We recommend you visit the dentist for a check-up and clean every six months. In this way you can prevent problems from occurring as we can catch any issues in the early stages. It is also important to have a professional clean. If plaque that builds up is not cleaned it hardens, forming calculus (tartar). Once at this stage it can only be removed by a professional clean. However if you have a low decay rate and minimal calculus build up we may place you on a 12 month recall cycle.

Children should have their first dental visit before the age of three. Often there are no issues at this age but an early dental visit while there is no pain helps accustom the child to the dental environment. Kids accompanying parents to their visits can have a “ride in the chair” and have their “teeth counted”. It is best to take a preventive approach with children’s teeth to avoid dental pain and fillings at an early age.

All kids receive a helium balloon from our balloon fairy. We have DVDs on the ceiling and separate waiting rooms for the siblings to keep them happy.

You should be brushing your teeth twice a day (usually after breakfast and last thing at night) with a soft tooth brush, using a circular motion and focusing on the junction between the tooth and the gum. It is also necessary to floss once a day. Brushing and flossing together remove plaque from your teeth maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Flossing is an integral part of keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. If you only brush, you are only cleaning half the tooth’s surfaces. Often initial decay lesions start between the teeth where they are touching. Flossing removes plaque and food debris that collects between the teeth, and by doing so prevents gum disease and decay from starting.

Bleeding gums is a sign of gingivitis – inflammation of the gums – or early stage gum disease. Brushing well twice a day and flossing will stop the bleeding in about 10 to 14 days. Any persistent bleeding needs to be check by your dentist.

Dental radiographs are a very useful diagnostic tool in helping to visualise conditions affecting the teeth or bone, underneath the gum or within the tooth where the dentist cannot see. Dental radiographs are very small with minimal radiation dose. At Roslyn 38 we use digital x-rays which reduces the radiation dose further as well as providing you with a lead apron and thyroid collar. Our surgeries are fully lead lined for added protection for you and your family. 

We recommend you have routine x-rays every two to three years, however some patients will require them more often for monitoring purposes.

The amount of the refund received will vary according to the health fund, your level of cover and how long you have been a member. We are therefore unable to answer this question, however we are more than happy to provide you with an estimate of expected treatment with item codes so that you can contact your health fund and get a quote for your exact refund amount.

It is recommended that check-ups and regular cleans are carried out during pregnancy to prevent any issues. General dental treatment, such as fillings, is best delayed until the second and third trimester, however emergency treatment can occur at any time throughout the pregnancy. Extensive work such as crowns etc should be postponed until after the birth. The use of local anaesthetics and x-rays are safe to use during pregnancy also, especially with digital x-rays and the use of a lead apron.

Pregnancy hormones can be associated with an increase in gum disease as they make the gums more sensitive to any plaque. It is vital to maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout the pregnancy and have regular cleans. Studies have shown there is an association with gum disease and low birth weight babies.

Occasionally a pregnancy epulis will occur. This is a benign lump on the gums caused by the irritated gums. It often does not require treatment, apart from thorough oral hygiene, however can be removed if unsightly. They will generally shrink once the baby is born.

Nausea and vomiting from morning sickness can cause erosion of the teeth due to the stomach acids present in the mouth. Thoroughly rinse the mouth with water after any episodes of nausea and vomiting and use a fluoride mouthwash or tooth mousse to protect the teeth. Be mindful with cravings, the frequency of eating, and any sticky or sugary foods as these can increase your risk of tooth decay. 

Also be aware that the baby’s teeth are forming during the pregnancy. Any antibiotics or medications taken, high fevers or illnesses in the mother can affect the development of the baby’s teeth. The minerals that calcify the baby’s teeth come from the diet therefore it is important to maintain a diet high in calcium rich foods, particularly in the last trimester.

Many sporting clubs require that children have a mouthguard. Mouthguards not only protect the teeth but also the lips and jaws from injury and trauma. There are a number of mouthguards available such as those you can buy from the pharmacy, however it is ideal to have a custom fitted mouthguard which is constructed from a mould of the teeth. Single layer mouthguards are recommended for children as they are a little thinner and easier to breath with while still providing protection. As your child is developing and teeth are being lost, it may be necessary to replace the mouthguard each sporting season until all the adult teeth are in place.

Currently the Australian Dental Association is advocating the use of clear mouthguards so that any dental injuries can be assessed before the mouthguard is removed. Remember to wear a mouthguard at training sessions not just at games!

A jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can affect either one or both jaw joints. Disorders can be due to a variety of factors and can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Many people have a ‘click’ in the jaw joint, which if not causing any issues or pain does not require treatment. Often, symptoms will resolve with time. If the jaw joint or muscles become painful there are certain treatments available, however these are initially treated conservatively with physiotherapy sessions or use of a splint. A splint is a plastic device that is worn over the teeth at night-time. It forces the teeth apart, elongating the jaw muscles so they cannot produce the same force for clenching or grinding, as well as placing the jaw joint in a more stable position.

Payment is due on the day of service. The following forms of payment are accepted: MasterCard, Visa, cheque or cash. We are able to claim through HICAPS if you have dental cover on your private health insurance, leaving you to pay only the gap payment.

At your examination appointment if further treatment is required a treatment plan and itemised quote will be provided. We suggest that you use this quote to find out what your rebate will be from your private health insurer.

We would like to emphasise that as dental care providers, our relationship is with you, not your insurance company. All charges are the responsibility of the patient and any discrepancy with your private health insurer need to be taken up directly with your fund. You must present your health insurance card on the day of treatment if you would like to utilise the convenience of HICAPS.

---