In the UK, dementia is a leading cause of death. One person is diagnosed every three minutes, and around one million people are currently living with dementia. This figure is expected to rise to more than 1.4 million by 2040.

What is dementia?

Dementia can affect memory, thinking, problem-solving, language, emotions and perception. It is caused by damage to brain cells. As more nerve cells are affected, the brain can shrink, and the symptoms a person experiences will depend on which areas of the brain are damaged. For example, one person may have changes to speech and language, while another may notice difficulties with memory or balance. Everyone’s experience of dementia is different.

Types of dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most well-known type of dementia, followed by vascular dementia, but there are over 100 different dementia diagnoses.

Our commitment at Westleigh Dental Care

We support an ageing patient population and are increasingly seeing patients who are living with dementia. We understand this can be challenging for the person with dementia, as well as for families and carers who provide support.

Following guidance from the Alzheimer’s Society, our team has recently completed dementia training. This has helped us review how we support patients with dementia and identify ways we can improve their experience with us.

What the training covered

• Understanding dementia
• Supporting patients with dementia
• Creating dementia-friendly environments
• Responding to distressed behaviours
• Engaging with people in the early stages of dementia

What you can expect from us

• Appointments at a time of day that suits you best
• Clear signage and an environment that is easy to navigate
• Friendly, approachable staff who will listen and give you time to raise concerns, book appointments, discuss treatment options and make payments
• Longer appointments where needed, and the option of a downstairs surgery
• A quieter space if noise is distracting (for example, we can turn off the TV or offer a private room)
• The option to bring someone with you to appointments to help you understand and remember what’s been discussed
• Written treatment plans and appointment cards to support you in remembering dates and next steps
• Appointment confirmations by email, text or phone

We want to help. If there are other ways we can support you or improve your experience, please let us know.

The post Dementia Support appeared first on Westleigh Dental Care.

Recognising the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer

Very early-stage cervical cancer may not cause symptoms. It’s usually found and treated because of cervical screening tests (this includes a smear test).

Common symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• heavier periods than you normally have
• vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
• unpleasant smelling discharge from the vagina
• pain or discomfort during sex
• urine infections that keep coming back
• pain in the lower tummy or back.

If you get have any of these symptoms between your regular cervical screening appointments, do not wait for your next appointment. Talk to your GP or practice nurse and get the symptoms checked. These symptoms can be embarrassing, but your GP or practice nurse will understand. The earlier cervical cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.

Understanding cervical screening

Cervical screening is a way of preventing cervical cancer, also known as cancer of the cervix. A cervical screening test is a way of collecting a small sample of cells from the cervix. The UK’s cervical screening programme is estimated to save 5000 lives a year (The Eve Appeal).

Cervical screening looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause abnormal cells on the cervix. If HPV is found, the sample is checked for any abnormal cells.

Anyone with a cervix is eligible for screening in the UK. The screening programme starts at age 25 until age 64. Women up to the age of 49 will be invited for screening every three years, after 50 you will be invited every five years.  You will be sent an invitation by your GP if you are registered female but you can also visit a local sexual health clinic.

Further information

If you would like to know more about cervical cancer or cervical screening, the Macmillan https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/cervical-cancer-awareness 

or Bupa https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/cervical-screening websites provide excellent resources.

The post Cervical Cancer Awareness Month appeared first on Westleigh Dental Care.

We were delighted to donate £652.62 to our charity partner, Friends of the Homeless in Fareham and Gosport Foodbank this month.  This was following our dentist, Kathryn Bernowicz, raising £326.31 in sponsorship running the Great South Run.  The practice then generously matched this amount.

Speaking to the Foodbank after the donation, they explained that this amount would help them enormously to provide food and other essentials to the 60 – 70 referrals a week that they are supplying.  They have secured bulk discounts with a supplier which means that our donation could buy 1000 bottles of shower gel, 1200 jars of pasta, 1000 litres of milk or pay a month’s rent in one of their locations.  (They have two bases – one in Fareham and one in Gosport).

In common with many food banks nationally, the foodbank operates a referral system through a variety of agencies; there are more than 150 such agencies in Fareham and Gosport. If you need food support, a good way to get a referral is through Citizens Advice in Fareham or Gosport.

In supporting people, the foodbank has always sought to ensure that they do not create dependency and therefore operate policies that aim to prevent this, which includes monitoring the number of referrals per client. If there is a need, they will always put the needs of the individual first.

After getting a referral, you can collect seven days’ worth of food and toiletries from the foodbank locations in Fareham or Gosport. This service is completely free of charge.

If you would like to donate food or toiletry items to the foodbank, we can take them for you at the practice.  Just bring in your items and give them to reception.

Items that are most needed are UHT milk, cereals, tinned meats, tinned vegetables, coffee and squash, sugar, jam, packets of cuppa soup, toilet rolls, toiletries, nappies, sanitary products, washing powder and washing up liquid.

Alternatively, you can donate cash and also give gift aid.  Donate now: https://friendsofthehomeless.enthuse.com/donate#!

The post Donation to Friends of the Homeless in Fareham and Gosport Foodbank appeared first on Westleigh Dental Care.

• Teeth and gums should be brushed twice a day. Once in the morning, and once at night before bed. This can help stop tooth decay and keep the gums healthy. 
• Brush for Two Minutes: The NHS recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day. You can use a timer or a fun song to help your child keep track of time.
• Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your child’s gums and teeth. Avoid using a toothbrush that is too hard, as it can damage the gums.
• Use a Small Amount of Fluoride Toothpaste: The NHS recommends using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children ages 3 to 6. For children under 3, use a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice.
• Brush All Surfaces: Be sure to brush all surfaces of your child’s teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to brush their tongue as well, as bacteria can accumulate there.
• Angle the Brush Correctly: Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and brush in small, circular motions. This helps to remove plaque from the gumline and between teeth.
• Floss Daily: Flossing is essential for reaching the areas between teeth that a toothbrush cannot. Start flossing when your child has teeth that are touching each other.
• Don’t rinse: Spit out the toothpaste but don’t rinse with water as this will remove the fluoride which helps protect the teeth

Tips

• Use disclosing tablets to show your child where they might be missing plaque.
• It’s best to help or watch your child brush their teeth until they are at least 7 years old. 

Toothpaste 

• Children 0 to 3 years old should use toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1,000ppm. If your child is at risk of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend toothpaste with a fluoride level of 1,350ppm to 1,500ppm. 
• Children over 3 years old should use toothpaste with a fluoride level of 1,350ppm to 1,500ppm which is the same level as in adult toothpastes.

Mouthwash

• Children over 6 years old can use a fluoride mouthwash (0.05%). Make sure to use this at a different time to toothbrushing (for example, after lunch or after school). It is best to supervise the use of mouthwash to ensure the child doesn’t swallow it or choke.

Diet

Teeth start to decay after having food or drink that has sugar in. It is how often your child has sugary foods and drinks that causes tooth decay. It is not the amount of sugary foods they have. Try to only give sugary foods to your child at mealtimes, and try to only give them water to drink. If your child wants fizzy drinks or flavoured water on a special occasion, only give these at mealtimes. You should not put sweetened drinks in bottles or baby feeders. 

Brush your child’s teeth after they have had milk to drink. This includes breastmilk, formula, dairy milk and non-dairy milk. Do not let your child go to sleep with milk left in their mouth. Milk can cause tooth decay if it is left on the teeth overnight. 

Tooth-friendly snacks and drinks 

• water 
• fresh fruit, for example, apples, pears, bananas 
• fresh vegetables, for example, carrot sticks, cucumber 
• cheese 
• breadsticks 
• buttered toast 
• plain crackers or rice cakes 
• savoury sandwiches 

Dental Visits

• Visit your dentist at least twice a year. At around 6 years old, children’s first adult teeth grow at the back of their mouth. Ask your dentist about fissure sealants, which are put on your child’s back teeth to help stop tooth decay. The dentist can also use fluoride varnish to lower the risk of tooth decay. This can be put on by your dentist at least every 6 months for adult teeth.
• Make their dental routine and visit to the dentist fun and get their reward sticker for a job well done!

The post Looking After Children’s Teeth appeared first on Westleigh Dental Care.

Our latest initiative has seen us change out all the hand sanitiser and soap dispensers across the practice.  Our old dispensers used a system which required the bottle within the dispenser to be swapped out once it was empty.  The bottles inside the new systems can be refilled when they are empty.  This means we can buy larger bottles for refilling therefore reducing the overall amount of plastic generated.

Our old dispensers will be recycled at the local recycling facility where they will be incinerated and the electricity generated from this will go back into the grid.

Later this summer, the team will once again volunteer their time to clean up a local beach.  This will be the third year we have undertaken this initiative to give back to the community and help reduce plastic in our beautiful local area.  This year the beach clean will be at Warsash beach.

If you would like to organise a beach clean of your own, Fareham Borough Council can provide the litter pickers and bin bags.

https://www.fareham.gov.uk/clean_and_tidy/beaches_and_foreshore/intro.aspx

The post Reducing Plastic Waste and Helping the Environment appeared first on Westleigh Dental Care.

The connection between mental health and physical health has become more widely known in recent years.  When your physical health is poor, this can affect your mental health and vice versa.  The influence they exert on each other is profound. Poor mental health can manifest in various behavioural patterns that compromise oral care. Similarly, oral health issues, such as chronic dental pain or poor self-esteem related to dental appearance, can exacerbate mental health challenges, forming a difficult cycle to break. Understanding this relationship is key to promoting well-being.

When your mental health is suffering, good dental hygiene often goes by the wayside. This can result in gum disease and tooth decay.  Common scenarios include:

• Making bad food choices such as reaching for sugary foods to provide a quick mood boost
• Anxiety and phobia of visiting the dentist can stop people from seeing the dentist or hygienist regularly
• Eating disorders such as bulimia can lead to dental erosion and a lack of calcium also weakens teeth
• Stress in day-to-day life leading to jaw clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism)
• Smoking can harm gums, increase mouth cancer risk, and cause post-tooth removal complications
• Alcohol or certain medications can cause a dry mouth which increases bacteria production leading to gum problems plus the acidity and sugar in the drinks can attack the tooth enamel
• Overbrushing if you have OCD or bipolar can lead to abrasive damage

Men are also more likely to neglect their teeth than women.  Men are less likely to brush their teeth twice a day than their female counterparts and men typically visit a hygienist less often than women, preferring to visit a dentist for acute needs over preventative treatment.  This leads to higher incidences of gum disease in men than women

Neglecting proper oral care can have serious impacts on wider health, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. It can even impact men’s sexual function, as studies show that men with gum disease are at higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

At Westleigh Dental Care, we take appropriate steps to assist patients in need including;

• Taking a comprehensive medical history
• Booking longer appointment times so we can listen to the issues and accommodate how the patient would like the appointment to go, e.g. hand scaling over ultrasonic, pain relief such as local anaesthetic or numbing gels.
• Providing treatment plans and ensuring patients understand the different treatment options available to them
• Advice on stopping smoking or quitting alcohol
• Referral to specialists for sedation if needed
• Allowing the patient to be accompanied by an individual who can provide reassurance and assist in clarifying information during appointments

If you are struggling with your mental health and want to know where to get help, your GP is a good place to start.  The following organisations in the local area may also be able to help you.

Solent Mind

https://www.solentmind.org.uk/

Andy’s Man Club

https://andysmanclub.co.uk/groups/

NHS Eating Disorders Service

https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/eating-disorders-service

Alcoholics Anonymous

https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/find-a-meeting/

Stopping Smoking

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-health-services/stop-smoking-support-services

The post Mental and Oral Health appeared first on Westleigh Dental Care.

People living with dementia may be more prone to dental problems including tooth decay, gum disease and dry mouth leading to fungal infections.  Remembering to follow a good oral health routine or expressing they have problems may be difficult. People can forget how to hold a toothbrush, or struggle to remember what to do in the right order. They may also have low mood and apathy toward taking care of their oral health and themselves in general. Problems left untreated may get worse or lead to further complications.

What you can do to help

Brushing

• Encourage the person to brush their teeth twice daily.  You may need to sit with them whilst they do this or show them what they need to do.  Use a pea size amount of toothpaste that has no less than 1450ppm of fluoride.  If you suspect they have sensitive teeth look for brands that specifically cater for this such as Sensodyne.
• Make sure that brushes are in good shape and are replaced regularly.
• If the dementia worsens you may need to take over the brushing of their teeth. Ensure you explain what you are doing and support the jaw as you go.  Encourage them to spit out, but not to rinse with water or mouthwash (unless recommended by your dentist). This will allow the fluoride to remain on the teeth and protect them for longer.

How to brush your teeth https://youtu.be/BapR9J86ZZw?si=Fnawc8sGKeN15Ys5

Dentures

• Dentures should be washed twice daily using unscented soap and a specialist brush.  This is more effective than soaking them in solution. Gums and any remaining teeth should be brushed with a soft brush.
• Dentures should be taken out overnight and stored safely.  If the person is in a care setting, having their name on them can be useful, as can a spare set.
• If the denture breaks, then you can bring them into us at the surgery for an assessment. If there is a clean break then usually this can be sent overnight for a repair, or if its more complicated you may need to book in for a new set of dentures.

Diet

Limiting sugar intake will help to reduce damage to the teeth.  If the person is eating a sugary snack such as fruit, it is better to have that in one go than to have lots of sugary snacks throughout the day such as boiled sweets. Water is better to drink than sugary drinks.  Milk and unsweetened tea and coffee are fine in moderation.

Spotting the signs

Look out for signs of discomfort such as the person holding their face or grimacing when they have hot or cold drinks.  Gums that are bleeding should continue to be brushed to clear the plaque, but if the bleeding continues for more than two weeks then consult your dentist.  Poor fitting dentures may also lead to discomfort.

Maintaining dental check- ups and hygiene appointments.

We would encourage the person to continue to attend their routine dental check- ups and hygiene appointments.  They may need help making these appointments.  Depending on their understanding it may also be necessary for them to have a chaperone present to help them to understand what the dentist or hygienist is recommending.  There may also come a point where you are legally responsible for making health decisions for them. Treatment will always be discussed in detail with your dentist so you can ensure you are making an informed decision on their behalf.

Specialist care

We will continue to work with our dementia patients for as long as they are comfortable to see us, however, there may come a time when visiting us becomes too distressing for the person.  When this happens, we can recommend At Home https://www.athomedental.co.uk/, a dental service where a dentist will visit the person in their own home and extra time is taken to cater for the person’s needs.

The dentist may also refer the patient to specialist care within the NHS if this is considered the best option, although the waiting times may be lengthy.

For more information on oral health, you can visit the Oral Health Foundation https://www.dentalhealth.org/.

For help regarding dementia the following organisations are there to help.

Dementia UK https://www.dementiauk.org/

Alzheimers Society https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

The post Dementia & Dental Health appeared first on Westleigh Dental Care.

Not all dental plans are the same!  In many practices dental plans only include routine check-ups and hygiene appointments, but at Westleigh Dental Care our plans offer this and so much more.  Our dental plans will cover you for the following if clinically necessary:

• Check ups
• Hygiene treatments
• X-rays
• Emergency appointments
• Restorative treatments including fillings and root canal work* ^
• Extractions*
• Oral cancer screenings
• Provision, repair and maintenance of protheses including bridges, crowns and dentures**
• Worldwide accident and emergency dental protection***

This will give you the peace of mind that should anything go wrong, we’ve got you covered.

You must be dentally fit to join the plan, which means that you must complete any treatment recommended by your dentist first and then the dentist can assess which band you will be eligible for.  This is done on a scoring system which is based on your past dental history and your periodontal (hygiene) needs.  Children are assessed by age up until they are 16 and then they are classed as an adult.

Current prices

* Specialist referrals will incur extra costs.

^ Cosmetic procedures are not covered.

** Lab fees are extra, but the dentist time is included, making it significantly cheaper than if you were not on the plan

***More details on how the dental plan works when you’re away from home are available at reception

The post Spreading the Costs with a Dental Plan appeared first on Westleigh Dental Care.

In October an assessor from the BDA visited the practice to assess how we were performing. Here is her assessment.

Westleigh Dental Practice is a large, well-presented and well-established general dental practice with good patient access, offering private dentistry to the local community. The assessor found the practice to be well-led, particularly by the practice manager, with a very strong sense of dedication to and care for their elderly patient base. There was effective use of systems for HR management, staff rotas and time keeping. The assessor spoke to various members of the team and was satisfied with their knowledge of practice policies, procedures, and national guidance. The practice also demonstrated robust risk assessments, rolling audits, and relevant, reviewed, and updated policies.

Practice meetings are held regularly, with the opportunity taken to discuss any areas for improvement. The practice manager demonstrated an obvious open-door policy with staff. Feedback and appraisals are being held regularly and access to online CPD provided for the whole team.

The practice demonstrated that clear communication was a priority to help the practice run efficiently and to engage with patients. Be that via their waiting room screen, posters and signage within the practice and to take away, as well as blogs on various oral health and other topics related to dentistry on their website. The leadership team led by the principals and their manager, work collaboratively with the whole team. A positive work culture was evident. WhatsApp groups, birthdays and socials were just some of the ways in which they strive for team cohesion within the practice.

The assessor concluded that based on what was observed and discussed during the visit, the practice has worked hard to meet the requirements of BDA Good Practice. The assessor found it a pleasure to visit this practice and looks forward to them being a valued addition to the Good Practice membership. Well done!

What does this mean for patients?

• We will work with you to provide care that meets your needs and wishes. We will explain options and costs so that you can make an informed choice. We will always tell you what we are proposing to do and tell you about any significant risks
• We hold regular practice meetings to review our procedures for looking after our patients
• We look after your general health and safety while you are at the practice. We ask you about your
general health and any medicines that you are taking. This helps us to treat you safely. We keep
all information about you confidential
Infection control and cleanliness are essential for the safety of our patients. All members of our
team receive training in the current standards of infection control
• We screen all our patients for mouth cancer and discuss tobacco and alcohol use because these
increase your risk of oral cancer
• Everyone at the practice takes part in continuing professional development to keep their skills and
knowledge up to date
• All new members of the team are trained in our practice procedures. Once a year we review
individual training needs for everyone in the practice
• We ask our patients for their views on our services and have systems for dealing with feedback to
identify any opportunities for improvement

At Westleigh Dental Care we strive to offer the best service to our patients, support our staff and give back to the community. If you have any feedback on how we are doing you can fill in one of our questionnaires or feedback forms at the practice or drop us an email at info@westleighdentalcare.co.uk

https://www.bda.org/

The post BDA Good Practice appeared first on Westleigh Dental Care.

Symptoms can include:

• a mouth ulcer in your mouth that lasts more than 3 weeks
• a red or white patch inside your mouth
• a lump inside your mouth or on your lip
• pain inside your mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• difficulty speaking or a hoarse (croaky) voice
• a lump in your neck or throat
• losing weight without trying

If you have any of these symptoms you should make an appointment with your GP. It is helpful if you can write down your symptoms and make a note of when they started if anything makes them better or worse, or if you have a family history of cancer.  When you visit your GP, it may be helpful to take someone with you for support.  This person can also make notes for you.  The most important thing is to get yourself checked out as soon as possible as early intervention can lead to the most successful treatment.

Our dentists and hygienists are trained to look out for these symptoms in your mouth and will also check your neck and jawline when you come in for your dental check-up.  They are looking for any areas that are swollen or anything that doesn’t feel normal or is painful. They will make you aware if they think they can see anything of concern and will refer you for specialist advice if necessary.

For more information on mouth cancer please go to 

https://www.dentalhealth.org/spotthesigns

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mouth-cancer

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