Health // Expert Guide to Oral Health
Your smile is one of your most powerful assets, and maintaining excellent oral health goes beyond just brushing and flossing. In this expert guide, award-winning cosmetic dentist and facial aesthetic practitioner Dr. Shaadi Manouchehri shares her insights on achieving a healthy, radiant smile. Whether you're looking to prevent dental issues, enhance your smile, or understand the latest advancements in cosmetic dentistry, this guide offers professional advice to help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
Dr Shaadi Manouchehri is a dental surgeon and facial aesthetics practitioner having graduated with BDS Honours from Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2015. Shortly after, she qualified as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons and was awarded Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery. Dr Shaadi first became interested in facial aesthetics during her postgraduate training post in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery. Dealing with facial trauma and life changing operations allowed her to hone her anatomy and surgical skills. She then began training in non-surgical facial aesthetics procedures which she holds advanced qualifications in. Dr Shaadi has attended and presented at national and international oral and maxillofacial surgery conferences and written multiple manuscripts on the subject. Shaadi is passionate about teaching excellence in facial aesthetics through theoretical and practical teaching methods and believes in empowering delegates to confidently practice the art of facial aesthetics. After completing her dental education and training, Dr. Manouchehri embarked on a mission to deliver the highest quality care and transform the lives of her patients through the latest techniques and treatments. She has extensive experience and expertise in a wide range of cosmetic procedures, including composite bonding, porcelain veneers, orthodontics, smile makeovers and dermal fillers.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about oral health?
That the absence of pain signifies dental and oral health. This is completely untrue, many dental diseased can go unnoticed with little or no signs and symptoms and by the time you feel symptoms the disease may be advanced. This is why regular dental checkups are so important! We can spot any issues early and treat them to prevent pain and lead to better treatment outcomes.
What are some of the most common oral health problems you see in your practice?
Common oral health problems I see in my practice are:
- Gum disease: Also known as periodontal disease, this bacterial infection can cause gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. In more severe cases, gums can pull away from the teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out.
- Tooth decay: A common oral health issue that can lead to toothache and eventually loss.
- Bad breath: Also known as halitosis, bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Mouth ulcers: Sores or tender areas in the mouth that don't heal after a week or two.
- Teeth grinding: Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can damage teeth over time and even cause fracture of healthy virgin teeth.
- Dental erosion: Acid attacks the enamel of the teeth, causing loss of dental structure.
- Sensitive teeth: Pain or discomfort in the teeth when consuming sweet things, cold air, or hot drinks.
Can you share an example of a particularly challenging case and how you resolved it?
I see a lot of patients for smile makeovers and my most challenging case was on of severe crowding and discolouration of teeth in an anxious patient with previous dental anxiety. Had to take time to build rapport with the patient and help her achieve her dream smile. it took time but both myself and my patient were over the moon with the results. I love being able to help someone smile with confidence through my work.
What is your advise for maintaining good oral hygiene on a daily basis?
Have a good oral hygiene routine and be consistent with it. Most people know about brushing and flossing but may not be using a tongue scraper. Tongue scraping is an ancient practice that has been around for centuries. We have designed our a Premium Copper Tongue Scraper kit to help elevate your oral hygiene routine. Made from 100% pure copper, this classic tongue scraper is naturally antibacterial, durable, and designed to effectively remove toxins, plaque, and bad breath-causing bacteria. To use it to scrape your tongue from the back forward, every day twice a day.
Are there any particular products you recommend for your patients?
Use a fluoride toothpaste to maintain healthy teeth and gums and use floss or interdental brushes daily to clean between the teeth. Also switch to an electric toothbrush if you haven’t done so already as this has been clinically proven to be more effective at plaque removal. Mouthwash is a nice adjunct to use at a different time to brushing but it is not a replacement for brushing and should not be used after brushing teeth. The most effective whitening treatment is professional teeth whitening with the dentist where custom-made whitening trays are design and and peroxide based whitening gels prescribed by your dentist which can effectively brighten the teeth to their brightest potential safely. If budget limits this option for you, the another very effective solution you can get from a dentist is airflow treatment with guided biofilm therapy to remove surface stains with a gentle powder and warm water.
How often should people actually visit the dentist, and why is a regular check-up so crucial?
This can vary depending on your individual needs. Most people should see their dentist every 6 months but this can be every 3 or 12 months if you’re high risk or low risk respectively. Regular hygiene visits help removes surface stains and prevent tartar buildup. Airflow treatment is a revolutionary treatment, which removes surface stains with a fine powder and warm water for maximum efficiency and comfort.
How do diet and lifestyle impact oral health, and what changes would you recommend?
Diet can impact oral health massively. Deficiencies in the body such as iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency can show up in the mouth and cause things such as oral ulcers. Frequent consumption of sugary foods can lead to tooth decay and stain causing foods can discolour the teeth. Acidic foods and drinks can cause erosion of the enamel which can make the teeth appear more yellow. Try to limit consumption of stain-causing foods and drinks including coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, and acidic drinks. When drinking staining beverages, use a straw to minimise contact with your teeth, and rinse your mouth with water after consuming stain-causing foods like berries, curry, or soy sauce. Acidic foods and drinks can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to staining and erosion which can expose the more yellow dentine layer underneath. Smoking or chewing tobacco is a major cause of teeth discolouration and can lead to gum disease and even oral cancer. Try to cut down on habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol to minimise this risk.
Can you explain the connection between oral health and overall health?
There is a strong connection between your oral health and overall health, links between conditions such as gum disease and diabetes have been long established. Treating gum disease in diabetic patients can even reduce the amount of diabetic medication required and improving a patient’s diabetic control can lead to better treatment outcomes when considering gum disease. Studies even suggest that flossing can increase your life expectancy by up to 6 years! Flossing also reduces your risk of getting other systemic infectious diseases and can even prevent heart attacks. If you’re just using a toothbrush your only cleaning 2/3 of your tooth so make sure you floss!
What role do genetics play in oral health?
Genetics play a big role in the way our teeth form and disease development, sometimes we are more susceptible to getting cavities and gum disease due to our genetic predisposition. Conditions such as hyperminerlaization where the enamel is softer than it should be can be due to genetics meaning you are more susceptible to fillings and crowns. To make sure this condition doesn’t get worse you need to see a dentist regularly.
What are some emerging trends or technologies in dentistry that you find exciting?
AI and digital innovations play a big role in recent developments in the profession. We are now able to use digital scanners instead of the notoriously uncomfortable impression materials and can plan treatments digitally. We can even show you a digital smile design prior to treatment to ensure a bespoke treatment plan to achieve your dream smile. Innovations with premium teeth whitening products such as Enlighten allow us to whiten the teeth without the need for dietary or lifestyle changes. Previously we would’ve advised a ‘whitening diet’ which consisted of avoiding tea, coffee, red wine and spices. This is no longer needed. New advances with this product also help reduce sensitivity during treatment in order to enhance outcomes.
How do you address the issue of gum disease, and what steps can patients take to prevent it?
Gum disease can be quite common and it can be categorised to gingivitis (inflammation of gums, reversible) or periodontitis (inflammation of the bone, irreversible). Many factors can affect its development including smoking, poor oral hygiene, systemic conditions such as diabetes and also genetics play a role in disease development. You should never ignore bleeding gums as this means you have gum disease to a certain degree. You should see your dentist or dental hygienist to treat the inflammation. In the early stages when you clean off the plaque and maintain good oral hygiene the inflammation will subside without irreversible damage. If its left for a long time then the supporting structures for the bone get affected and this is irreversible gum disease. So any treatment is going to stop the progression of the disease but its not going to reverse the damage that has been done. So if you notice that your gums are bleeding go and see your dentist as soon as possible. What patients can do at home is maintain good oral hygiene habits, cut down smoking and maintain a good lifestyle with a balance diet and regular exercise and see their dentist for regular maintenance.
How should parents take care of their children’s teeth, and what age should they start?
Parents should start brushing their child's teeth as soon as their first tooth appears, which is usually around 6 months old. Brushing your child's teeth regularly helps prevent tooth decay and gum issues. First dental visit is usually recommended when the first teeth erupt at 6 months old. It’s also important to main a healthy balanced diet and avoid/ minimise refined sugars.
What advice do you have for teens and adults dealing with orthodontic treatments like braces?
Here is some advice for teens and adults wearing braces: - Prepare for discomfort: It's normal to experience some pain or soreness after getting braces, especially when they are first put on or adjusted. - Take care of your oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, and use a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash to reduce the risk of tooth decay. - Avoid certain foods: Avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods that can damage your braces or get stuck in them Have regular hygiene treatments/professional cleanings to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Are there specific oral health considerations for older adults?
For older adults tooth decay and gum disease are the most important oral health considerations. You should see your dentist or hygienist every six months to prevent any issues. Saiva production can slow down as we age and this can make the teeth more susceptible to disease.
What do you find most rewarding about your job, and what are the biggest challenges?
Most rewarding is helping patients smile with confidence whether it’s planning a smile makeover or helping alleviate pain and discomfort. most challenging is maintaining a work life balance as a clinician and business owner.
How do you help patients who experience dental anxiety or fear of visiting the dentist?
We see many anxious patients and we put them at ease with the comforting zen vibe of the clinic and our lovely experienced team. Some anxious patients may need sedation for treatment and we provide this for them. If you could give just one piece of advice for better oral health, what would it be Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and use an electric toothbrush. Floss daily too - flossing removes plaque and food particles that can contribute to staining between teeth. And finally, use a tongue scraper to remove buildup on the tongue. Consistently maintaining a good oral hygiene goes a long way in helping you look after your teeth and gums.
Whats the most surprising or unusual thing you’ve learned during your career?
That you will never be content. As an ambitious female in healthcare you’re always striving for the next best thing and moving the goal post so I have to remind myself to sometimes take a second and appreciate what we’ve achieved.
QUICK FIRE Questions
How do you define Wealth?
The ability to choose how I spend my time and energy and not feeling obliged to work but rather wanting to because of my passion for my profession.
What money lessons did you learn when growing up? What would you have done differently?
To define your goals and know what you’re working hard for. For me it was always about saving up for my own clinic and I think I made the right decision!
Which area of finance do you wish you knew more about, and why?
Learning to analyse business budget and revenue and assess where your investments (of time and money) should lie.