Air Abrasion
Ask most people about the number one thing they hate about visits to the dentist and they’ll answer, ‘the drill!’ Just the sound alone is enough to send shivers down the spine of even the bravest souls! Modern advances in anaesthesia make the drill a relatively painless experience, but for those who really can’t stand it, there is an alternative called air abrasion. Also called microabrasion, air abrasion works in a similar manner to the sandblasters used to clean graffiti off walls.

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Researchers have found links between mouth infections and diseases in other parts of the body. In particular, a link has been found between gum disease and heart disease. In fact, research suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, gender and age.

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Smoking has a terrible effect on all aspects of your health. The Australian Dental Association has long been a leader in the battle against tobacco-related disease, working tirelessly to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco use. The ADA also encourages their dentists to help their patients break the cycle of addiction. The ADA has continually strengthened and updated its tobacco policies as new scientific information has become available.

So you’ve thought about it a lot and you’ve decide that you really want to pierce your tongue? Well, we dentists advise against this practice but if you absolutely must do it, you should do your homework. Regulations vary in each state, so use caution when deciding to go ahead with any kind of body piercing. The risk of blood-borne illnesses like HIV and Hepatitis B is ever-present. Particular risks associated with oral piercing are pain, swelling, infection, drooling, taste loss, scarring, chipped teeth and tooth loss. Make sure that you get your piercing done in a reputable establishment. Ask the person performing the piercing about post-piercing care, cleanliness, possible side-effects, and other concerns you may have.

Unfortunately, ageing will affect your teeth along with the rest of your body. Teeth are supposed to last a lifetime, but they will only do so if you have put sufficient time and care into their upkeep. Interestingly, changes in oral health can be a key symptom of some adult-onset diseases like Type II diabetes.

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Parents know how easily active children can damage themselves. A well-fitting mouthguard can save a lot of pain and money. Mouthguards are certainly not just for outdoor sports. When winter sets in, parents usually find that in order to cure their kids’ ‘cabin fever’, they must involve them in indoor activities like gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, and roller-skating.

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