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Halitosis, or more commonly known as bad breath can sometimes be an embarrassing topic for people to discuss, and some of the time won’t even know that it’s a problem!

This issue doesn’t just affect the breath though, some people find that along with bad breath they can experience thick saliva, a coating on the tongue or even taste changes. If you have bad breath, read on to find out some the most common causes and what you can do to solve it.

There can be many causes that lead to a person having bad breath, with the most common including:

•  Foods – Certain foods and drinks such as garlic, onions, coffee and alcohol can all contribute to bad breath. Coffee and alcohol in particular create an environment where bacteria in the mouth can thrive. This is due to these substances having a drying effect, which can reduce saliva flow and allows foul smelling bacteria to hang around longer.
• Dry Mouth – Having a dry mouth can also cause bad breath, as stated previously having a dry mouth encourages bacteria to grow!
• Dental Infections – Infections such as gum disease, abscesses, and tooth decay can all lead to bad breath.
• Medications and Medical Conditions – Some medications and conditions can have an impact on oral health. Many medications can also cause dry mouth or bad breath, with conditions that affect the mouth including Diabetes, acid reflux, tonsillitis and stomach issues.
• Poor Oral Hygiene – Having a poor oral hygiene routine is a sure way to increase the chances of having bad breath. Not brushing or flossing regularly means that bacteria can build up in the mouth, which not only causes bad breath but can increase the likelihood of other dental problems such as decay or gum disease.

Some of the solutions for causes above of bad breath can be easily fixed, for example, after eating pungent foods making sure that you’re brushing, flossing and using a fluoridated mouthwash. Another simple fix could be to eat those types of foods less often. If you notice any of the other causes or symptoms listed above, it’s a good idea to speak to your dentist to rule out any serious causes and to fix the pungent problem for good!

Do you have private health insurance? Did you know that many private health funds expire at the end of December and most of these do not allow a rollover of benefits? This usually means if you don’t use it you will lose it!

If your private health fund is due to reset on the 1st January 2017, we recommend you contact us as soon as possible before the end of the year to make the most of your insurance benefits.

Here are some tips to prevent you missing out;

1. Find out if your health fund runs on a calendar or financial year basis. A simple call to your health fund should answer this.
2. Find out if you have any remaining entitlements for claims from your health fund.
3. Contact us to find out about any outstanding dental treatments that you can have completed before the 31st December 2016.
4. If you or your family have not had a dental health examination or hygiene visit in the last six months, it is a good idea to book in an appointment to ensure we can fit in any required treatments before the end of the year.
5. Start thinking about this now, with the Christmas holidays fast approaching along with the health funds reseting, it is a busy time of year and appointments can fill up quickly.  You don’t want to miss out!

Call us today on (07) 3393 9550 or click below to make an appointment. New patients and enquiries are welcome.

A bright smile gives the impression of vitality, radiant health and happiness, so it’s hardly surprising that people are looking for ways to have whiter teeth. From high-profile celebrities to office employees, a whiter shade of teeth is considered a cosmetic advantage.

Like hair and complexion, tooth colour also varies from patient to patient. Some teeth are naturally more yellow than others, while other teeth simply yellow over time. They may be due to ageing or eating and drinking certain foods and beverages. Stained teeth are some of the common aesthetic issues many adults are facing today. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with yellow teeth forever.

We’ve come a long way in oral care and cosmetic enhancement, and that includes helping you achieve a brighter, more radiant smile.

What’s the First Step?

Whitening your teeth is as easy as visiting your dentist for a treatment or using one of the at-home options available.

In-office bleaching is the fastest and most efficient way to whiten teeth. In the procedure, the dentist applies the gel directly to your teeth, in combination with heat, laser or a special light. The result may be apparent in only one 30 to 60-minute treatment.

While your teeth will be visibly whiter in one just visit, we may recommend using home whitening kits with custom-fitted trays to achieve long-term results.

Why Consider Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening has quickly gained popularity within a broader audience because of the upfront advantages – from cosmetic to emotional to financial.

Achieve a Healthier Looking Smile – Whiter teeth project youth, health and vitality. It is fascinating how a minor and subtle change in shade may light up the entire face to give you a healthier, more youthful appearance.

Enjoy greater self-confidence – Appearance often influences the way we feel about ourselves. With a brand new set of beautiful, brighter teeth, you will live every day feeling more attractive and confident.

Enhance your sociability – Greater self-confidence means more opportunities to interact with your peers and the opposite sex.

Detect dental problems sooner – There’s no substitute for regular dental check-ups. However, visiting your dentist for a whitening procedure increases the chance of detecting a major dental problem, such as gum disease.

Pay less – Teeth whitening is a relatively affordable dental cosmetic treatment that offers results.

Be generally happier and more successful – Some studies suggest a link between whiter, healthier-looking teeth and improved success in career and job interviews. While further investigation is needed to confirm these results, it’s easy to find support for this hypothesis from the reality we live in.

At Belmont Village Dental, we’re dedicated to enhancing your smile and letting you experience all the benefits in store. We offer advanced and safe teeth whitening procedures, including Zoom Whitening. With your comfort and satisfaction in mind, our in-office treatment gently lightens the shade of your teeth and aims for long-lasting results.

For now, learn what works, what doesn’t, and which treatment is your best option. Call us today or click below to book an appointment.

We believe that preventive dentistry is the key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums for life.

Regular dental visits are a very important part of preventive dentistry. While ‘at home’ oral health care, including regular brushing and flossing are essential, harmful plaque and calculus can form in your mouth that can only be treated by a dental professional. If not treated, these deposits can cause decay and gum disease and may ultimately affect your overall health.

Regular dental visits enable problems to be identified early by the dentist so they can be addressed before major treatments are required.

The aim of preventive dentistry is to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums by providing a personalised program of regular professional check-ups and hygiene visits along with on-going support for your ‘at home’ oral health care. Preventive dentistry is likely to reduce the amount of dental treatment you will ultimately require in the future and give you the best chance of maintaining your own teeth for a lifetime.

If you haven’t had a dental check-up or hygiene visit in the last 6 months we encourage you to call us and get your personalised program off to a great start!

Brushing your teeth is a ritual that everyone should do daily, however to some it can often be a tedious activity that is squeezed in between eating breakfast and having a shower in the morning. It’s important to make sure that you are giving the proper time, attention and treatment to your teeth to ensure ongoing positive oral health. Follow the three steps below to ensure you’re maintaining a healthy smile!

1.Brushing your teeth

Many people do not brush their teeth correctly, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems. Before brushing, it is important to choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste. Look for a brush that has soft bristles and can be either electric or manual. Choose a toothpaste that is suitable to your needs and when putting it on the brush, ensure that it covers the length of the bristles.

When brushing, angle the brush at 45 degrees to the gum-line and brush in a circular motion. Brush for at least two minutes and ensure to pay attention to each tooth individually to make sure all surfaces of the tooth have been cleaned.

2.Flossing and Mouthwash

Flossing is something most people forget to do, however it is just as important as brushing to ensure you maintain optimum oral health. Use floss by winding it around your fingers while gently easing it between your teeth with a gentle sawing motion.

To make sure all of the build-up you have loosened by flossing has been washed away, you should follow up your cleaning routine by gargling mouthwash. This rids your mouth of bacteria and can also strengthen your teeth should you choose to use a mouthwash containing fluoride.

3.Dental Check-ups

Finally, regular dental check-ups are the best way to prevent any oral health problems. A dentist can check your mouth for any problems and clean your teeth professionally, with the aim of preventing dental health issues and improving your overall oral health. To make sure your smile is kept in top condition you should see your dentist for a check-up twice a year.

Many of us can’t start the day without a cup of coffee or tea, however have you ever thought how all that caffeine might affect your mouth? Most people are aware that drinking large amounts of tea and coffee can stain your teeth, however are not aware that caffeine can affect not only aesthetics, but also your overall oral health.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance that is found in foods such as coffee, tea and chocolate but can also be an additive in things like energy drinks, soft drinks and some medications. Caffeine is a natural diuretic which means after ingesting it you will need to urinate more frequently and can become dehydrated. Dehydration is a serious problem for maintaining good oral health as it causes saliva to be of low quality. Saliva is a natural protection for your teeth and mouth, as it lubricates the teeth, aids in digestion and helps to wash away food particles.

If you’re a caffeine drinker, especially coffee, you will know that it can sometimes be bitter or acidic. This is a concern for the maintenance of a healthy mouth as tooth enamel can be eroded away by this acidity which can lead to things like dental decay, cavities and sensitivity. The same can be said for sugary drinks with caffeine in them such as soft drinks, which along with the sugar that is present in them have the ability to damage your teeth.