The benefits: at a glance

For anyone considering using our interest-free or low cost loan facility to fund their private dental treatment, the benefits are clear:

• You get the treatment you want – treatment that will make you look and feel a million times better
• You get to spread the cost of that treatment over a suitable period
• Interest-free and low cost loans can be a much more affordable alternative to credit cards or bank loans
• It’s easy to apply and simple to repay by Direct Debit
• They’re provided by leading credit suppliers

Examples

Interest-free loans: your questions answered

Who can benefit?

What can I use it for?

How much can I borrow?

How do I repay the loan?

How much will I pay?

What are the repayment terms?

How do I apply?

Who is the credit provider?

What happens if my treatment costs less than planned for?

How often can I use the facility?

Your general health depends a lot on eating a healthy balanced diet. However, eating and drinking habits also affect the health of your teeth and mouth. Eating and drinking foods and liquids with high sugar content results in the build up of plaque, a soft sticky substance that consists of bacteria that feed on these sugars. The bacteria produce acid waste that attacks the teeth, resulting in tooth erosion  and then tooth decay. If plaque is not removed, it hardens and becomes tartar, which makes the teeth feel rough and can be visible in the mouth, making any smile unsightly. Whitening can often help with this, but only after seeing the hygienist

To maintain your dental health we strongly recommend visiting the Hygienist at our East Grinstead practice twice per year. For members of the practice we offer free dental hygiene appointments, memberships is available form £13.97 per month and provides access to our members price list, plus gives free check ups and hygiene appointments – the easiest thing to do now is to call the practice now on 01342 321094 to discuss how our Dental Practice Membership Plan could work for you..

More about Tooth & Gum Disease…

What is Tooth Erosion?

Tooth erosion is the thinning of the enamel on teeth, due to over consumption of sugary, acidic foods and drinks, or inadequate brushing. Eroded teeth are more likely to suffer tooth decay.

What is Tooth Decay?

The acid waste let out by the bacteria in plaque soften the tooth surface, by dissolving the minerals in the tooth enamel. As more and more acids are produced a small hole will appear, known as a cavity. the hole will gradually get bigger and deeper towards the living part of the tooth, called the pulp. You will be aware of the process, as the tooth will become sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks. If the process is left to continue, the hole will become so large that the pulp will become damaging and will eventually die to leave an empty space in the tooth, which consequently can lead to a whole host of other problems.

It is important to see a dentist as soon as a tooth becomes sensitive. Dentists can repair holes with fillings to save the pulp, and save the tooth.

How To Reduce The Build-up of Plaque

Try to cut down on your intake of sugary, acidic foods and liquids.

Various fruits, particularly the citrus varieties, contain sugars and acids. All fizzy drinks (including ‘diet’ versions and fizzy mineral water), all squashes and fruit juices are acidic. Obviously a can of cola contains more sugar than a glass of orange squash, but they are all detrimental to your teeth to some degree.

Most dental problems can be avoided if you remove the plaque build up by brushing twice a day, for 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. It is also a good idea to use a mouthwash to remove an plaque you may have missed during brushing. Consult your dentist on the best mouthwashes to use.

DID YOU KNOW………… chewing sugar-free gum also helps as it increases the flow of saliva in the mouth, which helps teeth to repair themselves. However, chew in moderation, as excessive gum chewing can cause problems in the stomach, due to the build up of digestive juices preparing for the intake of food.

Are You Brushing Your Teeth Properly?

You may be wondering why, if you brush twice a day, are you still having to receive dental treatment. This is usually because, despite brushing twice a day, you are not brushing correctly.

• Put the bristles of the brush at the join between the teeth and gums, pointing towards the gums and brush using short circular movements
• Brush all around every tooth, making sure you can feel the brush on your gums.
• After brushing, spit out the toothpaste BUT DO NOT RINSE. The effect of the fluoride will work much better if it is left on the teeth

Think of your mouth in four separate sections: top left, top right, bottom left and bottom right. Spend 30 seconds on each section. This will ensure you spend the recommended 2 minutes brushing your teeth.

Change your toothbrush every 3 months minimum this will hep prevent gum disease and ensure your brush is working properly. If the bristles bend out of shape, replace your brush immediately. Purchase a toothbrush with a small head, to make sure that every tooth is cleaned.

Here at the St James Practice, we recommend you invest in an electric toothbrush. These ensure a superior clean and will be much more effective in preventing gum disease, tooth erosion, tooth decay, periodontitis and other problems.  We recommend ultrasonic electric toothbrushes with lateral movement, compared to the round brushes that oscilate. Ask your Dentist for further information and advice.

Interdental Brushing

Dentists and Hygienists nowadays prefer the use of interdental brushes to dental floss. Apart from being more gentle to the gums, it also carries less risk for hard dental tissue damage. There are different sizes of brushes that are recommended according to the size of the interdental space. Please ask for more advice on interdental brushing at your first (or next!) visit!

So what can I eat that won’t be detrimental to my teeth and to my oral health?

Foods that help muscles and bones also help teeth and gums. Breads and cereals are rich in vitamin B while fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, both of which contribute to healthy gum tissue. Lean meat, fish, and poultry provide magnesium and zinc for teeth. Some people recommend that teeth be brushed after every meal and at bedtime, with the addition of interdental brushing at least once per day, preferably at night before sleep.

Some foods may protect against tooth decay. Fluoride is a primary protector against decay. Fluoride makes the surface of teeth more resistant to acids during the process of remineralisation. Drinking fluoridated water is recommended by some dental professionals while others say that using toothpaste alone is enough. Milk and cheese are also rich in calcium and phosphate, and may also encourage remineralisation.

• Tooth Whitening Treatment time: One treatment, three 20 minutes cycles
• How white did her teeth go?: Increased 10 colour shades

Does tooth whitening hurt?

Absolutely not…

Tooth whitening is a painless procedure, and any mild sensitivity after the treatment will gently subside as you become more comfortable the next day and
start to enjoy your new whiter smile.

How much does it cost?

We have a 2 options for whitening teeth at St James Practice, East Grinstead.

1. ZOOM Professional Whitening is available from £400
2. Home Whitening is available from £200

However you don’t need to pay for both of these, you can opt for Professional Home Whitening which will take around 5 days to obtain your whiter smile. An ultra thin clear plastic ‘tray’ will be custom made to fit over your teeth exactly, in to this you will put a small amount of the whitening gel. You’ll then need to wear these trays with the gel inside for around 2 hours per day.

If you opt for ZOOM Professional Whitening, you will have whiter teeth in about an hour PLUS we’ll also provide you with a Professional Home Whitening kit for FREE so you can ‘top up’ your white smile at home whenever you want.

More questions on tooth whitening?

It’s common to have lots of questions on tooth whitening, so we have written
you a free guide to help out. It contains information on

• In what ways tooth whitening will change your life?
• What causes tooth discolouration?
• How safe is tooth whitening?
• What is ZOOM whitening?
• What happens during treatment?
• How long do the results last?
• How does the system work?
• What causes tooth discolouration?
• What will I experience during the procedure?
• How long does the procedure take?
• Are there any side effects?

All this can be downloaded instantly by filling in this form

No more dark or discoloured teeth with our… tooth whitening in East Grinstead

As an extra bonus… Every patient who has ZOOM tooth whitening in our West Sussex Dental Practice gets a FREE Professional Home Tooth Whitening kit to maintain their perfect white smile.

Don’t forget to download your free guide on tooth whitening or ask us your questions on tooth whitening.

More than just white teeth…

It would be remiss of us to not remind you to visit the ‘Healthy Teeth’ section of our website where you can find out more about tooth erosion, tooth decay, how to reduce a build up of plaque, how to brush your teeth properly and healthy eating for your teeth. After all, this is all just as important as having lovely white teeth!