 WHY X-RAYS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR DENTAL EXAMINATION Radio graph examination of the mouth and teeth is important in the diagnosis and management of many dental conditions. Radio graphs (X-Rays) are used to detect problems that may not be seen during your routine dental examination before signs and symptoms occur. Examples of such dental conditions can include cysts, infection, tooth decay, tartar under the gums and bone loss from gum disease. It is important to detect problems early as this can lead to less invasive treatment option or better sill aid in the PREVENTION of dental disease. How many radio graphs and how often they are taken depends on a patients individual risk of developing dental disease. Age, dental history, general health, symptoms and results from clinical observations help determine your individual risk. It is important for new patients to our practice to have radio graphs to aid thorough examination and diagnosis to establish a baseline to assess further risk and determine the frequency of further radio graphs. Modern dental practices have greatly reduced risks associated with radiation exposure. Our equipment complies with Australian standards and our dentists and hygienists at Courtney Dental follow guidelines to minimize radiation exposure, including the use of the digital imaging equipment.   Thinking about bleaching your teeth but want more information? At Courtney Dental we use the Philips Zoom in chair whitening procedure which provides amazing results. If you have existing crowns, veneers fillings or artificial teeth it’s important to remember that they WILL NOT change colour.
 Tooth sensitivity is short sharp pain arising from exposed root in response to brushing, dietary acids or change in temperature. Exposed root surfaces occur in both healthy and unhealthy mouths. If you have an overenthusiastic brushing style it is possible to push the gums away from the teeth and expose the root surface. On the other hand, not brushing your gums well and leaving bacteria behind may lead to gum disease which can cause the gums to recede. The first line of treatment for sensitive teeth is using a desensitizing toothpaste (Examples are Sensodyne® and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief™, though there are others) or desensitizing products such as Tooth Mousse® at home as part of your daily routine. If those options aren't offering any relief we can offer other procedures in- chair. It is important to brush twice a day with a soft brush making sure the gum margin is thoroughly cleaned but avoiding over vigorous brushing. Reducing the frequency of acidic foods and drinks can also help. Using a straw when consuming acidic drinks also helps move the acid away from the teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water and waiting 30 minutes following eating and drinking can also help sensitivity. Some acidic food which can increase tooth sensitivity include - Citrus fruits and juices - Apple cidar vinegar - Carbonated drinks - Wine - Sports and energy drinks If you have any other questions please ask at your next appointment.   Over the weekend our Dental Hygienist Nicole attended a continuing education course in Townsville, one of the lectures was presented by a representative from GC Tooth Mousse and Tooth Mousse Plus (The plus has added flouride). She learnt some valuable information, which has been passed onto the team to assist in treating and advising our patients here at Courtney Dental.
 So what does a Dental Hygienist do all day? (Other then have tea breaks). Ruth and Nic are the Dental Hygienists at Courtney Dental and work alongside Dr Craig, Dr Dave and Dr Maddi to inspect and clean our patient’s teeth and gums.
 If you haven't already taken your child or children to the dentist, then the right time to take them is now.
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