FAQs

Toothache can occur for a variety of reasons. Our priority is to help alleviate the pain and discomfort you’re experiencing and provide a long-term solution to help you to remain pain free.

Here are some details that you can provide to help the dentist figure out what type of pain you’re in and how to best help you:

• Onset: When did the pain start? How did the pain occur?
• Duration of the pain: How long have you been experiencing the pain?
• What is the location of the pain? Lower or upper tooth, left or right-hand side
• Do you have any sensitivity to hot or cold?
• Do you have any pain when biting down or when pressure is applied?
• What type of pain do you have? dull, sharp, lingering, constant ache
• What is the severity of the pain? Scale it between 1 and 10; 1 being little pain, 10 being the worst pain you’ve ever experienced

To help prevent the build-up of calculus or tartar it is best to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and have regular check-ups every 6 months.

Useful tips for optimal oral hygiene include:

• Use a soft tooth brush (electrical or manual).
• Use fluoridated toothpaste.
• Fluoride helps prevent dental decay therefore it is best to give it time on the enamel of your teeth. To have the full effect of Fluoride, it is best not to rinse your mouth out with water.
• Floss once a day when best suits you.
• Visit the dentist every 6 months for a professional clean.

Obstructive sleep apnoea affects over 4% of the Australian population. Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when there is a narrowing of the upper airways due a relaxation of the throat muscles as a person falls asleep.

Frequent apnoea’s occur due to the occlusion of the airway which leads to repeated brief arousals. These arousals can occur as many as hundred times and can last up to 20s. The person is often not aware of these arousals during the night.

Lifestyle modification to help prevent snoring:

• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid hypnotics sedatives
• Weight reduction
• Improve sleep hygiene
  •  Avoid heavy meals and vigorous exercise 3 hours before bed
  • Have a quiet, dark room
  • Comfortable mattress and pillow
• Avoid the supine position during sleep (as the base of the tongue collapses to the back wall of the throat). You can always use a tennis ball behind your back to prevent you from sleeping on the back)
• Treat nasal congestion if nasal passages are blocked
• Mandibular advancement splint, made by the dentist

Worn during the night the appliance will hold the lower jaw slightly forward and bringing the tongue with it preventing the tissues from collapsing back into the airway.

Safe, painless, effective and non-invasive.

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?

There are many reasons teeth grinding (often referred to as bruxism), some of these reasons include high levels of stress and anxiety, grinding during sleep due to an abnormal bite, or missing or crooked teeth. When teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis, the teeth can be worn down and other oral health complications can arise.

How Do I Find Out if I Grind My Teeth?

Most people are unaware that they grind their teeth, as grinding (bruxism) often occurs during sleep. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw can be a symptom of bruxism.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, best to talk to your dentist. The dentist can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and wear patterns in teeth.

Why Is Teeth Grinding Harmful?

If bruxism occurs long term it can result in a fracture or a loss of teeth, and affect your jaw and cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The chronic grinding can wear the teeth down. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed. However, this can be prevented by getting your dentist to make you a splint.

What Can I Do to Stop Grinding My Teeth?

The dentist can fit your mouth with a splint to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep and prevent any associated complications.
Tips to prevent bruxism including:

• Do not chew on pencils or pens.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid chewing gum.
• Relaxation strategies.
• Schedule regular appointment with you dentist.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums which is caused by the plaque that forms on the teeth and gums. The inflammation occurs because plaque produces toxins that irritate the gums when brushing and flossing is not a regular habit.

Damage can be reversed in the early stages since the bone and connective tissue is yet to be affected. However, left untreated, gingivitis can become periodontitis and cause permanent damage to your teeth and jaw.

How do I Know if I Have Gingivitis?

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, tender gums that may bleed when you brush. Some may experience bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth.

How can I Prevent Gingivitis?

Gingivitis can be prevented by:

• Proper brushing and flossing to remove plaque and prevent build-up of tartar.
• Regular check-ups and cleans with the dentist/hygienist/oral health therapist.
• Eating a healthy balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition for your teeth and jawbone.
• Avoiding cigarettes and other forms of tobacco.

Bad breath or halitosis is caused by odour-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. Bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The bad breath occurs from sulphur compounds released by these bacteria. This occurs when you do not brush or floss regularly.

The wisdom teeth are generally the last teeth to erupt into the mouth, usually in the late teens or early twenties. However, if the jaw has insufficient space for the tooth to come through, it may become stuck or “impacted”. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth cause problems and must be removed. Wisdom teeth may also need to be removed is there is pain or difficulty cleaning causing decay or gum infections.

We offer electronic health fund claiming through HICAPS so any health fund benefits are claimed immediately.

Payment plans can be arranged. Please contact us for more information relevant to your treatment plan.

We can claim from your health fund straight away. Preferred payments types are, eftpos, credit and debit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express (1.8% surcharge). Cash is accepted at our Mandurah North Practice.

Your account should be settled on the day you have your treatment.

We participate in the Child Dental Benefits Scheme and this can be bulk billed through Medicare if your child is eligible. For more information contact us, or Medicare. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule

Country Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme

If you are eligible for this scheme you may receive subsidised care at our Mandurah practice only. You will need to bring your current Health Care Card or your current Pensioner Concession Card when you attend your appointments.