A good toothbrushing routine is the foundation of an effective preventive dental care plan. Electric and manual toothbrushes both remove dental plaque that otherwise cause tooth decay and gum disease, but electric toothbrushes can be easier to use. An electric toothbrush has bristles that rotate or vibrate, providing more micro-movements every time you brush your […]
As you get older, your dental health needs change and seniors are more likely to develop common dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. These problems can make it difficult to eat comfortably or to socialise without being embarrassed about your smile. Good oral care can help to manage or prevent these issues, allowing […]
There’s a whole wealth of information and misinformation about how to care for your teeth on the Internet! Read on to learn the answer to commonly asked dental questions. Should I brush my teeth straight after a meal? No, it’s better to wait at least 30 minutes after eating. After a meal, your mouth is […]
Follow our easy tips to protect you and your family’s oral health this summer. Make an Emergency Dental Kit Pack an emergency dental kit to take with you to the beach or when playing sports. Include saline solution and a small container with a lid, gauze and handkerchiefs. Don’t forget our phone number! Ensure Everyone […]
Female hormones can impact women in so many ways, but did you realise they can also increase your vulnerability to developing gum disease? Higher levels of oestrogen and progesterone increase the blood flow to the gums. Consequently, gum tissue becomes more sensitive to plaque and bacteria and gums can become inflamed, swollen and will bleed. […]
The New Year is a great time to make resolutions, so why not make one that you will improve your dental health? The great thing about this resolution is that it will almost certainly help your general health too! Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and vegetable contain many valuable nutrients that can help improve […]
We know December is a month when it is harder to stay healthy. Sweet treats seem to be everywhere, and regular routines can fly out of the window during all the festivities. Follow our simple tips on how to be kind to your teeth. Stick to your regular oral care routine. Even the busiest elves […]
Do you often wake up feeling tired? Has a sleeping partner complained about snoring? Brite Dental might be able to help you. Sleep disturbances and snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). OSA causes frequent pauses in breath that may last a few seconds before breathing restarts, often with a loud gasp […]
If you have private health or dental insurance, you might expect it to cover most eventualities. Dental insurance hasn’t been around nearly as long as medical insurance and works differently. Whereas your medical insurance will cover you if you face an unpredictable illness, dental insurance is oriented more towards the preventing dental disease which in […]
It’s easy to imagine that if your parents had poor dental health, then you will most likely have problems too. While it’s true that genetics is connected to some oral health issues, it isn’t always the case. Sometimes, poor oral health will have another cause. When You Can Blame Your Parents Issues such as overcrowded […]
Wisdom teeth usually erupt during the late teens or early twenties, at a time when children are becoming adults and presumably have gained in wisdom. Unfortunately, they are not known to influence IQ levels! Many children will have heard tales about wisdom teeth causing problems, but there is no need to be nervous about these […]
Halloween is nearly here, and sticky sweets are everywhere, but if you wear braces, you do need to exercise a bit of caution. We have listed a few easy tips to help you avoid sticky situations this Halloween. Allow Sticky Treats to Rest in Peace this Year! This year, avoid hard, chewy or sticky sweets […]
The more you know about your dental health, the more easily you can take control of it, so next time you are in the dental chair, ask your dentist these questions. Do I Need to Improve My Dental Health? Even if you receive a clean bill of health at your next checkup, your dentist may […]
A beautiful, healthy smile is highly desirable, and often it’s easier to achieve than you ever imagined. Follow these easy suggestions to get your own gleaming smile. A whiter smile isn’t necessarily healthy and people who overuse over-the-counter teeth whitening products can over bleach their teeth, developing oral health problems. If you do want to […]
Our entire dental team would like to offer you a very warm welcome to our first ever eNewsletter. We have had a lot of fun deciding what to include and hope you enjoy its contents. Why an eNewsletter? Often, we won’t see some of our patients for six months until it is time for their […]
Dr Tara Kader migrated to Australia in 2000 and worked as a dentist with HCF Dental and Primary Dental before deciding to establish “Brite Dental” in December 2012. A highly skilled accomplished dentist, Dr Tara is focused on providing complete oral health care with an emphasis on painless, conservative and high quality treatment procedures. She is committed […]
Did you realise the Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that if necessary, children receive an orthodontic evaluation between ages 8 and 10? This can determine if early treatment would be helpful and appropriate. Signs that your child might benefit from seeing an orthodontist by age ten include: · Early or late loss of their […]
Practicing good oral hygiene is a must for healthy gums. If you want to avoid oral health issues, such as gum disease, you should know what needs to be done for proper maintenance. What is gum disease? Gum disease is when there is a build-up of plaque and tartar on your gums. These substances are […]
According to recent surveys, when people were asked what they want to improve when it comes to their smiles, most answered ‘whiter teeth’. Teeth whitening products and procedures are gaining popularity to get that million-dollar smile. But what is teeth whitening and how is it achieved? Teeth Whitening is when products containing hydrogen peroxide or […]
You may have heard of root canal therapy and some of you may have even undergone such treatment. It has developed a reputation of being a painful procedure, but with the right dentist and with today’s new technology, it is no longer as uncomfortable as it has been in the past. Root Canal Therapy Definition […]
Smiles are a timeless accessory. Research shows that people are most often attracted to those that have the best and confident smiles. That’s why cosmetic dentistry services to treat discoloured, chipped or misaligned teeth have increased in popularity. For those who have missing or damaged teeth, one popular cosmetic dentistry options is dental veneers. What are […]
When it comes to oral health, one of the ways in which you can avoid gum diseases, such as gingivitis, cavities, and other dental problems, is to practice preventive dentistry. Preventive dentistry includes taking measures to perfect your at home oral hygiene routine while scheduling regular visits to your dentist to track your oral health […]
We all know that smoking leads to a lot of health complications, most commonly damage to our respiratory system. However, smoking also negatively impacts our oral health. When you smoke, you’re also damaging your teeth and gums. Here are four ways that smoking damages your oral health: 1. The build-up of plaque and tartar in […]
Since childhood, we’re no strangers to toothaches thanks to sweets and chocolates. For a lot of us, our parents reminded us to brush our teeth time and time again. Otherwise, we get bad cavities. Regular visits to the dentists and professional cleans are the most effective preventive measures that can help treat cavities or […]
Let’s face it, a missing tooth can really give your confidence a hit. More often than not, people avoid smiling due to the gaps in their teeth which can be difficult to deal with. But aside from lowered self-confidence and physical appearance, having missing teeth can also have repercussions on your dental health if left […]
One of the reasons why many people tend to skip wearing metal braces is because braces often look unattractive. If you want to straighten your teeth without feeling self-conscious, getting an Invisalign treatment might just solve the problem. These look like invisible braces and will work best for minor to moderate dental issues. Let us […]
A mouth guard is a dental device designed to protect the mouth, teeth, tongue, and gums from injury. This is usually for people who are active in sports and other physical activities. Aside from serving as mouth protectors in contact sports, some mouth guards are for teeth protection against involuntary grinding and clenching. Other dentists […]
A dental bridge is a safe and effective solution for tooth replacement. It restores a person’s smile and appearance. More importantly, it addresses additional dental and bite-related problems as a result of permanent teeth loss. True enough, there are many reasons why adults lose teeth. Poor hygiene, age, and accidents are all contributing factors. Whatever […]
As the saying goes, prevention is better than any cure, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to your teeth. Preventive dentistry offers exactly that. It is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy and well, to prevent problems that may arise in the future. So, let’s look at the […]
As teeth have been around as long as human beings, they tend to have a host of myths attached to them which have accumulated over time. Some myths about teeth are simply old wives’ tales, but some have a grain of truth in the legends they provide. Here’s an insight into five myths about teeth […]
We all know stress has negative effects on the body. Labelled the silent killer, it can impact everything from our mental health to our heart and digestive system. But amidst the myriad of health consequences it’s been linked to, such as obesity, heart disease, anxiety and headaches, few people appreciate the drastic toll stress can […]
Whether it’s your child’s first visit to the dentist or a routine check-up, when it comes to treating children, a positive dental experience is critical. Friendly, positive encounters with dentists set children up up for better dental health for life. So, here’s an insight into what makes a good children’s dentist… Friendly, understanding, gentle In […]
If you have missing teeth there are a range of options available when it comes to reinstating a healthy smile, and among the top choices are dentures and dental implants. But which option suits what situation, and how do you know what’s right for you? Here’s a quick guide to the important factors you need […]
If you’re looking to improve the look of your smile, two of the most common and accessible means available are braces and veneers. But there’s a wealth of difference between the approach that each method takes. Here’s an insight into what each option can achieve when it comes to braces versus veneers. Veneers Veneers are […]
Good oral care is vital for people of all ages, but as we get older it matters even more. Like all areas of the body, aging effects your dental health in a number of ways. But the good news is, maintaining a great smile when we reach senior status is simple, with just a couple […]
You know how the song goes, “smile and the whole world smiles with you”. Well, apparently that adage is true, with researchers finding smiling not only makes other people happier, it also has health and confidence benefits for the person behind that beaming grin. Here’s an insight into the benefits of a smile… Smiling spreads […]
This week is Dental Health Week, making now the time to turn your attention to the importance of those pearly whites. Not only do healthy teeth facilitate speech, eating and self-confidence, they are also linked to our general health and wellbeing. Here’s an insight into the importance of teeth, and how you can help them […]
If you’re looking to give your smile a bit of a refresher or restore some of its youthful glow, teeth whitening might be among the options you’re considering. When performed by a professional dentist, teeth whitening can transform your teeth by lightening them to remove discoloration and stains. If you’re pondering the prospect of teeth […]
If you’ve ever experienced jaw pain when eating, or heard a clicking or popping sound when your mouth opens and shuts, it could be a sign you have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJD. Believed to affect more women than men, the condition describes a group of disorders that impact the muscles, movement and function associated […]
When it comes to orthodontics, the focus is often on straight teeth, but did you know braces can also change the shape of your face and in some cases, can even make you look younger. Here’s an insight into how braces can improve the shape of your face. The mouth as a feature The mouth […]
Teeth might be tough, but they’re not impervious to wear and tear, and just as they can chip, loosen and even fall out, occasionally they can crack. Depending on the circumstances, that crack might be invisible to the naked eye and it could even be so fine a fracture that’s tricky for a dentist to […]
If you or your child plays contact sports, a mouthguard is a must, helping protect the teeth against trauma and loss. But did you know there’s more than one type of mouthguard available, with options ranging from over-the-counter mouthguards to custom-fitted devices made by your dentist. Here’s an insight into the different types of mouthguards […]
You can have the most diligent dental routine, be the most punctual patient and boast the most beautiful smile, but sometimes dental emergencies just happen. Whether it’s a broken tooth or a missing one, here’s what you should do in a dental emergency. What is an emergency A dental emergency is a situation that needs […]
When it comes dental health, teeth often steal the limelight, but beneath these pearly whites, the gums play an integral role. Healthy gums support stable, healthy teeth, and their role in general wellbeing extends far beyond that. Poor gum health is renowned as a contributing factor for a variety of medical conditions, including dementia, heart […]
Your bags are packed, the flights are booked and your passport’s up-to-date and awaiting an array of new international new stamps. But what do you need to consider when it comes to looking after your pearly whites when on holidays or enjoying an extended trip away? Here’s how travel can affect your teeth, and our […]
Of all the cosmetic dental procedures available, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular options for Australians looking to improve their smile. As a result, the market is awash with over-the-counter products ranging from low-grade bleaches to “take-home LED teeth whiteners” claiming to replicate the methods used by professional dentists. At best, over […]
In the past few years, cosmetic injectables have become a popular option for everyday Australians looking to reduce fine lines or improve their appearance. But did you know dentists with additional training are among the professionals qualified to administer these procedures? In fact, dentists are uniquely qualified with years of training in facial anatomy and […]
Whether you missed out on braces in your teens, or your teeth have moved over the years, the good news is it’s never too late to embrace the perfect smile. And more and more Australians are doing so with adult braces. As a result, they are improving their dental health and enjoying increased confidence in […]
Good daily dental hygiene is one of the best habits you can have for healthy teeth, but did you know your diet can also assist in maintaining a great smile? The right foods can lower acidity levels in the mouth, stimulate saliva, help build healthy teeth and gums, and work towards combatting tooth decay and […]
Over the past couple of years sugar has been in the limelight, with a lot of column space dedicated to how it affects health, how common it is in everyday foods and what it’s like to quit sugar entirely. Yet, for a long time even before sugar hijacked the health headlines, we understood that sugar […]
If you’ve noticed your child’s baby teeth have creamy brown or extra-white coloured spots, it could be a sign they have chalky teeth, and it’s important your consult a dentist sooner rather than later. So, what are chalky teeth and what do they mean for your child’s dental health? What are chalky teeth? Estimated to […]
Your baby’s first tooth is an exciting milestone, but teething can also signal a period of increased irritability, discomfort and restlessness in your child. So, what can you do to assist? Here are our top tips for trouble-free teething. When does teething start? Your child’s first tiny tooth is likely to emerge anywhere between four […]
A great smile plays a major role in how we socialise, interact and feel about ourselves, but sometimes even the straightest, whitest, beaming smile can be impacted by excessive gingival display. The good news is a “gummy smile”, as it’s known, can be fixed and often it’s as simple as orthodontics or cosmetic injections. What […]
When you have a series of teeth that are damaged, missing or severely impacted by decay, bridges might be the recommended course of action. Bridges comprise one or multiple false teeth that are designed to replicate the look and function of real teeth. They are affixed to crowns which are placed over healthy existing teeth […]
When it comes to protecting a weakened tooth or restoring a tooth with extensive decay, crowns are one of the most common and effective treatment options available. Crowns help maintain the look and function of natural teeth, while also working to prevent further damage and deterioration. So, what exactly is a crown, how do they […]
For over one million Australians, managing diabetes is part of everyday life. But an often-overlooked side effect is that diabetes can potentially increase your risk of developing oral health conditions. If you’re among the many people with diabetes, here’s what you need to know about diabetes and dental health. How diabetes affects dental health Diabetes […]
Chances are at one stage or another you’ve encountered or personally experienced bad breath. Caused by bacteria that live in the mouth, bad breath (also known as halitosis) is very common, but often preventable using some very simple strategies. Here’s an insight into the best ways to beat bad breath so you can banish it […]
If you find yourself flinching when consuming cold and hot drinks, while eating citrus or when taking a breath of cold air, you might be experiencing sensitive teeth. Estimated to affect one person in nearly half of all Australian households, tooth sensitivity can be a sharp and sudden pain or feel as if your teeth […]
Chances are you think very little about brushing your teeth as you go about this daily part of your routine. But make no mistake there are do’s and don’ts when it comes to brushing your teeth and they all add up over a lifetime of dental health. Here are the top 10 tooth brushing mistakes […]
Taking around 20 years to fully emerge and fill their various positions, teeth play a critical role in the formation of our face and the way we eat, speak and chew. Baby teeth start developing long before we are born, with the first teeth erupting from about six months. Over childhood and into the teens, […]
Between school, socialising and activities, the teen years are all about enjoying a new sense of freedom and independence. But that shouldn’t stand in the way of great dental health. In dental terms, the teen years help set the foundation for habits and dental heath that will serve your child throughout the rest of their […]
If you’re overdue for a dental checkup but the prospect of scheduling an appointment has you feeling a little anxious, you can take comfort in the knowledge you’re not alone. In fact, recent research indicates one in seven Australians has a “high dental fear”. But the reality is, the longer you delay visiting the dentist, […]
Aging effects every area of the body, and the teeth and smile are not immune to its impact. Here’s an insight into what happens to the teeth and jaw as we age, and how you can maintain your smile. Tooth enamel Enamel acts as a protective barrier on the teeth, defending them against acid, plaque […]
Last to arrive and often the ones that cause the most disruption, wisdom teeth signal the end of the oral development era. Emerging as people enter their late teens, these four teeth at the very back of your jaw tend to erupt between the ages of 16 and 20. For some people, wisdom teeth are […]
Whether it’s due to allergies, because you snore or simply just a habit you’ve developed over the years, did you know mouth breathing can contribute to tooth decay and dental problems? So, if you, your partner or your child regularly breathe through your mouth rather than your nose, here’s what you need to know… Mouth […]
Statistics indicate long before people turn to plastic surgery to reduce the signs of aging, they are investigating less invasive options such as anti-wrinkle treatments and cosmetic injectables. Suited to fine lines like crow’s feet, frown lines and smoker’s creases around the mouth, anti-wrinkle treatments can reduce the visible signs of aging for a fraction […]
The new year is the opportunity to instill some good habits for better health and wellbeing in the year ahead. If your teeth or facial appearance is on your list of areas to improve, here are 10 resolutions to improve your smile in 2019. 1) I will brush twice daily Adults and children should brush […]
Did you know almost half the surface area of your teeth lies between them? Which is why flossing should be a non-negotiable part of your daily dental routine. Yet, when it comes to flossing, too many Australians fail to undertake this basic task for a variety of reasons and in doing so risk gum disease, […]
If you suffer swollen or tender gums when brushing, chances are you may have the early stages of gum disease. Estimated to affect half of all adults over the age of 30, untreated gum disease can go on to have major ramifications for your dental health and is the leading cause of tooth loss in […]
Australia’s dental health report card is in, and according to assessors there’s some serious room for improvement. They note the average Australian adult has around 13 decayed, filled or missing teeth, while less than half of all Australians have visited a dentist in the past 12 months. Here’s an insight into the state of Australia’s […]
If you regularly wake in the morning with a headache and sore jaw muscles, chances are you could be among the many people who suffer from bruxism. Estimated to affect half the population at some time, and five per cent on ongoing basis, the condition sees people clench their jaw and grind or gnash their […]
Smiling is one of the most universally recognised facial gestures. Across every continent and culture, it conveys joy, self-confidence and, according to research, the act of smiling even make you happier and healthier. If your smile is just waiting to be seen but you feel self-conscious about its look, here are five ways to improve […]
A bit like the ultimate lottery of life, genetics play a major role in our health, our wellbeing and our physical appearance. And just as genetics may impact the colour of your eyes, the shape of your nose, and whether or not you are prone to allergies, they also impact your teeth. In fact, genetics […]
Often people turn to an orthodontist to improve the appearance of a smile, but the actual benefits of orthodontic treatment extend far beyond aesthetics. Straight teeth and a well-aligned bite can potentially set you up for a lifetime of better dental health, and here’s how… The orthodontic process Although the ultimate outcome of orthodontic treatment […]
Root canal – these are two words that often cause anxiety in dental patients, but that doesn’t have to be the case. A root canal is a relatively standard procedure that helps rid a tooth of infection yet maintains its function and structure. And, courtesy of modern anaesthetics and best dental practice, a root canal […]
Despite the best dental hygiene and commitment to cleaning your teeth, every now and then a visit to your dentist might reveal the need for a filling. Although it may not be the news you want to hear, rest assured fillings are one of the most common procedures undertaken by dentists to fix teeth affected […]
The name may sound a little daunting, but fissure sealants are a common dental procedure that serves the purpose of protecting molars. Most often used for children and teens, they help those big teeth that erupt in little people go the distance a bit longer. Here’s the lowdown on fissure seals, and how and when […]
Made famous by celebrities, veneers can help transform your appearance and increase your confidence by lightening, straightening or restoring your smile. But how do you know if veneers are right for you? Here’s an insight into the technology behind them and just some of the reasons you might consider veneers. What are veneers? Veneers are […]
With the array of over-the-counter teeth whitening products available, it’s tempting to believe this is a DIY job that can be readily undertaken at home. The truth is, professional teeth whitening has a host of benefits over the commonly available methods, not least of which is the professional insight and dentistry expertise that accompanies a […]
Regular dentist visits are an important part of general healthcare, and for children it’s no different. In fact, the Australian Dental Association recommends children should first see a dentist when their first tooth erupts or by the age of 12 months. So how do you prepare your child for the dentist? The first visit If you […]
Teeth might be strong, but they’re not impervious to damage and occasionally that might extend beyond general wear and tear to an actual break or chip. If you’ve broken a tooth or chipped it, here’s what you need to know… How teeth break Although it’s not an everyday occurrence, we see teeth break or chip […]
As tough as teeth are, they are not immune to the wear and tear of life, particularly if that involves regular teeth grinding. Known as bruxism, teeth grinding affects up to half the population at some time, and five per cent of people regularly, with dire consequences for the condition of your teeth. Here’s an […]
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than any cure, but occasionally tooth pain might be the prompt you need to visit the dentist. Whether it’s a dull ache that comes and goes or a sharp pain when eating, here’s what you need to know about tooth pain and why you should visit your […]
They may only have them a few short years, but baby teeth are vital to the development of children’s mouths, eating habits and speech. Meanwhile instilling good dental hygiene in the early years also sets children up for positive dental habits and experiences in the years to come. So let’s look at baby teeth, their […]
The focus might be on the baby bump, but as any mum will tell you pregnancy affects almost every area of the human body including the teeth and gums. In fact, many women are often surprised at the changes which occur in their oral health during and immediately after pregnancy. So, here’s what you need […]
Over the course of a lifetime your teeth have a major role to play in your general wellbeing. They facilitate eating and speech, while their positioning also helps retain the shape of the face and the jaw. Protecting these hardworking teeth against cavities, disease and deterioration all comes down to routine and vigilance. Here our […]
Like any health practitioner, your dentist should be a trusted advisor who works with you to optimise your general health and wellbeing. Meanwhile, a relationship with a good dentist could be one that spans decades, with their services and expertise extending to multiple generations of your family. So how do you go about finding the […]
You might brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly and visit your dentist each year without fail, but did you know there are a wealth of daily habits that could be undoing all this good work? Each day many people unwittingly partake in a host of habits that damage your teeth. From grinding to nail-biting, […]
According to a recent study by the World Health Organization 60 to 90 per cent of school-aged children and nearly 100 per cent of adults globally have dental cavities. It’s a frightening statistic that in many cases could be avoided by good oral hygiene and regular access to a dentist. So, in a bid to […]
Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to spring up in a human mouth. These grow at the backmost part of the gumline of both upper and lower jaw. Erupting wisdom teeth are notorious for bringing severe pain if it becomes impacted, and a dentist may eventually recommend for a wisdom tooth removal. Why Do […]
What is oral piercing? An oral piercing is a small hole in the tongue, lip or cheek so the person can wear jewelry as an expression of style. But it can be dangerous. Risks of oral piercing The mouth is filled with bacteria that can lead to infection and swelling. A swollen tongue can make […]
There are many causes of bad breath. Below are some details on the key reasons, and what you can do to reduce them. Bacteria One of the main causes of bad breath is bacteria. Bacteria is everywhere and we can’t get rid of it especially when there are good types of bacteria that our bodies […]
Tooth sensitivity can affect one or more teeth. It’s most common when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or sour. Sometimes a breath of cold air can set it off. The pain can be sharp and sudden and can shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth. What Causes Sensitive Teeth? You […]
There are several causes of tooth discoloration, including: Foods/drinks. Coffee, tea, colas, wines can stain your teeth. Tobacco use. Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth. Poor dental hygiene. Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash to remove plaque and stain-producing substances like
