Oral health, physical, and mental health are often seen as separate matters. However, at the Family Dental Clinic, as part of our duty of care to our patients, we’re here to highlight the significant connection between our oral health and overall well-being.

Why Good Oral Health Matters

Our oral health plays a considerable role in our overall physical and mental health. Neglecting your oral health can lead to harmful bacteria in the mouth finding its way into the bloodstream, which can also affect various parts of the body. Gum disease for instance, caused by harmful bacteria, has been associated with severe heart health problems, diabetes, respiratory issues, and even low birth weight in babies of pregnant mothers with gum problems. Even minor dental issues like tooth decay can be quite bothersome… but left untreated can result in a loss of appetite, decreased focus, or in some cases, depression. 

5 FDC Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health 

Daily Oral Care 

A consistent daily oral care routine is your first line of defence against oral health issues. It’s as easy as 1-2-3: brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste suitable for your teeth to remove plaque and food particles, floss once a day to clean between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach (remember to be gentle here) and finish with a mouthwash to kill any remaining bacteria. It’s simple, yet effective!

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Don’t underestimate the power of regular check-ups. At our family dental practice, they’re not just a quick glance at your teeth, but a comprehensive assessment of your oral health. Even when you don’t experience any discomfort our dentists and therapists can detect problems that might be in their early stages or hidden from plain sight. This early detection allows us to intervene promptly, preventing these issues from becoming more serious or causing other health implications.

Dental Hygiene Appointments 

Your dental hygienist appointment provides a thorough deep clean of your teeth and gums. The sessions aim to remove plaque and tartar that regular home care might miss, curbing the risk of inflammation and infection that can lead to gum problems. Another valuable part of a hygiene visit is the educational aspect. Our team can tailor their advice to the individual and specific needs of our patients.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of water helps maintain the natural balance of your mouth’s saliva, which is crucial in breaking down food and neutralising acids produced by bacteria. Additionally, a well-hydrated mouth aids in washing away harmful bacteria, lowering the risk of tooth decay.

A Healthy Diet

Your diet plays a significant role in your oral health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins provides the essential nutrients needed for strong teeth and gums. Calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds are great for maintaining tooth enamel, whilst vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and broccoli, supports healthy gums. 

We’re sure that we won’t be the first dentists to tell you this but try to limit your sugary snack and drink intake. Excessive consumption is a well-known contribution to tooth decay, gum disease and a host of other problems!

Stress Management: 

Stress can not only directly affect your mental health but can have a significant impact on your oral health. Stress can cause worsening of gum condition, unintentional teeth grinding, jaw clenching, cheek biting and an overall neglect of your regular oral care routine. These behaviours, of which we’re usually unaware of, can lead to various issues such as worn-down teeth, jaw pain and injuries to your mouth. Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness is a great way to reduce these behaviours and maintain better oral health and wellbeing. 

Good oral health is not just about a beautiful smile, it’s intrinsically connected to our overall physical and mental well-being. By just following these simple practices you’ll be contributing to a happier, healthier you. 

Contact our Chichester dental clinic today by calling 01243 771171 to enquire about our dental services.

Facial fillers are a popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment used to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial features. They offer multiple benefits, but there are also important things you should know before going ahead with any procedures.

Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits and what to be aware of if you’re considering facial fillers:

Key Benefits of Facial Fillers:

1. Restoring Volume
As we age, our skin loses volume due to a decrease in collagen and fat. Facial fillers can restore volume to areas that have become hollow or saggy, like the cheeks, under-eye areas, and temples.

2. Reducing Wrinkles
Fillers can effectively diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly in areas such as the nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth) and marionette lines (lines from the mouth to the chin).

3. Enhancing Features
Fillers can be used to enhance certain facial features, such as augmenting the lips or defining the jawline and chin.

4. Quick Procedure
Facial filler treatments are typically quick and can often be done during a lunch break! The results are usually visible immediately or shortly after the treatment.

5. Minimal Downtime
Unlike surgical procedures, which often require significant downtime for recovery, facial fillers require minimal recovery. Some patients might experience temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, but these effects typically subside within a few days.

6. Natural-Looking Results
Skilled clinical practitioners are medically trained and with our superior knowledge of the facial structure, injection techniques and how different chemical fillers work, we can achieve natural-looking results.

Things to Be Aware of:

1. Results are Temporary
Most facial fillers are not permanent; their effects usually last between six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used and the area treated. This means that repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the desired results, so take these repeat costs into account.

2. Injection Site Reactions
Common side effects include temporary swelling, redness, bruising, or discomfort at the injection site. These effects usually subside within a few days, but you should prepare yourself for possible side effects.

3. The Importance of a Clinical Practitioner
The training, skill and experience of the person injecting the filler are vital to ensure the safest procedure and the best results.  Choose a qualified medical professional with a good track record in administering fillers – our aesthetics practitioners at Family Dental Clinic are all medically trained and qualified.

4. Risk of Complications
While facial filler treatments are generally safe, there is a potential for complications, such as infection, allergic reactions, and filler migration. Serious complications are rare but can occur if the procedure is not performed correctly, which is why we only use clinical practitioners at Family Dental Clinic.

5. Managing Expectations
Facial fillers can achieve significant improvements but may not address all your concerns. We will discuss your goals with you before we start, so you know what to expect.

6. Type of Filler
There are different types of fillers available, each with specific properties suited for different areas of the face, so before we start, we will discuss with you which type of filler is best for your goals.

Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified medical professional, ask questions, discuss your medical history, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and circumstances.

All aesthetics practitioners at Family Dental Clinic are clinically trained and qualified, for your peace of mind. To chat through your requirements and see if fillers are for you book an appointment, by calling 01243 771171