News

As parents, we all dream of seeing our children’s bright, healthy smiles. But let’s face it, getting them excited about brushing and flossing can be tough. The good news is that with a touch of creativity and enthusiasm, you can transform dental care from a routine chore into a fun and engaging daily adventure for your kids.

Turn toothbrushing into a game

Who says brushing your teeth has to be a chore? Make it one of your kids’ favourite games. Start by using a fun, colourful timer or a sand timer to challenge your child to brush their teeth for the full time (ideally two minutes). To make it even more engaging, set up a reward system where they earn a sticker or a small, healthy treat each time they complete the brushing session.

Make it a family activity

When the whole family brushes together, it turns toothbrushing into a fun, shared activity instead of a solo chore. Set a specific time each day for everyone to brush their teeth together. Take turns picking your favorite song to brush along to – this makes the routine more enjoyable and helps everyone keep track of brushing for the full two minutes.

Get creative with toothbrushes and toothpaste

Sometimes, the key to excitement lies in the tiny details. Let your child to choose their own toothbrush featuring a beloved superhero, princess, or cartoon character. A toothbrush with their favourite design can make the task feel special. Let them experiment with different toothpaste flavours too. Kid-friendly options come in a variety of fun flavours like bubble-gum or fruit flavour.

Use positive reinforcement

Encouragement can be a powerful motivator. Praise your child for their excellent brushing habits and set up a reward system to keep them motivated. For example, they could earn points each day they brush and floss well, which they can then trade for a special outing or treat. To make tracking easy and fun, use a printable tooth brushing chart.

Check your child’s eligibility for free* dental with the CDBS

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) gives families a great opportunity to support their children’s dental health without financial stress. This government initiative provides eligible children with up to $1,095 in dental benefits over two calendar years, covering everything from basic check-ups to more extensive treatments. By using the CDBS, you can help your children keep their teeth and gums healthy while easing the strain on your family budget. Check your eligibility and schedule regular dental visits to make the most of this valuable benefit.

Make dental care a fun and engaging part of your child’s routine will help them develop lifelong healthy habits and keep their smiles bright. Regular check-ups are essential for maintaining those healthy smiles, so book your check-up with your dentist to keep your child’s dental health in top shape.

*Free when services covered by the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) are bulk billed by participating Practitioners for treatments provided to eligible patients.

Your oral health is more connected to your overall wellbeing than you might think. What might seem like minor problems with your teeth or gums could actually be signs of something more serious. Ignoring them might lead to bigger problems, not just for your mouth, but for your health in general.

Here are five dental symptoms you should never ignore:

1. Bleeding gums: sometimes bleeding gums are just a sign you need to brush more gently or switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles. However, it can also point to early or late-stage gum infection. Swollen gums, known as ‘gingivitis’, may look red and puffy around the teeth, but the first sign could be seeing blood when you brush. A professional dental clean can help remove built-up plaque that’s causing the bleeding and prevent more serious gum disease. Book a dental appointment if your gums are bleeding regularly or showing signs of discomfort.
2. Bad breath: bad breath can be caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth and debris on the tongue, which thrive in the mouth’s warm, moist environment. Other factors like periodontitis, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, or even gut and respiratory issues can also play a role. Keeping up with brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleans can help address oral causes of bad breath.
3. Tooth grinding: tooth grinding, or bruxism, can happen when we’re awake or asleep without realising it. Grinding, gnashing, and clenching your teeth can put too much pressure on your teeth and jaw. Even mild cases might not need special treatment, but they can cause tooth damage, headaches, and jaw problems. Stress, sleep issues, ageing and some medicines can make tooth grinding worse. A custom mouthguard can help protect your teeth. It’s a good idea to see both a dentist and a general practitioner to diagnose and treat the problem.
4. Toothache: a toothache usually means there’s an issue with your teeth or gums. You might feel it on one side of your face, and it can come and go or be constant. The pain can range from a dull ache to severe discomfort. Common causes of toothaches include tooth decay, infection, or the eruption of new teeth. While pain relief can help temporarily, it doesn’t solve the underlying problem. Visit a dentist to find out what’s causing the toothache. Your dentist can examine your teeth, prescribe medication like antibiotics (if needed) and may take an x-ray to plan the right treatment.
5. Loose teeth: it’s normal for children to have loose teeth as their baby teeth make way for their permanent teeth. In adults, loose teeth can be caused by trauma or issues with the supportive structures that keep teeth in their correct position. If these structures are infected or damaged, they can weaken and cause teeth to become loose. Treatment begins with a thorough dental examination to identify the cause. Removing plaque build-up, tooth splinting, and adjusting the bite can all be helpful.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms book an appointment with your dentist to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Early treatment can often produce a better outcome.

Do you experience a sudden, sharp pain when you enjoy hot, cold, or sweet foods? This might be a sign of tooth sensitivity. Unlike a persistent toothache, sensitivity usually feels like a brief, sharp discomfort that fades quickly. Whether it’s from a sip of cold water or a bite of something sweet, tooth sensitivity can make it hard to fully enjoy those small, everyday pleasures.

Sensitive teeth

For those with sensitive teeth, the pain often strikes quickly and sharply but eases soon after. Unlike a toothache, which usually lasts longer and ranges from a dull ache to constant pain, tooth sensitivity tends to be brief. Some people don’t realise they have tooth sensitivity until they eat or drink, while others notice it when they feel cold air on their teeth.

Causes for sensitive teeth

Tooth sensitivity occurs when a tooth reacts to triggers like hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks, cold air, sugary treats, or even the touch of a toothbrush. Identifying which tooth is sensitive can be challenging, and multiple teeth might be sensitive at once. Factors such as worn enamel, exposed tooth roots, and issues with the strength of a tooth contribute to sensitivity. Additionally, cavities, cracks, worn fillings, or gum disease often lead to tooth sensitivity.

Why are my teeth sensitive?

There are many different causes of tooth sensitivity, but decay and tooth erosion are two of the most common reasons. When the protective layers of a tooth, like enamel and gums, get damaged or worn away, the inner part called ‘dentine’ gets exposed. Dentine has tiny channels that link to the inner pulp of the tooth, where the nerve fibers that sense pain are located. When hot, cold, or sweet things touch the dentine, they can trigger a sharp, sensitive reaction.

Some people find that their tooth sensitivity increases after dental treatments, but it usually goes away within a day or two. Sensitivity can also be caused by tooth whitening, gum erosion, eating or drinking highly acidic substances, and tooth grinding. Plus, brushing too hard or using a side-to-side motion instead of a 45° angle can lead to ‘toothbrush abrasion,’ which wears down enamel and adds to sensitivity.

Treatments for sensitive teeth

If you have sensitive teeth, book an appointment with your dentist to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort. Avoiding hot, cold, or sweet foods may provide temporary relief. Maintain good oral hygiene by using fluoride toothpaste, brushing twice daily, and flossing. Opt for warm water and steer clear of foods that trigger sensitivity.

Your smile deserves the best care. Book an appointment now to find relief and restore comfort to your daily life.