Home Tag: "Dental Care"

Tag: Dental Care

Dental Care
28Mar

In the realm of dental care, myths and misconceptions abound, often clouding the truth and leading to improper oral hygiene practices. From old wives’ tales to modern misunderstandings, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction to maintain optimal dental health. At The Smile Clinic, dentist Ferntree Gully is here to debunk some of the most pervasive dental myths.

Myth #1: Sugar Is the Sole Cause of Cavities

While excessive sugar consumption can contribute to tooth decay, it’s not the only culprit. Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acids that erode tooth enamel. However, poor oral hygiene, acidic foods, and lack of fluoride also play significant roles. Maintaining proper dental hygiene and limiting sugary snacks can help prevent cavities.

Myth #2: You Should Avoid Our Dentist if Your Teeth Aren’t Hurting

Waiting for tooth pain to visit our dentist is a recipe for disaster. Dental issues such as cavities and gum disease often develop silently, without causing immediate pain. Regular dental checkups allow for early detection and treatment of potential problems, saving you from more extensive procedures and discomfort down the road.

Myth #3: Brushing Harder Equals Cleaner Teeth

Contrary to popular belief, brushing harder doesn’t equate to cleaner teeth. In fact, aggressive brushing can damage tooth enamel and irritate the gums, leading to sensitivity and gum recession. Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions to effectively remove plaque and debris without harming your teeth and gums.

Myth #4: You Can Whiten Your Teeth with Lemon Juice

While lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, using it to whiten teeth can do more harm than good. The acidic nature of lemon juice can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to stains and cavities. Instead, consider safer whitening options such as professional dental treatments or over-the-counter whitening products recommended by our dentist.

dental care

Myth #5: Baby Teeth Aren’t Important Because They’ll Fall Out Anyway

Although baby teeth are temporary, they serve essential functions in speech development, proper chewing, and guiding permanent teeth into place. Neglecting baby teeth can lead to early tooth loss, misalignment, and even speech impediments. It’s crucial to care for your child’s baby teeth to ensure a healthy foundation for their permanent teeth.

Myth #6: Dental X-Rays Are Unsafe and Should Be Avoided

Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool that allows our dentists to detect hidden dental issues such as cavities, infections, and abnormalities. Modern digital X-ray technology emits significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays, making them safe for routine use. Our dentists take precautions to minimise radiation exposure, ensuring patient safety during X-ray procedures.

Myth #7: Chewing Sugar-Free Gum Is as Effective as Brushing

While chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and help clean teeth between brushings, it’s not a substitute for proper brushing and flossing. Gum chewing can’t remove plaque and food particles as effectively as brushing can. It’s essential to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Separating fact from fiction is essential for making informed decisions about your dental health. By debunking these common myths, we hope to empower you to take better care of your smile. Remember, regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene practices are key to achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. Don’t let myths derail your dental care—trust the facts and smile confidently!

Gums Infection
28Feb

Gum infections, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, are a common dental concern that can have serious implications for your oral health if left untreated. As a trusted provider of dental services in Wantirna, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge to maintain optimal oral health. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for gum infections, helping you understand this condition and take proactive steps to protect your smile. For more information Consult our Dentist Wantirna.

What Causes Gum Infections?

Gum infections typically develop due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film composed of bacteria that forms on the teeth throughout the day. When plaque is not removed through proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which irritates the gums and leads to inflammation.

Several factors can contribute to the development of gum infections, including:

Poor Oral Hygiene Habits: Neglecting to brush and floss regularly allows plaque to accumulate, increasing the risk of gum disease.

Smoking or Tobacco Use: Tobacco use can impair the body’s ability to fight off infection, making smokers more susceptible to gum infections.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can increase gum sensitivity and inflammation.

Medications: Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and immunosuppressants, can affect gum health by reducing saliva flow or causing overgrowth of gum tissue.

Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to gum disease, making them more prone to developing infections despite practicing good oral hygiene.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Gum infections can manifest in various ways, and recognizing the symptoms is crucial for early detection and treatment. Common signs of gum infections include:

1. Gum Inflammation

Inflamed gums that appear red, swollen, or tender are often indicative of gum infection. You may also notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, known as gingivitis.

Gum Inflammation

2. Gum Recession

As gum infections progress, the gums may begin to recede, exposing more of the tooth’s root. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and a longer appearance of the teeth.

3. Persistent Bad Breath

Bacteria associated with gum infections produce foul-smelling compounds that contribute to persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis.

4. Gum Pockets

As the gums pull away from the teeth, pockets may form between the teeth and gums, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque accumulation.

5. Loose or Shifting Teeth

Advanced gum infections can cause the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone and ligaments, to weaken, leading to loose or shifting teeth.

Treatment Options

The treatment for gum infections depends on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, non-surgical interventions such as professional dental cleanings and scaling and root planing may be sufficient to remove plaque and tartar buildup and reduce inflammation.

In more advanced cases, surgical procedures such as flap surgery or gum grafts may be necessary to repair damaged tissue and restore gum health. Antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses may also be prescribed to control bacterial infection and promote healing.

Preventive Measures

Preventing gum infections begins with maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including:

Brushing your Teeth Twice a Day: Using fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth.

Flossing Daily: Removing plaque and debris from between the teeth and along the gumline where toothbrush bristles can’t reach.

Visiting Your Dentist Regularly: Scheduling routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings to monitor your oral health and address any concerns.

Avoiding Tobacco Use: Quitting smoking or using other tobacco products to reduce your risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.

By adopting these preventive measures and seeking prompt treatment for any signs of gum infection, you can protect your smile and maintain optimal oral health for years to come.

Conclusion

Gum infections can have serious consequences for your oral health, but with proper understanding and proactive Dental care, they can be effectively managed and prevented. By familiarizing yourself with the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for gum infections, you can take control of your oral health and ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. As your trusted Dentist in Wantirna, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to optimal oral health.

x-ray
17Feb

Nobody is super excited to go see the dentist, however, it is a necessary evil.  Your oral health has so many effects on your overall mental and physical health.  When we don’t like our smiles, our self-esteem is affected.  Furthermore, a crooked smile can lead to many issues, from being difficult to brush and remaining clean. Seeing your dentist every six months and cleaning your teeth daily is important to ensure that your oral health is in check.  Let’s take a look at some of the dental procedures explained in more detail. 

Teeth Cleaning

While you clean your teeth at home with a toothbrush, mouthwash, and floss, that isn’t enough.  You need to have your teeth professionally cleaned in order to ensure that everything is in tip-top condition. When you have a plaque that is stuck in different areas and not easily removed with a toothbrush, it can turn into tartar, which is a hard substance that you simply cannot remove at home. This means that your teeth will need professional cleaning to get that tartar removed.  We all try our best to remove plaque with every cleaning, but there are inevitably different areas that are missed.  Once plaque has started, it will deteriorate your teeth even more and cause pain, loosen teeth, or cause you to have your teeth removed if left without treatment. 

It is recommended that you schedule professional teeth cleaning every 6 months for most people.  However, if you have a plaque issue or periodontal disease, or gingivitis, it might be recommended to clean them every four months. 

Fillings

When tartar and plaque are left on the teeth, it can cause the tooth’s enamel to break down and become a cavity.  Cavities need to be tended to immediately so they don’t become bigger issues in the future.  However, you won’t always know you have a cavity if you aren’t going to your regular checkups for proper cleaning.  Cavities don’t always hurt.  During your cleanings, your local dentist in Boronia can catch your cavities before they get too deep and can fill them with a material that matches the colour of your teeth.  When cavities are left alone, they will only get worse.  This can lead to needing a more expensive and invasive procedure such as a root canal.  

Root Canals and Crowns

Root canals are necessary when a cavity has hit the root of the tooth, or the tooth’s root has died from trauma or other reasons.  This requires the dentist to drill down into the tooth and clear out the old root matter and replace it.  Root canals are quite often not painful as the tooth is dead. But this is more expensive than just getting a basic filling.

A crown is then placed over the tooth that has a root canal to strengthen it.

Tooth Extractions

Another common option for those with diseased teeth is getting the tooth extracted. While this might seem excessive, if the tooth is diseased, you don’t want it to remain in your body.  This can cause a slew of health problems.  After an extraction, you can speak to your dentist regarding getting a dental implant or bridge to fill in the hole where the tooth was.

toothache
16Nov

When you go to the dentist Boronia for dental work, such as having a crown replaced or having a cavity filled, you may be disappointed if your mouth continues to hurt for several days after the procedure.

Because your mouth has soft tissues that might become stimulated due to drilling and receiving needles for anesthetic, mouth discomfort is common after dental procedures. However, this discomfort should subside within a few days and not worsen.

If you have pain and discomfort in your mouth that does not go away after your dental appointment, call your dentist to see if one of the following causes it.

Incorrect Bite Alignment

When you get a cavity filled, your dentist will remove the decayed region of your tooth and replace it with a composite material that matches the color of your natural tooth. Your dentist will try their utmost best to match the contour of your natural tooth with the filling.

However, this shape is not always ideal, and the filling may sit too high, causing pain anytime you bite down since your jaw’s biting power is concentrated on one little filling rather than spread through a matched set of teeth. The force irritates the nerve beneath the tooth, causing discomfort.

Fortunately, this form of post-procedure discomfort is quickly resolved. Contact your dentist to get your bite evaluated. Filing down a too-large filling takes little time and requires no further anesthetic.

Jaw Pain

Tenderness of the Jaw

Another typical symptom among dental patients is tenderness. Your jaw muscles and joints can feel tired of being open so wide for so long. This is especially true if the surgery you require takes a long time. Tenderness might even extend from the back of your mouth, giving the impression that your teeth are aching. But the discomfort is actually from joint and muscle soreness.

When resting, focus on relaxing your mouth to assist relieve jaw soreness. Avoid clenching your teeth at all costs. Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs can help with inflammation and muscle discomfort. You might even massage the jaw area softly through your cheek to relieve tension.

After a few days, if you are still experiencing discomfort, consult your dentist about temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ).

TMJ develops when pain in the jaw joint area becomes more persistent. Dental procedures can sometimes aggravate this pain. You may notice popping, an inability to fully expand your jaw, or pain during eating. Pain relievers or a mouth guard may be useful in controlling the pain.

Treatment on a Large Scale

Some dental procedures require more invasive techniques than others. A tiny cavity, for example, can be filled quickly, and you can be on your way. On the other hand, a larger cavity may penetrate the tooth deeper, much closer to the nerve.

While big cavities can still be healed without root canal surgery, the force of the process irritates the nerve. Because of this, you may feel lingering pain and sensitivity for days or even weeks after the tooth is restored.

Use over-the-counter pain relievers and be gentle with your tooth as it heals to reduce pain. When brushing and flossing, avoid excessive temperatures and apply only light pressure.

If it has been a few days and you don’t see any relief from the symptoms, contact your dentist. You might have another issue causing pain after a dental procedure.

23Jul

Pst… hello, you. Yes, we’re talking about you: the person who would rather go to the DMV, wash your hair for the hundredth time, or even fold all the laundry you own than take care of one of the most essential components of your health. We’re talking about dental hygiene and, more specifically, those kind souls who poke and prod at teeth, mouth, and gums looking for symptoms of disease and decay. Yep, the dentist’s office. Ugh.

Sure, going to the dentist isn’t as exciting as some of your other appointments. But that doesn’t make it any less important for our long-term well-being. Neglecting your twice-yearly dental visit can not only harm your perfectly straight teeth and minty-fresh breath, but it can also have significant consequences for your general health. Poor dental hygiene has been associated with birth and pregnancy complications in women, heart infections, and cardiovascular disease.

While the evidence is piling up that oral health affects your overall health, the struggle is real. However, finding a great, compassionate, and attentive dentist who will listen to your unique needs helps those with this resistance.

Let’s look at some things you need to look out for when finding that perfect dentist in Boronia that will suit your family and their needs.

Experience Is Important

Education is a valuable advantage, but it will not ensure you receive the best dental care. After all, “experience is frequently the best teacher,” as the saying goes. While you should ensure that the dentist you are about to see has the proper education, you also want to look at their experience.

Be sure to choose a dentist who has been in the field for some time and has the right education. This combination will allow them to use the latest treatment technology and understand what treatment will work best in any situation.

What to Look for in a Dental Practice

Recommendations

You should look for genuine testimonials, not just what you find on their website. Look at their social media and Google reviews. What are others having to say about the practice? Always take into consideration that nobody can please everyone. If there are negative reviews, consider them but read what the response to them is. Did the practice have a solution? Things happen, and not everyone will love every practice, but how the office handles these situations is important.

Office Environment and Location

Whether you’re a parent looking for a new family dentist or a real estate entrepreneur trying to open a new business, one of the most important elements to consider is “location, location, location.” Some dentists may look enticing, but their glossy magazine adverts won’t help much when you drive an hour and a half each way—in the snow, uphill, and barefoot.

You want to find an accommodating, comfortable, and friendly dentist. You want to be comfortable with the office and staff, not just the dentist. Do they respect your wishes and listen to your requests? This is important and helps you feel noticed and more comfortable than you would with just any dentist.

When finding that perfect dental office for you and your family, remember that it might take some time. Call around, set up a meet and greet appointment but don’t give up. Your oral health depends on it.

Dental Clinic
12May

Brushing twice a day is always recommended by dentist Boronia, but it isn’t enough to keep your mouth healthy. With each bite, you introduce a new strain of bacteria into your mouth, which subsequently combines with the protein and food products you consume. Plaque, a sticky substance that coats your teeth, is formed due to this mixture.

Have you ever tried rubbing your tongue along the surface of your teeth after not brushing for several days? If so, you’ve probably noticed that the surface is sticky or fuzzy—that sticky coating is known as dental plaque. You can’t see the plaque because it’s colorless, but you can definitely feel it.

Plaque is generated in the mouth when food leftovers interact with bacteria. If it is not removed promptly, it can harden into tartar. Plaque hardens into tartar and builds over and above your gums over time, making it impossible to remove with brushing alone. As the plaque accumulates, it releases acids that erode your tooth enamel, resulting in tooth damage and disease.

When you floss, you can remove plaque that has accumulated in the crevices between your teeth and along the gum line. This helps to keep tartar at bay. In fact, many people believe that flossing is more helpful than brushing in preventing tartar buildup on the back of the molar teeth.

Regular dental checkups will help you have all of the plaque and tartar removed and monitor your teeth and mouth for any oral diseases that may be developing.  You should see your dentist at least every 6 months for a professional cleaning.

pexels sora shimazaki

How to Spot Tartar Buildup

Tartar in the mouth has the texture of a rough surface that brushing alone cannot remove. Tartar that accumulates below the gum line can cause severe bleeding and inflammation. If the deposit above the gumline is not eliminated, it turns yellow or tan and expands. Under the gum line, it could be brown or black.

Why Should you Floss?

Flossing is recommended each day to help loosen up plaque and wash it away. Although brushing helps clean a substantial portion of the teeth, there are spots where plaque can build and slowly but steadily harm your teeth, such as the gaps between your teeth, cracks, and crevasses.

Flossing can help to reduce plaque buildup. Cleaning between teeth removes plaque that might contribute to cavities or gum disease from locations where a toothbrush cannot reach. Furthermore, flossing has been shown to aid in the removal of debris between teeth that can lead to plaque buildup.

Other Methods to Prevent Tartar Buildup in Your Mouth

The use of mouthwash is another option to help prevent tartar buildup. However, mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for flossing. Mouthwash aids in the rinsing of your teeth, mouth, and gums. Using an antiseptic mouthwash aids in the reduction of bacteria and the prevention of bad breath. However, mouthwash may not effectively remove food particles that have become caught between the teeth.

pexels sharon mccutcheon

Avoid sugary and starchy foods. Food residue containing sugar or carbohydrates might serve as a breeding ground for bacteria in your mouth. And as previously said, these bacteria produce plaque, which eventually hardens into tartar. So, stop this loop by eating less starchy and sweet foods.

Floss, brush and see your dentist regularly to avoid large tartar build-ups. 

up-arrow-1