Maintaining a good oral cleaning routine is by far one of the best ways to keep your teeth looking their best well into your twilight years. Some people still struggle with this and at Plowman & Partners we think you’re never too old to learn some hygiene tips, so here’s a couple of things you can try at home to look after your teeth.
Find a brushing routine
Perhaps one of the best things you can do is to try and figure out a brushing routine that works for you. Cleaning your teeth, a minimum of twice a day is definitely a must and it’s something your dentist in Marylebone will insist on, but you can also try a light cleaning after meals. This will help clear out any food debris and reduce the amount of plaque that could build up because of it.
The way you brush your teeth is also very important, try to cover each side evenly with the same amount of force and time spent on it. Also, be very careful about how you brush as pressing too hard can wear down the protective enamel. Don’t forget to also regularly clean your toothbrushes as well as bacteria can build up over time.
Finally, giving your tongue a good scrape will also benefit you in the long run as it clears out any germs might remain even after brushing.
Try an electric toothbrush
Manual brushing is still beneficial to you, but it can’t quite beat the deep reaching clean feeling of vibrating bristles. Electric brushes are great for getting into those hard to reach places thanks to its sonic technology that disrupts and loosens any plaque.
If you’re unsure what type, you should be using then ask your dentist in Marylebone to point you in the right direction.
Introduce flossing
Although the kids that play Fortnite might be familiar with this, most patients still are reluctant to floss their teeth. Using dental floss is a great way to get any plaque and food debris that’s stuck in your teeth that brushing won’t remove.
However, if you do plan on using it just don’t go too deep or vigorous. You may accidently damage the gumline or cause teeth to become loose. Just use light strokes if you can and avoid pulling it too hard against your mouth.
Try mouthwash
Like flossing, mouthwash is perfect for reaching those places you can’t brush. As the television adverts often show you, it’s good for breaking down food debris and leaving a lasting protection against plaque afterwards. There are numerous brands out there that you can choose from, ask your dentist for any recommendations but try to avoid any solution that’s too strong as you could damage your teeth.
So, if you’re looking to improve your oral hygiene routine, then keep a few of these helpful little dental tips from your dentist in Marylebone in mind to make sure your smile looks its best for as long as possible.
At Plowman & Partners, we want to offer the best possible service we can. This means that we aim to be as transparent and as detailed as possible during all our treatments, so you know exactly what to expect. After a consultation with one of our dentists, we will be able to recommend exactly what treatment is best for you moving forward, and also potentially discover any dental issues you may have. If you are searching for a dentist in Marylebone, then we will be able to provide you with a range of dental services using some of the latest dental technology.
I have missing teeth, what are my options?
Depending on the severity of your tooth loss, and the extent of the damage to your mouth, we would be able to provide a series of options. The first option would be a crown, which would work by sitting over the damaged tooth to cover and protect it. For a more aesthetically pleasing approach, and for damage to front teeth, veneers would be a viable option. Veneers can provide a strong replacement for the surface of the enamel of a chipped or worn tooth. A benefit of veneers, is not only the strength of the porcelain, but the aesthetic appeal too. Another option for missing teeth would be dentures or a bridge, in order to replace several teeth at once.
Dental Implants
One option to replace missing teeth, and perhaps the most effective, would be a dental implant. Dental implants work by removing the unwanted or destroyed tooth and replacing it with a prosthetic tooth. However, it differs to dentures or bridges in that the dental implant is inserted into the jawbone via a titanium screw which the bone then grows around. This means that the implant will, if administered correctly, be a solution for life. The prosthetic tooth may need to be replaced on top of the implant due to erosion, but this can be quickly and relatively cheaply done. If you are after a dentist in Marylebone that has the experience and qualifications to carry out such a procedure, then Plowman & Partners has the facilities and dentists to do so. Dental implants, while effective are an extremely complicated process, and require a great deal of experience to carry out.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants provide an extremely sturdy foundation to a prosthetic tooth, and once the treatment is complete, the implant will last for life. As the implant is inserted all the way into the bone, the bone will begin to grow around the screw, meaning the false tooth is secured tightly in place. This is also useful for providing an anchor to bridges. Where a crown may be used to hold a bridge in place, but may become worn or come loose, an implant will hold a bridge firmly in place due to its rigidity in the jawbone. If you are in need of a dentist in Marylebone to administer this kind of treatment, then do not hesitate to contact us, or book a consultation via our website.
Our practice was established in 1922 and remains, still to this day, in the original Grade II listed building. We are situated right in the heart of London’s main medical district on Queen Anne Street, (just a short distance from John Lewis in Oxford Street). While we have a rich history to our practice and enjoy the traditional nature of a London dental practice, we employ some of the most technologically advanced treatments, and strive to maintain the highest and most modern standard of dental treatment.
Our team
If you are looking for a dentist in Marylebone, then Plowman & Partners can provide an excellent dental service. Every dentist at our practice has undergone specialist postgraduate training and has each specialised in an individual sector. This means that depending on your treatment with us, you will be assigned a dentist who is extremely experienced at what they do and will be able to assess and treat any problem in their field.
Our treatments
Depending on why you need a dentist in Marylebone, we will be able to determine the root of your issue after a quick consultation. Afterwards, we will be able to assign you to the most suitable dentist at our practice. We offer everything from general dentistry to maintain your oral health, to cosmetic dentistry, where we will be able to assess and improve on the appearance of your smile.
Emergency Dental Care
If you need emergency dental care, and want to see a dentist in Marylebone immediately, then we will be able to assist. The emergency can be anything from broken or damaged teeth, or a sudden onset of pain or discomfort. We understand how distressing dental pain can be, and also how traumatic it is losing teeth, so therefore will always understand the urgency of the situation. Please call us and we will try our very best to book you in for a consultation on the same day as your call.
Referring dentists
Plowman & Partners is unusual in the areas of specialisation its dentists are expert. For this very reason, we serve as a partner to many other practices, who may need to provide treatment that they are not qualified for. We want to approach our referrals with a strictly ethical approach, and be as transparent as possible with our process.
Dentist and patient relationship
It is our responsibility at Plowman & Partners, to provide the best possible patient service that we can, which means establishing a strong relationship with our patients. Firstly, we will always conduct a consultation, and only ever carry out any form of treatment after a series of in-depth discussions. We do not want you to be kept in the dark about anything, or be negatively surprised by any results that we deliver. It is our goal to provide a clear and professional service to our patients, so that they can feel comfortable and confident about their treatment.
If you are looking for a dentist in Marylebone, then Plowman & Partners has a range of treatments to choose from. We want to provide the best patient service possible and are keen to build strong relationships with all of our patients, to ensure that they receive the best possible service. Our practice has been around since 1922, giving it a traditional feel, but we have ensured that our technology couldn’t be more modern.
Cosmetic Dentistry
All dentistry has a strong link to appearance and treatments are not always simply to reduce pain or discomfort. An attractive smile can be of huge benefit to a person’s self-confidence, and subsequently improves their outlook on life. If you need a cosmetic dentist in Marylebone, then this is a service that we can offer. After a consultation with you, we will be able to advise you on what we think would be the best approach to achieving your perfect smile.
What we offer
At Plowman & Partners, we offer a variety of cosmetic options that each have a different benefit and effect on your teeth. We approach cosmetic dentistry with the same level of professionalism and delicacy as all our work, as we understand how important a smile can be in a person’s life.
Dental Hygiene
It is one of our key beliefs, that prevention is far better than cure, and we greatly prefer to prevent an issue, rather than to treat it. Dental hygiene is one of the most important factors in cosmetic dentistry, as it can help to prevent issues such as gum disease, or staining and discolouration. At Plowman & Partners, we would be more than happy to advise on such issues and it is part of our preventative dentistry programme to provide knowledge of dental hygiene to all our patients. Poor dental hygiene can also cause tooth loss long term, so we take dental hygiene extremely seriously, and are more than happy to assist in any way that we can.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a common procedure which lightens the teeth, in order to achieve a brighter looking smile. Teeth whitening is something that can be done at home, but we advise that a professional should administer the treatment, due to the risks of staining the gums, or applying too much colour to the teeth. If you need a dentist in Marylebone to whiten your teeth, then this is a service that Plowman & Partner will provide. However, we do also offer a home treatment, but will issue a set of strict instructions to ensure that you administer the treatment effectively.
Veneers
Sometimes, the quickest and most effective option for achieving a fantastic smile, is with a set of porcelain veneers. Veneers will provide an affordable, and efficient way to achieve whiter teeth that will last. The veneers are attached to the front of the enamel, after a small amount has been drilled away to aid the adhesion. They will also protect the enamel in the process, meaning that the veneers will also greatly benefit your oral health at the same time.
At Plowman & Partners we firmly believe that good oral hygiene is the first line of defence against common dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. This makes the humble toothbrush an indispensable tool which needs to be used properly in order to be effective. While a large number of patients do use a toothbrush to clean their teeth, many often carry out their cleaning routine perfunctorily without paying any attention to the way in which they brush or how they take care of their toothbrush – both count. Here’s what our dentists in Marylebone would like you to know.
Best recommendations on using a toothbrush
One of the most common things a patient hears is to brush teeth twice every day. But not many patients question the techniques to be used, which type of toothbrush is best or how should they take care of their toothbrushes. Seeing the important role of brushing teeth in proper oral care, these are critical questions to ask. We hope the following guidelines shed some light onto these questions.
- Brush for two minutes
It is the time taken to brush teeth that is important. For brushing to be effective, it is recommended that patients brush for at least two minutes, making sure all surface areas including gum line are brushed. Gentle pressure should be applied to teeth and gums using circular strokes with a soft-bristled brush.
- Toothpaste brand should contain fluoride
Toothpaste with fluoride is the best way to protect teeth from cavities. Fluoride is important to remineralise teeth.
- Replace your toothbrush
Toothbrushes should be replaced every few months. Most dental practitioners agree on three to four months. A definite sign that it is time to buy a new toothbrush is when you notice the bristles on the old one become frayed.
- Should you opt for manual or battery-powered toothbrush?
Either option will do the job. Our dentist in Marylebone can best provide a more definitive answer during a check-up and upon a closer look at your teeth and gums. For some patients a battery-operated toothbrush may be more effective.
Why it is important to care for your toothbrush
It is the nature of the role they perform and often the environment in which they are kept, makes taking proper care of your toothbrush important. In the same manner that bacteria can collect on teeth and gums, bacteria can survive and thrive on toothbrushes. To keep toothbrushes bacteria-free, patients can:
- Allow toothbrush bristles to air dry by placing it in an upright position and not in an enclosed casing – this just encourages more bacteria growth.
- Sanitise toothbrushes by soaking it in a suitable mouthwash solution.
Patients should refrain from placing toothbrushes in the microwave or in the dishwasher as the heat produced will damage the toothbrush.
Your oral hygiene routine should not be regarded as a mundane task that requires no attention. If you have questions or concerns about how you clean your teeth, schedule a check-up today at Plowman & Partners.
We, at Plowman & Partners, encourage our patients to make the best efforts towards maintaining their dental health. Sometimes, however, teeth do decay and root canal treatments remain the preferred method used to save teeth. A key concern of patients who have this type of dental treatment is the post-procedure recovery period. Due to the nature of the procedure a patient may experience a bit of discomfort (tooth sensitivity, swelling) afterwards. These symptoms of discomfort do not last for long and can be easily treated with medication. It is important that patients follow all the instructions given by the dentist in Marylebone carefully to recover fully and ensure optimal healing takes place. Your oral hygiene care still applies.
7 Tips to help speed up post-treatment recovery
- Take pain medication as instructed
The effects of the anaesthesia will subside soon after you leave the dental clinic so a dose of pain medication will help in reducing discomfort.
- Avoid eating certain foods
Patients who are on orthodontic treatments are often told to avoid certain food types. This rule also applies to patients of root canal treatments too. The risk posed by sticky or crunchy foods is that these can knock out of place any temporary materials used to repair a tooth. Another helpful tip to keep in mind when eating is using opposing teeth to chew (while healing is in progress).
- Keep an eye on swelling
It is common for some swelling to occur in the area where the treatment was performed. This is a sign that healing has started. If a patient notices excessive swelling it is best to give a dentist in Marylebone a call as soon as possible. Anything that will support the increase in inflammation such as drinking hot beverages, drinking through straws and even smoking, should be avoided.
- Give yourself time to heal
Patients should take the time following a dental surgical procedure to heal and not immediately resume work responsibilities. It is best if patients also avoid any strenuous activity for a few days after the procedure.
- Rinse mouth with a warm water/salt solution
One of the highly recommended ways to minimize the risk of infection especially after a dental procedure is to rinse the mouth with warm salt water.
- Use a cold compress
A useful tip to help with swelling is to apply a cold compress to the area for the first few days (ten to fifteen minutes a session for a few times throughout the day). This will also help in recovery.
- Eat ice cream
A bowl of ice cream is just the thing to help with reducing inflammation and recovery.
Taking good care of yourself after a root canal treatment is important for a quick recovery so that you can resume your daily activities as soon as possible. The tips offered above will help in minimizing discomfort but should you have any concerns, our dentists at Plowman & Partners are ready to help.
Cavities, those holes in your mouth, also called tooth decay or dental caries, are among the most common tooth disorders in adults and children alike. They are caused by a number of factors, including a diet comprising of sugar, improper and infrequent brushing, and bad genetics.
Cavities are relatively straightforward to treat on their own, but too often people do not see their dentist in Marylebone at the moment the first signs of one form. People avoid going to their dental practitioners for a variety of reasons; they view the problem as more of an irritation than life threatening and they consider getting a single filling done too expensive.
Our vision at Plowman & Partners is to provide our patients with beautiful smiles and strong teeth, which also means nipping tooth problems in the bud as soon as possible. In this article, we will describe, in a nutshell, what cavities are and how they develop, and the dangers of leaving them untreated.
How do cavities form?
You would be half right if you guessed “sugar”, but the answer is more complicated than that. The harmful bacteria in your mouth turns the starch and sugar from the food you eat into acid that damages the teeth.
The process of bacteria turning food into acid is known as an “acid attack” or “shock”, and occurs around 20 minutes after you eat. An acid attack is not harmful on its own as the mouth regenerates by producing enough saliva to neutralise the acid. The acid becomes dangerous, however, through prolonged exposure to food and fizzy drinks. For example, when consuming a sugary beverage, drink it quickly in one sitting rather than taking a few sips here and there over a few hours.
Properly brushing and flossing is also necessary for preventing tooth decay. After you eat, a combination of food particles and saliva create a sticky film called plaque. Plaque must be removed from your teeth to prevent it from building up and hardening into tartar; a highly acidic substance that erodes your enamel.
How do I know when I have a cavity?
When we tell our patients they have one or a number of cavities that need correcting, they tend to be surprised: “I did not feel pain, sensitivity or discomfort” is a typical response we get. The early stages of a cavity are hard to detect without a trained eye because you will not feel pain.
One way to know whether you have any forming is to put a mirror to the back of your mouth and see whether you have black spots on your teeth – which could be a sign of tooth decay or plaque build up. Another way is to keep to your biannual appointments at the dentist in Marylebone.
Can the cavity heal on its own without medical treatment?
The short answer is no, if left untreated the cavity progressively worsens, resulting in infections of the nerves and bones. With diseases that reach the nerves, you will experience sensitivities of all kinds: to heat, cold and foods that are hard, followed by pain. Your life becomes restricted in many ways. If considered severe enough, you might have to undergo an emergency root canal to save your teeth.
Bone diseases occur in the event of a tooth abscess, which is accompanied by intense pain and presents the very real danger of spreading throughout your body.
For whatever reason, an embarrassment of how your teeth look, genuine fear, or unwillingness to spend money on a dentist’s bill, you might be avoiding your local dental practitioner. Do not neglect your oral health and hygiene out of fear or pride, treating an issue early on is likely to save you on time, expenses and a whole lot of pain in the long run.
As much as we know how essential it is to visit the dentist in Marylebone, we cannot help feeling some trepidation about the check-up. “Will I gag on cotton wool?”, “Be reprimanded for my lack of dental care?” and “Will there be pain involved?” are common anxiety fuelled concerns that have people overthinking the situation. However you know that, at the end of the day, it is in your best interests to not skip your appointment. As a parent with younger children who are terrified of dentists, doctors or any other medical professionals, the event of going to have their milk teeth checked can be far more of an ordeal. Crying, screaming and tantrums form part of the process, with a promise of a sweet at the end for good behaviour, which to us, defeats the purpose of the visit in the first place.
Our team at Plowman & Partners work with people of all ages and know how to treat your reluctant offspring so that they leave our office smiling and showing off their sparkling and healthy milk teeth.
We have devised a list of helpful advice and handy tips to make dental visits easier for you and your little one.
Hide your fear of the dentist
Growing up, you might not have received the best dental treatment, but that does not mean you should pass your negative perceptions of dentists to your offspring as a means of protecting them.
Be positive and explain why going for checkups is good for their oral health, and why brushing their teeth is essential. By mimicking your perceived behaviours, in time, they will develop a healthy attitude not just toward the practitioners, but all medical professionals in all fields.
Early exposure
Start taking your child to the dental clinic as soon as milk teeth start appearing. Constant exposure from an early age gets them used to visiting the dentist in Marylebone, even the less fun bits, and helps them to see that the dental check-ups are a necessary part of life.
Play fun “dentist” games at home
The imagination of a child knows no bounds, so why not make the most of it through role-play? Allow them to take on the role of the dentist and you as the patient, where they heal and fix your teeth. Through play, a healthy and positive attitude towards dentists will occur, where they are seen as helpful and healing, and not out to cause harm to your child.
Tell your child in advance about the checkup
Parents make the mistake of springing the news of a dentist’s appointment at the last minute. Rest assured, this tactic will not work. Children like predictability and need the time to prepare for events that do not occur every day. Tell them that it is okay to be scared and to express those fears with you. This time also helps them to formulate and ask questions to pose to you or the dentist on the day.
Be honest
You cannot promise your offspring that they will not experience pain or discomfort, because that might not be true, and will only instill further distrust of the dentist.
What you can tell them is how and why they will encounter certain sensations. If you do not know how to answer their questions, leave it to our team of experts, and we will gladly assist!
Every parent wants to shield their children from pain and suffering, but that should not mean keeping them from the dentist. Early exposure and a positive attitude are the keys to a less traumatic visit to the dentist’s office.
London may be your base, but if you travel a lot, you may only be in the city for short periods. This can make getting the dental care you need a bit of a headache, especially if your dental needs require more focused attention on specific problems beyond the realms of general dentistry.
Far better to be registered with a dentist in Marylebone where you can access highly focussed treatments from dentists who have gone beyond general dentistry into the various specific areas of dentistry.
At Plowman & Partners, in the heart of London’s medical district, you have access to a team of 6 partners and 2 associate dentists, all of whom have undertaken extensive postgraduate training. We act as referral dentists for other general dentists, who rely on us to provide the treatments they cannot.
This means that when you come to the dentist in Marylebone, if you need more focussed care, we can provide it in-house, building a programme of treatment between us that will take care of all your dental needs.
Prevention rather than cure
Prevention is at the heart of our treatment ethos, and we place great emphasis on preventive dentistry. Making sure you receive regular hygienist sessions is key to preventing problems caused by the build-up of plaque, such as decay and gum disease. Both eventually lead to tooth loss.
When you have a foundation of good oral health, it’s possible to build on that with cosmetic dental treatments that make healthy teeth into beautiful teeth.
For example, your teeth might be in great condition but not so great to look at because they are stained or discoloured. Teeth whitening can remove stains and brighten up dull teeth.
We also use veneers to cover over superficial surface damage such as chips and worn edges. And we can replace dark metal amalgam fillings with white fillings. We can also use braces and other devices to reposition wonky teeth.
If you’d like to use Plowman & Partners as your dentist in Marylebone, then the first step is to fill in the form on our website to request a copy of our brochure. Or you can call us to find out more.
When you are looking for a dentist in Marylebone, what are your requirements? At Plowman & Partners, more than 9 decades of private dental care in the heart of London’s medical district has taught us much about what our patients need.
We have found that patients look for years of experience backed up by high level qualifications and continuing professional development. Just like medicine, dental research and development has leapt forward in the past couple of decades.
As a dentist in Marylebone with a long history of excellence in knowledge and patient care, our partners make a point of being able to deliver the latest treatments and techniques using high quality materials and equipment. That’s why we don’t just treat our own register of patients, other dentists also refer their patients to us when they need more than simple general dentistry treatments.
Who are we? We are a partnership of four dentists: Graham Bailey, Jack M Mirza and Duncan Edworthy. We each have our own in-depth knowledge in a particular area of dentistry. If you have a look at our website you will be able to read our biographies. See that number below our names? That’s our registration number at the General Dental Council. This will tell you all about the qualifications in focussed areas that have been legally recognised.
We also work with 2 associates: Lochana Nanayakkara and Fiona S Ryan, who bring in more skills and knowledge to the practice.
All our work is backed up by a great team of nurses, hygienists, and administrators and receptionists, all dedicated to making sure that your treatments at the dentist in Marylebone are second to none.
Knowledge and care
At Plowman & Partners, we believe that knowledge and skills are nothing without care. A gentle, caring approach underlies all our work.
We understand that even the bravest of people can find a visit to the dentist very daunting, which is why we combine professional excellence with non-judgmental care. Tell us if you are feeling scared and we will find ways to relax you and make your visit to the dentist in Marylebone a positive one that can transform how you feel about future visits.