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What You Need to Know About Tongue Piercings

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Some of us may be somewhat squeamish at the thought of having a tongue piercing, but for many people, they are clearly desirable. What may not be so apparent though is the potential cost that having a tongue piercing can incur. That cost is not so much a financial one, but one that could affect the health of your teeth.   A recent Swiss study shows that individuals with tongue piercings are not only more prone to suffer from gum disease but can also be subject to bleeding, receding or inflamed gums too. The lead researcher in the study also found that the teeth had been negatively affected by the piercing, particularly if they were in close contact with it. Similarly, a Belgian study also displayed how two women suffered from repeated gum damage due to the metal of their piercing pressing against their gums. After a decade, both women had their tongue piercing removed due to infected and bleeding gums.     Dental Damage   According to other in-depth s...

How to Choose a Better and Brighter Smile

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Whatever the problem with your teeth is, at Specialist Orthodontist Harley Street we have the knowledge and skills to address the issue. Boasting a wealth of expertise that has been cultivated for over a period of decades in the field of orthodontics, Harley Street should be your first point of contact for discovering how that ideal smile can be yours.         Giving You Some Clarity Once you decide that orthodontics are for you, knowing what to do next can be difficult as it’s easy to get confused with all the information on the subject. Removable braces, teeth aligners, invisible braces are all terms you may have come across, but Specialist Orthodontist Harley Street are here to clarify what you need to know and help you choose what is best for you. Getting What You Want Here at Harley Street, we have a variety of treatments to help solve any dental problems you might have. For patients who are struggling with gaps in their teeth, our space closure ort...

National Smile Month and Trying Out Invisalign Braces

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With  National Smile Month  2021 just around the corner, it’s a good time to remind people of the importance of their oral health. The National Smile Month campaign continues to do amazing work in the UK and worldwide too, raising awareness and providing information for millions of people. Have a look at some of the key messages we provided, to help improve your dental health and keep a healthy, bright smile! Brush Twice, Floss Once! Although this is a pretty known tip to keep your teeth clean and healthy, it’s crucial to keep this reminder at the forefront. By brushing your teeth at least twice and flossing once, you will be able to clean the surfaces of your teeth, and the areas in between each tooth, keeping them free from plaque and cavities. Use Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash Dentists all over the world strongly advise all patients to use toothpaste and mouthwash that have fluoride in them, as this will not only make the teeth enamel a lot stronger, but it co...

Orthodontic Retainers: Helping to Keep Your Teeth Straight

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What Are They? Retainers are a custom-made appliance which is used after a patient has finished their teeth straightening treatment. Once your teeth have moved into the desired position, it’s crucial to use retainers as a follow-up to ensure your teeth do not revert to their original positioning. Retainers are also frequently used to treat minor  orthodontic issues , as they are not very invasive and almost invisible.   Depending on your teeth your dentists could suggest a removable retainer, a retainer that is bonded to the back of your teeth, or even a combination of both. As all of our teeth are unique, some patients may start with one type of retainer, and depending on how their teeth respond to it over time, they could be advised to switch to a different retainer down the line.   After your teeth straightening treatment has finished, most patients will be advised to wear their retainer continuously throughout the day for the first six months, to ensure thei...

Do Brits Have Bad Teeth?

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Over the years Britain has become the butt of the joke when it comes to having “bad teeth”. Whether this myth was ever true is hard to determine but as of now, Britain’s dentistry is highly successful. In the past, stereotypes have formed regarding discoloured teeth, teeth gaps and even missing teeth. And even if this was true in the past, Britain has climbed up and become extremely advanced in the dentistry world.   American Advertising     American advertising has definitely had an impact on the western world. With Hollywood promoting teeth whitening as a standard the expectation for white teeth has become increasingly sought after in the United States and worldwide. Additionally, years of American jokes regarding ‘bad British teeth’ have plagued the UK to this day. With characters including like Austin Powers and shows like the Simpsons have given an unrealistic and very negative picture of British dentistry.   How British Dentistry Has Evolved ...

Good Habits for Healthy Teeth in the Winter Months

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With the holidays and winter months fast approaching, it's good to be mindful of protecting your teeth throughout the season. With low temperatures, sugary foods and treats galore, it can be tricky to be mindful of our oral health. But the constant snacking, cold weather and not properly maintaining your oral hygiene could cause long term damage. Here are some of the ways that you can protect your teeth this winter!   Brush Your Teeth After Eating Sticky and Sugary Foods   As we all know, the holidays tend to bring a plethora of sweets, treats and food that contain a high amount of sugar and can stick to your teeth. Though it’s important to enjoy yourself with the seasonal treats, it’s good to try and limit the amount you eat. Moderating the number of festive treats will hugely help protect you from tooth decay and tooth pain.   More importantly, when you do partake in eating sticky cakes and chocolates, make sure that you brush after. This will help fight off...

Chipped Teeth: How Do They Happen?

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  Chipped Teeth: How Do They Happen? Chipped teeth are a fairly common dental problem that patients can experience. Teeth can fracture for several reasons, depending on the patient and their oral health. Since enamel is the hardest substance in the body, equalling to twice the hardness of bone, it is extremely efficient in protecting our teeth and keeping them healthy. But there are times when trauma to the teeth, cavities or other dental problems could cause the enamel to break down and become less effective.   If you are experiencing teeth chipping or have had an accident where your teeth have been chipped, you must see your doctor as soon as possible. Without a full exam of your mouth and teeth, it can be difficult to figure out exactly why your teeth could be chipping. As all of our oral health and teeth are slightly different, your dentist will be able to help you find answers along with the best treatment plan to help with your teeth.   What Are the Cause...