The Poplars Dental Practice, Rodley

09/06/2026

National Smile Month: Common Mistakes…. Brushing too hard!

Brushing your teeth is important. But brushing too hard can do more harm than good.

Many people think that the harder they scrub, the cleaner their teeth will be. This is not true. Teeth need careful effective cleaning, not force.

Brushing too hard can:

- Wear away enamel.

- Make teeth sensitive.

- Damage gums.

- Cause gums to recede.

- Lead to long-term problems and make teeth harder to fix

Enamel does not grow back. Once it is worn away, teeth can look more yellow and feel more sensitive.

Healthy brushing should be gentle and thorough. You should use small circular movements and focus on one section at a time.

To avoid brushing too hard:

Electric toothbrushes can help. Many have pressure sensors that warn you if you are brushing too firmly.

If using a manual have a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Hold the brush lightly, not tightly and let the bristles do the work, gentle circles not scrubbing!

If your gums are sore or your teeth feel sensitive, it may be a sign you are brushing too hard. Speak to your dental team if you are unsure and try a sensitive toothpaste.

Gentle brushing, done properly twice a day, is enough to remove plaque and protect your smile.

01/06/2026

National Smile Month: Common Mistakes… Ignoring bleeding gums

Gums should not bleed when you brush or clean between your teeth . Bleeding is often an early sign of gum disease.

Some people stop brushing when they see blood. This can make the problem worse. Bleeding usually means plaque has built up along the gum line.

Signs of gum disease can include:

- Gums that bleed during brushing.

- Swollen or sore gums.

- Bad breath.

- Receding gums.

- Loose teeth in later stages.

Gum disease is often painless at first. That is why it can be easy to ignore.

The good news is that early gum problems can usually be improved with better daily cleaning.

You should:

*Continue brushing gently twice a day, including carefully along the gum line.

*Clean between your teeth daily with interdental brushes and floss…. It’s not a one size fits all job!

*Use a fluoride mouthwash at a different time of day to brushing to remove plaque.

*Visit your dental team for advice.

If gum disease is not treated, it can affect the bone supporting your teeth. This may lead to tooth loss over time.

Bleeding gums are a warning sign. Acting early can prevent more serious problems later.

29/05/2026

Celebrating 50 Years of National Smile Month!

Smile Month has been part of life in the UK for 50 years. It began as a simple idea. Help people understand how to look after their teeth and gums at home, not just in the dental chair.

Many people only think about their mouths when something hurts. The campaign aims to change that. It focuses on everyday habits that could stop problems before they start!

There has always been 3 key messages;
- Brush well: Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Cut down on sugar: Limit sugary foods and snacks.
- Visit your dentist: Go for regular check-ups.

This year we are going to post about some common dental myths and mistakes patients 🦷

19/03/2026

Did you know we now stock flexi-denture, aligner and retainer care products?

We have available the 12 Months Supply Val-Clean sachets, sonic cleaners and silicone brushes

Val-Clean is specially formulated and approved for use with Valplast Flexible Partials. Each box of Val-Clean contains 12 monthly dose sachets - 1 years supply, full instructions included

Sonic Cleaners are simple to use for low maintenance dental appliances care. Place your aligner, retainer or denture inside, add your chosen cleaning agent, close the lid and press the on/off button

Silicone Toothbrush's are soft, non-abrasive bristles which can protect the delicate, specialized material of your flexi denture from scratches and damage.

14/02/2026

One of our absolutely fantastic apprentices has won Apprentice of the Year! has worked so hard, been resilient through all sorts of challenges and thoroughly deserves this award. Well done Tegan 😍😍😍

28/11/2025

As part of mouth cancer action month, the Oral Health Foundation have announced that a mouth cancer check instructional video is now available in over 20 languages, meaning more people than ever can access an easy tutorial with life-saving information.

In this video we show you how to do a mouth cancer check at home. It only takes two minutes however this simple check could save your life one day. For more ...