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Advertorial by Kreativ Dental 
We all consider January to be the perfect time to set new goals, but spring is just as good a time to make positive changes, if not even better!
Spring is the season of new beginnings and is nature's gentle nudge to revitalise our lives and personal selves. Nothing marks the change of seasons like a good spring-cleaning – and we’re not just talking about in our houses. Now is a good time to take stock of your oral care and consider sprucing up your dental hygiene routine as well. Here, Kreativ Dental Clinic in Budapest, Hungary, shares some steps you can take to help you protect your teeth throughout the Easter season and beyond.
Update your toothbrush
Teeth should be brushed using fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day for about two minutes each time to help keep your mouth healthy and reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health conditions. It’s also important to floss daily and use mouthwash after brushing. However, just as important as brushing your teeth is replacing your toothbrush regularly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should replace a manual toothbrush every three to four months. Otherwise, your toothbrush could become worn and won’t clean as effectively. Plus, there may be a build-up of bacteria. Consider soft bristles, as hard or firm bristles may be harder on gums. Or look to smart dental tech and upgrade to an electric toothbrush, which has been proven to clean more thoroughly than manual brushes.
Chocolate and your teeth
With Easter, it can be easy to lose the run of ourselves and indulge in plenty of chocolate eggs. And while we should definitely allow ourselves to enjoy some treats, there are some things we can keep in mind to make sure our teeth aren’t neglected. For example, brush your teeth after eating chocolate but not too soon after – avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes after eating sugary foods. This is because the acid from the food can remain in your mouth and brushing too soon after eating sugary or acidic foods can damage the enamel. Drink water after consuming chocolate or sweets, to limit the time sugar remains on your teeth. And try to eat chocolate at mealtimes rather than snacking throughout the day. After you eat, your saliva begins to neutralise the acids that are formed by the bacteria in your mouth. The more frequently you eat, the longer your tooth enamel will be exposed to cavity-causing acids.
Don’t ignore dental pain
Did you know that eating chocolate in moderation may be good for your mind?
Chocolate contains various compounds that can influence brain chemistry. Chocolate contains the compound phenylethylamine (PEA), which stimulates the release of endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ chemicals, in the brain. These chemicals contribute to a sense of happiness and wellbeing.
However, if you’re feeling that chocolate, or another food for that matter, is making you feel worse than better, then there may be an underlying issue – for example, perhaps you experience pain in your teeth when you chew on harder foods?
It’s important not to overlook any discomfort when it comes to your teeth, as pain may indicate potential dental problems such as cavities, gum disease or another underlying issue. Visit a dental professional if you’re experiencing tooth pain, as if left untreated, these issues can worsen, leading to more extensive and costly dental procedures in the future.
Dental treatment abroad versus at home
It’s important for everyone to schedule regular dental check-ups and cleaning, but if you have been experiencing issues with your teeth for quite a while now, then treatment may be the next step. However, we all know how expensive that can be.
Many people have been travelling abroad for dental treatment over the last couple of years, with one of the main reasons being for more affordable prices when compared to Ireland. But recently, there’s also been a lot of negative press about cosmetic work, including dental treatments, going wrong. This is why it’s important to do your research.
Kreativ Dental Clinic in Budapest has been treating Irish and worldwide patients for over 20 years, with many of the dentist specialists being there since the clinic’s inception. The specialists are highly qualified in their respective areas, including root canal treatment, dental implants, porcelain crowns, tooth whitening, periodontal surgery and more.
Mary Flanagan is the Irish representative at Kreativ Dental Clinic and is a past patient herself. When she first started thinking about dental treatment, she was quoted up to €60,000 (approximately £51,000) for treatment in Ireland.
But when she travelled to Budapest, she ended up having eight implants and 26 porcelain crowns fitted at the much lower price of approximately £10,300, plus around £350 for her flights.
The initial consultation and X-ray were free, and the clinic also provides free accommodation for the first night in Budapest and free transfers from and to the airport.
“We also provide aftercare in Ireland, should there be any issue following treatment,” says Mary. “This is so important when researching a clinic – you need to know you’ll have somewhere to turn if, in the unfortunate case, something does go wrong on return to Ireland.”
Spring break
You could also use the dental trip to Budapest as a time to relax and explore a new city. With summer on the horizon too, Budapest is a great city break option, with a range of attractions. These include Fisherman's Bastion, the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle and the beautiful Széchenyi Baths.
Easter is known as a time of new beginnings and opportunities – so book that flight, take stock of your dental health, and give yourself something to smile about!
For more information, contact Mary Flanagan, who is the ROI and NI representative for Kreativ Dental Clinic. Call Mary at +353 86 029 9998 or 0 289 530 0100, email mary@kreativdentalclinic.eu or visit kreativdentalclinic.eu
Advertorial by Kreativ Dental
