<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?><!-- generator=Zoho Sites --><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><channel><atom:link href="https://smooch.co.nz/blogs/author/lisa-meredith/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title>Wellness Through Oral Care - Blog by Lisa Meredith</title><description>Wellness Through Oral Care - Blog by Lisa Meredith</description><link>https://smooch.co.nz/blogs/author/lisa-meredith</link><lastBuildDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:23:55 +1100</lastBuildDate><generator>http://zoho.com/sites/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Guided Biofilm Therapy - "Game Changer"]]></title><link>https://smooch.co.nz/blogs/post/guided-biofilm-therapy</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://smooch.co.nz/files/Screenshot 14-02-2024 at 18.43.png"/>How having your teeth cleaned can feel like a Spa treatment.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_aDeTvC-2TOaDndgv85hAfw" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_o-cDzDpvTRCV9MYmDq5hDQ" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_WxKO96-XR9C-pVsRmvhpWA" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"> [data-element-id="elm_WxKO96-XR9C-pVsRmvhpWA"].zpelem-col{ border-radius:1px; } </style><div data-element-id="elm_YsB6vwHKRHg7KkBdN8BLnw" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style> [data-element-id="elm_YsB6vwHKRHg7KkBdN8BLnw"].zpelem-heading { border-radius:1px; } </style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-style-none zpheading-align-left zpheading-align-mobile-left zpheading-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true">&quot;It feels more like a spa experience than a teeth cleaning appointment.&quot;</h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_7prRzyMrR-7G75eJsIsp-w" data-element-type="image" class="zpelement zpelem-image zp-hidden-xs "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_7prRzyMrR-7G75eJsIsp-w"] .zpimage-container figure img { width: 1110px ; height: 657.18px ; } } @media (max-width: 991px) and (min-width: 768px) { [data-element-id="elm_7prRzyMrR-7G75eJsIsp-w"] .zpimage-container figure img { width:723px ; height:428.05px ; } } @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_7prRzyMrR-7G75eJsIsp-w"] .zpimage-container figure img { width:415px ; height:245.70px ; } } [data-element-id="elm_7prRzyMrR-7G75eJsIsp-w"].zpelem-image { border-radius:1px; } </style><div data-caption-color="" data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="center" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimage-container zpimage-align-center zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-fit zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit "><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><a class="zpimage-anchor" href="https://www.ems-dental.com/en/guided-biofilm-therapy" target="_blank" title="Guided Biofilm Therapy - the 8 step process" rel=""><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/files/Screenshot%2014-02-2024%20at%2018.43.png" width="415" height="245.70" loading="lazy" size="fit" alt="Guided Biofilm Therapy 8 Step Guide Chart"/></picture></a></figure></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_tzyxmaf8twii2A3mkv5HRw" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style> [data-element-id="elm_tzyxmaf8twii2A3mkv5HRw"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left zptext-align-mobile-left zptext-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p></p><div><span style="font-size:13.5pt;color:inherit;">Step 1: Get Your Full Assessment</span></div>
<span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><div><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:inherit;">This first step involves examination and diagnosis of your teeth and gums by our experienced hygienists, to determine the right therapy for treatment efficacy and your comfort.&nbsp;</span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><br/></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;">Step 2: Organic Dye is Applied</span><br/><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">An organic dye is applied to your teeth to make the biofilm (aka plaque) visible. Biofilm is almost invisible to the naked eye.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><br/></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;">Step 3: Personalised Health Recommendations</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Now that the biofilm is visible, we’ll show you any problem areas we notice and give you personalised recommendations for proper oral care at home.</span></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;">Step 4: AIRFLOW MAX® Technology</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><br/><br/></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">The AIRFLOW MAX® Technology works with erythritol powder to remove stains and biofilm from your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and surrounding soft tissues. It uses a gentle jet of air and warm water. Because AIRFLOW removes the biofilm, you won’t need the gritty, messy traditional polish at the end of your treatment.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><br/></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;">Step 5: PERIOFLOW® Technology</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><br/> PERIOFLOW® technology removes biofilm underneath the gums, gently and thoroughly. This step is only necessary in those patients with deep periodontal pockets.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><br/></span></p><p align="center" style="vertical-align:middle;"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;">Step 6: PIEZON® PS Technology</span></p><p align="center" style="vertical-align:middle;"><span style="font-size:15px;">PIEZON® PS technology is used to remove any remaining hard deposits. PIEZON senses where calculus is and shatters it, so that it is more targeted and gentle than traditional ultrasonic instrumentation.</span></p><p align="center" style="vertical-align:middle;"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;"><br/></span></p><p align="center" style="vertical-align:middle;"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;">Step 7: Quality Control</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">A final check is carried out. Some minor hand scaling may be required if there is any calculus remaining after the above steps. Now that your teeth are clean, the dentist is better able to do your exam.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;"><br/></span></p><p align="center" style="vertical-align:middle;"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;">Step 8: Book Your Next Cleaning</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">We’ll book you in for your next cleaning before you leave the clinic, so you don’t have to worry about remembering.</span></p></div></div></div></div>
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</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:52:56 +1300</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Truth about Teeth Whitening]]></title><link>https://smooch.co.nz/blogs/post/the-truth-about-teeth-whitening</link><description><![CDATA[Teeth whitening is one of the cosmetic dental treatments I’m most frequently asked about. With so many whitening products and options available, it ca ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_b9HXado7RPqMcj8awXp_YQ" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_1G90gGTXRvWYWOoikdTGSg" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_rLRsQdknTsu73OjxQgImxA" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_qIayJ3VlScuv6tznEj5bnQ" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
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<div data-element-id="elm_B8yJ7sM1RcOj0aI1Jh_m5Q" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:300;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);"></span></p><div><p>Teeth whitening is one of the cosmetic dental treatments I’m most frequently asked about.</p><p>With so many whitening products and options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. The right approach will depend on your teeth, your oral health, your whitening goals and your individual circumstances.</p><h3>How does teeth whitening work?</h3><p>Professional teeth whitening uses whitening agents to lighten the appearance of natural tooth structure.</p><p>Whitening results vary between individuals and can be influenced by factors including the original shade of your teeth, the type of staining present and the whitening method used.</p><p>It’s also important to remember that existing restorations such as fillings, crowns and veneers do not whiten in the same way as natural teeth.</p><h3>What are the different whitening options?</h3><p>At SMOOCH Dental Spa, we offer both <strong>in-chair and take-home whitening options</strong>.</p><p><strong>In-chair whitening</strong> is carried out in the clinic using a professional whitening system. Your teeth and gums are assessed beforehand and appropriate measures are taken to protect the surrounding soft tissues during treatment.</p><p><strong>Take-home whitening</strong> uses custom-made trays and whitening product prescribed for you, with instructions on how and when to use it at home.</p><p>The most appropriate option isn't simply about which one is “best”. We consider your oral health, individual goals, lifestyle and preferences before recommending an approach.</p><h3>Is teeth whitening safe?</h3><p>Before recommending professional teeth whitening, we assess your teeth and gums to determine whether whitening is appropriate for you.</p><p>Like any dental treatment, whitening has potential side effects. Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation during or after whitening. These effects are generally short-lived, but individual experiences vary.</p><p>We’ll discuss what you can expect and ways of managing sensitivity before you begin.</p><h3>Will teeth whitening hurt?</h3><p>Everyone experiences whitening differently.</p><p>Some people experience little or no sensitivity, while others may notice temporary sensitivity during or following treatment. If you already have sensitive teeth, let us know so we can take this into consideration when discussing your whitening options.</p><h3>How long will my results last?</h3><p>Whitening isn't permanent.</p><p>How long your teeth remain lighter can vary depending on factors such as diet, oral-hygiene habits and exposure to staining foods and drinks. Your dental professional can discuss appropriate maintenance options with you.</p><h3>Thinking about whitening your teeth?</h3><p>The best place to start is with an assessment.</p><p>We can check your teeth and gums, discuss what you'd like to achieve and explain the whitening options that may be appropriate for you.</p><p><strong>Individual whitening results and experiences vary.</strong></p><p>If you're interested in professional teeth whitening, you can find out more on our <strong>Teeth Whitening</strong> page or contact the SMOOCH team to arrange a consultation.</p><p><strong>— Lisa Meredith<br/> Clinical Director &amp; Lead Hygienist, SMOOCH Dental Spa</strong></p></div><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:300;color:rgb(1, 58, 81);"></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p></div>
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</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:59:51 +1300</pubDate></item></channel></rss>