On Monday 30th November 2015, Illume welcomed new Dentist, Dr Simon Gumbley, to its Queen’s Road based practice. 

Fast forward nearly three months and Simon has settled in very well, having formed great relationships with clients old and new. 

For clients yet to meet Simon, he joins Illume with a wealth of knowledge, having qualified from Bristol University in 1985 and gained vast experience in dentistry within both a hospital and private practice setting. 

Boasting a sincere, understanding and caring nature to all clients - values very much aligned with the culture of Illume - Simon is already an extremely valued member of the team!

Please see below just a handful of the kind comments Simon has received from clients to date:

‘a gentle man with a caring attitude’

‘a calm manner and an ability to make me relax and put me at my ease – which is not easy at the dentist’

‘he was able to explain why I needed the treatment and exactly what would be involved’

If you were previously in the care of David Barrett and are yet to meet Simon, why not contact the reception team today on 01242 522230 to book an appointment with him? We guarantee you will be very happy with both his dentistry skills and welcoming approach. 

As electric toothbrushes grow more in popularity and reduce in price, many more people are using them. But are they really any better than using a manual one?

Well, ultimately it all comes down to personal choice as both can be equally effective, but the most important point is that they both need to be used properly and the techniques are different.

Correct brushing technique really is the key to getting the best from your toothbrush.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential – in the morning and before going to bed at night is recommended. Each time you should spend at least two minutes brushing, ensuring that all areas are cleaned, including the inside, outside, and biting surfaces of each tooth. It is recommended to brush before breakfast and not to rinse out the fluoride rich foam afterwards.

The key is to aim the toothbrush bristles directly at the gum line, rather than the top of the tooth, as this is where plaque starts to form and can lead to gum disease if not removed. Gently move the manual toothbrush

in a short back and forward mini scrubbing motion, which will clean away as much plaque from the gums as possible. An electric toothbrush does the work for you; apply the brush to the gum line and gently move it along from tooth to tooth.

All toothbrushes must also be kept in good condition for them to work best. Over time, the bristles will become frayed and worn, so it’s good practice to replace the toothbrush or brush head every two to three months.

When choosing a manual toothbrush, it’s better to buy one with a small head for better access to the back teeth and it’s worth remembering that soft bristles will be kinder to your gums. Electric toothbrushes have timers and sometimes pressure sensors to help you brush with the correct pressure for long enough. Buy the very best you can afford.

Rechargeable electric toothbrushes often come in bright colours and can appeal to children of all ages and can make brushing their teeth seem more fun and less of a chore.

Illume owner Tim Rumney, says: “Brushing your teeth correctly is one of the best ways to do all you can to help your teeth and gums remain healthy. We have a team of three hygienists at Illume who can offer more advice on the correct way to brush your teeth as well as ways to treat and prevent gum disease helping you to maintain a healthy mouth.”

All Illume Members receive regular appointments with our hygiene team as part of their Membership entitlement. Please contact the practice today on 01242 522230 to find out more.