New to the world of modern dentistry?

Once considered an appointment that wasn’t exactly popular to attend, today more and more patients are approaching their dental surgeries for more sophisticated treatments.

Provided that you have a healthy set of teeth and gums, there is seemingly no limit to what dentists can offer you in relation to improving the appearance of your smile!

If you have gaps in your teeth, our team at Bromley Dental can fix them. Are your teeth yellow? Our team can fix them! Do you have minor misalignments? You get the idea!

At Bromley Dental Practice, we are able to offer all of our patients an appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Bromley, allowing you to explore options you thought were never possible. Due to the large array of dental technologies, we can straighten your teeth in six months, provide you with instant whitening techniques and make your smile more symmetrical with a simple porcelain veneer.

But why should you choose our cosmetic dentist in Bromley? Read on to find out.

Our technology

At Bromley Dental Practice, we are extremely proud of our technology.

Of course, when you visit our cosmetic dentist in Bromley for your treatment, it is likely you will see one of our high tech pieces, all designed to ensure that your dental journey with us is straightforward, comfortable and most importantly, provides long-lasting results.

Our compassion

Nervous about the condition of your teeth? Has it been a few years since you saw the dentist?

Don’t worry. Our entire team, from our nurses to our dentists, are extremely sensitive to our patient’s needs and can provide you with a warm and caring atmosphere when you arrive at the practice.

We will endeavour to listen to you and give you the time you need; you will not feel rushed, and we will ensure you are well informed about each stage of your cosmetic journey with us.

Our adult orthodontics

One of our most popular areas in relation to aesthetics is our adult orthodontics.

We are able to offer all of our adult patients a myriad of treatments, from traditional metal braces to invisible aligners.

We guarantee that our team will select the appropriate braces for you (not the most expensive), to ensure that you get that straighter smile you deserve as soon as possible.

Our implants

Need something a bit more restorative? No problem!

At Bromley Dental Practice, if you come to us wanting to restore your once gap-free smile, we have the perfect solution for you. Our dental implants are one of our most popular restorative treatments, giving you back your confidence in your smile and restoring the strength to your bite.

Our high reviews

Why should you choose Bromley Dental Practice for your cosmetic treatments?

We receive consistently high reviews from our patients and have a strong ethic focused on your care and comfort. If you want a pleasant cosmetic dental journey, call our dedicated dental team today!

At the moment a 150ml glass of fruit juice can be counted towards your five a day but just recently the British Dental Health Foundation has advised that fruit juices are detrimental to dental health. It’s been discovered that many fruit juices aimed at children have at least 6 teaspoons of sugar and often come in cartons larger than the recommended portion size. In addition, many people are opting to drink fruit smoothies as they are marketed as being healthy due to the considerable fruit content. Unfortunately these also contain very high levels of sugar, as well as acid from the fruit and can do considerable damage to teeth.

Even though fruit juices can be a good way to consume more fruit, the high levels of acid and sugar often mean they can be bad for your dental health, particularly if you like to sip them over a long period of time. Smoothies tend to be a lot thicker and are prone to sticking to the teeth which enables sugar to come into contact with teeth for longer periods of time. Every time you have a fruit smoothie your teeth will be softened by acid in your mouth for up to an hour afterwards.

As a result, the British Dental Health Foundation is supporting Action on Sugar’s recommendations to remove fruit juice from the current guidelines for getting plenty of fruit and vegetables every day. They feel recommending fruit juice sends the wrong message to parents and could ultimately result in higher levels of childhood tooth decay.

Parents often provide children with fruit juice in between meals in the belief that they are giving them something that is relatively healthy. However if you do want to give your child a fruit juice or enjoy one yourself then it is best to do so as part of a meal. In general it is better to stick to giving children water or milk to drink, and to encourage them to eat the whole fruit rather than just the juice.

If you or another family member dolike to drink a lot of fruit juice and have not been to a dentist in a while then now might be a great time to book that check-up. Dr Zaki Bashir can assess the condition of your teeth and gums and will carefully check each tooth for any early signs of cavities. This is a visual examination, although he may gently probe the surface of each tooth to check for any softness in your tooth enamel.

Sometimes it is possible to reverse the early effects of acid erosion with fluoride treatments, but if a cavity has already begun to develop then it is much easier and cheaper to get it filled as soon as possible. It’s quite likely your Bromley dentist will recommend white fillings to mend any cavities as these are strong, and once in place are nearly invisible. As well as being cheaper to fill, early treatment reduces the possibility of more extensive tooth infections that can be pretty uncomfortable and which may require more extensive treatment such as root canal therapy to put right.

If you have any signs of tooth decay then Dr Zaki Bashir is likely to recommend a filling, but there are several different types that can be used. This can seem confusing, as each is designed to have a slightly different purpose.

White fillings are made from a composite resin material that closely resembles your natural teeth. The material comes in many different shades, and even in different translucencies so once the filling is placed it should be virtually invisible. White fillings are commonly used to repair cavities in front teeth and to fill small to medium sized areas of decay in your back teeth. This material is pretty strong, but is not so suitable for filing larger areas of decay in back teeth as these are subjected to heavy chewing forces. In this case Dr Bashir is likely to recommend a different type of filling which is stronger. Once this is in place it will help restore strength to the tooth so you will be able to chew normally.

These larger filings are called inlays and onlays. An inlay replaces the central chewing surface of a back tooth, but an onlay will replace a larger area which includes the central chewing area plus one or more of the cusps. Tooth cusps are the raised points you can see on the edges closest to your cheeks and tongue.

Inlays and onlays can be made from gold or porcelain. In the past you might have been advised to have gold inlays or onlays as this material is very strong and hardwearing, but today’s modern porcelain can easily withstand the forces created during chewing and of course they look beautiful and are just about invisible.

White composite filings can be placed in a single appointment to Bromley Dental Practice, but inlays and onlays are slightly different. If they are made from gold then they will require at least two appointments to prepare the tooth and then to fit the restoration. This is because they have to be made in a dental laboratory. Porcelain inlays and onlays often have to be made in a laboratory, but we are able to fabricate them onsite with our CEREC machine. This is a milling machine that cuts the restoration out from a single block of coloured porcelain.

Dr Bashir will prepare your tooth before scanning it with a very small camera so there is no need to have any impressions. This information is fed into a computer and is used to create a design that is then sent to the milling machine. The porcelain block is preselected in a shade that closely matches your natural teeth, and is milled according to this design. Once it is completed it will be hand finished and polished before being fitted and cemented in your mouth. All this can be carried out in a relatively short space of time, while you wait in our comfortable surgery. You will be able to leave with your new inlay or onlay in place which is much better than having a temporary filing, and of course saves you from making another trip to our surgery.

Most people think that sweet treats are the only threat to their oral health. What they fail to realise is that some of the food they serve on their table can be just as harmful to the teeth as sweets.

Here are some of the foods that you might want to cut back on:

Apples

There is a saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but does this apply to your dentist? Apparently not. According to studies, apples are among the biggest culprits when it comes to cracked teeth. These are also high in acid, which may damage the enamel and cause the teeth to stain. Eating crunchy apples is fine, but make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces to avoid biting too hard. Rinse your mouth with water after eating to wash away the acid.

Corn on the Cob

Chomping down on the cob can cause problems for your teeth. Your dental appliances may become loose or may crack, warranting a visit to your dentist for a quick fix. You do not have to avoid corn and miss its nutrients, though. Instead of serving the entire cob, scrape off the corn bits for easier consumption.

Wine

If you are a fan of wines, you may want to rethink your drinking habits. Both white and red wine may cause a series of oral problems that can ruin a good smile. Red wine is often associated as a cause of discolouration, while white wine leaves the enamel vulnerable to acid. No one is going to stop you from enjoying a glass or two of your favourite chardonnay or merlot; just do not drink too frequently.

Breath Mints

We love to keep our breath fresh and smelling good throughout the day; what most of us do is pop a mint or two. Sucking on these mint delights is like bathing your teeth in sugar. Some breath mints contain sweet ingredients that may actually do more harm than good to the teeth. Instead of popping these mints into your mouth, use xylitol to combat bad breath and bacteria.

It is important to be vigilant when it comes to the food you are eating or serving your family. If you want to learn more about how diet affects your oral health, Bromley Dental Practice can serve as your guide. Dr. Zaki Bashir will be more than glad to discuss the types of food that help preserve the health and beauty of your teeth.

Everyone knows that oral care is important, and that a good oral health regimen goes way beyond brushing and flossing. Gum disease may affect, infect, and ultimately destroy your teeth. It mayalso make you more prone to heart disease. This alone should highlight the importance of proper dental care.

Fortunately, you don’t need to panic and run to our dental clinic…yet. Do know that simple, everyday food items have powerful purification properties that may keep your teeth and gums healthy. With that, here’s a list of some super foods that will keep your pearly whites beautiful and your gums safe.

Green Tea

Tea has been known to have numerous health and healing benefits. Green tea, in particular, contains catechins—compounds that may fight inflammation and control bacterial infections. Several studies have linked green tea catechins to weight loss and fewer occurrences of periodontal diseases.

Lean Beef

Now, we’re not advising you to head over to the nearest steak house and gobble down a T-bone or a filet mignon; after all, too much cholesterol and animal fat are bad for your heart and overall health. But lean beef, as well as oysters and lamb are rich in zinc—an anti-inflammatory mineral that has antioxidant and immunity-boosting powers. Vitamin B6, which is found in beef and seafood, also helps fight gum disease.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are packed with numerous teeth-friendly micronutrients including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and more importantly, calcium. Calcium—the essential nutrient in teeth and bone strength—helps in re-mineralising the teeth. Also, individuals with zinc deficiencies are at higher risk of developing gum disease as the mineral helps fight the bacteria that causes the disease.

Almonds, Brazil nuts, and sesame seeds are some types that have high calcium content.

Strawberries and Kiwis

Vitamin C is important to your overall health. When it comes to your oral health, this vitamin helps collagen from breaking down. Without collagen, your gums may become extra tender and, therefore, susceptible to infections and gum disease.

Kiwis and strawberries have some of the highest concentration of Vitamin C, but citrus fruits are also suitable. Just be careful as too much citric acid may affect tooth enamel.

Onions

Can’t stand raw onion? So do the germs in your mouth. Especially when eaten raw, onions are great for fighting the microorganisms in your mouth thanks to its antimicrobial sulphur-containing compounds. You can have your daily dose of onions via a sandwich or a salad. If you really can’t handle it raw, you can have it cooked—it’s better than no onion at all.

These super foods are great for keeping your mouth healthy. They can only go so far, however. You still need to visit your dentist regularly, especially when your condition isn’t improving. Get in touch with us now and find out what we can do for you.

Many people are unaware of the relationship, but in fact the condition of your mouth can have a considerable effect on your overall health. It can pay to try to understand how and why both are closely connected as this can help you protect your oral and general health.

Your mouth contains many different types of bacteria and most are harmless. Normal daily activities such as brushing and flossing help keep the numbers of bacteria under control, but a lack of proper oral hygiene increases the risk of infections such as gum disease and tooth decay. Taking certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can also increase these risks as many can reduce the amount of saliva produced. Saliva is immensely important for keeping your mouth clean as it helps wash away old skin cells, bacteria and old pieces of food, preventing bacterial overgrowth that could cause disease.

One of the main risks of poor oral hygiene is developing a condition called periodontitis or gum disease. This is an inflammatory disease and it’s suspected this inflammation could affect other general health conditions. In addition certain diseases that affect the immune system, in particular diabetes and HIV AIDS can lower the body’s resistance to infection, and this can make any oral health problems more difficult to control. The inflammation caused by periodontitis has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV AIDS and other conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome and osteoporosis.

There have been lots of studies carried out into this link and it is thought to be due to the way inflammation causing bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream through bleeding gums that are characteristic of advanced gum disease. From there these bacteria can travel around the entire body, potentially causing new sites of inflammation. This can be particularly problematic for diabetics as poorly controlled blood sugar levels lead to excessive glucose in saliva which in turn feeds the inflammation causing bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and bleeding gums. Once the bacteria get into the bloodstream then diabetics can have increased difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels. So what can you do to protect yourself?

The answer is quite a lot, even if you have existing medical problems. The main thing to do is to get your mouth as healthy as possible and to have a good preventative dental care regime. This is where Bromley Dental Practice can help. Most people will need to visit Dr Zaki Bashir twice a year for regular check-ups and professional cleanings, but some people with existing medical conditions such as diabetes may benefit from more regular visits. It’s important to make sure your dentist in Bromley is aware of any medications you might be taking and any changes to your overall health. This is because they can work with you, and with your GP if necessary to help keep your mouth healthy, and to hopefully protect your general health.

In between dental visits make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Change your toothbrush regularly, every two or three months or sooner if the bristles begin to look frayed. If you do notice any changes to your oral health in between appointments, contact your Bromley dentist for more advice.

Not very many patients are aware of this fact, or even know very much about this disease. Mouth cancer can affect any part of the inside of the mouth, including the tongue, throat and lips. In 2010, 6,539 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in the UK. It’s estimated that over the next 10 years approximately 60,000 people will be diagnosed with this disease, and unless it’s detected early on around half will die. It’s not a very well-known condition; one of the main problems with mouth cancer is that it creates very few symptoms while in the early stages. Subsequently it is often diagnosed extremely late in the day when it’s much more difficult to treat. Your dentist Bromley is likely to be the only medical professional who regularly has the opportunity to examine the inside of your mouth, and who is fully qualified to screen you for mouth cancer.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

Your screening is carried out by Dr Zaki Bashir as part of your normal checkup. It’s completely painless and isn’t at all uncomfortable. During the examination Dr Bashir will be looking for any changes to the colour of the tissues inside your mouth, as well as any signs of lumps or thickened areas, or areas that feel rough to the touch. He will gently but thoroughly examine all the tissues inside your mouth, including underneath your tongue. It’s highly unlikely that he’ll find anything, but if he does then it’s a simple matter of taking a sample of a few skin cells so they can be analysed for signs of anything suspicious. Most times it’s likely any changes to the oral tissues will be due to something else completely, but it is better to know for sure.

Be Aware of Any Changes in Your Mouth

In between dental visits, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any signs that something might be wrong, and all this means is carrying out a quick self-check every month or so. This will help you become accustomed to the way healthy tissue should feel and look so that if anything does develop you’ll be far more aware that it isn’t quite right. Signs to look out for include any changes to the oral tissues, such as red or white spots, or any areas that feel particularly thick to touch or which are rough.

You should also be aware of any changes to the way your teeth bite together, or differences that affect the way dental appliances such as dentures or braces fit in your mouth. One of the first symptoms of mouth cancer is having an ulcer that doesn’t seem to heal up properly. Most ulcers should disappear by themselves within a couple of weeks. If yours seems to be hanging around for longer then it’s worth contacting Bromley Dental Practice for further advice.

People who are more at risk of developing oral cancer includes those who smoke or use alcohol to excess, or who have been exposed to the human papilloma virus. However it can affect anyone at any age so it’s important to be vigilant.