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from Mornington Peninsula Magazine JULY 2021

DENTAL HEALTH WEEK: Aug 3-9

Dental Health Week is the Australian Dental Association’s major annual oral health campaign. It takes place each year in the first full week of August, and this year it runs from August 2-8.

Dental Health Week focuses on the importance of taking steps to care for your teeth and gums to help you to keep your teeth and your smile for life. To do that, the association has four key messages for maintaining good oral health: • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. • Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes. • Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake. • Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care. It should not be a normal expectation that at some stage of your life you will need to have teeth removed because of tooth decay or gum disease. Australians should expect to keep their teeth for their lifetime and practising these four simple routines can help people to reach this goal. After all, you don’t expect to lose an arm or a leg as you get older, so why expect to lose any of your teeth? Tempting as it is to think that everyone is practising good teeth and mouth hygiene, the reality is that the oral health of many Australians is not where it should be. • 75% of adults rarely or never floss or clean between their teeth; • One in five adults brush only once a day; • 39% of parents report their children drink between two and five soft drinks a week; • Two out of three adults usually visit the dentist for a problem rather than a regular check-up; and, • 47% of adults consume too much sugar. Mornington Peninsula Magazine has highlighted

several of our dental professionals over the following pages, so enjoy our special feature and contact your dental professional for more information.

Common questions we get asked as orthodontists

When is the best time to start orthodontic treatment?

We recommend a first orthodontic assessment for children aged between seven and nine because some benefit greatly from early intervention. Wearing certain appliances may reduce a child’s time in braces later and may also make treatment more effective.

Do many adults get orthodontic treatment?

We are seeing a growing trend in adults seeking orthodontic treatment, with many choosing to improve their smiles later in life. We offer many aesthetic options to suit your lifestyle, including clear braces and aligners (Invisalign and Spark).

Will my child still be able to enjoy the activities they love?

Some appliances are removable and some stay fixed in place. Dr Peter Scott and the team love to take the time to get to know you and your family to determine the most appropriate option. This includes your weekend sport and the name of your dog! Dr Scott and his team have grown to better service the Frankston and Peninsula region and welcome Dr Peter Tran to the practice. Dr Tran is a University of Melbourne graduate and has a special interest in early treatment and clear aligner therapy. He is exceptionally great with children and can sometimes be found making balloon animals rather than bending wire!