Most people do not think much about their saliva unless their mouth feels dry. However, saliva does far more than keep your mouth comfortable. It helps wash away food particles, supports swallowing and digestion, protects the soft tissues in your mouth, and plays an important role in protecting your teeth from acids. One part of that protection is saliva pH. The pH of your saliva gives an indication of how acidic or alkaline the environment in your mouth is. This matters beca

Most people think tooth decay starts with sugar. That is only part of the story. Tooth decay develops when certain bacteria in the mouth use sugars from food and drinks to produce acids that weaken tooth enamel over time. Saliva, fluoride exposure, diet, oral hygiene, dry mouth, medical history and previous decay can all influence the balance between damage and protection. The Australian Dental Association explains that saliva and fluoride help protect teeth by neutralising a

What Does Saliva Do for Your Teeth? Saliva does much more than keep your mouth comfortable. It helps wash away food particles, supports chewing and swallowing, and plays an important role in protecting your teeth throughout the day. Most people only notice saliva when their mouth feels dry, but reduced saliva flow can affect both the teeth and gums. Saliva helps protect teeth by: Rinsing food particles and sugars from the mouth Neutralising acids produced after eating and dri

Introduction No, a mouthguard the same as braces is not correct. A mouthguard is a protective appliance designed to shield teeth from damage, while braces are orthodontic appliances used to move and straighten teeth over time. Although both are worn in the mouth, they serve completely different purposes. At Balgownie Dental, we are often asked whether a mouthguard can fix crooked teeth or whether braces can protect teeth during sport. This confusion is common, especially amon

A night mouthguard is a custom fitted dental appliance worn during sleep to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. If you wake up with jaw pain, morning headaches, or tooth sensitivity, you may benefit from a professionally made night guard for teeth grinding Australia dentists commonly recommend. At Balgownie Dental, we regularly diagnose bruxism before patients even realise they have it. Many people only discover the issue after noticing cracked enamel, worn teeth,

Childrens mouthguards are protective dental appliances designed to prevent broken teeth, jaw injuries, and soft tissue trauma during sports or teeth grinding. If your child plays contact sport, rides a scooter, or grinds their teeth at night, a properly fitted mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of dental damage. At Balgownie Dental, we regularly see preventable dental injuries in children, chipped incisors from footy, cracked molars from basketball collisions, and w

Bruxism mouthguards are custom dental appliances worn at night to protect teeth from grinding and clenching, reduce jaw strain, and improve sleep quality. If you regularly wake with jaw tension, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or notice flattened or chipped teeth, you may be experiencing sleep bruxism. Without treatment, bruxism can lead to cracked teeth, worn enamel, gum recession, damaged restorations, and chronic jaw joint problems. At Balgownie Dental , we regularly diag

Cosmetic dentistry procedures are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. In Australia, common cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding, clear aligners, crowns, and smile makeovers. Costs vary depending on the treatment, materials used, and clinical complexity. At Balgownie Dental Surgery in Balgownie, NSW, we assess each patient individually to ensure cosmetic treatments are safe, appropriate, and align

Dental intravenous sedation (often called IV sedation or “twilight sedation”) is a calming medication given through a small cannula in your arm or hand to help you feel deeply relaxed during dental treatment. You usually keep breathing on your own and can respond to simple instructions, but many people remember little of the appointment afterwards. At Balgownie Dental Surgery , we regularly see patients from Balgownie, Corrimal and the wider Illawarra who feel nervous about

Is a Root Canal Painful? No, a root canal is generally not painful today. Modern Australian dental clinics use advanced anaesthetics and technology that make the procedure feel similar to getting a filling. Many people still ask: Does a root canal hurt? How much pain is normal? What actually happens during the procedure? This guide separates myth from reality and explains what Australians should know before undergoing treatment. What Causes the Myth That Root Canals Are Pa