Free Consultation 0151 236 8280
Free consultation Contact Us

Archive for the ‘oral hygiene’ Category

« Older Entries

Five New Year’s Food Swaps for Healthy Teeth

Thursday, January 18th, 2018

Many people start a new year with plans to embrace healthy eating. Usually, this is linked to improving your health and losing weight, but it can also be hugely beneficial for your dental health. If you’re on a health kick and you’re keen to protect your smile at the same time, here are 5 food swaps to try:

  1. Sugary cereals for porridge: many popular cereals contain a lot of sugar, so keep an eye out when you’re at the supermarket. Even healthy-seeming options like granola and muesli can be laden with sugar. Porridge is an excellent choice because it is naturally low in sugar and high in fibre and it releases energy slowly, so you shouldn’t need to snack. If you have a sweet tooth, add a teaspoon of honey or a handful of berries rather than sprinkling sugar on the top.
  2. Ice cream for yoghurt: ice cream season is over, but the good news is that there’s a tooth-friendly, weather-friendly alternative on offer. Natural yoghurt is a great substitute for ice cream. It is rich in calcium and you can add fresh berries, apple, pear, mango or banana to sweeten it up.
  3. Fizzy drinks for sugar-free cordial: fizzy drinks are among the most harmful products you can buy in terms of your dental health. These drinks are packed with sugar, but they’re also acidic. To cut down your sugar intake and protect your enamel, opt for sugar-free cordial, water or milk instead.
  4. Shop-bought smoothies for homemade creations: smoothies are often marketed as a healthy alternative to fizzy drinks, but if you look at the labels, you’ll find that many products you buy in stores and cafes contain a lot of added sugar. Instead of buying smoothies, make your own at home. This allows you to control the sugar content and you’ll also save money.
  5. Popcorn for almonds: popcorn has become an increasingly popular snack. Marketed as a healthy, low-calorie snack, popcorn isn’t quite as saintly as it may seem. It tends to get stuck in your teeth and the hard kernels can also break and chip the teeth. Instead of snacking on popcorn, indulge in a handful of almonds instead. Almonds contain calcium and they also have low sugar content.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygiene | Comments Off on Five New Year’s Food Swaps for Healthy Teeth

Five Tips to Taking Care of Your Teeth Into the New Year

Thursday, December 28th, 2017

If you’re thinking about what you want to achieve in 2018, why not put keeping your smile in pristine condition at the top of your list of resolutions? There’s nothing more attractive than a bright, healthy looking smile, and thankfully, this is resolution that is pretty easy to stick to. Here are 5 tips you’ll need to take care of your teeth in the New Year:

  1. Brush twice a day, every single day: can you find 2 minutes every morning and evening? If so, use your time wisely and brush your teeth. Good oral hygiene will help you to reduce the risk of decay, gum disease and several other health problems.
  2. Check in with your dentist: if it’s been a long time since your last dental visit, now is the time to start looking after your oral health and ensuring you have a check-up every 6-9 months.
  3. Be mouth aware: with dental issues, the longer you leave them, the worse they get, so being mouth aware can be incredibly beneficial. Look out for signs such as pain, swelling, sore gums, bleeding when you brush and sensitivity and see your dentist as soon as possible if you do have problems.
  4. Floss: brushing does a great job of cleaning your mouth, but you can’t brush properly between the teeth. This is where flossing comes in handy. Floss daily to prevent plaque and keep your smile sparkling.
  5. Watch what you eat (and drink): many of us make a vow to eat well in the New Year, but losing festive weight is not the only reason to improve your diet. Diet has a major impact on oral health, so try and avoid snacking, don’t exceed the recommended daily sugar intake and ensure your diet is packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygiene | Comments Off on Five Tips to Taking Care of Your Teeth Into the New Year

Three Tips to Keeping Your Teeth Clean this Christmas

Wednesday, December 20th, 2017

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for a lot of reasons, but it can also be a difficult time, especially when it comes to your oral health. If you are keen to keep dental dramas at bay, here are 3 tips to help you keep your teeth clean this Christmas:

  1. Brush twice a day: polls suggest that a large proportion of people only brush once a day, despite advice from dentists to clean the teeth twice a day. Brushing is a means of removing food debris and bacteria from the mouth and reducing the risk of plaque formation. When you brush, use gentle circular strokes, brush along the gum line and use fluoride toothpaste.
  1. Clean between the teeth: brushing is brilliant, but it can’t clean the entire mouth. It’s impossible to fit a brush head between the teeth and this is why cleaning the gaps between the teeth is so important. You can either use dental floss or inter-dental brushes, which are tiny hand-held brushes that are specially designed to clean between the teeth.
  1. Avoid snacking: it’s not just important to keep an eye on what you eat. It’s also beneficial to think about when you eat. When you eat, bacteria in the mouth start to feed and this causes them to release acids, which erode the enamel. If you eat throughout the day, this means that your enamel never has chance to recover, making the teeth susceptible to damage and decay.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygiene | Comments Off on Three Tips to Keeping Your Teeth Clean this Christmas

Five ways to reduce bad breath in Liverpool

Friday, November 24th, 2017

Do you suffer from bad breath? If so, we are here to help! Bad breath is a very common dental health problem, but it can be easily rectified. Here are 5 ways you can reduce bad breath in Liverpool:

  1. Brush up! Brushing your teeth is the best weapon against bad breath, as it removes harmful bacteria from your mouth. Spend at least 2 minutes every morning and evening cleaning your teeth with fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Stop smoking: smoking is one of the most significant causes of bad breath. If you’d like to try and quit smoking, we have an expert team on hand to offer advice and provide support and encouragement.
  3. Avoid food triggers: many people find that they develop bad breath after eating certain foods. If this sounds familiar, it’s a good idea to keep a food diary so that you can pinpoint which foods are giving you grief. You can then avoid these triggers and enjoy peace of mind.
  4. Chew sugar-free gum: chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps to neutralise acids in your mouth, but it also helps to get rid of odours and freshen your breath. It’s a good idea to carry gum with you if you tend to get bad breath after eating or drinking.
  5. See your dentist: if you have bad breath on a persistent basis or you’re worried that the situation is getting worse, see your dentist. Bad breath can be a sign of underlying dental health issues and we can offer treatments to banish bad breath for good.

If bad breath is getting you down, call now and book an appointment!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygiene | Comments Off on Five ways to reduce bad breath in Liverpool

Four Food Swaps For Healthy Teeth this October

Friday, October 27th, 2017

When you’re designing menus or perusing the supermarket aisles, don’t just consider your waistline. We tend to focus on losing weight or being healthier, but we often forget our oral health. This October, why not try these food swaps for healthier smiles?

Dried fruit for fresh fruit: fruit contains sugar, but these sugars are natural and fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals. Dried fruits have become a very popular snack, but they’re often doused in added sugar and they’re often not as healthy as you may think.

Ice cream for Greek yoghurt: it’s chilly outside and ice cream season is over. This autumn, swap sugary ice creams and lollies for healthy, calcium-rich natural Greek yoghurt. Yoghurt is filling, it’s tasty and it’s really good for your teeth. Add some fresh berries or a spoonful of honey for flavour.

Sugary cereals for porridge: many popular breakfast cereals are laden with sugar and you can reduce your daily sugar consumption significantly by starting the day in the right way. Instead of filling a bowl with sugary puffs, balls or hoops, go for porridge. Porridge oats release energy slowly, they contain fibre and they have low sugar content.

Fizzy drinks for milk: fizzy drinks are one of the worst offenders when it comes to sugar content. Instead of coating your teeth in sugar with a can of pop, have a glass of milk or a milky cup of tea. Milk contains calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth and bones.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygiene | Comments Off on Four Food Swaps For Healthy Teeth this October

Three Steps to Avoiding Bad Breath

Tuesday, September 26th, 2017

Bad breath is one of those problems nobody wants to admit to, but the reality is that bad breath, also known as halitosis, is very common. It’s very common to suffer from bad breath in the mornings or after eating certain foods that have very strong flavours, but bad breath can also be a sign of underlying dental issues. If you’re keen to keep bad breath at bay, here are 3 simple steps you can take:

  1. Maintain good oral hygiene: good oral hygiene is the best weapon you can use against bad breath. Bad breath is caused by bacteria releasing gases, which have an unpleasant smell. If bacteria aren’t allowed to gather in the first place, there’s no risk of having bad breath. Brushing eliminates bacteria and it can also help to make your mouth feel much fresher and cleaner.
  2. Chew sugar-free gum: if you’re prone to bad breath after eating, it’s a good idea to carry sugar-free gum with you. Chewing gum for a couple of minutes after eating will freshen up your breath. It’s also beneficial for your oral health, as chewing stimulates saliva production and this neutralises acids in your mouth.
  3. See your dental hygienist: if bad breath is a persistent problem, it’s hugely beneficial to see a dental hygienist. Hygienists provide much more powerful cleaning therapies than brushing your teeth and this can help to remove bacteria and prevent further problems.

If bad breath is getting you down, call us now and book an appointment.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygiene | Comments Off on Three Steps to Avoiding Bad Breath

Three Reasons Why Prevention is Incredibly Important

Thursday, August 17th, 2017

As dentists, we never tire of telling our patients that prevention is better than cure. If you haven’t given your dental health much thought of late, here are 3 good reasons why prevention is important:

  1. Lower risk of oral diseases: the most obvious benefit of preventive approaches is a lower risk of oral diseases such as decay and gum disease. If you go to the dentist every 6-9 months, you can lower your risk of developing problems by up to 60 percent. If you throw in a brilliant brushing regime, you can increase the figure even more. Looking after your teeth and gums takes a few minutes a day and it’ll save you a whole lot of pain and keep your smile looking beautiful.
  2. Lower cost of dental care: the cost of preventative dental care is much lower than treatments that are used to cure dental issues. If you spend a small amount on routine check-ups, you’ll reduce your risk of paying out hundreds, or even thousands in dental bills over the coming years.
  3. Increased happiness and productivity: if you’ve ever suffered from toothache or had a dental abscess before, you’ll know all too well that poor dental health can make life a misery. Dealing with dental issues doesn’t just make it virtually impossible to concentrate at work, it will also affect your happiness and wellbeing. Start paying more attention to your teeth and gums now, and you’ll notice a positive difference for years to come.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygiene | Comments Off on Three Reasons Why Prevention is Incredibly Important

Did You Know How Much Stopping Smoking Will Help Your Teeth?

Tuesday, August 15th, 2017

It may not be the start of a brand new year, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make a resolution to try and give up smoking. Most of the time, we associate quitting with benefits for the heart and lungs, but did you know that giving up smoking can also do wonders for your oral health?

What effects does smoking have on oral health?

Smoking has a detrimental impact on almost every organ in the body, and it can be very harmful for your oral health. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease because it reduces blood flow to the gums. It can also increase the risk of implant failure and increase healing time after dental treatment. Smoking also stains the teeth and it causes bad breath.

One of the most important considerations for those giving up smoking is reducing the risk of developing cancer. We tend to think about lung cancer when the subject of smoking crops up, but smoking is also the main risk factor for many other types of cancer, including mouth cancer. Mouth cancer affects the soft tissue in the mouth and throat and the number of cases diagnosed in the UK has increased by a third in the last ten years.

Help with giving up smoking

Giving up smoking is no walk in the park. At Liverpool Dental Spa, we understand that quitting is really difficult and we are here to advise you, offer you help and support and also encourage you along the way. If you’d like help with giving up smoking, give us a ring today or contact us through the website. Our experienced dental team will be happy to help.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygiene | Comments Off on Did You Know How Much Stopping Smoking Will Help Your Teeth?

Top Five Tooth Friendly Drinks to Enjoy in the Summer Sun

Tuesday, August 8th, 2017

The sun is popping out from time to time and this can only mean one thing, summer is finally here! If you’re keen to make the most of the long, hazy days, you may be looking forward to afternoons in the park or the beer garden or barbeques with friends and family. When the sun’s shining, your teeth may not be your first thought, but it’s so important to look after your dental health. If you’re keen to keep your smile in shape this summer, here are 5 tooth-friendly drinks to enjoy in the sunshine:

  1. Water: water is hands-down the best option come rain or shine. Water will quench your thirst if it’s hot outside and it doesn’t contain sugar.
  2. Green tea: it may seem crazy to drink tea when it’s hot, but hot drinks are actually supposed to cool you down. Green tea is a great choice because it is packed with antioxidants, which help to reduce the risk of gum disease.
  3. Milk: milk may not be the most obvious choice for a summer day, but it’s really good for your teeth. Milk is a good source of calcium, and it may be an appealing alternative to coffee or tea if you fancy something other than a hot drink before bed.
  4. Homemade smoothies: if you’re on a health kick, you’re probably trying to increase your intake of fruit and vegetables. Smoothies can be a really healthy choice, but they can also cause problems for your teeth. This is because smoothies that you buy from cafes and supermarkets tend to contain a lot of added sugar. To enjoy the health benefits without the added sugar, make your own smoothies at home.
  5. Diet mixers: if you’re enjoying an alcoholic drink on a sunny day, and you’re worried about your teeth, avoid cocktails and sugary fizzy drinks and opt for diet mixers instead. These aren’t brilliant for your teeth because they’re acidic but they are less harmful than full-sugar versions.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygiene | Comments Off on Top Five Tooth Friendly Drinks to Enjoy in the Summer Sun

Top Five Tooth Friendly Summer Foods

Thursday, July 27th, 2017

Summer is a time when many of us try our best to be healthy and get in shape. If you’re keen to keep your smile looking great, as well as working on your beach body this summer, here are 5 tooth-friendly foods to add to your diet:

  1. Yoghurt: yoghurt is rich in calcium and it’s a great substitute for desserts like cheesecake, ice cream and biscuits if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. Stick to natural yoghurt rather than sweetened versions, which can contain a lot of sugar, and add flavour with berries or a spoonful of honey.
  2. Blueberries: blueberries are packed with antioxidants and they are a good source of vitamin C, which is good news for your gums.
  3. Strawberries: strawberries are not just a good source of vitamin C. they can also help to clean and polish your teeth thanks to their rough skin. When you eat strawberries, the dimpled texture scrubs off surface stains, giving you a radiant, glowing smile.
  4. Cheese: cheese is a great addition to salads and cold pasta dishes and a staple picnic snack. Cheese contains calcium, which is important for strong teeth and bones, but it also has a very high pH value, which reduces acidity in the mouth.
  5. Raw vegetables: if you’re searching for a healthy snack idea, don’t reach for crisps or sweets. Instead, peel some carrots or chop up some celery, cucumber or peppers. These foods often have high water content, and chewing on them stimulates your gums and increases saliva production.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygiene | Comments Off on Top Five Tooth Friendly Summer Foods

« Older Entries

Quick contact form

Call Us Anytime
...

6 Dentistry Awards!

Winners for National UK Award

  • > 2009 Best Dental Team

Winners for North West Awards

  • > 2009 Best Dental Team
  • > 2008 Best Dental Practice

Finalists for North West Awards

  • > 2009 Best Practice
  • > 2008 Best Dental Team

Finalist & Highly Commended for

  • > 2007 Best Young Dentist Dr Marius McGovern