Who benefits most from an electric toothbrush

• People who brush too hard: many models have a pressure sensor.
• People who rush: a built-in two-minute timer helps.
• Anyone with limited hand movement, such as arthritis.
• People with braces, where cleaning around brackets is harder.
• Children who find an electric brush more fun and brush for longer.

When a manual toothbrush is fine

A manual brush with a small head and soft bristles does a good job if you brush for two minutes, twice a day, and reach every surface. It costs less and is easy to travel with.

How to brush well with either type

• Use soft bristles. Medium and hard bristles can wear the gum and tooth surface.
• Angle the bristles towards the gum line.
• Manual: use small, gentle circles. Electric: hold the head on each tooth for a few seconds and let it do the work.
• Brush for two minutes, covering the outside, inside and biting surfaces.
• Spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse, so the fluoride stays on the teeth.
• Replace the brush or head every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay.

Brushing is only part of it

No toothbrush cleans between the teeth, so clean there once a day with floss or interdental brushes. Hardened plaque cannot be brushed off and needs a professional check-up and clean. If your teeth are sensitive after brushing, see tooth sensitivity after a filling or ask at your next check-up. This article is general information and not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.

To book at Glenmore Park Dental Services, Shop 17b, 11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park, book online or call (02) 4733 1197. We are open 9:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Saturday.

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Common causes

• Medicines: many common medicines reduce saliva, including some for blood pressure, depression, allergies, pain and bladder control. The effect is greater when several are taken together.
• Mouth breathing and snoring, particularly at night.
• Dehydration, and frequent caffeine or alcohol.
• Smoking and vaping.
• Medical conditions such as diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome.
• Radiotherapy to the head and neck.

Do not stop a prescribed medicine because of a dry mouth. Talk to your doctor, who may be able to adjust the dose or suggest an alternative.

Signs to look for

• A sticky or dry feeling, or thick, stringy saliva.
• Trouble swallowing dry food or speaking for long periods.
• Cracked lips, or a sore or burning tongue.
• New decay, especially near the gum line.

What helps

• Sip water often through the day.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol, and avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol.
• Avoid sugary or acidic drinks and lollies to moisten the mouth, as these speed up decay.
• Ask your dentist or pharmacist about saliva substitutes, gels or sprays.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. Your dentist may recommend a higher-strength one.

Why regular check-ups matter more

Decay can progress quickly in a dry mouth, so more frequent check-ups and cleans are often advised, along with fluoride treatment. Energy drinks and other acidic drinks are a particular problem when saliva is low. This article is general information and not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.

To book at Glenmore Park Dental Services, Shop 17b, 11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park, book online or call (02) 4733 1197. We are open 9:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Saturday.

The post Dry Mouth: Causes, Risks for Your Teeth and What Helps appeared first on Glenmore Park Dental Services.

Pregnancy gingivitis

Many women notice red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing, often from the second month. This is called pregnancy gingivitis. Thorough brushing twice a day, cleaning between the teeth and a professional clean usually keep it under control. Our article on bleeding gums and gum disease explains the signs.

Morning sickness and your teeth

• After vomiting, rinse with water or a fluoride mouthwash.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing, because stomach acid softens enamel.
• If toothpaste triggers nausea, try a bland flavour or brush at a different time of day.
• If you are snacking often, choose low-sugar foods and drink water between meals.

Is dental treatment safe?

• Check-ups, cleans and necessary treatment such as fillings can be done during pregnancy.
• Local anaesthetic can be used. Your dentist chooses one suited to pregnancy.
• The second trimester is usually the most comfortable time for routine treatment.
• Dental X-rays are generally postponed unless needed for an urgent problem, and are taken with protective measures if required.
• Elective treatment such as teeth whitening is best left until after the baby is born.

Toothache or swelling should not be left until after the birth. Untreated dental infection carries more risk than treating it. See our emergency dentist page if you are in pain.

After the baby arrives

Keep up your own check-ups, and plan your child’s first visit by their first birthday. Our baby teething guide covers the early months. This article is general information and not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Check any medicine with your doctor or pharmacist while pregnant or breastfeeding.

To book at Glenmore Park Dental Services, Shop 17b, 11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park, book online or call (02) 4733 1197. We are open 9:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Saturday.

The post Dental Care During Pregnancy: What Is Safe and What to Expect appeared first on Glenmore Park Dental Services.

Common causes

• Biting the cheek, a sharp tooth or filling, or a rubbing denture or orthodontic appliance.
• Brushing too hard.
• Stress, tiredness or being run down.
• Hormonal changes.
• Low iron, vitamin B12 or folate.
• Some medicines, and some medical conditions such as coeliac disease.

Many people get recurring ulcers, called aphthous ulcers, with no clear cause. They are not contagious. Cold sores are different: they are caused by a virus and usually appear on the outside of the lips.

What helps

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Avoid spicy, salty and acidic foods until it heals.
• Use a soft toothbrush.
• Ask a pharmacist about a protective gel or an antiseptic mouthwash.
• If a sharp tooth, filling or denture is rubbing, have it smoothed or adjusted.

When to get it checked

• An ulcer that has not healed after two weeks.
• Ulcers that keep coming back or are unusually large.
• An ulcer that is painless, or comes with a lump or a red or white patch.
• Ulcers with fever, or that make it hard to eat or drink.

A sore that does not heal should always be examined, because in a small number of cases it can be an early sign of mouth cancer. The soft tissues of the mouth are checked at every dental check-up. This article is general information and not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.

To book at Glenmore Park Dental Services, Shop 17b, 11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park, book online or call (02) 4733 1197. We are open 9:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Saturday.

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Teething timeline

• 6 to 10 months: lower front teeth.
• 8 to 12 months: upper front teeth.
• 9 to 16 months: the teeth either side of the front teeth.
• 13 to 19 months: first molars.
• 16 to 23 months: canines.
• 23 to 33 months: second molars.

The order and timing vary between children. A tooth arriving a few months early or late is rarely a concern.

Signs of teething

• More dribbling than usual.
• Chewing on fingers and toys.
• Red, swollen gums where a tooth is coming through.
• Being unsettled, especially at night.
• A flushed cheek.

Teething does not cause a high fever, diarrhoea or a rash on the body. If your baby has these symptoms or seems unwell, see your doctor.

Safe ways to soothe sore gums

• Rub the gum gently with a clean finger.
• Offer a chilled, not frozen, teething ring.
• Give a clean, cold, wet washcloth to chew on.
• Wipe dribble away often to prevent a rash on the chin.

Amber teething necklaces are a choking and strangulation risk and are not recommended. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before using teething gels or pain medicine, as some products are not suitable for babies.

Looking after new teeth

• Clean teeth twice a day from the first tooth, with a soft cloth or a small soft toothbrush and water.
• From 18 months, use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste, unless your dentist advises otherwise.
• Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice.

When to book the first dental visit

A first visit is recommended when the first tooth appears or by the first birthday. Our article on your child’s first dental visit explains what happens, and our children’s dentist page covers bulk billing for eligible children. This article is general information and not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.

To book at Glenmore Park Dental Services, Shop 17b, 11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park, book online or call (02) 4733 1197. We are open 9:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Saturday.

The post Baby Teething: When Teeth Come Through and How to Help appeared first on Glenmore Park Dental Services.

Symptoms of dry socket

• Pain that gets worse, not better, two to four days after the extraction.
• A strong, throbbing ache that can spread to the ear, eye or temple on the same side.
• A socket that looks empty, or whitish bone where the dark clot should be.
• A bad taste or bad breath.

Some soreness for the first few days is normal after any extraction and improves steadily. Pain that increases after day two is the sign to call your dentist.

Who is more likely to get it

• People who smoke or vape, especially in the first few days after the extraction.
• Lower wisdom teeth and difficult extractions.
• People taking the oral contraceptive pill.
• Anyone who rinses hard, spits or drinks through a straw in the first 24 hours.
• People who have had a dry socket before.

How a dentist treats dry socket

The dentist gently flushes the socket to remove debris and usually places a medicated dressing that eases the pain, often within an hour. The dressing may be changed once or twice. Pain relief is advised to suit your health. Antibiotics are not usually needed, because dry socket is delayed healing and not an infection.

How to lower the risk

• Do not smoke or vape for as long as you can after the extraction, and at least 48 hours.
• Avoid rinsing, spitting and straws for the first 24 hours.
• From the next day, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals.
• Eat soft foods and chew on the other side.
• Follow the aftercare instructions you were given.

More detail is in our guide to tooth extraction aftercare. If you are still deciding whether a tooth needs to come out, see tooth extraction and wisdom teeth removal.

When to call

Call us if pain is increasing after two days, if you have swelling that is getting worse, a fever, or bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure. For urgent problems see our emergency dentist page. This article is general information and not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.

To book at Glenmore Park Dental Services, Shop 17b, 11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park, book online or call (02) 4733 1197. We are open 9:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Saturday.

The post Dry Socket After a Tooth Extraction: Symptoms and What to Do appeared first on Glenmore Park Dental Services.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Call us as soon as possible if you have:

• Severe or throbbing toothache that stops you sleeping or eating
• A knocked-out or badly loosened adult tooth
• A cracked or broken tooth with sharp edges or pain
• Swelling of the gum, face or jaw
• Bleeding that does not slow after an extraction
• A lost filling or crown causing pain

Go to a hospital emergency department or call 000 if facial swelling is spreading, affects your breathing or swallowing, or you have a high fever or feel very unwell.

What to do while you wait

Knocked-out adult tooth

Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk. Try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in milk, and get to a dentist straight away. Time matters most with this injury.

Toothache

Rinse with warm salty water and gently floss around the tooth to remove trapped food. A cold pack on the cheek can help with swelling. Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packet, and never place aspirin directly on the gum.

Broken tooth or lost filling

Rinse your mouth, keep any pieces, and avoid chewing on that side. Sugar-free gum or dental wax from a pharmacy can cover a sharp edge until your appointment.

Dental emergencies on Saturdays

We are open Monday to Saturday, so if something happens late in the week you can still be seen before the weekend is over. Call us first thing and we will do our best to fit you in the same day. You can also book online.

How we treat common emergencies

Your dentist will examine the area, take an X-ray if needed, and explain your options before any treatment. Depending on the cause, care may include a temporary filling, root canal treatment, a tooth extraction or a referral. Every procedure carries some risk, and we will talk you through what is involved.

For more on urgent care, see our emergency dentist in Glenmore Park page, or read tooth extraction aftercare.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your dentist.

The post Dental Emergency in Glenmore Park: What to Do and When to Call appeared first on Glenmore Park Dental Services.

Tell us you are nervous

The single most helpful thing you can do is let us know when you book. We can allow extra time, explain each step before we do it, and check in with you regularly. You will never be judged for how long it has been since your last visit.

Tips that help before your appointment

• Book a morning or Saturday appointment so you have less time to worry during the day
• Start with a check-up only, so the first visit is simply a conversation and examination
• Bring a support person or headphones with music or a podcast
• Avoid caffeine beforehand, as it can make you feel more on edge
• Write down your questions so you do not forget them

Tips that help in the chair

• Agree on a stop signal, such as raising your hand, so you know you can pause at any time
• Slow breathing: breathe in through your nose for four counts and out slowly for six
• Ask for a “tell-show-do” approach, where we explain and show each step before doing it
• Ask about numbing: local anaesthetic is used for treatments that might otherwise be uncomfortable, and numbing gel can be applied first

Why regular visits make things easier

Regular check-ups usually mean smaller, quicker and more comfortable treatments. Our check-up and clean is no-gap on most major health funds, which makes it easier to keep up routine visits. If you are in pain now, see our emergency dentist page.

Common causes of dental anxiety

• A painful or frightening experience in the past
• Fear of needles or the sound of dental instruments
• Feeling a lack of control while lying in the chair
• Embarrassment about the condition of your teeth
• Worry about the cost of treatment

Knowing what triggers your dental anxiety helps us plan your visit. For example, if cost is the worry, we give you a written quote before any treatment. If sounds bother you, headphones can help.

What to expect at your first visit back

Your first appointment is usually a conversation and a gentle check-up. We explain what we find and talk through your options. Nothing happens without your agreement, and you can take time to decide.

When anxiety is severe

For some people, dental fear is intense and affects their health. Talk to us about your concerns, and consider speaking with your GP, who can discuss further support options with you. You can also read more about dental health on healthdirect.

We are here to help

New to the practice? Visit our new patients page to see what to expect. Glenmore Park Dental Services is at Shop 17b/11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park NSW 2745, open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call 02 4733 1197 or book online.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Any dental treatment carries risks; speak with a registered dental practitioner before proceeding.

Frequently asked questions

The post Nervous About the Dentist? Practical Tips for Dental Anxiety appeared first on Glenmore Park Dental Services.

When should my child first see a dentist?

The Australian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit when the first teeth appear. Baby teeth often start coming through around 9 months, although anywhere from 3 to 12 months is normal. If your child has no teeth by 12 months, it is worth having them checked.

What happens at the first visit?

• We chat about your child’s general health, diet, drinks, bottle or dummy use and brushing routine
• We gently check the teeth, gums, tongue and mouth, often with your child sitting on your lap
• Depending on age, we may clean the teeth, apply fluoride or take X-rays
• We show you how to brush your child’s teeth and answer your questions

First visits are short and relaxed. The main goal is for your child to have a positive experience.

How to prepare your child

• Talk about the dentist in a positive, matter-of-fact way
• Play “dentist” at home and count their teeth with a spoon as a pretend mirror
• Read a picture book about visiting the dentist
• Avoid words like “hurt”, “needle” or “be brave”, which can suggest there is something to fear
• Try to stay relaxed yourself, as children pick up on parents’ feelings
• Book a time of day when your child is usually rested and fed

Caring for baby teeth at home

• Start brushing when the first tooth appears, using a soft, small toothbrush and water
• From 18 months, use a small pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste, and encourage your child to spit, not rinse
• Brush twice a day and help your child brush until they are about 8 years old
• Put babies to bed without a bottle of milk or juice, and offer water between meals
• Avoid dipping dummies in honey or sugary spreads

Signs your child should see a dentist sooner

• White, brown or dark spots on the teeth
• Pain, swelling or a bad smell from the mouth
• A chipped, knocked or discoloured tooth after a fall
• Bleeding gums when brushing
• Difficulty eating or refusing food on one side

How often should children see the dentist?

Most children benefit from a check-up every six to twelve months, but the right interval depends on their risk of decay. After your child’s first dental visit, we will suggest how often to come back based on their teeth, diet and brushing habits.

Is the first visit covered?

Many Glenmore Park families are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which covers check-ups, cleans, fluoride, X-rays and fillings up to a benefit cap. Eligible children are bulk-billed at our practice. Read our guide to free and low-cost dental care in NSW or visit our children’s dentist Glenmore Park page.

Book your child’s first visit

We see children of all ages, including Saturday appointments. Glenmore Park Dental Services is at Shop 17b/11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park NSW 2745, open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call 02 4733 1197 or book online.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Any dental treatment carries risks; speak with a registered dental practitioner before proceeding.

Frequently asked questions

Your child may be eligible for free check-ups — see our guide to free and low-cost dental care in NSW.

The post Your Child’s First Dental Visit: When to Go and What to Expect appeared first on Glenmore Park Dental Services.

Quick answer

• Mild sensitivity to cold, hot, sweet foods or biting is common for a few days to a few weeks after a filling.
• It should gradually improve. Sensitivity that gets worse, lingers after the trigger is gone or wakes you at night needs to be checked.
• If your bite feels high or uneven, call us. A quick adjustment often fixes it.

Why is my tooth sensitive after a filling?

• The nerve is irritated. Removing decay, especially deep decay, can temporarily inflame the pulp (nerve) of the tooth.
• The bite is slightly high. If the filling is a fraction too tall, the tooth takes extra pressure when you chew, causing pain on biting.
• Temperature transfer. Some filling materials conduct hot and cold differently to natural tooth.
• A cracked tooth. A crack that was there before, or one that develops, can cause sharp pain when biting or releasing.
• A deeper problem. Occasionally, sensitivity is the first sign that the nerve is not recovering and further treatment is needed.

How long should tooth sensitivity after filling last?

Mild tooth sensitivity after filling usually eases over a few days to a few weeks. The key sign is the trend: if it is slowly getting better, that is usually a good sign. If it is staying the same or getting worse after a couple of weeks, book a review.

Tooth sensitivity after filling: deep vs shallow fillings

How deep the filling is makes a big difference. A small, shallow filling rarely causes more than a day or two of mild sensitivity. A deep filling that sits close to the nerve is more likely to cause sensitivity for longer, because the nerve has been more irritated by the decay and the treatment. Before a deep filling, we will let you know if there is a higher chance of ongoing sensitivity or of needing further treatment later.

What we may do if sensitivity does not settle

• Adjust the bite if the filling is slightly high
• Apply a desensitising treatment or seal the tooth
• Replace the filling or place a sedative dressing to let the nerve settle
• Take an X-ray and test the nerve if an infection is suspected
• Discuss root canal treatment or other options if the nerve cannot recover

Home care tips

• Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and brush gently with a soft brush
• Avoid very hot, very cold, acidic or sugary foods and drinks for a few days
• Chew on the other side while the tooth settles
• Over-the-counter pain relief may help; follow the label or ask your pharmacist

When to contact us

• Pain when biting that does not ease after a few days (your bite may need adjusting)
• Pain that lingers for more than a few seconds after hot or cold
• Throbbing pain, pain that wakes you at night, or pain without a trigger
• Swelling of the gum or face, or a bad taste around the tooth
• The filling feels rough, cracked or has come out

Facial swelling that spreads, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, needs urgent care at a hospital emergency department. For urgent dental problems see our emergency dentist Glenmore Park page, and for more on decay see healthdirect: tooth decay.

Fillings at Glenmore Park Dental Services

We explain what to expect before and after your filling, and if anything does not feel right afterwards, we would rather see you early. Learn more about dental fillings in Glenmore Park. Glenmore Park Dental Services is at Shop 17b/11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park NSW 2745, open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call 02 4733 1197 or book online.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Any dental treatment carries risks; speak with a registered dental practitioner before proceeding.

Frequently asked questions

Acidic drinks can also make teeth sensitive — here’s how energy drinks affect your teeth.

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