Brisbane Conveyancing

2010 May 14

For most of us, buying and selling real estate is something we only do a few times in our lives. It is extremely exciting, but the conveyancing process associated with these transactions can be tedious and daunting.

A conveyancing solicitor’s mission is to ensure the transaction between the buyer and seller happens smoothly and efficiently. Their job is to guard your interests, be your representative and ensure you meet your requirements under the Contract. This is a guide to help you make the right choice when choosing a conveyancing solicitor.

Don’t limit yourself to the family or local solicitor – choose a specialist conveyancer.
Giving your work to the “family” solicitor or more commonly, a “local” solicitor will most likely result in you paying too much money for a sub-par service, particularly in Brisbane.

The conveyancing firm you choose should specialise in residential conveyancing or at the very least have a specialist conveyancing department. Solicitors who specialise in litigation or divorce rarely give the best or cheapest residential conveyancing service. Local knowledge is not a requirement of doing the job.

Conveyancing is mostly paperwork and calculations. A telephone and computer is all that’s required to get the job done. There is no reason to ever meet with your solicitor during a typical sale or purchase. Because of this, there is no need to limit yourself to local solicitors. You are free to shop around and find a conveyancing specialist who will give you with the best service at a competitive price!

Fixed Fee Guarantees. Protect yourself from hidden extras!
Ask for an itemised quote upfront. Be wary of any conveyancing quote that does not fully disclose all the individual fees and disbursements. Many organisations charge extra fees for services such as photocopying, telephone calls, and witnessing mortgage documents. Check what is included in the fee and whether the quote is fixed or just an estimate. When individuals choose the services of a conveyancing solicitor that offers a fixed fee guarantee they will receive an upfront fixed fee quote. This will allow them to budget accurately and protect themselves from additional fees that may accrue in the event their transaction runs into unexpected complications.

“No move – no fee” Conveyancing
Some solicitors charge clients all or a portion of their conveyancing fees even if a contract is terminated due to circumstances beyond the clients’s control. Conveyancing transactions are often unpredictable. Only paying a solicitor if the transaction is successfully completed could save you a substantial amount of money in the long run. When buyers choose a conveyancing solicitor with a “no move – no fee” policy they will not be expected to pay any professional fees unless the settlement is completed.

Technologically advanced conveyancing solicitors
Conveyancing firms using the latest technology such as online case tracking, email and sms notification systems will save you time, money and the hassle of not knowing what’s going on. Online Case tracking is especially useful because every step of your transaction will be viewable online via a dedicated web portal. (You will be given a username and password). It gives you the ability to check on the progress of your settlement at any time of the day and know instantly if you’re making progress or what the causes of any hold ups are.

When do you engage your conveyancing solicitor
The short answer is ASAP! Traditionally, buyers and sellers have waited until the contract was unconditional before instructing a solicitor. This would have been due to the fact that they did not want to incur any costs before knowing the transaction wasup and running. With a conveyancing firm working on the abovementioned “no move – no fee” policy there is no reason not to instruct them as soon as possible.

KRG Conveyancing is a specialist Brisbane Conveyancing law firm, they are more than happy to give you a conveyancing cost quote or calculate your queensland stamp duty for free!

Learn to Kitesurf in Five Easy Steps

2010 May 5

Kitesurfing is without a doubt, one of the most addictive extreme water sports you can enjoy today. As a spectator, kitesurfing looks dangerous and difficult. However, armed with the right information, it is easy to learn the basic skills and kitesurfing techniques relatively quickly.

kitesurfing-australiaStep 1: Do your research
Before you start learning any new sport, particularly an extreme sport, it is always best to research it first. Read some magazines, watch a ‘learn to kitesurf’ video. Consider the physical requirements and demands and determine if this sport is for you.

Step 2: Learn to fly a stunt kite
Stunt kites are smaller and easier to handle than full-sized, inflatable kites. So when starting out, it is best to practice the principals of flying and steering on a stunt kite first, before you hit the beach. Once you have purchased your stunt kite, a small one-metre option with a control bar is best, practice flying it above your head and down to each side of the wind window and through the power zone. You should spend at least 4-5 days practicing with your stunt kite, before taking the next step.

Step 3: Sign up for a lesson with a qualified kitesurfing school
Once you have mastered the basics on a stunt kite, make an appointment with a qualified kitesurfing instructor to teach you the basic skills to move forward with your new extreme sport. Most entry level kitesurfing courses should teach you the following:

* Reading weather conditions
* How to choose a safe kitesurfing location
* Setting up a four line inflatable kite
* Wind window theory
* Safety systems & pre-flight check
* Basic kiteboarding hand signals and communication
* Flying the kite at the edge of the wind window to generate power
* Activating the leash by letting go of the bar
* Untwisting the lines with the kite in the air
* Launching and landing a full-sized inflatable kite
* Using a kiteboarding harness
* Controlling the kite with one hand while hooked into the harness
* Body dragging hooked into the harness
* Re-launching the kite in the wate
* Performing self-rescues

Step 4: Practice, practice
Take the lessons learnt from your qualified kitesurfing instructor and put them into practice. Choose a safe location and spend a few days body dragging through the water and re-launching the kite in the water.

Step 5: Board control
If you have made it to the point you are trying to get on a board, there is a very good chance you are going to learn to kitesurf. Now would be a good time to head back to your kitesurfing school and get a more advanced lesson. At this time, your qualified instructor should teach you board control, including:

* Water starts in shallow water
* Board recovery without using a board leash
* Proper body positioning & edge control
* Generating steady power with the kite
* Riding in both directions

From Step 5, return to Step 4 and practice, practice, practice. Kitesurfing is an enjoyable way to spend time on the water. Harness the energy of the wind and fly across the waves, but do it safely and learn the fundamentals first. Like any other extreme sport, kitesurfing can be dangerous and you should take all the necessary steps and time to ensure that you are safe on the water.

Mastered the skills? Want to take it to the next level – Australian KiteSurfari provides the ultimate australian kitesurfing holiday adventures in beautiful Cairns, Tropical North Queensland, Australia. Kitesurfing in Australia at a place where the wind always blows, the waters are clear and the beach is your own. Ideal for experienced kiters, Australian Kitesufari takes you to an exclusive location near Cooktown, which receives strong, constant trade winds off Cape Flattery. You can also enjoy great Kitesurfing conditions at Yorkeys Knob before and after the trip.

Ceilings: History and Purpose

2010 May 4

A ceiling is the overhead surface or surfaces over a space, and the underside of a floor or a roof. Ceilings are commonly utilized to hide floor and roof construction. They have been favourite places for decorating from the earliest times: either in painting the flat surface, in featuring the structural members of roof or floor, or in treating it as a surface for an allover pattern of relief.

Only a little is understood of ancient Greek ceilings, but Roman ceilings were rich with relief and painting, as is evidenced at the vault soffits of Pompeian baths. In the Gothic period, the common trend to bring out structural areas decoratively then led to the development of the beamed ceiling, in which big cross-girders support smaller floor beams at right angles to them, beams and girders being richly chamfered and molded and generally painted in decorative colours.

In the Renaissance, ceiling design was evolved to its highest tip of individuality and differentiation. Three kinds were further elaborated. The first was the coffered ceiling, in the delicate design of which the Italian Renaissance architects far emulated their Roman prototypes. Circular, square, octagonal, and L-shaped coffers were designed, with their edges richly carved and the field of every coffer decorated with a rosette. The second kind consisted of ceilings wholly or somewhat vaulted, usually with arched intersections, with painted bands bringing out the architectural design and with pictures filling the rest of the space. The loggia of the Farnesina villa in Rome, decorated by Raphael and Giulio Romano, is a prime example of this. During the Baroque period, wondrous figures in heavy relief, scrolls, cartouches, and garlands were also brought in to decorate ceilings of this type. The Pitti Palace in Florence and many French ceilings in the Louis XIV style demonstrate this. In the third form, which was especially found of Venice, the ceiling became a huge framed painting, similar to the Doges’ Palace.

In modern architecture ceilings are sometimes split into two major kinds — the suspended (or hung) ceiling and the exposed ceiling. With ceilings hung at a distance underneath the structural members, some architects have worked to conceal super amounts of mechanical and electrical equipment, such as electrical conduits, air-conditioning ducts, water pipes, sewage lines, and lighting fixtures. The large part of suspended ceilings utilize a lightweight metal grid suspended from the structure by wires or rods to support plasterboard sheets or acoustical tiles.

Other architects, bringing out the aesthetic of the exposed structural system, delight in showing the mechanical and electrical equipment. In response to this trend, many structural systems have been created that have a deliberate power in themselves and make popular ceilings.

For ceiling cleaning Brisbane contact Toxicvac today. We will clean ceilings and clean roofspaces to remove rubbish, old insulation and dirt.

Vending Machine History and Use

2010 April 27
by squadron

A vending machine is a coin-actuated machine with which many goods are retailed. Vending machines are sometimes confused with coin-actuated amusement rides or juke boxes.

The initial commercial use of vending machines was early in the 18th century in England, when coin-operated “honour boxes” were utilized to retail snuff and tobacco.

These boxes were also in use with the British-American colonies during the century.The original methodical, marketed employment of vending machines took place in the United States in 1888, when devices were employed to push the sales of chewing gum in locations in which gum sales otherwise could not be made, including the platforms of the NYC elevated railway.

The American industry was held mainly to penny-candy retail from then to 1926, when the modern period of automatic retailing started in the creation of cigarette vending machines. The first soft-drink vending machine was developed in 1937.

While the Americas started its weaponry buildup before to its participation in the second World War, plant managements found that workers could not continue at full function for 10, 12, or extended hours if not allowed a sustainment point, so vending machines were seen to be the most expedient process of allowing for food and beverages.

During the 1940s to ’50s the vending machine industry was seen largely in plants and factories, and after that period, devices were being employed to provide a larger variety of freshly made as much as prepackaged foods to replace or complement standard in-plant food service processes.

Refrigeration was developed in vending devices to retail bottled soft drinks.The use of vending devices to sell items for discounted costs all day and night without requiring regard to holidays is at present globally utilized.

The market has developed above plants and factories, and vending devices are readily seen in schools, colleges and universities, recreation centres, health care facilities, offices, and other places of education and work.

Often, vending devices are provided by businesses (operators) who own and put devices on locations owned by others. Those corporations provide entire maintenance and care, as well as items for sale, usually with no fees to the owners of the premises other than perhaps a servicing cost.Vending devices are utilized in Great Britain, continental Europe, and Scandinavia from the 1880s, at the time when they were made use of to provide confectionery or tobacco items.

During current years, the vending device industry in these areas has closely paralleled the expansion of vending in America.

Vending in Japan started rapidly during the 1960s and extended rapidly to a highlighting element in Japan’s distribution system.

For vending machines Brisbane or vending machine repairs in Brisbane, contact Ozboz Vending today for Brisbane vending machine sites and service.

Cairns Beach Holidays: Yorkeys Knob

2010 April 27
by squadron

Yorkeys Knob is Cairns’ best beach holiday location. Named after the rocky headland, which is its most prominent feature, this beachside community has a long, wide beach, lined with tropical palm trees. The suburb is completely self-contained; you don’t have to leave its confines to have a relaxing, indulgent seaside escape.

Unlike most other Cairns beaches, Yorkeys Knob has retained its authentic character. Favoured by locals, you will not find the usual array of cheap tourist traps in Yorkeys Knob. What you will find are friendly residents, beachside gardens complete with playgrounds and BBQs, an amazing beach, overlooking the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, restaurants, cafes, a shopping centre, boat club, golf course, hair dresser and post office.

You may be surprised at the quality of dining available at Yorkeys Knob restaurants. Undoubtedly the biggest venue is the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, which has the only undercover, outdoor deck overlooking the Coral Sea in Cairns. This provides the perfect place to relax at the end of another day in paradise and enjoy a quiet drink, as you watch the sun set. Capable of seating 1,000, the Boat Club serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open seven days a week. It has EFTPOS, pokies, keno, a children’s playground, pool table and indoor and outdoor dining. There is also a courtesy coach service.

Krokodillos, on Varley Street, is renowned for its friendly hosts, fantastic menu and specials. Perfect for relaxed tropical dining or a romantic meal, Krokodillos has an excellent beer, wine and kroktail menu, serving it up seven nights a week for Yorkeys Knob restaurant and catering needs.

Fancy a round of golf? Half Moon Bay Golf Course is a tight par 70, all weather course overlooking the Coral Sea, with a backdrop of towering, rainforest covered mountains. The club is membership based, but visitors are always welcome.

Cruising into Cairns? Moor your boat at Yorkeys Knob Half Moon Bay Marina. Right next to Yorkeys Knob Boating Club and arguably the heart of this beachside suburb, Half Moon Bay Marina has 200 berths available for weekly, monthly and yearly rental. Ranging from 10-30m in size, the berths are supplied water and power through Comsen units at this pontoon-style marina.

Not enough action for you? Yorkeys Knob is Cairns’ kite surfing destination! Between April and November, Yorkeys Knob beach receives strong south-east trade winds, bringing the boys (and girls!) out to play with their boards and sails. If you have never tried it before, kite surfing is the ultimate water sport and local instructor Chris Rose, provides Yorkeys Knob kite surfing lessons through his Kite Rite business.

Yorkeys Knob holiday accommodation is available for all budgets and tastes. From tropical resorts nestled amongst lush gardens, to absolute beachfront Yorkeys Knob holiday apartments, self-contained with everything you need for the perfect beachside escape. Come to Tropical North Queensland; enjoy the reef and rainforest and Cairns’ best beachside holiday at Yorkeys Knob holiday accommodation.

Movies, Books, Politicians the Water Bottle is Under Siege

2010 April 26
by squadron

Carry a plastic water bottle at your own demise; the wave of social view is turning against you. From top rating documentaries, to the written word and political campaigns, the red hot debate in town is the menace that is bottled water and the waste its industry creates.

The processing, moving and removal of water in petrochemical plastic bottles consumes huge use of water alongside energy, and creates large measures of greenhouse gases and waste.

Director of the upcoming documentary ‘Tapped: get off the bottle’ Stephanie Soechtig sums it up “1500 water bottles end up in landfill every second – that’s 30 million water bottles a day! We wanted to show people just how much waste is generated by bottled water.” The Tapped crew are pushing the show with an across-America roadshow, taking sponsorships from people to take down their water bottle waste and taking their empty plastic water bottle for a reusable stainless steel bottle. Download Tapped from Amazon or iTunes.

Another such film ‘The Story of Bottled Water’ was released on World Water Day in March. Created by Annie Leonard of the famous ‘The Story of Stuff’, this animated film delves into the process that amounts to tricking Americans into buying more than five hundred million bottles of water a week, compared with a few cents cost for water from the tap. See this animation on You Tube.

In her book ‘Bottlemania’, writer Elizabeth Royte chronicles one of the greatest marketing heists of our century and demands a super environmental wakeup call. She details the red flags we must inevitably respond to. Who has ownership of the water distribution? What could happen when a bottled-water business holds your town’s source? Is the water coming from your tap absolutely safe? What is really the environmental footprint of making, transportation and disposing of a plastic water bottle?

Politicians from everywhere around the globe are beginning to understand that they need to take responsibility for action – particularly when the institutions at which they collate are high consumers of bottled water. How often do we see a politician at a debate sipping from a water bottle. They can drink from a water glass in Parliament House.

Leslie Samuelrich of Corporate Accountability International, held that “Cities and states are spending hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on bottled water, and that’s not to mention what’s spent to deal with all the plastic bottles that are thrown out.”

In July 2009, the NSW rural town of Bundanoon became the first group from Australia to prohibited the sale of bottled water. Around 60 cities in the States and a few towns in Canada and the UK have lately ceased expending taxpayer dollars on bottled water.

Surely this issue will be brought to the table come World Water Week 2010 from September 5 to 11 in Stockholm, Sweden, the annual meeting for the planet’s most current water-related events.

Article written by Tracey Bailey, founder of Biome Eco Stores.

Types of Non-Destructive Testing

2010 April 15
by squadron

The tensile-strength test is basically damaging; at the time of the process of gathering data, the sample is wasted. While this is acceptable when a plentiful sample of the sample is at hand, nondestructive techniques are safer for materials that are expensive or hard to fabricate or that have been shaped into completed or semifinished samples.

Liquids

One common nondestructive method, utilized to detect surface marks and imperfections in metals, employs a penetrating liquid, either visibly dyed or fluorescent. After being left on the surface of the sample and set to sink into any perceptible cracks, the fluid is cleared, leaving readily perceptible imperfections and weaknesses. A similar test, used for nonmetals, uses an electrically charged fluid painted on the sample surface. After the extra liquid is cleared off, a dry powder of opposite charge is sprayed onto the nonmetal and draws to the breaks. Neither of these processes, however, can identify internal weaknesses.

Radiation

Internal, as well as external flaws, can be identified under X-ray or gamma-ray machines in which the radiation scans the object and impinges on an ideal photographic film. Occasionally, it is possible to target the X rays toward a significant part within the piece, bringing up a three-dimensional description of the flaw shape along with its site.

Sound

Ultrasonic inspection of parts involves transmission of sound waves above human hearing range within the sample. By the reflection process, a sound wave is sent from one area of the sample, reflected by the opposite area, then signalled to a receiver that is situated at the starting area. Upon impinging on a mark or weak point in the sample, the sound wave is reflected and its signal changed. The actual delay is a mark of the location of the flaw; a map of the subject can then be generated to locate the area and shape of the flaws. Using the through-transmission process, the transmitter and receiver are situated at the opposite sides of the sample; delays in the signal of the sound waves are utilized to locate and measure weaknesses. Often a water medium is used by which transmitter, sample, and receiver should be immersed.

Magnetism

As the magnetic elements of a material are very much influenced by its overall form, magnetic techniques are sometimes utilized to characterize the area and general geometry of weaknesses and breaks. For magnetic testing, an object is used that contains a large length of wire through which flows a steady alternating current (primary coil). Held within the primary coil is a smaller coil (the secondary coil), to which is linked an electrical measuring tool. The steady current in the primary coil generates electrical current to charge within the secondary coil by way of the method of induction. When an iron piece is put within the secondary coil, acute changes in the second current should indicate imperfections in the piece. This process only detects differentiations in parts in the length of a bar and will not isolate long or continued flaws very much. A parallel method, using eddy currents induced in a primary coil, also may be utilized to find imperfections and breaks. A steady current is induced within the test sample. Cracks that are found within the track of the current determine resistance of the test object; this change will then be measured by suitable tools.

Infrared

Infrared processes have sometimes been utilized to isolate material continuity in complex structural situations. While testing the strength of adhesive conjoinments in the sandwich core and facing sheets within a usual sandwich construction object such as plywood, for example, heat is applied in the face of the sandwich skin piece. When bond lines appear to be continuous, those core parts reveal a heat sink within the surface material, and the general temperatures of the surface then drop spaciously along the bond lines. When a bond line may be not enough, disappears, or mistaken, however, this temperature does not change. Infrared photography of the face shall then show the placement and dimensions of the erroneous adhesive. Another such method utilizes thermal coatings that change hue upon reaching a determined temperature.

Conclusively, nondestructive techniques also are now being sought to reveal a entire determination of the mechanical properties of a test object. Ultrasonics and thermal procedures seem the most promising in this instance.

Looking for NDT Brisbane? For Brisbane non-destructive testing, contact Just Inspections today.

The Most Common Marketing Mistakes

2010 March 31

Marketing is one of the key drivers of business success and profits. Unfortunately many companies make common mistakes with their marketing. Here’s a few of these common mistakes.

Using institutional advertising
Institutional advertising is about branding and establishing what that brand stands for in the mind of the consumer. Most television advertising is institutional and it is often used by larger companies as a way of promoting their brand image. It doesn’t ask for a response to a specific offer. For most businesses institutional advertising is a mistake. Far better to try to engage your prospects at an emotional level with a specific offer that solves their problem.

Chasing new customers at the expense of existing and past customers
Many customers leave you because of perceived indifference; not because you actually did something wrong, but because they think you didn’t appreciate them. This could simply occur because you neglected to stay in contact with them and someone made them another offer that they decided to go with. The trick is to stay in contact with your customers on a regular basis; seven times a year is a good number and much of this can be done using email. Promotional gifts like pens and mugs are a nice way of keeping in touch and saying: “Thank you for your business.”

Trying to achieve a goal with a one-shot campaign

Your prospects need to absorb a message between four and seven times before they will be convinced to try something new. No single marketing campaign can get this result unless the offer is very good.

If your budget is limited, focus on targeting a smaller group rather than a larger one. A classic example is direct mail. I have been guilty of sending out thousands of letters to everyone I know only to receive a poor response. A smarter thing would have been to select a smaller group and have a series of mailings.

Being tactical not strategic
Marketing is about strategy, to gain new customers, to have customers spend more money when they interact with you, to encourage customers to return and so on. The strategy is the message you are delivering and the action you want the customer to take. The tactics are the particular methods you use to deliver that message. Often people choose the tactics then the strategy: “Let’s do a brochure! Great idea” “What do we want it to say?”

Choosing a tactic before a strategy is like jumping in your car, pulling out of your driveway and then asking, “Where do I want to go?” If you are thinking strategy first, you would ask yourself what message you want to send and the action you’d like to take, then you would think about the right way to go about it,

Not being unique
Advertising is like wallpaper; most people know it is there but can’t recall specifically what it is. This is not good, especially when you consider that a marketing study found that only 20 per cent of people could describe the wallpaper in their own home. Let’s face it, it’s hard to stand out in a market when people can’t remember things they see every day.

Research suggests that people are exposed to between 4,000 and 9,000 advertisements daily. Seth Godin talks more about this in his book Purple Cow (a must-read for every marketer). If you want people to talk about you, be unique. This may simply involve identifying what you do best.

What is one of the best ways to make your business stand out? In some industries it is hard to stand out. For example, commodity markets like petrol, electricity or building products. But regardless of what industry you are in, there is one way that will allow you to stand out in the marketplace. By choosing the thing you want to be known for, a unique selling proposition or unique buyer advantage, you can create a strong presence for your business. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done.

It is difficult for business owners to choose the thing that they want to be known for. It’s almost as if by saying “We offer the fastest deliveries”‘ you are saying that your quality is not good. But what if you think your quality is also worth mentioning?

Given the amount of advertising noise heard by customers and prospects on a daily basis, you are better off sticking with one message and repeating it over and over.

Take FedEx for example, they do many things right, but the only benefit they promote is speed : “When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight”. This is a fantastic marketing slogan that is single-minded. It doesn’t tell you that they offer great value. It doesn’t tell you that their staff are the friendliest. It tells you that they are fast. By adding another four qualities, it would only dilute their message.

The key to choosing something to be known for is to emphasise your strengths. There will be things that you are really good at and things that you are okay at, learn to accept this and focus on your strengths. You can never be all things to all people, so focus on the prospects that you are likely to convert into customers and fulfil the needs that are important to them.

Keeping in contact with customers and prospects is a marketing strategy that many companies neglect. What better way to say thanks for your business, than promotional gifts? Promotional pens and promotional mugs are an excellent way of thanking your customers and keeping your name top of mind.

Lipocavitation for Fatty Deposit Removal

2010 March 30

Lipocavitation is a non invasive treatment which aids in the removal of localised fat deposits. It is great for people who are unhappy with a certain area of fatty deposits but do not want to undergo any invasive surgical treatment like liposuction. It is performed as a walk in, walk out treatment and there is no lengthy recovery period as with surgical fat removal.

A good candidate for lipocavitation is someone looking for fat removal from a specific area such as the hips, thighs, buttocks, stomach or arms. The treatment does not generally result in overall weight loss, but an improved contour in the localised treatment area. For this reason it is not suitable for an obese person and it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle incorporating a healthy eating plan and regular exercise in conjunction with the lipocavitation treatments. It is also good to maintain a high fluid intake to aid in the removal of toxins from the body. Lipocavitation is ideal for those who have tried to shift the stubborn fatty bulges via diet or exercise and are aiming for a smooth and balanced shape.

The first step is to examine the problem area and determine the exact treatment area by marking up the skin. A thin layer of gel is applied and spread evenly, and then the handpiece is placed in contact with the skin. In the treatment the handpiece delivers low frequency ultrasound waves down into the subcutaneous or fatty layer of the skin, targeting the adipocytes or fat cells. The minute vibrations produce tiny bubbles within the fat cells which disturb the outer membrane and allow tiny collections of fat to be expelled into the surrounding area, which then is removed via the body’s natural energy and waste removal processes. This selective destruction of fat cells does not interfere with adjacent structures such as blood vessels and nerves and is therefore a very safe treatment. Lipocavitation is a painless procedure, though for some people there may be a little discomfort associated with the noise during treatment which ceases when the handpiece is no longer in contact with the skin.

Several treatments are required to see a noticeable change in the smoothness and contour of the area, although this will depend on the desired result and the location of the stubborn pockets of fat. The treatment duration will depend on the size of the treatment area however it can usually be completed in 30 – 60 minutes.

For more information about Lipo Brisbane and Lipocavitation Brisbane, please contact Image by Laser.

Pregnancy and Dental Health

2010 March 23

Pregnancy is an exciting time; however it is also a challenging time in terms of health. Changes in hormones mean many women face various health issues including oral health issues, but as with other issues these can be managed effectively. How you look after your teeth and gums now can affect your baby’s health as well as your own.

Before pregnancy

Whether you are pregnant or not, everyone should maintain good oral hygiene. It is important to have a daily routine of care established so you have a good foundation.

Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss to clean between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Just these simple steps will ensure that plaque, bacteria and food remnants do not build up.

Also, visit your dentist regularly – if you are pregnant or suspect you might be it is important to inform your dentist as it may affect the type of care necessary for you.

During Pregnancy

There are many common oral health issues that pregnant women face. Again, simple steps can be taken to deal with each issue.

1. Plaque and gingivitis

When you are pregnant, hormonal changes may lead to an increase in the amount of plaque on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis and even gum disease. Symptoms include swelling of the gums.

Some pregnant women suffer from ‘pregnant gingivitis’, with the condition most likely to appear in the second trimester. Here, hormonal changes induce bleeding in the gums despite the best possible hygiene measures. Your dentist can identify this. Gums usually revert to normal after the baby is born.

If not treated, gingivitis can develop into a more severe form of gum disease such as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the gum tissue that supports a person’s tooth, where the bacteria start to move deeper and thrive in the gap between the gum and the tooth causing the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissue to break down. If identified, this must be treated as a matter of urgency as gum disease had been linked to premature birth and low birth-weight babies.

2. Morning sickness

If you suffer from morning sickness and vomiting, the acid from your stomach contents has the potential to dissolve some of the tooth enamel, increasing your risk of acid erosion and dental decay.

To avoid damage to your teeth, don’t brush the ’softened’ tooth enamel if you have just vomited; wait at least half an hour. Rinse your mouth immediately with water, then smear some fluoride toothpaste or tooth mousse paste (available from your dentist) on to your teeth or use a fluoride mouthrinse.

3. Gagging

This can sometimes occur when brushing your teeth. If you feel sick, try to concentrate on your breathing while cleaning your back teeth. Alternatively, you may need to brush without toothpaste. A fluoride mouthrinse can be used after brushing.

4. Cravings

Cravings themselves are not a health issue but if you are frequently snacking on high carbohydrate foods, you may risk getting dental caries (decay). Try to vary the snacks you are eating and choose foods low in sugar, fat and salt but high in fibre. In addition, drink lots of water and milk.

Keys to maintaining good oral health

In addition to being aware of these specific issues, it is important to keep up with your oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily, flossing and using a high fluoride mouthrinse and toothpaste.

You should also take care of your teeth and prevent dental decay by using fluoridated tap water for drinking and cooking.

Again it is important to keep visiting your dentist regularly to monitor your oral health. Your dentist will also be able to clean your teeth thoroughly of any plaque build up.

Your Babies oral health

Mothers-to-be can also directly affect the oral health of their babies. For example, babies begin to develop their teeth and bones in the fourth month of pregnancy. The calcium and phosphorus they need to do this comes from what you eat and, if necessary, from your bones. Your baby will need even more of these minerals when you are seven to nine months pregnant

The best way to obtain these minerals is through the intake of dairy products or, if you are difficulty consuming the recommended amount, your doctor may recommend calcium supplements. The recommended daily intake of calcium for pregnant women is 1,100mg during pregnancy and 1,200mg during breastfeeding. Also speak to your dentist about dental care for your new baby.

Looking for a Brisbane dentist? For a dental clinic and dentist in Mt Gravatt, Brisbane, contact TC Dental Studio today.