After all, as much as we try to control how well we are with diet, exercise, and hygiene, we may sometimes become ill through sheer circumstance or even bad luck.

But, while many people are aware of when they need to book a trip to the doctor or even to their nearest emergency department, few people are as eager to do so in relation to a dental emergency. Or, often, people are unaware that they require emergency dental treatment. In fact, one of the most common emergency conditions that our dental team sees are abscesses, also known as dental infections, which require urgent treatment or they can become more serious.

At the Healthy Smile Centre, our team is proud to be able to offer our patients same-day appointments with our emergency dentist in Mascot. If you have pain under your tooth, your brace has detached or your face has swollen up, our emergency team will assess your condition gently, and aim to get you back living life pain-free and happy.

So, would you be able to identify a dental abscess? Read on to find out the signs to look for.

Dental discomfort

Right, so the phrase ‘dental discomfort’ is somewhat softening the blow.

Simply put, if you have a dental abscess, it is likely that the discomfort alone will get you to book an emergency appointment with our dentist in Mascot.

However, if you notice a sharp, throbbing pain under one of your teeth or a pain that is spreading to either your upper or lower jaw, call our team immediately for an urgent appointment.

Sensitivity

Some sensitivity while drinking a hot or cold drink is normal for some people. However, if you notice a stabbing sensation when consuming a hot or cold beverage, call our dentist in Mascot immediately.

Such sudden sensitivity indicates that the nerve or root of the tooth has become exposed, either through damage or decay, leaving this channel open for bacteria to get access and cause an infection.

Swelling

Facial swelling is hard to miss, but many dental patients assume that if their face swells without discomfort, they can’t possibly have an infection.

Sadly, this is not the case and swelling may be the first sign that an infection is lurking just around the corner; call us as soon as you notice any swelling to your cheeks, jaw or throat areas.

Fever

One of the most common symptoms of any infection is a fever.

If you have a mild toothache but are feeling overly hot, followed by feeling cold, come and see us as soon as you can. When a fever starts, it is a sign that you need urgent medical treatment.

Gastrointestinal issues

Once you reach the stage of having loose movements and being physically sick or feeling nauseated, you need urgent medical attention. Our team can help with a combination of prescribed antibiotics, pain relief, and an emergency assessment.

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.

The post Do you need emergency appointment with our team?Five signs of an abscess you can’t afford to ignore first appeared on Healthy Smile Centre Rosebery.

Even if you do not smoke, it is likely that as soon as you notice that lump while brushing, your mind jumps to the worst case scenario. But don’t worry, at the Healthy Smile Centre, we can help you through it!

Numerous studies have found that early detection of oral cancer leads to a better prognosis and higher recovery rates, so the moment you see or feel anything unusual during your dental hygiene regime, call us as soon as possible.

At the Healthy Smile Centre, our dentist in Zetland can perform a thorough investigation of any strange lumps or bumps you find in your mouth, to help assess the likelihood of oral cancer. Although most growths are benign, our team will be happy to assess anyone who has concerns about oral cancer and, if necessary, will refer you on for further testing.

What should you expect when you come to our dentist in Zetland for oral cancer screening?

Visual examination

First and foremost, when you come to our dentist in Zetland, the first thing our team will do is perform a visual examination.

During this, if you are wearing a removable oral appliance like a brace, you will be asked to take it off, so our team can assess your entire mouth. Our team will look for any unusual colourings, asymmetries, swellings or ulcerations which could indicate a problem. We will also evaluate your gums, teeth, your inner cheeks and the roof of your mouth during the visual part of your oral screening assessment.

Physical examination

Once our team has completed the visual assessment, they will move onto the physical stage of the examination.

This involves them touching your cheeks, under your jaw, under your chin and even in specific areas in your mouth, checking for nodules or growths. You will likely be asked if any areas are tender and our team may want to feel your neck as you swallow to detect any unusual muscle contractions.

Tools we may use

When you come to the Healthy Smile Centre for oral cancer screening, we will use a tongue compressor, a mirror and a light to conduct the initial parts of the examination.

If we feel that further testing is warranted, we may use a specialist brush to remove cells from a specific area in your mouth, to send off for further testing. Don’t worry! The majority of lumps and bumps in the mouth are benign, so even at this stage, it is all routine diagnostics.

After the screening

If our team determines that there are some things that warrant further examination, then we will send you to an oral cancer specialist for further tests and/or treatment. Remember, if you are diagnosed with oral cancer, try not to worry! The treatment is very simple and there is a very high survival rate as long as the cancer is detected early.

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.

The post Found an odd lump in your mouth?Come to the Healthy Smile Centre for treatment today! first appeared on Healthy Smile Centre Rosebery.

Cosmetic dentistry has never been more popular, with more and more patients turning to their dental team for makeovers than ever before! If you are fed up with closing your mouth when you smile, ducking out of photos or want to get rid of those pesky gaps between your teeth, there is an answer!

But, what are the options for cosmetic dentistry? And which type is the one for you?

When you type in the words ‘cosmetic dentist near me’ in Zetland into any search engine, our team at the Healthy Smile Centre should be your first port of call. Our team can perform all manner of cosmetic dental work to improve your smile; everything from whitening to dental implants, we can give you a smile that will boost your confidence and improve your health!

So, what are the top treatments when searching for a ‘cosmetic dentist near me’ online? Read on to find out about our top procedures at the Healthy Smile Centre!

Veneers

One of the most popular procedures that will come up when you type ‘cosmetic dentist near me’ online are porcelain veneers.

Acting as both a cosmetic option and a way to correct sensitivity, these covers slot over your teeth and are fitted in place with dental cement. They can whiten your teeth by up to 16 shades instantly and can be used by our team to correct minor gaps, misalignments and create a more symmetrical smile. Perfect for a quick spruce up!

Implants

Have a few gaps in your teeth?

Many people want a more permanent solution than dentures or bridges and our team at the Healthy Smile Centre is proud to offer dental implants to suitable patients.

Fitted to your jaw, these small screws hold prosthetic teeth firmly in place, giving you a stronger bite and the confidence that your teeth aren’t going to fall out!

Cosmetic braces

Braces are no longer just for the children!

As orthodontic techniques have become more advanced, treatments have been targeted to correct misalignments and protrusions in the adult mouth, while also being more discreet than traditional orthodontic or metal braces.

At the Healthy Smile Centre, we can offer our patients the world-famous Invisalign aligner, to help correct misaligned smiles discreetly. No one has to know you are wearing it!

Whitening

Of course, one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in dentistry will always be whitening.

Using oxidising gels and specialist lights, our team can remove stubborn, deep-set stains in the enamel and whiten your teeth up to 18 shades, in just 14 days! Great stuff!

White fillings

If you need a discreet filling, we can help.

Long gone are the days of traditional metal fillings and at the Healthy Smile Centre, we now use composite or white fillings to restore teeth. We also use composite for crowns too, so regardless of the restoration size, it will be unnoticeable!

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.

The post Looking for the perfect cosmetic dentist?Come to the Healthy Smile Centre today! first appeared on Healthy Smile Centre Rosebery.

While many parents have been brought up with the belief that good oral hygiene should only start when your child has all of their teeth, as soon as that first tooth begins to poke through, you need to implement a hygiene regime at home and with our team at Healthy Smile Centre.

Of course, it can seem a bit odd to take a child of 12 months old to see a dental professional but, as many studies have found, early exposure to these situations can make it easier for our children as they grow up.

At the Healthy Smile Centre, we know the importance of preventive dentistry with toddlers and children, and our dentist in Green Square works alongside parents to ensure that all of our younger patients have the healthiest smiles! Everything from basic check-ups to the application of orthodontic braces, our team can help you to keep your child’s teeth in top shape!

But, what are some of the issues that can occur if your child doesn’t see our dentist in Green Square from an early age?

Misalignments

OK, so anyone who is a parent has thought about the day when their child may need braces.

But, did you know that with modern dental technologies, it is now easier to predict and prevent the use of orthodontic braces in children?

When you come to our dentist in Green Square, our team will assess the position of any erupting baby teeth and will take X-rays to predict the most likely eruption site of the adult teeth. If your child has lost their baby teeth early, this is a reliable indicator of issues such as overcrowding, which we can now correct earlier.

Tooth decay

A common issue among many children who have not been attending regular check-ups and hygienist appointments is tooth decay.

Caused by poor brushing technique or too many sweets, this can obviously lead to conditions like abscesses and swollen gums, neither of which are pleasant. Talk to our team today about the best ways to prevent your child from developing tooth decay.

Poor brushing technique

As odd as it sounds, many children and even adults do not brush their teeth using the proper technique!

This can obviously lead to issues with things like plaque accumulation and so, if you introduce your child to our team earlier, we can show them how to give their teeth a thorough clean correctly.

Enamel damage

Enamel is thinner in young children and so, bacteria can damage it more easily.

Visiting our surgery can help us to identify areas of weaker enamel and treat it using fluoride sealants. Perfect!

Tooth loss

The end result of poor oral hygiene for many children is tooth extraction.

This can impact on the emergence of adult teeth, leading to crowding issues and further orthodontic problems.

Want to book your child for a check-up? Call our team today to book their first appointment

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.

The post Has your baby got their first tooth? The importance of preventive dentistry in young children first appeared on Healthy Smile Centre Rosebery.

As annoying as this is for many people, sensitive teeth are surprisingly common and, while there are many toothpastes that state they can help people who have sensitive teeth, if you have persistent issues with your teeth responding to either hot or cold stimuli, you need to see a member of our team.

At the Healthy Smile Centre, our dentist in Mascot, alongside our hygienist, can help resolve the issues that cause sensitive teeth and can offer you a variety of treatments to help you eradicate that sharp sensation. From veneers to fluoride sealants, our team will choose the optimum treatment to reverse sensitive teeth.

But, what are some of the most common causes of sensitive teeth? Is it possible to avoid them?

Our dentist in Mascot has the answers!

Excess mouthwash

While it is an important part of many people’s dental routine, mouthwash may actually be causing you to have more sensitivity problems with your teeth.

As odd as this sounds, some mouthwashes contain acids, which can heighten or create issues with your teeth, causing or exacerbating sensitivity. If you rinse your mouth twice a day with mouthwash and are unsure if it is the cause of your sore teeth, try reducing how often you use it and switch to a gentler brand designed for sensitive teeth.

Acidic foods

Of course, we all want to be healthy and while our dentist in Mascot would never tell you to stop eating fruits or drinking juices, these highly acidic products could cause issues with sensitivity.

When acid hits the enamel of our teeth, it can cause minor erosion. While some erosion is to be expected with daily wear and tear, if you consume acidic drinks or foods everyday, your enamel can weaken, leading to sensitive teeth.

To reduce this, cut back on the orange juice and the tomato sauce and opt to brush your teeth with a paste that targets acid and neutralises it!

Gum recession

Common in older people and those who smoke, gum recession can cause the hidden parts of the teeth to become exposed.

This can (and does) cause the teeth to become hyper sensitive, as channels that were protected by the gums are now exposed. If you notice your gums receding, come in and see our team

Rough brushing

Are you a bit of a rough brusher?

If you are, you may be eroding the enamel from the surface of your teeth, causing heightened sensitivity. Luckily, this is easily reversed; a trip to see our team at the Healthy Smile Centre can provide you with a lesson in the correct brushing technique, sealants and advice on softer toothbrushes.

Decay

For obvious reasons, decay can cause dental sensitivity.

If you notice sudden sensitivity, decay is one of the most likely culprits.

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article

The post Do you have sensitive teeth and want relief? Causes and solutions with the Healthy Smile Centre first appeared on Healthy Smile Centre Rosebery.

As unpopular as they are, braces can help correct many complex dental presentations, leaving your child with straighter, healthier teeth in their adult life. However, as a parent, you worry that this procedure may be painful and socially isolating for your child.

At the Healthy Smile Centre, we know how tough this decision can be and our dentist in Zetland will help you to make the best decision in relation to your child’s teeth. We will guide you both through the process and answer any questions you may have about the procedure, reassuring both of you that this treatment is beneficial and has positive long-lasting results.

But, what are the signs that signify your child may need a brace before you book in to see our orthodontist or dentist in Zetland? Here are the top 5 that our team recommends..

Early or late loss of baby teeth

Loss of baby teeth either too early or late can cause issues with alignment in the teeth and the jaw.

If lost too early, the jaw may not be able to support the growth and formation of adult teeth, causing them to warp and misalign. If lost too late, there may be no space for the adult teeth to emerge due to the position of the other teeth, causing protrusions and crowding to form.

Crowded teeth

Crowded teeth are easy to spot and are a straightforward way to determine that they need a brace. Our dentist in Zetland will be able to help you identify issues with crowding early in the formation of adult teeth, meaning that any brace that is applied may not need to be fitted for an excessively long period.

Thumb sucking

Lots of children suck their thumbs; it is an easy way for them to self-soothe during times of anxiety and can help them to relax as they drift to sleep.

However, if your child sucks their thumb past the age of 3 excessively, it suggests that they are using their thumb to create additional pressure in their mouth. This behaviour is associated with the presence of misaligned teeth and can be corrected with a brace.

Mouth breathing

Breathing with your mouth open as a child impacts on how the facial muscles form; children who mouth breathe often have longer faces and narrower jaws, which in turn, can cause their teeth to become crowded and misaligned.

This is because the tongue is not able to press against the roof of the mouth, causing the arches to form incorrectly.

Misaligned jaw

Does your child find it tough to bite into an apple?

This could signify a misaligned jaw which can be corrected with the use of orthodontic braces.

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.

The post Not sure if your child needs braces?5 signs to look for from the Healthy Smile Centre first appeared on Healthy Smile Centre Rosebery.

Oddly nicknamed ‘wisdom teeth,’ these molars erupting can be a straightforward, painless emergence or, as is true in over 90% of cases, there might be multiple issues that need attending to.

Therefore, it is often common practice for dental professionals to recommend the complete removal of these four teeth as soon as they start to appear.

At The Healthy Smile Centre, our dentist in Mascot can alleviate any worries you have about the extraction of your wisdom teeth. We aim to make sure that you are comfortable and happy for us to remove your teeth and can provide you with specialist aftercare once these teeth are extracted. So, you have nothing to worry about!

But what are some of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth extraction by our dentist in Mascot? Read on to find out.

Impacted tooth

As wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, if you have a full set of molars on your top and bottom jaw, it is likely that there will not be enough room for these teeth to erupt.

This lack of space can cause them to erupt crookedly or even sideways in the jaw, making it very difficult to brush them correctly.

If this is the reason for your extraction, our dentist in Mascot will make sure that your teeth are removed swiftly and will provide you with adequate pain relief for the coming few days.

Damage

In this instance, we are not talking about your wisdom teeth being damaged.

The fact is, for surrounding teeth, wisdom teeth are anything but wise; they can push against them from both under and above the jawline, creating unnecessary pressure in the mouth.

This can damage the second molar and may even allow an infection to occur in that area.

If you notice a pressure where your wisdom tooth is emerging, please come in and see our team as soon as you can.

Infection

Another issue with wisdom teeth is the higher than average likelihood of an infection. Gums around the teeth may become infected (pericoronitis), requiring the teeth to be removed. In fact, infections, or prevention of infections, are the most common reasons for wisdom teeth removal.

Cysts

All teeth in the mouth begin their life in a small sack; when they start to erupt, this sack usually breaks down normally and is disposed of by the body.

On rare occurrences, this sack does not break down and may inflate under the gum line. If you ever notice a large swelling in the location of unerupted wisdom teeth, please call our team for an urgent assessment.

Discomfort

Sometimes, due to lack of room in the mouth, wisdom teeth are just uncomfortable.
If your wisdom teeth are causing you discomfort, call our team!

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.

The post Need your wisdom teeth extracted? Five reasons why this may happen by The Healthy Smile Centre first appeared on Healthy Smile Centre Rosebery.

While discomfort is an obvious indicator of any kind of emergency, many dental patients are surprised to learn that it is not the only reliable way of detecting urgency; some dental emergencies do not have discomfort as a symptom, leaving many patients in the dark as to what warrants a same-day appointment.

At the Healthy Smile Centre, we have provided this brief guide to help you identify a dental emergency and can assure you of a same-day emergency appointment with our dentist in Zetland. We will aim to get you out of any discomfort as soon as possible and provide you with advice on how to avoid dental emergencies in the future.

But which symptoms and situations warrant an emergency appointment with our dentist in Zetland? Read on to find out!

Swelling

An obvious indicator of a problem anywhere on the body is swelling.

In your mouth, a swelling that requires urgent attention from our dentist in Zetland could be under a tooth, on the gum line, on the inner cheek or towards the back of your mouth, creating problems with breathing.

Whatever the cause and even if you are in no discomfort, our team will diagnose the underlying issue and aim to reduce the swelling by the end of your appointment.

Lost filling or crown

A very common occurrence among dental patients is that of lost fillings and crowns.

While these issues rarely present without any discomfort, even when they do, it is important that you see a member of our team as soon as possible.

Delaying treatment to a tooth that has lost a filling or a crown can cause bacteria to enter the tooth, creating an infection or allowing decay to form in a less treatable area.

Cracked or chipped tooth

Once again, this is an issue that we see almost daily at the Healthy Smile Centre.

Occurring due to impact or perhaps a very tough bit of food, chipped or cracked teeth will need an emergency repair. Even if they are small, not seeking treatment can cause damage to spread, leading to more complicated treatment.

Lesions

So, you’ve had a dental ulcer for over a week and it isn’t going anywhere; do you continue to liberally apply an ulcer gel?

No; for any persistent, reoccurring or unusually coloured ulcers (such as black or purple), you need to see our team urgently to assess your condition. While often harmless, lesions may indicate an underlying health issue that you are unaware of.

Broken braces

Even though they are made of metal, braces can still detach from teeth or the metal wiring can snap or shatter completely.

In either case, book an emergency appointment, so your orthodontic work can continue unhindered.

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.

The post Unsure whether your toothache is a dental emergency?A brief guide by The Healthy Smile Centre first appeared on Healthy Smile Centre Rosebery.

While there are health warnings everywhere about the problems smoking can cause to your body, even today, few people are aware of how smoking can impact negatively on their oral health.

But don’t worry! If you want to quit smoking, you have taken the first step by typing ‘dentist near me’ into a search engine and our team, the Healthy Smile Centre can help you to give smoking the boot!

At The Healthy Smile Centre, our team offers smoking cessation advice to our patients. We are proud to be your ‘dentist near me’ who can provide you with clinical support for giving up smoking, allowing you to improve both your physical and oral health at the same time.

But what are the oral benefits of giving up smoking using our help? Read on to find out!

Reduced risk of gum disease

Chances are when you search for a ‘dentist near me’ who can help you to quit smoking, one of the first things that will be mentioned is gum disease.

Nicotine that is found in cigarettes can impact the attachment between your gums and bone, interfering with the normal function of gum tissue cells.

This can cause chronic inflammation, which can lead to extensive periodontal issues. Stopping smoking reduces these issues and allows the inflammation to settle.

Increases ability to fight infection

If you smoke, it is unlikely that your immune system will be able to fight infection correctly.

While this may seem like an issue that is more likely to affect the whole body, combined with tooth loss and gum disease, this can prevent you from recovering from dental infections.

Putting an end to smoking boosts your immune system, allowing you to fight off infection naturally.

Reduces the likelihood of tooth loss

Tooth loss and smoking go hand in hand; due to receding gum lines and inflammation, smokers are more prone to losing teeth.

When you come to us for help to cease smoking, you will notice that your gums will become visibly healthier and will revert to a wholesome shade of pink, as opposed to a red or pale colour.

This will increase your chances of keeping your teeth in your jaw where they belong.

Oral cancer risks decrease

Ceasing smoking decreases the chances of oral cancer, along with esophageal cancer and stomach cancer.

In fact, the risks decrease significantly after the first 6 months, so our team will be happy to help you kick the habit to reduce this risk.

Natural tooth whitening

Nicotine and smoking stain the teeth, sometimes yellow and sometimes brown. Either way, this is not a good look.

When you give up smoking, your teeth will become naturally whiter and over time will revert to their former pearly shade.

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.

The post Need help to give up smoking?Reasons to quit with the Healthy Smile Centre first appeared on Healthy Smile Centre Rosebery.

While many patients who have a dental phobia assume that they are in some way unusual, our team at the Healthy Smile Centre treats patients every day who have dental phobias ranging in severity.

Of course, we just want to help!

If your concerns are due to previous experiences with an unsympathetic dental practitioner, or a feeling of intense discomfort following poorly managed dental examinations, we can help you to conquer your fear and get you to obtain a high level of oral health.

At The Healthy Smile Centre, we can offer our most nervous patients a range of management options, to make their trip to our dentist in Green Square less daunting. We want you to feel comfortable in our care and can suggest a variety of techniques to help you relax whilst in the dental chair.

Still convinced we cannot assuage your worries? Read on to learn how our dentist in Green Square helps even the most phobic of our dental patients.

Sedatives (prescribed)

If your concerns are mild to moderate, our dentist in Green Square may offer you a prescription-strength sedative.

This will help you to feel relaxed while our team examines your teeth. However, if you take any other medications, such as antidepressants, it is worth discussing the use of sedatives with your doctor, to ensure there are no counter-interactions.

When you attend The Healthy Smile Centre, if you are undertaking any sedative procedure, we must advise that you bring an age-appropriate friend or family member to escort you home afterward and keep an eye on you. We also advise against operating any heavy machinery for up to 48 hours after sedation.

Intravenous (IV) sedation

For our patients who have a more intense fear of dental check-ups and procedures, we are able to offer intravenous sedation.

Similar to sedatives, this injection will allow you to feel more relaxed while you are in the dental chair; you will not be unconscious, but will have no recollection of the procedure once it is over, however you will be able to respond to instructions given by our dental team.

Once again, it is vital that you discuss any medications that you are taking with both your doctor and our dental team, to ensure that this option is suitable for you to proceed with. And, just like before, you will need a trusted family member or friend to take you home once our team has finished their examination or procedure.

Anaesthetic

A general anaesthetic is also an option suitable for our phobic patients.

However, if you choose this option, your check-up or surgery will not take place at the Healthy Smile Centre dental surgery. Instead, it will be performed at a day surgery and you will be under the care of an anaesthesiologist’s team. This option will render you unconscious; better call up your best friend!

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.

The post Worried about attending a dental check-up?Three ways our team at The Healthy Smile Clinic can help first appeared on Healthy Smile Centre Rosebery.