Check for mouth ulcers that don’t heal in 3 weeks, red and white patches and unusual lumps or swellings in your mouth

If in doubt, get checked out

*one person dies every five hours in the UK – visit mouthcancer.org to find out if you are at risk

Because everyone should have access to comfortable dental care.”

Here at Confidental, we believe that everyone should receive high quality dental care in a setting in which they are comfortable.

Throughout our lifetime we have seen vast changes in the technologies that surround our lives.
Dentistry is an area in particular that has seen such a change.

Much has improved in dentistry, where patients can now benefit from more effective dental materials, procedures and techniques. The changing practices of dentists have helped dental practices to have more of a community role within their area. Of course, all of these aspects of modern dentistry have now helped make a visit to the local dentist’s a little bit more of an enjoyable, relaxing and comfortable experience

At Confidental we have Digitalised X-rays: This ensures a quicker, more efficient and accurate treatment for the patient with 90% less radiation exposure. Digital CT scans can also be made to ascertain a complete 3D representation of facial aspects for even greater accuracy in more crucial diagnostic decisions.

At Confidental we keep up to date and we have equipped ourselves with some of the other notable advancements within dentistry, which include: new local anaesthetic drugs and delivery systems; we use computer modelling techniques with dental Implants; we carry out aesthetic dentistry – creating natural looking teeth; we can perform same-day procedures through CAD/CAM and CEREC equipment; we have dental lasers that allow the gums and teeth to be treated more effectively.

Confidental is much more inviting and technologically advanced in its appearance – ‘There are flat-screen TVs and coffee dispensers, which make our customers and patients feel right at home!’.

For some elderly patients, when they were children, visiting the dentist was a part of the school programme. Some even had a dental practice annexed onto their school. However, these were often the roots of their dental anxiety and phobias.

As a group they all agreed that their ‘school’ dentist was abrupt and pompous with a lack of empathy.
However, most of them mention that their visits to the dentist are vastly better at Confidental – ‘I now feel less anxious to visit the team at Confidental. They are kind, patient and explanative – far from the dentists I encountered in the past!’

Patients also recognise the changes in dental technology, where faster and more powerful drills have been developed for patient-comfort and greater precision.

On asking both the elderly and the young about their expectations for an ideal dentist they gave the following interesting criteria which Confidental always adheres to:

• Understanding
• Caring
• Empathetic
• Professional
• Chatty
• Sincere
• Dedicated
• Good manual-dexterity
• Up-to date
• Happy and enthusiastic

All of these changes have helped develop and expand dentistry into a more positive and beneficial service. After all, as long as science continues to evolve, so too will dentistry.

Minimal Intervention dentistry is good, enabling a patient and their dentist to focus on regular care, and by minimising risk factors before they cause pain and require treatment.

Attending the dentist regularly is widely acknowledged as an important part of a balanced healthy lifestyle. We find that more patients are visiting the dentist regularly which shows that people are prioritising their dental health

Affordability - At Confidental in Sandhurst we can help by spreading the cost of treatments, utilising dental insurance, looking at 0% finance options etc. We find that our patients visit us regularly in an attempt to reduce the risk of potential costly treatments developing. This shows that our patients are interested in managing their finances and shows that our patients understand that a ‘minimal intervention’ approach to dentistry does not cost more.

Private Care - At Confidental we try and provide the best quality care possible. We help patients to enjoy this by utilising membership plans which help in budgeting through affordable monthly payments, avoiding unexpected treatment costs, and opening up a wider choice of treatments.

Fear of the dentist / fear of pain - At Confidental our dentists take their time to explain options and try to get everyone as relaxed as possible, we use the latest technology for example super slim needles that hurt less and wand technology, we also have the option of dental sedation, this makes you sleepy and relaxed while you have your dental work carried out

Quality - Confidental’s team is focused on providing the best quality care possible, this is by using experienced staff and using the best quality materials available.

Customer service - At Confidental our team is customer focused and we work hard to provide you with good customer service on each and every visit

Reputation - Confidental has been in Sandhurst since 1965 caring for the dental health of our local population, we find that our patients visit us regularly in an attempt to reduce the risk o potential costly treatments developing. This shows

What is encouraging our patients to choose private care?
 The increasing popularity of payment plans helps our consumers to move to private dentistry
 The ability to budget for dental care
 Payment plans and dental insurance provide a better option for consumers, giving them access to a wider choice of modern treatments.
 At Confidental our patients are taking more preventive care to try and avoid dental treatments, we build time into our appointments to allow for preventive education and advice.

Preventive dentistry includes advice on;
- regular hygienist visits
- regular dentist visits
- limiting alcohol
- smoking cessation advice
- using a straw for fizzy drinks or juices
- cutting own on sugary food/sweets
- drinking more water
- reducing frequency of snacking
- brushing half an hour after eating
- using disclosing tablets
- using mouthwash
- using interdental bushes
- flossing daily
- brushing at least twice a day, etc

Preventive care and attitudes towards oral hygieneThe recession and economic climate has had some impact on our patients behaviour. Our survey/studies show that in the current climate more and more patients are taking more responsibility for maintaining their teeth and gums by using mouthwash, drinking more water, brushing at least twice a day, visiting the dent it more regularly.

Our patients agree that good oral health supports overall well being. Tooth decay is almost entirely preventable. Over 30% of our survey respondents said that the main reason for attending Confidental was to keep a good smile, and keep their gums and teeth healthy.

Patients’ smiles are being considered a priority in terms of beauty and aesthetics, many patients are prepared to invest money on maintaining an attractive smile and teeth.

On top of feeling good about having a brand new bundle of joy, your teeth and gums should reflect good oral hygiene, which has been linked to health care measures to prevent premature birth in expectant women.
You need another reason to be happy about giving birth, good teeth and gums are at the top of the list so you and your baby are healthy.

Dentists at Confidental emphasise the need for good oral hygiene and dental care before and during pregnancy. In addition, a number of studies have found that pregnant women with periodontal disease – a more serious form of the gum infection gingivitis – are more likely to have a preterm or low birth-weight baby. Preventing oral disease is key to overall health, dentists say. And that not only includes improving access to dental care but making changes at home.

According to Baby World, some mothers often worry that dental treatment during pregnancy is not safe. This is not true. There should be no difficulties in maintaining your routine dental programme during pregnancy, and it is in fact strongly advised.

Due to hormone changes, some women’s dental health may require closer attention at this time. One of the more frequent problems is that you could start to notice your gums begin to bleed easier than before and more often.

Hormone changes during pregnancy increase the risk inflamed gums, and as a result, they will bleed.
The best course of action to prevent this is to maintain a strong level of oral hygiene and go to the dentist for regular check-ups as often as recommended.

This could include visits to the Confidental’s hygienist for a comprehensive clean. They will also be able to give you further advice on how to care for your teeth when you are at home.
Even though visiting the dentist is essential during pregnancy, some dental-related treatments are probably best left until after the birth.

For instance, the Department of Health recommends that if you require need an amalgam filling, or a top-up of an old filling, that it waits until after the child is born. Additionally, if you require for any reason, a dental X-ray during pregnancy, dentists will generally avoid this until after the birth also.

Another vital point for pregnant women in maintaining good oral health is that you must have a healthy and balanced diet. Getting all the required vitamins and minerals into the body has an overwhelmingly positive effect on the development of the baby’s overall bodily health and dental health.

A good idea would be to cut out sugary snacks and drinks between meals to prevent your teeth from decaying.

So before you try for a baby, make an appointment with a dentist at Confidental to check your teeth and gums. This way, any problems can be rectified, and if you need a filling, this can be done before you are carrying a baby.

Make sure you are brushing daily, flossing and using mouthwash (alcohol free!) to keep your mouth healthy before you conceive. If your toothpaste is making you feel sick during your morning sickness stage, switch to a bland tasting brand.

The dentists at Confidental will be able to advise one to you. As stomach acid is damaging to teeth, rinse your mouth with water following sickness.

While pregnant, if you have suffered from any gum disease or bleeding gums during pregnancy, it’s important to see your dentist after you have given birth to have your oral hygiene re-examined. Again, amalgam fillings are not advised for breastfeeding mothers.

If you’re not registered with a dentist, Look for Confidental, the number should be in your phone book, or look online. You will be able to visit us at Confidental without waiting too long. Another option would be to look at our discount scheme. With a very inexpensive membership fee, you can sign up and see a participating dental practitioner immediately at Confidental.

One of the few discount dental schemes in the UK is through Healthy Discounts, and you and your family can participate for not a lot of money. If you are pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy soon, one of these plans may help you speed up the process of maintaining proper oral hygiene. Remember, life is precious, especially when you are dealing with babies. It’s in your best interest and that of your child to keep your smile in great shape. You’ll have more than one reason to do so. Love your smile, and love your baby.

Confidental, reminds parents to take care when packing a child’s school lunch.

It’s no secret that poor nutritional habits in children are a serious problem in this country.

Sugary treats like cookies, candy and fruit snacks mix with bacteria in the sticky plaque that constantly forms on teeth to generate acid, which can wear away enamel and cause tooth decay.

Gooey or chewy sweets are particularly damaging because they spend a prolonged amount of time stuck to teeth.

Sweets may provide a temporary jolt for kids, but that sugar rush soon turns into a crash and kids are left feeling lethargic. That is not the kind of mental state kids need to be in to be attentive for afternoon classes.

‘Sweets in general contain too many calories from fats and sugars and very few beneficial nutrients,’ said Dr William Kohn, DDPA’s vice president of dental science and public policy.

‘Limiting sugar intake will not only be good for children’s teeth, but for their overall health.’

Instead, Delta Dental recommends packing healthy snacks like fresh fruit and veggies, baked chips or whole-grain crackers in your kid’s lunch. Unhealthy snacks like cookies are acceptable only in moderation.

‘At the end of a year, simple substitutions at snack time like water instead of a sugary drink, or an apple and carrots instead of a candy bar, will add up to a lot of saved calories and a much healthier diet’

‘Almost all tooth decay can be prevented with a healthy diet, good toothbrushing habits, and regular visits to the dentist for preventive care.’

It has the following key messages:
• Find out Your Dental Scores, confidental’s team do this assessment naturally on very exam visit
visit The Dental Scores Website

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride is added to most toothpastes to help prevent decay. Using a fluoride toothpaste will also help to strengthen your teeth. It is important to remember that the main cause of tooth decay is not the amount of sugar and acid in the diet, but how often it is eaten or drunk. Thorough brushing for two minutes, twice a day – before breakfast and particularly last thing at night – will prevent tooth decay.

• Cut down on how often you have sugary food and drinks
A balanced healthy diet is really important to care for your teeth and general health. Sugary foods can contribute to serious health problems, such as heart disease and obesity. Fizzy drinks can increase the risk of dental problems. Even fruit smoothies can be bad for your teeth, coating them in sugar and acid, which can cause both tooth decay and erosion. In recent years monitoring what you eat has become easier
with improvements to nutrition information labelling on food products. And the range of healthier food products to choose from is continuing to improve. It is recommended that you eat at least five portions of different types of fruit and vegetables a day. It is also better for your teeth and general health if you eat three meals a day instead of having seven to 10 snack attacks. Remember, sugary drinks are particularly harmful to teeth. Where possible try sugar-free drinks, or drink safe alternatives like water and milk.

• Visit the dentist regularly as often as they recommend
Regular dental visits are really important to look after your health. With the help of your dentist, dental nurses, hygienists, oral health educators and therapists, people can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease – the main causes of fillings and tooth loss. And it is not just about caring for your teeth. Scientific research continues to prove a link between gum disease and heart disease, strokes, diabetes, breast cancer and premature babies.

The worst type of sweets are those that stick to the teeth like caramels and toffee. They are almost impossible to remove without brushing and flossing and the sugar in them feeds bacteria which causes tooth decay. As far as sour sweets are concerned you are actually better off NOT brushing straight away because this will scrub the acid they contain into your teeth. Have a drink of water and rinse around the mouth first.

The best option (other than a sugar free gum) is chocolate, but of course it still contains sugar so is best kept to a minimum. So try to limit the damage by offering small treats and steering away from the sticky and sour varieties.