The role of the dental hygienist is vital in any dental practice. At Robert Duhig Dental, we are focused on providing the most professional, gentle treatment possible. Having confidence in your dental surgery isn’t just about having a perfect smile – it’s about knowing that you’re in confident, capable hands every step of the way. What is the role of the dental hygienist? A dental hygienist, otherwise known as a dental nurse, has a specific role to play in the treatment of patients. Their calm, consistent manner soothes the nerves of anxious patients who may have had negative experiences at other treatment centres. It’s their role to work towards preventing dental decay by ‘deep cleaning’ teeth. You’ll find them working away with patients to remove the build-up of plaque and provide professional cleaning that will improve the health of the teeth and gums. Removing Fear Many patients find the idea of a clean like this to be daunting. You’re sitting in a chair for a considerable amount of time while someone pokes and prods, and sucks and scrapes, to get your teeth looking the best they can possibly be. One of the key roles of the dental hygienist is to be a calming presence in what can be a nerve-wracking experience. They provide a steady, measured tone and allay the fears of patients by gently talking you through each step. What If I’m Afraid? Many people are afraid of the dentist and there is no harm in that. Your dental hygienist has seen it all! They’ll be able to adjust what they’re doing to compensate for particular fears and concerns that you have – whilst still getting the job done in a professional and timely manner. Your dental hygienist is qualified not only because of their VET training and qualifications, but in the way they consistently provide optimum care in each and every procedure that they are involved in. Robert Duhig Dental – The Practice for Nervous Nellies All of our staff are focused on professional practice with gentle care and consideration. Dental anxiety is understandable – and common – and we firmly believe that there are ways of addressing it appropriately. We do not ‘write off’ the concerns of our patients – we treat them with respect and constantly look for ways to modify what we do to suit the needs of the people we treat. If you want to see the Robert Duhig Dental difference for yourself, make an appointment with the go-to Sandgate dentist...

For many people, that burning feeling in your chest (heartburn), after eating too much or eating too fast, is a familiar occurrence. While it’s normal to experience heartburn from time to time, regularly reoccurring acid reflux is usually diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – a potentially serious chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid flows into the oesophagus and irritates the lining. If left untreated, GERD can increase the risk of cancer of the oesophagus or pharynx. Unfortunately, a lot of people go undiagnosed for years because they don’t take their acid reflux symptoms seriously. In fact, did you know that many people are actually first diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease by their dentist? How can your dentist help diagnose reflux? Dentists are often the first health care professionals to diagnose GERD as it can also greatly affect your teeth. Aside from heartburn, one of the first indications of the disease is erosion of tooth enamel. Too much acid can start to dissolve the enamel – particularly at night while you sleep. If the enamel has started to wear away, it can make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold, and cause a yellowish discolouration. As this loss of enamel is permanent, it’s imperative that you book an appointment with your dentist right away if you are experiencing any sensitivity. Even if you’re already aware that you suffer from acid reflux, see your dentist regularly so they can recommend ways to prevent further damage. This is not something you want to ignore as enamel erosion can result in needing fillings, crowns or even extractions in extreme situations. Know the signs associated with acid reflux In addition to tooth sensitivity and heartburn, other tell-tale signs of reflux are excessive burping, having the sensation of a lump in your throat, and experiencing a sour, acidic taste in your mouth. These are all common reflux symptoms and should be given prompt attention. The good news is that the following list indicates some relatively easy ways to lower your risk of symptoms worsening: 1) Eat smaller meals 2) Resist napping after a big meal – stay upright 3) Eliminate smoking and alcohol 4) Reduce or eliminate trigger foods such as tomatoes, citric fruits and foods that are spicy, acidic or high in fat 5) Maintain a healthy weight Robert Duhig Dental can ease all of your concerns about acid reflux symptoms book your appointment today and make your health a...

Are you looking for the right family dentist in Deagon, Brighton, or Boondall? Robert Duhig Dental in Sandgate is the gentler alternative for families on the northside of Brisbane – and we’ve been privileged to treat generations of the same family, from babies to grandparents! You can feel confident that you’ll benefit from our years of experience, gentle approach, the use of the latest in dental technology, and our highly competitive fees. We understand that your family’s teeth are incredibly important – and we’re dedicated to looking after your smile and the smiles of your family members for years to come. Read on to find out more about what you should be looking for in your family’s dentist! What are the benefits? Having one dentist to tend to your family’s dental needs means that your dentist will be able to assess the overall health of your family’s teeth, while gaining a greater understanding of any genetic issues that may be present. Your dentist will also be able to help with any environmental factors that may be impacting the health of your family’s teeth – these factors include diet, the quality of the water you drink, and any chemicals or materials you might come in contact with around your home. And having a dentist within minutes’ drive of your home in Deagon, Brighton, or Boondall is an added convenience. What to consider  Comfort. Ensuring that all members of your family are comfortable with the dentist you choose is paramount. Many people are anxious about going to the dentist, especially children, so choosing a dentist who is gentle, approachable, and patient is really important to ensure your family’s oral health is well looked after.  The services on offer. Every family’s dental needs differ, especially over time. You need to choose a dentist who is capable of offering a wide range of services – from emergency services to specialist childhood dental care, services particular to adults and of course, cosmetic dentistry such as braces and Invisalign.  Affordability. Your family’s health is important, but it’s also important that the services on offer suit your budget. Choose a dentist who will provide affordable services to your family, as well as offer you access to government-funded schemes or payment plans to help you when you need it.  Location. If you live in Deagon, Brighton, or Boondall, you’re not going to want to travel too far out of the way to visit the dentist. Robert Duhig’s practice in Sandgate is an easy 10 minutes drive away! Need a dentist? Brighton and surrounding suburb locals choose Robert Duhig Dental for gentle, affordable family care. Call us on 07 3269 2443 or visit us...

      Does the upcoming New Year have you dreaming of a new smile? Dental veneers might just be the answer. Enhance your smile with this simple, low maintenance option and choose the New Year’s resolution that will last for years to come. Learn how dental veneers can give you a fresh new look so you’ll be ringing in the New Year with confidence. Why you should add dental veneers to your New Year’s resolutions  If you’ve had a reason to shy away from showing off your smile, then veneers may be just what you need to get your New Year off to a great start. Cosmetic dentistry is now more sought after than ever, with Zoom Whitening, dental veneers and dental crowns topping the popularity list. The versatility of veneers makes them very common as they can be used to disguise minor imperfections, hide gaps and irregular spaces, and to brighten and whiten smiles. Your Brisbane dentist can discuss your smile resolutions with you and get you on your way to celebrating a new year and a new look. How do dental veneers work? Dental veneers are custom made and carefully crafted to fit you perfectly. They can be made from either porcelain or composite materials and each can be used to cover just one tooth, or to give you a complete smile makeover. As they are directly bonded to your teeth, they are an excellent option for patients with enamel erosion as they can add strength and durability as well. Veneers are surprisingly easy to take care of as they do not require any additional maintenance – you just floss and brush your teeth as you would normally. The best part? As they are custom coloured and highly stain resistant, you can enjoy that coffee and wine and your smile will continue to shine throughout the lifespan of the veneers. How dental veneers can benefit you Like many cosmetic dentistry procedures, dental veneers are an instant confidence booster. While they offer the obvious aesthetic benefits of having whiter, straighter teeth, they will also give you that extra sense of self-assurance to want to go out into the world and shine. Having a confident smile can assist you with job interviews, public speaking, and everyday social situations. As your veneers will be tailor-made for your teeth, they will be very natural looking and virtually undetectable so no one besides you and your dentist will know why you’ve got some extra pep in your step. Book a free consultation with Robert Duhig Dental to discuss how dental veneers can help you achieve your smile goals and be well on your way to achieving a new, naturally beautiful smile...

    If you’re looking for ‘dentists near me’ and require an emergency dentist in North Brisbane, Robert Duhig Dental can happily provide a little calm in your chaos. This can be a stressful time so let’s cut to the chase and give you what you need to know. Here’s what you need to do if you’re requiring emergency dental assistance. Finding an Emergency Dentist in North Brisbane We always keep a number of appointments open in case an emergency arises. Staff will advise you of what emergency appointments are available. They’ll also be able to give you some ‘over the phone’ assistance to help you minimise discomfort and calm down. Be Careful With Painkillers Using a painkiller might accidentally mask something a little more serious. Talk to our nursing staff over the phone and let them know what you’ve had and how you’re feeling. It’s best to try not to use painkillers until you’ve received medical advice to do so. Where’s That Tooth? Has a tooth come loose? Putting it in milk is a good way to help keep the cells in the root surface happy. Just make sure no one accidentally drinks the milk! Yuck! Alternatively, you could pool the tooth into a cup of saliva or try placing it gently and carefully back where it came from before coming to visit your emergency dentist. Call the Robert Duhig Dental clinic on (07) 3269 2443 Getting To Robert Duhig Dental We service the North side of Brisbane as we’re located in the Sandgate area. However, that doesn’t mean that we don’t welcome new patients, particularly if they really need our help! If you’re coming from Redcliffe, veer towards the water after you pass Decker Pass after coming over the bridge. Pass Dowse Lagoon Reserve on your right and you’re nearly there. If you’re travelling up from the south, your best and most direct way is to use the Gateway motorway. Be wary of the Deagon Deviation signage due to the ongoing roadworks project. Coming up Sandgate Road? Take a right onto Board Street once you pass the KFC on your left. We’re easy to find from there. Stay Calm It may be an emergency but there’s no need to panic. Robert Duhig Dental are the Gentle Dentists. Allow us to ease your mind and calm your nerves as we expertly perform your procedure. Everything will be alright. What Now? Going to an emergency dentist could mean a quick fix on the spot or the first step in the process, depending on the injury or problem that lead you here in the first place. This ‘next step’ approach will also help you plan for the cost of emergency...