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Siri
Thomas, Editor October ‘24
Hello patients of Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence and welcome to the first edition of our new patient magazine. We hope to use this publication as a place to showcase what we do, talk about the importance of oral health, and give you the opportunity to get to know your dental professionals in a different light.
This edition has features on Chad, our dentist here at Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence, along with our wonderful practice manager Leila
Matthews. We also have articles on the risks of destination dentistry as well as why interdental cleaning is so important.
As ever, if you want to chat about your experience or have any feedback on the magazine, speak to a member of the reception team or email us at: reception@plymouthdental.co.uk.
Hello, I’m Siri, the editor of The Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence magazine and fellow Plymouth local.
We are thrilled to be launching the first edition of Dental Scribe Media in the city where I was born. I am looking forward to sharing the fantastic dental practice that is Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence with you all, in a more intimate and personal way. In this issue you can expect to find articles about oral health, as well as detailed case studies showcasing the fantastic team.
At Dental Scribe Media, our editorial team has a combined 15 years experience in journalism and clinical dentistry, and is passionate about providing entertaining and informative content. If you want to continue reading at home, or share with family and friends, simply scan the QR code on the front cover to access the online version.
All the best and happy reading.
Editor: Siri Thomas, siri@dentalscribemedia.co.uk
Clinical Lead: Shaun Hodge, shaun@dentalscribemedia.co.uk
Design: Finley-Mae Stainfield, info@dentalscribemedia.co.uk
Advertising: Poppy Holland sales@dentalscribemedia.co.uk
Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence is published by Zenith Print, an independent sustainable publisher based in South Wales.
Every six months Dental Scribe Media delivers hundreds of bespoke magazines to dental practices across the country, and they sit in front of thousands of patients in dentist waiting rooms. If you would like to advertise in front of a captive audience don’t hesitate to contact our sales team at info@dentalscribemedia.co.uk.
We offer preferential rates for independent businesses and charities.
Since opening our doors in 1995 to the people of Plymouth and beyond, our mission has remained the same: to deliver a stress free and calm environment for our patients. We have a team of highly knowledgeable and experienced dental professionals, some of which have been here for nearly 30 years.
We also have specialist dentists, which means we rarely have to refer patients elsewhere as most cases can be treated in-house. We are privileged to be one of few practices in the region able to offer several specialist treatments under one roof.
Get to know our amazing team!
At Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence we have five surgeries, ten dentists, nine dental nurses, three hygienists/therapists, seven reception/ administrative staff and one manager. The practice was founded by Dr. Mitesh Badiani nearly three decades ago, and has been serving the people of Plymouth, Saltash, Plympton, Torpoint and beyond since then. We have even won several awards over the years including ‘National Team of the year 2013’. We offer a range of services including advanced cosmetic and general dentistry. We also provide dental implants, invisalign, and hygiene appointments.
Did you know we also offer finance options from 0% interest — helping you to spread the cost of treatment when required?
And why DIY dentistry isn’t worth it.
The desire for straight teeth is skyrocketing in the UK with online “solutions” growing in popularity, but what is the reality of DIY orthodontics?
Clear aligners are a popular and discreet way to achieve straight teeth, and when delivered by a trained professional such as Dr Chad and Dr Alik, they are highly effective. But as the demand for straight teeth increases, so does the desire for a quick and cheap fix, with many opting for cheaper options, including online DIY dentistry solutions.
DIY orthodontics typically involves purchasing aligners online without the oversight of a dental professional. After completing an online form and paying, you can receive a “do it yourself kit” within a few days, instructing you to create a dental impression or undergo a digital scan at a local store. These impressions or scans serve as the basis for crafting a customised set of aligners, which are then shipped directly to your doorstep along with a treatment plan. Alarmingly, this entire process often occurs without any consultation with a qualified dentist or orthodontist.
Major dental bodies such as the British Orthodontic Society and the General Dental Council strongly advise against DIY orthodontics. Although marketed as a simple and risk-free treatment which can be carried out by anyone, this is far from the truth. It is important to see a dental professional for orthodontic treatment.
Before undergoing orthodontic treatment, a full clinical examination is required to ensure the procedure will be safe and suitable. Any work carried out on unhealthy teeth can have serious consequences, including tooth loss. The only way to be sure you are suitable is to be assessed in person by a dental professional, before beginning treatment.
There are a range of possible orthodontic options for different types of problems. With DIY orthodontics, there is only one treatment choice and it may not be suitable for your specific case.
The General Dental Council said : “there is no effective substitute for a physical, clinical examination”.
In a full statement released in 2021, they said:
“In line with current authoritative clinical guidance, and orthodontic training, clinical judgements about the suitability of a proposed course of orthodontic treatment must be based on a full assessment of the patient’s oral health.”
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, book in online or at reception with one of our team. Our experts are highly experienced in the use of Invisalign to safely and effectively straighten teeth and achieve your perfect smile.
“There is no effective substitute for a physical, clinical examination.”
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Dr Chad is well-loved by our patients, who are often saying he has helped them overcome dental anxiety and helped fight their fear of oral examinations. Alongside his role at Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence, Dr Chad loves to excersise and explore new places.
What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry?
It stemmed from a desire to combine my passion for science and medicine with a hands-on approach to helping people improve their health and well-being. Dentistry allows me to make a positive impact on individuals’ lives by promoting oral health, relieving pain, and restoring smiles.
What do you find most rewarding about being a dentist?
The opportunity to positively impact people’s lives on a daily basis. Whether it’s relieving a patient’s pain, restoring their smile, or helping them overcome dental anxiety. Also building trust and rapport with patients, seeing their confidence grow, and witnessing the transformation in their smiles.
Can you share a memorable patient success story that highlights the impact of your work?
I had a patient who battled severe dental anxiety, making routine visits challenging due to past traumatic experiences. We opted for IV sedation to ease their nerves, ensuring they felt informed and supported throughout the process. Once sedated, the patient relaxed significantly, allowing us to efficiently perform the necessary procedures while closely monitoring their wellbeing. After completing treatment, the patient expressed deep gratitude for the compassionate care they received.
What advice do you commonly give to patients for maintaining optimal oral health?
To prioritise consistent oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, as well as flossing daily to remove plaque, prevent cavities and avoid gum disease. Additionally, I stress the importance of a balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods, as these can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential for detecting and addressing any oral health issues.
Are there any misconceptions about dentistry that you often encounter, and how do you address them?
The belief that dental visits are always painful or uncomfortable. I emphasize the advancements in dental technology and techniques have made treatments more comfortable and efficient than ever before. I also take the time to explain the steps involved in each procedure and how we prioritize patient comfort throughout the process.
What do you think is the future of dentistry, and how do you see your role evolving?
The future of dentistry holds exciting possibilities driven by technological advancements, innovative treatments, and a growing emphasis on personalised care. I anticipate a greater integration of digital technologies such as 3D imaging, CAD/CAM systems into everyday practice which would enable more precise diagnostics, treatment planning, and communication with patients.
Lastly, what do you enjoy doing outside of your work as a dentist?
I enjoy hitting the gym to stay active and healthy. It’s a great way for me to clear my mind and recharge. Traveling is another passion of mine — I love exploring new places and soaking in different cultures. Spending quality time with family and friends is really important to me, whether it’s a night in or going on an adventure. When I need to unwind, I often turn to music — it’s a great way for me to relax. Its important to have a balance, between work and personal life and therefore I have always made it a priority.
Dr Jess Laidlaw GP registrar and qualified gym instructor.
How many hours a day do you spend sitting down?
How often do you intentionally move to increase your pulse and breathing rate?
A quarter of all adults are considered ‘physically inactive’, based on the Government definition (30 minutes per week of moderate intensity activity – i.e. increased breathing but able to talk). If you’re over the age of 75, there is about a 50% chance that you will fall into this category, and if you’re over the age of 85, this increases to 70% (based on Sport England Active Lives survey data).
Physical inactivity is well known to increase with age, but can be detrimental to strength, posture and balance. This can have knock-on effects for physical, mental and social wellbeing. For example, higher inactivity levels can increase the risk of falls and broken bones, weaker muscles, low mood, and social isolation. This negative impact on an older person’s quality of life can subsequently affect the confidence and motivation needed to boost activity levels
The good news is, people who are physically inactive gain the biggest health benefits from moving more. While the prospect of exercise may seem daunting, even introducing 10 minutes of additional movement each day can lead to significant improvements to health and wellbeing. Regular activity reduces your risk of many health conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. It also boosts mood, energy levels and confidence.
Finding an activity that brings you joy is key to making sustainable changes. Consider encouraging friends or family to join you, or using exercise as an opportunity to meet new people in the community.
Increasing movement can be easily achieved in your own home, at seniors’ exercise classes or at your local community or leisure centres, or even through one-toone personal training sessions at your nearest gym.
Be sure to exercise within safe limits, start gradually and listen to your body — slow down when you need to, and stop if you feel unwell. If your symptoms don’t resolve quickly with rest, seek urgent medical advice.
Ideas to start your journey on the move ...
Standing up regularly to avoid prolonged periods of sitting – such as during TV advert breaks
Taking the stairs rather than a lift
Carrying groceries
Dancing whilst doing housework
When you feel ready, try adding in something new ...
Try chair-based exercises –YouTube is a good place to start!
Gardening
Swimming
Jogging
Other options include toe tapping to music, walking to the shops, or getting off the bus a few stops earlier.
Age UK, the British Heart Foundation, and NHS website have lots of ideas and resources to help you find the right movement for you, or alternatively speak to your GP or staff at your local leisure centre.
Other options include, walking football, dance class, Tai Chi, Pilates, yoga and wheelchair workouts.
“Outstanding service, I would highly recommend them as a Dental Practiceit’s all in the name,
‘Centre of Excellence’.”
Google Review
Meet Leila; you might have spotted her behind reception, hurrying through the practice or even out on a run. She has been Practice Manager since October 2022, but has been at the practice since 2006, when she started as a trainee dental nurse. Leila is responsible for the smooth running of the practice and maintaining the excellent care of patients and staff. Leila has spent years passing on her knowledge to the team of nurses. Outside of managing Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence, Leila likes to run ultra marathons for fun.
How long have you worked in dentistry?
I have worked in this industry for nearly 20 years, all of which have been at Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence. I was a dental nurse for 16 years before going down the managerial route. I have been with Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence for 18 years and was the assistance manager up until I took over in late 2022.
What sort of things did you work on when you were a nurse?
I am an experienced specialist dental nurse and have spent years assisting with implant surgery, so have helped with lots of complex cases. I am also trained in radiography, sedation, and impression taking.
What has it been like spending 18 years at this practice?
I really love this practice, the team are like family and I have taken such joy watching the environment flourish over the years. I have to give lots of credit to Dr Badiani, who has helped train and mentor me since I walked through the door as a trainee dental nurse. His guidance has helped me get to where I am today.
What is your favourite thing about being the Practice Manager?
As much as I miss working in surgery, I do get to pop my head in to see all of the familiar patients I have helped treat for many years. But being Practice Manager means I can ensure the work place is run to a high standard and that everyone here is looked after. It also means that I can help patients in a different way and still get to chat to everyone.
What is something people might not know about you?
I am very privileged to have joined Mitesh Badiani on a few charity trips. So far, I have travelled to Tanzania, South Africa, and most recently the Congo in April this year. These trips involved a small team funding themselves to help treat local communities that don’t have access to dental care. Most of the work is tooth extractions under local anaesthetic, for which they are extremely grateful. You will see many pictures in our waiting room of some of the fantastic work we have done, and the charity is now getting more exposure, meaning Mitesh can do this work in more countries.
A d v ice fromour dentiststo you
Dr Shaun Hodge
The promise of combining a holiday in the sun with a smile makeover is a rather tempting one, but not one that should necessarily be combined.
In recent years there has been an increase in companies offering such packages, with more people opting to have dental work overseas, in places such as Turkey. Destination dentistry has gained traction with influencers and celebrities opting to travel abroad for such treatment. However, there is a dark side to dental tourism — in this article we will take a look at some important factors to consider when thinking about treatment locally or abroad.
In the UK, all dental professionals have to be registered with the General Dental Council, who hold clinicians to an extremely high set of standards. Because of this, you can be assured your dentist is suitably qualified to do the job. Not all countries have a comparable governing body, meaning there is no guarantee that the care you have will be subject to the same level of regulation that exists in the UK.
Complex treatments such as smile makeovers, composite bonding, and veneers often take more than one or two appointments to perfect. They also require a high degree of planning, and follow up appointments are often needed to ensure you get the result you expect. When these follow up appointments are carried out overseas, the financial and time costs can quickly add up, reducing any initial savings made from choosing to have your dental treatment abroad. Similarly, no matter how much care and planning is put into dental treatment, complications can occasionally occur.
Return visits to an overseas clinic are likely to be costly and time consuming, and trying to diagnose and discuss any issues over email or phone calls can be very difficult and frustrating. On top of this, it can be technically challenging for your local dentist to try and correct any issues with another dentist’s work, as they may not know the materials or techniques used.
Again, any initial financial savings may be rapidly outweighed with such corrective
work. It is a huge step to decide to undergo life changing dental treatment. Whether it be dental implants or a smile makeover, it is important you can be confident in the clinical work provided. Although seeking treatment overseas can at first seem like a money saving option, as explained above, costs can quickly stack up.
Here at Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence we pride ourselves on the highest standards of clinical care. If you are considering life changing dental treatment, we have a range of finance packages available to make such a step more affordable than you might think!
Book online, email, or speak to us at reception about the life changing treatments we offer.
reception@plymouthdental.co.uk
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would like to share how amazing these people are. I came in as an unregistered emergency and they could not have been kinder, or more professional. They showed me outstanding care and service. Extra special gratitude for Kirsty Lewis and Sam Cox. I really am so grateful ladies.”
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Gum disease is one of the most common diseases on the planet, often going unnoticed in its early stages. If left untreated, it can have huge consequences on your quality of life, potentially leading to bad breath, wobbly teeth, difficulty eating and chewing, loss of confidence and even tooth loss. Thankfully in most cases, gum disease can be successfully diagnosed and treated.
Here at Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence, we take our commitment to gum health very seriously. With a team of highly trained and talented hygienists, we are well equipped to provide you with first-class periodontal care. This guide is designed
to answer some questions you may have about gum disease. If you would like to discuss anything further with a member of our team, book a consultation.
Gum disease is an inflammatory condition. When plaque builds up around your teeth, the gum becomes inflamed. This may appear as red, swollen and sore gums, which bleed when brushed. If left untreated, this inflammation can cause the bone which holds our teeth in place to shrink away. Over time this may lead to teeth becoming increasingly wobbly, and in the worst cases teeth may even fall out. One of the challenges
of managing gum disease is that the early symptoms can be very subtle, and can be easily missed. It is often a painless condition and there is a common misconception that bleeding gums are completely normal. However, if not diagnosed and treated early, gum disease can begin to impact negatively on our quality of life. Bad breath, receding gums, difficulty eating and chewing and tooth loss can all have a big impact on our lives.
Gum disease can impact on your general health. It makes sense that the health of our mouth can impact on the rest of the body. In recent years, there has been a significant amount of research into
the associations between gum disease and a range of other conditions. In particular, gum disease has been linked to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as being associated with complications of pregnancy.
On a positive note, in the majority of cases, gum disease is possible to treat and stabilise. This is especially so when diagnosed early, therefore it’s a great idea to visit the dentist for regular check ups, and the hygienist for regular gum care. Although bone loss due to the disease cannot easily be ‘re-grown’, it is often possible to stabilise the disease, reducing the inflammation which helps
your gums and mouth feel much healthier.
Gum disease treatment often comes in three stages:
Diagnosis and oral hygiene advice
Gum disease cannot be treated without the patient being fully committed to improving their oral health. It is vital that you have a good understanding of the condition, and do what you can at home to help keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal
This involves thorough cleaning above and below the gum line, in an effort to remove or disturb the plaque build up responsible for the inflammation of your gums. This is often done with the aid of local anaesthetic, to make sure you are comfortable. In the weeks following treatment your gums heal and tighten up around your teeth. In some cases, certain sites may require some advanced treatments, including surgical therapy.
1 2 3
Supportive care
Once the disease has been stabilised, it is important to continue to regularly visit the hygienist for what is called ‘supportive care’. This is a simple clean, ensuring that your plaque and inflammation levels are kept low.
Patients often ask ...
“If I have gum disease, can I have dental implants?”
It is not advisable to have dental implants if you have unstable, untreated gum disease. This is because you can get a disease around implants which is similar to gum disease, and can lead to the failure of any implant treatment. The good news is that in successfully treated gum disease patients, whose disease is ‘stable’, dental implants can be placed successfully — albeit with higher risk of failure in the long term.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with one of our periodontal experts, please ask reception.
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Tooth loss can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life. As well as affecting your smile, it can also limit your ability to eat the foods you love and can have a negative impact on your self-esteem.
The development of dental implants has enabled dentists to provide a life changing and effective treatment to patients suffering from tooth loss.
A dental implant is a titanium screw which is inserted into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The implant acts as support for a false tooth or a denture. Implants offer a ‘fixed’ replacement for missing teeth, which if well cared for, can last for decades.
Although the modern dental implant was developed in the 1960s, ingenious humans have been experimenting with methods of replacing teeth for thousands of years. Evidence of dental implants made of shells, stone or precious gems have been discovered in Mayan excavations reaching back as far as 600AD, almost 1,500
professional s years ago. Here at Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence we are lucky enough to have a number of dentists who are experts in dental implant treatment, including Dr Mitesh Badiani. Mitesh has over 15 years experience in dental implantology, placing over 4,000 implants in that time. He was also Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick for over ten years on the Masters Implant programme.
A dental implant is a titanium screw which is inserted into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth.
Before you undergo dental implant treatment your dentist will check the amount of bone present. If there is not enough bone, often further procedures such as bone grafting can be carried out to make implant placement possible. Although, there are some medical conditions which make implant placement more complicated, most patients are suitable for implants. When your implants are well cared for at home with excellent brushing, and with regular visits to the hygienist, they can last decades.
Implants are one of the most reliable treatment options available for replacing missing teeth.
What is dental implant treatment like?
You will be numb during the procedure, and many patients tell us that the implant placement is far easier than a tooth extraction. As with every surgical procedure, there may be some mild discomfort for a short time after the implant is placed. Treatment time depends on the complexity of the case. In some cases an implant can be placed and then restored with a false tooth the very same day. Most of the time the implant is left for several weeks to ‘fuse’ to the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration, before being restored.
Your dentist will be sure to discuss the expected timescales and your bespoke treatment plan at your implant consultation.
I have gum disease, can I still have dental implants?
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Studies have shown patients who have gum disease to be more at risk of implant failure. However, if your gum disease is under control and you are looking after your teeth very well at home, dental implants can still be placed with success.
The children’s charity has four place-based Together for Childhood partnerships in Plymouth, Stoke-on-Trent, Grimsby and Govan.
Having now been established for five years the initiative aims to bring local partners and families together to make communities safer places for children. This involves delivering a programme of work that goes beyond developing services to support children and families and instead creates a widereaching programme that leads to sustainable systems change.
By engaging local people, Together for Childhood aims to get them involved in understanding and deciding how they can contribute to keeping children safe.
In Grimsby an awarenessraising and behaviour change campaign was launched to prevent peer-to-peer and partner domestic abuse. Together for Childhood led on abuse prevention campaigns in primary and secondary schools.
Each Together for Childhood location has a different area of focus:
• In Plymouth and Stoke-on-Trent the focus is preventing sexual abuse.
• In Grimsby and Govan the focus is on families facing adversity.
During 2022-23 the NSPCC worked with and supported more than 30,000 children and adults with projects across the four areas covered by Together for Childhood.
Together for Childhood in Govan developed a six-week emotional resilience programme for primary school children in response to reports of social and emotional delays and difficulties post-Covid.
These are just some of the ways that Together for Childhood has been making a difference in local communities.
Together for Childhood is making strong progress towards reaching its ambitious goals of learning what works in preventing child abuse and making communities safer for children. There have already been noticeable changes in partnership working and increased understanding in local communities.
In Plymouth Together for Childhood focused on supporting children and young people to lead and develop child sexual abuse prevention models in schools. This resulted in initiatives including a whole school approach to prevent peer-on-peer harm; and a children and young people-led approach to Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE).
This was also an area of focus for Together for Childhood in Stoke-on-Trent with practitioners working with four local schools to create meaningful and carefully implemented Relationships Education for primary age children and Relationships and Sex Education for secondary aged students.
To find out more about Together for Childhood, visit nspcc.org.uk/ together-for-childhood
For more information about the NSPCC and details of how to support the charity, visit nspcc.org.uk
Being unhappy with your smile can really get you down. If you find yourself hiding your teeth when you laugh, or shying away from a big grin when it’s time for family photos, you might be surprised at the amazing results some subtle improvements could make.
Fear of the unknown stops a lot of patients from exploring their options when it comes to smile makeovers. That knot in your stomach when you take your place in the dentists chair might even be putting you off asking the dentist what the options are to improve your smile. Well, you might be amazed at how simply and painlessly our team might be able to help you. Dr Aleks is an expert in smile makeovers, having trained all over the world in a wide variety of techniques. Here, we take you on one patients journey to their dream smile.
Jamie plucked up the courage to come and speak to Dr Aleks after years of feeling conscious of his teeth. He felt they had become discoloured and worn over the years, and had always disliked the way they crowded together.
After a detailed discussion and assessment with Dr Aleks the following treatment plan was proposed :
After a digital scan of Jamie’s teeth, Aleks was able to use his expertise to design the perfect smile and allow Jamie to preview this in digital format prior to committing to the plan.
Jamie’s crowding had always really bothered him. He was keen to avoid the traditional ‘train track’ braces, so Dr Aleks utilised the Invisalign system, where a series of clear retainers, barely noticeable when you smile and talk, are used to gently move the teeth into a more favourable position. This not only improves the appearance of the smile, but can also help maintain healthy gums by making cleaning easier.
The finishing touches to Jamie’s smile makeover involved gently whitening the teeth, using safe and professional bleaching guaranteed to achieve excellent results.
All of this was done without any discomfort, and with no drilling. With a few subtle improvements Jaimie’s smile has been transformed, allowing him to smile and laugh with confidence. All of this was carried out in as minimally invasive a way as possible, utilising Dr Aleks high level of skill in smile makeover design, composite bonding and adult orthodontics. If you are fed up of hiding your smile, why not book a consultation with Dr Aleks today to see what might be possible. The smile of your dreams might be more easily achievable than you think.
Rachel White, Dietician and Sports Nutritionist
The saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is a common English proverb. It advocates for the consumption of apples to keep you in good health and avoid the need to see the doctor often. This proverb has been around since the 19th century, and is still widely used as a term of encouragement to eat more fruit.
These days, whilst we know that one apple is probably not enough to keep up our general health, it certainly is a good start. But what effect could this have
As dietitians we often recommend our clients to follow a healthy balanced diet, but what does this actually mean? The Eatwell Guide lists recommendations that I have included at the end of this article; which if followed, are likely to help reduce the risk of developing long term health conditions and help maintain good health.
When we think about healthy eating from a dental perspective, the recommendations do not always match up. Tooth decay happens when sugary and starchy foods stick to our teeth and are broken down by the natural bacteria in our mouth. When this happens, a small amount of acid is released, the pH in our mouth decreases, and this dissolves the tooth enamel. Over time, this causes damage and can lead to dental cavities. It takes around 20 minutes for the pH of the mouth to return to normal. So, if you are eating regularly across the day and having frequent snacks, then our mouth will not have the chance to recover before the next acidic attack.
The main culprits when it comes to acidic
foods are fizzy drinks and fruit.
‘Fizziness’ is often a sign a drink is acidic. This includes fizzy drinks, pop and carbonated drinks. It is important to note that even ‘diet’ versions of these drinks are still harmful. Some alcoholic drinks are also acidic; including beer, cider, prosecco and white wine. Whilst it may not be possible to avoid these drinks all the time, try having them alongside a meal, using a straw or sipping quickly. These can all be ways help minimise the damaging effects. Many fruits contain citric acid, which promotes dental erosion. The most acidic fruits are lemons, limes, plums, grapes, grapefruit, and blueberries. Pineapples, oranges, peaches and tomatoes are also high in citric acid.
Now, as a dietitian I am certainly not going to tell you not to eat fruit! But like with fizz, there are ways to minimise the effect on your dental health. Keep fruit to mealtimes, this way you get your apple a day with lower
impact to your teeth. Then always try to eat the fruit in its whole format, rather than as
To help achieve a balanced diet the dietary recommendations are as follows:
1
Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day
Base meals on higher fibre starchy foods, for example potato, bread, rice or pasta
Have some dairy or dairy alternatives 4 5 6
Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein
Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and eat them in small amounts
Drink plenty of water or fluids
“I had an amazing service with Plymouth Dental Centre of Excellence. All the staff were very helpful and the dentist I had Reshmi was very good, she provided me with advice at the check-up, the clean I had was the best. Thank you very much.”
Google Review
By Tabitha Breare
Like many people who grew up in Pymouth and moved away after school, I’ve recently come home to my roots. Having been based here for nearly two decades, I moved away to study politics but made the decision to return as a twenty-something and reconnect with the city I love and know best. Being drawn back to our hometown is common amongst us Janners and it’s easy to see why.
Nestled between Dartmoor and the sea, Plymouth is a verdant ocean city with plenty to offer in history and culture. Its seaside setting means there’s plenty of places for seafood lovers, whilst the city’s naval heritage and rich history of immigration means that even the more low-key spots can carry a sense of adventure.
Whether you’ve just landed in Britain’s Ocean City, or you’re an old-timer looking for some fresh ideas, here’s a list of Plymouth picks that you won’t want to miss out on.
A new offering for people in Plymouth, situated at the top of Mutley Plain. Sonny’s Coffee Shop is dog friendly and hosts regular mum and baby meet ups. Open Weds-Sun.
In the city centre, you can find local independent art supplies and print shop, The Art Side. Perfect for the creative or craft lover.
Handmade chocolates and truffles by one-man-band based in Royal William Yard. They are delicious!
HonkyTonk Wine Library
As their website says; “Your ultimate destination for exceptional wines and memorable experiences all year round!” Well, we certainly agree. Find them on the water front at Plymouth’s Sutton Harbour.
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From pregnancy to parenthood.
Benefit from the power of Yoga together
Practice from the comfort of your own home
Personalised practice, tailored to your unique needs.
