Oral Health

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who do I contact if I have a patient with learning difficulties or special needs?

Contact the Administrative Manager – Berkshire Community Dental Service. 01753 638663

What am I looking for when I read food labels?

You are looking for sugar, disguised by a different name.

Sugar is often added to food during its manufacture. It can be hidden by using different names such as:- sucrose, maltose, glucose, glucose syrup, fructose, dextrose and concentrated fruit juice.

These are all sugars and can cause bad teeth (tooth decay).

Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?

There are a few reasons why your gums may bleed.

The most common being gingivitis (inflamed gums) caused by poor tooth brushing. Contact your dentist or hygienist for advice.

Smoking, alcohol and drug addiction increases the risk of gingivitis.

I have had a mouth ulcer for several weeks what should I do?

A mouth ulcer that lasts for more than 2 weeks should be examined by your dentist.

I am thinking of having my tongue and lip pierced, what advice can you give me?

Don’t.

Concerns have been reported. Incidences of bleeding, blood poisoning and gum recession have occurred.

Tooth Jewellery – Is it OK?

Possibly, if you know how to take care of it properly.
Food left around the jewellery may lead to decay in that tooth.

Brush the jewellery and your whole mouth well, using a soft toothbrush, and a pea size blob of family fluoride toothpaste. Brush your mouth twice a day.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium metal “screw” which is placed into the jawbone.

Dental implants can replace one or more teeth without affecting the teeth either side. Implants can support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture, or provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
Implants - why, what and how much.

Dental implants are not available on the NHS.
Generally expect to pay around £1,500 for each implant.

Dentures – cleaning

What is the best way to clean my denture?

Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water just in case you drop them. Brush your dentures to remove plaque and any food debris using a small headed soft to medium toothbrush and toothpaste. Clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which comes into contact with your gums.

This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative.

Soak your denture in clean plain water when you are not wearing them- for example at night when you are giving your mouth a rest from wearing the dentures. Before wearing the dentures again, brush them to freshen them up again.

If you notice a build up of stains or scale, have your denture cleaned by your dentist or hygienist.

PALS – who are they?

Patient Advice and Liaison Service

The sevice offers friendly, ‘on-the-spot’ help, advice and support for patients, families and the general public. Contact your local PCT for contact details.

How do I find an NHS dentist?

Contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or your local PCT who will be able to help you find a dentist. You can also search for a dentist on www.nhs.uk

How much does it cost to go to an NHS dentist?

If you pay for NHS dental treatment, there are three standard charges. The amount you pay depends on the treatment you might need to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

You pay one of the following three charges:

£16.20 - This charge includes an examination, diagnosis and preventive care. If necessary, this includes X-rays, scale and polish, and planning for further treatment.

Urgent and out-of-hours care also costs £16.20.

£44.60 - This charge includes all necessary treatment covered by the £15.50 charge PLUS additional treatment such as fillings, root canal treatment or extractions.

£198.00 -This charge includes all necessary treatment covered by the £16.20 and £44.60 charges PLUS more complex procedures such as crowns, dentures or bridges.

How often should I visit my dentist?

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has introduced guidelines on how often patients need to go to the dentist. Your dentist will recommend a date for your next visit based on your individual oral health needs.

Are battery toothbrushes any good?

Yes - as long as they are kept charged up!

How often should I change my toothbrush?

It is important to change your toothbrush when the bristles become splayed or worn.

Why should I ‘spit don’t rinse’?

If you rinse your mouth out after brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, the fluoride will be washed away, and not able to work in the way it is intended.

What is dental erosion?

Dental erosion is the loss of tooth tissue due to chemical dissolution by acids. It is not the same as dental decay. Erosion mainly affects enamel, though if unchecked, may proceed to the underlying dentine.

Fizzy drinks contain acids that attack and dissolve tooth enamel.

Never ever have a fizzy drink last thing at night.
Cold fizzy drinks (straight from the fridge) are less harmful.
Don’t clean your teeth straight after having a fizzy drink, leave it for 1 hour.

Flossing

Learning the proper way to floss your teeth is important so that you don’t damage your gums- your dentist or hygienist will be happy to demonstrate proper flossing techniques. Flossing helps clean teeth in the areas that brushing alone just cannot reach (between the teeth and under your gum line).

How often should I brush my teeth?

Twice a day. – with a fluoride toothpaste

Children need supervision when tooth brushing until they are approx 7 years.

How should I brush my teeth?

The gentle scrub method is simple and accepted.
A small toothbrush makes it easier to move around the mouth.
All surfaces of the teeth should be cleaned particularly around the gums.

Should I brush my tongue?

This is your personal choice – be guided by your dentist's advice.