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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

Most of us know how important it is to care well for our teeth. However, it’s just as important to be aware of the structures which surround and support teeth and to look after them to avoid gum disease and tooth loss.   

Gums provide a protective covering for the bones which anchor our teeth in place. And although we can’t see these bones as clearly as our teeth, without their support our teeth don’t have a secure base. This is why gum disease is one of the major causes of tooth loss.

Gum disease

There are two stages of gum disease – gingivitis and periodontitis. Most of us, at some point in our lives, will experience gingivitis. This can be related to times when we may not have been as careful with our oral hygiene, or we’ve been unwell. Smoking and vaping can also affect gum health because of changes to healthy blood flow and an increase in bacterial plaque.

Gum disease has also been linked with a range of health conditions, including diabetes, strokes and cardiovascular disease. Gum health is also influenced by what we eat and some nutrients are particularly important in sustaining tooth and gum health. Calcium, Vitamins D and C as well as protein, all help to nourish the connective tissues in our gums.

Gingivitis

The name for early gum disease is gingivitis. This is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth and along the gum line. Plaque contains bacteria which causes the immune system to trigger an inflammatory response. This is why gums become swollen and red when gingivitis is present.

Gingivitis can cause changes to the surface layers of the gums, especially where the gum meets the tooth. 

The gums become swollen, red and can bleed, especially when brushing. As the gums swell and pull away, they no longer work like a firm ‘collar’ around the tooth and small pockets can form where food and bacteria settle.  

When gingivitis is in the early stages, it can be reversed by paying more attention to brushing. Be guided by your dentist in the most effective technique. For many people, the temptation can be to avoid brushing because the gums are tender and may bleed, though these are signs that more brushing is needed, not less. Brushing at least twice each day with a soft toothbrush, using a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing daily helps to remove bacteria and plaque which cause gingivitis. 

Some people also like to use a tongue brush which can help to remove bacteria from the tongue.  

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to a condition called periodontitis. This means that there is inflammation and infection in the periodontium – the structures and tissues which hold the teeth in place. Spaces can form in between the tooth root and the gum, and these periodontal pockets form the ideal catchment for food and plaque to build up. Over time, these pockets become larger, the periodontium becomes damaged, and bone can be lost. When this happens, the bone can no longer hold the tooth so it becomes loose and may need to be removed.

Unfortunately, once a tooth loses its stable anchor, it’s very difficult to save. Regular dental checks and preventing gum disease in the first place helps to retain teeth throughout the lifespan.   

Our 4 tips to avoid gum disease

There are a few things you can do to care well for your gums, most of them centred around removing the plaque which causes gum disease.

• Focus on cleaning your whole mouth by brushing your gums as well as your teeth. Pay attention to brushing where your gums and teeth meet and angle the brush at 45°. 
• Use a soft-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush regularly and when you’ve recovered after being unwell.
• Clean between your teeth with floss and/or interdental brushes. This will help to remove food from nearly half the surface area of your teeth where brushing can’t reach. 
• See your dentist regularly – book an appointment today.