FAQs

Dental amalgam is 50% mercury and it has been proven that mercury is toxic to the body. The argument that the levels of mercury from dental fillings are so low that it cannot cause harm does not make sense. There is no level of mercury that can be called safe; it is more toxic than lead, cadmium and even arsenic.

For many years the protocol has been to immediately put unused amalgam in an unbreakable and tightly sealed container. It is then recommended to be put under water straight away, so the vapour given off is not breathed or touched by dental personnel. Why should it then be implanted into teeth to be in contact with the human body continuously, and for many years?

Many European countries have recognised the health hazards of mercury amalgam and have eliminated its use entirely. This has influenced the advice from authorities in New Zealand to issue warnings to the Dental profession to avoid its use for pregnant women especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Removing mercury-amalgam from your mouth

At Sanctuary Dental we ensure that this is done safely and in the most comfortable manner possible. We will discuss this with you so that you are understand that we take all the necessary precautions to remove your amalgam safely.

Because it can reduce tooth decay, and it is a natural sweetener!

• Xylitol reduces decay because plaque bacteria cannot digest it.
• Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in many fruits and vegetables. It is often manufactured from birch trees and rice husks that are rich in xylan.
• It looks and tastes like sugar and has 40% less calories.
• It has a low Glycaemic index and is digested independently of insulin this makes it suitable for diabetics.
• Xylitol has been shown to have positive health effects not only in the mouth, but also on ear infections in children, as it inhibits some of the bacteria involved in these infections.
• Xylitol has been shown to be safe in many long term studies, and confirmed safe by all major regulatory bodies worldwide.
• The dental benefits are for anyone, and especially those who have decay, or dry mouth.
• It reduces plaque and the ability of the plaque to stick to the tooth surface.
• It increases saliva. Saliva is important because it has minerals that protect the teeth.
• Caution: Xylitol does have a laxative effect in large doses!
• You can order a variety of xylitol products from www.annies.co.nz

As you many have gathered by now, being pregnant does the strangest things to your body. Some of the side effects can impact on your dental health. And your dental health can impact on your pregnancy.

Recent research has revealed that women with periodontal or gum disease are seven times more likely to have low birth weight pre-term babies. It is understood that bacteria from diseased gums produce an enzyme that can trigger an early labour.

It  crucial for expectant mothers – and potential mothers – to maintain their dental health with regular visits to the dentist and a good oral hygiene plan.

Drugs and X rays

It is wise to avoid drugs and X-rays during pregnancy. If it is essential that you have an X- ray, special care and protection will be taken.

The safest period for dental work is the second trimester, however if we can avoid treatment for you we do. We do not use amalgam at Sanctuary Dental, and we would not remove an amalgam filling while you are pregnant if can possibly avoid it. It has been proven that mercury from amalgam fillings crosses the placenta and can also be found in breast milk.

Gingivitis

There is an increased risk of gingivitis during pregnancy. This is caused by an excess of bacterial plaque compounded by hormonal changes. This can be prevented by regular flossing, brushing and a visit or two to your gentle hygienists at Sanctuary Dental. We can also advise some very safe products for you to use.

Decay

Changes in your diet, due to nausea or cravings, can lead to an increase in tooth decay. Snacks that are low in sugar and high in fibre, help to prevent decay and promote general health.

Erosion of the tooth surface may occur if there is frequent vomiting of gastric acids due to nausea or “morning sickness”. A low-acid diet is advised – cut down on fruit juices, sports drinks and soft drinks. After an acid attack, rather than brushing, rinse with plain water or a bicarbonate of soda solution (half a teaspoon in half a glass of water).

Gagging

Gagging can sometimes occur when brushing your teeth. If so, try using a small toothbrush and very little toothpaste. Try holding your breath and closing your eyes, or inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth while you brush.

Bacteria and baby

At birth, your baby does not have decay-causing bacteria in the mouth. These are passed on, usually by the parents, through kissing, and food tasting later. It is essential for parents

to maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the transfer of these bacteria. Disease in your

mouth will cause disease in your children’s mouth too!

Teething

• Soothe sore gums with a teething ring, or massaging with a clean finger or cloth.
• Teething gels may help sore gums.
• Teething biscuits can contain sugar, and may contribute to tooth decay.
• Do not “sweeten” a teething ring or pacifier by applying sugary food or drink.

Feeding

• Water should be given after  juice and sweetened food, to rinse acids and sugars from the mouth.
• Fill bedtime or comfort bottles with water only – acidic or sugary drinks can cause decay.

Diet

• Limit sweet foods as “first solids”.
• Encourage a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
• Limit sugary processed foods, offer raw vegetables.
• If your child does eat sugary foods, try to limit it to "all at once "and not spread throughout the day. Encourage brushing afterwards.

• Avoid foods that last in the mouth, such as hard lollies and mints, which give plaque bacteria more opportunity to cause cavities.
• When serving juice dilute well with water as this has alot of sugar in it too.

Check the teeth regularly yourself for signs of decay. This looks like white or yellowish-brown marks.

Brushing

• After teeth erupt, brush with a child’s toothbrush twice daily, especially before bed.
• Be a good role model, children learn by imitation.

Flossing

Any teeth that touch can be flossed.

• We suggest flossing at bedtime. Combine it with a good story and your child will enjoy the process.

Fluoride

This has been a controversial issue for a long time. We recommend caution and so

advise that our patients limit fluoride for children or adults. We can suggest good products that are safe for infants and children that do not contain fluoride or foaming agents.

We love seeing children and families! We have seen many children grow up into adulthood with healthy low maintenance mouths. Starting regular 6 monthly dental visits from an early age will enable us to identify any potential dental problems early. It will also start your child on a personal dental hygiene plan that will help to ensure healthy teeth and gums for life.

Intravenous Sedation is a technique using a sedative, given using a vein in your arm, to relax you. We continue to use more sedative as it is needed throughout the procedure, so that  treatment is very smooth and comfortable for you. You will not have a clear memory of the time you are sedated although you remain conscious throughout the procedure and the time seems to pass very quickly.

You need to have an empty stomach, so do not eat or drink 4 hours before your appointment time. You must have someone to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.

You cannot drive for that same day. When you do arrive home, you need to rest and probably sleep for a few hours. Take care not to make any important decisions or sign any legal documents on the day, after being sedated as you may not have a clear memory about this later.

Some people worry that they will say things that they would not normally say. We can reassure you that this does not happen.

Please check the following points.

• Ensure that we know your full medical history and any drugs or natural remedies that you are taking.
• No food or drink after 4 hours before your appointment.
• Arrange to have a family member or friend to take you home and remain with you for the rest of the day.
• Wear loose clothing so that we can roll your sleeve up beyond your elbow because we will use a vein in your arm.
• Please use the Rest Room before your appointment.
• We will usually ask you to pay for your treatment before you are sedated because you will not have a clear memory of this afterwards.
• You will be asked to sign a form to reassure us that you have read and understood the information above, to download a copy of this form  click here, print it out and bring it with you to your appointment.