Patient FAQs & Oral Health

Brush twice daily for at least 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste—especially last thing at night before bed. Saliva flow decreases during sleep, leaving teeth vulnerable to acid attack. Wait at least 60 minutes after eating acidic foods before brushing so you don't scrub away softened enamel.

Use a small-to-medium brush head with round-ended, soft nylon filaments. Powered electric toothbrushes with rotating/oscillating heads and built-in 2-minute timers are clinically proven to be the most effective at plaque removal. For children under 3, use a pea-sized smear with 1000 ppm fluoride; for everyone 3 and older, use 1350–1500 ppm fluoride toothpaste.

Brushing only cleans 60% of tooth surfaces (3 out of 5 sides). Plaque between teeth can only be removed with daily flossing or colour-coded interdental brushes. Neglecting interdental cleaning leads directly to interproximal cavities and gum disease.

Gingivitis is reversible surface inflammation causing red, swollen, or bleeding gums. If untreated, bacterial plaque burrows deeper into periodontal pockets, becoming Periodontal Disease. This permanently destroys the bone anchoring your teeth in the jaw, leading to loose teeth and tooth loss.

Yes! Modern clinical studies demonstrate clear links between chronic gum inflammation and increased risks of cardiovascular disease, strokes, diabetes complications, dementia, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Halitosis is primarily caused by volatile sulfur compounds produced by anaerobic bacteria in periodontal pockets and on the surface of the tongue. A professional hygiene scaling by Michelle Neilon, daily tongue scraping, and interdental flossing will resolve the underlying source.

Custom-made dentures should fit securely. However, as the jaw ridge naturally shrinks over the years, dentures loosen. Fixatives provide temporary confidence until a reline or replacement is made.