There are links between poor oral health and other systemic diseases. Most studies show that it is not a causative link (i.e poor oral health does not cause heart disease), rather those patients already affected by a chronic systemic disease (such as heart disease and diabetes) have more problems trying to manage their disease if their oral health is poor. It is more difficult to maintain good oral health if you are already chronically ill or on medication, so making sure excellent oral health is maintained while you are healthy will pay dividends in times of illness.

This is a good question, which we hear daily. The brand of the toothbrush is not nearly as critical as the type of bristle, the size and shape of the head and how frequently you replace your brush.

We recommend a soft bristled brush with a small head. The soft bristles are most important for the health of your gums. A small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums.Daily frequency of brushing and replacement with a new brush are much more important issues than the brand you choose.

We recommend replacing your brush at least once a month.

My employees and I all brush, on average, 5 times a day. We brush first thing in the morning, after each meal and at the end of the day .

If you are not able to do this because of your busy schedule, we recommend brushing twice a day at a bare minimum.

This is a warning sign that gum disease is present and needs to be treated by a dental hygienist. Gum disease is what leads to tooth loss and failure of dental treatment. This frequently occurs in the absence of pain, making it an important first symptom in detecting the disease

Bridges are the traditional way of replacing missing teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth, fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. The two crowns holding it in place are attached to teeth on each side of the false tooth. 

If your baby doesn’t have any teeth yet, you can wipe her gums with a clean warm wet cloth after every feed. Once she gets her first teeth, make sure you clean them after feeds with a warm wet cloth and avoid letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle. Do not allow your baby to drink anything else but milk or water from a bottle. Your toddler can have their teeth brushed the same way as the rest of the family. Until they are three years old they may not be able to spit, so avoid putting too much toothpaste on the brush and use only a smear rather than a blob of paste to brush their teeth. You may choose to use a milk teeth toothpaste with less fluoride until the first permanent teeth start erupting, but using regular toothpaste is also fine, as long as you use it in small quantities.

Cosmetic dentistry is dedicated to brightening and enhancing the appearance of your smile. Whether your teeth are crooked, discoloured, too close together or too far apart, too short, too long or too gummy, today’s technological advancements can make an amazing difference. Techniques include porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bridges, gum lifts, bonding, tooth whitening and implants. Get the smile you’ve always dreamed of…

Crowns are coverings for the entire visible part of the tooth. They are used when teeth are broken; old and large fillings are lost; teeth are badly decayed or severely discoloured. They improve the appearance of your natural teeth and can brighten your smile. National Dental Care offers both porcelain and gold materials, taking into consideration where in your mouth the crown is to be placed. 

Dental crowns improve the structure of the tooth. As time goes by, it’s not unusual to find our teeth are no longer structurally sound. Things like lost fillings, decay, chipping and cracking of the enamel can all lead to large-scale problems in a tooth’s surface. If the whole surface of the tooth is problematic but the root system is intact, a crown might be the ideal solution. 

There are several types, and which one we recommend depends on where it will go in your mouth, your bite and also the aesthetic and functional considerations.

A bridge will keep teeth from drifting into the space created by a missing tooth, helping preserve normal function and a normal bite for the jaw joint. In the most common type of bridge, crowns are applied to the two teeth on either side of a gap (where teeth have been removed). This involves joining three crowns, including a crown to fill the gap.

A bridge is suitable in areas where teeth on either side of the gap have been filled and would benefit from restoration with crowns. If the teeth beside the gap don’t have fillings, it might be better to explore options such as implants. This avoids having to cut otherwise-perfect teeth.

Dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth. National Dental Care can create a plan that gives you stable, beautiful and functional new teeth. Because quality and precision are crucial when it comes to implant dentistry, we take utmost care in planning and carrying out your treatment. You can be confident in the advanced materials and technologies we use to give you great results. Whether it’s to replace a single tooth or to create a full set of secure and stable new teeth, implants are a proven, long lasting alternative to bridges and dentures. Replacing the root of your natural teeth, implants bond with the bone to form a stable foundation for permanent replacement teeth that look, feel and function like the real thing!

If you have a missing tooth or teeth, or a loose lower denture, dental implants may be right for you. But there are many aspects to consider. The health and condition of your gums and bone play a major role in the decision process. That’s because, without the healthy structure in place, the implants will not be able to thrive. If you would like to speak to one of our expert professional team about implants, just let our front desk team know. They will add in extra time for discussion at your next visit. 

Root canal treatment (also called endodontic treatment) is a procedure that specifically treats the nerve of the tooth and tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. 

The aim of root canal treatment is to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay, disease or injury. The dead tissue is removed from the canal, medications such as antiseptics and localised antibiotics are used to clean the inside of the tooth, and the canals are filled. Root canal treatment is successful in most cases and if you take good care of the treated tooth, it can last for many years – possibly for the rest of your life. However, your tooth will not be treated unless the treatment is likely to succeed. In some cases, root canal treatment may not be appropriate and extraction may be the best option. 

The great news is that you can now get straighter teeth without the look of metal braces. For decades, traditional braces have been the only option for adults who wanted straighter teeth. Now there’s Invisalign™. This amazing straightening product is custom-made to suit you perfectly. And because Invisalign™ is nearly invisible, your teeth can be straightened without anyone even knowing.

Invisalign™ uses 3D computer imaging technology to show you the complete treatment plan, from the initial position to the final desired position before treatment even starts.

As soon as you are happy with the computer simulation, a series of custom-moulded ‘aligners’ are produced. The clear, removable aligners gradually straighten teeth, positioning them into a wonderful new smile.

As well as being almost invisible, they’re removable. So you can eat and drink whatever you like during your treatment. You’ll also be able to brush and floss as normal.

Invisalign™, like everything, is not always right for everyone. The aligners work extremely well for a vast majority of patients, both adolescents and adults. Invisalign™ suits people whose teeth are crowded or have spaces between them, and those whose teeth may have shifted after having worn braces in their youth.

The convenience and ease of Invisalign™ have made it the choice of over half a million people. You can live your normal lifestyle and still end up with an incredible smile, thanks to the comfort, convenience and virtual invisibility Invisalign™ provides during treatment.

Be as active as you like! And of course you can remove your aligners for special occasions.

It’s different for everyone. Invisalign™ treatment can range from 9 to 18 months, depending on what’s needed to get your smile straight and beautiful. Your dentist or orthodontist will determine the time frame and let you know before starting treatment. 

It’s never too late to achieve a beautiful straight smile… Braces aren’t just for kids any more. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. Having orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve your appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain. 

The really good news? The days of metal bands wrapped around each of your teeth individually are long gone! The new techniques and appliances National Dental Care uses greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits and shorten treatment time. There are also several options available, including metal braces, translucent braces or Invisalign. During your initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. We can also outline the treatment plan, the timeframe required and the approximate cost. Metal braces are the most common. They are made of high-grade stainless steel and are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive than ever. Clear (or ceramic) braces are made of translucent material. They are very popular with adult patients. The only drawback is that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolour between orthodontic visits. 

When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. Your final orthodontic result depends on you wearing your retainers, so follow through with the work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before eating, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth. Alternatively, we can fit you with a permanent fixed wire retainer on the inner surfaces of your teeth. 

As we all know, straight teeth can have a big influence on the aesthetic appearance of our smile. Orthodontics specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dental and facial irregularities in children and adults. Crooked and crowded teeth can be more difficult to clean and maintain, contributing to tooth decay, eventual gum disease and tooth loss. So orthodontics plays an important role in reducing the need for future dental treatment. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function and excessive stress on gum and bone. Misalignment of the jaw joint can even cause chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck.

Veneers are a wonderful way of improving your smile. A specially prepared shell-like material is custom made for you. It’s permanently bonded to the tooth, giving a natural look and feel, plus outstanding durability and strength. Just two visits is all it takes.

The temporomandibular joints are located on each side of your head. They make it possible to open and close your mouth, and work together when you speak, chew or swallow. These joints also control the lower jaw as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMD or temporomandibular disorder. 

If you have TMD (also referred to as TMJ) you will experience a lot of pain, especially chronic headaches or migraines, or pain in the neck, shoulder and back. Other symptoms can include:

• Ringing or congestion in the ears
• Loose teeth
• Worn, chipped or cracked teeth and fillings
• Pain and sensitivity in the teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Clenching or grinding of the teeth
• Fractures at the gum line
• Pain or clicking and popping in the jaw joint
• Difficulty swallowing
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and fingers
• Limited opening of the mouth
• Loss of chewing efficiency

TMJ disorders are generally caused by a combination of problems with the joint, and stress on its surrounding structures. Some causes of joint problems include:

• Arthritis, injury and dislocation of the joint, which can be due to an improperly-aligned bite or joint hyper-mobility (looseness of the jaw).
• Jaw clenching and teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) can put significant stress on the jaw muscles. People who clench their teeth during the day and grind their teeth while asleep will often suffer from muscle pain and tightness, as well as damage to the teeth.
• Poor posture (eg, holding your head forward while looking at your computer screen) can also strain the muscles of your jaw, face and neck. The onset of TMD can be gradual or sudden.

Fortunately, TMD is treatable. Through Neuromuscular Dentistry, we are now able to gently and gradually correct the position of your jaw. In most cases, by aligning the jaw and getting it back to its proper position, we will eliminate the recurrence of the symptoms. 

Dental fillings are used to restore worn or damaged teeth and treat tooth decay. Since different types of fillings are better for different conditions, your dentist will help you decide which is right for you. And we endeavour to minimise the need for fillings by helping you prevent future dental problems. 

We offer sophisticated, gentle procedures using state of the art materials. Fillings are available in tooth coloured resin or porcelain. 

The simple answer is: not necessarily. Nature doesn’t create redundancies, there is usually a reason we have all the body parts we have. However, due to many factors, impacted and problematic wisdom teeth are becoming more and more frequent. Your dentist will advise whether your wisdom teeth are fine the way they are or if they are likely to be problematic. If so, extraction may be recommended. This can be done in the general dental surgery, under local anaesthetic or under general anaesthetic or under sedation. Occasionally a referral to an Oral Surgeon (a dental specialist) may be required.

Your dentist or Oral Surgeon will advise of best care after wisdom teeth removal. Typically, you will be advised to:

• protect the area where the tooth has been removed and avoid touching it with your tongue or hands
• avoid hot drinks or hot food for 24 hours, as this may cause the wound to bleed
• avoid rinsing your mouth and swishing water or mouthwash for 24 hours as this may dislodge the blood clot in the tooth socket and cause further complications
• if you experience bleeding, apply gentle pressure on the site with a clean gauze pack
• do not smoke for 2-3 days after the procedure and avoid drinking alcohol as this can cause serious complications and delay healing

Decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the foods that we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.