Blog

CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY

Here at Confident Healthcare, we recommend to bring your child for their first visit from 1 year of age. This is to familiarise them with the atmosphere so they develop a long lasting relationship with the dentist and to prevent any dental anxiety.

With your child regular dental visits, we will monitor their oral health and prevent problems such as infections, tooth decay and gum problems, and we will also access their growth and determine if orthodontic treatment (such as braces) may be required in the future or if early intervention is necessary.

Our dentists and dental therapists will ensure your child enjoys their dental visit and look forward to developing a lifelong relationship with them we even have a fully equipped dinosaur dental chair to keep the kids entertained and comfortable during their visit.

Is your child due for a dental check-up? Call Confident Healthcare on 42 851222 to schedule an appointment today!

SO YOU NEED A FILLING?

If your dental practitioner has told you that you have a cavity and require a filling, you may be curious as to what getting a filling actually involves.
Firstly, there are many different types of filling materials out there today which might leave you wondering which one is best for you. It is dependent on many factors that your dental professional at Confident Healthcare will discuss with you such as function, appearance and cost.

Amalgam:

Amalgam fillings are a mixture of metals including copper, tin, silver and mercury. They are strong and durable but have been controversial due to containing mercury. They are a less aesthetic filling material.
Note: Confident Healthcare is an amalgam free practice.

Gold:

Gold fillings are among the most durable filling materials, more closely resembling the properties of tooth enamel. Gold fillings are non-corrosive and can last a very long time but can cost considerably more than regular fillings.

Composite:

Composite fillings are the most common in dental practice today. They are tooth coloured and made from a mixture of glass and resin and are suitably matched to your tooth shade. Composite fillings however are not as durable and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Glass Ionomers:
Glass Ionomers are made from glass and acrylic which bonds chemically to hard dental tissues and slowly release fluoride over a period of time. These types of fillings are more suitable for smaller fillings in areas that do not take a lot of pressure, for example, tooth roots. They are also often a temporary filling material for baby teeth which are soon to fall out on their own.

Ceramic:

Ceramic fillings are porcelain in material and are formulated in a lab. They can be quite abrasive to opposing teeth so your dental professional with ensure you bite is correct before considering this option.

If your cavity is quite deep, your dentist will numb the area using a local anaesthesia before commencing treatment. Once it is numb, the decay will be removed using a dental drill and any debris will also be cleaned and removed. The filling is then placed and “cured” (set) with a special blue light. After placement, the filling is then polished and your bite is checked.
After a filling, it is quite normal to experience some sensitivity for a few weeks after the procedure, even in adjacent teeth, triggered by very hot or very cold foods. If this persists for more than a few weeks, or is keeping you awake at night please contact your dental professional as soon as possible.

Please make sure to keep regular check-up appointments to ensure the longevity of your filling.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! In this exciting time it is important to remember your oral care.

Reasons for this include:

1) hormonal and physical changes

2) dysgeusia

3) avoiding radiation

4) frequent snacking and change in eating habits

Hormonal and Physical Changes

With the increase of the hormone progesterone, your gums may become, red and swollen whilst pregnant, caused by the body reacting to plaque resulting in gingivitis. To minimise this, ensure you use a soft toothbrush, brushing twice a day for at least 2 minutes and flossing every day. Remember to also adhere to regular dental examinations and eat a balanced diet.

Dysgeusia

During pregnancy, some women experience changes in tastebuds which is called Dysgeusia. Although harmless it can be quite annoying and resolves itself after delivery. The strange metallic taste in the mouth can often be relieved by chewing sugarless gum as recommended by Dr Parisa Javady.

Avoiding Radiation

By ensuring you take good care of your teeth whilst pregnant, you will greatly minimise the risk of needing a dental x-ray and exposing your baby to radiation.

If the event arises that you have a dental emergency that requires an x-ray, your dental professional at Confident Healthcare will minimise your exposure by supplying a lead apron for you to wear.

Snacking

It is important when pregnant, with the increase of eating and snacking to limit sugar intake to minimise the risk of cavities. Here at Confident Healthcare we recommend continuing a regular brushing and flossing routine. Ensure you eat a variety of healthy foods containing calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin C.

Contrary to belief, you will not lose calcium from your teeth due to pregnancy. A developing baby will take calcium from the mother’s bones but not her teeth.

We look forward to seeing you at Confident Healthcare!