Frequently Asked Dental Questions
Hello from Dental Fresh Bondi Junction! I’m Dr Angela Aristizábal Merlano, and I’m thrilled to connect with you through this blog. After 12 years in dentistry across multiple countries, I’ve noticed that patients often have similar questions about their dental health, regardless of where they’re from!
Today, I’m addressing the top questions I frequently hear during consultations. My hope is that these answers will empower you with the knowledge to make better decisions about your oral health.
1. "How often should I really be visiting the dentist?"
While the standard recommendation is every six months, the truth is that dental check-up frequency should be personalised. Some patients with excellent oral hygiene and no risk factors might do well with annual visits, while others may benefit from quarterly appointments.
Risk factors that might necessitate more frequent visits include:
- History of gum disease
- Diabetes or other systemic conditions
- Smoking
- Previous extensive dental work
- Rapid tartar build-up
A typical check-up at Dental Fresh includes more than just looking for cavities. We evaluate your gum health, check for signs of oral cancer, assess existing dental work, and identify early warning signs of problems before they become painful or expensive.
2. "Is flossing actually necessary or just dentist propaganda?"
I hear this question quite often, followed by guilty smiles! The simple truth is that your toothbrush can’t reach approximately 35% of your tooth surfaces—the spaces between your teeth. These areas are prime real estate for bacteria and plaque.
Studies consistently show that proper interdental cleaning significantly reduces gum inflammation and cavity formation between teeth. If traditional floss feels cumbersome, consider alternatives like:
- Water flossers
- Interdental brushes
- Floss picks
- Soft picks
Finding the right tool for your unique mouth is key—I’m happy to demonstrate options during your next visit.
3. "What's causing my sensitive teeth and how can I manage it?"
Tooth sensitivity—that sharp, temporary pain when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods—has several possible causes:
- Enamel erosion from acidic foods or aggressive brushing
- Gum recession exposing tooth roots
- Cracked teeth or leaking fillings
- Recent dental procedures
- Teeth grinding
For immediate relief, try:
- Desensitising toothpastes (they take about 2 weeks of regular use to show results)
- Soft-bristled toothbrushes
- Avoiding extreme temperatures
- Using a straw for cold or acidic drinks
Professional treatments include fluoride varnishes, bonding agents to cover exposed root surfaces, and in some cases, root canal treatment for severe, persistent sensitivity.
4. "Are electric toothbrushes worth the investment?"
Electric toothbrushes aren’t necessarily better for everyone, but they offer many patients advantages. Studies show they can remove up to 21% more plaque than manual brushing.
Benefits include:
- Built-in timers to ensure adequate brushing time
- Pressure sensors to prevent aggressive brushing
- Various modes for sensitive teeth or gum care
- Better access to difficult-to-reach areas
If you choose electric, look for models with pressure sensors and multiple modes. The best brush, however, is the one you’ll use consistently and correctly. Technique matters more than the tool!
5. "What's the deal with wisdom teeth? Does everyone need them removed?"
Wisdom teeth (third molars) typically emerge between ages 17-25. While they once served our ancestors who needed extra chewing power for tough diets, our modern jaws are often too small to accommodate them properly.
Not everyone needs wisdom teeth removed. Extraction is typically recommended when:
- There’s inadequate space, causing impaction
- They emerge at problematic angles
- They’re partially erupted, creating cleaning difficulties and infection risk
- They’re causing pain, damaging adjacent teeth, or creating bite problems
At Dental Fresh, we evaluate each case individually using panoramic X-rays and clinical examination rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
6. "How safe are dental X-rays? Should I be concerned about radiation?"
Modern dental X-rays expose patients to minimal radiation—less than what you’d receive during a short airplane flight. At Dental Fresh, we use digital radiography, which reduces radiation exposure by up to 80% compared to traditional film X-rays.
We take additional precautions including:
- Lead aprons with thyroid collars
- High-speed digital sensors requiring less exposure
- Selective X-rays based on individual risk assessment
The diagnostic benefits of detecting problems early (before they cause pain or require more invasive treatment) far outweigh the minimal risks of limited, appropriate X-ray use.
7. "What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?"
Missing teeth can affect both aesthetics and function, potentially leading to shifting of adjacent teeth, bite problems, and bone loss. Your main options include:
Dental implants: Titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone that support a crown. They look, feel, and function most like natural teeth and help preserve jaw bone.
Dental bridges: Fixed prosthetics anchored to adjacent teeth to “bridge” the gap. These are less invasive than implants but require modification of neighbouring teeth.
Partial dentures: Removable appliances that replace one or more missing teeth. They’re more affordable but less stable than fixed options.
We consider factors like bone density, oral health, adjacent teeth condition, lifestyle, and budget when recommending the best option for each patient.
8. "Are at-home whitening kits effective and safe?"
Over-the-counter whitening products can be effective for mild staining, but they come with limitations:
- Lower concentrations of whitening agents
- One-size-fits-all trays that may allow gel to contact gums
- Potential for overuse leading to sensitivity
Professional whitening offers:
- Higher-concentration, dentist-approved whitening agents
- Custom-fitted trays or in-office treatments
- Monitoring to prevent sensitivity
- Treatment of underlying issues affecting tooth colour
If you choose DIY options, look for products with the Australian Dental Association Seal of Approval, and avoid charcoal products that can be abrasive to enamel.
9. "My gums bleed when I brush – should I be worried?"
Bleeding gums are never normal. They’re typically an early sign of gingivitis – an inflammatory response to bacterial plaque buildup. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which affects the supporting structures of your teeth and has been linked to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions.
The good news? Early-stage gum disease is reversible with:
- Improved oral hygiene techniques
- Regular professional cleanings
- Proper interdental cleaning
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses when recommended
At Dental Fresh, we measure your gum health at each visit and work with you to develop appropriate home care strategies.
10. "How can I overcome my dental anxiety?"
Dental anxiety affects up to 1 in 6 Australian adults, and I want you to know it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. At Dental Fresh, we take anxiety seriously and offer several approaches to make your visit more comfortable:
- Thorough explanations so you know what to expect
- Signal systems so you can indicate when you need a break
- Numbing gels before injections
- Distraction techniques like ceiling TVs or music
- Gradual exposure through shorter, simpler appointments first
Let's Continue the Conversation
Do you have other questions not covered here? I’d love to address them in future posts! Please share your questions with us or bring them up during your next appointment.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly dental question—if it matters to you, it matters to me. My goal is to make dental care accessible, understandable, and as comfortable as possible for every patient who visits our Bondi Junction practice.
Ready to experience a different kind of dental care? Book a consultation with me at Dental Fresh today. Whether you’re due for a check-up, have a specific concern, or simply want to discuss your smile goals, I’m here to listen and provide personalised care in a warm, supportive environment.
Dental anxiety affects up to 1 in 6 Australian adults, and I want you to know it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. At Dental Fresh, we take anxiety seriously and offer several approaches to make your visit more comfortable:
- Thorough explanations so you know what to expect
- Signal systems so you can indicate when you need a break
- Numbing gels before injections
- Distraction techniques like ceiling TVs or music
- Gradual exposure through shorter, simpler appointments first
Meet Dr Angela
Dr Angela Aristizábal Merlano brings over 12 years of international dental experience to Dental Fresh Bondi Junction. With specialist training in Aesthetic Dental Operative and a passion for holistic, patient-centred care, she combines technical expertise with genuine compassion. Patients appreciate her gentle approach, clear communication, and commitment to creating healthier, more confident smiles.0
Book with Dr Angela Aristizábal Merlano today: (02) 9389 3656
#BondiDentist #DentalFreshSydney #AskYourDentist #DentalHealth #SydneySmile
References:
- Yaacob M, Worthington HV, Deacon SA, et al. “Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 6. This comprehensive systematic review examined 56 clinical trials involving over 4,600 participants and found that powered toothbrushes, particularly those with rotation-oscillation action, can reduce plaque and gingivitis more effectively than manual toothbrushes in both short-term and long-term use with a statistically significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis.
- Mi N, Zhang M, Ying Z, Lin X, Jin Y. “Vitamin intake and periodontal disease: a meta-analysis of observational studies.” BMC Oral Health 2024;24(1):117. This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that higher intake of certain B vitamins is associated with a lower risk of periodontal disease Rdhmag, supporting the article’s section on gum health and vitamin deficiencies, which is particularly relevant to the question about bleeding gums.
- Botelho J, Machado V, Proença L, et al. “Vitamin D Deficiency and Oral Health: A Comprehensive Review.” Nutrients 2020;12(5):1471. This comprehensive review demonstrates that vitamin D deficiency is associated with various oral health disorders, including gingival inflammation, increased risk of dental caries, and periodontal disease Nih. The review shows how vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by supporting tooth mineralization and immune function.
