News

Most of us know attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by its common abbreviation – ADHD. This is a medical condition affecting one in every 20 children. Those that are impacted by ADHD can find dental appointments and day to day care challenging.

Common dental issues for children with ADHD

Children with ADHD can be especially prone to a range of dental issues:

• Children with ADHD commonly experience anxiety, particularly in situations they don’t understand and can’t control. Dental visits, by their nature, require people to lie back with their mouth open and for a child with ADHD, this can be a particular challenge.
• An increased risk of cavities. This is because of the difficulties in maintaining regular brushing and flossing routines.[1] Another reason is because of medication leading to changes in diet and appetite. Some medications cause a dry mouth (xerostomia), which also increases the risk of cavities.
• A higher risk of tooth grinding (bruxism) and dental trauma.
• A higher risk of diseased, missing, or filled teeth.[2]

Top tips for caring for your child’s teeth if they have ADHD

1. Develop a regular oral health routine starting from a very young age. It also helps to role model positive oral hygiene habits with your own oral care e.g., brushing twice each day and flossing daily.
2. Use positive reinforcement and rewards for better results with brushing.
3. Keep your instructions very simple when teaching your child about oral hygiene. Be prepared to repeat yourself several times.
4. Focus on the brushing of their teeth, rather than the brushing technique. Some children with ADHD struggle at first with having the brush in their mouth and take time to build tolerance.
5. Be patient and try a combination of hygiene techniques to work out what’s best for your child.[3]
6. When booking your child’s appointment, let the receptionist know they have ADHD. Ask if there is a dentist in the practice who is experienced in working with children with this condition.
7. Schedule appointments for a time when your child is most attentive and least likely to be tired.
8. Make regular appointments so they become part of your overall health care for your child.
9. Let the dentist know if there are any changes to your child’s care or management. Medications can cause side effects in the amount of saliva which is produced and it’s important the dentist is aware.

Work in partnership with your child’s dentist

You are the expert when it comes to knowing your child and their dentist is an expert in their oral health. As partners, you can reduce the likelihood of dental problems.

Book your regular appointment with your dentist today to discuss your child’s oral health care.

[1] https://www.adhdsupportaustralia.com.au/adhd-and-dental-care/

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14684974/

[3] https://www.adhdsupportaustralia.com.au/adhd-and-dental-care/

Over the last few years cosmetic dentistry has evolved to become more affordable and accessible. So, if you’re like many people and not entirely happy with your smile, it may help to know you have options.

Having a beautiful smile is something which many of us consider important to our overall presentation and confidence. Just like eating a healthy diet and exercising helps us to feel and look our best, how we prioritise our teeth and oral health makes a huge difference to our appearance and general well-being.

You’re probably not alone

You’re likely to find that at least a few of your friends have had some type of dental work done or are considering it, especially those with great teeth. Genetics, environment and good old-fashioned luck play a big role in the type of teeth and smile we have as individuals. Fortunately, we have a range of options when it comes to improving our smile and boosting our confidence.

What is the goal of cosmetic dentistry?

The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance and function of the teeth, gums, bite or smile. It is generally focused on one or a range of treatments including crowns, bridges, veneers, tooth whitening, dental implants and tooth-coloured fillings. And although each treatment is different, the goal of cosmetic dentistry is essentially the same – to create a more natural smile, improving both the look of the teeth and the way they work.

[1] Some cosmetic work is relatively straightforward, for example, tooth whitening, while other treatments are more complex and build on a series of steps that progress toward an end goal such as clear aligners and orthodontics.

What common treatments are considered cosmetic dentistry?

1. Teeth whitening – lightens the colour of the teeth.
2. Crowns/bridges – are a fixed solution to missing or damaged teeth.
3. Dental veneers – are a thin porcelain or resin facing which are attached to the front of the tooth.
4. Tooth bonding – where a hard resin is applied to damaged parts of the teeth or to fill gaps.
5. Dental implants – are a replacement root for a tooth that is bonded with the bone in the jaw. A crown is then made to match the surrounding teeth to fill the gap formed by the missing tooth.
6. Orthodontics – are devices which straighten teeth, so they are aligned. Commonly called ‘braces’, orthodontic appliances can be attached to the front or back of the teeth, or made from clear plastic trays known as clear aligners.

Look after the basics first

If you’re considering having dental cosmetic work done, book an appointment with your dentist. They can examine your mouth and provide you with options to improve your smile. Brushing twice each day, flossing daily and caring for your teeth and gums are dental care basics. Often, the success of any cosmetic treatment relies on good oral health foundations. Speak with your dentist about what’s right for you and start getting excited about having a brilliant smile!

Book an appointment with your dentist today to discuss your options for cosmetic or any other dental care.

[1] https://www.ada.org.au/Careers/Dental-Team/Technician 

As the holidays come to an end and we prepare to return to work and school, there are a few things we can do to help our kids get back into their oral health habits and routines. Like most things health-related, consistency is key, especially when it comes to teaching our kids oral health routines like teeth brushing before bed.

Most of us probably let the reigns a bit loose during the holidays, allowing the odd nighttime teeth brushing to go astray or allowing sweet treats like ice blocks for those hot summer days. But whilst it’s important to enjoy the holidays, it’s just as important for us to continue our kid’s oral health routines to ensure that their teeth and gums are cared for in between regular dental check-ups.

¹A study from March 2022 showed that around 1 in 4 children aged 6-14 had experienced tooth decay in their adult teeth and were more likely to have visited the dentist for a dental problem rather than for a check-up. The importance of our children caring for their teeth and attending regular dental check-ups is to prevent more painful and costly dental problems and emergencies down the track.

Visiting the dentist as early and frequently as possible will set your child up with good oral hygiene habits for life and instil the importance of prevention. Follow our back-to-school oral health care tips to ensure your child’s teeth are cared for between their 6-monthly check-ups.

Kids’ oral health routine tips

1. Brushing teeth twice a day- making sure to brush front to back, side to side, up and down, and round and round. And don’t forget to brush the gums too. You can even set a timer or put your child’s favourite song on to make sure they’re brushing for 2 minutes.
2. Floss once a day. If your child has teeth that touch, flossing will make sure to get rid of any little bits of food and germs that are too small to see between the teeth. Teaching your kids to floss early will ensure their gums are healthy and clean. If you’re struggling to teach your kids how to floss, book an appointment and ask your dentist about flossing.
3. Encourage healthy eating. Pack fruits and vegetables in your child’s lunchbox instead of sugary snacks, and a big water bottle and milk instead of juice to wash away bacteria and protect teeth. Check with your local council if your tap water is fluoridated, this is the best water for our teeth.
4. Book your child’s next dental check-up before school goes back and mark it in your calendar. Don’t forget to check if your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) and make the most of caring for your child’s oral health.

¹https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia/contents/healthy-teeth