Below are a selection of questions frequently asked by patients and that we feel may be of use:

How often should I visit the dentist?

The frequency of dental visits should be based on individual need – some people will need to see the dentist more often than others. More frequent visits may be necessary for persons at increased risk for oral diseases due to age, oral hygiene, and health conditions (e.g., diabetes, dry mouth). Your dentist or dental hygienist can help you determine how often you should have a visit.

It is recommended that all infants first visit within 6 months of the first tooth and no later than 12 months of age. An early examination will give the parent the chance to get guidance on dental and oral development and health care. It will also help ensure that the child’s mouth is well cleaned and has no existing medical conditions.

Yes, it is in general agreed that chewing gum is good for your teeth. This is because it encourages the production of saliva. Saliva neutralises acids and washes away sugars, as a result helping prevent tooth decay. Most dentists recommend chewing after meals and snacks when it is not convenient to clean your teeth. Chewing gum should never be used in place of brushing your teeth.

Dry mouth or Xerostomia, is increasingly common, and is caused by a number of things. These can include ageing, medication, or medical conditions such as diabetes. Symptoms can be relieved by regularly drinking water, chewing gum, or using mouthwashes. Alcohol, tobacco and sugary food can also cause a dry mouth. A dry mouth can lead to decay and gum disease, due to the lack of cleansing saliva.

All tooth brushing helps remove stains from the surface of teeth through mild abrasive action. Some whitening toothpastes contain chemical and/or polishing agents that help provide extra stain removal. Over-the-counter whitening products contain a bleaching substance that helps remove stains on the tooth surface but none have the same effect as through your dentist’s. Whitening toothpastes can lighten colour about one shade, whereas whitening conducted at your dentist’s can make your teeth up to eight shades lighter.

Over 25% of oral cancers occur in those who do not smoke. The following are common signs and symptoms of oral cancer:

• Swellings, lumps, eroded areas on the lips, gums
or other areas inside the mouth.

• The development of white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth.

• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.

• Unexplained numbness, or pain/tenderness
in any area of the face, mouth, or neck.

• Persistent sores on the face, neck,
or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks.

• A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat.

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue.

• Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or changes in the voice.

• Dramatic weight loss.

*If you notice any of these changes, please do not hesitate to
contact your dentist for a professional examination.

Exposure any sources of radiation can damage the body’s tissues and can lead to the development of cancer. Fortunately, the dose of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of x-rays is extremely small.