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Blog2022-11-16T17:22:46+00:00

Welcome to the Dental House blog!

Read all the latest news from the clinic and hear our take on the latest hot topics in dentistry and orthodontics.

How to look after your child’s teeth from day 1

Toothbrushes; which one is right for me and why?

Manufacturers are producing a greater variety of toothbrushes incorporating different designs for handles, heads and bristles.

Currently, dental professionals recommend the following:

  • for children, a small toothbrush head, approximately 20 mm X 10 mm;
  • for adults, a slightly larger toothbrush head, approximately 22-28 mm X 10-13 mm.

A general guide is that the size of the brush should be selected to suit mouth size, with smaller brushes being more suited to smaller mouths. Whether straight handles or angled handles are used is a matter of personal preference. People who experience some difficulty cleaning their back teeth are advised to use an angled brush. Fundamentally, the best brush is the one that enables the user to clean their teeth thoroughly without causing trauma.

The frequency with which you should replace your toothbrushes has yet to be correlated with oral health. The most helpful guide is to replace a toothbrush when the bristles begin to show signs of wear. Toothbrush handles can also be adapted to improve the grip by the user. Electrical or battery operated toothbrushes are often useful for people who have difficulty holding an ordinary toothbrush, such as persons with poor motor control or a physical disability.

choosing the right toothbrush

In short;

  • Toothbrushes should be replaced when bristles show signs of wear.
  • Brushing is more effective with multi-tufted, small-headed toothbrushes with soft to medium nylon filaments and a comfortable handle.
  • Powered brushes with brush heads that rotate first in one direction and then the other (oscillate/rotate) are more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes and can reduce gingivitis if used for over 3 months.

For more information on finding the correct brush for you; book an exam with one of our general dentists here

How to look after your child’s teeth from day 1

Good dental habits begin early in life and can keep teeth strong and healthy and provide a good start for adult teeth. Here are some simple steps you can take to make sure your child has the best foundation for a healthy, happy smile:

  • It’s not the amount of sugar in food or drink that causes damage to childrens’ teeth, it’s the number of times they have sugar. Keep sugary foods and drinks to meal-times only and try to avoid snacks containing sugar between meals. Healthy snack options include fresh fruit, vegetables, plain yoghurts, cheese and bread.
  • Milk and water are the most tooth-friendly drinks. Try to keep all fruit juices and squashes to meal- times only.
  • Other kinds of sugar harmful to teeth include glucose, maltose and sucrose, so always remember to check the label on foods and drinks.
  • Remember- ‘Low sugar’ or ‘no added sugar’ labels do not always mean that the food or drink is sugar-free.
  • Don’t let your child sleep with a bottle or soother in his or her mouth.
  • Never ever dip your child’s soother in sugar, honey or anything sweet before giving it to them.
  • Do not forget to brush the teeth after the last feed of the day.

Schedule a dental exam for your child today and make sure they have the best foundation for a healthy, happy smile all through their life.childrens oral health

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August 9th, 2019|Categories: blog|

Interdental Brushes – What they are and why you should use them.

An interdental brush is a small brush specially designed to clean between your teeth, where a regular toothbrush does not reach. In fact, a toothbrush can only reach 60% of your tooth surfaces. Dental plaque builds up between your teeth where a toothbrush does not reach. It is a good idea to use an interdental brush as part of your daily cleaning routine to prevent gum inflammation, cavities and bad breath. These are recommended especially for patients who have particular need such as those with extensive fillings, crowns or bridge, orthodontic patients or patients with particular periodontal problems. Interdental cleaning aids are not generally recommended for children as they may damage their gums by incorrect usage.interdental brushes

Choose the right size 

For best result, it is important to choose an interdental brush of the right size. Often, you need more than one brush size and your dentist can help to select the correct brush size or sizes for you.

Use your interdental brush once a day, preferably in the evening and in front of the mirror. Move the brush gently back and forth a few times in each interdental space.

How do I use an interdental brush?

  • Choose the right size
  • Insert gently
  • Move the brush back and forth in each space
  • Change size and curve the neck or wire when needed
  • Change the brush when the filaments become worn

To find out more about correct brushing techniques and the correct sized interdental brush for you, book an exam with one of our general dentists here

August 5th, 2019|Categories: blog|

DIY Dental Treatments – Why it’s better to avoid these and choose a General Dentist

Before you take your dental health into your own hands based on the promises and ease of any DIY treatments, it’s critical to talk to the expert – your registered general dentist.dental treatments

The benefits of a clinic visit:

People may seek DIY services for dental treatments like teeth straightening because they feel they can’t fit clinic visits into their schedule or think that it will cost less than in-person treatment. Products such as at-home aligners are also called direct-to-consumer, or DTC, products. However, working with a dentist can actually offer more options for your unique case as her or she can assess what’s actually happening in your mouth and provide you with  alternative treatment plans and options that address any budgetary concerns you might have.Visiting a dentist can also catch issues beforehand and ensure treatment doesn’t cause more problems than it cures. A dental clinic is a safe place where a trained professional is ensuring you’re not only getting safe care but also care that will actually treat the root of your problem. They want to make sure (for example) that if you utilize aligners to straighten your teeth, that the teeth you’re straightening are healthy and sound.

Talk to your dentist. We’re always here for you and open to discussing new trends that you may have seen in the news or on social media. Let us know what you are thinking so we can think it through with you and help you make a healthy and safe decision for your smile.

 Book an appointment here

July 26th, 2019|Categories: blog|
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