March Newsletter

23rd March 2021 
A year to the day after our country was first plunged into lockdown, Britain has paused to remember those who have died from Covid-19, and to reflect on 12 extraordinary and devastating months. A year on, Britain is in its third phase of restrictions, and while the success of the vaccine programme will shortly allow those restrictions to ease from 8 March. We still have a four-step roadmap which we hope will offer a route back to a more normal life.

Without a doubt, dentistry is among the more intimate health care professions. Which is why we have had to adapt and change to continue to provide you with a safe secure environment. We are incredibly proud to say we have achieved this!!
Wearing this equipment is hot, uncomfortable and costly. The FFP3 masks cost around £8 each (or much more during a shortage) in comparison to just a few pence for the masks used previously. This cost has NOT been passed onto our patients. Wearing these masks for prolonged periods is though and the extra precautions we have implemented take time. We are continuing to strive forward and are determined with your support we will get there.

Why should we brush our teeth?
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride tooth paste will help maintain a healthy mouth. Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats your teeth if you don’t brush them properly. It contributes to gum disease and tooth decay.

When should you brush?
Brush your teeth for about 2 minutes last thing at night before you go to bed and on 1 other occasion every day. Try not to rush it as it takes about two minutes to do a thorough job. Don’t brush right after eating, especially if you had something acidic such as fruit or fizzy drinks and always make cleaning your tongue part of your hygiene routine. It is important to clean your tongue as it harbors bacteria and can contribute to bad breath. You can brush your tongue with your toothbrush or tongue scraper.
The link below gives lots more information you and your family may find useful.

The day was first celebrated in the early 1900’s.
In 1908 women had begun to agitate for better working conditions and a greater equality. With over 15,000 woman taking to the streets in New York city demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. The day continues to inspire us and in 2021 an online portal was launched to re-energize those women’s efforts and bring them together providing the online platform.
This years theme –  #ChoosetoChallenge calling on us all to think critically about our own thoughts one way to celebrate this day, fill your mind with inspirational feminist quotes.

“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength”
G D Anderson

“There is nothing stronger than a broken woman who has rebuilt herself”
Hannah Gadsby

“Life is tough, my darling, but so are you”
S Bennett-Henry

Here is Evie our lovely nurse from our sister practice Church street. She has been working with us here on Thursdays.
We wanted to thank you for the incredible reviews we have received. They have been a huge motivator for little team here at Yew Tree and have also been responsible for easing many patients fears and anxieties about visiting the Dentist.  Patients reading other patient’s experiences are so uplifting and reassuring. Thank you!

Never more so than the past year do many of us sadly understand what it is like to have lost someone close. March is Marie curie appeal month. They do such amazing work so if you can donate follow the link below. Or if not just take time to read their information page it covers so much.

Don’t forget this Sunday the clocks go forward one hour
Spring is the best way to plan new beginning

Quote of the week:
“Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive good things and good people will be drawn to you”
Mary Lou Retton  

Eating disorders tend to develop during the teenage and young adult years, and they are much more common in girls and women but men/boys are also increasingly at risk.  No one knows the precise cause of eating disorders, but they seem to be related to psychological and medical issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trouble coping with emotions, and substance abuse. There are many different types and while many of us may not think we have any kind of disorder our relationship with food is different for each person. For some people, a preoccupation with food becomes a way to gain control over one aspect of their lives. Although it may start out as simply eating a bit more or less than usual, the behavior can spiral out of control and take over the person’s life. Eating disorders are a serious medical problem that can have long-term health consequences if left untreated.

It’s common for people with eating disorders to hide their unhealthy behaviors, so it can be difficult to recognize the signs of an eating disorder, especially early on. Below are a few signs to look out for.

1. Poor body image, negative or obsessive thoughts about body size

2. Excessive exercise, over-the-top workout habits—sometimes referred to as “exercise anorexia”

3. Fear of eating in public, a person may feel that others are watching and judging, for instance

4. Cooking for others.  Although people with anorexia may refuse food themselves, they are often eager to see others eat

Without the proper nutrition, gums and other soft tissue inside your mouth may bleed easily. The glands that produce saliva may swell. Individuals may experience chronic dry mouth. Dental examinations may also detect problems as frequent vomiting leads to strong stomach acid repeatedly flowing over the teeth. The tooth’s outer covering (enamel) can be lost and teeth can change in color, shape and length, becoming brittle. If you are suspicious of a loved one or friend experiencing problems try to talk to them. There are many different avenues now to explore many are more readily available than you might think.

• Over 5,000 different chemicals are released when a cigarette burns

This year it will be March 10, 2021. The day is designed as a time to reach out to friends or family members who suffer from nicotine addiction. Research shows the number of people around the world who still smoke cigarettes.
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

Stress Awareness Month
World Health Day
Autism Awareness
Practice Up-Dates