What's The Point of Wisdom Teeth Anyway
The evolution of wisdom teeth...
The Evolution of Wisdom Teeth
With such a grand sounding name you'd think that wisdom teeth served a grand purpose in the scheme of things related to your oral health. And, once upon a time, it's believed they certainly did. These days, however, for many people, they are nothing more than a big pain, literally.
What are Wisdom Teeth Anyway?
Although you may not have ever actually seen yours very clearly, everyone has two sets of wisdom teeth, one at the top, one at the bottom, at the very back of your mouth, behind the molars. These teeth often appear last, sometimes when a person is in their teens, occasionally not until some time later.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Exist?
Wisdom teeth were once something of a puzzle to dentists and other medical professionals. It's now generally agreed however that they are evolutionary throwbacks that no longer serve the purpose they were designed for.
You see, back when prehistoric man - and woman - roamed the Earth their primary diet was, obviously, very different to ours. Lacking a cave-based Woolworths to food shop in they ate a lot of pretty tough, chewy stuff, including sticks and reed plants. This usually led to teeth falling out and wearing down, so wisdom teeth could move in as replacements.
As we all know eat much softer foods, and (should) practice much better oral hygiene wisdom teeth no longer have a purpose. The human mouth is designed to accommodate 28 teeth, so if the wisdom teeth come in, that goes up to 32 and then there's a problem, often a rather painful one.
Partially impacted wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Eruption Problems
As there is no room for them to exist, it is not very common for a wisdom tooth to erupt nice and straight and then slide in without a problem. Instead, they usually impact, or partially impact, in the gum. There are four common types of wisdom tooth eruption (or lack of) and they break down as follows:
Angular - The wisdom tooth impacts into the gum, behind the molar, at an angle.
Vertical - The wisdom tooth is still straight, but it simply sits in the gum.
Partial Eruption - The tooth partially erupts from the gum and can be seen with the naked eye if you look hard enough.
Horizontal - The tooth 'falls over' and impacts sideways against the adjoining molar.
Wisdom Tooth Problems and What to Do About Them
In any of the scenarios mentioned above the potential for painful problems exists at all times, but sadly it's often at the most inconvenient times that they really become a nuisance. Signs that you probably need to see a dentist about a wisdom tooth can include all the following:
Pain, often centered at the back of the mouth
Swelling in the gum
Bad taste in the mouth
Redness
As an impacted wisdom tooth can cause all kinds of problems, including nasty infections, the usual course of action when one does begin to cause problems is to remove it asap. If the tooth has erupted it is an easier procedure than if it has become impacted but either way, in the hands of good dentist wisdom tooth removal is not anywhere near as bad as some might have you believe, and living with a wisdom tooth gone bad can be much, much worse.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
Did you know that these days it's often better to take a proactive, rather than a reactive approach to wisdom tooth problems? Discussing wisdom tooth extraction as a preventative measure, and then getting on with having it done now, can save you, and the rest of your teeth, a lot of pain and hassle later.
Lasers in Dentistry Explained
It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie right?
A Must Have for Dental Practices
Lasers in dentistry. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie right? If dentists weren't scary enough, now they're wielding lasers like some kind of dental Darth Vader? What do they do with them? Is it safe?
Whenever people first hear about the use of lasers in modern dentistry these questions often come to their minds. However, there is nothing strange, or scary, about the practice at all, and in fact, lasers are helping to make dental treatment faster, more effective and, in many cases, a lot less uncomfortable.
Uses for Dental Lasers
Dental lasers are actually not really new, they've been around since the mid-nineties, but it's only more recently that they are being more widely used. And they are being used in a number of different ways. Lasers can be used more efficiently remove decay from a tooth and then prepare it to receive a filling. They can also be utilised to help fight infection and reduce inflammation, especially when a patient is suffering from painful gum disease.
And then there is that most feared of dental procedures; the root canal. If you've never had one, you have quite probably heard that this is a dental procedure from hell. In the right hands, that is nowhere near the truth, as the modern root canal is a far more efficient dental surgery than it might have been back in your parents or grandparents day.
However, lasers are helping to make the root canal even more effective. A laser root canal often means the procedure is shorter, there is less initial pain and bleeding, the recovery and healing time is faster, and being approached with what essentially looks like a simple beam of light is a lot less scary than a sharp metal instrument.
How Do Dental Lasers Work?
Now that we've established that lasers are very useful tools for a skilled dentist to have, you are probably wondering just how they work.
Like all lasers, dental lasers work by delivering energy in the form of a beam of light. When used in dentistry the laser can be used as a cutting tool, or to safely 'vaporise' damaged tissue. This is especially effective in a root canal, as the laser can be manipulated more easily to clean the root and remove all that nasty debris more effectively than traditional tools can.
Now, dental lasers are not replacing traditional dentistry tools and procedures completely. Instead, they are being used in conjunction with them to help offer patients a better overall experience when they visit the dentist. Not all dentists are trained to use lasers right now, there is a learning curve, but by taking the time to seek one out who is you may just be getting closer to that shorter, less painful, less intimidating experience in the dental chair we're all looking for.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
Dental lasers are just one of the innovations we make use of to provide you with the best possible experience. And no, we're still wearing our white coats, there's not a black cape or helmet in sight!
Dental Implants for Sleep Apnea Sufferers
Are Dental Implants the wrong choice for sleep apnea sufferers?
Are Dental Implants the Wrong Choice for Sleep Apnea Sufferers?
It's probably fair to say that no-one ever aspires to end up wearing dentures. In fact, avoidance of them is one of the biggest reasons that some people finally get a little more serious about looking after the teeth they have. Sometimes however the damage is unavoidable. This can be especially true for people who suffer from sleep apnea, as one of the complications that often comes along with that bothersome condition is something called sleep bruxism.
What is Sleep Bruxism?
Sleep bruxism is the 'proper' term for the sleep disorder involving the habit of clenching and grinding your teeth as you sleep. Although it can be a standalone condition many people who do grind their teeth also suffer from other sleep disorders like snoring and sleep apnea, a condition which causes pauses in breathing.
If a person does grind their teeth at night sadly, over the years, it can cause significant damage to the teeth, sometimes so much so that a tooth is damaged beyond repair, which is why it's not uncommon for those who suffer from sleep bruxism to end up needing partial dentures, or as is becoming more common, a dental implant.
Sleep Bruxism and Dental Implants
As an alternative to dentures or partial dentures, dental implants are quickly gaining popularity, and for lots of good reasons. Implants are permanent replacements, look more natural than even the best dentures and, obviously, make it easier to eat, drink, and smile with confidence than dentures might. They also seem like they would be the perfect solution for those who lose teeth due to sleep bruxism, but some recent studies have found that may not be the case.
Researchers from OSI Araba University Hospital in Victoria, Spain were conducting a study to determine if the most common form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, affected the proper function and longevity of dental implants. They worked with a group of 67 people, some of whom had been diagnosed with OSA and some who had not. Of the 16 people in the study who eventually experienced complications with their dental implants 13 also suffered from obstructive sleep apnea, seeming to indicate that the damage to the implants might be directly related to OSA.
Implants, Sleep Apnea and Your Dentist
It should be noted that the study we have just mentioned was a small one and that more work needs to be done before assuming that for those who suffer from OSA dental implants are not the right solution for them.
When dealing with sleep bruxism, sleep apnea and trying to prevent possible tooth damage before dental implants are ever needed it's common wisdom that patients should work with both their doctor and their dentist to come up with a proper treatment and dental health plan. This allows patients to receive the best possible care to address both conditions.
With the right treatments, sleep apnea can be improved, and the same is true of sleep bruxism, and since the latter is considered a dental disorder it's your dentist who can help you out there. See them early enough and dental implants may never have to even become a consideration, something that we think you'd agree is the best possible outcome all around.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
The best way to deal with the possible dental complications that sleep apnea and sleep bruxism can cause, including the need for dental implants, is to speak to your dentist about it. Once you do that a proper treatment plan, one that may very well save your teeth altogether, allowing to keep your natural smile.
5 Things Your Tongue May be Trying to Tell You
Here's a look at five of the most common messages the tongue tries to send to warn its human that there might be something wrong...
Which Tongue Is Yours?
You know the drill; after the initial pleasantries at a dentist's appointment, you'll be asked to 'open and up and say 'ahh', so he or she can get a good look at your teeth. But your teeth aren’t all they are looking at, as the condition of your gums and tongue can be very telling as well.
Tongue? That surprised you maybe? The fact is however that this often overlooked - but large and important - body part can tell a dentist or a doctor more about your overall health than you might imagine. And learning to spot the warnings that your tongue might be trying to send to you between dentist visits can actually help you stay healthier. Here's a look at five of the most common messages the tongue tries to send to warn its human that there might be something wrong.
1. White Patches
Sometimes, white patches on the tongue are a sign that something is a little amiss with your daily oral hygiene routine. This can often be solved by making use of that bumpy backside of your toothbrush to clean your tongue when you clean your teeth. However, if you do that for a week or two with no change, something else may be wrong.
White patches and bumps on the tongue can also often be caused by a yeast infection, or can be a sign of a condition called leukoplakia, which is often caused by tobacco or chronic alcohol use. Both conditions are usually easily treated, so a call to the doctor sooner rather than later is almost certainly a good idea.
2. You're Seeing Red
A red tongue can also be a sign of several different things. One of the most common is dry mouth, a situation you can remedy by remembering to stay hydrated and occasionally chewing on some sugar free gum. A rosy tongue can also signify that some of your taste buds are reacting badly to a certain food, to stress, or even a deficiency in a vitamin like folic acid or B12, both of which are important to their function.
Finally, a very red tongue accompanied by a sore throat is often a sign of an infection like strep throat or even scarlet fever. Both conditions can be treated easily with antibiotics and so once again, the faster you make a doctor's appointment, the sooner you'll feel better.
3. Things are Bumpy
Often bumps on the tongue are a temporary condition caused by a certain foodstuff you've recently consumed, especially things that are hot, both in terms of temperature and/or spice level. These will usually go away by themselves rather quickly.
Other causes of tongue bumps can include canker sores and herpes (cold sores), both of which will eventually go away on their own but can be treated to speed healing and ease discomfort. And in some cases, if you bite your tongue repeatedly (and some do, out of habit) a bump may actually be a fibroma and that should be looked at by your dentist, as in some cases they will need to be removed.
4. Ridges or Indentations
No tongue is perfectly smooth, and so in some cases ridges or indentations in your tongue are simply down to genetics. They may also be a sign that you have a fissured tongue, a long crack down the middle of the tongue that again, most people are just born with. It is something you should be aware of though, as it's easy for food to get stuck in that crack and cause bad breath and help the growth of potentially damaging to your teeth bacteria. Brushing your tongue will help, as will a chat with your dentist about the issue.
5. Swelling
A swollen tongue can be very temporary, a reaction to a cup of coffee that was a bit too hot, or accidentally biting your tongue instead of your food. This swelling is mild and will go away on its own, although sucking on an ice cube can help speed things up.
Sudden, more serious swelling however can be a sign that you allergic to something you just ate or drank. This can impair your breathing, something that is obviously dangerous, so medical attention should be sought right away.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
Your tongue is often trying to tell you something, so take notice! The health of your tongue is also important to your overall oral health. The best you can do to for your tongue is eat well and brush it daily!
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The Real Truth About Kid's Teeth vs Sugary Drinks
Is giving in and allowing your kid the occasional Pepsi really so bad? The real truth behind the kids and sugary drinks issue is a lot more complicated than that though...
From A Dentist's Perspective
Sugary drinks have, as we're sure you've noticed, been getting a particularly bad rap recently. Not just the obvious ones like cola though, but also soft drinks with high sugar content that is less apparent, like some of those flavoured 'energy' drinks and water beverages that are trendy right now.
The reasons that sugary drinks are under fire are many; they are, in many cases, packed with calories that can contribute to the increasing obesity problem in adults and kids that is plaguing Australia (and the rest of the world), that obesity can lead to type II diabetes in the same populations, and, of most concern to us, tooth decay.
But is giving in and allowing your kid the occasional Pepsi really so bad? Especially if you have them drink the diet stuff? After all, they're only kids and they can always brush their teeth, right? The real truth behind the kids and sugary drinks issue is a lot more complicated than that though.
'Rethink Your Drink'. The much discussed and shared visual of how much sugary really is in our drinks.
What Soft Drinks are 'Bad Soft Drinks' Anyway?
OK. We can establish that a can of 'full strength' Coke a day - with its 161 calories and 10 teaspoons of sugar per 375mL can - is not a good habit to get into, even for a lively child who'll burn off those extra few calories by running around being a kid with ease. But colas and other similar fizzy drinks are not the only baddies here.
Take diet versions of colas. No, there are no calories in them, and no 'real' sugar, but they are highly acidic, even more so than their regular counterparts - real Coke has a pH of 2.53 versus diet's 2.45 - which is a terrible thing for the teeth. And those high levels of acid are even found in some of the fruit juices we often consider to be the best soft drinks to give to our kids.
This acid can cause a specific type of tooth decay; acid erosion. Dr Amrin from the Emergency Dentist Sydney says, "We have noted an increase over the past 16 months in the number of children we see who have the beginnings of tooth erosion. Unfortunately this type of erosion is unnatural and irreversible as it is not a result of bacteria and effects the structure of the tooth."
And the leading cause of it? Sugary and/or high acid content soft drinks. You see, if you were to encourage your child to only eat their three meals a day, with no sugary snacks or drinks in between, decay and erosion causing bacteria only have three opportunities to damage teeth. However, sugary drinks and snacks extend the time the bacteria are producing acid, and even the natural damage fighting power of saliva is diminished.
During the hours between tooth brushings, damage will be done. Dr Amrin advises, "Even children with the most health conscious and diligent parents will encounter foods and drinks with extremely high sugar content. Best practice is to brush immediately after consumption."
The Worst of a Bad Lot
Wondering which products should be put onto the 'worst' list? According to a report from the Australian Dental Association, which involved the results of testing on 35 different popular soft drink options found in most supermarkets, the following were the biggest risks to the health of teeth
Pepsi
Coca Cola
Diet Coke
Pepsi Max
V Energy Drink
Fruit cordials like Golden Circle Pineapple Crush
Fruit drinks like Pop Tops Apple Blackcurrant Drink
Heavy fruit juices, as the acid they contain is particularly resistant to the effects of saliva.
Of course, any parent will rightly ask what they are supposed to offer to their picky child in place of these admittedly pretty yummy drinks. If the warnings aren't enough just remember, "loss of tooth enamel in children can be extremely painful," says Dr Amrin.
"Treatment for tooth decay in children is often traumatic. Multiple courses of antibiotics are often required and teeth may need to be pulled," he says. "For a child having teeth taken out, it's a very scary experience for them and it can often result in the need for a general anaesthetic. Not to mention the knock-on effects socially and long-term effects of growth."
Milk is a good choice, as is water that has been 'infused' with real fruit, by steeping pieces of fresh fruit in a pitcher full of water.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
Most of the damage to you teeth caused by sugary drinks is done in the first 40 seconds. Even with twice a day brushing sugary drinks can do serious harm to children’s' teeth, so they really are better off without them, and so are their teeth.
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 Great Flossgate Debate
We take a look at the ongoing debate over flossing and if you should still be flossing away each day...
What's The Real Deal?
Dental floss. Chances are that you have some in your bathroom right now. And we wouldn't be too surprised if you've been wondering recently if it still actually belongs there. Over the last year or so dental floss - and the act of flossing at all - has become the subject of some rather heated debate worldwide, after an Associated Press 'investigation' published in 2016 suggested that the oral health benefits of flossing have been overblown. As you might expect, dentists across the globe for the most part disagreed. But what's the real story?
A Brief History of Dental Floss
If we are going to talk about dental floss and its real role in oral health it helps to know a bit about how it ever came to be in the first place. Although there is some evidence that even cave dwellers used rudimentary toothpicks, the concept of dental floss did not appear until the early 19th century courtesy of a scholarly dentist practicing in New Orleans in the US.
Levi Spear Parmly was not exactly your average dentist. He was a rather serious man who loved research as much as he did dentistry, becoming a noted author in the field at a relatively young age. It was in 1819 that he first wrote about his practice of making use of waxed silk threads to clean between his patient's teeth. He laid out his rationale for doing so by stating it was "to dislodge that irritating matter which no brush can remove and which is the real source of disease".
Dental floss was not made commercially available however until long after Parmly's death. In 1882 the Codman and Shurtleft company began producing unwaxed silk floss for general sale, but the concept didn't begin to really catch on until the Johnson & Johnson Corporation received a patent for dental floss made from the same silk thread that surgeons used for stitches.
Finally, dental floss as we know it came about during World War II, when a New Orleans doctor, Charles C. Bass, a man who had a great interest in how oral health affected general health, revisited Parmly's original concept of waxing the flossing thread, but he used nylon instead of silk, partially because it was cheaper and easier to work with than silk and partially because of its superior abrasion resistance.
Ask any dental student and they'll tell you that both Parmly and Bass are considered true pioneers in the field of preventative dentistry and that their work still influences the profession today. So, did two brilliant minds, working over half a decade apart, really get it all wrong?
Vintage advertising from Lister, above left and Crest, above right.
Dental Floss and THAT Report
Coming back to the 'Flossgate' debate (yes, people have called it that) of today, most dental educators dentists had similar responses to the AP report. The report, they said, missed the point completely when it comes the benefits of flossing for oral health.
Per many of them the research used as the basis for the piece did indeed show that yes, when flossing is performed incorrectly, there are no health benefits. But why would that come as a surprise to anybody they countered. In addition, the very same studies showed numerous benefits could be associated with flossing with proper technique. So, essentially, the "big" news was no news, simply a reiteration of what dentists had been saying all along, floss regularly and floss the RIGHT WAY and your oral health will be improved.
Let us not forget people who suffer from gum disease and other health problems resulting from less then sufficient oral hygiene habits. Patients with poor oral hygiene habits, poor diet and/or poor lifestyle habits may have early signs of oral disease or infection. Inheritance plays a massive role in periodontitis as well with genetics being a contributing factor in the onset of the disease.
Incorrect brushing techniques, regular smoking or a diet high in sugar may result in gum disease, which can be irreversible once the disease advances to periodontal disease. This may be even moreso for patients gentically predisposed to gum disease. For patients engaging in habits that lead to gum disease, they are often unaware of the physical signs and symptoms. For these patients regular flossing is imperative.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
Not everyone bought the arguments against the report and for some, the debate over flossing is still going on. However we side with majority of our peers and recommend regular flossing. Think you might need some help with your flossing technique? Make an appointment for a checkup (you know it's time anyway) and we'll be happy to give you a lesson.
Dentists Surprising Role in Treating Eating Disorders
Here are the facts...
Here Are The Facts
When most of us think about eating we associate it primarily with sustenance and pleasure. However, for a growing number of Australians, many of whom are young, the act of eating anything is a real trial, as they are one the increasing number of people suffering from an eating disorder. And, believe it or not, it is often their dentist who notices the problem first.
Eating Disorder Basic Facts
According to The National Eating Disorders Collaboration, Australia is in this case right in line with the rest of the developed world, in that that the incidence of eating disorders and body image issues has increased significantly over the last 30 years.
The NEDC estimates that approximately 9% of the Australian population currently suffers from an eating disorder and that figure is increasing, with eating disorders now being the 12th leading cause of mental health hospitalisation in Australia. And perhaps most worrying of all is the fact that up to 1 in 5 of the afflicted will die prematurely.
As we mentioned before, the problem is especially worrying among younger people. In a survey conducted by the NEDC 84.3% of the 15-25 year olds interviewed said that they personally knew of a peer that they believed suffered from an eating disorder and 62% said they knew of five or more.
How Dentists are Helping Those at Risk
No matter what kind of eating disorder a person is suffering from it is the norm that they are very secretive about both the problem and the behaviours it causes. It is very rare for them to voluntarily seek help alone, it usually takes the input of a concerned third party to persuade them to even begin to begin addressing their problem.
For the family GP, an eating disorder can be hard to spot, especially in a teenager or young twenty-something during a routine exam. The patient is not going to bring the issue up and fluctuations in weight are often considered fairly normal at this age. And as many young people are considered generally healthy they may not even visit the doctor anyway.
They probably do still visit the dentist though, at least once every six months, which is why it is becoming common that it is their dentist who notices a problem first.
The Toll of Eating Disorders on Oral Health
Eating disorders can - and do - take a real toll on the body, but much of this is not easily visible. Not everyone suffering is very obviously painfully thin and will often hide it even if they are with the way they dress. One place where symptoms and signs are more obvious however is the mouth, as eating disorders affect oral health in several significant ways.
One big reason for this is the vomiting that is characteristic of eating disorders. Stomach acid is potent stuff, so the teeth of a person vomits on a very regular basis are often discoloured, or even almost translucent and may appear to be 'wearing away'. They may suffer from very bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, continually chapped lips and more, all of which a routine dental exam will reveal.
If a dentist does suspect an eating disorder problem they are in a great position to gently suggest that the patient begin seeking the right help. They can also help make sure that the damage to the teeth is minimised. As eating disorders are closely tied to image and self-esteem issues it can be very comforting for a recovering person to realise that they may not have damaged their teeth permanently and that like the rest of the body, they can be 'nursed' back to health with the right treatments.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
Eating disorders are a serious issue but something that can be very hard to deal with. Parents who suspect their child may have a problem should consider scheduling them a dentist's appointment, as they should be able to spot the warning signs and help get the patient onto the treatment path they need to be on.
Give Bad Breath The Boot
There are a number of reasons why a person may suffer from bad breath. These are the most common causes...
5 Easy, Effective Ways to Combat a Bad Breath Problem
Bad breath. People who suffer from it are normally either unaware of the fact or truly embarrassed about it. They often wonder just what they should be doing about it, as strong chewing gums and breath sprays only seem to go so far. The good news is though that most cases of halitosis - that's the scientific name for bad breath - can be addressed pretty easily.
What Causes Bad Breath?
There are a number of reasons why a person may suffer from bad breath. The most common include:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Persistent dry mouth
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Smoking
- The consumption of pungent foods (garlic etc.)
- Some medical conditions, including diabetes and acid reflux
In the case of the last item on that list it may be that the person has the best oral hygiene in the world but their health prevents them from having really fresh breath. In these cases a combination of a GP and a dentist's advice and care is called for to address a halitosis, problem. For many people though the issue can be solved with a change of habits and a little more awareness of the fact that the problem exists.
Here are usually very effective ways to combat bad breath:
- Improve Your Dental Hygiene.
Not only do people need to stick to the oft given advice that they brush at least twice a day with a good toothpaste they also need to address two other causes of bad breath due to poor dental hygiene; bacteria and food remnants stuck in the teeth.
It's not that hard to get food stuck in your teeth, but if it's allowed to remain there it will usually begin to rot (sounds horrible but it's true) and smell. Flossing on a daily basis (at least) will help remove stray food particles and bacteria can be addressed with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Brushing your tongue, as strange as that may sound, will help as well.
- Stay Hydrated.
Dry mouth is another 'leading cause' of bad breath that can be fairly easily addressed. Many people don't realise that they are not drinking enough during the day but it's an easy fix. Get into the habit of sipping from a bottle of water throughout the day and try to consume the equivalent of two litres of water a day.
- Brush After You Eat Stinky Foods.
We could just say stop eating 'stinky' foods to avoid bad breath but, to be fair, there are a lot of great - and even great for you - foods that fall into that category.
A better idea then is to make sure you brush after consuming pungent foods, even when you are away from home. A travel toothbrush and paste isn't hard to fit into a handbag or pocket and these days you can even buy pre-pasted travel brushes relatively inexpensively that are even more convenient.
- Gum Can Be Your Friend.
Chewing gum can be a good way to remove stubborn food particles, keep dry mouth at bay and freshen breath, so yes, the adverts are right, it is always a good idea to keep a pack in your pocket.
- Don't Smoke.
We know, that's easier said than done. If you do still smoke these days despite all of the outside pressure to quit - and there's a lot - chances are you've been struggling to do so. In this case there's no shame in asking your GP or dentist to suggest ways to help, and they'll usually be quite happy to do so.
- Schedule Regular Checkups With Your Dentist.
Some underlying causes of bad breath, like tooth decay and gum disease - really need to be treated by a dentist. By making sure you stick to a regular check up schedule your dentist ill be able to spot - and treat - such problems and then help you tailor your dental hygiene plan to help prevent them from reoccurring.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
Bad breath is no laughing matter, it can really impact your life, especially your social life. In many cases though it's a problem that can be- with the help of your dentist - solved pretty easily.
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.
Hot New Trend: Braces for Adults
The waning of a stereotype as more and more adults embrace teeth straightening treatments...
The Waning of A Stereotype
Not so long ago, for a teenager, hearing a dentist say that they needed braces seemed like the end of the world. Never mind that the end result would be straighter teeth and a better smile. In the short term that meant risking being called 'brace face' - or worse - every time they opened their mouth, delaying dating because they were afraid of ripping someone's lip with their metal brace when kissing, the actual mouth full of metal and more.
The 21st Century Attitude to Braces
Things have certainly changed when it comes to braces over the last decade or so. Improvements in orthodontics mean that braces are now far more discreet, smaller, easier to live with and in many cases even get the job done - the job of straightening teeth that is - faster.
Something else that has changed is most kids' attitude to getting braces. In the age of even seven seconds selfies a beautiful smile is possibly more desirable than ever before, so according to some dentists they actually have to upset younger kids coming into their surgeries by telling them they are not quite old enough for braces yet!
Am I Too Old for Braces?
All of this has left many grown ups, grown ups who fought Mum and Dad tooth and nail back in the day and did not get braces when they were a kid, wishing that they could get them now. They'd like to smile in selfies too. They know that a healthier looking - and actually healthier - straighter smile would be a lovely self confidence booster for starters. But it's all too late now...isn't it?
The simple answer is that no, it's not. People in their 20s and 30s are getting braces. People in their 40s and 50s - including a gent called Tom Cruise - are getting them. There are even a few OAPs who have given braces a shot.
What Will People Think?
While more and more adults are getting braces these days it's still something people are afraid might raise a few eyebrows. And be a pain in the you know what to boot when it comes to actually living with tooth correction devices.
In response to those concerns what can we say? Well, today's braces are far less noticeable than ever before, so most strangers will probably never even notice. They are also easier to wear, easier to remove and easier to clean. You don't even need to see the dentist for check ups anywhere near as often as in the past. And as to what people think? Even if they do notice the braces and snicker a bit who cares? You'll be the one with the big (beautiful) cheesy grin in a few months and then all they'll be is jealous!
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
Modern braces are better than ever and so are the end results, so don't let age get between you and a straighter, healthier smile.
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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