Happy New Year everyone!

We have returned from the Christmas vacation refreshed and rested. Most of our team have enjoyed the summer vacation with the usual pursuits including swimming, beach activities, socialising with friends and family; enjoying good food, fresh air and exercise.

Lidia experienced a white and very cold Christmas in England and thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

My family spent a couple of weeks in Warrnambool, a truly beautiful part of Victoria and so much to do!

We cycled, surfed, and explored Tower Hill and Port Fairy. We sketched the Hopkins Falls, photographed the magnificent sunsets and travelled across to Portland and Bridgewater Bay. The most cherished aspect of holidays is being able to spend time with my family. The simple pleasure of experiencing children’s unbounded happiness at play on the beach is priceless. On behalf of my staff I wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful new year.

Dr Robert Harper

January is the time of year when we all put our New Year’s resolutions into practise…or at least we try! One of the most common resolutions is the old favourite “I’m quitting smoking after New Year’s”. So keeping that in mind this month news letter will give you information to help you reach that goal.

Amongst the numerous effects that smoking has on the body as a whole are those that affect the mouth specifically i.e. gum disease (periodontitis), staining of the teeth, bad breath, impaired healing and of course oral cancer.

Periodontitis:

This more advanced type of gum disease starts with the spread of dental plaque below the gum line. Bacteria in the plaque trigger inflammation, which leads to a breakdown of the bone supporting the teeth. If this breakdown continues more gum tissue and bone are destroyed and the teeth may fall out or need to be removed. It is your immune systems job to reduce harmful germs that cause this disease. Smoking affects the immune system by lowering the body’s ability to fight off these germs and allowing inflammation and infection to occur.

Impaired healing:

Smokers have a reduced blood flow to their gums. If you smoke it takes longer to heal after any injury or surgery to your mouth. It also increases the risk of serious damage to the gums. Whilst we have a range of treatments for periodontitis smoking reduces their efficacy. So, if you’re a smoker, our ability to treat the disease is limited.

Oral Cancer:

Smoking is a major cause of oral cancer. Smokers on average are four times more likely to get oral cancer. Only half of the people who get the disease will survive after five years. If you stop smoking now, in three to five years your chance of getting oral cancer is halved and gets less with time.

Smoker’s palate, melanosis and keratosis:

Smokers develop a pale or white roof of the mouth often with red dots. The gums and cheeks also change colour and become reddened. Quit smoking will reverse these changes.

Stained teeth and bad breath:

Quitting will help to prevent further staining and improve the smell of your breath. A visit to you dental hygienist for a thorough cleaning will remove external stain caused by smoking and this will also further improve the smell of your breath. Your hygienist can also give you handy hints to help you quit.

Dull taste:

Smoking can dull your taste buds making food blander. Quitting will restore your sense of taste.

Good News!

Staff Profile

This month’s staff profile interviews Ameena, our practice manager at Richmond Fine Dentistry.

1. What is it that you love most about your role here at RFD?
The Variety, everyday is different.

2. What is your biggest interest outside of work?
Food and Wine

3. What is your favourite travel destination?
The Amalfi Coast Italy

4. Do you have a favourite restaurant in Melbourne?
“Rumi” in Lygon St, Brunswick. It has a new age edge on middle eastern food

Cancellation Policy
At RFD we require a minimum of 24hrs notice for cancellations. Our cancellation policy is such that if you call to cancel and reschedule your appointment with more than 24hrs notice no cancellation fee will be incurred. In the event that less than 24hrs notice is given prior to the scheduled appointment time you will be charged a cancellation fee.

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