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Many of us have experienced moments where we’ve felt like our heart is in our mouth, but did you know there is actually a link between the two?

Heart disease which includes blocked arteries, heart attack, angina and stroke is a primary cause of disability or death in the developed world. It’s well known that heart disease has been connected to risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and inactivity, but research now shows that people with periodontal (gum) disease have an increased risk of developing heart disease, especially if left unchecked and untreated. The same bacteria and toxins that cause gum disease in the mouth have been found in fatty deposits within clogged arteries.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease can sometimes be difficult to detect unless your dentist notices the warning signs, so regular dental checks to monitor any dental health changes and detect and treat gum disease in its early stages is valuable. Be sure to see your dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Red, irritated and swollen gums, that may, or appear to be pulling away from the teeth, with pockets forming between your teeth and gums.
• Unsteady teeth with gaps forming in-between your teeth.
• Bleeding when you brush, floss, spit and rinse.
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth and/or you have bad breath.
• Pus and/or blood around your gums and on your teeth.

How can I care for my gums and heart?

There are many things you and your dentist can do to reduce your risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush which reaches all tooth surfaces and chat with your dentist about the advantages of using an electric toothbrush. For some people this is a better option than a manual toothbrush.
• Because half of your teeth’s surface area lies between your teeth, make sure you floss both your teeth and gums daily for at least two minutes. Interdental brushes can support flossing and remove bacteria which can be transmitted to the heart.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride as it helps to preserve the hard, protective enamel tooth coating.
• A healthy diet which is low in sugar and carbohydrates can support your dental health. Avoid snacking between meals and drink water instead of sugary drinks. A diet low in saturated fats will also support your heart health.
• It’s recommended to see your dentist every six months or more frequently if you’ve been advised to.

 

Remember

Your dental health can be an indication of the rest of your body’s health and has a direct impact on your overall health. So, be sure to book an appointment with your dentist for a thorough examination of your mouth.

References

1. https://www.ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Younger-Adults-18-30/flossing
2. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia/contents/introduction
3. https://www.colgate.com.au/oral-health/conditions/heart-disease/how-oral-health-and-heart-disease-are-connected
4. https://www.dhsv.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/2515/links-between-oral-health-and-general-health-the-case-for-action.pdf

 

With the holiday season upon us, we want to ensure you know what to do if the unexpected happens and you have a dental emergency. Dental emergencies can happen at the most inconvenient times and often can’t wait until a more suitable appointment time.

When is it time to make an emergency appointment?

Sometimes it’s very clear what constitutes a dental emergency, but it can also be difficult to know when to make an emergency appointment. Everyone has their own tolerance for pain and discomfort. However, you will need to see a dentist if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Any significant pain, swelling or uncontrolled bleeding.
• A tooth infection or abscess. Sometimes an unpleasant taste in the mouth or pus can be present.
• An ulcer which won’t heal or a sore on your tongue, gum or cheek.
• A broken or fractured tooth including dental trauma e.g. a tooth which has been knocked out.

 

Tips to help avoid a dental emergency

1. Take care of your teeth and gums, no matter what the time of year. We all tend to relax our usual behaviours and routines over the summer holidays, but this doesn’t mean we should forget the dental essentials.
2. Use scissors and not your teeth to open packages. You may be in a hurry to open that Christmas gift but take your time and enjoy the anticipation. Your teeth will thank you!
3. Avoid chewing on ice and hard foods which could cause your teeth to crack. Popcorn kernels, pork crackling, bones, olive pips and hard chewy lollies are all common tooth trauma culprits.
4. Wear a mouthguard if you play a contact sport or if you have been told that you clench or grind your teeth.
5. Monitor your intake of sweet, sugary foods, and stay well hydrated, over the summer months.
6. Maintain your usual routine of brushing at least twice each day and flossing every day.
7. Get any existing problems or concerns with your teeth or gums fixed before they become a much bigger problem or at worst, an emergency.

 

What to do if you find yourself in a dental emergency

It is important to stay calm and not panic. Call your dentist as soon as possible. If a tooth has been knocked out, try placing it gently back into the socket. Hold it by the crown, not the roots and make sure it’s in the right way around. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk before placing it back into the socket.  If you can’t put it back, store it in milk or place the tooth between your cheek and gums to keep it moist until you can get to the dentist. (Note: If a baby tooth is knocked out from your child’s mouth, call your dentist before attempting to replace it).

If you have a toothache, avoid chewing on the tooth as well as hot, cold or sweet food and drink if that is making the toothache worse. You can take over the counter pain medication as directed by your pharmacist to control the pain whilst you are waiting to be seen by your dentist.

If you notice a swelling on the cheeks that is enlarging, beginning to close the eye, or tracking down the side of your neck, you should urgently contact your local emergency department. Any rapidly uncontrolled swelling associated with an abscessed tooth will need medical attention as soon as possible.

Please call your nib Dental Centre or Book an appointment online as soon as possible with your dentist. We are open over the festive break to support you with your dental needs, whatever they may be.

When should I make an emergency appointment?

Make an appointment to be seen by a dentist as soon as possible by either calling direct or online.  Early assessment and treatment of dental emergencies can make a significant difference towards a positive outcome.

References

https://www.pacificsmilesdental.com.au/news/covid-19-safety-your-appointment/
https://www.pacificsmilesdental.com.au/news/how-to-deal-with-dental-emergencies-over-the-holiday-season/
https://www.pacificsmilesdental.com.au/news/what-do-i-do-when-my-tooth-is-knocked-out/
https://www.pacificsmilesdental.com.au/news/what-to-expect-during-an-emergency-dental-appointment/

 

 

The festive season has arrived and its time of celebrate with friends and family… and food. And don’t worry, there are delicious foods that are great for encouraging healthy teeth. If you make a few simple additions to your Christmas menu, your teeth will certainly be thanking you!

Dairy, vegetables and fruit are great choices for healthy teeth

Eating more crunchy fruits and vegetables, drinking more tap water, and limiting sugary snacks to mealtime, rather than between meals, are three major things you can do to increase your oral and general health. Numerous vegetables with high water content include important vitamins and minerals which promote healthy teeth and gums, while eating raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery and raw broccoli, help to stimulate saliva which acts to cleanse the mouth of food particles and acids and potentially help to remove plaque¹. Also, adding dairy to the menu means plenty of opportunities to up your calcium intake. Hard cheese and plain milk are the healthiest options and protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium needed to remineralise your teeth².

 

Indulge in a fruit, veggie and cheese Christmas tree!

 

Choose your favourite treats to make a tasty Christmas tree with fruit, veggies and cheese! Just cut the vegetables and fruit of your choice into slices and arrange to form a tree. Place cubes or shapes of your favourite cheese to represent decorations on the tree. You can even tuck fresh thyme sprigs between the layers. Slices of carrot, celery or cucumber are the finishing touch for a perfect tree trunk.

 

¹ https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Latest-News/National-Nutrition-Week-2019

² https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Latest-News/Dietitians-Day-2019

 

This summer, reward yourself after a busy year with a change of pace and bring a sense of balance to your life. It’s time to relax with friends and family and while a lot of our everyday routines can be forgotten over the summer break, caring for our teeth is a habit we can’t afford to forget.  There’s just too much at stake.

It’s fantastic to floss

Nearly half of the surface area of our teeth can’t be cleaned by brushing alone.  Floss is the only way to remove food and plaque from in-between teeth and under the gums.  There are many different types of floss available to buy at dental centres, pharmacies and supermarkets and it’s cheap – around the same price as a cup of coffee and it lasts a whole lot longer.

Be gentle when flossing and avoid ‘snapping’ it against your gums, instead, use a zigzag motion. Take your time cleaning between every tooth, remembering if two teeth are touching there’s likely to be food trapped. Speak with your dentist about the right way to floss. They’ll be happy you did.

 

Five top tips for a great summer smile

1. Don’t forget to brush your teeth twice each day and floss every day. Set a timer on your phone for 2 minutes morning and night and spend a little time brushing each surface of every tooth and your tongue as well. Spit out the toothpaste but don’t rinse – the fluoride in the toothpaste will work wonders on your enamel by making it strong. And take your toothbrush if going away. Missing brushing at night can increase the risk of tooth decay and sharing toothbrushes is never a good idea.
2. Think before you drink. Water is the best beverage if you’re thirsty and will help to keep your teeth decay free. Soft drink, sports drinks, flavoured water and mixer drinks all contain varying amounts of sugar and electrolytes which can lead to tooth decay. So include water in your summer esky!
3. Try to limit your snacking and stick with three meals and two snacks each day. Each time you eat, the acid level of the mouth drops which can cause the surface of the teeth to soften and start the tooth decay process. Your saliva plays a really important role in protecting your teeth by neutralising acids, but It takes up to 20 minutes for this to happen. The more frequently you snack, the less time you give saliva to protect the teeth. If you need a snack, aim for something healthy. Dairy foods, fruit and vegetables, nuts, crackers and apples are all tooth friendly. Take a plate of healthy snacks to share and watch them disappear.
4. Give smoking a miss and stay clear of other smokers. Apart from the damage to your lungs, smoking can damage the gums, cause bad breath, affect taste and stain your teeth.
5. Consider if stress is affecting your mouth or jaw. Tooth clenching, grinding, mouth ulcers and cold sores can all be signs of stress and anxiety. Speak with your dentist if you feel stress is affecting you in anyway, including your mouth. Even holidays can be stressful, even though they’re not meant to be.

Speak with your dentist

Our Dentists at nib Dental are happy to chat through ways to look after your teeth and gums so the rest of your body stays healthy. Don’t wait until there’s a problem or you have pain. It’s important your dentist is monitoring your oral health regularly.

Remember

Dentists at nib Dental will be available over the holiday period, so book an appointment for your oral health check. A New Year’s resolution can be to have a healthy smile.

References

 

 

 

 

It’s been an absolute joy looking after you and we want to take this opportunity to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

At nib Dental Care we’re passionate about the health of your teeth and keeping our services available to you over the holiday season. A selection of our dental centres will be open throughout the festive period as well as Public Holidays (except Christmas Day) with daily emergency appointments.

If you need to make an appointment during this time, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment at the following nib Dental Care centres by calling us on 1300 345 300, or book an appointment online.

Christmas Day 2020:

All nib Dental Care Centres will be closed. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Boxing Day 2020:

Chatswood, Glendale, Greenhills, Melbourne, Woden

New Year’s Day 2021:

Greenhills, Melbourne

Thank you for being part of the nib Dental Care family and we look forward to taking care of you over the break and into 2021.