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Want a whiter, brighter smile

Tooth Whitening can instantly brighten your smile; taking years off the way you look and feel.

Tooth Whitening treatment will give your smile a new lease on life. Now the most popular form of Cosmetic Dentistry treatment; Tooth Whitening is the quickest, most effective way to enhance the appearance of your smile.

Teeth may become discoloured for a number of reasons. Everyday activities, such as your dietary and social habits, can have a significant impact on the colour of your teeth. Caffeine, soft drinks, red wine, tea, tobacco and antibiotics; will all cause tooth discolouration. Tooth Whitening treatment can reverse the effects of aging and discolouration; helping you achieve a dazzling, natural smile.

Tooth Whitening uses a bleaching product to dramatically lighten and brighten your smile. This form of Cosmetic Dentistry treatment is completely safe and provides exceptional results.

A beautiful vibrant smile is an asset everyone desires; so ask about your whiter, brighter new smile during your next dental appointment.

The facts you should know about your teeth

Most people know that the teeth are the hardest and strongest part of the body. However, did you know that your teeth are actually a living part of your body – with blood vessels and nerves?

The visible part of a tooth, otherwise known as the crown, is only a small portion of the living system. The crown is made up of enamel, the hardest substance found within the body. It is bone that has been enriched with large percentages of calcium. That’s why people who drink lots of milk or take calcium supplements have strong bones and teeth. The enamel is thickest at the crown, and thinnest near the roots of the teeth.

Beneath the enamel is the dentin. This makes up the inside of the tooth and is a softer (but still hard) substance that senses temperature and pain to the nerve endings in the pulp. The pulp is a small pocket at the centre of the tooth with blood vessels and nerve endings. It is the only portion of the tooth that is soft tissue. The pulp is supplied with blood from vessels running out through the tooth roots to the jaw. A tooth can die if its roots are damaged or infected.

Throughout your life you end up having 2 completely different sets of teeth. The initial set is the baby teeth (deciduous teeth) that eventually fall out. They are whiter, softer, and less sturdy than adult teeth. Hence, they tend to wear out much faster than permanent teeth, but they also fall out to make room for them.

The permanent teeth are the second set of teeth that will last the rest of your life. They tend to be more yellow (and not just because of coffee) and are extremely hard. The final set of teeth is made up of 32 teeth, or 16 on each jaw. There are two central incisors for biting, two lateral incisors for biting, two canines for tearing and cutting, four premolars for chewing, and six molars for chewing.

The third pair of molars on each jaw are known as the ‘wisdom teeth’ and generally appear during early adulthood. Nowadays they are considered useless since our jaws have shrunk with evolution. Wisdom teeth tend to grow at an angle due to space limitations. In such cases, the Wisdom Teeth may be removed. Wisdom teeth removal prevents impaction, swelling, bleeding, misalignment of the teeth, and discomfort.

Your teeth are by far one of the most important things you use every day. Many people end up neglecting their teeth with improper dental hygiene. You should take care of them by brushing at least twice a day, flossing once per day, and going for regular dental checkups every six months.

The Importance of Flossing

It is imperative to floss your teeth at least once each day. If you do not floss your teeth you will almost certainly have bad breath. Tooth decay and Periodontal Disease (which can lead to tooth loss), are also more likely to occur if you do not floss.

Flossing is of such great importance as brushing will only remove plaque from the surface of your teeth. Plaque left between teeth can cause decay and gum disease.
We recommend the following flossing tips:

• Floss each night after brushing your teeth
• Use enough floss or tape to hold the ends comfortably in your hands
• Wrap it around your index fingers and support it with your thumbs
• Slide the floss between teeth gently
• Do not pull down into the gum or the gum may split
• Children should begin flossing as early as possible

Flossing is a vital component in good dental health and general well-being. By taking just two minutes out of your daily schedule to floss before bed, you will be taking proactive steps toward a healthier, happier smile. Contact us today for more tips on improving your dental health.

The Dangers of Oral Piercing

Intraoral piercing involves the insertion of jewellery into soft oral tissues, such as the lips, cheeks and tongue. Although this form of ‘body art’ is becoming more and more popular among adolescents, this trend can have serious health complications.

The major risks involved in intraoral body piercing, include:

• Tooth Fractures
• Speech Impediment
• Infection and Allergic Responses
• Damage to nerves and veins
• Loss of taste
• Permanent numbness
• Deep cyst formation
• Hypertrophic scarring
• Haematoma formation
• Neuroma
• Damage to cheek tissue and Dentition

Intraoral piercing presents a very high risk of infection, due to the vast amounts of bacteria found within the mouth. As no anaesthetic is used during most intraoral piercing, the person in question will generally experience pain, swelling, bleeding and increased salivary flow immediately after piercing. It is imperative to carry out all instructions provided by the company performing the piercing, to ensure healing occurs quickly and effectively.

We recommend consulting with one of our dedicated team members prior to undergoing your intraoral piercing. We will advise you on several imperative steps, helpful in maintaining your oral well-being after piercing.

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