PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY
Oral Hygiene & Periodontal Care
SmileCo provides preventive and periodontal care, with a team of dental hygienists focused on supporting oral health and helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Periodontitis (gum disease) is a common condition that affects the tissues supporting the teeth, including the gums and underlying bone. It is associated with a range of factors, including the accumulation of dental plaque and bacteria. In its early stages, periodontitis may cause few noticeable symptoms, which is why regular dental examinations are important. If left untreated, the condition can progress and may lead to gum recession, bone loss, tooth mobility, and, in some cases, tooth loss.
Regular dental and hygiene appointments allow for the assessment of gum health and early identification of any signs of periodontal disease. Your dental practitioner can recommend an appropriate maintenance schedule based on your individual oral health needs.
Mouth Guard
SPECIAL OFFER – CUSTOM MADE MOUTH GUARDS
$150 Adults and Children for patients with no dental cover
Patients with dental cover, no gap payment may apply where the health fund benefit is up to $150.
Sports Mouth Guards
Why wear a mouth guard when playing sport?
According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), many dental injuries occur during sporting activities. A custom-made mouth guard may help reduce the risk of injury to the teeth, gums and supporting structures by helping to absorb and distribute the force of an impact to the mouth.
If you participate in sport or recreational activities where there is a risk of contact to the face or mouth, your dentist may recommend wearing a custom-made mouth guard.
Sports such as football, soccer, netball, basketball, hockey and cricket can present a risk of dental injury. Even accidental contact during lower-contact sports may result in damage to the teeth, gums or jaw. Dental injuries can require extensive treatment, making prevention an important consideration.
Custom-made mouth guards
Custom-made mouth guards are individually fitted to your teeth and mouth. Your dentist will assess your needs and recommend a suitable design based on the sport or activity you participate in.
How can I get a custom-made mouth guard?
Your dentist will take an impression or digital scan of your teeth and record the necessary measurements to have a mouth guard fabricated specifically for you.
How often should a mouth guard be replaced?
For children and adolescents, mouth guards should be checked regularly as the teeth and jaws continue to develop. Changes in tooth position or jaw growth may affect the fit of the mouth guard.
For adults, the lifespan of a mouth guard depends on factors such as wear, damage and changes in the mouth. Your dentist can assess the condition and fit of your mouth guard during routine dental examinations and advise when replacement is recommended.
Caring for your mouth guard
After each use, rinse your mouth guard with cold water and store it in a protective container. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or excessive heat, as this may affect its shape and fit. Bring your mouth guard to your dental appointments so your dentist can check its condition and fit.
Make an appointment today with a SmileCo Dentist for a custom made mouth guard.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding and Clenching)
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, which commonly occurs during sleep. It can affect both children and adults and may place significant forces on the teeth, jaw muscles and surrounding structures.
Over time, these forces may contribute to tooth wear, cracking, fractures of teeth or dental restorations, jaw discomfort, headaches and symptoms affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Signs and symptoms of bruxism
You may have bruxism if you:
- Wake with jaw pain or facial muscle discomfort
- Experience frequent headaches, particularly on waking
- Notice that you clench your teeth during periods of stress or concentration
- Have been told by a partner that you grind your teeth during sleep
- Notice excessive wear, chipping or cracking of your teeth
- Experience clicking, tenderness or discomfort around the jaw joints
Management of bruxism
Treatment recommendations will depend on your individual circumstances, symptoms and clinical findings.
A custom-made occlusal splint (night guard) may be recommended to help protect the teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching during sleep. These appliances are individually fitted and designed to be worn comfortably overnight.
Your dentist may also discuss other management strategies, which can include monitoring, addressing contributing factors, lifestyle modifications, jaw exercises or referral to other healthcare practitioners when appropriate.
In some cases, additional treatment options may be considered. Your dentist will discuss the potential benefits, risks and suitability of any recommended treatment.
Assessment and treatment
At SmileCo, our dental team can assess for signs of bruxism, discuss possible contributing factors and develop an individualised management plan aimed at protecting your teeth and supporting your oral health.