For many people, oral health care is something they take for granted by regularly flossing, brushing and seeing their dentist for regular check-ups. However, for children with sensory issues, oral care (including visits to the dentist) can be quite challenging.  People with sensory issues often hate the taste of toothpaste, dislike the feeling of a toothbrush against their teeth, have a heightened sense of having their face and mouth touched, and have extra sensitivity to bright lights, smells and sounds associated with dental check-ups. However, by teaming with the right dentist, oral care can be smooth sailing for both the child and their parents. With the right tools, brushing teeth can be a breeze While some people love the sensation of brushing their teeth and having that sparkling clean feeling, people with sensory issues can find it very unpleasant. Thankfully, your dentist can recommend specialised products that don’t overload the senses such as NeutraFluor’s fortified, flavourless toothpaste, and softer manual and electric toothbrushes that reduce the sensation of the toothbrush moving across your teeth. Oral hygiene – it can be fun and games To make bed-time brushing more enticing, try purchasing a 2-minute timer and challenge your child to brush their teeth (or let you brush their teeth) for the whole two minutes. The timer can also be used as a distraction for the child – whether they fixate on the countdown or hold it in their hands to fidget with during the brushing process. Using a product like Plaque Disclose will make plaque on teeth visible so that children can actually see the problem areas and understand the importance of brushing. By aiming to reduce the amount of plaque that shows up the next time the product is used, your child may be motivated by seeing visible results of their hard work. Choose the right dentist to help manage sensory concerns Dentists deal with nervous patients on a daily basis, however, working with someone who has a negative reaction to the typical sensations experienced during a dental visit is a whole other challenge. Thankfully, an experienced, gentle dentist can use special tricks and tools to make the appointment a lot more pleasant in these cases. Commonly used strategies include: Have the patient bring in something to hold/ fidget with in their hand to use as a distraction during the appointment Offer noise cancelling headphones so they aren’t agitated by the sounds Communicate each step during the appointment and give the patient advance notice before touching their face or mouth Have the patient bring in very dark sunglasses to help reduce sensitivity to the lights above If the patient is not familiar with electric toothbrushes, suggest that they use...

A lot of unnecessary dental anxiety can build at the prospect of a root canal or extraction. Please be assured that these are very commonplace dental procedures, performed with the utmost care, that will cause little to no discomfort or disruption to your everyday life. There is no need to be concerned, but you do need to have very real conversations with your gentle dental practitioner about what is involved and what you need to know. Why a root canal? Root canals occur when the teeth at the back of your mouth (generally speaking) are problematic – typically when there is a pulp-filled cavity in the root of the tooth. The procedure is very common, and it is not normal to feel as if you are experiencing excessive pain, particularly when you employ the services of a consummate dental professional. The root canal is a procedure designed to save a tooth that has become badly infected. The nerve and ‘pulp’ are removed and the inside of the tooth is sealed after a thorough cleaning. Why an extraction? A lot of people opt to have an extraction instead of a root canal. This is for a number of reasons. It can be a lot cheaper, and being a back tooth, it’s not noticeable to the naked eye if it’s missing. There are, however, concerns when it comes to the extraction of back teeth. Back of the mouth problems Working in the back of the mouth, be it via extraction or root canal, can be quite difficult and sedation will be required. The back teeth are the most difficult to work with as they are, by their very nature, the strongest in our mouths. They take up the ‘grunt work’ when it comes to chewing our food so removing the back teeth can put more pressure on your middle and front teeth. Ultimately, there is the possibility here of broken and weakened teeth at the front if they are required to take on too much pressure over time. Alleviating your anxiety Rest assured that yours is not the only mouth that your dentist has seen that requires a root canal. This is a very common procedure that, when carefully managed, is straightforward and relatively pain-free. Concerned about the state of your teeth? Talk to the gentle dental professionals at Robert Duhig Dental...

The end of the year signifies change. The old year draws to a close, the new one is just around the corner. There is promise of growth and new beginnings after the festive season and we spend a lot of time focused on all our plans for the year ahead. But what about what we’ve already got in our pockets right now? Many people forget about it but the end of the year means all insurance policies reset – and you could be about to miss out if you don’t act soon. To make the most of your extras cover for dental, book in to see your family dentist as soon as possible to explore the world of savings that’s waiting for you this festive season! Extras cover for dental No two health funds are exactly alike, so it’s important to check in with your individual provider to see what you’re entitled to as part of your policy. What you NEED to know as a policy owner is that you have a right to ask for information and clarification at any time. Call them now or visit their site to take advantage of live chat to get some answers. How does dental cover work? There is no one definitive answer here because private health providers differ, as do the policies they offer. To find out exactly what you’re covered for, you should contact your provider directly. But for most policies, extras cover for dental will typically include: A percentage back on dental visits A percentage back on dental items There will be a cap on how many dental visits and items are covered within the year and your policy will give you cash back up until that cap is met. You’ll pay some of the cost and your insurer will cover the rest – the amount that you pay is referred to as the gap. The end of the year is approaching! There’s no better time of year to start a healthy dentist habit. Booking in check-ups for around Christmas time will mean that you’ll always remember when they’re due. Making sure you take advantage of all of the extras cover for dental that you’ve been paying for will be a great gift in terms of both your bottom line and the health of your family’s teeth and gums. Ho ho ho! Take advantage of your extras cover for dental by booking in for a check up...

Tired of having to fight your kids morning and night when it comes to tooth care? There’s just no need to wade through bedtime battles about tooth brushing. If you want to prevent cavities in children, today is the perfect time to start teaching them all about the benefits of healthy teeth and gums. How to prevent cavities in children’s teeth For many, party season and special occasions (and even afternoon tea) can be a time of excess. Lollies, cakes, candies, sweeties, candy canes, bon bons, cupcakes, sugary drinks… the list goes on! It can certainly be sugar overload for children – which is why the time is right for some positive messages about how great dental hygiene can prevent cavities. If you like, you can even get some family favourites involved! The best way to brush tiny teeth The Raising Children Network has some excellent resources for parents when it comes to dental hygiene. Here’s their advice on working with your child, not against them, at tooth brushing time. Make sure your child feels secure and happy. Brushing in front of a mirror is a great way to involve them in the process. You should be sitting behind them so they can see themselves. Take your child’s chin in your hands and lean their head back so it’s against your body. Make sure the bristles of the brush are angled TOWARDS the gum. Using gentle circles, clean the inner and outer sides of the teeth and gums. Go back and forth on the ‘chewing surfaces’ as well as the front and back of the teeth. Brush the tongue! (It might tickle, which is great! Try everything you can to make this process fun). Spit that toothpaste into the sink! Not rinsing is key – the leftover toothpaste will continue to protect your child’s teeth. You MUST encourage and support the importance of flossing in your home (and make sure you lead by example as well). Cleaning between the teeth is as importance as brushing. 75% of all cavities start between the teeth for children under the age of 8. Model this practice for your children and make it as fun (and as regular) as you can. Brush your teeth with The Wiggles! <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/8C2xFTZVMYs” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe> Everyone’s favourite kids’ entertainers, The Wiggles, have produced a great teeth brushing song that’s perfect for getting little bodies excited about the process. The song is long enough to ensure that teeth and gums are appropriately cleaned, and it’s catchy enough to get them bopping back for more again and again. <h2>Key ways to prevent cavities</h2> Now that you’ve got the fun side of teeth...

Sonic toothbrushes in Australia are quickly becoming all the rage. This innovative technology is sold by a lot of well-known Australian suppliers and offers users a revolutionary new approach to shining up those pearly whites. But what’s it all about? Is a sonic toothbrush the right choice for you? What benefits do they offer the everyday consumer? Let’s find out. What is a Sonic Toothbrush? A sonic, or ultrasonic, toothbrush uses state-of-the-art technology to specifically target plaque and ensure teeth are left cleaner than clean. It emits ultrasound and sonic waves (up to 16,000 strokes per minute if you can believe it!) in order to vibrate the brush and enhance the cleaning process. The process for using a sonic toothbrush mirrors what you may be used to with an electric toothbrush. It will move back and forth over your teeth at high speed in order to remove plaque and bacteria build up. The difference lies in the effectiveness of the high level of vibrations that this system provides when compared to predecessors. Sonic Toothbrush vs Electric Toothbrush – What’s the difference? The difference is the speed and the sonic waves. This technology typically has an oval brush head (similar to a traditional toothbrush). The capacity is there to get a more thorough clean (including up and into your gums) than when using older technology. Are there any drawbacks to purchasing a Sonic Toothbrush? This relatively new tooth technology (try saying that four times fast!) is considerably more expensive than a lot of tooth-brushing options currently on the market. You may find that it’s easier to order this technology online as stores and dental surgeries slowly move towards keeping up with the latest trends. Where can you buy Sonic Toothbrushes in Australia and what should you look for? Australian sonic toothbrushes use the same technology as those sold elsewhere around the world. Currently, beyond asking your dental technician, you may well have to buy them overseas and have them shipped to you. Electric toothbrushes are still the major choice for a lot of big-name retailers so until they catch up with dental trends, you will have to peruse your online options. Whatever your toothbrush choice, you must ensure that you brush your teeth properly. Follow these tips for a healthy mouth any dentist would approve of! Get the tooth about your dental health! Contact the Robert Duhig Dental family today to book your next...

Gum disease is a real threat to individuals and families. By the time many people are actually sitting in the dental chair, the disease has gone untreated for some time, and real damage has been done to otherwise healthy teeth and gums. What do you need to know about gum disease treatment? Here’s an overview of some of the nasties you might encounter and what treatments are available. Gingivitis This is a form of gum disease caused by a build up of plaque. This then has the knock-on effect of producing toxins that infect and irritate the gums. It’s a case of ‘good bacteria gone bad’ and is one of the most common gum diseases seen in the chair. Receding Gums Here we find that the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth is pulled away. This exposes more of the tooth or the tooth root. The gaps that form allow bacteria to build up, creating an overall negative impact on the health of the mouth. Pyorrhoea or Periodontitis This is one of the most common diseases found in the general population. It presents as an inflammation of the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. It’s caused by the build up of bacteria which then inflame and engulf the surrounding gum areas. Early signs to look for include gums that bleed when you brush your teeth, bad breath and/or a persistent bad taste in your mouth.   Why Gum Disease Treatment is Important Early detection and treatment are key to reducing the negative impacts of gum disease. If you neglect to focus on this area, the consequences could be catastrophic. Rapid gum and tooth decay and bad breath are just two of the unwanted outcomes you can expect to endure if you continue to neglect your gums.   Gum Disease Treatment Is Simpler Than You Think Thankfully, even if you don’t get early detection, there are a range of gum disease treatments available that will restore the health of your smile. Book an appointment with your dental professional today and prioritise gum health. It’s highly important to have regular check ups with your friendly local dentist to get on top of any gum disease problems that may arise. While it’s natural to be a little nervous about treatment, our gentle dentists are here to help resolve dental issues before they get the chance to become more serious.   Let’s Talk Gums! Meet with the team at Robert Duhig Dental today to discuss your gum disease treatment plan....