When should my child have their first dental exam?

Your child should have their first dental exam within six months after their first tooth emerges or around one year old. This is the time to begin instilling good dental habits such as brushing, going to the dentist and eating a healthy diet. These steps set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

I’m 24 and I still haven’t has any wisdom teeth come through – is this normal?

Wisdom teeth are the most commonly missing teeth in humans, and this is becoming a more frequent occurrence as humans develop due to wisdom teeth not being necessary. Sometimes they just don’t come through, although you should be having fairly regular oral X-rays to ensure they are not at risk of impacting your other teeth. Just because they haven’t come through, it doesn’t mean they are not there. Often, patients attend saying that their wisdom teeth are causing crowding, resulting in their other teeth being ‘pushed forward’; however, many studies note that this happens regardless of the presence of wisdom teeth. I don’t believe that the sensation of your teeth being pushed forward is justification to have your wisdom teeth removed; however, each case will be judged on its own merits.

My teeth sensitivity has increasingly intensified over the past few weeks. What can I do to ease the ache I get from hot and cold temps?

Teeth sensitivity can stem from a number of things, like tooth decay, leaky fillings, receding gums, and nerve problems. Until you see your dentist next, you should keep your mouth as clean as possible (brushing, flossing, and using a disinfectant mouthwash). Use lukewarm water and avoid cold/hot foods and sweets that may trigger the sensitivity. If it is truly a ‘sensitivity’ versus a ‘toothache,’ try to bear with it until you can be seen by your dentist in a non-emergency situation. If it becomes a constant toothache, then it is considered an urgency or emergency.