cp91bqnsny8ntvdj

Services You Can Expect From a General Dentist in Brisbane, QLD

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:53:30 GMT

When you search for a general dentist in Brisbane, QLD, you’re looking for a trusted partner in your oral health journey. This primary dental provider is your first point of call for everything from routine check-ups to restorative care. At Runcorn Dental, we understand that visiting a dental professional can feel daunting. That’s why we focus on gentle, transparent care tailored to Brisbane locals. From young children to seniors, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and functional. Let’s walk through the core services you can expect from a skilled family dentist in our community.

Services You Can Expect From a Dental Oral Practitioner

Preventive Care: Cleanings, Exams, and X-Rays

Preventive care is the foundation of what any reliable dental practitioner provides. Regular check-ups every six months help catch small issues before they become big, expensive problems. During an exam, your oral health specialist will visually inspect every tooth, check your gums for signs of disease, and examine your tongue, throat and cheeks for abnormalities. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing misses. This reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease. X-rays are another essential preventive tool. They reveal decay between teeth, under old fillings, and problems below the gum line like infections or bone loss. A proactive Brisbane dentist will only take X-rays when clinically necessary, using modern digital equipment to minimise radiation. For local families, preventive care saves time, money and discomfort. It also builds a dental home where children learn positive oral habits early. If you haven’t had a check-up in over six months, booking with a dental professional is the smartest step you can take.

Fillings and Restorative Treatments

No matter how well you brush, cavities sometimes happen. When they do, a skilled practitioner provides fillings to restore the tooth’s shape and function. At Runcorn Dental, we use tooth-coloured composite resin fillings that blend naturally with your smile. Unlike old amalgam (silver) fillings, composite bonds directly to the tooth, requiring less removal of healthy structure. Restorative care goes beyond fillings. Your primary dental provider also offers crowns for badly broken teeth, inlays and onlays for larger cavities, and root canal therapy to save infected teeth. These treatments relieve pain and prevent extractions. For teeth that are too damaged to save, the same clinic can perform simple extractions . The goal of restorative dentistry is always to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. A knowledgeable dental team will explain all options and help you choose the most conservative, cost-effective solution.

Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease (periodontal disease) affects nearly half of Australian adults. Early signs include red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush. A general dentist is your first line of defence against this silent condition. Left untreated, gum disease destroys the bone supporting your teeth, leading to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Your dental professional will measure the pockets around each tooth to check for bone loss. For early gum disease (gingivitis), a professional cleaning and improved home care usually reverse the problem. For more advanced periodontitis, your oral health specialist may recommend scaling and root planing. This deep-cleaning procedure removes bacteria from below the gum line and smooths the roots to help gums reattach. Some patients also benefit from local antibiotics placed directly into infected pockets. Regular follow-up visits with a family dentist are crucial to manage gum disease long-term. Brisbane patients with risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or a family history of gum disease should see their local practice every three to four months for maintenance.

Cosmetic Dentistry Basics

Many people think cosmetic dentistry is only for movie stars. But a primary dental provider can perform several simple cosmetic procedures to boost your confidence. Teeth whitening is the most requested cosmetic service. Your local clinic offers professional take-home kits or in-chair whitening that is safer and more effective than store-bought strips. Another basic cosmetic service is composite bonding. This uses the same white filling material to repair chipped, cracked, or slightly misshapen teeth. Your dental team can also reshape uneven gums or replace old, dark fillings with natural-looking ones. Even routine services like fillings and crowns have a cosmetic component today because materials mimic natural enamel. While a general dentist may refer complex smile makeovers (like veneers or orthodontics) to specialists, many Brisbane patients achieve their dream smile with basic cosmetic services right in their regular clinic. Discuss your goals with your dental professional during your next check-up. Small changes often make a big difference.

When to See Your Dental Practitioner

You should see your primary dental provider at least once every six months for a check-up and cleaning. But don’t wait if you notice pain, bleeding gums, a broken tooth, swelling, or a persistent bad taste in your mouth. These signs often indicate an infection that needs prompt treatment. Your oral health specialist also plays a key role in screening for oral cancer. During every exam, we feel for lumps in your neck and check for unusual patches inside your mouth. Early detection saves lives. For nervous patients, modern practices offer numbing gels, sedation options and a calm, patient-centred approach. Children should start seeing a general dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. This early introduction builds familiarity and prevents early childhood decay. Seniors and people with chronic illnesses like heart disease or osteoporosis also benefit from regular dental visits, as oral health directly affects overall health.

Contact Runcorn Dental Today

Ready to experience comprehensive, caring dentistry in Brisbane? At Runcorn Dental, our experienced team provides all the services mentioned above in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. We use the latest technology to make your visit comfortable and efficient. Whether you need a routine check-up, a filling, gum disease treatment or a smile brightening, we are here to help. Don’t let dental anxiety or a busy schedule hold you back. Contact us today and let your general dentist give you a healthy, confident smile for life.

Knowing When to Contact an Emergency Dentist

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:45:39 GMT

Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. When pain or trauma strikes, it’s vital to know when to reach out for urgent treatment. Not every dental problem can wait for a routine visit. Sometimes, acting quickly and reaching out to an emergency dentist serving Brisbane, QLD, makes all the difference to your dental health.

What Are the Most Common Dental Emergencies?

Understanding what’s urgent can save your teeth and relieve distress fast. The most common dental emergencies seen in the Brisbane, QLD, area include the following:

Severe and persistent toothache, especially if it disrupts sleep or comes with swelling.
Knocked-out teeth from injuries, accidents or sports.
Cracked or chipped teeth causing pain, or with jagged edges.
Dental abscess, which may cause swelling, bad taste, or fever.
Broken crowns, fillings or bridges that expose sensitive tooth parts.

If your issue feels urgent, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to reach out for prompt guidance.

Why Is Fast Emergency Dental Treatment So Important?

Delaying action during an emergency can allow problems to worsen. Untreated dental infections, abscesses or traumas may lead to severe pain, tooth loss and even affect general health. Prompt care means faster pain relief, better outcomes, and a lower risk of ongoing damage.

Ignoring warning signs may seem easier in the moment, but fast support from an emergency dentist is always the safer choice.

What Should You Do Right After a Dental Injury or Sudden Pain?

Step-by-step actions matter during dental emergencies. Quick thinking helps protect your oral health.

For a knocked-out tooth: Handle it by the crown, gently rinse with milk or saline, and keep it moist. See a dentist within 30 minutes if possible.
For severe toothaches: Rinse your mouth with warm water, remove debris, and use a cold compress to ease swelling.
For cracked or broken teeth: Save any fragments, rinse your mouth, and avoid chewing on the injured side.
For broken crowns or fillings: Keep all pieces, avoid hard foods, and reach out for an appointment soon.
For swelling or abscesses: Use a cold compress and connect with your dentist straight away.

Most importantly, reach out to your dental team for personal advice suited to your situation.

Should You Call for Emergency Dental Care If You’re Not Sure?

Yes, it’s always safer to ask. If you are unsure whether your injury or pain requires an emergency dentist, reach out to us for emergency dental services and guidance. Dental teams can discuss your symptoms and help decide if urgent care is needed or if a regular appointment will suffice.

Runcorn Dental welcomes connections from Brisbane, QLD, locals who want rapid answers and peace of mind. There is never judgement in reaching out.

Why Can’t Dental Emergencies Always Wait for a Routine Visit?

Many dental injuries or infections progress quickly. A knocked-out tooth is most likely to survive if treated within an hour. Dental abscesses and infections can spread, causing severe health complications if left unchecked. Cracks and severe pain often worsen with time.

Dental emergencies don’t follow a schedule. That’s why timely care is essential for a positive outcome.

What Are the Signs of a True Dental Emergency?

Certain symptoms mean you should reach out for urgent help:

Bleeding in the mouth that will not stop with pressure.
Trauma to the teeth, lips or gums causing severe pain or loose teeth.
Sudden swelling in the face or gums, especially if it spreads.
Severe, throbbing tooth pain lasting more than a day.
Lost, broken or dislodged adult teeth possibly needing extraction .

If you experience any of these, it’s time to reach out to an emergency dentist serving the Brisbane, QLD, area.

How to Prepare for an Unexpected Dental Emergency

While dental emergencies are unpredictable, a few simple steps can help you act quickly:

Keep your dentist’s phone number on hand and programmed into your phone.
Store a clean container and saline or milk for knocked-out teeth.
Have pain relief and a cold compress in your first aid-kit.
Familiarise yourself with the steps for common dental emergencies.

A little preparation means you won’t feel lost if trouble strikes. A little preparation means you won’t feel lost if trouble strikes. You’ll be able to take calm, effective steps to protect your dental health until you can see a professional.

Looking After Oral Health After an Emergency

Once the immediate pain or injury is treated, follow your clinician’s instructions for aftercare. This might include a soft diet, pain management, and extra care with brushing near the affected area. Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure your recovery stays on track.

Open communication with your dental team supports your best outcome.

Need an Emergency Dentist? Contact Runcorn Dental Now!

Dental emergencies don’t wait for a good time. If you need guidance or treatment for a sudden dental problem, Runcorn Dental is ready to help with open communication, up-to-date technology, and a focus on comfort.

Call the friendly emergency dentist on (07) 3841 0667 . Your wellbeing comes first, and our team is here to provide clear answers and supportive care when you need it most.

5 Tips for Choosing the Best Emergency Dentist in QLD

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:22:34 GMT

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, leaving you in discomfort and uncertainty. From a sharp toothache to a broken tooth or a lost filling, these situations require urgent attention. In times like these, finding a trusted emergency dentist in Upper Mount Gravatt, QLD , is crucial for swift relief and effective treatment.

5 Key Tips to Guide You in Selecting the Best Emergency Dentist

1. Check for Availability and Emergency Hours

When it comes to emergencies, timing is everything. A top emergency dentist should offer flexible hours, especially outside regular business hours. Ensure that the clinic you choose is available on weekends or after hours. Many dental clinics offer emergency care on a 24/7 basis or during extended hours, so don't hesitate to contact them immediately if you're in pain.

2. Look for a Well-Reviewed Dentist with Experience

Experience matters in dental emergencies, as it often involves complex and urgent treatments. Research dentists in your area and check online reviews or ratings from previous patients. An emergency dentist with positive feedback and a solid track record is likely to provide high-quality care. Also, consider how long they’ve been practising dentistry — a seasoned professional can manage a variety of urgent issues.

3. Consider Location and Accessibility

In an emergency, the last thing you want is to drive far for treatment. Choose a dentist that is located close to you in Upper Mount Gravatt, QLD, or surrounding suburbs. Having a dental clinic nearby will reduce the time it takes to get there and ensure you’re seen as soon as possible. Make sure the clinic has convenient parking or easy access to public transport for added convenience.

4. Evaluate the Range of Services Offered

Not all dental emergencies are the same. Some might require immediate pain relief, while others could involve more complex procedures like root canals or extractions. A good emergency dentist should offer a wide range of services to address different emergency situations. Ask about the treatments they provide and whether they’re equipped to handle more serious dental emergencies.

5. Assess the Comfort and Professionalism of the Clinic

An emergency situation can be stressful, so it’s essential that you feel comfortable with your dentist and the clinic environment. From the moment you step into the clinic, ensure that the staff is professional, empathetic, and welcoming. The best emergency dentist will prioritise your comfort while providing efficient, high-quality care.

It’s also important to ensure that the clinic maintains strict hygiene standards, as dental procedures require a sterile environment. A clean, well-organised practice is a good indicator of a dentist who takes their work seriously.

Contact an Emergency Dentist Today to Get Fast and Reliable Assistance

When a dental emergency strikes, don't wait until it's too late. Whether it's a sudden toothache or another urgent issue, make sure you choose the right emergency dentist in Upper Mount Gravatt, QLD, for prompt, professional care.

If you're in need of urgent dental assistance, consider reaching out to Runcorn Dental. Our experienced team is ready to help with your dental emergency at our convenient Upper Mount Gravatt location. Contact us today to schedule your visit and get the care you need!

4 Flossing Hints That Tell You to See Your Dentist

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:58:23 GMT

It's important to include flossing in your daily toothbrushing routine. Floss helps you clean parts of your teeth and gums that a brush can't always reach; it removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth.

As well as improving your dental health, floss is sometimes a useful diagnostic tool. It can tell you that you might have a problem with your teeth or gums that your dentist needs to investigate. As you floss, what signs should you look out for?

1. Bleeding when you floss

When you floss, the string moves down through the gap between two teeth until it reaches the gum. In some cases, this contact makes the gum bleed.

This bleeding isn't necessarily a sign of anything serious. Gums sometimes bleed if you haven't flossed for a while. Minor irritations or inflammation can also make gums bleed for a day or two. Typically, you can fix these problems with a few days of solid brushing and flossing.

However, if your gums continue to bleed during flossing for more than a day or two or if you have bleeding across a wide area, then you could have a more serious problem such as early gum disease, known as gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, then your gums become red, swollen and tender. They bleed more easily and, if you don't have treatment, then the bleeding is a constant when you brush and floss.

2. Shredded floss

Floss should glide smoothly between teeth. However, sometimes, this process doesn't work. For example, you might feel that floss sticks between two teeth. When you take it out, you can see shredding on its strands.

If your floss comes out damaged, then it is probably catching on something between the teeth. You might have a chip or crack on a tooth or on the edge of an old filling. Or, the floss might be catching on a broken crown or even just a piece of tartar.

3. Tooth pain when you floss

Flossing shouldn't hurt. However, if you have a twinge of pain in a tooth after you floss around it, then you could have a problem. You probably don't need to worry if this just happens once, but if it happens every time you floss that tooth, then it is a concern.

You could have an area of decay in the edge of the tooth. As the floss slides along this side, it rubs along the decay. Or, you might have a loose filling. The floss could move the filling so that it puts pressure on the tooth. Either of these problems can make a tooth painful for a while.

4. A bad smell or taste when you floss

Sometimes, if you haven't flossed for a few days, then you notice a bad smell or even taste coming from a tooth or teeth when you start again. If you smell the floss itself, it may smell.

If you've not flossed for a while, then this smell or taste is likely to just be old food particles that have rotted down. However, if you floss every day, then you shouldn't notice this level of smell or taste. You don't leave particles between your teeth long enough for them to start breaking down.

A regular bad smell or taste after flossing could indicate that you have a dental problem, especially if you've noticed that your breath smells less than pleasant at other times. For example, you could have hidden decay on a tooth or problems with your gums.

If you've noticed any of these issues when you floss or if you have any other concerns, then make an appointment to see a Runcorn Dental dentist today. We can check out the problem and fix it.

5 Nighttime Habits That Harm Your Oral Health

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 01:15:23 GMT

Taking care of your oral health is a full-time job. But no matter how well you care for your teeth during the day, bad night-time habits could ruin all your hard work. Once you drift off to sleep, you have no control over what happens inside your mouth.

To ensure your teeth and gums don't suffer overnight, put a stop to the following night-time habits.

1. Not de-stressing after a long day

After a long day at work, it's nice to get home and unwind before retreating for a fitful rest at bedtime. But if you often return home stressed and have little opportunity to de-stress, you could suffer from night-time bruxism.

According to research, anxiety and stress can cause a person to grind their teeth at night. Grinding your teeth at night is not the same as grinding your teeth during the day. During the day, you can control the pressure you exert when you grit or grind. But at night, you have no control over the pressure your jaw exerts, and thus you could do some serious damage to your teeth and gums.

When you get home after a stressful day, take the time to unwind before you go to bed at night. Meditation, long hot baths and gentle exercise can help.

2. Skipping your nightly brushing session

During the day, millions of bacteria cling to and breed on your teeth. These bacterial colonies create sticky films on your teeth that make it easy for them to live on the smooth enamel surface. Brushing at night removes these colonies from your teeth. But more importantly, brushing removes the food particles that feed oral bacteria.

If you don't brush at night, the food particles clinging to the tissues in your mouth will remain to feed and sustain the bacterial organisms living on your teeth. But these organisms produce acid that gradually eats away at tooth enamel. And without saliva or water to wash them away, as long as you sleep, these bacterial organisms will remain on your teeth.

3. Sleeping with your mouth open

mouth will dry out. The most harmful bacteria, like streptococcus mutans, thrive in this dry environment, especially if food is available.

Saliva kills bacteria, which is why if you sleep with a dry mouth, your teeth will be at the mercy of oral bacteria.

4. Snacking before bedtime

If you don't eat enough food during the day, the chances are good that you might snack at night. Night-time snacking is damaging to your teeth, especially if you also fail to brush your teeth because you are sleepy. The bacteria in your mouth will enjoy bedtime snacks just as much as you do. The problem is that you then wake up with a mouthful of bacteria and the acid they produce.

5. Going to bed dehydrated

If you often go to bed dehydrated, you probably don't sleep very well, at least according to Sleepfoundation.org. Saliva regulates the bacteria in your mouth, keeping them to a minimum by killing them and washing them into your stomach. But if you go to bed dehydrated, you won't enough saliva to keep bacteria at bay while you sleep.

Have bad night-time habits jeopardized your oral health? Then call Runcorn Dental today. Come in for a dental examination and we'll identify and treat any existing oral health problems you might have. We'll also advise you on how you can keep your teeth and gums in tip-top condition.

The 7 Unique Benefits of White Dental Fillings

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 01:37:47 GMT

The best way to fight tooth decay is with excellent oral hygiene. But, sometimes, even that isn't enough to keep cavities at bay. Fortunately, if you act quickly, a simple dental filling will be sufficient to repair a small dental cavity before it worsens.

White fillings are the ideal approach for small cavities. And they offer a range of unique benefits.

1. Eat hard foods immediately

With amalgam or silver fillings, you usually have to wait 24 hours before you can eat hard foods like nuts and corn on the cob. But although white fillings are not as durable as silver fillings, they do set faster. This is because dentists can speed up the bonding process by using a special light to bond the filling to the tooth structure.

2. Repair damaged white fillings

It's true that white fillings generally don't last as long as amalgam fillings do. But unlike amalgam fillings, you may be able to repair white fillings sometimes, if a defect appears. A dentist can simply add more white filling resin to the existing filling, then shape, polish and cure the white filling to complete the repair.

With this ability, you might also be able to prolong the longevity of your white fillings.

3. Fix a variety of cosmetic issues

Amalgam fillings aren't designed for aesthetic appeal. This means they are only suitable for filling cavities for the most part. White fillings don't have this limitation. Because dentists can create a shade of composite resin that matches the natural shade of a patient's teeth, they can use white fillings in a number of ways.

For instance, a dentist can use a white filling to fill a space between two teeth or repair the corner of a chipped tooth.

4. Remove less tooth structure for placement

White fillings bond to the structure of a tooth in an adhesive manner. This means that they tend to be smaller than amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings don't bond to teeth the way white fillings do, which means that they require the removal of more natural tooth structure. This makes white fillings ideal for filling small cavities.

5. Identify nearby tooth decay more easily

The dark colour of amalgam fillings can be an issue when trying to spot tooth decay in close proximity to a filling. Because of that, you might not notice dental decay near a filling until it has progressed deeper into the tooth. But this isn't an issue with white fillings. Because dentists select a shade that matches your natural tooth colour, you can easily spot nearby tooth decay.

6. Combine white fillings with whitening

A great cosmetic option to have at your disposal is the ability to combine tooth whitening with white fillings. First, your dentist will place temporary fillings over any existing cavities, then they will carry out the whitening procedure. During a second appointment, your dentist will place the necessary number of white fillings, in a shade that matches your newly whitened teeth.

7. Conceal dental work effectively

The biggest downfall of amalgam fillings is that you can’t hide them. If you wish to conceal your dental work, white fillings can help you achieve that aim. And because you can use white fillings immediately after getting them, you could realistically go straight to an event right after your dental appointment.

If you have identified a cavity in your mouth, then you can benefit from getting a white filling. Runcorn Dental's technicians are highly qualified and can administer white fillings with excellent results. Call our team today, and we'll help you to stop tooth decay in its tracks.

4 Occasions When Tooth Extraction is Necessary

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 01:22:28 GMT

Dentists prefer to save teeth rather than extract them. This is because even one gap can have a negative effect on the remaining teeth. Unfortunately, even the most experienced and skilled dentists can't save every tooth they treat. And sometimes, extraction, not restoration, is often the only option available.

Some dental conditions are just too severe to justify keeping a tooth. Read on to learn when extraction is simply necessary.

1. Severe trauma or decay has damaged a tooth

Tooth enamel is the hardest material in the human body. This means your teeth can withstand the massive chewing forces that you exert day after day while eating. Unfortunately, even the hardest substances eventually buckle when exposed to wear and tear. Tooth decay gradually breaks enamel down. And once the hard enamel exterior is gone, the soft dentin layer quickly gives way.

If you don't seek treatment for tooth decay, such as a filling, the damage to the tooth could become too severe for a filling or dental crown. Extraction is then the only option.

Accidents happen too. If an accident breaks a tooth down to its root, then extraction is the best option. Even if a dentist places a crown over a tooth with a damaged root, that tooth will soon loosen and fall out.

2. Severe infection has spread deep into a tooth

Once bacteria break down the surface of a tooth and find their way inside, they quickly infect the tooth. Tooth infections usually kill the nerve, which then begins to rot inside the tooth. If you treat the infection quickly with a root canal and antibiotics, you can probably save the tooth as long as the damage isn't too great.

Unfortunately, if you leave an infection too long, that infection will spread to the root and create an abscess at the root tip. Severe infections sometimes call for a tooth extraction. Extracting a badly infected tooth can help bring the infection under control quickly.

3. Serious gum disease has destroyed supporting structures

Severe gum disease, periodontal disease, occurs when bacteria work their way under the gum line. This can happen over time if you don't brush your teeth enough. Harmful bacteria live in plaque, the sticky film you see on your teeth between brushing sessions. And these bacteria and their acidic excretions irritate gum tissue and cause it to recede.

In extreme cases, oral bacteria invade the space beneath gums, and gradually destroy the supporting structures, such as bone and periodontal ligaments. With these structures badly damaged, teeth loosen and can even fall out. Dentists will sometimes extract teeth that have loosened due to gum disease because this will help to get the disease under control.

4. Costly dental work has ruled out all other options

Unfortunately, dental issues can sometimes strike when you aren't financially prepared for them. Many treatments, such as root canals and crowns, might be too expensive to merit the work. In this case, extraction is probably a better short-term solution, as it can immediately resolve some of the issues.

Later, you can replace the extracted tooth with a dental implant, a dental bridge or even a partial denture. All of these treatments will help brighten your smile and improve your oral health.

If you think you might need a dental extraction, don't wait too long to seek treatment. Otherwise, you could have a severe dental infection to deal with in the near future. You would then need emergency treatment. Call Runcorn Dental today to book your extraction appointment. We're open 7 days a week, so even if you need dental work on the weekend, we can get you in for treatment.

4 Ways to Straighten Teeth Without Braces

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 01:31:39 GMT

Some people need orthodontic treatment to correct the position of their teeth. For example, if you have significant misalignments or overcrowding, then braces are likely to be the most effective way to straighten all your teeth at once.

However, some people have more minor problems with tooth positioning. They may simply have one tooth that is slightly crooked or that doesn't sit precisely straight. Orthodontic treatment might be overkill here; however, your dentist has a range of cosmetic straightening techniques that could fix your problem and improve your smile. What are they?

1. Contouring

If a tooth isn't completely straight, then it can't sit completely flat in your mouth. It might stick out a little at one side. In some cases, it might overlap on to its neighbouring tooth. You might find it hard to clean between the two teeth if this happens.

In some cases, your dentist can shape the tooth to make it look straight and sit flush. For example, contouring techniques remove tiny amounts of enamel to smooth the tooth out and make it look straighter.

While contouring might be enough to fix some minor problems on its own, it is also sometimes used in tandem with bonding treatments. Your dentist may also want to use bonding to smooth or cover contoured areas after straightening the tooth.

2. Bonding

As well as protruding, a misaligned tooth can also look recessed. One side of the tooth might be flush with its neighbour; however, the other side of the tooth sits further back than it should.

In this case, your dentist might recommend using bonding to build up the recessed area to make the whole tooth look even. This involves adding a composite material to the front part of the tooth that is out of place.

While the tooth itself doesn't move, the composite bonding effectively fills the recessed gap. The crooked part of the tooth will look like it has moved forward. At the end of the treatment, both sides of the tooth should look straight and level.

3. Veneers

While contouring and bonding are simple solutions for some dental misalignments, they won't work on all problems. In some cases, you might have a more significant misalignment on a tooth.

For example, if a tooth is so crooked that it leaves a significant gap at one side, then these treatments won't be much help. You can't contour space; you need a surface to hold bonding securely.

As an alternative, you can look at adding a veneer to the tooth. Here, your dentist removes some of the front of the tooth and sticks a veneer shell on it. They shape or position the shell to make the front of the tooth look straight. They can also make the veneer big enough to cover any unsightly gaps.

4. Crowns

Some crooked teeth are simply a bit wonky; others sit at more extreme angles that make cosmetic straightening techniques more difficult if not impossible. For example, if one of your teeth is badly twisted, then contouring, bonding and even veneers might not be able to make it look completely straight.

Sometimes, the best way to fix a severely crooked tooth is to have it crowned. Your dentist will shave down the tooth and then attach a crown to it. The prepared tooth may still be misaligned but it will hold a perfectly straight crown.

Even slightly crooked teeth can make you feel self-conscious and unhappy with your smile. They can also prevent you from keeping your teeth as clean and healthy as you'd like. If you would like to straighten out a misalignment, contact Runcorn Dental . Our dentists can assess your problem and help you find the best way to fix it.

How to Replace a Row of Teeth With Dental Implants

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 01:43:58 GMT

Living with an entire row of missing teeth is a challenge to say the least. Your smile suffers, and eating becomes a painful and uncomfortable chore. Fortunately, dental implants can offer you a functional and aesthetic solution to this issue.

And you don't need to replace every missing tooth with a dental implant. With the inclusion of a dental bridge, you can replace 10 to 14 teeth with as few as four dental implants. You and your dentist can achieve this in several steps.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Check for bone density

Before you can consider placing dental implants, it's important to first check that your jawbone is both wide and deep enough to support dental implants. When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported that tooth's root resorbs. Your body then uses the building blocks of that bone, such as calcium, elsewhere in the body.

Bone resorption can occur in just a few months following tooth loss. It then gradually worsens. To check if you have enough remaining bone, your dentist will first X-ray your jawbone. If you have enough bone to support dental implants, then you can proceed to the next phase. However, you may need one or more bone grafts if you have insufficient bone to support dental implants.

Place bone grafts

If your X-ray shows that you don't have enough bone in areas of your jawbone, then your dentist must first place a bone graft in these locations. If your missing teeth are in your upper jaw then you might need a sinus lift. This is because a thin layer of bone separates the sinus cavity from the upper jawbone. As a result, a dental implant could penetrate this cavity if too much bone has resorbed.

When you have lost too much bone in an area of your lower jaw, you'll need a block-bone graft. This type of graft bolsters and strengthens the bone ridge, providing sufficient room for a dental implant.

Unfortunately, both of these procedures increase your overall treatment time. Your dentist usually won't be able to place the implants until the bone grafts have healed. Healing could take several months.

Place dental implants

If you have sufficient bone or your bone grafts have already healed, your dentist will then place your dental implants. Dental implants come in three main pieces: a titanium screw, a titanium post with an abutment, and a porcelain crown.

First, your dentist places the titanium screws into your jawbone. You then need to wait for your jawbone to heal and integrate with those screws. And because the titanium screws stimulate bone cell growth, once healed, the screws will be secure in your jawbone. This entire process takes four to six months, depending on your health, healing ability, and oral habits.

Once healing is complete, your dentist can then add the abutments and crowns to the screws. The abutments serve as anchors to keep the dental crowns attached to the titanium posts.

Attach the dental bridge to the implants

By the time your implants have healed, your dentist will have already created your porcelain crowns and their accompanying bridge. Before the process began, you will have chosen how many teeth to replace with the bridge. For instance, if most of a row of teeth is missing, not the entire row, then you might choose two dental implants to support four bridge teeth for a total of six teeth.

At this point, you are ready to use your new teeth right away. You might need a couple of weeks to adjust to the feel of the bridge and the crowns, but you'll be glad to have the ability to chew and smile again.

Dental implants have a high success rate, as high as 97 percent when done well. Is a missing row of teeth making it difficult for you to smile and eat? Get in touch with Runcorn Dental today. With 25 years of experience treating dental patients, you can trust us to create a dental implant-supported bridge that looks and feels great.

How White Marks on Teeth Appear Before Tooth Decay

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 01:49:07 GMT

Have you noticed that a white spot has appeared on the surface of one of your teeth? Then now is the right time to book a dental check-up. Although white lesions on the surface of enamel are not serious, they can worsen over time if you do nothing to change your dental or dietary habits.

If you have a white lesion on one or more of your teeth, the following information will help you understand why it is there and how you can deal with it.

White spots are enamel demineralisation

The white spot you see on the surface of your tooth is one of the first signs of tooth decay. Although these lesions don't always appear before a tooth begins to decay, they can act as an early warning sign to help you change your oral habits.

White spot lesions indicate that the enamel layer, a material that is mostly hydroxyapatite crystals, has begun to demineralise. In other words, the surface of the tooth is breaking down from the outside in. Even though your teeth are the hardest and most mineralized substance in the human body, long-term exposure to plaque and poor dietary choices can gradually damage them.

Fortunately, at this stage, white spots aren't serious. However, they could worsen if you fail to take action.

White spots become tooth decay

According to research, a white spot can appear a tooth in just four weeks . There are three main causes of white spots on your teeth.
These are:

Plaque
Sugar and carbs
Acidic foods and drinks

Plaque is a biofilm that forms on your teeth during the day. This sticky, rough-feeling substance contains millions of bacterial organisms, many of which contribute to enamel demineralisation. If you skip oral hygiene sessions often, or miss the same area of a tooth consistently while brushing, this plaque, along with the bacteria in it, remains on your tooth enamel.

But bacterial organisms also need to eat. That's where your diet comes into play. Since tooth decay–causing bacteria, such as streptococcus mutans, prefer to eat simple carbs and sugars, if you often eat junk food like doughnuts, cakes and sugary treats, you'll cause them to multiply faster. In addition, they'll do more damage to your teeth.

Tooth decay–causing bacteria damage teeth by depositing an acidic by-product on the tooth enamel that they live on after they eat. This acid gradually demineralises your teeth. And if you also enjoy acidic beverages like cola or lemonade, the ascorbic acid in these drinks will damage your teeth further.

Unfortunately, if you don't change your oral habits, the demineralisation will progress to the point where the white spots become brown spots. Brown spots indicate that bacterial organisms have colonized the damaged areas and are now causing the enamel to decay.

Fortunately, you can arrest tooth demineralisation.

Improve your oral hygiene and dietary habits

You cannot brush white spots from your teeth. That would only damage them further. Nor can you remove the white spots without the help of a dentist. But you can stop them from getting worse.

In general, white spots form in the areas where plaque has built up, usually in the shape of the plaque formation. Find a good remineralising toothpaste, and be sure to brush the areas where there are white spots on your teeth. Brush gently since you don't want to damage the already-weakened enamel. And be sure to brush twice a day.

Moreover, cut down on the junk foods that might be feeding the tooth decay–causing bacteria in your mouth, such as doughnuts, sweets and processed foods that contain simple sugars and carbs.

A dentist can help treat the white spots

If the white spots are bothering you, a dentist may be able to help you. Sometimes, a dentist can use a white filling to cover the white spot and disguise its appearance. And if you choose to have your teeth whitened, a dentist can use micro-abrasion beforehand to remove some of the white spot. This will create a uniform effect.

Have you noticed white spots on your teeth? Then it's time for a dental check-up . Contact Runcorn Dental today to see how they can help you remove white spots.

5 Factors to Consider About Manual vs Electric Toothbrushes

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 01:53:51 GMT

Brushing your teeth every day is essential to good oral health, but how do you know which toothbrush to use? Here are five factors to take into account when deciding whether to purchase a manual or electric toothbrush.

1. Plaque removal

Many dentists recommend electric toothbrushes over manual brushes due to their superior ability to remove plaque from teeth. Dental plaque is a thin film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If you do not brush it away every day, plaque can harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove. Electric toothbrushes are designed to move in a way that removes as much plaque as possible from teeth, something that is difficult to achieve with a manual brush.

2. Brushing habits

Most electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer that causes the brush to vibrate when you have been brushing for thirty seconds. This vibration lets you know that it is time to move onto the next quadrant of your mouth. After two minutes, the brush vibrates in a longer pattern to let you know that you can stop brushing now.

This timer helps you to brush for the amount of time recommended by dentists. While you can achieve the same effect using a manual brush and a timer on your phone or watch, many people do not. When you are in a hurry to get to school or work, it is often tempting to rush brushing with a manual brush, which results in a less effective clean.

3. Sensitivity

Some people find that their teeth or gums become overly sensitive when they start to use an electric toothbrush. To avoid excess sensitivity, hold the brush very gently against your teeth and use a toothbrush head designed for sensitive teeth.

Some electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors to let you know when you are applying too much force to your teeth. Others have a sensitive mode which delivers a gentler clean. With a manual toothbrush, you are in complete control over how much pressure you apply to your teeth, so you should have fewer sensitivity problems using this type of brush.

4. Price

Electric toothbrushes are almost always more expensive than a manual brush. However, there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a top-of-the-range electric toothbrush. A basic model with a single brushing mode, no pressure sensor, and a simple timer is completely adequate for most people. If there are several people in your family, you can also save money by sharing an electric toothbrush base, with each person having their own toothbrush head.

More costly electric toothbrushes store data about your brushing habits, which can be useful to share with your dentist, but is not necessary for simply getting a good daily clean. If you want to splash out on an advanced electric toothbrush, look out for good deals in Black Friday sales.

5. Portability

Electric toothbrushes are bulkier than manual brushes, especially once you take into account the charging stand. This bulkiness can make them less attractive to people who travel frequently, although carry cases are available if you do want to take your electric toothbrush on a trip.

A good compromise is to use an electric toothbrush to get a thorough daily clean and keep a manual toothbrush in your travel bag so it is always there when you have to spend a night away from home. Remember to check the bristles of each brush regularly and replace either the manual toothbrush or the electric toothbrush head when you notice signs of wear.

If you are not sure which type of toothbrush is best for you, get in touch with Runcorn Dental today. We can discuss your brushing habits and help you to achieve a more effective clean.

Myths About Sugar and Your Teeth | Runcorn Dental

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 02:23:16 GMT

When it comes to sugar and your teeth, you're probably aware that the two don't mix well. Although avoiding too many sugary treats and snacks is a good start, some harmful myths are still floating around.

From the drinks you consume to sugar being the pinnacle of all evil, there are a few myths to be wary of. By learning more about them, you could protect your enamel for longer.

Diet Drinks Are an Acceptable Substitute

If you're a fizzy drink fan, you might find yourself choosing between sugary and diet varieties. Although the diet versions of soft drinks don't contain sugar, they're not necessarily a sensible option.

Diet fizzy drinks contain high levels of citric or phosphoric acid. Some contain the acids dentists rely on to roughen teeth before using bonding treatments. If you want to be good to your teeth, try reaching for a glass of water instead.

Most Drinks Aren’t Harmful

Although a lot of people are aware that fruit juices are high in sugar, they mistakenly believe that most drinks won't cause much damage. If you worry about your appearance, both coffee and tea have the power to stain your teeth over time. And although the sugar you add to them might not seem like much, it soon adds up.

If you're a fan of wine, you probably know that a few glasses of red is enough to leave a stain. But did you also know that white wine is acidic enough to break your teeth down too? It takes a while, but consuming too many glasses weakens your enamel. Both red and white contain hidden sugars too.

Consistent Small Doses Aren’t That Bad

Try to avoid switching sugar binges for consuming sweet snacks on a little and often basis. From the moment sugar enters your mouth, bacteria begin to flock towards it. The sugar helps them to multiply and then the bacteria leave a film of plaque on your teeth. Over time, the plaque buildup can lead to cavities and gum disease.

You don't need to avoid all sugar forever. But if you are in the habit of bingeing on sweet treats, just make sure your moderate approach isn't equating to the same amount of glucose as before. Try to go for the occasional small portion of sweets instead.

Avoiding All Sugars Is Necessary

Sugar comes in lots of different forms. In addition to the glucose you'll find in sugary snacks, you can find fructose in fruit and lactose in milk. Because of this, taking a puritanical approach to banning sugar from your mouth isn't good for your overall health.

Your body needs a rich supply of vitamins and minerals. Getting those vitamins and minerals means consuming products that contain naturally occurring sugars. As your oral health ties in closely with your overall bodily health, it's important to not punish your body in the pursuit of banning sugars from your mouth.

Always Brush Your Teeth After Eating Sugar

This particular myth is a bit tricky. It's wise to brush your teeth after eating a sugary snack such as a biscuit. You'll get the sugar away from your oral bacteria and your breath will smell fresh.

But when it comes to acidic fruits and juices, you should put your toothbrush down. The acid in such products weakens your teeth, and by brushing straight away afterward you may weaken your enamel further. Try waiting for a while instead.

Taking a sensible approach to sugar consumption and remaining wary of common myths can help to protect your oral health. If you want to protect your health further, make an appointment with one of our dentists at Runcorn Dental .

What to Do If You Lose a Dental Filling

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 02:38:42 GMT

Has one of your dental fillings fallen out? If so, don't panic. The loss of a filling isn't usually a dental emergency. However, you do need to carry out several steps to ensure your tooth is okay until you can get to your dentist. Fillings fall out for various reasons. Sometimes, food is to blame, and sometimes, even your body's own immune system can cause a filling to fall out!

If your filling has fallen out, the following advice will help you to take care of the affected tooth until you can get to a dentist.

Keep hold of the filling if you can

Until a dentist can tell you why the filling fell out, you won't know if you can use it again or not. As such, if you haven't lost the filling, rinse it off with water, and seal it in a sealable storage bag. If tooth decay or a fracture is not to blame, your dentist may be able to reinsert the filling.

And, if you think you may have swallowed the filling, don't worry; it should pass without causing you any problems.

Clean the exposed tooth structure

You may or may not experience discomfort such as sensitivity or pain after your filling falls out. However, whatever happens, make sure that you clean the area immediately. This is to ensure that the oral bacteria in your mouth do not invade the newly exposed tooth structure. On average, a human mouth contains roughly 20 billion microbes. That's a lot of potential for infection.

Moreover, if your filling fell out during a meal, you need to rinse your mouth out to get rid of any food particles that might be lingering around the exposed tooth structure. Gently rinse your mouth out with salty water, as this will sterilize the area and reduce any inflammation. Mix half a teaspoon of table salt with eight ounces of water, and swish the solution around the affected tooth.

Cover the exposed tooth structure

The exposed area of the tooth will likely be dentin, which is a porous material that contains millions of dentinal tubules. These tubules carry dentinal fluid containing vital minerals and compounds, such as potassium, to the outer portions of a tooth to keep it strong and healthy. However, when the tubules are exposed to the oral environment, bacteria could invade them.

If bacteria manage to invade exposed dentin, they could travel along the tubules to the nerve in the centre of the tooth. This would lead to a painful and costly infection that would require a root canal and dental crown. Exposed dentinal tubules also transmit cold and heat sensations that could leave you in agony. As a result, you need to cover the area until you can get to a dentist.

Ideally, you should use orthodontic wax. New braces wearers use this material to protect their mouths while their soft tissues adjust to their braces. You can buy orthodontic wax in a local pharmacy. Alternatively, if you are unable to locate a pharmacy, you can cover the exposed tooth structure with sugar-free gum.

Pay attention to your pain

As mentioned earlier, you may experience some pain once a filling falls out. If the pain is short, sharp and stabbing in nature, this is usually because the dentinal tubules are exposed and thus, transmitting sensation from hot, cold or sweet food and drinks.

However, a constant dull, throbbing pain is a sign that your tooth may be infected. This is a dental emergency because it means that bacteria have invaded the central portion of your tooth. If not treated soon, an abscess will form. In this case, a dentist needs to perform root canal surgery to remove the infection and clean and seal the tooth before the infection spreads further.

Has one of your fillings fallen out? Then make sure you follow the above steps promptly, and call a reputable dental practice. At Runcorn Dental , we can replace your filling before any further complications arise.

5 Reasons to Choose White Fillings over Silver Fillings

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 02:45:27 GMT

Do you have a cavity or two that needs filling in the near future? If so, you should do a little research before settling on a filling type for your teeth. For a long time, over 150 years, in fact, amalgam, or silver, fillings were the standard treatment for cavities. Nowadays, however, more and more dentists are turning to white, composite fillings instead.

But as a dental patient, you may be wondering what the point of white fillings is — aside from the obvious difference in colour — especially considering they are more expensive.

As it turns out, quite a few good reasons point you to choose white fillings over silver fillings.

1. You Have a Cavity in Your Smile Zone

Composite fillings, or white fillings, have grown in popularity among patients and dentists for years. The main reason for this growth in popularity is their ability to blend in with your natural teeth.

This ability comes in handy when you have a cavity in your smile zone, which is the area from your canine teeth to your central incisors. Prior to applying the tooth-coloured resin to a cavity, a dentist can select an appropriate shade of white, one that matches the natural hue of your teeth.

If you have a cavity develop between your two central incisors, a white filling would mean that you can smile without feeling self-conscious.

2. You Don't Like Dental Drills

Some dental patients have a fear of dental drills. When treating a cavity with a standard silver filling, dentists first need to prepare the tooth using a dental drill before placing the filling. This not only removes dental decay, but it also creates a zone into which the silver filling can slot more easily.

White fillings, on the other hand, bond to the natural structure of your teeth and this means that only minimal drilling is required to remove the decay before placement of the filling.

3. You Want to Preserve Your Natural Tooth Structure

As mentioned earlier, amalgam fillings require a little more drilling on the treated tooth before the filling can be placed. This is because silver fillings don't bond to natural tooth structure, such as dentin and enamel, like white fillings do. As a result, dentists need to create grooves or slots for the silver filling to fit into.

Unfortunately, this means that it is necessary to remove some of the natural tooth in the process. Since white fillings don't have this requirement, you can preserve more of your natural tooth structure.

Do bear in mind, however, that white fillings are more appropriate for small to mid-size cavities, especially where your molars are concerned. This is because silver fillings can take more chewing force and so won't break as easily as white fillings.

4. You Want a Filling That’s Easily Replaced

Although white fillings do take longer to apply because dentists need to completely dry the area before placing the composite material, replacing them is less complicated than replacing a silver filling.

For instance, when replacing a silver filling, a dentist needs to remove the entire filling before cleaning up the area and replacing it. This involves removing some of the natural tooth structure once again.

However, in the case of white fillings, a dentist need only remove the damaged portion of the filling before filling in the space with composite resin.

5. You Plan to Whiten Your Teeth

If you plan to whiten your teeth in future, and you want the whitest smile possible, you should first whiten your teeth, and then replace any silver fillings you have with white fillings. Doing this will allow your dentist to create a shade of composite resin that matches your newly-whitened teeth. This will give you a whiter, more natural smile.

White fillings require the touch of an experienced and skilled dentist to be done to an aesthetically pleasing standard. As such, if you favour white fillings over silver fillings, ensure that you choose a reputable dentist to carry out your treatment.

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy When You're Pregnant

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 02:50:29 GMT

When you're pregnant, your body isn't just supporting your life anymore—it's helping your baby grow strong and stay healthy too. As such, it's no surprise pregnancy can take a toll on your bodily health. In particular, one health issue to watch out for is dental problems. From hormonal changes to morning sickness, there are many aspects of pregnancy that can affect your teeth.

Also, it's important to note that dental health and pregnancy work in a cycle. Pregnancy can affect your teeth, but poor dental health can also affect your pregnancy. Gum disease, for example, has been linked to premature birth, low birth weight and health conditions like asthma and vision impairment.

That's why it's so important to take extra care of your teeth when you're expecting. Here are some helpful dental tips to follow.

Change How You Brush to Reduce Retching

If you're like many women, you may find that your gag reflex is far more sensitive than it used to be. In fact, it can be so sensitive that even brushing your teeth can make you retch, particularly when brushing your molars. This can put you off brushing your teeth completely, but it's crucial that you stick to your regular brushing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

If you're struggling to brush your teeth without feeling like you're going to throw up, try changing your toothbrush, toothpaste and brushing method.

Many women find that a toddler-sized toothbrush with a small head reduces retching. If your toothpaste has a strong flavour, switching to a blander one could also help. Finally, remember to use long, slow strokes rather than fast, aggressive ones.

Don't Brush After Morning Sickness

For the vast majority of women, morning sickness, nausea and vomiting are an inevitable part of pregnancy. When you throw up, the strong acids from your stomach come into contact with your teeth. This can damage your enamel, putting you at a greater risk of decay.

The harmful effects of stomach acids on teeth combined with the unpleasantness of vomiting makes many women think they should brush their teeth straight after a morning sickness episode. However, brushing your teeth immediately only spreads the acids around more, scratching them into your tooth surface.

Instead, it's better to rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water, then gargle with diluted mouthwash. If mouthwash makes you gag, you can also put a dab of toothpaste on your finger, gently rub it around your teeth and then rinse again with water.

Resist Cravings for Sweet Treats

Food cravings during pregnancy may seem like a harmless nuisance, but it's important to remember that cravings for unhealthy foods will have an effect on your health. Cravings for sugary foods like soda and lollies, for example, can put you at an increased risk of cavities.

However, since pregnancy cravings are caused by hormones, food cravings are sometimes impossible to avoid. Just remember that if you do have to give in, you should keep your portions as small as possible. Pick up small, individually wrapped treats rather than grabbing a whole bag to gorge on.

Above all else, remember that seeing your dentist regularly during pregnancy is just as important as it is at any other time—if not more important. Don't believe the old wives' tales about seeing a dentist being bad for the baby. While many non-essential dental treatments should be avoided during the first and third trimesters, check-ups, cleanings, and second trimester treatments are all completely safe for you and your little one.

For experienced, effective care from dentists who have experience treating pregnant women, book an appointment with Runcorn Dental .

7 Tooth-Friendly Snacks for Kids

Mon, 13 May 2019 05:05:21 GMT

Keeping your kids' teeth healthy requires more than a good dental hygiene routine. In addition to teaching kids to floss and brush, you also need to ensure that they eat a diet that is low in sugar and contains all the nutrients they need for healthy teeth.

If you have trouble coming up with healthy snacks that your children will eat, take a look at this list of several tooth-friendly snacks that are likely to appeal to children.

1. Fresh Watermelon

Studies show that people who eat plenty of fresh fruit have low rates of dental cavities compared to those who eat very little. Watermelon is one of the best fruits for teeth as it is low in sugar and acid. Let your kids sink their teeth into a juicy slice of watermelon to help keep their teeth healthy.

2. Yoghurt and Berries

Yoghurt and berries make a delicious dessert for children. With a creamy texture and a sweet, tangy taste, kids are sure to ask for more. Choose plain yoghurt without added sugar to maximise the oral health benefits. Serve with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or a mixture of all these berries to provide a burst of nutrients.

3. Ants on a Log

Ants on a log is a popular children's snack consisting of a celery stalk filled with peanut butter and topped with some raisins. Choose peanut butter without added sugar to make this filling snack as healthy for the teeth as possible.

4. Cheddar and Apple Slices

Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential to help children develop strong and healthy teeth. The sharp flavour of cheddar is also a perfect complement to the sweetness of apples.

Treat your kids to a plate of cheddar cubes and apple slices every day to help protect their teeth. Try pairing Red Delicious apples with cheddar, Golden Delicious apples with brie or Granny Smith apples with a mild washed-rind cheese.

5. Hummus With Whole-Wheat Pita Triangles

Hummus is also a tooth-friendly snack. Calcium naturally occurs in the chickpeas and sesame seed paste that are used to make this savoury dip. Kids love dipping pita triangles into delicious hummus. To protect their teeth, always choose whole-wheat pita, which breaks down more slowly than white pita in the mouth and therefore exposes children's teeth to fewer natural sugars.

6. Carrot Sticks

Carrots are naturally sweet and crunchy, which means they appeal to kids. They are also high in fibre, which means they can clean plaque from your children's teeth when they bite into them. The act of chewing carrots stimulates your child's saliva glands, causing them to produce more bacteria-fighting saliva.

Let your kids snack on as many carrots as they like, perhaps with a dip such as natural yoghurt or hummus.

7. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are an easy and nutritious snack to feed to kids. With very little sugar and plenty of healthy protein, eggs are an ideal food for oral health. Peel the eggs before giving them to your children so they can easily tuck in.

How to Protect Your Kids' Teeth

By giving these foods to your kids and limiting their consumption of sugary foods, you can reduce their risk of dental cavities. Of course, you also need to keep up a healthy dental hygiene routine of daily brushing and flossing.

The final step in protecting your kids' oral health is to schedule regular check-ups with a dentist. At Runcorn Dental , we have four dentists with a combined experience of more than 25 years. Get in touch today to schedule check-ups for yourself and your family.

5 Tips to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 05:10:35 GMT

After wisdom teeth extraction, you should do everything you can to avoid developing dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the clot in the empty tooth socket dislodges before the gum tissue beneath it has had a chance to heal. This exposes the damaged gum tissue, leading to sensitivity and a risk of infection. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of developing this painful condition.

1. Don't Smoke

Smoking dramatically increases the risk of dry socket. According to dentists, you should abstain from smoking for at least 72 hours after your wisdom teeth extraction. Your risk of complications is even lower if you can wait three or four days before you have your first cigarette.

If you think you are likely to struggle to avoid smoking for a couple of days, ask your doctor to prescribe a nicotine patch to keep cravings under control.

Consider treating your wisdom teeth extraction as an opportunity to stop smoking for good. If you can cut out cigarettes forever, you will have a much lower risk of developing serious oral health conditions such as gum disease, cavities and tooth decay. You will also enjoy fresher breath and a whiter smile.

2. Don't Touch the Socket

Touching the site of your tooth extraction can cause the blood clot to dislodge. Do not put your fingers in your mouth while the site heals. Try to avoid jabbing the site of the extraction with your toothbrush. Chew, brush and floss your teeth as gently as possible during the healing process.

3. Drink Water

Carbonated drinks such as cola increase the risk of dry socket. The bubbles in the soda increase the risk of the clot disintegrating before healing is complete. Very hot drinks can also cause sensitivity and interfere with healing. Even citrus juices, like orange juice and lemonade, aren’t recommended since they can irritate your tender gums. Stick to water for a few days to give your gum tissue time to heal.

4. Don't Use Straws

One of the lesser-known causes of dry socket is drinking through a straw. The suction created when you suck your drink through a straw can pull the clot right out of the gum. Drink directly from the cup or glass until the extraction site has finished healing.

5. Tell Your Dentist If You Take a Contraceptive Pill

Women who take a contraceptive pill that contains estrogen have a higher risk of developing dry socket than the average person. However, there are ways to reduce this risk. Your dentist may ask you to stop taking your pill for a few days before your wisdom teeth removal. If you take a break from your pill each month to have your period, you could have the extraction carried out then.

Let your dentist know that you take the pill, and they will discuss the options with you to let you know what would work best to reduce your risk.

Dry socket is a real but preventable risk of wisdom teeth extraction surgery. Getting your wisdom teeth taken out also has many advantages, such as reducing the risk of impaction and infection. Do not let fear of dry socket put you off wisdom teeth removal. Instead, talk to your dentist about the risks and benefits of wisdom teeth extraction to find out whether it is right for you.

To discuss wisdom teeth extraction, get in touch with Runcorn Dental today. Our dentists have a combined total of more than 25 years of experience. We are ready to discuss wisdom teeth removal and answer all your questions about how to care for your extraction site after the procedure.

6 Tips for Dealing with a Cracked Dental Crown

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 05:15:07 GMT

If you have ever had the experience of biting into food and feeling your dental crown crack, you know how painful it can be. Thankfully, this dental emergency is relatively simple to handle. Use the following steps to relieve pain and protect your oral health while you wait for dental crown repair.

1. Assess the Situation

When you feel your dental crown break, use a mirror to find out exactly how bad the damage is. The crown might be loose or even broken into pieces. Remove any loose fragments right away so you do not end up swallowing them. If the crown is intact, keep it somewhere safe, as a dentist might be able to reattach it.

2. Deal with Bleeding

Breaking a dental crown often leads to scratches on the tongue, cheeks, or gums. These often bleed profusely even though they are quite minor injuries. Press a piece of gauze against the site of the bleeding until it stops.

3. Call a Dentist

As soon as you have the bleeding under control, call a dentist to schedule an appointment for dental crown repair. As a damaged dental crown is not always a dental emergency, you might need to wait a few days, in which case the tips given below will help you to manage the broken crown.

4. Take Pain-Relieving Medications

Pharmacies sell a number of pain-relieving medications that can relieve the pain of a broken dental crown. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are good choices; you can take both at the same time if one doesn't provide adequate pain relief. Avoid taking aspirin, which increases the risk of bleeding in the mouth. If ibuprofen and paracetamol do not work for you, ask your pharmacist for advice.

5. Use Cold to Relieve Pain

If your mouth is still sore, a simple cold compress can offer a surprising amount of relief. Take an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas, wrap it in a towel and press it against your cheek. The cold will cause the blood vessels around the mouth to constrict, reducing the blood supply and relieving pain. Do not apply the ice to your skin without a towel, as cold that is too intense can damage skin.

6. Stick to a Soft Diet

While you are recovering from breaking a dental crown, you will probably find it most comfortable to eat soft foods that you do not need to chew very much. Try eating oatmeal or a smoothie for breakfast, soup for lunch and stewed vegetables and meat for dinner. Be sure to let each meal cool before you dive in, as excessive heat can trigger sensitivity in sore gums and teeth. Stay away from more challenging foods like nuts, steak and sticky candies until the crown has been repaired and you can chew with confidence.

Runcorn Dental here to help with your damaged dental crown and other related needs. Our local team of four dentists have years of experience working with dental crowns, bridges and other restorative dental techniques. We can reattach or replace your dental crown to restore your smile and protect your teeth over the long term. Get in touch right away to schedule your repair.

6 Tips to Keep Dentures Securely in Place

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 05:19:04 GMT

If you are missing some or all of your teeth, a set of full or partial dentures can help you enjoy food and flash a winning smile. However, some new and experienced denture users have trouble with their false teeth sliding out of place, which can lead to them feeling nervous about speaking or eating in public.

If you struggle to keep your dentures securely seated in your gums, try using these six tips.

1. Practice Eating With Your Dentures

Eating with dentures instead of your natural teeth can feel very strange at first. While you get used to your new teeth, stick to eating softer foods. Oatmeal, soup and stewed vegetables are all good meals to try on your first couple of days with a new set of dentures. As you gain confidence, add steamed vegetables and rice. Gradually work your way up to tackling harder foods such as meat and crusty bread.

2. Swap Gum for Mouthwash or Breath Mints

Many people who wear dentures struggle with sticky foods, such as chewing gum. If you are worried about your dentures slipping, swapping your chewing gum habit for no-sugar breath mints is a good way to keep dentures securely in place. You can also use mouthwash after meals to freshen breath as an alternative to gum. If you cannot manage bad breath without chewing gum, see your dentist for advice.

3. Keep Your Dentures Moist

The base part of your dentures is made from a flexible polymer. When the polymer is moist, this material bends easily so you can slide the dentures into position without a struggle. However, if you let your dentures dry out, this material could become brittle. When you do not wear your dentures, keep them in a glass of water or denture-soaking solution to keep their base soft.

4. Handle Dentures With Care

Dentures can break or deform if you handle them too roughly. When putting full or partial dentures into your mouth, use a mirror to carefully push them into the correct position. Do not rush or try to force the dentures into position. You should also try to avoid dropping your dentures or knocking them. Treating your dentures with care will keep them securely in place and help them last a long time as well.

5. Ask a Dentist to Adjust Your Dentures

If your dentures do not seem to fit your mouth very well, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Adjusting dentures to make them fit more comfortably is usually possible. You should try this solution even if you have had your dentures for a long time, as your mouth might have changed shape over the years.

6. Use Denture Adhesive

Some denture users never need to use an adhesive product to hold their teeth in place, but for others, denture adhesive makes a world of difference. You can purchase denture adhesive as either a powder or a paste, which you would apply to the base of your dentures to help them stay in place throughout the day.

These products are safe to use every day and can give you the confidence you need to eat, talk, laugh and smile while wearing your dentures.

If you need more help getting used to your new dentures, or you want to know why an old set of false teeth no longer sit comfortably, schedule an appointment at Runcorn Dental today. Our four dentists have a combined experience of more than 25 years, which we are keen to use to solve your denture woes. Get in touch today to find out how we can help.

5 Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 05:24:43 GMT

Although wisdom teeth do not always cause dental health issues, many people experience problems such as overcrowding or impaction. As a result, dentists recommend removing the wisdom teeth before they have the chance to cause serious issues. Here are a few reasons why your dentist might recommend wisdom teeth removal.

1. More Space for Your Teeth

Most people get their wisdom teeth when they are between 17 and 25, several years after the other adult teeth. The eruption of wisdom teeth sometimes pushes the rear molars out of place so they become misaligned.

Having your wisdom teeth removed prevents overcrowding. Some dentists recommend removing the wisdom teeth before they can cause serious misalignment that requires orthodontic treatment to repair.

All young adults should have regular dental check-ups to check that their wisdom teeth don’t contribute to overcrowding in the rear part of their mouth. Your dentist can let you know if wisdom teeth extraction would be a good option for you.

2. Cleaner Teeth

Many people struggle to clean their wisdom teeth thoroughly. When teeth are only partially erupted, it can be impossible to brush the entire tooth surface to prevent the build-up of dental plaque and tartar. If your wisdom teeth and molars are very tightly packed together, you might also find it difficult to slide floss between the teeth.

Over the years, the inability to clean teeth thoroughly can lead to dental decay. One benefit of wisdom teeth removal is that it is much easier to keep teeth clean to reduce the risk of cavities.

3. Fewer Oral Injuries

Wisdom teeth commonly come through at an angle. Wisdom teeth that are turned outwards can lead to you accidentally biting your cheeks while chewing, while teeth that point inwards can scratch the sides of the tongue.

If your emerging wisdom teeth cause ulcers, injuries or pain in your cheeks or tongue, talk to your dentist. Removing your wisdom teeth is one option to reduce oral injuries. Another option is for your dentist to remove the crown of the teeth but leave the roots in place. This procedure is called a coronectomy.

4. No Risk of Impaction

Wisdom teeth are described as impacted if they fail to erupt from the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth might not cause a problem at first, but over the years they can gradually rot and contribute to gum disease. Getting your wisdom teeth removed when you are young means they cannot become impacted and therefore cannot contribute to gum disease in later life.

5. Solution to Headaches?

If you struggle with headaches, you might not immediately think that your teeth are the root cause. However, overcrowding in the back of the mouth can increase pressure that radiates up through the jaw and causes headaches.

If you have headaches that your doctor cannot explain, it might be time to consult a dentist instead. Ask whether overcrowding could be responsible for the pain you feel. Your dentist will examine your molars and wisdom teeth and let you know whether extraction could be the solution you've been seeking.

Whether or not to have your wisdom teeth removed is a very personal decision. You need a dentist you can trust to advise you about the benefits you as an individual can gain from wisdom teeth removal.

When you come to Runcorn Dental , we will use our combined experience of more than 25 years to let you know what wisdom teeth removal will mean for you. Do not hesitate to ask questions to get the information you need to decide whether wisdom teeth extraction is the right treatment option for you.

Answers to 3 Common Questions About Dental Implants

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 06:02:31 GMT

If you have a missing adult tooth, you've probably thought about possible types of replacement. For a long time, most people with three or fewer consecutive missing teeth opted for bridges to fill in the gap. In the last three decades or so, more and more patients began to choose dental implants instead of bridges or dentures.

But how do you know if dental implants are right for you? In this blog, we give you the answers to three of the most common questions about this process to help you determine if you should ask your dentist about implants.

1. What are Dental Implants?

A Swedish orthopedic surgeon created the dental implant process in 1952. Today, dental implants are the standard solution to missing teeth. Each implant consists of two parts:

Base. Implants connect to the jaw via a permanent screw that fuses to the bone over time. These screws usually consist of medical-grade titanium, due to its durability compared to other metals.

Crown. Once the screw is in place, the dentist attaches a natural-looking crown to the base. Crowns usually consist of porcelain or another natural-looking, surgical-grade material. If the patient has more than one missing tooth in a row, the dentist may create a high-quality partial denture or bridge instead of a crown, and he or she will anchor it just like a crown.

When cared for properly, these dental implants can last for a patient's lifetime and will need only periodic adjustments and regular cleanings.

2. How long does the implant process take?

The dental implant process requires two separate surgical procedures, the first to place the screw and the second to anchor the crown. Overall, the entire procedure can take between six and eight months.

The first appointment usually takes about as long as a traditional filling. However, once your dentist places the screw, you may need three to six months for it to fuse to your jawbone.

When the screw becomes stable, you'll come back in to be fitted with an artificial tooth. This appointment may take slightly longer because your dentist will need to take a mould of your teeth and create the crown.

Depending on your dental office's resources, crown creation could take a single day or several weeks. However, the actual attachment process takes very little time.

3. How do Dental Implants differ from other treatments?

For patients who qualify, dental implants often offer the best solution for missing teeth. Unlike dentures or other surgical fixtures, like bridges, dental implants provide the following benefits:

Allow the patient to eat all food types
Do not require changes to the natural teeth around a gap
Look and feel like natural teeth
Maintain natural face and jaw shape
Protect healthy, natural bone
Require regular cleanings and occasional maintenance only

To qualify for dental implants, you need good oral and overall health. The procedure can be affected by some prescription medication, tobacco products and some health conditions. Talk to your dentist to find out if your medical history makes you compatible with implants.

If you think dental implants could help you speak, chew or smile normally and confidently again, ask your dentist about the procedure. He or she can determine whether you are a good candidate or not. And if you don't currently qualify for the procedure, your dentist can help you make changes to improve your oral health and overall candidacy.

Dental implants have helped thousands of Australians smile. Use the information in this article and the recommendations of your dentist to determine whether or not this procedure is right for your goals and situation.

The Breakfast of Dental Champions: 3 Winning Meals for Your Teeth

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 06:10:50 GMT

Professional athletes eat to win. No matter if they're training for the Olympics, the World Cup or the Tour de France, competitive players understand that how they fuel their body makes or breaks their chances of success.

For example, football player Steph Catley powers her mornings with oats, shredded almonds and mixed berries. Basketball player Rachel Karry begins her day with scrambled eggs on toast. Rower Karsten Forsterling munches on a bowl of porridge with sultanas.

Much like your favourite athletes, you too can start your day with a healthy breakfast. When you eat a balanced combination of nutrient-dense foods, you not only give your body the energy it needs to succeed, but you also give it the fighting power to resist oral infection and inflammation.

But what foods should you eat for breakfast if you want a winning smile?

1. Oatmeal Topped With Apples

Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice and dark bread improve glucose metabolism. Experts have observed that those who keep their blood sugar levels in check through whole grains have a much lower risk of developing periodontitis.

Apples offer high amounts of fibre. As fibre takes more work to consume and digest, you have to spend more time chewing each bite before you swallow. The chewing motion stimulates saliva production, and the saliva, in turn, rinses away food particles while fighting harmful bacteria.

So try a bowl of oatmeal and apples rather than a bowl of high-sugar cereal. Just be sure to make the oatmeal yourself, as the packaged instant variety often contains sweeteners and sugars that damage your teeth and counter the health benefits.

2. Omelettes Sprinkled With Cheese

Eggs and Portobello mushrooms supply healthy amounts of vitamin D. Vitamin D allows you to better absorb calcium and phosphorous, both of which are essential for strong bones and teeth. And though research is ongoing, some experts theorise vitamin D may fight inflammation and reduce the likelihood of systemic diseases.

Cheese acts as a good source of calcium, making it the perfect pairing for eggs and mushrooms. Additionally, cheese temporarily raises your mouth's pH levels and saliva production, decreasing the risk of cavities and decay.

If you like to exercise creativity with your breakfast, mix and match your egg, cheese and mushroom omelettes with other healthy vegetables. Spinach and kale, for example, offer plenty of vitamin A for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and saliva production. Sweet peppers offer vitamin C, which reduces tooth sensitivity and receding gums. And onions has vitamin C and phytochemicals that fight inflammation.

3. Yogurt Mixed With Strawberries

Yogurt is a dental powerhouse. It features probiotics, or good bacteria, that keep cavity-causing bacteria in check. It also contains calcium for supporting healthy bones, and like cheese, yogurt balances your mouth's pH levels to ensure your enamel stays strong. If you suffer from bad breath, yogurt combats odourcausing chemicals like hydrogen sulphide so your mouth can smell a little fresher.

Strawberries are high in fibre but low on the glycaemic index, making them a great choice for keeping blood sugar levels in check. Furthermore, strawberries contain polyphenols that slow starch breakdown in your mouth, reducing the sugars that stick to your teeth.

For best results, choose full-fat or Greek yogurt, as these offer the most probiotics per serving. As with packaged oatmeal, you'll also want to steer clear of yogurts that come with additional sweeteners and sugars. Let strawberries and other healthy fruits sweeten your breakfast for you.

Don't Forget to Brush After Breakfast

These foods should give you a healthy start to your day while strengthening your bones, improving blood flow to your gums and protecting your enamel. However, even the best breakfast foods can wreak havoc on your smile if you forget your morning oral hygiene routine.

Ideally, you should brush your teeth 30 to 60 minutes after eating breakfast. This wait time gives your mouth time to restore its natural pH levels and counteract any acids still lingering on your teeth. For extra protection, remember to floss and rinse with an antibacterial mouth rinse after brushing.

And if you want to go for gold, schedule your bi-annual cleaning and examination with your dentist.

Do You Need a Night Guard? Answer these 6 Questions to Find Out

Thu, 12 May 2016 05:38:13 GMT

According to some estimates, as many as one in three adults suffer from some level of teeth grinding or bruxism. This condition does not currently have a reliable cure, but many patients find symptom relief through use of a dental night guard.

But how do you know if a night guard is right for you or if you even have a problem with teeth grinding?

In this blog, we pose six questions that can help you determine whether or not you should talk to your dentist about night guard options.

1. Do you experience teeth grinding?

First and foremost, you must determine whether or not you experience teeth grinding. Many of the symptoms of bruxism can appear due to other factors, but a night guard usually only helps those directly linked to grinding.

If you have a bruxism diagnosis or have woken up while grinding, you should consider a night guard. If you aren't sure if you grind your teeth, ask your dentist to look for signs during your next appointment.

2. Do you experience high levels of stress or anxiety?

For many patients, teeth grinding results directly from high levels of stress or anxiety. Even if you have bruxism, you may only experience moderate or light grinding when you are taking care of your mental health.

If, however, you suffer high stress levels due to your work, financial or family situation, you may want to consider a night guard to prevent the damage caused by grinding.

3. Do you often wake up with jaw or tooth soreness?

While some patients wake up during grinding, most don't know that it's happened overnight. In order to determine how often and how intensely you grind, pay attention to the symptoms you have when waking up.

If you experience jaw stiffness, tooth soreness or both, you may have ground your teeth the night before. If this occurs frequently, you may want to try a night guard.

4. Do you wake up with headaches or jaw tightness?

Some studies suggest a link between both migraine headaches and thermo mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and bruxism. If you experience any combination of these three conditions, a night guard may help relieve your symptoms.

Even if you don't have any diagnosed conditions, bruxism may give you headaches and limited jaw motion. Pay attention to how frequently these symptoms occur in the morning.

5. Have you noticed teeth movement or wear?

Severe or long-term bruxism wears down the surfaces of your teeth and can even cause teeth movement. If you notice a change in enamel texture, chips, cracks or overnight tooth position changes, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

These forms of damage can cause tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of tooth decay if left untreated.

6. Have you tried other common solutions of Bruxism?

Night guards do not represent the only treatment for bruxism. Before creating a custom night guard, your dentist may ask you to try other common solutions.

These recommendations or procedures may include any of the following:

Avoidance of stimulants, such as caffeine
Cessation of smoking, especially right before bed
Change of medication, such as antidepressants
Stress prevention techniques
Teeth misalignment correction

Your dentist's suggestions for you will depend on your medical history and health. No one solution perfectly fits every patient.

If you answered yes to most or all of these questions, address your concerns with your dentist during your next scheduled appointment. You are likely a good candidate for a custom night guard.

The right guard can help you sleep better, smile more easily and protect your teeth. Talk to your dentist about a night guard today.

For more information about oral health and dental treatment options browse our blog section.

7 Ways to Prepare for Your Wisdom Teeth Removal

Fri, 04 Mar 2016 05:52:38 GMT

You know you need to get your wisdom teeth removed, and you're nervous. You've heard plenty of stories of other people's experiences, each one different from the last. You're not sure what you should expect.

1. Take time off work or school

After the removal, you may feel some pain. It might also take up to 24 hours for the anaesthesia to wear off. Because of this, you should schedule at least two days off work or school.

After the initial two-day recovery, it will take between one to two weeks for your mouth to heal completely. Some people take longer to recover than others. You should be able to return to work or school soon, but you shouldn't plan to take part in intense activities right away-so hold off on that marathon.

2. Find a ride

Anaesthesia can make you feel groggy and disoriented, so it's not safe to drive yourself home after your wisdom tooth removal. Find a family member or friend who can take you home. Arrange a backup ride with another person, just in case.

3. Get medication

If your dentist recommends a prescription pain reliever, ask him or her for the prescription before your surgery. Pick up the medicine from the pharmacy before your surgery so you're prepared.

You should also purchase some over-the-counter pain medicine, just in case you decide to stop taking the prescription medicine.

4. Buy soft foods

Since your mouth will feel sore after the surgery, you'll prefer eating soft foods. Stock your cupboards with some of the following:

Applesauce
Yogurt
Soup
Pudding
Fruit smoothies
Oatmeal
Eggs
Fish
Mashed potatoes
Rice

As you recover, you'll slowly be able to add harder foods into your diet. But you shouldn't eat hard foods like popcorn or pretzels for six to eight weeks after your surgery.

5. Prepare entertainment options

Since you'll need a couple of days to recover at home, make sure you have ways to keep yourself entertained. Gather some of the following:

Books
Movies
Video games
Colouring books
Crossword puzzles

Whatever you like to do in your free time, now is the chance to do it.

6. Ask your Dentist questions

Every wisdom tooth removal is different, so your dentist may have different requirements or suggestions for you. Make sure you get all the information you need by asking the following questions:

How many teeth are you removing?
Are the teeth impacted (inside the gums)?
How long will the surgery take?
How early should I arrive for the appointment?
Do I need to fast before surgery?
Do I need to avoid taking any medications before the surgery?

Let your dentist know about any medicines you take or any medical conditions you have.

7. Familiarise yourself with the procedure

Once you learn a bit more about wisdom tooth removal, you'll realise that it's nothing to fear.

Most people need their wisdom teeth removed because their wisdom teeth crowd their mouths so some of their other teeth can't grow properly. Some wisdom teeth grow only partially through the gums, creating an opening that attracts bacteria and can lead to disease.

The wisdom tooth removal process is straightforward. Your dentist:

Makes a cut in your gum tissue
Removes the tooth, either as a whole or in sections
Cleans the cut
Stitches the wound
Places gauze over the cut

If you have any questions about the procedure, ask your dentist. Follow these tips to prepare, and you won't feel quite as nervous for your appointment.

4 Things You Should Teach Your Children About Dental Care

Fri, 05 Feb 2016 05:56:40 GMT

As soon as your child's first tooth arrives, so does your responsibility to protect his or her dental health. When your children are young, they don't know about important dental habits that can keep their teeth healthy. Unfortunately, many parents aren't aware of all these important habits, either.

When you teach your children about dental health early on, they'll start on the road to achieving a lifelong healthy smile. Read on to find out what you should teach your children about dental care.

1. Eat and drink mainly at set meal times

Many parents aren't aware that the way they are feeding their children harms their teeth. Normally, saliva cleans your teeth after you eat. But if your child eats snacks all day long, his or her saliva doesn't have time to clean the teeth. Your child is giving bacteria a delicious feast-and this leads to tooth decay.

The same goes for constantly drinking anything other than water-even milk or formula. Unfortunately, some parents let their children carry around a bottle all day or even go to bed with one. This can cause a condition called bottle tooth decay. This means your children's front teeth might have marks, discolouration or even decay.

To avoid tooth decay, give your children regular meals and snacks that are nutritious and filling. Give them their bottles only at eating times. Then they'll be less likely to eat and drink throughout the day.

2. Brush teeth regularly and thoroughly

When your children are still young, they don't yet have the coordination or strength to give their teeth a thorough cleaning. Thus, you'll need to brush their teeth for them.

You can start brushing your children's teeth with fluoride toothpaste when they are three years old-but use just a drop the size of a pea. Teach your children to spit after brushing, because swallowing toothpaste is unhealthy for them. Before age three, simply brush your child's teeth with water and a child-sized toothbrush.

When your child is about six, he or she may be old enough to brush his or her own teeth. Teach your child how to brush every surface, including the gums, the backs of their teeth and the tongue. Have them listen to a song while they brush so they devote adequate time to the task.

As soon as your child's teeth touch-probably when they are between ages six and nine-begin flossing your child's teeth. Teach your child how to floss as soon as you feel he or she is ready.

3. Avoid sugary food

Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth eat the debris left on your teeth. This debris often comes from foods high in sugar, such as candy and cookies, as well as carbohydrate foods like rice, potatoes and bread.

Your teeth naturally replace lost minerals to prevent cavities. But if you eat too many sugars and starches, your teeth won't be able to keep up with the bacteria attacks.

Thus, you should teach your children to limit sugary and starchy foods. This includes soda and juices-even fruit juices-which are very high in sugar.

4. See the dentist regularly

Dentists recommend that you bring your child for his or her first dental appointment before his or her first birthday. Even though your child may not have all his or her teeth yet, your dentist can check to make sure the teeth are coming in normally. Your dentist can also teach you how to care for your child's teeth.

After the first visit, you should continue to bring your child for dental appointments every six months. This is an opportunity for dental hygienists to clean his or her teeth and for the dentist to check the teeth and make sure there are no signs of decay.

Follow these guidelines to protect your child's dental health now and for the future.