FAQ

Dental health varies from person to person, but the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends adult patients visit a dentist once or twice a year even if their mouth is in excellent condition. This enables you to get your teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis and ensure that any potential problems are identified early. Every dental check-up includes screening for caries, periodontal disease and oral cancer.

Studies show children can develop their first cavities by two years old, so national guidelines recommend booking the first visit once their first tooth erupts – or, at the latest, their first birthday. This helps your dentist catch potential problems that can affect the child’s overall health and well-being as more teeth erupt over time. A thorough assessment of child’s diet, use of pacifiers and child oral hygiene habits will help our dentists create a tailor made preventative program and gain good rapport with your child.

Bleeding gums are usually a sign from your gums are inflamed. To improve health of your gums initially try to:

• Brush that area more thoroughly (not necessarily harder).
• Use floss or other inter-dental aids to remove any deposits in between the teeth.

In addition to the above you may benefit from professional cleaning that removes calculus which cannot be removed by brushing alone. You will also be given tailored oral hygiene advice as part of your hygiene appointment.

A beautiful smile showing clean, white teeth gives a tremendous boost to your confidence. Most people experience some discoloration of teeth over the years, either from surface or extrinsic stains or internal ones. Treat stains caused by coffee, wine, tobacco and pigmented foods with professional cleaning to remove surface stains and professional tooth whitening to improve shade of your natural teeth. If tooth whitening is not suitable, consider composite bonding or the application of veneers to the affected teeth.

Patients with tooth sensitivity feel pain when they consume items that are hot or cold, sweet or acidic or when they brush their teeth. Commonly this comes from thinned tooth enamel, which doesn’t protect the tooth pulp or dentin from exposure to extreme temperatures. In some patients, this may be a result of:

• Receding gums
• Dental caries
• Tooth grinding during sleep
• Chipped or fractured teeth

We would advise having the affected teeth examined and would recommend treatment to reduce your sensitivity.

You’re never too old to get braces. In fact, one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult over the age of 21. If you’re dreaming of a healthier, more naturally beautiful smile but are concerned you’re too late to get it, we have great news for you! You can achieve the smile you always wanted with the Six Month Smiles system or clear aligners both of which we offer.

Tooth grinding and clenching is a very common condition sometimes referred to as bruxism. Sometimes it can occur without the person being aware of it. Over a period of time it can be very damaging to teeth and jaw joint. It can also lead to facial pain and headaches. Bruxism is usually treated with provision of splints specific to the patient’s individual needs. At AVC multispecaility Dental Care we offer a wide range of splints which are custom made for you.

it is important that help is sought immediately in order to attempt to keep the tooth functioning.

Call us immediately for the right advice over the phone.

• The tooth should be handled by its crown (the part which can be seen in the mouth, not the root).
• Try to replace the tooth the right way around back into the socket. Bite down to keep in place. THIS SHOULD NOT BE DONE FOR A DECIDUOUS (CHILD’S MILK) TOOTH
• Alternatively, if this is not possible, please keep the tooth in milk (NOT WATER) or in the mouth.

Call us immediately and bring it with you to the practice immediately.