Wise Words and Wives’ Tales: The Origins, Meanings and Time-Honored Wisdom of Proverbs and Folk Sayings Olde and New” by Stuart Flexner and Doris Flexner

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wise-Words-Wives-Tales-Time-Honored/dp/0380762382

And in case anybody’s really missing the office banter, this one’s for you:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Who-Touched-Base-Thought-Shower/dp/1444781839

Avoiding dentists – Dr Matt Lawler’s 5 top tips

It might surprise some to know that truly urgent dental problems, thankfully, are fairly rare.  It’s true that many dental problems can’t be predicted nor prevented, but most can.  Tooth decay and gum disease are the two main biological diseases of the mouth, and both are largely preventable.  Here’s how:

1. Brushing

I know; boring, but true.  Gum disease is basically caused by a person’s immune system defending itself against ‘plaque’.  Plaque is more appropriately called ‘Biofilm’ and is the sticky ‘community’ of bacteria and their by-products that grows on your teeth.  Different people respond differently to their biofilm, but simply removing it, or even just disturbing it, massively reduces your risk of gum disease.  Best tool for the job – toothbrush.

2. Technique

Ok, there’s more to it than simply buying the latest top-of-the-range electric toothbrush. (Btw, a regular brush is just as good if you’ve got great technique).  This is really why our hygienists and therapists are so vital; the main thing is to understand what you’re trying to do with your toothbrush, and that’s the disruption of biofilm (see above).  If you can effectively clean every tooth surface every day you won’t go far wrong, whatever your toothbrush brand.

3. Cleaning every tooth surface

Every one of your teeth has five surfaces.  You can clean three of them with your regular toothbrush (manual or electric).  The ‘in between’ surfaces escape this treatment – the best way to clean in between your teeth is with an ‘interdental brush’ such as a TePe.  Super-easy to use, quick and effective.

4. Fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride is the single most effective tool in the fight against tooth decay.  Yes I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true.  Effective brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste significantly combats the effects of bacteria and sugary foods.

5. Moderate sugary food and drink

In these challenging times it’s tempting to graze on sugary snacks to ease the boredom.  Don’t worry, I’m certainly not suggesting you kerb your favourite treats, but limiting how often you have them makes all the difference in reducing your risk of decay.  Let me explain.  When you eat something sugary the bacteria in your mouth break down the sugars and produce acid.  The acid attacks and dissolves your teeth surfaces and decay can start.  The good news is that saliva is very effective at neutralising the acids and actually repairs damaged enamel.  However, it takes a good half an hour after eating a sugary snack for your mouth pH (acidity) to return to normal.  During this time your teeth are under attack and the more times during the day you consume something sugary, the more potential for damage there is.

So, to summarise; brush really effectively with a good fluoride toothpaste, both around your gumline and in between your teeth, and reduce the number of times you eat something sugary.

Any questions, or for more information, just email the team on info@peelhousedental.co.uk