Being concerned about the investment towards your dental treatments is perfectly normal. It is down to each individual patient to decide if the improvements to quality of life, function, confidence, and appearance are worthwhile. Dr Gharat will only prescribe treatment that is necessary. We work with a multitude of experts and never try to cut corners in your care. Our fees may seem steep at the outset, but bear in mind that they usually include all planning, consultations, x-rays, 3D scans, procedures, laboratory fees, review appointments, any further appointments if needed, and usually maintenance upto 1 year after the procedure.

We usually advise using toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium and firm ones can end up damaging the teeth and gums. Use soft pressure, for 2 minutes, two times a day.

Both powered and manual toothbrushes are capable of cleaning teeth well and we wouldn’t really recommend one over the other, except in special circumstances. Usually, brushes with mixed bristle heights or angled bristles clean better than those with flat, even bristles. Electric toothbrushes may be easier if you have trouble using your hands and are also consistent in their cleaning ability. Another advantage with some modern powered toothbrushes is that they will indicate if you are brushing too hard and stop when you apply too much pressure.

The usual advice is to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Usually, the bristles will look bent or splayed out and that is an indication of changing your brush. Bent bristles don’t clean as well and they’re also a sign that you may be brushing too hard.

With toothpastes, most of them will clear away bacteria growth and acids from food and drinks. Toothpastes with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance always have fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth.

Flossing clears food and plaque (which is invisible to the naked eye) from between adjacent teeth and under the gums. If you don’t floss, this plaque hardens into tartar, which forms wedges and widens the space between teeth and gums, causing pockets. If left untreated, these pockets can cause gum disease, bad breath, loose teeth and ultimately tooth loss. Hence, one needs to get around your teeth daily with dental floss.

Mouthwashes are an adjunct to toothbrushing and can never be used alone. Mouthwashes or mouth rinses can be useful to prevent cavities, control sensitivity and freshen your breath when used along with regular brushing and flossing. Your dentist can recommend the best type for you.

We usually recommend twice-daily rinses for gum health or alcohol-free washes routinely.

When your mouth is healthy, you will have a fresh breath! Bad breath can make you feel embarrassed and can also place strain on relationships. Our mouths contain millions and millions of bacteria and these bacteria are the main cause of bad breath. Plaque, tartar, gum disease, tooth decay, dentures and your tongue are all places where bacteria can thrive and result in halitosis i.e. bad breath.

Bad breath can be treated.

• Brush your tongue
  Research says that about 50% of oral bacteria can be eliminated through brushing your tongue daily with a soft toothbrush. Avoid using metallic tongue scrapers.
• Use Breath Fresheners and Mouthwash
  Breath Fresheners and Mouthwash can assist in eliminating bad breath.

See your dentist and hygienist regularly
Attending a check-up with Dr Gharat to determine the cause of your bad breath. We will then be able to identify and treat the cause of your bad breath. To arrange a free video consultation with Dr Gharat today, simply click here.

Experts have studied the use of x-rays in dentistry and set limits for their safety. We usually take as few x-rays as possible.

If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, expect to have some x-rays during the first exam even if you have no issues or complaints. This helps check teeth and gum health and identify issues lurking in the background before they become serious. If you have signs of gum disease, the dentist may want pictures every 6 months. For regular check-ups, it’s about every 2 years, depending on your risk assessment, in line with the Faculty of General Dental Practice – FGDP, UK guidelines.

Dental decay or caries affect the surface enamel of your teeth. These will continue to get bigger unless you clean and close them off with fillings.

Your dentist will numb your mouth before cleaning around the decay to prep it. We then use strong materials like composites, which go into the cavity soft and then harden as we shine a special light on them. Once set, fillings look like your teeth and can last a long time but may need replacing if they break or wear down.

Regular exams can help identify dental issues early in order to prevent bigger and more costly treatments later.

Regular hygiene visits will help clean buildup from your teeth.

You should get an exam every 6 months, or more often if your dentist recommends it. Dr Gharat is proficient in making you feel at ease and will always let you know what to expect. Often the dread of seeing the dentist turns to big relief when the visit is over and you have a care plan set up. Using positive reinforcement as a parent can help your kids overcome any of their fears of a dental visit.