Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugars contained in food and drink. These bacteria convert sugars into acids that can damage the outer layer of the teeth known as enamel. Over time, this can cause teeth to weaken and form cavities. Children may be more prone to tooth decay…
Mouthguards are recommended for anyone playing a contact sport but are also suggested for anyone who plays a sport or an activity where there is a risk of injury to your face and teeth. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and avoid injury such as broken teeth, a broken jaw, the dislodgment of teeth and cuts…
Taking care of your teeth every day is crucial to achieving healthy teeth. There are many steps you can take in order to achieve this which will assist with prevention of any problems. These steps can be as simple as brushing your teeth twice a day and incorporating flossing into your daily routine. Brushing your…
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders refer to a complex and poorly understood set of conditions, manifested by pain in the area of the jaw and associated muscles and limitations in the ability to make the normal movements of speech, facial expression, eating, chewing, and swallowing. For individuals who experience these symptoms it can prove to be…
In this age of anxiety, pain control has become an important aspect of dental care. It is now becoming more common for dentists to provide a type of in-office sedation for routine dental procedures. A segment of the population that would otherwise not seek care because of fear or anxiety is now receiving treatment. The…
It’s no surprise to dentists to hear from patients that flossing isn’t happening on the daily. However, this is a cause for concern considering that if you rely solely on brushing to clean your teeth you are missing cleaning a large portion of your teeth and this leads to gum disease, tooth decay and even…
A dental implant is a piece of metal that looks like a screw. It is put into the jaw where the missing tooth’s roots were. Over time, bone grows around the implant, which helps to hold it in place. An artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the metal to fill in the gap…
It’s normal for babies to suck their fingers and thumbs as they are born with a reflex to suck any object placed in their mouth. This behaviour helps during the first few months of establishing feeding and disappears at around four months. There are usually no long-term ill-effects from thumb sucking in early childhood and…
If you are feeling nervous or anxious when you think about coming to the dentist, you are not alone. Many people often put off their dental appointments and treatment or just avoid coming to the dentist altogether because of such severe anxiety. Unfortunately, this puts your oral health at risk. Many people experience anxieties due…
It is important to start looking after your baby’s teeth as soon as they come through. Visiting the dentist regularly is one part of good dental care. The Australian Government covers the cost of basic dental services for about 3 million children aged 2 to 17. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a scheme…