cr-dental

How Do I Pick the Right Toothpaste?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:32:40 GMT

Standing in the toothpaste aisle can feel surprisingly overwhelming. Whitening, extra fresh, smoker’s formula, charcoal — how do you know what is right for your teeth?

Here are a few things to look for:

Fluoride

When choosing a toothpaste, fluoride content matters. For adults, look for a toothpaste containing around 1,450ppm fluoride. Most well-known brands in New Zealand such as Colgate, Macleans and Oral B contain this concentration. Some alternate brands may have a smaller amount.

If you are at a high risk of decay, we may recommend a higher strength of fluoride in your toothpaste which can be purchased from us or your local pharmacy.

Children need less fluoride in toothpastes, around 1,000ppm are recommended.

Sensitivity toothpastes

Products such as Sensodyne and Colgate Sensitive are specially formulated for people who experience sensitivity to cold, sweet, or brushing. They work by either blocking the tiny channels (dentinal tubules) that lead to the nerve inside the tooth — often using ingredients like strontium or arginine — or by calming the nerve itself with potassium nitrate. For best results, they should be used twice daily and can take a couple of weeks of consistent use to achieve full benefit.

Flavour

Toothpaste does not have to be mint! If strong mint flavours put you off brushing, trying a milder or alternative flavour can make the experience more pleasant and encourage consistent brushing. The most important thing is finding a toothpaste you will use twice daily — enjoyment helps build good habits.

Be cautious with highly abrasive formulas

Some whitening and smoker’s toothpastes can be more abrasive. While they may help lift surface stains, regular use can contribute to enamel wear and sensitivity over time.

Consider SLS-free toothpaste if you’re prone to irritation

Some toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), a foaming agent that can trigger irritation, dry mouth, or recurrent mouth ulcers. Choosing an SLS-free formula can be gentler on the soft tissues and more comfortable for those who notice stinging, peeling, or frequent ulcers when brushing.

After brushing spit, don’t rinse.

By spitting out the excess toothpaste but not rinsing with water, you allow the toothpaste to remain on your teeth for longer, giving it time to work more effectively.

If you’re ever unsure which toothpaste is best for you, especially if you experience sensitivity, staining, or gum concerns, feel free to ask us at your next appointment.

The Importance of Regular Dental Exams

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:27:09 GMT

It’s easy to think, “I’ll see the dentist if something goes wrong,” but waiting for a problem often leads to bigger issues than you might expect.

Many dental concerns, like decay, cracks in teeth, or gum disease — don’t cause pain in their early stages. By the time something hurts or a tooth breaks, the treatment is usually more complex, takes longer to fix, and yes, can be more costly than if it had been caught early.

We often see people come in with broken teeth and who understandably worry that it’s an emergency. Sometimes it is urgent, but other times it can wait a little while to be treated safely and appropriately. Regular exams give us the opportunity to spot small cracks or signs of wear before a tooth breaks, which means treatment can be planned in advance rather than squeezed in at the last minute. (If something is sore or hurting you, please let us know so that we can prioritise you an appointment for relief of pain. We may need to get you back for definitive treatment at a later stage.)

Looking after your teeth is also about more than just your smile. Your mouth is closely connected to your overall health. Research shows that gum health is linked with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s, and inflammation in the mouth can affect the body in many ways. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy with regular check-ups, you’re also helping to support your general wellbeing.

So even if your teeth feel fine, those regular exams are your best protection. They help keep your smile strong, your health supported and allow us to plan your care in the smoothest possible way.

Why Local Anaesthetic May Be Less Effective

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:24:27 GMT

If you have ever had dental treatment where the numbness took longer to kick in, you needed additional anaesthetic or it did not last as long as you expected, you are not alone.

Why Local Anaesthetic May Be Less Effective

If you have ever had dental treatment where the numbness took longer to kick in, you needed additional anaesthetic or it did not last as long as you expected, you are not alone. Local anaesthetic usually works really well, but there are a few reasons it might be less effective for some people.

Here are some common factors that can affect how anaesthetic works:

Not eating beforehand – low blood sugar can make it harder for the anaesthetic to work properly, so it is best not to come to your appointment on an empty stomach.
Swelling or infection – when there is inflammation, the area can be swollen or have a change in pH. Both of these factors make it harder for the anaesthetic to reach the nerves and do its job.
Genetic factors – some people, including those with red hair, may need more anaesthetic or a different type of anaesthetic because of how their body responds.
Nerve location variation – small differences in nerve anatomy can sometimes affect how well anaesthetic works.
How your body processes it – everyone’s body is a little different and some people naturally break down anaesthetic faster than others.

We always aim to make you as comfortable as possible, and if you have had trouble with anaesthetic in the past, please let us know. There are different ways we can adjust to make sure you are relaxed and pain-free during your treatment.

Quick tips to help your anaesthetic work better:

Try to eat a light meal or snack before your appointment – it helps to keep your blood sugar steady.
Let us know if you are feeling particularly anxious or stressed; we can provide extra support to help you relax.
Follow any pre-appointment instructions we give you, especially if you are having a longer or more complex procedure .

Why do my teeth hurt over winter?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:18:15 GMT

Over winter time we often see people with increased sensitivity of their teeth.

This sensitivity can often occur when breathing in cold air or drinking cold tap water. Teeth may become sensitive when the protective enamel layer starts to wear away. This may be due to causes such as decay, acid erosion, grinding, gum disease, broken fillings or brushing too hard. Underneath our enamel is dentine which is made up of lots of tubes that connect to the nerve. When dentine is exposed, cold can reach the nerve.

What should I do about cold sensitivity?

If you are experiencing cold sensitivity, it is a good idea to come get your teeth checked so we can find the cause of the sensitivity. Sometimes, the treatment may be as easy as using a sensitivity toothpaste on the teeth, without rinsing, twice a day.

Do winter illness effect my teeth?

It is common over winter to also see people with unspecific toothache and face tenderness. This can often be due to sinusitis (inflamed sinus) from respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, flu or covid. Using sinus rinses and decongestants can help with this kind of pain. If the discomfort in your teeth still persists after you are feeling better, then we should investigate to see if there could be a dental cause.