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Tooth Decay and Fluoride

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:07:01 GMT

How does tooth decay occur?

• Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, begins with the formation of plaque – a sticky film of bacteria that forms on our teeth.

• When the bacteria eat the sugar from our diet, they produce acids that start dissolving the tooth, forming cavities.

• If left untreated over time, the decay can progress deeper into the tooth and eventually reach the nerve causing pain and infection.

Image Source: https://www.thedesignersmile.com/blog/2017/05/11/the-stages-of-tooth-decay-18229

How do we prevent tooth decay?

• Brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing daily – using toothpaste and mouth rinses that contain fluoride that helps strengthen the enamel.

• Regular dental checkups to ensure oral health and maintain oral hygiene.

• Avoid eating sugary or starchy foods to decrease acid production from the bacteria.

• Stimulate protective saliva by chewing sugarless or xylitol gum and drinking lots of water (at least 1.5L a day).

• Avoid smoking cigarettes, limit acidic food and drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.

What is Fluoride?

• Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps teeth by strengthening the enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks from the bacteria in our mouths.

• Fluoride works by incorporating itself into the enamel, a process known as remineralization, forming a stronger enamel structure called fluorapatite.

• It can also help repair the early stages of tooth decay by reversing the damage caused by the acid.

• Fluoride can also help with tooth sensitivity by protecting the underlying layers of the tooth from exposure to hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks.

• Commonly, fluoride concentration on products are expressed as percentages or parts per million (ppm).

Where can I find Fluoride?

• Water Fluoridation : Around 89% of Australians have access to fluoridated water in their homes. However, the amount of fluoride in water is not always enough for protection against decay as it only contains ~1.5ppm of fluoride. This is why fluoride is found in toothpastes.

• Toothpaste : Fluoride is the most important ingredient when selecting toothpastes. The recommended concentration of fluoride toothpaste varies according to the age and risk of tooth decay.

• Professional Fluoride : At routine dental check-ups, dentists can apply fluoride gel or varnishes on your teeth if you have an increased risk of dental decay or experiencing tooth sensitivity.

• Fluoride Mouth rinses : These are often recommended for individuals at higher risk of cavities. They are used in adults and children 6 years or older.

What kind of Toothpaste should I use?

• Child younger than 18 months : brushing twice a day without toothpaste.

• Child 18 months to younger than 6 years : pea-sized amount of 500-550ppm Fluoride x2/daily

• Child 6 years to adult : 1000-1500ppm fluoride x2/daily

Image source: https://www.methoddental.com.au/five-ways-to-fight-tooth-decay-in-kids/

Children less than 6 years old are at an increased risk of Dental Fluorosis, a condition that affects the appearance of teeth due to excessive fluoride intake during tooth forming years. It typically appears as white streaks or spots on the teeth and can range from mild to severe. It is important to maintain a balance of fluoride intake to prevent fluorosis while still protecting teeth from decay.

• To minimize the intake of fluoride after brushing, toothpaste should be spat out and not swallowed.

• However, we should not rinse our mouth with water to allow the fluoride from the toothpaste to remain on the teeth for longer for better protection against decay.

Image source: https://www.hellokidsdentalgroup.com/fluorosis.html

What is Invisalign?

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:24:56 GMT

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is one of many clear aligner orthodontic systems designed to move teeth. It is perhaps the most well known and marketed clear aligner system and is quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional braces.

How does it work?

Invisalign works by moving teeth through a sequence of clear aligners. After completing a detailed assessment by your dentist, each aligner is designed to introduce slight movements of your teeth. Aligners have to be worn for at least 22 hours a day - they are only taken out when you are eating and cleaning your teeth. By going through your aligners with regular monitoring, your teeth are gradually moved to their desired position and retained for life with a set of clear removable retainers or a bonded retainer.

WIll Invisalign work for me? Can I do Invisalign instead of braces?

There are advantages and disadvantages for both clear aligners and fixed orthodontic braces:

Your dentist will let you know whether Invisalign or braces are more suitable for you based on their assessment and your needs.

What should I expect from Invisalign treatment?

After an Invisalign consult, your dentist will start by taking photos of your facial profile and teeth, and a digital scan of your teeth.

Invisalign will generate a ‘ Clincheck ’, which is a simulation of what your teeth may look like at the end of the Invisalign treatment. Patients will often come in to review their Clincheck and your dentist will be able to provide more information regarding the features of Invisalign, including:

Attachments - these are small fillings placed on the outside surface of your teeth to provide a handle grip for your aligners to move teeth precisely. Attachments are removed at the end of treatment before retainers.

IPR (interproximal reduction) - sometimes teeth will need extra space to move. IPR helps to loosen tightness and to create space between teeth.

Clincheck will also show you how many aligners are required and estimate the duration of treatment.

After you finish all your aligners and the final position of teeth is reviewed, most people will go through a set of refinement aligners to perfect their smile. Depending on compliance and particular tooth movements, some teeth may come close to their desired position and will need some extra aligners.

Once you are happy with the position of the teeth, attachments will be removed and a final digital scan is done to process your clear retainers. Often, these retainers are worn like a regular aligner for 3-6 months to allow the teeth to stabilise before moving to night-time use only.

My own personal experience with Invisalign

I started my Invisalign journey in June 2022 as I was unhappy with the appearance of my front teeth, especially one tooth that was sitting behind the rest of the front teeth, which looked dark in photos. I was not interested in traditional braces and was motivated to start with Invisalign.

After the photos and scan was completed, I was happy with the Clincheck and had my attachments fitted in June along with IPR between my front teeth.

The first few aligners were the trickiest to adapt to - I had a bit of a lisp when the first set of aligners went in and the attachments did feel very strange especially when I was eating. In fact, I was quite happy to keep my aligners in to cover the attachments and within a week, the lisp had disappeared.

The teeth were definitely sore when a new set of aligners went in as you can feel them starting to push and move the teeth. The first few days are usually the most sore, especially taking them on and off. For most of my aligners, by the end of 7 days they were no longer sore.

I also found myself planning my meals strategically and minimising snacks in between as I didn’t really want to take them on and off more than I needed to - Invisalign is a pretty good way to stop snacking and lose weight. I never thought about eating whilst wearing the aligners since I didn’t want the aligners to stain and look yucky. Unfortunately it also meant I had to limit my teas to mealtimes and stick with water whilst wearing aligners.

After completing my 18 aligners, my front tooth had been pushed out which I loved but as a result, a black triangle space was quite obvious between my front teeth. I chose to do some more IPR and refinement aligners to further close up the spaces. After a year and a half, I am very close to finishing the Invisalign journey and am looking forward to being able to snack again.

Understanding Preventing and Managing dental erosion - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 02:36:51 GMT

Scratching at the surface: Understanding, Preventing and Managing Dental Erosion

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_erosion

What is Dental Erosion?

Dental erosion occurs when acids cause the outer layer of a tooth to dissolve. The outer layer of a tooth, known as enamel, is the hardest substance in the human body. It protects us from daily wear and prevents us from experiencing severe sensitivity to temperature changes.

When enamel dissolves, this can expose the inner layer of the tooth known as dentine. Dentine is much softer than enamel and therefore more susceptible to wear and tear. If exposed, this can increase the tooths’ risk to decay and sensitivity.

Image source: https://sherwaydentalcentre.com/acid-erosion-what-sodas-and-juices-can-do-to-your-teeth/

What Causes Dental Erosion?

Acidic Foods/ Drinks: Although they may be considered healthy, certain fruits and vegetables are quite acidic and can be damaging to our teeth. Juices, soft drinks, citrus fruits, apple cider vinegar and energy drinks are acidic and high in sugar.

Underlying Gastrointestinal Conditions: Enamel can be dissolved from exposure to stomach acid from conditions such as acid reflux or frequent vomiting (bulimia, morning sickness, etc.).

What Contributes to Dental Erosion?

Lack of Saliva/Dry Mouth: saliva is important to neutralize acids in the mouth. Reduced saliva or a dry mouth, commonly caused by certain medications, can decrease the neutralisation of acids and hence increase the risk of dental erosion.

Grinding/Clenching (Bruxism): grinding and clenching is a very common cause of enamel

wear. Once the enamel is worn down, the tooth is more susceptible to dental erosion.

Aggressive Brushing: aggressive toothbrushing may damage/wear away the enamel on the outside and expose the dentine inside the tooth.

Image Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jan/27/the-truth-about-hydration-should-you-drink-eight-glasses-of-water-a-day

How Do I Prevent Dental Erosion?

Diet: It is recommended to limit the consumption of acidic foods or drinks to reduce the frequency of acid exposure.

Hydration: Sufficient water consumption can help saliva flow, which is important to neutralise acids and protect enamel.

Saliva Stimulants/ Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production.

Brushing: A soft toothbrush is preferred over a hard toothbrush. It’s also recommended to not brush overly aggressively. Gentle circular motion is recommended.

Night Guards/ Splints: People who experience clenching/grinding (bruxism) may need to use a night guard to avoid enamel damage during sleep, which can be exacerbated when exposed to acid

Regular Dental Check-ups: It is important to visit your dentist regularly for dental cleans and to monitor for early signs of erosion.

Image Source: https://www.vcdental.com.au/2020/02/12/what-is-tooth-mousse/

Managing Dental Erosion:

Fluoride Treatment : Fluoride can be applied by dentist to help strengthen enamel. It can also be found in fluoridated toothpaste.

Dental Bonding : A specific resin/ tooth colored material can be used to restore the structure and function of teeth.

Indirect Restorations : If severe erosion occurs, a dental crown/ onlay may be given to protect and restore the teeth impacted.

Oral Hygiene : Appropriate oral hygiene regime, such as brushing technique, and use of protective products such as Tooth Mousse can reduce the effects of acid.

Address Underlying Medical Conditions : It’s important to treat the underlining condition, as opposed to simply treating the symptoms. It is recommended to have regular medical check-ups.

If left untreated, dental erosion can adversely impact oral health and your quality of life. However, by understanding the causes and preventative measures, you can greatly minimize the effects of dental erosion and smile confidently.

Wisdom teeth - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:28:22 GMT

Image source: https://www.odontovida.com/2020/06/8-interesting-facts-about-wisdom-tooth.html

Have you ever experienced pain around a wisdom tooth in the back of your mouth, or heard from your family and friends that wisdom teeth should be removed?

Introduction to Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 18-25. While it is common to have four wisdom teeth, some people may have fewer wisdom teeth or none at all. It is also common for wisdom teeth to be partially impacted (partially covered by gum tissue), fully impacted (completely trapped beneath the gum line and jaw bone), or unerupted (not coming through).

Why Are Some Wisdom Teeth Impacted or Unerupted?

Due to evolutionary changes in human anatomy and dietary habits, more and more wisdom teeth tend to be impacted or unerupted. Our ancestors had larger jaws and diets that required more chewing, making space for the wisdom teeth. However, as our diets started to include more processed foods, our jaws have become smaller and often there is not enough space to fit all wisdom teeth. Additionally, genetic factors, late dental development, direction of growth and crowding can contribute to wisdom teeth impaction.

Problems Associated With Wisdom Teeth

Impaction : one of the most common problems with wisdom teeth is impaction, where these teeth do not have enough space to fully emerge. This can result in pain, infection and damage to neighbouring teeth.
Pericoronitis : inflammation and infection of the gums is common around an impacted wisdom tooth. This occurs when there is plaque and food accumulating around and under the gum of a partially emerged wisdom tooth, causing the gum to be inflamed and tender.
Cysts and Tumours : In rare cases, wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumours in the jawbone. These growths can cause damage to the surrounding structures and require surgical intervention.

Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Pain

Pain and tenderness around wisdom tooth (at the back of the mouth)
Pain and difficulty on opening and closing mouth
Pain on eating
Swelling and redness around back gums

What Should I Do? Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

It's important to note that not everyone will experience problems with their wisdom teeth. Whether or not you should have your wisdom teeth removed depends on your symptoms and position of the wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, discomfort, or signs of infection, it's advisable to consult your dentist for assessment and management. A full mouth X-ray, also called an OPG, is recommended to help determine the position of the wisdom teeth, shape and curvature of the roots, and potential risks associated with the removal of wisdom teeth, such as damage to the nerve in the jaw.

To help alleviate any gum soreness around the wisdom teeth, keep the area clean by brushing around the wisdom tooth - sometimes you may find using a small toothbrush more useful! Here’s a handy tip: when brushing around the upper back teeth, you may find it easier by closing your mouth. Additionally, rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthrinse or salt water after meals can help to alleviate the symptoms as well.

It is worth considering the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, especially if you are experiencing frequent pain, infection and food trapping. Wisdom teeth are often removed in younger people under 30 years as the bone tends to be more elastic which makes extraction easier and often younger people heal more quickly.

Contact our clinic for a wisdom tooth consult for more information or if you are experiencing any issues with the wisdom teeth.

What is teeth whitening - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 10:27:55 GMT

https://www.teeth.org.au/teeth-whitening

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, is the process of lightening the shade or colour of your teeth.

It is a common and simple procedure to improve the appearance of darker or discoloured teeth, and is considered a very conservative and non-invasive method to brighten up a smile.

What Causes Teeth Discolouration?

There are many causes for discoloured teeth. Here are some of the most common reasons for discolouration and staining:

Foods and drinks such as curries, coffee, tea and red wine contain dark pigments that can stain the outer enamel.
Smoking cigarettes exposes the teeth to chemicals like nicotine and tar which can cause significant staining and darken the teeth.
Age can also cause gradual discolouration of the teeth. Teeth can be divided into 3 layers: enamel (white outer layer), dentine (inner yellow layer) and pulp (nerve and blood supply). With age, the enamel tends to thin which allows the more yellow dentine to become more visible.
Trauma can cause the affected teeth to temporarily discolour or permanently darken over time.
Previous root canal treatment can also cause the treated tooth to darken over time.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

The two most common bleaching ingredients used in teeth whitening at the dentist is hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. It works by chemically breaking down and removing staining from the outer enamel.

A tooth can also be internally bleached following a root canal treatment to lighten the tooth from the inside.

There are a few differents ways to whiten teeth:

Take-home whitening - This is a very common method of whitening that can be done at home. The dentist makes custom clear trays to fit your top and bottom teeth and shows you how to use a bleaching kit. The teeth will bleach gradually, usually over a few weeks, but many people enjoy the freedom of bleaching at their own leisure and time.
Whitening in-chair - Whitening can also be done in-chair at the dentist. The dentist uses concentrated bleaching gel and may also use a blue light to accelerate the chemical reaction for a faster bleach, leaving your teeth brighter after the appointment.
Whitening toothpastes - There are many whitening toothpastes available from the supermarket or pharmacy. Most of them contain abrasives to help brush off staining, or may contain low concentrations of bleaching ingredients to lighten teeth.

Are There Any Risks with Teeth Whitening?

The main side effect of teeth whitening is sensitivity. If whitening is used incorrectly or for too long, teeth may become very sensitive to cold or hot changes in temperature, even cold air. The dentist can provide advice for managing and reducing sensitivity during teeth whitening.

Another risk of whitening is damage to the surrounding gums and lips. Bleaching agents, especially at high concentrations, can burn the surrounding tissues if the bleaching gel is not wiped off for a long period of time.

Will My Fillings Whiten as Well?

Teeth whitening will only lighten the enamel on teeth and won’t bleach white fillings or porcelain crowns/veneers. Sometimes after bleaching teeth, it may make your fillings stand out as the shade will not match anymore. The dentist may recommend replacing older fillings to match the shade of whitened teeth afterwards.

Is Teeth Whitening a Good Option for Me?

It is important to see the dentist for a full check-up before teeth whitening so they can determine if whitening is the best option for you.

Ballarat Dental Group offers professional take-home whitening kits to help our patients achieve a beautiful brighter smile. Talk to us about teeth whitening when you come in for your check-up!

Snoring and sleep apnoea - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 22:32:49 GMT

Snoring and Sleep Apnoea

By Dr. Emily Lui

Sleep is the basis of good health, feeling well and being happy. Sleep breathing disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and snoring can disrupt restful sleep and can have significant effects on your health and wellbeing. Untreated OSA can lead to increased blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and diabetes, as well increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, poor work performance and even relationship breakdown.

What is OSA?

When you sleep, your neck and throat muscles relax and the tongue can drop back, reducing airflow as you breathe. If you have OSA, your airway closes over significantly and prevents air getting to your lungs (an apnoea), which means you can stop breathing from 10 seconds up to 2 minutes in severe cases. If you have several apneas throughout the night, this will cause sleep disturbance (making you feel unrefreshed when you wake up) and also put strain onto your heart.

What are some signs and symptoms of OSA?

Tiredness Upon Waking
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness / Falling Asleep Easily During the Day
Choking or Gasping During Sleep
Partner Notices You Stop Breathing
Dry Throat Upon Waking
Poor Concentration and Memory
Lack of Energy, Depression or Anxiety

Diagnosis of OSA

Your dentist or GP doctor can refer you for assessment at a sleep disorder clinic. Diagnosis of OSA will usually involve either a hospital or home based overnight sleep study.

Treatments for OSA

Oral Appliance Therapy (Mandibular Advancement Splint)

The treatment of snoring or OSA with a custom oral appliance is comfortable, painless and effective. Worn during sleep, the appliance helps keep the airway open by bringing the lower jaw forward and prevents the tongue from falling back to block the airway during sleep. Dentists with training in oral appliance therapy will treat OSA or snoring in conjunction with a sleep physician. Your dentist will also review the appliance regularly to ensure it is working well. The appliances are light and convenient to carry during travel and can be used alone or with CPAP and other treatments.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine)

CPAP involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth at night that delivers air under pressure to keep the airway open. This is generally used for patients with severe OSA or other significant health issues.

Surgery

Several surgical procedures can be used including surgery to open up breathing passages in the nose, remove tonsils, reduce tongue size or bring the jaws forward.

Lifestyle Changes

Weight loss, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and sleeping on your side rather than your back can all help with having less relaxed tissues around the neck and keeping the airway open.

Feel free to ask your dentist about snoring and OSA at your next dental appointment and we can help you get assessed as soon as possible.

What are veneers - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 02:06:46 GMT

What Are Veneers?

Dr. Alex Le

Whilst the world is spending more time indoors, more and more people are exploring social media where the term “veneers” seems to be increasingly used, which forms the topic for this brief post.

To put it simply, a dental veneer is something added on to a tooth, often to disguise or camouflage one that may look less than ideal. When planned and performed across multiple front teeth, dental veneers have an ability to almost miraculously transform a smile, improving the shade, shape, and alignment of teeth.

There are two main types of veneers namely composite or porcelain/ceramic.

Porcelain veneers tend to look and feel exceptional. Being more scratch resistant than composite veneers, porcelain can last many years without dulling.

Composite veneers can also look great whilst being more affordable and tending to take less time. The drawback is that composite veneers are less durable in the long run, and may be quicker to lose their lustre if not cared for.

It is important to appreciate that every smile is different. Current health of the individual teeth, amount of quality tooth structure to work with, profile of the lips, evenness of the gums, degree of colour correction required, amount of tooth and gum visible in repose or when smiling, are some of the factors that your dentist will need to consider when planning your smile and to determine whether veneers are suitable.

Your dentist can discuss your individual smile concerns, so that a bespoke plan can be drafted that strikes the right balance between your needs, aspirations, budget, and what is possible.

Just like a new car, it is unrealistic to think that anything man made will last forever, and veneers are no exception. However, with proper care and maintenance, your dentist can guide you to keeping your veneers looking greater for longer.

Like all procedures, some treatment options may not be suitable for you individually. It is thus important for you to talk to your dentist so you can be thoroughly informed regarding the risks and benefits of all options.

Grinding - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 07:46:29 GMT

Grinding

Dr. Jia Yuan Ng

Ever woken up in the morning feeling like your jaw is tight and your teeth slightly aching? Perhaps once you woke up noticing yourself grinding or someone sharing the same room might have mentioned it. You may be suffering from BRUXISM.

BRUXISM is the involuntary teeth grinding and clenching. We either do it in the day while we are awake, or at night while we are asleep.

Daytime bruxism typically occurs when we are stressed, focused or angry. Think about the face an angry person makes: jaws square from the clenching of teeth, frowning and tensing between the brows. People may not always notice that they are doing it, but daytime bruxism is generally easier to control once we become aware of it.

Nighttime bruxism on the other hand is often undetected because not all of us share a bed with someone or the grinding may be subtle. The symptoms do not become obvious until later stages. You may experience chipping of teeth. They may look flat and feel sensitive or sore. Your fillings may chip and dislodge repeatedly.

It is not bothering me now, do I need to deal with it?

In the long term, you may start developing head, neck and shoulder pains as you use all those muscles to grind or clench. If the idea of constant neck and headaches has not already bothered you, bruxing forces can even crack teeth. In some cases, teeth wear can get so bad that multiple teeth are endangered.

How do I seek help?

If discovered early, the root cause can be addressed through professional referrals and dental treatment. From a dental perspective, jaw pain can be reduced and teeth can be protected through well designed restorations in-combination with the use of a custom-made mouth guard known as an occlusal splint.

Don’t let broken teeth, jaw or neck pain get a hold of you.

If you experience any of the above issues, we recommend coming in for a comprehensive examination with your dentist to discuss possible solutions.

How diet can help your oral health part 2 - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 21:29:41 GMT

How Diet Can Help Your Oral Health - Part 2

By Dr. Steven Liu

Finally, after months of isolation restaurants are opening, pubs are pouring and the last thing we have on our mind is worrying about our oral health. I mean, we’re pretty sure no one was eagerly asking for a dental clean and checkup once the restrictions were lifted.

Well, many people believe that the mouth is its own entity, but your mouth is actually connected to the entire body through the immune system. Here are some everyday tips to promote healthy teeth and a healthy body:

Stay hydrated, drink water frequently

Water can wash away food particles and freshly formed harmful bacteria. Water also supports proper function of the saliva. When we become dehydrated, saliva becomes less effective against bacteria as it thickens, then this thick saliva can also lead to bad breath! Water can also help fill up your stomach, making you feel more full so preventing you from snacking as much.

Keep sweet foods to meal times

Every time we snack the pH of our mouth drops due to the bacteria on our teeth. If our teeth are like this for too long they can dissolve, forming cavities. Frequent snacking prolongs the low pH, putting us at risk of decay. Sticky caramel is the worst, as it takes the longest time to remove by our saliva. Instead, having sweets with lunch or dinner shortens the amount of time that our teeth spend in a low pH environment, reducing the risk of cavities. If you find snacking is essential to your lifestyle, try some healthy alternatives that are low in calories and high in tooth-cleaning fibre such as raw crunchy vegetables, such as Carrots, Celery, Cucumbers.

Try using sweeteners instead of sugar

Bacteria in the mouth cannot digest sweeteners, so sweeteners cannot cause decay. One of the best sweeteners is Xylitol, which not only prevents decay but also kills the bad bacteria at the same time. Aspartame (used in Equal) is the most popular, but can often leave an artificial taste.It also cannot be used in baking as they degrade under high heat, however there are plenty of alternatives that you can try to replace the sugar in your coffee or baking!

Chew sugarless gum

Not only does it freshen the breath, the action of chewing promotes saliva production. Saliva can rinse away the freshly formed bacteria and neutralises the acid that bacteria produced. We would recommend chew sugarless gum after acidic foods like lemon or carbonated soft drinks to help restore the pH in your mouth.

At the end of the day oral health is probably the last thing on your mind when everything returns to normal, however it is important to remember that it is a critical part of your overall health. These are a few tips that you can incorporate to your daily routine and if you would like to discuss further or want to know more we are here to help!

How diet can help your oral health part 1 - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 06:22:47 GMT

How Diet Can Help Your Oral Health - Part 1

By Dr. Steven Liu

It’s late, you’re exhausted, and the last thing on your mind is probably brushing. An important thing to remember is that oral health is closely related to our overall health, in particular to our heart health. Those who are diagnosed with heart disease are also often advised to go and see a gum specialist. Good oral health goes beyond just consistent brushing and flossing. Here are some helpful tips to boost your health, starting with your diet.

Fibrous foods can be a natural toothbrush

Raw firm crunchy vegetables such as Carrots, Celery, Cucumbers have the same effect as a natural toothbrush. These vegetables contain high amounts of fibre and water, so munching away on these scrubs your teeth in the process, naturally removing the plaque (a sticky film that covers your teeth, harbouring bacteria which in turn produce acids that gradually eat away your teeth, causing dental decays). These fibrous vegetables also provide a satisfying crunch, which exercises your jaw, brushes your teeth, and stimulates your gum in the process. It massages the gum and stimulates the mouth to produce saliva, which in turn neutralises and rinses away remaining food and nasty bacteria.

Have you tried some cheese recently?

Hard cheeses like cheddar are a perfect replacement for snacks or desserts. The firmness of the cheese requires more chewing, which stimulates saliva production and cleanses the harmful bacteria. Cheeses are also alkaline, so eating cheddar at the end of a meal will help balance the acidity from the food and maintain the proper pH level in the mouth, reducing the chance of decay. Many would recommend a slice of cheddar after carbonated drink or acidic fruit to combat acid erosion.

Milk and yogurt also have lots of healthy minerals

Dairy milk and yogurt can also help to repair tooth enamel. They contain casein, a protein only found in dairy products, which can help strengthen teeth and against early decay. Dairy products also have a high amount of calcium phosphate, which is an essential mineral for both your bones and your teeth! The bad bacteria on your teeth produce lots of acids that dissolve these minerals, so consuming dairy products restores minerals to your mouth, protecting the teeth. The probiotics in yogurt (the good kind of bacteria) can also help to crowd out the bad bacteria on your teeth, lessening the risk of cavities.

Let’s look at the bigger picture together

Good dental hygiene goes beyond just eating the right foods. It’s important to see the bigger picture of your overall health and wellbeing and it is our priority to help you with this. We would love to discuss how diet can help your oral and physical health with you at your next appointment and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Why bother with baby teeth - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 00:16:33 GMT

Why Bother with Baby Teeth?

Dr. Mehnaz Hasan

Has your child, or a child close to you ever experienced decay, trauma, or early removal of a baby tooth? Did you think, “Oh it’s only a baby tooth, it will fall out anyway”? Well you are not alone! It’s one of the most common comments a dentist hears when managing baby teeth.

Though it is true that baby teeth (or rather Primary teeth) eventually fall out, they do still have an important role to play in a child physical and social development. Here’s a few reasons why we should bother to look after our baby teeth!

Avoiding Pain

The term “Baby Teeth” can be a bit of a misnomer. It implies that these teeth aren’t around for very long. In reality, some primary teeth don’t naturally fall out (or exfoliate) until children are almost teenagers!

This is long enough for serious dental issues, such as tooth decay, to take effect. Research has shown that, in Australia over 4 out of 10 children aged 5-10 have experienced tooth decay in their primary teeth1. Often, dentists see decayed teeth in even younger patients!

Dental decay can cause intense debilitating pain that can upset even the most spirited child. So much so that it may interfere with their concentration and learning at school.

Having a child in pain is stressful enough, but it can be even more traumatic when a young child has no option but to tolerate complex dental procedures such as extractions, fillings, or local anaesthetic just to relieve pain.

If left untreated tooth decay can lead to a dental abscess or infection. A dental infection has the potential to damage the underlying permanent tooth or spread to other parts of the body. This can very rapidly turn into an emergency and has been linked to hospitalisations and even fatalities.

General Health

It comes as no surprise that teeth are necessary for eating. Whether it be due to sensitivity from decaying teeth, or pain from a dental abscess, poor dental health can render children unable to properly chew their food. Disruption to their food intake can cause nutritional deficiencies and be harmful to their general health. Moreover, untreated dental infection can put a strain on the body’s immune system.

Speech

Primary teeth, like permanent teeth, play a crucial role in our ability to speak. The presence and proper positioning of primary teeth allow for correct pronunciation during speech. Missing primary teeth can lead to speech impediments, as the teeth may no longer come together with the tongue, lips and cheeks to produce the desired sound.

Self-Esteem

Nothing lights up a room quite like a child’s smile. However, when that smile is affected by dental disease it can really impact negatively on a child’s emotional and social development. Missing or unsightly teeth due to staining or decay can be a source of embarrassment. Social interaction may suffer as the child begins to avoid speaking or smiling in front of others. Shame over their own smile may be detrimental to a child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Self-Esteem

As mentioned earlier primary teeth hang around for a significant amount of time. In fact, the retention of primary teeth for the correct duration is critical in producing a lovely well aligned adult/permanent smile. How so? Primary teeth act as placeholders for their larger counterparts. When primary teeth are lost or extracted too early, surrounding teeth can then drift or tilt into this space. Reduced space then means the developing permanent tooth has inadequate space to erupt into and can get blocked on their way out. This then leads to overcrowding and a crooked smile that will likely require complex orthodontic work to correct.

Now we know the many ways in which baby teeth are important and worth looking after. Come visit our team of friendly dentists at Ballarat Dental Group so we can assist in getting your child’s smile and dental future off to the best possible start!

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2019. Oral health and dental care in Australia. Cat. no. DEN 231. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 23 June 2020, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia .

Covid 19 notice - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 13:52:42 GMT

COVID-19 Notice – BDG Policy

To Our Family of Patients,

At Ballarat Dental Group, we have always valued our relationship and interaction with each and every one of our patients.

In these extraordinary times, we are letting you know we are still here for you, to attend to your dental needs.

Dentistry has always necessitated the highest standards of infection control protocol and we practice this every day. The importance of hand hygiene has always been one of the cornerstones of our practice. Other important things we do include plastic barriers and single use items that are discarded after every patient contact. Our dental instruments are sterilised using Class B sterilizers. The sterilised loads are validated daily and tracked after every cycle.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken additional precautions.

These Include:

Screening of any patients who are unwell to reschedule any elective procedures.
Increased frequency of environmental cleaning, especially on high-touch zones.
Social distancing within the practice.
Additional pre-operative peroxide rinsing for any aerosol - producing procedures.
Providing regular up to date information from health authorities to the team.

Your safety, security and health are important to us.

Many thanks for your continuing support, as we continue to provide the excellent service we have always delivered.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries at all.

Hoping you and your family are keeping well.

The Ballarat Dental Group Team.

So you suffer from sensitive teeth - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 07:22:36 GMT

So You Suffer from Sensitive Teeth…

Johnny T

Having sensitive teeth is never fun. How frustrating it is to get a sudden sharp shooting pain when you’re trying to enjoy a cold refreshing drink, an ice-cream, or even a hot tea!

Worse, this sort of sensitivity is not always a regular occurrence, and you can be deceived into thinking it’s gone away until a future surprise attack happens. It can come from multiple teeth and different areas of the mouth, but it’s not uncommon for sensitivity to be affecting a single tooth.

Sensitivity normally feels like it’s coming from the tooth at the gum-line, where the cold or hot stimulus is most likely to contact it. It’s usually related to new tooth surfaces becoming exposed over time, which is common in patients who brush their teeth too hard (wearing away the protective top layer), have an acidic mouth (either due to diet or medical issues), or have gum disease which has resulted in gum shrinkage away from the tooth. Even teeth whitening solutions, and having professional cleans at the dentist can cause this sensitivity. If this has happened to you, rest assured that this problem is not beyond help!

General sensitivity can be managed in a few ways. Firstly, head to a dentist and make sure that the sensitivity isn’t coming from anything worse such as decay or loose fillings! Once the diagnosis is confirmed, we can get started on treating the sensitivity. Make sure that the tooth brush you are using is a soft bristle brush (not medium or hard!) and that you are using light pressure to keep your teeth clean. Sensitivity toothpaste might be your next best course of action: these toothpastes often contain a higher concentration of fluoride and can firm up the outer layer of your teeth with repeated use over a long period of time. Topical agents such as Tooth Mousse Plus can be left over sensitive surfaces overnight and restore your outer layer as well. Avoid overly hot or cold drinks and avoid acidic drinks as these can trigger sensitivity at any time. Finally, for a sturdier solution, one of our friendly dentists can place some high concentration fluoride over the sensitive layer of tooth, or seal the sensitive surface with filling material.

By following a careful approach, your sensitivity can be managed and you can begin to enjoy cold and hot drinks again without the nagging fear of pain.

To book an appointment with one of our dentists, make sure to call us or leave a booking request by filling out the form below.

My childs first dental visit - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 13:28:30 GMT

My Child’s First Dental Visit

WHEN SHOULD I FIRST TAKE MY CHILD TO THE DENTIST?

Many parents wonder when they should take their children to the dentist. The Australian Dental Association recommends that the first visit is within 6 months of the eruption of the first baby tooth.

This can vary between 6 - 12 months for most children.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FIRST DENTAL VISIT?

This first visit is the most important to establish rapport between the dentist, child and the parent/carer. This is to introduce to them who the dentist is and what a dental surgery looks and feels like.

For very young children, they are often accompanied by their parent in the dental chair. Children get to have a fun ride in the chair. We count their teeth, check their gums and inside their mouth. We also start accessing for any orthodontic concerns, as well as habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.

Parents/carers will often be given advice with oral hygiene and dietary habits.

WHAT SHOULD PARENT/CARER DO TO MAKE THE VISIT SUCCESSFUL?

The parent/carer must be very mindful of not passing on any preconceived notions of fear to their young children. Children are very clever to pick up their adult’s emotions.

Please avoid saying phrases like:

“This will not HURT”

“There’s nothing to be AFRAID of”

Use positive tone and phrases, to make it sound like an exciting adventure.

HOW OFTEN DO CHILDREN NEED TO BE SEEN?

We recommend most children to have regular six - monthly checks. Prevention is better than CURE!

The earlier we can recognise any dental issues starting, the earlier we can manage and prevent them from getting worse.

FINALLY,

The dentist’s role is to assist everyone with their oral health and establish a beautiful smile for LIFE!

To drink or not to drink - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Mon, 27 May 2019 02:08:03 GMT

To Drink or Not to Drink?

Soft drinks and sodas are a treat that many Australians enjoy with their meals and throughout the day. These drinks provide a refreshing sensation and can quickly become an addictive must-have feature of every meal. The simple truth about soft drinks is that they are not good for you, and can have a disastrous effect on your waistline, and your smile.

Despite our best cleaning efforts, harmful bacteria live on our teeth and in our mouths, and thrive off the sugars in our diet. When sugars are broken down by these bugs, an acid attack is formed that begins to dissolve the outer enamel layer of your pearly whites, producing cavities and causing erosion.

Unfortunately, even drinks that have a ‘ZERO SUGAR’ label can be harmful to your teeth due to their high acid content. And if you thought natural sugars found in juices were ok, think again! One cup of apple juice can have up to 9 teaspoons of sugar in it: that’s nearly ALL of the recommended* daily calories from sugar!

Replacing sugary and acidic drinks can be a daunting task but your teeth and overall health will love you all the better for it. Instead of soda water, drink plain fluoridated tap water; instead of energy drinks, think unsweetened milk for your energy needs. Not only does milk contain far less sugar than your average sweetened beverage, and none of the acidic effects of carbonated sodas, it provides CALCIUM, a necessary repairing element for teeth injured by sugars and acids. Those with lactose intolerances can receive the benefits of milk by drinking unsweetened milk substitutes with added calcium.

So what if you’re really craving that soft drink? Here’s 3 ways you can enjoy the soft drink while reducing its negative effects on your teeth:

Drink it through a straw. A straw helps to bypass the teeth and avoid acids washing over them for too long.
Have it with a meal. Sugars in drinks will have less of an effect on your teeth if your saliva glands are healthy and pumping, which they usually are during a meal! This is the best time to have any sweets (within reason) throughout the day.
Neutralise the acid. Washing your mouth out with water, or drinking water directly after an acid attack, can help to deactivate the acids and prevent their harmful action on your enamel.

Naturally, brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing regularly will keep the levels of harmful bacteria living in your mouth and on your teeth at a minimum! So keep up the brushing, and strongly consider substituting sugary and acidic drinks for unsweetened and more neutral drinks like water and plain milk.

*Based on the daily recommended calories from added sugars by the American Heart Association.

Preventative dental care - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Thu, 02 May 2019 02:58:01 GMT

Preventative Dental Care

Ever thought of getting ahead of decay and gum disease? These two non - communicable diseases are the most common diseases in humans. Ironically, they are also the easiest to prevent.

Decay and gum disease can take years to develop and they may not appear as obvious while doing so.

When patients complain that “my tooth is very sensitive” or “a hole has appeared” or “a tooth is wobbly”, the problem might already be in its later stages. Dentists know that the biological and financial cost of treatment is le ss when disease is detected early.

That means not only are treatment outcomes better when fixing these diseases at earlier stages; it also saves you money.

Preventative dental care focuses on catching things early. It generally begins with a comprehensi ve examination. The dentist first establishes any issues that are bothering the patient, and like Sherlock Holmes, the dentist hunts for other clues that may have been missed or unreported.

A check of your facial muscles and joints is followed by a good screening for habits, oral cancer, gum disease and decay. Very often, x - rays of your teeth are required to look for decay between teeth or underneath fillings.

A tailored plan for the individual is formulated from the findings.

It may range from a “rest orative plan” that prioritizes deeper decay before shallower decay to simply learning how to clean certain areas better. A good thorough removal of tartar and polishing may also be performed on the same visit.

We recommend a preventative dental checkup once every 6 months.

6 months is a good time point to monitor and follow up on any known shallower decay. Any progress of the decay front signals to the dentist that conservative approaches were unsuccessful and the decay should be removed before it gets t oo close to the nerve. Recommendations to oral hygiene or day - to - day habits can be reviewed and improvements can be suggested. Build up of tartar is also managed comfortably for the patient at this point.

Through preventative dental care, you are less lik ely to be surprised by toothaches and pain. If you have not been on the preventative side of things, you are now armed with the knowledge and reasons to do so.

For more info:

1511376_ballarat_dental_group

Tooth Decay and Fluoride

How does tooth decay occur?

﻿ How do we prevent tooth decay?

﻿ What is Fluoride?

﻿ Where can I find Fluoride?

﻿ What kind of Toothpaste should I use?

What is Invisalign?

What is Invisalign?

﻿ How does it work?

﻿ WIll Invisalign work for me? Can I do Invisalign instead of braces?

﻿ What should I expect from Invisalign treatment?

﻿

My own personal experience with Invisalign

Understanding Preventing and Managing dental erosion - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Scratching at the surface: Understanding, Preventing and Managing Dental Erosion

What is Dental Erosion?

What Causes Dental Erosion?

﻿ What Contributes to Dental Erosion?

﻿ How Do I Prevent Dental Erosion?

Managing Dental Erosion:

Wisdom teeth - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Introduction to Wisdom Teeth

Why Are Some Wisdom Teeth Impacted or Unerupted?

﻿ Problems Associated With Wisdom Teeth

Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Pain

What Should I Do? Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

What is teeth whitening - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

What Is Teeth Whitening?

What Causes Teeth Discolouration?

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Are There Any Risks with Teeth Whitening?

Will My Fillings Whiten as Well?

Is Teeth Whitening a Good Option for Me?

Snoring and sleep apnoea - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Snoring and Sleep Apnoea

What are veneers - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

What Are Veneers?

Grinding - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Grinding

How diet can help your oral health part 2 - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

How Diet Can Help Your Oral Health - Part 2

How diet can help your oral health part 1 - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

How Diet Can Help Your Oral Health - Part 1

Why bother with baby teeth - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Why Bother with Baby Teeth?

Covid 19 notice - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

COVID-19 Notice – BDG Policy

So you suffer from sensitive teeth - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

So You Suffer from Sensitive Teeth…

My childs first dental visit - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

My Child’s First Dental Visit

To drink or not to drink - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

To Drink or Not to Drink?

Preventative dental care - Ballaratdentalgroup.com.au

Preventative Dental Care

Decay and gum disease can take years to develop and they may not appear as obvious while doing so.

That means not only are treatment outcomes better when fixing these diseases at earlier stages; it also saves you money.

A tailored plan for the individual is formulated from the findings.

We recommend a preventative dental checkup once every 6 months.

How Preventive Dentistry Keeps Teeth Clean at Any Age

How do we prevent tooth decay?

What is Fluoride?

Where can I find Fluoride?

What kind of Toothpaste should I use?

How does it work?

WIll Invisalign work for me? Can I do Invisalign instead of braces?

What should I expect from Invisalign treatment?

What Contributes to Dental Erosion?

How Do I Prevent Dental Erosion?

Problems Associated With Wisdom Teeth