Gum disease starts with bacteria (plaque & tartar) on your teeth that get under your gums. If the bacteria stay on your teeth for too long, layers of plaque (film) and tartar (hardened plaque) develop. This build-up leads to early gum disease, called gingivitis. When gum disease gets worse, your gums can pull away from…

What we know is that people with periodontal disease (gum disease) quadruple their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This is a significant finding. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are increasing significantly due to our aging population. 40 000 have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s in New Zealand. It is expected that numbers will rise to 200…

These three habits are simple, easy , will take virtually no time out of your day and will save you money. BRUSH Brush twice a day: in the morning, after breakfast and at night time, before bed. (Don’t eat again after brushing). Night is particularly important as your body produces less saliva at night and…

Regular dental check-ups save you money. A dentist’s primary aim is prevention. If we can find early decay we can stop it which will mean no drilling, no filling and minimal cost. The earlier we detect gum and tooth disease the more money you save. Having dentistry done when there is no toothache is easy,…

All operations involve some degree of post-operative pain, swelling and on rare occasions, bleeding and infection complications, dental implant surgery is no different. The surgical protocol and medications prescribed are aimed at minimising these effects. Post-operative swelling usually subsides after 2-3 days. If swelling or pain should persist after the 3rd day, it is recommended…

Did you know the health of your gums can affect your diabetes and blood sugar control? Periodontal disease (gum disease) can have a major effect on your diabetes control, increasing the risk of diabetic complications. This is because periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation process, an infection that your body is constantly battling. People with…

SHOULD WE BE WORRIED? Oral cancer is the 15th most common cancer in the world. In New Zealand the incidence is between 3.3-6.8 per 100,000 people. So yes, it is something that we see. SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR If you have any changes in your gum tissues or lips that have been present for…

Missing out on ice-cream? Then it is time to look at ways to combat sensitive teeth. SHORT OR LONG PAIN? Teeth can be sensitive when hot, cold, sweet or touch travels to the nerve inside the tooth giving it a painful feeling. It is usually a short sharp sensation. If the pain persists it is…

1. DOES IT WORK? It sure does! Some teeth whiten better than others depending on their original shade. Teeth that are a yellower shade work better than teeth that are a bit grey coloured. It will not whiten fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures. Sometimes these may need to be replaced to match your new white…

Mention wisdom teeth and everyone will have a story to tell. But is it really as bad as their stories, or might they be talking it up a fraction for dramatics? OLD STORIES Traditionally wisdom teeth extraction was known to be painful. Techniques are now very different. Today’s procedure will be quite different from traditional…