A mouthguard failure serves as a prompt reminder for Sign-on season.

Defending your smile with a custom-made mouthguard

In the news….

Young veterinary graduate Christina Johnson was wearing a Boil-and-Bite style of mouthguard from the chemist when she sustained facial injuries in a split second incident during a hockey match. Apart from painful lacerations, Christina also lost 2 of her front teeth and fractured a third. She was wearing a Boil and Bite mouthguard and thought she was protected.

Like Christina, many Australians LOVE sport!
While adults and children alike are signing up for their favourite sport it is timely reminder to be aware of the risks of facial trauma at any level of sport.

The cost of an injury to the teeth or jaw far exceeds the cost of a mouthguard.

Unfortunately dental injuries can lead to:

– Painful and disfiguring damage
– Lengthy recovery and expensive treatment
– Time off work or study

A mouthguard, custom-fitted by your dentist, is considered to provide the best protection for the teeth, lips and jaw.

Unfortunately not all mouthguards are created equal.
When considering mouthguard options for yourself or your family the Australian Dental Association suggest comparing the additional protection a custom-made mouthguard to inexpensive over-the-counter options. Over-the-counter mouthguards are infamous for being uncomfortable, ill-fitting and move around during play which can be dangerous at the time of impact.

  1. Over-the-counter stock mouthguard – are the cheapest option available at retail outlets. They are preformed, fit poorly and uncomfortable. They interfere with breathing and speech and give a false sense of protection.
  2. Boil-and-Bite Style – sold in chemists and sport retailers. When warmed they can be used to try to mould to the shape of a players’ mouth. They are uncomfortable and move around during play. The Australian Dental Association doesn’t recommend these and they should only be used in the short-term if there is no other alternative.
  3. Custom-made mouthguard are fitted by dental professionals. They are made from an impression (or mould) made from the patient’s mouth. They are the most comfortable option and are designed to allow speaking and normal breathing during play. There are also a range of mouthguard designs giving different levels of protection depending on the type of sport and the likely impact that will be sustained.

Wear the mouthguard at all times, including games and training sessions.

The 5 main reasons the ADA advocate custom-made mouthguards:
  • help protect teeth against impact
  • jaw joints are more protected
  • protect oral soft tissue
  • helps prevent injuries to the neck and jaw
  • helps reduce the incidence of concussion.

While signing up for your favourite team this year, we highly recommend investing in a well-fitting mouthguard. Please contact us for more information or to book an appointment for a custom-fitting on 3379 9300.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants are Changing Lives!

This seems like a big statement but if you are someone who can no longer eat and chew your favourite foods or… if you have noticed your teeth moving and your bite changing after losing a tooth, then you will know what an impact this has on daily life!

Dental implants can help recover the natural function of your teeth – and your beautiful smile!

Freedom and Lifestyle

If you have one or more missing teeth, then you know that eating, speaking and smiling with missing teeth, gaps or even with dentures never feels them same as your natural teeth. Gone is the freedom to eat and chew certain types of your favourite foods.

Not only do dental implants LOOK so natural, their function is as close to a natural tooth as modern dentistry can get!

Preventing premature Ageing

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Losing teeth causes bone loss and changes in facial structure such as sagging and ageing.

We have all seen the sagging, drawn look of someone who has had unfortunate facial bone loss due to losing teeth. Placement of dental implants actually preserves bone and helps prevent this bone loss. We all like the idea of keeping a more youthful look for longer!

Avoiding uncomfortable dentures

Anyone with dentures will tell you they are not as comfortable as natural teeth. They can cause rubbing, pain with eating and even speech difficulties.

Replacing missing teeth with implants means that patients can continue eating, smiling and speaking naturally and comfortably.

Convenience

Dental implants are also brushed and flossed with a normal oral hygiene routine at home. Nothing to remove, and no special cleaning is needed.

An Easy Process

Placing the implant is also easier and more pain-free than most people expect. It is a minor surgical procedure carried out with a local anaesthetic in the dental chair. Patients should feel no pain during the procedure. In the days afterwards, some choose to use paracetamol or ibuprofen and some patients are surprised that they need no painkillers at all.

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There are usually 2-3 further appointments over the following months as the implant integrates with bone and achieves its full strength. Every case is unique and we always discuss short and long-term expectations and answer any questions throughout the implant appointments.

Dental implants are really becoming well known. With today’s technological advances they are now getting even closer to the strength and aesthetics of natural teeth. Although they are more expensive than some alternatives, they are really now considered the gold standard of current available dental technologies when replacing a tooth.

So if you want to fill those gaps, or throw away that denture, why not make an appointment to discuss your suitability for a dental implant!

 Give us a call today – an Initial Dental Implant consultation is FREE for a limited time!

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Women and Oral Health – Dental Health Week 2016

 

Dental Health Week 2016 had a special focus on Women and Oral Health.

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Tish presented some top tips for maintaining good oral health on Day 2 of the ADAQ promotion. 

 

 

As you may already know, Sherwood Dental’s Dr Tish Lo is convenor of the Oral Health Committee of the Australian Dental Association (Qld Branch).

As part of this special focus, the ADAQ released some resources which we’d like to share with you. They include some general oral health facts as well as some useful hygiene tips that you may not have heard before! 

Pregnancy Facts vs Fiction     Flossing      Brushing     Bleeding Gums

Some particular questions related to women’s health are addressed in these articles:

What causes your gums to redden and swell?

Wonder why you are suffering from dry or burning mouth?

Can pregnancy increase your risk of tooth decay?

Can changes in adolescents’ bodies really affect oral health?

We hope these are helpful to you or could be passed on to someone you know.

Kids Toothbrushing Tips and Strategies for Parents

Did you know only children over 8 years of age should be brushing their own teeth?

Even babies and toddlers can learn great habits from regular routine brushing. However, children lack the dexterity to clean properly for several more years. It is a great idea to allow your child to have a go at learning how to use a toothbrush, but an adult generally should be in charge of the cleaning twice daily for most children until the child is around 8 years old.

You should start brushing your baby’s teeth and gums twice daily from when the first tooth has erupted. Here are some handy tips and strategies we have come up with over the years which seem to have the greatest success.

Routine is the key

If daily brushing is predictable, expectations are clear and rewards are in place then brushing will become a normal part of the everyday routine.

7 Toothbrushing Tips and Strategies for Parents

  1. Kids Brushing Tips- Elmo Song
    A fun and catchy video your toddler will love.

    Small babies and toddlers will often need a distraction as you brush. This can be something as simple as looking at themselves in the mirror, swaddling, lying upside down on your lap or a funny tooth brushing song.

  2. Babies and Toddlers  – can have a “turn” at brushing. This can be a reward after the adult has done the brushing.
  3. Let them brush your teeth – this can give them a better perspective on what you are doing in their mouth during brushing time. If the toddler finds this fun, it can also be used as a reward for sitting still.
  4. For young children a fun weekly reward chart can work well to establish a routine. After a few weeks you could go shopping together for a new toothbrush. We have created one here for you to download, print and hang in the bathroom.

^CLICK TO DOWNLOAD – Toothbrushing Reward Chart

5.  DO – talk about germs, the nasty things they get up to and the damage they cause. Kids are fascinated by ugly germ stories !! But…DON’T – talk about a visit to the dentist, drills and needles as a negative consequence for not brushing properly. This will only cause anxiety about visiting the dentist in the future.

6.  Handy Tech Tips –  Using an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer has made the biggest difference to many of our older kids and adult patients’ brushing routines. It also has alerts for when to move to the next part of the mouth so the molars are not forgotten.


There are toothbrush timing apps which can be useful such as:

Toddlers and preschoolers – Oral B Disney Magic Timer  – A fun and colourful app filled with Disney favourites and virtual calendar, stickers and rewards unlock more characters and albums with regular brushing. It can be used with or without purchasing the Disney branded toothbrushes and toothpaste.

For older kids and even adults Brush DJ – An award winning app. For an upbeat, energetic start to the day, play 2 minutes of your favourite songs from your phone or iPod with a visual reminder to move the brush around your mouth. Make brushing less boring while rediscovering your music collection.


7.  For extra-sensitive children – We understand that children have sensory challenges and a very low tolerance of anything touching their face, lips and teeth. With a bit of patience and desensitizing they will be brushing happily twice a day.

Start with very small achievements:

  • Child’s Soft Bristle Toothbrush or even start with using a face washer or soft flannel cloth to touch the chin and lips. Desensitizing the child using a predictable firm strokes starting at the cheekbones, nose and upper lips then moving to chin and lips.
  • Allowing the child to watch the mirror and count with you to the same number each time. Once you reach a certain number – brushing is over until next time.
  • Although a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste is needed for enamel protection, you may want to start with plain warm water at first if the child is very sensitive to taste.
  • If your child is particularly sensitive and you are concerned about their first dental visit, give us a call for a chat. We can discuss your particular concerns and strategies we find helpful.

 

 

How much sugar is in drinks?

Do you remember the delight of sucking on an old-fashioned school-fete toffee until there was nothing left but shreds of sticky paper?

Or the hours of sweet joy at picking tasty bits out of our teeth long after we indulged in a jelly baby…

We have been told of the damage that those millions of sugar-loving bacteria can do to enamel so most of us really only let ourselves indulge our sweet-tooth every now and then ….  or do we?

Did you know there are about 16 teaspoons of sugar in a 600ml bottle of regular soft drink?

Take a close look at the sugar and acid content of commonly available drinks.

The acidity of drinks is also an important factor. The combination of sugar, acid and bacteria can be catastrophic for enamel, leading to decay and eventually TOOTH PAIN!!

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How often should I visit the dentist?

There have been some concerning findings in recent medical research.

Ongoing education and learning is important for all 21st century healthcare providers. At Sherwood Dental we try keep abreast of the latest in oral health research. We take gum health seriously and see patient education as just one of our responsibilities.

 Are you at risk? 

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Poor oral health has been linked to other serious diseases… Detailed report here.

These conditions include:

  • Heart Disease and some Strokes
  • Diabetes
  • Preterm and Low Birth-Weight Babies
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Respiratory Diseases

Find out about common signs and symptoms of gum disease here.  But … did you know…?

It is possible to have gum disease and have NO warning signs.

We believe that no two patients are alike, so we are teaming up with you to create an oral health plan tailored just for you. We will help identify any risk factors you may have, address any current concerns and make long term goals and plan for the future.

Active Maintenance Video
Reducing your risk factors, keeping your teeth healthy and having an attractive smile is a TEAM EFFORT!

As part of our oral hygiene focus, many of our regular patients have been receiving their personalised ACTIVE MAINTENANCE plan.

There’s no additional cost for this service.

We invite you to read more about our Active Maintenance Plan initiative here.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

This is a great question asked by many of our patients!

Unfortunately, there is not always a simple answer, but here is some info to help recognise some symptoms of gum disease.

Here is a simple checklist:

  • Are your gums red, tender or swollen?
  • Has there been a change in how you bite?
  • Is your gum line uneven when you smile?
  • Is pus visible when you press on your gums?
  • Is your mouth often dry or burning?
  • Do your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth?
  • Do you have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth?
  • Can you wiggle one or more of your teeth with your tongue or fingers?
  • Do your teeth appear to be getting longer?
  • Are there spaces between your teeth where there were none before?
  • Has there been a change in how your partial denture fits?
  • Are the roots of your teeth exposed and sensitive to hot or cold?

If you have experiences one or more of these symptoms; have you discussed this with your dentist?

 

Download and print this simple checklist for yourself or someone you know.

 

 

 

 

 

Cold and Flu Season

After a long hot summer, our lovely Brisbane winter days are finally here!

It’s time to dig out the comfy slippers and fluffy blankets for those chilly evenings. Unfortunately, the drop in temperatures also marks the beginning of cold and flu season.

WHEN COLD AND FLU SEASON STRIKES your teeth are probably the last thing you’re thinking about as you reach for another tissue!

Here’s 7 practical dental tips for this cold and flu season:

  1. Dry mouth is often an issue when sick – mouth-breathing and certain cold & flu medications are all culprits. As well as causing bad breath, dry mouth increases the risk of decay! Combat dry mouth by sipping water constantly through the day and stimulate saliva with sugar-free chewing gum.
  2. Wash your hands before AND after brushing or flossing, to avoid spreading germs.
  3. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after use, and store upright, which allows water to drain and the bristles to air-dry. This will reduce the number of bacteria.
  4. Change your toothbrush or brushhead regularly! Every 2-3 months is best, or sooner if the bristles appear worn or splayed. Changing after a cold or flu will help eliminate bacteria.
  5. Brush two to three times daily. Even if you haven’t eaten much, bacteria in your mouth can still flourish
  6. Choose sugar-free lozenges, cough syrups & electrolyte drinks whenever possible. Full-sugar versions, especially lozenges, leave plenty of sugar in the mouth for bacteria to feast on, and multiply.
  7. Sinus pressure can often feel like toothache, especially around the upper molars. If a dullish aches starts while you have sinus congestion, wait until you feel better and see if the tooth pain disappears. If not, then definitely contact us for an appointment.

For more information on how to prevent getting sick and how to manage your dental health while sick feel free to download this document!

Winter colds are common and everyone has a busy schedule these days, so many patients still need to attend dental appointments while sick. We don’t mind at all; our sterilization and infection control protocol ensures a healthy and clean environment at Sherwood Dental. We’ll do everything we can to make you comfortable. If you absolutely cannot make an appointment due to illness, we ask that you give us as much notice as possible. Two full days’ notice is preferred.

Please stay well this winter, and remember to take care of your smile, too!

Your Ortho Options

Achieve a straight and beautiful smile

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, Sherwood Dental has you covered. We offer two of the latest, most discreet orthodontic treatments available today.

It doesn’t end there. Sherwood dental is currently offering a FREE orthodontic consultation. During your free orthodontic consultation Dr Craig Duval can take you through the different orthodontic options available to you and assess your teeth to identify which one would be best suited to your teeth and your lifestyle.

Achieve the smile you have always wanted with discreet orthodontics

Discreet orthodontic treatments can help you transform the appearance of your smile, while also correcting orthodontic concerns. With our range of adult orthodontics you can rest assured that your treatment will be effective and subtle.

Our treatments are tailored around our patients who wish to straighten their smile quickly and discreetly.

Explaining your FREE orthodontic consultation

In this video Dr Craig Duval walks you through your orthodontic consultation so you can know what to expect. As with any dental treatment you receive, Dr Craig Duval will tailor your experience to meet your dental and orthodontic needs.

Which is the right treatment for me?

The two innovative treatments we offer include:

Smilefast Braces can straighten your teeth in half the time of some other orthodontic treatments.

  • Invisalign

The Invisalign system consists of a series of clear aligners that guide the teeth into the correct positioning.

Smilefast Braces: a beautiful smile, faster than ever before

Dr Craig Duval and our friendly team at Sherwood Dental are proud to announce

that we are now a provider of Smilefast Braces; this means you can enjoy a straight smile, quicker.  Some of the benefits of Smilefast Orthodontic Braces are:

  • Very short treatment time
  • Suitable for a range of people
  • This treatment harnesses some of the latest orthodontic technology

Invisalign: the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth

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At Sherwood Dental in South Brisbane we offer Invisalign for our patients who wish to straighten their smile virtually invisibly. The treatment consists of a series of clear aligners, which guide your teeth into the desired position over time. The benefits of Invisalign include:

  • No metal braces used
  • Removable
  • Virtually invisible

How long will orthodontic treatment take?

The time it will take to straighten your teeth will depend on the positioning of your teeth and the treatment you choose. Smilefast Braces can straighten your teeth in a much shorter time frame than traditional braces. Some patients have even achieved the desired results within just 3 months.

In saying this, during your FREE initial orthodontic consultation Dr Craig Duval will discuss the time frame in which you could achieve the orthodontic results you want.

How much will orthodontic treatment cost?

The cost of each orthodontic treatment will depend on the positioning of your teeth and the treatment you choose. Smilefast Braces is generally less expensive than many other orthodontic treatments.

During your FREE orthodontic consultation Dr Craig Duval will discuss the cost of your treatment with you to ensure you choose a treatment that suits your teeth, your lifestyle Specialand your budget.

Choosing the right treatment for you

Dr Craig Duval and our skilled dental professionals will work with you to tailor a treatment plan that suits your teeth and your lifestyle at our South Brisbane dental practice. We will help you to choose the right discreet orthodontic treatment for you.

If you would like to know more about your orthodontic options at Sherwood Dental, or to book your free consultation, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Craig Duval and our Sherwood dental professionals.

Invisalign: as heard on Nova

The virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth

Are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile? Do you want to avoid visible metal braces? If you said yes then Invisalign could be the perfect treatment for you.

Dr Craig Duval is an accredited Invisalign provider in Brisbane. In partnership with his team at Sherwood Dental Dr Craig Duval can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.

The treatment that is taking the media by storm

For a long time Invisalign was the best kept secret of premier providers around the country, including Dr Craig Duval at Sherwood Dental. Recently this innovative treatment was featured on Nova FM, generating excitement about this discreet and effective orthodontic procedure.

Explaining Invisalign

invisThe Invisalign system is made up of a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that your friends will not even know you’re wearing. The Invisalign aligners are made with 3-D computer imaging technology and have been proven to be highly effective and accurate, especially for adults.

Once you have had a comprehensive initial consultation where Dr Craig Duval has identified that this treatment is suitable for your teeth, we will then take images of your teeth with 3D imaging technology. With this technology your aligners can be constructed and our treatment plan assembled. We will walk you through your treatment plan to ensure that you are completely informed about every step of the procedure.

The benefits of Invisalign

Not only are the Invisalign aligners invisible, they are also removable, which means you can eat and drink as you previously did before you were undergoing treatment. In addition to these benefits, brushing and flossing are not affected during this treatment because you can remove your aligners while you clean your teeth.

The Invisalign system should be comfortable as there is no metal involved which could cause mouth abrasions during treatment. With the 3-D technology involved you will be able to see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

Save today with our free orthodontic consultation

SpecialAre you interested in straightening your teeth? Get your FREE orthodontic consultation today and begin straightening your teeth right away. Dr Craig Duval and our team will provide a thorough assessment of the positioning of your teeth and the alignment of your jaws to ensure that Invisalign is the right treatment for you. This appointment is completely free for a limited time only!

 

If you would like to know more about Invisalign, or to book your free consultation, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Craig Duval and our Sherwood dental professionals.