Oral Health & Wellbeing

Is it best to brush in a circular motion or back and forth? How quickly, or does really it matter if it’s fast or slow?

Let’s explore some of the claims regarding why mouthwash ought to be avoided, the arguments that advocate for its use and our take on whether rinsing with mouthwash should continue being a part of your oral care routine.

Found in everything from water to mouthrinse to toothpaste, fluoride is a mineral that is proven to be effective in warding off tooth decay. However, you may have seen articles or products that seem to suggest fluoride is dangerous or something that you should avoid. It’s time to get to the bottom of this issue …

While it may be amusing to poke fun at a friend whose breath stinks on occasion, chronic bad breath — halitosis, which is its official name — is a serious issue and one that afflicts millions of people around the world. It may not be life-threatening but it can affect people’s self-confidence and comfort when out in public. Here, we’ll discuss the root causes of halitosis and how you can go about treating it if it afflicts you or a loved one.

In no particular order, here are a few of the best foods for your teeth and what makes them so beneficial. You may notice that they carry some common characteristics

It’s helpful to know which foods contribute to bad breath (or halitosis, its technical term) so you can steer clear of them during meals to avoid offending your friends, co-workers and acquaintances.

It’s important to be mindful of the symptoms and causes of oral cancer so you can receive the appropriate treatment when or if you need it. 

It’s not just your brain and your muscles that require regular nutrition — your teeth do, too. From the calcium that’s found in milk to the phosphate in cheese, foods contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that your mouth and your teeth need to maintain their strength and overall functionality.

Your breath stinks? What could the problem be? Your tongue may have something do with it — especially if you’re not brushing it.

The reason could be any number of things. We’ll go over a few of them here. There may be a quick fix, but in other more serious cases, you may need to reach out to your dentist to determine a proper solution.

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In a world rife with disagreement, here’s something where there’s near universal common ground: Sugar is delicious. But it’s also bad for the teeth. 

In no particular order, here are the sports that can be harmful to your kids’ teeth. You may be surprised by some of the ones listed !!

There’s no fixed age that determines when to remove wisdom teeth, but leaving them in too long can lead to serious problems down the road.

Learn how gum disease can transform into advanced gum disease, and what you need to do to prevent it.

The best way to staunch the stench of bad breath is brushing and flossing consistently, ideally right after meals. However, few people carry oral care kits with them everywhere they go. So what’s the solution to these stinky situations? If you’re one of the 50% of people around the world who suffers from halitosis on a regular basis, here are a few good ways to fight back against bad breath.

For many people, dentist appointments are a major source of anxiety. Dentophobia can take a major toll on a person’s mental health and prevent them from seeking regular oral care.

Are you a cereal connoisseur? Here are a few factors to consider so you don’t select varieties that can harm your teeth.

Children need to visit the dentist for the first time earlier than many parents expect, often before their first birthday. Get all the information you need to make this milestone go as successfully as possible. 

Be sure you don’t forget to schedule regular dental cleanings as your little one begins growing.

To chew or not to chew: When you should avoid gum? The following should help set the record straight on this often “sticky” subject matter!

Damage resistant and durable though your teeth may be, they’re not invulnerable to deterioration, which can be expedited by routinely selecting foods and beverages that are highly acidic.

While there is nothing necessarily wrong with eating certain foods and drinks that contain acid occasionally, you may want to be careful about the frequency with which you consume the following things.

Flosses aren’t all built the same. Produced in a variety of flavours (i.e. mint, cinnamon, bubble gum), lengths, thicknesses and consistencies (i.e. waxed, unwaxed, polytetrafluorethylene, etc.), dental floss typically comes in one of two forms: traditional dental floss and dental tape.

Everyone loves to eat — there are so many delicious foods to enjoy for each of the three meals of the day. But one thing that no one enjoys about it is the smelly breath that frequently comes in the aftermath. When you’re heading out on a date, going out with friends or have an important meeting or interview, halitosis — the technical term for bad breath — can be quite the turn-off.

Gum disease is preventable and treatable so let’s take a look at some of the risk factors you should look for when assessing your own health.

You saw the dental hygienist … Great. Here are the things you need to know following your visit to a dental hygienist – read to find out:

Remember, your mouth is just one part of your entire body. Your oral health is connected to your overall health, and your overall health impacts your oral health.

Gum disease, while an ailment on its own, also has relations to other systemic conditions.

There’s something you can do to protect your child’s teeth from cavities and to uphold good overall oral hygiene: Sealants.

Attending the dentist regularly goes beyond keeping your teeth as clean as can be. It may also help you detect early signs of cancer.

Many people will be affected by receding gums due to a variety of reasons, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer the consequences if you visit a dental specialist who can assist you with the issue.

What can you do as a parent to ensure your child has a positive experience at the dentist? Pick up a few tips on how to navigate a first-time dental appointment.

Smoking tobacco can do serious damage to your teeth and gums, especially if you forego regular dentist visits.

Did you know you might be harming your teeth while you’re fast asleep? Your muscles, joints and jaw, too. Learn more about the dangers of grinding your teeth.

If you think X-rays are something you should avoid entirely during pregnancy, think again.

While not necessarily the utmost important step in oral care, mouthwash assists in some ways brushing and flossing cannot.

We all aim to be as healthy as humanly possible – physically, mentally and emotionally. The following are a few tips that can go a long way toward achieving pearly white perfection:

If you’re experiencing bad breath and you haven’t eaten a fistful of garlic, you might be wondering what the cause could be. Here are some possibilities.

Dentists are always saying you need to brush and floss twice a day – but is flossing all that important? It may be more vital than brushing.

Gum disease affects a lot of New Zealanders – so it could impact your child too. Let’s talk about the genetic and environmental factors influencing gum disease.

Looking after your teeth takes as little as four minutes total, every day. Don’t skimp on this minor routine – find out why you need to brush twice a day.

If you’re concerned about your risk of developing gum disease, learn what you can do to prevent the onset of gingivitis and periodontitis.

We all face the serious threat of tooth decay every day. What does tooth decay look like in its early stages and how can you prevent it?

Your child needs to see a dentist regularly to ensure ongoing oral health. Here’s what you need to know about taking your child to the dentist.

Diet plays a huge role in preventing or causing gum disease. We look at how that works, what food you should avoid and what to eat more of.

Looking after your child’s primary teeth is important for great teeth and healthy habits. So when is it appropriate to take your child to the dentist?

If you’re experiencing dental phobia, you’re not alone but you shouldn’t let it stop you from taking care of your teeth. Put your fears behind you with these tips.

Could you be experiencing gum disease? Take a look at these symptoms to determine if you should be concerned about the health of your gums.

As we get older, the risk of oral issues becomes higher. If you’re a carer for the elderly, find out how you can help with their dental needs today.

With the help of City Dentists, discover the link between motherhood and our teeth, and why you should thank your mother for your good care of oral health.

As we get older, changes happen within the body, along with our teeth. From childhood to senior age, the teeth go through some incredible transformations, including the loss of baby teeth, wisdom teeth and the possibility of dental implants. Discover what else the teeth go through with the help of City Dentists.

We prioritise straight, white and pure teeth – but are we the only ones? Much of the world share similar ideas about dental beauty standards, however there are countries now and in the past where ideals are different. Let’s take a look at how other parts of the world view teeth.

Most of us are aware of artificial sweeteners and what they can do as a replacement for sugar. However, with confusing names like aspartame and xylitol, do we actually understand what sweeteners are? Here we have a look at different kinds of sweetener, their uses and any concerns surrounding them.

Many Kiwis have enjoyed Matt Groening’s “The Simpsons” over it’s 30-odd years of air time. Fortunately, the cartoon is rife with hidden bits of wisdom that can pertain to our real lives, including our oral health. Here, we discuss three clips from the The Simpsons and their secret dental lessons.

If you’re waking up with a dry mouth, a sore jaw and excessive daytime tiredness, you could be suffering from obtrusive sleep apnoea. This condition can have major impacts on your daily quality of life, so it’s best to identify it as soon as possible. Find out how City Dentists help to diagnose sleep apnoea.

We all know roughly why we brush our teeth every day: to prevent tooth decay and buildup of this thing called “plaque”. But what exactly is plaque and how do you know you have it? Here, we address the mysteries around plaque and tartar and explain not only how, but why you should be fighting it.

Could you be consuming the majority of your recommended daily sugar intake in the first meal of the day? From chocolate puffed rice to fruit-filled muesli, the selection of cereals loaded with added sugar is huge. Take the time to know what you’re eating and protect your teeth by opting out of sugary breakfasts.

We are aware of how sugary foods and staining drinks can negatively impact our teeth. But there are also a surprising range of other foods that are also capable of causing damage. Discover three of the unexpected culprits and how you can prevent against damage.

Oral piercings are a popular form of self expression. However, they don’t come without their issues. Here are three of the most common conditions associated with oral piercings and how you can prevent complications from arising.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Although sugary snacks are often delicious, they’re one of the biggest causes of tooth decay. If you’re ready to curb your cravings, follow City Dentists’ three handy tips to help you keep tooth decay and other dental issues at bay.

No one likes being ill and with an array of symptoms to deal with, it can be tricky looking after yourself during this tough time. However, some common conditions can actually cause issues to the teeth. Here are three illnesses that may damage the teeth and how to reduce this risk.

Christmas is a time spent with friends and family, and also the season where diets tend to take a back seat to make way for sugary treats. Instead of giving up on the mince pies and candy canes, learn how to look after your oral health while still having fun!

Your toothbrush is one of the most important tools used to clean teeth. However, it can also harbour unwanted bacteria if it’s not looked after properly and it can also increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it’s vital that you keep it clean at all times. Find out how with City Dentists.

Pregnant women can become more susceptible to oral issues. If you notice any cause for concern, book in with City Dentists today.

There are a few tongue problems you’ll want to keep an eye out for. If left untreated, they can cause an array of issues to your oral health.

Oral cancer affects around 250 New Zealanders a year. Here’s what you need to know about the condition and how it impacts dental health.

What foods should you avoid if you want to keep your teeth white? We reveal some surprising foods that may be staining your teeth.

You can take a holiday from work, but not from your oral care routine. Here’s how to look after your teeth while you’re travelling.

There is much more to mouth health than just cavities. Here are five non-dental health issues that your dentist might spot on your next visit.

Is thumbsucking a harmless habit or cause for concern? Find out what thumbsucking could be doing to your child’s mouth and what you can do about it.

The saying that prevention is better than the cure also applies to dental health. Here’s what you need to know about preventative dentistry.

How can you tell if your wisdom teeth need to be removed? If you’re experiencing any of these three things it might be time to whip them out.

Do you think about looking after your teeth when you’re at work? Find out which dental health pitfalls you could be stumbling into at work.

Are you one of those people who don’t go to the dentist regularly? You might want to rethink that when you find out what could happen!

Menopause brings with it many changes to your body, including to your mouth. Here’s what you need to know about dental care during this time in your life.

You probably don’t think about smiling all that often, but you should remember that your smile is powerful. Here’s why.

Smoking is a dangerous habit that can have a significant impact on your wellbeing. Find out how it can put your oral health at risk.

Before there was toothpaste, there was bone dust. Find out more about some of the weirdest things people have used to clean their teeth with throughout history.

Think you know everything there is to know about toothbrushes? Think again. We bet you didn’t know these three fascinating facts.

Is there a difference between men and women when it comes to dental health? We take a look at whether the sexes are equal in matters of dentistry.

Is bad breath a problem for you? It won’t be after reading these five tips on how to get rid of it! We’ll help your breath smell minty fresh.

Did you know tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body? Find out more about amazing enamel and how you can look after it.

Think you’re a tooth expert? Test your dental health knowledge by seeing how many of these essential dental terms you know!

Don’t wait until it is too late. Pay close attention to your oral health and make sure you visit a dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.

Taking care of your dental health isn’t just important for avoiding cavities, it’s a major factor in maintaining your general well-being. Find out why.

No-one wants a yellow smile! Protecting your teeth from staining could be as simple as adding a dash of milk to your tea – find out why.

Who said oral health can’t be fun? On the blog today we have some crazy tooth facts that will give you a fresh look at dental health!

After getting a filling, you may need to take a little extra care of your mouth. Check out these guidelines for filling aftercare and recovery.

A kiss can seem like an innocent, romantic gesture but can it put you at risk of dental problems? We take a look at whether kissing can give you gingivitis.

Baby teeth may be destined to fall out, but it’s still important to take good care of them. Here’s a helpful guide to looking after your toddler’s teeth.

Getting a brighter smile by using things you probably have in your cupboard sounds too good to be true. We look at whether DIY whitening methods work.

If you’re feeling sick, you need to take care of yourself – including your teeth. Here’s how to look after your dental health when you have a cold.

Having a dry mouth is never fun, especially when it could be affecting your teeth. Find out what could be causing dry mouth what to do about it.

What do your toilet and your toothbrush have in common? A lot more than you’d like to think. Give this a read to learn more about the dreaded toilet plume.

Morning breath is not pleasant for anyone to wake up with – but especially for you! If you have bad breath in the morning, we think we can help!

Dreaming about a crooked smile? Your teeth nightmares are trying to tell you something! We’ll give you some tooth dream 101 in this post – check it out!

Many people will suffer from a toothache at one time or another. This can be caused by a number of different issues, and in this blog we’ll discuss three.

Even if you feel like your teeth are perfectly clean, a trip to the dental hygienist is a great way to give you the tools to keep them that way.

Ever wonder why many dentists recommend electric toothbrush for better oral hygiene? We find out about the benefits and what it can do.

Why do we need to floss our teeth and how do we make it part of our daily regime? We show you some tips on how to cultivate this habit.

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease. Find out what the risks of the ailment are, how it is caused and what you can do to prevent it.

Brushing your teeth is incredibly important, but what should you be brushing with? Take a look at the pros and cons of electric and manual brushes.

Though they may not initially cause you pain, wisdom teeth can cause a great deal of problems if left unchecked. City Dentists will provide a full evaluation.

There is evidence of a relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Gum infections can make your blood glucose levels harder to manage.

Are electric toothbrushes worth it? There are many ADVANTAGES to using electric toothbrushes, here are just a few!

Dentine hypersensitivity/ tooth sensitivity is one of the common complaints in dentistry. Studies show that 60% of the population complain!

Water Fluoridation … Sanity or Insanity? So which group are you in the sane one or the insane one? … I know which one we are in.

The inhalation of the smoke is what causes the vast array of smoking related diseases, including those affecting our oral health.

Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most common of all diseases. Tooth decay or dental caries, is an infectious disease … read more!

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in water. The amount of fluoride in the water varies from area to area.