Dental Emergencies for Children
What to do for your littles ones when toothache or injury strikes
Dental emergencies are stressful enough for adults but can be especially scary for kids. Here we go into detail about the types of emergencies involving children we see at The Emergency Dentist Sydney and what to do to get through it.
What to do for your littles ones when toothache or injury strikes
Dental emergencies are stressful enough for adults but can be especially scary for kids. Here we go into detail about the types of emergencies involving children we see at The Emergency Dentist Sydney and what to do to get through it.
Toothache
A toothache can occur for many reasons from food being stuck, decay or even an abscess, which may look like a little pimple on your child’s gums. Whatever the reason, it is best to get in contact asap so that we can diagnose the cause and relieve their pain. Generally, toothaches don’t get better with time, they get worse.
While waiting to get into the dentist chair you may check the mouth for debris and rinse thoroughly or gently use dental floss. It is not recommended however, to apply ice directly to teeth or gums as the tissue is sensitive and could burn.
Abscess
An abscess is an infection that occurs in the root of the tooth and fills with puss when left untreated. Not only does it cause a lot of pain for your child but can also result in breathing difficulties, pain when eating, fever, sensitivity, toothache, facial and gum swelling.
Chipped or broken teeth
It’s a fact of life that kids are pretty active. Playing sport, running around with friends or chewing on things they shouldn’t, may result in a cracked, chipped or broken tooth. If this does happen, contact us immediately so we can evaluate the damage and provide solutions for fixing it.
Dislodged Fillings
If your child’s filling comes loose or falls out, this should be dealt with and replaced quickly as the inner part of the tooth becomes exposed to severe sensitivity or toothache and even tooth decay as bacteria can enter.
Objects in the mouth
No matter how many times you tell your child not to, from time to time they’re going to put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t. Sometimes these objects or parts of the object can become wedged in their teeth. It’s important not to apply a great deal of pressure in trying to remove lodged objects but just gently try with dental floss – if it’s still not budging, best to get them in to see us so we can remove it whilst minimising any other damaged, like broken teeth.
Most importantly, stay calm during your child’s dental emergency to minimise the fear and stress they’re likely to be experiencing. The team at The Emergency Dentist Sydney are very experienced in this area and will have your little one on the path to recovery and smiling again in no time.
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Dental Emergencies Overseas
Don’t let a toothache ruin your entire trip
Most dental emergencies will cause us to be stressed but, stress levels will be far higher when you experience dental pain overseas. We’ve got some tips to get you through the ordeal so you can get on with the fun of travel.
Don’t let a toothache ruin your entire trip
Most dental emergencies will cause us to be stressed but, stress levels will be far higher when you experience dental pain overseas. We’ve got some tips to get you through the ordeal so you can get on with the fun of travel.
Here at the Emergency Dentist Sydney, we often we have patients come through our doors for followup treatment following a dental emergency they had on holiday.
Travels can be halted following issues like a chipped tooth while dining on a foreign fare to something more serious like dental trauma following a fall.
Unfortunately, we can’t hop on a plane to come a provide treatment but, we do have five tips to get you through the experience as well as what information to get to ensure we can continue treatment if needed.
Buy travel insurance before you leave
Any sort of medical treatment overseas can be very expensive. Purchasing travel insurance that covers dental is a great way of keeping costs down to you can continue putting your hard-earned money towards your holiday.
Don’t freak out
Yes, this is easier said than done but the calmer you stay, the more information you’ll be able to absorb. If language barriers are adding to the stress of the situation, try using translation apps. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as needed to put your mind at ease.
Let us know
Feel free to drop us an email letting us know what’s happened. We may be able to give you some general advice. Your overseas dentist may also benefit from us contacting them to provide them with information on any previous treatment you’ve received.
Try and get a photo of the problem
Obviously, it’s a bit hard to take a photo of a toothache but, for something like a chipped tooth it would be good for us to take a look. If the chipped tooth isn’t causing you too much pain, you may even bypass treatment overseas completely and wait until you’re back home.
Keep any documentation
Don’t throw away any dental reports or x-rays provided. They will assist us in understanding any treatment you were given so we can continue with a treatment plan if it’s required.
Finally, once you’re back, book in for a check-up so that we can take a look and ensure everything is in order.
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Root Canal vs Removing Teeth
Weigh Your Options
When faced with a root canal, removing the tooth instead seems like the easier option but often isn’t ideal.
Weigh Your Options
When faced with a root canal, removing the tooth instead seems like the easier option but often isn’t ideal. Both options for treatment are solutions for teeth that have extensive damage or decay. If your dentist has given you these options, it is important to understand exactly what is involved with each choice.
Root Canal
When the inner layer (the pulp) of a tooth is badly damaged or deteriorated - and even completely dead, a root canal might just be the only way the tooth can be saved.
The tooth is numbed with a local anaesthetic to open it up and expose the tooth canal which is needed to properly inspect and diagnose the issue.
The tooth is then cleaned from the inside out and then filled with a temporary filling which will remain until your follow-up appointment, usually one or two weeks later.
When you come back for your follow up, your tooth will be restored with a permanent crown for further protection. It will feel like a brand new tooth!
A root canal is a common and straightforward procedure that usually results in very little discomfort.
Tooth Extraction
Just like the root canal, tooth removal will begin with a local anesthetic to completely numb the area so you don’t feel any pain when your dentist uses their tools to pull the tooth out. The worst part of this procedure is generally the sounds you hear but it should not hurt!
Bleeding is normal for a tooth extraction, so you may be sent home with gauze to soak anything up. Some pain is also not uncommon so you might want to drop by the chemist on the way home. Discuss this with your dentist though as you might require a prescription.
It can take up to two weeks for the extraction site to fully heal but most will feel better after two or three days. It is very important to follow your dentist’s instructions about aftercare when it comes to spitting, drinking through a straw, eating, and brushing your teeth.
Many people have a misconception that the tooth doesn’t need to be replaced; however, without replacing the tooth, your other teeth can move and shift out of place. So if you’re thinking of going down the path of tooth removal to save costs, it may not always be the cheaper option.
It is always best to take your dentist’s advice and thankfully, regardless of the treatment, The Emergency Dentist Sydney has flexible payment options to suit any budget.
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Bad Habits You Need To Stop
Identifying the habits is the first step towards quitting
We all love a beautiful smile but keeping your smile bright and healthy takes work and there are a few nasty little habits that you need to stop today.
Identifying the habits is the first step towards quitting
We all love a beautiful smile but keeping your smile bright and healthy takes work and there are a few nasty little habits that you need to stop today.
Biting your nails
Probably the most common bad habit, nail-biting can chip your teeth and even have an impact on your jaw. Not to mention the high amounts of germs lurking under fingernails shouldn’t be in your mouth.
Tips to stop:
Bitter-tasting nail polishes that will be sure to turn you off-putting those nails in your mouth.
Other forms of stress relief like a stress ball which also keeps your fingers busy.
Brushing your teeth too hard
A common misconception about brushing your teeth is that the harder you brush, the cleaner the teeth when in fact it can damage your teeth and irritate your gums.
Tips to stop:
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush that alerts you when you’re applying too much pressure.
Grinding or clenching your teeth
Prolonged grinding or clenching can result in jaw paid and weakened teeth that can cause chipping or cracking
Tips to stop:
A night time mouth guard to relieve some pressure
Relaxation exercises
Chewing on ice
Sure, it’s a cooling summer treat but teeth and ice are in battle with each other. Ice will usually break first but, over time the chances of teeth losing the fight gets higher.
Tips to stop:
Try serving your drinks without the ice cubes or sip through a reusable straw to avoid the temptation.
Too much snacking
Snacking is a favourite pastime for many of us but the issue is that often the snacks we choose are high in sugar which puts your teeth at risk of cavities from the bacteria that gets left behind.
Tips to stop:
Choose meals that will fuel you for longer so you don’t feel the need to turn to snacks as often.
Teeth as tools
This is a BAD one. From opening a can with your teeth to ripping a tag off clothing when you can’t find scissors. Any time you choose your teeth over actual tools, you’re at high risk of breaking or chipping your teeth which usually results in the need for a trip to The Emergency Dentist Sydney.
Tips to stop:
Easy…. take the time to actually locate the tool you need. Leave your teeth out of it!
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The Effects of Sugar On Your Teeth
Don’t let the sweetness fool you
Sugar is in an alarmingly high amount of foods and drinks and unless you’re scanning the ingredients of every single thing you consume, sugar is hard to avoid. Knowing the effects sugar has on us, might just make you a bit more vigilant when making your grocery selections.
Don’t let the sweetness fool you
Sugar is in an alarmingly high amount of foods and drinks and unless you’re scanning the ingredients of every single thing you consume, sugar is hard to avoid. Knowing the effects sugar has on us, might just make you a bit more vigilant when making your grocery selections.
What is sugar doing to my teeth?
The bacteria in your mouth that forms plaque absolutely loves sugar! The sugar acts as fuel for the bacteria and saliva present in the mouth and once they all combine it forms plaque which can then dissolve teeth enamel which can eventually lead to cavities.
This constant battle in the mouth means teeth are constantly under attack but these attacks when acids leach minerals from the enamel. Fortunately, this is naturally reversible through remineralisation which replaces those minerals and strengthens the teeth all over again.
The most important things which help here are saliva and fluoride, as they contain minerals such as calcium and phosphates, which are needed to repair teeth.
So I can eat as much sugar as I want?
Nope… sorry. Consuming high amounts of sugar throughout the day can prove too much for the natural remineralisation process.
What you eat and drink is just as important as brushing your teeth and flossing. If you consume nutritious food, rather than foods that are high in carbs, such as high sugar lollies, desserts and sugary drinks - which should only be seen as treats for special occasions. We’re not saying to cut these out of your diet completely but, you should brush your teeth straight after to avoid damage.
How do I avoid long-term teeth damage?
Keep on top of your oral hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day and if you can, give them a brush after meals. Don’t forget flossing to get those leftover particles from between your teeth and let your gums breathe!
Regular dental checkups
Visiting your dentist every 6 months will not only give you that deep clean that a toothbrush just can’t do, it will also help identify any issues before they become more complex (and more expensive). Regular checkups also mean you're less likely to need a visit to The Emergency Dentist Sydney.
There’s no need to deprive yourself of sugary deliciousness, just don’t forget the struggle of your teeth and don’t forget to treat them right!
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What happens to your teeth when you don’t brush
A Timeline of Oral Health Complications
Chances are, we’ve all had nights here and there where we’ve been super tired and gone to bed without brushing our teeth. No need to stress, your teeth won’t instantly rot and fall out. Forgetting too often? That could be a slippery slope into some dental issues down the track.
A Timeline of Oral Health Complications
Chances are, we’ve all had nights here and there where we’ve been super tired and gone to bed without brushing our teeth. No need to stress, your teeth won’t instantly rot and fall out. Forgetting too often? That could be a slippery slope into some dental issues down the track.
Brushing our teeth twice a day is the simplest task we can all complete to avoid a magnitude of health issues – not just cavities and toothaches. Before you get a little too relaxed with your dental hygiene routine here are some of the issues you might encounter…
Oral health
Plaque isn’t always visible but brushing keeps plaque at bay and improves the overall health of your teeth.
Cavities
When you don’t remove plaque, which is a sticky film containing bacteria coating the teeth it can begin to penetrate the protective enamel of your teeth, all the way down to the under layers… causing cavities. Untreated cavities then can cause infections that can in turn cause the loss of the tooth.
Gingivitis
Plaque and cavities can become the perfect storm which can cause gingivitis – the nasty condition behind bad breath and bleeding, inflamed gums.
Periodontitis
Gingivitis is one of the first steps towards periodontitis. This condition is a bone infection and also the leading cause of tooth loss.
Heart disease
Studies have shown that people who regularly brush their teeth at least 2 times a day and keep up with their regular dentist appointments are not as likely to experience atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
A timeline of what happens when you don’t brush your teeth…
One Day
Plaque starts to work instantly. It begins by decalcifying dentin which is the protective material under teeth enamel. Simply brushing your teeth can halt this potential damaging process.
One week
Plaque will have built up quite a bit in a week – that is going to give you particularly bad breath and your teeth will have that ‘furry feeling’. Not the cute kind of furry but rather old food particles settling in place on your teeth.
One year
Hard to say for sure and this may be dependent on your overall health. But one year without brushing your teeth will likely result in an extreme build up of plaque causing cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. So… DO NOT stop brushing your teeth for a day, let alone a year!
Basic Tips
Brush twice a day and floss often.
Avoid too much sugar in food and drinks.
Don’t skip dental check-ups.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says
Now that you know how the story of the person who stopped brushing their teeth ends, we hope that it helps you stay on top of your daily routine so you can keep smiling. While it’s ok to skip brushing once or twice…. Don’t make it a habit.
Contact our team for advice.
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Dentophobia
What is it? And how to move past it
Coming to the dentist isn’t everyone’s favourite thing to do. For some though, it’s more than a chore and is a fear. To help you move beyond the fear, we’ll help you understand what causes it.
What is it? And how to move past it
Coming to the dentist isn’t everyone’s favourite thing to do. For some though, it’s more than a chore and is a fear. To help you move beyond the fear, we’ll help you understand what causes it.
When was the last time you watched a movie where someone goes to a dentist and had a pleasurable experience? Never, is probably the answer. The dentist is usually portrayed as a torture chamber of scary looking tools and even scarier sounds of drills and grinders. At the Emergency Dentist Sydney, this portrayal couldn’t be further from the reality!
We pride ourselves on the skilled treatment of emergency dental procedures with our patient’s peace of mind at the forefront of our treatment.
Dentophobia can be caused by numerous factors but, more often than not, it is caused by a specific fear of something that a patient fears will happen once they’re in the dentist chair. Here are some of the most common concerns.
1. Fear of pain
If you’re visiting the Emergency Dentist Sydney, there’s a high chance that you’re already experiencing some form of pain or discomfort. We understand that this is the case and we’re ready to give you relief with multiple options:
Local anaesthesia, which is used for simpler procedures such as fillings and root canals.
Happy gas, which can alleviate pain and anxiety during most types of dental procedures.
IV sedation, which is most commonly used for more complex procedures such as wisdom teeth extractions.
Oral sedation, which is used most often for anxious patients.
2. Fear of needles
You may not even need an injection and there are other forms of pain relief as mentioned above. The biggest fear when it comes to needles is that they look big and scary. Best thing to do is not look and chances are your dentist won’t be waving it in front of you.
3. Fear of shame
We are not going to shame you about the condition of your teeth. We’re happy you’ve come in and only want to help you on the path to a happy and healthy smile
4. Fear of no control
Laying down with your mouth open with fingers, tools and suction isn’t fun. Some patients get anxious when it comes to swallowing too… We’re very aware of this and will always give our patients a break and are very in tune with any signals that you need us to stop.
5. Fear of history repeating
Maybe you had a bad experience at the dentist when you were a child? Chances are the memory was far worse than the actual experience. Let us know beforehand and we will do our very best to put your mind at ease. Also, dental treatment, particularly emergency dental treatment, has come a long way. Treatment is often faster and comes with a lot less pain (if any) than it used it.
The Emergency Dentist Sydney has seen it all when it comes to fear and anxiety our patients face and we’re ready to help you through it. Don’t put off dental treatment because of this, as dental issues tend to get worse without treatment. Talk to the team about your concerns so we can do what we can to relieve them.
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After Hours Dentist Sydney
Because toothaches don’t wait for business hours
At The Emergency Dentist Sydney we are experts in afterhours emergency dentistry. We have spent many hours, over several years, being one of the original providers of this type of care in Sydney.
Because toothaches don’t wait for business hours
At The Emergency Dentist Sydney we are experts in afterhours emergency dentistry. We have spent many hours, over several years, being one of the original providers of this type of care in Sydney.
Through extensive experience in emergency dental treatment, we are experts in treating:
✓ Toothaches
✓ Broken, cracked or chipped teeth
✓ Damaged or failed fixtures, such as veneers and crowns
✓ As well as any other dental emergency that may arise when other dentists in Sydney are closed for the day…
The Emergency Dentist Sydney are highly skilled in the following procedures:
Immediate Pain Relief
Pain relief is our number one cause for treatment. Our priority is to relieve your pain while maintaining the integrity of your health and teeth.
Successful Root Canals
We have performed thousands of successful root canals which save you from infection and save your teeth from needing extraction.
Saving Cracked Teeth
Our patients frequently attend our practice after hours with cracked teeth from accidents. It can be worrying but we can repair cracked teeth in one visit.
Repairing Broken Teeth
Broken teeth can't be ignored and should be looked after by experienced dentists such as ours.
Mending Broken Fixtures
Compromised crowns, veneers, dentures and orthodontics can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. We can fully repair all of these fixtures or ensure they are saved so you can return to your regular specialist during business hours.
Extractions
If all avenues have been explored and you require your teeth to be pulled, we have you covered. Our dentists are experienced in all extractions including simple extractions, surgical, sectional and wisdom teeth.
Our entire team is highly qualified when it comes to emergency treatment. We understand that dental pain can be a scary experience and we do all we can to ensure we put you at ease. From pain relief, even to payment. Don’t delay in contacting us because, chances are, the problems won’t fix themselves but they may get worse.
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Why You Should Be Concerned About White Gums
A guide to this oral health threat
A guide to this oral health threat
If you have white gums, then you need to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. White gums can be a sign of some fairly serious oral health threats, so make sure you get them checked out. If you’re concerned about this symptom, here are some of the issues that can cause this colour change.
Dental Treatments
If you’ve just had a dental procedure such as a tooth extraction or whitening treatment then your gums may look paler than possible. This is a side effect of these procedures, and your gums should return to their normal colour within a few hours.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush causes raised, creamy sores on the tongue, gums, or inside of the cheeks. This is caused by a yeast infection known as candidiasis and it’s most common in babies, the elderly, and people with diabetes. Oral thrush is fairly easy to treat with anti-fungal treatments, so make sure you visit your dentist if you think you have this condition.
Leukoplakia
If you have white patches in your mouth that don’t shift when you brush. then you may have leukoplakia. This is a condition that’s usually harmless and may be related to tobacco use. If you notice these white patches, you still need to visit your dentist because some cases of leukoplakia are precancerous. So, if you notice any patches, then get them checked as soon as possible.
Anaemia
If you have anaemia, then you may notice a colour change in your gums. Anaemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, which are needed to carry blood around the body. This condition often causes pale skin, which can include pale gums. If you’re experiencing dizziness, fatigue, and weakness as well as pale gums, then this may be the cause.
Canker Sores
These are lesions that grow in the mouth or gums. They’re usually round with a pale centre and red border. Cancer sores can be very painful and are a common cause of late-night trips to an after hours dentist. To avoid an emergency trip, make sure you visit your dentist as soon as the canker sore appears so you can get treatment.
Oral Lichen Planus
This is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes a range of problems and symptoms including the appearance of white, lacy patches on the gums, tongue, and mouth tissues. If you have this condition, you will need to visit your dentist for regular check-ups, as you’ll be more prone to serious oral health problems such as oral cancer and infections.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a growing problem in the modern world. This is a mild form of gum disease that’s most often caused by poor oral hygiene habits. It can cause red and swollen gums, tooth pain or discomfort, bleeding, and even loose teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can also cause the gums to turn white and start to recede. Once it gets to this stage, the condition is very serious, so make sure you visit your dentist before it gets to this point.
Oral Cancer
White gums are also a symptom of oral cancer. This can spread quickly, which is the most important reason why you need to get any white patches in your mouth checked by your dentist as soon as possible. With oral cancer, early diagnosis is key to the best treatment and outcome possible, so don’t delay.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have a dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.
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Exercise For a Healthy Body And Soul
Enjoy better mental and physical wellbeing through these habits
Enjoy better mental and physical wellbeing through these habits
Every system and organ in your body is linked. This can be a bad thing sometimes, because it means that when you have a problem in one part of your body it will affect other parts as well. But it also means that you can improve your general health just by making a few simple changes in your life. One of the most effective strategies for improving your mental and physical health is through physical exercise. So, if you want to build this habit, here’s the simple but not always easy way to do it.
Improving your Mental Health Through Exercise
Exercise may be as effective as antidepressants for improving your mood and mental health issues. Studies show that the endorphins that are released when you exercise can give you what’s known as a ‘natural high’. In fact, some people describe it as euphoric, and this can be a very beneficial feeling if you’re struggling with mental health issues or are stressed. This release of endorphins can also decrease your perception of pain.
Exercise can also protect you against mental health issues in the future. A recent study conducted by the Black Dog Institute and UNSW found that around 12 percent of depression cases could have been prevented with just an hour of exercise a week. So, if you’re looking to improve your mental health over the long-term, this is one of the best ways to do it.
Physical Benefits of Exercise
There is a lot of evidence for the many and varied physical benefits of exercise. Some of the most important for your health are:
Weight loss.
Stronger bones.
A reduced risk of cancer.
It strengthens your heart.
Improved sleep.
It strengthens your blood vessels, which can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease.
It gives you an energy boost.
There are lots of different types of exercise that you can try. So, don’t let lack of time, scheduling difficulties, or physical limitations stop you from exercising. Find a form of exercise that works for you such as walking, swimming, yoga, running, or weight training, and start making it a habit.
Creating the Exercise Habit
Creating the habit of exercise is probably the most essential part of improving your health. If exercise isn’t a habit, chances are that you will forget about it or just drop it when you get ‘too busy’. There’s a lot of research about the best ways to form new habits, and a lot of myths as well. Here are some tips on creating your new exercise habit.
Expect it to take time
There’s a myth going around that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. In fact, studies show that it can take up to 66 days, and this can increase or decrease depending on the difficulty of the habit and your own personality. So, give yourself time.
Expect and plan for mistakes
There will be days that you skip your exercise habit and that’s fine if you don’t let it continue for days or weeks. Just acknowledge the slip and go right back to your habit again and you shouldn’t notice any long-term adverse effects.
Start small
If you decide to run for an hour when you usually only run when chased, then you’re bound to fail. And that will leave you feeling demotivated and bad about yourself. Instead, start with a small amount of exercise that’s easy to complete. That will build your confidence and get you started.
Set a time
If you decide to ‘exercise when you can’, you won’t do it, simple as that. Set up a time and put it in your phone. It’s even better if you book and pay for a class so you simply can’t ignore the reminder.
Choose something you enjoy
If you hate running, don’t decide to run every day. If your new habit makes you miserable you won’t stick to it, so don’t even try. Instead, try to choose a sport or form of exercise that you enjoy and that makes you feel good.
Get support
Telling other people about your goal or booking in at a gym is incredibly helpful in making you stick to your new habit. Peer pressure is one of the most powerful forces in the world, so use it to help you make the changes you’re looking for.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have a dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.
Need Advice Or Emergency Dental Care In Sydney CBD?
Common Causes and Solutions For Sore Gums
Common Causes and Solutions For Sore Gums
How your dentist can help alleviate gum pain
Sore gums are a very common reason for a trip to your after hours dentist. Gums are a surprisingly sensitive tissue, and any problems there can result in almost unbearable pain and discomfort. They can also make it hard for you to eat or drink and threaten the health and existence of your teeth. So, if you’re concerned about this problem, here are some common causes and treatments.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
When you have a build up of bacteria on your teeth it can cause inflammation. This is known as gingivitis and it can cause sore gums, bleeding during brushing, and swelling. If left untreated, it can also progress to periodontitis, also known as gum disease. Once it gets to this stage, the infection will be severe enough to threaten the tissue around the teeth and may even cause tooth loss.
If you have gingivitis or gum disease, it’s important that you visit your dentist as soon as possible. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and design a treatment plan depending on the extent of the damage and your overall oral health. In the meantime, make sure you brush twice a day and floss every day to improve your oral health and help fight gum inflammation.
Hormonal Changes
Changes in hormone levels can seriously affect the health of your gums. So, if you’re experiencing puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, or taking birth control pills, you can expect some changes in your teeth. Low hormone levels in particular are problematic because they can cause dry mouth or bone loss.
This is an issue that you will need to see your doctor about. They will be able to design a treatment plan to correct fluctuating hormone levels, which will also help to improve your oral health. However, it’s also important that you see your dentist during this stage to prevent your fluctuating hormones from causing damage to your teeth.
Canker Sores and Mouth Ulcers
Canker sores and mouth ulcers are fairly similar sores that can occur anywhere in your mouth. They’re painful, circular growths that are usually harmless and don’t usually affect the health of your teeth. They’re one of the most common causes of gum pain as they expose the nerves in the gum to the outside air. There are a range of things that can cause mouth ulcers and canker sores, including:
Injuries to the tissue, such as when you bite the inside of your cheek.
Burns from hot food or drink.
Rubbing against new dental work.
Viruses such as colds, flus, and herpes.
Vitamin deficiencies.
Stress.
A hereditary predisposition.
Most sores of this type will clear on their own within a couple of weeks. However, you can speed up the healing process with some help from your dentist. They may prescribe a mouth rinse containing steroid dexamethasone to reduce the pain and inflammation or one that includes lidocaine. Topical treatments such as gels or creams applied directly to the sore can also help, and you can take oral treatments for severe sores that linger too long.
If you have a sore or ulcer that just won’t go away, see your dentist immediately for advice, just in case it’s something more troubling.
Dental Work
Badly fitted dental work such as dentures, braces, or bridges can also cause sore gums. That’s why it’s so important that you have any dental work performed by a properly trained and experienced dentist. Some soreness after dental work is normal. But if the pain lingers or gets worse, make sure you contact your after hours dentist for advice and help.
Stress
Stress is a serious threat to your oral health in a number of ways. For starters, it’s a common reason why people neglect their dental hygiene routine, which can lead to cavities, decay, gum disease, and toothaches. People who are stressed are also more likely to grind their teeth and develop other stress habits that will cause gum pain and threaten their oral health.
If you’re stressed, it’s important that you find health ways to alleviate or reduce your stress levels. Also, make sure you get a check-up with your dentist during this period to ensure that it isn’t cause problems for your oral health.
Health Conditions
There are a range of seemingly unrelated health conditions that can cause gum pain including diabetes and cancer. Certain medications to fight disease can also bring on gum pain because they can reduce saliva production. Saliva is designed to protect your teeth and your gums, so when you have dry mouth, you’ll be more prone to cavities and gum disease.
Age Related Changes
Once you’re over the age of forty, your mouth will start to change. One of the key changes that a lot of people notice during this stage is receding gums. Your gums are designed to protect the softer tissue at the roots of your teeth. So, when the gums recede, these defenceless structures are exposed. This can cause the following issues:
An increased risk of decay because the roots aren’t protected by enamel.
Soreness due to increased sensitivity to hot and cold.
Loose or shifting teeth that are harder to keep clean.
Your dentist will be able to diagnose and help with these kinds of problems as long as you make an appointment early, before any permanent damage occurs. So, if your gums look like they’re receding, see your dentist as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have a dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.
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A Guide to Saturday Sports Injuries
What to do if you hurt yourself playing sports.
What to do if you hurt yourself playing sports.
Playing sports can have amazing benefits for your life. It can improve your physical and mental health, give you a chance to be social, and make you part of a community. But there’s also a bad side to Saturday sports, and your after hours dentist knows all about it. Certain sports carry a high risk of dental injuries, and there’s nothing worse than interrupting a game because you get hurt. Fortunately, your dentist can now help with the most common types of sports injuries.
Sports Injuries Statistics
Dental injuries can be both costly to treat and have a variety of implications for the patient. It can affect your financial life and have long term functional and psychological effects. Around 31 percent of the dental injuries in Australia occur during sporting activities, which makes playing sports one of the primary causes of this type of trauma.
According to Dr. Amrinder Oberoi from Paramount Dental Sydney, “Rugby is usually the worst for sports injuries. The most common thing we see is people with a displaced tooth or a tooth protruding through the roof of their mouth.” Almost any sport can cause dental injuries, whether those injuries are caused by contact with other players, such as during rugby, or by accidents. If you suffer a Saturday morning sporting injury, then contact your after hours dentist immediately because there’s a lot they can do to help.
Treating Sporting Injuries
There are several sporting injuries that your dentist can help with. Here are some of the treatments they offer for the most common types of dental trauma:
Whether you have a large or small crack in your teeth, your dentist has treatment options that can help. Even a small crack in your tooth needs to be fixed because over time it will spread and could result in a large part of your tooth shearing off. Depending on the extent of the crack, your dentist can cover it with a crown or veneer. Dental bonding can also be used on small cracks to make the tooth solid and strong again.
Tooth Intrusion
If you’re injured during sports, then your tooth or teeth can get driven back into the jaw. This can be very painful and can result in the loss of the tooth and severe dental trauma. The treatment for this problem depends on the extent of the damage, but usually involves surgical intervention.
Tooth Displacement
Obviously, losing a tooth because of a sporting injury is very serious. If this occurs, your dentist may be able to save it, so pick up the tooth and place it gently back in the socket if you can before making a trip to your after hours dentist. If the tooth is too damaged to be put back in your mouth, ask your dentist about dental implants. It’s important that you don’t just leave the gap as it is because this will cause bone loss and affect the placement of other teeth.
Avoiding Sports Injuries
According to Dr. Amrinder Oberoi, “The best advice is to always wear a mouthguard when you play sports.” This is an easy and simple step you can take to safeguard your oral health and save yourself a trip to your after hours dentist. A mouthguard is a protective device that covers your teeth and gums and protects them from impact. Unfortunately, too many people skip wearing their mouthguard when they need to, and even more sportspeople don’t know that they should be wearing them! Mouthguards should be worn when taking part in sports such as:
Basketball
Boxing
Hockey
AFL
Rugby
Soccer
Squash
Cycling
Martial arts
Racquetball
Skateboarding
Rollerblading
Surfing
And more…
If you play a lot of sports, then it’s usually best to get a custom designed mouthguard from your dentist. It will fit better than one-size-fits-all options which means you’ll be more likely to wear it when you need to. It’s also important that you get your children fitted for mouthguards if they play sports as well. If they have a mouthguard that fits properly and is comfortable, they’re more likely to use it. And this will save you the cost of a traumatic and expensive trip to your after hours dentist.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have an infected tooth or other dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.
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