Oral Health Care for Teens and Twenties

Please note: much of the following advice is applicable to other age groups.

Decay

Studies have shown that young adults (18-24 yrs olds) in Australia have more tooth decay compared to Australian children at 12 years of age. Less frequent brushing, new eating patterns and less regular dental check-ups increase the risk of tooth decay.

• Fluoride is needed daily and is most easily delivered through brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water.
• The most important time to apply fluoride is before bed as the flow of saliva (which protects teeth against decay) is lowest during sleep.
• Flossing to remove plaque between teeth is essential. Do not share your toothbrush as the bacteria that cause tooth decay can be spread from person to person.
• Have your regular dental checks-ups.
• For an easy fluoride boost use a fluoride mouthwash or just smear fluoride toothpaste on the teeth

Check it out! Look in your mouth. Lift your lip and look for white spots (or dark spots) on the teeth near the gum line. Or just come along to see us.

Changing diets and eating patterns

• Saliva is the body’s natural defence against tooth decay washing away acids and replenishing minerals in teeth.
• ‘Tooth friendly’ snacks such as nuts, unsalted popcorn, cheese, fruits and vegetables are to be encouraged.
• Drinking lots of water is always important. However, most bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride and may not give you the daily fluoride protection you need.
• A white chalky appearance is a sign of enamel damage.

Gum problems

Early signs of gum disease - is bleeding gums when brushing. Hormone changes during pregnancy and puberty increase the likelihood of gum problems.

• Early signs of gum disease can be reversed with more attention to brushing and flossing. Pay attention to any areas that appear puffy, red or bleed.
• Persistent swelling or bleeding despite regular cleaning is a sign that something is not right and the advice of a dental professional is needed.

Bad breath

There are many causes of bad breath – smoking, gum disease, foods and drinks, or gastric reflux.                     

• Thorough daily cleaning, including brushing the tongue is your best defence.
• Use only a sugarless gum or mints.  
• If bad breath persists a dental professional can help you identify the cause and find a solution.

Testing the Boundaries

Smoking, drinking alcohol, increasing caffeine intake and possibly experimenting with drugs becomes an issue with young adults. Oral problems linked with these habits include staining of teeth, reduced saliva flow, gum disease and oral cancer, and wear of the enamel.

Medicines

Some medicines have high levels of hidden sugars that can affect the teeth and gums or may reduce the person’s saliva flow. Inhalers, particularly those containing steroids can cause erosion of the tooth enamel. Oral contraceptives can increase the likelihood of gum problems.
-    Never change medicines without speaking to your doctor first. Ask about the sugar content of medicines or the effect on saliva, sometimes another medicine can be substituted by your doctor.

Strong acids

Any condition where vomiting or gastric reflux occurs frequently – such as bulimia, nausea from pregnancy or alcohol/drugs – can cause rapid and severe erosion of tooth enamel.

• After an episode of vomiting or after consuming acidic foods the enamel will be slightly softened, this is NOT a good time to brush. Instead chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow. Wait for 30 minutes then brush with a fluoride toothpaste.
• If any condition is causing vomiting on a regular basis, of course, you should consult your doctor.
• Don’t forget we will assist you with measures that will prevent severe damage to your teeth.

Education and Entertainment at Richmond Fine Dentistry

Are you intrigued by the mystery of your mouth? What does it look like in there? Well we can take you on a tour to your tonsils! Our new French intra oral cameras are linked to the ceiling mounted TV’s. Just ask and we will take you exploring or maybe you just want to sit back and watch TV to entertain you during your dental care. Why not share your music with us from your personal ipod or iphone on our ipod docking station or listen to our eclectic selection of music. We want your visit to be as pleasant as possible.
 

Staff profile

This month’s staff profile interviews Lidia, one of our very talented nurses at Richmond fine dentistry, the princess from Perth.

1. What is it that you love most about your role here at RFD?
I guess there’s variety in my role which is great but my favourite would be seeing new patients and chatting with existing patients.

2. What is your biggest interest outside of work?
Seeing my friends and having girly dinners.

3. What is your favourite travel destination?
I haven’t got a favourite but I really enjoyed Thailand, it was a very relaxing holiday. I also enjoyed my white Christmas in London. And a special promotion for my home state of Western Australia, beautiful beaches, wine, food and friendly people.

4. Do you have a favourite restaurant in Melbourne?
A Moroccan restaurant off Chapel St called Mosq.

Tax relief for dental treatment

You can now claim 20% of your net medical/dental expenses over $1,500.

This claim comes after your Medicare or private health insurance claim.

You can now claim twice.

There is no limit to this claim.

Click here to contact Richmond Fine Dentistry today to book an appointment.

Click here to read more about the tax break.

Opening Hours

Dental
Mon: 10am – 7pm
Tue: 8am – 5pm
Wed: 8am – 5pm
Thurs: 8am – 5pm
Fri: 8am – 5pm

Dental Hygienist
Mon: 5pm – 7pm
Tue: 8am – 5pm
Wed: 8am – 5pm
Fri: 8am – 5pm

Cancellation Policy
At RFD we require a minimum of 24hrs notice for cancellations. In the event that less than 24hrs notice is given prior to the scheduled appointment time you may be charged a cancellation fee.