oral health

3 Tips For Managing Mouth Ulcers

Posted on by Adam Ioannidis

Mouth ulcers are small, painful lesions inside your mouth that can make your day to day uncomfortable. They often look like white or yellow dots and can be triggered by stress, injury, poor hygiene and diet. While most ulcers will disappear after a week, if you trigger, aggravate or leave it untreated then there is a chance the ulcer will cause you complications. If you notice your ulcer getting worse contact your dentist or general practitioner immediately. In the meantime, you should avoid triggering symptoms. In this blog, we are sharing stress-free ways to manage your mouth ulcers.

 

Preventing mouth ulcers

 

The best way to cure a mouth ulcer is to avoid getting them! People get ulcers for all sorts of reasons, but most of the time it boils down to not taking care of yourself. Think about what you could be doing to take better care of yourself. The best way to generally avoid getting them is to take care of your oral health and diet. This means brushing your teeth regularly, flossing and taking the time to maintain a balanced diet. For many, stress is a huge trigger for ulcers so it might help to find ways to manage your stress levels.

 

Managing pain and discomfort

 

The best way to avoid the painful symptoms of an ulcer is to avoid triggering it and making it worse. While your ulcer is healing do your best to avoid spicy foods, overly salty food, hard or crunchy foods that will aggravate the sore and things that are too hot. Also, try your best not to touch it. There are also pain relief medications you can take if it is causing you a lot of strife. Talk to your chemist about what medication is best for you.

 

Treatment

 

Give your body a helping hand by keeping your fluids up and eating plenty of fruit. A warm salt solution will help prevent the ulcer from getting worse, along with practising good dental hygiene. There are also medicated mouthwashes, gels, and pastes available that will help you fight away the ulcer. They will usually be an anti-inflammatory, steroid and anaesthetic.

 

If you’re concerned about your mouth ulcer getting worse, or want some professional advice on keeping your dental hygiene up to scratch, Eden Rise Dental offers judgement-free consultations. Our friendly staff will be happy to schedule an appointment for you – simply call (03) 9702 6111.

The Connection between Sleep and Dental Health

Posted on by awdadmin

Getting enough sleep each night is integral to your overall health and wellbeing, however you may be surprised to learn there is a strong link between sleep and dental health. In this blog, we look at the importance of sleep and how a lack of sleep can be harmful to your oral health.

Sleep fights Infections

Your body does most of its restorative work during sleep, essentially recharging your immune system. While you sleep, your body produces cells dedicated to fighting off infections, and given that your mouth is a breeding ground for (good and bad) bacteria, a lack of sleep can increase the likelihood of an oral infection taking hold.

Sleep restores your teeth

Since your body is busy restoring and repairing cells while you sleep, it makes sense that adequate sleep will help you to better absorb nutrients throughout the day. Calcium and phosphate are essential to bone fortification and well rested bodies will naturally absorb more of these nutrients, leading to healthier bones and teeth.

Sleep disorders have a link to poor oral health

If you suffer from a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, your teeth and gums could be getting damaged while you sleep. People who suffer from sleep apnea often experience snoring or sleeping with their mouths open, which can lead to a dry mouth. Since saliva is essential to protecting your mouth from harmful bacteria, those with persistently dry mouths caused by disordered sleep are more likely to develop cavities, gingivitis, and, in the worst-case scenario, periodontitis.

Sleep and bruxism

Bruxism is the habit of unconsciously grinding teeth, usually caused by high stress, misaligned teeth and/or poor sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep each night or suffer from a sleep disorder, look out for symptoms of bruxism like tired or tight jaw muscles, pain or soreness in the jaw, neck, or face, increased tooth pain or sensitivity and/or worn enamel, chips or fractures in your teeth.

The best way to minimise oral health problems associated with poor sleep is, of course, to improve your sleeping habits, however if you suffer from a particular sleep disorder or persistently do not get enough sleep, it’s a good idea to schedule a checkup with your dentist. Eden Rise Dental are your local dental clinic in Berwick and will tend to any dental health issues caused by poor sleep.

Dental Care Tips for People with Braces

Posted on by awdadmin

Dental care is an important aspect of overall health, and each individual has different needs and requirements based on their specific circumstances and dental history. People with braces, including children and adults, need to take extra care to protect their teeth from decay, staining and gum disease. In this blog, we explain a few essential dental care tips for those with braces, designed to keep both teeth and braces in tip-top condition.

Brushing

Brushing twice a day may be the standard recommendation in oral care, however people with braces are encouraged to brush more frequently to prevent food from becoming trapped between the teeth and braces.  If you wear braces, you should aim to brush your teeth after every time you eat, which may require having an “on the go” dental kit with you at all times. Use a soft bristled toothbrush to gently loosen any stuck food from around your gums, and clean each individual bracket by brushing from both upward and downward angles. If you cannot brush your teeth after each meal, you should try to rinse your mouth whenever possible.

Flossing

If you have braces, you should aim to floss at least once a day to dislodge any food that may have been missed during brushing. Be sure to floss not only between the braces but also under the wires. To easily do this, you can use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser, which can be found in most chemists.

Take care with what you eat

Having braces means you’ll have to be more careful about what you eat, as some foods can cause dental problems and even damage your braces. Try to avoid sugary and starchy foods whenever possible, as such foods can cause plaque buildup around the brackets of your braces, which can lead to staining, cavities and even gum disease. Take special care to avoid sticky and chewy foods like dried fruits, caramel and toffee, as these can easily get stuck between braces. You should also avoid hard foods like nuts, ice, popcorn, especially crunchy vegetables and jerky, as these foods can actually damage your braces through breaking the wires and loosening brackets. If you want to eat these foods, you should try to cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Although taking care of your teeth requires a bit more time and effort when you have braces, the end result will really pay off. If you’re thinking about getting braces, need your braces readjusted, or simply want some extra oral care advice, contact Eden Rise family dental clinic on (03) 9702 6111.

Common Signs of Poor Oral Hygiene

Posted on by awdadmin

It’s important to pay attention to your oral health, as poor oral hygiene can easily lead to tooth decay, along with a litany of other problems. It’s best to treat any problems as soon as they arise, so as to avoid further teeth and gum damage, so be sure to stay on the lookout for these common signs of poor dental hygiene.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth occurs when there isn’t enough saliva in the mouth and can accelerate tooth decay, so it’s important to stay hydrated (preferably with water) throughout the day to encourage saliva production. Dry mouth can also be a symptom of certain medications, so if you’re experiencing this condition it may be worth discussing alternative medications with your doctor.

Gum disease

Gingivitis or gum inflammation is relatively common in adults and can be easily treated, however if it is not addressed it can progress to periodontitis – a far more serious stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is caused by an excess plaque buildup on the teeth and its symptoms include redness and swelling of the gums and/or gums that bleed easily when brushed. Periodontitis, however, leads to the gum tissue pulling away from the teeth, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Signs of periodontitis include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, receding gums, pain when chewing, and loose or sensitive teeth. It’s always best to treat gum disease as early as possible and keep it at bay with regular brushing and dental appointments.

Plaque buildup

Plaque buildup is a pretty obvious sign of poor dental hygiene, and may be due to poor brushing technique, using an old or otherwise ineffective toothbrush, using the wrong kind of toothpaste, or even excessive snacking. If you notice plaque buildup, change up your oral hygiene routine until you see an improvement.

Sensitivity to hot and cold food or drink

If you don’t usually have sensitive teeth and start experiencing sudden, sharp pain when consuming hot or cold food or beverages, this may be a sign of tooth decay. It’s best to visit a dentist when experiencing any type of tooth pain so that they can determine the cause and administer appropriate treatment.

Visible cavities

Although it’s pretty hard to get a good look at the inside of your own mouth, try to pay attention to the overall appearance of your teeth and be on the lookout for brown or black spots, as these may be cavities. The underlying cause of cavities are oral bacteria and a diet high in sugar/starch, which are exacerbated by poor oral hygiene. If you notice visible cavities, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Eden Rise Dental are your family friendly dental clinic in Berwick. We’ll work with you to ensure good oral hygiene practices, keeping your teeth looking and feeling healthy.

To floss or not to floss

Posted on by awdadmin

Dentists have recommended flossing as a vital part of oral hygiene for decades, however the U.S. health department recently removed daily flossing from its list of dental recommendations, with the government acknowledging that the effectiveness of flossing had never been researched. The NHS in the U.K. is also monitoring the situation regarding flossing research. So, should we still floss every day or is it just a waste of our time? Today, we consider the stances of industry experts regarding whether flossing should still be included in our daily dental care regime. Continue reading →

Why Do Teeth Go Yellow?

Posted on by awdadmin

A number of different things can affect the colour of your teeth, turning them that unbecoming shade of yellow. Most causes of tooth discolouration fall into one of two categories: extrinsic stains or intrinsic stains. However, your teeth can also turn yellow with advancing age or be related to your genes. Let’s explore the different causes of tooth discolouration and what you can do to prevent yellow teeth.

Extrinsic stains

This when the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth) is stained. Dark-coloured beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and coca cola as well as dark-coloured foods such as blueberries and pomegranates, also have the potential to stain teeth. These foods and drinks are high in pigment-producing substances called chromogens which tend to stick to tooth enamel. Acidic foods and beverages can cause further problems because they erode tooth enamel and make it easier for chromogens to latch onto your teeth.

Smoking and chewing tobacco can also cause extrinsic stains.

Intrinsic stains

This is when the dentin (the inner structure of the tooth) darkens or turns yellow. This type of discoloration can potentially be caused by an event or exposure to a number of substances including:

  • fluoride (during early childhood) – fluorosis, the yellowing of teeth from too much fluoride, is a problem which is presents itself mostly in areas where the drinking water contains high levels of naturally occurring fluoride. Excessive use of fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements can also cause tooth discolouration.
  • antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline – this medication is known to cause discolouration of teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing (before age 8).
  • certain antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure
  • chlorhexidine, an antiseptic contained in certain mouth washes and rinses
  • the acne-fighting drug minocycline
  • chemotherapy and/or radiation used to treat cancer and chemotherapy drugs
  • trauma (such as a fall) that resulted in damage to a tooth when you were a young child
  • trauma in a permanent tooth, and internal bleeding resulted in tooth discolouration
  • a rare condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta which causes grey, amber or purple discolourations
  • dental treatments – some dental materials can cause discolouration, such as amalgam restorations, especially silver sulfide-containing materials, can cause grey-black discolouration

Your Age

This is a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Dentin naturally yellows over time. Meanwhile, the outer layer of enamel on our teeth gets thinner as you age, revealing the natural yellow colour of dentin.

Your Genes

Some people are born with naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others. If you have thin enamel, the colour of your naturally yellowish dentin will show through.

Prevention

The best ways to prevent your teeth from going yellow are to watch what you eat and practice good dental hygiene. You will be able to prevent some stains by brushing your teeth after every meal. Plaque and tartar build-up looks yellow. Removing that build-up before decay sets in is very important for oral hygiene and aids with prevention of tooth discolouration. Regular visits to the dentist will also help to prevent and remove discolouration (professional cleaning can be done). You also can purchase whitening and stain removal products to use at home.

In some cases intrinsic stains that are caused by damage to a nerve or blood vessel in a tooth can be prevented. You may be able to have root canal treatment to remove the inner part of the tooth before decay and discolouration occurs.

Early exposure to high levels of flouride should be avoided in order to prevent intrinsic stains in children. Once the enamel is formed, fluoride will not result in tooth discolouration.

Eden Rise Dental offers professional teeth cleaning services at our Berwick Dental Clinic. Our dentists can advise you on the best treatment for your tooth discolouration problem or evaluate any change to your child’s tooth colour.

10 Things You Didn’t Know Could Harm Your Oral Health

Posted on by awdadmin

To maintain good oral health, a lot more is needed than simply brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing. In order to keep your teeth in tip-top condition, it’s best to avoid certain foods, steer clear from activities that can harm your teeth, and take extra precautions where necessary.

oral health

Using your teeth as tools

If you’ve ever needed to open a tough plastic packet but couldn’t find a pair of scissors, it’s highly likely that you have resorted to using your teeth as a tool. Opening chip packets (or worse, bottles) with your teeth can lead to chips, cracks and fractures, which can make your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay.

Improper care of oral piercings

While there’s nothing wrong with getting an oral piercing, extra care must be taken to maintain your oral health. Oral piercings (such as the lips or tongue) can increase the risk of infection, and tongue piercings have been shown to increase the risk of dental complications such as chipped teeth and gum erosion.

Not using a mouth guard during contact sports

Mouth guards are not only for professional athletes; everyone playing a contact or semi-contact sport such as football, hockey, boxing, and martial arts, should wear a mouth guard to protect against breaks and chips.

Too much sugar

Excess sugar consumption is one of the leading causes of tooth decay; the natural bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar you consume, producing acids that dissolve and damage your teeth.

Acidic food and drink

Acidic foods wear away at your enamel, so the consumption of things like citrus fruits and juices, pickled or vinegary foods, and soft drinks (even diet ones) should be limited. When you do consume these foods, make sure you wait a while and rinse before brushing your teeth.

Too much alcohol

Too much alcohol is not only bad for your general health, but also your oral health. Alcohol tends to not only be acidic and high in sugar (which is bad for the reasons stated above), but it can also can dry out your mouth. Saliva helps to prevent food from sticking to your teeth, and can even combat early signs of decay, gum disease and other oral infections, so it’s important to keep your mouth hydrated and to minimise your alcohol consumption.

Brushing too hard

Brushing your teeth too vigorously or too often can wear down your enamel, cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity, and even result in cavities, so it’s best to opt for a softer brush.

Nail biting

Chronic nail biting can cause your teeth to move out of place, and, in extreme cause can even cause teeth to break or tooth enamel to splinter – just another reason to avoid this habit.

A bad night’s sleep

If you have too little or interrupted sleep, you’re more likely to clench or grind your teeth, which can wear down your enamel and result in micro-fractures and fractures.

Dried fruits

While fruit contributes to a healthy diet, it’s best to limit your consumption of dried fruit. The sticky nature of dried fruit enables the sugars to cling to your teeth, which can speed up decay.
By taking extra care to avoid foods and activities that harm your teeth, you’ll be able to maintain optimal oral health.

Eden Rise Dental are your trusted dentist in Berwick and will provide you with professional advice and service to keep your smile looking its best.