Smile Design Studio, Morningside, Gauteng, South Africa

07/12/2023

25/10/2023

GET YOUR TEETH WHITENED FOR A TRULY WHITE CHRISTMAS
Before you jump into holiday season, think about scheduling a teeth whitening treatment.
White teeth aren't just aesthetically pleasing, they can also give you a major confidence boost.
Ant that's reason enough to show off your pearly whites on holiday pictures.😁

16/08/2023

In the old "Wild West" - Oral Hygiene Consisted of Plyers and Whiskey
The lack of essential dental care resources meant oral hygiene took a backseat to survival, and ​a pristine smile was a rare gem. Toothbrushes were a luxury, and brushing was an afterthought for many. But it gets worse. When faced with dental issues like cavities or root canals, the remedies were far from sophisticated. Brace yourself, as the favored method was simply barbers or even blacksmiths acting as makeshift dentists and extracting the offending tooth with plyers!
And while numbing the pain was a priority, the only solace came in the form of a stiff gulp of whiskey.
Anyone want to try that kind of anaesthesia

10/02/2023

Have a happy weekend everyone. Stay dry and keep warm.

17/06/2022

Best Dental Quotes
It is so important to brush your teeth to look after your winning smile! Smiling is good for your health and these dental quotes are a wonderful motivation to remember that they are your teeth, no dentist can clean them better than you!

1. “A dentist at work in his vocation always looks down in the mouth.”
– George D Prentice.

2. “Every tooth in a man's head is more valuable than a diamond.”
- Miguel de Cervantes.

3. “The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth.”
- Thomas Fuller.

4. “For there was never yet a philosopher that could endure the toothache patiently.”
— William Shakespeare, ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.

5. “I like it when my mother smiles. I especially like it when I make her smile.”
- Adriana Trigiani.

6. “Blessed are those who can hold lively conversations with the helplessly mute, for they shall be called dentists.”
– Ann Landers.

7. “A smile remains the most inexpensive gift...”
– Og Mandino.

8. “I didn't want to be an actress. I wanted to be a dentist, but you never know what life will bring you.”
- Sofia Vergara.

9. “Some old women and men grow bitter with age; the more their teeth drop out, the more biting they get.”
- George D Prentice.

10. “I was created to create beautiful smiles.”
― Mosman Dental Clinic.

11. “But I often think if I had had my dental work done early on, well, maybe.”
- Morgan Freeman.

12. “There is no weaponry in the feminine armoury to which men are so vulnerable as they are to a smile.”
– Dorothy Dix.

13. “If you’ve put a smile on someone’s face today, you’ve done more good than you know.”
- Richelle E. Goodrich.

14. “When I was in sixth grade… I wrote my first sketch, 'The Dentist.' I played the dentist... what can go wrong at the dentist…”
– Trey Parker.

15. “In diagnosis, think of the easy first.”
- Martin H Fischer.

16. “A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew.”
- Herb Caen.

17. “If Alien was my friend, I'd like to be with him when he went to the dentist…”
- Jack Handy.

18. “She laughs at everything you say. Why? Because she has fine teeth.”
– Benjamin Franklin.

19. “I always notice a person's smile. I'm a dental hygienist.”
- Winifred Hervey.

20. “Good dental care doesn't make you a good student, but if your tooth hurts, it's hard to be a good student.”
– Geoffrey Canada.

06/05/2022

SOME WEEKEND TOOTH-INFO:

What is a cracked tooth?
A cracked tooth is a tooth that has become broken.

Do all teeth crack in the same way?
No. Teeth can crack in several different ways:

Cracked tooth: This is when a crack runs from the biting surface of the tooth down towards the root. Sometimes it goes below the gum line and into the root. A cracked tooth is not split into two parts but the soft, inner tissue of the tooth is usually damaged.
Craze lines: These are tiny cracks that affect only the outer enamel of the tooth. They are common in all adult teeth and cause no pain. Craze lines need no treatment.
Cracked cusp: The cusp is the pointed part of the biting surface of the tooth. If a cusp becomes damaged, the tooth may break. You will usually get a sharp pain in that tooth when biting.
Split tooth: This is often the result of an untreated cracked tooth. The tooth splits into two parts. Vertical root fractures are cracks that start in the root and go up towards the biting surface.

Why do teeth crack?
Many things can cause teeth to crack, such as:

Extreme tooth grinding, which can put the teeth under enormous pressure.
Large fillings that weaken the tooth.
Chewing or biting on something hard: for example ice, boiled sweets, fruit stones or meat bones.
A blow to the chin or lower jaw.
Gum disease, if there has been bone loss. This could make the teeth more likely to suffer from root fractures.
Sudden changes in mouth temperature.

How can I tell if I have a cracked tooth?
The signs can be difficult to spot and the symptoms will vary. You may get pain from time to time when you are chewing, especially when you release the biting pressure. Extreme temperatures, especially cold, may cause discomfort. Or you may be sensitive to sweetness, but with no signs of decay. A small area of the gum near the affected tooth may swell.

Why don't cracks show up on a dental x-ray?
Unfortunately, dental x-rays sometimes don't show up the cracked tooth. This is because the x-ray beam must be parallel to the crack before it can pe*****te it.

However, sometimes other signs of a crack may show up. With a vertical root fracture, if the crack has been there long enough, vertical bone loss near to the root can be seen. Your dentist may use a bright light or a magnifying glass to find the crack. They may also use a special dye to follow the course of the crack.

Will I need to have treatment?
Yes. It is important to get advice as soon as possible to help the treatment be more effective. If they are not treated, cracked teeth can lead to the death of the nerve, and an abscess might grow. The tooth could need root canal treatment or even taking out. In severe cases the tooth can actually split in two. If this happens your dentist will not be able to save the tooth and it will need to be taken out.

Will I lose my tooth?
In some cases the tooth may need to be taken out, but not always. So it is important to get advice as soon as possible.

How are cracked teeth fixed?
The type of treatment depends on the amount of damage to the tooth. Ask your dental team what is the best treatment for you:

Bonding: This is when a plastic resin is used to fill the crack. It can easily repair a small chip off the biting edge of the tooth. Bonding can restore the shape of the tooth.
Cosmetic contouring: This is done when the chip is very small. The rough edges of the tooth are rounded and polished to blend away the crack.
Crowns: A crown fits over what is left of the tooth, making it strong and giving it the appearance of a natural tooth. If the nerve has been damaged and becomes infected you may need to have root canal treatment first. This involves removing all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infections. The tooth would then be fitted with a crown to give it extra support.
After treatment for a cracked tooth, will my tooth completely heal?
Unlike broken bones, the crack in a tooth will never heal completely. After treatment, a crack may get worse and you could still lose the tooth. It is still important that you get treatment, because most cracked teeth can work normally for years after treatment. Your dental team will be able to tell you more about your particular problem and recommend a treatment.

Can I stop my teeth cracking?
Not altogether, but there are some precautions you can take:

Wear a mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night, have a night-guard made to protect your teeth. If you play sports, wear a custom-made mouthguard.
Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects.

19/04/2022

Easter dental tips to help you maintain oral hygiene with the temptations of delicious chocolate eggs. It is almost impossible to keep away from sweet treats when it seems that everywhere you look there are mouth-watering chocolate eggs.
The truth is that eating chocolate in moderation is healthy, but during Easter everyone tends to consume an overload of lollies and chocolate. Sugar is the top cause of food decay. During this season do not forget about your oral health.

Here are a few Easter dental tips to help you maintain oral hygiene during this time.

Avoid continuous consumption
Aim to enjoy your treats only during meal time. During meal time your mouth is already producing saliva and the saliva will do a much better job of fighting off acid attack from the sugar. This is because saliva usually neutralizes acids, washes away food bits and repairs the early effects tooth decay by remineralizing tooth enamel.

Drink tap water
Every time you eat a sugary treat make sure you drink a glass of water. Water will wash away the left over sugars that would otherwise turn into acid that causes tooth decay.
A dry mouth creates a conducive environment for bacteria, drinking water aids in re-hydration and increases saliva flow. The enzymes in saliva usually neutralizes the acid and returning pH of the mouth to neutral. Chewing sugar free gum also assists in saliva production.

Wait to brush
After eating all that sugar acid will accumulate in your mouth. With all that acid in the mouth it is a good idea to wait for about an hour or 30 minutes before you brush your teeth. The duration you wait all depends on how much water you took to neutralize the acid in the mouth. Even though the enamel is strong, brushing with all that acid in your mouth can easily wear away more enamel.

Brush your teeth twice a day
There is no better time to reinforce the importance of daily brushing in your home than Easter. Brush in the morning after you had breakfast and before you sleep. Remember to wait the right amount of time after you had sugary treats. Do not forget to floss.

Moderation
Moderation is key. Do not deprive yourself of sweet treats but do not overdo it. Choose small portions and share with others. By doing so you have fewer sweets at your disposal. Also choose your candies, not all candies are the same.
Dark chocolate is the best option. Choose sugar free candies and avoid chewy or hard candies.

Easter and candy go hand in hand. However by making smarter choices you keep your teeth and those of your family healthy before your next visit to the family dentist.

Hoping a Good Easter was had by all!

30/03/2022

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BAD BREATH:

How can I tell if I have bad breath?
Lots of small signs can show that you have bad breath. Have you noticed people stepping away from you when you start to talk? Do people turn their cheek when you kiss them goodbye?

If you think you might have bad breath, there is a simple test that you can do. Just lick the inside of your wrist and sniff - if the smell is bad, you can be fairly sure that your breath is too.

What causes bad breath?
Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth, gums and tongue. Also, bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue, and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. Strong foods like garlic, coffee and onions can add to the problem. So, it is very important to brush your teeth correctly and regularly. This will help keep your breath smelling fresh.

The bacteria on our teeth and gums (called ‘plaque') also cause gum disease and tooth decay. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Again, your dental team will be able to see and treat the problem during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are found, the more effective the treatment will be.

What else causes bad breath?
Bad breath can also be caused by some medical problems. 'Dry mouth' (xerostomia) is a condition that means your mouth produces less saliva. This causes bacteria to build up in your mouth and this leads to bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by some medicines, by salivary gland problems or by continually breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. Older people may produce less saliva, causing further problems.

If you suffer from dry mouth, your Dentist may be able to recommend or prescribe an artificial saliva product. Or they may be able to suggest other ways of dealing with the problem.

Can other medical conditions cause bad breath?
Other medical conditions that cause bad breath include infections in the throat, nose or lungs; sinusitis; bronchitis; diabetes; or liver or kidney problems. If your Dentist finds that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family GP or a specialist to find out the cause of your bad breath.

Can smoking cause bad breath?
To***co causes its own type of bad breath. The only answer in this case is to stop smoking. As well as making your breath smell, smoking causes staining and loss of taste, and irritates the gums. People who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease. Ask your Dentist, pharmacist or healthcare professional for help with stopping smoking. If you do stop smoking, but still have bad breath, then you need to see your Dentist for advice.

How can my Dentist help?
If you do have bad breath, you will need to start a routine for keeping your mouth clean and fresh. Regular check-ups will allow your Dentist to watch out for any places where plaque is caught between your teeth. Your dental team will be able to clean all those areas that are difficult to reach. They will also be able to show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and show you any areas you may be missing, including your tongue.

Can I prevent bad breath?
To keep your breath fresh, you must get rid of any gum disease, and keep your mouth clean and fresh. If you do have bad breath, try keeping a diary of all the foods you eat and list any medicines you are taking. Take this diary to your Dentist, who may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem.

Brush your teeth and gums last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with toothpaste.
Don't forget to brush your tongue as well, or use a tongue scraper. Cut down on how often you have sugary food and drinks.
Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.
Clean in between your teeth with ‘interdental' brushes or floss at least once a day - brushing alone only cleans up to about 60 percent of the surface of your teeth. There are other products you can buy to clean between your teeth.
Use a mouthwash - some contain antibacterial agents that could kill bacteria that make your breath smell unpleasant.
If you continue to suffer from bad breath visit your Dentist to make sure that the mouthwash is not covering up a more serious underlying problem. Chew sugar-free gum - it helps your mouth produce saliva and stops it drying out. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath.

Will mouthwash help?
You should not use a mouthwash just to disguise bad breath. So, if you find that you are using a mouthwash all the time, talk to your Dentist. There are many mouthwashes that are specially formulated to help prevent bad breath and gum disease. Some mouthwashes recommended for gum disease, can cause tooth staining if you use them for a long time. It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions or ask how to use them.

How can I prevent bad breath if I wear dentures?
It is just as important to clean dentures as it is to clean your natural teeth. Bits of food can become caught around the edges of dentures and clasps, and the food can rot if you do not clean them thoroughly.

You should keep a separate toothbrush for cleaning your dentures. The general rule is: brush, soak and brush again. Clean your dentures over a bowl of water in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking them, to help remove any bits of food.

Soak the dentures in a specialist cleaner for a short time and then brush the dentures again. Brush them like you would brush your natural teeth.

Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which fits against your gums. If you notice a build-up of stains or scale, have your dentures cleaned by your dental team. Most dentists still recommend a small- to medium-head toothbrush, or a specialized denture brush if you can get one.

15/12/2021

It's Holiday time - enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!
Be safe on the roads and we look forward to seeing you in the new year.
We re-open on 10 January 2022.