FAQ

Dental hygiene refers to how you care for your teeth and gums to keep them clean and healthy.

It includes daily habits like brushing twice a day, flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups. Good dental hygiene helps prevent problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.

A hygienist usually works alone when seeing patients. However, our dentist has a dental assisitant, therefore making it more comfortable for patients to have their teeth cleaned. Our dentist is also more highly qualified than a hygienist, so our dentist can provide treatments for a variety of dental problems, not just professional teeth cleaning.

Common signs include bad breath, bleeding gums, plaque build-up and tooth sensitivity.

You may also notice swollen or red gums, tartar on your teeth or frequent cavities. If left untreated, poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and more serious dental problems, so it’s important to address these signs early.

Brush twice a day, floss daily, limit sugar, limit acidic foods and drinks and visit your dentist regularly.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque, while flossing cleans between teeth. Reducing sugary foods lowers the risk of decay. Reducing acidic foods and drinks lowers the risk of tooth erosion. Regular dental check-ups allow early detection of problems and helps maintain healthy teeth and gums. Brush twice a day, floss daily, limit sugar, visit your dentist regularly and maintain a balanced diet.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque, while flossing cleans between teeth. Reducing sugary foods lowers the risk of decay, and regular check-ups allow early detection of problems. A healthy diet also supports strong teeth and gums.

The 2-2-2 rule means brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and visiting the dentist every six months.

It’s a simple guideline to maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily helps remove plaque, while regular dental visits allow early detection and prevention of problems.

The best way to whiten your teeth is through professional teeth whitening supervised by a dentist.

This ensures safe, even and effective results compared to over-the-counter products. Maintaining good oral hygiene and reducing staining foods like coffee, tea and smoking can also help keep your teeth whiter for longer.
For more details, explore our teeth whitening treatment.

Yes, yellow teeth can often be whitened with professional treatment or appropriate home care.

Surface staining from food, drinks or smoking can usually be improved with professional teeth cleaning. However, discoloration inside teeth may require tailored treatments such as professional teeth whitening. So it’s best to have your teeth assessed to find the most effective option.

Yes, you can whiten your teeth at home with professional teeth whitening recommended by a dentist as it will give safe and effective results.

Over-the-counter kits may help with mild staining, but they are less effective than dentist-prescribed options. Using the wrong products or overusing them, such as products bought online, can cause sensitivity, gum damage as well as tooth damage. So it’s best to choose a safe, suitable professional method for your teeth, provided by a dentist.

The cost of professional teeth whitening at Dentael is £299 for most patients. The exact cost depends on your needs, so a consultation is the best way to find the right option.
At Dentael, we do not provide In-Chair whitening as it gives short term results and is expensive compared to more affordable professional take-home kits provided by our dentist.

Teeth can turn yellow due to staining, enamel wear or natural ageing.

Common causes include caertain foods, drinks and poor oral hygiene, which lead to surface stains. Over time, the outer enamel can thin, revealing the naturally yellow dentine underneath. In some cases, certain medications or genetics can also affect tooth colour.

Composite bonding typically lasts between 3 to 7 years, however it can last longer depending on how well it is cared for.

Its lifespan can vary based on habits such as biting hard foods, grinding your teeth or smoking. With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, composite bonding can last longer and maintain its appearance.

You can learn more about our composite bonding treatment.

Composite bonding in the UK often costs between £200 and £450 per tooth, depending on the complexity and clinic. At Dentael, composite bonding usually costs between £110 and £270

The final price depends on how many teeth are treated and the level of detail required. Our dentist has 30+ years experience providing composite bonding. For multiple teeth, the total cost can be discounted, so a consultation is required to give an accurate estimate.

Yes, composite bonding is a safe and minimally invasive way to improve the appearance of your teeth.

It requires very little or no removal of natural tooth structure and can fix chips, gaps or uneven edges. When used as a cosmetic treatment, it may not be suitable for more complex dental issues, so a dentist should assess if it’s the right option for you.

It depends on your needs, but composite bonding is usually more conservative, while veneers are more durable.

Composite bonding requires little to no removal of natural tooth structure and is a good affordable option as they can be repaired if need be. Veneers, on the other hand, usually require the tooth to be cut and are difficult to repair if damaged, as well as being more costly.

Several teeth can be bonded in one visit, often between 2 and 8 teeth depending on your treatment plan.

The exact number depends on the condition of your teeth, the time required and the desired result. For larger smile makeovers, treatment may be split into multiple appointments to ensure the best outcome.

No, composite bonding usually covers only part of the tooth rather than the entire surface.

It is typically applied to specific areas to repair chips, close gaps or improve shape and colour. If full coverage is needed, treatments like veneers or crowns may be more suitable.

Cosmetic bonding is a treatment where a tooth-coloured resin is applied and shaped to repair or improve the appearance of your teeth.

It is commonly used to fix chips, close gaps, reshape uneven teeth or improve colour. The material is carefully matched to your natural teeth, then hardened and polished to create a smooth, natural-looking result.

Cosmetic bonding usually lasts between 3 to 7 years, however it can last longer depending on how well it is cared for.

Its lifespan can vary based on habits such as biting hard foods, teeth grinding or smoking. With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, it can last longer and maintain its appearance.

Cosmetic bonding in the UK often costs between £200 and £450 per tooth, depending on the complexity and clinic. At Dentael, cosmetic bonding usually costs £250.

The final price depends on how many teeth are treated and the level of detail required. Our dentist has 30+ years experience treating patients. For multiple teeth, the total cost can be discounted, so a consultation is required to give an accurate estimate.

Yes, mouth guards can help relieve TMJ symptoms by reducing pressure on the jaw and preventing teeth grinding.

They work by cushioning the bite and helping the jaw relax, which can ease pain, tension and clicking. A custom-made mouth guard from a dentist is more effective than over-the-counter options.

For more information on why mouth guards are used, you can read more about teeth grinding on the NHS website.

To use a mouthguard properly, ensure it fits well, wear it as advised and keep it clean after each use.

Place it over your teeth before sleeping or during activities like sports, depending on its purpose. Rinse it after use, clean it with a toothbrush and soapy water, and store it in a case. Regularly check for wear and have it reviewed by your dentist if needed.

Mouthguards may feel slightly uncomfortable at first, but they should not be painful.

As you get used to wearing it, the feeling usually improves within a few nights. If a mouthguard causes pain, pressure or difficulty closing your mouth properly, it may not fit correctly and should be adjusted by a dentist.

At Dentael a custom made lower soft custom mouth guard costs £120. In the UK, a custom mouth guard from a dentist at some clinics can cost between £150 and £400.

The price depends on the type of guard, such as a night guard for teeth grinding or a sports mouthguard, and how it is made. Custom guards are fitted to your teeth, making them more comfortable and effective than online or shop-bought boil and bite options.

Dentists may advise against veneers because they require removal of some natural tooth enamel and are not reversible.

While veneers can provide good cosmetic results, they are not always suitable for younger patients or minor issues that could be treated more conservatively, such as with composite bonding. The decision depends on your individual case and long-term dental health. Often composite bonding or professional teeth whitening are more affordable options instead of veneers, but this depends on what the dental concern is.

Composite bonding is usually a cheaper alternative to veneers.

It uses a tooth-coloured material to improve the shape, colour or gaps in your teeth without removing much natural enamel. It is more affordable and less invasive, making it a good option for many cosmetic changes. Composite bonding is usually a cheaper alternative to veneers.

It uses a tooth-coloured material to improve the shape, colour or gaps in your teeth without removing much natural enamel. While it doesn’t last as long as veneers, it is more affordable and less invasive, making it a good option for minor cosmetic changes.

The main downside of dental crowns is that they require removal of natural tooth structure and are not reversible. The tooth has to be drilled and cut to shape for the crown to be made.

Some patients may also experience sensitivity after the procedure, which usually settles. Crowns can wear over time or need replacement in the future, and in some cases, further treatment like a root canal may be required as the nerve area can become irritated. The main downside of dental crowns is that they require removal of some natural tooth structure and are not reversible.

Some patients may also experience temporary sensitivity after the procedure. Crowns can wear over time or need replacement in the future, and in some cases, further treatment like a root canal may be required if the tooth becomes irritated.

Vital pulp therapy is a treatment that aims to keep the nerve of a tooth alive after it has been damaged or exposed.

It is usually used when decay or trauma affects the pulp but the tooth is still healthy enough to heal. The dentist removes the affected tissue, places a protective material and seals the tooth to allow it to recover and avoid the need for a root canal.

Vital pulp therapy may be needed when a tooth has deep decay or a recent pulp exposure but the deeper nerve is still healthy.

Common signs include sensitivity to hot or cold that does not linger, mild to moderate pain, or a cavity close to the nerve. It is usually considered when the tooth can still heal, helping to avoid more extensive treatments like a root canal.

It depends on your situation, but a dental bridge is usually more stable and natural-feeling than dentures.

Bridges are fixed in place and do not move, which makes eating and speaking more comfortable. Dentures are removable and can be a more affordable option, especially if multiple teeth are missing, but they may feel less secure.

A dental bridge usually requires shaping the neighbouring teeth, which means removing some tooth structure. Adhesive bridges require very minimal or sometimes no shaping of the tooth.

It can also be harder to clean underneath the bridge, increasing the risk of plaque build-up if not maintained well. A dental bridge usually requires shaping the neighbouring teeth, which means removing some healthy tooth structure.

It can also be harder to clean underneath the bridge, increasing the risk of plaque build-up if not maintained well. Over time, bridges may need replacement and do not prevent bone loss in the missing tooth area.

In the UK, a dental bridge for 2 teeth typically costs between £700 and £1500 privately, depending on the type of bridge. An adhesive bridge is more affordable and can be around £750 at Dentael.

The final price depends on the type of bridge, materials used and the clinic. More aesthetic materials like ceramic can increase the cost, while simpler options may be more affordable. A consultation is needed to give an exact quote based on your case. In the UK, a dental bridge for two teeth typically costs between £1,000 and £3,200 privately.

The final price depends on the type of bridge, materials used and the clinic. More aesthetic materials like ceramic can increase the cost, while simpler options may be more affordable. A consultation is usually needed to give an exact quote based on your case.

Yes, dentists still use dental bridges to replace missing teeth.

Bridges remain a reliable option, especially when implants are not suitable or preferred. While dental implants are increasingly popular, bridges are often more affordable, quicker, less invasive and can provide effective results in the right cases.

Patients with weak supporting teeth, poor oral hygiene or active gum disease are usually not good candidates for a dental bridge.

A bridge relies on the neighbouring teeth for support, so they need to be strong and healthy. It may also not be suitable if multiple teeth are missing in a row or if there is significant bone loss, where alternatives like dentures or implants might be more appropriate.

Alternatives to a dental bridge include dentures, dental implants or leaving the gap untreated in some cases.

Dental implants are the most durable and natural-feeling option, while dentures are more affordable and suitable for multiple missing teeth. The best choice depends on your oral health, budget and preferences, so a dentist can help you decide what works best for you.

Most people recover from a tooth extraction within 7 to 10 days, although initial healing happens in the first few days.

You may experience some swelling or discomfort for 2 to 3 days, which gradually improves. Following aftercare advice, such as avoiding hard foods and keeping the area clean, helps ensure proper healing.

The most common complication after a tooth extraction is dry socket (alveolar osteitis).

This happens when the blood clot at the extraction site is lost or fails to form, exposing the underlying bone. It can cause significant pain a few days after the extraction and usually requires treatment from a dentist to relieve symptoms and support healing.

Care for children’s teeth by brushing twice daily with age related fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary foods and attending regular dental check-ups.

Use a soft toothbrush and supervise brushing until they can do it properly themselves. Encouraging good habits early helps prevent decay and supports healthy development of both baby and adult teeth.
For more details, explore our children’s dental care.

Dental care is important for children because it helps prevent tooth decay, supports healthy development and builds lifelong good oral hygiene habits.

Healthy baby teeth are essential for eating, speaking and guiding adult teeth into place. Early care also reduces the risk of pain, infections and more complex dental problems later on.

You may have bad breath (halitosis) if you notice a persistent unpleasant taste, dry mouth, or a coated tongue. Sometimes you may only become aware when someone else mentions it to you. If you’re unsure, you may get feedback from someone you trust.

Bad breath is often linked to gum disease or tooth decay, therefore it’s best to get it checked by a dentist.

Bad breath can usually be improved by addressing its most common causes: bacteria, plaque and dry mouth.

Brush your teeth twice daily, clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and gently clean your tongue where odour-causing bacteria build up. Staying well hydrated and avoiding smoking or strong-smelling foods can also help.

If the problem continues, it may be linked to gum disease, tooth decay or dry mouth, so a professional dental check-up is recommended.
You can also find more information about bad breath on the NHS website.

Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth breaking down food particles and plaque.

Common causes include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, tooth decay, a coated tongue and dry mouth. Foods like garlic or smoking can also contribute.

If bad breath persists, it’s best to have it checked, as it may indicate an underlying dental issue.

Rotten breath is usually a sign of bacterial build-up in the mouth.

It is commonly linked to gum disease, tooth decay, infections or a heavy coating on the tongue. In some cases, it can also be associated with dry mouth or trapped food between teeth.
If the smell is persistent or strong, it’s important to have it checked, as it may indicate an underlying dental problem that needs treatment.

Teeth that smell bad are usually caused by plaque, trapped food or bacteria around the gums.

Brush twice daily, clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and clean your tongue to remove odour-causing bacteria. Regular professional dental hygiene cleanings also help remove build-up that can cause smell.

If the issue continues, it may be linked to gum disease or decay and should be checked by a dentist.

Bad breath can come from both the teeth and the tongue.

Bacteria build up on the tongue’s surface and produce odours, while plaque, trapped food and gum issues around the teeth can also contribute. Cleaning both your teeth and tongue is important to control bad breath.
If it persists, a dental check-up can help identify the exact cause.