Archives for July 2016

But the beneficial effects do not end there chewing gum can protect against tooth erosion and help those suffering from a dry mouth too. Recaldent, which is a chewing gum that contains calcium and phosphate, can repair damages caused by acid erosion and replenish the tooth enamel.

There are many varieties of chewing gum, and not all chewing gum varieties have the same benefits. One of the major differences between chewing gum brands is the presence of sugar. While chewing gum that contains sugar, can be testier and have the same effect of increasing saliva flow in the mouth, the sugar in the gum can be used by bacteria to produce the acids that cause tooth decay, practically cancelling out any positive effects the gum chewing creates. We at Tooronga Family Dentistry recommend sugar-free gums that will not cause decay. These sugar free chewing gum contain sweeteners such as aspartame and xylitol, which are better for you.

Chewing gum can be used to deliver drugs and help quit smoking too. In a study that compared smoking and chewing gum in dealing with stress, it has been found that chewing gum was helpful in preventing the need to for smoking a cigarette.

The major disadvantage of chewing gum is, that with excessive and prolonged use, it can lead to wear in the jaw joint and muscle pain. For those who suffer from pain in the jaw joint or clicking when opening the mouth, it might be good to stay away from chewing gum.

If you have more questions about the effects of chewing gum please don’t hesitate to contact us at Tooronga Family Dentistry.

Dental Health Week which, takes place in the first full week of August, is dedicated to promoting preventative care for healthy mouths, so that every person can enjoy greater overall health. This year the Dental Health Week, is dedicated to Women and oral health. A recent study that revealed that many women are unaware of the significant impact periodontal disease has on their health at various life stages.
The connection between hormonal changes and gum inflammation is well documented. For example it has been shown that for pregnant women, periodontal disease can cause premature birth and increase the risk for Breast Cancer.

If your gums bleed when you brush them or bite into an apple it is not normal. We can shown you how to care for your gum and heal the disease and keep your teeth for life. Please call our team at Tooronga Family Dentistry to make an appointment to have you gums and teeth examined.

In addition to these conditions, there are many other oral manifestations diabetics are more prone to:

• Infections of the oral tissues that can manifest themselves with pain in the jaws or sinus area, pain when chewing, red or white patches in the mouth, pus and swelling. If a diabetic suffers from oral infections he will have difficulty controlling blood sugar levels. So, if one suffers from oral infections, it is important to call our team at Tooronga Family Dentistry to discuss treatment options for your condition.
• Fungal infections can appear in the mouth of diabetics who frequently take antibiotics. Symptoms of these infections are red or white patches on the cheeks, lips, tongue or back of mouth, bleeding of oral tissues, changes in the taste of food and pain in the mouth or throat. These conditions can be treated with anti-fungal medications.
• Mouth dryness is caused either by the medications taken for diabetes or by the harmful effects high blood sugar has on the salivary glands. The lack of saliva compounds the risk for developing Gum disease and Decay. If you have a dry mouth, it important to drink more fluids, chew sugar-free chewing-gum or use artificial saliva to protect your oral tissues.

Please tell Dr. Kaufman Daniel when you present for the periodical dental examination which changes that have happened since your last dental visit, so we can provide you with right the solutions to prevent further deterioration.

Many juices are full of sugar and have high acidity levels, both of which are bad for your teeth. But you don’t have to avoid juicing altogether. Here are some ways to benefit your health and your teeth in good taste too!

• Fruit juices, even the ones labeled “no added sugar” are loaded with sugar and should be had sparingly.  It is advisable to make your own fruit juice, this way it will always be fresh. Be sure to use ripe fruits as they have less acidity than unripe fruits.
• Vegetable smoothies can be had frequently, because they won’t spike your blood sugar. Use leafy greens when you can, since they contain chlorophyll, which is an important blood builder. Kale, collards and other leafy greens are rich in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which are important nutrients for strong bones and teeth.
• Wheatgrass juice is a “superfood”, it is extremely rich in amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. It is an effective healer because it contains all minerals known to man, vitamins A, B-complex, C, E and K and chlorophyll.
• Coconut oil is another “superfood” one can easily add to juices. It has, antibacterial properties that are great for your health and teeth. Just stir in a teaspoon in any juice and your juice is instantly healthier.
• Cranberry juice, fresh unsweetened cranberries are full of antioxidants and they contain compounds that stop cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to teeth. Their health benefits also include relief from urinary tract infection, respiratory disorders, kidney stones, cancer, and heart disease.

Dr. Kaufman Daniel and the team at Tooronga Family Dentistry wish you a healthy time.

Here are some tips that will help you avoid tooth pain this winter, so you and your family can have a great time.

• When you are out in the cold, try breathing in and out through your nose as much as possible. Mouth breathing brings the cold air directly in contact with your teeth, and the sudden change in temperature can cause tooth pain.
• When having a hot drink, it is important to warm up the cold teeth first with a warm drink. This way the abrupt changes in temperature of the teeth can be avoided and the tooth enamel and dentin will be able to gradually adjust to it.
• Try using a desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash with fluoride two times a day. These products  can help seal  the exposed dentin and reduce the sensitivity.

Usually healthy teeth that have been exposed to extreme cold, will stop aching after warming up. But if your teeth still hurt or are sensitive after warming up, you may need to make an appointment to see Dr. Kaufman Daniel at Tooronga Family Dentistry . Prolonged sensitivity is caused by an inflammation in the dental pulp. If the cause for the inflammation is not removed there may be a need for more complex treatment.

1. Keep your baby’s mouth clean: Even before your baby’s teeth erupt, it is still important to keep their mouth and gums clean. Simply run a damp cloth gently over their gums daily to help clear away bacteria.
2. First toothbrush: Once your child’s teeth start erupting you can give him a soft-bristle toothbrush without toothpaste to practice brushing.
3. First dentist visit: Be sure to take your child to their first dental visit before their first birthday.
4. Start using toothpaste at the age of two: Adult toothpaste has fluoride which, if ingested by a toddler can cause white and brown stains on their teeth. Most kids can spit while brushing around the age of two. So it is important to use a fluoride free or an age adjusted toothpaste in a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to avoid fluorosis.
5. Use the 2-2-2 Rule: Have your child them brush and floss his teeth twice a day, for two whole minutes and bring them twice a year to a dental exam.

Teaching good dental hygiene early on, can set up your child for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, and save you time and money in the long run. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have more questions about your child’s oral hygiene or to make an appointment to see Dr. Kaufman Daniel at Tooronga Family Dentistry .

1. Gum Redness, or Puffiness: These are usually signs of inflammation and are an early indicator of gum disease.
2. Receding Gums: Gum Recession happens when the gum tissue wears away, exposing more of the tooth-root. Some time the receding gums will expose dark marks on the teeth which usually calculus. Receding gums can be caused by gum disease, but it can also happen from hard brushing or tooth grinding.
3. Bleeding Gums: Gum Bleeding is never normal and it is sign of gum injury. It can be either due to gum disease or hard brushing.

Gum disease is preventable and can be easily cured. Left untreated it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. If you see or feel any signs of Gum Inflammation it is important to contact Dr. Daniel Kaufman and our team at Tooronga Family Dentistry  to have it examined.