Helpful hints and tips on how to prevent tooth decay and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Disclosing tabs show how well you are brushing your teeth Regular tooth brushing has been shown to prevent decay and keep the gums healthy, particularly when brushing technique is effective. Apart from a visit to the dentist, there is one other way to test – and measure improvements in – your oral hygiene techniques. Using…
From plaque to tooth decay Tooth decay can develop when plaque is not removed. Plaque is a clear film that coats the teeth; it is produced by the bacteria living in our mouths. Particles of our food stick to this film, in turn becoming food for these bacteria. The bacteria feed, release acids as they…
The temporomandibular joint – or TMJ-, is the joint between the temporal bone of the skull and the mandible or jaw. To feel it, place fingertips just in front of the ears while opening and closing the mouth. The structure of this joint allows it to deliver the forces required for chewing something crunchy…
Dentists are following the easing of restrictions for preventing the spread of COVID19 by moving to Level 1 precautions. Level 1 in dentistry In a nutshell, so long as you are well, have no cold or flu-like symptoms and have not been in close contact with anyone who is unwell, then dental treatments can go…
The Australian Government has agreed to lifting restrictions for elective surgery, including some dental procedures from Monday. 27 April. Coronavirus restrictions and dentistry In dentistry, social distancing cannot be observed, and non-essential procedures will still be postponed. However, there is now more scope now for treatment options to remedy small problems or prevent them progressing.…
Dentistry and COVID-19 The Australian Dental Association, our professional body has set guidelines to reduce transmission of the coronavirus. As a clinic, we are following the recommendations. As health professionals in an evolving scientific environment, we are striving above all else, to not make things worse. What count as dental emergencies in coronavirus pandemic? Level…
Dental care during pregnancy Health during pregnancy is about caring for both yourself and your growing baby. It is a time to eat well, ensuring you take in the extra protein, calcium and essential vitamins to meet the increased demands. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water and reduce your sugar intake, which…
Dental pain relief tips before you see the dentist It’s possible that dental pain and scary dentists feature more in movies than back pain and various ‘body workers’ such as physiotherapists, masseurs and chiropractors. Surely this comes from widely held fears and unpleasant memories of tooth ache? Understanding pain relief options Dental pain can come…
When to extract wisdom teeth When wisdom teeth grow nicely into place behind the second molars and are free of decay, there is no reason for removal. Problems come when they are impacted, which means they are angled in the jaw. As they try to erupt, or emerge from the gum, they push against the…
Keep tooth brushing fun for toddlers There is no reason why tooth brushing small children’s teeth should be a ‘big deal’ – unless they perceive that avoiding it or fighting it is a ‘big deal’ for parents! Aside from keeping it a stress-free ‘no fight zone’, there are few things to keep in mind. Getting…
Types of dental floss As with so many things these days, even dental floss comes in a confusing variety of forms. There’s waxed and unwaxed, flavoured or unflavoured, tape (ribbon), string and woven! And now there’s a vegan version which avoids bees wax. Waxed dental floss Studies suggest that waxed floss slides between the teeth…
What is RCT? Tooth ache is the stuff of nightmares! In many cases, a person in this amount of pain would happily be rid of the tooth completely. Take it out, now! Once the dentist has assessed the tooth, however, they may introduce the topic of root canal therapy, or RCT. Traditionally, (and in Hollywood…
