Working in Dentistry, I've heard some pretty interesting beliefs about teeth. Some sound completely bizarre, while others have a little bit of truth behind them, just not in the way people might think.
Here are some of the most common dental myths I've heard and what they actually mean:
“You only need to see the dentist if something hurts”
Tooth …
As we graduate into adulthood, we go through a variety of life experiences that can shape our futures. One of those experiences unfortunately, may be wisdom teeth pain and the surgical procedure of removing your wisdom teeth at the dentist.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are late-developing molars that typically appear between the ages of 17-25.
I’ve had …
Good oral health starts long before a problem appears, it's built on consistent care and regular professional cleanings.
Dental hygiene isn't just about keeping your smile looking fresh, it plays a crucial role in preventing gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and even supporting your overall health.
A dental clean is an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, …
Today, there are discussions about how AI and technology will take over many jobs and professions. But did you know that the term “Artificial Intelligence” first appeared in the period from 1965 to 1970?
Since that time, scientific authorities continue to question the ability of AI to replace humans as dentists, pharmacists, or physicians. But we can’t deny that we …
Many parents assume they need to remove all sugar to protect their children's teeth; But the truth is, that's not the case.
Cavities are not caused by sugar alone.
Cavities are the result of repeated acid attacks on the teeth. Each time a child eats or drinks something sugary or refined, bacteria produce acid that weakens enamel. The real issue …
On the dental calendar, the 20th day of March marks World Oral Health Day and the theme for 2026 is that “A Happy Mouth… is a Happy Life”, which aims to encourage positive change by educating people about the vital role a happy, healthy mouth plays in our lives.
This year’s theme reminds us that it is important to care …
When we think of heart health, we often focus on diet, exercise and genetics. What's less commonly discussed is the role oral health plays in supporting a healthy heart. Growing research shows that the health of our gums can have an impact on our cardiovascular health.
Gum disease develops when plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline, leading to …
We’re almost at the end of the first month of the New Year and already 2026 has packed some punches. As we roll into the new year, it is always a good time for reflection and setting up your goals to make this year a memorable one!
There …
As a dentist, I completely understand how a smile can make a huge impact to an individual and to the people around them.
There is a teaching in Islam that “Smiling is an act of charity” and I strongly believe that by helping my patients achieve their best smile, it goes a long way to helping them in their everyday …
Your toothbrush is one of the most important oral hygiene tools and the reality is most people will use the wrong one. With so many options on the shelves from manual, electric, sonic and so on, choosing the right toothbrush can be confusing.
The truth is, the right toothbrush is the one that helps you clean effectively, comfortably and consistently.
…
The month of October is special at Northvale Dental because it was on the 10th day of this month in the year 2020 that we opened our doors. This makes it our 5th birthday this year, and what a milestone it is for the practice and for our team.
So what does the future of dentistry look like in the …
When I was a child, I dreaded going to the dentist. The unfamiliar smells, the strange noises, and the fear of the unknown made every visit overwhelming. That anxiety stayed with me for years, but it also inspired me. Today, I work as an Oral Health Therapist, helping children overcome the very fears I once struggled with.
One of the …
One of the toughest challenges I believe as a dentist is treating young patients because your earliest experiences at the dentist will impact your lifelong dental journey. A poor experience as a child at the dentist can have a lingering impact and may result in the avoidance of dental treatment when they grow into adulthood.
Dental anxiety is real and …
Pregnancy brings many changes, and your mouth is no exception. Many people focus on nutrition, rest, medical checkups, however, oral health is often overlooked.
The hormonal and lifestyle shifts that occur during pregnancy can significantly affect your gums and teeth.
As an Oral Health Therapist, I often see mums to be surprised by how much their mouth can change during …
Vaping makes me feel like an old person, because when I was a teenager or even as a young adult, vaping didn’t exist back then. But today, it is common knowledge and I see a lot of young people getting into vaping, seemingly like it is the cool thing to be doing. Vapes also are designed to be appealing with …
As an Oral Health Therapist, one of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the belief that baby teeth don't matter because “They're going to fall out anyways”.
When parents hear ‘baby teeth’, they often think of something temporary; tiny teeth that will eventually fall out, so why worry too much? The reality is, baby teeth play a vital role …
One of the most common things I hear my patients say to me when they’re at their dental appointment is that they’ve “been thinking about straightening their teeth”. They may have had braces when they were younger and their teeth have now moved, or they’ve been unhappy by the crowding they see and always had difficulty cleaning their teeth properly.
…
This year’s World Oral Health Day slogan, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind,” brings a refreshing perspective to the importance of oral health. It highlights the connection between our mental well-being and the health of our mouth. As an oral health therapist, this theme resonates deeply with me because oral health is often seen as just being about teeth …
As a general dentist, my appointments throughout the day can range from being a routine dental check up or removing a tooth or doing a filling to fix tooth decay. However, it is a common occurrence for patients to be booked in for an emergency dental appointment, and this could be with one of our regular patients or a new …
When you walk into your dental hygiene appointment, you’re probably thinking about a clean smile and fresh breath. But behind those simple outcomes lies a detailed process aimed at maintaining your oral health and preventing future problems.
At Northvale Dental, we aim to make your dental hygiene appointment as comfortable and effective as possible.
As an oral health therapist, I …
In September this year, Manar and myself traveled to the beautiful city of Istanbul in Turkiye, to attend the FDI World Dental Congress. At the congress we were introduced to the 2025 World Oral Health Day campaign theme, A Healthy Mouth…is a Healthy Mind.
This theme can resonate with many as there has been a real focus on our mental …
Saying hello to April 2024 means that in 6 months, Northvale Dental will be celebrating its 4th Birthday. How time flies!
Our vision, as a practice, is to exceed patient expectations with a dental experience that will promote a lifelong relationship built on trust, confidence, quality of work and exceptional patient care.
We are so humbled and honoured to see …
New Year’s Day has come and gone and if you’re like me you might have spent a few minutes on the 1st day of 2024, thinking about the year ahead. You may have set yourself some new goals that you’d want to achieve this year, like going to the gym more regularly, or setting yourself a savings target, or maybe …
Whoa would you look at that?
January has FLOWN by!
A lot of people resolve to be more diligent when it comes to their 6 monthly dental check-ups in the new year. But like any well-made plan, our best intentions can be derailed and we can put our oral health on the backburner (again). A lot of it comes down …
It’s mid-July 2021 and what a rollercoaster year it has been so far! As we’ve come to the end of another school holidays, today I am reflecting on the one thing parents struggle with, and sometimes are embarrassed to ask me for advice on. How do I get my child to brush? It’s not uncommon for me to be met …
Let’s be honest, few people would say that going to the dentist is something they look forward to. Personally, I also admit that getting my teeth checked and cleaned every 6 months is not an enjoyable experience. But, being a dentist professionally means that I know how important it is to make sure I do. Besides, I don’t think I …