Periodic Examinations
We recommend 6 monthly check ups where we :
- Check for early signs of decay or breakages
- Check existing restorations
- Look at your gums for early signs of gum disease – this will be done using a probe which is gently placed between the tooth and your gum to determine the stage of gum disease
- Examine your tongue, throat, cheeks & lips for signs of oral cancer
- Examine jaw joint evaluation
Then we will advise you on the best course of action, or congratulate you on your oral hygiene.
Gum Health
If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it’s normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.
Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are infected with bacteria. If nothing is done, the infection can spread. It can destroy the structures that support your teeth in your jawbone. Eventually, your teeth can become so loose that they have to be extracted.
You can prevent periodontal disease by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting us regularly. Most people should see us every six months so that we can check your gums, remove any tartar, and advise you if any further treatment is needed.
If you already have gum disease you may need to visit more often, as we can slow down the spread of the disease.
Mouthguards
Wearing a properly designed and fitted mouth guard gives you the most protection against jaw and tooth impact, jaw joint injuries, oral soft tissue injuries, neck and jaw injuries, and may help reduce concussion.
According to the Australian Dental Association, over the counter mouth guards do not provide enough protection. Click Here for a fact sheet on mouth guards.
We can design and provide the best mouth guard for your needs.
Grinding Appliances
Teeth grinding is a surprisingly common occurrence and often happens whilst asleep. Most people are therefore unaware that they are grinding and only come to realise it when their partner complains of the noise the following morning.
Other noticeable effects of grinding (bruxism) are:
- Ear ache
- Jaw pain
- Facial and neck pain
- Sleep disorder – both yourself and partner
- Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks
As most grinding occurs during your sleep, the most common solution is the use of a mouth guard to prevent such grinding. This helps reduce the pressure of tooth grinding and helps prevent further damage to your teeth.
We may also be able make adjustments to your teeth order to achieve a better bite and thus reduce the subconscious effort you are making.
Flouride Treatments
How Does Fluoride Work?
Fluoride helps prevent cavities in two different ways:
- Fluoride concentrates in the growing bones and developing teeth of children, helping to harden the enamel on baby and adult teeth before they emerge
- Fluoride helps to harden the enamel on adult teeth that have already emerged
The Treatment
- The teeth are cleaned to remove any food debris or staining.
- A high concentrate fluoride foam or gel is placed into an arch shaped dental tray which is inserted over the teeth and left for the required time. Alternatively, a fluoride varnish is painted on to the tooth surface.
- Nothing should be eaten or drunk for 30 minutes after the treatment to allow the fluoride to penetrate the teeth.
