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If you've been considering straightening your teeth with clear aligners, you may have heard about a significant change that will affect the cost of treatment across the UK. Following a recent legal ruling, 20% VAT will be applied to applicable clear aligner supplies from 7 September 2026. This is an industry-wide change resulting from a UK tax decision and is not a price increase introduced by Devon Dentists. Here is everything you need to know. Why is VAT being introduced? F

Brushing your teeth is essential, but it's only part of the picture. A complete oral hygiene routine includes brushing, flossing and cleaning between your teeth - and each has a different role. 🪥 Brushing removes plaque, food debris and bacteria from the front, back and chewing surfaces of your teeth. However, your toothbrush can't effectively clean the tight spaces between teeth. 🧵 Flossing is designed to slide gently between your teeth and just below the gumline, removing

As temperatures rise, most people focus on staying cool and avoiding heat-related illness. However, hot weather can also affect your oral health in ways that are often overlooked. From dehydration and dry mouth to increased consumption of sugary drinks, a heatwave can create challenges for maintaining a healthy smile. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy during periods of extreme heat. Stay Hydrated One of the most important thing

Missing a tooth can affect more than just your smile. It can impact your confidence, speech, chewing ability and overall oral health. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several effective solutions to replace missing teeth, including different types of dental bridges. One option that has gained popularity for its conservative approach is the Maryland bridge. In this article, we'll explore what a Maryland bridge is, how it differs from other dental bridges and which option ma

As children grow, their teeth change too and each stage brings different needs. From first baby teeth to school-age smiles and the teenage years, good habits early on can help keep teeth and gums healthy for life. Our guide explains how to care for your child’s teeth at every age, with simple advice on brushing, diet and dental visits. First teeth Your baby’s first teeth usually start to appear at around six months. Most children have all 20 baby teeth by about 2.5 years old.

Bleeding gums are easy to dismiss. Many people assume a little bleeding when brushing or flossing is normal, but it’s often one of the earliest signs of gum disease. This condition affects millions of adults and can quietly progress if left untreated. The encouraging news is that gum disease is highly manageable, especially when identified early. With the right care, treatment, and daily habits, it’s possible to protect your gums, preserve your teeth, and maintain a healthier

At Devon Dentists, we are proud to support National Smile Month 2026, running from 11 May to 11 June 2026. This year marks a major milestone as the campaign celebrates its 50th anniversary, recognising five decades of improving oral health across the UK. Organised by the Oral Health Foundation, National Smile Month is the UK’s largest oral health awareness campaign. It aims to highlight the importance of good oral hygiene and encourage people of all ages to take simple, posit

A root canal is recommended when the pulp inside a tooth becomes irreversibly damaged or infected. If left untreated, the infection doesn’t stay put. It can spread into surrounding bone and tissue, potentially leading to abscess or even tooth loss. A root canal is the treatment that stops this process.

For many children, a visit to the dentist can feel unfamiliar. For autistic children, it can be much more than that. It can be overwhelming, unpredictable, and stressful. The combination of bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, strong tastes, and close physical interaction can create a challenging experience. But with the right preparation, understanding, and support, dental care doesn’t have to be a struggle. In fact, with a “one step at a time” approach, it can become a managea

April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month - a vital time to highlight the importance of early detection and education around a condition that can often go unnoticed until it’s advanced.

Easter is a wonderful time filled with chocolate, treats, and celebrations. While indulging in these festive goodies is part of the fun, it’s important to be mindful of your dental health. Sugar and sticky chocolates can increase the risk of cavities if not enjoyed carefully. Here is how to savor your Easter treats while keeping your smile healthy. 1. Timing Matters: When to Snack The acids in your mouth increase when you eat, and sugar fuels the bacteria that cause cavities.

For many people, the thought of visiting the dentist can bring feelings of unease, worry, or even fear. If that sounds familiar, you are far from alone. Dental anxiety is a very real and common experience, and at our Barnstaple practice, we believe that understanding it is the first step toward overcoming it. What Is Dental Anxiety? Dental anxiety refers to feelings of stress, fear, or nervousness associated with dental visits. It can range from mild uneasiness before an appo

When choosing a toothbrush, many patients ask whether an electric toothbrush is better than a manual one. With so many options available - from traditional brushes to modern powered devices - it’s easy to assume that one must clearly outperform the other. However, the most important factor in maintaining good oral health isn’t necessarily the type of toothbrush you use. What truly matters is how well and how consistently you brush . Technique Matters More Than the Tool Our pr

National Toothache Day: why dental pain should never be brushed off 9 February 2026 A toothache can be easy to dismiss as a small annoyance, but it’s often your body’s warning sign that something more serious is happening beneath the surface. With National Toothache Day taking place on 9 February , it’s the perfect time to explore why dental pain shouldn’t be ignored and how you can protect your oral health. What causes toothache? Toothache can feel sharp, dull, throbbing, o

Dental fillings guide Cavities come in many shapes and sizes and the cost of a composite filling depends on the number of tooth surfaces affected. Each tooth has five distinct surfaces: the biting or chewing surface, the side facing the cheek, the side facing the tongue, the surface that contacts (or once contacted) the neighboring tooth in front, and the back surface of the tooth.

CHILD'S FIRST DENTAL VISIT For little ones, we recommend scheduling their first visit either when their first tooth appears or by the time they turn six months old, whichever comes first.