Q: Which teeth should I floss?
A: Only the ones you want to keep!
Q: When should I start flossing my children’s teeth?
A: As soon as two teeth touch each other.
Starting to floss your children’s teeth from a young age is super important. The best way to ingrain healthy dental habits is through leading by example. When they see you undertaking important tasks, like using dental floss, they’re more likely to copy what you are doing. Of course, initially, you’ll need to floss your children’s teeth for them because they lack the dexterity to do it themselves. As they master the necessary skill involved, it is important you show them how to do it themselves. In no time at all, you’ll find that not only are they able to floss independently but you’ve successfully managed to help form a fantastic lifelong habit that will keep their teeth and gums healthy. Read More…
Have you ever wondered what colour lipsticks and glosses make your teeth look whiter and brighter?
Choosing the right lipstick shades can make all the difference when it comes to enhancing the colour of your teeth – be it white or yellow! So here’s a few tricks of the trade to help create that A-list-worthy smile for any occasion. Read More…
Pregnancy is an exciting time for expecting Mums, and is the first stage in a long and rewarding journey.
Dental hygiene during pregnancy is just as, if not more, important than ever, and your teeth and gums require close attention.
Is it possible to loose teeth as a result of pregnancy?
I’ve heard this many times, but the truth is that this is a myth. Pregnancy does not cause tooth loss – untreated tooth decay and periodontal disease does.
What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay results from repeated acid attacks on enamel and poor dental hygiene. It all begins with a film of bacteria forming over the teeth – called plaque.
This bacteria transforms the sugars and starch found in common foods into harmful acids, leading to gum irritation, gingivitis, and more seriously gum disease. Read More…
In mid-November 2015 Ronda Rousey, the undefeated UFC fighter, fought and lost in a now infamous match against Holly Holm, in Melbourne. Rousey’s loss was made all the worse by having some teeth knocked loose and suffering such dental sport injuries that she has not been able to fight since, and won’t be able to until her injuries heal.
Every year, we witness professional athletes make headlines due to dental sport injuries. Sure, these traumatic incidents make for good viral videos, but the result is clearly painful and rather serious for the athlete. Dental sport injuries commonly sideline sportspeople for extended periods of time.
Take Damian Martin, the Perth Wildcats’ captain, for example; after breaking his jaw late last year, he had to have his teeth splintered and two metal plates surgically inserted into his jaw before he could play again!
We know better than most, just how far dentistry has come in treating dental sport injuries, but the fact remains that prevention is always better than a cure. The best way to avoid dental sport injuries during sport is by wearing a professionally made, custom mouthguard. Designed specifically to lessen the impact of blows to the teeth and skull, wearing a professional mouthguard can significantly reduce trauma to your teeth in the event of an accident. Read More…
It’s hard to scroll through a Facebook newsfeed without seeing some pet-obsessed friend posting an image of their dog/cat/fish/komodo dragon in a Halloween costume, Christmas elf-hat or ill-advised flowery bow.
People get a real kick out of treating their pets like human beings, and I should know, I’m the first person to admit that I’m completely wrapped around my dog’s little paw!
But in our never-ending crusade to inflict our own fashion choices on our unsuspecting furry companions, most people forget the really important facets of human conduct we should share with our pets: dental care! Read More…
Did you know that there are a variety of conditions that can affect the health of your mouth, which can in turn affect different areas of your body?
Let me give you an example: Dry mouth.
What is dry mouth?
A dry mouth means there is far less natural irrigation by your wonderful saliva. While saliva may seem like a gross by-product of your mouth, it’s actually vitally important, as it rinses, cleanses and balances your mouth. This in turn keeps the pH or acid level down, protecting your teeth from a higher rate of decay.
Things that can cause dry mouth include:
Medications e.g. antidepressants, diuretics, epilepsy medication
Everyone wants a whiter, brighter smile and everyone is looking towards teeth whitening for a dental miracle. With the popularity of teeth whitening soaring, there are a few questions that are often asked. Who is allowed to do perform teeth whitening? What are the dangers involved if someone who isn’t properly qualified treats you?
Let’s start with the basics… Is it dangerous?
According to The British Dental Association (BDA) Teeth Whitening is perfectly safe if carried out by a registered dental professional. However, the BDA warns that someone who does not have the right training and knowledge could cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. For example, if the mouth guard containing the bleaching gel does not fit properly over one’s teeth, the gel may leak and cause painful chemical burns. In extreme cases, swallowing the bleaching product has resulted in illness. The BDA also states that beauticians, who aren’t properly trained, may not be able to determine if someone is suitable for teeth whitening based on their medical history. Read More…
Is Gum Disease contagious? Can you give it to your kids by sharing utensils?
Research has shown that periodontal disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums, so periodontal disease technically may not be contagious. However, the bacteria that cause the inflammatory reaction can be spread through saliva. Periodontitis is not contagious. Research has found that the patient’s immune system plays a very important role in the onset of periodontal disease. Periodontitis can be linked, in many patients, to an immune deficiency in specific white blood cells. This deficiency may manifest its way as gum disease. Patients that have certain diseases, diabetes, for instance, are very susceptible to infections, thus more susceptible to gum disease.
Patients that are immunosuppressed, such as cancer patients that are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or patients that have undergone organ transplantation, are exceptionally susceptible. Patients with certain viral infections, HIV being the best example in this category, are extremely prone to developing rapidly destructive types of gum disease.
We love helping people smile! Not just by helping people be proud of their pearly whites but also by giving back to less fortunate communities. That’s why we’re supporting the non-profit organisation in Uganda helping marginalised African communities, called Tikkun-Uganda.
Tikkun-Uganda is committed to “repairing Uganda” and works closely with local communities to develop sustainable villages by improving the standard of living, empowering and educating the youth. Tikkun-Uganda, with help from Dental O So Gentle’s donations, has established the first Medical Clinic in Putti. Read More…
