National Smile Month comes to Longwood House
National Smile Month 2009 is taking place between 17th May and 16th June under the tagline ‘Look After Yourself, Brush for Health.’ The campaign is focusing on the vital importance of looking after your oral health as it has systematic links with overall body health.
Dentists at Longwood House will be helping to spread the message of good oral health in Ilford and Redbridge. They will be visiting local sports centres and schools within the area to raise awareness. Adults can arrange free dental examinations with a blood pressure check at the practice during Smile Month. Longwood House offer weekend appointments to encourage individuals with work commitments.
Last year they successful educated over 2,000 individuals through school visits, literature, flyers, handouts and the press. Their aim this year is to continue to promote dental habits that will contribute to a life time of good oral health.
Dr Tasleem Ahmed commented: “We are delighted to get involved in National Smile Month and to spread the word that there is a scientific link showing that bad oral health can contribute to the onset of heart disease, strokes, diabetes and premature births. Good oral health is very important and every one needs to know that free advice is at hand to avoid these serious health risks.”
In conjunction with National Smile Month and the British Dental Health Foundation, Longwood House Dental Care is committed to spreading three key oral health messages:
1. BRUSH – Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
2. VISIT – Visit the dentist regularly.
3. CUT DOWN – Cut down on the frequency of sugary food and fizzy drinks.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Foundation who organise National Smile Month, commented: “We are delighted that Longwood House Dental Care has joined the many dental practices, schools, health professionals and community groups promoting good oral healthcare beneath the umbrella that is National Smile Month.”
To arrange a free oral and blood pressure check-up, please contact Longwood House Dental Care on 020 8551 0088
Dr. Ahmed’s Top 10 Tips to look after your teeth
Dr. Ahmed is the principle dentist at Longwood House, she advocates the following Top 10 ways to look after your teeth:
1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly – Dr. Ahmed says “You need to visit your dentist and hygienist every 6 months. You may think your dentist is looking for classic problems such as gum disease and tooth decay, however, dentists at Longwood House are trained to spot signs of erosion, oral cancer and other serious health problems linked to bad oral health.”
2. Avoid Acidic Drinks - Many people think they are taking the healthy option when they drink a smoothie or fruit juice, but Dr. Ahmed points out that this isn’t the best choice for your teeth. She says: “Smoothies, natural juices, cordial, concentrates and diet drinks are very acidic and erode the enamel on your teeth, which is why your teeth feel sticky after you drink them.” The answer? Drink water.
3. Prevent night-time grinding – Dr. Ahmed says: “You can’t wear your teeth down by eating as our diet today is so soft. If people come to me with worn down teeth then it’s because they grind them in their sleep. Visit Longwood House if this is a problem for you we can give you various types of mouth guards that will solve the problem.”
4. Clean your teeth properly – “Brushing and flossing is essential, but so is knowing how to do it correctly” says Dr. Ahmed. At Longwood House the dentists and hygienists will make sure they show you how to take proper care of your teeth. Flossing in particular takes practice but once you get the hang of it, it won’t take you any time at all. We can also provide you with a mouthwash with an active ingredient that will kill bacteria.
5. Use an electric toothbrush - Once again, these are great as long as you know how to use them. Dentists at Longwood House can show you the right technique. Dr. Ahmed says: “If you don’t get it right then electric toothbrushes are little better than regular brushes. Though I prefer vibrating ones to the rotating ones.”
6. Don’t smoke - There are few worse things for your teeth than smoking. “There are myriad reasons to stop smoking, obviously, but there is so much evidence to say that smoking exacerbates gum disease. I’ve seen it so many times myself. Smoking really makes it more difficult to look after your teeth, not to mention the social disadvantages such as bad breath and yellowing teeth” says Dr. Ahmed.
7. Don’t drink too much tea - Once again the healthy option isn’t always the best for your teeth, says Dr. Ahmed. “I see a lot of people who lead a healthy lifestyle but have stained teeth. That’s because most herbal teas, though they won’t damage your teeth, are black and will stain them. Just look in your cup after a drink. Red wine and coffee can have a similar effect.”
8. Listen to your body - Sometimes dentists are just as likely as your doctor to spot the cause of problems such as neck, shoulder or head pain. Dr. Ahmed says: “Most people would never think these problems had anything to do with their teeth, but, for example, neck pain could be down to clenching or grinding of teeth.” Dr. Ahmed is experienced in identifying and alleviating such problems.
9. Work on your smile – Dr. Ahmed believes that being happy with your smile can improve your social life, job prospects and boost your self-esteem. “You can tell a lot about a person just by looking at their smile and on all these makeover programmes on television the smile is the icing on the cake. It’s so important that you visit your dentist regularly and do all you can to keep them healthy.”
10. Don’t bother with DIY whitening kits – Dr. Ahmed stresses that kits sold in pharmacists and shops aren’t worth the cash. “DIY Whitening kits just don’t do anything and if you want your teeth whitened you need to do it properly. Start by talking to dentists at Longwood House to find out what the options are."