The Kensington Hygienists

The Kensington Hygienists A team of highly experienced dental hygienists passionate about providing hygiene treatments.

01/04/2026

Come and see us to re-set your oral hygiene routines this Easter 🐣

30/03/2026

You might be surprised which drink is more acidic than you think.
We often talk about sugar, but acidity plays a big role in enamel erosion, too. Once a drink drops below a pH of 5.5, enamel begins to soften.
Today we tested some common favourites. Can you guess which ranked most acidic?
Comment your order before swiping (or watching) 👇
It’s not about cutting everything out. It’s about how often, how long it sits on the teeth, and how you protect your enamel afterwards. If you’d like personalised advice on protecting your smile, we’re always happy to help.
Which is most acidic?
Orange juice
Coke

27/03/2026

Choosing a manual toothbrush can be a minefield, so many brands, models, sizes, bristle types.
A few tips here which may help make the decision easier 🪥

25/03/2026

Overwhelmed with the choosing your new Sonicare brush?
Let me help simplify the range by showing you my favourite 3 models.

24/03/2026

Ever gone to buy a new electric toothbrush but got overwhelmed by the choice?
In today’s video I am highlighting my favourite 3 Oral B toothbrushes. Remember: spending more doesn’t automatically mean you get a better brush!

Don’t forget to ask your Dentist if they have any of the Oral B offer cards which provide a QR code for discounted iO brushes with 3 years warranty.

23/03/2026

Keeping a healthy mouth through the teenage years is not always easy. New teeth erupting can make cleaning more uncomfortable, wearing braces can increase the plaque bacteria and busy home and school life can make day to day routines harder.

Today, Suzannah shares a few simple and practical ways to help your teens take better care of their teeth, from choosing the right tools to building habits that stick.

Think...

✔️ Electric toothbrushes
✔️ Cleaning between the teeth properly
✔️ Keeping items organised and on display to encourage good oral hygiene habits
✔️ Small dietary swaps that can make a big difference

It’s all about making oral care easy, effective and part of everyday life.

Ready to schedule an appointment? Give us a call on 020 7221 1680 to get booked in.

20/03/2026

Today is World Oral Health Day, and this year’s message is simple: a happy mouth really does support a happy life.

Your oral health is closely connected to your overall wellbeing, from how confidently you smile to how your body responds to inflammation and infection.

Plaque bacteria are the leading cause of dental disease. When it builds up, it can lead to gum disease and, when combined with sugar, tooth decay. The inflammation it triggers has also been linked to wider health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

The good news is that small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference.

Cleaning between the teeth a few times a week, alongside brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, helps protect areas a toothbrush alone cannot reach and supports long-term oral health.

World Oral Health Day is a gentle reminder to prioritise your routine and take care of your mouth as part of your overall health.

If you have any concerns or would like to book a check-up, we’re always here to help. Please call us on 020 7221 1680.

17/03/2026

In part 3 of our oral health and systemic health series, Yana shares the link between diabetes and gum health.

Did you know that diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease by raising sugar levels in saliva, reducing saliva flow and slowing healing? It can also make it harder for the body to fight infection.

Gum disease can also affect how the body manages blood sugar, making diabetes harder to control. Looking after your oral health and maintaining good daily habits can support both.

If you have any concerns or would like to talk this through at your next visit, we’d be very happy to help. Please call us on 020 7221 1680 to book an appointment.

https://www.thekensingtondentist.com

The Kensington Dentist

Manual vs Electric: Does It Really Matter?This is one of the questions I’m asked most often in the clinic, so let’s brea...
10/03/2026

Manual vs Electric: Does It Really Matter?

This is one of the questions I’m asked most often in the clinic, so let’s break it down simply. The honest answer? Both can work well. What matters most is that you brush gently, thoroughly and consistently.

Manual toothbrushes are absolutely effective when the technique is right. They’re affordable, easy to replace and travel-friendly. However, they don’t have built-in timers or pressure sensors, which means it’s easier to brush too hard or not quite long enough. They can also be trickier if you struggle with grip or dexterity.

Electric toothbrushes tend to be less technique-dependent.

Most include timers and pressure sensors, which help protect your gums and encourage brushing for the full two minutes. The larger handle can also make them easier to hold. The main drawback is cost, as they’re typically more expensive.

From a clinical perspective, research does show a small advantage with powered brushes. A 2014 Cochrane systematic review comparing powered and manual brushes across 56 clinical trials found that powered brushes reduced plaque by 11–21% and gingivitis by 6–11% compared to manual brushing.

So, which should you choose? The one you’ll use properly, twice a day, every day.

If you’re unsure which brush suits your mouth, gum health or lifestyle, we are always happy to guide you at your hygiene appointment. Give us a call on 020 7221 1680 to arrange an appointment or speak with a member of the team.

05/03/2026

Did you know that acid erosion is the gradual loss of tooth enamel caused by acids, not bacteria?

Unlike tooth decay, erosion happens when acid directly wears away the surface of the tooth. And once enamel is lost, it doesn’t grow back. That’s why recognising it early and focusing on prevention is so important.

Acid can come from everyday dietary sources such as fizzy drinks (even sparkling water), energy and sports drinks, wine and vinegar-based foods. It can also be linked to medical factors, including acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the mouth, particularly at night.

Frequent vomiting can also affect enamel. This may be seen with pregnancy-related morning sickness, gastrointestinal illness or eating disorders.

Signs to look out for include:
🦷Teeth appearing thinner or more translucent
🦷Yellowing as the underlying dentine shows through
🦷Increased sensitivity
🦷Small dents on biting surfaces
🦷Roughness or fine cracks

Prevention is always better than repair.

Try to limit acidic foods and drinks and keep them to mealtimes rather than sipping throughout the day, as this reduces repeated “acid attacks” on the teeth. Where possible, use a straw and rinse with water afterwards.

After consuming something acidic, enamel is temporarily softened. Wait 30-60 minutes before brushing to avoid brushing softened enamel and causing further wear.

Finally, protect your enamel by using a fluoride toothpaste (or hydroxyapatite if you are fluoride-sensitive) to help strengthen and remineralise the tooth surface.

If you’re noticing any of these signs, do book an appointment. Early intervention can make a significant difference, and if needed, your dentist can liaise with your GP where a medical cause is suspected. Give us a call on 020 7221 1680 to book.
We look forward to welcoming you.

Are you noticing bleeding when you brush, persistent bad breath, or sensitivity that doesn’t seem to settle?These signs ...
26/02/2026

Are you noticing bleeding when you brush, persistent bad breath, or sensitivity that doesn’t seem to settle?

These signs are not considered normal and are often the mouth’s way of indicating that something requires attention.

Bleeding gums are one of the most common early signs of gum disease.

While hormonal changes or certain medications can sometimes contribute, consistent bleeding should always be professionally assessed.

Ongoing bad breath or an altered taste may point to underlying inflammation, tooth decay or dry mouth. Similarly, prolonged tooth sensitivity is never something to dismiss and can be associated with erosion, receding gums or cracks within the tooth structure.

Most mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve within one to two weeks. However, any ulcer that persists beyond this timeframe should always be checked to rule out underlying concerns.

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, please call us on 020 7221 1680 to arrange an appointment or speak with a member of the team. Early assessment allows for simpler, more effective care.

18/02/2026

****This is not a sponsored post - I have bought products mentioned for an independent review ****

Today I wanted to talk about the newly rebranded Oralieve range.

The Starter Kit is particularly helpful for anyone struggling with a dry, sore or sensitive mouth. It can also make a thoughtful and practical gift for someone going through cancer treatment, or for elderly relatives who may need extra support with comfort and moisture.

If you’d like to know more about whether it might be suitable for you or a family member, feel free to ask at your next visit. Give us a call on 020 7221 1680 to schedule an appointment.

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