FAQ's South Perth Dental Surgery

How often should I have a dental check-up?

You should have a dental check-up or recall every six months. Having a regular recall appointment will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy as well as detect any problems early, such as cavities.

Regular recalls are also the best way to prevent bad breath and gum (periodontal) disease, which has been linked to heart disease. Recent studies have shown that maintaining good oral health helps prevent cardiovascular disease or strokes. An Australian study noted a significant reduction in the risk factors for cardiovascular disease following treatment of severe gum disease.

People who are at greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check-ups more than twice a year (every 3-4 months).

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When should my child have his or her first visit to the dentist?

Parents should take their child to a dentist for their first dental examination between the ages of 18 months and 2 years or if possible even earlier.

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How will my pregnancy affect visits to the dentist?

During pregnancy hormonal changes increase the blood flow to the gums causing them to become inflamed. It is therefore important to have good oral hygiene and visit the dentist for a routine check-up and clean.

The safest course of action is to post-pone all unnecessary dental work until after the birth. If dental work is done during pregnancy the second trimester is ideal. However, sometimes emergency dental work such as root canal or tooth extraction is necessary.

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Does diabetes have an effect on oral health?

With diabetes there is a thickening of blood vessels. This can impair the flow of nutrients and removal of wastes, which can weaken the gums, making them more susceptible to infection. In addition, if diabetes is poorly controlled, higher glucose levels in the mouth fluids will encourage the growth of bacteria that can cause gum disease. So, for diabetics regular dental check-ups are vital. Research suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways. Periodontal disease may make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.

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Is it okay to leave a gap after I have had a tooth removed?

Leaving a gap in your mouth after the removal of a tooth can potentially lead to more serious problems with your bite and jaw. Movement of teeth adjacent to and opposing the gap may make it extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to fill a gap at a later date. It is recommended that prior to removal of a tooth or soon afterwards an appropriate replacement such as a denture, bridge or implant is discussed with our dentist, planned for, and implemented.

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