5 Tips To Keep Cavities At Bay

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.

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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. 

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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.

Protect Your Teeth From Injuries

The Importance of Wearing a Mouth Guard

Taking care of your teeth is very important but it doesn’t mean just brushing your teeth and eating healthy – it means always protecting them, especially when participating in sports and activities that can result in an injury to the face. Mouth guards provide the protection your teeth and gums need during play and practice. To help you decide if you or your child needs this protection, have a read below for a quick guide on mouth guards.

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Why Buy a Mouth Guard?

Mouth guards help protect the teeth, gums, tongue and the mouth in general from impact or injury. It minimises the risk of teeth getting chipped or knocked out and helps cushion a blow to the face. Because some sports are extremely physical, you never know what can happen. Rather than losing a tooth or damaging the sensitive tissues of the mouth, it is a good idea to invest in a mouth guard. In the end, you will be saving money and more importantly protecting your mouth.

When Should Kids Wear a Mouth Guard?

Some kids love sport because they can run around with teammates and have a lot of fun. However, some sports can be dangerous and so it is essential to protect every part of their body. Mouth guards should be part of their sport gear from an early age just like knee pads and helmets. If your child plays AFL, any other type of football, hockey, or does boxing, they definitely need a mouth guard.
 

Why Buy a Custom Made Mouth Guard?

You can buy cheap mouth guards over the counter these days but custom made mouth guards are the way to go. Even though they are quite expensive, treating sport related dental injuries cause a bigger hole in your pocket. Custom mouth guards are a worthwhile investment. They are designed to fit perfectly to the unique shape of you or your child’s mouth and teeth.  This means that they’re more comfortable to wear and provide the best protection. A bonus is that you won’t have to argue with your kid about using them if they get to choose a mouth guard to come in their favourite colour.
 

How Your Dentist Makes the Mouth Guard

Your dentist will make an impression of the mouth and teeth during a visit. The mouth guard will be ready after a week or so. Your dentist will make sure the mouth guard is the right fit and five you tips on how to care and maintain the mouth guard. So simple!

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

A custom made mouthguard is the best option if you or your child plays sport. With our custom-made mouth guards, we’ll help you protect your teeth.

Knocked Out Tooth?

Don't Panic, There's a Chance It Can be Saved

Getting a tooth knocked out can feel like a nightmare. Although it may not be the most serious injury in the world, it can certainly seem like the world is close to ending. Who wants to be called Gappy when they are an adult? It was cute when you were six and knew it was very much a temporary situation, but a knocked-out tooth as a grownup? It sends shivers down most people's spines just thinking about it.

As shocking and scary as it is, thanks to modern dentistry if your tooth is knocked out, putting things right is a lot easier than it used to be, and the chances you won't lose your lovely smile for very long are high. As long as you take prompt action that is.

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Dealing with a Knocked-Out Tooth:  Immediate Steps to Take

Whether the cause is a sports injury, an accident, or you got into a fight - either with someone else or the pavement - it is important to know what to do immediately after a tooth has been knocked out.

When a tooth is knocked out it is quite literally severed from the socket (that's just one reason why it hurts so much) and usually, the ligament that once attached it to your gum and jaw is destroyed. The tooth can still be saved at this point, but you'll need as many of the tiny nerve fibres to remain attached as possible.

This means you'll have to be very careful when you pick up the tooth (we're assuming here it can be located) You should pick it up by the crown only, never the root. Pick it up the wrong way and those precious fibers will be gone.

Once you have the tooth, wipe away excess dirt (carefully) and either set it back into the socket or hold it between your cheek and gums in your mouth. Bathing your tooth in your saliva will help keep it alive. If you can't place it in your mouth putting it into a glass of cold whole milk is the next best thing.

At this point somebody - possibly not you as your mouth is busy trying to save a knocked-out tooth - should be on the phone with an emergency dentist. A tooth that is lost due to an accident has an 80-90% chance of being saved if these procedures are followed and you can get to the dentist's office quickly.

A healthy tooth that is. If a knocked-out tooth was loose already, something that is usually caused by periodontal disease, none of these measures may help, as a diseased tooth is usually beyond that at this point. You should still head right to the dentists though, as the damage done to the gums and potentially to surrounding teeth still needs to be accessed asap.

Preventing Tooth Loss

Accidents happen. We understand that. But there are some things you can do to help prevent getting a tooth knocked out in the first place. Some sensible measures include the following:

If you play sports, wear a mouth guard.  Not just if you play cricket or footie and there are flying objects involved, but when you participate in any sport. You never know when an opponent’s arm, or the track, might connect with your face and knock your tooth out. You need to make sure it fits well though, so talk to your dentist and they'll help you find the right one.

Practice good dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to prevent gum disease and decay. As we already mentioned, an unhealthy tooth is knocked out far more easily than a healthy one and once it's out there's rarely any putting it back in.

Think when you drink. Yes, there's still tons of fun to be had, even if the summer's winding down. And while we are not suggesting you give up enjoying everything that Sydney has to offer - including all the great pubs and clubs - drink with care.

Once you get a bit beer wobbly you are far more likely to fall down and kiss the pavement (ouch, it hurts just thinking about it) and/or get into a bit of fisticuffs with a fellow 'happy' reveler. If you are drinking, take it steady and if you really can't walk straight (oops) don't try. Call a taxi, call an Uber, call a mate but don't try to walk home and certainly don't drive.

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

With prompt action a knocked-out tooth can often be saved. Just another reason why it pays to have our number in your phone, as you never know when you might need it at 2 am!

The Dental Diet

The Tooth Friendly Foods You Should be Eating Now

Oral health is far more important than many people realise. It's certainly nice to have sparkly white teeth and a filling free mouth, but there are even more important reasons to make your oral health more of a priority.

The state of a person's teeth and gums can cause more than toothache (not that that is anything to be taken lightly). Numerous research studies have found that poor oral health can be directly linked to an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, celiac disease, diabetes, sinus infection, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel disease, and gastroesophageal reflux in some people. In fact, there are times when a dentist spots the signs of these serious health issues before a traditional medical doctor does.

Like any other aspect of our health, nutrition plays a key role in your overall oral health. Many are familiar with the common enemies that teeth have; sugary snacks and sugary drinks. But did you know that certain foods and beverages are actually oral health friendly, and consuming them more often will not only boost your oral health but help support your overall well-being as well?

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Dental Friendly Foods

Here's a look at some of the best of these dental friendly foods and the benefits they offer your teeth and gums as well as the rest of you:

Probiotics

The term probiotics has become something of a dietary buzzword over the past few years, but the benefits of these 'gut friendly' bacteria are usually associated with improving digestive health.

However, as researchers explored that connection they discovered another possible benefit; a decrease in the risk of gingivitis and cavities thanks to the fermenting nature of these bacteria slowing the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity.

Live yoghurt is the best source of additional probiotics, and the calcium it contains can also help strengthen teeth as well.

Cheese

If you are a cheese lover, here's another reason why your preference isn't a bad one at all. In addition to the calcium it contains several studies have found that when you eat it the PH in the mouth is raised, lowering the risk of tooth decay.

Leafy Greens

You'll find leafy greens on almost any list of healthy foods you should be eating, and this one is no exception. Basically, the original 'superfoods', leafy greens - spinach, kale, Swiss chard, romaine lettuce etc. - are high in calcium, which helps strengthen tooth enamel and in folic acid, which has been shown to help prevent gum disease, especially in pregnant women.

Apples

Yes, apples are sweet and sticky. But as far as your teeth are concerned, in this instance that can be a good thing. They have a very high water content, so eating an apple can help wash away bacteria in the mouth rather effectively until you can get to a bathroom to brush your properly. Celery is great for your teeth for the same reasons, but perhaps not quite as much fun to eat.

Green Tea

Green tea is clever stuff as it has all kinds of potential overall health benefits. It can help improve oral health thanks to the polyphenols it contains that have been shown to help fight plaque causing bacteria rather effectively.

Water

Again, drinking plenty of water is almost always included in any healthy diet advice. In terms of your oral health not only is a big glass of water a lot better for you than soda or juice it will help rinse away bacteria as well.

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

By eating these foods more frequently you'll be healthier overall, and your oral health will get a big boost too. Couple that with regular dental checkups and you can do big things to improve your oral health in 2018 with very little effort at all.

Oral Health Tip #01 – Brushing

Effective bushing

Brushing your teeth effectively is important to making your twice daily brush count. You may have never been shown how or you might be in need a refresher.

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When should I brush my teeth?

Simple rule, when you wake up and before you go to sleep.

Mornings. There is debate as to wether you should brush before or after breakfast. The evidence is bacteria grows while your asleep and responds to the food and their production of acids after you have breakfast. As such, the teeth are softened by the reaction taking place in your mouth. Brushing after this process will remove substances however, brushing before eating will remove most bacteria before this takes place. Best practice is to brush before and rinse after if you feel you need to.

Night time. It is very important to brush before you go to sleep. If you don't, particles from food or drink are left in contact with the teeth and have the whole night to cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. Brushing before sleep ensures the best possible conditions for your mouth to protect your teeth while you sleep.

How do I brush correctly?

1. Start on top. First brush the insides. Technique: Circular and forward motioning.

2. Then brush the outside. Technique: Circular motioning with a mix of soft and hard pressure.

3. Next brush the biting surfaces. Technique: Firm pressure, back and forth motion.

4. Repeat these three steps.

5. Lastly brush your tongue. Technique: Side to side, back and forth.

How long do I brush my teeth?

4 minutes. Most dentists, including The #EmergencyDentist Sydney, agrees 4 minutes of brushing is optimum. Be practical, divide your time between your teeth. 2 minutes for the top, 2 for the bottom. Then, 1 minute each for the back and for the front.

Do I brush first or floss?

We say, floss first. Everyone has a different opinion on this, we take a practical approach.

When you floss you are cleaning in between your teeth and, in most cases, you are moving particles of food from between your teeth to the inside of your mouth or the surfaces of your teeth. We therefore would recommend brushing after doing this. We like to compare it to cleaning under your nails vs washing your hands. Most people would want to wash their hands after removing dirt or other nasty things from under their finger nails. That's our theory.

But there is no concrete evidence to support either order of brushing vs flossing. As long as you are disrupting the happy lives of bacteria who build little communities and multiply on and in between your teeth, you are doing the right thing.

If you do prefer to brush before flossing, we recommend thoroughly rinsing after flossing.

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The #EmergencyDentist Says:

Brush before breakfast –  It doesn't really matter if your brush before or after you floss

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