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Useful Dental Resources & Links

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 03:13:52 GMT

We've handpicked some valuable websites that will help with your dental health.

Oral Care Recycling Programme · TerraCycle

Oral Care Recycling Programme Recycle oral care products and packaging through this programme.

New Zealand Dental Association

The NZ Dental Association is the professional association for NZ dentists. It also provides useful information and advice for consumers.

Sensodyne

A lot of useful information about tooth sensitivity and how it can be treated or minimised.

C olgate

A website with information about bad breath, gum disease etc. Click on "popular oral health topics".

Oral B

A website marketing the oral B brand that also has a lot of useful information for consumers. Click on "Dental Health Topics".

New Zealand Society of Periodontology

Website with information about gum disease (periodontal disease), how it is treated, and the specialists that we may need to refer you to for treatment.

New Zealand Society of Endodontics

Website with information about root canal treatments, why they are needed, and the specialists we may need to refer you to for treatment.

Sweet Friends – Sweetens and Protects

The best xylitol products from the US for you. An extensive range which includes toothpaste, mouth wash, dental floss, dry mouth products, gum, mints, candies, soft caramels and lollipops for kids and adults.

First Aid For Knocked-Out Teeth

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 01:01:18 GMT

Accidents can lead to the unexpected situation of a completely knocked-out tooth. The good news is that many teeth can be successfully replaced if prompt action is taken.

Here are some essential first aid steps to maximise the chances of saving the tooth.

For knocked-out adult teeth

Handle with care: hold the tooth by its crown, avoiding contact with the roots.
Clean gently: ensure the root is free of dirt; if needed, rinse briefly under clean water.
Reposition the tooth: gently push the tooth back into its socket.
Stabilise: hold the tooth in place by biting gently on a cloth.
Professional attention: seek dental care promptly.

If the tooth cannot be reinserted

Preserve in milk: Store the tooth in milk until it can be replanted by the dentist.
Alternative storage: if milk is unavailable, tuck the tooth under the lip of the injured person, ensuring they don't swallow it accidentally.
Urgent dental visit: See your dentist at the earliest opportunity.

Do not:

Scrub the root of the knocked-out tooth.
Wrap the tooth in a dry tissue.

For knocked-out baby teeth

Do not attempt to put the baby tooth back in its socket to prevent potential harm to the developing adult tooth beneath.
Seek advice and treatment from your dentist or your child’s dental therapist.

Remember, swift and careful actions can make a significant difference in preserving a knocked-out tooth.

Emergency dental care

At Eden Dental Centre, we are open five days a week and offer emergency dental care for knocked-out teeth and other acute dental issues. If, on the odd occasion we can’t see you, we will work to find an alternative provider for you. Please call us and schedule an appointment immediately.

Painless Numbing: How We Do Dental Anaesthesia

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:21:52 GMT

Here at Eden Dental Centre we pride ourselves on our gentle hands. While the words “painless numbing” may sound like a contradiction we do have a few tips and tricks up our sleeve to ease you through the oral aesthetic process.

Whilst we can’t always claim for it to be completely painless, the things we do that I’ve listed below go a long way to minimising the discomfort. There’s nothing worse than a badly applied local to put you off dental treatment.

Five ways we minimise the discomfort:

Firstly, we always use a topical numbing paste at the injection site and allow time for this to work. This takes about a minute. The paste can taste a bit funny and sometimes a little gets on your tongue which can be a bit weird but the taste can be rinsed away as soon as the local has been given and the surface numbness quickly wears off from the tongue.
Secondly, our local anaesthetic is warmed to body temperature before being used. We have a “special” local warmer to do this (it’s actually a baby bottle warmer) and each of our three treatment rooms has one. This helps to remove the sting from something cold being injected into your body.
The third helpful trick we employ is to inject slowly. This definitely makes a BIG difference and avoids disturbing the surrounding tissues from the pressure of fluid being introduced.
Where we can, you will notice we jiggle your lip or cheek close to the site of the injection. There is a method in our madness: this is a distraction technique which is well documented as something which helps ease you through the process by distracting you from what we are doing.
And last but not least, we will always wait to ensure you are fully numb before starting treatment .

If you would like to know more about our practices at Eden Dental Centre, read more about us or get in contact .

Two Proven Methods for Safe & Effective Tooth Whitening

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 20:30:27 GMT

Tooth whitening remains a simple and effective way to whiten your natural teeth! It does not matter if they are stained from tea, coffee, diet, smoking, or naturally have become yellow over time.

Two whitening options

At Eden Dental Centre, we use safe and effective bleaching methods to whiten teeth and give you a brighter smile. There are two options: In-surgery whitening or whitening at home with a take-home kit and bleach trays. Both are proven to give desired results.

Firstly, we may also need to check your teeth if you haven’t had an examination in the last six months. Come in for a consult with one of our dentists or oral health therapists, they can assess the colour of your teeth and compare them with our shade guide.

Based on your needs and preferences, treatment can be quoted on the spot. In surgery tooth whitening usually consists of BOOST Opalescence whitening gel and takes up to 90 mins.

Take home whitening kits can be Colgate or Opalescence and will take up to two weeks of daily whitening for 30 minutes a day.

Before & after example

Below we can see before and after Laserbrite 1 hour Tooth Whitening to create an instant healthier and brighter smile. This work was carried out by Lisa Wadsworth.

FAQs

Commonly asked questions are:

Will it hurt? Generally, no, but some patients can experience sensitivity which can last from one minute to a day, and sensitive toothpaste is always given as a precaution to use afterwards. Tooth mousse can also be used to manage sensitivity.

How long does it last? Results can vary, but most studies have shown from 9-12 months, depending on individuals’ diets, home care regimes and visits to the dentist.

Can I smoke and drink afterwards? Not straight away, we advise patients not to drink or eat anything which may stain for the first 48 hours after in-surgery whitening and an hour post home whitening - this is to get best results.

Can it be done as a one-off? Absolutely, if you are needing to brighten your teeth for an event or occasion, tooth whitening is a cost-effective and easy way to lighten your teeth.

How often can it be done? It can be done as regularly as a patients like. Usually patients review after 12 months and may come back for a top-up treatment or take-home kits.

Will it lighten my fillings or caps? No, tooth whitening only works on the enamel.

Learn more

We are licensed professionals trained to whiten teeth, and we would love to cater to your tooth whitening needs now or in future. Get in touch with us to learn more.

Healthy Mouth = Healthy Body

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:48:53 GMT

We all know we should be looking after our teeth and gums, but you will probably be surprised to know that by doing this you are not only improving your oral health but the health of your whole body. There is growing scientific research that suggests that a healthy mouth can reduce the risk of serious diseases and even help to preserve your memory in the golden years. In fact, you can now no longer look at gum disease and tooth decay as a minor problem. If you want to be truly healthy a good place to start is with good oral health.

Keep in mind these six ways healthy teeth and gums can support your overall body health.

Potentially lower the risk of heart disease

While the connection between gum disease and heart disease is not fully understood there are numerous studies that suggest a link between chronic inflammation from gum disease and the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke.

Reduce the risk of infection and inflammation

Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control, therefore stopping harmful bacteria from entering the body. Poor oral health has been linked to the development of infections in other parts of the body, including respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, and endocarditis – an infection of the lining of the heart chambers or valves.

Additionally, research has found an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Experts say that the mechanism of the destruction of connective tissues in both gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis is similar.

Reduce complications in pregnancy

Gingivitis, a non-destructive disease that causes inflammation of the gums, is sometimes experienced by women during pregnancy. Research suggests links between gum disease and premature birth and low birth weight.

Not all studies have found a solid link, but maintaining good oral health is still the best goal. If you're pregnant, visit your dentist or periodontist as part of your prenatal care. Consider it good practice for the role modelling that lies ahead for all new parents.

Preserve your memory

According to a report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, adults with gingivitis were more likely to perform poorly in two memory tests; delayed verbal recall and subtraction, than those with healthier gums.

Regular brushing twice daily for 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste along with 1 x daily flossing of all teeth goes a long way to help control the bacteria in the mouth that cause gum disease. Regular visits to your dentist and oral health therapist are also important. We advise that what you do at home with your homecare, if done well is 80% of the prevention programme and what we do is 20%.

Help you manage diabetes

If you have diabetes you are more likely to develop severe gum problems than someone without diabetes. And having diabetes can make you less able to fight off infection, including gum infections that lead to gum disease. Research also shows that people with gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. By practising good oral hygiene and attending appointments with your dental health professional regularly you can reduce the risk of gingivitis and thereby help to control your diabetes.

Boost self-confidence

Last, but not least, decaying teeth and gum disease not only look unsightly but can also cause very bad breath, affecting your confidence and self-esteem. Aching teeth and mouth infections can also affect your sleep, eating and concentration.

Be a role model

Finally, remember that you're a role model for your kids; it's never too early to start teaching your children to take care of their teeth and gums. Here’s how: tips for achieving exceptionally healthy teeth .

If you have any concerns contact your dentist now to make an appointment.

5 Tips for Exceptionally Healthy Teeth

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 22:25:26 GMT

Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care with good daily habits - it’s no secret that you should brush your teeth twice a day to maintain a healthy smile. But it’s also regular check ups with dental professionals, using the right oral care products and avoiding certain food, drinks and smoking that consolidate your oral health.

Here are the five essentials of maintaining a healthy smile and preventing gum disease and other serious oral health conditions.

1. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

Everyone knows this, right? But there’s a right way to brush your teeth. Here’s what you should do twice a day:

Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a leading defence against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
Use small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes.
Brush carefully and gently along your gum line.
Lightly brush your tongue to help keep your mouth clean.
Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth! After a long day, it can be tempting to jump into bed without undertaking this daily ritual BUT remember brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.

2. Floss once a day

Flossing is not just for getting those little pieces of food that may be getting stuck in between your teeth, it’s also a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation. Here’s out to floss correctly:

Floss once a day before cleaning your teeth
Clean around your teeth with dental floss. Careful flossing removes plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush can't reach.
Rinse after you floss.

3. Eat a well-balanced diet

Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods, whole grains provides essential nutrients for optimum oral health as well as overall health; while avoiding sugary treats and drinks will minimise the opportunity for acid to attack your teeth.

If you do snack or indulge in a sugary treat, it’s not the end of the world but ideally you should rinse your mouth with water, or eat a piece of cheese afterwards to neutralise the acid.

4. Quit smoking or, more importantly, don’t start!

The negative effects of smoking on your oral health go beyond staining and bad breath. Smoking also increases your risk for gum disease, infections and oral cancer.

Chemicals in tobacco products affect saliva flow in the mouth, making it easier for oral bacteria to stick to teeth and gums leading to more plaque and tartar.

Smoking also interferes with blood circulation by affecting the normal function of gum tissue, causing infections and restricting blood flow.

And importantly, smokers are six times more likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer than non-smokers!

5. Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly

The main goal of your dental check up is prevention of dental issues. Your dentist identifies potential problems with your dental health and nips them in the bud before they become bigger issues.

The goal of dental cleaning with an oral health therapist, or hygienist, is also prevention of dental issues. Cleaning removes dental plaque. If dental plaque is left untreated, the bacteria contained in the plaque can spread and develop into biofilm which, in turn, can lead to gum disease and compromise your immune defences.

Find out more about dental cleaning at Eden Dental

Ready to make a change?

Here at Eden Dental we believe that good dental health starts with prevention. This starts at home with good daily oral hygiene habits, backed up by regular check ups at the dentist and hygienist. So if you’re ready to improve your dental habits, get brushing, flossing, eating healthily and make that dental appointment !

AIRFLOW® Dental Cleaning Technology Comes to Eden Dental

Sun, 09 Jun 2019 23:11:32 GMT

The team at Eden Dental Centre is excited to introduce our brand new technology that will make your smile even brighter and your dental cleaning experience more relaxing!

Eden Dental has installed the AIRFLOW® system from the Swiss manufacturer Electro Medical Systems (EMS), a revolutionary, non-contact form of dental cleaning, maintenance and prevention. This means you can benefit from stain-free, clean teeth with less discomfort.

What is EMS AIRFLOW®?

The EMS AIRFLOW® system works by projecting a controlled stream of air, warm water and very fine powder onto the tooth and in hard-to-reach areas, to dislodge and remove food particles, plaque, discolouration and stains.

Traditional methods of teeth cleaning are often messy, uncomfortable, time consuming and can leave you with a ‘not so clean’ taste in your mouth. But AIRFLOW’s high pressure water/air stream cleans your teeth much faster, efficiently and comfortably than the use of traditional pastes.

Think of the AIRFLOW as gentle exfoliation for your teeth!

If dental plaque is left untreated, the bacteria contained in the plaque can spread and develop into biofilm which, in turn, can lead to gum disease and compromise your immune defences. There are more than 200 million bacteria per 1mm of plaque - that’s a lot of potential for disease and dental problems!

The AIRFLOW cleaning process

The cleaning process with the AIRFLOW system starts with the dentist placing coloured dye on your teeth to reveal plaque and biofilm. This is a great way to see the areas in your mouth that you need to spend more time cleaning at home!

Next, the dentist uses the AIRFLOW to remove the plaque build-up. This is a big step in preventing and treating gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontitis.

If you have hard calculus, we may also need to use another cleaning system on your teeth. However, the use of AIRFLOW beforehand minimises the amount of extra cleaning needed.

As well as removing stains on your teeth, AIRFLOW can be used for cleaning orthodontic braces, dentures and dental implants.

Are you ready?

So, are you ready to give your teeth the best clean they’ve ever had? Book an appointment with our Oral Health Therapist now.

The Funny Dentist Talks About Child Dental Health

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 22:34:25 GMT

The words ‘funny’ and ‘dentist’ aren’t often seen together but here’s someone that may just turn that around! His name is Sam Smith and he is a fully qualified dentist who is also a comedian. Seriously, Sam Smith is a funny dentist! He now works full-time as a writer on TV shows Jono and Ben and 7 Days.

Sam recently had a chat to Emily Writes from The Spinoff where she drilled him (haha!) about kids’ oral health and how parents can help support good dental habits with their children. Read the full interview at The Spinoff, or read a few of the best bits below.

Proper brushing

Emily: Is it OK if your toddler just walks around the house chewing on a tooth brush with tooth paste on it? Is that brushing? Or do I have to actually brush them and have my toddler scream at me like I’m murdering him?

Sam: I wish that counted, but I’m sorry it doesn’t. It’s the actual movement of the brush that removes the plaque so I’m afraid you have to get in there and brush away. I have an 18-month-old son and we’ve got him to get used to the feel of brushing by getting him a kids’ electric toothbrush. It’s awesome, it’s got the Ninja Turtles on it. He was scared of the buzzing at first, but when he saw his mum and I brushing our teeth he wanted to copy. So try that!

The fluoride debate

Is fluoride a secret tool of the government designed to turn us into sheeple?

Fluoride is a safe, cheap and effective way of strengthening teeth for people of all walks of life. If it is a way of controlling our minds then it doesn’t work very well because people hate on the government all day every day.

Why do people believe that fluoride is evil?

It was a plotline in the movie Doctor Strangelove that people latched onto! There have been no studies, literally zero, that show any major health issues with toothpaste or water when fluoridated to appropriate levels. I think the people who believe that think they’ve uncovered some sort of secret global conspiracy, much like the other idiots who are against vaccines and other proven science. They are fools who should be sent to Mars to stop scaring other people. Kids’ toothpaste vs adults’ toothpaste

Kids’ toothpaste vs adults’ toothpaste

Do I need to use child toothpaste for my kids or can they just have the same toothpaste that’s on special at the supermarket that I use?

There’s a bit of confusion about this, so here it is once and for all: Adults fill the length of your toothbrush. Kids older than six years have a pea-sized amount. Kids under six, just a thin smear. I dab my son’s toothbrush in the toothpaste just once and that’s enough. The reason we give kids less toothpaste is because they are more prone to swallowing it. Swallowing toothpaste is fine, but it can cause little white flecks on the growing teeth. The flecks don’t do anything, it’s just a minor cosmetic thing that can be easily avoided. Rather than explaining that to kids it’s just much easier to say “Don’t eat toothpaste, kids!”

Do they have to have a child brush? And are electric toothbrushes better? And if they are – do you have a way to convince my child that electric tooth brushes aren’t evil?

Children’s brushes are great. They make them to fit their sized hands. Electric toothbrushes have been proven to be more effective, and are super easy ONCE you get past that initial fear of the noise and buzzing. Keep letting them touch it while it’s on so they get used to the sensation.

More information

You can read the full article here , it’s really funny and packed with lots more great information.

If you have any questions about how to maintain your child’s dental health (or your own for that matter), please get in touch . We can't promise we're as funny as Sam, but we aim to have you smiling!