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Your Guide to Oral Health, Treatment Preparation & Aftercare

At Mia Healthcare, we believe that well-informed patients make the best decisions about their oral health. This section is designed to provide you with clear, easy-to-understand information on maintaining good oral hygiene, preparing for procedures, and caring for yourself after treatment. Whether you're getting ready for a procedure or simply looking to improve your daily dental routine, you'll find the guidance you need right here.

Oral Hygiene Tips

Your Smile’s Daily To-Do List

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy doesn’t have to be complicated — just consistent. Here’s what we recommend for a confident, healthysmile:

Daily Routine
  • Brush Twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste — two minutes, morning and night

  • Floss or use interdental brushes daily to clean the spaces your toothbrush can’t reach

  • Brush your tongue gently to reduce bacteria and freshen breath

  • Rinse with water after meals if brushing isn’t an option right away

Timing Matters
  • Brush before breakfast, or wait at least 30 minutes after eating to protect enamel

  • Avoid brushing immediately after acidic drinks (like coffee or juice) — give your enamel time to recover

Lifestyle Tips
  • Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals

  • Swap out your toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles are worn

  • Brush gently along the gumline to support gum health

  • Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and professional clean

Preparing for Theatre

Treatment Under Sedation – What You Need to Know

We understand that theatre appointments can feel overwhelming ,whether it's for you or your child. To help everything go smoothly and safely, please read through the information below. If you have any questions or concerns, your Mia Dentist is just a message away

Before the Procedure
  • Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for at least 8 hours before your surgery. If you're unsure how to manage this, especially for children, ask your dentist for tips during the pre-op chat.

  • Arrival Time: Please arrive at least 1.5 hours before your appointment for any necessary checks and preparation.

  • Medications: Take your prescribed medications as directed. Let your dentist know if you’re on blood thinners or any chronic medication

  • Transport : If you’re being sedated, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterwards-make arrangements ahead of time

  • Medical History: Let your dentist know about any new allergies, symptoms, or changes in your health before the day of surgery.

  • Rest: Plan for a quiet day. Even if your appointment is in the afternoon, avoid work or school. We’re happy to provide a sick note if needed.

  • Feeling unwell?: If you develop a cold, fever, sore throat, or flu symptoms in the 3 days before your appointment, please notify your dentist as soon as possible.

Preparing Your Child for Theatre

It’s completely normal for little ones to feel nervous before theatre. Here’s how you can help:

  • Talk to them in simple, positive terms about what to expect

  • Let them bring a favourite toy or blanket for comfort

  • Stick to the fasting guidelines (no food or drink, including water, for 8 hours)

  • Try to schedule fasting to align with sleep time

  • Keep them distracted and calm with quiet games or activities

After the Procedure
  • Rest: Take it easy for at least 24 hours. No heavy lifting, exercise, or stressful activities.

  • Diet: Stick to soft, cool foods. Avoid anything hot, spicy, or crunchy. Drink plenty of fluids — but skip the straws!

  • Bleeding: A little bleeding is normal after procedures like extractions. Use the gauze we provide and bite down gently. Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for the first 24 hours.

  • Pain Management: Take your pain medication exactly as prescribed. You can also use over-the-counter painkillers if recommended by your dentist.

  • Oral Hygiene: Keep brushing your teeth, but avoid the surgical area at first. After 24 hours, you can rinse gently with salt water to keep the area clean.

  • Follow-Up: Don’t miss your follow-up! These visits are important to make sure healing is on track.

  • Soft Tissue Awareness (especially for children): After sedation or local anaesthetic, it’s common for the lips, cheeks, or tongue to feel numb. Please keep an eye on your child and try to prevent them from chewing or sucking on these areas — even if they say it “feels funny.” This can lead to accidental bites and ulcers once the feeling returns.

For more personalised guidance, chat to your Mia Dentist during your child’s pre-surgery consultation.

Post-Extraction Care Instructions

Looking after your mouth properly after a dental procedure helps you heal faster and avoid complications. Here's everything you need to know for the hours and days following your appointment.
First 24 Hours after an extraction: Immediate Aftercare
  • Bleeding: Mild bleeding or oozing is normal. Bite firmly on the gauze we’ve given you for 30–45 minutes. If bleeding continues, replace it with a fresh piece and bite down again. If bleeding still persists after this, you can bite gently on a cool, moist black tea bag for 20–30 minutes. The natural tannins in black tea may help form a clot and slow bleeding. Just ensure the tea bag is not hot. If the bleeding doesn't stop or gets worse, please contact your dentist right away.

  • Pain Relief: Take your prescribed medication as directed. If none was prescribed, you can usually manage discomfort with over-the-counter options like Panado (paracetamol) or anti-inflammatories such as Nurofen — just follow the instructions on the packaging, and speak to your dentist if you’re unsure what’s safe for you.

  • Swelling: To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to your cheek in 15-minute intervals (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off). For younger patients recovering from a tongue tie release, sucking on an ice lolly can also help!

  • Watch out for lip or cheek biting: After extractions or local anaesthetic, the lips, cheeks, or tongue may still be numb. Try to prevent children (and adults!) from chewing or sucking on these areas , it can cause painful bites or ulcers once the feeling returns.

  • Diet: Stick to soft, cool foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs. Avoid anything hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy.

  • Hydration: -Keep up your water intake, staying hydrated helps healing. Avoid using straws, as the suction can disrupt the healing site.

  • Ongoing Care: What to Do Over the Next Few Days
  • Oral Hygiene: You can gently resume brushing and flossing the same day-just be careful around the surgical site. Avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours.

  • Medications: If antibiotics or additional medication were prescribed, take them exactly as instructed until the course is complete.

  • Smoking: -Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after any dental procedure, especially extractions. Smoking increases the risk of infection and dry socket, and delays healing.

  • Follow-up Appointments: - If your dentist has recommended a follow-up, please attend. These appointments help us check your healing, adjust anything if needed, and make sure you're recovering well.

  • Activity: Skip the gym and heavy lifting for 2–3 days. Your body needs rest to heal. Avoid spitting, rinsing, using straws, or smoking for at least the first 24–72 hours. These actions can dislodge the blood clot and increase the risk of dry socket.

Frenotomy (Tongue Tie Release)
  • Begin the prescribed mouth exercises on the same day. Consistency is key — the mouth heals quickly, and daily stretches help prevent reattachment.

When to Contact Us

Please contact your Mia Dentist right away if you experience any of the following:

  • Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding

  • Severe or worsening pain

  • Swelling that doesn’t go down or increases

  • Fever

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

We’re always here to support you , if you’re unsure about anything, just reach out.

Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?

Many people assume baby teeth don’t matter because they eventually fall out — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. As Dr. Soni explains in this video, baby teeth play a crucial role in your child’s long-term oral health. Here’s why:

  • They act as placeholders for adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the surrounding teeth can drift into the space — leading to crowding or crooked permanent teeth.

  • They support healthy jaw development. The presence of baby teeth helps guide the growth of your child’s jaw and facial muscles — setting the foundation for proper bite, function, and even speech.

  • They help with chewing, speaking, and smiling — all essential for your child’s development and confidence.

  • Healthy baby teeth build good habits and reduce the risk of painful infections or dental fear later on.

We recommend that every child have their first dental check-up by age 2. Early visits help catch small problems before they become big ones and they also help kids feel more relaxed and confident at the dentist as they grow.

Life with Aligners

Your New Smile Starts Here

Welcome to your aligner journey, we’re so excited to have you on board! This page is your go-to guide for wearing, caring for, and living your best life with aligners. Let’s keep it simple, smooth, and on track

Wearing Your Aligners
  • Wear your aligners for 22 hours a day - only take them out to eat, drink (anything besides water), or brush your teeth.

  • Change to your next set as instructed-usually every 2 weeks.

  • Missed some wear time? No worries. Just wear that set an extra day before switching to the next.

  • Chewies, Your Secret Weapon

    Chewies are soft foam rollers you gently bite down on to help your aligners fit snugly over your teeth. They’re small, but mighty! Here’s why they matter:

  • They help “seat” your aligners properly when you start a new set. This ensures they engage with the right areas to move your teeth.

  • They help maintain good tracking. The gentle bite-and-release motion helps move your teeth slightly in the socket, increasing blood flow and encouraging healthy movement.

We recommend using chewies for a few minutes a day.

Eating & Drinking
  • Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water

  • Hot drinks can warp the aligners, and food can stain or damage them.

  • Rinse your mouth and aligners before putting them back in,fresh is best.

Cleaning Your Aligners
  • Rinse them every time you take them out.

  • Use a soft toothbrush and gentle soap (not toothpaste) to keep them clean.

  • Avoid soaking them in mouthwash or coloured liquids — it can cause staining.

What to Expect
  • You might feel some pressure when switching to a new set — that’s a good sign!

  • A small lisp is normal at first but usually disappears within a few days.

  • If your aligners aren’t fitting snugly, don’t skip ahead — check in with us.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is always important — but it’s especially key when wearing aligners.

  • Brush and floss after every meal before putting your aligners back in.

  • Can’t brush? At the very least, rinse your mouth and aligners with water to reduce staining and keep things fresh.

  • Clean aligners + clean teeth = happy gums and a smoother journey.

Quick Tips
  • Always store your aligners in their case, never in a napkin (trust us on this one).

  • Keep your previous set of aligners just in case something happens to your current one.

  • If an aligner cracks, feels wrong, or goes missing, message us right away — we’ve got your back.

  • Switch to your new aligners at night — it gives your teeth time to settle while you sleep, and can make the first day feel a little easier

Follow-Up Appointments Matter
  • Your aligners are doing the work , but we’re here to guide the process. Regular check-ins help us monitor your progress, make any needed adjustments, and keep everything on track. We’ll let you know when you’re due for a follow-up — but if anything ever feels off, don’t wait! Reach out and we’ll happily take a look.

Emergency - Now What?

We’re here to help, even when it’s urgent.

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
  • Feeling a bit of discomfort or sensitivity? Try to avoid chewing on that side and, if needed, consider an over-the-counter pain reliever like Panado (paracetamol) or Nurofen (ibuprofen), if it's safe for you.

  • If the pain is persistent or interfering with sleep, it’s a good idea to book a check-up so we can make sure everything’s okay. We're here to help if you need us!

  • Swelling

    Swelling can sometimes be caused by infection or inflammation. While you wait to see a dentist, here are a few things that may help ease discomfort:

  • Cold pack: Apply to the outside of your cheek (15 mins on, 15 mins off) to reduce swelling.

  • Keep your head elevated: Try to sleep with an extra pillow — lying flat can worsen swelling.

  • Stay hydrated and avoid very hot or spicy foods that may irritate the area.

  • Mild pain relief: You can take Panado (paracetamol) or Nurofen (ibuprofen), if suitable for you.

  • If swelling gets worse, spreads, or affects breathing or swallowing — please seek emergency medical care immediately.

Bleeding
  • Gently bite down on gauze for 30–45 minutes to help stop the bleeding.

  • You can also use a cool, moist black tea bag the natural tannins may help the blood clot.

  • If the bleeding hasn’t eased after an hour or seems heavy, please contact us or visit your nearest emergency room.

Broken Tooth or Filling
  • Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to keep the area clean.

  • If there’s a sharp edge, use orthodontic wax or sugar-free chewing gum to protect your tongue or cheek.

  • Avoid chewing on that side.

  • Bring the broken piece with you (ideally stored in milk, saline, or clean plastic) if there’s a chance it can be bonded back.

Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
  • Don’t try to put the tooth back in.

  • Gently rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply pressure with gauze if there’s bleeding

  • Something cold to suck on (like an ice lolly or a wrapped ice cube) can help ease swelling.

  • It’s a good idea to check in with your dentist to make sure everything looks okay — including that there aren’t any loose or remaining pieces of the tooth — and to plan any follow-up care.

Knocked-Out Adult Tooth
  • Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root).

  • If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline — no scrubbing!

  • Try to place it back in the socket if possible. If not, keep it moist:

    • In milk

    • In saline

    • Or inside your cheek (saliva) — as long as it won’t be swallowed

  • Get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Lip or Cheek Biting After Anaesthetic
  • When the mouth is numb, it’s easy to bite the lip or cheek without realising — this is especially common in kids.

  • Try to keep an eye on them and gently remind them not to suck or chew on the area.

  • If a sore develops, rinse with salt water, and apply bonjela or teething gel as needed.

When to Get Help Immediately:
  • Bleeding that won’t stop

  • Swelling that spreads or affects breathing

  • Pain that worsens or doesn’t respond to medication

  • Signs of infection (fever, bad taste, facial swelling)

  • Knocked-out adult tooth (time-sensitive!)

Not Sure? Just Ask.
  • If you're ever unsure whether something’s an emergency, it’s always better to check in. Send us a message, and we’ll guide you on the best next step — whether it’s something you can manage at home or something that neto be seen right away.

Mia Aligners Frequently Asked Questions

Aligners are very thin, clear, films of plastic that fit closely around teeth. Using gradual pressure, they eventually move your teeth into the desired position.

Aligner treatments are often known for being costly, but at Mia, we’ve made them more accessible. By managing both the treatment planning and manufacturing locally, we’re able to offer high-quality aligner solutions at a reduced cost. Treatment plans start from just R19,000, making it an affordable alternative for a straighter smile.

This is specific to each person and number of teeth that need to be moved. Each set of aligners is worn for an average of 2 weeks and can be anywhere from 10 weeks to a year.

No, it is not painful. The aligners are designed to be comfortable and are made of a smooth plastic.

It is crucial that the new position of your teeth is maintained with each new set of aligners! Therefore, the aligners must be worn for 22 hours of every day. But they must be taken out when eating, drinking or brushing your teeth.

No, your aligners must be taken out when eating, drinking or brushing your teeth.

Mia Clear Aligners are unlikely to affect your speech. Our aligners are made from a very thin PET-G plastic, which means that there should be minimal impact on your speech. Studies done on other leading aligner brands show that 93% of patients have no affects on their speech. If you have a big presentation coming up however, stress less, because you can just take your aligners out as long as you put them straight back in after.

Central Cost Orthodontics has a great article on this topic. Read this article on braces vs aligners for a good synopsis to help you make an informed decision.

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