There’s no denying it – your child has a tooth cavity and the damage looks pretty bad. You can’t help but feel terrible. Weren’t you doing everything to help keep their mouth healthy? Brushing, flossing, reducing sugar: you did all the right things, but your child still managed to get a hole so big they now need crowns on their baby teeth. Well, you can set aside the parental guilt, as tooth decay in children is incredibly common – the World Health Organization estimates that between 60-90% of school-aged children worldwide have cavities. And while it sounds like a crown is an extreme course of action for a tooth that will fall out soon anyway, it’s actually quite necessary.   Why would a child need crowns?   There are several reasons a child would need a crown on their baby teeth rather than just a filling or removing the tooth altogether. The tooth may be so damaged that a filling is not enough to save it, or it is broken, making filling it impossible. In these cases, it is important to have a crown fitted so the tooth remains strong, durable, and the decay does not spread further into the tooth or the surrounding teeth. Baby teeth are essential for the healthy eruption of adult teeth, and a tooth that is weakened or removed will interrupt the growth of the permanent tooth, impacting the child’s oral health, speech development and ability to chew. A crown on baby teeth will protect the tooth that is left and will fall out naturally when the time comes. It will also help preserve the space for the adult teeth, which may not come through until their teens (depending on the tooth).   What’s involved in fitting crowns on baby teeth?   Putting crowns on baby teeth is a relatively simple procedure, but it can take a little while. We first numb the area, isolate the tooth to protect the surrounding teeth, gums and cheek, and then remove the decay using a special drill. During this time, we will shape the tooth and prepare it for the crown. We then fit the crown snugly on top so that it is stable.   What to expect after the crown is applied   After the procedure, the child must avoid sticky food but can otherwise eat normally (being careful not to bite their numb lips and cheeks!), and it’s perfectly fine to brush their teeth as usual. During brushing, the gum may bleed slightly or even appear blue: this can be the shadow of the metal under the gum tissue and not a cause for concern. The area will regain normal feeling in a few days....

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...

Say goodbye to wires, brackets and elastics – there’s a new treatment plan in town. ClearCorrect orthodontics is a simpler alternative to braces, consisting of a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom made to fit you perfectly. This gentle, gradual straightening process is discreet, low maintenance, and far more comfortable than traditional braces. Read on to find out how ClearCorrect invisible braces can give you a reason to smile! ClearCorrect is the clear winner in orthodontics technology ClearCorrect invisible braces are surprisingly low maintenance – and as they are made without BPA or phthalates, they are a safe choice for your family. The aligners are removable which means they can easily be cleaned with a regular toothbrush, gentle toothpaste and cool water. This simple alternative to braces also makes brushing and flossing your teeth a breeze. Knowing you can keep your pearly whites extra shiny throughout the treatment process will help you stay on track towards achieving the smile you’ve been dreaming of. The comfortable, carefree alternative to braces As ClearCorrect’s aligners are barely noticeable, they are an excellent alternative for those who prefer to be more low-key while going through treatment. As ClearCorrect invisible braces are removable, you can eat whatever you’d like without a care in the world and relax in social settings when dining out. You can also be confident that trips to the dentist for check-ups will be a piece of cake as there are no braces to be tightened with this solution. Choose a gentle dentist who offers these more comfortable aligners and be on your way to having a smile you’ll be proud to show off. Benefits beyond a stunning smile Straightening your teeth can be a life-changing decision. Did you know that while a gorgeous smile can go a long way, there are many other benefits to having straight teeth as well? Properly aligned teeth last longer, reduce stress on jaw joints (often resulting in fewer headaches), and they are easier to clean which is a bonus for your overall health. By choosing ClearCorrect, you can make a positive impact on more than just your stunning smile. A great alternative for adults Orthodontics have come a long way over the past few decades and with a range of options now available, there’s no need to shy away from having a beautiful smile at any age. If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of wearing braces in the workplace, you will love that invisible aligners are barely noticeable and are a low maintenance alternative for those with busy lifestyles. If you’ve always wished you had done something to straighten your teeth when you were younger – or if you did have braces...

Robert Duhig Dental are proud to be one of the only, if not THE only, local dental surgeries to offer Breezecare. Brisbane has been shouting out for positive, proactive dental care that focuses on BREATH – and here it is! Self-Analysis: Could Breezecare in Brisbane work for you? There are a few simple ways to figure out if this innovation could be a positive influence in your life – as well as the lives of your family and friends. This is a potential halitosis solution that could be the cure to what ails you (if what ails you is bad breath!). Self-Check: what are my dental habits? Taking a close look at your current dental habits could be an indicator of the causes of bad breath that you may be experiencing. Regular brushing? Flossing? If the answers to those questions aren’t a resounding yes then the question about where your bad breath is coming from could be answered in the humble bathroom. Discuss preventative measures with your friendly dentist at your next check up and see if you can come up with a plan together. Self-Check: the avoider Have you found that you’re doing ‘extra’ things to compensate for that not-so-clean feeling in your mouth? Maybe you haven’t even noticed you’re doing it! Avoidant extras include: • Mouthwash • Lollies (to take the taste away) • Overloading on Tic Tacs and mints You could save a packet on these extras by addressing the problem head on! Try the breath test in the clinic to test your levels using science-based technology. Self-Check: other people Finally, pay close attention to the reactions of other people. This could be a bit of an ego-damager but it’s well worth it! Do they move away from you? Do they turn their heads away when you talk? Is your breath enough to stop enthusiastic sales people in their tracks? Do your kids refrain from getting up close and snuggly with you? Is your partner hesitant to kiss you? Ask yourself some of these hard questions and know that the answer could be simpler than you thought. How does Breezecare work? This is a scientific process that’s been developed by a collection of dentists and microbiologists with a focus on the improvement of oral health. They have focused on the presence of bacteria in the mouth that’s usually the result of lifestyle choices. What we choose to put in our mouth is reflected in the breath that comes out! You can find more information about BreezeCare technology here. Breezecare Brisbane – the only way is up! Don’t spend another minute feeling paranoid or embarrassed. There is hope for those afflicted by bad breath! Robert Duhig Dental...

Aristotle famously said, “Give me a child until he is 7 and I will give you a man” and the same can be said for the care of teeth. Braces are an unfortunate reality that many of today’s parents are facing – but there are preventative measures you can take when they’re little to shape the face of gums to come! Childhood preventative measures Clinical x-Rays carried out when children are little can identify potential problems that may come to light when their adult teeth grow in. Preventative measures – such as the removal of problematic teeth – can be carried out in order to prevent teeth braces being necessary once the child grows. Removing teeth allow for growing gums to be given the space they need to yield lovely, straight teeth that don’t crowd in on each other. Were the procedure to be put off until they grow, it can be a case of removing teeth AND having braces. Removing the teeth early on may take a painful, prolonged step out of the equation. Isn’t the procedure scary? Any dental operation can be scary and overwhelming to anyone, regardless of age. Choosing a dentist who firmly believes in gentle dentistry means trusting those tiny teeth to a kind soul who will gently guide your child (and you, the parent) through the process. This means that dental anxiety will be dramatically decreased and the procedure will be a positive experience for all involved. What is involved in an extraction? Tooth extraction is generally a straight-forward procedure, but it requires an experienced dentist with a gentle approach to help ease a nervous young patient. Your child will only eat soft foods for about a day after the procedure and the normal dental care like teeth brushing should be done very carefully as the mouth and gums are likely to be sensitive. Choosing the Right Dentist for the Job Robert Duhig Dental has been providing gentle care for patients for nearly 30 years. The practice embraces the philosophy of kindness and respect, meaning that appointments are as long (and frequent) as they need to be. Children love the opportunity to get to know their dentist who will patiently explain everything and make them as comfortable as possible. Keen to know more about preventative care for children and what can be done to avoid teeth braces? Contact Robert Duhig Dental...

How To Choose The RIGHT Brisbane Dentist For You – Where The Time Is Never Tooth-Thirty Searching for a dentist? Brisbane has many but finding the right fit can be tricky. Not all dental clinics are created equal, and for the nervous patient, it can be difficult to find one who suits the needs of you and your family. Whether you’re single, in a couple or you’ve got a whole lot of baby teeth along for the ride; you need quality care and you need it now. Here’s what to look for. How are they with nervous patients? Robert Duhig Dental isn’t known as the Gentle Dentist for nothing. If you’re a bit jittery in the chair, you can take comfort in the knowledge that you’re in caring hands here. You’ll be offered service that goes at a pace that you’re comfortable with. Instead of being rushed into the chair where mysterious, hurty objects are shoved into your mouth, you’ll be gently lead through procedures. You’ll most likely leave unsure as to why you were scared in the first place! Do they offer everything I need? So you need a dentist. Brisbane has many who boast a particular specialty. That’s fine if you’re just looking for only one kind of service but what if you go in for a procedure and find out you need something else done? Robert Duhig Dental proudly offers the following services to their customer family: • A Preventative Care Program • General Dental • Emergency Dental • Cosmetic Dentistry • Tooth Replacement • Tooth Grinding and TMJ Solutions • Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Treatment • Kids’ Dental Services How are they with children? Visiting a dentist with children can be incredibly stressful. As a rule, kids are often nervous and anxious about the dental surgery. At Robert Duhig Dental, kids come first. Their happiness and sense of wellbeing is paramount to the practice. In addition to a gentle dental philosophy, they’ll also experience dentistry that’s tailored to their age-appropriate needs. How long have they been practising? If you’re looking for experienced Brisbane dentists then you’ve got them. Rob has been operating in his own practice in Sandgate for close to 30 years. He ensures that only like-minded practitioners are part of his friendly team. The goal here is healthy mouths, not unhealthy wallets. There’s a passion for prevention here that’s ingrained in his patients, some of whom have been attending his surgery for their entire lives. Looking for a gentle, professional dentist? Brisbane practice Robert Duhig Dental are the number one choice. Contact us today to set up an...