Star Dental http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz Fri, 04 Dec 2020 08:08:57 +0000 en-NZ hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.8 http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cropped-gentle-family-dentist-page-001-32x32.jpg Star Dental http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz 32 32 Can I Skip the Yearly Teeth Cleaning? http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/can-i-skip-the-yearly-teeth-cleaning/ Fri, 27 Jul 2018 10:18:02 +0000 http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/?p=3009 It’s never wise to miss an annual dental cleaning. When plaque builds up, it creates more serious dental problems. Key takeaways: – Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar which leads to tooth decay. – Regular cleaning helps prevent inflammation and gum disease. – Cleaning helps lift staining from the enamel of your teeth. A professional […]

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It’s never wise to miss an annual dental cleaning. When plaque builds up, it creates more serious dental problems.

Key takeaways:

– Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar which leads to tooth decay.

– Regular cleaning helps prevent inflammation and gum disease.

– Cleaning helps lift staining from the enamel of your teeth.

A professional clean will help keep your gums and teeth as healthy as possible and avoid more costly dental treatments.

“No matter how long it’s been since you’ve had a professional teeth cleaning, reach out to your local dentist today to reveal your beautiful smile!”

More:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/the-consequences-of-skipping-those-yearly-teeth-cleanings/

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Dental Problems Caused by Vaping http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/dental-problems-caused-by-vaping/ Fri, 20 Jul 2018 08:00:29 +0000 http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/?p=3003 Smoking electronic cigarettes, or vaping, may or may not be better for overall health than tobacco cigarettes but are they better for oral health. As e-cigarettes are still relatively new, there is little hard data available. However, some dental experts have expressed concerns and doubt if vaping is any less harmful than its tobacco-based counterpart. […]

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Smoking electronic cigarettes, or vaping, may or may not be better for overall health than tobacco cigarettes but are they better for oral health. As e-cigarettes are still relatively new, there is little hard data available.

However, some dental experts have expressed concerns and doubt if vaping is any less harmful than its tobacco-based counterpart. E-cigarettes contain nicotine which:

– Inhibits blood flow to soft tissue

– Lowers the body’s immune response

– Increases risk of infections

Vaping produces less staining of the teeth but the nicotine “can cause gum tissue to recede” and your dentist should be informed if you use e-cigarettes to avoid possible problems. You can find more information at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/can-vaping-impact-your-oral-health/

 

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Why You Might Want to Remove Your Tongue Piercing http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/why-you-might-want-to-remove-your-tongue-piercing/ Tue, 17 Jul 2018 20:22:53 +0000 http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/?p=2998 Some preliminary research has shown that tongue piercings can cause damage in some people’s mouths: – Tongue piercings can lead to numerous oral health complications such as abscesses, gum inflammation/bleeding, sensitive cracked teeth, and infection. – Treatment for these complications can include antibiotics and surgical intervention; often, the tissue damage cannot be fully reversed. – […]

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Some preliminary research has shown that tongue piercings can cause damage in some people’s mouths:

– Tongue piercings can lead to numerous oral health complications such as abscesses, gum inflammation/bleeding, sensitive cracked teeth, and infection.

– Treatment for these complications can include antibiotics and surgical intervention; often, the tissue damage cannot be fully reversed.

– Those with piercings should keep the piercing immaculately clean and avoid smoking (tobacco or marijuana) or vaping.

“If you have a piercing and you’re bombarding it with all these irritants and potential carcinogens, well, that complicates things.”

Read the full story here: https://consumer.healthday.com/dental-and-oral-information-9/misc-dental-problem-news-174/tongue-piercings-may-bring-harm-to-teeth-and-gums-735168.html

 

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What You Need to Know About Gum Graft Surgery http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/what-you-need-to-know-about-gum-graft-surgery/ Sat, 14 Jul 2018 08:32:20 +0000 http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/?p=2993 When your gums recede from the teeth as a result of gum disease, your dentist or periodontist will recommend a gum graft. This is a medical procedure in which the dentist removes healthy gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and stitches it on the affected area — which covers the tooth’s exposed nerves. […]

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When your gums recede from the teeth as a result of gum disease, your dentist or periodontist will recommend a gum graft. This is a medical procedure in which the dentist removes healthy gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and stitches it on the affected area — which covers the tooth’s exposed nerves.

– The procedure requires an anaesthetic – a local is usually sufficient

– It takes between one and two weeks to heal

– During healing you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods

The gums will not only look different after surgery but may feel tighter and firmer too.”

Read more about the types of gum grafts and the recovery process here

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322115.php      

 

 

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Tooth Bonding: A New Smile for a New You http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/tooth-bonding-a-new-smile-for-a-new-you/ Wed, 11 Jul 2018 13:19:01 +0000 http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/?p=2988 Do you have issues with your teeth such as cracks, gaps or discolourations? If so, a composite resin known as dental bonding compound could help. What are some of the main benefits of this material and why might your dentist recommend such an option? This bonding material: – Fills tooth cracks, chips, cavities, and other […]

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Do you have issues with your teeth such as cracks, gaps or discolourations? If so, a composite resin known as dental bonding compound could help. What are some of the main benefits of this material and why might your dentist recommend such an option?

This bonding material:

– Fills tooth cracks, chips, cavities, and other imperfections.

– Formulated to match the colour of your teeth.

– Represents a lifelong solution if cared for properly.

“Tooth bonding is an excellent choice for chips that may be plaguing your teeth.”

Learn more here:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-can-tooth-bonding-improve-my-smile/

 

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Loose Teeth In Adults: The Causes http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/loose-teeth-in-adults-the-causes/ Fri, 06 Jul 2018 10:26:02 +0000 http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/?p=2976 Adult teeth are permanent and can last a lifetime, with care. Naturally, most dental patients feel alarmed when they notice a loosened tooth. Key takeaways: – Hardened plaque or tartar can cause gum recession, pockets of infection, and an increased risk of loose teeth. – A sports injury may damage teeth and surrounding tissue. – […]

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Adult teeth are permanent and can last a lifetime, with care. Naturally, most dental patients feel alarmed when they notice a loosened tooth.

Key takeaways:

– Hardened plaque or tartar can cause gum recession, pockets of infection, and an increased risk of loose teeth.

– A sports injury may damage teeth and surrounding tissue.

– Osteoporosis commonly affects the spine, hips and wrists – but could destroy jawbone.

While some causes of loose teeth are harmless, others require attention from a dentist to save the tooth or replace it with an implant or bridge.

More on this condition here:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322028.php

 

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Why Choose a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush if You Have Braces? http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/why-choose-a-soft-bristled-toothbrush-if-you-have-braces/ Tue, 03 Jul 2018 15:43:05 +0000 http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/?p=2967 We are all aware that brushing and flossing are critical when braces are present. Without adopting the correct tools, you might very well need to see your dentist due to the presence of a cavity. What advantages are associated with soft-bristled toothbrushes? – This type of toothbrush is less likely to damage the sensitive enamel […]

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We are all aware that brushing and flossing are critical when braces are present. Without adopting the correct tools, you might very well need to see your dentist due to the presence of a cavity. What advantages are associated with soft-bristled toothbrushes?

– This type of toothbrush is less likely to damage the sensitive enamel on the surfaces of your teeth.

– It can also help to protect your gum tissue.

– The bristles themselves can access hard-to-reach areas.

“This helps you brush more gently and prevent enamel damage.”

Additional suggestions can be found below:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-should-i-brush-my-teeth-when-i-have-braces/

 

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What You Need to Know about TMJ and Children http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/what-you-need-to-know-about-tmj-and-children/ Fri, 29 Jun 2018 15:48:02 +0000 http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/?p=2955 Although not common in children, disorders of the jaw and its muscles can occur — called temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ. So if your child is complaining of jaw pain, see your dentist. Main points: – Causes include a misaligned bite and teeth grinding. – Stress, chewing on hard items, or an injury can cause […]

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Although not common in children, disorders of the jaw and its muscles can occur — called temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ. So if your child is complaining of jaw pain, see your dentist.

Main points:

– Causes include a misaligned bite and teeth grinding.

– Stress, chewing on hard items, or an injury can cause jaw problems.

– Non-surgical treatments may include mouth guards or splints to help prevent damage from grinding teeth.

A dentist should be consulted if your child has pain on yawning, chewing or speaking.

” A TMJ appliance can reduce teeth clenching or grinding which can help alleviate symptoms,”

More:https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/tmj-treatment-options-for-children/

 

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Scientists Find Autism Clues in Infant Teeth http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/scientists-find-autism-clues-in-infant-teeth/ Tue, 26 Jun 2018 15:45:54 +0000 http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/?p=2943 Detailed analysis of milk teeth has provided new insights into the causes of autism. Key takeaways: – The latest diagnostic technique examines how infants metabolise zinc and copper, two mineral nutrients. – Low levels of these nutrients have been detected in baby teeth. – Experts are planning further research into similar links between children’s first […]

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Detailed analysis of milk teeth has provided new insights into the causes of autism.

Key takeaways:

– The latest diagnostic technique examines how infants metabolise zinc and copper, two mineral nutrients.

– Low levels of these nutrients have been detected in baby teeth.

– Experts are planning further research into similar links between children’s first teeth and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Read more about the significant findings here:

https://consumer.healthday.com/cognitive-health-information-26/autism-news-51/baby-teeth-give-clues-to-autism-s-origins-detection-734271.html

 

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Signs of a Cracked Tooth http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/signs-of-a-cracked-tooth/ Tue, 19 Jun 2018 19:23:50 +0000 http://gentlefamilydentists.co.nz/?p=2936 Left untreated, cracked teeth can lead to pain and discomfort and long-term problems. But a crack in a tooth is often almost invisible and undetectable. However, there are some warning signs to be aware of, including: – Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks – Pain when biting or chewing – Unexplained discomfort around […]

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Left untreated, cracked teeth can lead to pain and discomfort and long-term problems. But a crack in a tooth is often almost invisible and undetectable. However, there are some warning signs to be aware of, including:

– Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks

– Pain when biting or chewing

– Unexplained discomfort around a tooth or the surrounding gum tissue

Other signs of a possible crack are “pain that tends to come and go” and swollen gums. If any of these symptoms appear they should be brought to the attention of a dentist who will carry out a thorough examination. An informative article about cracked teeth can be read at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322015.php

 

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