oral maintenance habits and with healthy eating habits. Avoiding dental diseases is not only important for protecting the function of the teeth and gums, it is also a way to help ward off potentially dangerous illnesses like infections and cancers.

One of the common types of dental diseases that affect a large number of people include dental abscesses. Another common problem is dry sockets. Both of these conditions require expensive dental procedures to repair them and they are quite painful. More problems that are commonly experienced include a recession of the gums, swollen and bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, cracked or broken teeth and erosion of the tooth enamel. Cavities and root canals can also occur as a result of poor dental hygiene practices.

The best way to prevent these types of dental diseases is to perform regular maintenance on the teeth, gums and other parts of the mouth. Regular care is vital to help prevent the build-up of plaque, which is responsible for producing acids and absorbing sugars in the teeth. The acids actually alter the structure of the teeth by removing calcium from the enamel. This leads to the development of cavities, abscesses and other dental problems. Regular maintenance helps to remove free floating bacteria from the inside of the mouth, before they are able to create large colonies. It is these colonies that create plaque.

Another way to keep your mouth disease free is to have any crooked or misaligned teeth stratightened with orthodontics. When there are irregular gaps between teeth that create spaces at awkward angles, these are difficult to reach with normal brushing and even flossing. If left unchecked this is a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. Braces such as Six Month Smiles and Invisalign can help to close the gaps between teeth, making them much easier to keep clean.

For regular dental checkups and information about braces in Kent you can visit Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre, located at 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN. Dr Rik Trivedi, the centre’s lead dentist and his highly trained team can help with orthodontic advice and prevent dental diseases before they become a problem. For more information about regular dental checkups and how to avoid common dental diseases, the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centrecan be reached at www.kentcosmeticdentists.co.uk or by calling 01474 537191.


Choosing the right kind of dental floss

14th April, 2013

Looking for an Orthodontist in Kent? You may want to consider a Cosmetic Orthodontic Dentist instead. Everyone knows that daily flossing is important for proper dental care. Flossing helps to remove food particles that are lodged between the teeth, which helps to prevent the build-up of plaque and the development of cavities and decay. There are so many types of dental floss available for sale these days, how can patients know which type to use? There are various types of floss available, but it is more important for people to floss regularly than it is to choose a specific type of flossing product.

Most dentists will tell their patients that the best type of floss for them is the kind that they are more likely to use every day. Some of the different types of flossing products that are available include woven floss, unwaxed floss, shred-resistant floss and electric flossing tools. There are also specially adapted types of floss for patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. This floss makes it easier to get in between the teeth, brackets and wires. Dental hygiene is very important to anyone with braces or clear aligners because plaque can easily build up on and around orthodontic devices if teeth are not cleaned regularly.

The type of floss a patient uses should really be based on their personal preference. Some people prefer woven floss because it is easier to push it between their teeth. Other people, especially those with bridge work or braces, may prefer using shred-resistant floss. Electric flossing devices are both effective and safe to use, and most studies performed on them show little to no soft tissue damage results from using this type of floss. Electric flossing tools do not require as much finger dexterity as most regular types of flosses do, so they may be a good choice for older patients or for people with dexterity issues.

Daily flossing and brushing habits are the first step to preventing many types of dental problems. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important. Anyone who is looking for a new dentist in Kent or who has questions regarding flossing or types of modern orthodontics in Kent should call Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre located at 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN.The

Centre includes a number of highly qualified dentists, led by Dr Rik Trivedi, who can answer questions and provide routine maintenance. They can also provide many different types of treatment services, including cosmetic treatments.


Dealing with sensitive teeth

11th April, 2013

Many people deal with sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by a loss of the enamel, or the protective hard coating of the teeth. The loss if the tooth’s enamel allows its inner parts to become exposed to the outside world. This means that the tooth’s inner pulp and its nerves can be directly exposed to temperature changes and sugary foods, which can cause the nerves to fire, producing pain. Proper dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist’s office can help prevent the build-up of plaque that reduces the enamel of the teeth, which can help reduce sensitivity of the teeth.

Another cause of sensitive teeth is when patients undergo orthodontic treatment. Modern braces use lower foces to push teeth into alignment but this may still cause some discomfort to the patient. This can be alleviated by taking over the counter pain killers and is often recommended when patients wear their new aligners as part of their Invisalign treatment. Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre offer a wide range of braces in Kent, modern orthodontic treatments including Invisalign to straighten teeth in an invisible way.

Sensitivity caused by reduced tooth enamel can be treated with a type of toothpaste. There are several types of toothpastes that are specifically designed to help repair the lost enamel and prevent the nerves within the teeth from firing. There are also several types of mouthwash that can help to reduce tooth sensitiveness. People with sensitivity problems should stay clear of whitening products, as these often directly cause sensitivity problems. They should also use a toothbrush that has soft bristles to prevent wearing down their enamel.

Other ways to deal with sensitive teeth involve stopping the patient from grinding their teeth during the night, which wears down the teeth’s protective coverings. Specially designed mouth guards can help with this. Fluoridated water and other products can also aid in the process of restoring the tooth enamel.

Regular dental checkups and special procedures that can reduce tooth sensitivity can be found in the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre. Interested patients can make an appointment with Dr Rik Trivedi or another member of the dental staff by calling 01474 537191 or by stopping into the office located at 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN.


Common Causes of Halitosis

9th April, 2013

Looking for an Orthodontist in Kent? You may want to consider a Cosmetic Orthodontic Dentist instead. Halitosis is simply a term for constant bad breath. Everyone experiences bad breath at one point or another. Most people have bad breath in the mornings, because bacteria have accumulated in their mouths for several hours while they slept. This type of bad breath is temporary and can be easily removed through a simple tooth brushing. Chronic halitosis on the other hand can have several causes.

Constant bad breath can originate from other parts of the body besides the mouth, but the most common causes are dental problems. As bacteria grow on the food particles left in the mouth, they release wastes that smell bad. This is where bad breath comes from, especially if some food particles are left behind after brushing and flossing. Maintaining plaque-free teeth through regular dental visits and proper brushing habits can help prevent the development of constant bad breath.

Patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment, whether it is fixed braces or clear aligners, should also take special care to clean their teeth regularly to avoid food particles getting trapped and causing plaque build-up and bad breath. Regular brushing and flossing should help with this.

Another common cause of halitosis is dry mouth, which can be created by certain medications and other medical problems. Holding water in the mouth and using a non-alcohol based mouthwash can help alleviate dry mouth. If the patient has a problem with their tonsils, it may also cause problems with their breath. This is also true of sinus problems. The use of tobacco products allows bacteria to grow in the mouth at a faster rate, which can also contribute to chronic bad breath. Sometimes, halitosis can be caused by a serious underlying medical problem, such as kidney failure, bronchitis or pneumonia. If this is the cause, the underlying medical problem will have to be fixed before the symptoms associated with bad breath will go away.

Most of the time, halitosis can be cured through regular dental checkups and good brushing and flossing habits. If you have questions about bad breath or how to keep your teeth clean while you wear braces come and see Dr Rik Trivedi BDS and the other dentists at Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre. For more information on orthodontics in Gravesend, Kent you can call 01474 537191.

In addition to regular cleanings that can help prevent the build-up of odour causing plaque, the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre can also help treat chronic dental problems such as halitosis.


Brushing Infant’s Teeth

1st April, 2013

Are you looking for a dentist in Kent for children? According to studies performed by paediatric dentists tooth decay problems are the most common chronic disease to affect children. Even very young infants should receive proper dental care to help prevent developing these long term problems. This care should begin even before the first tooth breaks through.

Plaque can begin to build up before an infant develops any teeth. Many paediatric dentists and Kent dentists will recommend that parents use a damp washcloth to clean their infant’s gums after feedings to help prevent the build-up of plaque. It is recommended to take all necessary steps to prevent baby bottle mouth as well, which is a condition that can result from giving a baby a bottle to fall asleep with. The milk or juice that is given to the baby just before they fall asleep allows bacteria to grow in their mouth during the night. This can lead to swift and severe decay of the baby teeth, which can have negative long term effects for the baby. Most experts think that baby bottle mouth occurs in as much as 15 percent of children.

Most babies begin to get their first teeth around the age of four months. This is the appropriate time to begin brushing the infant’s teeth. This is also a good time for the infant to begin regular trips to the dental practice. Tooth decay and cavities can begin to form as soon as the teeth break through the baby’s gums, so proper daily brushing and regular visits to the dentist are important. An infant’s teeth should be brushed at least twice a day for at least two minutes. It is important to use toothpaste that is specifically designed for infants that prevent the baby from swallowing any of it. Special toothbrushes with extra soft bristles should also be used.

Proper dental hygiene habits start at a young age. Even infants with one or two baby teeth can develop tooth decay, which can lead to other mouth and dental problems down the road. Parents who have questions about their baby’s dental health can consult with Dr Rik Trivedi and the qualified dental staff of the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre. These dentists can answer questions regarding infant and child dental care. The Centre is located at 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN.


Parrock Street Dental- Award Winners

6th October, 2012

We are please to announce that Parrock Street Dental were the overall winners of the Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards. We would like to thank all our wonderful staff and patients alike for giving us this opportunity to show everyone what parrock street dental is about. We are very happy for the recognition of all the hard work Rik, Parul, Sam and the team have put in over the years.


Indulging your sweet tooth without damaging your teeth

1st October, 2012

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the chances are you are struggling between wanting to indulge it and not wanting to ruin your teeth.

But if the UK’s leading dental charity has anything to do with it, you won’t have to struggle for much longer – you’ll be able to reach for sweetly satisfying, sugar-free treats. There are already a few sugar-free sweets on the UK market, as well as many sugar-free chewing gums. Although we are traditionally the largest sugar confectionery consumers in Europe, with most of the leading manufacturers based here, the amount of sugar-free sweets is tiny – just 6% compared with 60% in Spain. The British Dental Health Foundation hopes to improve these figures, and is in talks with all the UK’s leading confectionery manufacturers and other sugar-free companies with a view to bringing more tooth friendly products to our shops.

But even if your favourite treat is loaded with sugar, you can still minimise the danger it poses to your teeth. This is because it is the frequency of sugar intake that is vital, not the amount. So several jellies, toffees, mints or even fruits eaten between meals throughout the day are worse for your teeth than, say, a Mars bar eaten with lunch.

The reason for this is that the bacteria in your mouth react with the sugar, causing acids which then lead to decay. Your saliva will wash away and neutralise harmful sugars and acids but it takes around 40 minutes to do this. If you are constantly nibbling or drinking sugary foods the saliva is unable to keep up, resulting in tooth decay. If your weakness is for frequent drinks throughout the day, try to drink water wherever possible. Many drinks, including flavoured waters, fruit juices, squash and fizzy pop, are acidic and will cause dental erosion, where the surface of your teeth is softened and worn away.

So if you must eat or drink sweet stuff, either ensure it is sugar free (low sugar or no added sugar still contains sugar), or indulge less often – at, or immediately after, mealtimes is ideal. You can also chew sugar-free gum after eating or drinking to help boost saliva production and prevent decay.


Whoopi Goldberg has great advice on how to keep your teeth and maintain your health !

5th January, 2012

Whoopi Goldberg is losing her teeth through gum disease and neglect. Here she gives her advice on keeping your teeth and looking after your general health before its too late !!


5 Professional Tips from the Experts for a healthy smile

4th December, 2011

5 Tips for a healthy mouth and smile

Tip 1:

Brush your teeth twice a day with an electric rechargeable tooth-brush and use a mirror and go systematically to ensure you clean all areas using a fluoride toothpaste.

Tip 2:

Interdental cleaning with either dental floss/tape or tepe brushes Is essential once a day as normal tooth brushing cannot access areas between teeth well so these areas are more prone to gum disease

Tip 3 :

Reduce the amount of artificial sugars in your diet to reduce the cause of tooth decay. This means reduce or stop cakes, chocolates, sweets and fizzy drinks. Find healthier alternatives. Definetly no sugary foods before going to bed. Remove the number of sugary episodes throughout the day also.

Tip 4 :

Visit our dentists regularly to monitor your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, health of your teeth and gums and for regular oral cancer screening. Clients who visit our dentists regularly have been shown to have healthier, whiter smiles and keep their teeth for longer. They see us every 3 months for hygiene visits to keep their teeth for life.

Tip 5 :

Once we have kept your teeth healthy with tips 1-4, to keep your teeth feeling and looking healthy and for a lovely smile consider getting your teeth professionally whitened by our dentists. This is the simplest and easiest way for a smile makeover. Just 5-7 nights wear of our special night time whitening system will guarantee your teeth look healthy, natural and whiter without standing out and looking false. Continue wearing the system for 2 weeks and you can expect a stunning whiter smile.

We currently have a special offer on our professional teeth whitening. Buy one get second half price for a limited time over Christmas. Why not treat yourself and your friend or relative this Xmas? Offer available when you book from now till Christmas day. Call 0147453719 for more information or to book an appointment