Articles

PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
November 23rd 2013

I am often asked by patients if they should be using a mouthwash and if so, which one should they be using. Mouthwash can be used for several reasons and the requirement for use determines which type I would recommend.

Antibacterial
If I see a specific bacterial infection or sore areas that have the potential to become infected are present, then I would recommend a mouthwash based on chlorhexidine. This is sold under several brand names- your pharmacist will be able to assist you. Chlorhexidine is a very effective antibacterial agent and should only be used under direction from your dentist.

PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY
November 9th 2013

There are three main reasons why a tooth may become loose: gum disease, abscess or trauma.

In the situation of advanced gum disease- where the gums become swollen, sore and infected- the body’s response is to take the healthy bone away from the area of infection, ie. the area around the gums and teeth. The result is the destruction of the bone support around the tooth which leads to the tooth becoming loose. Initially the bone loss is at an angle to the root and with treatment there is hope that the bone will heal and the tooth can become firm again.

PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
October 26th 2013

A mouth ulcer is a painful round or oval shallow lesion in the mouth, often on the inside of cheek but can occur on the gums, palate or lips. They are not infectious so cannot be passed on from sharing a drink or kissing someone. Whilst they are very common and generally self-limiting, it is often not known exactly how one has been caused.

PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
October 11th 2013

A dental abscess is an accumulation of pus that forms inside a tooth or gum. The abscess typically originates from a bacterial infection that makes its way into a tooth.

Your mouth is full of bacteria, which combine with small particles of food and saliva to form a sticky film called plaque, which builds up on your teeth. If the plaque is not removed by regular and proper tooth brushing, the bacteria can attack the teeth and gums, which compromises their health and can lead to the formation of a dental abscess.

PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
September 28th 2013

Toothache can be from a live tooth or one that is dead or dying and in each scenario the cause may be different. In general I would recommend an over-the-counter painkiller as an immediate treatment for toothache and then a visit to the dentist to determine exactly the cause of the toothache after which the correct treatment can be carried out and the pain relieved.

PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
September 14th 2013

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the outside layer of the tooth is compromised and the dentine underneath is exposed. This can result in anything from mild discomfort to a sharp, sudden, shooting pain and is triggered by a range of factors including eating or drinking something hot or cold, sweet or sour or it can be as simple as just breathing in cold air.

PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
August 31st 2013

There are several reasons why you might experience bad breath, or halitosis, with the most common cause being poor oral hygiene. When teeth are not brushed and flossed regularly or well enough, food debris will remain in the mouth and plaque will accumulate which leads to calculus build up. Calculus is the hard, chalk-like material that cannot be removed by brushing alone. When this is allowed to build up, it can lead to gum disease and one of the symptoms of gum disease is bad breath.

PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
August 17th 2013

If you are suffering with sore, swollen or bleeding gums it is likely to be as a result of one of two issues- either how you are cleaning your teeth or gum disease.
Gum DiseaseTooth Brushing & Flossing Technique
In the quest to keep teeth clean, you might be tempted to brush teeth as vigorously as you can. However brushing the wrong way can irritate or damage the delicate tissue of the gums causing soreness, bleeding and in the long term recession. When you brush, use a medium or soft bristled brush and ensure you use gentle, circular motions to massage and clean the teeth and gums. When flossing, take your time and, rather than forcing the floss between your teeth, carefully slide it up and down, following the curve of each tooth.

PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
August 3rd 2013

A cavity is a hole in a tooth that is caused by dental decay.

Cavities occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as bread, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live naturally in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva in the mouth combine to form plaque, which sticks to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, which over time creates holes in the teeth called cavities. Regular brushing and flossing removes the plaque and food debris and helps prevent cavities.

PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
June 20th 2013

I am often asked by patients considering starting orthodontic treatment if it is painful.

For orthodontic treatment to work a force is applied to a tooth in order to move the tooth; the bone around the tooth has to remodel and reform as the tooth moves for the correct attachment of tooth to bone to be maintained. There is a maximum amount of force that can be applied to a tooth and a maximum speed of movement that can be used for a tooth to remain healthy. When these parameters are adhered to, any discomfort or pain should be fairly minimal and not long lasting.