News

 

Most of us are aware of ways to care for our teeth and prevent tooth decay. Gum care, though less understood, is just as important. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria that live in plaque, a sticky colourless film which forms on our teeth after eating. Unless plaque is frequently removed with brushing or dental cleaning, the bacteria in plaque can cause gum infection and tooth decay.  Left untreated, gum disease can progress to affecting the bone that supports the teeth.

Stages of gum disease

There are three stages of gum disease; the first is gingivitis where plaque builds up on the gumline and releases toxins which can irritate the gums. The second stage is periodontitis, where the bone and tissues holding the teeth become damaged irreversibly. The third stage is advanced periodontitis, where the fibres and bone holding the teeth in place are destroyed. This causes the teeth to become loose and shift from their normal position.  When bone loss is advanced, it can be extremely difficult to save the affected teeth. Early intervention can stop gum disease from progressing and from becoming more advanced and causing tooth and bone loss.

 

How to know if you have gum disease?

You may not know you have gum disease, which is why it’s so important to check your own mouth and book an appointment for a regular dental check-up. Look at your gums and become familiar with any changes.

For some people, the first sign they have a gum problem is that their teeth don’t sit or align correctly when they bite. Loose teeth or a change in the appearance of their teeth can also cause suspicion.

Gum redness, swelling, tenderness and bleeding when brushing and/or flossing are also symptoms of gum disease. Another sign is puffy gums, pulling away from the teeth so they look longer.

Teeth which are loose or sensitive also feature with gum disease. More advanced gum disease can cause pus to form between the teeth and within the gums. And bad breath, sometimes called ‘perio’ breath, is another symptom.1 You may also have an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Can gum disease be treated?

Treatment of gum disease depends on how advanced it is. In the early stages, regular cleaning with   brushing and flossing is a good start. A more thorough and comprehensive clean by a dentist can help to remove plaque and tartar collected under the gum-line and in the shallow trough in-between the teeth and the gums. If there are any rough, old or broken fillings that are causing food to become trapped, these may need to be replaced to help prevent further damage to the gums. In more severe cases of gum disease, a deep clean of the roots of the teeth may be required over three to four visits. You may also be given an option to see a gum disease specialist for more advanced treatment.

Book regular appointments with your dentist so they can guide you on preventative measures to maintain your gum health. Remember that caring for your gums and teeth is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the impact of gum disease; brush, floss and repeat, twice a day, every day.

1 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/bad-breath/what-is-perio-breath-the-connection-between-gum-disease-and-halitosis

 

Dental anxiety is a fear or anxiety associated with going to the dentist. And although many of us would prefer to spend our time elsewhere, the truth is that having a healthy mouth is a vital part of maintaining your overall health.

If you suffer with dental anxiety, you are not alone. Some people have generalised anxiety or a fear over loss of control, whilst others may fear the cost, the unknown or have a phobia about needles or pain.

Whatever the cause, understanding your individual needs and tailoring your dental care to your particular needs is the key to successfully overcoming anxiety. It’s worth developing a plan with your dentist to help you feel more comfortable. Their help will support you to manage your anxiety and reduce the likelihood of delayed visits.

So what can you do if you feel anxious about going to the dentist?

 

Tips to managing your dental visit anxiety

• Naming the fear is often one of the best first steps as well as trying not to hide from it. Let the centre know when you book your appointment that you are feeling worried. Remember, they genuinely want to help you.
• If possible, ask the centre to make an appointment for a quieter time. Avoid sitting for long periods in the waiting room. Ask the receptionist to let you know if your appointment is likely to be delayed, which will help you to manage your anxiety while waiting.
• Speak to your dentist and be up front about how you’re feeling. Being open could be helpful in identifying your individual triggers and working out a treatment plan you’re comfortable with. Organise a stop or pause signal with your dentist for use during treatment so they know when you need a break.
• It may help to make your first appointment a simple ‘get to know you’ meeting with your dentist, which doesn’t involve an examination. This will help to build trust and allow you to highlight any areas of concern.
• If you’ve had a bad dental experience in the past which is the source of your anxiety, let your dentist know. Open up ways of communicating with your dentist where you feel comfortable and transparent. Practice before your appointment so you feel confident doing these.
• Talk to your dentist about sedation options which may be available for you. These can be useful when other distraction and relaxation strategies are not effective. Bring some relaxation music or guided meditation and listen through your headphones while you wait for your appointment. Deep breathing, distraction and guided imagery can all be helpful.1
• Make your next appointment before you leave the surgery or book an appointment online. Plan this for a time not too far into the future so you can build on the skills you’ve already developed.
• Plan for something fun and enjoyable after your appointment and bring someone you trust with you to the appointment. Reward yourself for facing your anxiety.

Remember – regular dental checks can help to identify problems in the early stages. Delaying appointments and treatment often leads to more extensive dental problems.

 

Close to three million Australians have asthma, meaning around one in nine people are affected by this respiratory disease.[1] And although we understand a lot about how asthma can be triggered and attacks treated, the link between asthma and oral health largely goes unknown by those who suffer from it. Evidence has shown a common outcome of using asthma medication is for asthmatics to be at a higher risk of developing cavities. This is because of changes in the type and quantity of saliva they produce.  Asthmatics are also more likely to breathe through their mouth, causing dryness (xerostomia) and further changes in their saliva’s pH level. Essentially, the protective mechanism from saliva in helping to prevent tooth decay is not the same.

Asthma is also a risk factor for other oral health problems, including periodontal (gum) disease – particularly gingivitis and candidiasis (thrush).  Asthmatics are also more likely to develop tooth erosion and subsequently, tooth decay, also called cavities. But this doesn’t mean asthmatics have to experience negative oral health consequences. With some additional knowledge and a proactive relationship with a dentist, many of the harmful effects of asthma medication on teeth and gums can be minimised.

How to reduce tooth decay when you’re an asthmatic

• Try not to brush your teeth right after you’ve used your inhaler; instead, rinse your mouth with water to remove residue or if the taste is bothering you. Steroids can further damage already weakened enamel. Speak with your doctor about using a spacer with your inhaler[2]. This will help to direct the medication directly into your lungs, rather than onto your teeth and gums.
• Be detailed with brushing your teeth. Use a toothpaste containing fluoride at least twice a day and floss daily. Fluoride mouthwashes can help to re-mineralise tooth enamel.
• Limit sweet foods and avoid drinking soft drinks, juice or sweetened drinks. They are high in sugar and can lead to decay.
• Consider using a ‘dry-mouth’ wash or gel if dry mouth is a problem. Chew sugarless gum to promote your saliva flow and drink plenty of plain water to keep hydrated.
• Book an appointment with your dentist every six months or more often if advised to.
• https://nibdental.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/NIB_News_AsthmaOralHealth_2_0920.jpg

At your dental appointments

• Let the receptionist know if cool morning air is likely to trigger your asthma. If so, it could help to make an appointment for later in the day.
• Let your dentist know if you or your children are asthmatic and provide them with a list of the medications you’re taking. Remember to bring your preventer and reliever inhalers to your appointment.
• Take a copy of your asthma management plan[3]. Make sure you have an up to date copy to share.

 

[1] https://asthma.org.au/about-asthma/understanding-asthma/statistics

[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1834-7819.2010.01226.x

[3] https://asthma.org.au/about-asthma/understanding-asthma/statistics

 

Most of us can easily recognise sugar in its processed form. Sitting prettily in a sugar bowl, those brown and white crystals don’t claim to be anything other than what they are.  But sugar can also be a master of disguise, hidden in many of the foods and drinks we consume.  And no matter how it’s presented and whatever it’s in, sugar has the same effect on our body and importantly, our teeth.

Why do I crave sugar?

One of the main issues with sugar is that it tastes good. As humans, we’re wired to seek pleasure and reward. Sugar, in all its forms, has this feedback loop all worked out.  When something sweet lands on our tongue and sends a message to our brain, Dopamine, the feel-good chemical, is released into our bloodstream. Simply put, when we eat sugar, we feel good. And no matter how old we are this desire for sweetness never leaves us. However, sugar, no matter what our age or stage of life, has a consistently negative influence on our teeth.

How is tooth decay caused?

Dental cavities, also known as tooth decay, happens when acid on the tooth’s surface pulls minerals out of the tooth, causing it to weaken. Sugar + bacteria = acid, causing holes to appear as they dissolve the hard tissues of the teeth. Once a tooth is shows signs of cavities and decay, it ordinarily needs drilling and filling to halt the decay and strengthen the tooth.  And once decayed, a tooth never has the same integrity or strength as when it was intact. This often leads to more complex restorations over time.

Caring for your children’s teeth

For many reasons, baby teeth are precious. Teaching healthy eating and drinking habits at a young age is essential to having a positive impact upon a child’s ongoing oral health. Baby teeth set the template for permanent teeth to erupt and ideally, support a healthy environment of flora in the baby’s mouth. The introduction of too much sugar, especially sugar found in sweet fruit purees and juices can have a larger impact upon your baby’s teeth than you may realise.

What is the best way to look after my baby’s teeth?

Tooth decay in baby teeth can set the stage for ongoing issues with your child’s teeth. Too much sugar consumed can not only cause cavities in your child’s baby teeth but is also likely to cause increased cavities in their adult teeth as well.

1. If you can see a tooth, it needs cleaning. Clean their teeth at least once a day with a soft brush or even a damp cloth.
2. Start using a children’s toothpaste from around 18 months of age as this will help protect their teeth even further.
3. Aim to stop your baby’s bottles from around 12 months of age and offer cups which can help to ensure your baby’s teeth placement is not impacted. Try not to give bottles of juice or milk to go to bed with. Milk contains lactose, a form of sugar and when left sitting on the teeth can lead to an increased risk of cavities. Brushing your baby/toddler’s teeth before they go to bed will help you to avoid this occurring.

How can I look after my older child’s teeth?

You have one of the most important roles in your child’s dental health when it comes to monitoring your child’s diet and ensuring their sugar intake is low. Keep sweet treats for special occasions. Children don’t have the hand dexterity to do a good job brushing their teeth until they’re around 8 years of age. Solet your baby/toddler practice their own tooth brushing but always clean them yourself as well.

Three tips to caring for older children’s teeth

1. Discourage snacking between meals. Each time this re-starts the cycle of food + bacteria = acid, causing decay. If they’re hungry, cheese, milk and dairy foods are better choices.
2. Encourage water as the best drink between meals. Sports drinks, cordial, soft drinks and energy drinks are all high in sugar and lead to decay.
3. Use a children’s fluoridated toothpaste until five years of age. Encourage them to spit but not rinse.

How can I support my older child to care for their teeth?

Your influence is still important, even though your child is older.  This is an age when hunger peaks and extra food and snacks help to fuel growth.  Snacking especially is a risk factor for tooth decay and many snack foods are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Three tips to care for young adult’s teeth

1. Encourage your teenager to learn how to read food and drink labels so they can become used to making informed decisions about what they eat and drink.
2. If your child has braces, encourage them to brush after every meal. It’s important to limit sweet and sticky foods when braces are on because of increased challenges with teeth cleaning. A soft-headed toothbrush held at a 45-degree angle to the gums and then brushed downwards will help to clean the top and bottom brackets. Experiment with different floss options which discourage shedding and retain the shape and function of the floss.
3. Make regular dental appointments. For many young adults, there is an increased risk of decay once parents are no longer monitoring and managing their child’s oral health.

What is the best way adults can care for their teeth?

With many years under your belt when it comes to taking care of your teeth, it can be easy to become a little complacent. Many adults have already had restorative work on their teeth by the time they reach their 30s and 40s and while you may be feeling like your teeth are still going strong, this does not mean they no longer need attention. The hidden sugar in many of the foods and drinks we consume today, even those which claim to be sugar free can still trigger harmful cavity-causing reactions from our teeth. Monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure teeth and gums remain healthy and to identify small issues before they become big ones.  Sugar is still a precursor to decay and its effects no less detrimental than they are when we are children.

Three tips to care for your adult teeth

1. Brush at least twice daily and ensure you floss to remove any remnants of sugar and food between your teeth.
2. Be mindful of hidden sugars in food and drink – read labels and be suspicious of ingredients with ‘ose’ at the end (meaning sugar)- for example fructose or sucrose
3. Visit your dentist regularly. As we get older, dental maintenance has the primary goal of retaining teeth and maintaining healthy gums.

Across all ages

Sugar and its effects do not become less influential as we age.  And tooth decay can happen at any point in our life. The sugar we eat and drink has long lasting effects on our body – even after it has left our mouth. Visit your dentist regularly and learn as much as you can about the best way to care for your teeth and gums. Building an ongoing rapport with your dentist will not only help you feel more comfortable in raising any oral health issues, but your dentist will also be more aware of the ongoing changes taking place to your teeth and gums over the years.

 

There are all sorts of health benefits to cutting back on sugar. And although we’ve always known about the relationship between sugar and tooth decay, there’s increasingly more evidence about sugar’s connection with other health related conditions too.  High sugar diets increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, as well as other, often complex health issues.

How does tooth decay occur?

Sugar works its magic by partnering with bacteria which live on the surface of our teeth.  There is a range of different types of bacteria and, depending on the individual, there are fewer or greater numbers of specific bacteria.  Interestingly, our oral microbiome, or community of bacteria, begins at birth and is strongly influenced by our mother’s oral health and her own bacteria during pregnancy.

Whenever we eat or drink something sugary, the bacteria on the surface of our teeth eat the residue of sugar and acid is formed.  This acid works like a microscopic extraction fan, pulling minerals out from the surface of the tooth.  Eventually, this weakens the enamel of the tooth and dental cavities form.

Once a tooth is decayed and filled, it is never as strong as it once was. There isn’t just a financial cost in restoring teeth, but also a biological cost as well which can have a lifelong impact.

How can I reduce my risk of getting dental cavities?

There many things you can do, but among the most important is to understand how important your role is in preventing decay in the first place. Whilst your dentist will be supporting you, their role builds on what you’re doing every day between visits.

• Brush your teeth at least twice each day and use fluoridated toothpaste.
• Spit, but don’t rinse out the toothpaste. The fluoride it contains has a protective action on your tooth’s surface.
• Brush your tongue well each day. A range of bacteria grow on the tongue. One of them, Streptococcus Mutans is a primary reason for dental decay.
• Replace your toothbrush when it starts to look worn and shaggy, or every three months, whichever comes first. Remember, toothbrushes are a disposable item and need to be thrown away once they’ve reached the peak of their usefulness. A soft, small headed toothbrush with a flexible neck is ideal for reaching back teeth and small areas of a tooth’s surface.
• Clean between your teeth at least once each day. Use dental floss and interdental brushes to remove food from between your teeth. Spend some time finding the style of floss and interdental brushes that suit your teeth. The spacing between adjoining teeth varies between us all and it’s important to use the right size brush and floss to do a thorough job.
• Drink water between meals if you’re thirsty. Avoid drinking soft drinks, cordial, energy drinks or other carbonated fluids. Swish your mouth with water after snacking and drinking.
• The World Health Organisation recommends we eat no more than a total of 6 teaspoons /24 grams of added sugar each day. One teaspoon of sugar = 4 grams.  Read labels of the foods you’re eating and check the amount of sugar per 100 grams. The Australian Dental Association says to aim for 10 grams or less of sugar per 100 grams.

Book an appointment to see your dentist regularly to maintain good oral health.  Small issues can easily become big issues.  It’s important to have your dentist monitor your teeth and give you individual support and guidance about preventative strategies.

I’ve got the munchies!

Every time we eat and drink, the sugar + bacteria = acid cycle happens again. Snacking is a good example of how eating frequency leads to repeated acid attacks. There simply isn’t enough time for the mouth to build up enough protective mechanisms to prevent decay from happening.

If you’re hungry and need a snack, reach for a glass of unflavoured milk, unsweetened yoghurt, nuts or crunchy vegetables like carrot sticks or celery. If you need a sweet treat, eat it in one sitting and then brush your teeth. This will help you to limit the acid = decay cycle.

Did you know?

Oral bacteria groups together and forms plaque, a sticky film which coats the teeth.  Plaque uses the sugar we eat as a form of energy and over time, plaque grows thicker and harder to remove. That’s one of the reasons why regular dental checks are important – to remove the build-up of plaque which tooth brushing alone cannot remove.