What To Do When You Have Gingivitis

Prevent the Next Stages of Gum Disease

We only get one set of permanent teeth, so it is important to take good care of them. Having good oral health means you are taking care of your overall health. Unfortunately, this is not the case for some people. Without daily brushing and flossing, the bacteria that forms on our teeth builds up and causes an inflammation of the gums. This is called gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Here is a brief guide on what you need to know about gingivitis, so you don’t progress to the next stages that can cause infected bone and tooth loss.

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There Are Three Stages of Gum Disease:

1.     Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease where the plaque build-up causes an inflammation of the gums. Your gums will be red and swollen and may bleed while brushing and flossing. Good news is that gingivitis can be reversed at this stage as it is still early and the bone that supports your teeth are not yet affected.

2.     Periodontitis: This stage of gum disease is irreversible. The supporting bone that holds your teeth are affected to the point where your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line, trapping food and plaque.

3.     Advanced Periodontitis: In this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen.

Gingivitis Symptoms

As mentioned above, your gums will become red and inflamed and will probably bleed during brushing. The area will be sore or tender and may actually recede (pull away from the teeth). It can also cause gaps to form between the teeth and the gums, which can collect food as well as plaque. As well as these less obvious problems, people with gingivitis often suffer from bad breath, even if the condition isn’t very advanced.

Treating Gingivitis

Gingivitis can be treated easily and simply only if it’s caught early. Your dentist will perform a deep clean to remove the hardened plaque. If your gingivitis is left untreated, it will worsen and progress to the next stage, Periodontitis. If the problem gets to this stage you will probably lose some of your teeth and cause permanent damage to your gums, teeth and other tissues in the mouth. That’s why it’s so essential that you make regular visits to your dentist to treat any problems as soon as they appear.

How to Avoid Gingivitis

To avoid gingivitis you need to see your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning. Your dentist will remove any plaque buildup and let you know of any problems before they become serious. Other than that, you have to make sure you maintain good oral hygiene, which means twice daily brushing, flossing, eating well, and avoiding substances that can cause damage such as smoking. If you make these habits a priority, you will enjoy good oral health throughout your life.

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up and you are experiencing red and swollen gums, visit a dentist as soon as possible. It may be gingivitis and you won’t want it to progress to the next stage.

Don't Ignore Your Dental Health

Your Teeth and Gums are Important

What most people don’t know is that it is dangerous to ignore your oral health because it actually impacts your overall health. There could be a number of reasons why people ignore their dental health, such as fear of visiting the dentist or being too lazy to regularly brush your teeth. Poor dental care can lead to a number of big problems such as infection, tooth loss, and pain. We want to let you know the importance of treating your teeth and gums so that you don’t come across these big problems.

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Signs of Poor Dental Care

When your dental health is being neglected, it will show in a number of ways including:

• Bad breath

• Receding gums

• Stained or rotten teeth

• Loose or broken teeth

• Avoiding the dentist

• Not brushing and flossing regularly

If left ignored and untreated, these conditions will eventually lead to bigger problems affecting your overall health.

The Dangers of Poor Dental Care

Neglecting your dental health can lead to more than rotten teeth and bad breath. If teeth aren’t thoroughly cleaned and checked regularly they can get infected. This can lead to pain and inflammation, and even to tooth loss. The infection from your mouth can even get into the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body, including the heart. In cases like this, the consequences can be very serious. You may only suffer from sore gums and sensitive teeth at first, but over time a lack of dental hygiene can negatively affect your entire system and overall health. It is vital to visit your dentist before it gets to this stage.

What You Can Do

If you’ve been neglecting your dental health for whatever reason it’s important that you take measures to ensure it doesn’t get worse. See your dentist as soon as you can and establish good hygiene habits. This means brushing twice a day and flossing.

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

Taking care of your teeth and gums should be your top priority. Don’t ignore your dental health and you will have a smile you’re proud to show off.

The Truth About Tooth Enamel

Tooth Enamel Facts You Need to Know

Tooth enamel is the hard, outer layer covering each tooth. It is the hardest substance in the human body and protects the sensitive inner layers from the discomfort of foods and drinks that are really hot and cold. You are also probably familiar with its vital role in protecting our teeth from damage and decay. What other tooth enamel facts do you know? Check out these common tooth enamel facts and tips below.

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1. The Difference Between Abrasion and Erosion

There are two types of tooth enamel damage. Abrasion occurs when something brushes against your teeth, for example, using a hard-bristled toothbrush or scraping your teeth with a hard object. Erosion is caused by certain foods and drinks that are sugary and acidic. These foods and drinks are most damaging because when they interact with the bacteria in your mouth, lactic acid is produced, and this is something that can lead to the start of a cavity. When your teeth are eroding, you will notice that your teeth are becoming sensitive and are appearing slightly yellow.

2. Tooth Enamel Doesn't Come Back

Once your tooth enamel has eroded, it will not regrow. Enamel is made from minerals so it does not contain any living cells, making it impossible for it to repair itself. However, there are ways you can prevent this from happening and ways to treat the damage. Dental bonding can be used, or crowns can be applied but your dentist will be able to recommend you the right treatment option for you. In terms of prevention methods, you can start by eliminating certain foods and drinks out of your diet. When you have that craving for your favourite soda, use a straw. Another great tip is to gently rinse your mouth with water after eating because if you brush your teeth too soon after eating acidic food, that can actually make it worse. You can also start chewing sugarless gum. 

3. Don't Neglect the Damage

Ignoring the damage or avoiding the dentist will not only cause more pain to your eroded teeth but will make treatments more expensive. As your teeth enamel erodes, your teeth will become overly sensitive as it will expose the inner sensitive layer underneath called ‘dentin’. Because your teeth won’t have the protection it needs from enamel, they will be susceptible to decay quickly. Your teeth will also be stained, giving your teeth a yellow appearance. Always make sure to have 6 monthly check ups so your dentist knows the state of your teeth. 

Enamel is so important for our teeth and we need to take care and protect them as they protect us. It is vital to follow some of the tips mentioned above to prevent your enamel from eroding. It may sound difficult to give up your favourite sugary snacks and soft drinks, but the damage is way worse. If you do consume sugary and acidic foods and drinks, always remember to maintain good oral hygiene.

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

Protect your enamel and your overall dental health by practicing good oral hygiene habits like twice daily brushing and flossing. And don’t forget to visit your dentist every 6 months!

Sci-Fi Nano Tech Becomes Real

The Challenge of Oral Surgery

Over the years, patients who have issues with their dentition that particularly requires surgery have been on the rise, yet, people no longer want to get their oral cavity operated. This is not particularly their fault as the operation of the oral cavity can be quite challenging and painful.

In the recent record by American Association of Orthodontists, it has been recorded that over 5 million people come to visit the Orthodontist each year in the U.S. They all come with varying degrees of abnormal tooth arrangement. Most of them end up requiring surgery before getting to fix them up with braces. Surgeries are performed in order to cut the collagen fibres under the gum, so as to be able to enable the quick and easy alignment of the tooth when the braces are fixed on them. Many people however shy away from this procedure and decide to remain in their state because of the painful process involved.

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The Solution

As the quest to seek for a solution to reduce the pain and discomfort became paramount, scientists have evolved in getting drugs delivered to a particular location using the knowledge of nanotechnology. Liposomes, which are empty nanoscale vesicles can now be used to target therapeutics to specific locations. Collagenase enzymes have been found out to be capable of remodelling the fibres connecting tooth to bone and so transporting this enzyme to the targeted tooth with the aid of the Liposomes helps to reduce the stress of having to use a scalpel.

This procedure, however, have been found out to be very challenging because it’s very difficult to deliver the enzyme, using the Liposomes. In a bid to resolve this, Avi Schroeder and his colleagues have been able to develop a specialised nanotechnology, capable to delivering the work precisely with less discomfort. They have been able to develop liposomal nanoparticles containing Collagenase. They performed the experiment on rats and the result indicated that it was far better than the other earlier methods used. The calcium naturally found in the mouth activated the Collagenase as they diffused out of the particle and this weakened the collagen fibres and thus made it easier to shift the tooth while using braces.

Also, from their result, they observed that the rats they performed this experiment on recovered faster by getting bigger, earlier than the other rats. This indicated that they had lesser discomfort and they were less pained. This is really a breakthrough to the body of science, to orthodontists and a good news to patients requiring the services of an orthodontists.

We Have the Solution!

We are happy to announce to you that Emergency Dentist Sydney has been able to speedily adapt to the use of this method in carrying out surgeries. We successfully operate countless dental cases each year and having this technology at hand now helps us to operate faster and most especially gives our customers more comfort and less pain. As customer satisfaction is our main aim, we carefully mastered the art of the right application of this technology and are actively using already. 

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

You have no reason to panic anymore, book an appointment and enjoy the best!

Dental Hypersensitivity

Why Are My Teeth so Sensitive?

Dental Hypersensitivity is a common problem for a lot of people aged between 20 and 50. Have you ever had a hot or cold drink and as soon as you started drinking, felt a sharp pain on your tooth/teeth? Does it also happen when you eat or drink something sweet or acidic? You are experiencing this kind of pain because you have hypersensitive teeth. Here are the top two reasons why you may have dental hypersensitivity.

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What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

• Gum Recession

The most highest leading cause of tooth sensitivity is gum recession and there are many reasons why you can have receding gums. It can be a result of aggressive tooth brushing, using a hard toothbrush, gum disease, a very acidic diet and even ageing.

Each tooth has a layer of enamel and the root of each tooth has a soft layer called cementum. When the cementum wears off because of gum recession, the underlying dentin layer (the layer that surrounds the nerve) is exposed. The dentin contains thousands of channels that run from the surface of the tooth to the central nerve and when these channels are stimulated by certain foods or drinks, it travels to the nerves inside the tooth causing a sharp sensation.

• Enamel Wear

Enamel, which is the layer on the surface of your teeth, is actually the hardest substance in the human body. However, it can still wear away over time, slowly exposing the underlying dentin layer which leads to dental hypersensitivity. There are a few causes of enamel wear such as: bruxism (teeth grinding), aggressive and improper brushing, using abrasive tooth pastes, or having too much acidic foods and drinks. A chipped or cracked tooth can also expose the dentin, which is why it is extremely important to visit the dentist when this happens

How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

You can do a number of things at home to prevent painful tooth sensitivity.

• Maintain good oral hygiene – brushing correctly

• Use a soft bristle tooth brush

• Using a non abrasive tooth paste or one that reduces sensitivity

• Avoid acidic foods and drinks

More importantly, it is best to have regular dental visits because your dentist can detect early signs of enamel wear. Your dentist can also teach you proper brushing techniques and let you know which tooth pastes to use, as well as provide other prevention methods

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

Dental hypersensitivity should not be ignored no matter how short or low the pain is. Ignoring your sensitive teeth can lead to other oral health problems so make sure to have regular dental check ups with your dentist.

I Have an Abscess

So You Have an Abscess. What Does That Mean?

Your mouth is a sensitive and delicate area which is why there are so many things that can go wrong if poorly treated. Dental hygiene is vitally important as well as visiting your dentist regularly. One very major mouth problem is abscesses. If your mouth or jaw is aching and there is swelling and pain, you may have an abscessed tooth. Here is a guide on everything you need to know about abscesses.

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What is an Abscess?

An abscessed tooth is an infection within a tooth. It is a pocket of pus that forms at different regions of the tooth and for different reasons. A gingival abscess (gum abscess) occurs on the surface of the tissue at the gum line of the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to a periodontal abscess which the abscess on the tissue of the gum line drives deeper into the gum pockets. A periapical abscess commences in the soft pulp of the tooth, which later on will travel down to the nerves of the tooth.

Wherever the location of your abscess, it will become inflamed and can swell severely, obstructing your ability to chew or swallow properly. The abscess will keep growing and causing more pain so it is important to visit your dentist as soon as these symptoms occur.

Other symptoms of an abscess usually include:

• A reddened area around the site

• A bad taste in your mouth

• Swollen face

• Sensitive teeth to hot or cold food and drinks

• Swollen glands in the neck

• A pea-sized bump inside the mouth

As your condition advances, you may experience other symptoms such as a fever, vomiting, chills or nausea.

Where Do They Come From?

An abscess usually occurs because of poor dental health. Your mouth naturally contains bacteria but when your teeth are not regularly cleaned well, plaque will form on your teeth and gums, resulting in infections and decay. Other possible causes include:

• Gum disease (gingivitis)

• Dental injury (cracked tooth)

• A poor diet

• Some medications

• Neglecting small wounds in the mouth or surgical sites from previous dental visits.

How Can They Be Treated?

If you have an abscess, you need to visit your dentist immediately. This is especially important if you feel sick or have any other symptoms of an advanced infection. The treatment depends on the seriousness of your condition but usually your dentist will drain the site to get rid of the pus and give you painkillers and antibiotics to combat the infection. A root canal treatment can also be carried out. A tooth extraction only happens if it is a severe infection of the tooth that cannot be saved.

If your abscess ruptures at home, before you can get to the dentist, rinse with warm water to help clear out all the pus and see your dentist as soon as possible.

Why You Shouldn't Delay Treatment

Waiting for the pain to subside or delaying treatment is the last thing you want to do. The pain may stop but that doesn’t stop the infection. The infection will continue to spread, leading to bigger problems. Early treatment can cure the infection and save the tooth.

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

If you suspect an abscessed tooth, it is crucial to visit a dentist as soon as possible, even if you are not in any more pain.

Bleeding or Tender Gums

What You Should Expect

Are you noticing a bit of blood on your toothbrush and in your sink after you brush your teeth? Are your gums red and tender? If this is the case, you may have gingivitis as its most common symptom is bleeding gums. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and luckily, it is reversible at this stage so there is no need to panic. However, please do not ignore it, you will need to take prompt action in order to prevent it from worsening.

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Gingivitis

Gingivitis happens when the plaque and bacteria on your gum line is not removed properly, in other words, poor dental hygiene. Without regular and proper brushing and flossing, the healthy tissue around the teeth become weak and the buildup of plaque causes the gums to become inflamed and irritated. If you practice daily brushing and flossing, your gums will return to its healthy state. However, if you ignore your oral care, the plaque will harden, worsening gingivitis and over time, will lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is the infection of the gums and will even damage the jawbone. It may cause your teeth to loosen or fall out.  

What Should You Do?

As soon as you notice bleeding of the gums, here are some tips to change up your oral care before you visit the dentist.

• Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day.

• Use a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. A soft toothbrush is good for your delicate gums and an electric toothbrush will help you reach the gum line easily.

• Maintain a healthy diet consisting of low sugar and high nutrients. Eat sweets and sugary snacks in moderation.

• Some medications like aspirin can increase the chance of your gums bleeding as it thins the blood so speak to your doctor about this side effect.

If you have changed your dental habits and you are eating a healthy diet but your gums are still bleeding, book an appointment with your dentist.

Visiting Your Dentist

Your dentist will evaluate your condition and let you know what the next steps are. You will be advised to visit every six months for a cleaning. Your dentist will also teach you how to brush your teeth properly to stop bleeding gums from happening again.

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

Bleeding gums can be a surprise but it can be prevented straight away. Don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist about ways to fix your oral care habits. Our dentists are here to help and with proper treatment, you will soon enjoy healthy gums.

Loose Teeth

What to Expect from a Visit to an Emergency Dentist

When you are a little kid a loose tooth is actually kind of fun. The adults think it's cute -  there are probably at least one or two shots in the family album of a younger you wiggling a loose tooth for the camera - and as a kid, you know that when the tooth falls out it's time for the Tooth Fairy to pay up. And what child wouldn't look forward to that little windfall?

When you are an adult, however, and have the set of teeth that are now supposed to last for the rest of your life, it is no longer a laughing matter when a tooth is loose. It's not funny or sweet and, as far as we know, the Tooth Fairy isn't a big fan of grown-ups. Instead, a loose tooth in an adult is a cause for concern and often, for the person the tooth belongs to, a bit of a cause for panic.

The first thing we can say, as emergency dentists, is DON'T PANIC. There are many reasons why an adult might have a loose tooth, but with the right, prompt dental care there is a very good chance that the tooth can be saved.

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What Causes Loose Teeth in Adults?

There can be all kinds of reasons why a tooth 'comes loose' in an adult's mouth but some of the most common include:

• An accident in which the tooth has been hit or damaged

• Gum disease surrounding the tooth which has loosened it over time

• Decay that has become advanced enough to destabilise the tooth

• Other factors, such as grinding your teeth in your sleep.

What Should You do if You Have a Loose Tooth?

• See Your Dentist as Soon as Possible

This really should be something of a 'no-brainer' but many people actually avoid calling the dentist when they have a loose tooth because they are sure that it's a sign that they are going to need extensive dental work and sometimes the fear of that almost outweighs the fear of losing the tooth.

However, that may not be the case and by delaying dental treatment you could be throwing away any chance that the tooth can be saved. And even if it cannot a dentist can help ensure that the area surrounding the tooth is kept clean and free of infection and that the right ongoing treatments to deal with the situation are then planned. So, the basic advice here? Make that call as soon as you can.
 

• Don't Play With it

While you wait to see a dentist resist the temptation to 'play' with the loose tooth. Don't wiggle it, don't pick and it and certainly never attempt to pull it yourself, even if it feels 'really loose'. As an adult doing so increases the risk of both infection and excessive bleeding and neither of those things could ever be described as fun (and could have serious implication for both your oral health and your general health overall)
 

• Eat Soft Foods

If you are not heading to the dentist right away, you don't have to starve yourself while you wait but you should be careful. Avoid hard or sticky foods and keep that loose tooth as clean as possible but do so carefully. The best plan of action? Stick to soft foods and clean all off your teeth gently, being especially careful with the one that is loose. 
 

What Will a Dentist do for Your Loose Tooth?

As you will discover when you get to their office your dentist will have a number of options for treating your loose tooth, and which one they choose will depend upon the unique situation at hand. However, some of the most common treatments include: 

• Tooth Splinting - This is a procedure in which the loose tooth is bonded to the teeth surrounding it to give it a chance to stabilise and re-implant firmly
   

• Gum Treatments - Gum disease often leads to the gum 'losing its grip’ on a tooth, making it feel very loose. Treating the gum, with deep cleaning and other techniques can often begin healing the damaged gum tissue and, as the healing process proceeds the newly healthy gum will tighten around the loose tooth, securing it where it should be once more.
   

• Extraction - Sometimes a loose tooth can't be saved. After it has been safely extracted and the socket and gum area has been thoroughly cleaned and treated discussions can begin between dentist and patient about preparing for an implant to be placed to replace it.

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

A loose tooth is concerning but should not be a cause for undue panic. Seeing a dentist as soon as possible can significantly increase the chances that the tooth can be saved while also helping to ensure the health of all your other teeth as well.

Smokers vs. The Dentist

The Tough Truth

There's been a lot of good news about smoking in Australia recently. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the number of smokers in the country has decreased by nearly 10% over the last two decades. Back in 1994 one in four Aussie adults smoked. By 2015 that had been cut to one in seven, and the numbers are still dropping.

However, that's still plenty of people lighting up on a regular basis. Do most of those people probably want to quit? More than likely. But it's tough, we know that. Lots of folks have to try, try and try again before they finally manage to kick the habit for good, so if you're struggling, you're not alone.

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The one thing we do know as dentists is that whether they are actively trying to stop smoking or not, lots of smokers avoid coming to see us. And even if they do, they are often embarrassed, because they know that the lingering 'smoker's breath' and the discolouration years of nicotine causes on the teeth isn't attractive at all. 
 

There are however, even bigger oral health concerns that smokers should be aware of. Smokers are at an increased risk for all of the following:

• A dulled sense of taste and smell, even if they don’t know it. Often, when a person stops smoking it's the first time they realise all of the wonderful taste experiences and everyday scents they've been missing!

• Slow healing after a tooth extraction or other dental surgery. This can seriously impact the effectiveness of what can be rather helpful and sometimes even transformative oral health treatments.

• Gum disease. Gum disease is nasty stuff. It does not just affect smokers of course but it does tend to be a little worse, and harder to treat effectively, if the patient being treated smokes. 

• Oral cancer. This is obviously the biggie. Not to be overly heavy but smoking seriously increases the risk that you will develop some form of oral cancer.
   

By the way, we should point out that it is not just cigarette smokers who are at an increased risk for these oral health problems. Cigar smoking and tobacco chewing can be just as bad. And the bad news for vapers is that an increasing number of dental case studies and research projects are finding that vaping can potentially be as bad for your oral health as smoking regular cigarettes.

The one thing you should not do as you try to kick your habit though? Avoid seeing the dentist on a regular basis. Dentists, although yes, we will try and encourage you to stop smoking/vaping are not overly judgmental people. We get that it's hard and what we'd like to do is to address any damage you've already suffered to your oral health as a smoker while helping you learn to minimise future problems.

If you are still smoking, try all of the following, starting today:

• Cut down as far as you are able. Every little step counts!

• Pay particular attention to brushing your teeth at least twice a day

• Try making use of a smoker's toothpaste (but make sure it's one that contains fluoride too)

• Keep trying to quit. It really is better for your oral health, your overall health and even all the people around you.

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

Smoking is not good for your health, including your oral health. But it should not be a reason to skip dental treatment. Sticking to your regular checkup schedule - and seeking help right away if you experience tooth pain - can help minimize the damage smoking does to your teeth and gums.

Recognising the Connection Between Nutrition and Health

The Dental Diet

Weston A. Price D.D.S died over 70 years ago, but he remains a legend in the worldwide dental community. Although mild-mannered and almost nerdy looking in the photos that remain of the Cleveland, Ohio, USA native Dr. Price is regarded by many as the “Isaac Newton of Nutrition" and one of the pioneers of modern dentistry.

Price spent most of his working life seeking to solve the puzzle behind a question that had haunted him since dental training school; what were the "factors responsible for fine teeth among the people who had them?" After decades of travel to the four corners of the world and the endless study of all kinds of people (and their teeth) Price concluded that nutritional deficiencies had a far bigger part to play in poor dental health and even in dental deformities (crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, cavities) than had ever been thought before.

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Fast forward to the 21st century and one Australian dentist has revisited these older theories and added some of his own, resulting in the publication of a new book, The Dental Diet. 

Dr. Steven Lin, who trained in dentistry at the University of Sydney but also had a previous background in biomedical sciences, first became interested in Price's theories on the connection between nutrition and dental health several years ago but was skeptical of them at first as they did not quite match what he had been taught in dental school.

Delving further into them, he found himself beginning to agree. He now practices as a preventative dental health consultant, espousing his belief to the masses both via his practice and his book.

One of the biggest reasons that Lin changed his mind was the fact that he, to a certain degree, experimented on himself. Believing he consumed too much sugar (despite telling his own patients to cut down) he cut it out altogether. Feeling better he quickly realised that the sugar had seemingly been doing more than just endangering his own teeth.

He surmises that certain nagging health conditions - getting colds and flus several times a year, low energy levels, insomnia and the slow healing of injuries - which he personally experienced an improvement in - could all be chalked up to his excessive sugar consumption.

In his book, Lin argues that all kinds of dental health problems, including crooked and rotten teeth, and inflamed gums may be caused or worsened by poor dietary choices and even basic oral health measures such as twice daily brushing and flossing may not be enough to overcome the damage a poor diet does to the teeth and gums.

Whatever you may think of Dr. Lin's theories one thing is for sure; sugar is terrible for dental health and yes, the poor diet and dental health connection does make sense. Will adopting the kind of diet Lin suggests help prevent visits to the emergency dentist? It certainly can't hurt to try. Combine a better diet - there is a focus on fruits, veggies and vitamins in Lin's book - with good accepted oral health practices and it only makes sense that you - and your teeth and gums - will be at least a little healthier, especially if you can avoid the accepted 'dental demon' that is sugar as often as possible!

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

If you are interested in these theories you can pick up The Dental Diet here. And don't forget, another accepted part of maintaining good oral health are regular dental checkups so if you haven't seen a dentist for a while don't forget that we're here whenever you need us, whether you have an immediate emergency or not.

The Truth about Temporary Fillings

They're just temporary

Temporary fillings seem like such a strange idea. After all, if you have a hole in your tooth, why would your dentist only fit it for a short time?

But this is a simplistic view. Temporary fillings can be a very useful tool if used in the right circumstances. They’re a short term solution that eases the pain of damage and makes it possible for you to go about your life as normal until you can get the proper treatment. If you need to get a temporary filling, here is a quick guide to their use and care.

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What is a temporary filling?

A temporary filling is a filling that has been placed to seal or build up part of a tooth. It is generally made from softer materials and is not intended as a permanent solution.

What is the procedure for a temporary filling?

The procedure for a temporary filling is similar to the procedure for a normal filling except much shorter. There is hardly ever any drilling or teeth shaving required, because the filling is not meant to be there forever, and so it can be done quickly so the patient can go about their day again. There are usually no needles needed for this procedure either.

Why do temporary fillings fall out?

Temporary fillings are temporary treatments for a number of problems. They aren’t meant to last forever. If you get a temporary filling, and don’t go back for the treatment, the filling will fall out sooner or later. Generally speaking, a temporary filling can last anywhere from a couple of days to a few months depending on where it’s located. This is dependent on other factors of course, such as general mouth health, food intake, and whether you ‘play’ with the filling a lot. But, if you’re careful and you go back to your dentist for the proper treatment, your temporary filling should last until the dentist can put something more permanent in there.

How can I care for my temporary filling?

When you have a temporary filling, mostly you need to be careful what you eat. Biting into hard foods such as nuts or seeds can cause the filing to come loose and fall out. If possible, chew on the side away from the filling. Apart from this, you can brush your teeth as normal without dislodging the filling. Just make sure you keep your tongue away from it as well. When temporary fillings fall out, it’s often because the patient is constantly digging at it with their tongue. With this kind of treatment, it’s no wonder they don’t last.

Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

If you need professional and compassionate dental care, come and see us here at Paramount Dental Sydney. We’d be happy to work with you towards the best oral health of your life.

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Need Advice Or Emergency Dental Care In Sydney CBD?

Contact our friendly team

☎️ (02) 9267 8540

🌐 www.emergencydentistsydney.com.au

💌 info@emergencydentistsydney.com.au

🏢 L6, 185 Elizabeth St, SYDNEY NSW 2000⁣

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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.