A Woman Of Substance

A few weeks ago I attended an inspiring awards ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary Barbara Taylor Bradford’s debut novel, A Woman of Substance.

I remember first reading this book as a kid and being totally riveted by the story of this strong woman overcoming the odds.  A total dreamer and an introvert, I used to loose myself in books and I remember telling myself if Emma Harte could do it why not me

This award was to recognise women of today overcoming the odds and the first ever recipient was truly inspiring.  Lisa Salmon, 42, from Horsforth, Leeds, was crowned ‘A Woman of Substance 2009′ Lisa was nominated by her mother, Sheila Salmon, and her friend, Gail Robinson, who described her as an extraordinary human being. Lisa  has had to deal with a series of tragedies — one of which resulted in her losing her sight and the other the death of her son at just two days old. Since then, she has managed to triumph over adversity, going on to marry and have two children, and is now juggling a busy family life with working as a writer with the support of her husband Mark and in her spare time helps to support and campaign for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance service that saved her life.

Lisa when asked about the award said “I was amazed I won. I don’t feel like I’m that special. I’ve just got on with life. I do feel sometimes that I’m the luckiest unluckiest person alive. I’m over the moon to be seen as a real woman of substance. I just can’t believe it.”

During her acceptance speech I was struck by a comment she made…”bad things happen to good people , there’s just no point in moaning, it just doesn’t serve any purpose, I just got on with it.”

At that point the lady I was standing next to turned to me and said, “Well that put’s my bad day into perspective!”

Congratulations Lisa, Emma Harte would be proud of you!

Smile Of The Month

“I am thrilled to bits with my new smile and love admiring myself in the mirror!”

Every one appreciates a healthy, beautiful smile. Studies report that more than 50 percent of adults state they are unhappy with their smiles. I love what I do because in as little as two weeks we can rejuvenate not just a person’s smile but their whole face, their confidence…and without lifting a knife!  I call it my Smile lift

Janet is a great example.  Nothing has changed in the before and after pictures…she is even wearing the same pair of earings!

What’s different?  Her new found confidence shines through.  She looks younger, lighter and her face even looks brighter because the flash, like our eyes picks up her brighter smile which reflects the light.

From never wanting to smile and always running away from having photographs taken, Janet now can’t stop grinning!

Is Pain free Dentistry REALLY Possible?

This is a huge question because for the majority of people, me included, the word Dentist equates to Pain!

What is it about dentistry that evokes so many negative emotions?  How can so many women tell me they would rather suffer natural childbirth than come see a dentist? (I don’t have kids yet but i believe that is true PAIN!!!)

I did a poll to discover what the main issues were and in summary in no particular order…

• ‘Mean’ school dentists
• Having fillings without anesthetic as children 
• Memories of having gas as a child in the dentists chair
• A fear of not knowing what to expect…not being in control

I think the last one is the major factor and it is the one I focus on when treating patients.  

Something happens to you when the chair goes back.  You become more vulnerable, exposed, afraid, don’t know what to expect and as the anxiety heightens, all those horror stories flash through your mind (By the way I’m describing MY reaction in the dentist chair!!)

However inspite of this, 21st century dentistry is virtually painless and below are some of the tricks I use to help make the experience more pleasant

• Dark glasses to block out the surgery light
• Video Goggles so you can watch a movie whilst having your treatment…helps the time pass faster
• Lip balm to moisturise your lips…more comfy and does help fool the mind that you are relaxed.  When you are afraid your lips dry out so by keeping them moist it actually helps relax you
• Bubble gum gel to numb the gum before giving any injection so it is virtually painles
• The Wand which is an electronic way of applying anaesthesia so there is no pressure or pain

But above all, the key is to find a dentist/practice that will take the time to listen, to talk and make you feel comfortable.  That’s the key.  No matter what gadgets are used, if you trust the team, you will relax and everything will be much more comfortable

10 years younger

Everyone’s been asking and as teeth is my favourite subject, I thought I would talk a little about the cases I treated for the programme

This is Mary who was a great lady to treat with an amazing laugh and great sense of fun

 

 

At face value, you would think Mary’s main problem would be her crowns.  They  were very old, stained, had the classic dark lines around them.  However the hidden story is her gum disease

A lifetime of smoking meant that the disease had destroyed Mary’s gums and the toxins from the bacteria had destroyed the bone so her teeth became looser.  Unfortunately I was not able to save her remaining bottom teeth but working as a team we were able to give her a great result

What did we do?

1. Treated her gums.  This formed the foundational basis of all the treatment.  Working with the hygienist and gum specialist we carried out deep cleaning to remove the bacteria embedded deep within the gums.  The key was Mary’s hard work at home, using the techniques and tools we gave her

2. Extracted teeth.  This always makes me so SAD because in the majority of cases it is totally preventable. If I had met Mary 10years ago, maybe even 5y I am sure we would have been able to save more of the teeth

3 Cosmetic Dentures.  These are lovingly made and so fit really well with life-like customised teeth placed in the detures

4 Porcelain Crowns.  These replaced the old metal based crowns that Mary had.  All porcelain crowns are now very strong and beautiful.  The great thing is there are no more dark lines around the gum which is a dead giveaway you have had a crown

5 Gum Lift to improve the aesthetics and blend into her smile

Idiotic Service

A friend of mine told me that  he has discovered the older he gets the more ‘idiots’ are out there.  Initially I laughed and teased him about becoming a grumpy old man but I must confess I now agree with him… is it because I just turned 39?  It really is not a glamorous number.  40 is sexy, all the comments like ‘life begins at 40’ doesn’t apply when you are 39! Anyway I digress … continue reading