Tooth Abscess
What is a tooth abscess? An abscess is defined as a localised collection of bacteria which has overpopulated. It is a long term infection which may or may not cause pain. A dental abscess occurs from the tooth as a source of infection and is usually associated with loss of the surrounding bone. How do […]
Options for Replacement of Missing Teeth
Options for replacement of a missing tooth. The questions that we ask our patients who have a missing tooth at Gentle Dental are Will you miss the tooth/teeth in terms of Function (ie chewing) Speaking Aesthetics (is it a front tooth, is it in the smile line) A lot of people find that they do […]
Child’s First Dental Visit
At Gentle Dental we follow the Australian Dental Association’s recommendation that your baby should visit the dentist when their first tooth comes through (usually around 6 months of age) or 12 months, whichever comes first. You’re probably wondering why we recommend such an early age. Our Gentle Dentists focus on preventive dentistry so the first […]
Dental Tourism
Australian residents are increasingly travelling to overseas countries to have dental treatment done. This is called dental tourism. Dr Sherry’s Mum is from the Philippines so she does understand the justification for those who seek cheap dental work IF you do your research. Mrs Wong does not have to pay for her dental care in […]
Oral Health for Cancer Patients
In 2017 it is estimated that 134 000 people in Australia will be diagnosed with cancer. That’s about 15 people every hour. It is a tough time for cancer patients and their friends and families but our Gentle Dentists are here to help you through that by making looking after your oral health as easy […]
Pregnancy and Dental Care
What dental problems are common for pregnant mothers? Each woman and each pregnancy is different. Some women experience no symptoms at all (aren’t they lucky?) and some have difficulty throughout their whole pregnancy. Morning sickness and nausea can make it difficult to brush or floss teeth. Hormonal changes affect gums and can cause bleeding gums […]
Fluoride and your teeth
How does fluoride prevent tooth decay? Fluoride (F-) helps by inhibiting demineralisation and promoting remineralisation of the enamel, inhibits acid production and ability for bacteria to process the dietary sugars F- systemically is transported in saliva and crevicular (gum) fluid Is there a recommended amount of fluoride? Recommended F- supplementation is 1mg per day over […]
Teeth Whitening
What is tooth whitening and how does it work? Tooth whitening systems employ hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which penetrates teeth and targets molecules within teeth that cause darkening and stains. The bleaching agent then breaks down these staining molecules, which causes your teeth to become whiter. What types of bleaching systems are available? […]
Sedation for Nervous Patients
Sedation dentistry is an option for patients who prefer not to “be present” for their dental treatment. Wouldn’t that be nice! During sedation you are still conscious but very relaxed and do not remember the procedure. Local anaesthetic is still used so that the region around the tooth is numb and it also helps reduce post […]
Custom Mouthguards
Are custom mouthguards worth the expense? YES!!!! What about the cheaper, boil and bite ones available from the pharmacy? The boil and bite mouthguards available will not adequately protect you or your child’s teeth because they do not fit the teeth snugly. The consequence of this is that any impact will not be properly absorbed […]
Do you have “bad teeth’?
Do you feel like you have “bad teeth’? That no matter what you do, every time you go to the dentist you always seem to need work done? And that there is someone you know that no matter what they eat, how little they brush, they have never had a filling? There IS such a […]
Smoking and your teeth
Smoking. We all know it’s bad for your overall health and your lungs, but what about your teeth? Did you know that smoking can cause a host of issues in your mouth that aren’t just limited to staining or bad breath? Some of the effects of smoking include: Periodontal (gum) disease Oral cancers Delayed healing […]