It’s true: tooth whitening is a quick, relatively simple way to brighten a smile. Whether you opt for the quick in-chair method, or prefer to use your custom trays every now and then for a freshen up, it’s important to know that tooth whitening is not a solution for everyone. Certain stains respond well to […]
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Chewing gum used to be a sweet treat – why now do the adverts claim it fights tooth decay? The very first thing to note is that the gum must be sugar-free! And it works by boosting saliva production. How does saliva help fight tooth decay? The carbohydrates we eat also feed the bacteria that […]
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Time for a new mouthguard? A new season is here! Time for membership and insurance, new uniforms, replace outgrown shoes . . . and, yes, a new mouthguard. Mouthguards: what are the options? Cheap off-the-shelf mouth guards offer little in the way of protection in the event of a knock to the face. This is […]
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What causes erosion of dental enamel? Tooth decay is caused by the action of normal oral bacteria. Plaque is a clear, naturally occurring film produced by the resident bacteria in our mouths. Plaque coats out teeth, and particles of our food stick to it in turn becoming food for the bacteria. The bacteria release acids […]
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Why don’t teeth stay white? Foods and drinks we choose, and factors such as smoking, play a role in staining our teeth. Sometimes certain antibiotics or other medications can cause some tooth yellowing. Generally, understanding which foods and beverages are more likely to discolour teeth and knowing preventive tips can help. About foods and tooth […]
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Dental pain is the stuff of horror movies Scary dentists and acute tooth ache feature in many movies as part of the entertainment! Surely this comes from the widely held fear and unpleasant memories of dental pain? Dental pain can come on suddenly from a cracked tooth or trauma. Or may come and go over […]
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Other sources of dietary calcium Dairy products provide calcium which, as we learn from childhood, is essential for strong bones and teeth. But even if you are cutting back or cutting dairy from your diet, there are a variety of other foods providing sufficient amounts for bone and dental health. Vegetables & leafy greens Eating […]
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Wisdom teeth often begin to move into position around age 17 to 25 – and it is normal for dentists to request an x-ray to determine their position within the bone of the jaw. When they sit fairly vertically beneath the gum, they could move nicely into place behind the second molars, so if they […]
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An electric toothbrush is not an instant solution for poor oral hygiene – however where arthritis or any condition makes holding and manoeuvring a brush difficult, it certainly can help. Manual or electric tooth brush for a better clean. . . It is possible to do a better clean with a manual brush used well […]
Read MoreWhen just thinking about eating ice cream puts your teeth on edge, you already know about tooth sensitivity. But what causes it? And can you prevent it? The most common reason for sensitivity is a breakdown of the tooth’s normal protective mechanisms. Enamel, the hardest structure in the human body, normally protects the softer, sensitive […]
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