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Oral hygiene habits start early. Print off this interactive brushing tool to encourage a good brushing routine for your child…

WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY?

Brushing your teeth twice daily can be a habit hard to maintain. Busy mornings and day-to-day activities can often leave oral hygiene in the backseat. But how did we initially learn how often or how long to brush for? Did the ‘2 minutes daily, twice a day’ come from the dentist? Promotion activities learnt in Primary School? Our parents, carers, siblings?

Habits like these are developed from an early age and it really is up to the carer of the child to encourage and promote oral hygiene practices.

As a current dental student, I have created this tooth- brushing template for children which aids in oral hygiene habits as part of an assessment piece and thought it would be helpful to share.

HOW TO USE THIS SHEET:

Although depending on the child, parent-assisted brushing can begin quite early. Often there is a rule that when the child can tie their own shoelaces, independent brushing can begin. This can range from 5-7 years old – around beginning Primary School time.

The ideal use of this take-home activity is to have the sheet in the bathroom to tick off each brushing. This sheet can be laminated for waterproof properties and also provides the flexibility to keep the sheet as an ongoing activity if a white-board marker is used. Just write the date at the start of each week and at the very end the child can ‘Count their Smiles’.

HOW CAN IT HELP?

Having a physical record for the parent/carer and child to fill in creates an incentive to work together to complete a task. If practised from an early age, habits can be actioned and retained throughout life. This sheet is equally, if not more, important for parents to understand the importance of oral health and pass it onto their children.

I hope this fun sheet can encourage more smiles in the family, just set a 2 minute timer and let us know how it goes!

No one likes the dentist. It’s a little uncomfortable as we lie, mouth open, on the chair. But for some people, their dislike is much stronger. Why is hatred or fear of the dentist so common amongst adults and kids alike? And what can you do to address it? Keep reading to find out.

The Invasiveness

Many people’s fear of the dentist stems from the inherent invasiveness of the process. Whether you’re just coming in for a clean or a more complex procedure like a root canal, you can’t avoid the dentist or hygienist leaning over and putting their hands right in your mouth. This can understandably feel like an invasion of personal space. To combat this, make sure you find a dentist that is gentle, respectful and aware of your comfort levels so you don’t feel violated.

Loss of Control

Dental procedures can be really hard for people who like to be in control, as you can feel very vulnerable lying back in the chair. It’s a psychological thing that many of us experience on some level, and the dentist can truly personify our fears of losing control. The best way to address this is to find a dentist that is willing to communicate with you. Ask that they explain each step of the appointment or procedure to you, so you know what to expect and you understand why it’s necessary. Putting knowledge in your hands can make you feel more in control.

Needles

No one likes needs, especially when they’re being stuck in your mouth. But for some people they’re a major phobia, and a reason for avoiding the dentist. The good news is, many dental procedures are now minimally invasive. If that doesn’t quell your fears, make sure you talk to your dentist. Don’t suffer in silence – if they know the extent of your distaste, many dentists can talk you through alternative options to needles without subjecting you to a lot of pain.

The Cost

There’s no getting around it, the dentist can be very expensive which is a big turn off. Not everyone would agree that the end result is worth it. But, your teeth are for life and the importance of dental hygiene shouldn’t be underestimated. Ensuring you spend money on regular check-ups will save you pain and much, much more money for corrective procedures later on.

If any of these rings true for you, we encourage you to make an appointment at Showground Dental to discuss your fears or hesitations. We can work through these issues with you to find a dental solution that works for your needs.

The root canal gets a bad rap – it’s feared more than just about any type of dental procedure, with the very words being enough to fill some adults with dread. In reality, it’s a very common procedure with patients rarely reporting a bad experience. Keep reading to find out key facts about the root canal as we dispel some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding the procedure.

What Is A Root Canal?

 Root canal procedure has an almost universally negative connotation, however much of that uncertainty and fear can come from the unknown. A patient might need a root canal for many reasons from cracked or damaged teeth and deep cavities to an abscess or trauma. A root canal is the process of repairing the root of the infected tooth.

In a nutshell, the dentist will remove the hardly visible pulp tissue in the root of the tooth by using specialised instruments. The canals are cleaned, re-shaped and sterilised in the chemo-mechanical preparation stage. Then, the dentist will fill the tooth with a special material called gutta percha to give the empty tooth strength and structure. After the root canal treatment, the tooth is immediately restored with a filling which reinforces the structure of the tooth and serves as the foundation for the permanent crown .

Common Myths and Misconceptions

 The root canal procedure has improved a lot over the years, but still bears a bad reputation. We’re here to bust some of the myths and misconceptions to banish the dread you feel when you hear the words ‘root canal’.

Root canals are painful

It’s actually very rare for a root canal to be a painful treatment these days. Dentists use well-planned anaesthesia technique and sophisticated antibiotics to ensure you don’t feel a thing. In reality, the procedure will actually alleviate the pain from the decaying or infected tooth. Most people don’t even need specialised pain killers after the procedure, just normal paracetamol or ibuprofen will do the trick.

Root canals are excessively expensive

The price of the root canal is dependent on the number of root canals the tooth has. It is generally much cheaper than having a tooth removed and replaced with a bridge or implant. Root canal is a sound investment as It will avoid further troubles and expenses down the line.

Root canals are likely to fail

This myth may have been true 50 years ago, but the root canal has come leaps and bounds since then. The rate of lifetime success is now an amazing 85% especially when it’s protected by a full coverage restoration such as a crown. While there are no guarantees, the chances of having further problems are slim.

Root canals take ages to complete

While root canals are one of the lengthiest dental treatments, dentists have got the process down to a fine art. Two to three visits are usually required to complete the root canal treatment. The time spent enables the dentists to thoroughly investigate the root morphology therefore ensures its success.

So there you have it – if your dentists mentions the dreaded root canal, you don’t have to be too worried. Knowledge is power, and these days research will tell you that the procedure is generally safe, effective and pain free. If you’re suffering from a toothache, don’t put it off. Make sure you see your local dentist to prevent the problem from getting worse.

If you’re in the Brisbane area, Showground Dental would be happy to discuss your oral health needs. Give us a call to book an appointment today.

A trip to the dentist can be really scary for some children. Children who suffer from anxiety, sensory aversions or other issues may be uncomfortable and even fearful of a dental check-up. This can be overwhelming and disheartening for both the parent and the child. While all good dentists will make children feel as comfortable as possible, there are some things you can do to help your child overcome their fears. Once a child has had a positive experience at the dentist, they are more likely to be happy to return for future preventive dentistry.

Prepare your child for a trip to the not-so-scary dentist by:

Keeping the Details Short and Simple

Some children may become anxious when you provide too many details to prepare them for their dentist visit.  Instead, prepare them by letting them know that they are visiting the dentist while keeping a positive attitude.  This way, children won’t become too anxious about the unknown that comes with visiting the dentist.

Choosing Your Words Carefully

You might be tempted to over-prepare your child by telling them the dentist might hurt or use a needle. These intentions might be good, but this may lead your child to worry. Instead, let the dentist introduce their own explanations of what is happening at the time. Just let your children know that the dentist will count their teeth and ask them a few questions.
 

Making it Fun by Role Playing Your Dentist Visit

Read some fun stories about oral hygiene and trips to the dentist. Give your child a mirror, gloves and a toothbrush and let them pretend to be your dentist and check your teeth. They might like to try it on their toys too. Keeping it light and fun is essential to ease anxiety in young children.

Expecting Some Anxiety When You Arrive

Despite all your efforts, your child may be anxious when they arrive at the dentist. Remember anxiety is a normal feeling and can be overcome once fears are faced. Stay calm and acknowledge your child’s fears by making them feel safe and comforted. Bring some comfort toys or activities to keep their mind off the visit.
Encourage Your Child to Prioritise Oral Hygiene
Encourage your child to understand that oral hygiene is important.  Let them know that maintaining teeth health can only be done well by including regular visits to the dentist.  Educate your children on tooth decay, cavities and other terminology used in discussing oral health.
If you are looking for a dental check up for your child, contact Showground Dental for a consultation and dentistry advice.

For more information about preventative dentistry or for a quote on our dental services in Brisbane, please get in touch with Showground Dental in the heart of Bowen Hills today. Call us on 07 3852 2882 or contact us online.

If you or someone you know is having a dental emergency, it can be hard to know what to do. There may be bleeding or severe pain depending on the problem.  Sometimes, the wait and see approach can do more harm than good.  If you know what to do in a dental emergency, you are more likely to feel confident and prepared should you need to help someone you know or help yourself. Preventing emergencies is best, but that doesn’t mean they won’t happen!  Read our handy guide below so you’re prepared:

Identify if the Dental Problem Is an Emergency

Before you rush into an emergency, it’s important to be able to identify whether the issue at hand can wait until your regular appointment with a dentist or if it needs to be seen to immediately. A dental emergency left too long can have a significant impact on both your dental health and your overall health. The following is usually considered a dental emergency:

• A tooth has been knocked out
• You or someone you know is in extreme dental pain
• There are cuts or lacerations inside the mouth
• There is severe swelling of any part of the gums

What Should You Do In A Dental Emergency?

If you have identified that the situation is an emergency, then the best thing to do is:

• Stay calm: Staying calm allows you to make rational decisions and also means you can communicate effectively with your dentist
• Bring removed teeth to the dentist: If you were injured and your teeth were knocked out, bring them to your dentist in a cup of cold milk if possible
• Don’t use aspirin: Aspirin, particularly soluble aspirin can irritate or burn gum tissue. Avoid using it in a dental emergency and instead, try swallowing regular paracetamol to ease the pain.
• Contact your emergency dentist immediately

If you are in a dental emergency, contact Showground Dental for a consultation and dentistry advice. We provide access to emergency dental care 6 days a week and can offer you advice and procedures by appointment in the evenings.

For more information about preventative dentistry or for a quote on our dental services in Brisbane, please get in touch with Showground Dental in the heart of Bowen Hills today. Call us on 07 3852 2882 or contact us online.

There are many myths and misconceptions around flossing.  While some people think that flossing is important to prevent future oral health problems, others may think that it’s unnecessary.  So is flossing useless or even harmful to your teeth? In this article, we’ll separate fact from fiction when it comes to this important practice.

MYTH #1 – Flossing Can Damage Previous Dental Work
There is a misconception that flossing can damage previous dental work such as crowns, veneers, fillings and more.  However, flossing cannot do harm or loosen dental work.  If something is loosened via flossing, then the most likely cause would be an existing problem, and not the floss itself.

MYTH #2 – If You Floss Regularly You Will End Up with Large Gaps between Your Teeth

Flossing regularly will mean you are removing food and plaque build-up between your teeth, which may make it look like there is a small gap between your teeth. This isn’t because your teeth are being moved by flossing, but rather, flossing is showing the natural state of your smile. A gap is certainly better than a cavity between your teeth, which may develop if you don’t floss and brush regularly.

MYTH #3 – All Floss Is the Same

While many floss brands are similar, it is worth considering which type of floss will suit your needs. Some floss is made for flossing around braces or plates, while others are better for hard to reach places. Chat to your dentist about the best type of floss for you.

MYTH #4 – You Should Stop Flossing If It Makes Your Gums Bleed

It’s true that flossing may make your gums bleed. However, you will need to address the underlying reason behind your gums bleeding, which isn’t the flossing itself. Bleeding gums can be an indication of unhealthy gums due to disease, plaque build-up and more. Regular flossing, along with other dental care, will help prevent bleeding gums, rather than make them worse.

MYTH #5 – Brushing Your Teeth Is Enough for Good Dental Health

It is often believed that if you have the right toothbrush and an excellent brushing technique, you have good dental hygiene. However, no matter how efficient your brushing is, it cannot clean between teeth like flossing can, and that can often be where cavities form.

If you want advice on how to floss your teeth correctly, contact Showground Dental for a consultation and dentistry advice. We believe prevention is the best cure and would be happy to provide you with what you need to know about how and when to floss your teeth.

For more information about preventative dentistry or for a quote on our dental services in Brisbane, please get in touch with Showground Dental in the heart of Bowen Hills today. Call us on 07 3852 2882 or contact us online.

[fusion_text]Find out how to keep your teeth white & healthy. The experts from Showground Dental provide a great guide how to keep a good oral health – Read more.