Should I get whitening if I have sensitive teeth?

If you're concerned about tooth sensitivity, you may decide to choose a product that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Mount Lawley Dental uses Philips ZOOM! Nite White – which is especially formulated for those with sensitive teeth.

What is endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatment involves treating teeth with a diseased dental pulp, such as a dental abscess. The infected soft tissue is removed from inside the tooth and replaced with a root canal filling that seals the tooth from future infection.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last (third) molars to erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. There are usually four wisdom teeth, but not everyone gets them. As these teeth are less necessary, dentists may recommend wisdom tooth removal if a tooth becomes impacted or causes problems such as teeth crowding.

How much do veneers cost?

The cost of veneers depends on their size, the number of veneers you have and what material they're made from. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers. At Mount Lawley Dental, veneers start from $300 per tooth for composite resin and from $1400 per tooth for porcelain.

Why is oral hygiene important?

Good oral hygiene is about maintaining healthy teeth and gums in order to prevent dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. These dental problems when left untreated can erode teeth and cause gums to pull away, weakening the tooth structure and resulting in tooth loss. Tooth loss affects the way you eat and speak and can create teeth alignment issues, jawbone deterioration and a sagging facial appearance.

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is a proactive approach to dental care. The preventive approach aims to prevent common dental problems before they have a chance to develop and avoiding the need for more invasive and expensive procedures to correct them.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by bacteria that can build up on teeth and form plaque. When bacteria reaches the gum, it can cause an infection that the body fights with inflammation, leading to swelling and tenderness of the gums.

How do I keep my mouthguard clean?

Clean your mouthguard under room temperature water and a cleaning solution to keep it in good condition. Avoid using hot water to rinse your mouthguard as it will warp it out of shape. By making sure you clean your mouthguard after every use, you’ll keep it free from staining and plaque build-up that can ruin the mouthguard and require you to replace it sooner than necessary.

Gentle Cleans for Sensitive Teeth: EMS Airflow®

Oral Hygiene

Gentle Cleans for Sensitive Teeth: EMS Airflow®

Posted on: 09 February, 2024

Visiting the dentist for a regular check-up and hygiene treatments is important for maintaining good oral health. But if you have sensitive teeth or gums, traditional cleaning methods may be uncomfortable. Guided biofilm therapy (GBT) is a modern technique that involves less contact with the teeth, reducing discomfort while still removing plaque effectively.

3 minute read

At Mount Lawley Dental in Mount Lawley, we offer guided biofilm therapy using EMS Airflow technology. Find out more about what this process involves and what to expect during your regular check-up and clean.

What is oral biofilm?

biofilm

Oral biofilm is bacteria that builds up in the mouth. This includes plaque – a sticky, yellow layer of bacteria that can build up on the teeth and around the gum line, which causes problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Tooth decay happens when bacteria feed on sugar and other carbohydrates in food and drink that enters your mouth. This breaks down the enamel, which may lead to a cavity or infection that require a filling or root canal therapy to treat.
Gum disease is the inflammation of the gums after infection by bacteria. This can cause gums to feel sore or bleed and may lead to gum recession or tooth loss if the disease isn't treated in its early stage.
Oral biofilm may also contribute to other serious health problems if bacteria pass through the bloodstream to the rest of the body. This includes diabetes and cardiovascular (heart) disease.

Good brushing and flossing habits help to reduce the growth of plaque, but they can't remove all biofilm, especially if it hardens into calculus (tartar). This can only be removed during professional dental cleans. Enquire about an airflow clean today!

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What is guided biofilm therapy?

Airflow at Mount Lawley Dental

Guided biofilm therapy (GBT) is a new clinical protocol developed by Swiss medical company EMS in collaboration with leading dentists and universities. This approach uses water, air and a special powder to clean and polish teeth during routine dental visits.

GBT reduces contact with the teeth compared to other cleaning and polishing techniques that use traditional hand instruments, ultrasonic devices or brushes. However, depending on the individual, traditional instruments may still be necessary to remove more stubborn calculus deposits.

Who can benefit from guided biofilm therapy?

EMS Airflow guided biofilm therapy was developed through years of clinical research to be a fast, painless and minimally invasive alternative to traditional teeth cleaning.

This can make routine teeth cleaning more comfortable, especially for people with sensitive teeth or gums, as you will only feel the gentle contact of air and water.

GBT can also help people with dental anxiety or a fear of dentistry to feel less nervous about their appointments and less likely to delay or avoid hygiene maintenance, which could put their oral health at risk. Book your next hygiene maintenance appointment using Airflow.

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How does EMS Airflow® work?

Oral hygiene treatments using EMS Airflow guided biofilm therapy are personalised for the needs of the individual. Your dentist or hygienist will explain each of the steps involved so you know what to expect.

Examination

Before cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth for signs of plaque and other issues to determine whether you are a candidate for guided biofilm therapy or if you may need a more intensive treatment.

Disclosing

Your dentist will apply a temporary dye that makes plaque deposits on your teeth visible. This helps to ensure complete removal of biofilm from their surface.

Removing plaque

Using EMS Airflow instruments, your dentist will then remove plaque and early calculus deposits from your teeth by applying a gentle jet of air and warm water.

Removing stains

If your teeth have surface stains or discolouration, these may be removed or reduced by applying a light powder during the cleaning process.

Removing calculus

After removing sticky plaque, your dentist will gently remove any hard calculus deposits. If there is more severe calculus build-up, EMS Airflow may need to be combined with traditional hand instruments.

Disinfecting gums

After removing biofilm from your teeth, your dentist will gently clean deep inside the periodontal pockets. This removes bacteria from beneath the gums to help prevent gum disease.

Applying fluoride

After cleaning is complete, your dentist will check that biofilm and discolouration have been successfully removed. They will then apply a fluoride coating to your teeth to help prevent further plaque build-up.

Education

Your dentist may offer advice or guidance on how to improve your oral hygiene routine at home. They will then schedule your next appointment based on your individual needs.

Caring for your teeth at home

Your dentist can only do so much to lower your oral health risks. To prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other problems, it's also important to follow good oral hygiene habits in your daily life. This includes:

Brush your teeth twice a day

For most people, dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day – preferably early in the morning and before going to bed.

Brushing should take around 2 minutes, cleaning the inside, outside and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your teeth.

If you have sensitive teeth and gums, your dentist can recommend a desensitising toothpaste and other dental products to help you.

Floss daily

Flossing at least once a day is important for cleaning the areas between your teeth that your toothbrush can't reach.

If you find traditional floss uncomfortable, your dentist may suggest alternatives such as interdental brushes or water flossers for a gentler clean.

Healthy food and drinks

Sugar feeds bacteria in plaque, which leads to tooth decay and other problems. Check the sugar content of food and drink you buy or avoid sugary snacks, soft drinks and fruit juices to lower your risks.

Drinking plenty of water helps to rinse your mouth and protect your teeth, especially if you're drinking fluoridated tap water.

Following a balanced and nutritious diet is important to support your oral health and overall health.

EMS Airflow treatment in Mount Lawley

If you're due for a check-up and you have sensitive teeth, our dentists at Mount Lawley Dental offer gentle and painless cleans using EMS Airflow guided biofilm therapy.

To book an appointment or find out more, call our friendly team today on (08) 9227 8777 or book online.

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