Toss the Floss?ByDr. Emma 20 October 2016Flossing our teeth is something we're supposed to do on a regular basis, yet a new review by the Associated Press states there's little evidence to support the effectiveness of floss - so why do dentists worldwide still recommend it? We caught up with our resident dental health blogger, Dr. Emma, to hear her thoughts on this topic...Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Keeping Your Smile StraightByDr. Emma 08 August 2016How long do I have to wear my retainers? If you’ve ever worn braces before, this is probably the first question you asked your dentist. According to Dr Emma. “After months and months of sporting dental hardware, it's not surprising that people are keen to have their mouths free of metal. The answer however; is pretty disappointing - you need to wear your retainers for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight. Why? Well, essentially, retainers keep teeth from moving back into the position from which they started. Without being held in place by retainers, your post-braces teeth will drift back to the most natural position they can find.” In this article Dr Emma discusses the main differences between a fixed and removable retainer and explains why wearing one for life is the only way to keep our teeth straight after orthodontic treatment. Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
Preventative Dental Health CareByHIF Australia04 August 2016In recognition of Dental Health Week, our resident dental blogger Dr Emma caught up with Everyday Health TV to provide her top tips on a preventive, hands-on approach to your oral health care.Category:Dental HealthRead More0 Comments
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