Quite a few of us think that everyday vitamin and mineral supplements only do good for our health and wellbeing. Around 2/3 of Australians take dietary supplements with this understanding.  Though it’s worth remembering that all drugs, including medications and nutritional supplements, carry a possible risk of side effects. Commonly, the more supplements taken, the higher the risk.

It’s also important to weigh up the benefits against the risk of harm in taking any substance which can cause changes in how the body works.

What can be the adverse effects of supplements on your teeth?

In relation to oral health, side effects from certain supplements can increase the risk of infection, bleeding and inflammation (swelling) and even slow down healing. Supplements may also interact with other medications being taken and enhance, or reduce, their effectiveness.

In the experience of pharmacy experts, drug interactions are often under-identified and the general public are largely unaware of adverse health effects of taking supplements.

It’s important to tell your dentist if you are taking any medication, including vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements. So at your dental appointments, bring a list of any medications, including supplements, that you’re taking. Bring the actual bottle/s or container/s, otherwise, a clear photo so your dentist can check if they’re safe to take and offer you professional guidance.

There are well-known risks of some of the popular ingredients in many nutritional supplements:

• Tooth (and skin) staining from iron supplements and some ingredients in herbal teas.
• Many herbal supplements also contain aspirin which can affect the clotting mechanism of blood. This means there is an increased risk of bleeding for any dental procedure.
• Some herbal ingredients contribute to the risk of developing a dry mouth (xerostomia), which increases the risk of cavities.
• Many herbal supplements are contained in a lolly or ‘gummy’ form. These contain sugar which increases the risk of decay.
• Echinacea increases the risk of infection because it promotes inflammation which impacts healing.
• Turmeric, although popular, increases the risk of bleeding.

Is there other possible harm in taking supplements?

Supplements are still drugs, even though they may not be marketed as such. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) inspects products and ensures they comply with relevant codes, though problems arise when products don’t contain what is stated and when they are in inaccurate concentrations.

Although the pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, the complimentary medicine industry is not.

Even though supplements are often marketed as being ‘natural’ this is not a guarantee that they are harmless. It’s still possible to be allergic to ingredients and have an adverse reaction to them. It can be difficult to identify the exact cause of a reaction because many supplements are a combination of ingredients, at varying concentrations and not always included in the product information.

There can also be a cost to the individual in delaying more effective treatment, in the hope that taking a supplement will treat a condition.

Speak with your dentist and healthcare providers to let them know of any  medications and supplements you are taking. Book an appointment today to see your dentist.

 

 Download your Tooth Fairy items here

 

 

We know the arrival of a lost tooth can happen quickly, so we wanted to ensure you have easy access to everything you need for a visit from the tooth fairy. So please find below your free, printable downloads of tooth fairy-related products by clicking on the images. We have worked closely with the tooth fairy to develop a perfect tooth-sized envelope and a letter and certificate from the tooth fairy.

Everything you need to know about the tooth fairy

Most of us had a few visits from the tooth fairy when we were small. Their visit when we were sleeping was usually acknowledged by a coin left in exchange for the lost tooth. As adults, the idea of losing a tooth is not such a joyful idea, though as children, losing baby teeth is one of those developmental stages which can be something to celebrate.

In the Middle Ages, superstitions were associated around baby teeth and their correct disposal so the child could be protected from witches in the afterlife. The modern interpretation is a little less scary and has been traced to a 1908 Chicago newspaper article relating to household hints. This offered guidance to mothers on the ideal way to encourage a ‘refractory child’ to allow a loose tooth to be removed.

Most countries and ethnicities have their own version of how the tooth fairy tradition evolved, though many of us have an image of the tooth fairy being female, pixie like and waving a magic wand. Of course, she has a radiant smile and if we were to meet her, would be the perfect source of information about baby teeth and how to care for them.

5 fun facts about the tooth fairy

1. In Japan, the tradition is for lost upper teeth to be thrown in a straight line to the ground and lower teeth straight up to the air. This is thought to influence how straight the adult teeth will grow.
2. Many Latin and European countries have a tooth mouse, rather than a tooth fairy.
3. In parts of Scotland, a white fairy rat, instead of the tooth fairy, exchanges teeth for coins.
4. The Vikings considered baby teeth to bring good luck in a battle and would wear necklaces made out of baby teeth.
5. In Ireland, the tooth fairy is a leprechaun girl, sometimes called Anna Bogle. Because leprechauns are not meant to steal, she leaves a piece of gold in exchange for the child’s tooth.

Where do all those baby teeth go?

Depending on where you come from, the tooth fairy can either repurpose baby teeth or will just dispose of them – ideally, hidden in the rubbish bin so they can’t be found by small eyes. In some parts of the world, the tooth fairy has more of a recycling philosophy and uses baby teeth to build her fairy castle. Of course, she only wants white and shiny teeth so her castle shimmers brightly and it is this image which is often used to prompt children to brush their teeth.

More often than is intended, the tired tooth fairy can forget her important night time task of retrieving a baby tooth from under the child’s pillow or from a glass of water beside the bed. In this case, she needs to think very carefully about how to make plans to return on a subsequent night.

Sometimes the tooth fairy gives baby teeth to the children’s parents, to be kept safe for later reflection. A small container or ‘keepsake’ box is the ideal way to store these treasures, though can also be the cause for sadness and perhaps a few tears.

When your dentist examines your mouth, they are looking for changes and potential problems which may need treatment. Regular appointments help to diagnose issues before they become serious. However, there’s a limit to how much can be seen with the naked eye, no matter how thorough the examination.  This is why x-rays are so valuable, they help to see between and inside the teeth where tooth decay (holes) is hidden and commonly occurs.  

Although the enamel on the tooth surface may appear intact, an x-ray can help to pick up signs of decay underneath. X-rays also help to detect problems with the roots of the teeth, changes in the bone, unerupted teeth such as wisdom teeth, infections and if there are issues with the jaw and facial bones.  X-rays also assist with planning for dental care, including fillings, implants, tooth extraction and orthodontics.   

Are dental x-rays safe? 

Absolutely. Modern digital x-rays use very small amounts of radiation to create an image of the teeth and bones of the mouth and are safe for adults and children.  

Radiation is measured in units called ‘Micro-Sieverts’. Walking around each day exposes us natural background radiation of 10 micro-sieverts whilst eating a banana is equivalent to 0.1 micro-sieverts. To put this into perspective, a typical single dental x-rays is equivalent to the natural radiation of eating two bananas.  

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, let your dentist know before you have any dental examination, including x-rays.  According to health experts, for women who have not had a recent dental check and where there are benefits in having an x-ray, there is no need to defer having one. 1 

When your Dentist look at x-rays, they are looking for subtle changes in how light or dark an area on the x-ray appears to the surrounding area. This tells them if there has been any change in the mineral structure of the teeth and bone. 

What type of dental x-ray would I need? 

The type of x-ray you have will be based on the information your dentist needs.   

• The most common type is what’s known as ‘Bite wing’ x-rays, which are generally taken at your first visit and then at intervals of between 12-24 months depending on your tooth decay risk factors. 
• Periapical x-rays help to view the entire tooth, including the roots and surrounding bone.  These types of x-rays are useful for helping to diagnose infections, bone levels, tooth aches or root structures and are required before a tooth is extracted.  
• Panoramic x-rays, also called a ‘full mouth x-ray’ or OPG, help to visualise the entire mouth, sinuses, bones and jaw and to assess the stages of tooth development in children. They’re also useful to view the wisdom teeth and determine the extent of gum disease. These type of x-rays are typically taken at an initial consultation and every 5 years thereafter. 
• A lateral cephalometric x-ray which is taken side on, is often done in combination with a full mouth x-ray, and helps to plan orthodontic treatment.  

• A CBCT or 3D x-rays is taken when your Dentist needs to accurately visualise the structures of the mouth in 3D, for implant planning, orthodontics, or following trauma 

 

How often should I have my teeth x-rayed? 

Your dentist will advise you about the type and frequency of x-rays required. They aim to minimise the number of x-rays they take. Typically, your dentist will take a set of baseline x-rays such as bitewings, periapicals and OPG’s on your initial visit.  

Additional x-rays such as periapicals may be required if you have a toothache, require an extraction or tooth you are having treatment on a tooth such as a crown or root canal treatment. 

If you have any questions about x-rays or other dental related information, speak with your dentist.  Book an appointment today to discuss your own individual needs and ensure good oral health.  

[1] ADA_OHP_FactSheets_Pregnancy_23052017.pdf.aspx