FAQs

What if I have knocked out a tooth?

If an adult (permanent) tooth is knocked out of the mouth:

• Keep the patient calm.
• Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part). Avoid touching the root.
• If the tooth is dirty, wash it briefly (10 seconds) under cold running water and reposition it. Try to encourage the patient / parent to replant the tooth. Bite on a handkerchief to hold it in position.
• If this is not possible, place the tooth in a suitable storage medium, e.g. a glass of milk or a special storage media for teeth if available (e.g. Hanks balanced storage medium or saline).
• The tooth can also be transported in the mouth, keeping it between the molar teeth and the inside of the cheek.
• If the patient is very young, he/she could swallow the tooth- therefore it is advisable to get the patient to spit in a container and place the tooth in it. Avoid storage in water!
• Seek emergency dental treatment immediately.

Baby (primary) teeth should not be re-implanted back into the mouth.

Can I straighten my teeth without spending years in braces?

Each case is different, but in most cases, teeth can be straightened with porcelain veneers. A lot of factors such as tooth size, shape, spaces, colour, and most importantly a person's bite, are taken into consideration. A thorough assessment is needed before this treatment can be planned.

Do you accept my dental insurance?

We file all dental insurance as a courtesy to our patients. Insurance companies will pay a portion of our dental-fees. We offer in house estimates to our patients for all planned treatment.

What is the best type of toothbrush to use?

Brushing is more effective with a small headed toothbrush with medium-texture bristles. While there is evidence that some powered toothbrushes (with a rotation, oscillation action) can be more effective for plaque control than manual tooth brushes, probably more important is that the brush, manual or powered, is used effectively twice daily. Thorough cleaning may take at least two minutes.

Why do gums bleed?

Bleeding gums are most often a sign of Periodontal Disease, but gums bleed for many different reasons. Gums bleed in the presence of plaque and tartar build-up. They can also bleed throughout different types of bacteria attacking the gums. This could also be the first sign of a medical condition. Bleeding gums can be prevented by correctly brushing and flossing and having bi-annual check-ups by your dental hygienist.

How to replace missing teeth

If you're missing one or more teeth, you may be all too aware of their importance to your looks and dental health. Your teeth are designed to work together to help you chew, speak, and smile. When teeth are missing, it is difficult to do these things. Even the loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to shift and your face to look older. Fortunately, missing teeth can be replaced. For more information click here.

How to brush your teeth

The major dental conditions of caries (decay) and periodontal disease can both be reduced by regular toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste.To control caries it is the fluoride in toothpaste which is the important element of toothbrushing, as fluoride serves to prevent, control and arrest caries. Higher concentration of fluoride in toothpaste leads to better caries control. To control gum disease the physical removal of plaque is the important element of

toothbrushing as it reduces the inflammatory response of the gums and its sequelae. Some toothpastes contain ingredients which also reduce plaque, gingivitis and bleeding gums.

The dangers of sugar

Healthier eating advice should routinely be given to patients to promote good oral and general health. Key dietary messages to prevent dental decay are summarised below. The main message is to reduce both the amount and frequency of consuming foods and drinks that have added sugar. Added sugar is defined as sugars or syrups added to foods and drinks by the manufacturer, cook or consumer, plus sugars present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit concentrates. It does not include sugars found in whole fresh fruit and vegetables and those naturally present in milk and milk products.

Consensus recommendations advocate the following to prevent dental decay:

• The amount and frequency of consumption of sugars should be reduced
• Avoid sugar-containing foods and drinks at bedtime
• Added sugars should provide less than
• 10% of total energy in the diet or 60g per person per day whichever is the lesser. Note that for young children this will be around 30g per day (one teaspoon of sugar equates to approximately 5-6g)