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Jun21

Surprising Foods That Are Actually Good For Your Teeth

Posted by in General Dentistry · No Comments

Good oral health care isn’t just brushing and flossing your teeth. A proper diet also contributes to good dental health.

Many foods actually help to reduce the harmful bacteria in your mouth, help to cleanse teeth and stimulate saliva production which reduces acids that harm your teeth.  Saliva also restores minerals in your mouth that protect teeth.

Here are several foods that help your teeth and gums stay healthy!

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Did you know, raw veggies and fresh fruits fight to reduce nasty plaque, clean your teeth and strengthen gums?

Plaque is a sticky substance that forms a film on your teeth which harbours bacteria, producing acids that will gradually eat away at your teeth. If it builds up, it can even lead to gum disease and cavities.

The best fresh fruits and vegetables are those that are firm and crunchy, such as apples, carrots, celery and cucumbers. Each of these contains fibre which scrubs your teeth as you bite and chew. Other helpful vegetables include those with a high water content, such as lettuce, spinach and other greens.

Citrus fruits also promote oral health. Although they’re acidic, the high amount of vitamin C helps to reduce inflammation and strengthens gums. In addition, fruits and vegetables with high amounts of vitamin A help to build and maintain tooth enamel.

Water!

Water washes away food particles and bacteria that harm teeth. Staying hydrated is also important, as when you become dehydrated, your saliva thickens and becomes less effective in keeping bacteria at bay.

Make sure to rinse with water after drinking coffee, tea or other beverages that can stain teeth as well, and you’ll be able to keep your pearly whites whiter!  An added benefit is that water doesn’t have sugar or calories, so you unlike sugary sodas, you won’t have to worry about developing cavities or gaining weight.

Cheese

Cheese and other dairy products are rich in bone-building vitamins and minerals that also help teeth. Casein, a protein found in cheese, even repairs tooth enamel.

Some people eat cheese at the end of a meal with dessert, or instead of dessert, which also has hidden benefits – the alkali in cheese can help to neutralise the acids from the meal. Hard cheeses like cheddar are the highest in alkalis, and they also require more chewing, which stimulates the production of saliva and cleanses the mouth.

At Underwood Dental Care we’re dedicated to providing a full range of dental services to our customers. We help you learn about good oral hygiene through diet, developing good habits and having regular dental care. Our services include orthodontics, crowns and bridges, fillings and children’s dentistry.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call us today on 07 3341 9770.

Mar21

What are the Causes of Tongue Disease and How to Spot the Symptoms

Posted by in Tongue · No Comments

The tongue is a muscular organ that we use for smell, taste, swallowing and speech. It also helps to maintain the structure of the mouth and face.

If you’re experiencing pain, swelling or changes in the appearance of your tongue, you should seek an evaluation by an oral health professional. Although most tongue problems are not serious, there are a few which can be.

What are the Signs of Tongue Problems?

Swelling, sores, colour or textural changes can all be signs of tongue problems. You might find that food tastes different, or that you’ve lost the sense of taste altogether.

You may also find that speech is difficult or that you can’t move your tongue as easily as you could before. Some people also experience pain or burning on their tongue or the roof of their mouth.

What are the Most Common Tongue Problems?

If you have white patches on your tongue or mouth, you may have a condition known as oral thrush which is caused by the Candida fungus. Thrush can be painful and may change the taste of food.

It can be triggered in several ways, including antibiotic or steroid treatment, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, or the use of dentures. Medical conditions such as diabetes and a weak immune system can also allow oral thrush to develop.

Oral Ulcers

Oral ulcers are painful sores that can develop anywhere in the mouth. They can be caused by stress, accidentally biting your tongue, allergies or vitamin deficiencies. They usually go away on their own after a few days, but they can also be an indicator of more serious medical conditions.

Tongue Swelling

Tongue swelling can be the result of several issues, but luckily usually minor ones. However, swelling could indicate an underlying disease, such as strep throat, anaemia, thyroid problems or even tongue cancer. A common cause of swelling is called geographic or mapped tongue.

With this condition, the tongue develops ridges and grooves that look like a topographic map. If you have this, your tongue may feel sore, or you may experience sensitivity to certain foods and drinks.

What is a Black Hairy Tongue

A more unusual, but harmless, condition is known as black hairy tongue. The tongue looks as if black hairs are growing from it. However, the black appearance is from dead skin cells that attach to taste buds.

Improving oral hygiene, drinking more water and stopping smoking usually takes care of this problem!

Oral Cancer

Tongue cancer and other oral cancers are serious. You may have spots on your tongue, pain, swelling or difficulty moving the tongue. Early diagnosis and treatment is important.

How to Treat Tongue Disease

Seeing your dentist regularly is the best way to avoid serious oral health problems. Regular visits ensures that your mouth, teeth, tongue and other tissues are healthy. If you experience pain, swelling or sores in your mouth between visits, monitor the situation.

If the problem doesn’t resolve on its own after a few days, it’s best to let your dentist evaluate the condition. If you have problems breathing, severe swelling or trouble swallowing, do seek medical help immediately.

Our professional team at Underwood Dental Care are highly trained in evaluating, diagnosing and treating diseases of the mouth, teeth and tongue.

Our treatment stations are comfortable, secure environments to put our patients at ease, and are equipped with intra-oral cameras that let you see what the dentist sees. The images shown also help the dentist explain the condition of your mouth, how and why treatment may be necessary.

For more information, please feel free to book an appointment with our friendly team today.

Feb06

Can I Keep My Wisdom Teeth?

Posted by in Wisdom Teeth · No Comments

The third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the last to grow of all 32 adult teeth. These molars grow at the back of the upper and lower jaws behind the other existing adult teeth.

They are called “wisdom teeth”, as they typically appear when people are thought to have become wiser with experience and age. Usually, wisdom teeth will erupt from the gums between the ages of 17 to 21.

This happens significantly later than the rest of the adult teeth, which would have already grown out during childhood.

Who Gets Wisdom Teeth?

Most people will have developed all four wisdom teeth by their twenties. However, in some cases, only a few or even none at all may come in through the gums. These discrepancies are based on a variety of factors, such as genetics, gender, and diet.

They all come into play as to who will develop and have wisdom teeth come in.

What are Some of the Problems Associated With Wisdom Teeth?

If you’re lucky, you won’t have to experience any issues when your wisdom teeth do grow. Unfortunately, more often than not, wisdom teeth tend to present a few inconveniences.

The main reason wisdom teeth can be such a pain for people, is simply that our jaws aren’t big enough for them to fit properly in our mouths. Growing teeth can sometimes be painful, and when there isn’t enough room for the teeth to grow properly, it can amplify this pain.

As wisdom teeth grow, they may become impacted, growing sideways or crooked in the jaw. Some issues related to this are changes in bite occlusion and overcrowding of the jaw, which can lead to difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene, infection, cysts, nerve damage and other complications.

When molars grow in sideways or crooked, it may be difficult to brush and floss adequately between them. This in turn creates an environment that cause teeth to be susceptible to tooth decay. Food may also become trapped in between the teeth, which is bad for overall gum health.

Quite commonly for wisdom teeth that grow crooked, they can also push other teeth out of their normal positions, causing a change in the occlusion (position and fit) of your bite. In worse cases, it may no longer be possible to chew food or close your mouth properly due to misaligned teeth and facial pain.

If the molars have developed but don’t erupt through the gums, cysts can develop in the jaw bone around the tooth. Cysts can become infected and damage the bone, nerves and soft tissue of the mouth and other teeth.

In rare cases, the lining around the impacted wisdom teeth that are chronically infected may develop cancer.

When Should You See Your Dentist About Your Wisdom Teeth?

When you’re around the age of 16 or 17, your dentist should be checking to see whether your wisdom teeth have formed. If no third molars are present, you don’t have to worry.

If the wisdom teeth have formed, your dentist may be able to tell from their position and size whether they will come in normally and without any complications.

You may also be asked to have follow-up visits every few months to monitor tooth eruption and overall oral health.

After examination, your dentist may recommend that the wisdom teeth be removed. It’s safer and easier to remove a tooth early if it looks like it’s going to cause problems.

This is because as the tooth matures, its roots harden and embed into the jawbone, making extraction more difficult. Surgery may be required in order to carry out a more complex extraction, and the time necessary for recovery will also increase.

What are the Risks of Wisdom Teeth Removal?

As with any procedure, there are risks involved. However, most wisdom teeth can be safely removed with the use of a local anaesthetic. After the removal procedure, you may feel lingering pain or have swelling, and your lips or mouth may also be numb for several days. In rare cases, surgery can affect nearby teeth.

What are the Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Having wisdom teeth removed makes it easier to clean and take care of other teeth, and you avoid the possibility of wisdom teeth-related infections, cysts and overcrowding. Additionally, if you’re considering orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth extraction is often advised.

At Underwood Dental Care, our team of dentists are highly experienced with wisdom tooth extractions, and fully explain the findings of our examinations and recommendations.

Call Underwood Dental Care on 07 3341 9770 to schedule an appointment or find out more about how to manage your wisdom teeth.

Nov27

What Is Gingivitis and How Can You Prevent It?

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What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Your gums are an important part of your mouth that helps to stabilise and seal the roots of your teeth and jaw bones. The gums also serve as a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and plaque.

Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky, colourless film that coats the teeth and gums after eating and drinking that acts as a home for bacteria to grow. When there is too much bacteria in your mouth, it can cause an infection of the gums, known as gingivitis.

If your gums become infected, the surrounding bone, teeth and other tissues can be affected. The good news is, if it is identified and treated quickly, gingivitis is reversible!

Signs of Gingivitis

Surprisingly, many people might not even know if they have gingivitis, as it is often painless.
However, there are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

  • Swelling or inflammation of gums
  • Tender gums
  • Small pockets forming in gums around the teeth
  • Bleeding during brushing or flossing
  • Receding gums
  • Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
  • Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold

When gingivitis is allowed to progress it can develop into severe periodontitis. Periodontitis is the late stage of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, infection and abscesses. While the infection can be treated, it is always better to ensure your gums stay healthy and prevent gingivitis in the first place.

How To Prevent Gingivitis

There are several simple ways to prevent gingivitis:

1. Good oral hygiene

This is the first and most important step. Good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing help to prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Sometimes it can be hard to remove all the plaque from those hard to reach places. When the plaque is not removed it can harden, forming tartar which should be professionally removed by your dentist.

2. See your dentist regularly

Your dentist will clean your teeth, removing any plaque or tartar which may be missed when brushing and flossing. Your dentist will also conduct an overall oral check up, and if gingivitis is present, you may be prescribed topical treatments such as special toothpastes or mouthwash to help reduce any harmful bacteria.

3. Eat a healthy diet

Starchy foods such as candy, crackers, pasta and bread can stick to your teeth, and the sugars in these carbohydrates are a breeding ground for bacteria. Fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese and nuts are better choices especially for snacks. Some foods, such as apples, carrots and celery can even help remove plaque as you eat! Healthier foods will also contain minerals and vitamins that contribute to healthy bones and are good for your gums.

4. Stop smoking

If you smoke, stop! Smoking increases the occurrence of small pockets forming around the teeth. It also reduces the blood supply to the gums, and good circulation is important for healthy gums. In addition, smoking also increases the risk for oral cancer.

We hope this article has given you some of the signs to look out for and tips to ensure your gums are healthy. If you have any questions about gingivitis or anything related to oral health, schedule a dental check-up with our friendly team at Underwood Dental Care on 07 3341 9770.

Nov14

Why Dental Mouthguards are Better than Chemist Bought Ones

Posted by in Mouthguards · No Comments

Mouthguards are used to protect your teeth, cheeks, lips and tongue from injury in many different circumstances. Although they’re most commonly associated with protecting the teeth and mouth of athletes during sporting activities, they are also used to protect teeth from grinding during sleep, to reduce snoring and relieve sleep apnoea.

Dentists recommend using mouthguards during sports and other recreational activities. When used in sports, they cushion the mouth and can reduce the severity of injury to the face and head. Studies show that up to 39% of dental injuries happen during sporting activities!

There are three types of mouthguards: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards and custom-made mouthguards.

Stock Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards are the least expensive option and are available at sporting goods and chemist shops. They come in several sizes and are worn over the upper teeth. Stock mouthguards usually won’t fit as well and can be uncomfortable. They provide the least protection because they don’t fit tightly, and can make talking difficult while wearing one.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are also ready-made devices available at chemist and sporting goods shops. A pre-formed mould is heated until it becomes soft, and the user bites down on the mould to create an impression of the teeth. Although boil-and-bite mouthguards fit better than stock varieties, they are also bulky, and this type of mouthguard is more expensive than stock types.

Custom Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards are made specifically for you by a dentist. First, an impression of your teeth is made, and a laboratory fashions a device that is perfectly fitted to your mouth. It is made of special materials that provide more protection, and thickness can be adjusted to suit your needs. Most dentists recommend a thickness of between 3 and 4mm, and custom mouthguards can also be fitted to both the lower and upper teeth, as well as being fitted to be worn comfortably over braces.

Although custom mouthguards are more expensive, they provide the best protection against injury. Wearing a custom-made mouthguard protects the teeth, jaws and neck if an accident happens during sports. Studies have shown that the risk of concussion in athletes using store-bought devices can be up to twice as high as those wearing custom-made mouthguards.

How to Care for a Mouthguard

Your mouthguard should be cleaned before and after each use. Rinse under cool water before using. After removing the device, brush it with a soft toothbrush using mouthwash, toothpaste or soap. Rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. Store it in a container that allows air to circulate. Your dentist should provide an appropriate storage box with air vents.

Be sure to keep your container away from high heat, including direct sunlight, and freezing temperatures. Extremes of temperature may cause warping or cracking. If the mouthguard becomes cracked or worn, let your dentist examine it to make sure it’s still functioning properly.

Be sure to brush your teeth before using a mouthguard. Because the mouthguard fits snugly against teeth, it can trap bacteria and food particles that can cause tooth decay.

Here at Underwood Dental Care, we offer professionally fitted mouthguards for no out of pocket expense (with private insurance) from $140. Contact our friendly team today to book your appointment.