The Wand is a computerised system that is used instead of an injection to anaesthetize or ‘numb’ the patient. It is a much more comfortable and gentle way of numbing an area than using a traditional syringe. Most of the pain from an injection comes from the speed and force that the anaesthetic is delivered and not from the needle. The Wand controls the speed flow of the anaesthetic and uses a much gentler force to deliver the anaesthetic to make numbing much more comfortable experience, ideal for those who hate injections.
Scaling and polishing of teeth – this removes harmful plaque and calculus (tartar) and stain from the teeth. Deeper scaling (debridement) which includes cleaning the roots of teeth may be required for some patients. Each patient’s mouth is unique and therefore your hygienist will tailor a treatment plan to your needs. Some people will require one visit however sometimes more visits are necessary. Local Anaesthetic may be used in some cases. Regular cleaning and in some cases deeper scaling (cleaning under the gum) helps prevent tooth decay, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and bone loss (periodontal disease). Having a clean mouth will help you keep your teeth for life and improve your overall general health.
- Start to clean a baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Clean a baby’s teeth with a soft toothbrush or cloth.
- Do not use toothpaste unless recommended by your dentist.
- Use a small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste 1,000–1,500 ppm. Some children’s toothpastes have only 500ppm which is insufficient. Most adult toothpastes have between 1,000-1,500ppm.
- Supervise brushing twice a day.
- A child under seven years needs help from an adult when brushing teeth.
- A child should never eat or swallow toothpaste.
- Clean the teeth thoroughly twice every day with fluoride toothpaste.
If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, any food that is trapped between your teeth will be broken down by the bacteria, causing bad breath. These bacteria can also live in the rough surface of the tongue. Therefore, as well as brushing your teeth, cleaning your tongue can help control bad breath.
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be warning sign of gum disease, tooth decay or dental infection. It is important to consult with your dentist to exclude any of these causes.
Any oral hygiene problems should be picked up and treated in regular check-ups with a dentist or hygienist.
Other common causes of bad breath are eating strong flavoured foods, medicines, smoking and some medical conditions such as infections in the lungs, throat or nose, diabetes and gastritis. Crash dieting, fasting and low-carbohydrate diets, such as the Atkins diet, can also cause bad breath. These cause the body to break down fat, which produces chemicals called ketones that can be smelt on the breath.
Tooth decay can occur when acid is produced from plaque, which builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a layer of bacteria and food debris that collects on teeth. Over time this can result in cavities or decay. Tooth decay may not cause any pain. However, if you have decay you might have:
- toothache– either continuous pain keeping you awake or occasional sharp pain without an obvious cause
- tooth sensitivity – you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet
- grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth
- bad breath
- an unpleasant taste in your mouth
It is important to contact your dentist to have this treated. Early treatment can help avoid having more complicated and expensive treatment and help prevent tooth loss. Although tooth decay is a common problem, it’s entirely preventable. The best way to avoid tooth decay is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. For example, you should:
- visit your dentist regularly – your dentist will decide how often they need to see you based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums
- cut down on sugary and starchy food and drinks, particularly between meals or within an hour of going to bed – some medications can also contain sugar, so it’s best to look for sugar-free alternatives where possible
- look after your teeth and gums – brushing your teeth properly with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, using floss and an interdental brush at least once a day
- avoid smoking or drinking alcohol excessively – tobacco can interfere with saliva production, which helps to keep your teeth clean, and alcohol can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel