Top 5 Common Brushing Mistakes
Is your brushing technique working in your favour?
Brushing our teeth is something we all do twice a day and our process becomes second nature. Over time, you may have developed some bad habits that could be damaging your teeth and gums over time. Here’s some tips to get you on the right track to ensure your efforts aren’t being wasted.
Is your brushing technique working in your favour?
Brushing our teeth is something we all do twice a day and our process becomes second nature. Over time, you may have developed some bad habits that could be damaging your teeth and gums over time. Here’s some tips to get you on the right track to ensure your efforts aren’t being wasted.
1. Wrong Direction
Many people believe they should be going up and down or side to side. Whilst this might feel easier you should actually be brushing in small circles, particularly where the tooth meets the gums.
2. Toothbrush Too Large
Size does matter! And in this case, smaller is better. This ensures you’re not overloading with too much toothpaste and can get into those hard to reach places.
3. Brushing Too Hard
You might think that the harder to press the cleaner your teeth will be. Pressing too hard when brushing can wear down the enamel on the teeth as well as damage and push back the gums, exposing the sensitive root area.
4. Too Soon After Eating
Brushing your teeth right after a meal can feel great, especially if the food has left a strong taste in your mouth. Doing this, however, could be damaging. Waiting around 30 minutes could help save teeth enamel because your mouth has had enough time to produce saliva to neutralise.
5. The Wrong Toothpaste
Before you’re tempted to reach for the extreme whitening toothpaste, beware that this can also cause extreme tooth sensitivity making it difficult to enjoy your favourite foods and drinks.
The team at The Emergency Dentist Sydney is more than happy for you to reach out and ask us to clear up any concerns about your brushing technique. You may even save yourself an emergency appointment down the track. Happy brushing!
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5 Tips To Keep Cavities At Bay
Protect and Prevent
Protect and Prevent
Our teeth have outer coatings called enamel. They are a hard, protective layer but once it is weakened by the different types of foods and drinks we consume, especially junk and acidic foods, a pit forms in or on the tooth surface. This is called a cavity and is the result of tooth decay. Children are very prone to cavities, as they are more likely to miss spots while brushing their teeth. Because of this, many people think only children can get cavities, which is not true. Adults get cavities for the exact same reason but don’t worry, there are many ways to prevent them! Have a read below for our top 5 tips to keep these cavities away for good.
1. Twice Daily Brushing and Flossing
This is a no-brainer, however, what most people don’t know is that the way you brush and what you use to brush are extremely important. Proper brushing includes using short, gentle strokes and paying extra attention to the back teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too! We recommend a toothbrush with soft bristles or an electric toothbrush. Hard bristles will continue to take away the enamel on your teeth. Flossing is also really important as it is the best tool to remove trapped food from in between teeth. Your oral hygiene routine is a very simple yet effective way to prevent tooth decay and it only takes 2 minutes!
2. Mouth Wash
To reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth after eating or drinking, use an antibacterial mouth rinse. A mouthwash containing fluoride is also another option as it is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities.
3. Drink More Water
Water is the healthiest drink and staying hydrated helps your body in many ways including your oral health. It’s hard not to drink your favourite soft drink or a fruit juice with your meals. Sorry to say but drinks that are high in sugar or very acidic are bad for your teeth. They take away the enamel on your teeth which will eventually lead to cavities. Our best tip for you is to drink a glass of water after having a cup of coffee, tea or any drink so that it can wash away the acid lingering in your mouth. It can also keep your saliva from becoming too sugary so that the sugars won’t transfer onto your teeth. Another great tip is to use a straw when drinking soft drinks and juices as it will keep the sugar off your teeth and out of your saliva.
4. No Smokes
The health risks related to smoking cigarettes such as cancer are plastered all over cigarette packets and tv ads, however, most people are still unaware of the damages it can cause on your teeth. Smoking cigarettes not only stain your teeth and give you bad breath but can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even oral cancer. Cigar smoking and tobacco chewing can also be just as bad. So even though it is difficult to quit, keep trying as it really is better for your health and the people around you.
5. Regular Check-Ups
It is super important to visit your dentist every 6 months for a deep clean. All the built-up plaque and tartar will be removed leaving your teeth and gums feeling fresh but more importantly to prevent any diseases such as gingivitis. For those who can feel a cavity on the way, there are also treatments for that including dental sealants.
Cavity prevention starts at home. Just follow the above tips and you can prevent tooth decay. If you already have a cavity or feel like you do, do not hesitate to call your dentist and make an appointment.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Your oral health is important so don’t delay any dental check ups and continue brushing your teeth everyday – the proper way.
Soft Teeth
Is there really such a thing?
Is there really such a thing?
If you haven't said it yourself chances are that you've heard someone say it; I have soft teeth. But exactly what is that supposed to mean and is there really such a thing? The simple answer is no.
The Soft Teeth Myth
People often use the term 'soft teeth' to describe teeth that seem 'naturally susceptible' to tooth decay and cavities. When using the term people believe that such things are caused by some genetic flaw, as bad teeth do seem to run in their family. However, they are mistaken. Everyone is 100% in control of their dental destiny. No matter how many cavities your Dad has had fixed, or how many times your Mum has been in the dentist's chair to get bleeding gums looked at their oral health problems cannot be passed on to you.
There may be something that you have in common with your parents and other family members that may be contributing towards oral health problems; poor oral hygiene, and you are the only person who can change that.
Preventing 'Soft Teeth' Problems
Having established that there really is no such thing as soft teeth all of the problems that people associate with them are very real and do need to be addressed. Tooth decay - which leads to those fillings - is primarily caused by bacteria, and maintaining a good daily oral health routine will go a long way towards preventing it. Brush twice a day - at least - with a good toothbrush, floss at least once a day and avoid consuming too many sugary foods; it's not hard at all, but such a routine is still very effective.
There are of course other factors that can contribute to tooth decay. Those who still smoke are at greater risk and some medications can cause problems as well. The best way to address these issues is to discuss them with your dentist, so they can help you come up with a better way to care for your teeth. And speaking of the dentist, they are the other big part of the puzzle, as those regular checkups are also a must in the 'battle' against tooth decay and other oral health problems.
Setting a Good Example
The one time you can influence someone else's oral health destiny is when you are raising your kids. It's important that kids are taught about good oral health practices as early as possible, even when they still have their first set of teeth. All too often parents feel that toddler tooth problems are less serious and less worthy of treatment as the teeth kids have at this point are not permanent. Another myth. 'First tooth problems' can indeed impact the growth and development of permanent teeth and so establishing a good oral health routine right from the start, including dental checkups, is essential, and the one time it is a family issue!
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
It's time to face facts; ‘soft teeth’ ae a myth. They’re just teeth that need better care, and the responsibility for that care begins with you (and your dentist of course.)
Why Ignoring Bleeding Gums Is A Big Mistake
Plaque, Bad Habits & Gum Disease
Plaque, Bad Habits & Gum Disease
You notice a little pink when you rinse and spit after cleaning your teeth. Or there's a little blood on your floss when you remove it. No big deal right? Maybe not if it's a very occasional thing, but if your gums bleed regularly, even if it's just a little, it very well be a sign of a bigger problem you need to address as soon as possible. Here are some possible reasons for those red spots on your toothbrush and what you can do about it.
Pesky Plaque Problems
One possible cause of bleeding gums is a plaque buildup around the gumline. Plaque is nasty stuff at the best of times, but if it is allowed to build up it hardens into tartar, which in turn irritates the gums, causes them to bleed and can eventually lead to full blown gum disease.
The fix here is to up your oral care game. The best thing to do is start of with a good professional cleaning and then keep things nice and squeaky clean from there. Brush AT LEAST twice a day and, no matter what you might have heard recently, to keep plaque buildup at bay you do still need to floss once a day as well.
Bad Brushes
It may be that it is the very tools you are using to try and keep your teeth clean are actually the cause of your bleeding gums problem. Often people think that the harder the bristle on their toothbrush the better the clean, but very hard bristled toothbrushes can be very tough on the gums. To avoid cutting your gums with a brush that is just too stiff - because that is what can happen all too easily - opt for a softer option. It will still get your teeth clean, it will just do so a little more gently, and your gums will thank you for that.
Pill Problems
Occasionally a certain prescription medication can have, as one of its side effects, the ability to cause your gums to bleed. This can be particularly true of some antihistamines, blood pressure medications and certain stronger antibiotics. If you suspect that your pills may be the problem, discuss the issue with your doctor, they may be able to change your prescription or offer some advice on how to deal with the problem.
Your Gums and Gingivitis
Gum disease - medically known as gingivitis - is probably one of the biggest causes of regular gum bleeds and only your dentist can help you solve the problem for good. How your gum disease is treated with depend upon the severity. In some cases improved oral hygiene can be the simple answer, but if the gingivitis is more advanced
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Rather than ignoring those 'little gum bleeds' make an appointment to do something about it today, before the problem gets worse or becomes irreparable.
5 Effective Ways to Overhaul Your Oral Hygiene Routine
It's important that your oral health routine focus on more than just the colour of your teeth...
Today
While most of us aspire to a celebrity-worthy pearly white smile, and will often spend a small fortune on whitening toothpastes, kits and treatments to achieve one, we can tend to overlook other important aspects of oral care and that's a big mistake. After all, what's the point in having pearly white gnashers if you also have rather rancid breath, inflamed gums, and or the beginnings of cavities lurking.
It's important that your oral health routine focus on more than just the colour of your teeth. Here are five very easy to implement changes you can make to your oral hygiene routine today to get a healthier smile, and not just a whiter one.
1. Practice Some Tongue Care
Your tongue is the single largest source of bacteria in your mouth, meaning it's a big contributor to bad breath and other oral nasties. And yet when most people clean their teeth they fail to clean their tongue, and it's very important to do so.
Yes, we know it sounds a bit weird but it's not a hard habit to get into. Some toothbrushes do come with a built-in tongue cleaner on the back, or you can buy an inexpensive tongue scraper. Either tool will strip your tongue of the excess gunk that builds up, but for an even better result follow up a scraping with a real brush of the tongue with toothbrush and toothpaste as well.
2. Forget the Hipster Toothpastes
Chances are your Mum and Dad have had you brushing with a fluoride toothpaste since you were a kid. But perhaps recently you've been noticing a number of new 'all-natural' toothpastes have been appearing that claim to do a better job at maintaining oral health than their traditional fluoride enhanced counterparts.
The simple fact is that they don't though. And while they may have cool packaging and funky, fun sounding flavours, we really do recommend sticking with the fluoride paste you grew up with. Fluoride guards your teeth from plaque and decay by strengthening the enamel and it's still a must in any effective oral hygiene routine.
3. Keep on Flossing
There's been a big debate of late over whether or not people really need to floss. It was opened up after a report was published that claimed research had shown that flossing had been overrated and that brushing might be enough.
Almost every dentist disagrees, but you don't even have to take their word for it. Even the fanciest, priciest toothbrush can't get all those little bits of food that get stuck between your teeth out, and if they stay where they are they'll begin to rot, leading to bad breath at best and cavities and infection at worst. Since flossing is a very effective way to get rid of between the teeth gunk on a daily basis to keep on using it really is just common sense.
4. Stay Hydrated
Bad breath - especially that rather potent 'morning breath' most of us are familiar with is, in large part, due to dehydration. When you sleep the production of cleansing saliva is decreased, as is the case when you are super-thirsty.
5. Don't Ditch Your Dental Appointments
Yes, we know, you're busy. And you really don't like going to the dentist. And because you do brush and floss every day like a good boy or girl you think your teeth are in pretty good shape, so it's probably OK to skip a check up this time around. But, no, it's really not.
In addition to that great deep cleaning you'll get, your dentist, as an expert in gum health as well, will be able to spot the signs of periodontal disease that it's harder for you to notice (until pain, swelling and/or infection sets in) and address it before it can cause any lasting damage. And although it sounds a bit morbid to mention it often the only way an oral cancer is diagnosed is after its symptoms are spotted by an eagle-eyed dentist.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
Good oral hygiene is about more than the shade of pearly white you can achieve with your 'brightening' toothpaste. An attractive mouth is one that is healthy as well as good looking, something that the tips we've shared here, really will help you achieve.
The 'Green Food Diet'
After 10 plus years in dentistry we know prevention is the best medicine. In fact, what we do or don't eat can be very important when it comes to your smile...
Our Top 7 Green Foods For Good Health
At The Emergency Dentist Sydney we believe in holistic oral health care. General daily care, such as brushing and flossing, go a long way to your overall oral health but there's a lot more you can do to ensure a healthy smile. After 10 plus years in dentistry we know prevention is the best medicine. In fact, what we do or don't eat can be very important when it comes to your smile.
So, we say scrap the White Food Diet, green is the new white this St Patrick's Day. We have our top 7 picks for the most super duper green foods to keep your oral health and general health looking as good as your four year old self the first time you found a four leaf clover.
1. Green Tea
We recommend a good cup of green tea after any meal. Green tea is great for controlling bacteria in your saliva and lowering the level of acidity in it, which can cause cavities. It's also works great as an anti-inflammatory which is particularly useful in the control of periodontal (gum) disease. To top off green tea as a great choice for your oral health, it is also associated with good breath! We believe this is likely because the microbes that make our breath bad are broken down by the tea.
2. Snap Peas & Green Beans
The high fibre content of these crisp green vegetables help scrub your teeth, which breaks up the biofilm and plaque buildup on your teeth. This all happens while you chew, mimicking a toothbrush or flossing. The extra effort you put in to chewing these veggies speeds up saliva production, which keeps your teeth strong and helps digest your food. Overall, a great snack to help boost your smile.
3. Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi fruit has the highest concentration of vitamin C (along with strawberries). Vitamin C helps to prevent collagen in your gum tissue from breaking down and without collagen your gums become tender and open to disease and infection, such as periodontal (gum) disease. They're also a yummy fruit snack too.
4. Green Apples
One of your oral health's best friends. Green apples are a water rich food which stimulate saliva production and and keep your oral bacteria looking pretty good. Not only that, green apples are also a high fibre food which create a brushing or scrubbing effect when biting. This quite literally cleanses the surface of your teeth as you eat, wiping away bacteria. Ahh that fresh feeling after eating a green apple.
5. Celery
Similar to the kiwi fruit, celery is packed with Vitamin C. It's great to help fight against inflammation of your gums. The texture of the celery stick is also another great green food that acts as a mother nature's brush, cleaning your teeth as you chew.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli does two great things for your teeth, whiten and protect. A bad cook will serve you over cooked broccoli, boiled for too long. The key to this vegetable is to steam it. This cooks it just long enough for the florets (they're the dark green tops) to heat but also retain all of their vitamins. Broccoli contains vitamin C (see Kiwi Fruit), vitamin E, which helps aid the body in healing and has a good source of vitamin b2 and calcium, which help keep your teeth strong and white.
7. Avo
Who doesn't love an avo! Avocado's are great for helping your body absorb all of the good nutrients you need from all foods to help maintain good overall health. Not only that but they contain a great level of calcium, helping your teeth strong and vitamin B6, another essential nutrient which is good for your overall oral health.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
We always recommend a well balanced healthy diet full of a variety of foods. If you're planning on celebrating St Patrick's Day this year have a Guiness on us and remember The #Emergency Dentist Sydney is always open for dental emergencies.
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