News

The two-minute habit that protects your whole smile: your step-by-step guide to flossing

01/09/2026 by [email protected]

If flossing hasn’t made it into your daily routine, you’re not alone. It can feel fiddly and easy to skip, especially when you’re short on time. The good news is that a few simple tricks can make flossing easier and help turn it into a habit that sticks.

Why flossing matters for your oral health

Brushing removes much of the plaque from your teeth, but your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere. Plaque can build up between your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. That’s where flossing comes in. It helps remove plaque and food from those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth.

Flossing can feel fiddly or time-consuming at first, but our step-by-step guide makes it easier to add to your daily routine.

How to floss your teeth step-by-step

The key to successful flossing is a little patience and perseverance. Your gums may bleed if you haven’t flossed regularly before. Take it slowly and be gentle. Flossing in front of a mirror can also help you see what you’re doing.

Step one

Take a length of floss (about 30cm) and wrap it around the middle fingers on your left and right hand, leaving about 10cm of floss between them.

Step two

Use your thumb and index finger to pull the floss taut and slide this section gently between your teeth. There should only be about 3cm of taut floss between your index fingers.

Use a gentle sawing motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Move it along the side of each tooth to clear away plaque and food as you bring it back up. You can also slide the floss just below the gumline, but be gentle and don’t force it.

Step three

Work your way around your mouth in a set order so you don’t miss any teeth. For example, start from the top left, work around the top arch, then move to the bottom right and around the lower arch.

Remember to clean the surface behind the last tooth in each arch. Move the floss to a clean section each time you change teeth, or wipe it with a tissue, so plaque from one tooth isn’t carried to the next. Once you’re finished, gently brush your teeth and gums to complete your routine.

Alternatives to traditional dental floss

If traditional floss isn’t working for you, there are other tools that can make cleaning between your teeth easier:

Floss holders: These handheld tools hold the floss for you, which can make it easier to reach around your mouth.
Interdental brushes, such as Piksters: These small brushes are designed to clean plaque and food from the spaces between your teeth.
Air flossers: These use air and water to clean between your teeth and may be a good option if you don’t enjoy traditional flossing.

Not sure which option is right for you? At your next nib Dental visit, ask your dentist to show you the best tool and technique for your teeth. Finding an approach that works for you can make it easier to keep up the habit and look after your oral health.

When’s the best time to start flossing?

There’s no better time to start than today. Making flossing part of your daily routine can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. And next time your dentist asks if you’ve been flossing, you’ll be able to say yes.

Should you floss your child’s teeth?

You can start flossing your child’s teeth once they begin touching, usually between the ages of two and six. Flossing takes coordination, so they’ll need your help until they can do it properly themselves, usually around age 10. If you’re unsure, always speak with your dentist first.

Tip: Try gently resting your child’s head in your lap so you have a clearer view while you floss their teeth.

Book your next appointment

If you would like to make an appointment with a nib dentist, find a location closest to you or book an appointment online.

Wisdom teeth: why waiting could cost you (and when to act)

01/09/2026 by [email protected]

Wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort, but they don’t always need to come out. Here’s what to look out for, when to get them checked and what to expect if you need them removed.

There’s a good chance your wisdom teeth will make an appearance in your late teens or twenties. They’re the last adult teeth to come through, but your jaw may not have enough room for them.

Wisdom teeth are the third adult molars at the very back of your mouth. Most people have four, but some people have fewer or none at all.

Sometimes, a wisdom tooth doesn’t come through the gum properly because there isn’t enough space. This is known as an impacted wisdom tooth. It may sit at an angle and press against the tooth or bone beside it.

Why do we even have wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth may be a leftover from a time when people ate tougher, coarser foods. Larger jaws and extra molars gave our ancestors more chewing power.

Impacted wisdom teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth hasn’t fully come through the gum in the right position. It may cause pain, infection or other problems.

Food and bacteria can also get trapped around a partly emerged tooth. This can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum inflammation and bad breath.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted or likely to cause complications, your dentist may recommend having them removed.

Wisdom teeth myths, busted

Your nib dentist will assess whether extraction is actually needed.

Myth: if they don’t hurt, they’re fine.
Fact: Damage such as decay or cysts can develop before you feel any pain, which is why regular check-ups and x-rays matter.
Myth: removal always means major surgery.
Fact: Some wisdom teeth can be removed in the dental chair using local anaesthetic. More complex cases may need a specialist or hospital-based care.
Myth: there’s a strict age limit for removal.
Fact: Wisdom teeth can be assessed and removed at any age, and your nib dentist can advise on the right timing for you.

What happens when wisdom teeth are removed?

Depending on how complex the removal is, your wisdom teeth may be taken out by a dentist or specialist at a dental practice or hospital.

Upper wisdom teeth are often easier to remove using local anaesthetic. Lower wisdom teeth are more likely to be impacted, so some people may need general anaesthetic.

During the procedure, your dentist will open the gum to reach the tooth and carefully remove it. They may take it out in sections if needed.

When should I get my wisdom teeth checked?

Wisdom teeth don’t always cause obvious symptoms. Here are some signs to mention to your dentist:

Pain, tenderness or pressure at the back of your jaw
Red, swollen or tender gum around the back molars
Difficulty opening your mouth fully, or jaw stiffness
A persistent, bad taste that brushing doesn’t fix
Pain when chewing, or your front teeth seeming to shift

These symptoms don’t always mean there’s a problem with your wisdom teeth. But if they persist or get worse, it’s a good idea to book a check-up.

Seek urgent medical or dental care if you have severe swelling, difficulty swallowing or a fever with jaw pain.

Recovery reality: what to actually expect

Some swelling, discomfort and light bleeding are normal for the first few days after having a wisdom tooth removed. Complications aren’t common, but it’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions.

For the first 24 hours:

rest with your head raised
use an ice pack as directed
stick to soft foods
avoid straws and vigorous rinsing, as these can disturb the blood clot that helps the area heal.

Swelling and discomfort are often at their worst after two to three days, then gradually ease over the next week. Your dentist may recommend gentle saltwater rinses to help keep the area clean.

Many straightforward extractions settle within one to two weeks, but impacted lower wisdom teeth may take longer. Contact your dentist if the pain or swelling gets worse after the first few days. You should also get in touch if you have a fever, discharge or bleeding that won’t stop, as these can be signs of an infection or dry socket.

The cost of waiting

If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing pain, getting them checked might not feel urgent. But some problems can develop before you notice anything’s wrong and make removal more complex later on.

An infection can flare up or spread, while pressure from a wisdom tooth can damage the tooth beside it. A cyst can also develop around a wisdom tooth that hasn’t come through.

As you get older, the roots can grow longer and the bone around the tooth can become denser. This can make later extraction more complex than it might have been earlier on.

An early check-up gives your dentist a clearer picture of what’s happening. It doesn’t mean you’ll need treatment, but it can help you plan ahead rather than wait until the tooth becomes painful.

How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Your nib dentist will check your mouth and may recommend an x-ray to see where your wisdom teeth are sitting, including their roots and nearby nerves. If they’re impacted or causing problems, your dentist may recommend having them removed.

Worried about your wisdom teeth? Book a Wisdom Tooth Removal Consult with a nib Dental dentist to get them checked and talk through your options.

Did You See This From Service NSW? Your Child May Be Eligible for Free Dental Care

13/08/2026 by Erica Thomson

Did you see the email from Service NSW this morning about free dental care for eligible children?

It’s a timely reminder for parents and carers to check whether their child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) and make the most of the benefits available.

What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government program that helps eligible children access essential dental care.

Eligible children can receive up to $1,158 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years for a range of general dental services.

CDBS benefits may help cover services such as:

Dental check-ups and examinations
X-rays
Professional teeth cleaning
Fissure sealing
Dental fillings
Extractions
Other eligible general dental services

The CDBS can help families stay on top of their child’s oral health and address dental concerns early.

Is my child eligible for the CDBS?

Eligibility for the CDBS is determined by Services Australia. The program is generally available to eligible children aged 0–17 who meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

If you’re unsure whether your child is eligible, you can check through Services Australia or speak with our friendly nib Dental Care team before booking.

What if my child has already used their CDBS benefits?

The Service NSW update also highlighted an important option for families.

If your child has used their full CDBS benefit, or needs treatment that isn’t covered by the program, eligible children may still be able to access dental care at NSW public dental clinics at no cost, subject to eligibility requirements.

If you choose to visit a private dental practice, our team can also help explain how your child’s available CDBS benefits may apply to their appointment and eligible treatment.

Dental care that fits around your family

We know that finding time for a dental appointment can be difficult when you’re juggling school, work, sport and everything else that comes with family life.

At nib Dental Care, we aim to make visiting the dentist as convenient as possible, with appointments available at selected centres early in the morning, in the evening and on weekends.

And if you’ve never visited us before, new patients are always welcome.

Whether your child needs a routine dental check-up, has a dental concern or you simply want to stay on top of their oral health, our friendly dental teams are here to help.

Don’t wait until there’s a problem

Regular dental visits can help your dentist monitor your child’s teeth as they grow, identify potential problems early and provide advice to help keep their smile healthy.

If your child is eligible for the CDBS, now could be a good time to check their benefits and book their next dental appointment.

Ready to book?

Check your child’s CDBS eligibility and book an appointment with nib Dental Care today.

With convenient appointment times available at selected centres, including early mornings, evenings and weekends, we make it easier to find a time that works for your family.

New patients are welcome. Book online today or contact your local nib Dental Care centre.

What dentists look for when treating patients with diabetes

20/07/2026 by [email protected]

By Dr Allauddin Siddiqi, Periodontist

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, or you have been told you are pre-diabetic, there are a few things you may not know about how it can affect your oral health.

Believe it or not, your mouth is one of the first places where the effects of diabetes show up, it’s also one of the most important places to keep your health under control.

As a Periodontist, Dr Allauddin Siddiqi specialises in the health and care of the gums and the underlying structures that support your teeth. With experience treating gum conditions and supporting patients with diabetes-related oral health concerns, he understands the connection between diabetes and oral health.

“Healthy gums, better diabetes control.

Better diabetes control, healthier gums.”

Dr Allauddin Siddiqi, Periodontist

The connection between blood sugar levels and gum disease

Diabetes and gum disease are closely connected. They don’t just occur alongside each other but can also influence and worsen each other over time.

When your blood sugar is too high, it produces harmful bacteria in your mouth creating the perfect conditions to grow, leading to swollen and irritated gums. What’s not widely known is that unhealthy gums can also make it harder to keep your blood sugar under control.

It can become a vicious cycle, where high blood sugar can affect your gums, while gum disease can make your diabetes harder to manage.

This is why looking after your gums isn’t just about your mouth and oral care. For people with diabetes, it’s a real part of managing the condition itself.

How diabetes affects your teeth and gums

When a patient with diabetes visits a dentist thorough examination of your teeth and gums is an important first step.

First measuring the depth of the pockets between each tooth and the gum. Healthy pockets are shallow, while deeper pockets signal that infection and bone loss may be developing beneath the gumline.

Dentists will also look at the colour, texture and condition of your gum tissue. Red, swollen or bleeding gums are a sign of active inflammation. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue, if left untreated, diabetes gum disease can destroy the bone that holds your teeth in place.

X-rays are also used to give insight on any jawbone loss that isn’t visible during the physical examination. Where bone loss has already occurred, determining how far things have progressed and creating a treatment plan to bring it back under control is the next step.

Why more frequent appointments matter

For most patients, its recommended you keep up your twice-yearly dental check-ups.

However, this recommendation can increase to three to four times a year depending on a patient’s blood sugar and overall gum health.

As more frequent professional cleaning and monitoring can help catch deterioration early and prevent problems from getting worse.

What does good oral care for diabetics look like?

Before your next appointment, make sure you tell your dentist you have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Let them know what medications you take and how your blood sugar has been tracking.

If you have your blood sugar levels history on an app, show them the results on your phone. This information can help dentists examine you and plan your care.

At home, brush twice daily and floss every day. It’s also important to watch for early warning signs, such as bleeding gums, gums pulling away from your teeth or persistent bad breath.

The sooner you act on these signs, the better the outcome.

Take action today

If you have diabetes, pre-diabetes or you are simply serious about protecting your long-term health, book your nib Dental appointment to speak about your gum health with a professional now.

Dr Allauddin Siddiqi is a specialist Periodontist and research scholar.

Should I replace my old fillings?

20/07/2026 by [email protected]

One of the most common questions people have about their dental health is: “Do my old fillings need replacing?”

It’s a great question, and the answer depends on their condition. So, what should you look out for and when it might be time for a filling refresh.

Signs your filling needs attention

Your fillings work hard to protect your teeth, but they don’t last forever. Here are some telltale signs that yours might need replacing:

Visible damage is often the most obvious clue. If you can see cracks, chips, or gaps around your filling, then it’s time for a check-up. These openings can allow bacteria to sneak in and cause decay beneath the filling.

Tooth sensitivity that’s new or getting worse can indicate your filling isn’t sealing properly anymore. If you notice discomfort when sipping your favourite hot latte or consuming a cold ice cream, then your tooth might be trying to tell you something.

Pain when biting down is another red flag. A compromised filling can create pressure points or expose sensitive areas of your tooth, making chewing meals uncomfortable.

Discoloration around the filling or changes in your tooth’s colour can signal problems brewing underneath. Dark spots or staining might mean decay is developing where you can’t see it.

Roughness you can feel with your tongue often means the filling is wearing down or breaking apart.

How long do fillings last?

Depending on care and conditions dental fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type of material used and your individual habits. Things like teeth grinding, diet, and oral hygiene all play a role in how long your fillings hold up.

This is why regular dental check-ups are so important. Your dentist can spot early warning signs during routine examinations; often before you notice any symptoms yourself. Catching issues early means simpler, less extensive treatments down the track.

Timely filling replacement does matter

Replacing worn-out fillings isn’t just about aesthetics (though we have to admit, modern filling materials do look fantastic!). It’s crucial for your overall oral health.

When old fillings aren’t replaced in time, you risk complications like persistent pain, further tooth decay, or even tooth loss.

By staying on top of filling maintenance, you’re protecting your teeth, maintaining comfort, and the biggest thing here, avoiding more complex dental work in the future.

A good way to compare, it’s a bit like getting your car serviced on a regular basis, minor repairs and maintenance now can prevent bigger problems later.

What about amalgam fillings?

If you have older silver (amalgam) fillings, you might be wondering whether they need special attention. Over time, these metal fillings can corrode, crack, or cause tooth discoloration due to the material’s natural expansion and contraction. In some cases, decay can develop underneath without you even realising.

However, if your amalgam fillings are still intact and functioning well, your dentist generally won’t recommend removing them just for the sake of it.

Unnecessary filling removal can actually cause more harm than good. The key is having them regularly monitored so your dentist can make informed recommendations based on their actual condition.

Your smile deserves the best care

At the end of the day, looking after your fillings is part of looking after your overall dental and mouth health. Regular check-ups, good oral hygiene habits and addressing issues promptly all contribute to keeping your teeth healthy and comfortable for years to come.

If you’re concerned about any of your fillings or it’s been a while since your last check-up, don’t hesitate to book an appointment. Your dentist is there to help you maintain your dental health and can answer any questions you might have about your specific situation.

Taking care of your teeth is an investment in yourself and nib Dental are here to support you every step of the way!

If you want to find out more about replacing your old fillings and brightening your smile, make an appointment with a nib Dental dentist today.