For many people a visit to the dentist can still be a time when they feel a little nervous, especially when they know they are going to have to ‘open wide’ for their traditional scale and polish with the hygienist.

But this really doesn’t have to be the case today as new technology continues to transform all areas of the way we live with dentistry being no exception.

Here at Illume, we always want our clients to feel safe and assured when visiting us so one of our latest arrivals is the EMS Air Flow polisher which offers a fast, efficient and non-invasive way to polish and clean teeth that is guaranteed to light up the smile of even the most nervous client!

The air polisher works by creating a powerful, yet controlled, jet of water, air and fine powder, which cleans all the surfaces of a tooth by removing plaque, discoloration and soft deposits. 

Nick Pilgrim, who runs his own film-making business, volunteered to see what a difference this high-tech device could make to his own smile.

He said: “I have had my teeth cleaned the conventional way using scraping tools and polishing brushes but found the whole experience to be rather uncomfortable and time-consuming, both of which have put me off returning as often as I know I should.

“Having my teeth cleaned using the air polisher was, however, a totally different sensation. It did feel a little cold to start off with but then the temperature evened out and I hardly noticed the polishing was taking place. Even the taste was nice - just slightly minty and a bit like a diluted toothpaste.

“After the treatment was complete, in about 20 minutes, I was delighted with how white and sparkling my teeth were and they also felt really clean. I was impressed with both the speed and effectiveness and certainly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend tooth cleaning with EMS to my friends and family in the future,” he added.

Illume’s Practice Owner and Clinical Director, Tim Rumney, explains: “We are sure that anyone who has ever found traditional scaling and polishing a less than pleasant experience will agree with Nick and really welcome us introducing this air polishing treatment which has been developed over several decades as you can see in our timeline.

“It is already proving particularly popular with clients who have sensitive teeth because the air polisher makes no direct contact or vibration on the tooth surface in the way that a traditional tooth polishing brush does. This can cause discomfort,” he added.

However, maintaining good oral health is not just about having white, shiny teeth, but also about ensuring you have healthy gums as well, and this is where the air polisher can also be of great benefit.

“I know some clients are wary of new technology and I hope they are reassured by Nick’s experience and will come to see how this new service can really help light up their own smile,” Tim added.

To find out more about the benefits of the new EMS Air Flow polisher and how it can light up your smile or to make an appointment with one of Illume’s experienced hygienists please contact the practice on 01242 522230. 

See how the EMS Air Flow polisher can even make a big difference to heavily stained teeth by clicking here

Illume is encouraging all of its clients and the wider community to ensure they are totally kissable in time for celebrating International Kissing Day on Wednesday, July 6.

Whether you are planning to pucker up to a loved one or just express sentiments of affection, respect or friendship with a quick peck on the cheek, it is still essential to have good oral health as no-one will welcome being kissed by someone with bad breath, yellow or crooked teeth.

Here are Illume’s top tips for ensuring you stay totally kissable:  

• Banish bad breath. There is nothing more off-putting than kissing someone who has bad breath. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and also remember to include brushing your tongue and roof of your mouth, which can also help remove the odour which causes the smelly bacteria in your mouth.
• Whiten your teeth. Illume offers this treatment which can really help give you sparkling teeth which will perfectly complement your kissable lips and dazzle your loved ones. 
• Stop smoking. Not only is smoking the leading cause of oral cancer but it can also leave brown tar stains on your teeth which are difficult to remove and not very appealing to the person kissing you. The smell from a smoker’s mouth is also pretty bad so, even if you do smoke, then remember to brush your teeth before you kiss.
• Diet. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoiding sugary foods and drinks can ensure you keep your teeth in top form. Try and avoid drinking too much coffee or wine as both of these can play a part in staining and making teeth appear yellow. Regular brushing as well as reducing your intake of these foods and drinks will help to maintain good oral health and keep your teeth whiter.
• Come and visit one of our hygienists. One of the best ways to ensure you maintain good oral health is by visiting your hygienist regularly as they will help ensure you have perfect oral health and remain totally kissable all year round! 

For more information about our services click here or contact the practice on 01242 522230.