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Posts Categorized: Kids Dental

The Proper Way to Floss with Braces

Posted April 25th, 2018
Dentist Flossing Teeth With Ceramic Brackets

The dreaded question (and the one most people lie about) when going to the dentist: have you been flossing regularly?

Though everyone’s least favorite dental activity, flossing plays a vital role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing removes much of the surface buildup on teeth, but it is only a partial job in keeping your mouth clean.

Flossing gets underneath the gum line to remove the buildup that causes issues such as gum disease. Each time you eat, food debris, plaque and bacteria build up along your gum line. Flossing pulls these particles down and out of your gums, leading to a cleaner, healthier mouth. read more

Protect your kid’s teeth from the Easter Bunny

Posted March 28th, 2018
Two Young Girls Eating Easter Bunny Chocolates

You’ve successfully hidden the chocolate eggs in anticipation of Easter Sunday.

But you’re worried about the effect of so much chocolate on your children’s teeth. So how can you protect their teeth from the effects of excess sugar?

Don’t worry, there are some easy steps you can take to help prevent cavities and dental decay during this holiday weekend.

Sugar is converted to acid by the bacteria in the mouth, and too much acid in the mouth breaks down tooth enamel and creates cavities. By keeping your children’s mouths in a neutral PH balance (through brushing and rinsing), you can prevent cavities from developing.

It’s important for your children to drink plenty of water when they eat their Easter chocolate. Not only does this help to keep them well hydrated, it also has the benefit of neutralizing the effects of excess sugar in the mouth. For added benefit, encourage them to rinse their mouths with water immediately after eating chocolate. read more

Types of Dental Mouthguards

Posted March 15th, 2018

A dental mouthguard is a molded piece of soft plastic which fits inside the mouth, to protect against trauma during physical activity. It helps to protect teeth from being loosened or knocked out, as well as the cheeks, lips, and tongue.

There are 3 main types of dental mouthguards, which provide varying degrees of protection:

  1. Generic stock-type mouthguards. These are a ‘one size fits most’ variety and typically can be found cheaply in a sports store. They come in small, medium, or large. These provide the least amount of fit and, therefore, protection. They could be too wide, too small, or too loose to provide adequate protection during gameplay.
  2. Boil and Bite mouthguards. These are semi-custom fit because you use hot water to soften the plastic, then you bite into the guard to mold it. While these mouthguards offer good protection, and are relatively inexpensive, they can also have the same problems as the Stock style in terms of a generic fit in width.
  3. Custom fit mouthguards. These are custom fit by your dentist and provide the greatest amount of protection. In addition to fitting your teeth, these also provide the best solution for breathability while wearing the mouthguard. This is also the best option for children with braces, so that the mouthguard doesn’t interfere with their treatment.

While there are pros and cons to each of these types of dental mouthguards, there are a few key questions to ask to help you decide which mouthguard to purchase:

  • * Do you (or your child) play continuous activity sports (such as basketball, footie)?
  • * Do you (or your child) wear braces or Invisalign?
  • * Do you (or your child) play a number of sports throughout the year?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a custom fit dental mouthguard is a necessity. This will ensure proper fit, won’t interfere with other dental treatments, and will last you throughout the seasons. read more

Easter Means Sugar! Protect Yourself From Tooth Decay

Posted March 5th, 2018

Easter is a wonderful time of year. School holidays roll around and we have a long weekend. Often, family functions occur and lots of delicious food is consumed. This holiday season can be tough on your teeth. Sugar and acidic foods are really harmful to your teeth. This  time of year can mean consuming a lot of these nasties!

Whether you celebrate Easter due to it’s religious significance, or just enjoy some time off with friends and family, this holiday can wreak havoc on your teeth. One thing is for sure across all faiths and backgrounds – and that’s sugar and treats at Easter time.  Easter eggs, hot cross buns, lollies, big meals, the list goes on. read more

Gum Disease – The Quiet Health Threat

Posted February 19th, 2018

Sarah considers herself very healthy. She eats well, exercises each day and loves practicing yoga. Sarah is also diligent with her water intake and ensures she eats loads of organic fruit and veggies. She avoids alcohol and refined sugar. To Sarah, health and well-being was always a priority. It came as a huge surprise to Sarah to find out that she had gum disease. Sarah had neglected a very important aspect of her well-being for years – her oral health.

After noticing bleeding whilst brushing her teeth, Sarah booked in an appointment with our team. Following a thorough examination, Dr Finnegan explained to Sarah that she has moderate gum disease. Her gums are puffy, inflamed and have loosened from the tooth structure, allowing harmful bacteria and plaque to enter the blood stream. read more

Fluoride – The Controversial Mineral Your Teeth Need!

Posted January 3rd, 2018
Fluoride and Dental Health

Fluoride in water was an amazing step forward in strengthening teeth against decay.

Fluoride is a main component in most toothpastes, and in many parts of Australia and around the world, is also a main component in municipal water supplies. Fluoridated drinking water has been proven to make a significant difference in the development of gum disease and dental caries. Fluoride also helps determine whether weakened enamel will be remineralized or will form a cavity. Women who live in areas where water is not fluoridated are often advised to take supplements. If supplements are used, care must be taken not to consume more that recommended amount, as too much can also cause damage to your unborn child’s teeth. Research indicates that this powerful mineral can be transferred through the placenta, meaning that it will reduce the risk of caries in the unborn child as well. read more

Pregnancy Can Significantly Affect Your Dental Health

Posted December 6th, 2017

Prenatal Care and Dental Health
Taking care of your own health and needs while pregnant can have a surprising effect on both the dental and overall physical health of your child. While more research is still needed to provide specific numbers in terms of risk, there is rapidly growing evidence to suggest that there is a link between gum disease and premature birth. It seems that gum disease in pregnant women affects certain fluids and hormones that induce labor, and when gun disease worsens during pregnancy, the chances of premature birth go up accordingly. read more

Are You Neglecting Aspects of Your Child’s Health?

Posted November 29th, 2017

As parents, we all want what is best for our children. We work hard to ensure that they receive all of the medical care that they need, from vaccinations to checkups, medication, and anything else that doctors may recommend. For almost all parents, ensuring the health and well-being of our children is a top priority, and one that we will go to almost any length to accomplish. Yet a surprising number of parents overlook a critical element of their children’s healthcare – dental care.

Did you know that oral health is linked strongly to overall physical health? Did you know that teaching the right dental habits early in life can help to greatly decrease the chances of cavities and gum disease in your children as they get older? We all want our children to have healthy bodies as well as natural and confident smiles, and this starts with proper dental care. Not only should you use a finger or gum brush on babies and teach children as early as possible how to properly use a toothbrush and toothpaste, but regular visits to the dentist are critical. read more

How Can Myobrace Straighten Your Child’s Teeth?

Posted November 9th, 2017

Did you know that 3 out of 4 young children have crowded teeth or incorrectly developing jaws? This can be seen in children as young as age 5. Have you noticed any crowding in your child’s mouth as their adult teeth come through?

By intervening early, we are able to achieve results that are not possible once the face and jaws have stopped growing.

Myobrace is a more natural way help straighten teeth as it harnessing the natural growth process of the mouth. The treatment addresses the poor oral habits that are the main cause of crooked teeth e.g. incorrect tongue position and mouth breathing.  read more

How Fissure Sealants Help Prevent Tooth Decay

Posted October 23rd, 2017
fissure sealants

Are you concerned about your children getting cavities and needing fillings?

Or are you concerned about the lifelong implications that poor dental health has on your child’s overall health? Fillings can be difficult for young children and multiple fillings can give them dental anxiety for the future. Fillings don’t last forever and overtime, they may need bigger fillings and more complicated treatment.

Fissure sealants may be the solution for your child!

Fissure sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your child’s teeth from tooth decay. It is a plastic, tooth coloured coating that covers the deep grooves (fissures) on the back teeth (usually the adult molars). The sealant forms a hard protective layer that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the grooves of these teeth; an area where the most tooth decay occurs. read more

Sore Teeth in Children: Causes and Solutions

Posted September 20th, 2017

What causes sore teeth?

Sore teeth may occur at any age for a variety of reasons. In children, there are a few common causes of sore teeth we see most often.

Teething

Babies and young children often get sore teeth and gums when teeth are erupting. Their teething pain can be soothed with a teething ring (try chilling it in the refrigerator first) or teething gel. Sore teeth during teething may cause your baby to be grizzly, febrile and generally a little unwell. Many parents understand that extra saliva will develop when a child is teething. This is accurate and requires no intervention. However it’s important to note that around 4 months old, all babies can produce excessive saliva in order to assist their digestion of solids. This doesn’t mean your 4 month old is teething, and it is perfectly normal. read more

Why Does My Child Have Yellow Teeth?

Posted September 14th, 2017

Some parents are concerned that their kid’s adult teeth are yellow.  Most of the time the reason for stained teeth is simple and does not require any treatment.

Why do teeth appear yellow?

The first reason is because they look more yellow next to their baby teeth. Baby teeth are so white that they are sometimes called ‘milk teeth’. When a new adult tooth is next to a baby tooth (milk tooth) they can look quite yellow. In this case it is normal and the colour difference will not be as noticeable when there are more adult teeth and less baby teeth. read more

Dental Abscess: A Serious Dental Condition

Posted May 10th, 2017

A dental abscess is a serious but common problem. An abscess is a type of lump or swelling due to pus and infection. A dental abscess is exactly that – but in your mouth. Sometimes a dental abscess will present with no pain, but just look like a pimple type lump on the gum. However if there is pain associated with a dental abscess, it’s usually an intense, nerve pain.abscess

The lump itself will usually be above or below a tooth, on the gum. Redness, swelling and pus are all visible signs of a dental abscess. As a dental abscess is an infection, antibiotics are often used to treat them. A course of antibiotics will often reduce pain, swelling and clear up the infection immediately. read more

Dental Cavities in Baby Teeth

Posted April 26th, 2017

Dental cavities are the most commonly treated tooth problem in both adults and children across the globe. However, few people understand what they are, how they occur. It’s important you know the correct treatment and how your children’s dentist will prevent them. It’s important to understand how your tooth is made up, to understand how cavities are formed.baby teeth cavities

Every tooth has a ‘crown’ (the part you see in your mouth) and roots. The crown is coated in natural tooth enamel, which is a hard surface designed to keep bacteria out. However, children’s tooth enamel is not as strong as fully formed adult enamel. Because children’s tooth enamel is not as strong, cavities can form in baby teeth much more quickly and easily than adult teeth. read more

Is Organic Toothpaste Better For You?

Posted December 13th, 2016

With a significant movement towards organic lifestyle choices becoming increasingly popular, many patients ask us if organic toothpaste is better for their teeth and their children’s teeth. While some people are concerned about fluoride being ‘toxic’ and chemicals being ingested, organic toothpaste isn’t always a better option.

Vivid Dental supports the controlled use of fluoride for strengthening teeth. Most brands of organic toothpaste don’t contain fluoride to strengthen teeth, or sufficient ingredients to effectively remove plaque and bacteria. While organic toothpaste may sound appealing as a holistic option, the lack of fluoride can mean soft, weak tooth enamel and ineffective removal of bacteria, which ultimately leads to cavities and dental disease. read more

Sugar Decays Baby Teeth

Posted February 16th, 2016

The number of children under 12 having fillings is rapidly increasing and has more than doubled since 1970. Deciduous teeth (or “baby teeth”) decay more quickly and easily than adult teeth. High levels of sugar and acidity in your child’s mouth can cause their baby teeth to decay.

Monitor how much sugar is in your child’s diet, and remember, this isn’t just ‘bad’ sugars like lollies and biscuit. Fruit, juice, milk, cordial, even white bread, all also contain high levels of sugar. If your child frequently sips from a bottle or cup, make sure they are only having water. The frequency of sugar in take is more relevant than the quantity of sugar itself – eg to sip on cordial or juice over the entire day is more damaging to the teeth than to eat one high sugar chocolate and then have a glass of water. read more

Why you have bleeding gums

Posted November 18th, 2015

The general rule is: bleeding gums are unhealthy gums. If you notice bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth, this is an indication that your gums are inflamed or infected.

Plaque forms in your mouth over a 24 hour period – from everything you eat and drink and from all the sugars and acids in your saliva. This plaque sits on your teeth at the gum-line and between the teeth. The bacteria from the plaque begins to irritate your gums, causing them to become red, slightly puffy and inflamed or even infected. read more

The Facts About Dental Fillings

Posted June 5th, 2015

Fillings are one of the most common dental treatments to exist. Dental fillings can be amalgam (silver) or composite (tooth coloured). Either type of dental filling can chip or crack over time.

A fantastic way to kick-start your new year and better your health, is to book in an appointment for a check-up and clean with the dental hygienist. Our lovely Leanne specialises in thoroughly cleaning between your teeth in all those nooks your toothbrush can’t reach.

She also provides prophylaxis polishing which can help remove stains and brighten your smile. A thorough examination is done, of all your teeth and between your teeth. This way we can note any sticky spots or dark areas which may be cavities. fillings read more

Fillings in Baby Teeth

Posted January 29th, 2015

When told their child needs fillings on baby teeth, many parents ask us if it’s really necessary, considering the teeth will fall out anyway. While we understand the concept of treating a tooth that will fall out seems strange and unnecessary, it’s actually very important.

Baby teeth will be in your child’s mouth for up to 12 years, depending on how fast or slow your child loses their teeth. If your child develops a cavity when they are very young, for example two or three, this cavity could potentially be in their mouth for a number of years, worsening and decaying further.11116-83723-Mnd-immedPreTx-300508 read more

Orthodontic Treatment For Kids

Posted December 18th, 2014

All parents want the best for their children – and this includes a great looking, healthy smile with straight teeth. However, often a little help from orthodontic treatment is needed to straighten a smile.

It’s incredibly common for children and teenagers to have orthodontic treatment such as braces, retainers, plates, or other appliances, to widen or straighten their smile, or even close gaps. Most people are self-conscious about crooked teeth, gaps between their teeth or overlapping teeth. thumb-sucking-buck-teeth-Gi read more