Got A Chipped Tooth?
A trip, a fall, biting into a harder than you expected apple, even knocking your tooth a bit too hard on a coffee mug can all quite easily result in a chipped tooth...
It's Now an Easy Fix, Here’s How
It's not hard to chip a tooth. In fact it's a lot easier than you might think. A trip, a fall, biting into a harder than you expected apple, even knocking your tooth a bit too hard on a coffee mug can all quite easily result in a chipped tooth.
The aesthetic effect is what upsets many people most. All that time spent brushing and flossing, going for regular dental checkups and doing just what the dentist said in order to get the best smile possible is now, in their minds, ruined because of a Granny Smith that was more like a rock than a healthy addition to their diet.
But there are other reasons why a chipped tooth can be a problem too. A chip allows bacteria to get into the tooth, where it will eventually erode away the dentine, which is a soft layer that lies directly beneath the tooth enamel. This will eventually result in the soft pulp of the tooth being compromised too, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
Dealing with a Chipped Tooth
So, by now you will have figured out that dealing with a chipped tooth, and doing so as quickly as possible, really is a must. And there is some very good news here. Advances in dental technology have made it possible for a good dentist to treat and fix a chipped tooth more effectively than ever before.
The reason for this is that these days nasty metal fillings - as fillings are often the best solution for a chipped tooth - really are a thing of the past. Today's fillings are not only more durable and somewhat easier for a dental professional to place but they are also tooth coloured.
Not tooth coloured in the way that a plaster is flesh coloured, in that the colour matches someone's flesh somewhere but certainly not yours, but in that the fillings can be mixed to match your unique tooth colour for a finished effect that is not only wonderfully durable but also pretty darn good looking as well.
The Techie Stuff
The way that dentists can do all of this is pretty impressive as well. Using a composite quartz resin - basically a really tough plastic - and a special LED light - once it's in place a filling can be hardened in about ten seconds and within minutes you and your newly repaired tooth will basically be good to go. The new part of the tooth can be brushed and cared for usual and it will be as tough as the 'real' tooth it replaced. Don't forget we're always here after hours during the Christmas season to help you out.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
We get more incidents of chipped teeth during the December January silly season than any other time. Watch yourself at those christmas parties, new years parties and sprints across the hot sand or cement at the beach ;)
Does a Toothache Always Equal an Extraction?
Does toothache equal extraction automatically? The answer is a little more complicated than you might think...
Here's The Rundown
You've been up half the night thanks to the pain from that nagging aching tooth. Come to think of it, you were up half of the night before as well. Painkillers from the local chemists aren't even touching the pain anymore and you know you really should book an appointment with a dentist ASAP. But you don't like needles and pain, you're not even that fond of dentists and you really don't want to go through a tooth extraction. So you're stalling...
But does toothache equal extraction automatically? The answer is a little more complicated than you might think...
What's Causing the Pain?
Before you start ringing around dentists in Sydney asking about tooth extraction pricing it's important to understand one thing; tooth pain has lots of different causes and they don't all mean that the first thing a dentist is going to want to do is yank the offending tooth out. In fact, it's probably the last thing they want to do as they actually spent all of those years in dental school learning to save teeth rather than just do extraction after extraction.
Alternatives to Tooth Extraction
Because there are lots of different reasons a tooth might be giving you trouble, there are also lots of ways to treat these problems. If a cavity is the culprit then a simple filling may be the answer. If it's actually a gum infection - something that's more common than you might think - then a good deep cleaning and a course of antibiotics often works wonders. A tooth extraction is not even the automatic recommendation when the pain involves wisdom teeth, whatever you might have been told. And the pain may not really even be coming from a tooth at all.
Getting to the Root of the Problem
As we mentioned, the real key to getting to the root of the problem when it comes to a toothache is a careful, considered dental examination. This will often involve taking x-rays and a chat about your past dental history as well as a routine exam. Only then can a dentist figure out what's really going on and present a patient with their treatment recommendations and options.
Isn't It Just Easier to Get a Bad Tooth Out?
In some cases, the problem that's really been causing a nasty toothache may come along with several different possible treatments options and yes, one of them might be extraction and that may sound like it's the quickest, easiest and possibly least expensive way to go.
However, before you choose that option based on time or money, listen carefully to what your dentist as to say. Every tooth in your head is there for a reason, even those pesky wisdom teeth, and if it's no longer there may very well be downsides you don't really won't 'get' until it's too late and the tooth is gone for good.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
Don't automatically assume that an aching tooth is one that's going to have to come out. Give us a ring, come in for an appointment after hours, or when needed, and we'll work out the best course of treatment for you and your tooth.
Don't forget to checkout our Dental Emergency Care Tips if you're experiencing discomfort.
The Paleo Diet vs Oral Health
Does following a Paleo diet lead to tooth decay or other oral health problems or does it prevent these things?
Can Eating Like a Caveman Cure Tooth Decay? The Paleo Diet vs Oral Health
By now you've probably heard at least a little bit about the Paleo Diet. It's a diet plan that began, as many of these things do, over in The States, 'pioneered' by Dr. Loren Cordain, a historian by original trade. The idea is that you alter your diet to make it more like one that Stone Age people may have eaten and this, the theory goes, is a far healthier way to eat than 'modern people' are generally used to doing.
Whether or not the Paleo Diet is a good thing or another crazy fad is not something we are really going to get into too far. The 'movement' has its fans and its critics and even noted medical professionals can't quite agree whether eating like a caveman (cave person) is really that good for you. What we do want to get into however, is the question of does following a Paleo diet lead to tooth decay or other oral health problems or does it prevent these things?
Paleo Diet Basics
OK, so the Paleo Diet says you'll be eating like your distant, distant, distant ancestors. But what does that actually mean? In general, apparently that means a diet that's high in fat, moderate in animal protein and low to moderate in carbohydrates. And as few 'over-processed' food items as possible. Calorie counting is not encouraged, neither is strict portion control. Oh and there is no dairy allowed and bread of any kind (actually all grains in general, as caveman supposedly did not have them) is right out too.
Paleo and Your Teeth
So you think you're ready to ditch sandwiches, soda and dairy and give this Paleo stuff a try. But what is the change going to do to your teeth? Well, in some ways chances are that it can only be a good thing. As the diet emphasizes eating far less sugar, then in terms of basic dental health and cavity prevention it has to be a plus.
One potential downside of the Paleo diet as far as your teeth are concerned however is the lack of dairy. You've probably been told since you were a little kid that milk builds strong bones and teeth and research has proved again and again that yes, calcium does build stronger teeth and they are teeth that you are likely to hold onto longer as well. This does not necessarily rule out the Paleo diet though, you'll just need to make sure you eat plenty of nondairy, 'Paleo- Friendly' sources of calcium like broccoli, edamame, salmon (even the canned stuff is OK) and tofu if you still want the stronger teeth (and bones) boost that calcium offers.
The Tooth Decay Cure Claim
lAs is the case for almost every trendy diet plan, there are a lot of wild claims made about the benefits of the Paleo Diet and one is that it can 'cure' tooth decay. The simple answer to this is no, it can't. The diet may cut out some of the things that can cause tooth decay - like all of those added sugars - but only proper oral hygiene and getting regular dental checkups will do that. So go ahead and eat like a caveman if you like, but understand that proper dental care is a must for everyone, even those eating the VERY old-fashioned d way.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
Whether you prefer a cheese sandwich and a big glass of milk or grass fed beef and broccoli rabe for lunch, everyone needs proper dental care and they need it for life, whether their current diet is based in the 21st century or it's from 10,000 years ago.
What You Need to Know About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
If you suffer from facial pain, jaw pain, migraines or even the occasional 'jaw lock’ then you may have had it suggested to you that you are suffering from TMJ...
TMD 101: What You Need to Know About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
If you suffer from facial pain, jaw pain, migraines or even the occasional 'jaw lock’ then you may have had it suggested to you that you are suffering from TMJ. Or TMD. But the question is which one might it be and what are these conditions anyway?
MJ vs. TMD - Which is Correct?
When various people discuss the symptoms we just described above, they might use the terms TMJ and TMD interchangeably. In fact that happens quite often, but it's actually a mistake, as they are two different things.
TMJ is the abbreviation for temporomandibular joint, the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull and it's located right in front of your ear. TMD on the other hand, stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, a blanket term for the problems with the joint a person might develop. So TMD is the correct term, but if you are suffering then the chances are that you really don't care too much about all of this, you just want to know why you are in pain and how to make it stop!
TMD Causes and Symptoms
TMD symptoms vary from person to person, as does their severity. Some of them - facial pain, pain when 'opening up wide', a 'tired' feeling in your face and especially a jaw that 'locks - are all symptoms that can be fairly easily recognised as TMD. Others -like toothaches, headaches, facial swelling, dizziness and hearing problems - can have a number of other causes as well, so are not immediately connected to TMD .
If you are diagnosed with TMD, just what might have caused it? Traumatic injury can do it, as can a habit of grinding your teeth. In some, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may be at work and stress can even be a trigger for TMD as those who are 'stressed out' do develop a tendency to over-tighten their facial and jaw muscles and clench their teeth, putting undue pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
Treating TMD
The obvious first step in the successful treatment of TMD for anyone is a proper diagnosis. While you may have diagnosed yourself while consulting with Dr. Google, only a dentist familiar with TMD can tell you for sure.
Once a diagnosis is made, many experts prefer to follow a conservative course of treatment initially. This is because after a patient has been educated about some simple habit and lifestyle changes - things like avoiding very hard foods, relieving pain with icepacks, changing sleeping habits etc. - the condition improves on its own. However, for those not so lucky other treatments, including medications, splints, acupuncture and even surgery, are indicated.
The Locked Jaw Emergency
For most people who suffer from TMD is painful, it’s annoying and can be rather limiting, but they can, for the most part, live with the problem as their treatments begin to take effect. However, if their TMD leads to a locked jaw it's a bit of a different story. It's very scary when you just can't open your mouth and it's hugely uncomfortable - and often painful - too. In this situation waiting until Monday, or even until the morning, to get help really isn't an option. This is one of those times when it's best to seek immediate care from an emergency dentist who will be able to start working on 'unlocking' that troublesome jaw right away.
The #EmergencyDentist Says
Whether you have already been diagnosed with TMD or you just suspect that it may be causing your symptoms, a locked jaw is a problem that needs to be addressed right away, even if a less than helpful pal thinks it's rather funny (or cool) that you suddenly can't even utter a word!
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Sudden Tooth Pain: The Complete List of Causes & Treatments
Brain Freeze! We are all prone to occasional aches and pains that any kind of tooth pain can be particularly bothersome...
Diagnosing What's Causing It.. And Making it Stop!
Brain Freeze! We are all prone to occasional aches and pains, but it's fair to say, we think, that any kind of tooth pain can be particularly bothersome (to say the least.) Like a headache that just won't go away, tooth pain can be truly miserable and the problem's only made worse by the fact that much of the time you can't even be sure why you are in pain or how to begin treat it.
There are, in fact, all kinds of reasons that a tooth (or teeth) may start giving you gip, but these are the ones most commonly seen at Emergency Dentist Sydney:
Pain after Eating or Drinking Very Cold - of Very Hot - Foods
This can be the kind of sharp pain that really knocks you for six, if only for a minute or so. But it keeps happening and all the joy of eating an ice cream or downing a morning cup of Joe is fading fast.
The problem here is often is what the toothpaste ads often refer to as 'sensitive teeth'. There can be all kinds of causes; a slightly exposed nerve, a forming cavity, weakened tooth enamel or gum damage of some kind. In the short term try switching to a softer toothbrush and trying one of the toothpastes made to help 'desensitise' teeth. If the problem is a long term one however make a not to book a dentist's appointment to discuss a better solution.
Pain When Eating or Drinking Hot and Cold Foods After Dental Work
This particular issue is not unusual, especially if you have had a root canal or a filling recently. It's a temporary sensitivity that should disappear in a few days as things begin to heal up properly. In the meantime aspirin can help and following the dentist's post treatment care instructions is a must. However, if the pain persists for longer than expected, or gets worse rather than improving, you should contact your dentist right away.
Pain When Biting on Food
Eating regular, everyday foods should never be painful. And when and if it is, the chances are good that there is a problem that needs to be addressed and probably as soon as possible. The issue may be a cracked tooth, a loose filling, a cavity or, well, it could be a number of things. In this situation make a dentist's appointment as soon as possible so that the cause of the pain can be diagnosed and treated quickly, before any further damage occurs.
Aching Pressure on Upper Teeth/Sinus Area
This one is hard to even begin to self-diagnose as pain from infected sinuses can feel like terrible upper back tooth pain and vice versa. This is because there are a bunch of shared nerves back there, so really only a doctor's visit or a trip to the dentist can determine the true cause. Whatever you do though, wherever you go first, don't wait, because this is a horrible, nagging pain that very rarely goes away on its own.
Swollen, Painful, Inflamed Gums
Gum disease is all too common and if it's not addressed early then 'simple' gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a condition in which the gums and even the bone that holds the teeth in place can be severely weakened. Often painful, swollen gums are a sign of infection, something that needs to be treated as soon as possible, not only to potentially save a tooth or two but to prevent the spread of infection through the rest of your body.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
'Oh it's only a toothache'. Not. Tooth pain sucks. Pure and simple. It sucks even more if it strikes outside of 'business hours'. But you don't have to wait it out like a trooper just to try and be big and brave. The Emergency Dentist Sydney can help you anytime time any day when you need us.
How Much Does a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost?
At The Emergency Dentist Sydney we are pretty used to dealing with wisdom teeth and the trouble they can cause...
Wisdom Tooth Extractions Costs Vary: Here's Why
At The Emergency Dentist Sydney we are pretty used to dealing with wisdom teeth and the trouble they can cause. That is not always the case for the patients experiencing those problems, folks who are usually in pain, frustrated and worried, often about the costs of the treatment they might need as much as they are about the pain they're in.
Unfortunately, as helpful as we like to try and be at all times, one of the questions we really can't answer right away is what the treatment for a patient's unique wisdom tooth issues might cost, as every case is different. We can however explain why those costs might vary. Here's a look at some of the factors involved:
The Type of Procedure You Need
There is no one-size-fits-all procedure for wisdom tooth extraction. For some people it can be a pretty straightforward affair, one not too different from a standard extraction. For others though, patients who might be dealing with a severe infection or an odd angled impaction, the treatment involved is usually more complex. And yes, complex costs more.
The Type of Surgeon You Need
In dentistry, just like in standard medicine, different dental surgeons do different things. When it comes to extracting a wisdom tooth, complications can arise that call for a specialist surgeon, usually because wisdom teeth, as a part of their often very pesky nature, will sometimes locate themselves in a very sensitive area of the jawline, one where important nerves could be damaged if someone did not know exactly what they were doing. Obviously if a specialist is called in the pricing will increase, but in reality be worth every penny as a botched job on a wisdom tooth is something no-one should ever have to deal with.
The 'Little' Things
Before getting to the actual extraction of a wisdom tooth, there's usually work to be done. Dentists need x-rays - or sometimes even CT scans - so that they know exactly what is going on where. They also need to talk anaesthesia with a patient. Some of the simpler extractions can be performed very successfully under a local anaesthetic but for the more complex stuff even the bravest, toughest of patients are going to need to be knocked out, aka treated under general anaesthesia, once again hiking the final costs.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
Fear of costs should never be a reason to leave a painful or infected wisdom tooth untreated. At The Emergency Dentist Sydney we keep our rates as reasonable as possible and won't charge for 'bells and whistles' you don't need. Another reason to get treated as soon as a wisdom tooth problem rears its ugly head? The whole think is likely to be easier - and cheaper - than it would be if you suffer on for weeks until you can't take any more!
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.
Keep Your Family Hydrated This Summer
We know how to take care of our skin but can’t forget to keep your kids hydrated...
Keep Your Family Hydrated This Summer
With summer holidays already here we should be taking extra precautions for our little ones as the temperatures sizzle, especially following the sugary festive season. We know how to take care of our skin but can’t forget to keep your kids hydrated!
Did you know that good hydration is vital in maintaining healthy teeth? We’ve got some tooth friendly tips on keeping your children hydrated this summer.
1. Drink mostly water
Sports drinks, soft drink, and juice are all packed full of sugar (we’ve said this before - sugar is the enemy!), which will only dehydrate the munchkins even further. Water is by far the best option, and it is definitely the cheapest!
2. Use straws and drink bottles
Make drinking water fun with special straws. Even adults can’t deny silly straws are fun! There are lots that go round and round, or do squiggly shapes, or really really long ones that kids will love. Otherwise let them pick a fun, bright water bottle.
3. Make it exciting
If your kids find plain water too boring, you may be tempted to try adding fresh or frozen fruit to their water or even freezing the fruit in the ice-cube tray to make colourful ice-cubes. Whilst this is a fun way to get kids to drink more water it must be kept in mind that fruit still contains sugar and acid and if sipped on throughout the day will contribute to tooth decay.
4. Eat hydrating fruit
Some fruits like bananas and watermelon are very high in water content and are great source of liquid. Keep your watermelon in the fridge, so it’s nice and cold – the perfect refreshing snack! Mmm Mmm
5. Make water readily available
Children will drink when they’re thirsty if there is a drink available. Make sure water bottles are easy to open and within easy reach for kids, and make sure you always pack a water bottle when heading outside. Don’t forget to keep kids hydrated when you’re playing in the backyard, at the beach, or simply catching up with friends.
6. Parents; Set a good example
Teach your kids the importance of drinking water by setting a good example, and keep your hydration levels up. You might want to take regular water breaks together, or try matching water bottles.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
Getting your kids to drink more water comes down to availability and appeal! Make fresh water available at all times, make it part of your families daily habits. Add ice cubes, fill a special cup with it, add fruit (in moderation)… whatever works.
What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?
When it comes to dental care and oral hygiene we know now how important it is to begin good habits from a young age...
What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?
At the Emergency Dentist Sydney we got to talking about our habits as children and what we might say to our younger selves. When it comes to dental care and oral hygiene we know now how important it is to begin good habits from a young age. Not everyone is knowledgable on the effects of poor oral hygiene on quality of life in your later years.
Toothache or pain and loss of teeth, resulting in the inability to chew comfortably can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, weakening of the immune system and infection. As we age we notice the obvious stuff like wrinkles and hair loss but we may not be as aware of changes in our teeth and mouths.
We asked ourselves the question, what advice would you give your younger self about oral hygiene and dental care? These are our top responses:
- Don’t smoke, if you do, stop, yuk!
- Stick to the food pyramid when it comes to eating. Eat a variety of food, eat food which is full of vitamins, minerals and fibres and get lots of variety where you can.
- Visit a dentists regularly for checkups, no excuses.
- Learn how to floss properly and do it daily.
- Brush twice daily, regardless of how tired you are at night or how busy you are in the morning.
- Rinse your mouth with water during the day when you’ve eaten processed foods, sweet foods or foods and drinks that can stain the teeth.
- Don’t put off dental problems. If you have concerns make sure you see your Dentist and avoid long-term complications.
You may think it doesn’t really matter, you can just get dentures, veneers, browns or crewed in teeth when you’re older, but this comes at some loss to your long term health.
Well looked after teeth are a reflection of your general health. Retaining your real teeth means better health long term. The American Journal of Public Health reports that ‘chewing with removable dentures is at least 30 to 40 percent less efficient than chewing with natural teeth. Persons with extensive or complete tooth loss are more likely to substitute easier-to chew foods such as those rich in saturated fast and cholesterol for foods high in carotenes, vitamin C and fibre’. Poorly looked after gums also comes with an array of long term side effects.
These are a few of the more common side effects of poor oral health:
- Loss. To the structure of your jaw and face.
- Cardiovascular Disease. Bacteria from inflamed mums and periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream and travel to your arteries in the heart. This can then cause such things as heart attack or stroke resulting in an endocarditis or myocarditis.
- Dementia. Bacteria from gingivitis may enter the brain and can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Respiratory Infections. The Journal of Periodontology warns gum disease can cause infections in your lungs, including pneumonia. This isn’t always an instant infection but, imagine breathing in bacteria over time from infected teeth and gums.
- Diabetic Complications. Poor oral hygiene can make it harder to control your blood sugar. This can increase the symptoms of diabetes and make them worse.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
The the beauty of hindsight means we can see how things could be. With the knowledge of what can very well happen, we think sticking to these 7 tips will keep your oral health and your general health kicking strong in to the future.
Dental Phobia Fears? 'GO TO SLEEP!'
Is Dental Phobia a big fear of yours? Then ask for Dental Sedation at The #EmergencyDentist Sydney...
Dental Phobia Fears? 'GO TO SLEEP!'
Is Dental Phobia a big fear of yours? Then ask for Dental Sedation at The #EmergencyDentist Sydney. Sedation is also known as ‘twilight sedation’ and is a state of being in-between awake and asleep. Sleep or sedation dentistry allows you to 'sleep' whilst undertaking your dental treatment. Sleep dentistry, or sedation dentistry, is a dental solution designed for patients who dread going to the dentist. Many people feel afraid or uncomfortable when they are placed in vulnerable positions like the dental chair, and may experience dental anxiety as a result.
What is it?
Sleep dentistry, or sedation dentistry that allows for pain free dentistry, is a dental solution designed for patients who dread going to the dentist. Many people feel afraid or uncomfortable when they are placed in vulnerable positions like the dental chair, and may experience dental anxiety as a result. Sleep dentistry is requires special skills and a highly trained team. This team consists of the sedationist, the sleep dentist (a pain free dentist) who is a very gentle dentist and specially trained nurses.
What happens during sedation dentistry?
Initially the sedation dentist will put you to sleep. During the procedure, patients aren't unconscious, but mentally "detached" from what's going on, and before they know it, the sedation dentist will be telling them the dental procedure is over and they can go home. The sedative effects of the medication last up to 24 hours, so patients will likely need to relax for the rest of the day after their dental procedure(s) and must be sure not to operate a motor vehicle after the sedation dentistry.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
If visiting the dentist is a fear of yours or someone you know, take New York Housewife, Bethenny Frankel's advice. Call us to discuss...
Oral Health Tip #02 – Flossing
Flossing your teeth effectively is important to making your daily oral health routine count. Take a look at our How To refresher on good flossing habits...
Floss once a day
Flossing your teeth effectively is important to making your daily oral health routine count. Take a look at our How To refresher on good flossing habits
When should I floss my teeth?
Simple rule, before you go to sleep.
After you've had dinner, or any late night snacks, make it an automatic ritual to brush and floss. #HotTip If you're starting out as a newbie and you haven't been a regular flosser in the past, try flossing your top teeth one night then your bottom teeth the next. You can alternate between the top and the bottom each night until you get used to it and get a bit faster. This is especially time consuming for people with braces too!
How do I floss correctly?
Start with 'the grab'. Technique: Wrap a long strand around your middle fingers (they're the rude ones), leaving your forefingers free.
Brace position. Technique: Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers in both hands.
Start on the Top. Floss the top teeth between each tooth and partly up between the gums and teeth, don't force it too much. Technique: Use your fingers to pull the floss back and forth, working your way from between the teeth to between the teeth and gums in a 'Y' shape.
Repeat step 3.
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.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
Best practice is a nightly floss after dinner – It doesn't really matter if your brush before or after you floss
The 'White Teeth Diet'
Scrap the Atkins, Raw Food or Paleo Diets, we love the White Teeth Diet. We'd like to share with you how you can eat your self to a whiter smile...
Take It With a (White) Grain of Salt
Scrap the Atkins, Raw Food or Paleo Diets, we love the White Teeth Diet. We'd like to share with you how you can eat your self to a whiter smile.
When considering a diet that is friendly to keeping your teeth white, it is just as important to avoid certain foods as it is to eat others. It's a little crazy but if you want to maintain that healthy white smile you were born with, or paid for, a few simple practices can help you out. There are three factors to keep in mind on this diet, chewing, saliva production and staining They all help to keep teeth healthy and white. Please keep in mind this isn't a whole diet you should live by, it's just a few simple steps you can take to keep teeth white. Let's start:
Do The More Often:
Apples, carrots, cauliflower, green beans and celery. These are the firmer, crunchier foods that require you to chew more. They act similarly to a toothbrush and scrub your teeth while you chew.
Hard cheeses. Similar to crunchy fruit and veg, they help clean the teeth by removing particles and preventing plaque build-up.
Citrus fruits like grapefruit, lime, lemon and oranges help rinse your teeth naturally while you eat, encouraging saliva production which protects the teeth.
Dairy products of course contribute to keeping teeth white. The lactic acid in dairy products will also help to prevent decay.
Water. The purest way to wash away any foods that potentially stain your teeth.
Do These Less Often:
Coffee and tea will stain your teeth.
Soft drink such as Coke and sports drinks will stain your teeth and cause decay.
Red wine is one of the worst for staining your teeth. That red wine smile isn't so cute either.
White wine causes tooth decay. Just like red wine, white wine has higher than normal pH levels which increases your loss of enamel.
Fruits like blackberries, pomegranates and blueberries will obviously stain the teeth.
Sauces like soy or currie will also stain the teeth and aid decay.
- Hot Tip 1. Anything that stains your shirt will stain your teeth.
- Hot Tip 2. If you can't give up your coloured drinks, use a straw.
At The #EmergencyDentist Sydney we couldn't live without wine! #AfterHours of course. Some of us even drink our coffee through a straw, yes it's as weird as it looks. But, drinking in moderation, properly brushing and flossing and regular check-ups will keep your teeth healthy and strong.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
For those of us who aren't lucky enough to be born with a pearly white smile, and for those who love a diet full of teeth-staining foods and drink, a regular clean or whitening from us can help you out.
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