A visit to see the dentist can naturally evoke a mild sense of apprehension in many patients and we understand that for some, this can lead to a heightened sense of emotional discomfort or distress, often leading to avoidance entirely.

Such feelings may stem from a fear of needles, concerns that treatment may be painful or unnecessary or it may be that your prior experience in the dental chair was not a positive one.

• If you are a nervous patient, the first step should be to talk to a number of different dental practices who offer extra support and treatment of nervous patients. Such practices provide selected treatments and techniques which helps reduce anxiety, fear and pain.
• Ask as many questions as you can and if possible, arrange to visit the practice personally before booking an appointment. This will provide an opportunity to talk to the team yourself and gain a sense of how the practice feels.
• Pain relief, sedation and anxiety management techniques should all be discussed. A practice who provides extra support to nervous patients will be happy to answer your questions in detail.
• When you feel comfortable enough to book your appointment, prepare a little in advance and take someone along for support if needed.
• An early morning appointment can be useful as it provides little time to take avoiding action.
• Take a book, magazine or personal music device to help provide welcome distraction whilst you wait. A bottle of water is helpful too, sip at intervals to help reduce a dry mouth.

Here at Jersey Dental Care we have carefully created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere which reduces the clinical feel and helps you feel more at home. Our team understand fully the nature of anxiety and will help support you at every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to us, ask some questions or would like to visit the practice in person please do get in touch and we will be happy to talk you through how we can help support you.

If you are a nervous patient or fear the discomfort of the anaesthetic needle, painless injections can help you achieve a more comfortable dental experience. Our team are dedicated to improving pain reduction techniques and have developed advanced methods which decrease pain sensations. Whilst not absolutely pain free, anaesthesia discomfort is limited to a small scratch.

Jersey Dental Care uses the very latest technology which delivers computer controlled anaesthesia at a much slower and precise rate. The fluid is delivered directly into the gum following application of an effective local anaesthetic cream, reducing pain sensations dramatically. Regulated flow also means that only the necessary amount of anaesthesia is delivered, aiding a speedier recovery post treatment.

If you are nervous about needles or simply prefer an alternative approach to standard anaesthesia during your treatment, talk to our team.

Taking preventative measures helps reduce the need for more invasive dental procedures.

• Oral cleaning requirements differ from person to person and change through each life stage so it is essential to get the right advice. Talk to your dentist about the type of brush, toothpaste and additional cleaning products that will suit your personal needs to help support a healthy mouth.
• Achieving effective cleaning relies on regularity and technique so whilst brushing twice daily is required, using the appropriate pressure for the correct length of time is essential for efficacy. Your tongue is an important factor too. Taking time to review your cleaning technique with your dentist periodically will help you maintain healthier teeth and gums between visits.
• Care of your toothbrush is important in reducing the transfer of bacteria to where itʼs not wanted. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after use and allow to air-dry naturally. Change your toothbrush every 2-3 months to keep bacteria levels in check and ensure cleaning is effective.
• Regular check-ups help spot potential problems early but knowing what regular should be is entirely individual. For some, this will be more or less frequent than others, talk to your dentist about your personal needs and schedule your checkups accordingly.
• As well as regular cleaning it is important to take notice of any soreness, redness or irritation highlighting a potential dental problem such as gum disease or mechanical wear. Getting to know how your whole mouth, including the tongue, normally looks will also help you spot any changes in colouration or texture. Your dentist can talk you through the kind of changes that may need dental inspection.
• If you are a regular drinker of fresh fruit juices, diet drinks and some herbal teas, you may be feeling the physical health benefits but regular exposure to the acid and sugars may be causing damage to your tooth enamel. Take a preventative approach; clean twice daily and chew a sugar-free gum after drinking to help improve saliva production.

Early education on the the importance of good oral hygiene practices helps put in place the foundations for long-term oral health, reduces dental anxiety and prevents the need for dental intervention longer-term.

• Introduce the concept of cleaning at an early age and make it a routine part of the day. Purchasing the type of brush and toothpaste is essential in ensuring that delicate gums and teeth are protected. Your dentist can offer advice on products and help you develop an effective technique.
• Use the recommended amount of toothpaste for your child's age and review periodically with your dentist.
• Ensure that the toothpaste is rinsed fully from the mouth and that swallowing is discouraged.
• Supervise daily brushing until your child is able to get to all those difficult places by themselves.
• Care for your child's toothbrush as you would your own; rinse thoroughly after use, allow to air-dry and replace regularly.
• Regular check-ups from an early age are also important in spotting any early signs of decay or possible problems. Talk to our team or your dentist about how we can make the first check-up as relaxed and stress-free as possible.
• If you are nervous about dental visits it is likely that your child may begin to feel anxious too. Talk to our team who can help you reduce your anxiety and help make your visit a more comfortable experience for you and your family.

Gums offer a good insight into the general health and wellbeing of your mouth and your body overall. Taking care of them is essential.

• Inspect your gums regularly checking for mechanical damage, change in colour or ulceration. Healthy gums should appear pink without swelling, irritation, soreness or redness. If this not the case book in for a check-up.
• Daily brushing and flossing is essential in keeping plaque in check and so reducing your risk or slowing the progress of gum disease. Talk to your dentist during your next visit about how we can you use effective cleaning techniques that keep gums healthy.
• Your breath is a key indication of whatʼs going on inside your mouth and aside from those food odours associated with digestion, bad odours should be taken seriously. Bad breath can be caused by lodged food, plaque and tartar or be an indication of more serious issues. Breathe fresheners mostly mask odour rather than helping establish or treat the cause. We understand that it can be a sensitive issue but it is treatable. Talk to your dentist to arrange a halimeter consultation for a full assessment. This quick and painless procedure measures the activity of volatile free sulphurs, the compounds responsible for the the odours. Once measured, treatment options can be discussed.
• If your gums are pale and have been for some time, this may be an indicator of an underlying health problem such as anemia. It can also be an indicator of gum disease so a visit for a check-up is essential.
• Redness and bleeding when brushing or eating are an indicator that gums are not as healthy as they should be. If the problem is persistent, occurring regularly and without any other sign of mechanical damage, make and appointment to get things checked out.

There is a vast array of dental hygiene products available but getting the basics right is a good place to start.

• Your toothbrush is the most important part of your daily routine and your choice will determine the quality of the clean. Choose a brush with nylon bristles and rounded ends for the most hygienic clean which is gentle on gums. We have individual needs so advice on firmness, shape and style should be talked through with your dentist or hygienist periodically.
• Fluoride-rich toothpaste helps maintain healthy teeth and enamel, use twice daily and rinse well. Other oral care products may be suggested for use under the supervision of your hygienist or dentist. Children under 3 years of age require fluoridated toothpaste containing 1000 ppm whilst those over need 1350-1500ppm. Your dentist can help you choose a suitable product for the whole family.
• Removing plaque from in-between teeth helps reduce or slow down gum disease. Regular flossing, when done correctly, can promote teeth and gums that are cleaner and healthier. The choice between natural or synthetic floss is a matter of personal preference but the thickness should be chosen to suit your your mouth. You may need different sizes to effectively clean different areas of your mouth and a proper technique should be developed to guard against damage.

Keeping teeth and gums in good health is important to us all but if you have diabetes, there are some additional things to consider.

• Regular check-ups are essential in keeping you mouth healthy as they help to pick up early signs of damage or disease, enabling quicker treatment to commence. Bi-annual visits are recommended but we can advise you further depending on your own personal health needs.
• If you are a new patient or your condition changes over time, you should let your hygienist and dentist know that you have the condition.
• Brushing should be done twice daily with a soft bristled, round-headed toothbrush to avoid mechanical damage to the gums. Brushing should be gentle but thorough to help eliminate bacteria. Your dentist or hygienist can help you develop an appropriate technique.
• Gum disease is more likely if you have diabetes and bacterial infections can interfere with glucose levels. You may also be more prone to oral thrush and experience a drier mouth, reducing saliva output and increasing the risk of cavities. It is essential to routinely check the health of your mouth visually in between dental appointments and talk to your dentist if further advice is needed.