|
How often should I visit the dentist?
|
|
The frequency of dental visits should be based on individual need
– some people will need to see the dentist more often than others.
More frequent visits may be necessary for persons at increased
risk for oral diseases due to age, oral hygiene, and health conditions
(e.g., diabetes, dry mouth). Your dentist or dental hygienist
can help you determine how often you should have a visit.
|
|
When should my child first visit the dentist?
|
|
It is recommended that all infants first visit within 6 months
of the first tooth and no later than 12 months of age. An early
examination will give the parent the chance to get guidance on
dental and oral development and health care. It will also help
ensure that the child’s mouth is well cleaned and has no existing
medical conditions.
|
|
Is chewing gum good for your teeth?
|
|
Yes, it is in general agreed that chewing gum is good for your
teeth. This is because it encourages the production of saliva.
Saliva neutralises acids and washes away sugars, as a result helping
prevent tooth decay. Most dentists recommend chewing after meals
and snacks when it is not convenient to clean your teeth. Chewing
gum should never be used in place of brushing your teeth.
|
|
My mouth often gets really dry. Is there a reason for this, and
what can I do to prevent it?
|
|
Dry mouth or Xerostomia, is increasingly common, and is caused
by a number of things. These can include ageing, medication, or
medical conditions such as diabetes. Symptoms can be relieved
by regularly drinking water, chewing gum, or using mouthwashes.
Alcohol, tobacco and sugary food can also cause a dry mouth. A
dry mouth can lead to decay and gum disease, due to the lack of
cleansing saliva.
|
|
How do whitening toothpastes work and how effective are they in
whitening teeth?
|
|
All tooth brushing helps remove stains from the surface of teeth
through mild abrasive action. Some whitening toothpastes contain
chemical and/or polishing agents that help provide extra stain
removal. Over-the-counter whitening products contain a bleaching
substance that helps remove stains on the tooth surface but none
have the same effect as through your dentist’s. Whitening toothpastes
can lighten colour about one shade, whereas whitening conducted
at your dentist’s can make your teeth up to eight shades lighter.
|
|
Can cigarette smoking cause oral cancer? What are the signs and
symptoms of oral cancer?
|
|
Over 25% of oral cancers occur in those who do not smoke. The
following are common signs and symptoms of oral cancer:
• Swellings, lumps, eroded areas on the lips, gums
or other areas inside the mouth.
• The development of white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth.
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
• Unexplained numbness, or pain/tenderness
in any area of the face, mouth, or neck.
• Persistent sores on the face, neck,
or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks.
• A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of
the throat.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw
or tongue.
• Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or changes in the voice.
• Dramatic weight loss.
*If you notice any of these changes, please do not hesitate to
contact your dentist for a professional examination.
|
|
How safe are dental x-rays?
|
Exposure any sources of radiation can damage the body’s tissues
and can lead to the development of cancer. Fortunately, the dose
of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of x-rays is
extremely small.
Who we are | What we do | Where we are | Faq's | Links | Contact us
|
