• Have a chat with our dental staff about ways to cope with dental stress.

• Ask lots of questions as fear of the unknown can fuel anxiety.

• Choose a time when you’re less anxious, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before appointments.

• Take a stress ball and squeeze regularly as you’ll feel 18% less anxious.

• Use earbuds and music as a distraction device.

• Consider pre-treatment calming medication or happy gas.

Saliva is nature’s miracle in the mouth. It stops foods from sticking, buffers acids and delivers minerals to the teeth.

It also catches germs in a net of mucin and protects us from pain.

Saliva contains a morphine-like painkiller called opiorphin.

Opiorphin is secreted in the mouth when we chew to protect us from sensitivity.

For your baby fussing over erupting teeth jabbing the gums from underneath, a teething ring to stimulate saliva may be the best option.

• Wash your hands before taking the aligner trays in or out

• Change your aligners on time

• Use your smartphone to remind you to replace your aligners after eating

• Take a selfie every time that you change your aligners so you can see the changes in your smile

• Resist snacking or drinking things that stain the teeth or aligners

• Follow the white smile diet

A dry mouth is dangerous because the mouth becomes acidic and the harmful germs thrive.

Acids dissolve the protein pellicle layer on the teeth, making it easier for stains to stick.

That includes coffees, teas and just about anything that would stain a white shirt.

It also means that your lipstick sticks more easily to your teeth so here’s what you can do:
• Drink plenty of water even if you’re not thirsty and rinse frequently
• Apply lipstick with a lip brush then blot your lips with tissue
• Use a straw when drinking sweetened liquids or liquids that stain

Do you find scale quickly builds up inside your bottom front teeth?

Scale acts like a coral reef hotel for germs which can cause gum disease.

Why not try something different - use a dry brush to clean the inside of the bottom front teeth first.

You’ll brush longer because you’re not drooling toothpaste everywhere and the flavour doesn’t distract your tastebuds.

As well, your tongue can really feel if the teeth are clean.

Then brush your whole mouth with toothpaste for a mini-fluoride treatment.

Xylitol is a natural plant sweetener which is added to sweeten some gums, mints and lollies.

You can also buy it as a sweetener to add to coffee or tea.

Xylitol reduces bad bacteria, makes plaque less sticky, blocks acid production and promotes healthy bacteria.

It’s perfect for promoting healthy gums, teeth and breath if chewed or sucked after eating or drinking.

You can find Xylitol online or at health food shops.

Dehydration and a dry mouth lead to an increase in tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and acid erosion.

Saliva helps protect the mouth by flushing food particles, neutralising acids and delivering minerals to the teeth.

I recommend that you sip a cup of hot tap water upon rising in the morning to kickstart the saliva glands which are least active at night.

Swish each mouthful around the mouth and through the teeth then swallow.
It’s a simple idea and life is amazingly good when it’s simple.

Probiotics are the good germs that hang out in the digestive system to protect us against harmful germs.

Found in foods such as yogurt, they are recommended by health practitioners to ensure a healthy gut.

Dental probiotics and gut probiotics share a common goal which is to promote good bacteria.

American dentists and hygienists are now recommending dental probiotics to promote healthy bacterial balance in the mouth.

Dental probiotic tablets are taken twice a day for 10 days after a professional cleaning appointment then once a day thereafter.

Time-poor folks struggle to balance work, family, social commitments and finding time to clean their teeth in the bathroom.

Some prefer to floss at the computer, in front of the television or while riding the exercise bike.

Others use a power toothbrush in the shower and tiny brushes between teeth instead of floss.

They use fluoride toothpaste when they can brush and fluoride mouthwash when they can’t.

It’s time to think outside the square and work smarter to keep your beautiful smile in tip-top shape no matter where you are.

So which is more important - morning or night? Both are, actually.

Very little saliva is produced as we sleep at night to trap the germs so it’s party time in the mouth.

Just think of it as schoolies’ week in your mouth every night.

When we clean before bed, we reduce the number of party-goers while brushing in the morning is like cleaning up after the big event.

So don’t rush your brush and turn schoolies’ week into a safe night’s sleep.