Your first visit to Smile Dental.
A comprehensive introductory examination
On your first visit to Smile Dental, we will complete a comprehensive examination and survey of your dental health. This enables us to gather the information we need for complete diagnosis and treatment planning, helping us to maintain your smile for life.

Areas we will cover include
Your dental health and medical history
identifying any conditions, allergies or medications
identifying any habits or risk factors
identifying any special needs or concerns
This helps us to provide you with dental care that’s comprehensive, effective, comfortable and safe. If necessary, we will consult with your GP or specialist.

Our Practice
Good oral health is central to your overall health and wellbeing. A good bite is essential for good nutrition. And your smile is one of your greatest natural assets. That’s why, at Smile Dental, we offer a comprehensive range of preventive, restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. And it’s why we call our practice “Smile”.
Smile Dental was established by Dr Cameron Arnold in Townsville in 1998. Today we offer a level of service and standard of care unrivalled in the region.

General & Oral Health
Recent research reveals a strong relationship between oral health and general health. Good oral hygiene – controlling plaque and preventing oral diseases – is an essential part of maintaining good overall health.
Put simply, keeping your mouth happy and healthy will help to keep your whole body smiling.

Research reveals
The relationship between high plaque levels/oral diseases and other health disorders
People with moderate to severe gum disease are at higher risk of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Damage caused by the immune system and chronic inflammation are central to both diseases.
Chronic periodontal disease is a risk for people with diabetes, as it can worsen blood glucose control. And diabetics are prone to gum disease, due to reduced saliva levels.
Chronic periodontal disease is a risk for people with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can result in decreased jawbone density and tooth loss. Damage from gum disease further aggravates the problem.

Chronic periodontal disease is a risk during pregnancy, being linked with pre-term, low-weight births.
Oral bacteria can be aspirated into the lungs and cause diseases such as pneumonia, particularly in high-risk groups such as the elderly.

Oral bacteria can be swallowed into the stomach, increasing the risk of H. Pylori stomach ulcers. Dental plaque under the gums is a reservoir for H. Pylori bacteria, which may resurface after treatment for stomach ulcers.

Oral diseases can make chewing difficult, which may lead to changes in the diet and malnutrition.
Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through bleeding sites in the mouth. This is a risk to the heart and circulatory system, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Stay healthy and keep smiling!

Dental Phobia
For many of us, the poor old dentist is right up there with spiders and snakes when it comes to the things we fear most. Why are some of us so scared of the dentist’s chair? And what are dentists doing to make that twice-a-year trip a little easier?
Dental phobia is defined as the severe and irrational fear of dental treatment. It’s estimated that around 75% of us experience some degree of anxiety when visiting the dentist. Although only 5% may be classified as having extreme dental phobia, the problem raises serious health concerns.
Dental phobia can cause the sufferer to frantically avoid dental treatment. It can lead to panic attacks, severe anxiety and serious oral health problems, which create further anxiety and require more invasive treatment. The phobia is more common in children and women and I generally find that sufferers had a bad experience at the dentist’s in the past – often when they were children. There’s usually nothing else wrong with them, other than an overwhelming aversion to all things related to dental care.

Post-operative care
After dental surgery or an extraction, taking extra care with your oral hygiene will ensure that you heal quickly and that any discomfort is minimised.
Here are our recommendations for healing quickly and happily
Continue to bite gently on the gauze pad provided for at least 20 minutes after your treatment.
If bleeding persists, make a fresh pad and bite gently for another 15 minutes.
As usual after dental anaesthetic, be careful not to bite your lip or tongue.
Do not rinse your mouth or have anything to eat or drink for at least four hours after your treatment.
Four hours after your treatment, rinse your mouth gently with warm, salty water – roughly 1.5 teaspoons of salt to 250 ml of water. You can repeat this every four hours if you wish.
Avoid hot, cold or hard foods and beverages for the next 24 hours.
Do not drink with a straw – this may disrupt the blood clot and allow bacteria to enter the socket.
Favour foods that are nutritious and easy to eat, such as scrambled eggs.
Do not smoke, drink alcohol or undertake any strenuous activity for the next 24 hours.
As a painkiller, take paracetamol rather than aspirin, as aspirin may promote bleeding.
If excessive bleeding continues, or if you experience a fever or severe swelling, call Smile Dental.

Remember – for 24 hours

Do not drink hot or cold beverages.
Do not eat hot, cold or hard foods.
Do not smoke.
Do not drink alcohol.
Do not take part in strenuous activity.

Contact us

Opposite the Cathedral School
175 Ross River Road
Mundingburra Townsville
Queensland 4812
Australia

Phone us
(07) 4729 5777
+61 7 4729 5777
from overseas

Email us
smile@smiledental.com.au
Facebook
facebook.com/smiletownsville