Common Questions Archives | Redlands Gentle Dental Care

Why is my mouth constantly dry?

The salivary glands in the human mouth are responsible for the secretion of saliva, which is needed to maintain an optimum environment in the mouth. Dry mouth or xerostomia is therefore experienced when these salivary glands are hindered in their… read more

What causes crooked teeth?

This is a tricky question and many theories exist. Crooked teeth are most commonly a sign of improper facial growth rather than teeth that are too big for the jaw. The jaws are usually underdeveloped and this has been linked… read more

I have dentures; do I need to brush them?

The answer is yes. There are specially designed denture cleaning toothbrushes, or a soft-bristled brush is also fine to use. Try to avoid hard bristles, as these will damage the surface of the denture. Denture cleaners, hand soap or mild… read more

When do baby teeth fall out?

According to the experts, a baby's teeth will usually fall out in the same order they came through. The front teeth will often be the first to go, typically followed by the next two either side until all they have all… read more

How often should I use mouthwash?

By using a mouthwash containing fluoride, this can help prevent tooth decay, but don’t use the mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth. By using a mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth it will wash away the… read more

What is tooth sensitivity and why do I have it?

Patients with tooth sensitivity can feel pain when consuming foods and beverages that are hot or cold, sweet or acidic. Tooth sensitivity comes from thinned tooth enamel. Our tooth enamel is supposed to protect our teeth from daily use such… read more

What are the best ways to practice good oral hygiene at home?

It's vital that all adults engage in daily brushing and flossing, but to take your oral hygiene to the next level, follow a handful of particular steps to good dental health. There really is no substitute for regular brushing and flossing;… read more

What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?

To many, the words plaque and tartar are often used interchangeable when people are talking about bacteria build up on their teeth. There are a few key differences between plaque and tartar that we want you to know. Plaque is… read more

How often do I actually need to visit the dentist?

There are many opinions when it comes how often you should see the dentist. Redlands Gentle Dental Care recommend people visit the practice for a regular hygiene visit twice a year, or once every six months. There are exceptions to… read more

How do I take care of my baby/toddler’s teeth?

If your baby doesn’t have any teeth yet, you can wipe their gums with a clean, warm, wet cloth after every feed. Once their first teeth come in, make sure you keep the cleaning routine and avoid letting your baby… read more

What is a filling?

A filling is a way to return the damaged tooth back to its normal function and shape. Dental fillings are one of the most commonly performed dental procedures across the world and researchers have recently found a filling made out… read more

How often should I change my toothbrush?

It’s easy to tell when you should replace worn out shoes or clothes but how often should you change your toothbrush? Every three months The Australian Dental Association’s Oral Health Committee has recommended replacing your toothbrush when the bristles have… read more

Why do I have bad breath?

Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, affects roughly 25% of the world’s population and is the third most common reason people visit the dentist after tooth decay and gum disease. [1] (more…) read more