Half Moon Dental Centre

What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Commonly known as third molars; wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge and tend to come through between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people they erupt without any problems - the same as all other teeth, but for others they can create a range of oral and general health concerns which in turn need often be extracted.

What’s The Best Way To Prevent Gum Disease?
Early prevention is advantageous as advanced bone loss resulting from periodontal disease is usually irreversible; your gums and jawbone are the foundations for your teeth.

Correct oral hygiene should be taught in the home from a young age, this includes proper brushing and flossing techniques, having a healthy diet and attending regular dental check-ups to ensure that your teeth last a lifetime.

Following a simple daily oral hygiene routine of brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day will significantly improve your dental and overall health.

The effectiveness of this routine is important so that you can avoid extensive dental treatments in the future.

When A Tooth Is Knocked Out; How Soon Should You See A Dentist?
If the knocked out tooth is dirty, hold it by the crown (not roots) and rinse it in milk. If milk is not available then use water but only for a few seconds or have patient suck it clean, then put the tooth back in the socket. If the tooth cannot be replanted, wrap in Glad Wrap or place it in milk or in the patient's mouth inside the cheek. It is essential to see us within 30 minutes if you can as timing is critical for successful replanting.

Why Do I Need X-rays?
Various forms of x-rays enable your Half Moon dentist to obtain important information, which is then used in planning your treatment. They show the condition of your teeth, roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial structure.

They are invaluable for diagnosing the presence of gum disease, abscesses and any abnormal growths, including cysts and tumours. They are vital in the early detection of cavities and assist in determining other signs of disease not able to be seen during a visual exam.

I Brush My Teeth, But Still Suffer From Bad Breath. What Can I Do?
The accumulation of food particles on your tongue and between your teeth not removed during your daily oral cleaning, react with bacteria and cause bad breath. Some people battle with constant bad breath, using mints, mouthwash and gum, which only mask the problem and not cure it.

Adopting an effective at home oral hygiene routine and scheduling professional cleaning appointments to remove plaque and tartar build-up every six – twelve months, depending on your current state of oral health, can restore your mouth to full health and make your breath fresh.

In some cases, persistent bad breath can indicate you have a more serious health problem, including a gastrointestinal, respiratory or sinus problem. In this instance we advise that you consult with your GP.

I Suffer From Headaches; And My Partner Tells Me I Grind My Teeth. Is This Linked?
A headache can be an inconvenience easily relieved with an everyday headache tablet and often there is little thought as to its cause, with many people putting it down to strained neck or shoulder muscles from a bad night’s sleep or a sport strain. For some people this may be true, but very few would think their teeth and jaw might be the cause of their headache.

So when something goes wrong with your jaw joints, it can cause you much discomfort. With the right diagnosis and treatment by Half Moon Dental’s dedicated team, most people find relief from the pain and other symptoms of a TMJ disorder.

Gum Disease & Diabetes… What Do I Need To Know?
Recent studies have also indicated a correlation between gum disease and an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and type II diabetes. It is believed this is due to the toxins from gum disease entering the bloodstream and adhering to the sticky plaque and fatty deposits on artery walls, constricting or preventing blood flow.

This is due to the bacterium from gum disease entering the bloodstream through microscopic cuts in the gums made from brushing and flossing too vigorously, this bacterium then adheres to plaque in the artery walls restricting blood flow, contributing to a heart attack or stroke.

When Should My Children Visit The Dentist For The First Time?
At Half Moon Dental, we want your children to have the best dental health possible. Visits to a dentist by children as young as 2 years of age, is important in order to detect any problems in growth and oral health as soon as possible. Early visits also gets them used to having their teeth checked, relieving any problems of visits as they get older.