Your Smile’s Everyday Checklist
Your Smile’s Everyday Checklist: A healthy smile isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing the right things, consistently. Follow these simple steps to keep your teeth and gums strong, fresh, and confident every day.
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes — once in the morning and once before bed.
Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes to remove food particles and plaque your toothbrush can’t reach.
Gently brush your tongue to reduce bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
Rinse with water after meals when brushing isn’t possible — it helps wash away food acids and sugars.
Brush before breakfast, or wait at least 30 minutes after eating to protect your enamel.
Avoid brushing right after acidic drinks like coffee, soda, or citrus juices. Give your enamel time to recover.
Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially as snacks between meals.
Replace your toothbrush every 3 months (or sooner if the bristles fray).
Brush gently along the gumline to protect your gums while preventing buildup.
Stay hydrated — drinking plenty of water supports saliva flow, which naturally protects your teeth.
Book a dental check-up every 6 months for a professional cleaning and early detection of any issues.
Don’t forget your lips! Use a lip balm with SPF to protect the skin around your smile.
Treatment Under Sedation – What You Need to Know
We know that preparing for a theatre appointment can sometimes feel a bit daunting — whether it’s for yourself or your little one. To make the experience as safe and stress-free as possible, we’ve put together the following important information. If anything is unclear or you’d like reassurance, JNS Dental Care Team is always here to support you.
Fasting
No food or drinks (including water) for at least 8 hours before surgery.
If you’re unsure how to manage fasting for your child, speak with us during your pre-op consultation.
Arrival
Plan to arrive 90 minutes early to allow time for checks and preparation.
Medications
Continue your regular prescribed medication unless instructed otherwise.
Always inform your dentist if you’re on blood thinners or long-term medication.
Transport
If sedation is planned, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home. Please arrange this in advance.
Medical History
Update us on any recent changes to your health, allergies, or new symptoms.
Rest
Plan for a calm day. Even with afternoon appointments, skip work or school. Sick notes can be provided if needed.
If You’re Unwell
Contact us immediately if you develop a fever, sore throat, cold, or flu-like symptoms within 3 days of your appointment.
Reassure them with simple, positive explanations about what will happen.
Allow them to bring a favourite toy or blanket for comfort.
Follow fasting rules carefully (no food, milk, or water for 8 hours).
Try to schedule fasting to overlap with sleep.
Use quiet games or calming distractions while waiting.
Rest & Recovery
Take it easy for 24 hours. Avoid exercise, heavy lifting, or stressful activity.
Eating & Drinking
Stick to soft, cool foods (like yoghurt, mashed potato, or smoothies).
Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy meals.
Stay hydrated — but no straws for the first 24 hours.
Bleeding
Mild bleeding is normal after extractions.
Use the gauze provided, bite down gently, and avoid forceful rinsing or spitting.
Pain Relief
Take prescribed pain medication as directed.
Over-the-counter options may be used if approved by your dentist.
Oral Care
Continue brushing, but avoid the surgical site at first.
After 24 hours, rinse gently with salt water to keep the area clean.
Follow-Up
Don’t skip your check-up — it’s key to ensuring proper healing.
For Children
After sedation or local anaesthetic, lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel numb.
Watch closely to prevent biting or sucking these areas, which could cause injuries once the feeling returns.
Your comfort and safety are our priority at JNS Dental Care. If you have any concerns, please reach out — we’re here to help every step of the way.
Caring for your mouth correctly after a dental procedure is key to smooth healing and preventing problems. Below is the essential guidance for the hours and days after your treatment.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or oozing is normal. Bite down firmly on the gauze provided for 30–45 minutes.
If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and bite down again.
Persistent bleeding can be managed by gently biting on a cool, moist black tea bag for 20–30 minutes — the natural tannins can help form a clot. Make sure the tea bag is not hot.
If bleeding doesn’t stop or worsens, contact your dentist immediately.
Pain Relief
Take prescribed pain medication as directed.
If no prescription was given, over-the-counter options like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help — always follow the instructions on the label.
Speak to your dentist if you’re unsure which pain relievers are safe for you.
Swelling
Apply an ice pack to the affected cheek in 15-minute intervals (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) to reduce swelling.
For children recovering from procedures like a tongue-tie release, sucking on a cold ice lolly can provide relief.
Numbness & Soft Tissue Care
After anaesthetic, lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel numb. Avoid chewing or sucking these areas to prevent accidental bites or sores.
Diet
Eat soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or smoothies.
Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support healing.
Avoid using straws, as the suction can disturb the healing site.
Oral Hygiene
You may gently brush and floss on the same day, being careful around the surgical area.
Avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours.
Medications
Take any prescribed antibiotics or medications exactly as instructed until the course is complete.
Smoking
Refrain from smoking for at least 72 hours after dental procedures. Smoking can delay healing, increase infection risk, and lead to dry socket.
Follow-Up Appointments
Attend any recommended follow-up visits. These help ensure your recovery is progressing well and allow the dentist to address any concerns.
Activity
Rest for 2–3 days. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, spitting, rinsing vigorously, using straws, or smoking during the first 24–72 hours to protect the blood clot and prevent complications.
Call us immediately if you experience:
Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
Severe or worsening pain
Swelling that increases or doesn’t improve
Fever
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
We’re here to support you — if you’re unsure about anything, please reach out. Your recovery and comfort are our priority.
It’s a common misconception that baby teeth aren’t important since they eventually fall out. However, they play a vital role in your child’s overall oral health. Here’s why they’re so essential:
We advise scheduling your child’s first dental visit by age 2. Early check-ups allow dentists to identify and address minor issues before they become serious, while also helping children feel comfortable and confident in the dental chair as they grow.
We’re thrilled to have you starting your aligner experience! This page is your handy guide for using, maintaining, and enjoying life with your aligners. Let’s make the process easy, seamless, and stress-free.
Wearing Your Aligners
Wear your aligners for about 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, or brush your teeth.
Switch to your next set as directed — usually every two weeks.
If you miss some wear time, don’t worry. Simply wear the current set a little longer before moving on.
Chewies: Your Handy Helper
Chewies are small, soft foam rollers that you gently bite on to help your aligners fit snugly. They may be tiny, but they’re powerful!
Proper fit: Chewies help seat your aligners correctly when starting a new set, ensuring they work on the right areas.
Maintain progress: The gentle bite motion encourages tiny tooth movements and healthy alignment.
We recommend using chewies for a few minutes daily.
Eating & Drinking
Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Hot beverages can warp them, and food may stain or damage them.
Rinse both your mouth and your aligners before putting them back in — freshness matters.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Rinse your aligners every time you take them out.
Clean them gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (avoid toothpaste).
Do not soak them in mouthwash or colored liquids to prevent staining.
What to Expect
Some pressure with a new set is normal — it means your teeth are moving!
A slight lisp may appear at first but usually goes away within a few days.
If your aligners don’t fit well, don’t skip ahead — contact us for guidance.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, especially with aligners.
Brush and floss after every meal before reinserting your aligners.
If brushing isn’t possible, rinse your mouth and aligners with water to keep them clean.
Clean teeth + clean aligners = healthy gums and a smoother treatment journey.
Quick Tips
Always store aligners in their case, never in a napkin.
Keep your previous set as a backup.
If an aligner cracks, feels off, or is lost, contact us immediately.
Switching to your new set at night can make the first day easier while your teeth adjust during sleep.
Follow-Up Appointments Matter
While your aligners do the work, we’re here to guide the process.
Regular check-ins help monitor progress, make adjustments if needed, and keep your treatment on track. We’ll remind you when a follow-up is due, but if anything feels unusual, reach out — we’re happy to help.
Dental emergencies can be stressful — but the most important thing is to stay calm and know what steps to take. Whether it’s pain, swelling, trauma, or a broken tooth, here’s what you need to know.
Toothache or Pain
Experiencing discomfort or sensitivity? Try to avoid chewing on that side. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Panado (paracetamol) or Nurofen (ibuprofen) can help, if they’re safe for you.
If the pain persists or disrupts sleep, book a check-up so we can ensure everything is fine. We’re here to assist whenever you need us.
Swelling
Swelling can result from infection or inflammation. While waiting to see a dentist, you can try:
Cold pack: Apply to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time, with 15-minute breaks in between.
Elevate your head: Sleep with an extra pillow to reduce swelling.
Stay hydrated and avoid very hot or spicy foods.
Pain relief: Panado or Nurofen can help, if suitable.
If swelling worsens, spreads, or affects breathing or swallowing, seek emergency care immediately.
Bleeding
Bite gently on gauze for 30–45 minutes to help stop bleeding.
A cool, moist black tea bag can also help the blood clot naturally.
If bleeding continues after an hour or is heavy, contact us or go to the nearest emergency room.
Broken Tooth or Filling
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
Protect sharp edges with orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum.
Avoid chewing on the affected side.
Bring any broken pieces with you (stored in milk, saline, or a clean container) if reattachment is possible.
Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
Do not attempt to reinsert the tooth.
Rinse your child’s mouth gently with water and apply gauze if needed for bleeding.
Cold items (like an ice lolly or wrapped ice cube) can reduce swelling.
Check with your dentist to ensure no fragments remain and to plan follow-up care.
Knocked-Out Adult Tooth
Handle by the crown, not the root.
Rinse gently with milk or saline — do not scrub.
If possible, place it back in the socket. If not, keep it moist in milk, saline, or inside the cheek (avoiding swallowing).
Reach a dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Lip or Cheek Biting After Anaesthetic
Numbness can lead to accidental biting, especially in children.
Supervise and remind them not to chew or suck the area.
If a sore forms, rinse with salt water and apply Bonjela or teething gel as needed.
When to Seek Immediate Help
Bleeding that won’t stop
Swelling that spreads or affects breathing
Pain that worsens or does not respond to medication
Signs of infection (fever, bad taste, facial swelling)
Knocked-out adult tooth (urgent!)
Not Sure? Just Ask
If you’re ever uncertain whether it’s an emergency, it’s always safer to check in. Send us a message, and we’ll advise whether it’s something you can manage at home or requires immediate attention.
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