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Everyone knows sugar is bad for teeth, and it is well-known for causing cavities. This is because when you eat sugary foods, the leftover particles feed bacteria found in dental plaque. These bacteria create acid as a byproduct, which in turn weakens tooth enamel. Repeated exposure to these acids eventually wears through the tooth enamel, causing cavities in teeth.

Another risk is gum disease, as the harmful bacteria found in dental plaque thrive on a sugary diet and, in addition to producing acid, produce toxins that infect and inflame the gums. A sugary diet can weaken the immune system, so it is less able to fight infections like gum disease. Consequently, gum disease can worsen and gradually destroy the gums and other structures around teeth, so they eventually loosen. Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss. It is also associated with other serious health conditions. For example, gum disease can increase the risk of developing Type II diabetes. Heart disease has been linked with gum disease, some kinds of cancers, and respiratory diseases.

If you are worried you are consuming too much sugar, please ask us for practical help and advice. If necessary, we can review your diet with you and help you make healthier low-sugar choices.

You clean your teeth regularly, but how frequently do you clean your tongue? The answer is never for many people, but your tongue can harbour bacteria and food debris, so cleaning it regularly can help freshen breath and reduce dental plaque buildup. You can clean your tongue with a tongue scraper or with a toothbrush.

Using a Tongue Scraper

To clean your tongue, stick it out as far as possible, placing your tongue scraper right to the back of the tongue. Then, gently move it forwards over the tongue to remove debris. Rinse thoroughly before repeating the process up to five times. Make sure you clean your tongue scraper thoroughly before putting it away.

Using a Toothbrush to Clean Your Tongue

Stick your tongue out as far as you can, and using a soft-bristled brush, gently clean it using back and forth movements. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly afterwards.

You can clean your tongue as frequently as you brush your teeth, but if you only want to clean it once a day, do so last thing at night. The cleaner your mouth is before you sleep, the better, as you produce less saliva, and any remaining bacteria will thrive in drier conditions overnight.

Common oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease are preventable with proper dental care. Follow these easy tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

1. Brush regularly but gently, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing too vigorously can damage your teeth and gums.
2. Use fluoride toothpaste to help protect your teeth against tooth decay. After brushing, don’t rinse as this will leave a thin layer of protective fluoride coating your teeth for longer.
3. Floss daily as your toothbrush cannot clean the contact areas between your teeth. Leaving these areas uncleaned means leaving approximately one-third of your tooth surfaces dirty.
4. Book regular dental exams. Most people need to see us every six months for regular checkups.
5. Don’t smoke or try to quit. Smoking makes it harder for your oral tissues to fight disease, increasing the risk of gum disease. It also gives you bad breath.
6. Use an antibacterial mouthwash if you like to use a mouth rinse, as this will help control dental plaque.
7. Don’t consume too many sugary and starchy foods, especially between meals, as these increase the risk of tooth decay.
8. Drink water instead of fizzy drinks or sweetened fruit juice. Water is also the best way to quench your thirst.

A recent study has found that too little vitamin C could contribute towards bleeding gums and that merely increasing your brushing and flossing routine may not be enough to reverse this problem. Frequently, bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that causes inflammation, destroying the gums and bone around teeth, eventually causing tooth loss. Traditionally it is treated by cleaning teeth professionally, combined with an increased oral care routine at home to help get rid of the bacteria so gums can fight the disease.

During the study, people with low levels of vitamin C were more likely to have problems where their eyes bleed, an issue known as retinal haemorrhaging, and gums that bled when gently probed. When vitamin C intake was increased, it helped reverse the eye problems and stopped gums from bleeding.

While vitamin C deficiency may be one reason for bleeding gums, please seek professional dental care if you have noticed your gums bleed when you brush and floss. We can assess your gum health and determine if you have gum disease, and discuss the possibility of a vitamin C deficiency. Most people who have a healthy diet will receive plenty of vitamin C, but those following a low carbohydrate or paleo diet may not get enough of this essential vitamin.

It will soon be Dental Health Week here in Australia as this event runs from the 2^nd to the 8^th of August. It is the Australian Dental Association’s major promotional campaign where dentists everywhere aim to educate patients about the importance of looking after their oral health. The theme for 2021 is keeping your smile for life. Our practice promotes good oral health year-round, but Dental Health Week is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of your teeth and gums.

The campaign’s key messages are very straightforward but can make a real difference to your dental health. They include brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth with dental floss or interdental brushes. Regular dental checkups are vital for preventive care, as often we can detect any small changes to your dental health before you notice anything is wrong. Eating healthily and avoiding too much sugar will help you maintain strong and healthy cavity-free teeth. Your teeth are meant to last for life and can certainly do this with proper dental care.

Losing teeth shouldn’t be considered a normal part of getting older, and when you visit our practice regularly, we can work with you to help you enjoy a healthy smile for life.

When you have a cold is not uncommon to have tooth pain or gum pain, and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. Here are two of the most common reasons why you may have painful teeth during a cold.

Sinus Pressure

When you have a cold, your sinus cavities just above your upper back teeth can become filled with mucus, making these teeth feel sore. Relieve the pressure by placing a warm damp towel around your nose and cheeks, but if the pain persists, see your doctor just in case you have a sinus infection.

Dry Mouth

When your nose is blocked, breathing through your mouth can result in a dry mouth. Continually breathing through your mouth can dry out your teeth and gums, and lips and a lack of saliva can lead to more plaque buildup over your teeth. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and other dental infections, so regular brushing and flossing are even more important. When you cannot breathe through your nose, make sure you drink plenty of water. Also, many decongestants and painkillers can cause dry mouth, so after taking these medicines, make sure you have a glass of water.

One of the most common questions about orthodontic treatment is how long will it take to complete, and it’s a tricky one to answer. The exact time needed can vary considerably because every person has different issues requiring correction.

Usually, if treatment is pretty straightforward and there are just a few teeth that need straightening, treatment may be completed within 6 to 12 months. A more complex case where teeth require significant realignment can take two years. Most of the time, treatment is complete in around a year to 18 months.

The time needed also depends on the type of appliance chosen. For example, traditional fixed metal and ceramic braces can provide faster results than lingual braces fitted to the inside surfaces of teeth. Also, lingual braces tend to need more adjustments and more appointments. Invisalign is a popular system that realigns teeth using clear plastic aligners, but it can also take longer because only minor changes are achieved when the aligners are changed every two weeks.

Some people have teeth that move relatively quickly, while others have teeth that don’t respond as well to treatment. The best way to make sure your treatment finishes as soon as possible and achieves the best results is to follow your dentist’s advice.

You need a healthy immune system to help you fight infection and disease, and one of the easiest ways to boost your community is by following a healthy diet. When you eat healthily, it provides your body with all the vitamins and minerals and energy needed to help you fight disease.

Ideally, follow a diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and avoid smoking and using alcohol to excess. Ensure you exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight and get enough sleep. Following these simple steps will help keep your immune system working effectively.

Surprisingly, few studies have investigated how nutrition affects the immune system, but there is limited evidence showing that vitamin deficiencies can alter immune responses in animals. If you don’t like fruits and vegetables or think your diet isn’t healthy, ask your doctor about taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement.  It’s worth being cautious as taking too much of a single vitamin could be harmful. Older people often eat a less varied diet that can be deficient in specific micronutrients, and dietary supplements may help them maintain a stronger and healthier immune system, but again it is something that should be discussed with a GP.

If you feel a little anxious or nervous when coming to see us, you certainly aren’t alone! We also know that some people avoid dental care or delay essential dental care because of deep-seated fears. No matter your degree of anxiety, we are here to help you, and everyone here is extremely friendly, easy to talk to and compassionate. If travelling and require a quality dentist in cronulla we recommend Happy Rock Dental.

Talk to Us

The first step in overcoming dental anxieties and fears is to talk to us. Once we understand why you have these feelings, we can work with you to ensure you receive treatment more comfortably. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and if you have a low pain threshold, let us know. Receiving dental care should never feel scary or painful.

Taking Your Mind off the Dental Exam

Our dental team are here to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. An alternative is to wear headphones and listen to your favourite music or audiobook. Some people find it helpful to bring a stress ball or fidget spinner.

Relaxation Techniques

Try using deep breathing exercises to release tension by inhaling slowly and exhaling for the same number of breaths. Focus on releasing tension from your forehead downwards until you relax all your muscles.

It’s important to make sure you use mouthwash correctly to get the maximum benefit.

What Is Mouthwash?

One of the main functions of mouthwash is for freshening breath, but some mouthwashes contain other helpful ingredients. These include fluoride and antibacterial agents. Using fluoride mouthwash can help protect your teeth against the acids produced by harmful bacteria. You may want to use an antibacterial mouthwash if you have a fungal infection or other gum problems.

Using Mouthwash Correctly

Make sure you read the instructions and dilute if necessary. If the label doesn’t tell you to dilute the mouthwash, be sure to use it neat to get maximum benefit. Use the right amount and swish the mouthwash around your mouth vigorously, keeping your mouth closed. The label will tell you how long to use the mouthwash, usually for 30 seconds to 1 minute before spitting it out. You should never swallow mouthwash, and if a child is using mouthwash, supervise them closely to make sure they spit it out. After using a fluoride mouthwash, avoid eating and drinking for at least half an hour afterwards to get the most benefit.

Mouthwash isn’t a replacement for brushing and flossing regularly but can complement your regular oral care routine.