A: Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the food debris left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease.
A: When you eat food containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with teeth. After this happens many times, the tooth enamel breaks down forming a hole or cavity.
A: Plaque can harden into something called calculus another name for it is ‘tartar’. As calculus forms near the gumline, the plaque underneath releases poisons causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and the gaps become infected. If gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed and healthy teeth may be lost. Gum disease is the biggest cause of tooth loss in adults and can lead to dentures, bridges or implants.
A: It is important to remove plaque and food debris from around your teeth, as this will stop your gums from swelling and becoming infected. If you leave plaque on your teeth it can develop into tartar, which can only be removed by the dentist or hygienist. It is important to keep up your regular appointments so that your teeth can have a thorough cleaning if they need it.
A: Gum disease (gingivitis) will show itself as red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed. Many people are alarmed when they notice this bleeding and will then brush more gently, if at all. It is important that you continue to clean regularly and firmly in order to fight the condition.
A: Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. However, strong foods like garlic and onions can add to the problem. Smoking is also one of the main causes of bad breath, along with certain illnesses such as nasal and stomach conditions. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. So correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh. The bacteria on our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease and dental decay. If you see your dentist regularly this will not only help prevent bad breath but will also let the dentist look for and treat these problems.
A: If you do have bad breath, you will need to start a routine for keeping your mouth clean and fresh. Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to watch out for any areas where plaque is caught between your teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to clean all those areas that are difficult to reach. They will also be able to show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and show you any areas you may be missing, including your tongue. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Again, your dentist or hygienist will be able to see and treat the problem during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are found, the more effective the treatment will be.
Fill in your details to download your FREE copy of the ‘Calm and Gentle Clear Braces Cookbook’.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE BOOKOur highly experienced team are here to help you every step of the way.
MEET OUR TEAM“I have been with Rotherholme for a few years now. Thank goodness I found them. The team are all friendly and professional. Ricky is an excellent dentist. Professional, kind, gentle and understanding. ...”
“I have been at this dental practice for over 15 years. I can not rate this highly enough. Ricky is an outstanding dentist with a very professional and easy going manner. His plans for improvement for...”
“I've been going to Rotherholme Dental Practice for the past few years and I must say, the level of care and professionalism I receive there is always outstanding. The staff are incredibly friendly and...”
“I have been using Rotherholme Dental Practice for over 15 years and would not consider going anywhere else. Ricky is very nice and an excellent dentist he is very knowledgeable, extremely caring and...”
“Simply the best dentist I’ve been to…I’m a very nervous patient and they’ve always made me feel calm and reassured about all my treatments. I’m particularly loving the new upstairs treatment...”
“I’ve been attending this surgery for many years and it was taken over by the new owners in 2020. The transfer was seamless. I feel they are a very caring and kind practice. I would recommend them pa...”
“This dental surgery is so nice. From the friendly receptionist to the dental nurses and dentists. They make you feel so at ease and explain everything to you in ways you can understand. The dentist ex...”
“I am very nervous person and not great at the dentist. But my experience here was fantastic, they made me so relaxed. I came away thinking I wish it had been like this always . But it will be !! As I ...”
“Very friendly and professional staff. Happy to give further advice on dental issues. Have been coming for many years and very happy to continue.”
“Went to Rotherholm after awful treatment on NHS and they were fantastic. I would never go anywhere else now. Their prices for private work were less than my old NHS dentists.”
“I have a fear of the dentist, like many people, but I have been made to feel at ease since my first contact. I have received treatment from Ricky and the team, who were reassuring, patient and gentle,...”
“Very calming atmosphere, ideal for nervous patients. Impressed by Dr Buxton and her staff. Surgery in process of updating and if first floor is anything to go by, it will be very stylish. I would rec...”
“I've been going here for years and am always impressed by the service and treatment. Even though we shall be moving to Lincolnshire in the next couple of months, I will still continue to go to Rothe...”
“I have been with Rotherholme for a few years now. Thank goodness I found them. The team are all friendly and professional. Ricky is an excellent dentist. Professional, kind, gentle and understanding. ...”
“I have been at this dental practice for over 15 years. I can not rate this highly enough. Ricky is an outstanding dentist with a very professional and easy going manner. His plans for improvement for...”
“I've been going to Rotherholme Dental Practice for the past few years and I must say, the level of care and professionalism I receive there is always outstanding. The staff are incredibly friendly and...”
“I have been using Rotherholme Dental Practice for over 15 years and would not consider going anywhere else. Ricky is very nice and an excellent dentist he is very knowledgeable, extremely caring and...”
“Simply the best dentist I’ve been to…I’m a very nervous patient and they’ve always made me feel calm and reassured about all my treatments. I’m particularly loving the new upstairs treatment...”
“I’ve been attending this surgery for many years and it was taken over by the new owners in 2020. The transfer was seamless. I feel they are a very caring and kind practice. I would recommend them pa...”
“This dental surgery is so nice. From the friendly receptionist to the dental nurses and dentists. They make you feel so at ease and explain everything to you in ways you can understand. The dentist ex...”
“I am very nervous person and not great at the dentist. But my experience here was fantastic, they made me so relaxed. I came away thinking I wish it had been like this always . But it will be !! As I ...”
“Very friendly and professional staff. Happy to give further advice on dental issues. Have been coming for many years and very happy to continue.”
“Went to Rotherholm after awful treatment on NHS and they were fantastic. I would never go anywhere else now. Their prices for private work were less than my old NHS dentists.”
“I have a fear of the dentist, like many people, but I have been made to feel at ease since my first contact. I have received treatment from Ricky and the team, who were reassuring, patient and gentle,...”
“Very calming atmosphere, ideal for nervous patients. Impressed by Dr Buxton and her staff. Surgery in process of updating and if first floor is anything to go by, it will be very stylish. I would rec...”
“I've been going here for years and am always impressed by the service and treatment. Even though we shall be moving to Lincolnshire in the next couple of months, I will still continue to go to Rothe...”