Untitled

Some people don’t bat an eyelid during visits to the dentist while other avoid the dentist for years of end. If you fall into the latter category, sleep dentistry could be a good option for you to consider. Sleep dentistry uses medication and IV sedation to relax patients before dental procedures and offers a solution for dentist-related fear and anxiety.

If the thought of being in the dentist’s chair is all too much, today we’ll be looking at what you need to know about sleep dentistry.

Level of sedation        

Depending on the procedure being undertaken and your level of anxiety, there are different levels of sedation which can be offered ranging from mild sedation up to heavy sedation. In some cases, an anaesthetist will need to be present during the procedure. Sleep dentistry is most commonly used for procedures such as wisdom tooth removal, root canal treatment, multiple fillings or dental implants.

The levels of sedation commonly provided in sleep dentistry include:

Oral sedation – Oral sedation is when oral sedatives are used to calm an anxious patient prior to a procedure. This is a great option for individuals who are afraid of needles (which is a very common concern) as it involves oral medication only. The effects of oral sedation can range from drowsiness to some people falling into a light sleep.

Conscious sedation–Conscious sedation is when a combination of sedatives and anaesthetic are administered prior to a procedure to allow you to be in a state where you’re completely relaxed. You’ll generally be awake during the procedure or if you do fall asleep, you can be easily woken. You probably won’t remember much of the procedure and will feel drowsy afterwards.

Intravenous sedation –Intravenous sedation means you’ll have sedatives administered through an IV drip and it will feel like you’ve been asleep for the whole procedure. You won’t be able to remember the procedure but will remain conscious and will be able to respond to commands. An anaesthetist or dental seditionist will need to conduct the IV sedation

Be open with your dentist          

If the thought of the dentist causes you significant anxiety, it’s nothing to be ashamed off. Sometimes people have had a previous traumatic experience at the dentist which increases their fear levels or they may suffer from anxiety. Whatever your reason, you don’t need to continue to avoid the dentist – simply speak to your dentist about your concerns so a plan can be formulated.

At Carillon City Dental, we provide sleep dentistry to help you get through dental procedures if you’re feeling particularly anxious. If you’re anxious about upcoming dental work, speak to one of our dentists and we can let you know what we offer in terms of sleep dentistry options.

Invisalign are a discreet and effective alternative to traditional braces and involve a series of clear aligners being used over time to straighten your teeth. This system can be used for a number of issues and the process of getting Invisalign is relatively simple with great long term results.

Today, we take a look at the benefits of opting for Invisalign over traditional braces.

Discreet teeth straightening

A lot of people wish they could correct their teeth but just don’t want to go through the process of having obvious traditional braces. This is particularly an issue for adults. With Invisalign, clear aligners are used which means that no one needs to know that you’re undergoing dental treatment.

You also don’t need to worry about food getting stuck as you’re required to take out your aligners when you eat. However, you do need to be diligent about wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day.

Simple process                    

After your initial appointments, Invisalign is a very simple process. Initially, your dentist will obtain x-rays, pictures, impressions and scans so a treatment plan can be devised. From there, a series of customised aligners will be manufactured and provided to your dental clinic. From there, all you need to do is change the clearly numbered aligners every two weeks or so and have check-ups with your dentist every six to eight weeks to check on progress.

Comfortable fit

Anyone who has experienced traditional braces knows the pain and discomfort that can come of this process and they can often mean pain when eating, mouth ulcers and other teeth and gum discomfort. Invisalign are a much gentler option and although you can expect some level of soreness when you change aligners, they are smooth and comfortable to wear.

Ultimate convenience

The beauty of Invisalign is that this system provides the convenience and flexibility that traditional braces doesn’t. Do you have a special occasion such as a wedding coming up? No problem, you can take out your aligners and enjoy the canapes. Are you worried that your aligners might get in the way of a presentation at work? Just take them out until you’re finished. Although you need to keep your aligners in the majority of the time, they can also be removed when appropriate.

Maintain dental hygiene

One of the difficulties of traditional braces is that it can make brushing and flossing very difficult, with people often having to come up with elaborate ways of threading the floss between the metal braces. With Invisalign, you don’t need to worry about your dental hygiene suffering as you can simply remove your aligners to brush and floss.  

Carillon City Dental have extensive experience using Invisalign dental braces on patients of all ages. If you’re considering Invisalign as an option for you, book in for a consultation with one of our highly qualified dentists. For total convenience, our clinic is located in the Perth CBD and is easily accessible buy public transport.

Although there are many over the counter teeth whitening kits available in supermarkets and pharmacies, if you really want to see results then you should make an appointment with your dentist as they have options which are far superior. Your dentist can offers professional strength teeth whitening techniques, including in-chair whitening and take home kits, to deliver a brighter smile.

Let’s take a look at the teeth whitening methods which are offered by your dentist so you can make the decision as to which method is best for you.

In-chair teeth whitening          

In-chair teeth whitening is carried out by your dentist in the clinic. This method is generally the quickest way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile and it can take as little as an hour to achieve impressive and immediate results. After assessing your teeth, your dentist will apply a peroxide based gel to the surface of your teeth which is then activated with a light. Your gums will be protected during this procedure.

Rather than the gradual results you can expect from a take home kit, you’ll see that your teeth have lightened in colour by several shades at the end of the procedure. You will generally have the option of being provided with a take home kit so you can continue to see results at home.

Take home kits                                                

If you’re not keen on in-chair whitening and prefer to see results from the privacy of your own home, your dentist can provide you with a professional take home kit. This involves your dentist providing you with custom take home whitening trays which perfectly fit the shape of your teeth and a professional strength whitening gel which you then apply yourself. Take home kits are a popular option because you can start and stop your treatment until your get the results you want – no need to worry about your teeth being a little brighter than you expected.

Speak to your dentist

Remember, there are some occasions where teeth whitening may not be appropriate, such as intrinsic straining or severe teeth sensitivity, and your dentist is the best person to speak to before you undertake any treatments. In some situations, you may need to explore other cosmetic dentistry options such as dental veneers or crowns. You need to also make sure you’re up to date with your dental maintenance before you undertake teeth whitening.

Carillon City Dental provide gentle and effective teeth whitening services in the relaxed atmosphere of our clinic. We are located conveniently in the heart of the Perth CBD which allows for easy access with your appointments. Make an appointment for a consultation and one of our experienced dentists will be able to advise you whether teeth whitening is right for you.

As with any healthcare provider, it’s important to find a dentist that you’re comfortable with. Your dentist is there not only for routine check-ups but also for any issues that may arise along the way with your oral health so you need to be confident with the service they’re providing.

The relationship with your dentist can have a big impact on your health so if you’re looking for dentists in Perth, there are a number of things to look out for which may help you find the service you’re looking for.

Do they have a good reputation?

In the initial stages of searching for a dentist, it can be worthwhile to look into the reputation of a potential dentist before you make an appointment. This can be done through word of mouth recommendations, testimonials on the website and comments on social media. Although you need to meet the dentist in person to really make up your mind, a bit of research beforehand can narrow down your search. Also take the opportunity to ensure that the dentist is fully qualified – you can always contact the practice to confirm this.

Do they provide a range of services?

You want to make sure that you choose a dentist who is able to provide you with a range of dental services. This means that you can keep seeing the same person even for more complicated dental procedures. Take a look at the website to see exactly what services the dental practice provides to make sure there aren’t too many limitations so you can be confident you won’t have to be continually seeing different people for different issues.

Do they have state of the art technology?

Dentistry is an area where there are constant advances in technology and you don’t want to be stuck with a dentist who isn’t willing to keep up. Again, look at the website to see what technology and equipment they use in the practice and don’t be shy about asking some questions around whether the dentist keeps up with advances in technology. A good dentist won’t shy away from new techniques or technology.

Do they make you feel comfortable?

This is one of the most important considerations when you’re looking for a dentist. Even if a dentist is fully qualified and provides the services you require, none of that matters very much if you just don’t feel like it’s the right fit. A good dentist should put you immediately at ease and leave you feeling comfortable enough to ask any questions. If you go along to your initial appointment and don’t feel like your dentist has the right communication skills and passion for the job, it might be time to look elsewhere.

For Perth city dental services, you don’t need to look any further than Carillon City Dental. Conveniently located in the CBD, our highly qualified team of dentists Perth CBD provide a range of dental treatments in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Although some people get all of their wisdom teeth through without any issues, unfortunately this isn’t the case for everyone. Wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, infection and abscesses, swollen gums and overcrowding and quite often the only option is to have them removed. It’s a given that you won’t feel anything during the removal procedure itself thanks to anaesthetic but what about afterwards? We’re here today to talk about what you can expect after wisdom teeth removal.

Recovery after wisdom teeth removal

You can expect some level of pain or discomfort after the removal of your wisdom teeth but the extent of this will depend on your situation. For example, if your wisdom teeth were fully erupted or you only had one or two removed, you can expect a quicker recovery time than someone whose wisdom teeth haven’t emerged properly or had all four removed.

Once your anaesthetic wears off, you’ll generally experience pain and swelling. There is also likely to be a small amount of bleeding. Recovery time following wisdom tooth extraction is typically between three days and a week.

Caring for your mouth after surgery

Immediately after the surgery, you’ll have gauze placed over the area where your tooth was removed. Gently bite down on the gauze to make sure it stays in place and replace them if they become soaked with blood. Apply icepacks to the outside of your jaw to help with any swelling. Even if you’re not feeling much pain, be gentle. Avoid vigorously rinsing out your mouth and don’t go poking around the surgical area. Brush your teeth very gently and begin very gentle saltwater mouth rinses once the bleeding has stopped.

Your mouth will initially feel quite tender so choose soft, easy to chew foods. Avoid hot beverages or drinking through a straw as this could dislodge the blood clot in the removal site. You should also avoid smoking. One of the best ways to keep pain at bay is to listen to your dentist’s advice about pain relief and take painkillers that have been prescribed as necessary.

When to call your dentist

Although most wisdom teeth removal procedures run smoothly, you need to contact your dentist if you notice symptoms such as oozing pus, fever or severe pain. This could be a sign that infection has set in. Your dentist is there to help you get through the recovery as quickly as possible so if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact during the recovery period.

The dentists at Carillon City Dental have extensive experience with wisdom tooth extraction and we can answer any questions or concerns you may have in the relaxed atmosphere of our state of the art clinic. If you’re experiencing pain, infection or other issues associated with your wisdom teeth, book an appointment with us and we can set out a treatment plan.

Cosmetic dentistry is any procedure which is designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. There are a number of different cosmetic dental procedures available which range from very subtle changes to a major overhaul of the appearance of your teeth. Let’s take a look a look at what the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures involve. Remember, these treatments can be combined for optimal results.

Teeth whitening

If you’re bothered by extrinsic discolouration caused by coffee, red wine, smoking and other factors, teeth whitening provides you with a whiter, brighter smile by lightening through the use of bleaching products. It’s an easy, non-invasive way of improving the look of your smile. Teeth whitening through your dentist can be carried out either in the office or via a professional take home kit. The results you can get through your dentist are far more impressive than those of standard over the counter products.

Orthodontic straightening through Invisalign

Many people struggle with the appearance of misaligned tooth but don’t want to go through the process of having obvious metal braces. Invisalign is a wonderful alternative to traditional braces as this system straightens teeth using a series of clear, custom made aligners which gradually adjust your teeth over time. This ‘invisible’ system allows you to maintain your lifestyle while also improving your smile.

Crowns and veneers                        

Both crowns and veneers work to improve the shape and appearance of your tooth. Crowns fit over the top of your teeth to both protect your teeth and restore their appearance. Crowns are a popular option following root canal treatment and are more time consuming that veneers. Veneers are wafer thin pieces of porcelain or composite material which are placed over the front of your existing teeth to disguise damaged, discoloured or uneven teeth. Having veneers fitted is a relatively quick procedure requiring little or no anaesthetic.

Dental implants

Dental implants are deigned to replace missing teeth or teeth which cannot be salvaged. They can be used for single or multiple missing teeth. Dental implants provide a long-lasting replacement to your original teeth and are permanently secured to your jaw. This procedure not only means that the look of your smile is restored but it prevents issues such as bone shrinkage which can occur with missing teeth. Dental implants can be an alternative to dentures and you would need to consult with your dentist to confirm that you’re a good candidate for this procedure.

If you’re looking for an experienced cosmetic dentist, speak to the team at Carillon City Dental. Our dentists have extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and can help find the best option for your smile. We are located centrally in the Perth CBD and you’ll feel completely at ease in the relaxed atmosphere of our practice.

Dentists are experts when it comes to your teeth and our priority is for you to keep your healthy, happy smile for as long as possible. However, with so much conflicting information available it can be difficult to know what you need to take on board. As dentists based in Perth we’d like to share with you some things that we wish were common knowledge as it could make all the difference to the health of your teeth.

1.     Bleeding gums are not normal

So many people think that a small amount of bleeding of the gums is normal. It’s true that your gums will tend to bleed a little after a thorough scale and clean at your dental clinic but when you’re at home, your gums shouldn’t be bleeding. Healthy gums don’t bleed so if you keep finding that there is bleeding when you floss or brush, this could be a sign of early gum disease. If you’re finding that your gums keep bleeding, book in to see your dentist.

2.     Flossing is essential

Dentists talk often about the importance of flossing and for very good reason. Even if you’re a champion brusher, it’s impossible to reach all the surfaces of your teeth with your toothbrush alone. Flossing gets between your teeth to clear food debris and other substances which could cause tooth decay and other problems. In fact, many dentists view flossing as more important than brushing. If you don’t already include flossing into your daily dental care routine, now’s the time to start.

3.     People aren’t born with soft teeth

A lot of people seem to still believe that some people are born with genetically ‘soft’ teeth compared to other people. However, dental decay doesn’t run in the family and is actually caused by bacteria in the mouth. If you’re finding that you and several members of your family seem to always develop cavities, it could be simply due to the fact that you have a similar diet. Factors such as your diet, what drinks you consume and how you look after your teeth are areas where your dentist will be looking if you have numerous cavities.

4.     Prevention is better than cure

Although dental technologies have come a long way and there are numerous treatments available if you have oral health issues, it’s best to try and avoid problems developing in the first place. A lot of people are less than diligent when it comes to looking after their teeth and even more people put off their regular dental checks for far too long. Look after your teeth and visit your dentist regularly to avoid costly issues down the track.

Carillon City Dental are a dentist based inPerth CBD

Invisalign teeth braces have swept through Perth orthodontics and become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces thanks to their versatility and subtlety - but there are still a few tricks that you’ll need to know before you get them to avoid any mishaps.

Check out these handy Invisalign tips to keep your Invisalign braces in great condition and providing optimum results!

Wear Your Invisalign For 20 Hours Invisalign recommends that you wear your aligners for at least 20 hours, if not 22. That means you get four Invisalign-free hours a day which you can use as you please - but that might not be as much time as you think. Once you consider snacking, meal times, brushing teeth, and other daily events, those four hours will dry up quickly, so use them well and pay attention to how much time you spend without your Invisalign. By wearing your Invisalign for less than the recommended time, you may adversely affect your treatment.

Always Keep Your Invisalign Aligners In Their Case Your aligners will come with a special protective case, and if they're not in your mouth, then they should be in this. Your aligners are designed to be as imperceptible as possible so you could easily end up misplacing them, and their lightweight design leaves them fragile and susceptible to breakages or damage. The protective case will ensure that they’re always safe from harm and ready for you to pop back in your mouth!

Always Keep A Toothbrush With You

After every meal, you’ll want to give your teeth a quick brush to ensure that there are no pieces of food stuck in your teeth before your aligners go back on. This can be difficult - whether it’s at school or work, or you’re out and about, sometimes brushing your teeth will be a problem. However, your smile will love you for it. If there is any food stuck in your teeth, it will become trapped under the aligner and will cause decay, staining, or bad breath. A pack of sugar-free chewing gum or a travel-sizes mouthwash can act as an emergency substitute, but we recommend brushing to get the best possible results.

Only Drink Water When You’re Wearing Invisalign If you’re wearing your Invisalign aligners, only water is appropriate to drink. You can thank us; it will keep you healthy and hydrated!

Many beverages, like soft drink, tea, and coffee, can all stain your aligners to make your teeth look discoloured - which undermines one of the greatest attractions to Invisalign. As we mentioned above, any foods that get stuck in your teeth will become trapped in the aligner, and the same should be considered for soft drinks. Small amounts of soft drinks could seep into you aligner and soak into your teeth, damaging your teeth far worse than if you’d drank it normally.

Clean Your Aligners Carefully Cleaning your aligner is important, but hot water is not the way to do it! The heat will morph them out of their shape, leaving them completely useless. Toothpaste can also damage your aligners, as some brands can be abrasive and will dull the aligners, leaving it with a matte look and much more conspicuous. Try using cold water and a mild detergent.

Carefully Remove Your Aligners

If you have a root canal coming up and you’re not sure what a root canal treatment in Perth actually involves, then you might be feeling concerned. After all, root canals and brussel sprouts are two surprisingly bearable parts of life that television shows seem to constantly fear! But root canals aren’t anything to be afraid of - even the cost might be better than you thought. Read on below to find out more.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to repair a tooth so that it can continue to function normally. This tooth has usually suffered severe decay or infection, which has damaged the tissue in the tooth, also known as the pulp. During a root canal treatment, the pulp and nerve are removed and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and sealed, to get rid of any harmful bacteria and prevent any more from forming. The ‘root canal’ is actually the term for the natural cavity in the centre of the tooth, which is the ‘canal’ where the pulp, or root, connects to the tooth, as well as the tooths nerves.

The nerves in your teeth aren’t important to your tooth’s health and function once the tooth has erupted through your gums. The nerves will tell you whether the food you're eating is hot or cold, but that is its only purpose and is hardly necessary.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

A root canal will usually require multiple visits to your dental clinic and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist. Simply put, an endodontist is a dentist who has specialised in the diagnosis, prevention, causes, and treatment of injuries and diseases to the delicate human dental pulp, or the nerve of the tooth in the root canal. Depending on the difficulty of your procedure and how comfortable your dentist is in his capabilities to perform it, you may be referred to an endodontist. A simple consultation with your dentist could settle the matter easily, where he or she will evaluate your particular condition and make a decision.

The first step to your root canal treatment procedure is to take an x-ray, where the dentist can identify the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of illness or infection in the surrounding bone. Your endodontist or dentist will use a local anaesthesia to numb the area, although often this is unnecessary as the nerve is already dead. However, this often helps to keep the patient at ease and many patients will even request Sleep Dentistry for a root canal procedure.

A hole will be drilled into the tooth so that the canal can be accessed for the pulp, harmful bacteria, and decaying nerve tissue can be removed from the tooth, and the canal is thoroughly scrubbed and flushed to ensure that any residing debris is removed.

Dental implant services are gaining in popularity across Perth, but it’s important to know how to prepare your mouth for them and how to care for them afterwards.

What are Dental Implants? Dental implants are metal posts that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums if your natural tooth has been extracted or is missing. Once these are safely in place, your dentist can use them to act as anchors for replacement teeth to restore the functionality and appearance of your smile. Dental implants provide stable support for the new replacement teeth, because they fuse to the bone and act similarly to natural teeth. If you have dentures or bridges mounted to implants then you get peace of mind knowing that they won't move in your mouth or slip out suddenly, which could be a problem for some people when eating or speaking. This means that your replacement tooth will feel more natural than other bridges or dentures, and often are much more comfortable too.

How To Prepare For Dental Implants:

By maintaining a good standard of oral hygiene, your mouth will be a much more stable environment for your new dental implant. Your personal circumstances will help your dentist identify which choice of anaesthetic will work best for you, and this will affect what you may be able to eat and drink leading up to your procedure. You will be able to learn more about this from your dentist during the initial consultations or appointments before your dental implants treatment.

There are some circumstances where a dental implant may not be right for you. The implant requires enough bone to support the new tooth, but tooth loss can lead to the loss of bone in the jaw over time. To go ahead with the dental implants, your dentist would need for you to receive a bone graft. This may be your own bone, or the bone from a cadaver or a cow, among other options available.

How To Care For Dental Implants:

If you already maintain a good level of oral health then you shouldn’t have much to worry about - dental implants require much the same care of natural teeth. Cleaning is especially important after meals, and this can be easily accomplished by gently brushing with special attention paid to all sides of the implant. Oral hygiene aids may include: Small, soft, manual toothbrush or an electric brush Dental floss

Ask your orthodontist if Invisalign is right for you!

Orthodontic services are becoming more inconspicuous than ever, and offer even less interruption to your lifestyle.If you’re considering an orthodontics treatment like Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you might want to find the answers to some of these questions first.

Most of us would love to have straight, white teeth, but many people struggle to achieve this. Whether it’s from your genetics or your lifestyle factors, there are many factors that could influence the alignment and wellbeing of your teeth. Signs and symptoms such as underbite or overbite, crowded or protruding teeth, jaw pain, or uneven spaces between teeth can all lead back to improper alignment, and while poor alignment alone is not a health risk, the associated symptoms can lead to serious health concerns.

Invisalign is an effective method to correct your dental alignment, with clear aligners designed to fit your teeth and manoeuvre them into position.

1 What Kind Of Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Correct?

One of the great attractions to Invisalign is its ability to correct many of the same issues that traditional braces can, although the extent of the correction will need to be considered before choosing between the two. For more severe cases, your orthodontist may choose to use traditional wires and brackets to move teeth and align your jaw, but many realignments can be successfully completed with Invisalign aligners.

2 How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Last? On average, the length of treatment for Invisalign is similar to that of traditional braces, but there are many factors that can play a part. This might be your age, how much correction you need to achieve the desired alignment, and the general treatment time span that your issue can usually be corrected. Both Invisalign and traditional braces require odd visits to your orthodontist - braces require regular adjustments to tighten the wires and Invisalign users receive new aligners to adjust their teeth further. Attending these appointments is crucial to your treatment - orthodontic alignment is a gradual process, and every step counts towards the end goal.

3 Is Invisalign Right For Adult/Older Smiles?

Many of us have experienced orthodontic treatments in our younger/teenage years, but for some these problems may go unnoticed or unaddressed until adult life. By then some people may experience some hesitation towards getting traditional braces - making Invisalign the perfect alternative. Invisalign is nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and drinking, helping wearers to avoid any embarrassing incidents.

4 Why Is The Up-front Cost Of Traditional Braces Less Than Invisalign?

If you’re an Indiana Jones type but you’re wondering if there’s anything left for you to discover anymore, you might want to take up a career in dentistry after reading this. Okay, it’s a little different… we said you might.

Like any health science practitioners, dentists are always discovering new and exciting things about who we are as a species - and 2016 was a big year for some of the world's best dentists. Check out the five most incredible discoveries that dentists made in 2016 below!

Link discovered between low testosterone in men and oral health

Macaques, some of our closest living primate relatives, have helped us to uncover a link between lowered testosterone and periodontal disease. When scientists began to investigate the conditions of oral health, they noticed that all of the castrated males showed signs of periodontitis and other oral health issues - and much more exacerbated than the other males of the same age. The manager of the center’s Primate Skeletal Collections made note of the bone that supports the teeth, and how it had dramatically receded away in older castrated males. There may not be as many eunuchs as in the good old days, but men who suffer from prostate cancers or a diagnosis of low testosterone may find this information helpful to ensure that they are caring for their teeth properly.

New research could eliminate need for needles

Anaesthetic needles are something that most of our patients probably don’t enjoy as much as they endure. But 2016 saw a new study find a new approach to administering anaesthetic. Instead, dentists can look forward to using a small electric current to give the anaesthetic - which not only saves time and money, but the sweat and tears of any overly-anxious recipients. This could be huge for oral hygiene, as people who are avoiding dental care for fear of the syringe could potentially seek out much-needed procedures.

Multiple fillings linked to toxic level of mercury in blood

Researchers have found that adults with more than eight fillings have 150% more mercury in their blood than those without any filling at all. Yikes. High levels of mercury can be toxic, and can cause lung, heart, brain, and immune system issues - that’s just to start with. Amalgam fillings are made up of mercury, silver, tin, and other metals, and has been the industry standard for over 150 years - thankfully, our next discovery comes right on cue…

Composites of the future may be glass

Bioactive glass is being studied for its ability to reduce bacteria’s capacity to attack composite fillings, and may even help to provide minerals that the tooth may have lost during decay. Made with compounds such as silicon oxide, calcium oxide, and phosphorus oxide, our bodies are reactive to the glass which may prove to prolong the life of fillings and slow tooth decay.

Mouthbreathers increase their risk of dental decay

If you breathe through your mouth in your sleep, your mouth is dried out of all that valuable saliva that would usually coat your mouth. This results in an acidic oral environment, which paves the way for dental erosion and loss of enamel. Mouths of nose-breathers had a pH level of 7 during studies in New Zealand, while mouthbreathers experienced a drop in pH - periodically as low as 3.6! Anything below 5.5 is the threshold where tooth enamel starts to demineralise, making people who breathe through their mouth when they sleep at higher risk of decay.

Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular in Perth, with more and more people wanting a dazzlingly white smile. While everyone’s smile is unique, every smile looks healthier and more radiant with a clean, white set of teeth.

Are you considering brightening and whitening your teeth? There are plenty of reasons to have a pearly smile, such as:

A special occasion, such as a wedding or function, where you want your smile to be the cherry on top of your appearance

If you’re attending a job interview and you want to make a glowing first impression

Simply to remove stains from the teeth so you can have a Hollywood smile every day.

The boost in confidence will make you feel like smiling at everyone - and when you smile at the world, it smiles back.

The price of teeth whitening is relatively inexpensive compared to other cosmetic works you can have done on your appearance, but adds the subtle vigour of health and youth.

If you have ageing teeth, teeth whitening can take years off your smile

It can be a helpful motivator if you’re trying to quit smoking or cut down on sugar. You’ll instantly see how bright and clean your smile is, and you’ll find it much easier to resist temptations that could dull your teeth!

While there are plenty of cosmetic beauty procedures you can have done that will make you stand out in the crowd, teeth whitening will keep you looking healthy and fresh while remaining one of the more subtle cosmetic procedures on the market. Teeth whitening is relatively inexpensive, and it is a small price to pay for a confident smile. Common Causes Of Tooth Discolouration

There are three main causes of tooth discolouration; Age related - this is usually a combination of lifestyle and early lifetime habits or traumas. Dentin naturally yellows over time, as the enamel thins across the tooth and the dentin becomes exposed. Dietary choices and smoking will play a huge role in the potential discolouration of a tooth, as well as any chips or cracks that may cause the tooth to darken. Extrinsic - this is when your enamel is stained. This could be from coffee, soft drinks, wine, smoking, or other food and beverages. Intrinsic - this is when the dentin darkens from beneath the enamel, and this is usually from early-life factors such as

If you think that your smile could benefit from a dental whitening procedure, call our friendly team at Carillon City Dental to organise an appointment or consultation. Our in-chair whitening procedure and take-home whitening kit are both available to you, and our dental team can provide answers to any questions or queries you may have.

Your mother used tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy, or you used them at 8 years of age or younger.

A rare condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta. This causes grey, amber or purple discolorations.

As a young child you experienced a trauma that affected a tooth, such as a bad fall which damaged a developing tooth still yet to erupt.

You had internal bleeding which discoloured the tooth, such as from a  trauma.

Temporary dental fillings may be used for a variety of reasons, and it is important that they are cared for appropriately.

Your dentist may recommend temporary dental fillings:

Following a root canal

Your dentist would like to give your teeth some time to heal

In cases of emergency dentistry

For fillings that will span over more than one appointment, such as indirect fillings the placement of gold fillings.

Whatever your dentist's reason, your tooth with a temporary filling is much more delicate than the rest of your pearly whites and will need some extra special attention from you. A temporary filling is meant to remain in place until your next dental visit when your dentist can finish their work - but how can you ensure that your temporary filling doesn’t fall out?

Brush/Floss Gently

Once you’ve had a temporary filling placed, it’s helpful to be exceedingly gentle when you brush and floss your teeth every morning and night. Try using a softer bristled brush, but still make sure that your mouth is receiving a proper clean. When flossing, try to manoeuvre around the filling as best you can. If the filling reaches to the edges of your tooth, avoid pulling the floss up and away when you take it from between your teeth, as this could send the filling flying if it gets caught. Instead, pull it out from the side of your tooth.

Chew Carefully

Not many people realise that it takes a little while for the teeth to settle into their new spots. The braces will slowly manoeuvre them into their new positions, but teeth are surprisingly rebellious and usually begin to roam about again. Many patients who get braces - both adults and children - are chomping at the bit to get the small wires taken out of their mouth, and in their eagerness they overlook the last crucial step; the retainer.

What Is A Retainer? A retainer is a small device which has been specially sculpted to fit your bite. Usually made from plastic or metal, it sits in your mouth and acts as a supporting frame for your smile. They’re common to be used after braces or dental alignments, to keep the teeth in place until the mouth has healed correctly and the teeth are settled.

What Happens If I Stop Wearing Mine?

Okay, so your braces are off. We get it, you’re excited to go grinning and dining with your new pearly whites - but the dental care isn’t over just yet. There are some consequences that may arise from neglecting your retainer, and the results could range from a ‘little annoying’ to ‘very expensive’.

It’s 2017, and it’s time for some New Year’s Resolutions. Carillon City is known to be the best dentists in Perth, so we’ve taken the time to assemble your top ten resolutions to stick to this year to keep your smiles bright and healthy.

Brush Properly Twice A Day Half of you probably rolled your eyes, thinking “Well duh” - this is something that is drummed into us from a young age. But as we grow and are left fend for ourselves, sometimes regular tooth-brushing becomes overlooked. Your first resolution is to brush properly twice a day; angle the bristles at 45 degrees to the gum line, and brush both your teeth and gums as bacteria lives on all your oral surfaces. Gently brush in an up-down, back-forth movement, then repeat the movement on the inside of your teeth to get rid of any build-up that lives nearer your tongue - and don’t forget to give your tongue and the roof of your mouth a brush too. Aim to do this at least twice a day to keep optimum oral health - but we know that dental hygiene can sometimes be difficult to maintain if you’re off enjoying the West Australian summer and forgot to pack your toothbrush. In these situations, you can always use a mouthwash (or clean water, if you’re lacking supplies) to flush out the food that your mouth's bacteria live on.

Floss Every Day Flossing always played second string to brushing (see what we did there), but it plays a crucial role in dental care. Those small spaces between your teeth can be accessed by two things; bacteria, and dental floss. Even mouth wash is far less effective! Create a healthy lifelong habit of flossing, whether it’s in on the way to work or watching the news in the evening.

Avoid Tobacco Tobacco is known to be harmful to most parts of your body that it touches, and your teeth are included. Oral cancers can be devastating, and the bad breath can be terrible. The act of pulling the smoke into your mouth is usually done with pursed lips, meaning that those particles are connecting directly with the front surface of your teeth and will result in visible discolouration. Carillon City Dental has amazing solutions for dental whitening, but you can save your money on the procedure and the tobacco, and help your teeth get their shine back on your own.

Cut Down On Sugary Drinks, Alcohol, And Coffee Most of these drinks contain their own additives and sugars, and you probably know already how damaging they can be to your teeth. We always recommend cutting down on these drinks - even a resolution to drink tea or coffee without sugar, soda water instead of lemonade can help you to stave off any effects.

Pay Attention To Your Vitamins And Minerals Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones, so make a resolution to monitor your mineral and vitamin intakes and to improve on them where you can. Broccoli, legumes, leafy greens, seafood, and even fruits like figs and oranges, are all fantastic sources of calcium and come packed with other nutrients that are vital for your health. Alternately, you can find a calcium supplement to ensure that your teeth are strong. Other nutrients, such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B Complex, Copper, Zinc, Iodine, Iron, and Potassium are all necessary to care for your teeth and gums.

Visit Us Your dentists are here to care for your smile, so check in at least twice a year so we can assess your dental health. We can help you to develop lifestyle solutions for your dental hygiene, and assess and problems for the most effective course of care. An emergency dentist can help with any grave problems that may arise, but most dental hygiene issues can be nipped in the bud by your Perth dentist before they become a serious concern.