How can we help you?
When it comes to the oral health of you and your family, you probably have many questions. We welcome them because we love providing guidance about good dental health.
There are some questions we here frequently, and we have included some of them here. But if you have a question that is not answered here, feel free to contact us. You can call our practice for an immediate answer.
Preventive Dentistry
Professional dental cleanings in Charlestown, NSW, play an important role in supporting oral health. While daily brushing and flossing are essential for keeping teeth and gums healthy, a professional cleaning can reach areas that are often difficult to manage at home.
What to Expect
During a dental cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth and along the gumline. If plaque is left to build up, it can contribute to tooth decay and gum inflammation. By removing these deposits, dental cleanings may help reduce the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular check-ups also give your Charlestown dentist the opportunity to examine your mouth for early signs of oral health concerns. Identifying issues early often means they can be managed with simpler treatment, before they become more complex.
Keeping Up with Your Smile
It’s important to remember that dental cleanings alone do not guarantee prevention. Good oral hygiene at home also plays a key role. These hygiene habits include:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Maintaining a balanced diet
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re due for a check-up, booking routine dental cleanings in Charlestown, NSW, can help support your long-term oral health.
We welcome your call!
While saltwater is not a cure for gum disease, it can help alleviate some of the symptoms of gum disease and promote comfort.
Here are some things warm saltwater rinses can help with:
- Minimises inflammation — Warm salt water rinses help soothe swollen and irritated gum tissue.
- Reduces bacteria—Salt has natural antibacterial properties, so a saltwater rinse can help reduce oral bacteria.
- Encourages healing — Warm salt water rinses are soothing and help to promote oral healing.
- Minimises discomfort — Salt water rinses can temporarily relieve gum soreness and sensitivity.
How to Make a Warm Salt Rinse
To make your own saltwater rinse, mix one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of salt. Swish or gargle the solution around in your mouth for about 15 to 30 seconds, then spit it out, being careful not to swallow it.
Understanding Gum Disease
Red, swollen, and irritated gums are all signs of early gum disease (gingivitis). You may also notice bleeding during brushing and flossing if you suffer from gum disease.
If you visit your Charlestown dentist regularly, they can help you manage, control, and sometimes even reverse gingivitis.
We invite you to call Charlestown Dental Care if it's time for your next preventive clean and check-up.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. If you suffer from gingivitis, you may have some of these symptoms:
- Swollen, red, and irritated gum tissue
- Bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing or mouth rinse
- Bleeding during brushing and flossing
If you notice these symptoms, it's a good time for you to reach out to your dentist to arrange a booking for a teeth clean and exam. If you have gingivitis, your dentist can help you manage your condition with a thorough, professional clean and improve your home care routine. Sometimes, patients can even reverse their condition at this stage.
Understanding Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis. In this stage, you may notice tooth mobility, pain and tenderness when chewing, and changes to your bite.
Periodontitis requires a deeper cleaning to remove the plaque and bacteria build-up below the gumline, which is causing the infection. Our dentists may also suggest antibiotic therapy or surgery for severe periodontitis.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for gum disease, but our Charlestown dentists can help you manage your condition and keep it at bay by providing additional cleanings throughout the year to remove plaque and bacteria.
We welcome your call to Charlestown Dental Care if you have questions about gum disease.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
The appropriate treatment for your gum disease will vary depending on how far your disease has progressed and any contributing factors such as hygiene and other health conditions. Some of the treatments recommended for gum disease include:
- An increased dedication to excellent oral hygiene
- Antimicrobial rinses and other products
- An antibiotic medication that is placed in the gum pockets
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
- Laser therapy
- Gum surgery
At Charlestown Dental Care, we will discuss your situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your unique needs. Contact our dentist in the city of Lake Macquarie today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward better dental health.
Regular dental cleanings and exams will help keep your gums in great shape, but what you do at home matters as well. Brush twice daily and floss every evening. Our hygienists will be happy to show you good brushing and flossing technique if you need a reminder.
Other steps you can take to prevent gum disease include:
- Don't smoke or chew tobacco.
- Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash. We'll be happy to recommend one.
- If you have a health condition that can affect your dental health such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, please let us know so that we can take extra steps to help keep your gums healthy.