Comprehensive dental care for everyone in the family
At Welcome Dental, we offer a full range of dental services to support your health, comfort, and confidence — whether you’re visiting us in Coffs Harbour or Urunga. From regular check-ups to advanced treatments, our caring team is here to make every step feel simple, personal, and stress-free.
PREVENTIVE DENTAL
Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are the best way to stay on top of your oral health and catch any issues early — before they become bigger problems. At Welcome Dental, our check-ups are gentle, thorough, and tailored to your needs. We’ll examine your teeth and gums, answer any questions you have, and give you clear, honest advice about your oral health. It’s all about prevention, peace of mind, and keeping your smile in great shape for the long term.
Dental Cleans
A professional clean is one of the easiest ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. At Welcome Dental, we gently remove plaque, tartar and surface stains to help prevent gum disease, freshen your breath, and leave your smile feeling fresh and polished. Regular cleans also give us the chance to catch any issues early — before they become bigger problems. During your oral hygiene appointment you will receive a professional clean where your hygienist will assess gum health and aim at removing all of the plaque and calculus from around your teeth and gum line. Sometimes there may be multiple visits if the time in between clean has been a while and/or if there is gum disease present, which is painless. This aims at reducing the gum inflammation which helps us to remove all deeper areas of calculus that may be hiding underneath so the progression of gum disease is stabilised.
Why are professional cleans important?
More than 500 species of bacteria have been detected in the human mouth. Within these species there are a mix of good bacteria, neutral bacteria, and harmful bacteria.
Harmful bacteria feed on sugars (complex carbohydrates) in the food you eat to produce dental plaque. Dental plaque is a sticky, colourless film that forms on the surface of your teeth and can give you that “fuzzy/furry” feeling. If plaque is not thoroughly removed by brushing and flossing it will accumulate.
When plaque accumulates, it calcifies (hardens) and turns into calculus (tartar). Calculus also traps stains on your teeth and is often a brown or yellow colour. Calculus is so strongly bonded to the teeth that the only way to remove it is using special dental tools. You will not be able to remove it yourself at home.
If not removed from the teeth, calculus can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and periodontitis.
Airflow Cleaning
Airflow is a gentle yet powerful cleaning technology that uses a mix of warm water, air, and a fine antibacterial powder to remove plaque, stains, and bacteria — even in hard-to-reach places. It’s perfect for a deep, comfortable clean that leaves your mouth feeling fresh, and is ideal for patients with sensitive teeth or those wearing braces.
Click here to watch how Airflow works.
Periodontal Treatment
By age 65 over 50% of Australian’s have gum disease to some degree. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common cause of bad breath, tooth sensitivity, loose and lost teeth, and the appearance of looking ‘long in the tooth’
Back in the day when most people never brushed their teeth, their teeth would regularly just start falling out, often by age 40 or so. Nowadays it still happens. Occasionally we see people lose teeth doing simple things like sneezing though most of the time, if caught early enough it is nearly entirely preventable.
Gum disease usually starts off as gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by a build-up of bacteria on the teeth due to poor tooth cleaning habits. Dentists refer to this build up as ‘plaque’. Gingivitis is reversible if plaque removal is effective. The plaque irritates the gums causing them to become swollen, red and bleed easily. Certain bacteria in the plaque cause the outer surface to calcify on the teeth like cement, pretty much in the same way a coral reef forms. This is called tartar or calculus and is what your dental hygienist cleans away for you. If left unchecked gingivitis will sometimes progress to gum disease.
Gum disease develops when a persons body reacts to the inflamed gums by eating away the bone that supports the teeth. Mostly it happens quite slowly but in some people, it can be very aggressive. Unfortunately, it is not reversible, but in nearly every case it is possible to stabilise it. It is important for your dental practitioner to check your teeth and gums regularly, take regular x-rays and record any bone loss affecting your teeth as this how they can tell if the process is stable or if it is getting worse and when and how to intervene to stabilise it. Recent studies have found gum disease and even just long-term gingivitis to be linked to heart disease, dementia and even certain cancers. Whether they are risk factor or just indicators of risk remains to be seen but the link appears to lie in the individual’s genetic make-up and way their body responds to inflammation.
Your dentist will recommend how to help control the disease, it is important to follow the recommendations and to monitor the condition.
Things that can contribute to periodontal disease:
• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Genetics
• Some medications
Things to look out for:
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Red and swollen gums
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Tooth loss
• Loose teeth or teeth that are starting to move
It is important to visit the dentist if you are experiencing any of the above signs, they may refer you to a hygienist for a clean and in some instances you may be referred to a specialist periodontist for care.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits:
• Brush twice a day 2 minutes at a time
• Floss daily
• Eat low sugar foods and drinks
• Drink plenty of water
• Visit the dentist at least every year but it is recommended every 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up?
It is recommended to visit your dentist every six months for a regular check-up and cleaning. However, some people with higher risk factors for dental problems might need to visit more often. Your dentist will advise you on the best schedule based on your oral health.
2. Should I come to the dentist even if I have dentures?
Even if you have full dentures, regular dental visits are still important, usually only once a year. Your dentist will check the fit of your dentures, look for any signs of irritation or infection, and examine your gums, tongue, and overall oral health. Plus, they’ll screen for things like oral cancer — which can affect anyone, denture-wearer or not.
Attending 6 monthly is especially important if you have partial dentures as we need to make sure the supporting teeth remain as healthy as possible.
3. Why is professional cleaning important if I already brush and floss?
Even with excellent home care, plaque can harden into tartar in areas that are hard to reach. Professional cleanings by a dental hygienist or oral health therapist remove tartar buildup and surface stains, preventing gum disease and tooth decay. It also helps keep your breath fresh and your smile bright.
4.What is Airflow dental cleaning?
Airflow uses a combination of air, water, and fine powder to gently remove plaque, stains, and biofilm from teeth, offering a more comfortable clean.
5.How is Airflow different from traditional scaling?
Traditional scaling uses manual or ultrasonic tools to remove tartar, while Airflow focuses on polishing and stain removal, often reaching areas that tools can’t.
6. How often should I get professional dental cleaning?
Usually every six months, but your dentist might recommend more frequent cleanings depending on your oral health.
COSMETIC DENTAL
Teeth may darken due to pigments that may be incorporated into the teeth due to smoking, coffee and tea, alcohol and food additives. Some natural discolouration may occur due to with aging and following trauma. Tooth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment used to lighten the colour of teeth to give a fresher looking smile. How long it lasts depends on continued avoidance of highly pigmented foods and avoiding smoking.
Tooth whitening is usually done either at home using special trays custom made to fit your mouth (this can take days or weeks depending on your teeth) or by Zoom whitening at the dental office (a 90 minute session). It is a safe and quick way to improve your smile and is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. It is often done prior to other aesthetic work so that the subsequent work can be done at a shade you are happy with.
It is important to note that different types of tooth whitening are suitable for different people and not everyone is a good candidate. Your dentist, hygienist or oral health therapist will be able to advise whether you are a good candidate. Sensitivity needs to be considered as in some cases it may be exacerbated by whitening (temporarily). Decay and abrasion, abfraction and erosion lesions will need to be addressed and calculus should be removed prior to commencing.
Zoom Whitening
If you want fast results then in chair whitening with Zoom might be an option for you.
Zoom whitening uses whitening gel, that is activated by an ultraviolet light to achieve results. There will be a post treatment gel applied and you will also receive customised whitening trays and a take home whitening kit so that you can maintain your shade at a later date.
Take-home Whitening
This enables you to whiten and top up your whitening to whiten in your own time at your own pace. If you wish to proceed this way and you are a good candidate, then your dentist will make you customised mouth trays that closely fit the teeth for safe and effective results. They will also discuss the best percentage of whitening gel, provide instructions and answer any questions you may have. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions to ensure best results and to maintain your oral health.
Veneers
Veneers are added to the front of the tooth. They are used because of discolouration, misalignment, chips, to reduce gaps, worn teeth or cracks. The natural tooth may be shaved so that when the extra layer is added the tooth remains in a nice line with the other teeth. They are matched to the natural shade of your teeth.
Composite Veneers
Multiple layers are added to the front of the tooth and light cured. The colour is matched to the natural shade.
Porcelain Veneers
These are custom made in a laboratory from porcelain or other ceramic material. The porcelain is bonded to the tooth surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Zoom whitening?
Zoom whitening is an in-office teeth whitening treatment that uses a special light to accelerate the bleaching process for quick results.
2. Is Zoom whitening safe for my teeth and gums?
When done by dental professionals, Zoom whitening is safe, though some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity.
3. How long do the whitening results last?
Results can last from several months to a few years, depending on lifestyle habits like smoking or drinking staining beverages.
ORTHODONTICS
Some reasons that you may consider orthodontics include; crooked teeth, gappy teeth, an underbite or overbite, buck teeth or crowded teeth. Orthodontics is a system of using removable plates, braces or other fixed appliances or clear aligners to apply pressure to your teeth to move them appropriately.
Children
6 monthly dental check ups are ideal to start by 2 years of age and are especially important for children from time they lose their first baby tooth. The dentist will check that teeth are coming through symmetrically in the child’s mouth and in the correct sequence. Some orthodontic problems can be avoided completely with early detection and correct management of potential issues. Small orthodontic problems can be come much larger problems if not addressed in a timely fashion. Detection of bigger problems early allows parents to plan financially for later treatment,
Teenagers
Many orthodontic conditions are best addressed during active growth or as the 12 year old molars are erupting so the early teenage years are a common time to start orthodontic treatment.
Adults
It is not uncommon for adults to want to move their teeth to help get to the smile they have always wanted! Many adults choose Invisalign rather than braces as they are less obvious
Braces
Dental braces are orthodontic appliances used to align and straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve overall dental health. They consist of brackets, wires, and bands, which work together to apply gentle, consistent pressure, gradually moving teeth into the desired position. Braces are an effective treatment for various dental problems, including crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps, and misaligned bites.
Types of braces include:
- Traditional metal braces; metal brackets and wires and your choice of coloured bands
- Ceramic braces; tooth coloured braces
If you want fast results then in chair whitening with Zoom might be an option for you.
Zoom whitening uses whitening gel, that is activated by an ultraviolet light to achieve results. There will be a post treatment gel applied and you will also receive customised whitening trays and a take home whitening kit so that you can maintain your shade at a later date.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that are worn over a period of time and changed when instructed by your dentist.
You will require a consult with the dentist before commencing this treatment. When they take a scan of your mouth with the Itero scanner, you will be able to see the changes that are made through using Invisalign and what your smile will look like at the end. Your aligners will then be custom made. You will need to have regular visits with the dentist and ensure that you are maintaining your oral health and assess that your teeth are moving as planned.
Depending on your case, Invisalign can start to see changes within 6 months. Most people will have Invisalign for 18-24 months until the end result.
The best thing about Invisalign is there are no wires, or brackets, this means you can continue eating all of your favourite foods and there are no changes to your brushing habits.
Angel Aligners
Angel Aligners are a clear, comfortable, and highly effective orthodontic option designed to straighten your teeth with minimal disruption to your daily life. Similar to Invisalign, they use a series of transparent, custom-fitted trays that gradually guide your teeth into alignment. Angel Aligners are known for their precision and comfort, making them a great choice for patients who want a virtually invisible way to improve their smile — with the added benefit of affordability and advanced treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do braces work to straighten teeth?
Braces use brackets and wires to apply gentle, constant pressure that gradually moves teeth into the correct position.
2. How long does orthodontic treatment with braces typically last?
Treatment usually lasts between 12 to 36 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
3. Why do my teeth feel sensitive when I eat?
While your teeth are moving, they may feel a bit tender or sensitive to temperature or pressure. This is normal and usually goes away within a few days or weeks. Stick to softer foods if needed — and avoid extremes like very hot coffee or icy treats at first.
4. How often should I brush my teeth with braces?
With braces, it’s best to brush at least three times a day — after every meal and before bed. Food can easily get stuck around the brackets and wires, so frequent brushing helps prevent plaque buildup, staining, and cavities.
5. What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, removable trays.
6. How often do I wear Invisalign aligners?
For best results, aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day and changed every 1-2 weeks as instructed by your dentist.
7. Do I need to brush my teeth more often with Invisalign?
Yes! Since you’re wearing aligners most of the day, it’s important to brush after every meal or snack before putting them back in. This helps prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped between your teeth and aligners — and keeps your trays clear and odour-free.
8. Can I eat while wearing my Invisalign aligners?
Nope — always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything (except plain water). Eating with them in can damage or stain the trays and affect how well they fit. The good news? No food restrictions once they’re out!
RESTORATIVE DENTAL
Fillings
Teeth may require ‘fillings’ or ‘restorations’ for a number of reasons. These include, decay, trauma, grinding (bruxism) or to protect and seal teeth after root canal therapy. Sometimes we have to rebuild teeth that have been etched away by acids. Fillings are used to reduce further wear and tear or loss of tooth structure.
Cavities that require filling may become evident due to;
- Tooth ache or tooth pain ( which may be intermittent or constant)
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- feeling or seeing a hole
- Floss tearing between teeth
- Discolouration or grey shadowing
- Decay on an x-ray
The most common form of filling used is a tooth coloured composite resin. Sometimes we use glass ionomer cements. Rarely silver amalgam fillings may be indicated and maybe an option. Porcelain and zirconia inlay/onlays may also be appropriate. The composite resin is matched to the shade of your natural teeth. If you do opt for a porcelain inlay/onlay then this is also matched to your natural shade, however the costs are substantially higher as this is a lab made product and requires two visits (these are similar to a veneer).
Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants. They are generally are a longer term solution than simple fillings and are usually only used when a lot of tooth structure has already been lost.
Crowns
A crown is like a shell that goes over your tooth and helps to hold it together. Crowns are commonly made from porcelain or other ceramic or zirconia and can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth. Sometimes other materials can be used such as metal alloy, gold or resin.
Crowns may be recommended for;
- heavily filled teeth
- cracked teeth
- damaged or imperfectly formed tooth structure
- improving shape, alignment or appearance of teeth
- the final stage of an implant
- protecting a root canal treated tooth
- anchoring a bridge
Bridges
Bridges are a fixed solution to missing teeth. When you have one or more teeth missing, a bridge might be the ideal solution.
Bridges are basically one or more false teeth attached to crowned teeth or implants. They usually made from porcelain or zirconia fused to metal or gold. Porcelain is matched to your tooth shade.
As well as filling a gap between two teeth, bridges help prevent the teeth surrounding and opposite the gap from tipping or growing into it.
Dental Implants
Implants are used to replace unrestorable or missing teeth. They are usually titanium screws that integrate into the jawbone (where the existing tooth root used to be) and are considered permanent structures with an average life expectancy of 27 years. If crowned they can be made to look like natural teeth. Implants may also be used to hold bridges and removable dentures in place.
Dental Implants are not suitable for everyone and you will require a consultation and a special type of x-ray prior to finding out if you are a good candidate.
Implants are generally not appropriate if you –
- Have gum disease
- Suffer conditions which affect bone healing or if you smoke.
- Have an inadequate jawbone to support the implant.
- Are not prepared to maintain excellent oral hygiene and return for professional cleaning
- Or take certain medications for osteoporosis
Like any surgery, complications occasionally arise and include-
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Sinus problems
- Injury or damage to surrounding teeth or blood vessels
- Failure of the implant to take.
Root Canal Therapy
In most cases Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is used to save teeth that would otherwise be lost because the nerve has irreversibly deteriotated. It is usually performed over 2-3 staged appointments. Once you start RCT it is important that you maintain your visits as planned. Depending on the root canal anatomy, the treatment be very complex and require specialist referral.
What happens in a RCT?
In confirming the need for RCT and to establish that it is likely to be successful a series of tests and one or more xrays are usually taken. On occasion, you may be referred for special scans called CBCTs.
These images show how many nerve canals the tooth has, and how many visits will likely be required to provide likelihood of success and likely costs. If you are in pain, your dentist may start emergency treatment for you that day.
During the visits the dentist will remove the infected nerve tissue and any debris, prepare the canals to enable them to be sterilized and, finally place the root canal filling to seal the canals and reduce the chance of further infection. Finally a filling will be placed to seal the tooth itself reduce the possibility of contamination of the root filling material. Utimately a crown is often the best way to protect a root filled tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of restorations are available for damaged teeth?
There are fillings, crowns, inlays, onlays, and bridges. The choice depends on how much tooth structure is lost and the tooth’s location.
2. What are white fillings made of?
White fillings (also called composite fillings) are made from a tooth-coloured resin material that bonds directly to your tooth. They’re durable, blend in beautifully with your natural teeth, and are a popular choice for restoring small to medium cavities — especially in visible areas.
3. Will getting a restoration hurt?
Dentists use local anaesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure, so it usually isn’t painful.
4.What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, supporting a crown, bridge, or denture.
5. How long does the implant process take?
The entire process can take several months, including healing time after implant placement before the crown is attached.
6. Are dental implants suitable for everyone?
Most people with good oral and overall health can get implants, but factors like bone density and medical conditions are considered during assessment.
7. What should I expect after a root canal treatment?
It’s normal to experience some mild discomfort or tenderness for a few days. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Your dentist will provide specific instructions, and most people find relief quickly as the infection clears up.
8. How should I care for my tooth after the procedure?
Avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored (usually with a crown). Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing gently and flossing carefully around the area. Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION
Wisdom teeth are the large molars at the back of your mouth. Mostly they come through between the ages of 17 and 24. They are the most common teeth in the mouth to be naturally missing so some people have less than 4 and, rarely and some may get more. A minority of people will never have problems with their wisdom teeth and can retain them for life. Wisdom tooth extractions are often required when they don’t have enough room to erupt and develop normally or only partially erupt.
Complications of wisdom teeth include:
- Pain and infection from the gum around the wisdom tooth or from the tooth itself.
- Decay and infection of wisdom tooth or the 12 year old molar next to it because it is too far back in the mouth to enable adequate cleaning
- There is no room for the tooth to come through. Potential problems including a bone defect behind the 12 year old molar or damage to its root, and overerruption of the opposing tooth if the wisdom tooth has not properly erupted or has required removal
- Sometimes a cyst formation around the crown of the unerrupted wisdom tooth
- Cheek biting or biting on the opposing gum.
Wisdom tooth extractions are usually surgical procedures. They can be more complicated and risky than many other extractions but as a rule the upper wisdom teeth at least, are not problematic. Sometimes they need to be referred to an Oral surgeon. Your dentist will discuss complications, risks and adverse side effects that can happen from extraction of wisdom teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is a tooth extraction necessary?
Extractions may be needed for severely decayed, infected, impacted, or overcrowded teeth that cannot be saved by other treatments.
2. What can I expect after a tooth extraction?
You may have some swelling and discomfort for a few days. Your dentist will give aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent infection.
3. Can missing teeth be replaced after extraction?
Yes, options include dental implants, bridges, or dentures to restore function and appearance.
4. Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not necessarily! If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and not causing problems, you might not need them removed. But if they’re impacted (stuck), painful, crowding other teeth, or at risk of infection, your dentist may recommend taking them out.
CHILDREN'S DENTAL
Eligible children can access over $1000 toward general and preventative dentistry (excluding orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry) over two calendar years. The service is available for 2-18 year olds ( provided that are still at school if they are 18) . Families can check their eligibility by contacting Human Services or contact us today and we can search this information for you.
First Visits
Accidents happen and are disconcerting and distressing for most of us, no matter how old or young we are. Small children are not always able to behave in a way that enables us to help them. It is important to find spaces where they feel comfortable. It is important for them to get to know and trust the people who will be looking after them.
An ideal first dental visit may not even be a small child’s own visit. They may be only a year old attending a parent’s visit or that of an older sibling. They will be watching and becoming familiar with a new environment and new people. Often a dentist will advise a new parent how to care for baby’s teeth and show them how to find signs of and how to reverse early decay. One of a dentist’s most important jobs is to reduce the need for emergency care.
Sometimes at the first visit, the dentist or oral health therapist may not even be able to look in a child’s mouth. At least we can start interacting with the child, helping them feel comfortable, building their confidence. We aim to help them get to a stage where they are able to comply and accept treatment if needed. We work towards reducing the overall need for treatment and generally the earlier we can start on this journey together the better.
It is obviously not ideal for the first visit to be when a child is in pain, has sustained an injury or a nasty infection. Sometimes ideal treatment is not possible at an early age and we need to slow things down or, worst case scenario, we may need to refer to a specialist who can do treatment under general anaesthetic We need to take baby steps together then to build a relationship and work up to where the child can accept the treatment it needs. It is so much nicer to bring a child somewhere familiar, somewhere they feel at ease, somewhere you feel at ease.
As a parent it is important that you don’t put your own anxieties on your child and that you explain the dental visits to them in a positive light.
Baby Teeth
Everyone knows a rotten tooth can hurt and they don’t look pretty either. A toothache can stop a child from eating properly. Teeth can become badly infected, occasionally to the point where hospitalization is required. They are needed for smiling and can affect the way a child engages and socializes with other people.
Baby teeth are also needed to keep the space for the adult teeth and help guide them into the correct position. If they become badly decayed or need to be removed early then the teeth back from the missing tooth often move forward and space is lost for the adult teeth. If teeth towards the front of the mouth are lost early then the adjacent teeth move into the space created and the centre line between the two front teeth adult teeth often shifts away from the centre of the face and towards the missing tooth – think Tom Cruise in the 80’s movie, The Outsiders. There are lots of kids who would not have needed orthodontics if their baby teeth had been well taken care of.
So, keep an eye on baby teeth. Remember to keep them clean from as soon as they arrive in the mouth and keep an eye out for new arrivals. When you clean them, lift up baby’s lip to make sure the front teeth are not developing the brown spots that are early decay.
When baby is very small you can clean teeth with a soft cloth or a finger toothbrush. Some kids don’t like certain toothpastes because they are too minty or too frothy. These kids often do like Toothmousse which you can buy without fluoride and probably should for very small children. Toothmousse holds calcium and phosphate close to the teeth in a milk protein. The calcium and phosphate are able to be absorbed into the tooth surface to strengthen it and also help buffer the saliva if it becomes too acidic.
In a general family practice your dentist will often be happy for you to bring your baby to your own routine check ups to help get baby used the environment and possibly give you a couple of pointers.
Preganancy & Oral Health
Many people ask when a baby’s first dental appointment should be. In an ideal world, baby’s first visit would be while still in mum’s tum! Not only is neonatal birth weight linked to maternal oral health but babies inevitably end up with their parent’s germs and also with many of their habits. This means that if the main caregiver, usually mum or dad, has a healthy mouth, baby will catch more healthy germs and if the caregiver has an unhealthy mouth, baby will catch more harmful germs that may make her more prone to tooth decay and gum disease.
But stepping back a bit, even though x-ray doses are very low now with digital technology, we like to have up to date x-rays for all women of childbearing age so we can usually avoid taking them if an emergency arises during pregnancy. Plan to have a healthy mouth when planning to become pregnant and if you get a happy surprise, then as soon as you comfortably can after. Your dentist will let you know if there is any decay that needs to be treated – and ideally it should be treated before baby comes. Most dentists rarely use the old silver amalgams and they will certainly avoid them in pregnant women as mercury tends go to the fetus.
Your dentist can tell you whether gum disease is an issue for you. If it was as issue for your parents then chances are you are prone to it too. Your hygienist can ensure your teeth are as clean and your gums are as healthy as can be. We all habitually miss the same places, even when we try really hard to do a good job. A well-trained pair of fresh eyes is invaluable.
While treating decay and gum disease means that there are less of the bugs that cause them in your mouth to pass on to Bub, expectant women also have their own issues to contend with. Many older women say that they lost a tooth with every pregnancy. Morning sickness is an obvious issue. Reflux and vomiting produce acid that attacks the teeth. Some women feel constantly hungry and frequent snacking increases acid exposure. The saliva itself tends to be more acidic during pregnancy too. Acid causes erosion and decay. Remineralising products like Toothmousse and great oral hygiene go a long way toward combatting these. The hormonal changes mean that the gums can go a little crazy, and as teeth move faster during pregnancy, if everything is well controlled it can be a great time for orthodontic treatment, especially with Invisalign rather than braces.
So, with great care, rather than losing a tooth, In addition to the pregnancy glow, mum could potentially end up with the smile she always wanted!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens at a child’s first dental visit?
The first visit is usually quick and gentle. We’ll check your child’s teeth, gums, and bite, and talk with you about brushing, diet, teething, and habits like thumb sucking. It’s all about creating a positive, stress-free experience — and maybe a sticker at the end!
2. How can I help my child feel excited about going to the dentist?
Start by treating it like a fun adventure! Read storybooks about going to the dentist, talk positively about the visit, and let them bring a favourite toy or comfort item. Avoid saying things like “it won’t hurt” — instead, focus on how friendly the dentist is and how sparkly their teeth will be afterward!
3. How can I encourage my child to brush their teeth regularly?
Make brushing fun! Use colourful toothbrushes, play their favourite songs during brushing, or turn it into a game or challenge. Rewarding them with stickers or a small treat after brushing can also motivate little ones to keep up the habit.
4 Is it safe to visit the dentist while pregnant?
Yes! Dental check-ups and cleanings are safe throughout pregnancy. Your dentist will take any extra precautions needed and can help manage common issues like pregnancy gingivitis to keep you comfortable.
5. What should I tell my dentist if I’m pregnant?
Be sure to inform your dentist about your pregnancy, any medications you’re taking, and any pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea. This helps them customize your treatment plan to keep you and your baby safe and comfortable.
EMERGENCY DENTAL
Dental Emergency
If you’re suffering a toothache or maybe you recently broke a tooth you may need emergency dental treatment.
A few tips if you’re suffering a tooth ache and can’t get to the dentist straight away:
- Avoid eating or chewing on the side of your mouth that is experiencing the pain.
- You may prefer soft or liquid foods, as well as avoiding food or drink that is extremely hot or cold, as many dental problems can cause heightened sensitivity to temperature.
- If a sharp tooth is causing discomfort you can use some bees wax, blue tac or sugar free chewing gum to cover the sharp area for short term relief.
To alleviate any associated pain, take paracetamol or ibuprofen (if you are able to). They work best if taken together at the same time but be careful not to exceed the maximum recommended daily dosage.
Some people find clove oil helpful but, be careful when applying as it can burn lips and other soft tissues
Record what causes the pain and how it changes. If it is worse if you lower your head it could be a sinus issue and sinus medication might help. If your jaw joints are sore it could be a joint problem.
- Avoid putting aspirin directly on your gums (near the tooth) as they may potentially burn the gums , cheeks or tongue.
- If it hurts when you bite down or release your bite try to bite on toothpick and check in the mirror to ensure you so you can show your dentist exactly where it hurts when you come in.
- If you suffer fever, swelling or have trouble swallowing it is important to attend emergency if you cannot attend a dentist immediately.
Pain is your body’s way of saying something is wrong and sometimes things are very wrong. If a tooth is starting to hurt on its own sometimes it’s too late to save it so don’t wait for things to get bad. If you think something is not right then call for an emergency dental appointment
Knocked out teeth
Baby teeth
If it is a baby tooth don’t replace it but bring the child in for review (preferably with the tooth).
Adult teeth
- Try to find your tooth, when you find it do not touch the root of the tooth, hold it by the crown.
- If the tooth is dirty rinse it with milk before reinserting it (ensure to place it back in the right way). Do not scrub the tooth clean.
- If you don’t want to reinsert it then place the tooth between your teeth and cheek until you get to the hospital or the dentist or place it into a glass of milk. Do not place the tooth into water.
Urgent Care Appointments
Dental emergencies don’t always happen at convenient times — that’s why we offer urgent care appointments to help you when you need it most. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth, lost a filling, or are dealing with sudden pain or swelling, our team at Welcome Dental will prioritise your care and provide prompt, compassionate treatment. We’re here to ease your discomfort and get you back on track with a solution that’s right for you.
Dental Trauma
Accidents happen — and when they involve your teeth, quick, professional care can make all the difference. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, or an injury to the gums or jaw, our team at Welcome Dental is here to help. We’ll assess the damage, relieve any pain, and act quickly to protect and preserve your smile. If you or your child experiences dental trauma, contact us as soon as possible for urgent support and advice.
Making great dental care easy to access
We accept all health funds and we’re proud to be a preferred provider for HCF, NIB and BUPA (Urunga Only), which means you’ll get the most out of your health fund when you visit Welcome Dental. We also offer flexible payment options, including Zip Pay, Afterpay, and NILS, so you can get the care you need — without financial stress.
Whether you’re coming in for a routine check-up or a more complex treatment plan, our friendly team is here to help you understand your options and make things simple.
