Is Flossing Really Necessary? When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing your teeth twice a day is a great start. However, brushing alone only cleans around 60% of the tooth surface. The remaining areas, particularly between the teeth, require additional cleaning. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria...

Thumb Sucking and Dummy Use: When Should They Stop? Thumb sucking and dummy use are very common in babies and young children. These habits are a normal way for young children to comfort and soothe themselves, particularly when they are tired, upset or settling to sleep. For most children, thumb s...

Gum disease and systemic health At Canberra Dental Care we are cheerleaders for healthy gums, not just for the impact on the oral cavity but also because of the links between gum disease and serious overall health conditions. Periodontitis, a common type of gum disease, is closely linked to diabe...

How Do I Clean My Dental Appliances? Dental appliances such as retainers, clear aligners, nightguards (splints) and mouthguards spend a lot of time in your mouth, so keeping them clean is important. Without regular cleaning, plaque, bacteria, food debris and odours can build up on their surfaces...

Dry Mouth: Why It Matters for Your Oral Health Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy. It helps wash away food particles, neutralise acids produced by bacteria, protects your teeth from decay and makes it easier to chew, swallow and speak. When your mouth does not produce en...

Why Are My Teeth Stained? It is common for teeth to become stained over time. While staining is often a natural part of ageing, certain foods, drinks and lifestyle habits can make it more noticeable. One of the most common causes of staining is the regular consumption of coffee, tea, red wine and...

The Importance of Preventive Dental Care The old saying “prevention is better than a cure” has never been more relevant than when it comes to your oral health. Many dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, develop gradually and may not cause pain until they have become more advance...

Dental Health Week Day 4 Why Do Baby Teeth Matter If They Fall Out Anyway? It is easy to think that baby teeth are not as important because they eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth. However, baby teeth play an important role in your child’s growth, development and oral health....

Dental Health Week Day 3 The moniker ‘wisdom teeth’ stems from ancient Greek where the word ‘odontias sophias’ can be translated to teeth of wisdom. This name is symbolistic of the relationship between the typical eruption date (around ages 17-25) and when young adults are considered to b...

Dental Health Week Day 2 Tooth whitening Trust a professional with your teeth. You wouldn’t ask your mechanic to perform heart surgery. So why ask an influencer (who is probably being paid to advertise) about dental treatments. While tooth whitening may seem low level – it can come with risks. To...