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.

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 To Keep Your Gums and Teeth Healthy

If you want a glowing smile you will need to pay attention to your oral health. Because of this, you will need to build healthy habits. Here are some simple things you can do to take care of your teeth and gums.

Brush And Floss Regularly

One of the easiest ways to support healthy teeth and gums is by brushing regularly. You should be doing this at least twice a day, preferably after each meal. This will remove any debris that has become trapped in your teeth and gums. Remember to cover every part of the tooth surface. Try to avoid brushing too aggressively, as the bristles might damage your gums, which can cause bleeding. If possible, you should try to use an electric toothbrush, this will be more effective at removing plaque. 

Flossing is also an important part of your oral healthcare routine. It helps you get rid of any debris that you couldn’t dislodge by brushing alone. Because of this, you will need to floss once a day. If you are unsure of what to do, a Hornsby dentist can show you the right technique.
 

Brush Your Tongue

Though it sounds unusual, you should be brushing or scraping your tongue. This is where some bacteria and plaque can build up. This might be responsible for causing bad breath.

Use A Mouthwash

It’s a good idea to incorporate mouthwash into your daily oral health routine. This will help to control the amount of acid within your mouth. It can also help you re-mineralize your teeth, keeping them in good condition for longer.

Finding The Right Type Of Toothpaste

There are many brands of toothpaste on the market. But some will be better than others. In particular, you should be looking for something that contains a large amount of fluoride. This will help protect your teeth from decay.

Consider Your Diet

The types of foods you eat and the things you drink can have a profound impact on the health of your teeth. For example, many of us are aware of the damage that sugary materials can do, increasing the risk of cavities. Instead, you should choose foods that are high in calcium. This will help you build stronger teeth.

You should also choose crunchy foods, like apples. This will help to scrape any plaque and tartar from your teeth. They can also help to stimulate saliva. This can be a good way of controlling bacteria growth. During the day, you should make sure that you are drinking plenty of water, especially if you have dry mouth.

Book A Dental Appointment Every Six Months

Lastly, it’s a good idea to make regular appointments with a dentist in Hornsby. They will be able to help you clean your mouth, removing any lingering bacteria. They can also keep track of your oral health, spotting issues before they become major problems. Your dentist can also provide services like whitening, to help you optimize your teeth’s appearance.

Conclusion

Everyone wants to have a gorgeous smile. As long as you keep these simple things in mind, you should be able to take care of your teeth, so your beautiful smile will last for years to come.

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.

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.

The Perfect Smile is Easy to Obtain

For the ideal smile it is important to consider both health and aesthetics. Fortunately, Gentle Care Dentistry can guide you through the process of achieving a healthy and beautiful smile.

The Importance of a Healthy Smile
Your health should always come first, so when it comes to your teeth, maintaining a healthy smile is of utmost importance. There are several steps you should take daily to maintain your health. Obviously, it is of great importance that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. By using an electric toothbrush, you can ensure that every surface is as clean as possible, and to get in between your teeth it is crucial that you floss once a day. Without completing these daily tasks, you risk tooth decay and gum disease as a result of increased bacteria growth. Furthermore, it is important to see your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure there are no irregularities with your smile. If you are in need of a Dentist in Hornsby, Gentle Care Dentistry can offer check-ups, cleans, orthodontics, implants as well as general, major and cosmetic dentistry to ensure your smile is always at its best. 

The Benefits of Invisalign
If you are in need of orthodontic care, braces are a common solution. However, there are many uncomfortable and inconvenient disadvantages associated with braces that can be avoided with Invisalign. Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning limiting tooth decay whilst remaining virtually invisible. Moreover, braces can be incredibly uncomfortable often causing headaches and irritation to the gums which is entirely avoided with Invisalign aligners. For Invisalign in Hornsby, Gentle Care Dentistry’s dentists can provide almost anyone with Invisalign, especially adults who would rather not have braces.

Everything you should know about Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry is all about increasing your confidence and giving you the smile you desire. The following are all cosmetic procedures available at Gentle Care Dentistry:

● Veneers
Veneers are bonded to the front of a tooth to alter a tooth’s shape and colour, creating a natural and healthy-looking smile. There are two main options: Composite and Porcelain Veneers. These different types come at different prices and each have their own pros and cons. You can contact Gentle Care Dentistry’s dentists for a consultation to help make this decision.

● Teeth Whitening
Teeth can be whitened by using a bleaching agent, and different treatment options are available based on your personal history. It’s important to have a check-up with Gentle Care Dentistry beforehand to assess your teeth, and see which procedure is best for you. The two main processes available are an in-chair session, and a night take home kit. Each choice takes a different period of time to become effective, and not all teeth whitening options are acceptable for everyone.

● Cosmetic Injectables
If you are interested in treating jaw muscle over-activity, or improving facial aesthetics, cosmetic injectables are also available. 

For a Cosmetic Dentist in Hornsby, Gentle Care Dentistry can provide you with the perfect smile. And for all your other dental needs, you can contact them today via Gentle Care Dentistry’s website.

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

5 Reasons to Invest in Your Holiday Smile

One of the most stressful parts of the holidays is the expectation of photographs, especially if you are self-conscious about your smile. With all of the other aspects of life that take our time and focus, it can be challenging to devote time to your teeth, but it is a fundamental part of self-care that helps improve mental and physical wellbeing.

1.    Confidence
There are many health reasons to take care of your teeth, but your self-confidence is one of the most important aspects. When you are uncomfortable with your teeth, and therefore your smile, you are less likely to be comfortable in any face-to-face interaction with other people. 

If you find yourself worrying about how your smile looks, you distract yourself from the matter at hand, whether for work, school, or your personal life. Whether your teeth are misaligned, stained, or yellowed, a trip to the dentist will help get you on the right path!

2.    Avoiding Daily Damage
The hardest part of maintaining a healthy, happy smile is the daily routine required. Unfortunately, your teeth undergo structural and cosmetic damage daily due to the food and beverages we consume, and building a daily routine is the best way to combat this damage.

Work with your dentist to not only schedule regular cleanings but also develop a home tooth-care routine that will help prevent all this periodic damage

3.    Saving Money
There's a reason that dental health care is a kind of investment. By taking the time to care for your teeth right now, you will save money in the future. The cost to correct long-term damage is significantly higher than the tiny expense that comes from regular maintenance.

In general, restorative dental work is the most expensive and time-consuming variety that there is, so taking care of your teeth regularly will prevent these costs and discomfort from adding up.

4.    Preventing Bad Breath
This reason ties into number one on our list, but another byproduct of poor dental hygiene that leads to self-confidence issues is the potential for persistent bad breath. While having a breath mint moments before you need to be near someone is a temporary solution, a permanent solution is the only way to prevent this kind of bad breath from continuing.

 

There are several causes for persistent bad breath, and almost all of them are due to poor dental hygiene. Speak to your dentist to discover what steps you need to take to correct or prevent this from happening to you.

5.    Avoiding Pain And Infection
In extreme cases, poor dental hygiene can lead to infections, gum diseases, and cavities. These conditions do not only cause discomfort, but if left untreated will cause significant damage to your teeth, and pain to accompany it.

Oral health is one of the most important aspects of personal care, and if you don't already see a Hornsby Dentist regularly, it isn't too late to start. Book an appointment and speak candidly with your dentist to learn what steps you need to take now to ensure you can smile happily and often!

How to Maintain a Regular Dental Routine for Children

 Many dentists will tell you that the key to good oral hygiene is having good habits from a very young age. Even if you’re able to do everything right as an adult, having important oral hygiene as a child can have a big impact on your teeth as you get older.

The best kind of dental care for kids is actually before a baby’s first tooth appears. The teeth are actually already there, they’re just hidden in the gums. When your child is born, they have 20 primary teeth, most of which are already formed. Parents are advised to wipe gums clean with a damp washcloth to clear away bacteria and as soon as those teeth come out, get them brushed with an infant toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste.

Building Up Good Dental Health

Plaque is the enemy where teeth are concerned. Plaque is a thin, clear film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth absolutely love sugar, so as soon as it’s on your teeth, the bacteria breaks it down into acid that eats away at your tooth enamel. This can cause holes, called cavities. It can also cause gingivitis, a gum disease that can affect your gums, making your teeth loose and eventually, fall out!

The last thing anyone wants, including your kids, is teeth that are sore, full of cavities, and unhealthy gums. You’ll not enjoy eating your favourite foods and you won’t feel much like smiling either.

Parents should be helping their children with dental health because it’s an integral part of a child’s wellbeing. At Gentle Care Dentistry, we’re a dentist in Hornsby that cares, and we’ve been able to devise a few things to help to maintain a regular dental health routine for children. 

●    Let Your Kids Decide
One of the best things you can do is give your child some hygiene independence. Make sure that they brush their teeth twice a day but let them choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste to make it “their own”.

●    Get a Fun Timer
Dentists recommend 2 minutes of brushing, twice a day. Get your kids a fun little timer with their favourite cartoon character on it. This can encourage them to brush for the appropriate time, while still being fun.

●    Reward Them
Don’t reward them with sugary treats, but instead something else they value. Maybe a week of good habits will get them a new toy, or perhaps get them out of doing chores. Something they value will help them see it through.

●    Make the Dentist Fun
The negative connotation attached to the dentist is likely due to the occasional temporary pain some can experience. Doing something fun before or after can really help to ease the pressure on the trip, making it a better experience.


Make your children’s health an important part of growing up – Call us now! – 8411 2674

Veneers vs. Crowns – What Are the Main Differences?

The world of cosmetics can be a tricky one because there are so many options out there, but for the most part, the average person doesn’t have any idea what the procedures are or what the process entails. Nobody is expecting you to either!

At Gentle Care Dentistry, we give you all of the information so that you can make up your mind about what you think suits you best. We’re one of the few Hornsby dentist practices that offers both veneers and crowns as cosmetic dental improvements at a reasonable price.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are a porcelain covering that is incredibly thin and is bonded to the front of the tooth. Usually, the porcelain is matched by colour to that of your natural tooth colour. While veneers are incredibly strong, they can also be quite brittle and if there are repeated impacts, it could dislodge or crack the porcelain.

Veneers are far less invasive than crowns and will likely be the option for someone who doesn’t have extensive damage to their teeth. In the process of attaching it, the dentist will usually grind down the surface of the tooth to make the surface rough for attaching the veneer.

What Are Crowns?

A crown will usually encase the entire tooth. They are usually made of either metal or porcelain, or in some cases, a combination of both. They are almost twice as thick as veneers and are therefore more durable than veneers.

Crowns are quite effective as replacements more than just additions and work particularly well for tooth decay. A crown is constructed in a lab and then it will be put in place and cemented there.

The Difference Between the Two

While both veneers and crowns are forms of dental restoration, they both work similarly. Depending on how much of the tooth is removed, or needs to be removed, that will likely depend on the recommendation you get from your dentist at Gentle Care Dentistry.

If you have a large filling, a root canal or a very worn down, and cracked tooth, then a crown will likely be the best option for you. If there’s very little damage, and it appears to be more cosmetic than anything else, then veneers would usually be used. Depending on the dentist, they may both cost similar amounts but as there is more work involved with a crown, they will usually be more expensive.

Brighten up that smile with Gentle Care Dentistry – 8411 2674

What Causes Sudden Toothache

Getting a sudden toothache is something that should never be ignored! When you have a sharp, throbbing, or constant pain in a tooth or set of teeth, or even in your gums, it’s something that should be seen as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage. Gentle Care Dentistry is a family dentist that can deal with many forms of toothache and get you back on track for a cleaner, healthier smile.

Just over 20% of adults experience pain in their teeth, gums and jaw over a period of six months, and if you fall into this group, one likely explanation is sensitive teeth. However, there could also be the possibility that you have a cracked or infected tooth. The good news is that this can usually be fixed by your local dentist.

 

We know it can be difficult getting to the dentist during these times of COVID-19 and Gentle Care Dentistry is taking every precaution necessary in accordance with the recommendations from The Australian Dental Association and the Department of Health. Make no mistake, getting to the dentist to sort out your teeth now will be far more worth it in the long run!

How Does a Tooth Get Sore?

Teeth can become sore for a number of reasons. Whenever a tooth is exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures you could feel a sudden flash of pain and it’s never something that anyone wants to feel. This is when your tooth enamel is worn or when the nerves in your teeth are exposed.

Dental cavities are holes that form in the enamel surface of the teeth and when they first start, aren’t too big a deal because the pain is very rare. However, if left untreated, these cavities can become larger and can extend into the depths of the teeth making the pain a lot worse. This is not the only cause of toothache though and people suffer from many different causes of toothache, including:

●Crowded teeth
●Sinusitis
●Tooth grinding
●Weak tooth enamel
●Gum disease
●Cracks in a tooth
●Teeth bleaching products

Getting a Fix to Put the Smile Back on your Face

Fortunately, all is not lost if you’re experiencing dental pain or believe to have any of the above ailments. Gentle Care Dentistry can work with you to solve your tooth woes and can put the smile back on your face. We take Hornsby family dental care seriously and urge you to make contact today if you’re having any form of toothache.

Put the smile back on your face with Gentle Care Dentistry – 8411 2674