FAQs

Bowral Street Dental Practice

How often should I floss?

The Australian Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to help remove plaque from the area between your teeth where your brush can’t reach. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus, leading to further plaque build up and gum disease.

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual brushes?

If a manual toothbrush is used for the appropriate amount of time, and done with proper technique, it can perform just as well as a powered toothbrush. However, many people don’t brush for the recommended two to three minutes, and children in particular are good candidates for powered brushes as their brushing habits tend to be less than optimal. While everyone certainly does not need an electric toothbrush, in many instances they can be beneficial. Ask us if you have any questions about which brush is best for you.

My child’s baby teeth have cavities. Should they be filled?

If baby teeth become diseased or decayed it can lead to pain and infection. Untreated cavities also increase the amount of decay causing bacteria in the mouth. As permanent teeth erupt, they are at increased risk of developing cavities because of the higher bacteria count. Baby teeth also hold space in the mouth for the erupting permanent teeth. If the baby teeth become decayed or are taken out too early, the permanent teeth often become crowded and will likely need braces to straighten in the future.

What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out in an accident?

When an accident or any trauma dislodges a tooth, it’s important locate the tooth, or teeth if you can, and determine whether the tooth broke or the entire tooth and root came out in one piece. Gather together the pieces you’ve found, and with warm water gently rinse off obvious dirt or debris, avoiding touching the root as much as possible. You should then place the tooth in milk or in some of the person’s own saliva and visit the dentist as soon as possible.

What causes teeth to decay?

Tooth decay, also known as a cavity, occurs when bacteria living in your mouth make acid that begins to eat away at your teeth. Untreated tooth decay can cause infection, extreme pain and the loss of the tooth. The decay process begins with unnoticeable damage to the enamel of your teeth and then steadily progresses to deeper layers of the tooth, eventually leading to the pulp. The pulp of your teeth contains highly-sensitive blood vessels and nerves.

Proper oral hygiene can reduce decay significantly, and includes brushing your teeth regularly, flossing regularly and brushing your tongue. If possible, brush your teeth twice a day – morning and night.

The top causes of tooth decay include: Poor Oral Hygiene, Improper Nutrition, Sugary Foods, Acidic Foods and Drinks, Dry Mouth Issues, Tooth Grinding, Genetics, Age and Avoiding the Dentist.