Category: Uncategorised

Spotlight on cancer services

We are delighted to have our doors open again and be able to offer a full range of treatment
services albeit at a reduced capacity but at least its progress from where we were this time last
year!

The roll out of the vaccine has been tremendous and many of our staff have enrolled to facilitate
distributing the vaccine to our local community. I still am impressed by how resilient and quickly we
deal with adversity as a nation when we are faced with it. Another source of adversity that we
continue to face is the continuing prevalence of a variety of cancers. Some of these are
preventable.

Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably.
The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs.
Finding cancer early means that it can be easier to treat. Aneurin Bevan health board have a
website that gives full details on signs and symptoms of cancer and what to do if you have any
concerns

abuhb.nhs.wales/clinical-futures/spotlight-on/cancer-services/

As a dental team, we routinely look out for any signs of mouth cancer when you attend for your
check up but a few warning signs that you should look out for are

✦ a single lesion present for more than 2 weeks
✦ non smooth surface
✦ red/white colour
✦ firm to touch
✦ painless

You may be aware from previous posts that smoking and especially the combination of smoking
and alcohol consumption can increase your risk of mouth cancer. In Wales we have a completely
free service called “helpmequit” and this is a dedicated team of experts who can assist you in
managing to give up smoking and decrease your risk of developing mouth cancer.

Please use the link below to access their specialist free service or call the practice so that we can
directly refer you to them and you can begin your journey towards a smoke free future.

https://www.helpmequit.wales/

Another important health message that I would like to share with you is the risk of developing
cancer through human papilloma virus. This can affect a number of regions of the body including
the mouth and a vaccine has been developed to protect and prevent this virus causing cancerous
changes to the body. It is offered routinely to all children in years 7 and 8 (age 12-14)and we
would fully support the uptake of this vaccine to this age group.

For more information please visit

https://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/livewell/vaccinations/HPVvaccine/

Another less common cancer that we keep an eye out for is melanoma or skin cancer. Getting
sunburnt just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer. During your
dental check up, we examine the lips and face for signs of skin changes. So whether you are
working on your “Treharris Tan” or soaking up the “Rhondda Rays” do remember to help
yourselves by applying high factor suncream to your lips and face and wear a broad rim or peaked
hat.

I hope this information is helpful to you and a reminder of what we can all do to reduce our risk to
ourselves and our families.
Clare O’Shea

Well, it’s Christmas. I know it is still November, but Christmas has started. There is no point in resisting it anymore, and we would like to spread some yuletide cheer.
To paraphrase Bonnie Tyler, in 2020, we have all been ‘HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO’. Whether that person has done our shop, done our deliveries, cared for those self-isolating, worked long hours in challenging or risky situations or generally acted selflessly. We think the communities of Ystrad Mynach and Nelson have not found wanting.

It’s now time to reward someone you feel deserves credit for their heroic actions. We would like to offer an individual from each community of Ystrad Mynach and Nelson a hamper filled with Christmas goodies (be warned some contain sugar, so enjoy responsibly). There will be a voucher for a local butcher, welsh luxury items and fizzy festive beverage.
If you would like to nominate someone you feel worthy, please email the practice, and write a comprehensive reason as to why they deserve consideration. Prizes will be awarded to the best, the most worthy and most passionate entry.

Hurry, because entries close Friday December 11th. We look forward to hearing about your nominations.
*The image below is for display purposes only*

Lockdown Halloween

Sadly, we will not get to enjoy all the spooky events that occur around half term and Halloween as we continue to support the Government’s efforts in reducing the spread of coronavirus. However, our spirits are still high as we have enjoyed decorating both practices. Check out our scary visitors!!

COVID 19 can be spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus so trick or treating is not being encouraged this year. But that does not mean you cannot have fun! Here are some fun suggestions that we have come up with and maybe you can come up with some more of your own that you would like to share with us. We would love to see your ideas.

Spellbinding ideas include:

• Watch some scary movies with your family
• Decorate your house
• Organise a Halloween treasure hunt in your house or garden
• Dress up and host a virtual Halloween party with friends and family
• Decorate your mask/face covering with scary stickers or a Halloween theme
• Make a Halloween themed dinner/lunch – Pinterest have some Spooktacular ideas!
• Learn a magic trick

Ultimately though we want to keep your teeth healthy, so some small bits of advice are:

• Eat a big meal before you get stuck into the sweets
• Stop children having sweets an hour before bed and assure they brush their teeth for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste before they go to bed. Spit out the toothpaste and do not rinse it off your teeth. The fluoride has a protective factor.
• If you wear braces – avoid eating any sticky or hard as these can damage the braces
• Damage is caused to the teeth due to the frequency of their exposure to sugar. It is not the amount that causes the damage, it is how many times the teeth are exposed to sugar so do not snack on sweets on sweets and chocolates. Let them choose their favourites on Halloween and eat these all in one go as it limits the length of time that the teeth are exposed to sugar.

Let’s have fun and stay safe!!

For free oral health and dietary advice please call us on 01443 812559 (Ystrad Mynach) or 01443 451851 (Nelson) and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help you

Happy Halloween from all at The Grove

With the rise of mandatory use of PPE in public, it is sad and worrying to see the amount of PPE that we see littering our streets. This is obviously not only an environmental concern for wildlife and an eyesore for our communities but is also unsanitary and heightens the risk of spreading disease. Single use PPE cannot be recycled and therefore becomes landfill. This represents a long-term problem on a global level.

Using sustainable masks that can be washed can be our little way of helping to reduce litter and unnecessary waste for our local community. By using a washable face covering, you will be helping the environment, protecting supplies of PPE to our health care and key workers and saving some money ££££££

Washable masks allow you to express your inner fashion sense too!!

Just remember though, to wear your mask correctly!

At the Grove we care deeply about the environment and our lovely Welsh countryside. We have chosen to predominantly use washable gowns for our staff for aerosol generating procedures and recycle all non-clinical waste. Small little measures but little changes will help to make the big differences for future generations.

Sadly we continue to remain in a high amber stage of the pandemic so are still operating from behind a closed door but wanted to reassure you all that we are still here and open to help you with any problems you might have.

We are aware that many of you would like to attend for your regular checkups but due to current restrictions and in line with welsh government advise, we are unable to offer routine care at this time. Should you have any problems, please pick up the telephone or drop us an email and we will be in touch to arrange a face to face visit for you. Should you be shielding, please also contact us so we can try to assist with any dental problems that you might have.

What you can do to help yourselves at this time

1-Avoid the wall of temptation!!

The key message for dental decay prevention is to avoid sugary snacking. Every supermarket I go into has a wall of tubs of Christmas chocolates and Halloween sweets and it’s still only September!!

Although these might be tempting- resist!! Don’t buy them now as you will end up snacking on them and then buying more therefore increasing your chances of decay or pulling a filling out.

2- Spit! Don’t rinse!!

Fluoride can help to remineralizer enamel and therefore has a protective factor for our teeth. We recommend that you use fluoride toothpaste twice daily and that you brush the toothpaste over your teeth for 2 minutes. We would then advise you to “spit- don’t rinse!!’

If you were to then rinse your mouth, you would wash off the toothpaste therefore reducing its protective function. This is particularly beneficial for those of you who suffer with sensitive teeth. Sensitive toothpastes help to block any sensitive parts of the teeth. Try it yourself- usually after a couple of days of adopting this method, the sensitivity reduces- you can even rub it in like an ointment.

Many are now working from home so use this time to care for the space between your teeth too. If you think of your teeth as being little blocks of Lego, if you only brush the tops and the sides i.e. the biting surface and the front and reverse side, then you are failing to brush approximately 25% of the tooth surface. Tepe brushes and flossing help to clean these hidden surfaces therefore removing bacteria from these surfaces too. Try it- you will be surprised how good your mouth feels

3- Contact Help Quit wales

There is never an ideal time to give up smoking so why not give it a go? Smoking hugely increases your chances of developing mouth cancer especially when combined with drinking alcohol. Why not contact help me quit wales for help or drop us a line for us to directly refer you for their expert help. This is a free service in Wales, and if you consider other help groups e.g. weight watchers etc. Success rates tend to be higher when expert help has been sought.

4- Mask up

Follow guidelines on how to protect yourselves and others by following simple instructions

wash your hands – keep washing your hands regularly.

cover your face- wear a face covering in enclosed spaces.

make space- stay at least 2m apart or 1 m

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, BIPOLAR, SCHIZOPHRENIA, STRESS!

One in four adults and one in ten children will experience mental health at some point in their life.

One in five adults has considered taking their own life at some point.

These are the sad facts of people struggling daily with mental health issues. Life is far more stressful now than it has ever been. High profile jobs, working long hours to pay the bills and generally living life 100 mile an hour. Also, the amount of pressure we put on ourselves. More and more people are finding life harder to cope with. Mental Health can affect anyone. It is so important to realise that what may seem trivial or insignificant to you, could be a huge problem for someone suffering with mental health.

We all have days where “things” get on top of us but for most of us, we can shake it off. For myself I try and take an hour where possible, away in a quiet place and listen to relaxing music, with a BIG do not disturb sign on the door. For others this may not be as easy. The feeling of not being able to get rid of the black cloud that hangs over them is extremely distressing and daunting and they will need lots of reassurance and support at these times. They often display signs of low self-esteem, worthlessness or even self-harm.

It is vital that if you notice any change in a family member or friend that you offer your support straight away or seek medical help where needed.

SIGNS OF MENTAL ILLNESS:

• Long lasting sadness or irritability.
• Extremely high and low moods.
• Excessive fear, worry or anxiety.
• Social withdrawal.
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping.
• Lack of personal care.
• Strong feelings of anger.
• Panic attacks.
• Delusions or hallucinations.

Mental Health has a huge impact on the people who are closest to the person suffering. It is so very difficult to help care for someone with such problems. You are faced with different challenges every day, a rollercoaster of emotions. You learn to get “tougher skin” and not to take things personally. You must be non-judgemental, have endless amounts of patience and just to take one day at a time. Your health is also important, so you must take time out and look after your own wellbeing.

 

ADVICE FOR CARERS:

• Educate yourself about Mental Health.
• Seek all resources (I found having the crisis team number at hand was re assuring)
• Have realistic expectations.
• Reach out for support.
• Provide emotional support.
• Help them manage day to day tasks (writing to do lists is a good way to keep focused)
• Encourage them to seek help.
• Encourage them to exercise, outdoors if possible.

Just remember you don’t have to be a professional person to help someone with Mental Health, you just need to Care. Please be kind, we never know what people are struggling with. You could be the difference of life or death. Reach out and be supportive.

We are here to help.

 

 

 

Sadly we enter another 3 weeks of lock down and continue to miss seeing our patients and communities but recognise that this is what is required of us to help the NHS hospitals and staff. We thought we would give you an update on what we have been up to as a practice.

Sharon and Louise have been working hard with our suppliers to secure all the relevant PPE that we will need in order to best protect our staff and patients. It is important going forwards that we can reassure you that all measures are being put in place to protect everyone from Corona virus transmission. We have been implementing measures to enable best social distancing whilst visiting the practice and will further update you on this going forwards for when we have an easing on restrictions to enable us to return to caring for our patients. Measures will include compulsory use of hand sanitiser on entering the building, recording of temperatures of patients with infrared thermometers prior to any procedures, reception screens, and digital solutions for paperwork to reduce risk of transmission from hand to hand whilst completing essential forms such as medical histories. These are in conjunction with our usual robust cross infection measures such as gloves, facemasks, visors, scrub uniform etc. The Government’s final guidelines have not been issued as yet as to the requirements for dental practices but please be assured- we are on it!!

Myself and James have also been meeting regularly with other local dental committees online to ensure our patients best interests are put forwards when restrictions are eased. These meetings are weekly and have input from a wealth of experts on how best to protect everyone moving forwards so some normality can resume. We have also had time to give the Ystrad practice interior a lick of paint and also James has been up a ladder giving the front of the building a little TLC! We also had a practice “well-being” session to help ourselves and staff with stress and relaxation techniques during these tricky times.
We hope you are all well and finding lots of things to keep yourselves busy. We are open 5 days a week for emergency contact and advice. Please do let us know if there is anything we can do to help or even just call to chat if anyone needs to hear a friendly voice.

Hopefully the good weather will return and we will see you all soon when normal service resumes.
Many thanks for your co-operation during lockdown and stay home and stay safe.
Kind regards to you all
Clare and James O’Shea

 

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in water. The amount of fluoride in the water depends on where you live.

Is Fluoride Safe?

Fluoride has been controversial for a long time. However, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that fluoride is harmful. The amount of fluoride is tightly controlled in countries that intentionally add it to drinking water. Public health society say it is unlikely to cause any serious health conditions or problems.

The Benefits Of Fluoride.

Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay and is most effective when applied directly to the teeth. It fights the bacteria living in your mouth by balancing out minerals from the tooth enamel. This fights the cavities and helps to protect the tooth.

Why Is Fluoride In Toothpaste?

Brushing your teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth decay. Most toothpastes contain fluoride but some have higher strengths than others. Mouthwash should not be used at the same time as brushing as this can wash away the toothpaste.

Why Do We Use Fluoride In The Dental Practice?

Fluoride is applied to both baby and adult teeth by the dentist. We do this by painting a clear varnish on to the surface of the tooth every six months. Application is recommended more often for children with a high rate of tooth decay.  We provide this service from the age of three. The advice we offer is not to eat or drink for thirty minutes after the varnish is applied.

 

Myth 1: Eating more sugar means more tooth decay

This isn’t true. It isn’t about the amount of sugar you eat but how frequently you eat it. For example sticky sweets and pop are in the mouth for longer than say a chocolate bar therefore the teeth are under an acid and sugar attack for longer, which will increase the chances of tooth decay. Sweets and chocolate are ok as an occasional treat, and should be consumed all in one go, as ‘grazing’ on these items prolongs the time teeth are under attack!

 

Myth 2: Losing baby teeth to decay is okay

Many people believe that losing baby teeth prematurely to tooth decay is normal and okay as they are meant to fall out anyway. Tooth decay in baby teeth can affect the developing permanent tooth underneath. Also if baby teeth are removed early then the permanent teeth may erupt in the wrong place resulting in the child needing braces in later life.

 

Myth 3: Fruit juice is healthy

Fruit juice sounds healthy but it’s actually as bad for your teeth as fizzy pop because of the acid and sugar content. For example orange juice contains as much sugar as coke –  six teaspoons in a 250ml glass and apple juice has even more. In some cases the acid and sugar in these drinks can wear away at the enamel of the tooth and reduce them to stumps. The only drinks that are safe and advised by the dentist is milk and water. If fruit juice is consumed it’s far better to dilute it right down with water to help reduce the acidity and dilute the sugar.

 

Myth 4: The calcium in baby’s teeth is taken from the mother

Calcium is needed to help build up baby’s bones and teeth. This source of calcium comes from the expectant mothers diet and not from her own body. That’s why it’s important to obtain a healthy balanced diet throughout pregnancy.

 

Myth 5: Flossing can cause spaces between your teeth

Flossing does not create spaces between your teeth. In fact it actually helps prevent tooth decay. When you floss you are removing all the food debris that’s been left behind from around your teeth and gums. Which helps keep teeth healthy are removes harmful bacteria.

 

Myth 6: Root canal treatment is painful

People hear the word root canal and panic as they have been told many stories regarding this treatment, but root canal is no more painful than a filling. It takes longer as there are more stages than a routine filling but it shouldn’t be at all painful.