FAQ

It is generally recommended that a child should be seen by a dentist by the age of one or six months after the child’s first tooth appears. This first visit should take place as early as possible so that the child gets used to the sights and sounds of the dental practice. It is imperative to bring parents along their child’s journey, educating both about good dental hygiene so that the child will develop good habits from the start.

Children and adults should both brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. Children often find it very difficult to brush their teeth by themselves, so it is a good idea to let them brush their teeth first, followed by a thorough brush by yourself, to instill good habits early in their lives.

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride tooth paste and floss once a day.
• Limit the intake of sugars and eat a balanced diet. Limit snacking.
• Children should never be sent to bed with a bottle or drink of juice or cordial as sugars left on teeth overnight will quickly attack teeth.
• Visit a dentist on a regular basis.

Over the years, Amalgam (silver fillings), expands in your tooth, which can cause fractures that make the tooth susceptible to breaking or may lead to decay under the filling. Replacing the amalgam with a new composite filling may prevent these problems

Bleeding gums may be due to gingivitis, or a more severe form of gum disease called periodontal disease. Thorough cleaning and flossing twice daily and a 6 monthly visit to the Dentist should help control this.

Plaque on teeth over time hardens into scale. When this thickens it attracts bacteria, which causes inflammation of the gums. This may result in bleeding gums and increased risk of periodontal disease. It is recommended to have teeth scaled and cleaned 6 monthly.

Some patients require more X-rays than others. Most dental disease does not cause pain until it’s often, too late. Sometimes decay can get under fillings or crowns and may not be seen by the naked eye, or even cause pain. This is why X-rays provide an important part in diagnosing decay, enabling us to create a treatment plan, giving you the best options for your teeth. X-rays should be updated every 18 months to 2 years.

The starting point to the finest dental care is a comprehensive and thorough examination. We offer a complete detailed examination for all our patients to enable them to make informed decisions.

This involves more than just looking at the teeth. We examine all the hard and soft tissues of the head and neck, the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and perform an oral cancer check routinely. We utilise the most modern and up-to-date equipment to help us accomplish this thorough examination.

A comprehensive examination establishes a baseline of where you are with your oral health. If there is a progression of disease, we can monitor it and minimise or avoid major problems occurring. We can present you with a dental health plan to meet your immediate and future needs, making sure you are fully aware of all the options available to you. We will support any option you choose as long as you are fully aware of the likely outcome of that choice.

Dental disease can be totally painless; it usually is only when it has reached an advanced stage that you notice there is something wrong. Just because you don’t feel pain, does not mean you are dentally healthy. A comprehensive examination will establish accurately, allowing you to repair problems sooner rather than later, as opposed to being too late.

Regular dental care works out far cheaper and easier in the long run. It is far healthier and cheaper overtime to maintain your teeth and gums and prevent the causes of tooth loss than it is to neglect your teeth and suffer pain and eventually undergo costly repairs down the road to restore your dental health.

The best way to overcome your fear is to discuss your concerns with your dentist.

Experiences as a child may become distorted by time and reinforced by outdated media presentation of stereotypes. Much has changed, thanks to technology and education, and dentists are skilled professionals in dealing with patients who are apprehensive about seeking treatment.

This will obviously be a team approach between you and your dentist and his/her staff. Communication is the key. You must feel comfortable expressing your fears and concerns and have a sense that you are being listened to.

We use Nitrous Oxide (Happy gas) which calms your nerves and is extremely effective for anxious patients.

Bad breath, or halitosis is often caused by plaque build-up and unhealthy gums. To help prevent bad breath, ensure that you have regular dental check-ups every 6 months and x-rays taken every 18 months to ensure your oral health is at its best.

• Other remedies include:

• Brushing and flossing twice a day to remove plaque and bacteria
• Be sure to brush your tongue as well as your teeth
• Gargle with an antiseptic mouthwash which fights oral bacteria
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months at least
• Drink plenty of water
• Chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva which washes away food particles and bacteria