10yy Live

I have just recovered from the fantastic show that was 10yy live in Earls Court

It was wonderful to meet so many of you that are fans of the show. We had a great stand and in between whitening the teeth of the contributors that were chosen for a makeover and being on stage, I managed to fuel my passion of talking about teeth to anyone that would listen on our stand!

Next year the show will be bigger and better and I can’t wait

Beauty v/s Health

New research from Mintel has confirmed what we all already know

1. Stained yellow teeth are the top aesthetic concerns for consumers

2. 4/10 of us Brits are more concerned about the colour of our teeth than health issues such as cavities or gum disease

“Alongside wrinkles, teeth are another key indicator of age. Agelessness is one of the major social issues which has been gathering pace over the past decade. Whilst kids are getting older younger, older adults are refusing to accept their age,” This was a comment by the Senior analyst at Mintel.

I am often bemused by the panic of such stories and why people are suprised by the results.  It is as old as time.  Why do  we have to hide medicine in ‘nice food’ or drinks to get kids to swallow it?  The same reason why I have many smokers that know all about the fact it can kill them but won’t quit.  Suddenly they decide they want whiter teeth for a special event or birthday and this motivates them to quit.  Is it vanity?  Are they choosing beauty over life? Do I care?  Absolutely not, I’m for whatever works!

So going back to the Mintel story I know for a fact that anyone who has had their smile fixed no longer needs to be told to brush, floss see the hygienist etc They love the way they look, take pride in themselves and so are motivated to look after their teeth and their oral health improves drastically.

That’s what we should focus on, finding solutions that motivate so it is a win win for everyone.  Now if I could invent a floss that whitens teeth, flossing would no longer be the ‘F” word!

Brushing Can Boost Your Sperm Count

Brushing may not be sexy but it does give your sperm a boost!

A recent Isreali Study confirmed yet another effect of gum disease.  They showed that over half the men studied who had low sperm counts or no sperm at all also suffered from gum disease

Gum Disease is the main reason adults in the UK loose their teeth and it has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, strokes and now infertility

If you are planning to have kids my tip is not to forget your mouth.  Get healthy, visit your dentist and hygienist for a fitness plan to make sure you are not affected by this disease.  The good news? In most cases it is preventible and reversible

Marks & Spencer’s says sorry for its ‘Boob’

Lets give it up for M&S this week who had the grace to hold their hands up in defeat and say sorry to its customers this week!

In case you missed it, they have been charging their well endowed customers an extra £2 for larger sized bras.  I thought it completly outrageous and was getting geared up to join the fight when they did the decent thing and backed down.  More than 12,000 angry customers signed an online petition called Busts for Justice started by Beckie Williams, whose bra size is 30G, prompting the retailer to issue prominent adverts in several media outlets.

“We boobed,” proclaimed the full-page ads.

“It’s true our fantastic quality larger bras cost more money to make, and we felt it was right to reflect this in the prices we charged.  “Well, we were wrong, so as of Saturday, May 9, the storm in a D cup is over!

“We will reduce the price of our larger bras [those with a cup size of DD or above] by up to £2.”

“And for two weeks from Saturday we will reduce ALL of our bras by 25%. Every woman can now experience the difference a well-made quality bra will make.”

Now that’s what I call a serious PR and marketing recovery!  I bet their sales increase as a result

M&S,  I salute you…I can only watch and learn

I’m off to buy my discounted bra!

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

A lesson In Humility

So I call my youngest sister in excitement.  

Guess what I say, there’s a great article about us this week.  Which magazine she asks.  I tell her.  Ok I’ll read it at the station on my way home.  What!!! You mean you’re not going to buy it? Why would I waste my money she exclaims.  I come crashing down to earth.  

My secret to success, a down to earth family that keeps my feet firmly on the ground.  Thank goodness for mothers though!  

My mum buys 15 copies of the magazine to send to all her friends.  I feel important again and my mum helps the publishing economy

mouthwash and cancer

So the papers are full of stories of how using mouthwash will result in mass death of the public from mouth cancer.  My phones are off the hook with people anxious to find out if they are reporting the truth.  Well the answer is…kinda, so  here are the facts

The latest frenzy was caused by new research that claimed using mouthwashes containing alcohol can increase the risk of mouth cancer by up to nine times.  The alcohol is thought to help  cancer causing toxins such as nicotine from permeating the mouth faster.  Hoeverver there were lots of gaps in the paper.

What was the alcohol content of the mouthwashes, what was the length of time it was used, how long did people keep the mouthwash in their mouth.  That’s why the jury is still out

What is undisputed fact is that smoking and drinking more than 3 units of alcohol a day (that’s only one large glass of wine!) is directly linked to mouth cancer.  So my advise, quit smoking and cut out the booze :)

As to which mouthwash if any to use?  My recommendation is always the same.  

Ask your dentist what works best for you.  One caveat though is to use a fluoride mouthwash, doesn’t matter which brand!

Flouride helps make your teeth more resistant to tooth decay so I use it on a daily basis…like most of you, I am not a fan of the dentist either so do what I can to strengthen my teeth.

Happy swishing!

Secrets of a happy marriage

I read a quote by Tim Lott in the Independant on the secret of a happy marriage

“Women want you to listen to them and men want to be praised”

I personally want both…is that wrong? What about you

Let’s start a poll and see if he is right.  Men is it praise v/s listening you want?

Then again most men I know don’t talk much so he may be on to something