Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Archives for February 2016

10 Creative Ways to Reuse Your Old Toothbrush (Instead of Throwing It Away)

At Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, we often remind patients to replace their toothbrush every three months. But just because your old toothbrush is no longer suitable for cleaning your teeth doesn’t mean it has to go straight into the bin. By giving it a second life, you can reduce waste and help the environment—right from your Glen Iris home.

Here are 10 clever and practical ways to reuse your old toothbrush:

  1. Create artwork with a toothbrush paint-splatter effect
    An old toothbrush makes a great painting tool, especially for textured or splatter designs.

  2. Use it as a gentle face exfoliator
    The soft bristles can help remove dirt and oil from areas prone to congestion. (Just be sure to clean and sanitise it first!)

  3. Give your pets a mini grooming session
    Old toothbrushes are perfect for brushing small pets or sensitive areas around their face and ears.

  4. Support delicate plants
    The handle can act as a small plant stake—ideal for seedlings and indoor plants.

  5. Spot-clean around the house
    Toothbrushes are excellent for cleaning grout, fixtures, tight corners and other hard-to-reach areas.

  6. Relieve an unreachable itch
    The long handle makes it handy for gently scratching under a cast or between shoulder blades.

  7. Scrub dirt off shoes
    They’re perfect for cleaning treads, removing mud, and restoring shine.

  8. Brush your dog’s teeth
    If your dog tolerates it, a soft toothbrush can help maintain their oral health between professional cleanings.

  9. Keep fish tanks sparkling clean
    Use your old toothbrush to remove algae from corners and accessories.

  10. Perfect for hair dye touch-ups
    Whether it’s covering a few greys or tinting eyebrows, an old toothbrush offers precision control.

If you’d like more oral health tips or need advice on choosing the right toothbrush, our Glen Iris dental team is here to help.

Understanding Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment in Glen Iris

The formation of a tooth is a truly remarkable biological process, guided by a complex network of genes. While much of this process is understood, there are still many aspects that researchers continue to uncover. One condition that highlights how delicate tooth development can be is Amelogenesis Imperfecta—a genetic disorder that affects the formation of tooth enamel, the hard protective outer layer of the teeth.

What Is Amelogenesis Imperfecta?

Amelogenesis Imperfecta occurs when the genes responsible for building enamel do not function correctly. This results in enamel that may be weak, thin, discoloured, or prone to rapid wear. To date, 14 different variations of the condition have been identified, each with distinct enamel characteristics and inheritance patterns.

These genetic variations may affect only the teeth, or they may appear as part of a broader medical syndrome that impacts other areas of the body.

How and When Is the Condition Identified?

Amelogenesis Imperfecta is often first noticed when a child’s baby (primary) teeth erupt. Parents may observe early chipping, unusual wear, or an appearance that is noticeably different from typical enamel.

Before diagnosing Amelogenesis Imperfecta, several steps must be taken to rule out other causes. These include:

  • Excluding environmental factors such as illness or medication during tooth development

  • Reviewing family history to assess inheritance patterns

  • Determining the specific enamel type and appearance (phenotype)

  • Comparing the timeline of tooth formation with the defect to ensure it is not a developmental disturbance

Only once all these factors are addressed can a confident diagnosis be made.

Treatment: Prevention First, Then Individualised Care

Because enamel defects vary widely, treatment must be carefully tailored to each child’s needs and stage of dental development. At Tooronga Family Dentistry, our approach focuses on prevention before intervention, ensuring long-term comfort, function, and appearance.

Early Childhood (Baby Teeth Stage)

During this stage, the treatment goals include:

  • Supporting speech development

  • Ensuring good nutrition

  • Providing an attractive smile to boost confidence

  • Protecting the teeth from further wear

Mixed Dentition (Around Age 6 and Up)

As the permanent teeth begin to emerge, protecting them becomes the highest priority. Treatment often includes:

  • Reinforcing the enamel with protective restorations

  • Monitoring the bite and tooth eruption

  • Ensuring ongoing comfort and function

Long-Term Treatment

Long-term care usually involves:

  • Composite resin restorations, used frequently for young patients

  • Crowns, especially when teeth require significant reinforcement

The choice depends entirely on the condition of each tooth and the child’s individual needs.

Expert Care for Amelogenesis Imperfecta in Glen Iris

If you suspect your child may have enamel defects or if you’ve noticed unusual wear or early chipping, early assessment is essential. At Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, we provide compassionate, detailed evaluation and personalised care plans for children and adults affected by Amelogenesis Imperfecta.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, please contact Dr Kaufman at 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly.

📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.

Types of Dental Fillings: Understanding Your Options at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

When a tooth breaks or develops decay, it needs to be restored to its original shape, strength, and function. Today, there are several types of materials available for dental fillings, and each one has unique advantages. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions about your dental care.

At Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, we offer a wide range of modern, durable, and aesthetic filling materials to suit your individual needs.

1. Composite (Tooth-Coloured) Fillings

Composite fillings have evolved significantly over the past 40 years and are now considered one of the best restorative materials for most situations. They are made from a blend of resin and tiny glass or ceramic particles. The smaller these particles are—known as nano fillers—the smoother, stronger, and more durable the final restoration becomes.

Benefits of composite fillings:

  • Reinforce and strengthen the remaining tooth structure

  • Bond to the tooth, allowing for more conservative (minimal drilling) treatment

  • Match the natural colour of your teeth for an aesthetic result

  • Do not conduct heat or cold, helping reduce sensitivity

  • Suitable for restoring small and large portions of a tooth

These are the most commonly used fillings in our Glen Iris practice due to their excellent performance and appearance.

2. Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Amalgam has been used for over 150 years. It is a mixture of silver, copper, tin, and mercury that sets into a strong and durable filling.

Advantages:

  • Low cost

  • Long track record of durability

Disadvantages:

  • Contains mercury

  • Does not reinforce the tooth; may weaken thin enamel areas

  • Can cause temperature sensitivity due to heat conduction

  • Requires more removal of healthy tooth structure compared to composite

  • Silver appearance is less aesthetic

While still effective in certain cases, amalgam is used far less frequently today.

3. Ceramic (Porcelain) Restorations

Ceramic fillings or inlays/onlays are made in a dental laboratory and offer outstanding strength, durability, and aesthetics. They are ideal for visible areas such as front teeth or larger restorations where beauty and longevity matter.

Benefits:

  • Very natural appearance

  • Smooth, strong, and long-lasting

  • Bond securely to the tooth

Disadvantages:

  • Higher cost than other filling materials

  • Require additional time to be designed and fabricated

We use ceramic restorations extensively for veneers and larger aesthetic cases.

4. Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)

Glass ionomer fillings are made of glass particles mixed with acrylic resin. They are not as strong as composite or ceramic, so their lifespan is usually under five years.

Best used for:

  • Baby teeth

  • Areas with exposed root surfaces

  • Cases with high risk of decay

Key advantage:

  • Release fluoride, which helps protect the tooth from further decay

These are particularly helpful for young children and patients with sensitivity or root exposure.

5. Gold Restorations

Gold fillings and crowns have been used for hundreds of years and remain one of the most durable materials available. They can be made from 14k, 18k, or 24k gold.

Benefits:

  • Extremely durable—can last over 30 years

  • Non-corrosive and biocompatible

  • Excellent fit

Disadvantages:

  • High cost

  • Gold appearance is less aesthetic

  • Typically reserved for back teeth where they won’t show

Gold remains an excellent choice for longevity and strength.

Which Filling Material Is Right for You?

The ideal filling material depends on:

  • Tooth location

  • Size of the cavity

  • Aesthetic considerations

  • Your bite

  • Budget

  • Long-term treatment goals

At Tooronga Family Dentistry, we carefully assess your needs and recommend the most suitable option.

To learn more about dental fillings or to book an appointment with Dr Daniel Kaufman, please 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006.

📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.

Tooth Sensitivity: Why Ice Cream or Coffee Hurt Your Teeth in Glen Iris

Many patients in Glen Iris visit us asking why enjoying an ice cream or having a sip of hot coffee suddenly becomes painful. In most cases, the answer is tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity to hot, cold, or touch happens when the underlying dentin layer of the tooth becomes exposed to the oral environment.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Dentin may become exposed due to:

It’s important to come in for an examination as soon as you notice sensitivity. If sensitivity is caused by decay, failing fillings, or cracks, bacteria may already be approaching the nerve—potentially leading to a painful infection. In these cases, a filling or restorative treatment is usually needed.

Treatments for Sensitivity From Exposed Root Surfaces

If the sensitivity is due to exposed dentin or root surfaces, there are several effective treatments:

  • Desensitising toothpaste – seals exposed dentin and reduces sensitivity over time.

  • Fluoride mouthrinses or gels – strengthen enamel and prevent further decay.

  • Tooth mousse application – helps remineralise tooth structure and reduce sensitivity.

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, please 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly. We’re here to help you find relief and protect your long-term dental health.

📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.