Tongue piercings pose more risks to your dental health than lip piercings and are not recommended. Key points: - Tongue jewellery can irritate the gums and increase the risk of infection. - Quit smoking or vaping as it allows irritants to enter the body easily. - Have a dentist monitor teeth for chips and

If you are scheduled for a gum graft, you should know that there are certain do’s and dont’s that can help with the recovery process. Key takeaways: - Do keep the area clean and prevent plaque build-up by using a mouthwash. - Don’t eat anything hard, as this can interfere with healing. - Don’t

For dental problems like chipped or cracked teeth or small gaps, bonding is often the procedure of choice for many a dentist. The procedure is simple, relatively inexpensive, and can usually be carried out in a single session. Bonding involves using a composite resin which hardens quickly and benefits include: -

Braces are great for straightening teeth, but wearing them makes keeping your teeth clean more difficult. Key points: - Always rinse your mouth first. - Brush carefully with a soft toothbrush, an interdental cleaner tool helps reach the difficult spots. - Floss each night; a floss-threading tool helps get the floss under the wires. Talk

If your child suffers from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a visit to your dentist is in order. This is what you can expect from the appointment. Key takeaways: - The dentist will first determine the causes of TMJ - whether it’s teeth grinding, a bad or misaligned bite, or injury to the

You might imagine that gingivitis (gum disease) is a problem suffered by children and adults, but infants can also suffer. Even though teeth do not usually appear until between six and twelve months, if you notice red, inflamed gums which might be accompanied by bleeding, it is probably gum disease

Sleep apnea is a condition defined by a short cessation of breathing while you are asleep. Some signs include teeth with worn enamel and chronic pains within the jaw upon waking. What techniques may be used to effectively diagnose sleep apnea? - An overnight sleep study is often used. - A dentist

Children over the age of six can use mouthwash if an adult supervises them. Top tips: - Explain that mouthwash is not a drink and must be spat out. - Mouthwash helps loosen food debris, so is great for children with braces. - A dentist can recommend a children's mouthwash which is not alcohol