Dr. Petrie van der Merwe

02/09/2026

There’s a reason so many of our patient reviews mention our friendly and helpful staff — and today, we’re shining a spotlight on the people behind the scenes who help make that experience possible. 💙

Meet Zim, our Practice Admin Queen! 👑

While Zim plays a big role in keeping our practice running smoothly, the truth is that **all of our staff do some form of admin every day**. From answering calls and managing appointments to assisting patients, keeping records up to date and handling the many little tasks that happen behind the scenes — it truly takes a team effort! 🩵

And we appreciate every single one of you. ❤️

Our patient reviews regularly mention how friendly, caring and helpful our team is, and that means so much to us. Creating a welcoming experience for our patients is something we all take pride in.

Zim, thank you for everything you do, for the care you show our patients, and for being such a treasured part of our practice. And to our entire team — thank you for all the admin, big and small, that keeps our practice moving forward every day. We couldn’t do it without you!

Happy Secretaries’ Day, Zim — and a big thank you to our whole team! 👑✨

01/09/2026

LET YOUR SMILE BLOOM 🌸🦷

Spring is a season of fresh starts — and a great reminder to give your oral health the attention it deserves.

A healthy smile starts with the little things: good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and addressing changes before they become bigger problems.

This spring, make your smile part of your fresh start. ✨

Book a consultation with Dr Petrie van der Merwe.

📍 Somerset West
📞 021 300 1572
📲 Petrie van der Merwe | Maxillo-Facial-and-Oral-Surgeon

26/08/2026

Could your headache be coming from your jaw? 🧠🦷

We often think of headaches as starting in the head — but the jaw can sometimes be part of the story.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain that radiates to the temples, forehead, ears and neck, and may sometimes feel similar to a primary headache disorder.

Clenching, grinding, jaw tension and inflammation can all contribute to discomfort, making it important to look at the bigger picture when headaches keep coming back.

Some signs to look out for:
• Headaches around the temples
• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking or popping when opening your mouth
• Pain when chewing
• Teeth clenching or grinding
• Ear or facial pain

If you're experiencing persistent headaches alongside jaw symptoms, it may be worth having your jaw and TMJ assessed.

Sometimes, finding the source of the pain starts with looking beyond the head.

25/08/2026

ORAL CANCER: KNOW YOUR RISK 🦷

We often associate oral cancer with smoking, but there are other risk factors that are important to know about.

Some may be less obvious, including HPV, alcohol and to***co use, long-term sun exposure to the lips, persistent irritation and genetic susceptibility.

Knowing your risk factors can help you take action early. If you notice a sore that doesn’t heal, a persistent lump, unexplained bleeding, a white or red patch, or any unusual change in your mouth, don’t ignore it.

Early assessment matters.

📍 Somerset West
📞 021 300 1572
📲 Petrie van der Merwe | Maxillo-Facial-and-Oral-Surgeon

20/08/2026

18/08/2026

If you’re tired of soup and yoghurt after oral surgery, why not try something a little more exciting? 🐟✨

This *Sole in Red Wine & Cream* is soft, delicious and easy to eat — while adding a source of *omega-3 fatty acids* to your diet.

🐟 Sole in Red Wine & Cream

*Ingredients*

•⁠ ⁠4 medium soles
•⁠ ⁠Lemon juice
•⁠ ⁠Paprika
•⁠ ⁠Cayenne pepper
•⁠ ⁠125 ml cream
•⁠ ⁠2 tbsp red wine
•⁠ ⁠Salt & pepper to taste

*Method*

1.⁠ ⁠Preheat your oven to *180°C*.
2.⁠ ⁠Lay the soles in a large, flat ovenproof dish.
3.⁠ ⁠Squeeze lemon juice over the fish.
4.⁠ ⁠Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika and cayenne pepper.
5.⁠ ⁠Mix the red wine and cream together.
6.⁠ ⁠Pour the mixture *around the fish, not over it*.
7.⁠ ⁠Leave uncovered and bake for *40 minutes*.

Looking for more delicious, soft-food recipe ideas to enjoy during your recovery? Visit our website for more recipes. 👇 Link in bio.

13/08/2026

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more than just snoring. When breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, it can affect oxygen levels and place additional strain on the body.

OSA is associated with an increased risk of:
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Thinking and memory problems
• Sexual dysfunction

If you or your partner notice loud snoring, pauses in breathing, gasping during sleep or excessive daytime tiredness, it’s worth getting assessed.

Don’t ignore the signs. Book a consultation to find out if OSA could be affecting you.

10/08/2026

Celebrating the women behind healthcare

Today, as South Africa observes the Women’s Day public holiday, we honour the remarkable women who make a difference every day.

To the women in our practice — your dedication, compassion and strength are at the heart of what we do.

To the women in oral and maxillofacial surgery, breaking barriers and leading with skill and confidence — we celebrate you.

To the nurses who care, comfort and support patients through some of their most vulnerable moments — thank you.

And to the wives and mothers who balance careers, families and countless responsibilities, often putting others first — your strength does not go unnoticed.

Behind every successful practice, strong women lead the way. 💙

Today, we celebrate you — your courage, resilience, compassion and the many ways you make a difference.

Happy Women’s Day from Dr Petrie van der Merwe and our team. 🌷

06/08/2026

A quick check can change a patient's outcome.

Many oral and jaw lesions are benign, but recognising the right warning signs early can make all the difference. If you identify an incidental cyst or tumour on imaging, a lesion that hasn't healed within 2–3 weeks, or suspicious radiographic features, consider early referral.

I work closely with dentists, doctors and healthcare professionals to provide timely diagnosis, collaborative treatment planning and comprehensive oral & maxillofacial care.

If you'd like to discuss a case or imaging before referring, you're always welcome to get in touch.

03/08/2026

Not every lump or growth in the mouth is cancer.

Many conditions affecting the mouth and jaw are completely benign (non-cancerous). Because the jaw is the only bone in the body that supports teeth, it can develop unique tooth-related cysts and tumours that don’t occur elsewhere.

While many of these conditions are harmless, they still deserve the correct diagnosis. Treatment depends on the type, size and behaviour of the lesion, and may range from a straightforward procedure to more advanced surgery when needed.

The good news? Early assessment often leads to simpler treatment and better outcomes.

If you or your dentist notices something unusual, don’t ignore it. Having it assessed by an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon can provide clarity and ensure you receive the most appropriate care.

📍 Somerset West

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