We are so lucky to have access to reliable clean water here in Australia. We are already paying for an unlimited water supply (about 1c per litre) so why spend on average $2.53 per litre for bottled water. The Australian Dental Association recommends tap water as the primary choice of drink for everyone. Not only is it the most hydrating drink, it is free of sugar and where fluoridated, reduces the risk of tooth decay. Don’t turn your back on the benefits of tap water and think about our environment too. Only a small proportion of recyclable plastic water bottles actually make it to the recycle bin.
Why is fluoride good for your teeth?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral – the 13th most common element in the earth. It has been used in the prevention of dental decay for over 60 years. Fluoride makes the outer surface of the teeth (enamel) resistant to decay.
Bacteria in the mouth feed on what we eat and produce acids resulting in mineral loss and weakening of the tooth enamel. Fluoride replaces the lost minerals, repairing the enamel and strengthening the teeth. We recommend the use of a fluoride toothpaste and encouraging your children to drink plenty of tap water (which, in Brisbane, contains fluoride).
Dr Elaine runs Angkor Wat half marathon before volunteering
On the 3rd December Dr Elaine ran the Angkor Wat Half Marathon. She had enough energy left in the tank to volunteer at M’Lop Tapang for the rest of the week. She was joined by Richmond Road dental assistants Chen and Helen. Many thanks to Henry Schein Halas for supplying consumables and equipment for this trip.
Seniors Oral Health Care
Taking care of your oral health is important at all stages of life but as we age we can be more at risk of various dental problems. Your dental health can have an effect on your overall health. This brochure highlights common problems and oral health care tips. Active_Seniors_Brochure
Effects of smoking on our teeth and mouth.
We all know that smoking is bad for us but did you know how it affects our teeth and mouth? A recent World Health Organisation study revealed:
Tobacco use, including tobacco smoking and smokeless tobacco use, increases the risk for oral cancer by five to six times.
Smoking increases the risk for gum disease by two times.
Exposure to second-hand smoke has a one-and-a-half to twofold higher risk of causing dental decay.
Smoking increases the risk of tooth loss by one-and-a-half times.
If you are a smoker it is extremely important to see your dentist regularly. Perhaps you are keen to give up? Call us today.
Emergency Appointments
If you have knocked out a tooth, have a toothache, lost a filling, broken a tooth or denture we understand that you will need to be seen as soon as possible. That’s why we reserve appointments throughout the day for emergency care. Call today! If you have knocked a tooth out it is critical to get to a dentist within 30 minutes for successful re-implantation. Follow this link for more information: First Aid for a Damaged or Knocked Out Tooth ADA Fact Sheet
Dr Jane and Seonmi Volunteer
Dr Jane, Dr Petrina and Seonmi spent last week volunteering in the M’Lop Tapang dental clinic. Thank you to Mario from Dentsply and Thea from Henry Schein Halas for their generous donations which enable us to provide much needed dental care to the underprivileged children in Sihanoukville.
Women’s Health Week
Last week was Women’s Health Week which reminded us that the two biggest barriers for women not maintaining a healthy lifestyle is ‘lack of time’ and ‘health not being a priority’. Ladies it is time to put ourselves first, even if it’s just for one week, and start making positive changes that can last a lifetime. Read our downloadable information brochure for dental oral health issues that women face including sensitive, swollen and bleeding gums during pregnancy and menopause – Women’s Oral Health
