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The benefits of teeth whitening treatment from a dentist

The benefits of teeth whitening treatment from a dentist

Brighten your smile with professional-grade teeth whitening only available from a dentist

Here at All About Teeth, we offer a range of solutions to our patients in Townsville. With the recent marvels of modern dentistry, there has never been a better time to consider teeth whitening treatments, and with our help, you can achieve a smile that is brighter by several shades. There are many reasons why you might be thinking about getting your teeth whitened and whatever yours may be, you can trust that we will recommend the right treatment for you. All About Teeth work hand-in-hand with you to educate and inform you of every single aspect of your dental treatment from simple teeth whitening to more complex procedures such as dental implants and orthodontics. This includes the various techniques that we will employ, as well as what it will cost you so that we are always on the same page. We strive to educate you and to provide you with fully customised options for all of our patients that match your budget and benefit you in every way possible. To help you enjoy the benefits of teeth whitening treatments and any other treatment that you receive from us, we accept cash, cheque, EFTPOS and all major credit cards in addition to having a HICAPS machine that allows you to receive your private health rebate back immediately.

Teeth Whitening Treatments from All About Teeth

We know how difficult it can be when you are presented with a range of options that all claim to be the best and teeth whitening treatments are no different. The truth is, only your dentist will know which of these treatments is right for you and which one you will stand to benefit from the most. At All About Teeth, our team of dentists in Townsville recommend and use a professional-grade tooth whitening system called Opalescence. This is a take-home teeth whitening treatment only available through a licensed dentist. It can give you a sparkling smile by brightening your teeth several shades. Opalescence can be incredibly safe to use and the teeth whitening gel doesn’t leak out of your whitening trays and onto your gums while you have them in. It contains potassium nitrate and fluoride and studies have shown these three elements can minimise sensitivity, increase enamel hardness and improve the general health of your teeth. Our teeth whitening treatments contain a powerful whitening gel available in 10% and 16% carbamide peroxide concentrations, that can give you results after just one treatment.

How Teeth Whitening Treatments Work

Teeth whitening can be a misleading term and actually works by removing the stains found deep inside your teeth that cause your teeth to become discoloured. These stains are known as either extrinsic or intrinsic stains, extrinsic being on the outer layers of your teeth and intrinsic a little deeper. The teeth whitening procedure itself is a relatively simple one to perform and can remove even the most stubborn of extrinsic and intrinsic stains.

How Opalescence whitens your teeth

Opalescence uses its active whitening ingredient to penetrate your enamel and rid your teeth of the discoloured molecules underneath. This whitening ingredient contains oxygen molecules that break the bonds of the discoloured molecules in your teeth and spread through them to give them their sparkling appearance. All of our teeth whitening treatments are overseen by an experienced and skilled dentist, so you are in good hands with regard to your safety. One of the few dangers that you can encounter is when you purchase teeth whitening kits over the counter instead of coming to us. A lot of patients don’t even know whether or not they are a suitable candidate for teeth whitening treatments or how powerful they are. Should you be suffering from decayed teeth, infected gums and white spots, or you have multiple fillings or caps then you will not be considered a suitable candidate for teeth whitening treatment. To find out more about our teeth whitening treatments, or to make an appointment with us, please contact us.

The benefits of Invisalign

The benefits of Invisalign

Why you should choose invisalign

The hot topic in the world of orthodontics is Invisalign. Gaining fame for its discreet appearance and convenient, removable option, more patients, who tend to be mostly adults, are opting for Invisalign. Because it’s a trusted and accepted method of getting the smile they have always dreamed of. And it does all this without compromising their appearance. Made out of plastic, Invisalign aligners aim to correct alignment and improve the bite of patients who have mild to moderate dental problems. The treatment makes use of a series of aligners which are replaced every two weeks and should be worn for at least 22 hours a day to see the desired results.

Here are 6 reasons why Invisalign might just be the solution for you:

  1.  The aligners are removable: Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, making them easy to clean. Another plus is that those who would like to enjoy a meal without metal wires getting in the way are able to do so. This treatment would see hardly any dietary restrictions.
  2. Barely Noticeable: No one particularly likes the look of a mouth full of metal. Invisalign aligners are generally difficult to detect and allows for you to show off more of your teeth – making smiling easier.
  3. Decreased risk of dental emergencies: When wearing braces, there is an increased risk of dental emergencies that can come from breaking a wire, for example. This will not be the case with Invisalign aligners.
  4. Reduces teeth grinding: Some tend to grind their teeth when they are stressed, angry or asleep. This is a habit that could cause extensive wear on your teeth overtime. Invisalign aligners act as a barrier between your teeth and help to reduce the damage of grinding.
  5. Cleanings are easier: Since the aligners do come out, it’s easier to have your teeth cleaned every six months. You also do not have to worry about the discomfort that comes with having your brace’s wires tightened after every dentist visit.
  6. You would know what to expect: Before the procedure, you will have a step by step plan that is specifically designed to address your problems. You will also be able to see a 3D image of your expected results at the end of your treatment plan. To find out more about Invisalign, contact us today.

Everything You Should Know About Veneers

Everything You Should Know About Veneers

With many patients hiding their smile due to a chipped tooth or stubborn stains, porcelain veneers have taken the cosmetic dentistry world by storm, offering our patients a second chance at a beautiful smile. So, what are porcelain veneers? Veneers are made of a thin shell of porcelain which are bonded over your natural tooth – masking the appearance of stains, chips and an array of cosmetic problems which may be affecting your teeth.  

The treatment aims to fix:

1. Shape and size: Due to damage or natural wear, our teeth can become misshaped. Some patients may find that some of their teeth are portioned slightly smaller than their other teeth. Veneers can assist in lengthening the tooth and altering misshaped teeth. 

2. Stains Some stains can be so severe that teeth whitening has no effect. Veneers can conceal discoloured teeth while being made to blend in with your surrounding teeth, leaving you with a natural looking smile. 

3. Chipped teeth Chipped teeth can affect your mouth’s appearance and having veneers fitted can mask this problem, making your teeth look as good as new.  

How does it work?

Generally, having veneers fitted requires about three visits to our practice. The procedure is as follows:

  1. The first step to achieving the smile to want starts with a dental examination where the condition of your teeth will be assessed. Your teeth would have to be strong enough to support the veneer in the long run.
  2. The next step will involve taking x-rays, photos and impressions of your teeth to guide the design of the veneer.
  3. The veneer will be designed according to the shape, size and colour of your teeth.
  4. While your veneers are being made at a dental lab, we will fit temporary veneers into your mouth. As part of the process, a small amount of enamel will be removed from your tooth to accommodate the veneer and to see that the device sits flush. To ensure the shell looks as natural as possible, we will undergo a process called bonding where the veneer will be temporarily placed on your tooth to examine the fit and colour.
  5. Your tooth will then be polished, cleaned and roughened before the veneer is fitted onto the surface. Typically, the procedure is not painful but there is a chance you might experience slight discomfort while the veneers are being fitted. Veneer shells are thin, so no pain should exist and our trained specialists will do their best to ensure that you are comfortable during the process

You should be eligible for veneers if:

  1. You have healthy teeth with no previous bonding
  2. Strong teeth: If a piece of your tooth is missing or replaced by a filling then your tooth will not be strong enough to hold a veneer
  3. A large amount of enamel is present on the tooth
  4. Your teeth are not severely misaligned

For more information or to book a consultation, contact us today.  

Differences and similarities between braces and Invisalign

Differences and similarities between braces and Invisalign

Braces vs Invisalign

At All About Teeth, we understand the value of your smile and invest our efforts into keeping it in tip top condition! When it comes to orthodontic options, the big question everyone is asking lately is, whether to opt for traditional braces or the alternative, Invisalign. Although fairly different in appearance, both braces and Invisalign are designed to straighten your teeth while improving your overall oral health. Working with Invisalign and braces, our experienced professionals at All About Teeth will be able to give you an idea on which method is most suitable to the needs of your smile. If you are considering orthodontic treatment but are struggling to choose between the two options, here is a comparison to help you make your choice.  

Braces

• Braces have a longer treatment time that can span between 6 months to 2 years. • They are fixed to your teeth until the desired results are obtained, which depending on the nature of your problem, usually happens over a period of one to two years. • Braces can be used to fix extensive and serious orthodontic problems which include:

  1. Crowded teeth
  2. Gaps
  3. Protruding teeth
  4. Crooked teeth
  5. Underbite
  6. Overbite

• Patients who opt for braces are required to have their wires tightened about every 4 weeks. • Regular brushing and flossing are required for people with braces as food often gets stuck around the metal brackets. • Hard or chewy foods should be avoided during the treatment as you could cause the wires to break.  

Advantages of braces include:

1. They help in improving a patient’s bite 2. The current treatment is less obvious than in previous years, there is now the option for ‘Clear or Ceramic Braces’ which are less noticeable than the traditional metal ones. 3. The colour of the brackets and elastic can be adjusted to closely match the colour of your teeth.  

Invisalign

• Invisalign treatment time averages between 6 months to 2 years depending on your needs. • The aligners need to be worn for roughly 22 hours a day.  

Advantages of Invisalign include:

1. The aligners are removable. They can be removed when eating, meaning that there is little effect to your diet 2. Customised and developed to feel comfortable within your mouth 3. The aligners are transparent and discreet 4. Less trips to the dentist! 5. A better oral regime as the aligners can be removed to clean your teeth. It is important to note that while Invisalign is a removable and discreet way to straighten your teeth, if you do not wear the aligners you will not see the desired results in the expected time frame. Braces, however, are an irremovable option that is almost usually guaranteed to work over a certain time frame.  

All About Teeth

While the choice depends on you, your needs and which option you believe will best suit your lifestyle – if your case is of a serious nature, Invisalign treatment may not be suitable. This can only be established after a consultation with our trained professionals. Book an appointment with us today and we will help you on your journey to a better smile.

The Importance Of A Dental Checkup

The Importance Of A Dental Checkup

The benefits of regular dental check-ups

With busy lifestyles and ‘not a moment to spare’, many people fall victim to neglecting one of the most important facets of their healthcare – their dental hygiene. Being in the industry for years and seeing the transition of society, we encourage our patients to invest time in making their mouth a priority which will, in turn, reap a lifetime of rewards (and save you a great deal of problems). One of the fundamental ways of ensuring good oral health is regular visits to the dentist.

The benefits of regular visits include:

· Regular cleanings remove harmful bacteria build-up · Professionals can identify and treat problems before they worsen · Professional cleanings promote better breath · Certain dental problems can be a symptom of bigger health risks such as heart problems or diabetes · Regular visits can be regarded as preventative care, which helps you maintain good teeth and gums for as long as possible

Check up Routine

Anxiety, busy schedules or a lack of knowledge about the importance of check-ups can leave patients wondering what exactly they can expect. Here are six procedures that are carried out during a dental check-up: 1. Dental examination After getting you comfortable, our friendly professionals will examine your mouth, checking on the condition of your teeth and gums. We look out for signs of gum disease, cavities and tooth decay. 2. X-rays We rely on X-rays to detect problems which are not clearly visible and to reaffirm those that are. Basically, x-rays give us a better idea of what we are dealing with and are helpful in determining whether or not you have a problem with your bite. Issues like gum disease, infections and even tumours can be picked up through x-rays. 3. History analysis Knowing your history helps us to tailor a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. Your medical history, as well as dental history, also guides the treatment process by letting us know what we should be looking out for as well as which medications can be prescribed for you. 4. Teeth cleaning Even the most advanced toothbrushes do not remove all the plaque in our mouths which can lead to a tarter build-up. Plaque contains almost 600 various types of bacteria which could enter your gums, resulting in gum disease and tooth decay. The first signs that you need a professional cleaning are: bleeding gums, teeth discolouration, increased teeth sensitivity and cavities. 5. Polishing Polishing is part of the cleaning process where the surface of your tooth is smoothened out, giving you a brighter more dazzling smile. 6. Expert advice Good dental care does not stop at the dentist but carries through to your everyday routine. With you being our priority, our aim is to educate you on how best to take care of your teeth or how to follow your specific treatment plan to address problems you may have. After taking a look at your history as well as examining your mouth, we would be able to advise on whether or not you require dental devices such as veneers, bridges, dentures or orthodontic treatment. Book your regular check-up with us today!

What Causes Bad Breath and How You Can Fix It

What Causes Bad Breath and How You Can Fix It

8 reasons for bad breath

Bad odour in any form can cause social and personal inconvenience. While a slight smell after eating or drinking something with a strong smell is normal, consistent bad breath can point to deeper, more serious issues that ought to be treated. In our preventative dentistry section, we mention that a dental check-up can help to prevent bad breath from occurring. In this blog we look at 8 reasons for bad breath and ways to prevent it!

8 Causes of Bad Breath

Cause 1: Dry mouth: You can sometimes hear when a person is suffering from dry mouth as they speak. Although it is not always the case, bad breath usually accompanies the problem. Dry mouth is caused when a lack of saliva is produced to kill the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath.

Cause 2: Gum disease: Gum disease is caused by plaque which is a sticky substance that coats your teeth. The excess plaque could mean that your teeth are not being cleaned often or properly and this too could cause bad breath.

Cause 3: Certain medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth or bad breath as a side effect. If you suspect that your medication is a problem, you might want to consult with your doctor.

Cause 4: Smoking: The smell of cigarettes in your breath is usually not attractive, add coffee to that and the odour can be very unpleasant. Not only does tobacco stain your teeth, it affects your sense of smell, so you may not be aware of your bad breath.

Cause 5: Breathing through your mouth: This is common among people whose nasal passages are blocked, and it may result in dry mouth.

Cause 6: Bacteria: More than 300 types of bacteria can be found in your mouth and the wet, warm environment allows for it to grow. This bacteria feed on the foods and drinks we consume and produces a bad odour in your mouth.

Cause 7: Food: Some food has a strong smell that can remain in your mouth for hours. These include garlic, onion, ginger etc.

Cause 8: Medical Conditions: Diabetes, liver disease and a host of other illnesses may reduce your body’s ability to fight off bacteria, in turn, causing bad breath.

8 Tips to reduce bad breath:

  1. If you use dentures or a removable device like Invisalign, make sure to clean the device properly with toothpaste and warm water.
  2. Should you suffer from constant bad breath, try to rinse with salt water after every meal. This will help rid your mouth of odour causing germs.
  3. Brush and floss: Although this is basicsome people are not accustomed to it or forget to brush twice a day and floss once. On those lazy days when flossing seems like a mission, it is important to keep in mind that brushing only cleans 60 percent of your teeth surface with flossing killing 40 percent.
  4. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can cause a dry mouth which leads to bad breath
  5. Do not forget your tongue: Sometimes we spend too much of time cleaning our teeth and forgetting about our tongue. When this is the case, you will notice a white, yellow or brownish coating on your tongue where most of the bacteria can be found.
  6. Mouthwash: Over-the-counter mouthwashes can be used as a short-term solution to help kill bacteria and temporarily mask bad breath.
  7. Quit Smoking: Overall, this a bad habit that is not good for your teeth, gums and overall body.
  8. Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Bad breath could be caused by gum disease or tooth decay which should be treated by your dentist before the condition escalates. A professional cleaning also gets rid of build-up of tartar that could be the cause your odour problem. Contact us today to get a check-up which can check for bad breath!Together we can get to the root of your problem so that you can lead a good and healthy life. Book an appointment with us today!

5 things you should know about your child’s first teeth

5 things you should know about your child’s first teeth

Also known as the terrible two’s, one of the first signs of proper oral development starts with the eruption of milk teeth! The joys of parenthood can sometimes take a difficult turn during the teething process but we are here to help you and your little one during the start of their oral journey. Here are five things you should know about your child’s first teeth: Fact 1: Everyone is different As parents, we often fall into the habit of comparing our children to others. Being family dentists, we can tell you that every child’s teeth is different – they vary in size, shape and colour. Some children start to develop their milk teeth faster than others. And you know what else? That is totally okay. Usually, your child should start to develop teeth at about six months of age with their first sprouts being their bottom front teeth. Teething symptoms include:

  1. Irritability due to pain and discomfort
  2. Drooling
  3. Swollen gums
  4. Diarrhoea or fever
  5. Biting or chewing on things
  6. Trouble falling or staying asleep.

Fact 2: You need to take care of baby teeth, as you would the permanent ones While baby teeth are not permanent, it is still important to take care of them as they are still prone to pain and infections from tooth decay. Your child’s dental routine should include:

  1. Brushing twice a day
  2. Avoiding consuming too much sugar
  3. Visiting the dentist from when your child’s first tooth starts to appear. This is to monitor their development, pick up on possible problems and most importantly, for your child to have healthy teeth for life.

Fact 3: Milk teeth plays an important role Our teeth play a vital role in how we chew, bite, swallow, speak and most importantly – eat. Children whose teeth develop prematurely or at a later stage may experience difficulties in those developments. Milk teeth are also important in filling the space for permanent teeth to appear. Fact 4: Do Not Pull Out Loose Teeth Your child’s milk teeth should start falling out at around six months old and they should lose about three to four teeth a year. When their teeth start to become loose, it is important to not:

  1. Feed them hard foods as they could damage their gum tissue while biting or chewing with a loose tooth
  2. Avoid pulling the tooth out: Often parents pull their child’s milk tooth out but this could damage the soft gum tissue or result in infections and abnormal bleeding. By habit, your child will interfere with their loose tooth, either with their tongue or their fingers. This will loosen it until it eventually falls off with ease.
  3. If your child is experiencing pain or the tooth is taking longer than usual to fall out, we advise that you visit our Townsville practice for the gentle, safe and expert care that you need.

Fact 5: Some children are born with teeth Although most children develop teeth in their first year of birth, some are born with one or two teeth known as natal teeth. These are teeth that erupt prematurely.  Although this rare condition could be a worry to parents, it could also be completely normal. The only way to find out if your baby’s natal teeth is a risk is to consult a paediatrician or a family dentist. Natal teeth could be a result of:

  1. Genetics
  2. Cleft palate
  3. Cleft lip
  4. Malnutrition
  5. Infections during pregnancy
  6. Irregular calcified tissue that forms teeth.

Types of natal teeth:

  1. Underdeveloped loose teeth with weak tooth structures
  2. Completely formed, mature teeth
  3. A small part of the tooth on the gum
  4. Small teeth that erupt on the gums

If natal teeth cause complications with breastfeeding, becomes a choking hazard or results in oral infections it is advisable that they are removed as early as possible. Start your child’s dental care sooner rather than later. Book an appointment at All About Teeth Townsville today! 

Sleep Apnoea – What are the Symptoms?

Sleep Apnoea – What are the Symptoms?

Fatigue, loud snoring and disruptive sleep patterns are just a few of the symptoms linked to sleep apnoea. This sleep disorder mainly affects adults and is often recognised by frequent breaks to your sleep brought about by breathing interruptions that cause you to suddenly wake. Sleep apnoea is a medical condition that often goes undiagnosed, but can have serious implications if left untreated. Five signs that you may be suffering from sleep apnoea 1. Snoring Ever heard the term ‘listen to your body’? Snoring could be a sign of a more serious and underlying condition. Loud and frequent snoring is also the main symptom of sleep apnoea. When we refer to snoring in relation to sleep apnoea, it should be happening nightly in loud and disruptive patterns. The familiar sound is produced when air does not move freely through your throat and nose while you are asleep. The restricted airflow causes a vibration in your surrounding throat tissue, which in turn, produces the sound of snoring. The restricted airflow leads to breathing disruptions while you are asleep, causing you to wake up as a response. 2. Fatigue Is ‘tired’ becoming an inherent part of your personality? Do you always feel sleepy even after a full night’s sleep? If you are suffering from sleep apnoea, disruptive sleep patterns are a regular occurrence. Triggered by snoring, your body will constantly send signals to your brain to wake up and breathe. These interruptions do not allow you to reach the deep sleep stages for your body to get the rest it needs to repair itself. 3. Obesity Overweight people experience a much higher risk of suffering from sleep apnoea. This happens as fat tissue in the airway can cause an obstruction and contribute to snoring. 4. Headaches While the healthiest of people may also fall victim to headaches, the frequent breathing interruptions of sleep apnoea mean that less oxygen will be going to your brain, resulting in constant headaches. 5. Dry mouth Most people who suffer from sleep apnoea involuntarily sleep with their mouths open in an attempt to breathe properly. This causes a dry mouth and sore throat when you wake up. There are three types of sleep apnoea: 1. Central sleep apnoea Occurs when the brain does not send a signal to your respiratory system to breathe. 2. Obstructive sleep apnoea This is the most common form of the disorder and happens when your breathing is interrupted by a physical blockage in the upper airway. The blockage could be, and often is, soft tissue. 3. Mixed sleep apnoea This is a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnoea. Risks of leaving sleep apnoea untreated: · High blood pressure · Heart disease · Stroke · Accidents from falling asleep while driving · Diabetes · Depression What is All About Teeth’s solution? We offer a night guard, custom made to your mouth that could help reduce snoring. The device, which is worn when you are sleeping, will reposition your lower jaw, opening the airway to avoid breathing disruptions or blockages. These devices are useful in correcting mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnoea. At All About Teeth, we are passionate about helping you keep your smile for life. If the above symptoms sound familiar, schedule a consultation with our experienced dentists today.

How To Prevent Dry Socket

How To Prevent Dry Socket

As much as we hate to part with our beloved teeth- sometimes we have to let them go when they’re causing discomfort or simply cannot be saved. Having a tooth extracted sounds scarier than it actually is. The many advancements in pain-free dentistry make it unnecessary to worry about the actual process of extraction. All you will have to focus on is taking care of the extraction site after surgery to avoid developing dry socket.

What is dry socket?

Dry socket or “alveolar osteitis” is a condition that occurs after tooth extraction, that results in the inflammation of the tooth socket (alveolus). When an adult tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the hole/ socket left in the jaw bone. The formation of a blood clot is vital to the healing process. If the clot fails to form or dissolves within a few days following an extraction, the bone and nerve are left exposed to air, food and debris which enter the mouth. Normal tooth extractions very rarely result in dry socket. The removal of wisdom teeth, on the other hand, leads to a higher occurrence of dry socket.

Symptoms of dry socket

  1. A throbbing pain in the jaw or gum that occurs a few days after extraction
  2. Bad breath
  3. A foul taste in the mouth
  4. Exposed jaw bone where the extracted tooth used to be
  5. Partial or complete lack of a blood clot, resulting in a dry-looking socket

Causes of dry socket

Dry socket is generally caused by bacterial, chemical, mechanical or physiological factors:

  1. Bacterial: If you had an infection in your mouth such as periodontitis, that existed before the extraction, the bacteria can result in the blood clot being dislodged.
  2. Chemical: The presence of nicotine in cigarettes affects the supply of blood to the socket, preventing the proper formation of a blood clot.
  3. Mechanical; Excessive rinsing and spitting or pulling on either a cigarette or straw can cause the blood clot to become dislodged.
  4. Physiological: Hormones, as well as an inadequate supply of blood to the extraction site, can prevent a blood clot from forming.

Who is more likely to develop dry socket?

  1. Smokers- especially if a cigarette is smoked within 3 days of surgery
  2. People who neglect to practice good dental hygiene
  3. Patients who extract wisdom teeth
  4. Patients above the age of 30 with impacted wisdom teeth
  5. People with a history of developing dry socket following an extraction
  6. People with periodontal disease or pericoronitis
  7. Women using contraceptive pills

Can dry socket be prevented?

Preventative measures you can take before surgery

  1. Speak to your dentist about any medications you are taking, in order to determine whether these medications may interfere with the formation of blood clots.
  2. If you smoke- it is best to stop before your teeth can be extracted, as the substances in cigarettes increase the risk of dry socket.

Preventative measures that the dentist or oral surgeon may take

  1. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
  2. Antiseptic solutions may be applied to the wound.
  3. Medicated dressings may be placed in the socket following surgery.

Preventative measures you can take post-surgery

  1. Follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s advice regarding when to return to everyday activities as well as sporting activities.
  2. Take pain medication as prescribed by the dentist or oral surgeon.
  3. Follow the dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions on when to apply cold packs and warm packs to the side of your face to reduce swelling and pain.
  4. Avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks and hot beverages for as long as the dentist or oral surgeon recommends.
  5. Avoid drinking with a straw for at least a week as the sucking action can cause the dislodgment of the blood clot.
  6. Eat soft foods on the day of extraction and then move on to semi-soft foods when you feel you are able to manage it.
  7. Try to chew on the side of your mouth unaffected by surgery.
  8. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth very gently, taking care to avoid the extraction side for at least a day.
  9. After a day, you may then rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day for about a week.

If you experience any of the symptoms associated with dry socket following an extraction- give us a call. Even if you’re a little worried about the healing process after you’ve had your tooth extracted- we’re happy to answer any of your questions to help put your mind at ease. Our dedicated team at All About Teeth are here to make sure your road to recovery is a smooth one! To find out more about preventing dry socket, or to request an appointment, please contact us.

Why it is important that your child visits the dentist

Why it is important that your child visits the dentist

The thought of taking your child to the dentist for the first time may worry some parents. You may be concerned that your child will be scared, that they will react negatively, or that there is something wrong with their teeth. Bringing your child to the dentist is vital to ensure optimal oral health both in childhood and into adulthood. At All About Teeth, we understand that coming to the dentist may be a little intimidating for the little ones and take extra steps to make sure that their experience is pleasant – whether that is by answering all of their questions in a way that they can understand, or even just be giving them a ride in the dental chair. Some of the benefits of bringing your child to the dentist include:

Promoting Good Oral Hygiene Habits from the beginning

One of the most accurate statements about dentistry is that prevention is better than the cure. Taking proper care of your teeth every day (that means through, proper brushing and flossing) can make a huge difference in your overall oral health and minimise the amount of time that you will need to spend in the dental chair. The best time to establish these oral health habits is in childhood and starts with YOU, the parent in combination with your dentist. Bringing your child to the dentist early can give your child the right attitude and enthusiasm when it comes to caring for their teeth, and instil in them good habits that they will carry throughout their life. It also enables them to learn from a professional, to ensure that their technique is correct and that they aren’t missing any spots.

Preventing future dental anxiety

Visiting the dentist might not seem to invite to a child, but with regular visits, they can become used to the dental tools, extended periods in the chair and form a positive association with their dentist. Patients that experience dental anxiety later in life have often not visited the dentist regularly as a child, and find their visits more difficult in adulthood. At All About Teeth, we take special care to ensure that every visit your child makes to the dentist is a positive and enjoyable one, to minimise stress and anxiety.

Managing decay and cavities

A crucial part of any check-up and clean (both for adults and children) is to look for cavities and decay before they develop and cause problems. As children generally tend to eat more sugary foods like candy, their teeth can be prone to decay. Detecting these cavities early means that their treatment is usually quicker and easier, and will prevent the problem from worsening into infection, or more complex dental procedures.

Diagnosing oral developmental issues early

Bringing your child to have their mouth assessed by a professional early means that any oral developmental problems can be addressed. This includes things like crowding of the teeth, missing teeth, crooked teeth or jaw issues, which can greatly impact on the overall health of the mouth. The earlier these problems are seen to, the less invasive the procedure needs to be in the future. You child’s milk teeth lay the path for the adult teeth to grow. If their baby teeth are healthy and are developing correctly, it is more likely that the adult teeth will too. Neglecting your child’s baby teeth “because they will just fall out anyway” can cause them to fall out too early, meaning the remaining teeth may shift to compensate. This can have a knock-on effect, causing the erupting adult teeth to become out-of-place or crooked.

Children’s Dentistry at All About Teeth

At All About Teeth, we genuinely care about the health and well-being of your child. Parents can rest assured knowing that their child’s oral health is in good hands because prevention is better than the cure! To find out more about Children’s Dentistry at All About Teeth in Townsville and Ayr, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team today!