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This summer, reward yourself after a busy year with a change of pace and bring a sense of balance to your life. It’s time to relax with friends and family and while a lot of our everyday routines can be forgotten over the summer break, caring for our teeth is a habit we can’t afford to forget.  There’s just too much at stake.

It’s fantastic to floss

Nearly half of the surface area of our teeth can’t be cleaned by brushing alone.  Floss is the only way to remove food and plaque from in-between teeth and under the gums.  There are many different types of floss available to buy at dental centres, pharmacies and supermarkets and it’s cheap – around the same price as a cup of coffee and it lasts a whole lot longer.

Be gentle when flossing and avoid ‘snapping’ it against your gums, instead, use a zigzag motion. Take your time cleaning between every tooth, remembering if two teeth are touching there’s likely to be food trapped. Speak with your dentist about the right way to floss. They’ll be happy you did.

Five top tips for a great summer smile

1. Don’t forget to brush your teeth twice each day and floss every day. Set a timer on your phone for 2 minutes morning and night and spend a little time brushing each surface of every tooth and your tongue as well. Spit out the toothpaste but don’t rinse – the fluoride in the toothpaste will work wonders on your enamel by making it strong. And take your toothbrush if going away. Missing brushing at night can increase the risk of tooth decay and sharing toothbrushes is never a good idea.
2. Think before you drink. Water is the best beverage if you’re thirsty and will help to keep your teeth decay free. Soft drink, sports drinks, flavoured water and mixer drinks all contain varying amounts of sugar and electrolytes which can lead to tooth decay. So include water in your summer esky!
3. Try to limit your snacking and stick with three meals and two snacks each day. Each time you eat, the acid level of the mouth drops which can cause the surface of the teeth to soften and start the tooth decay process. Your saliva plays a really important role in protecting your teeth by neutralising acids, but It takes up to 20 minutes for this to happen. The more frequently you snack, the less time you give saliva to protect the teeth. If you need a snack, aim for something healthy. Dairy foods, fruit and vegetables, nuts, crackers and apples are all tooth friendly. Take a plate of healthy snacks to share and watch them disappear.
4. Give smoking a miss and stay clear of other smokers. Apart from the damage to your lungs, smoking can damage the gums, cause bad breath, affect taste and stain your teeth.
5. Consider if stress is affecting your mouth or jaw. Tooth clenching, grinding, mouth ulcers and cold sores can all be signs of stress and anxiety. Speak with your dentist if you feel stress is affecting you in anyway, including your mouth. Even holidays can be stressful, even though they’re not meant to be.

Speak with your dentist

Our Dentists at nib Dental are happy to chat through ways to look after your teeth and gums so the rest of your body stays healthy. Don’t wait until there’s a problem or you have pain. It’s important your dentist is monitoring your oral health regularly.

Remember

Dentists at nib Dental will be available over the holiday period, so book an appointment for your oral health check. A New Year’s resolution can be to have a healthy smile.

References

It’s been an absolute joy looking after you and we want to take this opportunity to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

At nib Dental Care we’re passionate about the health of your teeth and keeping our services available to you over the holiday season. A selection of our dental centres will be open throughout the festive period as well as Public Holidays (except Christmas Day) with daily emergency appointments.

If you need to make an appointment during this time, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment at the following nib Dental Care centres by calling us on 1300 345 300, or book an appointment online.

Christmas Day 2020:

All nib Dental Care Centres will be closed. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Boxing Day 2020:

Chatswood, Glendale, Greenhills, Melbourne, Woden

New Year’s Day 2021:

Greenhills, Melbourne

Thank you for being part of the nib Dental Care family and we look forward to taking care of you over the break and into 2021.

Most of us are aware of ways to care for our teeth and prevent tooth decay. Gum care, though less understood, is just as important. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria that live in plaque, a sticky colourless film which forms on our teeth after eating. Unless plaque is frequently removed with brushing or dental cleaning, the bacteria in plaque can cause gum infection and tooth decay.  Left untreated, gum disease can progress to affecting the bone that supports the teeth.

Stages of gum disease

There are three stages of gum disease; the first is gingivitis where plaque builds up on the gumline and releases toxins which can irritate the gums. The second stage is periodontitis, where the bone and tissues holding the teeth become damaged irreversibly. The third stage is advanced periodontitis, where the fibres and bone holding the teeth in place are destroyed. This causes the teeth to become loose and shift from their normal position.  When bone loss is advanced, it can be extremely difficult to save the affected teeth. Early intervention can stop gum disease from progressing and from becoming more advanced and causing tooth and bone loss.

How to know if you have gum disease?

You may not know you have gum disease, which is why it’s so important to check your own mouth and book an appointment for a regular dental check-up. Look at your gums and become familiar with any changes.

For some people, the first sign they have a gum problem is that their teeth don’t sit or align correctly when they bite. Loose teeth or a change in the appearance of their teeth can also cause suspicion.

Gum redness, swelling, tenderness and bleeding when brushing and/or flossing are also symptoms of gum disease. Another sign is puffy gums, pulling away from the teeth so they look longer.

Teeth which are loose or sensitive also feature with gum disease. More advanced gum disease can cause pus to form between the teeth and within the gums. And bad breath, sometimes called ‘perio’ breath, is another symptom.1 You may also have an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Can gum disease be treated?

Treatment of gum disease depends on how advanced it is. In the early stages, regular cleaning with   brushing and flossing is a good start. A more thorough and comprehensive clean by a dentist can help to remove plaque and tartar collected under the gum-line and in the shallow trough in-between the teeth and the gums. If there are any rough, old or broken fillings that are causing food to become trapped, these may need to be replaced to help prevent further damage to the gums. In more severe cases of gum disease, a deep clean of the roots of the teeth may be required over three to four visits. You may also be given an option to see a gum disease specialist for more advanced treatment.

Book regular appointments with your dentist so they can guide you on preventative measures to maintain your gum health. Remember that caring for your gums and teeth is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the impact of gum disease; brush, floss and repeat, twice a day, every day.

1 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/bad-breath/what-is-perio-breath-the-connection-between-gum-disease-and-halitosis

Dental anxiety is a fear or anxiety associated with going to the dentist. And although many of us would prefer to spend our time elsewhere, the truth is that having a healthy mouth is a vital part of maintaining your overall health.

If you suffer with dental anxiety, you are not alone. Some people have generalised anxiety or a fear over loss of control, whilst others may fear the cost, the unknown or have a phobia about needles or pain.

Whatever the cause, understanding your individual needs and tailoring your dental care to your particular needs is the key to successfully overcoming anxiety. It’s worth developing a plan with your dentist to help you feel more comfortable. Their help will support you to manage your anxiety and reduce the likelihood of delayed visits.

So what can you do if you feel anxious about going to the dentist?

Tips to managing your dental visit anxiety

• Naming the fear is often one of the best first steps as well as trying not to hide from it. Let the centre know when you book your appointment that you are feeling worried. Remember, they genuinely want to help you.
• If possible, ask the centre to make an appointment for a quieter time. Avoid sitting for long periods in the waiting room. Ask the receptionist to let you know if your appointment is likely to be delayed, which will help you to manage your anxiety while waiting.
• Speak to your dentist and be up front about how you’re feeling. Being open could be helpful in identifying your individual triggers and working out a treatment plan you’re comfortable with. Organise a stop or pause signal with your dentist for use during treatment so they know when you need a break.
• It may help to make your first appointment a simple ‘get to know you’ meeting with your dentist, which doesn’t involve an examination. This will help to build trust and allow you to highlight any areas of concern.
• If you’ve had a bad dental experience in the past which is the source of your anxiety, let your dentist know. Open up ways of communicating with your dentist where you feel comfortable and transparent. Practice before your appointment so you feel confident doing these.
• Talk to your dentist about sedation options which may be available for you. These can be useful when other distraction and relaxation strategies are not effective. Bring some relaxation music or guided meditation and listen through your headphones while you wait for your appointment. Deep breathing, distraction and guided imagery can all be helpful.1
• Make your next appointment before you leave the surgery or book an appointment online. Plan this for a time not too far into the future so you can build on the skills you’ve already developed.
• Plan for something fun and enjoyable after your appointment and bring someone you trust with you to the appointment. Reward yourself for facing your anxiety.

Remember – regular dental checks can help to identify problems in the early stages. Delaying appointments and treatment often leads to more extensive dental problems.