Why did you want to become a dentist?
I always wanted to go into medicine or dentistry. Although it’s a cliché, I wanted to help people. Dentistry won because it allows me to be creative, get to know my patients and also run my own business.
What do you love most about your job?
That I can make a real difference, whether it’s helping patients overcome their phobia of dentists (people love that I’m a dental phobic myself) or freeing them from pain. But the best aspect of my job is rebuilding someone’s confidence by giving them a nice smile.
What’s the worst mistake people make when looking after their teeth?
Taking them for granted – we only get one set of teeth. On a practical level, it’s brushing straight after eating something sweet thinking it will help without realising that it damages the enamel.
What are your top tips for keeping your teeth white?
Use dental floss – it helps remove the plaque between teeth that stains stick to. Mash some strawberries or sprinkle with baking soda and make a paste and brush onto your teeth. This will help break down plaque and remove surface stains – but do it no more than once a week. Lastly, ditch red wine, coffee and cigarettes.
