Are your teeth getting the minerals they need? We all know that ensuring your body gets the right nutrients and minerals is essential for good health. But what minerals do our teeth need in particular?Fluoride is the one we all know about, but there are also other beneficial minerals – calcium and phosphate. The saliva in our mouth helps provide essential minerals that strengthen your teeth and protect the enamel, but there [...]
Milk teeth, or baby teeth, are the first set of teeth that appear, starting from around 6 months of age up to around 3 years. There should be 20 all together. Baby teeth are generally whiter and resemble the colour of milk. Sometimes, teeth may appear a couple of months earlier or later than the expected time, depending on the child. Baby teeth are temporary, and will eventually fall out making way [...]
Tooth brushing either with an electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush helps physically reduce plaque build up in our mouths. There is evidence revealing that electric toothbrushing may assist with reducing plaque build-up provided that it is used correctly. Thus, electric toothbrushes are generally recommended for adults who have already developed the correct dexterity in toothbrushing appropriately. Children usually will require assistance with their tooth brushing and flossing. As a parent, if you [...]
Why use toothpaste? There are many reasons to use toothpaste. Toothpaste physically helps remove thick harmful biofilm on teeth surfaces which may cause tooth decay or gum disease. Most toothpastes also contain fluoride, which makes teeth more resistant to dental caries and aid remineralisation of early carious lesions. Additionally, some toothpastes have special ingredients to address staining and/or bad breath! How much toothpaste should my child be using? For infants, toothpaste is [...]
Did you know that the first dental visit is recommended to take place by the age of one but on average, children have their first visit at the age of four? First dental visits and care from a regular dentist are important factors in looking after the health of your child’s teeth and mouth. The best time to book you baby in for their first dental visit is when their first tooth [...]
How does tooth decay develop? Tooth decay is a diet-related disease that damages the teeth. Teeth are covered in plaque, a sticky film that contains bacteria. When we eat and drink, the bacteria produce acids that break down the outer layer of the tooth (enamel). This is how decay develops. Dental decay can be found on both baby and adult teeth. Areas that are at a higher risk of collecting plaque and [...]
What are the 6 year old molars? The first adult molar erupts between 6-7 years of age, commonly termed the “6 year old molar” or “first molars” and they represent new growth, meaning they don’t replace any baby teeth. These first molars help to determine the shape of the lower face and affect the position and health of the other permanent teeth. They sit right behind the last baby tooth. As they [...]
Molar teeth have deep, fine grooves (also known as fissures) and pits on their chewing surfaces. These grooves can be very difficult to keep clean and often, even the toothbrush bristles are too thick to brush the base of the groove. That means, even if your oral hygiene is impeccable, some areas are just impossible to clean thoroughly! This leads to an unwanted collection of plaque and food debris. If plaque and food particles are not [...]
Baby it's cold outside! It’s that time of the year again! Winter is here and can be a magical time of the year, but we are also in the height of cold and flu season. Along with the regular cold and flu, we are also dealing with exposure to complex viruses. Winter isn't just about trying to avoid catching these nasties, the colder months can play havoc with your overall oral health [...]
Teaching your children to brush their teeth the right way! If you are wanting your children to learn how to correctly brush their teeth, then it’s important that you begin teaching them at a young age. By starting early, your children will become comfortable with brushing their teeth, making it easier for it to become part of a healthy routine. In a child’s eyes, brushing teeth can be quite scary, as it’s [...]