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Nov13

2020

Vitamins, Minerals AND your teeth postByDental
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Have you ever considered how vitamins and minerals affect your teeth?

We’re all aware of how bad sugar is for teeth, and we know to avoid acidic food and drinks, but what can we eat to make our teeth stronger?

Consuming a broad range of vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining our overall health. There is a range of vitamins and minerals that are especially important for maintaining healthy teeth and bones.

Here’s some information about the eight most important vitamins and minerals.

⭐Calcium

Calcium is a vital component of healthy teeth and bones. Consuming the right amount will help maintain the strength of your teeth and is particularly important for growing new teeth, so children especially need to monitor their calcium intake.

Dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt are abundant calcium sources. Plant based options include soy products, leafy greens, nuts and beans.

⭐Potassium

Similar to vitamin D, Potassium helps improve your bone mineral density. This mineral will help keep your teeth strong and also contributes to keeping your blood from becoming overly acidic, a complication of which is a loss of calcium from bones and teeth.

Bananas are probably the best known source of potassium but it’s also present in potatoes, avocados, tomatoes and prunes.

⭐Vitamin D

Vitamin D has many benefits, most importantly it increases the body’s ability to absorb calcium. It increases teeth and bone mineral density, and is essential for strong, healthy teeth and bones.

The easiest way to get your daily does of vitamin D?  Sunshine!

Most Australians get enough vitamin D from incidental sun exposure by spending a few minutes outdoors each day. You’ll also find vitamin D in some fish including salmon and tuna, mushrooms and soy milk. You can also find vitamin D enriched products such as cereals and dairy products.

It is good to be mindful of your vitamin D exposure, because Aussies are so indoctrinated (and rightly so) with using daily sunscreen and avoiding sun damage, that vitamin D deficiency is becoming more and more common.

⭐Vitamin C

Vitamin C supports a strong immune system and also improves our body’s ability to heal and repair itself. This vitamin prevents inflammation and repairs our body’s connective tissues. It also strengthens our gums, aiding the prevention of gingivitis, gum disease and tooth loosening or loss.

Vitamin C is found in a large array of fruits and vegetables including citrus, capsicum, broccoli, cauliflower and leafy greens such as spinach.

⭐B Vitamins

Vitamins B2, B3 and B12 all help prevent the development of mouth ulcers.

Of course the most famous and one of the richest sources of some B vitamins is good old Vegemite, but you’ll also find them in red meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, almonds and spinach.

⭐Phosphorus

Phosphorus helps improve the effect of calcium in creating strong bones and teeth.

Seafood such as salmon, tuna, sardines and prawns, is rich in phosphorus. It is also found in pork, beef, cheese, lentils, pumpkin seeds and soybeans.

⭐Vitamin K

Vitamin K helps support bone strength by aiding the body in producing osteocalcin, which is a protein hormone related to bone density.  It also helps the body’s healing processes, and helps promote a healthy mouth.

Eat leafy greens like spinach and kale, parsley, brussel sprouts and broccoli to get your daily dose of vitamin K.

⭐Vitamin A

Having a dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, which makes vitamin A vital in supporting oral health. This vitamin promotes mucus membrane health which in turn prevents dry mouth and aids the mouth’s ability to heal.

Vitamin A is abundant in orange fruits and vegetables including rockmelon, carrots, pumpkin, apricots and sweet potatoes. It’s also present in fish, leafy greens and eggs.

Protect your teeth from the inside out

Vitamins and minerals are essential to building and maintaining strong, healthy teeth.

No matter how much we brush and floss our teeth if we aren’t getting the essential vitamins and minerals we’re only doing half the job!

If your dental care routine includes:

  1.       A balanced and varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals
  2.       Twice daily brushing and flossing
  3.       Regular visits with your dentist

 Then your teeth should love you back for many years to come.

If you have any concerns about the health of your teeth or gums,  please give us a call on 6550 0960 or drop us an email info@tareedentalcare.com.au. 

We are always here to help you.  Your teeth are so important and we can help you to keep them in ship-shape.

Oct9

2020

Why dental X-rays are so important postByDental
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A dental x-ray is one of the most important diagnostic tools in a dentist’s arsenal. And they are safer and simpler than ever before –  quick, painless, and modern x-rays emit very low-radiation. 

And, most importantly, an x-ray allow us to assess a number of dental conditions.  Even though we may have a keen eye and loads of experience, there are still some things that even the very best dentist cannot see with just the naked eye.

What are dental x-rays?

Have you noticed how quickly an x-ray appears on the dentist’s screen?  Modern x-rays are digital and INSTANT.  Pretty amazing technology.

Not only do they allow for immediate viewing and diagnosis, they emit around 30% to 40% less radiation than traditional dental x-rays.

Dental x-rays are used for check-ups (usually every two years) and for diagnostic purposes.  We don’t need to take x-rays at every appointment. 

Specialist x-rays like OPG and CBCT (described below), are used when more detailed or specialised imagery is needed.

OPG

An orthopantomogram (try pronouncing that one!), or OPG, is a specialist x-ray which provides a 360-degree view of the teeth, jawbones, joints and sinuses. This type of x-ray may be required for braces preparation, dental implants, investigating gum disease, wisdom tooth removal or gaining a detailed picture of how a patient’s teeth fit into their jaw.

CBCT

A Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) or Cone Beam Scan, is a precise method of x-ray used to create a 3D image of a patient’s mouth, teeth and jaw. This type of x-ray can be used for root canal, dental implants and gum disease assessment.

What are dental x-rays useful for?

Even the most experienced and eagle-eyed dentist can’t spot everything with the naked eye. An x-ray can help detect dental problems which are hidden beneath the surface or establish the extent of an infection.

Infections and Abscesses

Abscesses and infections can be detected using dental x-rays. While your dentist may be able to establish that you have an infection during a regular check-up, a dental x-ray will establish the extent of the infection or abscess.  

It gives us a much better idea of what is going on in your mouth.

Decay

If tooth decay is suspected by your dentist an x-ray can confirm its presence and the extent of the decay.

Preparation and progress

Dental x-rays can be used to help prepare and assess the progress of patients for things such as braces, wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants and other cosmetic procedures which require a clear and detailed picture. 

Are dental x-rays safe?

A dental x-ray every two years, or even more frequently, poses no health risk and the benefits to your dental health far outweigh any risk from exposure to the radiation emitted by the x-ray.

Modern digital x-rays, as opposed to traditional radiographic x-rays, emit a much lower level of radiation. At Taree Dental Care, we only use digital x-rays – but if in doubt, always check with your dentist.

Are dental x-rays dangerous for pregnant women?

The Australian Dental Association says that x-rays are safe during all stages of pregnancy.

However, extra precautions are recommended during the first three terms of pregnancy and generally at Taree Dental Care,our dentists will avoid routine preventative x-rays during pregnancy and only use them if required for more urgent diagnostic purposes.

The patient does of course have the right to refuse an x-ray if she feels it is not in her best interest.

When are children able to have dental x-rays?

There is no general rule about when children can start to have x-rays.

A dentist will typically administer an x-ray on a child if they suspect particular dental health issues, or if that child is at high-risk of developing a dental issue.

Radiation levels can be lowered for child x-rays, but they are not given as a routine necessity as is the case in an adult check-up, usually only when they are needed as a diagnostic tool.

How often should I get a dental x-ray?

Dental x-rays are recommended every two years as part of your check-up. Prevention is always better than cure and dental x-rays can pick up issues which can be missed by the eyes of even the most experienced dentist.

Some patients may require x-rays more frequently if they have a history of tooth decay or are at a high risk of dental problems.

X-rays are also administered if a patient presents with pain or other symptoms of infection or decay.

An x-ray can be just the thing that identifies and allows us to fix the problem that may be well-hidden to the naked eye.

If you have any concerns about dental x-rays, or indeed any oral health issue, please give us a call on 6550 0960 or drop us an email info@tareedentalcare.com.au. 

Talking to us is the best option – and rest assured we will look after you and your family.

Aug10

2020

Thumb Sucking. The Good,the Bad, and the Normal postByDental
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Did you know that your child’s thumb sucking can cause issues with their teeth and jaw?  We see quite a bit of it in our Taree Dental Care practice with protruding teeth and problems with a kid’s bite when thumb sucking has gone on for too long.  

 Why do some children suck their thumb?

Being able to suck from the moment they’re born is an essential survival skill to help babies feed. This is why babies have evolved a sucking reflex which can even be seen while a baby is still in utero.

Up until the age of about four months a baby will suck just about anything placed in their mouth.

Thumb sucking is generally accepted to be a calming or self-soothing habit, which most children give up in their own due course around the ages of two to four years.

However, if thumb sucking continues later into the teeth-forming years it can cause teeth and jaw issues.

When should my child stop sucking their thumb?

Thumb sucking is perfectly normal in young children and most will naturally stop on their own by the age of four. However, if your child continues to suck their thumb or other fingers beyond this age it is time to look at solutions.

It is thought by some experts that thumb sucking doesn’t become a major issue until adult teeth start erupting around the age of eight. However, the earlier you nip thumb and finger sucking in the bud the less likely your child is to develop later problems. 

What are the consequences of thumb sucking

Most thumb sucking is completely harmless and has no lasting effects. The degree of damage done to the teeth and jaw depends on the frequency, length and strength of thumb sucking.

Some of the consequences of thumb sucking include protruding upper front teeth, or overbite;  back-tilting lower front teeth from strong thumb sucking; and open bite where front lower and upper teeth don’t make contact on biting; crossbite; possible palate damage; and more rarely speech issues or a lisp.

How can you stop your child from sucking their thumb?

While most children stop thumb sucking on their own, others require extra encouragement. Thumb sucking is frequently a comforting or soothing action used by a child, so it is important to consider the reasons behind their thumb sucking rather than just trying to break the habit. Kindness, patience and positive reinforcement is the best path to helping your child give up thumb sucking.

There are techniques to discourage thumb sucking such as being aware of the triggers – such as fear, anxiety, distress.   And then finding other ways of comforting your child, use toys or games as distractions when they suck their thumb, or consider other deterrents like band-aids, gloves or thumb guards. 

What help is available?

If you’re feeling unsure, talk to your dentist about your child’s thumb sucking. At Taree Dental Care we have  seen this hundreds of times before and while it may feel like your child will never stop sucking their thumb, there are lots of things you can do, and with your help, they will quit eventually.

 But above all, don’t stress.  And remember the thumb sucking habit is healthy in infants, toddlers and even pre-schoolers. It simply serves as a coping and comfort mechanism that is part of normal development.

If you have any concerns about  your child’s thumb sucking habit and its potential impact on their teeth, please give us a call on 6550 0960 or drop us an email info@tareedentalcare.com.au. 

Talking to us is the best option – and rest assured we will look after you and your family.

Jul11

2020

5 Tips to Reduce Sugar in your Diet postByDental
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Plaque is a thin, translucent film of bacteria that coats the tooth surface. When sugar and starchy foods encounter plaque, it reacts with the bacteria to form acids that erode tooth enamel and cause decay. 

The more sugar you consume, the more acids are produced and over time this leads to more tooth decay.

PERFECT STORM of nasties for your teeth.

Reducing the amount of sugar in your diet is not only beneficial for your teeth but also your health in general. Healthy eating means a healthy life.

Here are 5 important expert tips to slash sugar from your diet:

TIP#1: OPT FOR A SUGAR FREE BREAKFAST

There are high levels of sugar in many brekky cereals so read the labels. Switching to lower level of sugar or no added sugar cereals will have a positive impact on your dental and overall health.

Go for unsweetened versions of common foods like oatmeal and fruits.

Be mindful of too many sultanas and raisins. They can get stuck in between the grooves and crevices of your teeth, where they cause decay.

Dried fruit/ fruit bars/ muesli bars  are a perfect storm of stickiness and chewiness. The gooey bits are practically made for getting stuck between teeth and can be incredibly sweet. Bad combination.

TIP#2: RECOGNISE SUGAR CONTENT

Read food labels. So important.

5mg sugar is about 1 teaspoon.  When a food says 25mgs sugar per serve, that’s approximately 5 teaspoons!

There are many hidden sugars in certain food items. Tomato sauce, salad dressings, condiments all have sugar. Make sure you read the food label of the product in which they have properly listed the contents and quantity of sugar.   If it’s bad – simply don’t buy it.  Simples.

You will need to look for more than just the word ‘Sugar’ as it hides under various tricky names like sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, molasses and corn syrup.

TIP#3: BE SMART & SNACK WISELY

You have already eaten your breakfast and it’s still time for the lunch but you can’t stop craving something to eat.

Don’t rush out to Donut King for unhealthy options like donuts, cakes, lollies, biscuits and other sugary foods which cause tooth decay. Choose to snack smartly with fresh fruits, raw vegetables like carrots, cucumber or a handful of nuts which will provide that energy boost you need.

Remember to choose sugary food less often and avoid them between meals.

TIP#4: SAY YES TO HEALTHY DRINKS

Sweetened drinks with high sugar content put you at a risk of tooth decay, weight gain and other health issues. Avoiding aerated or sugar drinks is a good idea but that is not the only sugar packed drink out there.  Watch out for those energy drinks high in sugar and caffeine!

Don’t swish acidic drinks or hold them in your mouth – this exposes the teeth to acids for longer than necessary.

Make sure you try to moderate the amount of sugary drinks you consume and prefer healthy drinks like a smoothie, or even better, good old H2O.

TIP#5: HIT THE SACK EARLY

Brushing & flossing your teeth immediately after dinner serves as a reminder that you are not supposed to eat again.

The cool fresh toothpaste feeling in your mouth deters you from actually grabbing mid night snacks or scouting the refrigerator late for desserts and ice cream. Being a night owl can be detrimental so make sure you fix a time when you are supposed to head to the bed and stick to it.

Sometimes a cup of chai tea can help crave that evening sugar hit.

Don’t Forget…

Cutting down on sugar feels like an impossible task but your taste buds will adjust. And it doesn’t take long.

If you normally put two sugars in your coffee, for instance, try one for a week, then half, and finally only add your milk.

For your yogurt, mix half a serving of sweetened yogurt with half a serving of plain, and eventually move on to adding natural sweetness with fresh fruit. 

You will be surprised how quickly you get used to reducing sugar in your diet – and doing yourself, your waistline, and your teeth, a huge favour.

It’s a case of all in moderation.  Enjoying a Cherry Ripe occasionally isn’t a bad thing BUT just don’t go overboard -and make sure you follow through with proper oral care after consuming that sugar treat.

Make sure that you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and an electric toothbrush, floss regularly and follow good oral hygiene.  And of course, regular checkups with the Taree Dental Care team.

We will look after you!dr

Related Tags: Dentists in Taree

Mar2

2020

Fluoride – is it bad for you? postByDental
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What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance which strengthens and protects our teeth and bones. In Australia, and many other countries, fluoride is added to drinking water and is present in many dental hygiene products.

While some groups argue against the use of fluoride, if used correctly there is no reason it should cause you or your family any harm.  

What are the risks?

When used correctly, fluoride is highly beneficial in dental care. However, like many other beneficial substances, too much fluoride can be detrimental, in the same way that an overdose of Vitamin C or even too much water can be harmful.

So, how much is too much?

The World Health Organisation recommends no more than 1.5mg of fluoride per litre, which Australia currently recommends in its Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Around 70% of the Australian population currently has access to fluoridated water.

Fluoride is also present in many dental products such as toothpaste, mouthwash and dental floss, as well as trace elements of fluoride found in food, water, soil, rocks and air. In some places naturally high and unsafe levels of fluoride occur in ground water. When too much fluoride is taken in there are some detrimental effects which can occur.

The most common risk associated with fluoride is Fluorosis.

Skeletal fluorosis

Skeletal fluorosis is a bone disease brought on by excessive exposure to fluoride. It eventually causes bones to become hard and brittle, making them more prone to factures and breakages and may also lead to stiff joints.

Skeletal fluorosis is highly unlikely to occur from normal dental processes and drinking water.  It is most prevalent in India and China where there can be very high naturally occurring levels of fluoride in the groundwater, along with other factors like industrial exposure, which can lead to a higher prevalence of skeletal fluorosis.

Dental Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis is a discolouration of tooth enamel caused by over-mineralisation from excessive fluoride exposure. Dental Fluorosis damage tends to occur while teeth are still developing, which makes it very important to monitor fluoride intake levels in young children.

Dental fluorosis is a cosmetic problem, so while it leads to  discolouration, which presents as white patches or streaks on your teeth, or sometimes brown marks, teeth will still be strong and healthy.

Other potential problems which may be associated with fluoride include:

·       Bone and joint issues including osteoarthritis

·       Neurological problems

·       Skin problems such as acne

·       Cardiovascular issues

· Hyperthyroidism

It is important to remember that a normal, safe amount of fluoride will have ABSOLUTELY NO ILL EFFECTS on your health.

What are the benefits?

While its misuse may lead to unwanted side effects, safe and controlled use of fluoride is highly beneficial for your teeth. It strengthens teeth and aids repairs to help avoid cavities.

Simply by brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and by drinking fluoridated water you can gain the following benefits:

Enamel remineralisation: when your tooth enamel loses minerals, it becomes weakened and more prone to cavities. Fluoride swoops in and re-mineralises your tooth enamel, depositing calcium and other minerals to strengthen the enamel.

Reduces the early signs of tooth decay and reduces the growth of certain bacteria

Acid control: fluoride increases the ability of your teeth to fight off acid attack

Improved enamel quality: fluoride taken when our teeth are still developing in early childhood helps create stronger enamel which is more resistant to demineralisation.

Who should use fluoride?

No matter what stage of life you’re at, everyone can benefit from fluoride. It is so easy to keep your fluoride intake up and give your teeth a healthy boost. You can keep your fluoride levels up by:

·       Brushing your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste

·       Drinking fluoridated water, if available

·       Taking fluoride supplements if fluoridated water is not readily available

·       Having a fluoride treatment at your dentist.

While it’s recommended everyone makes fluoride part of their dental health routine, it is particularly important if any of the following apply to you:

·       If you are prone to or have a history of cavities and tooth decay

·       If you have a diet high in sugar

·       If you have limited access to dental services

·       If you’ve had dental procedures such as braces or crowns.

Fluoride plays a key role in the health of your teeth, and now that you know of its importance, you can include it with more regularity to your oral care habits.

If you have any questions then please don’t hesitate to talk to us at your next Taree Dental Care appointment.  We are here to help you because the quality of your oral hygiene is SO important to your overall health and well-being.

Related Tag: Cosmetic Dentist Taree

Feb6

2020

2020 a new year, a new us, a new you! postByDental
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Many of us set goals to have a healthier lifestyle, especially at the beginning of a new year.  You know the drill……more yoga, less wine, more flossing, less Facebook etc.

At Taree Dental Care we thought we’d mix things up a little and make some of our own 2020 resolutions for the new decade.

Our 2020 resolutions are all about how we can support YOU – our special clients.

Here is our top 10 list – And PLEASE let us know if you think there is anything you think we’ve missed!

At Taree Dental Care we resolve to:

  • Always meet you with a friendly hello and warm smile whenever you walk through our door;
  • Respect your concerns. We know dentistry makes some people anxious. We do our best to make your visits as comfortable as possible;
  • Give maximum value, giving top-notch dental services at competitive prices;
  • Respond to you in a timely way, and in a way that answers any issues you have;
  • Respect your schedule. We ensure that your appointment starts when scheduled and ends when you expect it to;
  • Stay up-to-date on current dental knowledge and techniques through ongoing education and training, and the latest technology
  • Follow the industry-standard, or above, to provide a hygienic environment for your dental care;
  • Treat everyone fairly and equally, regardless of age, race, religion, creed, ethnicity, socio-economic background, or current health;
  • Honestly analyse your need for treatment, and discuss viable alternatives, before making recommendations;
  • Give you a full understanding of your treatment, including accurate information on the cost.

What you can do:

Of course, now it’s your turn.  We have a few suggested 2020 resolutions for you!

  • Brush and floss regularly. But you already knew this, right? Oh, and that rumour about flossing extending your life, it’s true.  So, go on, floss like a boss.
  • Check-in with us. Ahhh, if we had a dollar for every patient who said ‘I wish I’d come in earlier’, we’d be buying our own private island in the Caribbean right now.  Regular check-ups and cleans are a vital party of maintaining your dental health, and they are a resolution you can keep. Schedule your regular dental check-ups for the year, and you will be set to go!  And if you are nervous about coming to see us, remember we have twilight dentistry options (and Netflix).
  • Buy new toothbrushes four times a year. Toothbrushes have a lifespan of about three months. Making a swap at the new year will help keep your teeth clean for the next three months, and by Easter, it will be time to get another one.
  • Eat and drink properly. Avoid sugars, carbohydrates, and acids to make your dental health resolution successful. Drinking water with your snack, and rinsing after eating, make it more difficult for food to stick to your teeth.  Drink more water. Don’t touch fizzy drinks – there are simply no winners there. 
  • Quit smoking.  Say no more.
  • Reduce alcohol and coffee intake. There are multiple ways alcohol can harm your teeth. Alcohol is empty calories with high amounts of sugar to cause decay, and coffee and red wine stain your teeth.
  • Consider sugarless gum. Research shows chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. Remember that as effective as chewing gum is, it does not replace regular brushing and flossing!
  • Smile. We saved the easiest and quickest 2020 resolution for last. Did you know that even if you fake a smile it releases chemicals that will trick your brain and actually make you feel better TRUE.

You will be surprised how these simple tips will make a difference to your teeth, your gums and your overall general health. 

And remember, even if you are best friends with your toothbrush it’s really important to keep up with regular professional cleans and check-ups.  

At Taree Dental Care we want our practice to feel like family – so give us a call on 6550 0960 or contact us right here for an appointment. We promise we will take good care of you and your smile.

Related Tag: Family Dentist in Taree

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