The Hong Kong Dental Association -- HKDA Online

1. Amalgams

Q1.1 : What is Amalgam?
Amalgam is mainly made of silver, tin, copper and mercury.

Q1.2 : What are the best procedures to use during amalgam removal to limit
mercury ingestion by patient?

Dental amalgams should best be removed with rubber dam in place and high speed suction in a well ventilated dental surgery. The suction unit should have a filter that collects the amalgam pieces which should be disposed of thoughtfully.

Q1.3 : Is Amalgam safe?

According to the FDI/WHO consensus statement, components in dental restorative materials including amalgam may in rare instances result in local side effects or allergic reactions. Replacement of amalgam dental fillings is no cure for any symptoms of ill health, and furthermore, there is no scientific literature to indicate that the use of dental amalgam is detrimental to health.

2. Periodontitis

Q2.1 : What is Periodontal Scaling?

Periodontal scaling involves the removal of supra and subgingival plaque and calculus (ie. Germs and tartar above and below the gumline) with dental instruments.

Scaling is essential to achieve a clean and smooth root surface for your gum problems to heal and for proper home care maintenance (brushing and flossing).

Q2.2 : I have Periodontitis, can you recommend medication for me?

If you have periodontitis, you should see your dentist to assess your teeth and gum condition. Periodontitis is mostly due to poor oral hygiene (plaque accumulation at the gum line). Your teeth may need professional scaling and polishing. It is important that you follow your dentists instructions on how to keep teeth and gum clean at home. Treatment option depends on the severity and the underlying cause of the periodontitis.

Q2.3 : Would professional scaling & polishing of teeth wear away tooth
surface enamel or widen gaps between teeth?

No, it would not. Professional scaling and polishing of teeth only involve the removal of tartar (calculus) and plaque deposits on teeth. It is only a false impression that after the removal of tartar between teeth, it feels like the gaps have widen between teeth.

3. Halitosis (Bad Breath)

Q3.1 : I have been suffering from Halitosis for many years. What should I do?

There are a number of different causes for halitosis. It is important to find out the cause of halitosis in your case and treat accordingly. The usual cause of halitosis is due to Periodontitis, poor oral hygiene, dental decay, dry mouth, etc. Other causes may be due to diseases or illnesses of other parts of the body eg. Diabetes, problems with the Respiratory system, Kidney, Liver, Intestine, Stomach, etc.

If your problem is not due to dental causes, it is wise to consult your medical doctor.

4. Gum Problems

Q4.1 : My gums are receding. Can you give me some insight into what is
happening? Gum recession may be due to incorrect brushing techniques and/or Periodontal diseases. Make sure that you use a small and soft head toothbrush for toothbrushing. Angle the bristles at 45 degree towards the gum line. Use a circular or jiggling motion. Be gentle but thorough. Clean between the teeth with dental floss. Never brush your teeth or gums with hard bristles or in a horizontal direction for this may cause gum recession or tooth brush abrasion lesions (horizontal grooves) on smooth surfaces of teeth.

See a dentist to rule out that you are suffering from gum disease.

Q4.2 : I bleed every morning when I brush my teeth. What is wrong?

You should see your dentist immediately for examination and treatment before the situation worsens. Healthy gums should not bleed with brushing, flossing or by itself. Bleeding gums usually indicate gingivitis (gum inflammation) or periodontitis (gum problem) resulting from failure to remove all the plaque (especially those around the gum margin) during tooth brushing. During tooth brushing, you should angle your toothbrush at 45 degrees towards the gumline and message the gum as well because this is where plaque (contains a lot of bacteria) likes to adhere. You should use floss regularly to clean between your teeth because toothbrush does not reach those areas.

5. Teeth Problems

Q5.1 : I have sensitive teeth. What can I do? What is the cause? Teeth can become sensitive when the gum line recedes from periodontal disease or incorrect brushing techniques, exposing the normally protected root surface of the tooth. This exposed root surface may become painful when exposed to hot or cold food and drink. Sometimes it may be due to wearing down of the enamel from tooth grinding or overzealous brushing.

You should see your dentist to investigate the cause of sensitivities. It is important that you brush correctly. Always use a soft brush and angle it 45 degrees so that it messages the junction between you teeth and gums. You can try "Sensodyne" toothpaste or toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If the sensitivity is due to toothbrush abrasion, your dentist may be able to put a protective filling to cover the abraded area of the root.

Q5.2 : I have toothache. What should I do? How often should I have my teeth
checked?

If you have a toothache, you should see your dentist as soon as possible before the problem worsens. In general, patients should have regular dental checkups (approximately once or twice a year depending on the oral condition).

Q5.3 : My teeth are yellow due to antibiotics taken during teeth development.
Are there any methods that can whiten my teeth again?

You should see your dentist to assess the degree of tetracycline staining of your teeth. Treatment option depends on the severity of the staining. Your dentist may suggest you to try "vital bleaching" or have porcelain or composite veneers.

6. Miscellaneous

Q6.1 : Do you have a list of recommended dentist/specialists? According to the policies of the Hong Kong Dental Association (HKDA), we are very sorry that we cannot provide you a list of recommended dentists or specialists.

Q6.2 : What is the price for orthodontic (or other dental) treatment?

The price range for orthodontic (or other dental) treatment is large. We are sorry that HKDA cannot tell you the approximate charge, because it varies with different cases, type of treatment method required and different dentists. Please consult individual dentist.

Q6.3 : I am a dental practitioner in United Kingdom (or USA or Canada, etc).
Can I register with the Hong Kong Dental Council and practice in Hong
Kong?

Please be advised that foreign graduates are required to sit for the licensing examination in order to practise dentistry in Hong Kong. For details, please write to:-
Dental Council of Hong Kong
17/F., Wu Chung House
213 Queen's Road East
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2961 8649
Fax: (852) 2891 7946