Pure white teeth are like purple hair – they appear synthetic and distracting! However, light tooth shades are extremely attractive. What marketers refer to as “teeth whitening” should more accurately be called “teeth lightening.”

Tooth shade varies between people and even between teeth from the same person. Generally, permanent teeth are darker than primary teeth, and they have a yellow or grey tint to them. This colouration depends upon the natural shade of the outer layer of tooth structure (enamel) and the tooth layer under the enamel dentin). It also depends upon the thickness and translucency of the enamel.

Dentin can be very yellow. If the enamel layer is thin and/or very translucent, the yellow dentin will show through the enamel. These factors help explain why some teeth respond better to bleaching treatments than others.

What is even more alarming is the fact that soft drinks EVEN THE SUGAR-FREE KIND contain additional acids that also erode your teeth’s enamel.

We recommend drinking soft drinks in moderation, using a straw when you do drink them or better still – DRINK WATER!

Prevention is always better than cure, however, if you do require immediate dental care the following information could save your tooth.

Your teeth are something that you want to last a lifetime, so it is extremely important to see a Dentist as soon as possible after the incident. What do I do if My Tooth gets knocked out?

The most common form of dental emergency is the loss of a tooth. If you have lost a tooth, it is imperative to see a dentist as soon as possible. By attaining medical treatment within 30 minutes, there is an 85% chance the tooth will survive. After you have lost your tooth, the first thing you must do is find the tooth. Once you have found your tooth, handle it very delicately – not touching the fragile root (necessary intact in order to encourage re-attachment).

You must also resist the temptation to clean your tooth off with water. If the tooth is clean, place it gently back into its socket immediately and apply slight pressure. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it using milk and place it back into its socket. Otherwise keep the tooth moist by placing it in a glass of milk or tuck it into you cheek. The sooner you visit the dentist, the greater the chance of saving the tooth.

Are Mouthguards really that important? A mouthguard is the very best protection you can offer your smile. Imperative during any form of contact sport; a properly fitting mouthguard can prevent broken teeth as well as injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. Accidents can happen at any time on the field. A mouthguard will help cushion the blow to your face, which otherwise may have resulted in tooth loss.

Chips or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth or even tooth loss; are all much more likely to occur if you are not wearing a mouthguard. Correctly fitting mouthguards will stay in place whilst you are wearing them; enabling you to breathe and talk as usual.

A common reason for root canal treatment is an infected or abscessed tooth, which may result from a deep cavity, periodontal disease, or even a fractured tooth. Sometimes trauma like a sharp blow to the mouth can result in damage to the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. Should you have symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity to hot and cold or discomfort on touching your tooth, a dentist should be consulted immediately.

Root canal treatment removes the pulp tissue, which is composed of a nerve and blood supply within the tooth. After all the material has been removed from within the root, the canal or canals (if it is a multi rooted tooth) are sterilized and sealed with a material that prevents bacteria from re-entering.

Because a root canal removes everything which feeds the tooth and keeps it alive, the tooth will become very brittle after a period of time. This time period varies from person to person. It is for this reason that the tooth should be restored as quickly as possible and your dentist might recommend that a post and a crown be placed as a final restoration. Back teeth are usually crowned or capped shortly after a root canal has been performed to prevent the tooth from shattering due to the pressure put on it by chewing.

Root canal work is not uncomfortable, and in some instances can be performed in one visit. The discomfort associated with root canal is due to the infection associated with the need for the root canal. If there is recurring pain after the root canal has been started, or after it is completed be sure to notify your dentist as soon as possible.

• Do you dislike the appearance of your smile?
• Are you embarrassed to smile?
• Do you cover your mouth when your smile or laugh?
• Do you feel that you show too many or too few teeth when you smile or laugh?
• Do you show too much gum when you smile or laugh?
• Do you feel that your teeth are too long or too short?
• Do you feel that your teeth are too wide or too narrow?
• Do you feel that your teeth are too square or too round?
• Do you feel that your smile holds you back in your personal or professional life?
• When you look in the mirror are you conscious of any defects to your teeth or gums?
• Do you wish your teeth were whiter?
• Are your teeth crooked or uneven, chipped or broken?
• Are you missing teeth or have unsightly gaps between your teeth?
• Do you require extensive dental restorations or treatment?

A Smile Makeover can transform the way you look and feel – heightening your confidence, self-esteem and facial appearance. A Smile Makeover can change your life. Contact us today for your Smile Consultation.

Smoking causes nicotine and tar to build up on the tooth surface and under the gum line. This in turn initiates several potentially destructive occurrences within the mouth. These actions include;

• The tooth surface becomes rough – which then attracts plaque and scale deposits.
• Capillaries constrict – which limits blood and oxygen supply to the gum and bone.
• The body’s natural immune defence against bacteria is impaired.
• The Fibrous cells, which directly hold the teeth to the bone, are damaged.

Gum Disease is caused by the build up of plaque and scale. Over years of smoking, the deposits of plaque and scale under the gum cause gums and bone to recede from teeth. The teeth then loosen and become tender to bite on. If Gum Disease is not treated, tooth loss may result.

Gum Disease can be diagnosed during a routine oral examination with us. If you are a smoker, it is necessary to have your teeth thoroughly cleaned above and below the gum line by a dentist every six months. Contact us today and we will help you recapture your dental health and general well-being.

If a person is unhappy or self-conscience about their teeth, they may hide them or not smile as often. A great smile is an asset that everybody desires, which can significantly enhance your self-esteem, confidence and facial appearance.

For this reason, Tooth Whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available to date. Tooth whitening is designed to reverse the effects of tooth discoloration and help you recapture a whiter, brighter smile.

Although coffee, tea and soft drink consumption, tobacco and antibiotic use are just some of the activities that can contribute to tooth discoloration; the main reason is aging. The best way to reverse the appearance of stained teeth is by undergoing Tooth Whitening treatment.

Tooth Whitening can take years off the way you look and feel and can even enhance your personal and professional life. Today there are many options available to enhance the colour of your smile. Speak with your Dentist, during your next consultation as to the Tooth Whitening treatment best suited to your needs.

Flossing is of such great importance as brushing will only remove plaque from the surface of your teeth. Plaque left between teeth can cause decay and gum disease.

We recommend the following flossing tips:

• Floss each night after brushing your teeth
• Use enough floss or tape to hold the ends comfortably in your hands
• Wrap it around your index fingers and support it with your thumbs
• Slide the floss between teeth gently
• Do not pull down into the gum or the gum may split
• Children should begin flossing as early as possible

Flossing is a vital component in good dental health and general well-being. By taking just two minutes out of your daily schedule to floss before bed, you will be taking proactive steps toward a healthier, happier smile. Contact us today for more tips on improving your dental health.

The visible part of a tooth, otherwise known as the crown, is only a small portion of the living system. The crown is made up of enamel, the hardest substance found within the body. It is bone that has been enriched with large percentages of calcium. That’s why people who drink lots of milk or take calcium supplements have strong bones and teeth. The enamel is thickest at the crown, and thinnest near the roots of the teeth.

Beneath the enamel is the dentin. This makes up the inside of the tooth and is a softer (but still hard) substance that senses temperature and pain to the nerve endings in the pulp. The pulp is a small pocket at the centre of the tooth with blood vessels and nerve endings. It is the only portion of the tooth that is soft tissue. The pulp is supplied with blood from vessels running out through the tooth roots to the jaw. A tooth can die if its roots are damaged or infected.

Throughout your life you end up having 2 completely different sets of teeth. The initial set is the baby teeth (deciduous teeth) that eventually fall out. They are whiter, softer, and less sturdy than adult teeth. Hence, they tend to wear out much faster than permanent teeth, but they also fall out to make room for them.

The permanent teeth are the second set of teeth that will last the rest of your life. They tend to be more yellow (and not just because of coffee) and are extremely hard. The final set of teeth is made up of 32 teeth, or 16 on each jaw. There are two central incisors for biting, two lateral incisors for biting, two canines for tearing and cutting, four premolars for chewing, and six molars for chewing.

The third pair of molars on each jaw are known as the ‘wisdom teeth’ and generally appear during early adulthood. Nowadays they are considered useless since our jaws have shrunk with evolution. Wisdom teeth tend to grow at an angle due to space limitations. In such cases, the Wisdom Teeth may be removed. Wisdom teeth removal prevents impaction, swelling, bleeding, misalignment of the teeth, and discomfort.

Your teeth are by far one of the most important things you use every day. Many people end up neglecting their teeth with improper dental hygiene. You should take care of them by brushing at least twice a day, flossing once per day, and going for regular dental checkups every six months.

Tooth Whitening treatment will give your smile a new lease on life. Now the most popular form of Cosmetic Dentistry treatment; Tooth Whitening is the quickest, most effective way to enhance the appearance of your smile.

Teeth may become discoloured for a number of reasons. Everyday activities, such as your dietary and social habits, can have a significant impact on the colour of your teeth. Caffeine, soft drinks, red wine, tea, tobacco and antibiotics; will all cause tooth discolouration. Tooth Whitening treatment can reverse the effects of aging and discolouration; helping you achieve a dazzling, natural smile.

Tooth Whitening uses a bleaching product to dramatically lighten and brighten your smile. This form of Cosmetic Dentistry treatment is completely safe and provides exceptional results.

A beautiful vibrant smile is an asset everyone desires; so ask about your whiter, brighter new smile during your next dental appointment.