FAQs

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

Being worried about your visit to 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 at Bosden Farm Dental Practice, we understand our patients’ fears and worries. With a combination of understanding, kindness and gentleness we can do a lot to make your dental visit stress free. Often our patients comment ‘It wasn’t as bad as I imagined, at all!’

Make an appointment and see for yourself!

There are many reasons why teeth can become discoloured. Stains can develop from frequent intake of tea, coffee, red wine and curries.

It may just be the passage of time or due to the 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.

Stains can be improved and if they are limiting your smile confidence, then this is a concern to be addressed to get you smiling again!

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, including cleaning in between the teeth, every day. The bacteria that collect around the teeth and gums can also linger on the tongue, so it is very important to brush the tongue aswell as your teeth.

Bad breath can also be a sign of underlying gum disease. It is essential to get gum disease treated before it leads to premature tooth loss. Your dentist will screen for gum disease at your regular check-ups, and monitor the gums so that any early signs of gum disease can be picked up and treated. If you are worried, come and see us and we can advise.

Yes we have emergency appointments.

Toothache is not a pleasant experience. The purpose of regular check-ups and early treatment is to avoid toothache. However if you are suffering from toothache or a dental emergency, give us a call. We understand the urgency and will always aim to see you as soon as is 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, 6 years or even more, it’s never too late to get back into the routine.

We can arrange for you to have a thorough check up and then plan to get you back to dental health and address any particular concerns.

Call us on 0161 456 8716 to make that important first appointment, don’t leave it any longer! We’re here to help!

It is our practice policy to ensure that our patients understand the fees involved, before they start their course of treatment. Once a treatment Plan has been formulated and agreed with the patient, a written plan with all costings is provided.

You may pay for your dental care by cash, or debit/credit card. A deposit may be required for certain treatments and appointments and this will be explained at the onset.

We do have a finance options available for extensive treatment plans of £600 and more. Please ask a member of staff about this.

We try to make payment as straightforward as possible. Our practice payment policy is that patients are asked to pay a proportion of their total fees, at each visit. The balance must be taken on completion of treatment. If you wish to pay in total at any stage, this can be arranged.

Please also be aware that if you miss an appointment, or cancel at very short notice, a fee may be charged.

Bleeding gums can be a sign that you have or are at risk of 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 can lead to increased plaque build-up, leading to increased bleeding and inflammation. This vicious cycle of events can lead to a more advanced form of gum disease, known as Periodontitis. The end result of this is tooth loss.

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 a check up, including screening for gum disease. Your Hygienist appointment will allow her to review your plaque removal techniques and advice accordingly. Follow your dentist’s and hygienist’s home care instructions.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, ensure that you follow the treatment advice for the best treatment outcomes.

At Bosden Farm Dental Practice, we are very lucky to have a Gum Disease Specialist, Dr Khurrum Hussain, who can treat advanced forms of gum disease. You may be referred to him for advice and care. Being a centre for gum disease referral, we also treat patients referred from our dental colleagues from other local practices. So you can be assured you are at the right place for the best care of your gum disease.

Ensure your oral hygiene routines are the best they can be. You should brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice a day. Make sure you are also cleaning in between the teeth, at least once a day, as this can also 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, mouth infections and sore mouth.

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.