FAQS

• I haven't been to the dentist in years. What should I do first?

  We would arrange a new patient examination for you in order to discuss your dental history, take any necessary x-rays and discuss your treatment going forward.

• Can I get orthodontic treatment at any age?

  Yes, you are able to receive braces or corrections at any age.

• I really do not like visiting the dentist. How can you help me with my anxiety?

  All of our dentists are extremely patient and understanding of dental anxiety. We would take any treatment one step at a time, being led by your concerns. Comfort breaks can be accommodated in longer treatments and we can also recommend meditation and hypnotherapy practitioners that we are more than happy to work with.

• I work in London and get home late. Could you fit me in?

  We do run late clinics so we could find you an appointment to suit you from 8am to 8pm or on Saturdays mornings too.

• I work locally, but live out of the area and would only like to see a hygienist, is that possible?

  Yes, regulations have changed and you can now see our hygienists without having seen our dentist first.

• Which is better, an electric or manual toothbrush?

  Really it depends on the individual and there might be all kinds of factors that influence how well you are able to brush you teeth at different times in your life. You can be sure we will advice you how you are doing every time we see you!

• My gums are bleeding when I floss my teeth, should I stop?

  No, don't stop. Your gums are bleeding due to the bacteria that has collected there and caused gingivitis (an inflammation of the gum tissue). You have to continue your dental hygiene routine in order to remove all the bacteria. The bleeding should stop once the inflammation has subsided.

• I've been told I need x-rays, how safe are they?

  At our practices we have the lowest and fastest dose of radiation digital xrays. Dental x-rays are one of the lowest radiation dose xrays performed. A routine exam which includes 4 xrays is about 0.005 mSv, which is less than one day of natural background radiation. It is also about the same amount of radiation exposure from a short airplane flight (~1-2 hrs).

• Should I rinse after I brush my teeth?

  No, rinsing flushes away the fluoride from your toothpaste. Spit but don't rinse. Ideally, avoid any drink for 45 minutes after brushing to give the fluoride time to work.

• How old should my children be before they come to the dentist?

  It's never too early to bring your child to the dentist. Even before they have teeth, children should be accustomed to seeing their parents at the dentist so that they can see it is nothing to worry about.

• I have limited mobility, can I access the premises?

  Whilst our practices have surgeries on two floors, we can ensure that you are seen in a ground floor surgery. We also provide a ramp to aid entry into the premises. Just make us aware of your situation when you book your appointment.

• There are so many toothpastes on the market, which one do you recommend?

  We say stick to a well known brand and brushing your teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth decay. Toothpastes containing 1350-1500ppm fluoride are the most effective. Your dentist may advise you to use higher-strength toothpaste if you or your child is at particular risk of tooth decay.

• My son or daughter sucks their thumb what can you suggest to help them stop?

  There are many gentle things you can try from wrapping an elastoplast around their thumb to sticker rewards and weird tasting nail varnishes but we really love thumbsies you can find out about them at www.thumbsie.co.uk