While there is no single known cause for migraine, there is a genetic link and some people are aware of the triggers – such as stress, anxiety and tiredness. Migraine can also be linked to two dental conditions: bruxism and temporomandibular disorder (TMD). One of our dentists, Professor Andrew Eder, talks us through both conditions – and how some PortmanDentex practices are able to help.
To celebrate International Nurses Day this year, we’re taking the time to applaud our nurses from all corners of the PortmanDentex world. That’s over 2,000 trainee and qualified nurses* – in a range of roles.
*Information correct at time of publication: April 2024
Occasional snoring can be harmless, but chronic snoring may have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing – and our bed partners’ too! It can also be a symptom of a more serious condition, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) – estimated to affect 1.5 million people in the UK.
February is Heart Month, but you might be thinking what do our mouths and hearts have in common? But increasing evidence suggests they may be more closely connected that we might have thought. Research is beginning to show that the inflammatory response from gum disease, can also trigger inflammation in the heart’s vessels and infection in heart valves – which can lead to certain forms of heart disease.
It’s amazing how much a smile can transform your overall appearance and improve your confidence too. Start the New Year with a new smile – and start believing in you.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, there’s no avoiding indulgent foods and drinks at this time of the year – and possibly letting good habits slip. That’s why we have put together 12 top tips so you can keep on top of your dental health over the busy festive period. A healthy smile could be the best gift you can give yourself this Christmas.
With mouth cancer on the rise and 8,337 people in the UK being diagnosed with it this year, raising awareness about it is more important than ever. That’s why we’re joining Mouth Cancer Foundation to support Mouth Cancer Action Month 2023, to give you all the information you need to spot the signs and symptoms to become more mouth aware. If it is diagnosed early then the chances of a cure are significantly increased – and could save your life.
At Portman Dental Care we currently employ just over 1,000 dental nurses and are currently training nearly 300 of our colleagues to become one. We simply couldn't do what we do without them. Our dentists rely on their support to assist with a range of dental treatments, and our patients really appreciate their care and compassion – so they know they’re in safe hands.
It’s very common to be worried, or to have a phobia, about going to the dentist. To support World Mental Health Day this year, we’re going to focus on how our compassionate practice teams can help you combat your fears and make dental appointments more comfortable and stress-free – as well as giving you some top tips about what you can do yourself.
Did you know that almost half of adults in the UK have a degree of gum disease that is not reversible* and only 17% of adults who have their own teeth have no gum disease with very healthy gums**?
If you suffer from dental anxiety and stress, and this prevents you from getting dental treatment – some of our practices can give you dental sedation to help you feel more comfortable.
Even though e-cigarettes don’t contain toxic chemicals like tobacco, vape liquids still contain nicotine and are made up of other chemicals, such as glycols – some of which are cancer-causing (carcinogenic). This can lead to the changes in your mouth, and other parts of your body.
When we need to see a doctor, we visit our GP as and when the need arises. But if you have good physical health it can be possible to go a few years at a time without seeing a doctor. Like physical health, your dental health is just as important and it can be harder to know when something is wrong with your teeth or gums, which is why it is encouraged to see your dentist and hygienist at least once a year.
This month is host to Mental Health Awareness Week from 15 – 21 May, and the focus this year is ‘anxiety’. Anxiety can be a very normal emotion that we all feel, but if it is overwhelming or out of control it can become a mental health problem that may require support to manage.
Although our teeth are incredibly strong, sometimes we suffer chipped, cracked or broken teeth due to various unforeseen circumstances, as well as due to wear over a long period of time.
In this article, we provide answers to several of our frequently asked questions about NHS dentistry in England and Wales. If you are still unsure or would like to ask further questions, please contact one of our practices directly.
Treatments for straightening teeth have traditionally been carried out by specialist orthodontists and dentists, however it is now possible to straighten your teeth from home, with no dental visits required. Is this safe?
Yep, it’s that time of year again. Valentine’s day. Which can be a little like marmite – regardless of your relationship status, you might love it or hate it.
With the promise of brighter and whiter teeth, many people are investing in teeth whitening, with growing numbers buying various kits to use at home, such as strips, gels, pens, paints or powders, but are they safe?
At Portman Dental Care, the quality and care of our patients is at the forefront of everything we do, which is why we are taking this opportunity to work with the Oral Health Foundation (OHF) to raise awareness of what mouth cancer is, signs, symptoms and treatment options.
Halloween is fast approaching, and whether you celebrate by trick or treating with the kids, enjoy a fancy dress party with friends or simply cosy up with a favourite film – there is no avoiding the influx of sweets. Find out more about keeping your teeth healthy during spooky snacking season below.
Thinking about heart disease may feel a little scary, but increasing research is showing a connection between oral health and heart disease.
If you are tempted to travel abroad for dental work, we would recommend speaking to your UK dentist first. Read on to find out more information.
our teeth act as the gateway to the body, so ensuring that you have stellar oral hygiene will ensure you avoid more serious health conditions.
We understand that if you have missing teeth, finding the right solution can be a challenge.
If you are self-conscious because of multiple missing teeth, dentures may present an initial or temporary solution to give your confidence a boost and restore your smile. The first of three options in our missing teeth series.
At your orthodontic assessment, the orthodontist will use a two-part grading system called the ‘Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need’, commonly referred to as ‘IOTN’ to determine whether orthodontic treatment is necessary and whether this can be completed on the NHS for those under 18.
Regular check-ups are an essential part of a good oral health routine and help to provide a preventative approach to dental issues; but at Portman Dental Care, this is more than just a check-up
In all applicable practices, we have invested significantly in state-of-the-art air purifiers, providing a safer environment for you, your practice team and all our patients.
We want to reassure those nervous about attending our practices that support will be readily available to help with any issues around dental phobia.
To help your orthodontist have the clearest view possible of your teeth and smile, you may be asked to share photos ahead of your appointment.
Our practitioners care about your oral hygiene routine, so to help you maintain a healthy mouth and smile, we have put together some handy video tips.
PPE
Your patient journey
Every single decision we have made and step we have taken has been with a focus on the safety of you, our colleagues and clinicians.
Child patient journey
We understand that visiting the dentist can often be quite a big event for a child. Now things are different, we wanted to help showcase what a child should expect when they next visit the practice.
Advice
Although our practices are currently closed to help minimise the spread of COVID-19, we want to ensure that we are still there to support each of our patients at this time.
Advice
Advice
Portman news
Not only did Portman retain the title of ‘Outstanding Business of the Year’ (more than 25 employees), making it three years in a row, but our Director of Mergers and Acquisitions UK and Europe, Gary Chapman was awarded ‘Dental Industry Employee of the Year’.
Portman news
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Portman Dental Care by sharing the stories of some of the people and practices that have been part of our journey so far.
Portman news
Celebrating our 10th anniversary, over 100 practices, and our 2000th Portmanite seemed like the perfect time to reflect on the Portman journey so far, with the following message from our Founder and CEO Sam Waley-Cohen.
Advice
Whilst we all like to enjoy the occasional sweet treat (yes, even Dentists!), excessive sugar intake is damaging for your oral health, and is still one of the primary causes for tooth decay in the UK. So how does sugar have such an impact on our teeth?
Portman news
Awards
