Brushing Advice from Shettleston Smile

Brushing properly helps remove plaque, which is the soft bacterial film that forms on teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed effectively, it can contribute to tooth decay, gum inflammation and bad breath.

When brushing your teeth:

• Use a soft or medium toothbrush, or an electric toothbrush if preferred
• Angle the brush gently towards the gumline
• Use small circular movements rather than aggressive scrubbing
• Brush the inside, outside and biting surfaces of each tooth
• Take extra care around fillings, crowns, bridges and orthodontic appliances
• Replace your toothbrush or brush head regularly
• Avoid brushing too hard, as this may damage the gums and enamel over time

If you are unsure whether you are brushing effectively, please ask our team. We can give practical advice during your appointment.

Cleaning Between Your Teeth

Toothbrushing alone does not always clean the spaces between the teeth. Food debris and plaque can collect in these areas, especially where teeth are close together or where there are gaps, crowns, bridges or orthodontic retainers.

Daily interdental cleaning can help:

• Reduce plaque between the teeth
• Lower the risk of gum inflammation
• Help prevent decay between the teeth
• Improve breath freshness
• Keep dental restorations cleaner

Depending on your mouth, our team may recommend:

• Dental floss
• Dental tape
• Interdental brushes
• Superfloss for bridges
• Specialist cleaning aids for braces, retainers or dentures

Interdental brushes are available in different sizes. Using the correct size is important, and our dental team can advise which type is most suitable for you.

Gum Health and Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums should not usually bleed when brushing or cleaning between the teeth. Bleeding gums may be a sign that plaque is collecting around the gumline and causing inflammation.

Please contact the practice if you notice:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Loose teeth
• Changes in how your teeth meet when biting
• Discomfort when chewing

Gum problems are often easier to manage when they are identified early. Regular dental examinations allow us to check your gum health and advise on the best way to care for your teeth at home.

 Sugar, Diet and Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is strongly linked to how often teeth are exposed to sugar. It is not only the amount of sugar that matters, but also the frequency.

To help protect your teeth:

• Keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes where possible
• Avoid grazing on sweets, biscuits, cakes or sugary snacks throughout the day
• Limit fizzy drinks, energy drinks and fruit juices
• Choose water or milk between meals
• Avoid sugary drinks before bedtime
• Be aware that dried fruit, smoothies and flavoured yoghurts can still contain high levels of sugar
• Consider sugar-free chewing gum after meals, where appropriate

A balanced diet supports both oral health and general health. If you are concerned about decay, sensitivity or frequent dental problems, our team can offer personalised advice.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to check your teeth, gums and mouth, even if you are not experiencing pain.

At a routine check-up, your dentist may assess:

• Tooth decay
• Gum health
• Existing fillings
• Crowns, bridges, veneers or dentures
• Signs of tooth wear or grinding
• Jaw joint symptoms
• Soft tissues of the mouth
• Oral hygiene
• Any concerns you may have

Regular visits also help us identify problems before they become painful, more complex or more costly to treat. At Shettleston Smile, we provide both NHS dental care and private dental treatment options, and we will explain what is suitable and available for your individual circumstances.

Children’s Dental Health

Good dental habits should begin as soon as the first baby teeth appear. Early visits to the dentist can help children become familiar with the dental environment and build confidence.

For children, we recommend:

• Brushing baby teeth as soon as they come through
• Brushing twice daily with age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste
• Supervising brushing until children can clean effectively by themselves
• Encouraging water and milk as everyday drinks
• Avoiding bottles or cups with sugary drinks at bedtime
• Keeping sweets and sugary snacks to a minimum
• Bringing children for regular dental check-ups
• Asking our team for advice on brushing, diet and prevention

Our team aims to make children’s dental visits relaxed, positive and supportive.

Dental Advice for Nervous Patients

We understand that some patients feel anxious about visiting the dentist. Dental anxiety is very common, and we are here to help you feel as comfortable as possible.

If you are nervous, please let us know when booking or when you arrive. We can:

• Take time to explain your treatment options
• Answer your questions clearly
• Go at a pace that feels manageable
• Discuss ways to make treatment more comfortable
• Talk to you about sedation options where suitable

Avoiding dental care because of anxiety can allow small problems to become more serious. We encourage nervous patients to contact us early so we can help make the experience as calm and reassuring as possible.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can cause short, sharp discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks. Sensitivity may be mild and temporary, but it can also be a sign of an underlying issue.

Possible causes include:

• Gum recession
• Worn enamel
• Tooth grinding
• Cracked teeth
• Tooth decay
• Leaking fillings
• Recent dental treatment
• Acid erosion
• Overbrushing

If sensitivity is severe, persistent or affects one specific tooth, please arrange an appointment so that we can check the cause.

Tooth Grinding and Jaw Clenching

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, can happen during the day or at night. Many patients are unaware they are grinding until symptoms appear.

Signs of tooth grinding may include:

• Worn or flattened teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Jaw ache
• Headaches
• Tooth sensitivity
• Clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint
• Broken fillings, crowns or veneers
• Tightness in the facial muscles

If we identify signs of grinding, we can discuss suitable options, which may include a custom-made night guard or advice to help reduce strain on the teeth and jaw.

Denture Care Advice

Dentures need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them comfortable, hygienic and functional.

If you wear dentures:

• Clean them daily
• Rinse them after meals where possible
• Clean your gums, tongue and any remaining natural teeth
• Remove dentures at night if advised by your dentist
• Store dentures safely when not being worn
• Do not attempt to repair broken dentures yourself
• Contact the practice if your dentures feel loose, sore or uncomfortable

Dentures can become less secure over time as the shape of the gums and jaw changes. Regular dental checks allow us to assess the fit and condition of your dentures.