Play it Safe – wear a mouthguard
Play it Safe – Wear a mouthguard The Importance of Play it Safe cannot be overstressed. Every year, thousands of people, adults and children are treated for dental injuries that were preventable or would have been less severe had they been wearing a custom mouthguard. IN any sport or activity where collision or contact is likely, on game day and in training, it cannot be stressed enough the importance of wearing the correct protective mouthguard. It’s always better to ‘play it safe’ and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. Who Should use a Mouthguard? Any one undertaking a sport where there is a likelihood of collision or contact should be wearing an adequate protective mouthguard. The obvious ones being Rugby codes, martial arts et al. However, the number of non-contact dental injury is interesting. Sports such as cricket, basketball, netball, touch football, and soccer have all been responsible for dental traumas from ‘accidental’ collision or fall, and contribute to the thousands of people who suffer dental trauma annually. REMEMBER: You are as much risk during training as you are during the game so Play It Safe at training too. The Damage Sports injuries incurred include cause damaged nerves, cracked fractured or displaced teeth, jaw breaks, lacerations to the tongue, cheek and lip. An instance of Dental trauma can have lifelong repercussions, with ongoing treatment required to maintain the damaged tooth or teeth. Repair work is not permanent and will need continue assessment throughout your life to maintain the health of your teeth and prevent larger issues from occurring. Prevention is better than cure – Play it Safe. Protecting your mouth The ADA recommends the use of Custom fitted mouthguards for all participants in contact sport. Customised mouthguards afford vastly superior protection from Boil and Bite or Over the Counter mouthguards. The Custom-Fitted Mouthguard – What to Expect Your practitioner will take an impression of your teeth and gums to create a unique guard to protect every tooth. A plaster model is made so that your mouth can be accurately assessed and the best protection designed for you and the requirements of the sport you play. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
mouthguards – which one for me?
While there are many types of mouthguard available in Australia, ranging from cheap, over-the-counter models to professionally custom-fitted mouthguards, there is a strong emphasis from Dental Professionals to use custom made mouthguards. Read on to find out why. While they are cheap and easy to replace, Boil and Bite, or Over-the Counter mouthguards do not provide adequate protection against injuries to your teeth, mouth or jaw. The Australian Dental Association recommends that players of contact sports and pastimes use professional custom made mouthguards for optimum protection. Dental injuries can be expensive, so it is worthwhile investing in a custom-fitted mouthguard. Custom-fitted mouthguards Your custom mouthguard is made just for you, designed for your mouth, your sport and your needs. Custom-fitting allows your practitioner to accurately assess your mouth and provide you with the right protection for your mouth and your level of protection.Custom-fitted mouthguards provide a superior fit, as they are made to suit your individual contours and needs. A custom-fitted mouthguard is:• Comfortable• Well-fitting• Allows you to speak clearly• Won’t shift or fall out• Won’t restrict your breathing Over-the-counter (boil and bite )mouthguards Over-the-counter mouthguards are far less effective than those that are custom-fitted. Whether you are buying a stock mouthguard or one that you can boil and bite into to take the shape of your teeth, the shape, fit, contour and level of protection is substantially reduced in these forms of mouthguard. How long will my custom mouthguard last? It’s recommended that you get a new mouthguard annually, especially so if you are still growing. Most Health Funds will cover 2 mouthguards annually and will cover most if not all, of the cost.If your mouthguard still feels as though it fits, it’s important that you have your mouthguard re-assessed each year before commencing contact sport to ensure it still fits correctly for maximum protection. How do I care for my mouthguard? • Rinse in cold water after use• Store in a rigid plastic container• Keep out of direct sunlight – mouthguards will change shape in high temperatures• Occasionally rinse your mouthguard in a mouthwash, rinse it out after each use.• Replace your mouthguard if it gets damaged Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
Smoking and Oral Health – the real deal for smokers.
Most people are now aware that smoking is bad for their health. It can cause many different medical problems and, in some cases, fatal diseases. However, surprisingly many people don’t realise the damage that smoking can do to their mouth, gums and teeth. Smoking can lead to bad breath, tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and mouth cancer. Here we explore some FAQ on smoking and oral health. What causes my teeth to stain? The nicotine and tar in tobacco cause teeth to stain over time, with the onset happening quite early on. Teeth will begin to collect a yellow tinge, that will deepen to a rusty brown after years of smoking. How will smoking affect my gums and teeth? The nicotine in cigarettes reduces the production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is an imperative for keeping the teeth and gums moist and clean. Nicotine also oppresses the flow of blood and oxygen to the gums which can result in gum disease. Smoking can cause people to develop more dental plaque than non-smokers, this can aggravate gum disease. Gum disease is still the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. How is smoking linked with cancer? Most people know that smoking can cause lung and throat cancer, but many people still don’t know that it is one of the main causes of mouth cancer too. Every year thousands of people die from mouth cancer brought on by smoking. I have Smoker’s Breath – will a mouthwash help? Smokers find they are more likely to have bad breath than non-smokers. While Fresh-breath products such as mouthwashes may help to disguise the problem in the short term, it isn’t a cure, it won’t disguise the smell of smoke from your clothes either! Should I visit my dentist more often if I smoke? It is important to maintain your regular visits to your dental team to ensure that any problems are detected early and rectified before they become a real issue. At each appointment with us, your dentist will perform a Cancer screening. What can my dentist do for me? Your dentist will carry out an Active Maintenance procedure to make sure that your teeth and gums and oral cavity are healthy. Your dentist will also examine your cheeks, tongue and throat for any signs of other conditions that may need more investigation. If you are looking at quitting smoking you can talk to your dentist or your GP about support organisations to help you reach your goals. Meanwhile, stay healthy and happy, see you dentist regularly to stay on top of your oral health and stay aware of your consumption and triggers. Remember – Your dentist is here to help. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
No smoke, but fire. E-cigarettes and your dental health.
E-cigarettes, are way more socially acceptable than conventional cigarettes, but are they really less harmful to the user? While vaping is more tolerable and less harmful to others than its conventional counterpart, could E-cigarettes be just a more politically correct way to hook people on nicotine? Is it really a better health option as retailers and manufacturers would have you believe? In an ordinary cigarette, the burning of tobacco releases smoke which delivers nicotine to the lungs via inhalation. E-cigarettes use a battery powered device to heat a nicotine loaded liquid, which is inhaled (vaping), delivering nicotine to the lungs. E-cigarettes are not importable in commercial quantities to Australia, but they can be brought in for personal use. Since this product was launched on the market, their popularity has risen dramatically. The social acceptance of users of E-cigarettes over conventional cigarettes make smokers feel less ostracised. While research has indicated that E-cigarettes don’t directly cause bad breath, plaque, and discolouration, the tough news is that nicotine ingestion even through an E-cigarettes can and does cause periodontal (gum) disease and can lead to oral cancer. So while the smoke and tar is not present to stain your teeth, nicotine remains the harmful element still. Nicotine will inhibit the production of saliva, leading to plaque build-up, bad breath and gum disease. Anecdotal evidence on E-cigarettes indicates vaping causes ‘cotton mouth’ another term for dry mouth in the absence of saliva. It pays to reiterate here that dry mouth will lead to gum issues, tooth decay and tooth loss. 1. For a while I was consistently very tired. That’s gone away now, but it was quite irritating at the time. 2. Because there are so many delicious flavours, my tendency had become to vape constantly. It took a conscious drive to slow down. 3. Vaping makes you very thirsty. It’s like it just sucks the water from your body.4. Because of number 3, your mouth dries out and “cotton mouth” is a constant issue.5. Because of number 4, breath can get bad if you don’t drink tons of water throughout the day.6. This of course brings us to the main issue of the article -There is obvious (mortifying in fact) tooth decay along my gum line. I have good oral hygiene habits, so this is very disappointing. Whether anyone will read this whole thing or not, I obviously don’t know, but I felt a duty to mention that not only will nicotine cause tooth decay, dry mouth will too. Vaping WILL give you dry mouth. Gum disease is a major threat to oral health. It has been linked to stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy complications, respiratory disease, diabetes, and even heart disease, which is the leading killer in Australia. Luckily, gum disease is preventable. Brushing and flossing consistently, seeing your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans – and making good lifestyle choices can dramatically reduce your risk. The manufacturers and retailers of E-cigarettes claim that the product is a cleaner and healthier therapeutic alternative that will help smokers kick the habit. In the absence of any proven scientific study to back this contention, the best option would be to avoid smoking or vaping altogether. Regardless of whether it poses less harmful effects to health than conventional cigarettes, experts concur that E-cigarettes are by no means safe while nicotine is present. Check these Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease Persistent bad breath Inflamed or bleeding gums Redness, tenderness, or swelling of gums Loose or wobbly teeth Gum recession If you have any concerns about your gums, teeth and oral health, consult your dentist in Sydney without delay. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
Baby on board? Caring for your teeth in pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful and emotional time for everyone, but most especially for you. When you’re pregnant everyone has well-meaning advice but sometimes it can all be overwhelming, no matter who it comes from and even when it’s delivered with love and concern. Just remember to focus on what’s best for you, your health and the health of your baby when choosing whose advice to follow. Just like the rest of your body, your teeth, gums and mouth are affected by hormonal changes during pregnancy, so it’s important to maintain a good oral health routine, which will include regular visits to your dentist as well as your GP and Obstetrician. If you’re thinking about falling pregnant it’s a good idea to visit your dentist before-hand to ensure that your mouth is healthy and not in need of attention. You won’t want to be undergoing dental treatment during pregnancy if you can help it! Cravings Some women have unusual food cravings while they are pregnant. If you are craving sweetness, try and opt for a healthier option, but if you succumb, as is likely, try and keep sugary foods to a minimum and ensure your cleaning routine is in place. Morning sickness The bane of pregnancy, morning sickness is beyond your control. The acid in vomit can be extremely harmful to your teeth and can cause erosion. It will be your first reaction to reach for your toothbrush afterwards, but this is not a good idea. The enamel will have been softened from acid, so you could be scrubbing away the tooth’s protective enamel surface. Leave brushing your teeth for at least an hour and instead, rinse your mouth well with water, use a sugar free gum or eat an acid neutralizing food such as milk, yoghurt or cheese. Brush and Floss Maintain an impeccable routine for cleaning. During pregnancy your gums are more susceptible to inflammation and infection, so floss and clean twice a day at least! Bleeding gums during pregnancy is not unusual, continue to clean and floss as usual. If you are concerned or having difficulty, consult with your dentist. Dental x-rays during pregnancy X-Rays emit a very small amount of radiation. Your practitioner will only recommend x-ray in pregnancy if necessary. Non-urgent treatments can be scheduled for post birth. Quick Tips On Dental Health Book an appointment with your dentist?• Be mindful of succumbing to sugary food cravings?• Beware of morning sickness & take appropriate measures to reduce erosion • Have perfect oral hygiene habits?• Follow the advice of your dentist Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
Kids Oral Health – the best teacher is YOU
The Best Teacher your kids ever had? YOU. Your children are gorgeous, you want the very best for them, to grow up happy and healthy and able to take care of themselves. The very best teacher is always you – model best behaviours and your kids will reap the rewards. Where to start? Babyhood is the best place to start caring for your child’s oral health. Start wiping their gums clean until their first teeth emerge, so that when they reach Toddlerdom they are totally comfortable with oral hygiene routines and techniques to keep their teeth healthy. Don’t forget, children don’t have the dexterity to brush their own teeth until they can tie their own shoelaces, so you will need to assist and then supervise until they reach the age of around 7 or 8 – or even later. Baby teeth need love too! Just because they’ll fall out eventually doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take good care of baby teeth. Not only will it set up good habits for life, decay in baby teeth can be painful and traumatic, and may set your child up to dislike the dentist from an early age. Premature loss of baby teeth can contribute to crowding in adult teeth too. Practice brushing twice a day for 2 minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, ( remember to spit – don’t swallow!) remembering to brush for at least two minutes at a time. You can use an egg timer, or one of the fun brushing songs you’ll find in our Kids Zone, or download a brushing song from the internet to keep the process happy. Start flossing as soon as there are two teeth in contact. Warning – You may have to be dental assistant a little longer with flossing than with brushing. My Dentist makes me smile… Once the first tooth has been around for 6 months or so, it’s time for your first visit to the dentist (yay – we can’t wait to meet your little one!). Your Dentist will be well versed in making this a fun and simple visit. For your part, try to only speak of the dentist in a fun and positive manner without reference to any adult preconceptions of pain, fear or discomfort. Remain positive and your child will pick up your vibe. After your first visit, keep your child’s regular scheduled Active Maintenance visits so they understand that this is an important and regular routine. Don’t forget to check whether you are eligible for government programs such as the Child Dental Benefits Schedule [Family Tax Benefit A payments recipients] . I’m Hungry! For strong healthy teeth, a healthy a balanced diet that includes loads of fresh vegetables, cheese and lean meat, is essential. Keep snacking to a minimum and watch those high sugar snacks and drinks. Water is always the best to drink. Oops! – Accidents Happen. Life is full of little mishaps, it’s best to know what to do in case your little one has a crisis. Injury to gums or baby teeth; Apply pressure to the area to staunch bleeding use a cold wet cloth or gauze if it’s handy. An ice pop will help reduce the swelling, or an ice pack held to the cheek. Use pain meds if needed (Ibuprofen). Call your dentist. Watch for swelling, pain, fever or a colour change in the tooth. A permanent tooth is chipped or broken; Collect the broken pieces if you can. Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water. Call your dentist and schedule a visit. A permanent tooth is knocked out; Call your dentist immediately. If they are unable to see you, go to the ER at the children’s hospital. Find the tooth if possible – pick it up by the top (the eating surface) NOT the root. Place the tooth in a commercial saline solution if you have it, or in a container of milk or your child’s saliva. Don’t put the tooth in tap water. Your child can bite down on a gauze pad or a clean handkerchief to stem the blood flow and ease the pain. If you are able to, try replacing the tooth back in the socket (for teens or older children). They can bite down on some gauze to keep the tooth in place. If the tooth is stored in a container (rather than back in the socket), have your child bite down on a gauze pad or handkerchief to relieve bleeding and pain. Play it Safe Wear a custom made mouthguard for contact sports, and helmets for bikes, scooters and skateboards. Set up your Little Ones with some good skills from an early age and have your accident checklist prepped to go – If you have any queries or concerns, call your dentist, that’s what they are there for after all. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
Good oral health could save your life – The link between oral health and other diseases
There’s been a lot of talk about oral systemic health of late, and justly so: much evidence links poor oral health to serious medical conditions. Treating oral health problems could potentially serve as a preventative for a number of serious illnesses. Your Mouth, the Gateway to Your Body It’s clear, oral health and overall health are inextricably linked. Looking after them reduces the risks to your general health. Bacteria left to build up on teeth leave gums prone to infection, causing inflammation. Over time, the inflammation can eat away at the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. This can result in a more severe disease, periodontitis which has links to some serious health problems in the body. Here’s a quick look at some of the issues under discussion: Kidney disease Good oral health could be a life saver for kidney disease patients. A study from The University of Birmingham links a higher mortality rate to patients with periodontitis (gum disease) and kidney disease, than those with kidney disease alone. Oral Health and Diabetes A strong link exists between periodontitis and diabetes, with studies showing that inflammation in the mouth lessens your body’s ability to control blood sugar levels. “Periodontal disease further complicates diabetes because the inflammation impairs the body’s ability to utilise insulin,” Pamela McClain, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. It also seems that diabetes and periodontitis have a two-way relationship. High blood sugar provides ideal conditions for infection to grow, so diabetics are prone to gum disease. For diabetics, it is imperative to keep their oral health in careful check, in order to prevent any ensuing complications.” Oral Health and Heart Disease There is a high correlation between gum and heart disease, although just why is illusive. Periodontitis is found in a high majority of patients with heart problems, but only in about half of people without heart disease. The two conditions have several risk factors in common, such as smoking, an unhealthy diet and high weight. “The theory is that inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in the blood vessels,” says Dr Sally Cram (Periodontist). This can increase the risk for heart attack in a number of ways. Inflamed blood vessels allow less blood to travel between the heart and the rest of the body, raising blood pressure. “There’s also a greater risk that fatty plaque will break off the wall of a blood vessel and travel to the heart or the brain, causing a heart attack or stroke,” Cram explains. Breast cancer Recent research has found new links between periodontal disease and breast cancer. Recent research discovered that postmenopausal women with periodontal disease are more likely to develop the cancer than those without this gum issues. Prostate disease Researchers from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and the Departments of Urology and Pathology at University Hospitals Case Medical Centre reported that treating gum disease reduced symptoms of prostate inflammation. Oral Health and Pregnancy Babies born too early or at a low birth weight often have significant health problems, including lung conditions, heart conditions, and learning disorders. While many factors can contribute to premature or low birth weight deliveries, researchers are looking at the possible role of gum disease. Infection and inflammation in general seem to interfere with a foetus’ development in the womb. Though men have periodontitis more often than women do, hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk. Infection and inflammation in general seem to have an adverse effect on foetal development, so for the best chance of a healthy pregnancy, it’s advisable to have a comprehensive perio exam pre-pregnancy to ensure you and your baby are not put at risk. Ask your dentist for advice if you are thinking of starting a family. Oral Health and Other Conditions While the impact of oral health on general health is a relatively new area of study, there are some interesting inroads being made on the following: Rheumatoid Arthritis. Treating periodontal disease has been shown to reduce pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Lung Conditions. Periodontal disease may make pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worse, possibly by increasing the amount of bacteria in the lungs. Obesity. Two studies have linked obesity to gum disease. It appears that periodontitis progresses more quickly in the presence of higher body fat. The Bottom Line on Oral Health Clearly, the health of your mouth can affect the health of your body, and vice versa, so taking care of your teeth and gums now has a whole new positive, a healthy mouth can mean you will live well for longer. Your simple daily routine of brushing twice a day and flossing every day can have a much greater impact on your life than just keeping your teeth clean. See your dentist regularly so that you stay on top of any little things that may arise before they turn into big issues. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
8 New Technologies In Dentistry That You Should Know About
Wondering what’s new in your dental clinic? We have loads of goodies to tell you about! At Dental Fresh we are on the forefront of new and emerging technology, we are constantly evaluating new ideas to ensure our patients are receiving the best dental experience we can possibly provide. Here are some technologies we use at Dental Fresh to ensure we provide you with the best dental experience possible: Cad/Cam CAD/CAM (computer aided design/computer aided manufacture) is an innovative technology used to manufacture restorations for broken or missing teeth. How it works: an image (scan) is taken of your tooth and adjacent teeth once the dentist has done the preparation. This image, the digital impression, draws the data into a computer creating a replacement part for the missing areas of the tooth – a ‘virtual restoration’. The data is then sent to a milling machine where the replacement part is shaped to exactly match the missing portion of your tooth.Our in-house technicians will then colour and glaze the restoration so that it matched your other teeth exactly and becomes virtually undetectable. They may come to your appointment to check colour and form so they can get the tooth exact. When it’s finished, the restoration will be fitted into place and voila! As good as new, and no-one will ever know! Digital X-Rays X-rays are faster and – bonus! there is less radiation with digital than traditional X-rays. When we take a digital X-ray, we can upload the image on our clinic computer in a few seconds, enabling us to make accurate assessments and discuss any areas of concern with you on the spot. Digital X-rays allow your dentist to zoom in on any target areas that he or she needs to take a closer look at, so that nothing gets missed. Invisalign Invisalign is clear, removable, practically invisible braces that gently straighten your teeth. The Invisalign system uses predictive technology to plan a week by week adjustment to your teeth that your dentist will show you to demonstrate when and how your teeth will move. Invisalign is a way to effectively straighten your smile without the need for heavy, permanent metal wires. Because Invisalign aligners can be easily removed, they are not a hindrance for your social life, restrictive on the food you eat or your ability to clean your teeth. Dental Implants Dental implants are an effective solution for patients with missing teeth or a tooth or teeth that are beyond saving. A screw is placed into the bone where the root of the tooth would be. This will hold a lifelike tooth that has been manufactured to match your other teeth in colour, size and contour.Implants are popular because they can replace missing teeth, while still giving the patient the feel, function and appearance of a natural healthy tooth. This is as close to a natural tooth as you can get. (Don’t you love technology?) All-On-4 All-On-4 technology is exciting for patients who need more comprehensive dental treatment. For people who have lost or are losing a significant number of teeth, All-On-4 is a lifesaver. With 4 screws inserted in the upper or lower jaw, a full set of new teeth can be permanently fixed into the mouth in as little as 2-3 days. All-On-4 patients are able to eat, smile, laugh and chat as normally as they did with their natural teeth. Intraoral Camera The intraoral camera is a tool that dentists use to gain precise and well-defined pictures of hard to see places within a patient’s mouth. Areas that would previously have been undetectable or dubious can now be clearly illuminated so the dentist can more accurately assess your needs. We are able to show you the photos in an instant so that you can be fully informed of any potential or existing problems. Love that Preventative Dentistry, don’t you? Whitening Treatments Whitening your teeth is a simple and effective smile rejuvenator and youth enhancer! Red wine, cigarettes, tea and coffee – amongst other things, can leave your teeth stained and looking a little lack lustre. Whitening can remove stains and give your teeth a healthy brightness again. Coupled with a clean and scale, your smile will feel and look fresh and inviting again. Digital Smile Design Digital Smile Design is a technology that combines dynamic video, digital photography, detailed record taking, physical appearance analysis and impressions to analyse the best overall aesthetic and function remedy created just for you. The results from this process are incredibly individual, crafted to suit you, creating a beautiful, natural looking perfect smile, – just for you. For your Best Smile Ever, visit Dental Fresh today and let us help you find the smile you have always wanted. Using new and advancing technologies we will make your visit comfortable, pleasurable and worthwhile. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
Active maintenance: Helping you have a beautiful, healthy smile
The Truth About Regular Dental Maintenance Debunking the Myth of Unnecessary Check-ups I have lost count of how many times I have been told that dentists only recommend regular visits for dental maintenance so that they can maintain the payments on the luxury cars. While often said in jest, this sentiment reveals a concerning misconception about the importance of routine dental maintenance. This article examines the importance of regular dental visits and their role in maintaining oral and overall health. For those who already visit their dentists regularly for dental maintenance, this information will serve to reinforce the value of your commitment. We also aim to persuade those who may be hesitant about regular dental care to reconsider and prioritise their oral health as an essential component of their general well-being. How Dental Maintenance Appointments Have Evolved Most dentists refer to regular check-ups as ‘hygiene appointments’ or ‘scale and clean appointments’. However, this terminology is somewhat misleading, as dental hygiene is only a fraction of what occurs during these visits. At Dental Fresh, we call these visits Active Maintenance Appointments because our goal is to actively improve your quality of life through better oral health. Changes in the Dental Profession The Persistence of Dental Disease In 1980 when I graduated from university, it was a commonly held belief amongst dentists that there would be an end to dental disease within the following 20 years. This optimism was because of significant advancements in preventive dentistry and public health measures like water fluoridation. The Promise of Preventive Dentistry In the 1970s and 1980s, preventive dentistry was at the forefront of dental practice. Statistics showed that 70% of people visited the dentist at least once a year. Following the introduction of fluoridated water in 1968, the incidence of dental decay in children plummeted to the point where fillings for kids born and raised in Sydney in the 80s and early 90s became a rarity. The Current Reality Fast-forward to today and dentists have never been busier. While this may seem positive for the profession, it’s quite disheartening that we’ve failed to deliver on the promise of ending dental disease. The Consequences of Neglecting Dental Maintenance Understanding the Decline in Dental Attendance Recent estimates suggest that regular dental attendance has dropped to about 20%. People often cite various reasons for avoiding the dentist, including: Cost concerns Fear or anxiety Lack of time Absence of pain or discomfort Misunderstanding of the benefits While it’s easy to find excuses to avoid dental appointments in our busy lives, those who make the effort are rewarded many times over in terms of improved oral and overall health. Common Issues Faced by Irregular Dental Patients Many new patients who come to us after long periods of neglect share similar characteristics: They lack a regular dentist They only see a dentist when they are experiencing pain or discomfort They’ve never received a comprehensive plan for oral health improvement and maintenance They fear dental visits They often require extensive and expensive dental work Perhaps most concerning is that their general health may be compromised, as many dental conditions have direct links to life-threatening medical issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. The Benefits of Regular Dental Maintenance Why Consistent Dental Care Pays Off In contrast, patients who maintain regular dental visits experience numerous benefits: Lower incidence of new dental disease Most dental work focuses on repairing normal wear and tear or cosmetic improvements Gradual dental treatment over a lifetime, reducing short-term financial strain Reduced fear of treatment due to established trust with the dental team Significantly lower lifetime dental costs What Happens During an Active Maintenance Appointment? A Personalised Approach to Dental Care It’s important to understand that your dental maintenance appointment is customised to your individual needs, as oral health requirements change with age. Young Patients: Strategies to prevent dental decay and create a beautiful, functional smile Middle-Age Patients: Prevention of gum disease and minimising wear and tear Senior Patients: Emphasis on the link between oral health and general wellbeing Regardless of age, our primary goal is to ensure that enjoying a delicious meal remains a pleasure rather than a challenge. During your visit, we typically: Update your medical history and assess how we can contribute to your general health Discuss any concerns or issues you’ve experienced since your last visit Check for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer Evaluate your bite and jaw muscle function Assess sinus health Review previous dental work to ensure it’s functioning properly Clean and polish dentures (if applicable) Remove stains and plaque build-up Check the health and function of dental implants (if applicable) Provide guidance on maintaining oral health between visits Most importantly, we aim to build relationships with our patients, making dental visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Investing in Your Smile and Health The most rewarding aspect of our job is knowing that we’re helping our patients live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Regular dental maintenance is not just about keeping your teeth clean—it’s an investment in your overall well-being and quality of life. By prioritising your dental health and committing to regular dental maintenance appointments, you’re taking a proactive step towards a healthier future. Don’t let misconceptions or short-term concerns prevent you from reaping the long-term benefits of consistent dental care. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions. References: World Health Organization: Cardiovascular Disease WebMD: Diabetes Alzheimer’s Association: What is dementia?
Ouch! Sensitive Teeth? 5 Dental Health Tips to protect your teeth from cold.
It’s a beautiful crisp morning, you step out into the day, take your first deep breath – and Ouch! The cold sends your teeth into a state of shock. You visit your favourite Ice-cream purveyor, you’re anticipating your first bite, but gosh! The cold sets your teeth on edge… familiar? If cold air, hot, cold, sweet, or acidic food and drink cause pain or sensitivity to a tooth or teeth, even if the condition comes and goes, you may have sensitive teeth. Some of the reasons tooth sensitivity can occur are; the enamel that protects our teeth becomes thin or worn, or gum recession occurs, exposing the dentin, which reduces the protection the enamel and gums provide to the tooth and root. Sensitivity is a common ailment that in most cases can be readily alleviated. Let’s look at the causes: Enamel is the hardest substance in the body and covers the exposed portion of your tooth to the gum line. In your daily oral maintenance, over-brushing, brushing too hard or with a strong bristled brush may be causing undue wear and tear on your tooth enamel. Gum recession can be another reason for teeth to be sensitive. The roots of your teeth are not coated with enamel the way the exposed portion of the teeth are, so if your gum is beginning to recede the more sensitive dentine may be exposed. The microscopic dentinal tubules transmit the temperatures of the foods that we eat straight to the nerves of the tooth, causing the ‘Ouch’ that goes with that ice-cream. If you grind your teeth, you may be wearing away your tooth enamel or you may even have caused a tooth to crack, which again exposes the dentine, causing you pain. A loose or lost filling, or a compromised restoration, dental decay, a cavity or an exposed root can also be the reason for pain or sensitivity to cold. Some Dental Health Tips to protect teeth from cold: If your teeth are feeling sensitive, it’s best to keep up your optimal oral hygiene routine; brush regularly and gently but firmly (not hard) using a soft bristle brush – and perhaps consider a sensitive formula toothpaste. Brush gently along your gum-line with a soft brush to avoid brushing away your gums (imagine you’re brushing a tomato and you don’t want to break the skin) and don’t forget the floss! Brushing gums will loosen any debris that gets caught between the tooth and the gum, and it will stimulate blood flow to the gums keeping them pink and healthy. Fluoride treatment available from your Dental Practitioner will help to strengthen enamel. Fluoride works by strengthening the enamel and dentin, which in turn will help to reduce any sensitivity. Check with your Dental Practitioner before using a fluoride treatment. Eat well. Eat a balanced diet – in a perfect world, pick meals and snacks from the following food groups: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean beef, skinless poultry and fish, dry beans and peas, fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Limit snacks. Follow a diet low in acid – a diet low in acidic foods and drinks can help prevent tooth sensitivity. Drink plenty of water (2 litres) every day. Remember that hydration is imperative all year round, not just in summer, to keep brain, body and teeth healthy and in great condition. Good water intake will ensure that your gums and teeth are moist. By drinking enough water, you will produce more saliva, which is important in colder months when saliva is more prone to dry up, without enough saliva bacteria tends to build up in our mouths, with not happy consequences! Still sensitive to cold? Now is the time to book an appointment with your Dental Practitioner. Your dentist will be able to assess whether you have compromised a restoration, cracked a tooth, if it is worn enamel that is your issue, or whatever else may be happening for you, and pinpoint what exactly is causing your sensitivity. Your dentist will be able to assess your individual needs and formulate a plan to remedy the cause in your case. More involved treatment may include dental work that restores and protects the exposed root or lost tooth structure. Your dentist will recommend the best treatment which may include referrals to other dental specialists. Your dentist will discuss your options with you in these cases. If you experience sensitive teeth and are concerned about keeping them clean and healthy, please contact us on (02) 9389 3656 or complete the enquiry form on our Contact Us page.
Toddler Tooth Tips – Caring for your children’s teeth
When it comes to our kids we want the best for them. The legacy of good dental care early will pay dividends – getting kids used to caring for their teeth right from the get go will make their lives (and yours) so much simpler. Start good habits early. It’s never too early to start with dental care, before teeth even emerge it’s a good idea to wipe baby’s gums with a soft cloth to keep little mouths bacteria free. First tooth! Yay! Get out the camera – and the toothbrush! Child brushing teeth. Kids tooth brush and paste. Little baby boy in blue bath robe or towel brushing his teeth in white bathroom with window on sunny morning. Dental hygiene and heath for children. As soon as teeth appear they can be cleaned with a soft brush (ask your dentist if you’re not sure) and water. (Toothpaste can wait until your child can spit, rather than swallow it.) Dental Care rhythms and routines are good – twice a day, morning and night. Remember to brush along your child’s gum line to clean away any trapped food and bacteria that could cause cavities and inflamed gums. May the Floss Be With You! Once Little One’s teeth start to touch you can introduce your toddler to floss. If you’re unsure it’s might be an idea to enlist your dentist’s help to get the technique right. Flossing is not optional for you or the kids, so getting it right and making it habit is important right from the start. Perhaps make a game of cleaning to keep your little one interested – and keep to a routine, just as you do with your own oral hygiene. Little ones love to mimic so they’ll be happy to be doing something they see you do every day. Cleaning your teeth together is a good idea when it’s possible. A word on bottles. Baby bottles can create problems for your child’s dental health. When milk or juice is allowed to stay in contact with the teeth for a prolonged period the sugars can cause decay. It’s recommended that little ones don’t drink juice from a bottle, that they are not put to bed with a bottle, or walk around with a bottle. Your child should be able to manage a drinking cup around the first birthday (Yay! You made it!). When should we start visiting the dentist? The earlier the better here, even if it’s just coming with you for your regular check, so that your child is familiar with the environment and process. ADA recommends dental check-ups from one year old and your child should definitely be seeing the dentist regularly before they start school. Just like a first birthday, first tooth, first haircut, the first dental visit should be a happy milestone. Prevention rather than cure. Regular dental visits will enable your dental professional to monitor and maintain your child’s dental care and avoid any need for invasive treatment. Good habits, good hygiene, regular dental check-ups will have your children loving their visits to the dentist. Some tips for your first visit to your dentist: Your child is brave already, they don’t need the reminder. Bribery isn’t necessary. Please avoid saying ‘it will (won’t) hurt. It’s not a good idea to use policemen and dentists as deterrents. If you’re anxious your child will be too. Relax. Leave it to the pro’s. Parents play an important role in making dental visits positive and enjoyable for their kids, use positive child friendly chat when talking about the dentist and we’ll do the rest! How about Fluoride? Fluoride strengthens enamel against acid and helps reduce the formation of cavities. Most water supplies are fluoridated, but if yours isn’t, or you use purified water, you could ask your dentist for fluoride supplements. If you’re unsure, talk to your dentist before supplementing. Sweets and treats We all like a treat now and then, the secret is to limit or avoid certain foods such as sugary food, juice, candy, (even sweetened liquid medicines) that can erode enamel and cause cavities. If you and your kids do indulge in a treat here and there, rinse your mouth afterwards with water to wash away sugar residue. Love sport? Love your mouthguard Once your kids are at school there is a world of fun to be had in sport. If your child has chosen to play a contact sport, a custom fitted properly made mouthguard is a worthwhile investment. Check your health fund for available rebate. If your child hasn’t seen a dentist yet, now is the time to start a positive dental care routine. It’s never too late or too early to begin good habits in Dental Care. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
