Question 1

How often do I need a check-up at the dentist?

Accepted Answer

You should be having dental appointments at least once every 6 months. This helps your dentist to determine any early decay or disease issues before they become too severe. It may be advised that you have more check-ups if you have any pre-existing conditions but usually every 6 months is ok.

Question 2

At what age should I start taking my child to the dentist?

Accepted Answer

To have excellent oral care for your child, our dentists at Family Dental Clinic – West End recommend that your child starts attending regular dental check-ups around the 4 year mark. Your child’s oral health is important to us! To make sure they grow up with strong and healthy teeth help us to detect any early problems so we can fix them before they develop into anything serious.

Question 3

What causes tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

Sugar is the main cause of decay because when bacteria and sugar mix they create an acidic chemical reaction that eats away at the protective enamel on the tooth. This kind of damage is called decay and is the reason why our dentists promote regular check-ups to remove the build-up before it damages your teeth.

Question 4

Why are my teeth discolouring?

Accepted Answer

Discolouration of teeth can be caused by diet, particularly things like coffee, tea, red wine, chocolate, curries and many other foods. Smoking can also cause significant discolouration. Other causes such as old discoloured fillings, as well as cracks on the tooth surface can produce discolouration. Thinning of the tooth enamel surface over the years will also lead to darker shading of teeth. Depending on the cause, if you’re concerned please discuss it with us and the best treatment options can be explained to you.

Question 5

Why are my teeth very sensitive and what can I do about it?

Accepted Answer

Teeth sensitivity can be caused by many reasons, and therefore a careful and thorough assessment is needed, but some main causes are:

cracked fillings or teeth
decay areas in teeth surfaces
root surface exposure as a result of gum recession
inflamed tooth nerve from trauma or heavy biting forces including clenching or grinding of teeth.

Tooth sensitivity quite often may be the initial symptom of a developing problem. Once diagnosed and promptly treated, it can be eliminated. However, if left untreated, particularly if caused by decay or cracked teeth and or fillings, it may lead to an abcessed tooth.

Question 6

Why has my child’s tooth erupted with marks and discolouration on the surface?

Accepted Answer

These marks form as imperfections during the development of the tooth while it is still under the gum. Events such as trauma in the area of the mouth or a period of fever in the child can cause prior formation of the tooth enamel structure. These imperfections can easily be aesthetically treated with simple restorative procedures.

Question 7

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Accepted Answer

Gum bleeding indicates some degree of inflammation around the gums. Accumulation of soft plaque as well as the hard deposits called calculus harbour. This is where a lot of bacteria near the gum line causes the gum to become inflamed and subsequently bleed easily when the toothbrush touches them. The early stage of bleeding gums is referred to as Gingivitis whilst an advanced stage called Periodontitis. Periodonitis causes damage to the supporting bone around the root of the tooth and subsequently leads to tooth mobility and eventually loss of the tooth. A regular scale and clean appointment with us to remove the hard calculus deposits and monitor the periodontal gum state of your mouth, in conjunction with good brushing, flossing and mouth washing will ensure that your gums stay healthy.

Question 8

Why does my jaw hurt when I open wide and make clicking noises?

Accepted Answer

The joint which pivots our low jaw (mandibular) is basically a ball and socket joint called the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint can undergo arthritic degeneration like all other joints which will produce pain and symptoms. Problems with the TMJ can be exacerbated when people clench or grind their teeth subconsciously during sleep. Early treatment and interception can stabilize the TMJ and reduce or eliminate discomfort once we assess and diagnose your jaw complaint (Also refer to our article on Bruxism).

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