How Much Bacteria Is in My Mouth?
The Problems and Solutions
The Problems and Solutions
You might look in the mirror and think your teeth are clean but it’s the things you can’t see that matter. Bacteria are tiny organisms that live in every organ in your body and over every inch of your skin. And most of the time they’re absolutely harmless as well as essential to your continued health and wellbeing. But when it comes to your oral health, there are a few bacteria that can do a lot of damage.
Tooth Decay Bacteria
Bacteria can be found all through your mouth and can build up depending on what you eat and do. The most common type of bacteria that causes tooth decay is called Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria is always found in the mouth and feeds on the sugars and starches that you eat. The worst bit is that it secretes acids that attack the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities and gum disease.
Gum Disease Bacteria
Gum disease can cause a lot of damage to your mouth. There are two types of bacteria that usually cause gum disease, known as Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis. These bacteria can increase in number and secrete toxins that disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth. When this occurs, the bacteria attack the gums and cause infection, pain, and even tooth loss. Gum disease can be a serious problem, so if you think you have it make sure you seek professional help as soon as possible as it must be treated by a qualifies dentist to ensure the best outcome possible.
How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy
It’s impossible to get rid of all the bacteria in your mouth, and if you managed to do so you would be extremely sick. However, you need to be aware of the problems that some of these bacteria can cause and take measures to control their numbers and keep your mouth healthy. The following steps will help you do that:
Brush at least twice a day, especially after meals.
Floss your teeth every time you brush.
Make sure you see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleans.
Chew sugarless gum after meals to encourage saliva
Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash regularly.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
For the best general and emergency dental care, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.
Is Immediate Pain Relief Always Possible?
What to Expect When You Visit Your Dentist with a Painful Problem
What to Expect When You Visit Your Dentist with a Painful Problem
If you’ve ever had a toothache then you know how uncomfortable it can be. In fact, this is probably the most common complaint that sends people to an after hours dentist. If you experience dental pain, you might worry about how much your dentist can actually help with it. After all, how much can they do apart from give you painkillers? Well, they can actually do a lot more than give you some tablets. To understand all the ways your dentist can alleviate your dental pain, keep reading.
Causes of Dental Pain
There are a number of things that can cause dental pain and send you to the after hours dentist. Some of the most common are:
Tooth decay or a cavity.
A cracked tooth.
An abscess.
Damaged dental work such as a broken filling or crown.
Gum disease.
Infection.
Damage or strain caused by repetitive movements such as grinding or chewing.
Dental Solutions to Pain
If you’re suffering from dental pain, the first thing your dentist will do is treat the problem. So if you have a cavity, they will put a filling in. If you have an infection, they will treat the cause of the infection and clean the infected tissue. This will help to completely eliminate the cause of the pain, prevent further problems, and return you to normal functioning again. There are a number of options that your dentist can offer for pain relief including oral medication, laughing gas, and IV sedation.
How Long Until You’re Pain Free?
In most cases, your dentist can eliminate your pain almost immediately with the three different pain options available in the clinic. Once the pain is alleviated, the source of the pain can be treated. This will eliminate the pain at its source so you’re comfortable once the painkillers wear off. If the pain returns after the treatment, then it means you need to visit your after hours dentist again.
As Dr. Oberoi from Emergency Dentist Sydney says, “If the pain gets worse or comes back it means that something has gone wrong or the issue hasn’t been addressed.” So talk to your dentist if you experience any further problems.
The only real exception to this is if you have a severe infection. Dr. Oberoi warns that, “In terms of pain relief we try and alleviate the pain straight away, and a lot of times we can. But in the case of severe infection it can take 24 to 48 hours for the pain to go away completely.” Which is all the more reason to visit your dentist before a problem gets to this stage.
What About Surgical Pain?
If you have some kind of dental surgery there will be some pain and discomfort afterwards. This is the case for any type of surgery, and it can usually be treated with over the counter pain medication. But you can also minimise your discomfort by choosing the right dentist for the surgery.
Dr. Oberoi states, “It depends on how the surgery is done. If the surgeon is careful to cause little trauma, then there’s less pain. That’s why it’s important to get the right people for your dental surgery.” So before you have any dental surgery, make sure that your dentist is well trained and experienced. That will help ensure that you have the best outcome possible from the procedure and it will cut down on your recovery time as well.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you’re experiencing dental pain, contact Emergency Dentist Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.
Do All Toothaches Come From Bad Hygiene?
The Truth About Your Sore Tooth
The Truth About Your Sore Tooth
If you have a toothache you might worry that it’s because of bad hygiene. This worry could make you embarrassed to visit your dentist, because you don’t want to be told that you aren’t taking care of your teeth properly. But there are a number of reasons why your tooth might hurt and send you to the after hours dentist, and some of them have nothing to do with your oral hygiene. If you want to understand why your tooth is hurting, here are some of the most common causes.
The Effects of Bad Dental Hygiene
As Dr. Oberoi from Emergency Dentist Sydney says, “Toothaches are caused by nerve pain, gum infection, trauma, wisdom teeth, grinding, or extreme sensitivity. There are a lot of reasons why your teeth may hurt.”
However, problems associated with toothache are most commonly caused by bad dental hygiene. That’s why it’s so important that you brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for regular check-ups. This will prevent any problems from getting worse and help you avoid getting a toothache.
The most common dental problems caused by bad dental hygiene are:
Tooth decay or cavities.
If you have a toothache, it’s very likely that it’s because you have tooth decay because this is the most common cause of dental pain. Tooth decay is caused by poor oral hygiene. So make sure you brush and floss regularly if you want to avoid a trip to the after hours dentist with a hole in your tooth.
An abscessed tooth
If you ignore tooth decay for a long time it may result in an abscessed tooth. This is an infection within the tooth that occurs when a cavity penetrates down to the pulp of the tooth. It can result in severe pain, infected and swollen gums, and can even result in the loss of a tooth.
Gum disease
If you neglect your oral health it will do more than make you more likely to get a cavity. It can also cause gum disease. Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth and isn’t regularly removed. Plaque contains millions of bacteria which attack the gums, causing redness, swelling and bleeding. If gum disease is left untreated it can cause tooth loss and other serious problems.
Toothaches That Aren’t Related to Hygiene
There are also a number of common dental problems that can cause a toothache and aren’t related to your dental hygiene. These include:
Injury or trauma
This is a very obvious cause of pain. If you fall or hurt yourself during sports you can crack a tooth or damage your gums, both of which cause pain. If this occurs, see an after hours dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Wisdom teeth
Most people just don’t have room in their mouth for their wisdom teeth. This doesn’t stop them growing however, and if there isn’t room for them they can become impacted. This can result in infection or it can push your other teeth out of alignment. When wisdom teeth become impacted they’re very painful, and the pain is usually centred at the back of the mouth. So if you experience this pain, visit your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further problems.
Teeth grinding
If you grind your teeth at night you probably won’t know it until your teeth start to hurt. Grinding can wear down the enamel on your teeth, causing pain and trauma as well as other dental problems. So if you think that you grinding your teeth then you need to talk to your dentist about it as soon as possible.
A number of dental problems can cause pain and some of them are caused by poor oral hygiene. But this isn’t all bad, because it means that you can avoid these problems by taking care of your mouth and teeth and by visiting your dentist for regular check-ups.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have a dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.
What To Do When You Have Gingivitis
Prevent the Next Stages of Gum Disease
Prevent the Next Stages of Gum Disease
We only get one set of permanent teeth, so it is important to take good care of them. Having good oral health means you are taking care of your overall health. Unfortunately, this is not the case for some people. Without daily brushing and flossing, the bacteria that forms on our teeth builds up and causes an inflammation of the gums. This is called gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Here is a brief guide on what you need to know about gingivitis, so you don’t progress to the next stages that can cause infected bone and tooth loss.
There Are Three Stages of Gum Disease:
1. Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease where the plaque build-up causes an inflammation of the gums. Your gums will be red and swollen and may bleed while brushing and flossing. Good news is that gingivitis can be reversed at this stage as it is still early and the bone that supports your teeth are not yet affected.
2. Periodontitis: This stage of gum disease is irreversible. The supporting bone that holds your teeth are affected to the point where your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line, trapping food and plaque.
3. Advanced Periodontitis: In this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen.
Gingivitis Symptoms
As mentioned above, your gums will become red and inflamed and will probably bleed during brushing. The area will be sore or tender and may actually recede (pull away from the teeth). It can also cause gaps to form between the teeth and the gums, which can collect food as well as plaque. As well as these less obvious problems, people with gingivitis often suffer from bad breath, even if the condition isn’t very advanced.
Treating Gingivitis
Gingivitis can be treated easily and simply only if it’s caught early. Your dentist will perform a deep clean to remove the hardened plaque. If your gingivitis is left untreated, it will worsen and progress to the next stage, Periodontitis. If the problem gets to this stage you will probably lose some of your teeth and cause permanent damage to your gums, teeth and other tissues in the mouth. That’s why it’s so essential that you make regular visits to your dentist to treat any problems as soon as they appear.
How to Avoid Gingivitis
To avoid gingivitis you need to see your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning. Your dentist will remove any plaque buildup and let you know of any problems before they become serious. Other than that, you have to make sure you maintain good oral hygiene, which means twice daily brushing, flossing, eating well, and avoiding substances that can cause damage such as smoking. If you make these habits a priority, you will enjoy good oral health throughout your life.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up and you are experiencing red and swollen gums, visit a dentist as soon as possible. It may be gingivitis and you won’t want it to progress to the next stage.
What Does a Dental Emergency Look Like?
Tooth Pain
Tooth Pain
Pain generally is a sensation, usually protective, that gives the body a warning sign, showing that something is wrong. It could be mild and bearable and sometimes extreme and highly unbearable. For tooth pain, it has been recorded to be the second most painful sensation in the human body. Due to its gradual progression, many people decide to overlook it and don't seem it fit to handle it as an emergency case not until it graduates to being unbearable. It is at this time that they start finding it difficult to sleep at night, the pain wakes them up and causes gross discomfort for them. Then, they decide to consult their dentist.
Symptoms of Tooth Pain
The signs that show that you have tooth pain and not just any other kind of pain are:
Sensitivity to hot or cold food and liquid
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment
Sharp pain when biting down on food
Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods and liquids
Dull ache and pressure in the upper teeth and sinus area of one or both sides
Acute pain from an area, but difficult to pinpoint the pain location
Causes of Tooth Pain
Tooth pain usually result from pain in the tooth or jaws. They can be divided into Dental and Non-Dental causes:
1. Dental Causes
Tooth Damage: It is very common for tooth damage to cause tooth pain. A broken or chipped tooth due to trauma can cause pain to the tooth. A damaged filling, crown or dental implant can also trigger tooth pain. Your dentist will fix this problem with a new crown or filling.
Tooth Decay: This is another common cause of tooth pain with several degrees of seriousness. A cavity can eventually occur in your tooth if you leave your tooth decay untreated. These cavities can grow larger and can be very painful particularly when it gets to the nerve ending. Abscesses happen when the infection reaches the nerve and pulp inside the tooth. Your dentist will usually drain the site to get rid of the pus and give you painkillers and antibiotics to combat the infection.
Gum Disease: Gingivitis left untreated results in periodontitis, also known as gum disease. This is usually associated with redness or swelling of the gum which can be due to plaque accumulation in the area. Tooth pain as well as gum pain are symptoms of gum disease. If you are at the gingivitis stage, your dentist will clean your teeth and gums to remove the plaque buildup. If the gingivitis has led to periodontitis, a root canal treatment may be required.
2. Non-Dental Causes
Sinus Pain Infection: Sinus infection usually causes pain in the tooth, particularly the upper back corners of the mouth. If sinus infections are a regular thing for you, you may have notices a pain in your teeth located near the sinus cavities. Decongestants or other sinus relieving medications may be able to help you, just ask your doctor for advice on these medications.
Heart Attack: Pain from a heart attack can radiate into the lower jaw.
Diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar increases your risk for tooth decay which will lead to tooth pain.
Drug Abuse: Abnormal use of some drugs such as Methamphetamine can cause tooth pain.
Vitamin Deficiency: Low level of Vitamin B12 in the body usually causes tooth pain.
Treatment of Tooth Pain
Practising good oral hygiene is always the number one prevention method.
If your tooth pain is unbearable and it is associated with a fever or any other pain, don't delay your visit to the dentist. Do not self-medicate so as not to complicate issues for yourself.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Tooth pain should be considered an emergency situation and the need to visit a dentist as quickly as possible should not be delayed. Our dentists will help you with a treatment so you walk out pain free.
Bleeding or Tender Gums
What You Should Expect
What You Should Expect
Are you noticing a bit of blood on your toothbrush and in your sink after you brush your teeth? Are your gums red and tender? If this is the case, you may have gingivitis as its most common symptom is bleeding gums. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and luckily, it is reversible at this stage so there is no need to panic. However, please do not ignore it, you will need to take prompt action in order to prevent it from worsening.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis happens when the plaque and bacteria on your gum line is not removed properly, in other words, poor dental hygiene. Without regular and proper brushing and flossing, the healthy tissue around the teeth become weak and the buildup of plaque causes the gums to become inflamed and irritated. If you practice daily brushing and flossing, your gums will return to its healthy state. However, if you ignore your oral care, the plaque will harden, worsening gingivitis and over time, will lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is the infection of the gums and will even damage the jawbone. It may cause your teeth to loosen or fall out.
What Should You Do?
As soon as you notice bleeding of the gums, here are some tips to change up your oral care before you visit the dentist.
Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day.
Use a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. A soft toothbrush is good for your delicate gums and an electric toothbrush will help you reach the gum line easily.
Maintain a healthy diet consisting of low sugar and high nutrients. Eat sweets and sugary snacks in moderation.
Some medications like aspirin can increase the chance of your gums bleeding as it thins the blood so speak to your doctor about this side effect.
If you have changed your dental habits and you are eating a healthy diet but your gums are still bleeding, book an appointment with your dentist.
Visiting Your Dentist
Your dentist will evaluate your condition and let you know what the next steps are. You will be advised to visit every six months for a cleaning. Your dentist will also teach you how to brush your teeth properly to stop bleeding gums from happening again.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Bleeding gums can be a surprise but it can be prevented straight away. Don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist about ways to fix your oral care habits. Our dentists are here to help and with proper treatment, you will soon enjoy healthy gums.
Loose Teeth
What to Expect from a Visit to an Emergency Dentist
What to Expect from a Visit to an Emergency Dentist
When you are a little kid a loose tooth is actually kind of fun. The adults think it's cute - there are probably at least one or two shots in the family album of a younger you wiggling a loose tooth for the camera - and as a kid, you know that when the tooth falls out it's time for the Tooth Fairy to pay up. And what child wouldn't look forward to that little windfall?
When you are an adult, however, and have the set of teeth that are now supposed to last for the rest of your life, it is no longer a laughing matter when a tooth is loose. It's not funny or sweet and, as far as we know, the Tooth Fairy isn't a big fan of grown-ups. Instead, a loose tooth in an adult is a cause for concern and often, for the person the tooth belongs to, a bit of a cause for panic.
The first thing we can say, as emergency dentists, is DON'T PANIC. There are many reasons why an adult might have a loose tooth, but with the right, prompt dental care there is a very good chance that the tooth can be saved.
What Causes Loose Teeth in Adults?
There can be all kinds of reasons why a tooth 'comes loose' in an adult's mouth but some of the most common include:
An accident in which the tooth has been hit or damaged
Gum disease surrounding the tooth which has loosened it over time
Decay that has become advanced enough to destabilise the tooth
Other factors, such as grinding your teeth in your sleep.
What Should You do if You Have a Loose Tooth?
See Your Dentist as Soon as Possible
This really should be something of a 'no-brainer' but many people actually avoid calling the dentist when they have a loose tooth because they are sure that it's a sign that they are going to need extensive dental work and sometimes the fear of that almost outweighs the fear of losing the tooth.
However, that may not be the case and by delaying dental treatment you could be throwing away any chance that the tooth can be saved. And even if it cannot a dentist can help ensure that the area surrounding the tooth is kept clean and free of infection and that the right ongoing treatments to deal with the situation are then planned. So, the basic advice here? Make that call as soon as you can.
Don't Play With it
While you wait to see a dentist resist the temptation to 'play' with the loose tooth. Don't wiggle it, don't pick and it and certainly never attempt to pull it yourself, even if it feels 'really loose'. As an adult doing so increases the risk of both infection and excessive bleeding and neither of those things could ever be described as fun (and could have serious implication for both your oral health and your general health overall)
Eat Soft Foods
If you are not heading to the dentist right away, you don't have to starve yourself while you wait but you should be careful. Avoid hard or sticky foods and keep that loose tooth as clean as possible but do so carefully. The best plan of action? Stick to soft foods and clean all off your teeth gently, being especially careful with the one that is loose.
What Will a Dentist do for Your Loose Tooth?
As you will discover when you get to their office your dentist will have a number of options for treating your loose tooth, and which one they choose will depend upon the unique situation at hand. However, some of the most common treatments include:
Tooth Splinting - This is a procedure in which the loose tooth is bonded to the teeth surrounding it to give it a chance to stabilise and re-implant firmly
Gum Treatments - Gum disease often leads to the gum 'losing its grip’ on a tooth, making it feel very loose. Treating the gum, with deep cleaning and other techniques can often begin healing the damaged gum tissue and, as the healing process proceeds the newly healthy gum will tighten around the loose tooth, securing it where it should be once more.
Extraction - Sometimes a loose tooth can't be saved. After it has been safely extracted and the socket and gum area has been thoroughly cleaned and treated discussions can begin between dentist and patient about preparing for an implant to be placed to replace it.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
A loose tooth is concerning but should not be a cause for undue panic. Seeing a dentist as soon as possible can significantly increase the chances that the tooth can be saved while also helping to ensure the health of all your other teeth as well.
Why You Should Never Just Assume You Need a Filling
Toothache
Toothache
Even if you are usually fairly fastidious about your oral healthcare routine, and you try your best to keep up with those recommended regular dental checkups there may very well come a time when you are blindsided by a sudden toothache. Not fun, and often not easy to soothe.
It's at this point that many people assume that, despite all of their best efforts, they have a cavity and it's time to steel their nerves to head into the dentist's office for a filling. However, although often that does turn out to be the case (and modern fillings are painless and very natural looking by the way, so it's not the end of the world) it is not always a cavity causing that pain, and other forces may be at work.
Here's a look at some of the other possibilities...
Sensitive Teeth
If the pain occurred - or occurs - after eating or drinking something very hot, or very cold, then it may be caused by a fairly simple case of sensitivity. While there are lots of toothpastes available that are designed to help ease this the best first course of action is a visit to the dentist. There he or she will be able to rule out things like excessively thinning tooth enamel or receding gums, conditions which have to be treated in a different way, and then recommend a suitable daily oral health care routine to follow in the future to minimise the problem.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Even if you can't quite see it a crack or chip in one of your tooth may be the cause of your discomfort, as even the smallest of these can expose a nerve, leading to a surprising amount pain. Your dentist has a number of methods at their disposal to repair these defects, but they can't do that until you go in and see them!
Gum Disease
Sometimes the pain you assume is radiating from a tooth gone bad is actually coming from the gum surrounding it instead. A gum infection, which can be caused by a number of different things, can be excruciatingly painful and does need to be treated as soon as possible. Often a course of dental laser treatment and cleaning, along with medication to clear up the current infection, is extremely effective and you can be out of pain very quickly.
TWhen You Need More than a Filling
Some tooth decay cannot be effectively treated with just a filling. If a tooth is significantly damaged by decay its root is often affected as well, and in this case slightly more treatment is called for, often in the form of a root canal, if the tooth is to be saved. This is a scary prospect for many, as they have heard nightmarish tales of pain and agony that lasts for days. This is not the case at all in the 21st century. A root canal can be performed quickly and efficiently using dental lasers and the pain and discomfort is minimal (really).
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
It's easy to try to treat a toothache at home because you don't have the time/patience/guts to head to the dentist's to get it properly diagnosed and treated. But even if a toothache seems fairly minor, or it comes and goes, tooth pain is always a sign of a problem of some kind, and the faster you get it treated the better off you - and your oral health in general - will be.
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.
Gum Disease & Your General Health
Do you happen to know what the leading cause of tooth loss is in Australian adults? Many adults often don't even know they have gum disease until it's almost too late...
Get the Facts Before It’s Too Late
Do you happen to know what the leading cause of tooth loss is in Australian adults? If you (logically) answered tooth decay then you aren't actually quite right. Although decay is responsible for more than its share of damage it is actually gum disease that wrecks the most havoc. And many adults often don't even know they have it until it's almost too late...
What is Gum Disease Anyway?
Gum disease - a condition that is also known by the posh scientific names of gingivitis and periodontitis - is primarily caused by plaque, just like tooth decay is. A plaque build up will damage the teeth but it won't stop there, it will damage the very structures that support the teeth, the gums doing damage that can, at times, be harder to treat than tooth decay is.
Gum disease can progress without ever showing any major symptoms. However all of the following can be big warning signs that all in the Land of Gum is not quite right:
Red, swollen or tender gums
Bleeding after brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
Gums that are recede or pulling away from the teeth, making teeth look longer than before
Teeth that feel looser than they did before
Persistent bad breath
Treating Gum Disease
As is almost always the case, when it comes to gum disease prevention is better than cure. But more about that in a minute. For now let's focus on how it's treated
Gum disease comes in two stages; gingivitis and periodontitis. When caught while it's still gingivitis treatment is relatively straightforward. Your dentists will use a process called scaling - a type of super intense cleaning - and then instruct you on how to improve your oral hygiene to help prevent the problem coming back. Gingivitis is totally reversible and so with prompt treatment your gums will return to their former healthy state.
Periodontitis is a bit of a different matter. It's usually more serious and calls for first more intensive scaling. You may need a local anaesthetic before the treatment and it may have to continue over the course of several treatments. In the most severe cases periodontitis may even need to be surgically treated by a dental specialist called a periodontist, one who has specialist in training in gum disease and its treatment.
Preventing Gum Disease
So we're sure by now that you've figured it out for yourself. Gum disease can be successfully treated by your dentist but it really would be a lot better - and easier - if it never came to that in the first place.
Daily oral hygiene is a big key to the prevention of gum disease. Teeth need to be brushed at least twice a day with a good toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Smoking also increases the chance you'll develop gum disease so that is yet another reason to stop. Consider investing in an antibacterial mouthwash to be used on a regular basis and DO NOT skip those regular cleaning appointments at your dentist's office.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
Gum disease is nasty stuff, but it can be prevented, and if needed treated, very effectively with your dentist's help. You just have to make that first call.
The Effects of Alcohol Abuse on Your Oral Health
Indulging in a few too many alcoholic 'refreshers' can leave you with more than just a banging headache the next day...
Be Aware of The Impact
Some might say hot, sunny Sydney days - and nights - and a cold beer were made for each other, especially if you happen to be out with your mates. And as we have no less than fourteen separate wine regions in NSW, a trip out to a vineyard for a tasting is a tempting way to spend a summer's day too. But did you know that indulging in a few too many alcoholic 'refreshers' can leave you with more than just a banging headache the next day, it can also be very bad for your oral health?
Alcohol and Oral Health - Worst Case Scenarios
A number of research studies conducted all over the world have indicated that those who drink alcohol on a regular basis may be up to six times more likely to develop oral cancers than those who do not. Alcohol abuse is also the cause of a number of oral related accidents - chipped teeth, broken teeth, lost teeth, that kind of thing - because, well, drunk people do tend to fall down far more often than others and they can often get a bit fighty too.
Gum disease is another potentially nasty problem that alcohol abuse can lead too, as is tooth decay. The major reason for this is all of the fermented sugars that alcohol contains coupled with fact that alcohol is actually very dehydrating (no matter how refreshing that cold one seems to be) which leads to a very dry mouth. The perfect 'conditions' for the development of both tooth decay and gum disease.
Drinking Responsibly - for Your Teeth
So, are we suggesting that you spend every single summer's day sipping on a oft drink while all around you crack open a celebratory can of beer? Not necessarily, but we are suggesting you drink in a way that is a lot kinder to your teeth and gums. What's the best way to do that? Here's some pointers:
Drink in moderation This really should be a general rule of thumb anyway. Not only is binge drinking or excessive alcohol consumption bad for your oral and general health is there really much point in spending a fortune on booze when you go out if you get so drunk you won't remember anything the next day?
Watch the Sugar Content of What You Drink People tend to forget just how much sugar there is in alcoholic beverages. And in many cases there's a lot, both in beer and in wine and mixed drinks and cocktails can be even worse. Not only is too much sugar bad for your teeth in general if you are drinking all night it's going to be sitting on your teeth getting ready to do some damage.
To help alleviate the problem alternate every drink with one of water (which helps you drink less anyway) as doing so will keep you better hydrated and help prevent dry mouth while also 'washing away' some of that sugary film on your teeth.
Never Go to Bed Without Cleaning Your Teeth No matter how tired you are when you get in after a night out you should never skip cleaning your teeth, especially if you are fond of highly coloured drinks - red wine, those frothy multi-coloured cocktails - that can also stain your teeth easily.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
Alcohol and teeth are well-known adversaries, especially during the very social Sydney summer season. However, with a little extra care and attention it's OK to indulge once in a while, just don't make a big habit of it.
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