Dental ErosionByDr. Emma 18 April 2016What is tooth erosion and how is it caused? According to dental expert Dr Emma, "The process of tooth decay involves bacteria, (found in plaque), digesting the sugar we eat and turning it into acid. This acid then dissolves tooth structure, resulting in the holes we know as tooth decay. Erosion happens when acid finds its way directly into the mouth without the germs even needing to get involved." In this article, Dr Emma discusses the causes of tooth erosion and the changes we need to put in place to keep our teeth in tip top condition.Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Question for Dr Emma - "Allergy-Free Mouthwash"ByDr. Emma 11 January 2016Dr Emma responds to a HIF member's query about using appropriate mouthwash with food allergies.Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Why Does Dentistry Seem Expensive?ByDr. Emma 10 July 2015Have you ever found yourself asking, "Why does dentistry seem expensive?". HIF dental expert Dr Emma tells us why this can sometimes be the case...Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Discoloured Permanent ToothByDr. Emma 28 May 2015What causes discolouration of a tooth, specifically in a child’s first permanent tooth? This was a question put to Dr. Emma recently... "Hi Dr. Emma. My 7 year old granddaughter's new big front tooth is coming down and it seems to be a brownish colour beside her other teeth. What has happened? What is to be done? Thanks Dianne (WA)". Click through to see Dr. Emma’s response and read her expert advice on an appropriate treatment plan.Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Fluoride and Thyroid DisordersByDr. Emma 09 April 2015Does fluoride-based toothpaste concern you? It certainly did for one of our blog readers recently, who sent in a question for Dr Emma. In response, Dr Emma discusses the pros and cons of using fluoride-based toothpaste, explains her concerns about ‘natural’ toothpastes, and explores the latest evidence regarding the effects of fluoride on dental decay.Category:Dental Health, General Medical, Conditions and TreatmentsRead More0 Comments
Anticoagulants and DentistryByDr. Emma 16 March 2015Have you ever taken anticoagulants such as aspirin, warfarin or clopidogrel? According to HIF dental expert Dr Emma: “These drugs are incorrectly referred to as blood thinners. For a long time it was recommended that people taking anticoagulant drugs stop before having a tooth taken out, primarily due to the risk of excess bleeding. Looking at the big picture, patients are in more danger from having a dangerous clot form during this time than they are from bleeding after a tooth extraction. That's why in recent years the guidelines for dentists have changed, and it's no longer recommended to stop anticoagulant medication for oral surgery…” Interested in learning more? Then check out this article, where she explains the precautions your dentist should take prior to any oral surgery. Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Retainer Care and LifespanByDr. Emma 05 January 2015How long does a retainer last, and what's the best way to clean one? These are the questions that Olivia, 15, asked our resident dental health expert recently...Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Finger SuckingByDr. Emma 27 June 2014Is your child a thumb sucker? According to Dr Emma, “Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for babies to allow them to feed. The good news is that most children will stop themselves between the ages of 2-4 yrs old, however the bad news is that 15-40% will continue with some sort of sucking habit, be it fingers, thumbs or a dummy.” So what options are available to parents concerned by their child’s sucking habit?” In her latest post, Dr Emma answers a reader’s concerns regarding her daughter’s sucking problem, and offers her advice on alternative techniques to combat it.Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Dental Health Article by Dr Emma - "Failed Veneers" ByDr. Emma 20 May 2014What causes veneer failure? According to Dr Emma: “Veneers are generally done to improve the look of someone's smile. They can be very effective at changing the shade, shape and size of the front teeth. Regrettably though, there’s also a number of reasons why veneers can fail, including debonding or fractures, discolouration, unfavourable gum response or even poor aesthetics. With this in mind, it’s important to know what options are available should veneer failure strike! In her latest post for our Healthy Lifestyle Blog, Dr Emma answers a reader’s concern by offering her advice on alternative treatment plans.Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Dental Health Article by Dr Emma - "All for 4" ByDr. Emma 30 April 2014Do you know what an “All-on-4” procedure is? According to our resident dental expert Dr Emma: “This is a technique of placing four implants in both the upper and lower jaw which have no remaining teeth, to then fit prosthetic teeth in the form of a bridge or denture. It’s a procedure which requires a general anesthetic or sedation, plus regular check-up’s, so it’s not surprising that some people have concerns.” In her latest post for our Healthy Lifestyle Blog, Dr Emma offers her advice to a reader and advises him of the key points to consider.Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Dental Health Article by Dr Emma - "Just Pull It Out" ByDr. Emma 09 April 2014Tooth extraction – is it always necessary? According to Dr Emma: “Extractions used to be the cornerstone of dentistry. My nanna tells the story of being a child in the 1920s, given a coin to take herself down to the dentist to have an aching tooth pulled out, then walking herself home again. For lots of people today, it seems the obvious choice when a tooth is painful, and particularly when money is tight. Although, completely removing a tooth or teeth is not always the best option”. In this post, Dr Emma discusses the risks and benefits associated with tooth extraction and also explains the mental checklist she runs through before deciding to "pull it out…" Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Sedation for KidsByDr. Emma 06 March 2014Has your child ever suffered from an abscess? If you’ve answered yes, you’ll know how important it is to seek treatment and remove the infection. But with dental professionals offering ‘general anesthetic’, ‘sleep dentistry’ and even ‘twilight anesthetic’ – how do we know which method is safest for our children?Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments