Matthew Gahan - Specialist Dental Care

17/07/2023

No one likes the thought of getting older. But looking after our bodies and minds as we clock up the years will ensure there's still plenty to smile about!

Our teeth, too, change as we get older and may require a bit more care and attention. In our latest blog post we look at how our teeth change with age and offer some tips on maintaining a healthy mouth.

Just as our bodies change with age, our teeth do too. Here's what you can do to maintain a healthy mouth for longer.

14/06/2023

This is a great opportunity to focus on men’s oral health and its wider implications on their health and wellbeing.

Studies show that men tend to have poorer oral hygiene routines than women and are less likely to keep on top of routine dental appointments. As a result, they are more likely to develop tooth decay and gingivitis.

Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, which is linked to a realm of other health conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular diseases.

A good oral hygiene routine is the cornerstone to maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

⭐️ Brush twice a day
⭐️ Clean in between teeth with floss or an interdental brush once a day
⭐️ Limit sugary drinks and snacks
⭐️ Limit alcoholic drinks
⭐️ If you smoke or v**e, seek help to quit

Routine appointments are key in spotting the early signs of decay and gum disease, as well as more serious conditions such as cancer.

Are you on top of your check-ups?

25/05/2023

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are two main treatment options: and . Both have their advantages and disadvantages so you may be struggling to decide which one is right for you.

In our latest post, we look at how dentures and dental implants perform in various key categories to help you make an informed decision.

Not sure whether implants or dentures are the best option for you? We weigh up the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

18/05/2023

This year's is focusing on anxiety. Dental anxiety is pretty common and can be rooted in negative past experiences, fear of a specific treatment or fear of losing control.

The Oral Health Foundation estimates that more than 10 million UK adults have a fear of the dentist.

There’s no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed if you feel anxious about going to the dentist. Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about what’s making you feel anxious. They’ll be able to work out a plan that makes you feel more comfortable.

Specialist dental treatment such as root canal, implants and surgery can seem even more overwhelming and frightening. Dr Gahan is used to treating anxious patients and their comfort and safety is of the utmost priority to him. He’ll keep you informed about every step of your treatment, ensuring you always feel comfortable and confident.

We hope you find our tips on how to calm dental anxiety helpful. You can also visit www.anxiety.org.uk for a free download with some helpful advice.

17/05/2023

Gum disease and diabetes are inextricably linked, but there’s increasing evidence that both conditions are also risk factors for dementia.

It's thought that inflammation, a hallmark of both conditions, contributes to changes in the brain that can lead to cognitive decline.

Now a study has sought to understand how all three conditions can influence and aggravate each other.

Drawing on data from a 12-year Health and Retirement study, researchers found that those aged 65 with both diabetes and edentulism (completely missing teeth) had worse cognitive function compared to those who had neither condition.

Groups with one condition experienced accelerated cognitive decline, but those aged 65 to 74 with both conditions had the worst cognitive function and the fastest rate of decline.

The research shows how important good dental health and diabetes management are for reducing the likelihood of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The key things to remember are:

👩‍🔬 Keep on top of your dental and hygienist appointments, particularly if you have diabetes or gum disease
🦷 Gently brush your teeth and gums twice a day
🧵 Floss once a day with an interdental brush or floss
🥗 Eat a healthy, balanced diet
🍪 Limit your consumption of sugary drinks and snacks
🚬 If you smoke, seek help to quit

13/03/2023

Forget sugary cereals and acidic orange juice, get your day off to a great start with a that's low in sugar and full of tooth-friendly ingredients.

These breakfast ideas are kind to teeth and are nutrient packed for optimal oral health.

And remember, don't brush your teeth immediately after eating; wait 30 minutes. If you're heading straight out the door, chew sugar-free gum instead.

09/03/2023

Periodontal disease has been linked to a realm of other health conditions including heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's.

Most recently, a researcher at Rice University, Texas, uncovered a link between periodontal disease and flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain and stiffness in the joints. Specifically, she discovered that increased levels of bacteria associated with largely correlated with arthritic flare-ups.

It's hoped that tracing this connection between the two conditions will lead to developing new treatment therapies for rheumatoid arthritis, such as a mouthwash to prevent flare-ups.

Looking after your gums is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

🦷 Gently brush your teeth and gums twice a day
🧵 Floss once a day with an interdental brush or floss
🥗 Eat a healthy, balanced diet
👩‍🔬 Keep on top of your dental and hygienist appointments
🚬 If you smoke, seek help to quit

15/02/2023

If you're the kind of person who gets a little bored brushing their teeth....why not use it as an opportunity to multitask💅😁

31/01/2023

Bye bye January, it's been....errr...very long!

But now it's ticked off, there's plenty to smile about this month 😁

And if you need a little help with that smile, why not book a consultation with Dr Matthew Gahan.

Dr Gahan is a GDC-registered specialist in:

⭐️ Restorative Dentistry (dental implants)
⭐️ Endodontics (root canal treatment)
⭐️ Periodontics (gum disease treatment)
⭐️️ Prosthodontics (dentures)

Having worked both as an NHS consultant and in private practice, Dr Gahan has a wealth of experience and expertise and can help you achieve the smile you've always dreamed about. If you'd like to discuss treatment with Dr Gahan, just get in touch with the friendly team at Finkle Hill Dental Care to arrange a consultation:

☎️ 01977 682200
📧 [email protected]

18/01/2023

Looking for a bit of motivation to get you through the remainder of ?

Hopefully, almost three weeks in you'll be enjoying the benefits including less anxiety, better sleep and more energy. But even if you're not yet, your body will be thanking you!

Not only should you be looking and feeling better, you've made a really important step in improving your oral health 😁

Alcohol is really is your mouth's worst nightmare as it's a direct cause of problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and dry mouth.

Studies have found that even one alcoholic drink a day reduces the amount of healthy bacteria in the mouth, leading to the development of gum disease and tooth decay.

On top of that, the acidic nature of drinks such as white wine and cider can erode tooth enamel. Whereas the high sugar content of ciders, beers and wine can lead to tooth decay.

Alcohol also causes several types of cancer, including mouth cancer. Although quitting alcohol is not associated with immediate reductions in cancer risk, the risk does gradually decline the longer you abstain.

You've got this! 💪

17/01/2023

Are you doing this year?

Even if you’re not going full-out vegan, including more fruit and vegetables in your diet is a low-risk, high-return investment when it comes to overall health and wellbeing 🥕🍐🍎💪

And when it comes to keeping teeth and gums healthy, here are the seasonal big hitters you should loading up your trolley with.

Seasonal means it's kinder to the environment and your finances too 🙂

⭐ Apples and pears
The perfect post-meal snack. Their fibrous texture stimulates gums and increases saliva production, helping to remove food particles and bacteria. They’re also a great source of vitamin C which helps to keep gums healthy.

⭐ Purple sprouting broccoli
Packed with carotenoids, which could help to reduce gum disease, plus vitamin C and folic acid to maintain healthy gums.

⭐ Beetroot
A study by The University of Applied Sciences in Upper Austria found that drinking beetroot juice can prevent tooth decay. Beetroot is rich in inorganic nitrates, which are converted by the body into nitric oxide. This in turn slows the growth of tooth-attacking bacteria found in plaque.

⭐ Carrots
Not only do carrots stimulate saliva production, they’re also high in gum-friendly vitamins A and C. Their hard texture and fibrous structure can help to clean teeth.

⭐ Kale
Leafy greens such as kale are rich in tooth and gum-friendly nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and folic acid.

10/01/2023

Happy patients make us happy too! 😁