How often should I see the dentist?
Seeing a dentist on a regular basis is vital to keep teeth in optimal working order and for general good health.
The traditional rule of thumb has been to visit the dentist every six months.
This is by no means a bad idea but the risk of problems developing with your teeth varies at different times of your life.
- When permanent teeth first come through, they are more vulnerable to decay so children six to eight years old need regular check ups.
- During the teenage years the teeth are less vulnerable but when the wisdom teeth come through in the early twenties, risks for problems with your teeth increase again.
- As you get older, gums shrink and having a clear, on-going assessment of your teeth and gums is a very good idea.
Do I Need to Have X-Rays?
Many patients are reluctant to have xrays because of the risks associated with radiation exposure; it’s also the reason why many dentists only choose to get x-rays when absolutely essential in your diagnosis or treatment.
X-rays provide your dentist with additional important information about the condition of your teeth and will reveal any hidden decay, problems with the roots of your teeth or issues with your jaw and your facial bones. Things that they can’t get to view any other way without serious undertakings that are very costly to you.
If you are in doubt about the need for x-rays, ask your dentist to explain why they want or need them. You may also want to ask if there is any other alternative to having x-rays; that way you can make a fully informed decision.
Do you offer Insurance rebates?
On-the-spot electronic claiming of health fund benefits through HICAPS is available at our clinic. This means you can claim your health fund benefit you may be eligible for at the time of treatment. The health fund benefit amount will be deducted from the overall treatment charge so you only pay the difference. You no longer have to go to your health fund to claim your refund.
Please ensure that you bring your current health fund membership card to every dental appointment.
How should I floss my teeth?
Flossing has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of gum disease.
You would ideally floss your teeth every day; if possible, before you brush your teeth. If you eat out, take some floss with you, take a trip to the bathroom, and clean the gap between your teeth where bacteria grow and plaque builds.
The key to flossing is in the way you hold the floss. Take a decent length and wrap the floss tightly around the middle finger of each hand; it should be locked onto each finger. Use a gentle sawing motion against the side of each tooth, moving the floss backward and forward. If this is tricky for you, talk to your dentist and get him to give you a practical demonstration. Your dentist will suggest the best oral hygiene methods for you, and will show you how to use them.
What can I do if I’m scared of going to the dentist?
Experiences in the past, including when you were a child can, cause all sorts of anxiety for patients when it comes to dentistry. Often these experiences become wildly distorted over time and then reinforced negatively by scare stories from others and the media.
- Talk openly about your fear with your dentist, dental nurse and hygienist so that they can accommodate your situation and do what is necessary to eliminate anything that might add to your anxiety.
- Be aware how much technology and new science has been developed in dentistry to reduce pain and the length of time needed for treatments.
How Do Soft Drinks Harm My Teeth? How do soft drinks harm my teeth?
Soft drink is not good for the health of your teeth.
Soft drinks are very high in sugar content, up to 10 teaspoons in a single can, and they’re also very acidic drinks. This acidity of the drink, including diet soft drinks, eats away at the enamel on your teeth. Once you put the sugar with the acidity and high frequency of drinking these types of drinks, it leads to the bacterium that creates plaque flourishing and this in turn leads to tooth decay.
Other drinks with high acidity are bottled water, tea with added fruit flavours, sports drinks and energy drinks
How long your implants will last depends on your oral hygiene routine and overall health. When both are good, your dental implants can last up to 15 years. People with inherited dental issues may need the assistance of regular oral hygiene appointments with a Dental Hygienist to help you keep on top of things with your oral health.
Individuals on regular medications will need to speak to your dentist about your situation to find out how your health and pharmaceutical regime may impact on the longevity of dental implants.
Yes. Whether you choose to drink fluoride free water (bottled or ion filtered water) or not, applying fluoride to the surface of your teeth even for the short time that you are brushing your teeth is helping your tooth enamel.
The Australia Dental Association recommends the use of fluoride toothpastes
Teeth whitening makes teeth appear whiter, stain-free and makes the smile more aesthetically pleasing and is one of the safest and most popular procedures in dentistry. Hydrogen peroxide (in the active gel) is actually produced naturally in the body in small amounts.
It’s effects on the body have been studied for many years and considered safe when used exactly as instructed.
Veneers are a quick way to a beautiful smile, and this treatment is perfect for people with teeth that are stained, chipped or have gaps.
Veneers are however largely a permanent treatment and having them placed is a big decision. Before you and your dentist decide the procedure is right for you, it’s important to get the right information about veneers, their cost and how best to care for them.
Ask us a Question
We are happy to answer any oral health related questions.