Afford2smile Dental Clinic

20/11/2025

20/11/2025

Did you know, eligible nib and nib partner brand
members can access agreed rates for common
treatments at Afford2smile Dental?
T&Cs apply.

16/11/2025

12/11/2025

It sounds alarming—but in most cases, swallowing a dental crown isn’t dangerous. The crown usually travels safely through the digestive tract and exits naturally within a few days. However, it’s important to confirm that it wasn’t inhaled into the airway, which requires immediate medical attention.

If the crown has only been swallowed, stay calm—but act smart. Contact your dentist right away to protect the exposed tooth, which is now vulnerable to pain, infection, and damage. The lost crown can sometimes be reused if found intact and sterilized, but never attempt to glue it back yourself.

Most swallowed crowns are made of gold, porcelain, or zirconia—all inert materials that rarely cause harm inside the body. Still, imaging (X-ray or CT) may be advised if the object doesn’t pass or if symptoms like chest pain, abdominal pain, or breathing issues appear.

🔹 Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional dental advice.

03/11/2025

He began creating smiles in 1953 — and at 99, he’s still doing it.

Meet Dr. Etsuro Watanabe from Japan, officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest practicing dentist.

He started his journey as a dental apprentice at just 15, later serving as a medic during World War II — where his resolve to heal people only grew stronger.
After the war, he studied dentistry, passed his national exam in 1951, and opened his own clinic two years later in his small hometown.

For decades, he was the only dentist in his entire village — creating dentures by hand, treating neighbors like family, and building smiles that lasted generations.
Even now, he treats patients each morning with steady hands and the same passion that began 70 years ago.

His secret to longevity? A simple one — “When I see my patients happy, it makes me feel that what I’m doing is worth it.”

A living reminder that dentistry isn’t just a profession — it’s a lifelong art of healing, compassion, and purpose.

27/10/2025

Be careful what you use your teeth for ❤️‍🩹

🇺🇸 A longitudinal tooth fracture is a serious damage to the tooth that extends longitudinally along the tooth crown, from the crown to the root. This can be caused by trauma, excessive chewing forces, or may be the result of poor dental treatment. One example that can lead to longitudinal tooth fracture is opening a bottle with the teeth, which can exert excessive pressure and cause cracks along the tooth.

27/10/2025

The real horror? Every person who saw it…said nothing. 🫢

27/09/2025

Tooth loss is often dismissed as a minor issue, especially if it’s just one tooth. But dentistry and medical research show a very different reality. The mouth functions as a connected system where every tooth supports the balance of chewing, speech, and jaw health. Losing even one disrupts this delicate harmony.

When a tooth is missing, the neighboring teeth begin to drift into the empty space. This shifting alters the way the upper and lower teeth meet, disturbing bite alignment. Over time, misalignment can lead to uneven wear, jaw joint strain (TMJ issues), and difficulty chewing certain foods. Patients may also notice changes in facial aesthetics as teeth tilt or move forward.

Beyond the visible effects, the jawbone beneath the missing tooth begins to shrink — a process called bone resorption. Without the natural stimulation that teeth provide during chewing, the bone loses density and volume. This not only weakens the foundation for surrounding teeth but also makes future treatments like implants more complex and expensive.

The key message is prevention and timely replacement. Options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures help preserve both function and bone health. Protecting every tooth is not just about a perfect smile — it’s about maintaining bite balance, jaw strength, and overall oral stability for life.
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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace a professional medical advice or diagnosis.

01/09/2025

When braces come off, the job isn’t finished. The bone and tiny elastic fibers around teeth still “remember” where the teeth used to be. Like a stretched rubber band wanting to snap back, these tissues slowly try to pull teeth toward their old position.

That’s why retainers are so important — they act like seatbelts for your new smile. Without them, all those years of treatment can slowly be undone. Experts recommend these steps to keep teeth straight:

1️⃣ Always wear your retainer as your dentist or orthodontist prescribes.
2️⃣ Consider a fixed retainer for front teeth if your doctor suggests it.
3️⃣ Go for regular check-ups so small shifts are caught early.
4️⃣ Keep gums and teeth healthy with good brushing, flossing, and cleanings.
5️⃣ Wear your retainer long-term — sometimes even for life at night.
6️⃣ Correct harmful habits like tongue thrusting or nail biting.
7️⃣ Ask your dentist about special procedures if teeth were severely rotated.

Braces straighten. Retainers protect. Skipping them means giving your old smile a chance to come back.

26/08/2025

Adult Pacifiers: A Surprising Stress-Relief Trend Raises Concerns

Adult-sized pacifiers are becoming a popular stress-relief tool in China — and the trend is now spreading to other parts of the world. Many young adults say these silicone soothers help them relax, improve sleep, and even provide a sense of emotional comfort in high-pressure environments.

Psychologists explain that the appeal comes from “regression” — a coping mechanism where people return to childhood behaviors for a sense of safety. While the effect may feel soothing in the short term, experts warn that it does not address the real causes of stress.

Dentists, however, are sounding the loudest alarm. Prolonged pacifier use in adults can lead to significant oral health problems, including misaligned bites, restricted jaw movement, tongue-thrust swallowing, and long-term changes that may require orthodontic treatment. The risks are even higher than in children, since adult bones and tissues have already matured.

Health specialists also point out risks such as choking during sleep and over-reliance on a habit that may mask deeper anxiety or burnout. More sustainable alternatives like exercise, meditation, or therapy are encouraged for long-term well-being.

The adult pacifier may be marketed as a quick fix, but when it comes to health, shortcuts often carry hidden costs.

21/08/2025

Many people believe brushing harder will clean teeth better. In reality, aggressive brushing causes more harm than good. The extra force wears away tooth enamel, the natural shield that protects against cavities and sensitivity.

Strong scrubbing also damages the gums. Over time, it pushes them back, exposing the roots of the teeth. This not only makes teeth sensitive but also increases the risk of gum disease.

Plaque is soft and sticky, not tough. It can be removed gently with the right technique. Force is not required—only proper brushing.

The correct way is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, held at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. Small, circular motions or gentle short strokes are recommended, not back-and-forth scrubbing.

Brushing should last two minutes, twice a day, with light pressure—just enough to bend the brstles slightly, not flattenn them against the teeth.