You recycle whatever you can. You contribute to the circular economy. And you make conscious decisions about where you shop and what you buy. 

But have you ever wondered how sustainable your dental treatment is? 

If you’re broadly eco-minded, then you might be interested to know a little more about sustainable dentistry and what you can do to make dental treatment more eco-friendly. 

In this article you’ll find out:

• the impact the healthcare industry has on the planet 
• which dental treatments cough out the most carbon 
• what green and sustainable dentistry means and why change is coming
• the practical steps dentists and patients can take to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

Let’s start with a known truth and an uncomfortable side-effect.

Healthcare makes the planet unhealthy 

The healthcare industry exists to help, protect and heal people. Achieving that aim comes with a cost: the health of the planet.  

Data suggests that the global healthcare industry generates between 4.4% and 5.2% of the world’s CO₂ emissions. That’s high. Particularly when the aviation industry—often thought to be the worst culprit for carbon emissions—churns out between 2% and 5%. 

Healthcare evolution and innovation, the necessity of single-use items, stringent hygiene rules, and essential biohazard safety regulations create an unavoidable and sizable carbon footprint. Dentistry makes a significant contribution to that footprint. 

Dentistry’s main carbon emitting culprits 

Modern dentistry has progressed rapidly in the last 70 years. Our knowledge about caring for the mouth and the role oral health plays in overall health has exploded. But our industry’s uptake of new dental care practices and technologies has been slow. Particularly when you compare it to the much larger, speedier progression of hospital healthcare. 

Some dental practices are still using methods and instruments that are no longer efficient. (Although in some cases, the older, inefficient dentistry methods are the only option.) So what are the main carbon emitting culprits in dentistry? And how are they contributing to the climate crisis?

Single-use plastics

Gloves, packaging, patient bibs, syringes, plastic cups and single-use instruments—these are just some of the plastic items that a dental practice uses and discards every day. 

One study found that an average of 21 plastic waste items are used for every procedure. And when you think a dentist or OHT may see 8-14 patients per day, that adds up.

Unfortunately (annoyingly), a lot of these plastic items can’t be recycled. Or if there is a scheme to recycle them, it can be difficult to access or expensive. This puts practices off. 

Adelaide-based dentist Dr Jasper Lee is focused on promoting greener dentistry. He’s just one practitioner pushing the industry to catch up with larger, more efficient and sustainable hospital healthcare processes. But during his research to find solutions, Dr Lee told Bite Magazine, “I’ve sent some dental plastics for testing and, unfortunately, they aren’t recyclable with the current soft plastics set-ups.” And so single-use item recycling continues to be an issue.

Travel emissions and treatment time ratios

Travel is responsible for approximately 65% of carbon emissions from dentistry. Staff travel to work, patients travel to their appointments. 

Simple appointments like a scale and clean may only take 5-10 minutes, and the treatment emissions are low, which is good. Conversely, the journey emissions for the patient to attend that appointment are high. 

Poor stock management and waste disposal options

Overordering items with an expiry date leads to these instruments and products ending up in landfill or being incinerated. When it comes to disposing of this waste, limits on practice size and resources may leave them with few options. Straight to landfill or burning are the simplest (and fastest) solutions. 

Slow uptake of modern equipment

Most modern dentistry equipment is built for efficiency and patient comfort, but the cost and size of these items are prohibitive for some practices. These barriers slow the uptake of technology and so practices continue to use processes that are resource and energy-heavy. 

The evolution of dentistry technology presents another challenge. Updated instruments and new technology mean older items need to be safely disposed of, which can be difficult and costly.  

Energy and water consumption

From lights to chairs, treatment instruments to computers, a dental practice uses a lot of energy. To give you an idea of how much, our own practice uses 4,000-6,000 kw per month.  

We also consume hundreds of gallons of water daily to help with sterilisation, in-chair treatments and the milling of tooth prosthetics. 

The energy and water consumption of AI assisted dentistry only increases those figures. AI dentistry is undoubtedly the future. But striking a balance between how those tools are used and the frequency with which they’re used must be balanced with environmental impact. 

Treatments also turn up the heat

Every dental treatment emits carbon. But some contribute more CO₂ than others. 

The Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) World Dental Federation looked into the carbon footprint of common dental treatments. 

For each of the following procedures, they found:

• the use of relative analgesia (laughing gas) produces 119 kg of CO₂
• denture treatment produces 58-71 kg of carbon 
• the completion of crown treatment creates 35-44 kg of greenhouse gas
• root canal treatment results in 23 kg of carbon. 

[source]

To put these emissions in perspective, a 1 hour 15 minute flight (roughly Rockhampton to Brisbane) produces just 40 kg of CO₂. 

Personally, you may only ever have these treatments once or a handful of times. Individually, they seem quite small. But globally, these procedures happen thousands of times a day, creating a significant footprint. 

Change starts from inside 

We know that dentistry is a carbon contributor. The oral healthcare industry is responding to this uncomfortable reality by making a transformative shift towards sustainable dentistry. The move is so seismic, that sustainable dentistry is even being touted as a top dentistry trend for 2026.

Driven by respected and innovative individuals and organisations, dentistry is finding ways to help avert the climate crisis, reduce the carbon footprint and present patients with the option to seek treatment from a dentist whose environmental values match their own. 

Positive promotion and support 

To help dentists and their practices become greener, the FDI World Dental Federation have created (what they call) the Massive Open Online Course, on Sustainability in Dentistry Project. It includes information for patients and professionals about eco-friendly dentistry, as well as challenges that practices can complete to earn their green credentials. 

Here in Australia, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) launched its own sustainable dentistry resource to support practitioners. Accessible to ADA members only, it has six modules covering where the Australian dental industry currently sits in terms of sustainability and practical steps to improve things. 

Finally, there are green loan initiatives aimed directly at the healthcare sector. Perhaps you know from your experience of going green how costly the initial outlay for solar panels or an electric vehicle can be. These loan initiatives can make a big difference for small, rural practices as well as larger dental hospitals keen to make changes.

Active changes towards an eco-friendlier industry 

Dentistry has the potential to be more sustainable. So what can individual practices actually do to realise this potential?  And, more importantly, how does it affect patients? 

Australian dental practices are being encouraged to embrace the following changes. And yep, some of these greener processes directly impact patients. (But in a positive way.)

Going digital

Digitising some patient care processes and treatments is an easy way to reduce emissions and waste. 

Practices that go digital use: 

• electronic forms and billing to reduce paper waste 
• digital oral scanners that take accurate images of the mouth 
• digital x-rays that can be viewed on a screen, rather than using photographic film 
• cloud-based storage for administration files and patient records rather than physical files 

Reducing single-use plastics

Maintaining sterilisation standards is one of the biggest challenges to reducing the use of single-use plastics in dental care. But steps practices are being encouraged to take include:

• offering patients compostable rinse cups instead of plastic ones
• wiping down treatment room benches and other surfaces between patients, rather than using plastic wrap
• using reusable stainless-steel equipment such as large tips for suction devices and local anesthetic syringes that can be sterilised 
• either selling or informing patients about eco-friendly dental products, such as bamboo toothbrushes and compostable floss picks. 

Doing more on-site

CAD/CAM technology and 3D printers give practices greater flexibility to complete treatments on site. This reduces their carbon footprint by cutting down vehicle emissions from transporting work off-site.

[Image suggestion: Will request an image of the 3D printer at Keppel to place here – or we could embed the short video recently used on FB of their lab tech creating a crown/implant]

Adhering to amalgam best practices and waste management

Dental amalgam contains mercury. From 2024 any dental practice using amalgam for restorative dental treatment (namely fillings) must install chair-side traps and amalgam separators to stop mercury from entering and contaminating the environment. 

While many modern practises are phasing out the use of amalgam in favour of more environmentally-friendly and body-friendly options such as composite fillings, practices that still use amalgam agree to:

• avoid using it for fillings in children or pregnant women
• only use it in a pre-dosed encapsulated form
• ensure any amalgam waste is collected by an Environmental Protection Agency licensed operator
• install amalgam separators in their practice to prevent mercury from entering public water or soil supplies. 

Improved recycling options

Practices are encouraged to adopt as many recycling programs as they can. These range from having the correct bins in the staff break room, to joining specialist recycling programs for non-biohazard medical waste and items. TerraCycle and Sims Metal are examples of recycling organisations that can handle separating and sorting healthcare items such as gloves, masks, dental product packaging, disposable clothing and some oral healthcare instruments. 

Supporting sustainable suppliers

By speaking with individual suppliers, practice owners can better understand where their products come from and how they’re made—everything from paper for the office to medical supplies such as gloves and dental implants. Increasing supply chain awareness helps practice managers and owners make informed decisions. And hopefully uncovers options to choose local suppliers or those that offer eco-friendly disposal of their products. 

How patients can help 

Integrating green and sustainable methods into the everyday running of a practice undoubtedly starts with the people who work there. But there is one other action Australian dentists are being encouraged to take to help lower emissions. And that’s increased patient education.

Because the best form of green dentistry is prevention. And both the FDI and the ADA acknowledge this. 

If tackling the global climate crisis involves everyone pulling together, from a dentistry perspective, supporting patients to adopt better at-home oral health helps everyone play their part. 

When you take care of your teeth, you may not need to see your dentist as often. And when you do see them for your check up, you’ll be less likely to need carbon-emitting treatments. 

There are four ways you can help make the oral healthcare industry more sustainable. 

1. Keeping up a good oral hygiene routine and healthy lifestyle—minimising the need for resource-heavy treatment
2. Recycling or reusing oral hygiene products to keep them out of landfill (an old toothbrush for cleaning, a toothpaste tube for kids’ imagination play or crafting)
3. If available and practical, arranging teledental calls rather than in-person appointments, decreasing the amount of practice cleaning and travel emissions
4. Walk, cycle, scoot or use public transport to get to your dental appointment, rather than taking the car. 

[Infographic #2 – Positive patient actions to support eco-dentistry]

Keppel Dental’s steps towards sustainable dentistry

As a Central Queensland practice operating at the southern point of the Great Barrier Reef, we’re aware of climate change and its effects on our immediate surroundings and environment. Here are the six principal changes the Keppel Dental team is making to support our entire industry’s shift towards greener dentistry.

1. Paperless processes. Unless specifically requested, all our patient forms and correspondence is completed electronically, reducing the amount of paper we use.
2. Digital dentistry. Using intraoral scanners, AI modelling and CAD/CAM technology we’ve removed much of the need to use materials to create physical models. 
3. Greener travel. Staff who need to drive to work are encouraged to ride share and some have invested in electric vehicles to make the short journey.
4. 3D printing. Crowns, implants, bridges and dentures can be made on-site using our 3D printer, so we no longer need to have items transported to us.
5. Reusable treatment tools. Our dedicated sterilisation room means we have a fully-equipped area to ensure all our stainless steel treatment tools and reusable tools can be safely cleaned, minimising the amount of single-use waste we produce.  
6. More recycle bins. Moving  to Cliff Street gave us the luxury of more space, including greater space for more recycling options.

Finding an eco-friendly dentist

The shift towards sustainable dentistry is a global, industry-wide movement. While there are some amazing resources available to help a dental practice become greener, location, budget, space, patient and staff safety and industry guidelines make it easier for some dentists to adopt eco-friendly practices than others. 

Finding a dentist who shares your views on sustainability would be ideal. But if that’s not an option, then there are steps you can take to help. Maintaining a good at-home oral health routine can mean seeing your dentist less and minimising the chances of needing treatment.  

When you’re ready to know more, you may find these articles helpful. 

The best foods for healthy teeth and gums

6 surprising facts about teeth and aging

Get into a routine of brushing your teeth

Clear aligner treatment sounds very simple. You have some scans, get some trays, wear the trays, and by the time you’ve finished wearing the last tray your teeth are straight. 

But if it’s really that simple, how come you’ve still got lots of clear aligner care questions whirring around your mind? 

Whether you already wear your trays and want a sanity check, or are thinking of getting them but want more information, Keppel Dental can help.

We’ve answered 8 of the most Googled questions about clear aligners and how to care for them. Jump to the question you most want answered, or take a leisurely scroll through each one to improve your clear aligner knowledge. 

1. How long do I need to wear my clear aligners?
2. Should I leave my clear aligners in when I eat? 
3. Is it still OK to drink coffee and fruit juice? 
4. What about drinking water?
5. Should I take it out when smoking or vaping?
6. Where should I put my aligner when I take it out?
7. Can I wash my clear aligner tray with soap?
8. Can I kiss while wearing clear aligners?

How long do I need to wear my clear aligners?

Using scans of your mouth and (possibly) AI generation tools, your dentist will work out how long your treatment should last. Factors that influence how long treatment will be include:

• your age
• the health of your mouth
• the severity of whatever the aligners need to correct.

The shortest time someone will need clear aligners is around 6 months. But treatment can last up to 24 months. 

During your treatment, you should wear your aligners at least 22 hours every day. This is the best way to keep your treatment timeline on track. It may even shorten the overall treatment time (if you’re lucky).

But let’s face it: wearing them for 22 hours every single day won’t always be possible. We’re all human (even we dentists). And we understand there will be days when you don’t wear your aligners for the full 22 hours. 

Days when you don’t hit the magic 22-hour mark

You might be out for a three-hour lunch with friends, on the team sheet for that week’s match (plus training sessions). Or you may simply forget to put it back in for a few hours. Whatever the reason, if you have a day when you don’t wear your aligner for the full 22 hours, it’s not a disaster. Just make it the exception rather than the rule. 

Speaking of long lunches…

Should I leave my clear aligners in when I eat? 

Always remove your clear aligner tray before eating. Why? Because when you eat with your tray in, you risk food getting wedged between the aligner and your teeth and gums. Besides looking gross and discolouring your tray, it will also be quite uncomfortable. You may have food rubbing against your teeth and gums, which could irritate them. And in a worst-case scenario, it could damage your teeth. (Trapped food erodes enamel and contributes to the build-up of plaque.)  

If you’re rolling your eyes at the thought of taking your tray out every time you want a snack, look at it this way. With removable braces nothing is off the menu, which is more than you can say about fixed braces. With those, you need to avoid some hard or sticky foods for the entire treatment. 

So eat what you like. Just take your tray out first, and give your teeth a quick rinse or clean before you pop it back in.

Is it still OK to drink coffee and fruit juice? 

Yes, you can drink both of these during your treatment. But as with food, take your aligner out before necking your morning coffee or slurping your refreshing juice. 

Why you should remove your tray before drinking coffee

Tea and coffee can stain the tray. But it’s not just discolouration you’re avoiding. Hot drinks (or any hot liquid) can warp the tray, which means it may no longer fit the way it should. And if that happens, it may not move your teeth as planned.

Why you need to remove your tray before drinking juice 

Juices, smoothies and milkshakes all contain a lot of sugar (and sometimes acids). Taking the tray out first reduces the risk of trapping those sugars and acids against the teeth and gums, which can lead to enamel erosion and tooth decay. 

What about drinking water?

Whether it’s iced, tepid or lightly carbonated (without any flavourings), it’s fine to leave your aligner in when drinking water. 

Should I take it out when smoking or vaping?

Yes, you should take your aligner out before smoking or vaping with an e-cigarette. 

As you probably know, the chemicals and carcinogens in these products can discolour your teeth. And they’ll do the same to your clear aligners, making them… well, less clear and more noticeable. (Which kind of defeats the purpose of having invisible braces.)

Before starting treatment, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend that you quit smoking or vaping. And not just for aesthetic reasons. As with hot drinks, the heat cigarettes and e-cigarettes generate can warp the trays. And again, if that happens, your teeth may not move the way we expect. 

Wonky trays will slow down the process, which means you’ll have to wear more trays for longer. But there’s also evidence that smoking prolongs treatment no matter what state your aligners are in. 

Smoking can prolong orthodontic treatment

We all know that smoking affects the overall health of your mouth. It increases the risk of:

• periodontal disease
• tooth damage or loss
• a weakened jaw. 

Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen to areas within the mouth, making it a major contributor to these less-than-desirable oral health conditions. And if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, smoking can lead to slow tooth movement.

A 2019 study by the International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Science surveyed 200 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. And it found that most of those who smoked had prolonged treatment periods compared to those who didn’t smoke.  

Quitting completely or significantly cutting down (at least during your treatment) is a great choice.

If you can’t stop

Make sure you: 

• always remove the tray before smoking or vaping
• rinse your mouth and brush your teeth afterwards, as this removes tobacco and vape residues 
• don’t replace your aligner until your teeth are clean.

Where should I put my aligner when I take it out?

When you’re not wearing the aligner, the best place for it is a storage case. Hopefully, your dentist gave you one when you collected all your trays. But if they didn’t, you can pick them up cheaply and easily from most pharmacies or online. 

These boxes are designed to protect your aligner so it doesn’t warp or break, and keep it hygienic enough to wear throughout the day. 

And here are two places you shouldn’t put it: down your top or in your pocket, like our friend (who isn’t a patient) does. She may only do it for a minute or two when having a snack or drink, but it increases the chances of the tray breaking or getting dirty. 

Can I wash my clear aligner tray with soap?

Yes, you can wash your clear aligner with a gentle antibacterial soap and warm water. In fact, this is the best way to keep your tray clean and hygienic. 

You can also buy gels, crystals and soaps designed specifically for cleaning aligner trays. They’re available at most pharmacies, or you can order them online. 

Clear aligner cleaning tips 

It’s quick and easy to keep your aligner tray clean and safe to wear.

Tip 1: Wash it with soap. Any antibacterial handwash soap or dishwashing soap will do. And you need only a tiny dot of soap for a thorough clean. Just make sure you rinse it well to get rid of bubbles or any soapy scent before wearing your tray again.

Tip 2: Brush it gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This ensures it gets a thorough clean. But if you want to make sure you get into every crevice and indentation, use a children’s toothbrush. The smaller head is easier to move around the tray, and the bristles are super soft. 

Tip 3: Rinse with tepid or warm tap water. Water from the bathroom or kitchen tap is fine. Cleaning with water that’s too hot will warp the tray, and it may no longer fit your mouth or move your teeth as it should.

Tip 4: Clean trays twice a day. As with cleaning your natural teeth, it’s enough to clean your tray once in the morning and once in the evening. 

Each invisible brace tray is designed to sit against your teeth for many hours each day for up to two weeks. Good tray hygiene will help avoid discolouration (or at least minimise it) and prevent the tray from becoming smelly. 

But these aren’t the only reasons to clean your tray every day. 

Maintaining your aligner minimises the risk of bacteria build-up in the trays, staining your natural teeth or damaging or irritating your gums. 

Avoid cleaning your aligner with:

• hot or boiling water (it will warp the plastic)
• any sort of toothpaste (it may scratch or weaken the plastic)
• mouthwash, vinegar or harsh chemicals (they could weaken, discolour or damage the plastic. They could even create a build-up of toxic residue).

Can I kiss while wearing clear aligners? 

In the heat of the moment, pausing to take your aligner out could dampen the mood. The good news is that clear aligner technology is smooch-friendly. (You don’t need to take it out.) 

Each aligner is moulded to fit your mouth so it stays securely in place. And while we can’t say it’s impossible for your aligner to come out mid-kiss, it’s highly unlikely that it will pop out (even during a vigorous pash).  

Questions and curiosity lead to treatment success 

Clear alignment treatment is a practical and effective way to straighten mild orthodontic challenges such as misaligned teeth or an overbite. But for the treatment to be effective, you need to commit to it. And that commitment can last as long as two years. 

Asking questions and finding out about clear aligner care, either before your journey starts or early on once you’re on your way, is a good start. But clear aligner cleanliness and curiosity aren’t enough to determine whether it’s the right treatment option for you. If you’re still at the research stage of your journey, check out Clear Aligners: Are They The Right Choice For You? to learn how they work.

Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) and robots being everywhere are… well, everywhere. Trying to handle AI and its rapid development has put politicians in a tizz, divided the opinions of the horrendously wealthy, and left millions questioning when they’ll be replaced by a robot at work. 

If you’re not sick to the back teeth of hearing about AI, then stick around. Because I’m about to go full dental nerd and wax lyrical about AI in dentistry—its uses and its limitations.  

Dentistry: An industry built on innovation

We know a lot more about oral health and how to care for teeth and gums today than we did in the 1700s when dentistry became a defined profession. And it’s a profession that will continually evolve as we learn more about the body and how it’s adapting to modern living. 

Thankfully, the tools used to treat patients have improved exponentially from those used in the 1700s. Modern dentistry focuses heavily on patient comfort without sacrificing quality care. In the past 50 years, dentistry innovations have made treatment easier, faster, and (most importantly) as convenient as possible for patients. 

And digital dentistry is a good example of this. 

CAD/CAM (computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing) technology and digital scanning systems arrived in the 1980s, providing faster and cleaner dental treatment methods. And these advances have been warmly welcomed by patients. A 2019 survey confirmed this, finding that 95% of patients agree they receive better care with digital solutions.  

AI dentistry is the next step in better care

Dentists can use AI to improve your treatment experience in 4 ways: 

1. Diagnosis
2. Decision making
3. Treatment planning
4. Predicting the outcomes of treatment. 

Writing for Frontiers, Hao Ding from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong predicts that ‘among all the AI applications in dentistry, the most popular one is diagnosis’. 

And I agree. 

The reliability and accuracy of these AI programs will only increase. Their assistance in diagnosing early-stage gum disease, and even some oral cancers, will become invaluable. And I’m certain that AI will eventually be able to spot things the naked eye and current scanners can’t see. 

Concerns that robots will take over

I used the word ‘assistance’ just before. And that’s worth noting. 

A recent study into patients’ perceptions and expectations regarding AI use in dentistry found the main concern was the impact AI would have on the workforce, with technology replacing professionals. But I can’t see this being a reality in the healthcare industry. Here’s why.

• The machines aren’t reliable enough to work alone. The expert, real-world eye and knowledge of a trained professional are still needed to check and double-check all AI-produced work.
• Treating health and medical conditions requires empathy, patience and understanding. And these could never be provided by a machine. 

Many industries that have already adopted AI understand that it’s just a tool. It’s there to assist the professional with their work, not replace them. By cutting down the amount of time dentists spend on necessary day-to-day tasks—analysing x-rays, responding to simple health-related queries, predicting treatment outcomes—we can increase our clinical time (more face-to-face time with patients) and complete treatments in shorter timeframes.  

AI dentistry in action. Current technologies and future possibilities

Dentists around the world are already embracing AI. In a few short years, it has prompted (some much-needed) industry-wide changes. And that’s exciting. 

Here are a few examples of how it’s being used to support dentists and patients, and what might be next. 

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) adopts an AI policy

The ADA’s AI policy only came into effect in 2020. It was a clear sign to the industry that the widespread adoption of this technology in Australian practices was just around the corner. 

Diagnostic assistance is already here

In 2021 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the use of US-developed AI software called Second Opinion®. An assistive tool for dental radiology (your x-rays), it looks at the images and can quickly detect tooth decay, infection and early signs of periapical radiolucency (an infection in a tooth, such as an abscess or cyst). 

Speeding up diagnostics like this means we can discuss the findings in the same appointment and, if any oral health challenges show up, start talking about possible treatment.  

Technology to improve dental implant treatment

The best way to ensure dental implant success is to make sure the implant is placed into a healthy mouth. This is currently done by taking x-rays and digital scans of your mouth, then carefully assessing them to decide what pre-implant treatment you need. This can take up to an hour of clinical time, plus 20-30 minutes discussing the results and options with a patient. Australian-led AI technology Eyes of AI is looking to improve on that.  

By viewing and diagnosing cone-beam-computed tomography (CBCT—the imaging machine that spins around your head), the Eyes of AI software transforms them into detailed, 3D models way faster than the traditional method. This makes it easier to:

• assess what pre-implant treatment is needed 
• make precise plans regarding where the implant is going into the jaw.

Combined, it speeds up the entire process.

Delivering instant smile makeovers

There’s an app for everything these days. So why not an app that can instantly show you how different cosmetic dental procedures will affect your smile? That’s what Presto Smile and Smile Cloud (the program we use) both do. 

Your dentist takes your photo (using a camera, iPad or even a phone) and then applies AI-generated examples of the dental work you’ve discussed, directly to your image. This gives you an instant visualisation of the potential outcome, and can make it easier to fine-tune your personal treatment plan. 

There’s been a global symposium on the subject

In 2023, the inaugural Global Symposium on AI and Dentistry was held at Harvard University. It attracted 300 attendees from 30 countries, with another 120 attending virtually. Sixty-five research projects were presented during the event, ranging in topics from new practical tools to assist day-to-day treatment to using AI to forecast global dental health as a result of climate change.  

AI dentistry offers greater freedom 

AI is speeding up treatment processes and times. And it delivers insights the naked eye and current technologies can’t. The result? More time with your dentist and early diagnoses. But as we’ve seen, these aren’t AI’s only benefits. 

The accuracy and clarity of the imaging AI can create will give the clinicians treating you greater confidence, even if they’re in a different city, country or continent. Reliable, detailed imaging will make it easier for practitioners to make good recommendations, even if they never see you face to face. As a patient, you gain greater freedom and flexibility. You suddenly have access to dental practitioners anywhere in the world.

What might this look like? 

Let’s say you found a specialist you really like, and you want their input on your treatment. Trouble is, they’re on the other side of the world. AI makes it possible for them to treat you. With the right AI program, they can create detailed, realistic and accurate 3D models of your mouth and jaw like never before. They can run through the treatment using augmented reality and predict the outcomes. So you may only need one trip to have them perform the procedure. 

Challenges and risks

There’s a lot to love about AI. But understanding its full potential is something even the most intelligent minds are still getting to grips with. And while most people and businesses are looking to use it for good, that’s not everyone’s intention. (Deepfake, anyone?)

When it comes to keeping people’s personal details and records of faces, there are (quite rightly) data protection concerns. Theft of such personal data could be catastrophic. 

Currently, any AI technology used in Australian healthcare must comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). This is similar to the American Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Both are in place to ensure patient privacy. 

As so many AI tools learn from existing material and need to be fed data, healthcare practitioners need to ensure:

• the tool or software removes any identifying information
• any data fed into it is well protected, and people can’t be identified.

It’s a big area of concern, and one reason why AI adoption in dentistry is slower compared to other industries. 

Another speed bump is the lack of big data. AI learns using huge datasets. And our industry is struggling to build the resources needed. 

Unlike hospitals or big medical organisations, dental practices are small, privately owned businesses with much smaller patient numbers. To create the data banks, Australian dentists would need to agree to centralise their data, creating a shared AI learning environment.    

The final challenge is accuracy. A lot of evidence supports AI’s talent to diagnose, predict and aid in successful dental treatment. But it’s early days. Truthfully, the machines are still leaning. The technology is still being refined. And all AI work should still be reviewed by a dentist. 

AI at Keppel Dental

Within a decade, dentists in Australia will inevitably be using the power of AI technology to assist with most treatments. At Keppel Dental, we already use Smilecloud and 3Shape Automate for treatment planning, smile design and crown design. Since introducing these technologies, we’ve noticed greater patient excitement regarding treatment outcomes, and designing crowns and bridges in the lab is faster. 

For us, working in an industry that embraces innovation and ways to make treatment simpler and more comfortable feels positive. But how do you feel about AI playing a supporting role when it comes to your oral health care? Let us know by answering our question in this post.

Turning the idea of getting full-mouth (All on 4, or Ao4) dental implants into reality can take months, if not years. Taking the time to plan and save up for the procedure is part of the journey. And when it comes to how much you’ll need to save, well… that depends on where you go for your treatment.  

Dental practitioners in Australia set costs that reflect:

• their location
• their experience
• the price of the materials they use. 

So when you see one fee that’s several thousand dollars less than another, why wouldn’t you choose the more affordable option? 

I completely get it. But (and there’s nearly always a ‘but’) there’s a recurring theme I hear from patients who have chosen the more affordable All on 4 option. 

The cheaper treatment didn’t save them as much as they thought it would.

There are a number of reasons why people end up feeling this way, which I’ll get into later. But right now, I want to share some of their general concerns and experiences so you can make a fair call on whether travelling intrastate, interstate or internationally will leave you and your oral health better off. 

How much All on 4 treatment costs in Australia

Dental practices in Australia are independent, private businesses. And like any independent business, each practice sets its own fees. So the cost of getting full mouth dental implants in Australia varies widely from practice to practice and state to state.

Using data from the latest ADA fees survey from 2022, the lowest cost for full mouth implants is $19,311 and the highest is $52,312. That’s quite a range.

To help us understand All on 4 fees—and the costs of other common dental work—the Australian Dental Association (ADA) runs a fee survey every few years. This gives us the lowest and highest dental costs in Australia for different treatments, as well as the mean fee for each one. 

Using data from the latest ADA fees survey from 2022, we’ve worked out that the lowest cost for full-mouth implants is $19,311.54 and the highest is $52,312.52. (Here’s how we got to these figures.) That’s quite a range. And these figures account only for the cost of the components and procedures most commonly needed for Ao4 treatment. These include:

• a comprehensive exam (intraoral x-rays and/or OPG, CBCT scan, photos and digital modelling)
• pre-treatment consultation
• surgery to place the 4-6 implants needed
• the final bridge.

Keppel Dental sits somewhere in the middle. We charge $25,000 for an upper or lower arch. But this is just an estimate. Your treatment may be more or less depending on:

• how many x-rays you need 
• any extra consultations you need before or after treatment
• whether you need additional surgical procedures such as
  • tooth extraction 
  • bone grafting 
  • a sinus lift 
  • gum grafting
• whether you need a temporary bridge or arch.

If you already know how full-mouth implants are fitted, you’d probably expect to see these items on your treatment bill. But the path to getting dental implants isn’t the same for everyone.

Personal treatment plans are essential to understanding the total cost of full-mouth dental implants. And 6 factors affect the fee.

1. Your current oral health. Implant success relies on a healthy mouth and gums. Any signs of poor mouth health (inflamed or bleeding gums, cavities, etc.) must be addressed first.
2. Extra dental work. This could involve extracting existing teeth to make room for your implants, a sinus lift for top-tooth implants, or a lower jaw bone graft for bottom-tooth implants.
3. The number of implants being fitted. This will depend on whether you’re having a full arch, partial bridge, just the top, just the bottom, or implants in both top and bottom.
4. Implant size and placement. Implants come in different lengths and diameters. The size of the implant depends on the amount of bone available and the distance between the teeth.
5. The implant’s manufacturer. Australia has several dental implant manufacturers. And each company delivers its own take on implants. Some invest more in research and manufacturing than others, which leads to higher quality at a higher price.
6. The location and experience of your dentist. The practice’s overheads and the dentist’s ongoing specialist training to keep up with changing technologies may be reflected in the price of implants and other services.

Travelling for implant treatment packs its own costs 

Where you go for treatment is an important cost comparison factor. Whether it’s in the city or the country, in Australia or overseas, the size of the economy the practice is working in affects how much the dentist charges. 

For example, dentists working in countries with smaller economies won’t have the same overheads as those operating in larger ones. This is why you can often get lower rates by travelling to one of Australia’s major cities or trying overseas dental tourism. 

But this doesn’t always work out well for patients. While the cost of the treatment itself may be lower, there are additional charges and potential challenges you need to consider. 

Travelling there, back, and possibly there again (and again)

It takes multiple appointments to properly complete full-mouth implant treatment. Even if your first consultations aren’t face-to-face, and records and x-rays are forwarded on, you’ll still need at least two trips. And that’s assuming yours is a simple case (i.e. you don’t need any extra dental work before implants, and you don’t have any complications afterwards). 

So when budgeting for these locations, factor in multiple airfares and airport parking. You may also need to budget for taxis or car hire to get around. 

Sorting somewhere to stay 

Lobbing in with family or friends who live near your chosen practice is ideal. Being somewhere familiar can make recovery more comfortable, not to mention the extra TLC you’ll get if you’re feeling below par afterwards. 

But if staying with someone you know isn’t an option, you’ll need to find a hotel or apartment. It’s always worth asking the practice’s client care coordinator if they offer an accommodation subsidy. Practices that want to attract out-of-town patients commonly have arrangements with local hotels, motels and apartments. Using these offers will save you money, but you’ll be limited to the accommodation options they’ve partnered with. 

Arranging time off work 

You’ll probably need to use some of your work leave, particularly on the day of your treatment, as it’s not advisable to travel long distances or fly that day. 

Most people feel well enough to travel and return to work the day after surgery. However, you might want to add a bit of buffer time to account for:

• any stumbling blocks with your treatment 
• you feel worse than you expected 
• you encounter travel delays.

The big one: getting post-treatment care

If an implant is doomed to fail, it will happen in the 24-72 hours after treatment. Ideally, you want to be close to your dentist so you can see them quickly. 

Patients who travel for treatment and return home quickly afterwards struggle with this. They may have to wait days or even weeks before seeing their practitioner again, by which time the implant is lost. It’s usually at this point that these patients come to me, needing help with one or more of these common dental implant complaints. 

• They’re experiencing discomfort in their mouth.
• The implants feel tight or sore.
• They’ve noticed the implanted teeth are coming loose.
• At least one implant has fallen out. 

Travelling back to see their original practitioner is no longer an option. They didn’t account for the extra cost or time needed, and they can’t see the dentist until a much later date. This can leave patients feeling lost and confused about what to do. 

I can’t emphasise enough how important the post-care treatment stage is. It shouldn’t be overlooked. And from my experience, patients feel confident and secure when they know their dentist is an hour or less away. 

Delivering full-mouth dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Treatment costs, expected outcomes and time needed all need to be understood, evaluated and planned for before hitting ‘Go’. 

Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. Using the latest digital dentistry technologies and high-quality dental implant products, we can deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

For all the details about organising your treatment with us, head over to our dedicated (and highly-detailed) All on 4 service page. 

Working out the cost of All on 4 treatment in Australia

To calculate the costs of Aon4 treatment in Australia, we used the ADA Fee Survey from 2022. But as this treatment has so many variables, we created a simple case scenario.

• The patient is having an implant bridge to replace 14 teeth.
• They’re having 6 implants/abutments, meaning 8 pontics for bridging.
• They need 4 teeth removed using line item 311 only. (The other 2 teeth where the implants will go were previously removed due to decay.)

Using the lowest, highest and mean cost of each line item in the ADA Fee Survey, we then calculated a cost range.

Note: These aren’t perfect numbers, as the fee survey didn’t include fees for some services often associated with Ao4 implants such as:

• CBCT scan
• extra photos and digital modelling offered (depending on the available technology within the practice)
• bone grafting
• sinus lift
• gum grafting.

A while back I was nerding out to a non-dental industry friend about the progress of dentistry technology. He was impressed that we can mill crowns using a 3D printer, take highly detailed mouth scans in minutes, and use AI dentistry to plan and predict entire treatment plans.

Once I’d finished my spiel, he said with bemusement and an exasperated expletive or two, “Yet every day, we’re still using a bit of string to clean our teeth.” He had a point.

Water flossers have hit the mainstream thanks to social media influencers and some nifty design refinements. And although they look like a much-needed evolution in flossing, here’s the surprising thing: water flossers have been around since the 70s. I didn’t have the heart to break this news to my friend.

Flossing is fantastic for your teeth

Given that you got here by searching for water flossers and how they work, you’re probably already sold on the benefits of flossing. But in case you’re still on the fence, here’s a reminder.

Flossing cleans tooth surfaces that brushes can’t reach, helping to remove food and break down plaque-building bacteria. If food and bacteria aren’t regularly cleaned away, a sticky, fuzzy film can form, leading to gingivitis or, in serious cases, periodontal disease.

The latest research from the Australian Dental Association (ADA) has found that using string floss and brushing reduces the risk of periodontal diseases by up to 50%. We’ll reveal how this stacks up against water flossers in a minute.

What are water flossers and how do they work?

A water flosser is a cordless, electric, handheld device. Its mission—like any flossing device—is to clean between the teeth and along the gumline.

To use a water flosser, start by filling the tank or reservoir with warm water. (Bathroom tap water is fine.)

Next, attach the nozzle that’s best suited for your mouth. There are ones designed specifically for cleaning around braces and bridges for example.

Turn it on and a steady stream of water jets out of the nozzle. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific flosser on how you should move it around your mouth. This will give you the best results. As you point it at each tooth, the gentle water pressure will remove any food and plaque that may be lingering after you’ve brushed.

In short, think of water flossers as a pressure washer for your teeth.

Figuring out all the water flosser features

Every brand of water flosser has its own design. You may have heard of the WaterPik, widely regarded as effective and easy to use. However, large oral health brands, such as Oral B and Colgate, have their versions, too. (Even Kmart is getting in on the water flosser trend.)

It’s worth researching the different features of each water flosser to help you choose the one that’ll work best for you. Or, if you’re seeing your dentist or OHT before buying one, chat with them about which options are most practical for you.

Features you’ll commonly see mentioned in product descriptions or reviews include:

• the number of speeds, power settings, or cleaning modes
• the size of the tank and how much cleaning time this provides
• the recharging system, battery power, and total run time
• whether it’s waterproof (for use in the shower)
• its dimensions and weight
• what it’s made from.

Some write-ups may also include details about how quiet (or noisy) the flosser is, and how easy it is to clean. Product information like this can make the difference between you using a flosser or leaving it in the drawer. After all, who wants to buy an item that’s supposed to make their life easier, only to find it makes things messier and more complicated?

Reasons to start using a water flosser

There are three main reasons why you might want to start using a water flosser, or why your dentist recommends using one.

You have dental implants, crowns or braces

Traditional flossing with string might not be possible if your mouth is healing from a surgical dental procedure, such as dental implants, or you’re undergoing orthodontic work. A water flosser offers a gentler way to clean gums and provides more flexibility for cleaning behind wires and gaps.

You find manual flossing difficult

Health conditions and dexterity challenges may mean using string or interdental brushes is just too fiddly. The larger handle and body of a water flosser make it easier to move the small nozzle around the mouth.

You find dental floss uncomfortable to use

Flossing with dental string shouldn’t feel uncomfortable when you do it correctly. But that’s not everyone’s reality. For people with sensitive gums, perhaps due to medications or treatments or long-term poor oral hygiene, a water flosser can offer a gentler, more comfortable way to clean between the teeth.

Are bleeding gums a reason to switch to a water flosser?

Not necessarily. The early warning signs of a gum infection can look the same as poor flossing technique—sore gums, sensitive gums and teeth, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. If you experience this, consider booking an appointment with your dentist to get a proper diagnosis.

If it turns out that you do have gum disease or periodontal disease, then your dentist may recommend using a water flosser until it clears up. This can feel more comfortable without sacrificing your oral hygiene.

How effective are water flossers compared to string floss?

We looked at two studies into whether a water flosser is more effective than string.
The first is a small clinical study that compared the amount of plaque cleaned from teeth when using string and a manual toothbrush versus using a water flosser and manual toothbrush. The results found that cleaning with a water flosser and a manual toothbrush is 29% more effective than using waxy floss string and a manual toothbrush.

The second study was conducted by leading water flosser brand, WaterPik. Their 4-week clinical trial found that brushing and water flossing was 52% better at reducing gingivitis than traditional dental floss.

But in fact, it shouldn’t be about a competition or choosing one method over the other.

Improve oral health by combining traditional flossing and water flossing

Unless there’s a medical reason for not using string floss—you’ve suffered mouth trauma or have dexterity challenges—most dentists (ourselves included) wouldn’t recommend abandoning string floss.

The current thinking among dentists in Australia is that a combined approach will serve you best.

1. Use a string floss first to remove food and break down plaque-building bacteria that are lingering around the teeth.
2. Brush your teeth to give them a good clean.
3. Finish with a gentle water floss to remove any last remaining bits that your toothbrush couldn’t reach.

Ready to revolutionise your oral health care?

The best way to work out if a water flosser is right for you is to talk to your dentist or oral health therapist at your next appointment. They may have experience or knowledge of the best water flossers and can point you towards a device that will best suit your needs.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for more information about how to improve your at-home oral health routine, you may find these articles helpful.

The best foods for healthy teeth and gums

Get into a routine of brushing your teeth

Your teeth are important. And I don’t just mean right now. They’ll continue to be important long after… well, you know.

And it may sound odd, but your teeth can help future generations understand how we lived, what we ate, the work we did, and even how we moved around as a people.

That’s because teeth and jawbones are the most commonly found fossils. They’re found more often than skulls and other bones. The tough enamel that covers teeth (along with their calcium properties) helps them stand the test of time. And so archaeologists and anthropologists rely on them to piece together the stories of our ancestors.

Fossilised and well-preserved teeth have helped historians better understand human evolution, early migration, health practices, early dentistry, and even the roles of men and women. What they discover sometimes challenges what we previously assumed about people of the past.

6 times teeth have helped rewrite history

I’m a modern dentist who absolutely nerds out over the latest industry technologies and what the future holds (such as AI dentistry). But it’s also fascinating to understand how these little bits of bone and calcium can tell us so much about the past. And with the development of non-invasive virtual anthropology, it’s fascinating to see the old and the modern world collide.

With that said, here are just 6 tooth-led discoveries that have made us rethink the lives of people from civilisations that are long gone.

1. The evolution of pregnancy

Birth. It’s hard, messy, painful and exhausting. (Or so I’m told.) Humans definitely haven’t evolved to make this part of the lifecycle effortless. In fact, evidence suggests the opposite may be true: the smarter we got, the harder we made it for ourselves.

What’s been found: It took 6 million years for the size of the prenatal human skull and brain to increase, arriving at the current human-like gestational growth rates about half a million to a million years ago. And this increase in brain size correlates with when our human ancestors started using more tools. As we got smarter our brains grew. And as we developed in the womb our heads got bigger.

Who made the finding: Western Washington University paleoanthropologist Tesla Monson.

How teeth helped: Permanent adult teeth develop in the second trimester. Using data collected from fossilised molars and skill fragments of primates that lived from 6 million to 12,000 years ago, Monson and her colleagues compared the changes in proportions over time. This helped them track the prenatal growth rate of the brain, and identify when evolutionary changes in the size of the head and brain actually happened.

Read more about it: Teeth tell the story

2. When the plague arrived in Britain

Britain’s worst outbreak of the Bubonic Plague was in 1348. But the bacteria responsible for The Black Death made its way to the island long before that.

What’s been found: Two children aged between 10 and 12, and one woman aged between 35 and 40, proved the plague was present in Britain long before 1348. The cases date back 4,000 years. And while it wasn’t the cause of their deaths, all three people were carrying Yersinia pestis – the bacteria responsible for the plague.

The discovery was made in 2023. And up to that point this strain of plague bacteria was only evident in Eurasia. This new finding helps researchers better understand the movement of infectious diseases between people, and how this strain of Yersinia pestis could pass from person to person without the help of fleas.

Who made the finding: Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, working with the University of Oxford and local history and museum groups.

How teeth helped: DNA can be trapped inside the dental pulp within a tooth. By drilling into the teeth and extracting some of the pulp, they were able to analyse it and identify the plague bacteria.

Read more about it: 4,000-year-old plague DNA found

3. Dental implants aren’t a new idea

If you lose a tooth today, it can be replaced with a dental implant made of titanium capped with a strong zirconia crown.

However, these materials only came into use in the 1970s and 2010s respectively. But teeth were being replaced with something synthetic long before then.

What’s been found: Evidence was discovered showing pre-Mayan tribesmen were replacing missing teeth with jade, stone or shell. And while the materials are a bit rough and ready by today’s standards, astoundingly there’s evidence of the jaw bone fusing to the implant—something that’s still part of the treatment process today.

Archaeology teams have also found evidence of tooth inlays. Ancient Mayan dentists fixed precious stones such as jade to teeth by expertly drilling a hole into the tooth and securing them using a super-strong, plant-based adhesive. (So strong that it could last 4,000 years.)

Originally, it was presumed that only high-standing members of society would have these inlays. But further research found this wasn’t the case. People considered poor also showed signs of undergoing the treatment. The current thinking is that the jade inlays were used to repair tooth decay. Analysis of the adhesive shows it included medicinal plants that reduce inflammation and fight infection.

Who made the findings: Dr Colvard at the University of Illinois in Chicago, and Gloria Hernandez-Bolio from Cinvestav in Mexico.

How teeth helped: Teeth were at the root of these studies, and were looked at using CT analysis and x-rays. Researchers got a better view of how the implants and inlays were fixed to the teeth, what they were made of, and what organic ingredients were used.

Read more about it: What ancient teeth can tell us about humanity’s past and Ancient Maya practice of gluing gemstones onto teeth may have been for more than bling.

4. Challenging what’s known about early migration

Getting around wasn’t always as easy as hopping into the car or catching a plane. So significant movement of ancient people across continents, and understanding why or how they got there, is a big deal.

What’s been found: A baby tooth found in a cave in France suggests that modern humans arrived in Western Europe 10,000 years earlier than originally thought. What’s also interesting is the evidence of Neanderthals existing in the same area, and even in the same cave. It could well be that the two peoples lived side by side in this part of Europe for quite some time.

Who made the findings: Paleoanthropologist Ludovic Slimak for the French National Centre for Scientific Research.

How teeth helped: The cave, called Grotte Mandrin, has been an archaeological site since the 1990s. Only 9 teeth have been found during that time, with the baby tooth appearing in the same sediment layer as tools made using flint-knapping techniques. This helped them date the tooth and rethink when modern humans arrived in western Europe.

Read more about it: Discovery of ancient baby tooth (or the original research and findings).

5. How women worked and contributed to ancient societies

Here’s a crazy thought: Before 1907, our dentist Dr Lyndsey Browne wouldn’t have been able to practise as a registered dentist in Queensland because she’s a woman. Progress towards workplace equality is an ongoing battle in some (if not most) industries. But evidence from the past suggests societies were more progressive in their thinking towards women and work than some stereotypes would have us believe.

What’s been found: Two separate studies show women holding roles in society previously considered ‘men’s work’. Study number one concluded that women in Ancient Egypt were working as craft specialists, creating high-quality goods. This challenges the notion that only 7 professions were open to women: priestess, musician, singer, dancer, mourner, weaver and midwife.

Study number 2 comes from anthropologists in Britain telling the story of a medieval German woman. By looking at her teeth, they confidently stated that women were working in the publishing industry producing books and manuscripts. Quite a revelation considering how long people thought only males and monks worked on texts from this time.

Who made the findings: Nancy Lovell and Kimberley Palichuk of the University of Alberta made the Ancient Egyptian discovery, while Anita Radini and colleagues discovered women’s contribution to medieval literature.

How teeth helped: An elaborate burial convinced Lovell and Palichuk to spend more time with the business woman from Ancient Egypt. Upon closer inspection, they noticed unusual wear and tear to her teeth. The markings didn’t align with a lifetime of simply chewing food.

By analysing abrasions and the shape of her teeth, they believe she was working with papyrus, running the material through her teeth as she made her wares.

Over in Britain, it was the discovery of lapis lazuli in fossilised dental plaque that caught the attention of researchers. At the time, this material was highly valued as much (if not more so) than gold. Working with it was reserved for the skilled and educated as they created intricate artwork on manuscripts. The amount of blue pigment found in her plaque led Radini and her colleagues to conclude the woman was likely an artist who used her lips to shape the brush.

Read more about it: Archaeologists discover a new profession in an ancient Egyptian woman’s teeth and We found lapis lazuli hidden in ancient teeth – revealing the forgotten role of women in medieval art.

6. Different diets for different genders

Periodontitis (a serious form of gum disease) is higher in adult Australian men than adult Australian women (35% and 26% respectively). Diet and lifestyle habits may play a role in this, but we’re not the first culture to experience gender differences when it comes to oral health.

What’s been found: Men and women living in ancient Sudan had very different diets. They may even have been eating foods that were prepared in different ways (although why it happened is yet to be explained).

Who made the findings: Rebecca Whiting for The British Museum.

How teeth helped: Focusing on remains from ancient Sudan (6,000BC to 1,500AD), Whiting studied the changes in dental and gum disease and noticed differences between male and female remains. The teeth, gums and jaws from the females showed more signs of gum disease, abscesses, tooth loss and dental wear compared to those of the males.

Read more about it: Ancient wisdom: what tooth decay can tell us about the past.

What stories will our teeth tell?

Anthropologists and archaeologists of the future should have an easy time understanding our way of life. We can document and capture the way we live in ways ancient civilisations couldn’t have even dreamed of.

But what if all that was lost? What if the experts of the future had to piece together the past in the same way current historians have done? What might the anthropologist and archaeologists say about the way we lived by looking at our teeth?

Perhaps they’d be interested in how or why we moved from using materials such as gold and silver for fillings to a resin composite.

They may look at our teeth and gums and wonder how modern living affected our oral health. With trends such as fixing gemstones, mouth piercings, and vaping and smoking all changing the condition of teeth, mouths and overall oral health, it’s an interesting one to think about.

Dental implants replace single or multiple teeth. They look and feel like a natural tooth. And when looked after, they’re long-lasting. As a restorative dental treatment, dental implants are a great option if you want dental prosthetics that:

• won’t fall out when eating 
• don’t fly out when you need sneeze
• won’t come loose while you’re chatting to your friends over lunch. 

For 108,399 Australians this treatment is the right choice. If you’re just beginning to explore your options and dental implants are a new concept, then it’s wise to take time to understand what they are, how they work, and if they’re the best tooth replacement option for you. 

In this short guide, we’ll cover some basic dental implant must-knows and link to articles that answer some of the most common dental implant questions. 

What are dental implants?

Fitting single or multiple dental implants is a two-stage process.

1. Fitting a titanium screw-like implant that acts like a tooth root, anchoring the tooth securely. 
2. Attaching a tooth replacement that fixes to the fitting. A natural-looking ceramic crown replaces your lost tooth and matches the surrounding teeth.

Technically, if we’re going full nerd-dentist here, the implant is the titanium screw-like part. That’s the bit that’s implanted into the gum. But generally, the whole thing—implant, abutment, and ceramic crown—is referred to as a dental implant. 

Implants come in different sizes. Your implant size will depend on the size of your mouth, jaw, and the gap we’re filling. 

Getting more than one implant or full mouth dental implants 

When several teeth are missing from the upper or lower jaw, full mouth implants may be a better option than individual implants. You may sometimes hear this called ‘All on 4 implants’. This is where at least four implants secure a whole row of prosthetic teeth or a bridge. 

The official dental industry name for this treatment is ‘full-arch implant-supported bridge’ but that’s a mouthful. All on 4, All on X, All on 6 or multiple implants are a lot easier to say. And they all achieve the same result.

As with a single implant, the All on 4 procedure involves placing titanium screw-like fittings into the jawbone. Where they’re placed depends on the size of the bridge or arch needed. Generally, the fittings are evenly spaced to ensure the row of prosthetic teeth is sufficiently anchored. 

Learn more about All on 4 full mouth implants and how this treatment works. 

Six dental implant truths you need to know

Download this rapid-to-read guide if you’re at the very beginning of your dental implant journey.

Inside you’ll find:

• answers to common dental implant questions
• a step-by-step outline of the treatment process
• the lowdown on implant failure (and how to avoid it)
• links to in-depth articles for you to bookmark and read later.

Feel better prepared and confident about your upcoming dental implant treatment.

Get the 6 Truths

How do dental implants work?

Understanding how implants are fitted and secured to the jawbone makes it easier to grasp just how similar they are to natural teeth. Once healed, you can eat, chew, drink and even clean your dental implants in the same way you care for natural teeth. Patients appreciate this. There’s no need to carry extra brushes or storage for their prosthetic teeth. 

And the biggest bonus? Once fitted, they’re in place for good. There’s no need to remove them or clean them like you would with dentures or a bridge. That said, implant care is important. Like natural teeth, implants can fall out if their owners don’t look after them.

When an implant falls out, we call it implant failure. The failure rate of implants that are fitted into a healthy mouth is only 2%-4% of implants fail. This is an important point. The health of your mouth and your lifestyle play a huge role in protecting and prolonging the life of your dental implants. This is why you (with help from your dentist) need to assess these things carefully to decide if implants are right for you. 

Should I get dental implants?

If you can answer “Yes” to one or more of these 6 signs, then it’s time to move ‘get dental implants’ from your ‘maybe’ to-list onto your let’s-get-this-done list.

1. You get frustrated, uncomfortable or embarrassed by everyday happenings such as sneezing, eating hard or chewy foods, and smiling.
2. You want a secure, long-lasting, natural-looking replacement for one or more missing teeth.
3. You’ve got the finances to support the cost of dental implants, and you’re ready to use this money to prioritise your oral health.
4. One or more of your teeth are missing or broken, and so multiple implants make more financial sense. 
5. You’ve quit smoking, which improves the chance of treatment success. 
6. You’re worried about jawbone loss or deterioration and the changing shape of your face because of missing teeth.

Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Understanding treatment costs, expected outcomes and time frames is vital, so you can evaluate your options, make a plan and then hit ‘go.’ We can help you with all of this.

Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Asking a dentist to assess your current oral health and discuss any essential remedial or preparatory work, is the first step to ensuring you’re ready for dental implants. 

Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or you’re ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. We use the latest digital dentistry technologies and high quality dental implant products to deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

Contact us and our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss your concerns, the procedure, the timelines and the estimated cost for your treatment.

A patient guide to helping your teeth implants last a lifetime

When you need to replace a missing tooth—or multiple teeth—you might think about getting dental implants. Designed to look and feel like natural teeth and fitted securely into the jaw, dental implants are an attractive and long lasting, tooth replacement option. Assuming you look after them.

Maximising the longevity of your dental implants relies on practising good oral hygiene habits. In this guide, we’ll explain what those are. But first let’s discuss how long a dental implant will (realistically) last.   

How long do dental implants last?

There are three parts to a dental implant.

1. The titanium screw, which is fitted into and fuses to the jaw.
2. The titanium abutment attaches the implant to the prosthetic crown.
3. The prosthetic dental crown that’s designed to look like your natural teeth.

The titanium elements are built to last forever. And once the screw-like implant has fused with the jawbone, it’s there for life. (The need to remove an implant from a healthy mouth is extremely rare.) 

Prosthetic crowns are milled from zirconia ceramic. Although they’re strong, it’s still possible to damage them. (Just like natural teeth.) 

Damage is more likely if you’re the type of person who uses their teeth to open bottles, cut fishing line, or chew through hard lollies. Bruxism (grinding your teeth) can also damage prosthetic teeth. 

If the bridge or crown cracks or chips, it’s removed, repaired, and replaced.

The total lifespan of a dental implant

Dental implants can last 10-20 years.

Dental implant crowns can last 15 years or more, assuming there’s no damage. 

The titanium elements of an implant can last forever, but this relies on:

• good oral hygiene 
• there being no medical need to remove them
• no encounters with medications that can weaken bones. (For example, chemotherapy.) 

Do full mouth implants last longer? 

Full mouth implants last just as long as a single dental implant. Like the crown of a single implant, the bridge or full arch used for All on 4 is made from hard-wearing ceramic. 

One thing we know for sure is that full mouth implants last longer than dentures. Because removing, cleaning and replacing dentures increases the risk of accidental damage. 

Getting the most out of your dental implants

How long dental implants last comes down to two things.

1. How healthy your gums and jawbone are before the implant is placed.
2. How well you look after your teeth and gums after the procedure. 

If you want your implants to last 20 years or more, here’s what needs to happen.

Before they’re fitted

Getting implants takes longer than a day. For treatment to be a success, there’s groundwork for you and your dentist to do before the implant is placed.

To make sure you’re ready, and that your gums and jaw will heal as they should, your dentist will check that: 

• there are no signs of gum disease 
• your jaw is strong and healthy 
• none of your current teeth are decaying 
• you’re in overall good, physical health.

Your dentist will work with you to correct any current oral health challenges before going ahead with implant treatment. The success rate of dental implants when placed in a healthy mouth is extremely high, so treating underlying issues first makes sense. 

Your dentist may also ask if you’re a smoker. And if you are, you’ll be encouraged to stop. This may sound bossy (who is your dentist to tell you how to live your life?) but smoking is a cause of implant failure. 

Once they’re in place

You care for dental implants and full mouth implants by following the same good oral health routine as you do for natural teeth. 

• Brush with either an electric or manual soft-bristled toothbrush. 
• Brush twice a day. Once in the morning and once before you go to bed. 
• Floss once a day using superfloss or a Waterpik.
• Use regular toothpaste. Toothpastes that advertise as whitening or brightening, such as charcoal toothpastes, may affect the implant crown. 
• See your dentist for regular checkups. This might be once or twice a year, depending on your oral health needs. 

For more detail, see our article about cleaning dental implants and full mouth implants. 

Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Understanding treatment costs, expected outcomes and time frames is vital, so you can evaluate your options, make a plan and when you’re ready, hit ‘go. 

Whether you’re just starting out at the start of your dental implant journey or you’re ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. 

Using the latest digital dentistry technologies and high quality dental implant products allows us to deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond. Contact us and our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss your concerns, the procedure, the timelines and the estimated cost for your treatment. 

A missing tooth can affect how you feel about your smile, or how easily you can eat your favourite foods. One option for replacing that tooth (or multiple teeth) is to get a dental implant. 

In 2022, more than 100,000 Australians chose dental implants over other dental restoration treatments, such as dentures and bridges, or not replacing the tooth at all.

For those who go ahead with the treatment, the implant delivers a more reliable, natural-looking and feeling tooth replacement. And with the right care, they will stay put and look their best for at least 15 years. 

What are dental implants?

Tooth implants are used to replace one or more teeth. You may want dental implants or full-mouth implants if:

• one or more of your teeth are missing 
• you want the look and feel of a natural tooth.

The procedure itself involves placing a titanium, screw-like fitting into the jaw bone. This is the implant, and its job is to anchor the new tooth so it stays put, much like a natural tooth’s root. 

Implants come in different sizes, and which one is used will depend on:

• the tooth being replaced
• the size of your mouth and jaw
• the gap that needs to be filled. 

Once the implant is fitted, attention turns to the aesthetic aspect of the tooth. This means designing, milling and painting a natural-looking ceramic crown that is placed on top of the implant so it looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. 

It can take anywhere between 3 and 6 months to complete dental implant treatment. Total treatment time is influenced by:

• your current oral health 
• the number of implants you’re having 
• how well you heal 
• appointment availability.

To better understand the steps involved when getting dental implants (and the possible costs associated with your treatment), read our guide to dental implant costs in Australia.   

How to keep your teeth and mouth clean immediately after having an implant

[copy] Brushing your teeth right after implant surgery isn’t advisable. But you do need to keep your mouth clean to avoid infection and aid healing. To do that you should:

• stick to a soft food diet for around 3 weeks (or at least avoid chewing hard food at the implant site)
• rinse twice a day with a chlorhexidine mouthwash or apply a chlorhexidine gel to the implant site.

Only when the tissue has healed enough and it feels comfortable should you use a post-surgical brush to clean the implant site. (Your dentist can suggest the best place to buy these in your area, or may even stock them in their practice.) 

Everyday care and cleaning when you have dental implants

The beauty of dental implants is they’re almost as strong as your natural teeth. And like natural teeth, they can cope with all sorts of food. (Yes, even sticky toffees.) They can also be cared for and cleaned in much the same way as your other teeth.   

Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush

Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles. Soft-bristled brushes remove just as much tartar and plaque as medium- or hard-bristled brushes. They’re also less likely to damage your gums or make them bleed. 

Brush twice a day

You should brush your teeth in the morning and before you go to bed. Brushing at these times maximises the amount of plaque build-up the brush removes. (Your mouth dries out overnight. And food builds up as you eat during the day.) 

Floss using Superfloss or a Waterpik

You only need to floss once a day. But instead of using regular dental floss, use Superfloss. Designed for cleaning with braces, bridges and implants, Superfloss has stiff nylon ends and a thicker, spongy surface in the middle. It’s ideal for getting between wide gaps for a thorough clean. 

If you find handling floss difficult, try a Waterpik instead. It shoots pressurised water through an angled tip to blast plaque away from between teeth and gums.

Choose a regular toothpaste

Toothpastes that advertise as whitening or brightening (e.g. charcoal toothpastes) can affect the implant crown. And some toothpastes are extra abrasive to help remove stains, which can damage the implant. A regular tartar control toothpaste (ideally with the seal of approval from the Australian Dental Association) will be just right.  

See your dentist

The best way to make sure your implants are in good nick is to see your dentist as advised so they can take a look at them. Checkups will give your dentist a chance to catch any little problems before they become big issues, and offer specific cleaning advice. 

Cleaning full-mouth dental implants

There’s not a huge difference between cleaning a single implant and All on 4 dental implants. The main thing to note is that full-mouth tooth implants involve fitting a bridge to either the upper or lower jaw. This means food gets stuck more easily between the bridge and the gumline, which increases the risk of plaque build-up and peri-implantitis. (More on this shortly.)  

Minimise build-up by using an interdental brush or sulcus brush at least once a day (ideally after every meal). These small, thin brushes can get into hard-to-reach places so food can’t linger long enough to become a problem. 

Good oral hygiene leads to a good dental implant experience

As with natural teeth, your dental implants will look and feel their best if you follow good oral hygiene routines. Proper cleaning minimises the appearance of discolouration, and keeps them working as they should. It also decreases the risk of developing peri-implantitis. 

Peri-implantitis is the dental implant equivalent of gum disease. Bacteria get between the screw-like dental implant and the abutment (the part that attaches the crown to the implant). Symptoms can include bad breath, bleeding around the implant site, inflamed gums, and pain when eating. 

Left untreated, peri-implantitis will lead to implant failure. Your best defence against developing peri-implantitis is to brush, floss, and see your dentist. 

Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you do on a whim. Treatment costs, expected outcomes and time needed all need to be understood, evaluated and planned for before hitting ‘go’. 

Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. Using the latest digital dentistry technologies and high-quality dental implant products, we can deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

Contact us, and one of our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss the procedure, timelines and estimated cost for your treatment, along with any concerns you have.

While losing a single tooth isn’t much fun, you can still eat, drink, and smile as normal. But if you lose several teeth, things may get a little harder. 

Losing several teeth in the upper or lower jaw:

• can make it difficult to chew and enjoy the foods you liked when you had all your teeth
• may feel uncomfortable or even painful, as more of your gum is exposed
• can affect your self-esteem and willingness to smile.

Eventually, losing multiple teeth can lead to the jaw bone shrinking. The jaw relies on the chewing action to keep it strong and active. But if that isn’t happening (because there are no teeth to chew with), the face can start collapsing in on itself, resulting in an aged look.

Enter modern dentistry and tooth replacement treatments

When you lose a tooth (or multiple teeth), there are a few things you can try to carry on eating, smiling, and chewing your friend’s ear off as normal. 

One option is to get dentures. These can be full-arch dentures made of acrylic, or partial dentures that can either be made out of acrylic or have a cobalt chrome framework. In either case, the denture is removable.

A fixed option is a bridge. The teeth on either side of a gap are prepared for crowns, and then a ceramic bridge is fabricated and cemented onto the teeth to fill the gap. But while this can work for one or two missing teeth, this option may not be as predictable if more teeth are missing.

Another option is to get full-mouth implants. When you’ve got several teeth missing from the upper or lower jaw, All on 4 (a common name given to full-mouth implants) may be better than getting several individual ones. 

Full-mouth implants involve fitting 4 or more titanium screw-like implants into your jaw bone. A row of prosthetic teeth—called a bridge—is then fitted into the implants so you can crack on with life as normal.

These are considered a more permanent tooth-replacement option because once they’re in, they’re in. The implant performs the same function as the root of a natural tooth.  

The 5 steps to getting full-mouth dental implants

Understanding what’s involved in this tooth replacement treatment can help you work out whether it’s the right option for you. The whole process can take several months, and has 5 clear stages. 

Step 1: Initial consultation

Before starting treatment, it’s important to work out whether you’re a good candidate. Your dentist will:

• look at your teeth
• take scans and x-rays of your gums and jawbones
• talk to you about your lifestyle (e.g. whether you smoke, which can affect implant success)
• discuss any current oral health challenges that need addressing.

Your dentist will let you know whether it’s right for you within the first hour of your first face-to-face consultation. If it’s not, your dentist can explore other workable options based on what they’ve learned.

Step 2: Planning for implant surgery

The key to successful implant treatment is making sure the implants are going into a strong and healthy mouth. Pre-surgery groundwork includes:

• treating existing gum disease
• taking detailed 3D scans of your mouth using an intraoral scanner
• printing a 3D surgical guide, which is used to position your implants correctly
• designing your temporary and final full-arch teeth or dental bridge
• completing extra dental work such as tooth extraction, sinus lift, or gum and bone grafting.

Planning gives us the information we need about the shape of your mouth and bite, and ensures the implants will go into healthy bone. We’ll create the surgical guide from the scans, and mill both the temporary and final dental bridge.

Step 3: Fitting the implants

Tooth extractions, grafting treatment and sinus lifts can be done while we’re placing your implants. This keeps the time you’re in the treatment room to a manageable amount. Once the implants are in, we’ll fit your temporary arch, which is made from acrylic. These teeth are robust, so you can keep eating, drinking and smiling while the bone and gums fuse around the implants. (It takes around 3 months.) 

However, acrylic teeth aren’t built to last forever. But that’s okay, because your final arch will be. 

Step 4: Final bridge placement

Your final prosthetic teeth will be milled from zirconia ceramic. This material is stronger than acrylic, and lasts longer. But the real benefit is it looks and feels more like natural teeth. During this appointment, we’ll explain what you need to do at home to keep your new teeth looking great.

Step 5: Routine checkup

Around two weeks after we fit your final bridge we’ll invite you in for a check-up. We’ll make sure everything is healing correctly, and fine-tune your full arch or bridge if you’re feeling any discomfort.

Is this the best treatment for you?

Now that you know what full-mouth dental implants are, it’s important to weigh up the final investment: do you have the time and the dollars? 

At Keppel Dental we’re very open about the cost involved and the care we provide to our patients. You’ll find all the details on our dedicated All on 4 page. 

Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you do on a whim. Treatment costs, expected outcomes and time needed all need to be understood, evaluated and planned for before hitting ‘go’. 

Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. Using the latest digital dentistry technologies and high-quality dental implant products, we can deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

Contact us, and one of our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss the procedure, timelines and estimated cost for your treatment, along with any concerns you have. 

Modern dentistry focuses heavily on making your time in the chair as comfortable as possible. Sadly, though, many patients still carry memories of outdated dental practices that caused them discomfort and pain. These memories and associations are so strong that they trigger an automatic worry that all oral health procedures will hurt. 

So it’s no wonder that committing to dental treatment that involves some level of dental surgery, such as getting dental implants, can raise some painful questions. It’s natural to want to know, how much pain and for how long?

This is a fair question. It’s rare for people to willingly put themselves through pain. And pay thousands for the privilege. So on a scale of ‘totally painless ’ to ‘get me the heck out of here’, what can you expect when you have a dental implant or full mouth implants?

The good news: you’ll feel very little pain during the procedure

Inserting a dental implant means placing a titanium screw-like fitting into the jaw bone. This is the implant and it works a lot like a natural tooth’s root. 

To place the implant without causing you any discomfort, we numb the area with a local anaesthetic. Work to fit the dental implant only begins once the anaesthetic has kicked in, so during the procedure you’ll feel very little. 

What some people do experience—and may confuse with pain—is pressure and movement as the implant is fitted. This can be a little uncomfortable or feel forceful. 

What to expect after the procedure

As the anaesthetic wears off, you can expect some tenderness around the treatment site. This should pass within a day or less, although some people can experience discomfort around the treatment site for 2-3 days. Certainly within a week, as healing progresses and any bleeding around the site stops, your mouth should feel almost back to normal. 

It’s also fairly common to experience

• minor bruising around your jawline, depending on where the implant was fitted
• some swelling around the gums and face
• jaw ache or soreness.

Most patients can return to their regular daily activities 24-48 hours after the procedure. The single (and temporary) difference being how they chew their food. Eating on  the opposite side of the mouth to where they had treatment will feel better.

The mouth can heal very quickly. It takes a bit longer for the bone to fuse to the implant. This can take 3-4 months, but you definitely shouldn’t be feeling any pain or discomfort as that happens.

Managing any discomfort

Before you leave the practice, your dentist will talk to you about pain relief options and what you can do at home to help with the healing process. Recommendations depend on:

• your general health 
• any other medications you’re taking
• what your dentist expects you to encounter based on the position of the implant in your mouth 
• how many implants have been fitted. 

When to see your dentist about implant pain

As mentioned above, most discomfort and tenderness should ease or disappear within a few days—a week at the most. If a week after your treatment, you’re still experiencing discomfort or pain,  or there’s bleeding around the treatment site, contact your practitioner. These may be signs that an infection is present or that the implant isn’t fusing to the bone. 

Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Understanding treatment costs, expected outcomes and time frames is vital. With this information you can evaluate your options, make a plan and then hit ‘go.’ 

Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. We use the latest digital dentistry technologies and high-quality dental implant products, to deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

Contact us, and one of our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss your concerns, the procedure, the timelines and the estimated cost for your treatment. 

Sooner or later, every patient considering dental implants will debate whether they’re worth the time, money, and effort. They’ll sound the idea out with their partner, friends who have and haven’t had implant surgery, and (hopefully) their dentist. Seeking a range of perspectives is no bad thing. Because even in simple cases the process involves 

• multiple appointments with your dentist 
• costs similar to buying a car 
• oral surgery
• time to heal. 

That super brief, 4 point summary of how the treatment works doesn’t sound great. But, honestly,  the only way to decide if dental implants are worth it, is by acknowledging the less great bits, as well as the benefits. 

As Keppel Dental’s lead implant dentist, I’ve discussed dental implants with hundreds of patients. Because providing patients with relevant, accurate information puts them in a strong position to make an informed decision. In this short article I’m offering you the same information, along with an article link you may find useful as you get deeper into your research. 

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is made up of two parts—a titanium, screw-like fitting placed into the jaw bone, and a prosthetic crown, bridge or full arch.

The screw-like fitting (the actual implant) works like a natural tooth’s root, anchoring the prosthetic tooth so it doesn’t move. It’s this stability (and longevity) that makes dental implants such an appealing tooth replacement option.

Almost as good as natural teeth 

Once an implant fuses with the jaw bone (osseointegration) it’s as strong as a natural tooth. Nothing is off the menu. And things like sneezing, coughing, or even smiling can feel more comfortable when there’s no risk of your prosthetic teeth slipping (or flying) out. 

Implants are also really easy to care for. You clean them in much the same way as you clean your natural teeth. And if they’re kept in good nick, they can last 10-20 years. (Their longevity definitely helps offset the initial financial outlay, but more on that shortly.) 

Then, of course, there’s how they look.

The titanium-screw sits within the jaw and gum, completely invisible. While the prosthetic can be designed and painted to look just like the rest of your natural teeth. 

Having a false tooth (or teeth) that closely mimic the real thing is also good for your jaw health. The action of chewing keeps the jaw bone strong, while the tooth itself supports the position and shape of the jaw. 

Gaps left by missing teeth will eventually contribute to the weakening of the jaw bone. Over time, the shape of the face will change as the bone deteriorates through lack of use. The result is a reduced jawline and sunken-face.   

The financial cost of dental implants

Getting dental implants in Australia is expensive compared to some other parts of the world. There’s no point trying to hide that. A single implant can cost $3,049-$7,175, while full mouth implants are $25,000-$80,000. (Sometimes more.) The final costs are dictated by things like  

• where you get your treatment
• the number of implants you need 
• the size of the implants being used 
• extra dental work to support the implant
• the implant manufacturer. 

Deciding that dental implants are worth it and going ahead with treatment is a commitment to your oral health. It’s a statement that you’re ready to prioritise your teeth and the health of your mouth. 

Understand the cost of the treatment by reading these articles 

• A guide to dental implant costs in Australia
• 10 signs that dental implants are right for you

The treatment process

Implants don’t just demand financial investment. They need your time as well. Here are the 5 steps and stages involved in getting an implant. (Although these may vary depending on an individual patient’s needs. )

1. The initial consultation, which involves taking scans and x-rays of your mouth to establish if implants will be right for you.
2. Planning for implant surgery, which includes treating existing oral health challenges and preparing your mouth for implant surgery.
3. Fitting the implant, which is the day the titanium screw is placed into your jaw and (if needed) a temporary prosthetic is fitted while you heal. 
4. Final prosthetic placement, which may be a single crown, bridge, or full arch.
5. Final routine check up, which happens roughly 2 weeks after surgery. 

The whole process can take anywhere between 3 and 12 months, which accounts for:

• any pre-implant treatment you may need (tooth or gum disease treatment, extraction)
• any treatment that will coincide with your implant surgery (gum graft, bone graft, sinus lift)
• time needed to make your temporary and final prosthetics
• how much time your mouth needs to heal.

Pain and recovery

Dental implantation is a surgical procedure. And just like any surgery, there is a level of discomfort involved. For some people this plays a role in the decision-making process. Is going through the pain of getting an implant really worth it? Only you can answer that. But I can explain more about what’s involved to manage pain and discomfort.

During the procedure, local anaesthetic numbs the treatment site. In some cases, a general anaesthetic can be given. Once the anaesthetic takes effect (which we check) you’ll feel very little. Perhaps some tugging and pulling, but no pain. 

Afterwards, there might be some bruising and swelling around the treatment site. This can feel tender and uncomfortable for a short time but generally eases up within a week or 2. Your dentist will discuss pain relief options before you leave the practice. 

Feeling confident that dental implants are worth it for you?

I’ve shared a lot of information and extra reading resources here. Hopefully I’ve answered some of your questions. And given you some insights into and reassurance about what’s involved in having dental implants. 

Really though, getting personalised advice from your dentist is the best way to understand if they’re worth it. Your dentist is in a better position to understand your lifestyle, health, budget, and the outcomes you want to achieve. 

Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Understanding treatment costs, expected outcomes and time frames is vital. Once you’ve evaluated your options, you’re well placed to make a plan and when you’re ready, hit ‘go.’’. 

Whether you’re just starting to consider dental implants or ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. We use the latest digital dentistry technologies and high-quality dental implant products to deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

Contact us, and one of our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss your concerns, the procedure, the timelines and the estimated cost for your treatment. 

Every year thousands of Australians choose to have dental implant treatment to replace missing or damaged teeth. That’s a lot of people. But you’re not a lot of people. You’re you. And before sinking your time and money into this tooth replacement treatment you want to be confident that dental implants are right for you. So let’s figure that out. 

As Keppel Dental’s lead implant dentist, I’ve helped hundreds of patients decide if getting a dental implant is their best option. 

In this short article I’ll cover:

• the key things you need to think about before implant treatment
• what dentists look for to decide if you’re a good candidate 
• some extra articles and resources to help with your research. 

By the end you’ll be in a stronger position to decide whether you’re ready to press ‘go’ on the process. 

The day-to-day signs that dental implants are right for you

Getting dental implants isn’t a snap decision. Most patients spend 3-6 months thinking about it before making a consultation appointment. By this point, they’ve usually encountered one or more of the 6 signs that it’s crunch time for getting dental implants. 

1. Eating hard or chewy food, sneezing, and even smiling leaves you feeling frustrated, uncomfortable or embarrassed.
2. When you think about tooth replacement options you know you want an almost fit and forget solution. 
3. You care about how your smile looks. Fixing it up is a priority and you’ve thought about the financial side of how to make it happen. 
4. You’ve got multiple missing or broken teeth, which is making eating difficult or even painful. 
5. You’re currently in good health and have even quit smoking (or vaping) so now is a good time.
6. Missing teeth can contribute to jawbone loss or deterioration, leading to that older, sunken face look. And you want to avoid that.  

What dentists look for

Dental implants can last for 15-20 years. But only if conditions are right. To understand if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, your practitioner will check a few things first. This helps them map the route for your personal treatment plan.

Your lifestyle

The chemicals in cigarettes and vaping liquid change the conditions in the mouth. Bone can be weakened and smokers and vapers are more likely to experience gum disease, increasing the chance of implant failure. Ideally, your dentist wants you to stop smoking before placing implants. And staying off the ciggies afterwards will prolong the life of the implant. 

Your current oral health

Gum disease and tooth decay don’t mix well with dental implant treatment. These common oral health challenges can:

• cause gums to recede, which would expose your implant 
• lead to infection or inflammation, slowing down the healing process 
• weaken the jaw bone, causing your implant to come loose or fall out. 

Your dentist will look for signs of tooth decay or gum disease during your initial consultation. If they’re present, then these challenges will be treated first.

The strength of your jaw bone

Dental implants consist of two parts.

1. A titanium screw-like fitting that acts in the same way as a natural tooth’s root.
2. A prosthetic tooth replacement that attaches to the fitting. 

It’s the screw-like fitting that is the implant. (Even though we commonly refer to the whole thing as ‘a dental implant.’) The bone supporting the implant must be strong and healthy to withstand the everyday demands put on the mouth, such as chewing and eating.

Implants placed into a weak jaw bone are less likely to fuse and more likely to fail.

Your dentist will take X-rays and 3D scans of your mouth to check your jaw bone density. If it looks as though it’s lacking, you may need a bone graft. This procedure uses prosthetic material to strengthen the bone around the treatment site. 

Any health, medication, or treatment challenges

Before going ahead with dental implants, it’s a good idea to let your dentist know about any health conditions you have, along with any medications you’re taking to treat them. Your dentist can then factor this into your treatment plan. 

More dental implant resources

Before going ahead with dental implant treatment you need to feel confident that it’s right for you. Your dentist can provide a lot of the facts and information you need to make an informed decision as they know your oral health the best. But there’s a lot you can discover and learn about before heading into your initial consultation. 

To help our patients at Keppel Dental we’ve put together several dental implant guides. And if you’re getting the procedure done elsewhere in Australia, then they may help you too. 

A guide to dental implant costs in Australia

Dentures vs dental implants

Questions to ask before, during and after getting dental implants

Can dental implants be done in one day?

Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Understanding treatment costs, expected outcomes and timeframes is vital so you can evaluate your options and make a plan before hitting ‘go.’ 

Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or you’re ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. We use the latest digital dentistry technologies and high quality dental implant products to deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

Contact us and our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss your concerns, the procedure, the timelines and the estimated cost for your treatment. 

As a long-term, repeat patient at Keppel Dental, you’ll get to know all of our staff. Supporting you with optimal oral health care is a team effort. And there are members of our team you may see as much—if not more—than your dentist. Our oral health therapists (OHTs.)

Until you settle into a care routine with us, you might not be clear about the difference between an OHT and a dentist. When should you see one and not the other? And, if we’re honest, there are many myths and misconceptions about who an OHT can treat.

To help you decide if you need to see a dentist or an OHT, here’s a guide to what they do and the part they can play in your care plan.

The quickest OHT job description you’ll ever read

It’s a common misconception that OHTs only treat children and young people. An oral health therapist can complete a degree that qualifies them to treat people up to age 18. However, most OHTs choose ‘adult scope’ training which allows them to treat everyone.

Their focus is promoting good oral hygiene practices. So they spend a lot of time walking patients through a personalised cleaning routine that fits their lifestyle. However, they’re also qualified to carry out preventative and restorative dental treatments for people of all ages.

An oral health therapist (OHT) can treat children, teenagers and adults. It’s a myth that OHTs can only treat children and young people.

Becoming an OHT

OHTs in Australia must complete a three-year university bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and dental therapy. Generally, having an interest in biology and chemistry helps, with Australian universities requesting Year 12 High School Certificates (HSC) in these subjects.

Getting on to an OHT course is competitive. To demonstrate their commitment, prospective OHTs may complete certificates in dental assisting before applying for a university course. Even then, a place isn’t guaranteed as an applicant still needs to pass an entry exam.

Qualified OHTs must register with the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Association (AHPRA) and the Australian Dental Board. These bodies provide ongoing professional development to ensure the OHT’s knowledge and skills stay up to date.

With the I’s dotted and T’s crossed, a qualified OHT can then apply for a dental practice job and start treating patients.

What treatments can an OHT carry out?

When you’re experiencing any discomfort in your teeth and gums, or have oral health concerns, it’s best to see a dental clinician as quickly as possible. Knowing which treatments an OHT can carry out will help you decide if you need to see a dentist, or your needs can be met by scheduling an appointment with an OHT.

You might see an OHT for:

• teeth whitening
• a comprehensive oral exam
• advice on oral health care and cleaning
• a filling or preventative restorative treatment such as a fissure sealant
• a maintenance clean and polish or non-surgical periodontal treatment
• x-rays and diagnostic tests. This may include:
  • Bitewing and Periapical radiographs
  • OPG and CBCT radiographs
  • diagnosing gum disease, the vitality of the tooth, or if a tooth infection is present.

An OHT can also extract baby teeth under local anaesthetic, and diagnose some oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Depending on the severity of the periodontal disease, an OHT may also carry out treatment, including deep cleaning (or debridement) and helping patients establish a healthy at-home oral care routine.

However, you’ll be referred to a dentist if the periodontal disease has progressed to a point where you need surgical gum disease treatment, such as a gum graft.

The difference between an OHT and…

A dentist, OHT and oral hygienist can perform many of the same day-to-day dental therapy services. So, who can do what and when?. Let’s clear that up by looking at the differences between an OHT and a dentist, and an OHT and an oral hygienist.

…a dentist

Qualified dentists hold a Bachelor of Dentistry—a 4-5-year university course, as opposed to three. Dentists can diagnose and treat all oral health conditions and carry out treatments such as dental implants, dental crowns, and adult tooth extractions.

For any treatments they don’t provide, your dentist can assess and refer you to a dental specialist (such as an oral surgeon and orthodontist).

…and an oral hygienist

Like OHTs, an oral hygienist must complete a three-year bachelor’s degree. The roles are similar in many respects. They can both:

• treat patients of all ages
• assess, diagnose and treat periodontal and gum disease
• educate in and encourage healthy oral care habits.

Unlike oral hygienists, OHTs can also:

• do fillings
• remove teeth
• whiten teeth
• carry out diagnostic tests and take x-rays
• provide other restorative treatments such as a fissure sealant.

Ready to make an appointment?

Knowing which services an OHT can provide gives you confidence when booking your appointment. And better yet, wait times for seeing an OHT may be much shorter than for seeing a dentist, meaning you can get your checkup done and dusted sooner.

If you’re in the Yepoon and Rockhampton area and would like to get your teeth checked by a Keppel Dental OHT get in touch.

The damage cigarettes have on the human body is well documented. Links between smoking and some pretty awful health consequences have been proven beyond doubt. But what we know about vaping is a lot less concrete, although that’s steadily changing.

E-cigarettes have been available to the mass market for more than 20 years. (The first mainstream vape was made in 2003.) But it’s taken this long to gather enough reliable data and complete enough studies for medical professionals to draw conclusions about how vaping affects oral health.

And the findings don’t look good. In fact, vaping may actually be worse for your teeth and gums than cigarettes.

The original vaping promises

Nicotine is addictive. But for many smokers the ritual and feeling of holding and having a cigarette is just as comforting.

When vapes first came out they were largely marketed as a better alternative to cigarettes, especially when filled with nicotine-free e-liquids. And they allowed smokers to enjoy the same action of putting something to their mouth, inhaling something similar to smoke, and breathing it out again. They were also promoted as a way to help people quit smoking, or at least cut down.

But the truth (and what sceptics were saying as early as 2008) is that we don’t know enough about the contents of e-liquids, and the long-term effects vaping may have on the body.

Finding something that could potentially mimic the act but be safer than smoking was an attractive option. And not just to those who already smoked and were looking to stop.

What actually happened

After a decade, media reports started emerging about people who never smoked taking up vaping.

It also became a growing habit among young people. In much the same way that cigarettes were touted as being ‘cool’ before their health effects became known, vaping was promoted as an attractive alternative.

Films and TV shows even started including scenes of people vaping, as it seemed more acceptable than smoking.

It was around this time that the mutterings from the medical industry became louder. No one really knew about the chemicals in e-cigs, and the effect of inhaling their vapour. But there was growing concern that e-cigs may not be useful when trying to quit and that they might not be any safer than smoking cigarettes.

How the products were marketed also started to change. Sweet-flavoured liquids and cheaply produced single-use vapes made them appealing and affordable to a younger audience. So vapes were being questioned not only in terms of health but also in terms of their environmental impact due to the amount of waste they produced.

Australian dentists call for changes to vaping laws

In May 2023, the Australian Dental Association (and therefore its members) announced it was backing the government’s proposed changes to the vaping laws, largely because one in four 18-to-24-year-olds were vaping.

But while the laws have only recently changed, the dental profession feels it’s been a long time coming.

For years dentists have been commenting on links between patients who vaped and their increased risk of gum disease, carries, and bleeding in the mouth. And we’re finally starting to get the data and research supporting their suspicions.

Reliable studies and data into vaping and oral health

The tobacco industry has been around since the 1700s. But it wasn’t until the 1920s that the first medical reports linking smoking to lung cancer started to emerge. And it was another 30 years before the damaging effects of smoking became widely recognised.

Advances in technology, and people’s general understanding of health and wellbeing, are much better than they were in the early twentieth century. So taking 20 years to gather reliable data about vaping, and for society to start acting on those recommendations, is actually pretty swift.

Here’s what we know so far from the research.

Vaping changes the bacteria in the mouth

The claim: Dr Purnima Kumar, a Professor of Dentistry and Principal Investigator of Oral Microbial Ecology Laboratory at the University of Michigan, spent years studying the effects of cigarettes on the mouth. But with the rise of vaping, she and her team turned their attention to this latest trend. Her first study into vaping questioned whether the chemicals in e-liquids and the act of vaping changed the bacteria in the mouth.

The study: She grew bacteria from her own mouth in a petri dish, and then exposed it to different vaping conditions to see what would happen.

The findings: Vaping turned the mouth bacteria toxic, creating a chemical slime and gunk on the teeth and gums that are hard to remove by daily brushing.

Source: Are e-cigarettes less dangerous to oral health than cigarettes?

Vaping plays a role in gum disease

The claim: New York University’s College of Dentistry set out to better understand how the chemicals in e-cigarettes changed the oral microbiome within the mouth, and how the change contributed to gum disease and receding gums.

The study: 84 adults were split into three groups: cigarette smokers, vape users, and people who had never smoked or vaped. The study looked at the presence of gum disease during 2 dental exams 6 months apart. Plaque was taken from the mouth of each person, and the bacteria was analysed.

The findings: At the start of the study, all participants had some level of gum disease. The smokers had the most severe disease, followed by the vapers. But at the 6-month exam, a key indicator of gum disease (clinical attachment loss) was significantly worse only in the vape users.

Clinical attachment loss is where gum ligament and tissue separate from the surface of a tooth. This causes the gum to recede and form pockets, which bacteria love to breed in. A buildup of this can lead to periodontal disease.

Source: Evidence grows for vaping’s role in gum disease

Vapers have a hard time healing

The claim: People who vape are slower to heal after a mouth injury, trauma or dental procedures.

The study: By making a small punch in the roof of the mouth, Dr Kumar and her team compared how well a group of non-vapers healed to people who vaped.

The findings: The mouths of those who didn’t vape healed in around 4 days. And after 7 days there was no sign of the wound at all. But the wounds in the mouths of those who vaped still hadn’t fully healed after 21 days.

This study also revealed the vapers had only been using the devices for 12-18 months, and yet showed the same healing patterns as someone who had smoked for at least 5 years. The conclusion: vaping is worse than smoking, damaging the mouth at a quicker rate than cigarettes.

Sources: Are e-cigarettes less dangerous to oral health than cigarettes?
Vaping damages teeth faster than smoking

Long-term health effects are still unknown

The suspicions and anecdotal evidence from dentists about the oral health condition in patients who vape are being confirmed. But links to mouth cancers and other more severe oral diseases are yet to be proven.

Dr Crystal Stinson, assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, commented in a vaping and oral health article that “Not enough time has passed since vaping became popular to assess the long-term dangers. Unfortunately, everybody’s an experiment right now.”

Sorting myth from reality

As part of their anti-vaping drive, NSW Health collated all the evidence used in their messaging—from stats on the number of young people vaping to the effects of inhaling chemicals as vapour. And they used it to put together an extensive list that leaves little debate around whether vaping causes damage.

Read the vaping evidence summary.

Ready to improve how healthy your mouth is? Start by adding the best foods for healthy teeth and gums to your diet.

Your tiny kid has cut their first tooth, and the word in the parent and carer’s group is that you should book their first dental visit. But is this really necessary? Is it worth taking your infant or toddler to the dentist when they can’t even sit still for a whole episode of Bluey? (Answer: yes.)

Going to the dentist is a developmental milestone. Think back to your own childhood. Maybe you didn’t see a dentist until you were four, five or older. But dentistry has changed. We know much more about oral health, the power of preventative care, and the benefits of ingraining healthy habits as early as possible. 

If you’re considering taking your child for their first checkup but want more information about what happens during the appointment (and whether it’s worth the cost), we’ve got you covered. In this guide we’ll answer your first-trip-with-the-kid questions and share ideas to help you and your child prepare. 

When should you take your child for their first dental visit?

Your child’s first checkup should happen when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. (So says the Australian Dental Association.) This advice can be hard to fathom. Your small child is still sprouting teeth. They struggle to stay still for more than five minutes straight. Then there’s the very high risk there’ll be crying and wailing. Besides, you’ve succeeded in limiting their sugar intake. (Because who needs to deal with that crash?) The prospect of a dental exam seems preposterous.

Oral health therapists (OHTs) who commonly treat babies and young children, are across all of this. And they’re experts in finding fun and safe ways to manage wriggling, crying and child dental anxiety. They have to be skilled in this. Because the shocking truth is that in 2020-2021, 51% of the hospitalisations for dental decay in Queensland were among children aged 0-9 years. We can’t afford to delay early childhood dental care. And so we’ll do everything we can to make your child’s first trip to the dentist as smooth, calm and (dare we say it) as fun as possible. 

Let’s be realistic. The first trip is about encouraging healthy habits

Before delving into what happens during your toddler’s first visit to the dentist, let’s make sure we’re on the same page. Frankly, how much we get done during that first visit depends heavily on your child’s nature and any previous experiences of going to the dentist. 

A child under the age of three will rarely open wide and let us do a full exam. With a little luck, three or four-year-olds will let us do a simple, light clean. Most often, your child’s first appointment simply introduces them  to healthy oral care habits. It’s about adding ‘see the OHT’ to your child’s oral routine. Along with getting your child to hold a toothbrush and swish it around their mouth while you brush your teeth, this visit lays the foundations for a healthy relationship with tooth and gum care. 

Let’s be realistic. How much we can practically expect to achieve during that first visit will depend heavily on the nature of your child and their experiences with OHTs before that date. The aim of your child’s first trip to the dentist is to lay the foundations for a healthy relationship with tooth and gum care.

The appointment: what to expect and what will the dentist do?

Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your child’s first appointment. As their legal guardian, you’ll need to complete a new patient form and tell us about the child’s medical history. 

Tip: If you have more than one child, we recommend getting the other kid looked after so you can focus all your energy on helping your (probably nervous) little one through their appointment. 

The OHT, or dental assistant, may meet you both in reception. Chatting before going into the treatment room can help calm any nerves. 

Once in the room, the OHT will invite your child to ‘go for a ride’ in the magical moving chair. If they’re big enough and seem fairly relaxed, they can sit on their own. But it’s okay if they’d rather sit on your knee. 

Before the exam starts, the OHT (or dentist if the practice doesn’t have an OHT) will show your child some of the tools and equipment, such as mouth mirrors and the overhead light. They can touch and feel the rubber gloves, see how the chair moves and listen to the noise of the airflow machine. Letting your child explore this strange new environment can help them relax. 

Tip: How you feel will affect how your child feels. Stay as calm, relaxed, and matter-of-fact about your dental visit as possible. We realise this can be difficult if you’ve had negative experiences with dentists. Maybe you can use this visit as an opportunity to overcome your own dental anxiety.  

While your child’s being shown the treatment room, we’ll ask if you have any concerns about their teeth. For example, have you noticed any problems when your child eats or chews their food? How have they been during teething?

How the next part of the exam goes will depend on how cooperative your little one is feeling. 

In an ideal situation

Your child will lie back in the chair, either on their own or lying on you. They’ll keep their mouth open long enough for the dentist to count their teeth, use a mouth mirror to check tooth and gum health, and give them a light polish.

When it doesn’t quite go to plan

If your child isn’t playing ball, the dentist will get them to smile as much as possible and encourage them to go “Aah” with a big open mouth. (Getting kids to show us their biggest “ROAR” usually does the trick.) Anything so we can get a couple of good looks at their teeth. If you’re happy to lead by example, the OHT can look at your teeth first. When your child sees how all this works, they’ll often want their turn next. 

The final part of the appointment involves education. We’ll talk to you and your child about toothbrushing, how to clean teeth, why it’s important, and what more you can do to care for your child’s oral health. Finally, we offer your child a free toothbrush or sticker to celebrate completing their first dental visit. 

How long will the appointment last?

A child’s first dental visit generally takes 20 minutes. Sometimes less, but rarely more. Essentially, the appointment length depends on how cooperative the infant or child is. The important thing is not to push it. We know kids don’t like to sit still in a strange environment for too long, and we don’t want to create any negative associations. 

A child’s first dental visit generally takes 20-minutes.

Making a second appointment

Your child’s second checkup depends on how well the exam went and whether there are any potential problems.

Generally, we try to see infants and children every six months. There are three main reasons for this. 

1. Children’s mouths change quickly. As you know, there’s a lot of growth and development, so the shape of their mouth and tooth alignment changes faster than an adult’s. 
2. Seeing a dentist every six months helps build familiarity. Even six months is a very long time in toddler land, and it’s easy for a child to forget. We want dental check-ups to become a regular, expected part of growing up. 
3. Children are prone to tooth decay. Good cleaning habits aren’t well established at such a young age, making it easier for tooth decay and gum disease to develop. Seeing your child twice a year lets us catch these challenges early and advise you on overcoming them.   

At the end of the appointment, your OHT will let you know when they want to see your child again. Reception staff can book you in so you don’t have to think about it for another few months.  

Preparing your kid for their first checkup

Dental practices are full of equipment, noises and smells that will be completely new (and probably a bit weird) for your child. Besides that, there are big people dressed in uniform and wearing masks. Children often feel anxious. They’ll turn to you for reassurance. 

Ease their anxiety by doing some of these eight things before their appointment.

Talk about going to the dentist

Explain what a dentist and OHT do—they like to look at teeth. Tell them that  getting your teeth checked is part of growing up. You could even discuss your own experiences. Hopefully, they’re positive ones. If not, don’t lie to your child but try not to pass on your anxiety or fear. Stick to the facts, or ask other family members and friends to talk about their trips to the dentist. 

Let them sit in on appointments

If you, your partner, or the child’s older sibling have an appointment ahead of your child’s first checkup, let your little one sit in with you. Being a curious bystander will help them get used to the sounds and smells, and they’ll be able to see what goes on. 

Play dentists

Roleplaying games help littlies understand the world around them. Gather a few of your child’s favourite dolls and soft toys, sit them in a chair and pretend to be dentists. You might even use props. A teaspoon works well as a mouth mirror. A pair of sunglasses as the protective glasses. A reusable metal straw as the airflow tube. And thanks to recent world events, we’re sure you can dig a mask out from somewhere.

Look at each other’s teeth 

Show your child how to open wide and say “ahh,” then take turns looking at each other’s teeth. You might try counting their teeth or saying, “I can see your big back teeth,” “Look at those sharp front teeth for biting,” and name parts of their mouth such as their lips, tongue, and the roof. 

Get brushing

Giving your child an age-appropriate toothbrush is a great way to encourage cleaning. See if they’ll let you move the brush around their mouth. Don’t stress if this doesn’t happen. It’s best not to force the issue with an infant or headstrong toddler. Instead, just aim to have them get the toothbrush in their mouth at least twice a day and, if they’re old enough, pop a bit of toothpaste on there.  

Watch videos and shows about the dentist

Load up a YouTube video or two of people visiting the dentist and let your child watch. Search out episodes of popular kid’s TV shows in which the characters go to the dentist. (Yes, even Peppa Pig and Finny the Shark go to the dentist.)

Tip: If you’re not into your kid being in front of a screen, there are lots of books about teeth and going to the dentist, too.   

Visit the practice

It’s sometimes possible to arrange a short tour of the dental practice. A receptionist or dental assistant may be able to show you and your child around, pointing out where your child will find toys and books while they wait and what a treatment room looks like. 

Show them pictures of their dentist

When you make the appointment, get the name of the OHT they’ll see. Then, assuming the practice has a website, see if there’s a photo of the practitioner. Meeting a face they recognise can help settle those little nerves.   

Your child may not fully understand everything you do to prepare them for their first dental exam. But hopefully some of these steps will help to smooth the experience. 

How much does a child’s dental appointment cost in Australia? 

The cost of your child’s dental visit will depend on the fees charged by the practice. Factors that influence price include: 

• your location
• appointment length 
• the dentist’s experience
• complexity of treatment needed.

Generally, the cost of an infant checkup (under 5 years) is less than $100. It can be slightly more for older children. 

The cost of dental treatment in Australia can be a barrier, especially when it comes to taking the smallest members of your household. A hundred bucks for someone to potentially assess a smile seems a lot. But spotting and treating problems early can be an investment in avoiding more costly visits later. 

Accessing the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) 

Dental care isn’t covered by Medicare. Yet. But there is some financial support for families wanting to ensure their child sees a dentist. 

The CDBS is for children under 18 years and covers up to $1,052 worth of dental treatment over two years. To be eligible, the child must:

• be under 18 years of age,
• be entitled to Medicare, and
• the parent or child receives a government payment that makes them eligible. Payments include Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting Payment, or Double Orphan Pension payments.

If these criteria are met, you may be able to get free child dental care. Learn more about accessing CDBS. 

Caring for your little one’s chompers

Taking your small person to the dentist when they’ve just cut their first or second tooth may seem very soon. But it’s never too early to start instilling good oral hygiene practices, including seeing the dentist. 

If you’re in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area and are looking for a family dentist who cares for teeth big and small, we can help. Call us on (07) 3130 0297 or request an appointment online.

Dental implant treatment is considered a permanent tooth replacement option. Once the implant is in the jawbone, and you’ve healed from the surgery, it usually stays there for the rest of your life (or at least 10-20 years). But as can happen with medical and dental treatments, sometimes the procedure needs to be reversed. 

Dental implant removal is rare. But it does happen. Given the cost of dental implants and time needed to get them, it’s important to understand:

• why they need removing
• how a dental implant is taken out
• what happens to the mouth afterwards. 

First, let’s look at what a dental implant is and how they work. 

What are dental implants, and how do they work? 

Dental implant treatment is a type of dental restoration, with tooth implants replacing one or more missing teeth. Part of their appeal is how natural-looking they are, as well as how long they can last.

The treatment is done in two stages. 

Stage one involves fitting a titanium screw-like implant into the jaw. This screw performs the job of a tooth’s root, and will anchor the prosthetic tooth securely. 

Stage two involves attaching a natural-looking ceramic crown to the implant. The crown is the visible replacement for your lost tooth, and will match your other teeth. 

Technically speaking, the implant is the titanium screw-like part. It’s the bit that’s implanted into the jaw. But to make things easier the entire thing—implant, abutment and ceramic crown—is referred to as ‘a dental implant’. 

Implants come in different sizes, and yours will be chosen based on:

• the tooth it’s replacing 
• the size of your mouth and jaw
• the gap being filled.

What’s so great about dental implants, anyway?

Implants are different to dentures in a number of ways. But here are some of the main reasons why 108,399 Australians choose to have dental implants.

• They’re fixed to the jawbone, so there’s a lot less chance of them coming out when eating, talking or sneezing. 
• Implants are cleaned in (almost) the same way as cleaning natural teeth.
• You don’t need to keep putting them in and taking them out as you do dentures, which reduces the risk of damaging the surrounding teeth and soft tissue. 

But if they’re so good and considered a long-term option, why would a dental implant need to be removed?

Common reasons for removing a dental implant

Implant failure in Australia is rare. A study on dental implant treatment conducted at the Adelaide Dental Hospital found that implant survival rate was 87%. Another large-scale study in China found the  implant success rate was as high as 96%. These figures are very impressive. 

But implants can sometimes fail. 

Before removing an implant, a dentist will assess:

• why the treatment didn’t work
• whether the implant can be saved
• whether any other oral health challenges need correcting that either resulted from the implant or led to its failure. 

The reasons for the implant failure, or the need to take an implant out, can be lifestyle-related, treatment-related, or simply bad luck.

Peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is the dental implant equivalent of gum disease. It occurs when bacteria grow in gaps between the gums and the crown, and is usually the result of poor cleaning and a lack of oral hygiene. 

The first stage of treatment is to clean the gum and implant to remove the bacteria (and improve the patient’s at-home oral care). This will ideally get rid of the peri-implantitis and avoid the need for removal. However, in severe cases (i.e. when the implant has already started to come loose due to the disease) the implant can’t be saved and will be removed by your dentist.

Infection

Dental implant treatments involve a healing period. And as with any surgery, infections can occur during the healing process. Your dentist will give you tips to minimise the risk of infection as you heal, such as:

• prescribing antibiotics if needed
• applying Curasept Gel to the site
• washing the mouth twice a day with Savacol. 

But sometimes infection is unavoidable. And if it can’t be treated effectively, or has affected the implant’s stability, the implant will need to be removed.

Smoking and vaping leading to implant failure

The carcinogens in cigarettes and chemicals e-cigarettes change the conditions in the mouth, increasing the chances of peri-implantitis and periodontal disease, and even affects bone metabolism. The chemicals in cigarettes can prevent the bone from healing as well (compared to the bone in a non-smoker), partly because smoking reduces blood supply to bones. That’s why you’ll be encouraged to stop smoking before getting your implants and, ideally, avoid smoking afterwards to minimise the risk of implant failure due to tobacco smoke. 

Poor implantation

An implant that’s placed into a healthy mouth and jaw with strong bone to fuse to is unlikely to fail. When a dental implant comes loose or falls out it’s usually a sign that:

• there wasn’t enough bone for it to anchor to
• an underlying oral health challenge wasn’t addressed before the implant was placed.

Medications and treatments 

Some medications and treatments have side effects that can weaken bones or dry the mouth out. This can increase the risk of implant failure. It’s similar to the risk of natural teeth falling out due to the same medications and treatments, as the tooth root can’t be supported. 

If you’re due to start any treatments or medications that have these side effects, you should let your dental practitioner know. Removal may only be needed if the implant starts to loosen. Knowing that implant failure is a possibility will allow you and your dentist to prepare, and make sure all preventative measures (e.g. great oral hygiene) are in place.   

Six dental implant truths you need to know

Download this rapid-to-read guide if you’re at the very beginning of your dental implant journey.

Inside you’ll find:

• answers to common dental implant questions
• a step-by-step outline of the treatment process
• the lowdown on implant failure (and how to avoid it)
• links to in-depth articles for you to bookmark and read later.

Feel better prepared and confident about your upcoming dental implant treatment.

Get the 6 Truths

How a dental implant is removed

This will depend on how long the implant has been in your mouth, and how your healing is progressing. 

Implant failure generally becomes apparent 48 hours after treatment. But that’s not a bad thing. At this point the bone hasn’t had time to fuse to the screw, and so getting the implant out is relatively simple. You’ll be given a local anaesthetic, and the implant will be taken out in much the same way a tooth is extracted. 

If you’ve had your implant for a while, a couple of things may happen. If it’s really loose, the dentist can remove the implant with their fingers. But if that’s not possible then the procedure will be performed in hospital with you under a general anaesthetic. 

The crown and abutment will be removed, and then the screw-like implant will either be cut out, or removed with ultrasonic waves or a small laser. 

After the implant is removed   

Much like when the implant was inserted, you can expect some tenderness around the treatment site in the days after removal. Before you leave the hospital your doctor or surgeon will provide advice on how to manage any pain and keep your mouth clean to lower the risk of infection. 

The next step is deciding how you’ll replace the missing tooth. Will it be another implant or a completely different tooth replacement option?

Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Treatment costs, expected outcomes and time needed all need to be understood, evaluated and planned for before hitting ‘go’. 

Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. Using the latest digital dentistry technologies and high-quality dental implant products, we can deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

Contact us, and one of our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss your concerns, the procedure, the timelines and the estimated cost for your treatment. 

Dental implant removal FAQs

Whether you’re a new or a repeat patient, one question your dental practitioner will ask regularly is, ‘Are you currently taking any medications?’

But they’re not being nosey. There are known links between oral health and overall wellbeing. How you’re feeling (well or not) and anything you’re taking to make you feel better can affect your teeth, gums, and oral health treatment plan. 

Disclosing information about any medications you’re on can feel very personal. And sometimes it’s a sensitive subject.

Hopefully this article will put your mind at ease, as it explains exactly why your dentist needs to know what medication you’re taking or treatments you’re receiving. 

The effects of medications on oral health and dental care

Australia is privileged in having access to a range of effective medicines. But while they can work wonders at healing us, giving us mental balance or relieving our pain, they can also have side effects. And some of those side effects can affect your mouth and oral health.

Whether they’re injected, inhaled or taken orally, prescribed and over-the-counter medicines can have side effects that affect the mouth. One you might be familiar with, especially if you’re prone to getting colds or hayfever, is dry mouth. 

The formula of some medications reduces saliva production. Saliva helps the body remove bacteria around your teeth and gums. And when there isn’t enough of it, the chance of developing tooth decay or gum disease increases.

So the ‘drink more fluids’ advice is good not only for combating sickness, but also for counteracting the dry mouth effects of some medications. 

If you’re taking blood-thinning medications, you may bleed more easily or for longer when you have even a minor cut. And this information is relevant to your dentist in case a tooth needs removing. 

Unfortunately, bleeding is inevitable during a tooth extraction. (Sorry if that’s too much information.) And if you’re taking blood thinners, clotting and healing after an extraction may be harder. But if they have the right information, your dental practitioner can take steps to ensure the bleeding isn’t excessive.

Immunosuppressants can also lengthen the healing time. Any major dental work you need (e.g. dental implants, multiple tooth extraction) is best saved until you’ve finished the course.  

For those taking antihypertensives to lower blood pressure, there’s a risk of gum swelling and overgrowth. And people taking medications to treat osteoporosis may experience painful mouth ulcers. 

Many of the medications we’ve mentioned so far are usually prescribed by a doctor. But it’s not just prescription medications that can affect your teeth and gums. Many over-the-counter tablets, capsules and syrups can also affect mouth health.

• Aspirin is highly acidic, and can damage tooth enamel. 
• Antihistamines for hayfever—or in cold and flu medicines—can lead to dry mouth. 
• Many syrups, medicines and lozenges contain spoonfuls of sugar, which contributes to tooth decay. 

Telling your dentist what medications you’re currently taking is the best way to look after your mouth.

Whether it’s the hayfever tablets you’ve been taking for the past week or the ongoing need to micro-dose aspirin, telling your dentist means they can:

1. factor it into your personalised treatment plan
2. better understand what oral health challenges you’re facing, and their root cause
3. suggest and carry out treatments that fit in with the medication you’re taking. You may need to finish the course or stop taking it before receiving some dental treatments. But your dentist or doctor will always advise you if and when this is necessary. 

What about supplements and herbal remedies?

Some supplements and herbal remedies can potentially increase the risk of bleeding. Let your dentist know if you’re taking any herbal remedies or supplements containing the following:

• St John’s Wort 
• ginger 
• turmeric 
• garlic 
• ginkgo biloba 
• ginseng 
• glucosamine 
• evening primrose oil 
• fish oil. 

If possible, stop taking them a week or so before your appointment. (Source: ADA media release.)

If you’re worried about disclosing medications to your dentist

You may not feel comfortable telling your dentist what medications you’re taking. You may be holding back due to stigma, shame, sadness or simply because you’re a private person. But please understand that any information you give your dentist will remain confidential – just like the information you give your doctor. 

If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your medication list with your dentist, you could ask your GP or treatment specialist to write a letter on your behalf and send it on. (Note: there may be a small fee attached to this.) 

Alternatively, you could email the practice before your appointment with the details of your medications, but ask that any discussions around it be treated sensitively or kept to a minimum. 

Make a meds list to bring to your appointment

The spelling and brand names of different medications aren’t easy to remember. And you may want to let your dentist know when you started the medication and how long you expect to be on it. 

To make sure you give your dentist the right information about the medications you’re on, bring a medications list to your appointment. Gathering all this information is much easier when you’re at home with the bottles and packets in front of you. Put together a simple table like the one below and bring it with you.

You can then quickly and easily fill in the relevant section of the new patient form (or hand the list to your dentist if you’re a repeat patient).

Medication updates and changes

Generally, you only need to see your dentist once or twice a year. And a lot can happen during that time, including changes to your medications. If this is the case, you’ll need to let your dentist know what you’re taking now that the course has finished. It’s all helpful information that keeps your treatment plan relevant and delivers the oral health care you need. 

If you feel comfortable talking to the practice receptionist about your medication, give them the information when you make your appointment. Alternatively, you can let your dentist know directly. Just bring your amended medications list when you next see them. 

Extra tip: If you want to speak only to your dentist about the medications you’re on, let the receptionist know you’d like some extra time with your dentist. All you need to say is that there are some things you want to discuss with your dentist. You don’t need to say any more than that, but it means you won’t have to rush. 

Need to let your Keppel Dentist know what medications you’re taking?

If you’re a Keppel Dental patient and you haven’t updated your dentist about the medications you’re taking, then now’s a good time. (You’re already thinking about it, so why not tick that job off your to-do list?) 

The easiest way is to update us at your next appointment. If your appointment is coming up in the next week or so and your medications have only recently changed, give us a call (07) 3130 0297 to let us know in advance.

The start of Australia’s footy and rugby season strikes fear in me that I don’t feel the rest of the year. As a fan, I find the games entertaining. But as a dentist, I worry about the thousands of teeth that will be chipped or knocked out during a training session or on game day. 

According to the Australian Dental Association NSW, 40% of dental injuries are sports-related. What’s perhaps even more shocking is that only 36% of Aussies who play contact sports wear a mouthguard on game day. 

While some accidents are unavoidable, there’s one major step you can take as a sports player: Wear a sports mouthguard. (Or, If you have children who play sports, make them wear one.)

Whether you’re looking to buy your first mouthguard, or just checking your mouthguard knowledge, by reading this guide you’ll find out:

• what a mouthguard is
• the different types of mouthguards you can buy
• who should have a mouthguard in their kit bag 
• the potential risks of not wearing a mouthguard
• how to fit and care for your mouthguard 
• a dentist’s dream for mouthguards in the future. 

Let’s start by learning what a mouthguard is and how it can help prevent dental trauma. 

What is a mouthguard?

Mouthguards may be small, but they do a mighty job. When worn over the top teeth, a well-designed mouthguard will absorb some of the impact you encounter when playing sports. It reduces the chance of your upper and lower teeth clattering together and minimises the risk of you biting your cheeks or tongue, and splitting your lips. 

What wearing a mouthguard feels like will depend on the quality of the piece and the material it’s made of. Mass-produced, budget-friendly, store-bought mouthguards are generally made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). (Interestingly, PVC mouthguards have been banned in the EU.) But sports mouthguards are more commonly made from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which has a more flexible, rubbery texture. 

The different types of mouthguards

There are different mouthguards for different purposes. A dentist may suggest you wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth (known as bruxism) or as a treatment for sleep apnoea, as well as if you’re playing sport. 

The difference between a sports mouthguard and one designed to help with a medical condition is that sports mouthguards are made out of a different material and are generally thicker. Whatever the sport—boxing, hockey, netball— guards that are 3-4mm thick should offer good protection. 

As well as having different purposes, mouthguards have different styles.

Custom mouthguards

Designed specifically for your mouth, custom mouthguards offer the greatest protection. These are made from an impression of your mouth, which delivers a better fit around your teeth and soft tissue. 

While you can see your dentist to get the moulds made, you don’t need to. Some sports companies and dedicated mouthguard manufacturers (e.g. Sportsafe Australia) specialise in custom mouthguards. As part of their process, they’ll take impressions of your mouth and teeth and make the moulds. This may be more cost-effective than seeing your dentist, especially if making sports mouthguards isn’t a service they offer. 

Boil and bite

Available at sports stores and some chemists, boil and bite mouthguards work by being placed in boiling water. When they’re soft (but cool enough to put in the mouth), the wearer bites down on the guard to create an impression. While this customises them to some extent,  you probably won’t get a full impression of your mouth, which means not all of your teeth and gums will be properly protected. 

Store-bought mouthguards

The most basic of mouthguards, these are a one-size-fits-most deal. Because the guard doesn’t fit the shape of your mouth, store-bought guards may be uncomfortable to wear for long periods. They’re also more likely to fall out. Of all the mouthguard styles, these offer the least amount of protection and should be used only as a last resort. 

Chances are the type of mouthguard you choose will be influenced by:

• your budget, 
• how often you play sport 
• the type of sport you play. 

But if you want to be completely sure your teeth and mouth are properly protected, investing in a custom mouthguard is the best option.  

Who should wear a sports mouthguard?

Footy players have already been mentioned.  And anyone—adult or child—who plays contact sports is also an obvious candidate. But AFL, NRL and boxing aren’t the only sports where everyone should be wearing a mouthguard. 

Anyone playing a sport where there’s a risk of colliding, falling or being hit in the mouth should wear a mouthguard. So this extends to sports such as:

• netball
• soccer
• hockey
• basketball 
• martial arts
• skateboarding
• cricket (when batting or fielding in close). 

Some of the sports on our list might surprise you. Or you may think we’re being overly cautious. But taking a ball to the mouth or hitting the deck can result in injuries that cost a lot more than buying a mouthguard and wearing it for a  few hours. 

The risks of not wearing a mouthguard

I don’t want to get super gruesome, so I’ll spare you the sport-related dental trauma we’ve treated at Keppel Dental. But the reality is that not wearing a sports mouthguard increases the risk of copping a nasty injury that can take weeks (or even months) to recover from. And depending on your injuries, it may take your bank balance just as long to recover. 

Training or playing without a mouthguard can lead to:

• biting your cheeks or tongue (which can result in needing stitches)
• a chipped tooth or teeth, which you may need dental restoration treatment to fix
• knocking out a tooth or multiple teeth, which could have you investing in a dental implant if the tooth can’t be saved 
• a broken jaw, which may involve one or more operations to help reset, repair and heal the jaw.

Injuries that require hospital or dental care can cost you more than the season. Your treatment may cost thousands of dollars. And depending on the injury and what’s needed to repair it, it could take a lifetime to treat.

Mouthguards and concussion  

You may have heard that mouthguards can also help protect against concussion. The theory is a properly fitted mouthguard absorbs enough of the impact to reduce the risk of concussion symptoms such as dizziness. But this idea is being widely abandoned by sport medical professionals.  

A small study by the University of North Carolina assessed 180 concussed athletes by looking at their cognitive function from their concussion test. The athletes were separated into two groups: those who were wearing a mouthguard when they were concussed, and those who weren’t. The conclusion was that ‘mouthguard use does not result in any observable differences in neurocognitive performance following concussion.’ But this isn’t to say that mouthguards don’t play a role in understanding sports concussions.

HITIQ make ‘smart mouthguards—mouthguards embedded with force measuring sensors that link to an app. When someone takes a hit, the technology in the mouthguard feeds back to monitors, making it quicker and easier for sports medical teams to accurately assess the severity of a concussion.

So while we highly recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect against dental and mouth trauma, if you think it will reduce the potential impact of concussion you’re going to be disappointed. Mouthguards can protect you from a lot of inner-mouth damage. But they can’t protect you from a knock to the head. 

Mouthguard fitting tips

The easiest way to get a mouthguard that fits properly is to get one custom-made. A guard created from an impression of your mouth will offer protection from your front teeth all the way to your molars, as well as around your gums. 

In Australia you might pay anything between $200 and $400 for a custom sports mouthguard, depending on the size of your mouth and any design work you have done on it. (You may see footy players with fanged teeth designs, team colours, or their name.)

You’ll know your mouthguard is fitting right if:

1. it’s comfortable to wear, even for long periods 
2. it doesn’t feel loose, or fall out easily when you make impact
3. you can breathe, swallow and talk normally. 

A good quality mouthguard should also be odourless, and not leave a plastic taste in your mouth. 

Looking after your mouthguard

An adult mouthguard that’s well-looked after can last several seasons. I say ‘adult’ because children’s mouthguards should be replaced each year. Kids’ bodies are always changing, including their mouth and jaw. They may also still be losing their milk teeth, and have adult teeth only partially through. 

To keep your mouthguard working as it should, and to stop it becoming a hygiene risk or added stink in your kit bag, you should:

• wash it in warm (not hot) soapy water after every game and training session 
• allow it to air dry rather than trying to dry it with a towel (to avoid the risk of it getting covered in lint)
• avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or exposing it to high temperatures so it doesn’t go brittle or change shape so much that it no longer fits
• keep it in a well-ventilated storage box to protect it from damage (and getting hot and potentially sweating). 

3D printing mouthguards: the dream result

A  common misconception is you can only get a custom sports mouthguard by seeing your dentist. Many dentists do offer this service. But it will often cost more than it would if you order one through a specialist mouthguard manufacturer. 

Currently, making a custom mouthguard involves using sticky, gooey putty to take an impression of your mouth. It’s then sent to a dental technician, who uses it to make a mould of your mouth. And once they have the mould, the mouthguard can be made to fit.

In an ideal world, we’d use digital dentistry techniques instead of putty. Having a 3D scan of your mouth taken is much more comfortable. And it’s a lot quicker than taking impressions of the mouth, making the model, and sending it off to have the mouthguard created. 

What would be even better is if we could use a 3D printer to print high-quality, custom sports mouthguards. Again, this would save time and lower the cost. 

At the moment, EVA is still the best material for mouthguard manufacturing. Unfortunately, it’s not commonly used for 3D printing, so it’s hard to get hold of it in a form that would work with a 3D printer.

So until the situation changes, or we find an alternative material that’s just as good as EVA but works with 3D printers, it will remain a nerdy dentist’s dream. 

Want to discuss your need for a sports mouthguard with a dentist?

Getting a sports mouthguard is a wise investment. But finding one that fits your needs isn’t always easy if you have braces, crowns or a bridge. You may also be worried about the effect a mouthguard will have on your teeth. 

If this sounds like you, then it might be worth getting some advice from a dentist. 

Keppel Dental can help any sports-mad people in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area. We can take impressions for child and adult mouthguards, and help you get a custom guard. Get in touch with us today, and we can go from there.

Kids are wriggly at the best of times. At worst, trying to get your children to brush their teeth can trigger a full-blown tantrum.

You might not think it’s essential for your child to brush their baby teeth. They’re going to fall out anyway, right? But actually, if your kids don’t brush their baby teeth twice a day, they risk:

• tooth decay
• gum disease
• pain and discomfort
• problems with eating
• problems with speaking
• building bad dental hygiene habits 
• problems with the eruption of permanent teeth.

So how can you encourage your small people to brush their teeth?

Here are 5 tips and tricks to help you  win this twice-a-day battle.

1. Build good oral hygiene habits early

Most children under 6 don’t have the fine motor skills needed to brush their teeth effectively. They’ll need your help. But they can still  build good oral hygiene habits early.

Even before your children’s baby teeth erupt, wipe their gums with a soft, damp cloth, once in the morning and once at night. This will help prepare them for the sensation of having their teeth brushed. Once their teeth start coming through, switch to a toothbrush. When their teeth start to touch, you can begin flossing.

2. Choose the right toothpaste and brush

It’s important to use toothbrushes, toothpaste (for children over 18 months) and flossers designed for children. This will make the experience more comfortable for them, (and hopefully) less of a drama. For example, kids’ toothbrushes have small heads made to fit small mouths, and soft bristles which are gentle on gums and milk teeth. 

To help your child do a good job and have more fun, you could give them an electric toothbrush, which emulates accurate brushing. Kids over the age of 3 should be safe to use an electric brush, under supervision. 

Our advice on toothpaste, is:

• children under the age of 18 months shouldn’t use toothpaste
• from 18 months to 6 years, use a pea-sized drop of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste 
• from 6 years and up, use a pea-sized amount of standard fluoride toothpaste.

As for flossing, make sure kids use interdental flossers without sharp edges.

[IMAGE IDEA: Can the client provide a photo of the type of flossing tool they’d recommend children use.]

Give your kids the fun and the responsibility of choosing their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Children’s toothbrushes come in a range of colours and themes. There’s bound to be a brush with their favourite cartoon character to get them excited.

3. Set a good example

Kids love to mimic their parents, so set a good example by brushing and flossing regularly.

Even if your toothless children just watch you brush your teeth, it helps them build good habits. When they’re old enough to use a toothbrush (even if they lack the skills to brush effectively), brush your teeth as a family. You can make this twice-daily routine more fun by mirroring your kids’ brushing. Or if you’re feeling particularly daring, let them brush your teeth while you brush theirs.

4. Make toothbrushing fun

Here are 9 things you can try to make toothbrushing more fun for your kids.

• Use props like dolls and stuffed animals to roleplay toothbrushing.
• Play your kids’ favourite song or a song specifically about brushing their teeth. (You can try singing too!)
• Use toothbrushing books and apps to teach your kids about brushing and make it more enjoyable.
• Come up with your own stories about toothbrushing.
• Set a sand timer (preferably one with colourful sand) and challenge them to brush until time’s up.
• Reward kids for consistent brushing and flossing.
• Get your kids to clean their teeth during the ad breaks of their favourite shows.
• If they get bored of brushing in the bathroom, try getting them to brush their teeth in a different room or space.
• Get the Tooth Fairy to write them a note encouraging them to brush their teeth.

5. Take a fun trip to the dentist

Believe it or not, visiting a dental practice can be fun. Generally, an oral health therapist (OHT) sees the little ‘uns. And a ‘ride in the chair’ can break the ice and help them settle. If your child is very apprehensive we’ll offer them a plastic mouth mirror to hold and keep. This let’s the OHT show your child what they’re doing and the equipment they’re using.

Our OHTs love to share toothbrushing technique with interested kids, and every child is offered a balloon model at the end of their appointment. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Keppel Dental (@keppeldental)

A trip to the dentist may also reveal underlying issues you’re not aware of. For example, sensitive teeth could be causing your child pain or discomfort when they brush, which could explain why they put up a fight at teeth cleaning time. Your dentist will determine the source of the problem and suggest products and practices that can help.

We recommend booking a dental appointment after your child’s first birthday, even if they don’t have any teeth.

3 Steps for brushing little kid’s teeth 

Cleaning your small child’s teeth may not be a smooth experience. Here’s what you can do to make it easier and more comfortable for both of you.

Step 1: Find a comfortable position, usually with your child sitting on your lap facing away from you. 

Step 2: Rest your child’s head against your body and cup their chin with one hand. 

Step 3: Brush their teeth along the gum line on both inside and outside surfaces. Work gently in small circles. On the chewing surfaces, use back-and-forth brushing motions.

How long should kids brush their teeth?

We recommend that your children brush their teeth for 2 minutes twice a day, once in the morning and once at night before bed.

Should your children rinse after brushing?

We recommend not rinsing with water after brushing. Ask your children to spit out the toothpaste when they’re done brushing. The small amount of toothpaste that remains in their mouth will protect their teeth.

It’s never too early to build good oral hygiene habits

The sooner your children develop good toothbrushing and flossing routines, the better.

Fun routines encourage them to take care of their teeth, and help avoid tooth decay and gum disease.

After more tips and tricks?

Check out our article on caring for your children’s teeth and accessing free dental care for children in Australia.

Use these oral health facts to ditch your dental treatment fear

Regular visits to the dentist are an important part of caring for your teeth. But if the thought of having one makes you feel anxious, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is quite common. Unfortunately, the anxiety is often caused by the false facts (or as we like to call them, ‘untooths’) that regularly do the rounds. 

It’s time to pick apart this fake news and debunk the dental myths. From whitening treatments that weaken teeth to the causes of bad breath, we’re going to reveal the truth about dental treatments and ailments that are often misunderstood.

Jump to a dental myth:

Myth #1: Whitening products weaken your teeth
Myth #2: You’ll get a lecture from your dentist if you haven’t been for a while
Myth #3: Bad breath only happens if you don’t brush and floss your teeth
Myth #4: Brushing harder or with a firm brush gets your teeth cleaner
Myth #5: You only need to visit a dentist if you have a problem
Myth #6: It’s not safe to visit a dentist when you’re pregnant
Myth #7: Bad teeth are hereditary
Myth #8: It’s better to have your wisdom teeth removed
Myth #9: You shouldn’t clean your teeth if your gums bleed
Myth #10: Enamel can’t grow back but it can be repaired
Myth #11: The sugar in fruits won’t damage your teeth

Myth #1: Teeth whitening products weaken your teeth

Behind the myth: Teeth will naturally stain over time, especially if you enjoy tea, coffee, and dark foods such as berries and some curries. Using a tooth whitening product is one way to remove, or lessen the appearance of, these stains. But you may have heard that whitening products weaken the teeth.

Teeth whitening treatments, when carried out professionally, will remove stains from teeth safely and effectively. And while some people experience sensitivity around their teeth and gums after treatment, it soon passes. 

For our full take on teeth whitening, read our article on how your dentist can whiten your teeth.

Myth #2: You’ll get a lecture from your dentist if you haven’t been for a while 

Behind the myth: Dentists are human too. We understand that life gets busy, and before you know it the months have flown by without you having a check-up. 

The truth is, we’re happy to see you no matter how long it’s been since your last visit. We want to work with you to create an oral health plan that fits with your lifestyle. There’s no point dwelling on the past. What’s important is taking care of your teeth now and into the future. Please don’t let this myth stop you from making an appointment for a check-up.

Myth #3: Bad breath only happens if you don’t brush and floss your teeth

Behind the myth: Halitosis (bad breath) isn’t always due to poor dental hygiene. It can be caused by:

• eating strongly flavoured foods such as garlic and onions
• alcohol and cigarettes 
• illnesses outside your mouth (e.g. a throat or sinus infection) 
• dry mouth, which is common when you wake up in the morning 
• medical conditions such as diabetes. 

If you’re worried about your breath, see your dentist. They can help you determine the cause, and hopefully rule out an infection in your mouth, gum disease, or tooth decay. 

If it is one of these, we can treat it and have you breathing all over people with confidence again in no time. (We’re joking, of course. That would be weird. But you’ll be far less self-conscious about being close to other people.)

Myth #4: Brushing harder or with a firm brush gets your teeth cleaner

Behind the myth: There are so many brushing myths out there that we wrote an entire  article about when brushing goes bad. But here’s a summary of what you need to know.

• Pressing harder won’t make your teeth any cleaner. In fact, too much pressure can damage teeth and gums. The bristles on the brush will also splay if you press too hard, making it about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
• Using a firm bristled brush won’t clean better either. Again, you’re more likely to damage your teeth. It can also lead to gum recession. The evidence shows that a soft brush is just as effective.   

Myth #5: You only need to visit a dentist if you have a problem

Behind the myth: Seeing your dentist isn’t like seeing your doctor. You shouldn’t be making appointments only when you’re experiencing pain or symptoms. You should be seeing your dentist before you have an issue so they can prevent it. Which means the earlier or more regularly you see them, the better. 

Regular check ups also help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Visit often enough and you (hopefully) shouldn’t experience any oral health problems. But if you do, seeing your dentist regularly means it can be treated before it becomes a serious problem. At your regular check-up we’ll professionally clean your teeth to reduce the likelihood of you needing more invasive and expensive treatments later on.

Myth #6: It’s not safe to visit a dentist when you’re pregnant

Behind the myth: Not only is it safe to visit a dentist when you’re pregnant, it becomes even more important for you to maintain your oral health. You should tell us you’re pregnant (even if you’re in the early stages) so we can provide the correct care for you, and discuss any concerns you may have regarding treatment. 

Mothers-to-be are often worried about the safety of local anaesthetic injections used for dental treatments. Anaesthetics are available that can be used safely both during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. But untreated tooth decay and gum disease can lead to infections, which can pose a far greater risk to mums. Keeping you and bub safe is what matters. That’s why we wrote this article on caring for your teeth during pregnancy.

Myth #7: Bad teeth are hereditary

Behind the myth: While your genes can influence how your teeth develop and make you more prone to dental issues, inheriting bad oral care habits is far more likely to increase the risk of getting cavities. 

When a Melbourne study looked at the teeth of 173 sets of twins, it found varying degrees of decay. This suggests that environmental factors affect the health of your teeth more than genes. Your enamel structure, saliva, and the shape and alignment of your teeth are all hereditary. But no matter what teeth you inherit, a diet high in sugars, constant snacking, poor dental hygiene and missed dental checkups are the root cause of most oral health issues. 

Myth #8: It’s better to have your wisdom teeth removed

Behind the myth: This is a weird one. Extraction is an absolute last resort. As dentists, we much prefer to help you keep your natural teeth. So unless extraction is absolutely necessary, we wouldn’t recommend ripping teeth out of your mouth. And that includes your wisdom teeth.

Your wisdom teeth need removing only if they’re causing problems such as pain, swelling, gum inflammation or decay, or are likely to cause problems in the future. Outside of those, there are no scientifically proven health benefits of having your wisdom teeth removed. If you have any concerns about your own or your child’s wisdom teeth, discuss them with your dental team. 

Myth #9: You shouldn’t clean your teeth if your gums bleed

Behind the myth: This is possibly one of the oldest dental myths, and one that needs some serious debunking. Because bleeding gums after brushing can be a sign of early gum disease or gingivitis caused by a lack of brushing. 

If anything you should keep brushing. Make sure you brush for two minutes twice a day, floss once a day, and rinse your mouth with water after each meal or snack. Use a soft toothbrush and apply a light pressure (if you’re not already) until your gums heal. 

Myth #10: Enamel can’t grow back but can be repaired

Behind the myth: Tooth enamel is tough. It needs  to be so it can protect each tooth from a lifetime of chomping. But it can be eroded by:

• sugary or acidic drinks
• high sugar and starch intake
• dry mouth
• acid reflux 
• certain medications. 

And once it’s gone, it’s gone. It can’t grow back. Until recently, this was true. But scientific breakthroughs may soon allow us to regrow tooth enamel.

Trials have begun on a lozenge containing a genetically engineered peptide that forms the building block of tooth enamel. Scientists in China have invented a gel that stimulates crystal regrowth to restore the original structure of tooth enamel. More recently, researchers from the University of Washington have created organoids from stem cells to secrete the proteins that form enamel.

But for now, the best option is to avoid losing it in the first place by following a good daily dental regime and having regular check-ups.

Myth #11: The sugar in fruits won’t damage your teeth

Behind the myth: Eating fruit is good for you. It can’t possibly do any damage to your body, right? 

Sugar is sugar, no matter how it’s packaged. Whether it’s coming from lollies, chocolate, ice cream, soft drink or your beloved banana, it’s still a major cause of tooth decay. And it can be even worse when you combine it with the enamel-softening acid found in fruits such as oranges, grapes and pineapples. 

But it’s not all bad news. Fruit also contains vitamins and minerals that have tooth-friendly health benefits. 

To enjoy fruit without damaging your teeth, choose fruits low in acidity and sugar such as berries, peaches and apples. And rinse your mouth with water after eating them to remove any sugar left on the surface of your teeth. 

Now you know the whole tooth!

Dental myths are damaging. They often raise fears and concerns and make people hesitant about getting the oral health care they need.

Hopefully we’ve helped you understand why these 11 dental myths create such fear, and convinced you to debunk them and lay them to rest. And we hope you’re feeling a little more confident about booking an appointment with your dentist. 

If you’re in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area and need a dentist, we can help. To find out more about our ethos and approach to modern dentistry, visit our About page. 

Inside this article:
🦷 Oral health and heart health
🦷 Oral health and Alzheimer’s Disease
🦷 Oral health and cancer
🦷 Oral health and birth defects
🦷 Oral health and diabetes
🦷 Oral health and diet

Did you know there’s a link between poor oral health and heart disease, cancer and birth defects?

Brushing your teeth and visiting your dentist could prevent diabetes and Alzheimer’s. And the importance of oral health extends to heart disease, birth defects and even some cancers. 

Now that’s a big incentive to take care of your oral health. Who would have thought that looking after your teeth could improve your general health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that oral disease affects nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide. It also states that many of the risk factors for oral disease can be modified. That means people can prevent and fix oral health issues. And given the links to other diseases, the importance of oral health is critical to many areas of our body.

But what health conditions can be linked to poor oral health? And what can you do to reduce the risk of being affected by them?

Oral health and heart health

Did you know that gum disease can also be bad news for your ticker? According to the Heart Foundation, people with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease. And that’s a big deal. Heart disease was the number one cause of all deaths in Australia for the 2021 reference period.

Scientists have established a link between oral health and heart disease. However, they’re quick to point out that more research is needed to establish a direct cause between the two. Current theories suggest the bacteria from infected gums travel to the heart. This bacteria transfer can then result in endocarditis, an infection of your heart lining. 

Another theory is our body’s response (immunity) to gum bacteria in the heart can cause inflammation, clots, or sticky blood vessels. This results in cholesterol collection, which then leads to decreased or blocked blood flow.

So not looking after those toothy pegs could do more than just kill your Instagram status. 

Oral health and Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, was the second leading cause of death in Australia between 2017 and 2021. 

A 2021 systematic review collated and analysed a series of scientific papers to see if there was a  link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It found that “The literature currently seems to converge towards the affirmation of a link between periodontal diseases and Alzheimer’s disease”.

However, the review also states that more research is needed to confirm the connection between the two. 

We have around 700 types of bacteria in our mouths. And one study in the review suggests that one of them may be responsible. This bad boy’s scientific name is Porphyomanas gingivalis. (What a mouthful. And, yes, pun intended.) 

P .gingivalis is one of the main culprits for gum disease. A recent study suggests that P. gingivalis can spread to the brain. The infection causes a plaque build-up response (beta-amyloid proteins). The plaque and its by-products can also be toxic and may cause blockages. And these blockages between neurons can interfere with the brain’s connections and messaging.

Oral health and cancer

Chances are cancer has affected you, a loved one or a colleague. And despite all the research, it’s still a terrifying diagnosis. 

Scientists identified poor oral health as a risk factor for mouth cancer. They associated gum disease with a 43% increase in oesophageal cancer and a 52% increase in gastric cancer.

But  while it’s a widespread disease, could good oral hygiene help prevent some cancers? 

Scientists identified poor oral health as a risk factor for mouth cancer. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health linked periodontal disease and some cancers. They associated gum disease with a 43% increase in oesophageal cancer and a 52% increase in gastric cancer. It has also been linked to lung, pancreatic, colorectal, head and neck cancer.

Again, the connections need further research. Science needs to confirm that poor oral health is causing the cancer, and that it wasn’t simply present at the same time. But it’s not worth taking risks when it’s so easy to perfect your oral health routine.

Oral health and birth defects

Poor oral health can affect an unborn baby. Severe gum disease can lead to women giving birth early, resulting in underweight babies. 

Premature birth can lead to serious issues for a newborn, including hearing, eyesight and even brain injury. 

Better Health Channel suggests that out of every 100 premature births, 18 can be linked to periodontal disease (severe gum disease). 

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care found differing results. They didn’t see a substantial reduction in premature births by treating gum disease during pregnancy. However,  there was a reduction (from 9.6% to 1.7%) in children’s teeth decay when a pregnant woman improved her oral health.

Of course, we need to look after the star of this show, the mum-to-be. During pregnancy, some women are more prone to dental problems. Check out this article on caring for your teeth during pregnancy for 10 ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy.  

Oral health and diabetes

People with diabetes have a higher incidence of dental problems. Dental issues include infections, low saliva production, tooth decay, poor healing, and even an altered sense of taste. The Australian Dental Association is a leading source of dental information, and provides great tips on preventing and managing complications of diabetes on dental health.

Recent discoveries suggest the link goes both ways. In other words, periodontitis can negatively affect blood sugar regulation. And the effect it has on blood sugar levels can result in higher chances of pre-diabetes and diabetes. 

Oral health and diet

Poor oral health can affect your general diet in other ways.:

• Decayed and broken teeth can be very painful. They can stop you from eating altogether, or choosing to eat only certain foods due to their texture. Ultimately, this will affect your nutrition.
• Missing teeth and poor oral care “partly contribute to restricted dietary choices and poor nutritional status of older adults“. It can limit your food choices and prevent you from chewing your food thoroughly, which can in turn hinder the digestive process. 
• Sensitivities can stop you enjoying some of the best things in life. We live in Yeppoon and Rockhampton, and so we know some days aren’t complete  until you’ve had ice cream. Don’t let sensitivity to cold or hot food ruin your enjoyment of life.
• Inflamed, red and bleeding gums can make you subconsciously skip lunch or even brushing your teeth for fear of doing more damage. 

What other conditions link to poor oral health?

The Mayo Clinic includes a number of ailments as possible connections to poor oral health, such as:

• stroke
• pneumonia
• osteoporosis.

Now that you know the importance of oral health, what can you do to reduce the risks?

The good news is you have the power to change things in your hands. Well, provided your hands are holding a toothbrush and some floss. 

Regular, effective teeth and gum cleaning creates a healthy mouth. And now you know it can also improve your overall health.

Once those hands have finished brushing and flossing, get them to dial your dentist. Regular dental visits will keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. They can also diagnose any oral problems early. And your dental team is happy to show you how best to brush and floss.

Want better overall health? Don’t forget the importance of dental health.

Are you in the Yeppoon or Rockhampton area and thinking it’s time for an oral health check? Make an appointment.

Get smart about the signs you need to bite the bullet and get your wisdom teeth removed

Are your gums sore or bleeding in the back? Does that area of your jaw hurt? Is there pressure, a dull ache or a throbbing pain? Do you have a bad taste in your mouth even when you’re not eating, or bad breath? Are you struggling to clean your very back toothy pegs?

It sounds like your wisdom teeth are trying to make their debut. But that aloof wisdom tooth may not be here to play nicely.

And you may be wondering, What’s the best age to get my wisdom teeth removed?

Tooth extractions can be a little scary when you don’t know what to expect. You’ve probably heard stories from workmates or family members about wisdom teeth the size of small countries and roots wrapped around rib bones. Then again, they always did have a bit of a reputation for exaggerating.

What you’re experiencing may be a sign your wisdom tooth needs to come out. Here’s what to look out for, along with a sensible guide of what to expect during a wisdom tooth extraction.

Why do wisdom teeth need pulling?

Scientists believe wisdom teeth eruption is related to when we chewed on mammoth bones. We needed a third set of molars due to our prehistoric diet wearing away our first molars. But over millions of years our jaws and teeth have changed, and these days we’re now less Neanderthal and more TikTokable.

When it comes to molars, our smaller jaws and modern diets can mean two’s company but three’s a crowd. There simply isn’t enough room for the third set of molars to come through, at least for some people.

Potential wisdom tooth problems 

• Impaction – the tooth is stuck behind another tooth and can’t emerge.
• Part-eruption – your gum partly covers the tooth.
• Misalignment – the crowding makes your tooth erupt at an odd angle.
• Infection – crowded wisdom teeth are more prone to infections of the gum, and even the jawbone. A fluid-filled sac may also form at the base of the tooth. And the combination of this sac and the infection can lead to issues with the surrounding teeth or bone structure.
• Decay – that odd angle or “peek-a-boo” partially erupted tooth makes dental hygiene difficult. It’s hard to brush and floss effectively, and may result in more decay.

Wisdom teeth removal – what’s the best age to have it done?

Well, how long is a piece of string (attached to your wisdom tooth and the doorknob)? No seriously, don’t do that.

The first thing to know is that not all wisdom teeth need to come out. Many people have plenty of space, and so they and their wisdom teeth become lifelong friends.

But what if your back chompers give you grief, or when x-rayed look like they’ll be part of the naughty chew crew? Well, we prefer to remove them when you’re younger. Most patients for wisdom tooth removal have them appearing between the ages of 18 and 25. At this age, your ability to heal is much better. And because your wisdom teeth may not have finished growing their roots, it can be easier for the dental team to remove them. 

That’s not to say we can’t extract your wisdom teeth later. However, the longer they’re around, the more time that naughty back row has to cause wisdom teeth grief. And chances are you’ll also need more time to recover.

Signs your wisdom teeth need to come out

Here are a few indicators your third set of molars might be better under the pillow for the tooth fairy. 

• Jaw ache, throbbing or pressure.
• Gum pain, swelling or redness.
• Gum infection.
• Decay to wisdom tooth or adjoining molar.
• Cheek abrasion, or difficulty chewing food.
• Bad breath, or a foul taste in the mouth. (And we’re not talking tempura chicken here.)

Sometimes you need someone with superpowers to identify wisdom tooth problems. We have x-ray vision… okay, we take x-rays and then use our vision to see what’s happening. But all jokes aside, an x-ray may be the first sign your wisdom teeth will be naughty. 

How are wisdom teeth removed?

It’s WTE day – wisdom tooth extraction day. And hey, we get that you’re nervous. So, here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of how we say bye-bye to a wisdom tooth. 

First, rest assured we’ve had a good look at the x-rays and planned the extraction. Assuming we didn’t need to refer you to an oral surgeon due to a complex extraction, we’re now ready to remove that wisdom tooth (or teeth).

Wisdom tooth extraction

Step 1: We numb your gum and tooth with a local anaesthetic. Yes it’s a needle, but we use numbing gel first to make the area comfortable.

Step 2: Chat about the Yeppoon weather or surf conditions while we wait for everything to numb completely.

Step 3: Now we can’t give you a safe word because you’ll have a few tools in your mouth. So we discuss the hand signal you can use to get us to stop immediately.

Step 4: We test whether the anaesthetic has numbed the area. You’ll feel a fair amount of pressure, but no pain.

Step 5: We loosen the tooth in its socket using a lever called an elevator. You’ll feel downward or upward pressure.

Step 6: We grasp the tooth with extraction forceps and move it from side to side.

Step 7: You may hear some odd noises—a pop, a slight snapping or a crunchy sound. These are all normal, but they sound worse because your ears are so close to the action. You may also hear the dental drill to help remove the tooth.

Step 8: We use forceps to grab the tooth and pull it out.

Step 9: We’ll place a gauze wad over the socket, and ask you to bite on it.

Step 10: You’ll taste some blood in your mouth. But the bleeding will reduce quickly as the gauze helps form a blood clot in the socket.

Surgical extractions (for complicated wisdom teeth scenarios) are more involved. Surgical extraction can happen in the dental chair, or may involve a general anaesthetic in a hospital. If you need one we’ll discuss the procedure in depth with you. (Unless you’re a little queasy and would prefer not to know anything about it, in which case that’s fine too.)

Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction

Like all tooth extractions, recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction is generally straightforward.

Here are a few pointers to help with your recovery.

• Most patients recover in a week, although the socket and gum will still feel slightly different for a few more weeks.
• It’s common to have some pain. Your dentist will discuss pain relief options with you before you leave the practice so you can keep on top of the discomfort.
• Expect some swelling, and possibly some bruising. Use an ice pack wrapped in cloth for the first 24 hours.
• There will be a hole in your gum, and you’ll taste some blood. Avoid sticking your tongue or finger in the extraction site.

Here are more post-extraction tips about food, drink and hygiene: A quick guide to surviving your tooth extraction.

How much does it cost to get wisdom teeth removed in Queensland?

Good question.

Without seeing your x-rays, it’s hard to give you a price. There are many variables and options, including:

• simple versus surgical extraction
• in-chair versus in-hospital
• Farnborough versus Kemp surf breaks. (Sorry. That option’s probably just for me.) 

At Keppel Dental, wisdom teeth extractions generally range from $310-$550. There are extra costs for in-hospital treatment, which can include paying for the hospital room and the anaesthetist, and having the extraction completed under general anaesthetic. 

While we can’t give you the price of a hospital-based extraction, we are happy to give you a written quote if we can remove your wisdom tooth in our practice. We’ll tell you at your consultation so there are no nasty surprises on WTE day.

Get smart about removing your wisdom teeth

So, having read this, do you think you need to get your wisdom teeth removed? The first step is to see your dentist. If you’re in the Yeppoon or Rockhampton area, you can visit us. Make an appointment. 

Could dental implants answer your chewing, smiling and denture problems?

So you’ve heard about implants. That’s not surprising. They’re hard to miss when you’re in the supermarket queue with a Kardashian on a magazine cover. 

But today we’re not talking about those kinds of implants. We’re talking about dental implants. 

Perhaps a friend has mentioned them, or a colleague at work. But how much do you really know about them? 

You’ve probably heard that dental implant costs in Australia are expensive and that it takes a few trips to the dentist to complete the treatment. After all, having spent all that time and money on your smile makeover the last thing you want is your implants falling out. 

But when is the right time to consider dental implants? 

There are 6 signs that suggest it’s worth moving dental implants from your “Hmmm, maybe” list and onto your “Let’s get this done” list. Some are physical, while others are emotional. But if you answer “Yes” to them all, it’s time to discuss this tooth replacement option with your dentist.

What are dental implants?

Implants are artificial teeth that screw into your jawbone. They consist of two parts.

1. A titanium fitting that acts like a tooth root, anchoring the tooth securely. 
2. A tooth replacement that attaches to the fitting. A natural-looking ceramic crown replaces your lost tooth and matches the surrounding teeth.

This article about dental implants and how they work, explains it in a lot more detail.

The 6 signs that it’s time to consider dental implants

OK, so they sound promising, don’t they? Artificial teeth that look and feel like natural teeth could be your solution. But how do you know when it’s the right time to consider implants?

Can you answer “Yes” to these 6 signs?

1. You’re frustrated with these everyday problems

Are you sick of not being able to do these daily activities?

• Enjoying the things everyone else can enjoy, such as:
  • chewing steak
  • biting into a crunchy apple
  • savouring toasted muesli without getting crunchy bits caught under your denture.
• Sneezing without the fear of shooting a denture projectile in the middle of your meeting.
• Smiling freely for a photo and showing all your front teeth, rather than strategically tightening your lips so you don’t expose any white.

2. You want a long-lasting replacement for one or more of your teeth

Implants can last longer than dentures. They can also be more comfortable and are definitely more secure. Plus, you clean them the same way you do your natural teeth. If you want to see all the ways dentures stack up against implants, check out our article on dentures vs dental implants.

3. You have the finances to invest

Implants are more expensive than dentures and so you may not be able to afford them right now. But when you can, you need to be comfortable about prioritising your health and appearance. You can find out more in this guide to dental implant costs in Australia. We can also itemise a quote for you.

4. One or more of your teeth are missing or broken

Dental implants need to go where the original teeth once lived, and so you’ll need a suitable space. Sometimes removing a damaged tooth is part of the process. If that’s the case, we consider removing the old tooth as part of the treatment.

5. You’ve quit smoking or vaping

Smoking and vaping affect your health. We all know that. 

But did you know they both affect your oral health as well?

They can create issues with bone strength and gum healing. The toxic chemicals and reduced blood flow leave you more prone to infection. And can you imagine going to all the effort and expense of implants only to lose them because of a bone infection?

6. You’re worried about jawbone loss or gum deterioration

Within the first 12 months of a tooth extraction, it’s estimated that you lose 50% of the width of the alveolar bone. (The jawbone section containing the tooth sockets.) After removing a tooth and its root, the surrounding bone contracts as it heals.

Depending on its position, this reduction in the jawbone can affect a number of things.

• Your appearance, due to changes in your jaw shape and density. For people who have lost most of their teeth, it can create a puckering look that makes them look older than they are.
• Nearby teeth, causing movement and potential issues with chewing.
• Your speech (and singing in the shower).
• How well your dentures fit. (The more bone you have, the better your dentures can grip and be secured.)
• The natural appearance of your gum line. Gum lines on contracted bone can sit higher than the surrounding teeth and show a noticeable gap. 

Let’s plant the seed—now could be the time for a dental implant

This information is a starting point for when to consider dental implants. If you’ve answered “Yes” to those questions, now might be the right time. We talked a little bit about the financial investment of dental implants. And really, understanding how much your implant treatment might cost is the next step. 

Already financially prepared? Then you’re ready to chat with a dentist. And if you’re in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area, that means seeing our lead implant dentist, Luke Christensen.

How daily habits and the latest fashions could be ruining your teeth

Your teeth are strong and able to put up with a lot. This is fortunate, because modern living demands a lot from our chompers. We consume copious amounts of coffee and sugar. We follow mouth-altering fashions. Our diets and lifestyle can damage our teeth in ways we’re not aware of.

So how exactly can your daily habits and face-changing fashions, such as mouth piercings, damage your teeth? And what can you do to maintain a great smile?

Mouth piercings: Are they worth the risk?

Piercing your tongue, lips or cheeks increases the risk of bacterial infection. Infection causes pain and swelling. Serious infections can cause your tongue to swell, obstructing your airways. 

Beyond potential infection, there’s the ‘bite risk.’ Playing with or accidentally biting your piercings can scratch and crack your teeth and damage your gums. Damaged gums tend to to bleed and recede.

All that said, we get that mouth piercing is a significant cultural or lifestyle statement for some people. So if this is you, how can you get pierced and protect the health of your teeth?

Proper dental hygiene reduces your risk of all of the nastiness noted above. Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist regularly to check for cracks or chips. That way they can be treated as early as possible.

Coffee vs tea

It’s no secret that coffee stains your teeth. This is due to a potent combo of chromogens, tannins, and acids.

• Chromogens stain your enamel (the protective layer covering your teeth).
• Tannins make your teeth more vulnerable to stains.
• Acids erode enamel, making your teeth even more vulnerable to stains.

But what about tea? Surely tea is OK?

On the tea front there’s bad news and better news.

The bad news? Tea contains more tannins than coffee. It can turn your teeth yellow faster.

The better news? Tea is less acidic than coffee. Certain teas (like black and green tea) contain fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay and include antioxidants that murder plaque-producing bacteria.

Now for the worst news, adding lemon, sugar or honey to your tea is the real killer. Lemon is highly acidic, and sugar and honey can contribute to tooth cavities.

In short, both beverages have their pros and cons. But let’s be honest: you’re not going to stop drinking your preferred brew.

So how do you enjoy tea and coffee and protect your pearly whites?

Beat back the worst of tea and coffee’s woes by:

• drinking your tea or coffee in one sitting, rather than sipping throughout the day
• ditching add-ins like lemon, sugar and honey 
• avoiding swishing it around in your mouth
• rinsing your mouth with water after drinking 
• brushing your teeth after you finish (but not right away because coffee and tea soften enamel).

Is drinking alcohol bad for your teeth?

Like tea and coffee, alcoholic drinks like red wine and dark beers can stain your chompers. But you know how everyone’s always telling you to drink a glass of water between pints? This is great advice.

Drinking water cleans your teeth and reduces staining. It also keeps you hydrated. When you’re dehydrated, your saliva dries up. This is bad because saliva is one of your mouth’s best defences against bacteria.

Got ice in your drink? Avoid chewing it. Ice can break your teeth. If you must finish your whole drink, including the ice, suck it instead.

Ciggies and vapes

We know smoking cigarettes is bad for your teeth and mouth.

Among other things, smoking:

• gives you bad breath
• turns your teeth yellow
• reduces your mouth’s ability to combat bacteria
• causes gum disease
• causes oral cancer.

There’s nothing good we can say about cigarettes. But what about the increasingly popular practice of vaping? 

Well, tar and nicotine in cigarettes cause many of the issues listed above. Vaporisers don’t use tar, so that’s a big difference. You can also buy zero-nicotine e-liquid. But we don’t condone vaping. It’s still potentially damaging  to your teeth. 

Although vaping hasn’t been around long enough to understand its long-term side effects, the habit of tapping the vape mouthpiece against teeth risks damage. There’s also growing evidence vaping contributes to gum disease and disrupts the balance of bacteria in the mouth.

Gaps, grills and gems

Oral fashion takes many forms.

Tooth gaps have grown in popularity. Thanks to celebrities flaunting their tooth gaps on camera, some people now want a gap of their own.

Some cosmetic dentists (not us!) offer tooth gaps as a surgery option. Giving you a gap means shaving your teeth to make a space. Once you get this material removed, there’s no going or growing  back. Shaving slivers off your teeth will most likely make them more sensitive and vulnerable to decay..

A word on DIY dental ‘enhancements’—please don’t

Some highly devoted fashionistas try to give themselves tooth gaps or fangs. We strongly advise against filing your own teeth. Your enamel won’t grow back, and you may end up with sensitive and decay-prone teeth. The only person you should trust to file your teeth is your dentist. And even then it would be for medical reasons, such as making space to relieve crowding.

Grills and tooth gems? Are they safe?

Some cosmetic dentists will fit a single tooth or multiple teeth with gold or silver (often jewel-encrusted) grills. 

Grills come with a number of risks.

• Food and debris trapped in a grill can cause bacteria build-up, leading to  tooth decay and gum disease.
• The glue used to attach a grill can damage your teeth and gums.
• Grills can ruin your enamel by grinding against opposing teeth.
• You can have an allergic reaction to the metal.

Tooth gems are pieces of jewellery fitted to individual teeth. They pose similar risks to grills.

If you’re after grills or tooth gems, we strongly recommend speaking to your dentist first. 

If you do have grills or tooth gems, you can reduce the risk of oral issues by:

• removing them before eating and cleaning your teeth (if possible)
• thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth
• cleaning your oral jewellery often.

Taking precautions can save your smile

Your daily habits and fashion statements are important personal choices. We only hope you’ll also choose to do whatever you can to protect your teeth.

If you’re in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area and are thinking about modifying your smile, get in touch. Let’s see how we can help. If you’re worried about the impact fashion or lifestyle choices are having on your teeth and gums, we’d love to help you stay on top of your dental health.

Tooth-friendly foods—do they exist?

We’re bombarded with facts and opinions about what we should and shouldn’t eat to stay healthy, happy, shapely and sharp. But what about foods that are healthy for our teeth and gums? Do they exist and how do they help?

Well, the good news is yes. While some foods invite cavities, others fight them. Making some simple dietary choices can help keep your teeth happy and healthy. 

Here’s the lowdown on super-good foods to support healthy teeth and gums. Yes, they taste good. Yes, you probably eat some of them already. And yes, they’re definitely dentist-approved, so help yourself.

Dairy – strengthens and protects tooth enamel

Milk, yoghurt and cheese contain calcium and phosphorus. These are essential minerals for strong enamel. They also contain a protein called casein. Casein, in cahoots with calcium and phosphorus in your saliva, puts a protective film over teeth enamel, decreasing the risk of cavities and decay. Curious about how this chemical reaction protects teeth? Check out this article from The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice. 

Following a sugary treat or drink with a sliver of cheese helps neutralise the acid pH of your mouth and stimulate saliva production. These are two of your mouth’s natural defences against tooth decay.

Unflavoured milk is low in sugar. Drinking a small daily glass is good for your teeth. And cheese and yoghurt make perfect between-meal snacks. Following a sugary treat or drink with a sliver of cheese helps neutralise the acid pH of your mouth and stimulate saliva production. These are two of your mouth’s natural defences against tooth decay.

There’s even some suggestion that drinking milk and eating cheese to reduce the effects of acids in the mouth can restore enamel. 

Water – cleans and hydrates

Unflavoured water (sorry to burst your flavoured water bubble) helps keep teeth and gums healthy.  

Like the rest of you, your mouth needs to be hydrated to keep healthy. A hydrated mouth stimulates saliva production which neutralises acids. Saliva is 99% water and plays an essential role by diluting and eliminating sugars. It also cleans your mouth by washing away food debris from your teeth and gums. A clean mouth leaves little for cavity-causing bacteria to feed on. 

Now let’s talk, ‘antimicrobial action.’ Antimicrobial action is medi-speak for stopping (or slowing) the growth of bacteria. Saliva is your mouth’s antimicrobial action superhero. It protects teeth from cavities by:

• balancing demineralisation/remineralisation (putting essential minerals back into your teeth) 
• acting as a buffer against plaque acid
• helping protect the enamel. 

And finally, a word or two about flouride. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) found that water fluoridation can prevent tooth decay by 26%-44% in children and adolescents and about 27% in adults. In short, drinking fluoridated water reduces damage and helps repair teeth.

So when it comes to helping oral health, water is the best of all beverages.   

Crunchy fruit and vegetables – vitamin-packed plaque-scrubbers

Crisp and crunchy fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, apples, pears and celery help clean plaque off your teeth. Besides being plaque-fighters, antioxidants and vitamins (take a bow Vitamin C) in crunchy fruit and veg protect gums from cell damage and bacterial infection. Also, because these foods are crunchy, they require more chewing. The more you chew, the more acid-neutralising saliva gets made in your mouth.

However, there’s a catch with crunchy fruit and veg. Timing is (almost) everything. 

Maximise the tooth and gum cleaning benefits by crunching your celery sticks and munching your apple at the end of a meal or after you’ve eaten snack foods. Be aware that crunchy fruit and veg contain a certain level of acid, so don’t snack on them all day and don’t substitute them for brushing and flossing.

Leafy Greens – good all-round mouth protectors

Lettuce, kale, spinach, cabbage, and asparagus—all are low in natural sugar and packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, beta carotene, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and phosphorus. These dead-set superfoods do a fine job of supporting tooth and gum health. Like crisp and crunchy vegetables, leafy greens help clean your teeth and stimulate saliva production to protect your enamel. 

Leafy greens also contain folic acid, a proven protector against periodontal disease. Folic acid supports the cells that make up the gums. A deficiency decreases your gum’s resistance to infection. Unfortunately, folic acid deficiency is the most common deficiency world-wide.

So, if you only change one thing after reading this article, make it ‘eating your leafy greens.’

High Vitamin C foods – great for gums

Vitamin C is the most frequently name-dropped health booster when you’re battling a cold. But it’s also great for your oral health. 

Vitamin C protects your gums in much the same way that it protects the rest of you—by supporting your immune system. However, you don’t need to consume excessive amounts to gain the benefits. Aim for a daily serving of:

• fresh orange (ideally not a sugary juice)
• a handful of chopped red pepper 
• a cup of strawberries 
• steamed broccoli. 

Any one of these will provide an adequate daily amount. (You will need a little more if pregnant, or post-surgery.) 

Keep in mind…

Citrus fruits, such as oranges and mandarins, are acidic. Consume these mindfully. Drink a glass of water afterwards or eat a piece of cheese. Choose fresh fruit over fruit juice, which often have high concentrations of natural (and sometimes added) sugars.

Dark chocolate – defence against early gum disease

Ever heard a dentist tell you to eat chocolate? Well, you’re about to. But not just any chocolate, only the dark, do-you-good sort.

Dark chocolate can slow tooth decay and early gum disease by reducing inflammation and stopping bacteria from turning into tooth-damaging acids.

Sugar-rich milk and white chocolate are bad for teeth. Dark chocolate, on the other hand, is a better choice.

Made mostly of cocoa, it’s less sugar-laden than milk and white chocolate. It also contains flavonoids and antioxidants. These slow tooth decay and early gum disease by reducing inflammation and stopping bacteria from producing tooth-damaging acids.

Unlike made-to-suck lollies, designed to last for minutes (or hours if you’re a particularly canny kid), dark chocolate dissolves quickly in your mouth. This means sugar isn’t lurking in the mouth for ages, doing damage to your teeth.  

Green Tea – Tooth-protecting superhero

Green tea should wear a cape emblazoned with ‘tooth superhero.’ There’s plenty of evidence for the  link between drinking green tea and oral health. 

High in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, green tea and its polyphenols can help protect against periodontal and oral diseases, such as gingivitis. However, as with most things in life, too much is…. well… too much. Find the right balance, as we explain here. 

Eating and drinking well but still getting cavities? 

What if you’re doing a lot of this already and still find your dentist telling you that you have a cavity? 

If you’re doing your best to avoid sugary foods and drinks, one of these 5 things could be causing cavities.

●      Overbrushing, either too often or too firmly, will take its toll on teeth.

●      Snacking throughout the day so your teeth never get a break from harmful bacteria.

●      Being born into a family that’s prone to having weak teeth can increase your cavity risk.

●      Vomiting, either through illness or eating disorders, increases acid in the mouth.

●      Having a dry mouth due to not drinking enough fluid or taking medication will have an impact.

Have questions about your current cavities or how to prevent new ones? Ask your dentist. They can suggest and discuss lifestyle changes which may improve your oral health. 

A balanced and healthy diet can play an important part in  looking after your teeth and gums. But it  doesn’t replace the need for good dental hygiene. No matter how many tooth superfoods you eat, establishing a good brushing routine is vital.

And a look at the tradition of keeping milk teeth 

You’ve spent years trying to get your child to brush their teeth. And right when it was starting to get easy, your child (proudly) shows you that they’ve got their first wobbly tooth. Given how much they’re playing with it, you know it’s going to fall out any moment now. You’ve got the tooth fairy’s first visit sussed. But you’ve not thought about what you’ll actually do with the milk tooth. Should you keep it? Are you a monster if you bin it? (Answer: no.) If you do keep your child’s milk teeth, where or how should you store them? And to what end? 

If this parenting quandary has got you scratching your head, understanding the traditions around keeping baby teeth may help. Along with some real-world ideas from parents who’ve already met this milestone. 

A short history of keeping milk teeth

The origins of keeping milk teeth are hard to pin down. They may date back to the Vikings. Warriors went to battle wearing milk teeth jewellery to bring them good luck and ward off evil spirits. 

Belief in the protective powers of baby teeth was still alive in early Europe and at the time of the witch trials. People buried or burned milk teeth to protect themselves against the occult. The practice of burying teeth survives today.  In some parts of the world, milk teeth are buried in the belief that this helps the child’s big tooth grow strong and healthy.  (But we advise supporting that belief with these practical ways to care for your child’s tooth.)

Why today’s parents keep milk teeth

In 2020 health company DentaVox surveyed 330 parents about milk teeth and what they did with them. 

Interestingly, 72% of those surveyed said their parents didn’t keep their milk teeth. Fifty-five percent of those people said they regretted that. So, did regrets about not keeping their baby teeth influence what these people did with their child’s milk teeth, now that they were parents?

• A huge 59% hid them, keeping them as keepsakes or for stem cell collection.
• The 2 top reasons for keeping teeth were: family traditions (30%) and making children happy (16%).

The 23% of surveyed parents who binned their children’s teeth did so because it was:

• the most practical solution (26%)
• the most hygienic solution (23%)
• in line with family traditions (18%).

So now we’ve got some insight into what caregivers are doing with milk teeth. But to learn more about why people keep or bin them, we turned to social media. 

We asked around on Facebook and amongst friends and found that many people don’t really know why they keep their kids’ teeth. Responses included:

“Mine all got chucked, yet I still keep [my little boy’s] teeth and I don’t know why?”  

“I keep them in a matchbox like my mum did.” 

 “I’ve no idea why I kept [my son’s] teeth. Just a thing my mother did and probably hers before her. Links to the past are often a way of remembering.” 

Sentiment and tradition seem to be at the heart of ‘why’ we keep baby teeth, even if they eventually end up in the bin.  

8 ideas for what to do with milk teeth

Choose what works for you and your family. No one’s judging (or even looking).

1. Chuck them

A sizeable percentage of the surveyed parents chose this option. And when we asked the question on social media, this was a resounding answer from a lot of mums and dads. If you throw them in the bin to go to “tooth heaven” (as one parent called landfill) don’t feel bad. You’re definitely not alone. 

2. Place them in a memory box

You may already have a memory box for your child. Perhaps it includes a lock of hair from their first trim, your hospital bands and photos. Bag or box your child’s tooth and add it to the memories.

Alternatively, you could invest in a dedicated first tooth box. Some of these can be quite fancy, made from solid silver, others are simpler, small wooden boxes. Parents also told us they used:

• satin bags 
• match boxes
• empty camera film canisters
• small, decorative porcelain pots
• old hardboiled lolly or mint tins. (The irony is not lost on us.)

3. Baby tooth journals

Want something a bit more formal than a pot? Then you might prefer a tooth fairy journal, like this one from UK Etsy seller Journals For Kids. The pages provide prompts for your kiddo to document the loss of each tooth and keep any letters they get from the Tooth Fairy. Keeping a journal like this is a great way to help your child understand which teeth they’ve lost. Especially if you couple it with a milk tooth chart or keepsake box.

4. Keep them for stem cells

You’ll find plenty of references to keeping milk teeth for their stem cells. The claim is that baby teeth can be useful if your child develops medical conditions such as type 1 diabetes, heart disease and even Alzheimer’s. But the science-backed reality of this is complicated. 

While the pulp of baby teeth is rich in stem cells, how they can be used therapeutically or effectively is still unclear. This article, ‘Should you save baby teeth for stem cells?’ explains the process in some detail. If you do follow this path, you’ll need to invest in a stem cell bank storage facility. For the teeth to be useful in the future, they need to be carefully preserved. 

5. Store in a drawer

According to the DentaVox survey, some parents hid their children’s milk teeth. But it didn’t explain why they did this.  Speaking to our own friends and families we learnt it was pretty common for the teeth to be bagged or boxed and hidden, usually in a drawer. One person told us, “I put them in a little bag, carefully hid them in a box, and hid the box in a drawer. I found them 20 years later and threw them away. I’ve no idea why I kept them.” 

6. Have them made into jewellery

Milk tooth jewellery is a thing. Mostly it’s an Etsy thing. Usually, the design leaves the tooth looking like…well…  a tooth. But there are companies like this one in America, that transform the tooth into a pearl-like ‘tooth stone’ and set it in a pendant.  

7. Bury them

If the tradition of burying milk teeth appeals to you, then go ahead. You could make it a mini celebratory occasion with your child. And, if nothing else, it will potentially mess with the mind of anyone who digs them up in the future. 

8. Gift them to your adult child

Avenge yourself on your adult kids for all the confusingly weird and wonderful things they said and did to you over the years. As one mother told us, “I’m keeping my eldest daughter’s [teeth] to freakily gift them to her as an adult.” Parents who’d already gifted the teeth back to their original owners reported responses that were pretty much what they’d expected. 

“My daughter was not impressed,” said one mum. Another told us, “I offered them to my son and he said, ‘No thanks but you keep them if you want.” Adult children on the receiving end of the sentimental gift told us they promptly threw them out or “lost them in a house move.” Generally, the kids were as confused about what to do with them as their parents.

Caring for your child’s big teeth

Where one milk tooth gap opens, another tooth grows. If your child has reached the stage of getting their big teeth, it’s time to start taking them to see the oral health therapist or dentist. You may have them enrolled in your local practice already. If not then take the tooth fairy’s first visit as your cue to begin seeing a dentist regularly. (Here’s what you can expect at your child’s first dental visit.)

As we age, we must show our body more care. And our teeth are no exception

It probably won’t surprise you to learn that your teeth weaken and deteriorate with age. But what might surprise you is just what this means for your mouth.

According to Harvard Medical School, people over 65 experience higher rates of gum disease, dental decay, oral cancer, mouth infections and tooth loss. The good news is there’s a lot you can do to remove some of that risk and keep your mouth feeling and looking younger.

Let’s run through a few ways to keep your teeth in great shape as you age.

1. A drying mouth is more prone to decay

There are a few reasons why your mouth doesn’t create enough saliva and gets drier as you age. Medications, lifestyle and some medical conditions all contribute to dry mouth. Whatever the reason, a dry mouth makes your teeth and gums more vulnerable to cavities and disease.

So what can you do?

Good oral hygiene is essential. You should brush for two minutes twice a day, floss or use interdental brushes once a day (we can show you the best technique at your next appointment), and rinse your mouth with water after eating. Drinking more water so you’re properly hydrated throughout the day also helps. 

Many over-the-counter medications and prescribed antibiotics will dry your mouth out, too. A chronically dry mouth is not only uncomfortable but can also make eating and swallowing difficult, cause bad breath, and put you at higher risk of tooth decay. So if your regular medication is causing problems for your oral health, here are some things to try:

• chewing sugarless gums
• sucking on sugarless lollies
• drinking more water
• buying over-the-counter artificial saliva.

And while we really don’t like to be the fun police, try moderating or avoiding tobacco, alcohol and caffeine. These three will dry your saliva up. It’s not just us being prudes. We promise.

2. Your teeth’s nerves become less sensitive to pain 

There are a few reasons why this happens.

Your teeth wear down over time

Teeth are incredibly strong. Your molars can bear down with immense pressure. But they’re not indestructible. A lifetime of crunching, clenching and grinding wears away the tooth’s protective enamel which, once gone, exposes the softer layer of dentine. Clenching and grinding can also create small cracks in the teeth, which may result in them breaking. The natural progression of your teeth wearing down as you age is why you may need to consider dental restoration or dental implant options that wouldn’t have crossed your mind before.

You might miss the important signs

Teeth are likely to become more sensitive with age. Less enamel and the likelihood of gum recession and root surface exposure that comes with aging, means you’re more likely to experience the first sign of trouble: pain.

If the discomfort is bearable (i.e. just a little niggle), then you may (quite fairly) think nothing’s wrong. But those little niggles can be an early indicator of a more serious infection bubbling away under the surface. If they’re left to develop you may be up for root canal therapy or even tooth removal.

Cavities are also more likely to occur at the neck of the tooth—the area around the gum line—because your gums recede with age, exposing more of the soft root underneath. Adults who grew up before dental sealants and fluoride products are also prone to decay around their childhood fillings.

It’s not just teeth that become less sensitive with age

Just like the nerves inside your teeth, your tastebuds can also become less sensitive with age. This can lead you to over-flavour your food with too much salt, sugar or acidic ingredients. And while we all know that can be bad for our health, it can also be bad for your teeth.

Okay, enough of the negative news for a minute. Here are some active steps you can take to keep your aging teeth in good nick. 

H4: With regular checkups you can stay on top of things

What this all means is that regular dental checkups become an essential part of prevention. Not only do your teeth and gums get a much-needed clean and scale, they’re also checked in ways you can’t do at home. And if you come in regularly enough, problems are caught early before they become a big problem. 

3. Aging gum tissue naturally recedes. But modern dentistry can help

Let’s talk a bit more about our gums receding as we get older. As we said earlier, the gums protect a tooth’s root but recede with age. Receding gums can lead to pain and sensitivity, and affect how you feel about your smile because they expose more of the tooth’s root tissue. This leaves your mouth vulnerable to decay, infection and inflammation.

Inflamed gums are increasingly being linked to diabetes, heart disease and stroke. These conditions are all more prevalent later in life, and scientists believe they’re linked to bacteria from gum infections travelling through the body and triggering inflammation in other sites.

Identifying gum recession is difficult because they wear away very slowly. Sometimes it’s so gradual that the first sign is sensitivity in or around your tooth. It’s also hard to pin down a single cause of gum recession. The problem is often a combination of habits:

• over-brushing or brushing too hard
• not brushing enough (which can lead to gum disease)
• flossing too vigorously
• plain ol’ aging.

The good news?

Gum grafting is a form of modern dentistry that reverses the effects of receding gums and the associated risks.

If you’re concerned about your gums and the exposure of your teeth, here’s where you can read more about gum grafting.

4. The tissue inside your teeth yellows with age

Have you noticed your once-sparkling smile yellowing over the years? It happens for a few reasons, the main one being enamel stains. But a big part of the change is the yellowing of the dentin (the tissue underneath the enamel), which shows through more as your enamel thins and cracks with age.

Unfortunately, once the dentin starts to yellow there’s no way to reverse the process. But if you want whiter teeth in your latter years, here are a few things to have in moderation (or avoid altogether):

• coffee
• tea
• red wine
• tobacco
• brightly coloured foods such as beetroot.

Consuming these five common things regularly will gradually stain your tooth enamel. Yeah, we’re still being party poopers. We know.  (Can you really start your day without coffee?)

The other option is to chat to us about a whitening procedure. 

At Keppel Dental we offer a monitored home whitening treatment. It’s affordable, convenient, non-invasive, and safer and healthier for your teeth and gums. However, sometimes whitening treatments are less effective in older teeth. And some whitening ingredients can make your teeth extra sensitive. That’s why it’s always a good idea to talk with your dentist before starting any kind of treatment. 

5. When brushing and flossing become harder, use clever tools to adapt

A common pitfall of aging is arthritic hands and fingers. There’s no silver lining here, we know. It’s painful and makes many things difficult.

If brushing has become difficult because of arthritis, try using an electric toothbrush. Guide the moving brush head slowly from tooth to tooth, following the contours of the tooth and the curve of the gums.

Flossing also becomes a fuss as hands and fingers become less nimble. So much so that sticking your fingers into your mouth with thin cords strung between them just isn’t possible.

Happily, there are modern alternatives to the standard floss string and awkward hands-in-mouth approach. You could try:

• floss threaders and floss picks
• bottle-brush shaped interdental cleaners
• brushes with interdental tips (flexible rubber tips)
• irrigators (electrically powered water-pumping devices).

These are all less invasive and easier to manipulate for less nimble hands and fingers.

6. Your lower jaw grows forward as you age

Everybody’s lower jaw grows forward as they age. This growth changes your jaw shape and affects your bite. Over time, gaps in your upper teeth, and overcrowding and overlapping in your lower teeth as they move, may become more apparent.

Changes in facial bone structure are a completely natural part of aging. But if you become concerned about gaps and the positioning of your teeth as your jaw grows, speak to your dentist. Maintaining regular dental appointments allows your dental practitioner to keep track of the slow changes occurring in your mouth. They can then keep you better informed of anything they notice, giving you plenty of time to make a call on any treatment you may want to consider such as orthodontics. 

Book a check up to maintain great oral health as you age

It’s never too early to start putting plans in place to ensure your teeth age gracefully. (Or at least healthily, if grace isn’t your thing.)

In Yeppoon or Rockhampton? Give us a buzz and book your appointment today. We’re your local dentists with exceptional know-how. We’ll thoroughly check the state of your teeth and gums, and let you know if there are any changes you need to be aware of.

It’s not fun getting a tooth pulled. But we can at least help you understand extractions and how they work to make it as painless as possible. 

In this guide we’ll talk about what you can expect during a tooth extraction treatment, and give you some much-needed DIY tips for taking care of your aching mouth once you leave the practice.  

Ouch! Think you need a tooth pulled?

If you’re experiencing a sudden sharp or niggling toothache that has you considering an emergency trip to the dentist, then you may be worried about your tooth’s fate. After all, the saying, ‘It’s like pulling teeth,’ exists for a reason. It’s easy to work ourselves into a tizz visualising the needles and gore. But a lot of the time, the fear is worse than the procedure. Once the tooth is removed, a lot of the discomfort you’ve been feeling goes with it.

While most people who see us for a tooth extraction fear the pain, a big part of the problem is not knowing what to expect. And that’s why we want to explain what happens during an extraction. It will not only help you manage any dental anxiety you may be experiencing, but also prepare you for your treatment and a speedy recovery. 

Finding comfort in numbers

Being told you need a tooth removed can feel daunting. And if none of your friends and family have ever had a tooth removed, there’s a possibility of feeling isolated. But you should know that you’re not alone. Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that 185,178 Australians undergo tooth removal treatment each year.

Why you may need your tooth removed

The good news is tooth extractions is always a last resort. As dentists, we’d much rather help you keep your natural teeth. If we can save it, we’ll try treatments to do that first. But there are some circumstances where performing an extraction may be the best option. 

The primary reasons why we’d pull teeth are:

• crowding in the mouth
• impacted wisdom teeth
• broken, damaged, or decaying teeth that can’t be saved
• teeth that have deep infections but root canal treatment isn’t for you.

Getting ready for a tooth extraction

Preparation is the key to success, right? So before you reach the dental chair, a bit of prep work is needed.

Your dentist will take an X-ray of your mouth to assess the tooth and determine the best way to remove it. If you have an infection or a pre-existing condition, you may need a course of antibiotics ahead of the procedure.

How you can prepare

There are a few things you can do so you come in for your procedure feeling ready. You’ll want to be in good health, so let your dentist know if you’ve experienced any cold or flu-like symptoms, nausea or vomiting the night before your treatment. It may affect what anaesthetic or pain relief we can administer. Keeping us posted on how you’ve been feeling ahead of the tooth extraction helps us help you.

Assuming you’re fit and well, the only other preparation we’ll need from you is to eat and drink something before you come in. Having a full stomach minimises the chances of you feeling light-headed or faint. And you probably won’t be able to eat for a few hours after treatment, so you may as well do it while you can. 

Overcoming pre-treatment anxiety

Feeling nervous? That’s completely normal, especially if you’ve never had a tooth extracted before. To help calm those nerves, try doing something that relaxes you. It could be a gentle walk with nature, listening to music, drawing and painting, reading a book, or simply sitting still and tuning into a guided meditation. If your nerves come back while you’re sitting in the chair, try taking long, deep breaths to help calm your body and ease your tension.

Extracting your tooth

It’s E-Day! (Extraction Day.) So what’s in store for you, exactly?

There are two types of tooth extraction procedures: simple and surgical. The tooth’s root structure—known as root morphology—and the condition of your jawbone dictate which procedure is best. X-rays of your mouth allow your dentist to get a good look at the tooth’s root structure and the bone around it. Let’s run through both.

Simple tooth extractions

For teeth that aren’t fused to the jawbone and where the roots can be easily removed, a simple extraction is carried out. Your dentist will loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator, and then use special forceps to grip the tooth and pull it out.

Given the simplicity of this type of procedure, it can be done using a local anaesthetic (i.e. a needle straight into the treatment site).

Surgical tooth extractions

Surgical tooth extractions are more complex, but 149,000 of these procedures were performed in Australia in 2022-2023. They often require the use of a local anaesthetic, and sometimes a general (IV drip) anaesthetic as well. Surgical extractions tend to be used for:

• wisdom teeth when the tooth hasn’t broken through the gum line
• broken teeth that are damaged at the gum line (meaning the dentist has nothing to grip onto)
• teeth with complex root morphology, which your dentist will see from the X-rays they take. 

For this type of extraction, your dentist will decide whether they can do it in practice or need to refer you to an oral surgeon. Their decision is based on the complexity of the tooth’s roots. For example, if the position of the tooth is crooked, partially erupted, or the crown has broken but all of the roots can still be reached, they’ll continue with treatment. 

Under these circumstances, we may make a small cut in your gum and possibly remove some of the bone around the tooth. 

Looking for more information specifically about wisdom tooth extraction? This is for you: Signs you need to bite the bullet and get your wisdom teeth removed.

Will it hurt?

Anaesthetic is always used, so you shouldn’t feel much pain (especially if you’re in hospital and asleep throughout the procedure). However, you may feel a pinch when the anaesthetic needle is administered, although we always use a numbing gel to minimise this. Once the anaesthetic has kicked in, the most you’ll feel is pressure or tugging during the procedure.

Managing pain after a tooth extraction

While a tooth extraction is a relatively quick procedure, it takes a few days for your mouth to start feeling better and a few weeks for the socket in your gum to heal. Healing after a surgical extraction may take longer.

As the anaesthetic wears off, you’ll probably experience some soreness or tenderness at the extraction site. For most people, any pain tends to decrease after the third day. Bruising and tenderness is usually mild, and treatable with over-the-counter painkillers and an ice pack applied to the outside of your jaw. (Your dentist will talk to you about medication and other ways to treat the pain after the procedure.)

Tips for post extraction care once you’re at home 

You can expect some bleeding for a day or so after your extraction. So you’ll need to take good care of your mouth once you’re home. It’s especially important not to disturb the blood clot protecting your extraction site. 

When you get a tooth pulled with one of our Keppel Dental dentists, we’ll send you home with advice and instructions to help you care for your wound. Here are our top tips for post-operative care to make sure your mouth recovers quickly.

• Don’t touch the site with your tongue or fingers.
• Brush your teeth as normal, but avoid the extraction site.
• Don’t rinse and spit for the first 24 hours. After that, rinse your mouth with a salt solution.
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
• Take it easy, and prioritise rest and sleep as much as possible.
• Keep your head raised when you sleep. (You might like to try using a second pillow.)

Eating and drinking after an extraction

Even though your mouth may be feeling tender, avoid the temptation to dine on soft, melty comfort foods such as chocolate. As your body heals, you need to eat nutritious foods that will aid your recovery.

You can start eating and drinking as soon as the procedure is over. (Let’s face it: a growling stomach is hard to ignore.) However, we recommend the following:

• consume only soft foods and liquids for the first 24 to 48 hours to avoid chewing
• if you do need to chew, do it on the side of your mouth opposite the extraction site
• avoid very hot and very cold drinks
• avoid drinking through a straw.

Types of soft foods to eat after an extraction

While broth is super nutritious and an excellent post-procedure food choice, there’s lots of other good stuff you can eat. 

Straight after your procedure you could try eating:

• lukewarm soups, stews and broths (but nothing too hot)
• yoghurt
• smoothies (but nothing icy cold).

In the days that follow you could try eating semi-soft foods such as:

• scrambled eggs
• mashed potatoes
• porridge / oatmeal.

You can expect to be eating normally 24-48 hours after surgery. Just be mindful of the extraction site when you’re chewing.

Worried you need a tooth pulled?

Remember, it’s better that people keep their natural teeth for as long as possible. But if a tooth extraction is your only course of action then familiarising yourself with the procedure can help you prepare and ease any anxiety you’re feeling.

If a dodgy tooth is worrying you and you’re in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area, make an appointment to see us for guidance and (hopefully) a treatment plan that saves your natural tooth.

Pregnancy can lead to dental problems for some women. After all, the body goes through many changes as caring for one becomes caring for two. And while some of these changes are obvious and well known (hello, basketball belly), others such as dental health may not be as well known but are just as important. 

To maintain healthy teeth during your pregnancy you need to take extra care. So we created this guide to help you understand how your oral health can affect your pregnancy health. It also includes practical tips so you can better care for your teeth for the next nine months.

Why it’s important to look after your teeth during pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can make gums more sensitive to dental plaque, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, severe gum disease during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight. 

You’ll also need to be mindful of your calcium intake, as it helps build the teeth and bones of your developing child. If you don’t get enough calcium in your diet, it may be taken from your body (usually from the bones, and never from the teeth) leaving you short.

How your teeth may change

As an expectant mother, you may experience several health challenges during your pregnancy. Along with the potential loss of calcium, your gums can become swollen (which can lead to other issues such as gingivitis), and gum tissue growths may also appear. Your changing hormones can even relax the ligaments in your body, so watch out for loose teeth.

News to you?

Of course, some of the more obvious challenges include:

• morning sickness and vomiting, which can weaken and erode teeth or cause decay
• cravings for, and indulging in, sugary foods
• gagging while brushing your teeth or gargling, disrupting your regular oral hygiene habit.

How your baby’s teeth can be affected

Pregnancy not only affects the health of your own teeth and gums, but also the development of your baby’s teeth. 

Your foetus will start growing teeth around the sixth week of pregnancy. To give their teeth the best chance for healthy development, you need to maintain a good diet. As we’ve already mentioned, including good sources of calcium (e.g. yoghurt, milk, cheese, almonds) will help your growing bub develop their chompers, as will keeping your teeth in good nick and treating any decay immediately. 

10 Ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy

It may seem like we’ve shared nothing but bad news about teeth and pregnancy. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Here are our top 10 tips for keeping your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy (while still enjoying your life).

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for around two-minutes with a soft/extra-soft, small head toothbrush.
2. Floss daily or use interdental brushes to clean between teeth.
3. If vomiting, rinse your mouth with water immediately after. Follow up with a fluoride mouthwash. 
4. Don’t brush your teeth after vomiting. Wait at least an hour, as any residual stomach acids may damage your tooth enamel.
5. Avoid smoking at all times.
6. Limit the amount of caffeine and acidic drinks (e.g. juice, soft drinks) you have.
7. Eat whole nutritious foods as much as possible. To satisfy any nagging sugar cravings, try eating fresh fruit. Rinse with mouthwash afterwards.
8. Increase your calcium intake. Good sources include dairy products, tinned salmon, calcium-fortified nut and soy milks, and almonds.
9. Increase your Vitamin D intake, as it helps the body process calcium. Good sources include the sun (but limit your exposure), fatty fish, eggs, breads and cereals, and fortified milks.
10. Continue gently cleaning your gums, even if they bleed. Use an extra soft toothbrush and light pressure.

Dental treatment is safe during pregnancy (and essential)

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a dental check-up, the best thing you can do for your teeth during pregnancy is book an appointment to assess your oral health. Let your dentist know you’re pregnant, and of course ask questions if you’re concerned about any treatments you’re due to receive.

And five practical tips for dealing with dental fear

In a list of fun ways to stay healthy, we appreciate that you won’t see ‘a trip to the dentist’. Fortunately, many of us understand that the benefits of seeing a dentist outweighs the discomforts. It’s one of life’s slightly unpleasant but necessary chores. 

However, not everyone can just grin and bear it. 

If avoiding the dentist because of dental anxiety sounds familiar, we’re here to reassure you that you’re not alone. We see patients every day who struggle with fear when they come in for dental treatment. Butterflies in the tummy, sweaty palms and a raised heart rate are all signs of dental anxiety. It’s very real and very common.

In fact, around one in seven Australians wrestle with dental anxiety. That’s around three and a half million people, which makes it one of the most prevailing anxiety disorders in the country. 

Overcoming a fear starts by understanding it. And so in this article we want to help you understand:

• what dental anxiety is
• the difference between dental anxiety and dental phobia
• where dental fears come from
• why it’s important to deal with dental anxiety 
• practical tips for calming your dental fears.

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is the fear or stress someone feels when thinking about dental treatment and/or while at the dentist. Like most fears, it sits on a spectrum. At its mildest, dental anxiety causes signs of stress—butterflies, faster heart rate and sweaty palms—while more severe symptoms can include panic attacks, fainting and uncharacteristic aggression.

The difference between dental anxiety and dental phobia 

When chatting with patients and other dentists, dental anxiety and dental phobia are used interchangeably. They’re widely used to mean the same thing: an aversion to dentists and dental treatment. 

But there is a difference. 

Dental phobia refers to patients who completely avoid going to the dentist. According to one study, around one in three adults with dental phobia (also called ‘high dental fear’) have dodged the dentist’s chair for 10 years or more. In extreme cases, people with dental phobia choose to struggle with severe pain and discomfort of the mouth rather than seek the help of a dentist. 

It’s not out of the ordinary for us to see people who have been self-treating for weeks or months, trying to keep the pain in check with painkillers or antibiotics rather than make an appointment. And in a handful of more extreme cases people have tried DIY dentistry and had a go at pulling their own tooth out. 

Ignoring dental anxiety can lead to bigger problems

This is the danger of dental anxiety: it stops folks from getting essential (or even just routine) oral health care. Putting it off for years, especially if pain, tooth decay or disease are already present, leads to more severe consequences. 

What are the causes of dental fear?

The reasons for experiencing dental fear can be as wide ranging as the symptoms. It may be a result of:

• a bad dental experience
• trust issues 
• past trauma (anything from injury to assault)
• fear of pain
• claustrophobia
• health anxiety or hypochondria.  

Interestingly, a 2010 study of 1,084 Australian adults found that the most ‘anxiety-eliciting dental situation’ is the cost of dental treatment. Sixty-four percent said price stressed them out the most, followed by a fear of needles/injections (46%) and painful or uncomfortable procedures (42.9%). Sound familiar? If so, you’ll find a remedy for this later in the article.

Negative personal experiences are usually at the heart of dental anxiety. But that’s not always the case. Dental anxiety can develop as a result of perceived fear. Even if all of your dental experiences have been smooth sailing, how close friends and family feel about going to the dentist can affect your own perception. 

So can the weirdness of it all.  Sitting in a reclined position, unsure of what the dentist is doing may make you feel uneasy. It’s a power imbalance that’s out of the everyday norm. As your dentist, we understand how this can put you on edge even when you know nothing bad is going to happen.

Understanding what’s causing your fear is important. Once you understand where it’s coming from, your dentist and dental assistants can start working with you to make sure your time in the chair is a more comfortable experience. 

Five tips for overcoming dental anxiety

There are lots of things we can do so you feel more relaxed both in the run up to and during your appointment. Here are five techniques that we’ve tried with patients (or advised them to try before coming in) that can help keep stress levels in check. 

1. Deep breathing 

Anxiety and fear can cause shortness of breath, which may cause further panic and worry. Ahead of your appointment, find a quiet spot to sit or lay down and do a few minutes of deep breathing. To quiet your mind and stop your imagination from running away, spend the time focussing only on the in and out movement of your breath. If you feel anxiety rising again once you’re with your dentist, ask them if you can have a minute or two simply sitting in the chair and going through your deep breathing routine again.

Read more on breathing to reduce anxiety. 

2. See a friendly face

Ahead of your appointment, call the practice and ask if you can arrange to meet your dentist beforehand. This is especially useful if visiting a new dentist, as seeing a stranger could add to your anxiety. An earlier visit lets you get to know your dentist a little better. You’ll also have the chance to discuss your fears and work out a plan for when your appointment rolls around. If you can’t get in to see your dentist face to face, look them up online to get a feel for the type of person they are. One way we try and do this is with our meet the team page. 

3. Ask for a break

Once your treatment has begun, don’t be afraid to ask for a break if you feel your anxiety rising—especially if the procedure is likely to take a while. Before everything starts, work out a hand signal with your dentist. This way you can easily let them know when you need a pause.

4. Focus on something else

Distractions such as watching Netflix (we have screens on the ceilings), or listening to music, a podcast or an audiobook gives you something to think about other than what your dentist is doing. It can also make the session go more quickly. Being done within half an episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine or before reaching track five on the latest Taylor Swift album feels much faster than us letting you know there’s 15 or 20 minutes more to go. 

5. Get the facts

If your anxiety is due to a fear of the unknown, we encourage you to ask us any questions you have. Whether it’s about the cost of treatment or the procedure itself, our front of house staff, dental assistants and dentists are all here to answer your questions and put your mind at ease. 

Your dentist and their team are here to help you 

It’s important to remember that there’s no shame in feeling dental anxiety. After all, around three million Australians are in the same boat as you. What’s important to realise is that as your dentists, we’re here to help you get the oral health care you need in whatever way makes you feel most comfortable. And if that involves answering questions or going at your pace, we’re more than happy to accommodate that. The first step is contacting our friendly front of house staff. Let them know about your dental fears, and we can work together to move onto step two.

How does a dentist fix a chipped tooth?

Smiling might feel like a small action, but a smile can speak volumes. It can make you more approachable, bring joy to another person and even be a sign of reassurance. According to NBC, the physical act of smiling releases hormones that trigger happiness and regulates depression, anxiety and everyday stresses. More smiling means happier people, which is why it’s important that you’re happy with how your smile looks. 

If you’ve recently chipped or broken your tooth you might not feel like smiling. Your confidence to beam at friends, family and your Insta followers might have taken a knock. 

It’s OK. Dentists can fix a chipped tooth. 

In fact, repairing chips and breaks are one of the big reasons people come to us for cosmetic dentistry. (The first is teeth whitening.) 

When it comes to how people break their teeth, we’ve heard it all. Some of the more memorable tales include:

• coming off a skateboard
• being kicked by their child
• having a run-in with a cow
• being headbutted by their horse
• copping a mouthful while surfing
• eating lollies, almonds, crackling and olive pits
• being hit by malfunctioning tools or machinery
• breaking fishing line or sewing thread with teeth rather than scissors.

So, to repeat the good news: with a little help from your dentist, your broken tooth can be repaired and here’s how we can do it.   

What can you do if you chip, break or knock out a tooth 

If you find yourself with one tooth less or half a tooth is gone, take the following steps immediately.  

Knocked out tooth
This may sound gross but you need to clean the tooth and put it back into its socket. Avoid touching the tooth by the root and rinse in saline solution or milk. If you’re finding this too icky, place it in saline solution until you can get an emergency appointment with your dentist. Your best chance of saving your tooth is if you can see your dentist within an hour of the accident.  

Chips and breaks 
Depending on the severity this may not need immediate attention, but it’s recommended that you get to the dentist within 24 hours. A break in the tooth will make it very sensitive, so be careful with food temperatures. 

Cracked tooth 
Putting a crack in your tooth can cause some pain and sensitivity to temperature. Action is required as soon as possible to avoid the crack getting worse. 

What happens during a dental assessment for chipped teeth

Your dentist examines the tooth and may take an x-ray or photos to see the full extent of the damage.

To rescue a tooth that’s been knocked out the dentist assesses the damage to the tooth and socket before implanting it back into place. The dentist then fixes a splint to the teeth on either side of the one that was knocked out. Splints may need to stay in place for two to eight weeks so the bone and tissue have time to heal. 

For chips, breaks and cracks the dentist takes an x-ray and inspects the damage using a mouth mirror and dental explorer. What happens next depends on which tooth is broken and how severe the break is. For example, if you break your front tooth, it’s a clean break and you have the chipped fragment, it may be possible to bond the broken part back to the tooth. 

For back teeth, and broken front teeth that have broken because of decay, the better option is a resin filling bonded to the tooth. In really severe cases, sometimes a crown is necessary. 

Repairing teeth using bonding and filling 

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment. It uses a resin that matches the colour of your teeth and can be filed into a natural tooth shape. The resin is placed on the affected area and dried with ultraviolet light. 

Dental fillings are often used for repairing teeth with internal damage caused by decay, but — fun dental fact — they can also be used for cosmetic smile touch-ups. This is because resin fillings are easy to shape and colour so they match your natural tooth. 

The end result 

So, we’ve learnt that:

•  smiling is important to our happiness and confidence,
• accidents happen, 
• your dentist can repair your chipped tooth and 
• even a tooth that’s been knocked clean out has a chance of being rescued. 

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve had a mishap with your teeth, the best option is to keep calm. We’re here to help. We will assess the situation and provide you with the best options to keep you smiling. Learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services and book an appointment. 

Why is it that as soon as the dental chair lowers and your head goes back your dentist goes from making perfect sense to talking gibberish?

To the untrained ear, they sound like a mathematician whose sums don’t add up. It’s weird, unnerving and you want to know what’s being said about your teeth. Are the numbers good or bad?

In this article you’ll learn why dentists number teeth, what each number means and how it helps with dental notation, so at your next appointment you may even be able to de-code some of their dental lingo. 

The numbering system we use in Australia

There are a couple of different dental numbering systems used throughout the world. In the UK they use the Palmer notation system, while in America they have the Universal numbering system. Here in Australia, we use the Federation Dentaire International (FDI) notation method. It’s a two-digit numbering system and helps dentists record the condition of your teeth and gums. 

The mouth is divided into quadrants

When dentists look into your mouth, we see four sections. These are called quadrants and we work around each quadrant in an anti-clockwise direction to you as you’re sat in the chair, but clockwise direction as we’re looking at you. So, what we see is this:

All teeth in quadrant 1 start with a 1. All teeth in quadrant 3, start with a 3, and so on. The quadrant number is the first digit in the numbering system.

Each tooth is given its own number

For adults, there are eight teeth within each quadrant. Each is numbered from 1-8 and this number describes the type of tooth. 

To give you an example, the front teeth (your incisors) on the top and bottom of your mouth are all given the number 1. The incisors next to that are number 2. Here are the numbers for each of the different types of teeth.

These numbers stay the same for each type of tooth. So, for example, whether it’s a molar on the top of your mouth or a molar on the bottom it will always be a 6, 7 or 8. As a note, molar 8 is a wisdom tooth.

Putting it all together

What you hear as we’re going through and numbering your teeth is us identifying which quadrant we’re working in and which specific tooth we’re looking at. For example, when you hear us say “two-one” (not 21) it means we’re in quadrant 2 and looking at your front incisor. “Four-seven” means we’re in quadrant 4 and looking at a molar. (The second molar in the quadrant, to be exact.) 

Using the FDI system allows the dental assistant to quickly understand where the dentist is looking without second-guessing or peering into your mouth at the same time to see where we are. 

Here’s the whole lot mapped out. 

What to listen out for

Now you know how dentists number teeth, what are we harping on about as we call them out to the dental assistant? 

The first few numbers you hear are the numbers of teeth you’re missing. We’ll say “One-eight, two-eight, three-five, not present,” and the assistant marks these off on the record. After identifying which are missing, we call out any teeth that have crowns or fillings, and any implants. So, you might hear us say, “Two-four, existing DO composite restoration.” ‘DO’ stands for distal-occlusal and refers to the surface of your molar teeth.

You’re likely to hear a few easy to recognise words and phrases as we go through and make notes on chips, damage, holes and potential cavities. “Build-up,” is a favourite one. This refers to a build-up of plaque around a tooth. 

Give your dental language skills a spin

If you’re coming to see us soon, let us know you’ve given this a read. We’ll happily help you practice your new dental lingo skills and see how far you can understand what we’ve found out about your teeth at your latest check up.

Flossing your teeth shouldn’t feel awkward, boring or painful. And dodging the floss because of these reasons isn’t doing your teeth and gums any favours. Flossing teeth regularly improves your oral health and can even result in shorter hygiene appointments. So, if you want to spend less time in the chair then let’s talk about flossing. 

No. Not that type of flossing. This type of flossing.  

Why you hate flossing

If you’re a floss dodger you may use one (or both) of the following arguments to convince yourself it’s not worth doing. 

Argument number 1: “Sticking a tiny bit of string between my teeth isn’t going to have a massive impact on my oral hygiene. I mean, it’s just string! So, skipping the floss now and then is fine.” 

Argument number 2: “Flossing teeth is boring. I hate it. It hurts my gums and takes too long. Plus, I brush my teeth twice a day so it’s fine.” 

As dentists, we’d like to address each of these anti-flossing arguments. Hopefully we’ll convince you once and for all that daily flossing is a good idea.

Argument 1: Flossing won’t help

When food lingers around your teeth and gums, plaque is more likely to build up. Letting plaque bacteria fester in your mouth can lead to problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Regular brushing gets rid of a lot of the plaque around your teeth and gums, but there are some areas brushes can’t reach. Flossing gets into every narrow gap. It coaxes out food that’s stuck between your teeth and removes plaque. 

Argument 2: Flossing is boring and it hurts

Here are a couple of ideas to make flossing feel less of a chore. 

• Put on your favourite song and floss to a tune you enjoy. (Although singing along may be difficult.)
• Reward yourself each time you floss — ideally not with something edible right after you’ve cleaned your teeth.

Admittedly, there aren’t too many ways to jazz up flossing. It’s just one of those average life tasks that need doing. Similar to emptying the dishwasher and folding washing. 

If you struggle with flossing because it’s painful or your gums bleed, then we’re dealing with a different problem. Pain could mean you’re flossing technique needs a little work. While bleeding gums could be a sign of gum disease. 

If bleeding occurs, don’t ignore it. Brushing more regularly, using a soft-bristled brush, and flossing your teeth every day may help lessen the bleeding but you should make an appointment to see your dentist. They’ll assess the damage and advise you on the treatment options.

How to floss your teeth

With the right technique, flossing shouldn’t hurt or take much time. Here’s how to do it right in five simple steps. 

1. Cut around 30-40cm of floss from your reel. Wrap one end around your index finger on one hand. Make a second ‘end’ roughly 3cm from your first finger and wrap around the index finger on your other hand. The floss between your fingers should be pulled taut.
2. Placing your thumbs under the floss, guide it gently between your teeth. Use an up and down motion to ease it in. Avoid forcing or quickly snapping the floss right up to the gum line. 
3. Curve the floss around the tooth and then make a hook-shape as you move it around the side of the tooth and gum line. Make this movement once or twice and do it for the tooth on either side of the floss. 
4. Work downwards to gently slide the floss back out between the gap. 
5. Unroll a fresh 3cm of floss from your fingers and move onto the next tooth. Repeat the process.

What age should you start flossing?

Perhaps the reason you’re reading this article and don’t like flossing is because it was never ‘a thing’ when you were growing up. It’s never too late to start. Make flossing part of your daily oral health routine and you’ll be doing your teeth a big favour. 

If you’re a parent and don’t want your kids to have the floss-less childhood you did, you can start setting an example from as young as two years old. By flossing your child’s teeth after brushing while they’re young, they’ll see it as a regular part of cleaning their teeth. The hope is that as soon as they’re old enough to do it themselves (aged around 10), they’ll continue with it. 

Get extra guidance on flossing

Still unsure whether flossing is worth your time or how to do it? If you’re a Keppel Dental patient, our dentists are more than happy to talk to you about flossing and brushing. Let us know at the start of your appointment that this is something you want to go over, and we’ll leave time for a flossing demo.

Struggling to keep a date with your tooth brush?

Try these 5 tips and make teeth cleaning part of your daily routine

Cleaning your teeth probably isn’t the most exciting part of your day. When you’ve got coffee to drink, social media to catch up on and a whole family to get ready, time for teeth cleaning slips out of your routine. It doesn’t help when your dentist mentions (yet again) that you need to brush a little more often. You’ve tried, but you just can’t seem to crack it. 

We understand. We’re aware of how difficult getting into the habit of brushing teeth is, but regular brushing improves your chance of needing minimal work during in-practice appointments. Shorter appointments and simpler treatments equal lower dental costs. 

As well as saving you some dollars, getting into the habit of brushing your teeth helps you avoid:

• tooth decay leading to cavities,
• gum disease and
• bad breath.

More serious conditions linked to your heart and respiratory system can also be kept at bay with regular brushing and flossing. There are even some small studies suggesting a link between poor oral health and dementia. But let’s not get bogged down in doom and gloom and instead focus on how to make brushing your teeth part of your daily routine. 

The official line on how often you should clean your teeth

According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA) from age 12 and up, you should aim to brush for at least two minutes, morning and night, spending around 30 seconds on each quarter of your mouth. The advice for cleaning the teeth of babies, toddlers and younger children is different.  

Tips for getting into a brushing routine

If you’re thinking two minutes, twice a day is a little longer than you can spare, here are some of our favourite ideas to help you get into the habit of brushing. 

1. Pick a time to brush

When you get up, after brekkie or coffee, before dropping the kids off at school, after your favourite TV show. If you’re able to find something you already do as a habit every day and tag your teeth cleaning onto the end, it eventually becomes part of your routine.  

2. Put your toothbrush where you can see it

Combat the old saying, ‘out of sight, out of mind’ by keeping your toothbrush and paste somewhere where you’ll always see it. For example, leave it on the edge of a sink rather than away in a cupboard. When you’re done place it where you’ll see it during your bedtime routine. You could even put it in your work bag, gym bag or keep it in an office drawer. 

3. Set a reminder

On your phone, email or an app. Make sure you add an alarm and pick a time when you won’t be busy doing something else, so you act on it rather than dismissing it. If you don’t want a daily alarm, stick a post-it note by the front door for the morning and the bathroom door for bedtime. 

4. Reward yourself when you remember 

You may be a little beyond getting a sticker from your dentist for good brushing, but you’re never too old to pat yourself on the back. Decide on a reward that works for you and give yourself that treat every time you remember to clean your teeth. Some reward ideas: buy something new (clothes, album, book) at the end of 30 unmissed days of brushing; take out coffee at the end of a full week of brushing; a trip to the park, pool or cinema for the kids if they brush twice a day for a whole month. Checking the time off on a calendar makes it easy to keep track of how you’re doing. 

5. Set an achievable goal

Going from doing very little (or nothing) in the way of cleaning your teeth to the recommended amount is a big leap. Stay motivated by setting achievable teeth cleaning goals. For example, try brushing just once a day for a week. You can then build on your success. Pushing that goal that little bit further as you get into better and better habits will hopefully lead you to brush for two minutes, twice a day, every day.

How do you remember?

Rewards, reminders and regular times are a handful of suggestions to lead you down the path of good teeth cleaning habits. Everyone responds to something different though.  Join us on Facebook where we’ve asked the group, ‘How do you remember to clean your teeth?’ Add your comments or share your tips on how you remember. It could help someone else.

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. 

It’s pretty common to hear your dentist recite this mantra during your appointment. And it’s often repeated for good reason: it’s sound advice, and follows the recently published Consensus on Toothbrushing, published by the FDI World Dental Federation.

Keeping teeth and gums healthy is much easier when you follow a daily brushing and flossing routine. But there are times when patients tell us they’re trying to go the extra mile with their oral hygiene and we can see the effects of their enthusiasm. 

The dark side of teeth cleaning  

What we’re about to tell you isn’t easy for us dentists to say. It goes against everything we stand for, but at Keppel Dental, we’re not afraid to tackle tough dentistry topics. Even if that means saying things that are sometimes a little controversial. So here it is.

Brushing can be bad for your teeth. 

There! We said it! It wasn’t easy. But now it’s out in the open it’s important we explain ourselves because this isn’t permission to skip brushing. It’s a chance to share what we know about the dangers of toothbrush abrasion.  

What is toothbrush abrasion?

This is the technical name for over brushing and affects teeth and gums. Abrasion happens when you:

• brush too hard
• brush too often
• brush too fast
• brush too long
• use a toothbrush with bristles that are too firm.

What happens if you brush your teeth too much?

Receding gums and the loss of tooth enamel as a result of over brushing may cause teeth to feel more sensitive. In extreme cases, toothbrush abrasion weakens teeth, so chips and cavities are more likely. 

Only small changes are needed in your oral health routine to avoid overbrushing.

3 Ways to avoid the risks of over brushing

1. Use a soft bristled toothbrush

Broadly speaking, the dental community agrees that soft bristles are better for teeth and gums. They’re as effective as firm and medium brushes but are less likely to damage the mouth. Especially when cleaning along the gum line, where gum recession from over brushing is a risk. The same is true about protecting the enamel on your teeth. If you’re an over-enthusiastic brusher, using a soft brush is less likely to wear away your natural layer of tooth enamel.

2. Time your brushing

Brushing teeth for longer won’t make them cleaner. The Australian Dental Association recommends brushing for around 2 minutes, twice a day. Set a timer on your phone or buy a 2-minute egg timer you can leave in your bathroom. As soon as the time’s up you can stop brushing. 

3. Go lightly

Pushing firmly with your brush against teeth and gums doesn’t remove more plaque or bacteria. A sign that you’re probably applying too much pressure is if brush bristles splay outwards during clearing. This not only damages teeth but means you’ll need to replace your brush more often. A light touch is all that’s needed. Just enough that you can feel the brush moving over your teeth and gums. 

If your teeth and gums are showing signs of over brushing, your dentist or oral health therapist is likely to say something and offer some tips on how to improve your brushing technique. 

Fixing damage caused by over brushing

There are treatments that can help your teeth recover from tooth abrasion. The best course of action depends on the type of damage and how severe it is. 

For example, the advice for treating teeth that become sensitive as a result of over brushing may be to switch to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and start using a soft-bristled brush. Not only will brushing feel more comfortable but it can help stop more tooth enamel from wearing away. 

In more severe cases where holes in the teeth have appeared, your dentist may suggest a dental restoration treatment. This could mean getting a composite filling or glass ionomer to protect your natural tooth.  

Treatment for receding gums is a little more substantial. Like enamel, gums that have worn away don’t grow back. The only way to lessen the appearance of gum recession is by having a gum graft.

Gum grafting involves removing gum tissue from another part of your mouth (usually the roof of the mouth) and attaching it to the area where the gum has receded. Healing may take a few weeks and a follow up appointment with your dentist to check the results of the graft is needed. 

Banishing over brushing from your cleaning routine

The symptoms of over brushing teeth can be avoided by making small changes to how you clean your teeth.

• Use a soft toothbrush.
• Only brush your teeth for 2-minutes at a time.
• Use a light touch, the brush bristles splaying outwards is a sign of too much pressure.

If you feel your teeth and gums are already a victim of enthusiastic cleaning, then speak with your dentist or oral health therapist. They’re always happy to share advice on how to brush your teeth correctly.
In the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area and need to see a dentist? Find out how you can become our patient.

When the bristles go soft and your teeth still feel cruddy despite your recent brushing, you know it’s time to toss your toothbrush and get a new one. 

But after you’ve chucked it in the bin, where does your old toothbrush go? 

The truth is, nowhere.  

A plastic toothbrush takes approximately 400 years to decompose. That means even the first toothbrushes, which were made in the 1930s, are still buried somewhere. If that’s not mind-bending enough, according to National Geographic you’re likely to use around 300 toothbrushes during your lifetime. And that’s just you. When you consider there are 8 billion people in the world who potentially use lots of toothbrushes too… Well, that’s a big number of toothbrushes heading to landfill. 

It’s a scary thought.

These billions of toothbrushes impact our environment. They’re part of the plastic problem. Facts provided by the Tangaroa Blue Foundation tell us:

• Eight million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year 
• 40,000 pieces of plastic are estimated to float in each square kilometre of the ocean 
• 75% of what is removed from beaches is made of plastic 
• 800 species worldwide are affected by marine debris (plastics cause death to more than a million seabirds and more than 100,000 sea mammals each year).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Piksters (@piksters)

But you’re just trying to keep your teeth clean, why should you care about recycling your toothbrush? 

A few reasons.

Toothbrushes are made from a mixture of different plastics, rubber and crude oil (petroleum) that can be harmful to the environment. During the manufacturing process, more plastic and crude oil is used. Crude oil is non-renewable and the usage of it increases the demand for oil wells (impacting habitats and ecosystems). While we can’t avoid this in general we can lessen the need for it by making simple changes, like the toothbrushes we choose and how we dispose of old ones. 

Switching your toothbrush can help the planet

Being aware of how we impact the environment and our future is key. Doing what you can to help is as much as anyone can ask. Fortunately, there’s plenty of clever alternatives out there, especially when it comes to toothbrushes. 

As dentists, we’re very keen to make sure you continue to care for your teeth while saving the planet. Choosing to use a non-plastic toothbrush is a simple, environmentally friendly step you can take to decreasing the amount of plastic you use. 

Use an eco friendly toothbrush

Biodegradable toothbrushes don’t take 400 years to disappear. Environmentally friendly cornstarch or  bamboo toothbrushes generally take 5-6 years to decompose. If you have a composter, it can take less than a year! Some companies even got the extra eco-mile and package their biodegradable brushes in biodegradable packaging. Nice. 

There are lots of companies offering fun, plant based brushes in different sizes and colours, that are suitable for adults and kiddos. Just ask Google. Some businesses even offer new toothbrush subscriptions, removing the pain of you having to remember when it’s time to replace your toothbrush.

If a bamboo or cornstarch toothbrush doesn’t tickle your fancy, how about toothbrushes made of recycled plastic? This doesn’t mean you get a toothbrush previously used by someone else. (Yuck!) But it does mean the plastic has had another life previously. For example, it may have been made from old yoghurt pots. 

Making more out of your toothbrush

Using an eco-firendly toothbrush is one way you can help the planet. The other is by recycling your old toothbrushes.

Depending on the type of plastic, your old toothbrush can be:

• Reused – the materials are cleaned, separated and reused around the world. 
• Upcycled – existing products are used to create new products, or they are repurposed 
• Recycled – plastic is separated and melted into pallets that can be used to create new plastic products (eg. the yoghurt cup toothbrush!)

Giving your old product a new life rather than creating toxic landfill is an easy way to do your bit. 

You can also upcycle old toothbrushes yourself. Author Kathryn Kellogg , writer of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste, has great ideas on how to reuse your old toothbrush here. 

How to recycle your toothbrush

Recycling company TerraCycle is helping fight against dental products ending up in landfill. Supported and funded by well-known oral health brands, they encourage us to find local collection points that use their recycling program to accept old toothbrushes and empty toothpaste tubes.

Accepted products include:

• manual toothbrushes,
• electric toothbrush heads,
• empty toothpaste tubes and
• floss packets.

While there isn’t currently a collection point in Yeppoon, there are several nearby and plenty in Brisbane. You could save up your brushes and tubes until you next visit the state capital and then do a bulk drop off. Use TerraCycle’s drop off map to find a convenient oral care collection point.