Smile News

Fees

The continuing rise in materials, lab costs, freight charges, technology and mandatory continuing professional development requirements for all staff make Dentistry is an expensive service to provide. I have tried not to jeopardize the quality or level of service you have come to expect and will try to endeavour to keep the costs at a competitive rate.

As mentioned above there is new decontamination guidelines on the horizon (HTMO1-05), from the Department of Health in UK which will require all dental practices that are regulated by the General Dental Council to comply to.

Although it may seem appealing to 'cut corners' with these new guidelines I will adhere to my professional obligation to both you and my staff who deserve BEST PRACTICE.

Continuing Professional Development

The Practice has completed a Decontamination and Medical Emergencies day seminar in London to update us on the new Regulations coming into effect this year.

Dental Hygiene

As most of you are aware Pamela Currie is now with us 3 days per week.

You may or may not be be aware that Melina was a licensed Hygienist/Therapist in Canada since 1983. Upon moving to Jersey in 2000, she was unable to practice due to the General Dental Council not acknowledging overseas professional qualifications. The 'overseas' status changed in September 2008 and finally the GDC was forced to look at overseas qualifications. After completing a 3 month 'adaptation' period Melina has now been placed on the GDC register as a Dental Hygienist as at November 2009.

Other Matter

Joanna (our dental nurse),has now qualified and is now registered with the General Dental Council.

We are accepting new patients and are always happy to treat your family and friends-

-your care and confidence is our Commitment.

Older News

'FEED YOUR SMILE'

1. Eat a well balanced diet
2. Brush twice-a-day with a fluoride toothpaste
3. Have regular dental check ups.

Oral Health Problems

• About 5 million people visit their dentist with toothache every year.
• 19 out of 20 people suffer from gum disease at some point in their life, making it the most common disease in the world.
• One in four adults suffer from bad breath on a regular basis.
• 39% of people now use electric toothbrush.
• 1 in 5 people brush their teeth less than twice-a-day.
• Only 22% of people claim to use floss regularily.
  
  
  
• Beauty know it all

For whiter-looking teeth, avoid lipstick with reds, orange or copper-tones - they will bring out the yellow in your teeth. Opt for blue-ish toned reds.

• The Tea Plant

The Tea Plant (Camellia Sinensis) extracts fluoride from the soil depositing it in its leaves.
Drinking two cups of tea a day gives you 1.3mg of Fluoride helping protect your teeth from decay (varies).
When taken with milk it is a good source of Calcium, Vit B2, B6 and zinc.

• Eat more Sushi

Research in Japan has shown that 'wasabi ' (Japanese mustard) has antibacterial properties that stop cavity causing cells sticking to teeth. It can also help prevent blood clots and asthma.

Growing body of evidence demonstrating a link between good oral healthcare and good overall body health.

Heart

December 2008--Italian/UK study in FASEB Journal reveals good oral healthcare and treatment of gum disease can prevent the bacteria that causes thickening of the arteries.

Diabetes

November 2008--Columbia University (USA) publishes evidence of links from periodontal disease to type 2 diabetes. Of 9,000 participants in the study 800 developed diabetes. Those with high levels of periodontal disease were twice likely to develop diabetes.

Strokes

June 2006--University of California scientists find that gum disease may contribute to clogged carotid arteries leading to an increased risk of a stroke.

Premature Births

December 2008--researchers in Finland question 328 women on oral health and pregnancy. Those who needed urgent dental treatment suggesting poor oral health, were 2.5 times more likely to miscarry.