The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups with Gentle Care Dentistry in Hornsby

A healthy smile is a vital component of your overall well-being, and regular dental checkups are crucial in maintaining that radiant grin. Gentle Care Dentistry in Hornsby understands the importance of consistent oral care and is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental services to ensure your teeth and gums remain in optimal condition. In this article, we will discuss the significance of regular dental checkups and how Gentle Care Dentistry can help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

1. Early Detection of Dental Issues

One of the primary reasons for regular dental checkups is the early detection of potential oral health issues. Gentle Care Dentistry's team of experienced professionals will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to identify any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems. By addressing these concerns in their initial stages, you can avoid more complex and costly treatments down the line.

2. Professional Cleaning for a Healthy Smile

Even if you maintain a diligent at-home oral hygiene routine, plaque and tartar can still accumulate on your teeth. Gentle Care Dentistry offers professional dental cleanings to remove stubborn buildup and reach areas that may be difficult for you to clean on your own. Regular cleanings not only prevent gum disease and tooth decay but also leave your teeth looking polished and your breath smelling fresh.

3.  Maintaining a Healthy Bite and Jaw

During your dental checkup, Gentle Care Dentistry's dental professionals will also evaluate your bite and jaw alignment. Misaligned teeth or an improper bite can lead to issues such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), headaches, and even tooth loss. By identifying these problems early on, your dentist can recommend suitable treatment options to prevent complications and preserve your oral health.

4.  Monitoring Existing Dental Restorations

If you have dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, or implants, it's essential to have them regularly examined to ensure their integrity and functionality. Gentle Care Dentistry will assess your existing restorations during your checkup and make any necessary repairs or adjustments to avoid future problems.

5.  Preventative Care and Patient Education

Gentle Care Dentistry believes in the power of preventative care and patient education. During your checkup, your dentist will provide personalized advice on maintaining proper oral hygiene, making better dietary choices, and adopting healthy habits to protect your teeth and gums. This tailored guidance will empower you to take control of your oral health and prevent common dental issues.

6.  Peace of Mind

Finally, regular dental checkups provide peace of mind, knowing that you are taking proactive steps to maintain your oral health. Gentle Care Dentistry creates a welcoming and comfortable environment to ensure that your dental visits are a positive experience, making it easier for you to prioritize your oral health.

In conclusion, the importance of regular dental checkups cannot be overstated. By scheduling consistent visits to Gentle Care Dentistry in Hornsby, you can prevent dental issues, maintain a healthy smile, and improve your overall well-being. Don't wait until a problem arises – invest in your oral health today by making dental checkups an essential part of your healthcare routine.

Your Baby's First Tooth and What to Expect

The appearance of your baby's first tooth is a significant milestone and a cause for celebration. However, it can also bring new challenges and questions. Here's what to expect when your baby's first tooth makes its debut:

1. Timing:

Most babies will have their first tooth between the ages of 4 and 7 months, although it can appear as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. The timing can be influenced by genetics, nutrition, and other factors.

2. Order of Appearance:

The first tooth to usually appear is the bottom front tooth, followed by the top front teeth. After that, other teeth will start to appear in a predictable pattern, with molars appearing last.

3. Symptoms:

As the tooth begins to emerge, your baby may experience some discomfort or fussiness. They may also experience drooling, mild fever, and swollen gums. These symptoms are normal and usually subside within a few days.

4. Teething Rings and Toys:

Teething rings and toys can be helpful in relieving the discomfort associated with teething. Be sure to choose a product that is made of safe materials and appropriate for your baby's age and development.

5. Cleaning:

You can begin cleaning your baby's first tooth with a soft, damp cloth or gauze pad. As more teeth appear, you can begin using a baby toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste.

6. Dental Visits:

It's important to start visiting the dentist as soon as your baby's first tooth appears. The dentist can examine your baby's mouth, provide tips for caring for your baby's teeth, and monitor their development.

7. Nutrition:

Good nutrition is important for your baby's overall health, including their teeth. Encourage your baby to drink from a cup rather than a bottle, and avoid giving them sugary drinks or snacks.

8. Pacifiers:

If you use a pacifier, be mindful of how often you're offering it and how long your baby is using it. Prolonged use of a pacifier can cause problems with tooth development and bite alignment.

9. Thumb-Sucking:

Thumb-sucking is a common habit for babies, but if it continues past the age of 2 or 3 years, it can cause problems with tooth alignment. Encourage your baby to stop the habit before it becomes a problem.

10. Bedtime Routine:

Establishing a bedtime routine that includes brushing and flossing can help your baby develop good oral hygiene habits. Lead by example by brushing and flossing your own teeth at the same time.

In conclusion, the appearance of your baby's first tooth is a significant milestone that can bring new challenges and questions. Be prepared for symptoms such as discomfort, fussiness, and swelling, and choose teething toys and pacifiers carefully. Start visiting the dentist as soon as your baby's first tooth appears and encourage good nutrition and oral hygiene habits. By following these guidelines, you can help your baby develop healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.

What is Hypocalcification? What are the Main Causes and Effects?

If you notice any issues with your teeth, calling a dentist can be a good idea to keep your oral health in check. There are many different conditions that your dentist can help you catch early, which can prevent more serious problems later on. One condition that can lead to some significant tooth decay is hypocalcification. This article will take a closer look at this issue as well as its causes to help you better understand this condition.

What Does Hypocalcification Mean?

Hypocalcification is a condition that occurs when the tooth enamel lacks the proper amount of calcium. When your teeth lack the sufficient amount of calcium, the enamel starts to become weak and thin. In addition to weak enamel, your teeth might have a chalky or opaque appearance, potentially leading to discoloration in the teeth. 

This condition can cause your teeth to become more susceptible to decay, which will make you more prone to erosion and cavities. You might also end up with teeth that are more sensitive to hot and cold food and beverage.

What Causes Hypocalcification?

Typically, hypocalcification can be caused by one of two factors: genetics or acid. This section will take a closer look at these two causes.

Genetics

There is a genetic condition known as amelogenesis imperfecta that can lead to hypocalcification. This can lead to hypocalcification by causing your enamel to not properly develop in the adult or primary teeth. Ameloblasts are cells that are responsible for discharging the essential enamel proteins as the teeth develop. This genetic condition impedes the body’s natural ability to develop healthy enamel to form. The tooth enamel that does develop is usually very soft and can easily wear away. In the worst cases of this condition, there will only be a very thin layer of dentin that develops in the enamel. This is a very rare condition, but one that can impact around 1 in 10,000 people.

Acid

Another factor that can lead to this issue is acid. There are foods and beverages that not only contain acids, but also bacteria that can produce acid and plaque. This can lead to the breakdown of your teeth enamel. This is a process that is also known as demineralization, which is usually the first stage in your teeth developing cavities. As your teeth loses calcium, they will begin to develop spots of discoloration as a result of the changing enamel. When a tooth enamel has lower amounts of calcium tends to be more porous and a lot chalkier when compared to a healthy person’s enamel.

Seeking out treatment for this issue is important as this can cause the calcium to continue to breakdown, causing permanent damage.

Conclusion

Seeing a Hornsby dentist as soon as you notice the signs of hypocalcification is essential to prevent a more serious problem down the line. There are some treatments available to help, but you may require the need of a dentist to repair any damage if you let it get too bad before visiting a dentist.

Tips for Finding a Trustworthy Dentist for Dental Health

Your dentist should be a long-term partner, helping you maintain your dental health. But with so many dentists to choose from, it can be hard to know which one you should select. Here are some tips to help you narrow down the search and find the right dentist for you.
 
Reviews
The best place to start is by looking at the reviews. Ideally, you will be able to find a dentist that provides exceptional service to their customers. This is especially important if you are nervous about visiting a dentist. A calm, professional approach will help put your mind at ease during the procedure.

You can ask your friends and family for their opinions. Frequently, they will be able to refer you to a trusted dentist.

 
What Health Funds They Support
You should choose a dentist that accepts with your health fund. This reduces the amount that you will have to pay out of pocket.

Location
It’s important to choose a local dentist in Hornsby. This ensures that you won’t have to travel too far. Ideally, you should choose one that offers parking in the area. Look for a practice that is close to forms of public transport.

Booking an Appointment Should be Easy
Booking an appointment with your dentist should be a simple task. Today, many dentists have an online booking system, where you can easily choose your preferred slot. But, you should also be able to call and make an appointment over the phone.

It’s also important to consider when you can make an appointment. Your dentist should have a range of time slots available, so you can find one that fits your lifestyle.

Organizing a Consultation
Often, the best way to find out whether a Hornsby dentist is a good fit is by having a consultation. This allows you to meet with them in person, so you can get a sense of their approach. During this meeting, there are a few questions that you should consider. For example, do they explain the procedures clearly? Does the dentist make you feel calm and relaxed?

You can also get a closer look at the facilities. Ideally, the waiting areas and surgery should be kept clean. As you enter, the staff should be friendly and help you feel at ease. Any fees or charges should be communicated clearly, so you don’t need to worry about surprise bills.

Focus on The Patient
Finally, the focus of a dentist should always be on how you can get the best smile. Often, they will take some time during the appointment to discuss your dental health and what you want to get out of your trips to the dentist. You should feel comfortable expressing your needs with them.

Sometimes, a dentist might offer treatments they think can help you improve your oral health. But you should never feel like they are trying to push something on you.
 
Conclusion
It’s important to do a little research to find a dentist in Hornsby that will suit your needs. The good news is that you should only have to do this once. After you have found someone you trust to take care of your dental health, you can keep using their services over the long term.

What is Dental Plaque And How Can I Get Rid of It?

Having a healthy smile, with beautiful white teeth will allow you to boost your confidence. But, over time, you will notice that your white teeth have started to turn yellow. This is natural and is caused by the build-up of plaque. But what is plaque and how can you control it? Here are some of the things you need to know.

What Is Dental Plaque?
Plaque is simply another name for the layer of bacteria that can build up on our teeth. When we eat foods or drink sugary liquids, the bacteria will be activated. As they feed, they will produce acids. This coating can break down the enamel in our teeth, which might lead to cavities. If you don’t take any action, the plaque will thicken. This will form tartar, which will require a trip to your local Hornsby dentist to remove.

There are a few signs that you have plaque. You might feel a build-up on your teeth, like a sticky coating. Plaque can also lead to halitosis, which is what is responsible for bad breath. Over time, it can lead to gum disease, causing bleeding in the gums. In extreme cases, the teeth might need to be extracted. 

Controlling Dental Plaque
The good news is that there are a few ways that you can control plaque build-up from home. Here are some techniques you can use.

Flossing Daily
You can limit the amount of acid the bacteria are producing through flossing. This will remove debris from your teeth, stopping the plaque from feeding on them. It’s important to be thorough when you are flossing. You’ll need to go between the teeth, you’ll also need to take the floss underneath the gumline. If you want some advice, you can ask your Hornsby dentist for a demonstration the next time you are in the practice.

Changing Your Diet
Consider your diet. You might find that you are taking in a lot of sugary food and drink. This will accelerate the growth of bacteria and increase the amount of acid they are producing.

Brushing Teeth Regularly
You can control the amount of plaque building up on your teeth by brushing regularly. At least twice daily should be enough to stop plaque from hardening and turning into tartar. Though, if possible, you should brush after every meal. You will need to brush all the surfaces of the teeth, including the top and inside.

Visiting A Dentist
Regular dental check-ups with a dentist in Hornsby are one of the best ways to control plaque. They will be able to do a thorough inspection, checking the condition of your teeth and tracking any areas of concern. They will also be able to do a deep clean, removing plaque and bacteria. Because of this, it’s recommended that you should visit the dentist every six months.

Conclusion
Controlling dental plaque is an important part of your oral health. Simple preventative actions, like regular flossing, frequent brushing, and regular trips to the dentist can limit plaque build-up. This will ensure that you always have a beautiful white smile.

How Does Sugar Affect Your Dental Health?

We have all heard warnings to avoid a diet that is high in sugar. But what might not be so clear is the link between sugary foods and dental health. To clear this up, let’s look at how these elements are linked.

Sugar Changes The Acidity in Your Mouth
To understand why sugary foods and drinks are so dangerous we need to look at what occurs after you consume them.

Inside your mouth, there are harmful bacteria. These will produce acids. Usually, your saliva will be able to neutralize this acid and limit damage. However, harmful bacteria will feed on sugar. As they digest it, they will start to produce more acid.

Unfortunately, the longer this process continues, the worse the acidity will become. This is because a build-up of plaque will occur within your mouth. This is the sticky, colorless substance that is bonded to your teeth.

The way to combat plaque build-up is by brushing your teeth regularly. It’s also a good idea to visit your Hornsby dentist regularly to get a professional dental clean to remove any plaque build-up. 

Higher Acid Levels Break Down Enamel
Higher levels of acidity in your mouth can cause serious problems. First, it will eat through the mineral coating of the tooth enamel. This is the shiny coating that protects your teeth from damage.

There are a few signs that tooth decay is starting to occur. You might notice sensitivity when drinking hot or cold liquids. You might also start to experience minor pain when you are biting into your food. Sometimes, your teeth will start to turn yellow or brown.
 
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a dentist in Hornsby. If you can catch tooth decay early, you will be able to stop cavities from forming. This can save you a lot of money and pain in the future.
 
Tooth Decay Creates Cavities
As the enamel is worn down, small holes, or cavities, can appear in your tooth. If left untreated, these holes will continue to widen. If they become deep enough, the nerves in the tooth might be exposed. This can cause a lot of pain.

Unfortunately, treating a cavity will require a trip to a dentist in Hornby. If detected early enough, they might be able to use a filling or root canal. However, if it is too advanced, they might be forced to remove the tooth, to stop the damage from spreading to other teeth.
 
Spreading Bacteria Can Cause Gum Disease
As the bacteria in your mouth continue to thrive, they might move into the gum line. This has the potential to lead to gum disease. If caught early enough, this disease can be managed by maintaining good oral hygiene.

However, if the gum disease spreads too far, it can create a lot of problems. You may need professional help from a Hornsby dentist. Without this, there is a chance that you will start to lose teeth.

Conclusion
The effects of a high sugar diet can be devastating for your teeth. It can cause cavities and even lead to gum disease. The good news is that these issues can be avoided, you just need to consume sugar in moderation.

What is the Difference Between Dental Bonding and Dental Veneers?

Very few people have perfect teeth naturally. Many people have issues with their smiles, which can impact their confidence and can prevent them from smiling. The good news is that there are various dental techniques that you can invest in that will help you achieve that perfect smile. Dental bonding and veneers are among the top choices that you can choose from. By reading on, you can learn the difference between these two options to make the best decision for your needs.

Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an inexpensive and simple dental procedure used for cosmetic purposes. This procedure is often used in a variety of different ways. For one thing, it can help improve the appearance of chipped teeth or teeth that are very discolored. They can also lengthen teeth that are too short, which can give your smile a boost. Lastly, this can even be used to help fill in any gaps that you may have in your teeth.

You and your dental provider will go through to see which shade of white will work best for you. Then, your dentist will start to etch into your teeth to make them rough using a special tool in a painless procedure. After this, each tooth that is receiving this treatment will be coated with a bonding liquid, then they will put on a resin. The resin gets molded into the proper shape, then is hardened into its proper place with a high-intensity light. The dentist will complete any further shaping or trimming that needs to happen. Finally, they will polish the teeth to complete the procedure.

Dental Veneers
Veneers are also used to improve your smile, like dental bonding. However, these are custom-made thin coatings that are usually created from porcelain. These do not need to be shaped or hardened like dental bonding needs. You will have an initial visit with the dentist, where they will get an impression of your teeth. These impressions are sent to a specialized dental library, where they will create veneers that will fit your teeth, which could take up to 2 weeks. When you go to the appointment to have your veneers put in, they will shape the teeth to make room for your veneer. Your smile will look natural, and you don’t have to worry about anything else as the veneers replace your natural teeth. 

This is also a painless process but getting veneers can be much more expensive than dental bonding. Veneers are also a permanent option, and they are more durable than bonding.

Gentle Care Dentist wants to help you understand the different procedures so that you can make informed decisions about your dental care. Getting the perfect smile is something that you may want to achieve, but you may not know the best option for you. The advice in this article can help you make this decision, and you can use this information to talk to your dentist. They will give you the best insight into which option will be the best choice for you.

Top Reason Not to Put Off Your Annual Dental Check-Up

Getting checked up has a lot of benefits and it’s advised by doctors and academics to book yourself in twice a year. Although it’s not everyone’s favourite time, and some people are reluctant, you’re really better off not delaying too long. When you think it’s the right time, Gentle Care Dentistry are a dentist in Hornsby that you can depend on to help you take good care of your teeth.

Maintaining Good Oral Health
Keeping your teeth and gums in good shape is really important and the number one reason to not put off your annual dental check-up. This is not just to present a beaming smile, but also to maintain a strong sense of solidity and dependability in yourself. If you get regular updates and guidance from your dentists, your teeth and gums will never fail you, which will preserve your self-esteem, image, and wallet, along with your pearly whites.  

Saving Money Down The Road
Oral health is a very important aspect of good overall health, happiness, and wellbeing. Without proper oral hygiene, many severe and debilitating health complications can occur. These problems can cost more than you expect. A check-up is the most important step to take on the road to good oral hygiene and keeping your dentist bills under control. 

 

Tooth Loss
Postponing your trip to the dentist can lead to major trauma. Something that may seem insignificant; a small weakness in a tooth, can be a catalyst for the rapid deterioration of enamel and eventually a decayed tooth that will have to be extracted. The reality of such a situation is often more painful and traumatic than the unsuspecting sufferer would imagine.

Gum Disease
One aspect of oral hygiene that is a common point of conversation in the dentist’s office is the underappreciation of the gums. Gum disease is a really common ailment in adults and can lead to all kinds of undesirable effects, such as bad breath, bleeding, and worst of all receding gums. A simple check-up at the dentist is all you need for a professional to assess how your gums are doing and whether they are of relative concern.

Peace of Mind
When you are not certain of your oral hygiene, you never know what sort of damage you might be carrying without proper attention. Simply knowing that your teeth are okay can be a subconscious load off your mind. Alternatively, getting the bad news that you may have suspected all along can give you something concrete to think about and a friendly expert to help you combat the problem.

Fantastic Oral Hygiene
Getting to the dentist should be on your calendar and not at the back of your mind. After a visit, you’ll have that brilliantly clean, fresh feeling and an action plan toward fantastic long-term oral hygiene. Get booked up at Gentle Care Dentistry, a dentist in Hornsby that will look after you and your teeth every step of the way.

Should You Consider a Water Flosser? Why a Water Flosser is a Good Idea

Water flossers are new products that seem to be all of the rage right now. Whether or not you should use a water flosser should be a question that you ask your dentist in Hornsby, ensuring that this is the best product to use for your teeth and gums. Using the right products can make all of the difference in your oral health, which is why a water flosser is often highly recommended for patients to use. Reading on, you can learn all about what a water flosser is and why you should be using one.

How Do Water Flossers Work?
The water flosser is a device that is handheld and can be used to remove the plaque and food particles stuck in between your teeth. You have to fill the product with water, then place it in your mouth before turning it on. It should be placed right above the gum line before turning it on, then move along the gum and in between your teeth. The water flosser uses a steady and gentle stream of water to clean all of those hard-to-reach areas in your mouth.

Why You Should Use a Water Flosser
If you don’t have the proper technique when flossing, you can often experience bleeding and discomfort when flossing the traditional way. Using dental floss in a harsh or incorrect way can also lead to these same issues. Unfortunately, bleeding and uncomfortable gums are also symptoms of gum disease, which is an infection that’s caused by a buildup of tartar and plaque. You will still notice some discomfort when you first start with a water flosser, even if it is gentler than dental floss. The good news is that you can get rid of some of this sensitivity by using a different speed or temperature water. If there’s still a problem, you should contact your dentist.

Traditional flossing can be a problem for some people. Some people hate the discomfort that it causes them. Some people have medical conditions like Parkinson’s or arthritis, which makes flossing with dental floss nearly impossible to do. Water flossing is a great alternative because it’s easier to use while still offering a high level of clean.

Water flossing is also a great idea for people who have complex orthodontic or restorative treatment. Crowns, braces, and non-removable bridges can make it harder to reach certain areas in your mouth. A water flosser can help you clean out these areas much easier than if you didn’t have one.

Water flossers are highly effective devices that can significantly improve your oral health.

Conclusion
Gentle Care Dentistry wants to make sure that you have the right information when it comes to dental healthcare. Oral health is so important when it comes to your overall health, which is why you should consider using products like a water flosser to ensure the highest level of clean for your mouth. Brushing can only do so much and using a water flosser can make a significant difference in your oral health when used properly.

7 Habits That Can Stain Your Teeth

Everyone longs for nice bright white teeth, don't they? If you are noticing that your teeth are becoming stained and discoloured, there are some habits that you may have fallen into that could be contributing to your discoloured teeth.

The most common reason for stained teeth is consuming food or drink that contains chemical compounds called chromogens. These are typically present in food and drinks with an intense colour, such as red wine or coffee. But there are plenty of other culprits too. Here are some of the main offenders.

 

1.    Coffee, Tea and Red Wine

These three baddies are the most common causes of stained teeth. The chromogens in coffee can stick to the enamel of your teeth (gross!), which will then cause staining over time.

Black tea contains tannins that can have a worse staining effect than coffee. Adding milk to your tea can help reduce the chance of staining over time.

Red wine is one of the most apparent teeth stainers, but you can reduce the chances of staining by sipping water along with your wine.

Ultimately reducing your intake of these beverages or cutting them out altogether is the only way to prevent them from staining your teeth over a prolonged period.

2.    Acidic drinks

You may be surprised at some of the other drinks that can cause teeth staining. Due to the high sugar content, pigments and acid in sports drinks and fizzy drinks like cola, these drinks can also cause significant dental stains.

White wine is, perhaps surprisingly, just as bad as red wine when it comes to causing dental stains. The high acid content can erode the enamel on your teeth, making them more prone to staining from other food and drink.

3.    Teeth staining foods

Food with deep colours such as beetroot, tomatoes, berries and soy sauce can all cause teeth staining. Curry is also a big offender, along with tomato-based sauces and salad dressing made with balsamic vinegar.

4.    Not drinking enough water

We are always being told to drink more water, and there is a good reason for that. As well as keeping you hydrated and assisting in the body's ability to flush out toxins, water helps to rinse away debris on your teeth that might cause staining. So put down the cola and switch to water instead.

5.    Smoking

Everyone knows that smoking is an all-around villain with regard to your overall health. It is one of the major causes of teeth staining in addition to other oral health issues such as gum disease and mouth cancer. Another good reason to quit!

6.    Not Brushing or Flossing your teeth

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a bit of a given, right? But if you regularly skimp on your dental routine, this could be contributing to your teeth discolouration. Brushing twice a day with a good quality fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day are essential routines to maintain healthy-looking teeth. 

7.    Not visiting the dentist

Keeping up with your dental appointments is one of the main ways to keep your teeth healthy. A dentist can spot any problems early on and give valuable advice on avoiding oral health problems such as teeth staining.

If you're nervous about visiting the dentist, then look no further than Gentle Care Dentist in Hornsby. We will put your mind at rest and ensure that you are well taken care of. 

5 Reasons to Invest in a Holiday Smile

We’re all familiar with the fellowship and exuberance of the holiday season. For most people in the so-called, Western world it is a period of several weeks where we build up in eager anticipation of Christmas and the New Year. In North America, of course, there are a few more holidays starting with Thanksgiving in November.

The common denominator, whichever country you live in, is that it’s also a time of indulgence and excess. From gingerbread houses to candy canes, eggnog to mulled wine, the season is filled with once-a-year treats that are everything but friends of good dental health.

Whilst it’s unlikely that that last mouthful of Christmas pudding with brandy and orange sauce will see you rushing off to the dental emergency room, it is never a good idea to ignore your oral health. Not even in the holiday season.

In fact, it might, indeed, be an opportune time to remind yourself why you should look after your mouth. Here are five reasons why you should take special care of your smile.

1. Confidence and happiness

Smile and the world smiles with you. No one will dispute that a smile spreads a feeling of congeniality, peace and general wellbeing. And, not least, inwardly. Smiling promotes happiness and provides a boost to your health.

Smiling is also a great confidence booster. The world loves a smile. And the person who is smiling. But there is a catch. It takes confidence to smile. Most people feel very self-conscious about showing unhealthy, uneven or discoloured teeth.

Looking after your teeth will give you the confidence to smile. 

2. Prevention is better than a cure

A stitch in time saves nine. Taking precautions with your dental hygiene can help prevent potentially serious conditions from developing later on. A good basic dental hygiene regimen at home is not always enough though,

You should also visit a dentist at least twice a year for a routine examination and assessment. If anything untoward is happening in your mouth, early diagnosis will make the treatment a lot quicker and simpler

Dental care has become extremely expensive and avoiding just one visit can save a lot of money.

3. Appearance

Whether we like it or not, good looks open doors. And without good teeth, good looks are just a little more difficult to pull off. There are definite social benefits to looking after your smile, as narcissistic as it may sound.

4. General health

Like any infection, oral bacteria, if left unchecked, can also spread to other parts of the body. Bacteria generally do not do well in clean environments. Preventing bacterial infections reduces the risk of more serious general health issues. It also prevents bad breath which can be a very big social hindrance.

5. Medical benefit limits

A sad fact of modern-day life is that we have become dependent on insurance products to cope with the high cost of healthcare. In order to get the best from the premiums we pay, we have to keep track of what we’re paying for.

As we approach the end of the year, you may want to make that last appointment. Using up this year’s limit on that last quick check up will take a little pressure off the next year. You’ve paid for it so use it.
To make the most of your holiday smile, call Gentle Care Dentistry, the foremost Hornsby dentists. We’re here for you.

How to Look After a Dental Implant, Bridge, or Dentures at Home

The pandemic has brought with it, hundreds of new ways for people to manage everyday life without being able to return to the norm. Some people will restrict themselves from local services for fear of catching or spreading Covid-19, and even without restrictions, some may still argue about the safety of these services. People who are at risk may not want to visit their local hairdresser, eye doctor, or even dentists.

This makes life especially difficult for those who pay regular visits to a local dentist in Hornsby. Many people may not feel comfortable visiting a local dentist, even when we’re able to, for fear of getting ill or perhaps putting others at risk. There’s no way that you’ll be able to do serious dental procedures by yourself while at home, but there are certain steps that you can take to look after a dental implant, a bridge, or even dentures while in the comfort of your own home.  

Dental Implants

Perhaps one of the most important things that you can do for your dental implants at home is to keep them clean. Keeping them clean is essential in maintaining the lifestyle of the implant. A common form of infection that can develop around implants is a gum disease known as peri-implant disease. This is caused by a build-up of plaque and can cause bone loss around the implant. 

Regular cleaning and maintenance are important at home since you may not be able to visit your local dentist in Hornsby for health reasons. You should brush your implants at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush, including under and around the crown of the implant. You could also benefit from using an interdental brush coated with nylon to clean around it.

Bridges

Dental bridges will fill the gaps in your mouth, replacing a missing tooth with a false tooth, and being bonded to natural teeth on either side of the gap. Again, emphasis needs to be on having a clean bridge, so regular brushing is especially important.

Your dentist will have likely advised you to avoid hard or sticky foods, and this advice is more important now than ever. Since you may not be able to make it into a dentist, just avoid hard and sticky foods entirely! It can cause damage to your bridge and will leave you with some real problems and no solutions. Clean the bridge twice daily and use spongy floss where possible.

Dentures

With dentures, routine maintenance is also equally important. Clean your dentures over a sink of water each day and don’t wear them at night unless your dentist has told you to do so. Make sure that you’re using a specific denture cleaner each week for a deeper clean, as you want them to be as clean as possible.

Most importantly, take care of them. If your dentist isn’t open, or you won’t be able to make it in, getting a replacement denture could take a number of weeks at least, and at worst, might not be available until the pandemic is over!

Speak to us for any dental needs including help and advice on what to do in a dental emergency - 8411 2674