Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Archives for March 2017

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Glen Iris Dental Solutions for Night-Time Clenching and Jaw Pain

Do you wake up with jaw pain or a dull headache? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night—a condition known as bruxism. This is a common dental problem in Glen Iris and can lead to enamel and dentin wear, damaged dental work, and even broken teeth. Stress or anxiety is often a major trigger, but so are pain, certain medications, and issues with crooked or missing teeth. When left untreated, the destructive effects can worsen over time.

4 Ways to Reduce Tooth Grinding Damage in Glen Iris

  1. Wear a Mouth Guard at Night
    Use a custom occlusal splint to protect your teeth while you sleep. This device absorbs forces and prevents further damage.

  2. Reduce Stress
    Since stress is a prime cause of bruxism, find relaxation activities that work for you: exercise, meditation, warm baths, or reading before bedtime.

  3. Relax Jaw Muscles
    Release tension throughout your day. Give your jaw gentle massages and avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or biting your nails.

  4. Be Mindful of Jaw Position
    During the day, check your jaw often. If you notice your muscles are tensed up or clenched, consciously relax them right away.

If you’re in Glen Iris and suspect you grind your teeth, contact our dental team for advice to find solutions tailored to you.

Loose Tooth in a Child? Glen Iris Family Dentistry Advice for Parents

A loose tooth in your child’s mouth isn’t always a sign that a permanent tooth is ready to come out. Kids in Glen Iris sometimes bump or knock their teeth while playing or falling. If your child’s tooth becomes loose unexpectedly, book an emergency appointment with the Glen Iris dental team at Tooronga Family Dentistry to rule out infection or damage to the underlying permanent tooth.

When Should a Loose Tooth Worry Glen Iris Parents?

  • Children typically lose their teeth in the same order they appeared, starting around age 6.

  • If a tooth is loose “too early” or not in the usual order, don’t try to pull it out—it may cause pain or unnecessary trauma.

  • If you’re unsure why a tooth is mobile, or it seems out of sequence for your child, get in touch with your Glen Iris dentist for advice.

When “Baby Teeth Hang On” Too Long

Sometimes baby teeth linger when the adult teeth below are ready to erupt. If baby teeth aren’t removed, they can force the permanent teeth to erupt in the wrong spot, which may result in bite misalignment or crowding.
In cases where a permanent tooth breaks through behind or in the wrong position (for example, the upper front tooth erupting behind the lower), prompt extraction and dental assessment are needed to prevent future orthodontic complications.

If your child is having issues with permanent teeth coming through, contact Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris for a thorough evaluation and a gentle, effective treatment plan.

Permanent Teeth Eruption in Kids: Glen Iris Dental Advice on Delays and Retained Baby Teeth

Permanent teeth usually begin to replace baby teeth around age 6. As adult teeth erupt, they slowly break down the roots of baby teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out. However, if there isn’t enough space for the permanent teeth—or if some are missing—baby teeth can stay in place far longer than normal. Sometimes, extra teeth can also block the path of adult teeth, causing further delays.

Why Early Assessment in Glen Iris Matters

If you suspect there’s a problem with your child’s adult teeth erupting—such as unusual delays, retained baby teeth, or crowding—don’t wait. Schedule an appointment a dental examination in Glen Iris.
A simple dental x-ray can quickly show Dr. Kaufman whether there is a genuine issue or if your child’s development is simply on the slower end of normal.

Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment  for an expert evaluation. We’ll help ensure your child’s teeth are erupting and developing properly for a healthy smile into adulthood.