Patient Newsletter
Issue 2 – August 2014
Did You Know.......?
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human
body; however, we do NOT recommend that you use
your pearly whites to open bottles!!
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
9am – 5pm
Wednesday
9am – 5.30pm
Friday
9am – Variable

The plaque found on your teeth is home to more than
300 different species of bacteria!

The average person spends about 48 seconds per
day brushing their teeth, but dentists recommend at
least 2-3 minutes.
Emergency Treatment
If you have pain or urgent treatment needs, phone the
surgery and we will try to book you in as soon as
possible.


6 is the magic number… magic number of feet away
from your toilet you should store your toothbrush in
order to avoid airborne particles from toilet flushing
making their way on to your bristles – yuck!!

A snail’s mouth is no larger than the head of a pin,
but can contain over 25,000 teeth!

The first toothbrush with bristles was made in China
in 1498 – using hair from hogs, horses and badgers.

At least 50% of the British population have some
form of periodontal gum disease, which is the leading
cause of tooth loss for people over the age of 35.
The good news? Gum disease can be prevented and
controlled!
If the surgery is closed when you call and you are
suffering from severe pain, hang up and dial 111 for the
NHS emergency out of hour’s service. Calls to this
number are free.
If you need to contact the emergency services, you will
be assessed as to urgency and will be advised of
appropriate options. This could be advice on selfmedication, attendance to the A&E or treatment at a
Dental Access Centre, GDP, Bristol Dental Hospital or
an out of hours treatment centre in Bath or Bristol.
Special Offer
We are offering tooth whitening at the special price of
£150 per upper or lower arch for a saving of £40.00!
Further savings can be made on having both done
together at the special offer price of £280 for a massive
discount of £100!
We want to see your children as young as possible to
give brushing and dietary advice, which will hopefully
help prevent any decay, pain or unnecessary tooth loss.
Any child or young adult
under the age of 18 will
automatically receive a free tooth brush at any check-up
booked during the next 2 months.
For more information or to book now, contact us by
phone, email or through our website. We will assess
whether you are suitable for tooth whitening and give
you some idea of the results you could expect.
Mr A A D Reed, BDS(Lon), LDSRCS(Eng.), MFGDP(UK)
3, Wells Road, Radstock. BA3 3RN. Tel: 01761 436279. Email [email protected]
www.wellshilldentalsurgery.co.uk
Patient Newsletter
Issue 2 – August 2014
1. What is plaque?
2. What is tartar?
Plaque is a film of bacteria which
forms on the tooth surface.
Plaque is responsible for the two
most common oral diseases;
tooth decay and gum disease.
The mouth contains millions of bacteria; they stick to the
surface of your teeth and quickly multiply to form plaque.
Tartar (calculus) is formed
when calcium in the saliva
combine with plaque to make it
hard. Once tartar has formed, it
can only be removed by your
dentist or hygienist. Regular, effective plaque removal is
the best way to prevent build-up of tartar.
3. What are the signs of periodontal disease?
4. What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease may go
unnoticed until it is quite
advanced. However, most
people will notice some of the
following signs: Red, swollen
gums / bleeding gums / bad
breath / bad taste / teeth drifting apart and loose teeth.
The early stage of periodontal
disease is called gingivitis and
is reversible. If not treated
gingivitis can develop into
periodontitis. Periodontal
disease is characterised by
inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth. If
plaque is allowed to build up on teeth, periodontal
disease develops.
Gingivitis can be treated relatively easily with very good
results. Your dentist or hygienist will ensure your teeth
are free from tartar and show you how to clean your
teeth properly. A classic sign of gingivitis is when gums
bleed during brushing and this is often the first indication
of periodontal disease.
Stage 3 →
If periodontal disease is not treated and managed, it will
deteriorate into stages 3 and 4, causing pain, swelling,
bleeding and, ultimately, tooth loss.
Stage 4 →
5. Is there a cure for periodontitis?
6. Can gingivitis and periodontist recur?
Yes, unless it has become very advanced. Treatment will
depend on how far the inflammation has gone. That is
why periodontitis needs to be spotted as soon as
possible. Your dentist or hygienist will remove any
deposits from pockets around affected teeth. This is
done by scaling and root planing which may require
several visits. As the crowns and roots of teeth become
clean, gums will tighten up around the root surfaces. Any
loose teeth may also become firmer.
Yes. If you go back to your old teeth cleaning habits the
problem can return.
That is why it is important that you brush your teeth
thoroughly twice daily using toothbrush and floss.
Your dental professional will advise you on which
toothbrush and toothpaste to use.
Mr A A D Reed, BDS(Lon), LDSRCS(Eng.), MFGDP(UK)
3, Wells Road, Radstock. BA3 3RN. Tel: 01761 436279. Email [email protected]
www.wellshilldentalsurgery.co.uk