Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop a toothache at home?
Home remedies can ease a toothache, but they won’t fix the cause — tooth pain is a sign something needs treating. Rinse with warm salt water, hold a cold pack against your cheek, avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods, and sleep with your head slightly elevated. For pain relief, follow the directions on the packet or ask your pharmacist. Book an appointment as soon as possible, even if the pain settles
Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of inflammation caused by plaque build-up along the gumline — the early stage of gum disease. The good news is that early gum inflammation is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. If your gums bleed regularly, book a check-up so we can assess it before it progresses.
What is the safest way to whiten my teeth?
The safest and most effective option is a take-home whitening kit provided by your dentist. Custom-fitted trays are made from moulds of your teeth, so the whitening gel stays where it should and doesn’t irritate your gums. Your dentist also checks first that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to whiten. Over-the-counter and salon treatments can’t offer either of these safeguards.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?
Both can clean teeth effectively — technique matters more than the brush itself. Electric brushes suit people who tend to rush, brush too hard, or have limited dexterity, since they do the motion for you and often include a built-in timer. A manual brush works well when used correctly for two minutes, twice a day, with a soft head and gentle pressure. Ask us to review your technique at your next visit.
Are root canals necessary, and do they hurt?
Root canal treatment is only recommended when your dentist diagnoses a problem with the nerve inside the tooth — usually infection or irreversible damage. It’s what allows us to save a tooth that would otherwise need removing. With modern anaesthetic and techniques, most patients find the procedure comfortable, and it typically relieves the pain they arrived with.
Are veneers safe, and how long do they last?
Veneers are a well-established treatment with a long track record. Most last around 7–12 years, though this varies with the material used, how much natural tooth is involved, and how well you look after them. Grinding your teeth, biting hard objects, and skipping check-ups all shorten their lifespan. Your dentist will assess whether veneers are suitable for your teeth before recommending them.
When is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
The ideal time is once your dentist has identified a problem developing, but before it becomes painful. Removing a wisdom tooth early — while the roots are less developed and there’s no active infection — usually means a simpler procedure and a smoother recovery. Not every wisdom tooth needs removing, which is why we monitor them with regular X-rays rather than acting automatically.
How do dental implants work?
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth in two parts. First, a small titanium screw is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over several months to form a stable foundation. A custom ceramic crown is then fitted on top, matched to your surrounding teeth. Titanium is used because it’s biocompatible, so the body accepts it as part of the bone.
Do I still need to floss if I use mouthwash?
Yes. The three do different jobs: brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing removes plaque from between them and just below the gumline, and mouthwash rinses the whole mouth. Mouthwash can’t physically dislodge plaque from between teeth, which is exactly where gum disease and decay tend to start. Floss or interdental brushes once a day, every day.
Should you rinse your mouth after brushing?
No — try not to. Rinsing with water immediately after brushing washes away the concentrated fluoride left by your toothpaste, which is what strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay. Instead, spit out the excess and leave it. Avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes afterwards. It’s a small change that makes your toothpaste noticeably more effective.
