FAQs

One in four of us dreads a visit to the dentist, but there are ways to overcome your fear.

Being afraid of the dentist means different things to different people. Maybe it’s the thought that treatment will hurt, or that the sounds and smells bring back memories of bad experiences as a child.

The good news is that more and more dentists understand their patients’ fears. With a combination of kindness and gentleness they can do a lot to make dental treatment stress free.

We can also refer patients who have severe phobias about dental treatment.

There are many reasons why teeth can become discoloured, from tea and coffee to red wine and curries.

It may just be the passage of time or due to breakdown of the tooth surface. If you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth please let your dentist know, there are several treatments available to you to improve the appearance.

If a manual toothbrush is used for the appropriate amount of time, and done with proper technique, it can perform just as well as a powered toothbrush. But many people don’t brush for the recommended two to three minutes. Children are also good candidates for powered brushes as their brushing habits tend to be less than optimal.

While everyone certainly does not need an electric toothbrush, in many instances they can be beneficial. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about which brush is best for you.

While bad breath (or “halitosis”) can be linked to numerous systemic diseases, the majority of bad breath originates in the mouth. A dry mouth or a low salivary flow can also influence bad odor.

There are two main goals in the management of bad breath. First, controlling the bacteria that produce the sulfur compounds and second, to neutralize the sulfur compounds that are produced.

Ensure good oral hygiene and brush the tongue aswell as your teeth.

Yes we have emergancy appointments. The number of emergancy appointments are limited throughout the day however, we will always aim to see you where possible.

The telephone number for out of hours Urgent Dental Problems in the Stockport area is 0161 337 2246. If you live outside of these areas, please call NHS 111 who will advise you on how to contact the out of hours service in your area of residence.

You’re not alone! Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years, it’s never too late to get back into the routine.

We can arrange for you to have a thorough check up 0161 456 8716. We’re here to help!

It is our practice policy to give patients full information about the cost of their dental work before any treatment is undertaken.

A written estimate and treatment plan will be provided for all dental treatment.

You may pay for your dental care by cheque, cash, or debit card.

We try to make payment as straightforward as possible. Our policy is that patients are asked to pay a proportion each visit. The balance must be taken on completion of treatment.

Bleeding gums can be a sign that you have or are at risk for gum disease.

Causes

The main cause of bleeding gum is the buildup of plaque at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums.

Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. This will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum disease is known as periodontitis.

Other causes of bleeding gums include:

• Any bleeding disorder
• Brushing too hard
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy

Home Care

Visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for plaque removal. Follow your dentist’s home care instructions.

You should brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice a day.

Cleaning between the teeth once a day can prevent plaque from building up.

The basic problem in dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a lack of saliva. This can be caused by diseases of the salivary gland, medications that decrease salivary flow as a side effect or as a natural result of aging. This decrease in saliva can lead to a number of severe dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay and mouth infections.

The best way to combat this problem is to use sugar free sweets or chewing gum and to drink plenty of water. Do not use sugared sweets or drinks, as they can lead to rapid dental decay in patients with dry mouths. Several over the counter products are also available that can help with some dry mouth symptoms. If you’re concerned that you may have xerostomia, contact your dentist to determine its cause and see what might work best in your situation.