Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
Mouthwash will boost the strength of your enamel and can protect your teeth against tooth decay. It is best to avoid eating/drinking/rinsing for one hour following the use of mouthwash. I usually recommend the use of mouthwash after breakfast and before bed-time.
Most of us have seen the corsodyl commercial where promises are given that it will treat everything! Corsodyl mouthwash should only be used for a limited time when prescribed by a dentist. Long-term use of corsodyl mouthwash can cause staining of teeth and change in taste sensations.
There are so many mouthwashes out there! To make it simple:
– Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride
– I prefer alcohol free mouthwashes as they are not as strong and do not dry the mouth
– I love fluoriguard mouthwash. It has a high concentration of fluoride and it tastes nice leaving a nice fresh feeling after use.
– Use what you feel comfortable with!
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
Bad breath can be both embarrassing and problematic. Some people are aware of their bad breath and some are not. Patients usually approach the topic because their partner or spouse have brought it up.
The most common cause of bad breath is the accumulation of bacteria on your teeth, gums and tongue. These bacteria are also responsible for causing tooth decay and gum problems.
Smoking and strong drinks, such as coffee and alcohol can also cause bad breath. Medical conditions such as mouth dryness, diabetes, tonsillitis, sinusitis and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are also reasons for bad breath. Certain medications including nitrates, chemotherapy medication and tranquiliser can also cause this problem.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
We are often asked about what products we recommend for the best dental care. We thought we would compile a list of the products that we use on a daily basis.
Feel free to contact us should you have any further questions….we are always happy to help!
The tape will clean between the teeth and help to improve your oral health. It is smooth and covered with fluoride. Fluoride will strengthen the enamel and combat dental decay that is developing between the teeth. It also tastes good!
We love electric toothbrushes! Look out for the following qualities: rotating, pulsating, round headed. All basic oral B brushes will have these qualities. We can guarantee that your teeth will feel cleaner immediately!
Those of you who know us, know that we are avid coffee lovers – hence the Nespresso machine at our practice. This toothpaste consists of coal particles that absorb the staining without damaging the enamel. The only downside is that it is black and can look a bit messy in the bathroom! Definitely works though! (Please be aware that if you have treatments like porcelain veneers then this won’t work on the ceramic and only works on natural teeth)
Any toothpaste that contains fluoride is good as it will strengthen the enamel.Good and strong enamel is a starting point for cosmetic dentistry often.
These can be described as rubbery tooth-picks. It can take a few attempts before you get the technique right with these ones, and they do tend to bend in the beginning. They are easy and quick once you get used to them. They are also perfect for cleaning underneath fixed retainers. Please ask your dental practice or clinic about purchasing these.
Fluoride strengthens the enamel and prevents dental decay. Use mouthwash twice a day after brushing. Make sure that you do not eat/drink/rinse for one hour following use. It tastes good and is not too strong.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
As a dentist I know just how important it is to try and keep your own teeth. Patients often baulk at the cost and hassle crowns and fillings and root canal therapy to save their teeth, but once a tooth is lost some important changes occur.
What happens when we loose teeth?
When a tooth is taken out the jaw bone in the region of the missing tooth will shrink. As more teeth are lost, a larger volume of bone and gum will shrink. The majority of shrinkage will occur in the first 6 months, but will continue for years after. Teeth that are adjacent to the tooth gap will try to close off the gap by tilting into it and the teeth in the opposite jaw may also move up/down into the gap. Gum problems and tooth decay are common as a result of unnatural tooth movement and the consequence could be the loss of additional teeth.
Tooth loss and impact on General health
Natural teeth can chew with 33 times the force of dentures. Dentures are not as good as natural teeth when it comes to chewing. Chewing certain foods such as meat can certainly present a challenge, as the plastic denture teeth just cannot exert enough force to chew a steak. Sticky foods also present a challenge, as they will dislodge the dentures. Blackberries, raspberries and tomato seeds find their way under the denture and cause immense pain when trying to chew.
As teeth are lost the range of foods that you can eat is diminished. More processed food is consumed and this can effect your digestion and nutritional balance.
Self-confidence
We can all appreciate an attractive smile. Loosing a tooth, particularly a front tooth can impact on your self-confidence.
In the past, as several teeth were lost, all a dentist could offer as a replacement was a denture. When dining out, many denture wearers can only order soft food from the menu. The dentures can slow down your chewing and it may be embarrassing always being the last one to finish. It is surprisingly common that patients are so self-conscious about their dentures that they have not even told their spouse that they are wearing them! Many patients also worry about ever going into hospital and relatives seeing them without their teeth.
How do dental implants work?
Missing teeth and dentures should not need to happen. It saddens me when I hear that patients have accepted gaps in their mouth. Whether young or older fixed teeth rather than dentures really improve your everyday life. What’s better than enjoying a catch up with your loved ones whilst having your favourite meal?
Dental implants are the most advanced option to replace missing teeth. They are little screws that are placed in the gums and they function just like real teeth. You can eat and socialise as you did before you lost your teeth.
Are dental implants for everyone?
Saving your own teeth is always the better option if this is possible. One of the best qualities of dental implants is that they do not suffer from decay like teeth. However, the gums around the teeth need to be cared for properly. It is really important that you commit to a maintenance regime as per your dentist’s recommendations.
Are dental implants expensive?
Like most other things, you pay for what you get. There are more than 1000 implant companies on the market today – are they all good? – I do not know! There are only a handful of implant companies that have been around for a very long time and they dominate the market. These companies produce different implant types. Some implants have a special coating that makes them very expensive but also produce better results. I would suggest that you choose an implant that has a proven track record rather than searching for the cheapest possible option. Once their implants have been completed, every patient I have ever treated has appreciated the time, effort and skill that has gone into restoring their smile and ability to eat properly.
So remember- always try and keep your teeth. When a tooth is lost it is often best replaced. Ask your dentist about tooth replacement options including dental implants.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.