Frequently Asked Questions

Teeth discoloration may occur because of staining agents in our diet- e.g. tea, coffee, red wine, etc. or habits- e.g. smoking.  These sort of stains are outside of the tooth shell and can be removed by your Dentist or Hygienist.

Teeth may also be stained from a natural discoloration, or following trauma. This type of stain is inside the tooth structure itself and can only be removed or lightened by professional tooth whitening. Tooth whitening is a very safe dental procedure resulting in a brighter natural smile.

• Toothpastes provide a foaming lubricating medium in which we clean our teeth. Most toothpastes are fluoride-based which helps to strengthen the tooth structure.
• Toothpastes with 1,450ppmFluoride are recommended for adults
• Children up to three years of age should use toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1,000ppm (parts per million)
• After three years of age, children should use toothpaste with a fluoride level of 1,350-1,500ppm. The level of fluoride can be found on the pack.
• Children should be supervised when brushing their teeth until about seven years of age.
• The amount of toothpaste your child uses is important. Up to the age of three, a smear of toothpaste is sufficient, and from age three to six, a pea-sized amount is recommended.
• People with sensitive teeth may choose to use specific sensitive toothpastes. Similarly, people with allergies may wish to use alternatives
• Special high fluoride toothpaste can be prescribed by your Dentist if you are at high risk of developing tooth decay.

Gums usually bleed due to trauma or inflammation. Trauma can be from food wedged in the gums, brushing too hard or using toothbrush with firm bristles. These are all damaging to the gums.

Inflammation of the gums is often due to plaque and other bacterial products breaking the gum seal and causing irritation to the gums. Bleeding gums is often the 1st sign of gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.

Teeth become sensitive when the enamel layer is worn away. This can be from tooth decay, abrasive tooth brushing, acid erosion, receded gums or a poor bite. Sensitive teeth need to be investigated for the cause and treated as appropriate.

Dental crowns are a reinforced hat that a weak tooth wears. Crowns may be used to support a weak or rumbling tooth, replace a missing tooth or to change the shape of a crooked tooth. They are custom made by a master dental technician to fit over the tooth and are then cemented in permanently by your Dentist. Crowns can be made of gold, porcelain, or porcelain and metal.

Dental implants are a titanium roots buried in the gum to support and carry missing teeth. They represent the gold standard for replacing a missing tooth.

Studies show that electric tooth brushing which rotate as well as vibrate as the same time clean much better than manual toothbrushes. However, individual preferences do apply.

We all have areas where we miss when we clean around our teeth. Left uncleaned, these areas harbour the germs which cause gum disease.

The recommended interval for dental hygiene sessions for most adults is every 6 months. However, people with immaculate oral hygiene may only require 1 visit every year. On the other hand, people with active gum disease may require a hygiene appointment every 3 months.

Silver (amalgam) fillings have been around for a very long time and are the standard by which the strength and longevity of filling materials are measured. They however sometimes cause a low grade allergic reaction, cause the teeth to fracture and are unsightly.

White fillings overcome these shortcomings as they look more natural and blend with the tooth better. Advancements in technology means that well placed white fillings can last many years just as a silver (amalgam) filling does.