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The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 18/1/21 The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 18/1/21

Top 5 Common Brushing Mistakes

Is your brushing technique working in your favour?

Brushing our teeth is something we all do twice a day and our process becomes second nature. Over time, you may have developed some bad habits that could be damaging your teeth and gums over time. Here’s some tips to get you on the right track to ensure your efforts aren’t being wasted.

Is your brushing technique working in your favour?

1. Wrong Direction

Many people believe they should be going up and down or side to side. Whilst this might feel easier you should actually be brushing in small circles, particularly where the tooth meets the gums.

2. Toothbrush Too Large

Size does matter! And in this case, smaller is better. This ensures you’re not overloading with too much toothpaste and can get into those hard to reach places.

3. Brushing Too Hard

You might think that the harder to press the cleaner your teeth will be. Pressing too hard when brushing can wear down the enamel on the teeth as well as damage and push back the gums, exposing the sensitive root area.

4. Too Soon After Eating

Brushing your teeth right after a meal can feel great, especially if the food has left a strong taste in your mouth. Doing this, however, could be damaging. Waiting around 30 minutes could help save teeth enamel because your mouth has had enough time to produce saliva to neutralise.

5. The Wrong Toothpaste

Before you’re tempted to reach for the extreme whitening toothpaste, beware that this can also cause extreme tooth sensitivity making it difficult to enjoy your favourite foods and drinks.

The team at The Emergency Dentist Sydney is more than happy for you to reach out and ask us to clear up any concerns about your brushing technique. You may even save yourself an emergency appointment down the track. Happy brushing!

Need Advice Or Emergency Dental Care In Sydney CBD?

Contact our friendly team

☎️ (02) 8283 6493⁣

🌐www.emergencydentistsydney.com.au

The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 28/8/20 The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 28/8/20

Why You Should Be Concerned About White Gums

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.

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?

Contact our friendly team

☎️ (02) 9267 8540

🌐 www.emergencydentistsydney.com.au

The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 24/7/20 The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 24/7/20

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.

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?

Contact our friendly team

☎️ (02) 9267 8540

🌐 www.emergencydentistsydney.com.au

The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 15/6/20 The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 15/6/20

A Guide to Saturday Sports Injuries

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:

Cracked Tooth

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.

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.

NEED ADVICE OR EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE IN SYDNEY CBD?

Contact our friendly team

☎️ (02) 9267 8540

🌐 www.emergencydentistsydney.com.au

The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 1/4/20 The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 1/4/20

Busting the Myths of Root Canal Surgery

How this dental procedure has changed over the years.

Root canals have a bad reputation. There are a lot of stories going around about these procedures, most of them because of historical treatments and mistakes. Dentistry has come a long way in the last few decades, but these rumours are persistent. If you’ve been putting off your dental treatment because of old stories, here are some of the myths you need to forget.

1. Root Canals are Painful

Actually, the decay and the infection that makes a root canal necessary are painful and the root canal removes the cause of the pain and relieves it. During the root canal procedure itself your mouth will be numbed using a local anaesthetic, so you might find that it’s the most comfortable you’ve been since the problem started. You may experience some pain as the needle goes into your gum to make it numb, but your dentist can help with this as well with some numbing salve. Afterwards, the infection will be gone but the damage done to surrounding tissue will remain. This is why you may still experience some discomfort until your mouth completely heals. But it will be far less painful than the gum pain and toothache that came before it.

2. You Need Several Appointments for a Root Canal

Most of the time, a root canal can be completed in a single appointment. It’s only if you’ve ignored the problem for a long time or have additional conditions and problems that you will need more than one appointment.

3. Dental Problems Always Hurt

A lot of people avoid the dentist because they believe that if their mouth doesn’t hurt, there’s nothing wrong. Unfortunately, this approach usually results in a late-night trip to the emergency dentist with severe pain or infection. Depending on your mouth and your pain tolerance, you can have a serious dental problem without much pain. That’s why regular check-ups and cleans are so important, because they give your dentist a chance to assess your overall oral health.

4. A Root Canal Spreads Infection

This is an old myth based on outdated information. Having a root canal doesn’t allow the infection in your tooth to spread throughout your body. Your mouth, and every other part of your body, is filled with bacteria, which is only a problem when infection develops and is left to fester.

5. Root Canals Kill the Tooth

A tooth can’t be killed. What a root canal does is remove the infected pulp inside the hard shell of your tooth. The tooth is then filled with a permanent filling material that allows it to function as normal. This saves the tooth, eliminates the infection, and save you from pain and future oral health problems.

6. An Extraction is more Effective

An extraction will get rid of the pain and infection certainly, but it will also cause long term oral health problems. When you have a missing tooth, it causes bone loss. The shape of your jaw will change, and the surrounding teeth will collapse towards the gap. The gap in your teeth can also become a breeding ground for infection and be difficult to keep clean. On the other hand, when you have a root canal the tooth is saved and will function just like the other teeth. So, if possible, try to make sure that you keep all your teeth.

7. A Root Canal is Temporary

Lots of people believe that the effects of a root canal don’t last. This is probably because of stories about people’s teeth breaking after this treatment. When the pulp is removed from your tooth it can become brittle and break during chewing or biting. That’s why your dentist will fit a crown over the top of the tooth to strengthen and protect it. So, make sure you don’t ship this essential step to ensure that the benefits of your treatment are permanent.

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.

The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 20/3/20 The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 20/3/20

How Teeth Grinding Can Affect Your Oral Health

And why you’re more likely to end up at your after hours dentist

There are lots of different problems that can affect your oral health. The food and drinks you ingest, your oral health habits, and your genetics can all cause problems and concerns. But did you know that your mood can also affect the health of your teeth? If you often feel anxious or worried, it can cause a condition called bruxism, which can seriously damage your teeth, your gums, and even your jaw. So, here’s what you need to know about it.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that’s caused by anxiety and makes you habitually grind your teeth and clench your jaw. You may find yourself doing this during the day, when you’re stressed, or your partner may complain that you’re doing it at night. Often, people who have bruxism don’t actually realise they’re doing it. You can have bruxism for a long time before the symptoms appear or start to see consequences of it very early on. It all depends on your mouth and on the strength of your jaw. But if you grind your teeth, it will cause problems eventually, including the following issues:

Facial pain.
Earaches.
Jaw pain and stiffness.
Sleep disruptions.
Headaches.
Chipped, cracked or broken teeth.
Broken or damaged fillings.
Worn down teeth leading to sensitivity and even tooth loss.

Causes of Bruxism

Teeth grinding is a fairly common problem these days and is usually related to stress and anxiety. However, there are other factors that may contribute to this habit including:

Certain medications such as antidepressants can cause bruxism.
Poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking, or drug use.
Sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnoea.

The Dangers of Grinding

If you suspect that you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep, then it’s important that you see your dentist. They’ll be able to examine your teeth and see if there’s any damage that needs to be fixed before it becomes a major problem.

Teeth grinding can cause your teeth to become worn, exposing the nerve and resulting in mouth pain. It can also cause infections or dental abscesses because of the pressure and gum damage. That’s why it’s really important that you don’t just ignore the problem, even if you don’t experience symptoms immediately. The damage caused by bruxism tends to be cumulative, so if it continues over time you may find yourself making a late-night visit to your after hours dentist with a serious dental issue!

Treating Teeth Grinding

If you grind your teeth, then there are ways to treat the problem. First and foremost, you need to address your stress levels, because bruxism is closely connected to your emotions. So, if you’re stressed, relaxation exercises and practices such as meditation or yoga before bed might help. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can also help to address the source of the stress and anxiety.

Your dentist can also help with more immediately practical ways to cut down on teeth grinding. They can create a mouthguard or splint that’s tailored to your teeth and mouth and will protect your teeth against damage and wear. This won’t prevent you from grinding your teeth but it will act as an airbag to cut down on the sensation and friction.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

So, if you have bruxism or any 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.

The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 9/2/20 The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 9/2/20

How To Be Proactive About Dental Pain

Why you shouldn’t just put up with this dental emergency

If you have pain in your mouth or teeth, it might be tempting to take painkillers and hope that it goes away. You might think that this type of pain is harmless, but it can be caused by a wide variety of serious dental issues. And ignoring them can have serious consequences for your oral health. That’s why you need to be proactive about dental pain, so the issue can be solved before it turns into something that sends you to your after hours dentist for an emergency procedure.

Common Causes of Dental Pain

There are several common causes of dental pain. If these issues are resolved immediately, then the solutions are relatively quick and simple. But if you ignore the problems then they could turn into much more serious issues. And when that occurs the treatment will take longer and be more expensive.

The most common causes of dental pain are:

Cavities

Tooth decay is a very common problem and despite the wealth of information available on how to care for teeth, it’s becoming even more common with time. If you have a deep cavity it means that the bacteria have eaten into the centre of the tooth. This will cause gum or tooth pain, discomfort and swelling, and may make it difficult to eat. And if left untreated it can result in infection, nerve damage, and even tooth loss.

Infection

Infections can occur when you have an untreated tooth cavity, gum disease, or other type of wound in your mouth. They can be very painful and if left untreated can result in the loss of a tooth and a trip to your after hours dentist. Infections can also travel to the blood stream and result in bacterial blood infections or travel to other parts of the body. Mouth infections may even make you more susceptible to heart disease. That’s why, if you think you have an infection in your mouth, you must see your dentist immediately for treatment.

Gum Disease

Plaque naturally builds up on your teeth over time and if it isn’t removed then it can cause gum disease. This will cause pain and bleeding around your teeth and may advance to periodontitis, which is an advanced gum disease that will have long term consequences for your oral health. If left untreated, these types of problems will result in your gums shrinking and your teeth falling out, so it’s important that they’re treated by your dentist before that happens.

If your tooth or teeth are injured and become cracked or broken, then you need to see your dentist immediately. Even a small crack can spread over time and result in the tooth or teeth splitting down the middle. A piece of the damaged tooth or teeth may even break off, resulting in a jagged edge. This will be painful, make you feel self-conscious, and fixing it will require extensive treatments. A simple crack on the other hand can often be fixed using a filling or dental composite.

General Sensitivity

Some people naturally have sensitive teeth and struggle to eat hot and cold foods. This is normal. But if you find it difficult to eat any foods because of sensitivity then you need to see your dentist to find out what’s going on. Sudden sensitivity can be the result of gum disease, a cavity, or shrinking gums, so don’t ignore this warning sign.

How to be Proactive about Pain

You need to be proactive when it comes to your dental health. See your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleans to keep your teeth in the best condition possible. And if you experience any pain, make an appointment and find out what’s going on. This is the best way to safeguard the health of your mouth and teeth over the long term. And it’s also the best way to be pain-free too!

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.

The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 1/7/19 The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 1/7/19

Key Signs of Oral Health Aging To Look Out For

How your dentist can help you age with grace

One of the most common reasons why people end up at their after hours dentist is because of problems associated with aging. As you age, your mouth and your teeth change, and this must influence how you care for your oral health and your regular dental appointments. If you want to avoid dental emergencies because of age related dental changes, here’s a guide to the issues you need to look out for.

1. Receding Gums

As you age, your gums will pull away from the base of your teeth. This leaves the softer roots exposed, which makes them more prone to cavities or decay. Tooth pain and cavities are some of the most common reasons why people contact their after hours dentist. So, if you want to avoid this problem, make sure you discuss your gums with your dentist. They will be able to tell if your gums are receding and suggest strategies to protect your exposed gums.

2. Dry Mouth

As you get older, you will probably need to start taking medications for certain conditions or to protect your health. Unfortunately, this can cause dry mouth. Low saliva production is not only uncomfortable, it makes your teeth more prone to decay and infection. That’s why you shouldn’t just ignore this side effect. Instead, look for strategies that will increase your saliva production and boost its protective effects. This will help you avoid cavities, infection, and other oral health problems that will send you to your Emergency Dentist in Sydney.

3. Missing Teeth.

Lots of people lose teeth as they age. If you have a bad cavity or infection, it might be tempting to just have the tooth extracted and avoid a root canal. But this will just cause further problems down the road. When you have a missing tooth, it will result in bone loss, change the alignment of your teeth, and can even lead to an uneven jawbone. This is especially common as you age, because of overall bone loss density. So, if you want to avoid chewing problems, pain or discomfort, or infections because of missing teeth, you need to address this problem early with your dentist. Because if you ignore the issue, the problems will only get worse as you get older.

4. Discolouration.

Everyone wants a white, clean, great looking smile. But keeping your smile looking great gets harder as you get older. As you age, the enamel on your teeth will get thinner. This means that it will stain more easily when you ingest dark coloured foods or drinks. It also means that the dentin at the centre of your teeth will start to show, giving your teeth a grey or darker appearance. Once the enamel on your teeth is gone it doesn’t grow back, so it’s important that you protect it as you age. This will help you avoid trips to your after hours dentist because of cavities and decay and it will also keep your smile white and clean looking as you get older. To protect your enamel, cut down on acidic foods like sweets, soft drinks, and juice, and rinse your mouth after eating. Also, make sure that you visit your dentist for check-ups and whitening treatments regularly to keep your teeth in the best shape possible.

If you have to have your teeth removed, then dentures can be a great alternative. They’re easy to use, removeable, and will allow you to eat all your favourite foods. But they can also cause problems for your oral health. If your dentures don’t fit properly or aren’t cleaned regularly, they can cause gum inflammation, rubbing, or even thrush. These problems can be very painful and can even result in a visit to your after hours dentist. To avoid these issues, make sure that your dentures are professionally fitted and that you visit your dentist as soon as possible if you experience any problems.

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.

The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 30/4/19 The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 30/4/19

Do Redheads Experience Less Pain?

And how this could affect your dental appointments

Could the colour of your hair affect how much you feel pain? There have been a lot of rumours going around about the idea that redheads don’t feel pain as much as other people. This might sound like a ridiculous idea, after all how can hair colour affect your nerves? But there is actually some evidence to support it.

About Red Hair

Red is the rarest hair colour and occurs in less than 2 percent of the world’s population. To have a child with red hair, both parents need to pass on a specific, recessive gene trait. This trait causes mutations in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), which is responsible for producing skin pigment melanin. This gene contributes to eye colour, hair colour, and skin tone, which is why so many redheads have very pale skin.

But the differences that come along with being a redhead may be deeper than the skin. Evidence suggests that there’s also a significant different in how they experience and respond to pain.

More Pain, Less Analgesics

Contrary to general opinion, redheads don’t feel less pain. In fact, the opposite may be true. The MC1R gene which causes red hair also has receptors in the midbrain where pain perception is regulated. And this may indicate that the gene could influence how people respond to pain and injury. Studies that explore this link have found conflicting results. Here are just some of the conclusions of these studies:

To sedate them, you need 20 percent more anaesthesia.
Redheads may be able to tolerate 25 percent more pain than other people.
They need lower doses of pain killing analgesics.
They also need more topical anaesthetics, which explains why many redheads have a fear of dental pain and avoid dentists.

These results are contradictory. They indicate that redheads both feel more pain and less, that they’re more tolerant to pain and feel it more intensely. Further research is needed before the true extent of the link between hair colour and pain tolerance is clear. However, what comes out of these studies is the simple fact that hair colour can indicate a different way of processing and experiencing pain. And this means that dentists need to take an individual approach when managing the pain of dental treatments.

Proactive Pain Management

If you have red hair, then what can you do? Should you just avoid the dentist because you might have trouble coping with the pain? Obviously, this isn’t a helpful strategy and it could lead to more pain and trips to your after hours dentist in the long term. A better idea is to be proactive about pain during your regular dental appointments. Here are some ideas for how to do that:

Make sure that your dentist is aware that you might react different to pain and painkillers than other patients.

If you need anaesthesia for a dental treatment, address the issue before the procedure and let your dentist know that you might need more or be more sensitive to it.
Be wary of taking prescription medications, particularly opioids.

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.

The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 22/4/19 The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 22/4/19

How Stress Impacts Your Oral Health

Another reason to visit your dentist regularly

Stress is a very common complaint in the modern world and this is troubling because it’s linked to a number of problems and diseases. You probably already know that stress can contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, mental health issues and certain types of cancer, but you probably don’t know that it can also negatively impact your oral health in a number of ways.

Stress and Bad Habits

If you’re stressed you might feel as if you don’t have the time to look after yourself. This can result in lifestyle habits that will directly impact your oral health. Some of the most damaging habits that result from stress are:

Poor eating habits

If you’re stressed, it might be tempting to reach for comfort foods. Unfortunately, these types of foods are usually high in sugar or fat. This will not only affect your waistline, it will also impact your oral health. The sugar in food contributes to tooth decay and cavities, which is why you need to be aware of what you eat if you want your mouth to stay healthy.

Bruxism

If you’re stressed, you’re more likely to grind your teeth or clench your jaw while you sleep. This is known as bruxism and it can wear down the enamel on your teeth, cause your teeth to chip, or do damage to your jaw muscles. The damage caused by this bad habit can be permanent, so if you think that you’re grinding your teeth at night then you need to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Poor dental habits

Do you ever skip brushing your teeth at the end of a long day because you’re tired? Do you put off flossing because you just don’t have the time? These simple habits are absolutely vital to your oral health and yet it’s easy to forget them when you’re busy. And this can result in cavities, decay and gum disease.

Neglecting appointments

If you don’t have enough time for everything you need to do, your dental appointments are probably one of the first things you remove from your list. It can be difficult to take time out of your schedule every six months to see your dentist, but it’s also essential for your oral health. Your dentist can identify any signs of a dental problem before it becomes a big problem and give your teeth a really good clean. And if you want to avoid serious problems such as toothaches, gingivitis, cavities and infection, this is the best way to do it.

Stress and Your Body

Stress can cause changes in your body that will negatively impact your oral health. Some of these changes include:

Hormonal imbalances

Certain hormonal imbalances can cause dry mouth. This encourages the growth of plaque and can result in more cavities as well as general discomfort in the mouth and tongue.

Decreased immunity

Stress depresses your immune system, which can result in more infections throughout your body. This can cause mouth ulcers, which can be very painful and make it more difficult for you to keep your mouth and teeth clean. Mouth ulcers can also be slow to heal, particularly if your immune system is really struggling.

Slower healing

If you’re stressed then it can decrease your ability to heal. As a result, you may experience infections or mouth sores that just won’t go away. And if you have a dental procedure during this time, you will probably heal less efficiently and be more susceptible to infection.

The Takeaway

Stress is a very common complaint in the modern world. If you experience stress, whether because of your lifestyle or because of dental fear, then you need to be aware of how this could impact your dental health.

Here at Emergency Dentist Sydney, our staff specialise in helping anxious patients face and overcome their dental stress. We’ll help improve your oral health and work with you to ensure that you have the most pleasant and stress free dental experience possible.

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.

The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 8/4/19 The Emergency Dentist Sydney Team 8/4/19

Payment Plans At Emergency Dentist Sydney

Why you don’t have to avoid the dentist if you’re a little short on cash

Interest-Free Payment Plans & Afterpay

Going to the dentist can be expensive, particularly if you need more than just a check-up and clean. In fact, this is probably one of the most common reasons people use to put off or neglect their oral health. But when you have a dental emergency, you don’t always have the option of delaying a treatment, at least not without damaging your oral health. To help you cope with these unexpected expenses, Emergency Dentist Sydney has payment plans that will suit every situation.

Emergency Dentist Sydney Payment Plans

At Emergency Dentist Sydney, payment plans are available for any treatment that results from your dental emergency. These loans are essential when you have an unexpected dental expense and will allow you to protect or maintain your oral health without breaking the bank.

We provide interest free payment plans from MySmilePlan and Afterpay.

Here are some of the features of the payment plans:

They’re available for treatments that cost between $10 and $9,000.
0% interest.
Manageable, fortnightly payments.
The payments are spread over 16 weeks or 15 months.

With these terms in mind, there really is no reason to avoid a dental procedure if you don’t have the cash on hand. With the help of these plans, you can take care of your oral health and your bank balance at the same time.

When to Use a Payment Plan

Payment plans can be used for almost every type of procedure and treatment. This means that if you need a treatment because of a dental emergency, you don’t have to put it off because of the cost. Here are some of the treatments that are available under the payment plans at Emergency Dentist Sydney:

Wisdom teeth extraction.
Laser root canal.
Crowns or veneers.
Dental implants to fix broken teeth.

Other Payment Options

If you don’t want to use a the payment plan when you have an emergency treatment, we have a lot of other payment options available. Here are just some of the financial advantages of visiting Emergency Dentist Sydney for all of your oral health needs:

Afterpay - Available from April 2019!
Upfront, affordable treatment costs.
You can claim on the spot from any Health Fund.
Eftpos and other cash options available.