Author: Derek

Should my gums bleed when I’m pregnant?

Just like the rest of your body, your teeth, gums and mouth are affected by hormonal changes during pregnancy. You will usually notice changes in the health of your gums around the two month mark.

These hormonal changes alter the body’s natural response to plaque (a sticky film made up of bacteria and its waste products that grow on tooth surfaces) and may cause your gums to bleed easily when you brush or floss, a sign of gum disease commonly known as “pregnancy gingivitis”.

Though it is often temporary, as are many other oral health issues during pregnancy, it can seriously weaken the…

Why does my mouth feel dry after menopause?

If you’re going through menopause, which most women undergo between the ages of 47 and 55, you may have noticed a pronounced decline in your hormone levels. Just like hormonal changes during pregnancy has an affect on your mouth, so can the hormonal changes during menopause. During menopause these changes may lead to a range of oral health effects including inflamed gums, burning sensations, altered taste sensations and dry mouth.

Dry mouth (officially called xerostomia) occurs when you don’t have enough saliva in your mouth which naturally makes eating and swallowing difficult, as well a…

Does osteoporosis affect my teeth and jaws?

Osteoporosis is a common disease in Australia with 1.2 million people estimated to have osteoporosis and further 6.3 million with low bone density.

Whilst this disease can affect any bone in the body, it is the bones in the hip, spine, and wrist that are most often affected. However, there is some evidence to suggest that it can affect the bone in your jaw that holds your teeth into place, leading to increased risk of tooth loss, especially when there is also gum disease present.

Osteoporosis does not directly affect the health of your teeth, however it is actually some of the medications a…

Are you getting the most from your extras?

Recent health insurance premium increases have raised the question of whether health funds are cashing in on poor value extras cover. On April 1 the average price of private health insurance increased by an average of 5.59%, prompting both leading consumer group Choice, and the Australian Dental Association QLD (ADAQ) Branch to encourage consumers to consider whether extras cover is worth the expense.

In a statement released in early March, Choice called for consumers to “consider dropping their extras insurance unless they are confident of receiving more in benefits than they are paying in…

Holiday Opening Hours

Medland Dental will remain open over the Christmas and New Year period with modified hours of operation.
Opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period:
Monday 21 December: 8am – 6pm
Tuesday 22 December: 8am – 7:30pm
Wednesday 23 December: 8am – 6pm
Thursday 24 December: 8am – 4pm
Friday 25 December: Closed
Saturday 26 December: Closed

Monday 28 December: Closed
Tuesday 29 December: 8am – 5pm
Wednesday 30 December: 8am – 5pm
Thursday 31 January: 8am – 4pm
Friday 1 January: Closed
Saturday 2 January: Closed

Normal opening hours resume on Monday, 4 January 2015.

If you experience a dent…

Dr Lillicrap’s Christmas recipe

With Christmas just around the corner it ’tis season for a little indulgence! The Team at Medland Dental always look forward to Dr Lillicrap’s “Baileys Balls” a delicious twist on the classic rum ball.

She has been kind enough to share her recipe for these delicious treats. Please click here for the full recipe.

Merry Christmas and as always, please don’t forget to brush and floss 🙂
Baileys Balls
Makes: approx 40

Ingredients:
250g packet Marie or other plain, sweet biscuits, crushed
1 1/2 cups of desiccated coconut
395g can of condensed milk
2 tablespoons of cocoa, sifted
2 tablespoons of…

Christmas Holiday Activities for Kids

The children won’t get bored theses school holidays with the  “The Wonder of Christmas” extravaganza – four weeks of free Christmas events and performances throughout The City and South Bank! For more information see the Brisbane City Council Website.
Snap shot of dates and times of events
Lighting of the Christmas Tree, King George Square (6.30pm, November 27)

IGA Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, Riverstage (5-9pm, December 12)

Myer Christmas Pa…

The Toothbrush Debate

Our hygienists at Medland Dental are often asked, “What type of toothbrush should I use?”

Whether you brush your teeth manually or use a power-operated toothbrush, the most important step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums is brushing twice per day for approximately two minutes in conjunction with flossing.

If you have trouble with dexterity, you may find that using a power-operated toothbrush works better for your mouth. Many electric toothbrushes incorporate advanced technology that allows them to remove p…

Kids Club Activity: Magic Reindeer Food

Help guide Rudolph and his team of reindeers to your home this Christmas Eve. Sprinkle this easy to make ‘magical reindeer food’ on your front lawn. The glimmer in the moonlight will help light the way for Santa and his sleigh.
Magic Reindeer Food
Ingredients
½ cup of rolled oats
1 tsp of edible red glitter
1 tsp of edible green glitter

Method
1. Mix the oats and edible glitter in a small bowl until combined
2. Carefully spoon into a small zip lock bag and seal.
3. Print out the label and attach to the front of the bag using a stapler (might be best to ask an adult to help with this part…

Mouthguards

School is back and so is school sport. Having a custom fitted mouthguard ensures your child's beautiful smile is kept safe from the many knocks and bumps that occur on the sporting field.Available in a range of colours from Medland Dental Centre's laboratory these mouthguards not only defend their teeth from serious injury but also reduces the risk of injuries to their lips and cheeks and decreases concussions and fractures to their jaw.Remember it is as important for them to wear their mouthguard during training as it is during the game! …