Aim Dental Group

Friendly, Honest, Dental Care

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Aim 4 Kids Day

Over the years Aim Dental Group have worked to raise money for PMH and Perth Children’s Hospital. When given the opportunity to give charitably our owners have chosen to donate to PMH (now known as Perth Children’s Hospital) for all the work they have done for members of both their family and the families of the staff and patients at Aim dental Group.

Telethon’s mission is to ensure a better life for Perth children now and in the future. This year, on Saturday the 20th of October we are opening our doors to provide dental services to patients with all every dollar made on the day donated to Telethon. Money raised will help treat life-threatening diseases that affect children and provide equipment, resources and critical services for children across Western Australia.

The day itself will have a fun atmosphere with staff dressing up as famous children’s TV, book and movie characters. We also will have fun activities for kids to mark the days special occasion.

Here is how you can help…

If you are one of our lovely patients, you can elect to have your treatment done on Saturday the 20th at our Woodvale or Maddington practice with your preferred Dentist. Although spaces are limited we will do our best to accommodate everyone.

If you are a New Patient, please call to book an appointment with one of our Dentists. All Dentists at Aim Dental Group are preferred providers with HBF, Medibank Private, NIB and HCF. We are also Members Platinum Dentists for BUPA which means no-out-of-pocket expense for your New Patient Exam. Plus, any New Patients who are attending the practice for treatment on Saturday the 20th will go into the draw to win Instant In-Chair Teeth Whitening, valued at $799.

Anyone who attends the practice for treatment will be given a goodie bag as a thank you for their donation.

If you don’t want to be seen by our Dentists but would like to make a donation to Telethon, you can contact Aim Dental Woodvale or Maddington on Saturday the 20th and Donate over the phone. We also have Telethon tins available at all three of our clinics if you would prefer to drop your donation off.

We are aiming to raise a total of $15,000 over the day but will need your help, contact Aim Dental today on 1300 AIM DENTAL to book in or request a booking on our website. You can track our totals live from our website on the day as we countdown to reach our target for Telethon.

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Watch Your Mouth!

This year, Dental Health week is ran from August 6th – 12th and  focused on overall oral health. It has been a reminder to everyone that oral health does not just involve your teeth and gums, but your whole mouth including cheeks and tongue. We depend on our mouths to speak, smile, smell, chew and swallow- so it is important to be knowledgeable and keep it healthy.

The Importance of Dental Checks

Many people do not realise that when you attend your general dental checks, your Dentist is not only examining your teeth, but your whole mouth. Your mouth, gums and teeth and tongue need regular checks by a Dentist, as any changes may signal minor or serious health problems.

Lesser Known Oral Health Issues

You may be wondering, if your teeth are fine, what other oral health issues are there? Periodontal or gum disease is a bacterial infection which is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. It is caused by a build up of plaque which leads to gum inflammation, or gingivitis. Signs include bleeding while flossing are brushing your teeth and sensitivity when chewing.You can treat and prevent periodontal problems by practicing good oral hygiene and getting regular dental checks and cleans.

Your Dentist will also be looking out for early symptoms of more serious issues, such as oral cancer. Let your Dentist know if you have any unusual bumps or lesions in your mouth.

Your Dentist will also be able to detect if you clench or grind your teeth, which can lead to issues such as jaw pain and headaches.

Head to our website to request an appointment or call us on 1300 AIM DENTAL.

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Alcohol & Oral Health

We often hear about the effects of alcohol on our overall health, but what are the effects specifically to our oral health?

Oral Cancer: Not many people are aware that after tobacco, alcohol is the second highest contributor to oral cancers. When both substances are in play it is particularly risky, as alcohol drys the mouth and leaves it more vulnerable to the carcinogens in tobacco. People who use both tobacco and alcohol may increase their risk up to 15 times than those who do not.

Chronic Dry Mouth:. Many of us experience dry mouth when drinking alcohol every so often. However, when consumed regularly and in large amounts, it may cause your salivary glands to swell and lessen the production of saliva. If this occurs frequently, a chronic dry mouth can cause tooth decay and allow the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

Erosion & Discolouration: Many alcohols, such as wines contain acids that can erode and discolour your teeth, increasing their sensitivity and altering their appearance. Other alcohols contain large amounts of sugar which can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

So, what can we do to lower the risks?

Drink Water in Between Sips: This will help wash away any acids or sugars from the mouth and assist in preventing erosion and tooth decay. It will also help keep you and your mouth hydrated.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Throughout the night, chewing on sugar-free gum can assist in saliva production, which will help to fight any acids and sugars in the mouth.

If you are concerned about your oral health, request an appointment with one of our Dentists online, or call us on 1300 AIM DENTAL.

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Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is very common and nothing to be ashamed of. Many people put up with a great deal of pain from their gums and teeth, in order to avoid visiting the Dentist. Skipping your regular dental check-ups means that you may miss out on detecting issues early, which can lead to more extensive and costly treatment in the long term.

We understand that dental visits are a serious concern for some patients, and it is important to be aware of the different options available to you, in order to put yourself at ease.

Some methods for controlling dental anxiety include;

Communication- communication between yourself and your dentist is very important in overcoming dental fears. You are welcome to voice any of your concerns to your Dentist. It may help if you ask them to talk you through the treatment as they perform it.

Medication- sometimes pre-sedative medication can be taken an hour before an appointment to help you with relaxation, this should be something you discuss with your Dentist in your initial appointment.

Happy gas- an option for more severe anxiety is to use nitrous oxide (happy gas) during treatment. This is an analgesic, that will relax you during treatment. Let your Dentist know if you would like to 

IV Anaesthesia- when all other options have been explored with no succes, intravenous anaesthesia allows patients to be almost, but not quite, asleep throughout the whole procedure. This option requires an advance booking as it needs to be administered and monitored by a specialist aneasthesist.

We’ll look after you.

Book an appointment today and see which treatment options may be suitable for you. Call us on 1300 AIM DENTAL.

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Mouthguards Matter

5 million teeth are knocked out each year, many of these are due to sporting injuries.

Don’t become a statistic this season and book in to get a custom-fitted mouthguard! A direct impact to the front of your face with no mouthguard can fracture your front teeth, or even knock one or more of them out. A hit to your lower jaw can slam your jaws together, not only putting a huge amount of stress on your teeth, which may cause cracks and breaks but it can also cause jaw fractures, damage joints or result in concussion.

Sporting injuries account for almost 40% of dental trauma in kids

If you have braces or your child is an orthodontic patient, the trauma from a sporting injury can not only damage teeth but also the sensitive soft tissue inside the mouth.

How Do Mouthguards Work?

Mouthguards are similar to airbags.  They work by absorbing the impact and dispersing the pressure around the material of the mouthguard, rather than throughout your teeth and jaw. Because of this, wearing a mouthguard can drastically reduce the chances of incurring an injury such as knocked out teeth or a concussion.

Custom-fitted mouthguards are the best option when it comes to protection against trauma and concussion. Studies have shown that custom-fitted mouthguards reduce your chance of concussion by more than 50%. There are many other benefits of custom-fitted mouthguards in comparison to regular, store-bought versions, including;

Less bulky shape and appearance

Easier to speak while wearing

Easier to breathe while wearing

Very durable

Range of custom colours to choose from

How Do I Get a Custom-Fitted Mouthguard?

Simply book into an Aim Dental practice and we will take an impression of your teeth, this will only take about 10 minutes. We will then make your mouthguard for you and it should be ready in about a week.

Call us today on 1300 AIM DENTAL to book in for your mouthguard consult.

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Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third molars that normally erupt in late teen years or early twenties. They are usually the last permanent teeth to appear, although they do not emerge for everyone.  It is normal to have four wisdom teeth (one at the back of each corner of the mouth), although some people may have more or less.  Most people only find out about their wisdom teeth once they start to cause some pain. However, it’s is best to evaluate your wisdom teeth when you are in your late teens. If wisdom teeth do need to be removed, recovery is often much easier during this time. As you age, the roots of your teeth may grow deeper and the bone surrounding the tooth becomes more dense making removal more difficult and healing time a lot longer.

ISSUES WITH WISDOM TEETH

When a wisdom tooth does erupt, it may do so in the wrong direction (also known as impacting), they then may become easily infected, cause food to get stuck leading to decay and cause crowding in the mouth. Wisdom teeth are generally harder to keep clean as they are so far back in the mouth and prone to decay.  

In these cases, removal of the wisdom teeth may be the right option for you.

OTHER SYMPTOMS

Aside from pain in the jawbone or pain from infection, there are other symptoms you may need to look out for. If you are experiencing any of the following it may be time to visit your dentist and have your wisdom teeth checked!

Swelling of the gums

Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw

Bad breath

Jaw stiffness

Headaches

If you would like to book a wisdom tooth consult, or would like more information, please contact an Aim Dental practice. 

Woodvale [phone] | Maddington [phone] | Merredin [phone]

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Massage for Teeth Grinding

Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a disorder that affects a large proportion of the adult population. It is characterised by involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth that can cause severe wear of the teeth, headaches, neck pain and muscle pain.

To prevent further wear of the teeth, it is often advised to wear an occlusal splint in order to even the force from grinding and clenching, protect the teeth from further wear and relax the jaw muscles.

Another lesser known treatment option is remedial massage. Studies have shown that remedial massage to the neck, shoulders, face and jaw in combination from treatment from your dentist can improve the jaw function and reduce pain in these areas.

At our newly opened Aim Cosmetic & Wellness Centre, our qualified massage therapist Marianne, combines her knowledge of anatomy from her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree to apply a range of specialised techniques to treat the symptoms of Bruxism. Intra-oral massage and pressure point therapy are just some of the techniques used by Marianne to provide effective relief from tension and pain caused by Bruxism.

If you would like to incorporate remedial massage into you Bruxism treatment, or would like to know more, please contact our friendly team at Aim Cosmetic & Wellness Centre.

Aim Cosmetic & Wellness Centre | Ph: [phone] | 4/64 Attfield Street, Maddington | www.aimcosmetic.com.au

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5 Oral Health Tips for Busy Routines

Most of us would like to think that we keep on top of our oral health but in reality, with busy schedules, this often falls down on our priority list. For dental health week, we have put together our list of 5 main oral health tips for people with busy routines

#1 Keep up with Active Maintenance Appointments

Ensuring you keep up with your active maintenance appointments is important in maintaining your oral hygiene. Aim Dental offers after hours and weekend appointments at each practice to suit varied schedules!  

#2 Carry a Travel Size Hygiene Pack

Carrying travel sized dental hygiene products means you will be able to look after your mouth no matter when or where you are. You will receive a free hygiene pack with any Aim Dental active maintenance appointment.

#3 Prepare Health Dental-Friendly Snacks

Preparing healthy snacks in advance will make you less likely to buy sugary snacks impulsively. We recommend cheese or chopped vegetables :)

#4 Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum is a quick and simple way to neutralise any acids in you mouth and prevent health issues as well as keeping your breath fresh :) /p>

#5  Rinse with Water

Rinsing your mouth with water after eating is an effective way to wash away debris and acids.

Woodvale [phone] | Maddington [phone] | Merredin [phone]

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Are Dental Implants right for me?

WHY DENTAL IMPLANTS?

If you have any teeth missing, or are expecting to in the future, it is important to consider tooth replacement options. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth move, which may affect the way you bite.

There is also the factor of having an extra tooth for chewing, as well as an aesthetic factor if the missing tooth is noticeable.

AM I AN APPROPRIATE CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Certain factors can impact dental implants and their efficiency. This means you must determine whether you are a suitable candidate for implants before beginning any treatment. Factors that affect your suitability may include:

Gum Health- This is an integral factor to determine how successful an implant may be. If you have gum disease this must be treated before considering implants

Bone Density- similar to the health of your gums, bone density plays an important role in implant success. There needs to be a sufficient amount of bone in order to support the implant

General Oral Health- Overall, the healthier your mouth is, the better suited you will be for dental implants. Oral health issues may complicate the life of dental implants and you must endeavour to keep up with active maintenance appointments.

Medical History- Certain conditions may affect the body’s ability to heal, which may complicate the dental implant procedure. It is important that your dentist is aware of any health issues you may have so that they will be able to assess any risks that could be involved with your circumstances

AM I THE RIGHT AGE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

For adults, age may have an effect on some of the factors previously discussed, such as gum and bone health. Although this does not mean that the older you are, the less suitable you are. The best way to determine your suitability is to book in for a consultation.

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Even if you think you may be unsuitable for dental implants, be sure to speak to one of our dentists regardless. They will be able to give you the correct advice, or alternative treatment options that suit you.

If you are looking for options on tooth replacement, dental implants may be an option for you. To find out if this procedure is suitable for you, call one of our practices for more information.

Woodvale [phone] | Maddington [phone] | Merredin [phone]

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With Easter just around the corner, it’s time to talk all things sugar! Don’t worry, we’re not going to tell that you’re not allowed any chocolate this weekend, but we will give you some tips on how to prevent decay and cavities forming!

Most of us have been told from a young age that sugar is harmful to our teeth, but do we know why? Oral bacteria feed on the sugars you consume and become acids that can dissolve and cause damage to our teeth!

Here are our five quick tips on how to minimise the negative effects of sugar on your teeth:

1. Drink plenty of water while you’re eating your sweets. This will help to neutralise any acids produced.

2. Swish water in your mouth afterward. Not only will this help with neutralising acids, it will also help to dislodge any sweets stuck in your teeth.

3. Don’t snack all day. If you are going to eat sugary products and expose your teeth to acids, it is better to do so in one sitting rather than snacking throughout the day or over a longer period of time.

4. Wait to brush. It is better to wait at least half an hour after eating sweets to brush or floss your teeth so that you are less likely to brush with acids produced and end up wearing away at the enamel of your teeth.

5. Beware of sticky candies and chocolate bars. It’s these types that can get stuck in your teeth and eat away at the enamel.

And #6....Enjoy your long weekend and have a happy Easter!

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The 6 Monthly Dental Exam

So, another 6 months has flown by and it’s that time of the year again…your Active Maintenance dental appointment. You go through to the treatment room with the hygienist, lie back and spend 40 minutes having a thorough scale and clean. Then it’s time for the dentist to make their appearance and do your dental examination. Whilst you’re lying there, with your shaded glasses on and mouth wide, you start to ponder...“What can they see? What are they looking for? Should I have brushed a little longer after breakfast this morning?”. I spoke with the Business Manager of Aim Dental Group to find out why we need this and what the Dentist does in this time.

What do you do at Aim Dental Group?

My job is to ensure the business is growing and all staff including Dentists are abiding to policies and procedures set by the company, but also ensuring the business is following the Australian Dental Association (ADA) guidelines and Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines. These organizations are our governing bodies

What types of things do these ADA and AHPRA guidelines include?

Sterilization Protocols, Confidentiality of Dental Records…. Everything really, even our Social Media Use.

I attend regularly for 6 month check-ups. One thing I never understand is why I need a dental exam every time I have my clean?

Many people are now aware of the general health benefits of having regular scale and cleans. The media have covered the link between unhealthy gums and increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and premature birth. A question we do get though is why the need for a dentist to do an exam every 6 months? Problems in and around the mouth such as tooth decay, gum disease, jaw problems and oral cancer are completely painless in their early stages. A regular check by a dentist can uncover these problems early. This can mean very simple treatment or in some cases prevention rather than treatment.

Ok sure, but the Dentist only takes 10 minutes, are they really checking everything properly?

Before entering the therapist’s room your dentist has already been studying your previous x-rays and revising your dental history. Each morning, the dentist and the Therapist you will be seeing have a meeting about your needs so your visit is well prepared and allows your dental examination to often be completed within a matter of minutes.

At Aim Dental Group we have designed our active maintenance appointments to be efficient and effective. In this time the dentist has completed your oral cancer screening, checked every tooth for sign of decay, reviewed the condition of any previous dental treatment you have received and assessed the health of your gums and mouth.

So you’re saying that having exams every 6 months reduces the need for spending money on larger treatment like crowns, fillings and Root Canals?

It certainly does reduce it. Dental examinations help to diagnose disease before it becomes hazardous to your health. In addition, regular examinations can save patients money by finding problems while they are small and before they become expensive to repair, or in some cases, impossible to repair.

We pride ourselves on the effective communication skills of our team and our dentists are no exception. Our dentists want to empower their patients with thorough knowledge and understanding of their treatment options and give honest and current advice to help them make the best decisions about their oral care.

Call one of our three practices to book in your active maintenance appointment today: Woodvale [phone]  | Maddington [phone] | Merredin [phone]

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Our teeth and gums are important parts of our mouth, but we shouldn’t forget about our tongue!

The tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body and it is the only muscle that works without the help of our skeleton.

There are between 3,000 and 10,000 taste buds on our tongues which make up our taste perception of sweet, sour, bitter, salty and savoury.

Our tongues are the home to 600 different types of bacteria! Take good care of your tongue by keeping it clean. You can brush it gently with your toothbrush, or invest in a brush with a tongue cleaner to keep your mouth happy

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Continuing with our theme this month of 'loving your mouth', we thought we'd take a look at some of the most underappreciated, and often disliked, teeth in the mouth; the wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth often grow in around late adolescence/ early adulthood, and most people grow 4 teeth in total. They pop through at the back of the mouth, but sometimes they won't emerge the whole way through the gum; and sometimes the teeth develop, but they remain under the gum.

For reasons unknown, only 35% of the population grow wisdom teeth, and it's often rumored that people with no or few wisdom teeth (less than 4) are more highly evolved. Wisdom teeth are notoriously difficult to clean because of their positioning in the mouth, and this leaves them prone to decay.

If you start to feel something weird going on at the very back of your mouth, and you haven't had your wizzies removed yet, it might be worth getting them checked out by a dentist.

Visit our Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/AimDentalGroup/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf

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Over the weekend our fantastic team took part in the 'Sunshine Beach Run'. Our team was a part of both the 3km and 5km run and it's fair to say there are some tight legs walking into work today.

'The Sunshine Beach run is an annual event to support Red Nose continue their research, education and bereavement councelling services for Western Australian families experiencing the sudden and unexpected loss of a child to miscarriage, stillbirth or SIDS.'

Aim Dental could not be more proud of their staff and to be a part of and support such an amazing cause.

We look forward to participating in more fundraising events in the near future.

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Good news for our NIB patients; we are now preferred providers for NIB. This means you can claim the maximum benefit possible for your treatment with us. So don't put off your check up any longer! 

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Ah lips, what would we look like without them?

The lips are composed of a bunch of complex muscles known as orbicularis oris. This muscle group encircle the mouth, and in order to pucker up to whistle or blow a kiss, the orbicularis oris needs to contract.

Lips are also some of the most sensitive organs in the body. They don't have any natural protective oils as they have no sweat glands, and this leaves them highly exposed to wind, cold, and sun.

It's important to take care of your lips and keep them moisturised, especially in summer. Pop a bit of SPF lip balm on when you're putting on your sun cream to keep your smackers happy.