Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Archives for March 2016

Osteoporosis and Gum Disease: What Glen Iris Patients Should Know

A recent study published in Osteoporosis International has found a strong connection between osteoporosis and gum disease in elderly women. The researchers concluded that osteoporosis not only increases the frequency of chronic periodontitis but also worsens its severity. Importantly, once osteoporosis was treated, gum health improved as well.

The study’s conclusion was clear:
“Elderly women with osteoporosis have a greater chance of presenting periodontitis, with higher severity than those with normal BMD. Osteoporosis treatment provides protection for periodontitis.”

This growing body of research reinforces what dental professionals have long observed—gum disease can significantly affect overall health, and its impact extends far beyond the mouth.

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, gum pain, or sensitivity, early care is essential. As your local Glen Iris dentist, Tooronga Family Dentistry is here to help. We are open 6 days a week, and our experienced team can assess your gum health, provide tailored treatment, and support your overall wellbeing.

To make an appointment, please

👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006. We’re here to support our Glen Iris community with compassionate, professional dental care.

📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Common Causes of Tooth Pain and What to Do Before You See Your Glen Iris Emergency Dentist

Tooth pain can be one of the most distressing dental issues, and in my more than 35 years of experience providing emergency dental care in Glen Iris, I’ve found that most toothaches come from a small number of common causes. Understanding these issues—and knowing what to do before you reach us—can help you protect your teeth and get relief more quickly.

The Most Common Causes of Tooth Pain

1. Tooth decay (“tooth holes”)

Early decay often causes sensitivity to hot or cold foods. As decay progresses, the pain becomes constant and more severe.

2. Gum infection

Inflamed or infected gums can lead to bleeding, swelling, bad breath, and loosening of the teeth.

3. Trauma or knocked teeth

Sports injuries, accidents, or falls may cause a tooth to chip, crack, or be knocked out completely.

4. Chewing hard objects

Accidentally biting into a stone or very hard piece of food can fracture a tooth.

5. Problematic wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth often trap food and bacteria, leading to swelling, infection, and pain.

Why You Should See Dr. Kaufman Daniel Quickly

When you’re in pain or a tooth has been knocked out, timing is critical. Seeing us early helps:

  • Prevent further damage

  • Increase the chance of saving a broken or knocked-out tooth

  • Provide instant pain relief

  • Protect your long-term dental health

At Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, we are open 6 days a week and do our best to see emergency patients as soon as possible.

When you arrive, I will first examine your teeth to identify the true source of the pain. It’s common for tooth pain to radiate into the ear, jaw, or even cause headaches, so professional diagnosis is essential. Once we understand the cause, we can provide immediate relief and a clear treatment plan.

What You Can Do While Waiting to See Us

If You Have a Toothache

Before your emergency appointment:

  • Rinse your mouth with water to clear debris.

  • Use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove trapped food.

  • Apply a cold pack to the cheek if there is swelling (remove it periodically).

  • Take pain medication you are familiar with—never place tablets directly on the tooth.

  • Avoid home remedies such as aspirin on the tooth, alcohol, or baking soda—these cause more harm than good.

The safest and best solution is a proper dental examination.

If You Have a Knocked-Out Tooth

  • Find the tooth.

  • Hold it only by the crown, not the root.

  • Rinse with milk; if unavailable, rinse briefly with water or have the patient gently suck it clean.

  • Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket.

  • If you can’t reinsert it, store it in milk, cling wrap, or inside the cheek (only if safe).

See a dentist within 30 minutes if possible—this greatly improves the survival of the tooth.

If You Have a Broken Tooth

  • Rinse with warm water (cold water may increase pain).

  • Collect any broken fragments and bring them to us—they are often repairable.

  • Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.

  • Do not try to remove fragments lodged in lips or cheeks—wait for professional help.

Come to see us as soon as possible.

Cuts to the Tongue or Lip

These areas bleed heavily due to rich blood supply. To control bleeding:

  • Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth.

  • If bleeding does not stop or the cut is deep, visit us or your nearest hospital emergency department.

Braces or Retainers Causing Irritation

  • Cover loose or sharp wires with a cotton ball, gauze, or orthodontic wax.

  • Do not attempt to remove wires stuck in soft tissues.

  • Contact your orthodontist, or if unavailable, we can assist.

Need an Emergency Dentist in Glen Iris?

We are here to help—6 days a week.

👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly.

📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Protecting Your Child’s Teeth During Sport: Why Mouthguards Matter in Glen Iris

young boy recently fractured his front teeth when a teammate accidentally swung a cricket bat backwards. While it may sound like a freak accident, dental trauma during sport is unfortunately common. Research shows that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur during sports, and around 80% of those injuries involve the front teeth. Injuries to the tongue, lips, and cheeks are also frequent.

Why a Mouthguard Is Essential for Sport

Even seemingly “minor” dental injuries can lead to serious, costly, and lifelong problems. If your child plays sport—or if you enjoy high-risk activities yourself—wearing a protective mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent injury.

Custom Mouthguards

A custom-fit mouthguard offers the best protection. It is comfortable, secure, and won’t fall out at the moment of impact. This gives far better protection against dental fractures and soft-tissue injuries.

Boil-and-bite Mouthguards

These can be purchased from chemists and sporting-goods stores. While cheaper, they are often bulky, may not fit well, and can cause:

  • Muscle fatigue

  • Difficulty breathing

  • TMJ (jaw joint) irritation

Whenever possible, a professionally fitted mouthguard is the safer choice.

When You Also Need a Helmet

Depending on your sport, a mouthguard alone may not be enough. Helmets are essential for activities involving speed or impact, including:

  • Bike riding

  • Skating

  • Hockey

Make sure the helmet fits correctly and is designed for the specific sport you’re playing.

What to Do if a Tooth Is Injured

If your child experiences a dental injury:

  1. Collect all fragments of the tooth.

  2. Store them in a moist environment—cold milk is ideal.

  3. Seek dental care immediately. Early assessment gives the best chance of saving the tooth and preventing long-term complications.

Need Advice or Emergency Dental Care in Glen Iris?

👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly.

📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Understanding Maryland Bridges: A Conservative Option for Replacing Missing Teeth in Glen Iris

When one or more teeth are missing, many patients look for a solution that restores their smile without excessive drilling or damage to neighbouring teeth. Traditionally, a dental bridge requires significant reshaping of the adjacent teeth to make space for the crowns that support it.

However, an alternative option—developed at the University of Maryland—offers a more conservative solution: the Maryland bridge.

What Is a Maryland Bridge?

A Maryland bridge uses small “wings” that are bonded to the inner surfaces of the neighboring teeth. Because it doesn’t require full dental crowns, only minimal tooth reduction is needed compared to a conventional bridge.

This makes it a popular choice for patients wanting a less invasive way to replace a missing tooth.

Advantages of a Maryland Bridge

1. Minimal Tooth Removal

Only a very small amount of enamel is removed from the supporting teeth. This preserves their natural structure—one of the biggest benefits of this treatment.

Potential Problems With Maryland Bridges

Like any dental option, a Maryland bridge comes with some limitations. The two main issues are:

1. Possible Darkening of Supporting Teeth

Maryland bridges typically contain a metal framework. This framework can slightly affect the translucency of the supporting teeth, making them appear somewhat darker than the surrounding teeth.

At Tooronga Family Dentistry, we manage this in two ways:

  • Our dental technician shades and designs the bridge to minimise the colour change, or

  • We plan a metal-free alternative such as a zirconia bridge, which avoids this issue entirely.

2. Bond Weakening Over Time

The adhesive bond between the “wings” and the teeth may weaken. This can cause the Maryland bridge to loosen and require re-cementing.

While this isn’t harmful, it does mean occasional maintenance may be needed.

Considering Tooth Replacement in Glen Iris?

Every patient’s situation is unique. If you are missing a tooth or considering your replacement options—whether a Maryland bridge, Encore bridge, implant, or traditional bridge—the best step is a personalized assessment.

👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help. We are open six days a week and always happy to help you explore the most suitable solution for your smile.📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Are Bio-Engineered Tooth Roots the Future? What Glen Iris Patients Should Know

A recently published study explored whether stem cells could be used to grow biological tooth roots. Researchers used stem cells from miniature pigs to grow new roots, which were then transplanted into other miniature pigs. To measure how effective these biologically engineered roots were, traditional titanium dental implants were placed in the same animals for comparison.

After three months, crowns were attached to both the implants and the bio-engineered roots. The results were clear: while 100% of the dental implants were successful, only 22% of the bio-engineered roots survived.

For now, this research confirms what we already rely on in modern dentistry—dental implants remain the most predictable, proven, and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth, including for our Glen Iris patients.

If you’d like to learn more about dental implants or discuss the best tooth-replacement options for you, please 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006. We’re here to help our Glen Iris community restore function, comfort, and confidence in their smiles.

📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Four Simple Steps to Keep Your Teeth for Life in Glen Iris

Today, dental science has advanced to the point where maintaining your natural teeth for life is absolutely achievable. There’s no secret involved—just four essential habits: brush, floss, rinse, and visit your dentist regularly. When our Glen Iris patients follow these steps consistently, they enjoy healthier gums, stronger teeth, and fresher breath for life.

Brush

Brush your teeth twice daily—once in the morning and once at night. Three times a day is fine as long as you’re gentle. Always choose a soft-bristled toothbrush, use light pressure, and brush for at least two minutes, ensuring all tooth surfaces are cleaned thoroughly.

Research shows that electric toothbrushes provide superior cleaning compared to manual brushes. Keeping your toothbrush clean and replacing it regularly is essential for maintaining healthy teeth.

Floss

Flossing or inter-dental cleaning is just as important as brushing. The spaces between your teeth trap food particles and allow bacteria to form plaque and calculus. Cleaning between your teeth once a day prevents this buildup and protects your gums.

Use floss or inter-dental brushes gently to avoid cutting your gums. During your routine check-up at our Glen Iris clinic, we can help you choose the best flossing tools for your particular teeth and gum shape.

Rinse

Mouthwash solutions can reduce decay, control gum disease, and freshen breath. With so many options available, it’s important to choose one tailored to your specific dental needs. During your visit, we can advise you on the best mouthwash to help maintain optimal oral health.

Have a Periodical Examination

Routine check-ups—usually twice a year—are crucial for long-term dental health. Some patients may require more frequent appointments depending on their needs.

During your exam, we monitor:

  • Gum health

  • Tooth wear

  • Cheek and soft tissue lesions

  • Existing restorations

  • Changes since your last visit

By detecting early signs and making timely lifestyle recommendations, we help you maintain strong, healthy teeth for life.

If you’d like to learn more about maintaining daily oral hygiene or want personalised advice, please 👉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.

Latex Allergies and Dental Care in Glen Iris

Some people who are allergic to latex may notice symptoms about an hour after a dental visit. These can include a runny nose, scratchy throat, itchy eyes, or red hives on the arms. In more sensitive individuals, symptoms can escalate and may include asthma or difficulty breathing.

A latex allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to natural proteins found in latex. Because allergies are common and often underestimated, it’s important for patients with known sensitivities to avoid any direct contact with latex-containing materials.

Latex in the Dental Practice

The most frequent use of latex in dentistry is examination gloves. When a latex-allergic patient comes into contact with these gloves or other latex materials, they may experience:

  • Skin rash around the mouth

  • Runny nose

  • Itchy or watery eyes

  • Hives

  • In severe cases, asthma or breathing difficulties

At our Glen Iris dental clinic, we take these risks seriously. We routinely screen all patients for latex allergies and use nitrile gloves and latex-free masks to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.

If you have a latex allergy or suspect you may be sensitive to latex, please contact Dr Kaufman at Tooronga Family Dentistry, 👉Call or book online. We’re here to help protect your health and ensure your dental care is always safe.

📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Coronectomy: A Safe Alternative for Wisdom Tooth Removal in Glen Iris

The need to remove wisdom teeth usually arises because there simply isn’t enough space in the jaw for them to erupt fully. When this happens, the wisdom teeth often remain impacted, becoming trapped in the jaw and sitting very close to important nerves and arteries.

This close relationship — especially between the lower wisdom tooth roots and the inferior alveolar nerve — can complicate the extraction. If the nerve is wrapped around the tooth roots, removing the entire tooth carries a risk of nerve damage, which may result in partial or complete loss of sensation in the lower lip.

What Is a Coronectomy?

To reduce the risk of nerve injury, a conservative surgical option called a coronectomy can be performed. Instead of removing the entire wisdom tooth, only the crown (top portion) is taken out, while the roots remain safely in the jaw.

Although it may sound like an incomplete treatment, research has shown that coronectomy can significantly lower the risk of postoperative complications in cases where the nerve is involved. Studies comparing full extraction to coronectomy under difficult conditions found that patients who underwent coronectomy experienced fewer complications and better protection of nerve function.

Wisdom Tooth Care in Glen Iris

If you are experiencing discomfort or have been advised to remove your wisdom teeth, it’s essential to discuss all available options — especially if your roots are close to the nerves.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Kaufman,👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 to make an appointment and learn more about the safest approach for your wisdom teeth. 📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.

Understanding Root Resorption: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment in Glen Iris

Root resorption is a process in which the tissues surrounding a tooth begin to break down the root surface and replace it with soft tissue. This destructive process can affect both children and adults, and because it is usually painless, it often goes unnoticed until a dental X-ray reveals the problem.

What Causes Root Resorption?

Several factors can trigger root resorption:

1. Trauma or Injury

A blow to the mouth or an accident can damage the tissues around a tooth. During healing, the body may mistakenly break down part of the root.

2. Internal Resorption

Inflammation inside the pulp chamber can lead to the body attacking the tooth from the inside out. This is often discovered incidentally on routine X-rays.

3. Gum Disease

Severe periodontal inflammation may cause the body’s immune cells to misidentify the root surface as a foreign object, resulting in external resorption.

4. Orthodontic Treatment

Braces and aligners apply pressure to move teeth. In some patients, this can lead to a shortening of the roots over time.

5. Pressure From Nearby Teeth or Cancer

The eruption of canines or wisdom teeth, or the presence of a cancer, can press against neighboring teeth and trigger resorption.

Why Early Detection Matters

Because root resorption is typically painless, it may progress silently for months or years. Routine dental X-rays are essential to detect it early.

Once identified, determining the cause is critical. By removing or treating the underlying reason—whether inflammation, pressure, or trauma—we can often stop the resorption and preserve the affected tooth.

If left untreated, however, resorption can progress to the point where the tooth may need to be extracted.

Concerned About Root Resorption?

If you have questions about tooth resorption or would like your teeth assessed, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Kaufman 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly. We are here to help protect your teeth and maintain your long-term oral health.

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

Understanding Tinnitus & TMJ: How Dental Care in Glen Iris Can Help

It’s estimated that one in five people experiences tinnitus — a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. While many assume tinnitus is a standalone condition, it is actually a symptom of an underlying problem. These underlying causes may include hearing loss, ear injury, high blood pressure issues, or in many cases, problems related to the jaw joint (TMJ).

One form of tinnitus linked to jaw issues is known as Somatic Tinnitus. This occurs when injuries or dysfunction in the head, neck, or temporomandibular joint disrupt the nerves and muscles connected to the ear.

Common symptoms of somatic tinnitus may include:

  • Fluctuations in sound volume

  • Hearing disruptions

  • Headaches

  • Memory difficulties

  • Mood changes, including increased sadness or depression

Why Tinnitus Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Although tinnitus is often mild and more common in older adults, symptoms tend to worsen with age. What begins as a mild annoyance one year can become significantly more distracting the next.

Many patients don’t realise that tinnitus can be linked to jaw misalignment, TMJ injury, or dental infections. In these cases, targeted dental treatment may successfully reduce or eliminate the symptoms.

How Dental Treatment Can Help Tinnitus

When tinnitus is caused by TMJ dysfunction or dental issues, treatment may involve:

✔ Jaw realignment or bite adjustment

Correcting how the teeth come together can relieve pressure and muscle strain around the joint, easing tinnitus symptoms.

✔ Treating dental infections

Sometimes a tooth abscess or gum infection radiates pain to the ear, creating a sensation similar to tinnitus — known as “referred pain.”

✔ Lifestyle and oral hygiene recommendations

Dietary adjustments, bite splints, stress management, or improved oral hygiene may also help relieve symptoms.

Every case of tinnitus is unique, which is why personalised assessment is essential.

Concerned About Tinnitus? We Can Help.

If you’ve been experiencing tinnitus-like symptoms and have ruled out medical causes, it may be time to explore a dental assessment.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Kaufman,👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006. We’ll carefully evaluate whether your tinnitus may be linked to TMJ issues, dental infection, or the alignment of your teeth.

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