Blogs

What is an Oral Health Therapist? OHT Sibel Explains…

What is an Oral Health Therapist? OHT Sibel Explains… By Sibel Serce An Oral Health Therapist (OHT) is a dental practitioner who is able to provide oral health care to…

Best Ways To Clean Your Aligners

Although you will be replacing them every two weeks, you still must ensure you keep your aligners clean. This is important so they do not capture stains and discolour. However,…

COVID-19 Response

This blog is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk management in any business is of utmost importance and ensuring the safety of our patients and staff is our top…

Mouthguards – do you have an extra layer of protection?

Have you ever had a nightmare about losing your front teeth? For some people, this isn’t just a bad dream – it’s reality. Not because they didn’t brush their teeth,…

Comfortable children at the dentist – it’s possible!

Seeing your dentist every six months is crucial for staying on top of your dental health. This is no different for your kids. Often, these preventative visits are put on…

Make 2019 the year you get your smile back

Have you made a new years resolution? Does it involve getting your smile back? Many of us don’t feel confident when we smile. Perhaps your teeth are crooked or have…

Eating disorders and your oral health

The holiday season is upon us. For some, taking a break from eating healthy is not an issue. However, for others it can be challenging, especially if you suffer from…

Why new mums get baby blues and how your teeth are at risk

Perhaps you are pregnant or maybe you’re a new mum? This blog is for you. Giving birth is a big life event for any woman. It supposedly the greatest experience…

Why you stop thinking about your teeth when you have depression

We all have up and down periods in our lives. Especially this time of year when everything is busier and people are tired, often we can find ourselves feeling tired,…

Ectodermal and Cleidocranial Dysplasia

If you’re reading this, then chances are you or someone you know has one of these developmental conditions. If it affects your child, then I urge you to read on…

Minimal Intervention Dentistry – what is it and how is it good?

Holistic medicine is a growing industry. If you take a look around you, you can see how humans are evolving for the better. Rather than waiting until health problems arise,…

A message to students sitting their HSC

Dear HSC students, I am a dentist, born and raised in Western Sydney. I attended high school and completed two university degrees in Sydney and here’s my message to you:…

What is toothpaste made of?

It isn’t something we often stop to think about. But it makes sense to ask the question: what is toothpaste made of? It is a substance you are placing in…

Why parents love or hate the tooth fairy

Should your kids believe in the tooth fairy? Psychologists, teachers and dentists may all have different opinions on this topic. What matters at the end of the day is how…

How to treat snoring and get a good night’s sleep

PART 2 This blog is Part 2 of two snoring blogs which run through some important points about obstructive sleep apnoea. Last week we began the conversation about snoring and…

Why your dentist is interested in your snoring

PART 1 You go in for a dental filling and suddenly snoring comes up. Up to 40% of men and 20% of women suffer from snoring when they sleep. It…

The holistic way to avoid crooked teeth

Every parent wants their child to grow up with straight, healthy teeth. Straight teeth boost our self-esteem and have been shown to influence how often a person smiles and how…

Watch Your Mouth: Dental Health Week 2018

Dental Health Week takes place from 6th to 12th August this year. It is an annual oral health promotion event run by the Australian Dental Association. Dental health awareness is…

My child needs metal caps, what are they?

A child opens their mouth and you see metal. Surely that’s not real or safe? You look again and yep, you weren’t imagining it, there is definitely metal in there.…

This is what happens to your mouth when you stop smoking

Are you a smoker or have you been a smoker? There is plenty of information out there about the bad effects of smoking. We all know the reasons we should…

Why is oral cancer such a secret and how do people get it?

Friday 27th July 2018 marks World Head and Neck Cancer Day. At Riverstone Family Dental we are advocating prevention through oral cancer screenings carried out at your 6 monthly dental…

Short, stumpy teeth? This is how your dentist fixes them

As we get older, our teeth and fillings wear down. This is due to normal functional activities like chewing. Gradual teeth wear is a natural process of ageing. However, sudden…

I have a sweet tooth, how do I avoid decay?

If you have a sweet tooth, then you have come to the right place. Not only do I have a sweet tooth but I am also a dentist. Yes, it…

How to know if you grind your teeth at night and what to do about it

Grind your teeth at night? This is known as bruxism. Bruxism is the excessive clenching or grinding of teeth which is not done as part of normal chewing. Grinding your…

3 things to expect after a gingivectomy

So you’ve had a gingivectomy. Or maybe you’re considering it but want to know what to expect afterwards? This blog talks about the aftercare following this procedure. At Riverstone Family…

You hate root canal treatment but do you know what it is?

Who needs root canal treatment? Root canal treatment or endodontic treatment allows you to save a decayed, diseased or injured tooth. Your own natural tooth functions better than artificial alternatives.…

How to get Meghan Markle’s smile

There is no doubt about it. Meghan Markle’s ultimate accessory is her smile. Her simple wedding style allowed us to focus our attention on her smile. Ladies and gents, dazzling…

Asthma and your mouth – what you need to know

Perhaps you or your child are asthma sufferers. Asthma can be a debilitating condition which can impact on your quality of life. But do you know how asthma can affect…

Everything you need to know about dental extractions

In this day and age, there is a large emphasis on preserving teeth. However, wisdom teeth extractions are very common and other teeth still get damaged or broken down to…

Why some people get extra teeth and what to do about it

Supernumerary teeth or “extra teeth” is a topic not often discussed. This is when there are more teeth than normal in either a child or adult mouth. You can get…

Headaches, jaw aches and disorders of the jaw joint

The jaw joint is also known as the “temporomandibular joint” or “TMJ”. You can feel where your TMJ sits by placing your fingers just in front of your ears and…

Why is my tooth cracked and do I have to get it pulled out?

Cracked tooth syndrome is painful and unpredictable. Cracked tooth syndrome is a diagnosis your dentist may use to describe a tooth which has a specific set of signs and symptoms…

Tooth enamel defects: the good, the bad and the ugly

Enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in the human body – harder than bone. As enamel forms, it can be very sensitive…

Crowns and bridges – do you know the facts?

Have you been recommended a crown or bridge? If so, it is worth reading up about these two dental treatments. In this blog, I cover the basics and the facts.…

What is the point of fissure sealants if they just fall out?

Your time is limited. In between sports training, tutoring and drop-offs and pick-ups there is very little time for extra activities. This especially applies to health appointments. You simply do…

Want lit breath? Check out these 4 expert tips

Bad breath is not pretty. Picture yourself in downward dog taking a deep breath out. Or getting cuddly with your significant other. The last thing you need is a breath…

International women’s day is for women who slay

International Women’s Day – this is one day each year where we celebrate all things related to being a woman. At Riverstone Family Dental we have donated to WAGGGS (The…

How to help your child if they are being bullied in school

Watching your child being bullied is horrific. As a parent, your child’s suffering is your own and you would do anything to put a stop to it. But how? Read…

How do I know if my child is teething?

Your baby is drooling. Is this just a cuteness overload or is your little bub teething? Maybe they have other symptoms as well. But how do you really know if…

Why do we get earaches, headaches and toothaches on a plane?

When was your last plane ride? You may have needed to travel for business, a family holiday or for leisure. In this day and age, everything is faster and the…

So you want veneers. Do you know all your options?

Options! We all love those. But with options comes decisions. And making decisions is anything but simple. So how about I simplify the veneers decision for you? I’ll give you…

Pregnant? How can improving your gums lead to a healthier baby?

Pregnancy is amazing isn’t it? There is no other life event which can drastically change your life. Any mum to-be can tell you it is exciting and scary at the…

5 healthy lunchbox ideas that will win your kids over

Back to school! An exciting time for everyone, but let’s face it lunchbox preparation can be frustrating. These back to school lunch ideas are a winner. I have scrolled Pinterest…

Quiz: 7 easy questions to get to the bottom of your tooth sensitivity

So you have tooth sensitivity. I’m going to give you a quick and easy way to troubleshoot your tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity can sometimes be considered a normal part of life.…

In a world of implants, no one talks about partial dentures

The dental world belongs to implants. And with good reason. Implants are sexy, shiny and exciting. Their functional and aesthetic properties are outstanding. However, there are many instances where partial…

The 5 most common myths about dentistry

There are far too many dental myths out there! Over the last few weeks, my patients have been sharing with me their new years goals. Many of which involve improving…

Is your smile wedding ready? Simple tricks to boost your confidence

Is your smile wedding ready? It may be the last thing on your mind but it is important you don’t leave it to the last minute. The perfect smile on…

6 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Tooth Extraction

A tooth needs to be extracted or taken out when it has suffered extensive damage. This can be in the form of decay, fracture or infection of the nerve in…

5 infection control questions you should be asking

Infection control is paramount in a dental clinic. At Riverstone Family Dental, infection control is rigidly reinforced in our day to day operations. My number one priority is the safety…

How to decide between root canal or extraction

One of the hardest decisions to make is whether to save a tooth with root canal treatment or to remove it (extraction). If you find yourself in this situation, the…

Are you a mo bro or mo sista?

Movember is an initiative that we at Riverstone Family Dental support. We align ourselves with the Movember vision – to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health…

Stop broken teeth from spoiling christmas

A dental emergency over Christmas is no fun. Broken teeth, fillings and dentures make up the majority of dental problems seen over the Christmas and holiday period. At Riverstone Family…

Top teeth tips for kids under 5

A positive rising trend is that more parents are encouraging their kids to adopt good oral health habits from a young age. This helps to prevent decay later on in…

Mouthbreathing simplified for mums and dads

Mouthbreathing: breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can have major effects on the growth and development of your child’s face. Did you know it can also affect your…

Chalky Teeth – is this looming epidemic affecting your kids?

What are Chalky Teeth? 1 in 6 children’s teeth are affected by this condition So what is it? Chalky Teeth or Molar Hypomin (Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation – MIH) is a…

Brace Yourselves – read this if your kids need braces

Attention mums and dads, I would like to share with you the Top 10 Braces FAQ’s I’ve answered for my patients. Orthodontic treatment is one of the rapidly changing areas…

3 steps for putting flossing into action

By following these 3 steps, you will drastically reduce your risk of developing toothaches and infections. Step #1 – why Understand the importance of flossing – why is it important…

The sugar dentists recommend

Now that’s something you don’t hear often. Dentists are usually hounding you about reducing your sugar intake. But this sugar is different. This sugar, known as xylitol is found in…

How to ditch the dummy

They say that ditching the dummy is harder than childbirth. This comforting habit becomes a drawn-out problem and the sooner you ditch the dummy the easier it is. Sleep, speech…

Piksters are a gamechanger

In a world where just about everyone hates flossing, piksters are a gamechanger. What are piksters Piksters have disrupted the world of interdental cleaning. Previously dominated by dental floss, dental…

Top 3 regrets of not going to the dentist

Can’t remember the last time you visited the dentist? You’re not the only one. Fear and cost are the top reasons why Aussies avoid the dentist, however… the reasons why…

Kids toothbrushing videos – the lowdown

Happy Dental Health Week! Mums, dads, carers and teachers – you are in for a treat! I have come up with simple and specific features to look for when deciding…

Fearlessly Authentic

Riverstone Family Dental is just shy of being 2 months old. My hands are now pulling teeth out instead of peeling away skirting tape!! Everyday I come to work knowing…

Should I get a gum lift?

If you’re reading this, then chances are you’ve looked into this procedure. A ‘gum lift’ may also be referred to as gum recontouring, crown lengthening or gingivectomy. Beauty bloggers and…

All white everything

Teeth whitening is as popular as ever. Today I learnt that Khloe Kardashian’s dentist uses the same teeth whitening system I use, it’s called Philips ZOOM Teeth Whitening. Amazing what…

My tooth looks black

There are many reasons why your tooth looks black. Black-looking teeth may feel sore. If you eat ice-cream or chew hard foods, they may hurt. Ouch! That’s okay! Check and…

3 ways to cut dental costs

One of the major barriers to seeking dental treatment is cost. Here I explain three ways to cut your dental costs and achieve affordable dental treatment. Regular dental checkups At…

Picky Eaters

Is your little one a picky eater? Picky eaters graze throughout the day and consume unhealthy foods and drinks. I become concerned with young picky eaters for two reasons: Reason…

Am I brushing too hard?

You want to look after your teeth. You’re doing the right thing and brushing twice a day but sometimes you notice bleeding or your toothbrush gets worn quickly or your…

Falling asleep on the bottle

Q&A today is on Bottle Decay – an ENTIRELY preventable condition. New mums especially, this is one topic you need to know about. It affects about 15% of 2-3yo kids,…

Where did my tooth go?

Losing baby teeth is normal. When you’re about 6 or 7 years old, your first tooth might be wobbly. That’s okay! A wobbly baby tooth usually tells us that…

4 whitening tips you need to know

The reason why I care about teeth whitening is because no one should feel embarrassed or self-conscious when smiling. Also, changes in teeth colour can give us clues about changes…

A new way to think about gums

Here’s what I explain to my patients: your gums are the foundation in which your teeth sit. Just like a house, if you have a bad foundation – it will…

Kids’ Habits: mouth breathing

Welcome to a huge topic. For ease, I have listed the headings, feel free to skip ahead: Dylan’s Story (an example of a child suffering from mouth breathing) Getting to…

Why not all dentists are created equal.

When you find something you love and you have a strong reason for doing it, you find you are filled with energy and vigour that you never knew you had.…

Kids’ Habits: what every parent needs to know

Over the next few blogs, I will be covering habits such as thumbsucking, pen chewing/nail biting, mouth breathing and dietary habits that can cause problems in the mouth. As a…

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