Dentist Lancaster

More About Marketgate Dental Practice

Marketgate Dental Practice is a long established dentist in Lancaster which dates back to 1844. We provide ongoing dental care for all members of the family and as dentists in Lancaster, we aim to offer life long dental services to all our patients.

We have our own Hygienist and oral Health educator, by referral from the dentist.

Our friendly professional team are committed to making sure patients are valued and are always happy to help. In out Lancaster Dental Practice we have 4 dentists, a hygienist, an oral health educator, 7 dental nurses and 2 decontamination nurses. Our waiting room provides a relaxed, approachable and friendly atmosphere. We have a well maintained fish tank and a rotating exhibition of local artists work, available to purchase.

We have a dedicated children's corner with lots of books and toys and a wide range of Oral Hygiene products which are available to purchase from reception.

Dental Advice

As one of the longest established dentists in Lancaster, we offer dental care and advice to all our clients. Following the advice given here and visiting your Lancaster dentist regularly can vastly improve your oral hygiene, leading to strong and healthy teeth that last a lifetime.

• Milk Teeth to Adult Teeth

  • On average babies start teething at 6 months old, but this can be several months later.

    Most children will have a full set of 20 milk teeth by the time they are three years old.

    Around the age of six, the milk teeth are gradually replaced by the permanent teeth.

    By the age of 14, most children have lost all their milk teeth and have a full set of 28 adult teeth. Sometimes the milk teeth can be retained too long and will need to be removed to allow the adult teeth to grow correctly.

    At late teens or early 20's, four more wisdom teeth often grow in at the back of the mouth.

    They complete the adult set of 32 teeth.

• Gum Diseases

  • Gum diseases (periodontal or gingival diseases) are infections that harm the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. Gum inflammation is caused by plaque, when plaque stays on your teeth for too long, it gets harder and is called tartar/calculus. The longer the plaque and tartar stay on your teeth, the more damage they cause. Your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis.

    If gingivitis is not treated, over time it can make your gums pull away from your teeth and form pockets that can get infected and be very difficult to clean properly, making the problem worse. This is called periodontitis. If not treated, this infection can ruin the bones, gums and tissue that support your teeth. As a result your teeth will become mobile and will have to be removed by a dentist.

    To prevent gum diseases:

    • Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste) for 2 minutes.
    • Floss once a day or use special small brushes in between the teeth
    • Make regular visits to your dentist for a checkup and cleaning
    • Eat a well-balanced diet
    • Don't use tobacco products
    • Consider seeing our practice hygienist more regularly

    Knowing how to brush and floss the right way is a big part of good oral health. Here's how: every day gently brush your teeth on all sides with a Medium/soft-bristle brush or an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Small round motions and short back-and-forth strokes work best. Take the time to brush carefully and gently along the gum line. Lightly brushing your tongue also helps.

    Along with brushing, clean around your teeth using dental floss or interdental brushes to keep your gums healthy.

    Careful interdental brushing will remove plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush can't reach. Rinse after you floss.

• Dental Erosion

  • Dental erosion is the slow chemical wearing away of the enamel on teeth (enamel is a hard coating on teeth which helps protect them). It is caused by the acids that usually come from drinks such as fruit juices, fizzy drinks and squashes - even the sugar-free varieties.

    Dental erosion can cause sensitivity and pain. Although the enamel doesn't grow back it doesn't often need treatment. However in some very severe cases you may need an adhesive filling or a crown.

    If you have any questions, talk to your dentist or our oral health educator.

• Teenagers and oral health

  • Braces - Many teens require braces to straighten crowded or crooked teeth and poor jaw alignment. Teeth which are crowded are harder to keep clean, they can be lost early, and they might cause extra stress on the chewing muscles. An orthodontic examination will determine if you need braces. If you wear braces, extra care should be taken to properly clean your teeth.

    Mouth Guards - If you play sports, mouth guards are essential to protect your teeth. Mouth guards usually cover the upper teeth, and are designed to protect against broken or even knocked out teeth, cut lips and other damage to your mouth. If you wear braces on your lower jaw, your dentist may suggest a mouth guard for these teeth as well.

    Diet - Diet plays a key role in your dental health. The sugars and starches in many snack foods and drinks support the formation of plaque, which destroys tooth enamel. Limit the number of snacks you eat and drink to 2 a day. Eating a well-balanced diet from the five food groups can make a big difference in your dental health. For snacks, choose nutritious foods such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or fruit, or chew sugar free gum.

• Diet Advice For Patients

  • Most parents know that reducing sugar in the diet is the best way to prevent tooth decay. What many don't realise, though, is that it is how often sugars are eaten - rather than how much - is more important. Eating sugary food and drinks frequently is the main cause of tooth decay.

    Similarly, it is the frequency of acidic food and drinks - rather than the amount - that affects tooth erosion. Consuming acidic drinks frequently is the main cause of tooth erosion, especially if immediately followed by vigorous brushing. Try to wait 30 minutes before brushing.

    To protect your teeth against decay and erosion, try to keep squashes, fizzy drinks, natural fruit juices, sweets and cakes to a minimum. It is especially important to avoid sugary food and drinks as snacks between meals or before bedtime.

    Fruit, vegetables, cheese and milk are all healthier snacks because they contain natural sugars. These are much less likely to cause decay. You can help to protect against erosion by finishing a meal with a food such as milk or cheese. This will neutralise the acid in your mouth.

    Just milk or plain water doesn't cause tooth decay or erosion. Some children find it hard to drink water if they usually have sweeter drinks, but they will get used to it in time.

• Pregnancy & Oral Health

  • Can Oral Health Have an Effect on Pregnancy?

    Growing evidence suggests a link between gum disease and premature, underweight births. Pregnant women who have gum disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

    More research is needed to confirm how gum disease affects pregnancy outcomes. Data also suggests that when gum disease worsens during pregnancy, there's a higher risk of having a premature baby.

    What Can I Do to Ensure I Have a Healthy Pregnancy?

    The best advice to women considering pregnancy is to visit their dentist for a checkup and to treat any oral problems before becoming pregnant.

    During your pregnancy, your teeth and gums need special attention. Regular brushing and flossing, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly will help reduce dental problems.

    What Oral Problems Might Develop Whilst Pregnant?

    Studies show that many pregnant women experience gingivitis - caused when dental plaque builds up on the teeth and irritates the gums. Symptoms include red, inflamed and bleeding gums.

    Gingivitis occurs more frequently during pregnancy because the increased level of hormones exaggerates the way gums react to the irritants in plaque. However, it's still plaque - not hormones - that is the major cause of gingivitis.

    Keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gum line, will help dramatically reduce or even prevent gingivitis whilst pregnant. And substituting sweets with more wholesome foods such as cheese, fresh fruits or vegetables is better for your teeth.

    What Can I Expect When I Visit My Dentist Whilst Pregnant?

    First, be sure to let your dentist know you're pregnant when you schedule your appointment. It's best to schedule your dental visit during the fourth to sixth month of your pregnancy. This is because the first three months of pregnancy are thought to be of greatest importance in your child's development.

    Typically, X-rays, pain medications and antibiotics (especially tetracycline) are not prescribed during the first trimester, unless it's absolutely necessary. During the last three months, sitting for long periods of time in the dental chair can become uncomfortable. And there is evidence that pregnant women can be more prone to gagging. Your dentist, however, is prepared for this situation.

    If you need to schedule an emergency visit, let the surgery know that you're pregnant before you arrive.