Youngsters at Abergavenny Rhinos junior football club are all smiles, after the man who helps treat Premier League football stars, decided to sponsor their shirts.

Dr Nigel Jones, 57, who co-owns the Smiles Better dental practice in Abergavenny, is one of the UK’s leading experts on dental implants. Part of the work referred to Dr Jones sees him exclusively treat players and staff at Premier League football club Swansea City with dental implants if they have been unfortunate to lose teeth.

Among the players he has treated at the Welsh club are full-back Angel Rangel and wingers Wayne Routledge, who both played in the Swans’ 2-1 win at Everton on Sunday.

“I enjoy playing football and I like to support local sides,” said Dr Jones.

“I got involved as I play five-a-side football with one of the Abergavenny Rhino coaches. We’d like youngsters to enjoy and develop their soccer skills alongside gaining more knowledge of what keeps their teeth healthy. I certainly hope they will be smiling at the end of the season.”

So what advice does Dr Jones have for the players of Abergavenny Rhinos?

“A lot of footballers use energy drinks these days,” said Dr Jones.

“Youngsters need to be careful if they do that they are not causing excessive erosion of their teeth. My advice would be to brush before using such drinks and restrict their use to just game time, because the acid in them will mean that the teeth are weaker after they’ve used them.” .

Abergavenny Rhino’s coach Philip Owen said, “It’s all about the children enjoying themselves and having fun, but of course we have to have the facilities. For the club, it’s superb to have the support of local businesses in the town like this and we are very grateful to Nigel.”