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Feeling self-conscious about your bad breath? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a very common problem, affecting around 1 in 4 people. But, fortunately, there are a few simple steps that you can take to tackle this embarrassing condition and ensure you stay minty fresh throughout the day.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath (or halitosis, to give it its medical name) is most commonly caused by poor dental hygiene. In fact, 90% of cases originate in the mouth. If you don’t look after your teeth and gums, bacteria and plaque will start to grow – and both of these are known to produce a foul odour.

In some cases, the source of the problem comes from elsewhere in the body. For example, it may be the result of a medical condition, such as tonsillitis or acid reflux. It can be due to eating strong-smelling foods or drinks or because of a new crash diet that restricts certain food groups.

Whatever the cause, it’s fairly easy to treat. There are numerous home remedies and lifestyle changes that you can try, all designed to combat odours and get rid of bad breath once and for all.

6 tips to cure bad breath

1. Visit the dentist regularly

One of the best things you can do to cure bad breath is to visit the dentist. You should aim to have a routine check-up at least once or twice a year. It’s also a good idea to see a dental hygienist every six months or so – who will ‘scale’ your teeth and remove stubborn deposits of plaque and calculus.

Here at Kiln Lane Dental, we currently offer a monthly membership plan – which includes both regular examination and hygiene appointments. This is a great option for anyone with halitosis, helping to maintain your general oral health and keep those unwanted odours at bay.

2. Brush and floss daily

This one goes without saying. To prevent a build-up of bacteria in your mouth, you should brush your teeth and gums with a fluoride toothpaste – at least twice a day, for two minutes.

Flossing is also a great habit to get into. Some people find it difficult to do, but it’s an effective way to remove food debris and plaque that you can’t reach with your toothbrush. Therefore, if you’re looking to cure bad breath, it’s worth persevering and making it a part of your daily dental routine.

3. Clean your tongue

Bacteria can also accumulate on the tongue. A normal toothbrush can be used to get rid of this. Simply start at the back and brush lightly forwards until you reach the opening of the mouth.

Alternatively, you could try using a tongue scraper. These are specifically designed to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue and, as such, do a much more thorough job. They successfully remove dead cells, food particles and bacteria and can help to treat bad breath.

4. Mints and gum

After you’ve eaten, mints and chewing gum are a great way to freshen up your mouth. But, crucially, they must be sugar-free. If not, bacteria in the mouth will convert the sugar into acid. Not only can this acid wear down your enamel, leading to dental issues, it can actually make your halitosis worse. When you head to the shops, be sure to check the packet and choose your gum wisely.

5. Stay hydrated

Saliva has a big role to play in keeping your mouth clean. Without it, bacteria thrive. That’s why many people suffer from ‘morning breath’. Your mouth naturally dries out whilst you sleep, allowing the bacteria to multiply and creating a nasty smell. But it can occur at any time of the day.

With this in mind, one effective ‘bad breath remedy’ is to stay hydrated. You should aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. This will encourage saliva production and keep bacteria levels to a minimum. You should also avoid diuretics, such as caffeine and alcohol, as much as possible.

6. Cut out strong-smelling foods

Certain foods (such as garlic and onion) can make your bad breath worse. Many people assume that a quick brush will get rid of the smell – but this isn’t the case. Substances from the food (which make them smelly) get into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you then breathe them out. As such, the only way to stop this problem is to change your diet and cut them out altogether.

Get in touch for further halitosis tips

If you would like to find out more about how to get rid of bad breath or wish to visit our dental hygienist, please feel free to get in touch. The experts at our St Helens dental clinic are always on hand and happy to help. They will offer further advice on how to tackle your halitosis and can schedule you in for an appointment. Either give us a call on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk.

Looking after your teeth isn’t difficult – and, here at Kiln Lane Dental, we believe that simple habits are the key to maintaining good oral health. After all, prevention is always better than cure.

Our team of experts are full of useful dental care tips and, here, they recommend what you should be doing on a daily, weekly and monthly basis to make the most of your smile.

A guide to looking after your teeth and mouth

1. Have regular dental check-ups

Routine examinations are crucial. In fact, to properly care for your teeth, you should aim to visit the dentist at least once or twice a year. Not only does this complement your overall oral health, but it can also help to detect dental issues in their early stages – making them much easier to treat.

As soon as you receive an appointment reminder, pick up the phone and book yourself in. That way, you’re less likely to forget. Monthly membership plans, such as those available at Kiln Lane, are also a great way to make sure you get regular check-ups. Both routine examinations and hygiene maintenance are included in the price and you’ll gain priority access to emergency appointments.

2. Brush your teeth regularly

Brushing your teeth is the best way to avoid a plaque build-up. It doesn’t matter whether you use a manual or an electric toothbrush (this is personal preference). Just be sure to brush at least twice a day, including once in the morning and once in the evening, immediately before you go to bed.

To keep your teeth healthy, you should always use a fluoride toothpaste and we recommend brushing for a minimum of two minutes. This can feel like a long time – but it’s important to be thorough and you need to make sure every surface (of every tooth) has been covered. Online tools are available to help you brush for the right amount of time.

Once the two minutes is up, spit out the excess toothpaste – but never rinse your mouth with water. This can actually wash away the fluoride and, as such, will reduce its beneficial effects.

3. Remember to floss

Flossing is an effective way to remove food debris and plaque that you can’t reach with a toothbrush. Simply break off a small piece of floss (approximately 45cm long) and use a gentle ‘rocking motion’ to guide it between the teeth. Then, once you’ve reached the gum, curve it into a c-shape and pull it gradually back – taking care to scrape along the side of the tooth as you go.

This technique can be a little tricky to master. But, to take good care of your teeth, it’s highly worthwhile and we find that most people tend to get better with practice.

4. Invest in mouthwash

When was the last time you used mouthwash? A while ago? You’re not alone. Lots of people forget to incorporate it into their daily routine – but it’s actually very good for your oral health. Not only can it help to clean your teeth, it can also reduce mouth acid and prevent tooth decay.

Be sure to choose a mouthwash with a high fluoride concentration and, to avoid washing away the fluoride in toothpaste, use it separately to brushing (e.g. after lunch).

5. Eat and drink well

Sugary foods can, over time, erode the enamel and lead to a range of dental problems (e.g. decay, cavities). There’s no need to avoid these foods entirely; but, to look after your teeth, it’s usually worth cutting back a little and being mindful of your diet. Perhaps you could swap your afternoon biscuit for an oatcake? Or ditch the chocolate bars in favour of a crunchy piece of fruit?

Drinks can be just as bad – particularly fizzy sodas, sweetened juices and squashes. Again, you should try to limit your intake of these as much as possible and opt for a glass of tap water instead.

Get in touch for further dental care tips

If you would like to find out more about how to keep your teeth healthy, or wish to book a check-up at our St Helens dental practice, feel free to get in touch. Our specialists are always happy to help. They can offer further advice and information on dental care and will schedule you in for a routine examination with our dentists. Either give us a call on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk.

Ever find yourself standing in a shop, staring blankly at the row of toothpaste?

We’ve all been there. With so many toothpaste brands and types available – all claiming to be the best – it can be a tricky decision. Do some work better than others? Should you go for the more expensive options? Are certain ingredients essential? Here our team of experts attempt to clear up a little of the confusion and give their opinion on the best toothpaste currently on the market.

Fluoride is the key to success

When choosing a good toothpaste, the most important factor to consider is fluoride. This naturally-occurring mineral has been shown to prevent tooth decay and cavities – and, as such, it’s found in most toothpaste. However, the exact concentration can vary greatly from product to product.

According to the NHS, the best toothpaste for adults contains 1350-1500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride (1000ppm for children). Anything less than this will provide little to no protection. Therefore, although most over-the-counter products do meet the recommendation, it’s always worth double-checking the fluoride concentration of a new product before you add it to your basket.

You should also be particularly wary of herbal toothpaste. These very rarely contain fluoride and, in the long-term, some of their natural ingredients (e.g. lemon) can actually damage your teeth.

What about the other ingredients?

Aside from fluoride, toothpaste usually contains a variety of other ingredients. Some of these ingredients have been shown to help common dental issues and conditions. For example, potassium nitrate is often added to create ‘sensitive toothpaste’, abrasives are incorporated to produce ‘whitening toothpaste’, triclosan is used as an anti-bacterial agent and to reduce plaque.

But, our advice? Don’t get too hung up on these extra ingredients. There really isn’t much difference between ‘sensitive’ or ‘whitening’ products and a generic tube of toothpaste. In fact, some of the extras may have a harmful long-term effect (e.g. abrasives will wear down your enamel) – and, to address your dental issue, the best option is usually to visit your local dentist or hygienist.

It’s also important to avoid products with added sugars and sweeteners. In our opinion, the best toothpaste will be the one with the shortest (and simplest) ingredients list.

The importance of price

Toothpaste differs greatly in terms of its price and most people believe that more expensive options are better. In truth, there’s absolutely no need to be paying over the odds.

Providing it has the recommended level of fluoride (and you brush twice daily), it doesn’t matter which brand you choose – or how much it costs. Our advice is to simply look for the best fluoride concentration, at the cheapest price. If that’s a supermarket’s own-brand, that’s perfectly fine.

So, which is the best toothpaste to use?

Here at Kiln Lane Dental, there isn’t one single toothpaste brand that we would recommend over others. The main purpose of toothpaste is to keep your teeth clean and to prevent decay. Therefore, as long as it contains the right level of fluoride, you’re on the right track. What is more important, is how often you brush, floss and visit your dentist for a routine check-up.

If you would like more information on the best toothpaste to use or the best ways to look after your teeth, please feel free to get in touch. We’re always on hand and happy to help. Either give the friendly team at our St Helens dental clinic a call on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.

 

Looking for a dentist in St. Helens? Perhaps you have recently moved to the area or just wish to try somewhere new? It’s an important decision to make and, of course, you should do your research carefully. But keep this in mind – Kiln Lane Dental is one of the leading dental practices in St. Helens. Here are some of the reasons why we think you should choose us.

1. History of success

We are one of the longest standing dentists in St. Helens – having first opened our doors way back in 1965. During this time, we have evolved from a small one-room dentist into a multiple surgery state-of-the-art practice. Our name has become synonymous with high-quality care and, as a testament to our success, we find the same patients returning to us time and time again.

2. Specialist staff

Our dental practice is staffed by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, including specialist dentists, dental surgeons, implantologists, hygienists, nurses, managers and receptionists. We believe having the right team is essential to providing the best service and, as a leading St. Helens dentist, we are committed to the continuous professional development of all of our staff.

3. A comprehensive range of treatments

The goal is to offer every aspect of dentistry under one roof and, whether you’re looking for a routine check-up or an advanced cosmetic procedure, we can help. We continuously stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and dental materials and some of our most popular treatments currently include Invisalign, porcelain veneers, and tooth whitening.

4. Bespoke treatment plans

We believe that getting to know you is the key to success. This is a chance for you to visit our dental clinic in St. Helens and chat with an expert about your dental concerns. You can tell us exactly what you want to achieve and our specialist dentists will create a bespoke treatment plan that is perfect for your needs.

5. A variety of appointments

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been visiting us for years or just need an emergency dentist – as one of the best dentists in St. Helens, we try to help everyone. Same-day appointments are available for both registered and non-registered patients. We open early at 8am and, on Mondays, we also offer late-night appointments until 6.45pm – which means even those with a busy schedule can easily drop in.

6. Membership schemes

Our standard fees are very competitive. But we’re also proud to offer patients a monthly membership plan – which includes regular oral health examinations, hygiene maintenance, and a number of other benefits. Subscribing to a plan is a great way to get the dental care you need, at a leading St. Helens dentist, and it could save you over £20 a year on routine appointments.

Contact Kiln Lane Dental today

If you would like to find out more about our St Helens dental practice and any of the treatments available, please feel free to get in touch. Choosing a new dentist is an important decision and you’re bound to have lots of questions. So why not give us a call on 01744 25776 and chat to one of our experts? Or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk for more information.

Perhaps you have always dreamed of having a bright, radiant smile or maybe your teeth are not as white as they once were. If so, a professional teeth whitening treatment could be the solution. This is one of the most popular procedures currently offered by UK dentists and, in the following blog, we highlight the top 5 reasons why you should bite the bullet and book your first appointment today.

5 Reasons to have your teeth professionally whitened

1. Effective results

Countless toothpaste and mouthwashes that can be bought over-the-counter claim to brighten teeth; but, in most cases, these products only remove surface stains and their effect is barely noticeable. A professional tooth whitening procedure is often necessary to achieve the results that you desire – such as zoom tooth whitening or home whitening kits provided by a specialist dentist.

These procedures and kits employ a teeth whitening gel, which speeds up the whitening process and leads to outstanding results. You will finally have the photogenic smile that you have always wanted, and with the right care and maintenance, the effects of the treatment can last for up to 3 years.

2. Fast effects

If a special occasion is fast-approaching and you would like to create a dazzling smile for the big day, professional tooth whitening is the perfect option for you. A zoom whitening treatment typically involves 3 sessions or less and, thanks to the use of hydrogen peroxide gel, the effects appear immediately following your first appointment. You could have whiter teeth in a matter of minutes!

3. Safety

Although over-the-counter tooth whitening products are safe to use, there is still an element of risk, and side effects – such as gum irritation and sensitivity – are very common.

By contrast, there are virtually no risks or side effects associated with professional tooth whitening treatments. Your dentist will start by thoroughly checking your teeth and gums, making sure they are healthy enough for the procedure, and stains will be removed without harming your teeth.

4. Oral hygiene habits

If you have invested in professional tooth whitening, you are more likely to adopt good oral hygiene habits afterwards. You may brush and floss more regularly, avoid cigarettes and dark drinks, and attend routine dental checks – all in an effort to maintain the whitening effects. These habits will not only improve your smile, but they can also help to prevent disease and improve your oral health.

5. The full smile ‘make-over’

A zoom whitening procedure is a fantastic way to improve the appearance of your teeth; however, in some instances, additional work may be needed to create a ‘perfect’ smile. For example, if your teeth are crooked or gapped, you may need to consider Invisalign® braces or veneers.

Professional dental surgeries typically offer a wide range of treatments and, during your initial consultation, you should discuss exactly which treatments you need to create the best results.

Contact Kiln Lane Dental for tooth whitening in St. Helens

If you are interested in professional tooth whitening treatments, why not contact our team of experts to find out more. Kiln Lane Dental demonstrate a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area and, thanks to our current home whitening and zoom teeth whitening services in St Helens, we can help you to achieve the smile of your dreams. Either call us today on 01744 25776 or get in touch using our online contact form and we will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

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