Lately we have been seeing more and more patients come in complaining of bleeding gums. Often people have been putting up with it for awhile, and it is only when other symptoms arise in combination with the bleeding do they get concerned enough to come in!

Why are bleeding gums a serious issue to take note of? It is because consistently bleeding gums not caused by trauma can be a sign of Gingivitis or worse, Periodontal Disease. Lack of bleeding is one of the key indicators of gum health!

What are the differences between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Gingivitis

- Recognized by red, swollen gums that can bleed when brushing teeth or even when eating.

- The gums are inflamed by the plaque and calculus that is sitting on the teeth mostly around the gum line and in between the teeth.

- This plaque and calculus harbours harmful bacteria which the body recognises as an infection and therefore sets off an inflammatory response in the gums.

- In most cases, Gingivitis is treatable and reversible.

Key Prevention: See your dentist regularly for professional cleaning, and maintain a good home care routine of twice-daily brushing and daily-flossing.

Professional Tip: If your gums bleed when flossing, it means you need to keep flossing! Don't be scared and stop, it will only make things worse! See your Dentist!

Periodontitis (Gum Disease)

Mild to Moderate Periodontitis:

- If gingivitis is left untreated, the gums become diseased and pull away from the teeth.

- Increased bacteria under the gums begins to cause irreversible bone loss as the bone is progressively 'eaten-away' by the inflammatory response in the gums.

- The soft plaque and bacteria in the mouth harden to form calculus under and above the gum line that cannot be cleaned off with a toothbrush.

- This calculus traps more bacteria under the gums, causing the gums to loosen and shrink away from the teeth creating 'pockets' that develop between the gum and tooth.

- These pockets then continue to trap food and bacteria in a snowball effect, making it an increasingly toxic environment.

- Periodontitis can have a component of genetic susceptibility, so if family members or relatives have a history of gum disease, there is a chance you are at risk too.

Severe Periodontitis:

- As more bone support is lost, the teeth can eventually become loose. In extreme cases a tooth can either come out while eating or become too painful to chew on resulting in an abcess of dental emergency.

- Although the damage done to the bone from periodontal disease cannot be reversed, further damage can be prevented.

- A simple scale and clean will not be sufficient in the treatment of periodontal disease. The gums and roots of the teeth will require specialised deep cleaning to remove all the plaque and calculus trapped under the gums. Thankfully this is all done while you are numb.

Afterwards, a meticulous home care routine is a must, along with regular professional maintenance. The goal is to get back to regular 6-monthly check ups and cleaning. However, in extreme cases or if the condition does not respond to treatment, a referral to a Periodontal specialist may be required.

Key Treatment: See your dentist or periodontal specialist for professional gum disease treatment. Maintain a good home care routine of twice-daily brushing, daily-flossing and any further instructions from your doctor.

In summary, what causes gum disease?

The main cause of periodontal disease is As already mentioned, some people may be genetically predisposed to gum disease. Despite this, it can still be prevented through proper brushing, flossing and regular professional maintenance.

Some other factors that can affect the health of your gums include:

Smoking

Smoking is a major factor in gum disease. While smoking doesn't directly cause Gingivitis or Periodontitis, it can make the existing problems worse. The use of cigarettes impairs the body’s ability to heal and fight off infection. People who smoke are twice as likely to have gum disease compared with non-smokers.

Stress

Stress is also linked to many serious health conditions. Research shows that stress affects the body’s ability to fight of infections, including periodontal disease.

Systemic Diseases

Systemic diseases that interfere with the body’s inflammatory system are beginning to show increasing links with gum disease. For example, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are closely linked to bacterial and inflammatory processes in the body.

Poor Diet

A diet low in key nutrients can also compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection.

What to watch out for:

- Bleeding gums;

- Bad breath;

- Sore gums; - Noticeable Gum Recession;

- Loose teeth.

Here at Gateway Dental Health we are strong believers that education and prevention is better than the cure. Regular six-monthly professional care is the ideal way to monitor the health of your gums!

Thanks for reading and we hope this helps. Take care and hope to see you soon!

Warmest regards,

Dr. Chee & The Team at Gateway Dental Health

Heading into the Christmas and New Year season the last thing many of us will think about is our teeth! With spring and summer in full swing it is often so hot that all you want to do is enjoy an ice cream, an ice block or a cold can of soft drink by the pool!

While that sounds fantastic we thought we would put together some tips to help you fully enjoy the holiday season while staying safe and looking after you and your family’s oral health this summer.

Please don’t hesitate to call us on (07) 3493 0028 if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment!

1. Cracked teeth

The last thing you want on your holidays is a cracked tooth! By all means enjoy your food, but beware of hard foods such as pork cracking, hard nuts and hard candies. Please, do not attempt to open a bottle or mud crab with your teeth!

If you have existing cracked teeth or suspect your teeth may be cracked, please see us before everyone goes on holidays!

2. Keep Hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated in the summer heat is very important, and for good reason. When the temperature is high, it is easy to become dehydrated. Not many of us know but a dry mouth has a much higher risk of tooth decay. This is because without adequate fluid or saliva in our mouths, any sugar/carbohydrate or acid we consume has free rein on our teeth. Combined with our natural plaque and bacteria it is a recipe for disaster.

This is why over summer it is more important than ever to balance your intake of sugary drinks and foods with water. In between Christmas and New Year’s sweets, soft drinks or wine, or when you are out and about in the heat, a glass or bottle of plain water will go a long way in protecting your teeth. Just make sure you don’t add any cordial or lemon!

By drinking plenty of water regularly each day you are helping to prevent tooth decay and you are also keeping your skin and gum tissues moist and healthy. Trust us, your body and your smile will thank you for it!

3. Protect your lips

Believe it or not, your lips are one of the most susceptible to burning compared to other body parts. Constant sun exposure and drying of the lips can put you at risk of skin cancer, so in the dryer and hotter months, we need to protect our lips by using a balm or gloss with a minimum SPF 15. Also don’t forget the rest of your body! Try to find products with high SPF factor which can also provide additional moisture to the skin. Using these products, particularly on your lips can help ward off skin cancers.

4. Snack Smart

One of the best thirst quenchers during summer is undoubtedly fresh fruit! However, choosing the right fruit and watching the amount you eat is also important. For example, watermelon is great as it assists to clean the mouth on account of its high water content. On the other hand, citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes are highly acidic and overeating can result in the erosion of the tooth enamel. The best way to enjoy citrus fruits is sparingly, and with plenty of water in-between.

Another hidden danger is the sugar content in fruit itself. Fruit contains natural fruit sugar Fructose, which like glucose is readily converted by the bacteria in plaque to cavity causing acid. Don’t be fooled by the summer mangos and other highly sweet fruits, as they can contain nearly as much sugar as your favourite sweet treats! As always, the first line of defence against decay is to limit snacking and drink plenty of water.

5. Pool Safety

Most true blue Aussies love the water, or at least lying near it! There are however, a couple of issues that you should be aware of!

As we all hit the pool this summer, we are at risk of developing yellowish-brown or dark brown stains on our teeth if we are in the water too regularly. Those who swim in chlorinated pools for more than six hours a week continually expose their teeth to chemically treated water. Pool water contains chemical additives which give water a higher pH than saliva and as a result, salivary proteins break down quickly and form organic deposits on teeth. These hard brown deposits, known as ‘swimmers’ calculus’, appear mostly on front teeth. Thankfully this can usually be removed by professional dental cleaning.

Another very important issue is pool safety! Make sure your kids know the pool rules, such as no running on wet surfaces, and no diving in the shallow end! With all wet surfaces anyone can easily slip and fall. The last thing we want is for you or your child to make an unwanted emergency trip to the hospital or dentist.

6. Sports Safety

During summer and warmer weather many kids (and adults) love to play sports outdoors. Unfortunately, with the increased number of people playing sports we also see a spike in sports-related injuries. Broken teeth are the most common sports injury. Sometimes this can be easily fixed but sadly much of the time it is an unpleasant, costly and time consuming exercise.

If your tooth is knocked out, try to gently rinse it clean in milk or cool running water. Is it very important not to handle the root of the tooth, only handling the tooth by the crown (the part of the tooth that you normally see). Do not let the tooth dry out, and if possible store it in a damp paper towel or a clean plastic bag in milk or water. Only try to replace the tooth if it is clean and you are sure it is going in the right way. If in doubt, leave it out. Call us or report to your nearest hospital.

Our best recommendation to prevent injuries is to organise mouthguard for your teeth, especially for contact sports such as Rugby, or ball sports such as Cricket or Hockey. It definitely doesn’t hurt to have a mouthguard for most sports anyway, as a stray elbow, knee or boot can result in painfully cut lips and cheeks.

We always recommend seeing us for a custom fit mouthguard, because if it isn’t custom made, it is like wearing a bicycle or motorbike helmet that’s the wrong size and fit!

7. Have a Check Up

Last but not least, while you and the family are on holidays and you have some time off to, why not book in a check-up and clean appointment with us before heading back to school or work?

The best way to look after your smile this summer is to make sure you are off to the best start. Regular six monthly check-ups are the industry standard as lot can happen in your mouth between visits. These check-ups will help you to identify any issues you may have and keep on top of them.

Also, who doesn’t want to start the new year with freshly cleaned teeth and a bright smile!

We hope you have found these tips informative and helpful. Again, please call us on (07) 3493 0028 if you have any questions or if you would like to book an appointment.

Take care this summer and we hope to see you soon!

For this blog post we have decided to talk about something we feel strongly about at Gateway Dental Health – SPORTS safety!

Traumatic dental injuries are not enjoyable for anyone. They are often painful, costly and can result in tooth loss and scarring. One of the most common sports injuries are dental-related injuries including a cut lip, cracked/broken teeth or even a completely knocked out tooth! Possibly the easiest way to help prevent and protect against mouth injuries is to wear a mouth guard. If you are playing contact sports or any sport with a high risk of injury it doesn’t make sense not to have one!

Mouth guards have been recognised as being so effective that many school sports programs have made wearing them mandatory. It also goes without saying that almost all professional athletes playing contact sports or sports involving solid balls wear mouth guards. This includes Rugby, AFL, NFL, Hockey, Boxing, Martial Arts, Baseball, Softball, Cricket (batting or wicket keeping without a helmet), skateboarding, BMX bike riding.

Mouthguards offer protection 5-ways:

They cushion teeth against impact and protect against cracking, chipping and tooth-loss;They help protect against jaw-joint injuries and even a broken jaw;They help protect against damage such as cuts to the lips, cheeks and gums;Help to reduce concussive forces to the brain;Help to reduce overall impact forces to the eyes, head and neck.

Dental injuries can result in having to take time off of work or time out of school. Having a custom-fitted mouth guard is much more cost effective (and less painful) than an emergency dental visit. Children and teens are naturally at a higher risk of injuries simply because they are often still learning the rules of the game, and can be more energetic when playing their favourite sport!

Why custom fit?

Custom fitted mouth guards offer many advantages over the generic, over the counter 'boil-n-bite' mouth guards.

When made by your dentist, the custom-fitted mouth guard offers:

Maximum comfort;Perfect-fit;Won't shift or fall out;Allows you to speak more clearly;Won’t restrict your breathing;Maximum proven protection.

All professional sportsmen and women wear custom-fitted mouth guards because their smiles and safety are too important.

If you or your family require a mouth guard we are more than happy to help. Custom mouth guards can typically be made within 5-7 working days, and only require two short appointments with your dentist.

The cost of our custom-fitted mouth guards are:

10-minute Consultation + Impressions (Moulds) + 1 x Mouth guard: $140.00

Choice of Colours – Bright Blue, Navy Blue, Bright Green,

Dark Green, White, Black, Bright Red, Yellow, Gold.

10-minute Fitting appointment + free carry-case: No charge

Call us today to book your mouth guard consultation and impressions on (07) 3493 0028.

Does the thought of biting into an ice cream make you cringe? If so, you’re not alone! Sensitive teeth are one of the most common dental complaints. Sometimes people suffer for so long that they get used to having teeth that always seem to be ‘on edge’!

While it is normal for teeth to feel hot and cold, extreme sensitivity can be painful, annoying and debilitating. Sensitive teeth are no fun when you can’t eat your favorite foods! So why are your teeth sensitive?

This blog we will be discussing the causes of sensitivity and what can be done to help!

Why are teeth sensitive?

The causes for tooth sensitivity can be numerous. Sometimes there is not a single cause, but a combination of causes. All natural teeth have a nerve inside that lets us know how hot and cold food and drinks are. Without this design, we would easily consume foods and liquids at extremes of temperatures that could give us stomach aches, or worse, cause burns and damage to our lips, mouth and throat!

Besides the normal amount of ‘feeling’ that we get from our teeth, ‘sensitive teeth’ occur when this natural sensation of hot and cold becomes uncomfortable or painful! Sensitivity can also be set off by sweet or acidic foods, due to chemical changes on the surfaces of the teeth.

Some of the leading causes of tooth sensitivity include:

Gum recession (the gums no longer cover the roots of the teeth properly);Gingivitis and gum disease (the gums no longer hang on tight onto the teeth letting cold air and liquids under the gums that irritate the tooth roots);Physical damage to the teeth and loss of enamel (loss of the hard white layer);Acid damage to the teeth (from soft drinks, sports drinks, lemon, stomach acid);After tooth whitening and use of bleaching products;Open cavities or holes in the tooth (tooth decay);Cracks in the teeth;Loose fillings.

How do these things happen?

All of the causes above could have entire blog posts written on each of them, and some of which can already be found on our website!

Unless the cause is obvious, sometimes the only way of finding out the cause of your sensitivity is by having your teeth checked by your dentist!

What can be done to help?

Depending on the cause of the sensitivity, the methods of improving the situation can differ. In some severe cases, sensitivity cannot be easily ‘cured’ and can only be managed and maintained.

Below is a brief list of some steps your dentist may take to try and get rid of your sensitivity, depending on the cause.

Cause - Solution

Gum recession ----------------------------------------Gum disease treatment, desensitizing agents, fillings.

Gingivitis and gum disease -----------------------Gum disease treatment, desensitizing agents.

Physical damage to the teeth and loss of enamel ---------Desensitizing agents, fillings.

Acid damage to the teeth -------------------------------------------Desensitizing agents, fillings.

After tooth whitening and use of bleaching products ----Desensitizing agents.

Open cavity or hole in the tooth ----------------------------------Fillings, root canal treatment.

Cracks in the teeth -----------------------------------------------------Filling or a crown.

Loose fillings -------------------------------------------------------------Replace the filling.

What is a ‘desensitizing agent’?

These are products that can help to ‘seal’ the tooth chemically, almost like a clear coat of wax on your car. This helps to protect the tooth against hot, cold or sweet.

Desensitizing products include:

Toothpastes for sensitive teeth (popular brands include Sensodyne, Colgate Prorelief, Colgate Neutrafluor 5000);Tooth Mousse (another great product that can help to repair acid damage);Fluoride gels and varnishes (these are professional strength products you can only have applied at a dentist).

We hope you found this blog post helpful. Please call us if you have sensitive teeth, why suffer any longer?

Take care and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Kind regards,

The team at Gateway Dental Health

Congratulations, you're pregnant! Your oral health is probably one of the last things you will be thinking about over the next 12 months. However, your oral health is very important to your health and to the health of your child!

Not only are studies showing that gum disease can affect your unborn baby, but your oral health and education will play an important role in the dental health of your child in the years to come.

How can being pregnant affect my oral health?

During pregnancy, increased levels of pregnancy hormones, namely Progesterone, can increase your risk of developing gingivitis (inflamed and bleeding gums) and periodontal disease (gum disease leading to bone loss). This hormonal imbalance is often referred to as 'Pregnancy Gingivitis', and can occur because the gums and oral tissues are more sensitive and susceptible to gingivitis-causing bacteria.

How do I know if I have pregnancy-gingivitis or gum disease?

Signs of gingivitis or gum disease include any of the following:

Bleeding gums;Red gums (instead of pink);Swollen gums;Bad breath;Loose teeth.

How does morning sickness affect my teeth?

Feeling sick and nauseous all day definitely can't be fun. Unfortunately, women who experience morning sickness with vomiting and/or acid reflux are at a higher risk of tooth decay.

This is because stomach acid has an extremely low pH (it is meant to dissolve your food after all).

The same acid can also wreak havoc on your teeth. Combined with cravings for chocolate and soft drinks over the course of 9-10 months, the teeth can easily become stained, damaged or affected with cavities.

Some simple ways to help reduce the risk of tooth decay in relation to vomiting and acid reflux are:

always rinsing your mouth out immediately with water or an alcohol-free mouth wash;chewing sugar free gum to stimulate saliva that will help neutralize stomach acid;smearing a bit of toothpaste over your teeth with your finger and then spitting out the excess during the day, after vomiting or in between meals;waiting at least 30 minutes after vomiting before brushing your teeth to avoid damaging softened enamel surfaces.

How can Pregnancy-related gingivitis or Gum disease affect my unborn child?

Unfortunately, more and more recent studies are showing that gum disease is a risk factor for preterm-delivery and low-birth-weight babies. This is due to the potential for bacteria in the bloodstream travelling to the uterus and triggering the release of chemicals that may induce premature labor.

How can my oral health impact the oral health of my children?

A little known fact about a newborn baby's mouth is that it is essentially sterile. This means that decay causing bacteria is introduced to a child, and that the people closest to the child (usually their parents) are the ones that have the biggest impact on their children's dental health.

If you have generally poor oral hygiene, unattended decay and/or gum disease, the chances of this bacteria affecting your child are greater than if your mouth is in excellent condition. All the more reasons to keep up with your regular dental check ups and cleaning, and good oral hygiene habits at home!

What can I do while I am pregnant?

Visiting a dentist as normal even while pregnant is highly recommended for your own well being and that of your baby. Regular dental check-ups and cleaning are safe during any stage of pregnancy, although some procedures or medication should be avoided.

For any more involved non-emergency dental work (such as fillings), this is usually safest during the second trimester. Extractions, x-rays or major work is usually best reserved for after pregnancy, if possible.

If you are in pain or have an infection, this is classified as an emergency and it must be taken care of as soon as possible. Your dentist will work closely with your Obstetrician if necessary.

Remember the basics!

Eating well - Your growing baby’s calcium demands are high, so you should increase your own calcium consumption, as well as avoiding smoking or alcohol. Please follow the directions of your doctors closely.

Cleaning well - Continue brushing your teeth twice a day, morning and night for 2-3 minutes. Aim to floss your teeth at least once a day (before bed is the best time).

Stay hydrated - Drink lots of plain water, and try not to drink too many sugary drinks.

Remember to call us if you have any questions or concerns because having swollen, bleeding and sore gums is the last thing anyone wants while they are pregnant!

Wishing all of the current and prospective mums a safe and happy pregnancy.

Best regards,

Dr Richard Chee

and the team @ Gateway Dental Health

What is a 'Crown'?

Unfortunately, it is not like a headpiece that the Queen gets to parade around wearing, and thankfully a dental crown doesn't cost nearly as much as that piece of jewelry!

In technical terms, a crown is a 'fixed prosthetic device' that is cemented in place onto existing tooth structure or onto an implant, and can only be placed and removed by a dental professional. A crown in dentistry has very practical applications, and can also improve the appearance of a tooth at the same time!

How Do They Work?

A crown is a solid dental restoration that is either milled in a special machine or made in a dental laboratory. They are used to cover or 'cap' a damaged tooth, and can improve the appearance, shape or alignment of the tooth.

A primary advantage of a crown over a filling is the ability to strengthen the remaining tooth and help prevent further cracking, damage or loss of tooth structure. This is because the crown is a single solid piece, quite different to a standard dental filling.

A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide tooth-like form and function.

Below is a simple diagram of the process of a crown:

1 - Broken, cracked or damaged tooth.

2 - Tooth is shaped and prepared for the crown.

3 - Crown is cemented in place.

What is a crown made of?

A crown is made from one of three main types of materials:

- All metal (eg. stainless steel, gold or gold-alloy)

- All ceramic (porcelain)

- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (white porcelain on top of a metal alloy)

The porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, and the technician will often add staining and characterization to the tooth to achieve a near life-like appearance. The dentist will often choose the material of the crown to best suit your needs and situation.

Why would I need a crown?

Your dentist will most commonly recommend a crown to:

- Repair a cracked or heavily damaged tooth;

- Protect a weak or heavily filled tooth from future damage.

Other reasons for a crown include:

- To strengthen a tooth that has had root canal treatment;

- To replace a large filling when there is not enough natural tooth remaining;- To attach a bridge or larger dental prosthesis;

- To cover a dental implant;

- To cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth.

How Long Will It Last?

Most crowns provided they are looked after and placed correctly, can last at least 8 – 10 years. However, as they age the cement holding a crown in can sometimes come loose causing the crown to fall out.

The most important way to help ensure the longevity of your crown is to practice good oral hygiene and floss! Also see your dentist for 6-monthly checkups and professional cleaning to make sure you get the best usage out of your crown(s)!

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, or if you think you might need a crown!

Take care and we hope to see you soon,

Dr Richard Chee and the team at Gateway Dental Health

Winter has well and truly arrived! As we head into the cooler months we need to remember how to help keep our lips, cheeks, teeth and gums healthy and happy!

We may not realize that the colder season and all that comes with it can be very harsh on our teeth. Below are our Top 6 Tips to help keep your oral health in tip-top condition while you battle the winter chills!

1. Dry and chapped Lips – this is a common issue in winter! You must not forget to protect your lips as exposure to cold wind and high UV from overcast conditions can damage the delicate skin on your face. Wearing a daily lip balm with minimum SPF 15 and also drinking plenty of water to hydrate your skin can help save your lips this winter.

2. Tooth sensitivity – While we try to rug up and stay warm this winter, our teeth feel the cold too! Cold temperatures and wind could leave your teeth feeling sore, more so if you already experience tooth sensitivity. Apart from avoiding the cold altogether, using a sensitive toothpaste can help to ease the pain.

Tip – try applying Sensodyne or Colgate Prorelief tooth paste directly onto the sensitive teeth either during the day or before bed.

3. Stay Hydrated – As mentioned before, we need to keep hydrated to protect our lips, but also our teeth! During Winter we may increase the amount of hot drinks we consume. These include: hot teas, hot coffee and hot chocolate! We tend to sip these drinks as great winter warmers, but beware the sugar that may be in your cup or mug!

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help rinse the sugar and acid off of your teeth, and will help keep your natural protective saliva flowing!

4. Hairline Fractures – Feeling cold? Chattering teeth and tight jaws? The cold wind combined with any existing cracks in your teeth can make teeth very uncomfortable, or even send a tooth over the edge (see our post on cracked teeth). If your teeth are tender to bite on and you suspect a crack in one of your teeth, let us know before it gets worse!

5. Boost Your Immune System – Getting a cold in winter is very common, and we often don’t think about the effect it has on our teeth! While being crook, we often take cough syrups, warm lemon drinks, orange juice, sugary soothers and lozenges. Not to mention stomach acid becoming an issue if you get the vomiting bug (unpleasant yes we know!).

While we should be boosting our immune system all year round, don’t forget to pay extra attention in winter to try and avoid getting sick. The reliefs we take to help ease a cold are often sugary or acidic which can promote cavities and decay. Stomach acid from vomiting or reflux can damage the enamel of your teeth, making them weak and brittle. Finally, when we are feeling unwell we tend to neglect our teeth more as you don’t want to leave your warm bed. To help fight the flu, brushing and flossing daily can go a long way in fighting bacteria that can make a sore throat or a blocked nose worse!

Tip - Don’t forget - once you are well again, throw out your old toothbrush and change to a new one as an old toothbrush can harbor nasty bacteria and viruses on it, especially when you’ve been sick!

6. Get a Checkup – Staying indoors in winter is very tempting, but don’t forget your regular 6-monthly check up and cleans! Your regular checkups can help you get ready for winter by making sure your mouth is in top condition!

We hope to see you soon! Until then take care and stay warm this winter.

Kind regards,

Dr. Chee and the team at Gateway Dental Health

Teeth are one of the strongest parts of the human body. We use them to bite, chew, cut and tear our way through food every day. Teeth can withstand a huge amount of force over the course of our lives, but it doesn’t mean that they are invincible!

Quite often they can chip, crack or break due to a number of reasons including:

Biting down on something hard accidentally;Accidents including falling/being hit in the face or mouth;Knocking your tooth on glass cup or bottle;Having hidden cavities that weaken the tooth from the inside out;Old, weak or leaking fillings;Having large amalgam (silver) fillings that don’t support the remaining enamel of the tooth;Clenching and grinding habits.

Chipped Teeth

When you chip a tooth, you generally won’t feel any severe pain. However your tongue usually feels the sharp edge of the tooth quickly, and you may feel some sensitivity to cold drinks or air. If the amount of tooth lost isn’t great, this can be easily repaired with a filling, or sometimes just a smoothing over of rough edges!

Cracked Teeth

When your tooth has cracks in it, sometimes you won’t feel any pain or realize it until it is too late!

Minor tooth cracks do not cause pain, but over time as the fracture gets worse it can start to cause pain on biting and chewing. The pain from a cracked tooth may come and go and can sometimes present as sensitivity to hot or cold drinks.

Sometimes cracks can be large, stained and very obvious, and other times cracks can appear like a thin hairline crack in piece of glass - almost invisible to the naked eye.

In the worst case scenario, cracks in a tooth can allow bacteria to ingress into the nerve, or simply chewing on a cracked and weakened tooth can lead to a split or broken tooth!

Broken Teeth

A broken tooth is the next step up from a cracked tooth. Unlike a cracked tooth, a broken tooth will often cause pain and discomfort when eating, will trap food and will be very obvious.

You will need to see a dentist as soon as possible if you break a tooth, as a broken or open tooth can easily become infected. Your dentist will aim to find out if any factors contributed to the tooth breaking, and whether or not future cracks or broken teeth can be avoided.

If a tooth is badly broken, it may require a crown to strengthen it, and if a nerve is damaged or exposed, root canal treatment may even be required.

What Your Dentist Will Do

Minor Cracks

Sometimes surface cracks only affect the outer enamel (white surface) of the tooth, and can be monitored. Your dentist will aim to highlight preventative measures to help prevent future cracking and/or protect the teeth.

Cracked Tooth

This type of fracture involves a major part of the tooth, or sometimes the entire tooth. Your dentist will sometimes take x-rays to assess the nerve and attempt to find out how badly the tooth is cracked. Often cracks do not show up on an x-ray until it is too late, so your dentist may need to do some investigation. If the tooth is not yet broken, now is the chance to try and prevent the cracks spreading deeper into the tooth by changing some eating habits, or by wearing a night guard splint at night!

Sometimes small cracks can be temporarily repaired with white filling material. However, the tooth will often need a crown to prevent the crack from getting worse. Think of a crack in your wall at home: if the crack is small, sometimes a ‘patch up’ repair will suffice. However if your wall was cracked from top to bottom, any good builder or repairman will tell you that a major repair is required.

Chips

Minor chips don’t always need treatment. But if your dentist suggests repairing it, or if the chip is bothering you in terms of how it looks or feels, then filling material can be used to repair the tooth. Sometimes these repairs can last years, but they are generally a temporary option as white filling relies on how strong it can stick to your tooth in order to stay on.

Broken teeth

If the tooth is broken, this requires either a crown, a large filling and/or root canal treatment. Simply patching up a badly broken tooth with a damaged nerve can get the tooth looking great on the outside, but will often result in an infection that is covered up with nowhere to go but deeper!

Decay-Induced Broken teeth

In this case the tooth has broken or crumbled because a cavity has weakened it from the inside out. Sometimes this can happen without even eating anything hard. Your dentist will evaluate the cavity and recommend the best way to fix the tooth. If the decay is extensive however and goes right down to the bone, the tooth may need to be removed completely, or more complex work may need to be done to save it.

We hope this article has given you some more insight into three very common issues with teeth: Chips, Cracks and Broken teeth. If you suspect you are clenching or grinding your teeth, please see our blog post on Clenching and Grinding, or contact us with questions anytime!

Take care and we look forward to seeing you next time,

The team at Gateway Dental Health

What is a fissure sealant?

You may have heard your dentist talk about them before. They are in fact a very common protective procedure for teeth!

Fissure sealants are hard protective coatings of white filling material applied to the chewing surfaces of the molar and premolar teeth. They are applied in order to cover and protect the deep grooves (fissures) of the tooth from dental decay.

‘Sealing up the fissures/grooves’ of the teeth prevents food, plaque, sugar and decay from sitting in the fissures all day long between brushing.

Unsealed tooth, prior to cleaning of fissure:

Cleaned and sealed fissure:

Why are the fissures at high risk of decay?

The fissures of the teeth are at high risk for decay as they can be deep and narrow, collecting plaque bacteria and food that cannot be accessed by toothbrush bristles. The build-up of plaque trapped in the fissures produce acids that can go on to cause decay. Therefore, when these grooves are sealed, the risk of decay can be dramatically decreased, especially in children’s teeth.

Why are fissure seals so commonly recommended for children?

According to the Australian Dental Association, fissures are five times more likely to develop decay than any other tooth surface. When the first permanent molar teeth erupt into the mouth when a child is around 6 years old, it is the best time to apply fissure sealants as the permanent teeth play an important role throughout adult life. Children often do not know there is a ‘6-year old molar’ at the back of their mouths, and often do not clean this tooth well. It is also said children do not develop the manual dexterity to brush their own teeth effectively until they are around 8 to 10 years old, hence why fissure sealants are recommended for some children as soon as their permanent teeth come through.

All this said, fissure sealants can be placed at any age!

How is it done?

The treatment itself is a painless and conservative procedure where there are no injections numbing required. The material used to seal the fissures is called flowable white resin and it is completely safe, as are all white dental fillings. All of the materials we use have passed the Australian FDA standards and are sourced from Australian suppliers.

The procedure for fissure sealants is very easy, first the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and the area is kept dry, the tooth is then prepared with a preparation and cleaning agent to ensure the sealants adhere well to the tooth. The sealant is then applied in liquid form. A blue dental light may be used to set the material. The tooth will then be checked and is smoothed if necessary. The patient can eat and drink as normal immediately after the procedure.

How long do they last?

Fissure sealants may need reapplying as time goes on because they are placed in high stress areas such as the chewing surfaces. As with most white fillings, fissure sealants rely on adhesion to the tooth, and the longevity is dependent on the strength of the bond. With proper care, you can expect fissure sealants to last at least 4-5 years, sometimes even longer! However, if you are a teeth grinder or you clench your teeth, expect a fissure seal to last 2-3 years.

How do you care for a fissure seal?

Once completed, the fissure sealants do not need any special care. Your teeth will still need to be brushed twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossed, and you will need to continue your regular 6 month check ups with your dentist.

Conclusion

As we say at Gateway Dental Health, prevention and protection is much better (and cheaper!) then finding a solution to a problem that could have been easily prevented.

"A fissure seal is better than a filling, a small filling is better than a large filling, and a large filling is better than a root canal!"

If you have any questions, please call us on (07) 3493 0028 or email us at contact@gatewaydentalhealth.com.au

Take care and we hope to see you smiling soon!

Dr Richard Chee and the team @ Gateway Dental Health

Reflecting back on February it was the month of the year where matters of the heart and romance were definitely in season! A traditional highlight of February is Valentine’s Day, but not many people are aware that February was also International CHD (Childhood Heart Disease) Awareness month and American Heart Month.

So what does the heart have to do with oral health?

Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of studies and evidence suggesting links between gum disease (Periodontitis) and systemic diseases, especially heart disease.

Periodontitis in its most common form is a chronic, inflammatory infection of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. By itself, Periodontitis can cause loosening and eventual loss of the teeth.

Signs and symptoms of Periodontitis include:

Red, swollen or tender gums;Persistent bad breath;Gums that bleed when brushing your teeth;Receding gum line;Loose teeth.

As Periodontitis is caused by bacteria and plaque trapped underneath the gums, this bacteria naturally has access to the bloodstream. Since all of the blood in our body is pumped by the heart, studies are beginning to find possible links to serious heart-specific conditions that include:

Endocarditis – a potentially life threatening infection of the heart;Coronary Artery Disease (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular disease);Stroke.

Unfortunately, there are also studies that now suggest links between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes or Type-2 Diabetes.

While this all sounds scary, it is an important to remember that just because you may have gum problems, it doesn’t mean you will develop any or all of the conditions mentioned.

The studies are showing us that there are growing links between oral health and the rest of the body. If we consider that the mouth is what we use to talk, eat and smile with everyday it definitely makes sense!

Health studies and information should be a reminder to all of us to stay on top of our general health, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health. If you haven’t had a thorough medical or dental examination lately and if you aren’t sure about the health of your gums, please organise a visit to your local dentist soon!

We hope this blog leads to better health for you and your family! If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation, p

Take care and keep smiling!

Dr Chee and the Team @ Gateway Dental Health

Believe it or not, tooth grinding is a very common issue in both adults and children! Tooth grinding can happen during the day or while you are sleeping at night.

Night grinding usually stems from either stress or anxiety that affects people subconsciously while they are asleep. Sometimes the amount of force placed on the teeth is so great that others in the household complain about hearing it!

People can also unconsciously bring their teeth together during stressful situations (such as when driving) or during times of physical exertion (for example when exercising at the gym).

While stress is one of the most common factors in tooth grinding and/or clenching, it is far from being the only cause.

In adults, tooth grinding can be a symptom of:

Tooth and/or jaw misalignment;Sleep apnea (breathing disturbance that can cause jaws to subconsciously come together in an attempt to open up the airway);Physical issues such as poor nutrition, headaches;Bite imbalances (crooked teeth, lost tooth or a dental filling that is ‘too high’);Drug use (particularly amphetamines).

In children, tooth grinding can be a symptom of, or linked to:

Stress;Tooth misalignment;Jaw alignment;Teething issues or ear ache;Nutritional deficiencies.

So what’s the damage?

If left unattended or undiagnosed, tooth grinding can eventually cause:

Severe tooth damage (cracked teeth, broken teeth, loss of fillings);Damage to crown and bridge porcelain;Worn dentition (loss of tooth structure and shortening of the teeth);Tooth sensitivity;Recession and/or gum damage;TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder;Headaches and jaw aches;Poor sleep and irritability.

How do I figure out if I am clenching or grinding my teeth?

If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms:

Cracked, chipped or worn teeth;If you regularly break teeth or fillings;If your teeth appear shorter;If you have sensitive teeth;You have tender, sore or enlarged jaw muscles;You don’t sleep well, you are constantly tired, or often have headaches and/or neck strain;If someone tells you they can hear you grinding in your sleep;

There is a high likelihood that you are clenching or grinding your teeth!

How can I fix it?

If you suspect that you grind your teeth, or you’ve had someone mention it to you, please visit a dentist as soon as you can. Here at Gateway Dental Health, Dr. Chee will take a look at your teeth and talk about the possible treatment options available to you. These may include:

Repair of damaged teeth i.e. tooth has cracked;Fix fillings that are too high or uncomfortable;Referral to a sleep apnea clinic to assess if you have any airway or breathing disorders that are a contributing cause of your grinding.

For children:

In the case of toddlers and small children under the age of 6, tooth clenching/grinding can be difficult to treat. Children are often not aware of their tooth grinding, and are reliant on parents to hear the grinding or to notice the damage to the teeth and report to a dentist.

Small children unfortunately often cannot tolerate a night guard, and wearing one can pose a choking hazard at night. Thankfully, over time most children grow out of grinding habits, and their teeth can be managed through regular monitoring of factors such as stress and diet.

Regular dental check-ups can help determine if a child needs repairs to damaged teeth, and in the case of older children, can help predetermine the need for orthodontics or further treatment.

Alternative Treatments:

Apart from going to visit your dentist, there are some other steps you can take to help stop grinding your teeth, such as:

Stress management therapy;Relaxation techniques;Cognitive behavior therapy;Regular exercise;Medication that relaxes the jaw muscles;Massage of the jaw joints and use of heat packs;Orthodontic consultation.

After reading this blog, if you suspect you are grinding or clenching your teeth, please call us on 07 3493 0028 or email us on contact@gatewaydentalhealth.com.au

Take care and happy chomping!

Dr Richard Chee and the team @ Gateway Dental Health

In Australia (and likely worldwide), the number one cause of tooth decay is unsurprisingly the consumption of sugary foods and drinks on a regular basis.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) released a national dental update in 2012 with statistics showing that tooth decay was Australia’s most common health problem. Tooth decay was found to be five times more common than Asthma in children. In adults, 57% of Australians can expect to develop tooth decay at some stage in their lives.

When a problem is as common as tooth decay it still surprises us that the causes and prevention are not taught more readily in our schools! At Gateway Dental Health we are here to help, and we are also here to listen. Some of our valued readers have asked for more information on sugar and dental decay, so we hope you will find this blog post useful!

So how does sugar cause tooth decay anyway?

Sugar by itself doesn’t decay your teeth. The entire process of tooth decay is a combination of factors: Sugar, tooth structure, natural plaque, acid-producing bacteria and time.

Basically, sugar + tooth + plaque/bacteria = tooth decay

This can be simplified into the following chart:

Image Copyright Gateway Dental Health 2015

As you can see, sugar is just one part of the equation for tooth decay to occur, but it is also the easiest part of the equation to remove and control!

Obviously we can’t remove all of our teeth (and we don’t want to), and we can never have a completely bacteria-free mouth (because we will always have natural bacteria in our digestive system). So where does the SUGAR come from and what can be done about it?

Sugar itself is commonly found in several forms in our diet: lactose (milk sugar), fructose (fruit sugar), sucrose (refined sugar eg. White sugar) and glucose (the most basic sugar). All of these types of sugar found in our diet have the potential to cause tooth decay.

Common Sources of Sugar

Lactose – Milk, Yogurt, Ice Cream, Smoothies, Milkshakes.

Fructose – All fruit. Generally the sweeter the fruit, the higher the sugar content. Pay particular attention to high sugar content fruits such as mangoes, grapes, lychees, cherries and figs.

Sucrose – The most concerning of all types of sugar. Refined and processed white/brown sugar used in lollies, cakes, biscuits, ice cream, chocolate, caramel, soft drinks.

Glucose – The basic sugar is a building block of all sugars, which includes complex carbohydrates including bread, flour, pasta, cereals, potatoes, honey.

Right now you’re probably thinking to yourself “well I can’t really eat anything, can I”? While it is true that most of the yummy things in our diet have some form of sugar or carbohydrate that can be converted to sugar, we won’t tell you to join the ‘Paleo Diet’ bandwagon just yet!

Of the types of sugar listed above, the one to watch out for is Sucrose and is what we usually refer to as ‘sugar’. Sucrose itself is made up of both Fructose (fruit sugar) and glucose (the most basic sugar) so when Sucrose is broken down it is like a consuming a double concentration of sugar! This is why sweets, lollies and soft drinks are the most likely to cause tooth decay (and cause weight gain).

In the battle against tooth decay and sugar, moderation is the key. This is why we always recommend to our patients:

- Limiting how much and how often we eat sweets and consume soft drinks;

- Limiting snacking in between meals;

- Drinking plenty of plain water throughout the day, after sweets and in between meals;

- Keeping up with the basics (twice daily brushing and once a day flossing);

- Regular 6-monthly examinations and cleaning, x-rays every two years.

Here are some commonly asked questions about dental decay:

How does sugar decay the teeth?

It isn’t the sugar that is decaying your tooth, it is the bacteria in your plaque that ferments dietary sugar into acid. This acid ‘eats’ away at the tooth, weakening and damaging the teeth until a hole or ‘cavity’ forms. This can be visible on the top surfaces of the teeth, or invisible, with decay commonly forming in between the teeth or under the gums. The best way to disrupt the cycle of dental decay and prevent the build-up of plaque is a good daily brushing and flossing regime!

Can I remove decay by brushing my teeth more often?

Unfortunately, once decay has well and truly started, it often isn’t possible to clean out the decay. This is because the microscopic bacteria has already progressed inside the tooth surface, and is often sitting inside a cavity, pit or fissure that can’t be cleaned out with your toothbrush bristles (think about trying to wipe off a crack or hole in your car windscreen!).

What should I do if I suspect I have tooth decay, or if I am not sure?

Definitely come in and see us or visit your dentist soon! Many people wait until a cavity and decay is too deep and they develop a toothache that can’t be solved with a simple filling! By the time a tooth is sore or sensitive, the nerve of the tooth has been affected, which often results in costly and time consuming procedures to save the tooth and strengthen it such as root canal treatment and a crown! In the worst case scenario, a toothache will result in having to remove your tooth permanently. Don’t wait, a small filling is better than a big one!

Can my baby’s teeth decay before they erupt (come through)?

No, thankfully as we have read earlier in this blog, tooth decay requires a tooth surface combined with sugar and bacteria/plaque in order for decay to start. Your baby’s un-erupted teeth are safe under the gums. This doesn’t mean you can’t give their mouths the best start by building good oral health habits.

See our blog post on Children’s Teeth here: http://www.gatewaydentalhealth.com.au/#!Australian-Children’s-Dental-Health-–-Keeping-young-teeth-healthy-for-life/fokvu/564966bb0cf2f51f323ccc51

Thanks for reading and if you have any more questions or blog topics you would like to hear about, please contact us at: contact@gatewaydentalhealth.com.au

Better yet, feel free to post on our wall, follow and LIKE us at www.facebook.com/gatewaydentalhealth

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our valued readers!

Best wishes for the holiday season,

Dr Richard Chee and the team @ Gateway Dental Health

So you’re thinking about getting your teeth whitened but you’re not sure whether you should have it done professionally or use products off the shelf. What’s the difference anyway?

Firstly, let’s start with how whitening works:

Whitening is when bleaching agents are placed onto the surfaces of the teeth and stains are withdrawn and removed from the outer layers. Surface staining, yellow or brown teeth are usually easier to whiten than grey, striped or spotted teeth. Long term staining by factors deep inside the tooth such as previous root canal treatment, tooth trauma, genetic or childhood factors may also be difficult to treat.

What kind of results can I expect?

Everyone’s teeth are different and therefore the degree of whitening varies from person to person and unfortunately can’t be predicted or guaranteed. It is important to note that pre-existing fillings and ceramic used in crowns and bridges will not be affected by the bleaching gels and will therefore not change colour.

The biggest difference between professional whitening and over-the-counter products:

The professional whitening gels that dentists are allowed to use are a much higher concentration to the products you can purchase over the counter from your chemist or supermarkets. The ADIA (Australian Dental Industry Association) limits over-the-counter whitening products to an equivalent strength of 6% Hydrogen Peroxide. Professional gels that the dentist can use are typically the equivalent of 37.5% Hydrogen Peroxide in strength.

When it comes to your dentist doing in-house whitening, the whitening gels are much stronger and therefore have the ability to draw out more staining then retail products. In saying that, there are some risks when it comes to whitening and that is why you should only proceed with whitening after consultation with your dentist.

What are the risks?

Regardless of the type of whitening process you under go, the process of whitening involves placing bleaching products into your mouth. This has the potential to irritate or even damage your teeth and gums if you have undiagnosed dental problems such as:

Periodontal (gum) disease;Chipped or broken teeth;Unfilled cavities or untreated toothache.

Tooth whitening is not recommended for:

Pregnant women who should have permission from their treating doctor;Children or teenagers under 18 years old;People with very minimal staining or discolouration as they may not see much benefit from the whitening process.

What do we offer?

At Gateway Dental Health we offer both professional in-chair whitening as well as custom-fit at home whitening trays and gels that can be used as initial treatment or as regular touch ups after the in-chair procedure.

We are currently having a special for in-office whitening with the Pola Office 37.5% Hydrogen Peroxide system for $599 (Normally $799) until the 31st of July, 2016.

Our custom fit home whitening trays includes both top and bottom arches and a 1-month supply of whitening gels for only $335!

For more information on improving your smile, visit http://www.gatewaydentalhealth.com.au/#!improve-your-smile/ccio

What’s next?

So after reading this if you are interested or have decided to go ahead with whitening, please call us to book a consultation. We always recommend a comprehensive examination along with a scale and clean, as whitening is safer and more effective on clean and healthy teeth.

If you have any questions please call one of our friendly staff on (07) 3493 0028 or email us at: contact@gatewaydentalhealth.com.au

Take care and we hope to see you soon!

At Gateway Dental Health we find that many people are unsure about how to take care of their children’s teeth. The basic principles of oral hygiene such as twice-a-day brushing and daily flossing applies to both adults and children alike, but there are unique factors to be aware of when caring for toddlers and young children’s teeth.

An often unknown but useful fact is that newborn babies have sterile mouths, meaning their mouths do not contain cavity-causing bacteria. Parents often pass bacteria from their own mouths to their children during mealtimes. It is not possible to keep a young mouth sterile forever, but parents can give their child’s teeth the best start by not cooling food in their own mouth before feeding the baby, and by limiting the sharing of meal time utensils such as forks and spoons.

There are many differing opinions on when children should first see a dentist, but at Gateway Dental Health we recommend 12 to 14 months of age to be an ideal time for a first visit. The first ‘milk’ teeth in children are usually the lower central incisors and can appear from anywhere between 6-12 months. Children, like adults, should continue to visit the dentist every 6 months as things can go wrong in a short amount of time.

We are more than happy for you to bring your child in for a ride on the chair or to simply get comfortable with our staff and the surroundings, especially if it is their first time. We want every child to have a healthy smile for life, and that starts with a fantastic first experience at the dentist.

Top tips for young teeth:

For babies:

As soon as the first teeth appear, start wiping your baby’s gums and teeth daily with a soft damp cloth or gauze, or ask us about our range of Jack n’ Jill Silicone Finger brushes!Do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk, as overnight the milk will act as sugar on your baby’s teeth. This applies to juice and cordial. Plain water before bed is always the best option.

For toddlers and young children between 2-5yo:

Avoid frequent sweet snacks. This includes drinks such as juice, cordial or soft drinks.Parents should begin teaching their children to brush by themselves around the age of four or five as it helps them to form good oral hygiene habits early. Every child is different, but we recommend supervising children brushing up until the age of six.Flossing is very important, even for children. From the age of six, food begins to get trapped in between the baby and adult teeth and can lead to hidden decay and cavities. There are several useful and inexpensive tools to help you and your kids floss. Ask us for some suggestions!Fluoride is an important tool in helping to fight decay. It helps to strengthen teeth in both adults and children. We recommend children using a pea-sized amount of toddler or children’s toothpaste until the age of six. Children’s toothpastes contain lower levels of fluoride and are specifically designed for young developing teeth.For toddlers who won’t open their mouth to let you brush, try handing them your toothbrush and get them brushing your teeth at the same time. You’ll have a distracted mouth to clean and it will show them that you are getting involved as well.Last but not least, be a good role model to your kids!

We hope you have found the information useful. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on (07) 3493 0028.

Take care and we hope to see you soon!

Warm regards,

Dr Richard Chee

Principal Dentist

Gateway Dental Health

For our very first official blog we would like to extend a warm welcome to you and say thank you for visiting our blog and our website. We believe that everyone deserves the best customer service and treatment possible, especially when it comes to your health. To do that we would like to take you on a photo tour of our practice, explain our beliefs and briefly talk about some of the ways we aim to be different!

Outside the practice:

Please note that our building ‘Gateway at Centrus’ is on the corner of Slobodian Avenue and Holmead Rd, as sometimes GPS might take you somewhere else!

Reserved parking for our patients:

Inside our practice:

We take infection control very seriously:

This is your chair:

Netflix while you have your work done!

Your comfort is a priority:

We have memory foam cushions for your neck and lower back!

Need a new toothbrush?

There is a complimentary new toothbrush and tube of Colgate Total for you after every hygiene (scale and clean) appointment!

Scared of the Dentist?

We know going to the dentist isn’t on the top of your list, but we believe that every visit should be as gentle as possible. We use numbing gel before all of our injections, and we are always happy to walk you through the procedures step by step. We also believe in giving our patients all of the time necessary so we can do the most thorough job possible and so that you never feel rushed.

Cost

No one likes a big shock when they receive their bill at the end of their appointment. We make it a point to always discuss the cost with you before going ahead with any major treatment. During our comprehensive examinations we will take all of the information gathered and put together a personalised treatment plan for you, sometimes with multiple options for you to go home and consider. Of course, we will always be on hand for you to discuss things and to answer any of your questions.

Comprehensive Examination

Why do we call our examinations comprehensive? It is because we believe that you deserve the most through and comprehensive health care possible. That is why all of our initial exams include:

Oral cancer screeningJaw joint examinationsTooth shade assessmentTooth chartingGum examination and gum disease diagnosisIntraoral photosTwo high definition x-rays (if necessary)Personalised treatment planning

We believe you should be able to have all of your dental questions answered, and leave your appointment educated and confident about your dental condition.

Our Comprehensive Examinations are $151.00 (includes two x-rays).

Call us for an appointment today on (07) 3493 0028. We look forward to meeting you!