Dentist on Queen
Preventive Dentistry
Keep Your Smile Healthy

Preventive dentistry in St Mary's, NSW, can keep your smile healthy for years to come.

Preventive Dentistry | Dentist

Preventive Dentistry

The mouth is home to billions of bacteria. Studies suggest that the mouth acts as a portal to the rest of your body. In fact, some researchers are linking gum diseases that originate in the mouth to medical conditions such as stroke,  heart diseases, diabetes , respiratory diseases. That means that if you have poor dental health, the implications reach far beyond the oral cavity. Conversely, if you look after your dental health, you protect not just your teeth and gums but your whole body as well.

Sadly, many people only see a dentist when they experience dental pain. In reality, you should avoid the occurrence of pain by actively pursuing preventive dentistry.

Prevention Is Better than Cure

At Dentist on Queen, we believe in early detection and intervention as a proactive means of preventive dentistry. Our zero-tolerance early detection policy aims to eradicate plaque before bad bacteria get a chance to accumulate or build up in the mouth.

Our experienced team of skilled dental practitioners is committed to the use of cutting edge diagnostic tools and methods – including low-radiation digital x-rays – to promote an active oral care maintenance program for all patients. The program includes such preventive measures like plaque control, oral nutrition and kid-friendly oral care education.

Our preventive care sessions typically comprise the following:

  • Comprehensive check-up 
  • Diagnostic assessment with x-rays
  • Professional teeth clean and polish
  • Fluoride treatment
  • Dental sealants for kids 

Recognising the importance of these basic dental services, it is our priority at Dentist On Queen to make them affordable and accessible to the community we serve.

 

What is the EMS AIRFLOW®?

The EMS AIRFLOW® is a professional dental hygiene device designed for guided biofilm therapy (GBT) — an advanced, minimally invasive method for cleaning teeth and implants. It’s made by EMS (Electro Medical Systems), a Swiss company known for precision dental equipment.


What does it do?

The AIRFLOW® machine uses a combination of:

  • Warm water spray

  • Air pressure

  • Special fine powders (erythritol or sodium bicarbonate)

This mix gently but effectively removes:

  • Dental plaque (biofilm)

  • Stains (from coffee, tea, smoking, etc.)

  • Soft deposits from teeth, gums, orthodontic brackets, and implants


How does it work?

  1. Detection: Biofilm is stained with a special dye so the hygienist can see where to clean.

  2. AIRFLOW®: A jet of warm water, air, and powder gently removes plaque and stains.

  3. PERIOFLOW® (optional): A nozzle can reach deeper periodontal pockets for cleaning below the gumline.

  4. PIEZON® scaler (optional): Some models include an ultrasonic scaler to remove harder tartar deposits if needed.


Key features

Comfortable: Less invasive than traditional scaling. Warm water makes it more pleasant for sensitive teeth.
Efficient: Cleans teeth, gums, and hard-to-reach spots quickly.
Gentle: Minimizes enamel and soft tissue damage compared to harsh polishing pastes or scraping.
Versatile: Can be used for natural teeth, restorations, implants, braces, and dentures.


Who is it for?

  • General dental cleanings.

  • Patients with implants or braces.

  • People with sensitive teeth or gums.

  • Patients needing periodontal maintenance.

  • Cosmetic stain removal.


Benefits for patients

  • Faster, more comfortable appointments.

  • Improved stain removal.

  • Better gum health with minimal trauma.

  • Warm water helps reduce discomfort.


Is it safe?

Yes — when operated by trained dental professionals, it’s safe and well-tolerated, even for people with implants, braces, or delicate gums.

Tips on Caring for Your Teeth

A few simple yet effective measures can help protect your teeth and gums.

Tips for brushing your teeth:

  • Brush your teeth for 2–3 minutes, twice a day, every day, using a fluoride-containing toothpaste.
  • Clean every surface of your teeth inner, outer and chewing surfaces, in a systematic way.
  • Brush your tongue for fresher breath.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head so it is easy to reach all areas of your mouth.
  • Change your toothbrush as soon as it begins to show wear.

Wait at least 1 hour after a meal before brushing your teeth. This is because the acid in food and drink can temporarily soften your tooth enamel; brushing your teeth straight after eating may harm the enamel.

Floss Between Your Teeth Everyday

Flossing helps remove food from between your teeth in the hard-to-get-at gaps that a toothbrush can’t reach. There are also other oral hygiene devices that can be used instead of, or as well as, floss. If you find using floss difficult, speak to your dentist about the best floss-alternative for your teeth.

Tongue Brushing – Why It Matters

Brushing your tongue is an important part of keeping your mouth clean and your breath fresh. The surface of your tongue can trap bacteria, food particles, and dead cells, which can lead to bad breath and even affect your oral health.

How to Brush Your Tongue:

  • After brushing your teeth, gently brush your tongue from back to front using your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
  • Rinse your mouth and toothbrush after cleaning your tongue.
  • Do this daily as part of your oral hygiene routine.

Benefits of Tongue Brushing:

  • Helps reduce bad breath.
  • Removes bacteria and debris from the tongue.
  • Contributes to better overall oral hygiene.
  • Adding tongue brushing to your daily routine is a quick and simple way to keep your mouth healthy and your breath fresh!

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Everyone’s needs are different, so have a chat to your dentist about how often you need to have your teeth checked by them based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums. Regular six monthly dental check-ups can identify any dental problems early and treat them if necessary.

You should immediately book a visit with your dentist if you have:

  • A toothache, gum or jaw pain as this may indicate dental decay or an infection that may need treatment
  • Red, swollen or bleeding gums as this may indicate gum disease or an infection
  • A dental accident such as a loosened or badly damaged tooth or one that has got knocked out
  • Dr Daniel Lu BDS (Usyd)

    Dr Daniel Lu graduated from University of Sydney in 1991, he has been providing quality dental care for over 30 years.

    Dr. Lu is passionate about helping patients maintain healthy smiles ...

  • Dr Eric Chua BBiomedsc (Monash), BDS (USyd)

    Dr Eric Chua earned his Bachelor of Biomedical Science from Monash University Malaysia. He then moved to Australia and attended University of Sydney and obtaining his postgraduate dental degree in ...

  • Dr Haesun (Sunny) Jo DDS

    Born in Korea and raised in Melbourne, Dr Haesun recently made the move to Sydney, bringing her strong commitment to patient care.

    Dr Haesun earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) ...

Oral Hygiene Instructions

  • Always use a SOFT toothbrush.
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Brush twice a day.
  • Don't apply pressure - let your brush do the work!
  • See your dentist every 6-9 Months.

Brushing

  • Place your brush at a 45 degree angle to the gum - use a gentle circular motion at the gumline.
  • Brush the outside surfaces and the inside surfaces of all the upper and lower teeth.
  • For the chewing surfaces, use a firm back and forth motion.

Flossing

  • Use floss to clean where your toothbrush can't reach.
  • Take about 45cm of floss and wind the ends around the middle or index fingers.
  • Grip the floss firmly with the index finger and thumb.
  • Guide the floss between the teeth using a gentle sawing motion just until the floss reaches between the tooth and the gum.
  • Gently scrape the side each tooth using an up and down motion but be careful no to snap the floss onto the gums.

Disclosing Gel / Tablets

  • Rinse mouth with water or mouthwash.
  • Chew 1 tablet or use 5 drops of solution. Swish around for 30 seconds. Do not swallow. SPIT OUT.  CAUTION: The colour can get on your clothes. It can also colour your sink. It is probably best to spit out the colour into a disposable cup, and throw the cup away.
  • Rinse with water. The colour remaining on teeth indicates areas overlooked in brushing and may contain harmful dental plaque.
  • Thoroughly remove the colour by brushing and flossing.
  • The colour will disappear from the tongue, gums, and mouth after use.

Rinse with Mouthwash

For most patients we advise after flossing and brushing that you rinse with a mouthwash. For patients who are at more risk of decay we recommend you use a fluoride application. Please contact our surgery for further information.

Fluoride

What is fluoride? Fluoride is a chemical substance known to strengthen teeth enamel making teeth less susceptible to decay. There are three ways fluoride makes its ways to teeth:

  • Through food or water
  • Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthrinse daily/weekly
  • Topical application made directly to the surface of the teeth by your dentist

Fluorides are important in protecting teeth from decay in the following ways:

  • They act with minerals in saliva to restore and harden enamel damaged by the early stages of decay.
  • They make fully formed teeth more resistant to decay.

If your water supply does not have fluoride, then additional fluoride may be recommended.

For children under the age of six always use a pea-sized amount of reduced fluoride toothpaste, such as Colgate Junior.

Why Regular Dental Checks Are Important for Children

For children, the formative years of their dental development are the most rapid and crucial. In fact, your child’s dental journey can begin as soon as the first milk teeth start to erupt.

As your child’s teeth and gums start to develop during the early years, they are more prone to cavities and tooth decay. During the twice-yearly scheduled visits, our dentists can help to identify small cavities before they enlarge and become painful. Detected at an early stage, small cavities can be treated by regular fillings that are non-invasive for the young patient.

In addition, our dentists also check your child for any functional problems that may affect the oral facial development including the jaws and general health. Functional issues – such as tongue tie, tongue thrust, thumb sucking, mouth breathing, airways issues, snoring, enlarged tonsils and adenoids – should be properly managed or treated as early as possible before they cause any permanent damage during the child’s formative years.

During the same session, the dentist or hygienist can give your child’s teeth a thorough clean to get rid of plaque and tartar, administer fluoride treatments to strengthen their teeth against cavities and teach them how to brush and floss properly.

Adults Need Regular Dental Care Too!

Of course, adults need regular dental checks as much as children do. Regular dental checks are a great investment for everyone!

People who avoid getting their teeth regularly checked and cleaned often find themselves spending more money (and time) to fix major dental problems that should have been nipped in the bud a long time ago. In the long run, regular dental checks can save you money – and in some cases, a painful ordeal!

To arrange an appointment for a comprehensive dental assessment, we invite you to call the friendly team at Dentist On Queen on (02) 9623 1261 today! 

 

 

Custom Sports Mouthguards

Protect your teeth while playing sport with a custom-made mouthguard from Dentist on Queen.

Why wear a mouthguard?

It helps:

  1. Absorb impact
  2. Protect your jaw joints
  3. Prevent cuts to lips, cheeks, and tongue
  4. Reduce risk of broken or lost teeth
  5. Avoid serious mouth injuries

Why choose a custom mouthguard?

  • Made just for you – better fit and comfort
  • Easier to breathe and speak than store-bought ones
  • Available in single, double, or triple layers
  • Ready in about 1 week