Frequently Asked Questions
Regular dental check ups are important. Many oral professionals find the 6-month recall to be the safest amount of time to allow for detection of any possible oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease or oral lesion or oral cancer.
A visit to the dentist regularly will:
- minimise major dental procedures and maintain optimal oral health.
- allow tartar to be soft and easily removed by the dentist, causing less sensitivity.
- ensure early detection of cavities.
- help early detection of lesions or abnormalities in the mouth.
Bleeding is usually a sign of injury. There are several reasons why your gums may bleed, but the most common cause is gum disease. A serious oral disease that puts you at risk for tooth loss and other complications. Tartar or build-up is the primary cause of gum disease.
If your gums are bleeding when you floss or brush, now is the time to take control of your oral health care. It is very important to see a dentist, who will be able to check your gums, determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Discoloured or yellowed teeth can be the result of poor oral hygiene or simply due to using certain products that stain the teeth. Some of the leading offenders include coffee, tea, red wine, antibiotics, and tobacco. If you’re concerned, call us to arrange a consultation and we can advise you about all the tooth whitening procedures on offer.
The ideal time for your child to meet the dentist is six months after their first (primary) teeth erupt or they reach 12 months old – whichever comes first. If you notice anything you think is out of the ordinary before this time, book an appointment straight away. This gives your dentist a perfect opportunity to carefully examine the development of their mouth and catch problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations and prolonged thumb-sucking early.
The earlier your child visits the dentist the better. Prevention is better than cure and early dental visits will help protect your child from tooth decay.
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?
A soft bristle brush is always what is recommended. Medium or firm ones can damage teeth and gums. Use soft circular motion when brushing for 2 minutes, twice a day.
Both powered and manual toothbrushes when used properly, will clean well.
Most toothpaste will clear away bacteria growth and acids from food and drinks. Toothpaste with fluoride will help to strengthen and protect teeth. Whitening and charcoal toothpastes should be used with caution, especially for those with sensitive teeth. They are quite abrasive and increases the risk of wear.
Flossing daily will ensure that it clears food and plaque from between teeth and under gumline. If you decide not to floss, the plaque hardens into tartar, which forms wedges and widens the space between teeth and gums, causing pockets. This will leave you to be susceptible to problems such as periodontal disease and cavities.
Adding a rinse with mouthwash to your daily oral care routine can improve the overall cleanliness of your mouth. It helps to keep gum inflammation at bay and leave you with fresh breath. Mouthwash is considered an add-on, it is not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing.
Some patients need twice-daily rinses for gum health or alcohol-free washes for dry mouth.
Dental X-rays (radiographs) are images of your teeth to evaluate your oral health. These X-rays are used with low levels of radiation to capture images of the interior of your teeth and gums. This can help to identify problems, like cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth. And while dental x-rays do involve radiation, the levels of radiation dosages are very low and safe, equivalent to doses you would be exposed to simply from travelling on a 1-2 hour flight on a plane.
Dental fillings (restoration) are used to repair worn, decayed or damaged teeth. There are different types of fillings (restoration material), and your dentist will be able to discuss the treatment choices that best suits your oral health.
Types of filling material include:
- composite resin (also known as ‘tooth-coloured’ fillings)
- glass-ionomer cement
- dental amalgam (also known as ‘silver’ fillings)
- gold (rarely used due to cost)
- porcelain
If any of the following issues occur, it is recommended, you see a dentist:
- Mouth sores
- Jaw pain
- Redness
- Swollen face or gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Toothache
- Broken teeth
- Dry mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
