Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Archives for April 2017

What Is TMJ/TMD? Glen Iris Guide to Jaw Joint Pain and Solutions

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint—the joint that connects your lower jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. You have one TMJ on each side, working together as a pair. These joints allow your jaw to move both as a hinge and to slide open wider—essential for chewing, speaking, swallowing, yawning, and even breathing.

TMJ Pain = TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)

Because your TMJ is involved in so many daily actions, it’s prone to wear and problems. Disorders of this joint are called temporomandibular disorders (TMD), a complex and sometimes chronic condition usually causing pain in and around the jaw. TMD can limit your ability to chew, speak, and even express yourself with facial movements.

Common Causes of TMD

Glen Iris dentists also note that those with TMD commonly report other conditions, such as chronic fatigue, headaches, endometriosis, or fibromyalgia.

Simple TMD Symptom Relief Tips

  • Eat soft foods to reduce jaw strain

  • Apply ice packs to sore areas

  • Avoid extreme jaw movements (wide yawning, loud singing, gum chewing)

  • Practice stress reduction and jaw relaxation techniques

  • Try gentle jaw exercises for stretching and relaxing

If your TMJ pain continues or worsens, it’s important to make an appointment with your Glen Iris dentist at Tooronga Family Dentistry for a thorough assessment and personalized treatment.

Pregnancy and Oral Health: Glen Iris Dentist’s Guide for Expectant Mothers

Pregnancy brings many changes—including some that affect your oral health. Here’s what Glen Iris mums-to-be need to know about keeping their mouths healthy throughout pregnancy:

Pregnancy Gingivitis
Around the second month, higher progesterone levels can increase bacteria that cause gingivitis. Symptoms include red, swollen gums and bleeding during brushing. Practicing excellent oral hygiene is crucial to control these symptoms and protect both mum and baby.

Enamel Erosion from Morning Sickness
Morning sickness and vomiting expose teeth to stomach acids, softening tooth enamel. Avoid brushing immediately after vomiting—rinse with water first and brush 20–30 minutes later to prevent enamel wear.

Dry Mouth During Pregnancy
If your mouth feels dry, drink water frequently to help rinse away bacteria that would normally be cleared by saliva.

Lumps on the Gums (“Pregnancy Tumours”)
Occasionally, a deep red lump appears on the gum, often in the second trimester. These “pregnancy tumours” can bleed easily or be painful. They’re usually harmless but should be checked by Dr. Kaufman—it could be a lump, abscess, or other issue needing attention.

Gum Infection, Disease, and Your Baby
Good oral hygiene during pregnancy is vital. Gum disease isn’t just local—it allows bacteria to enter your bloodstream and potentially affect your baby. Gum infections can trigger prostaglandin production, which may increase the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.

If you have any worries about gum disease or mouth care, contact our Glen Iris dental team or book your appointment for a thorough checkup and support tailored to Glen Iris families.

Chronic Gum Inflammation and Your Health: Glen Iris Guide to Diet, Risks, and Better Habits

Chronic gum inflammation can linger for months or even years—often unnoticed because it usually doesn’t cause pain. Meanwhile, bacteria and toxins from inflamed gums may increase your risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer.

Improving your diet and lifestyle in Glen Iris can help reduce chronic inflammation and protect your well-being.

Which Foods Can Trigger Inflammation?

Two common groups in today’s diet are primary culprits: sugar and fat.

  • Sugar:
    Added to many processed foods, refined grains, some dairy, grain-fed meats, and farmed fish. The body struggles to process excess sugar, especially fructose. Overconsumption can cause classic metabolic syndrome symptoms—weight gain, obesity, lowered HDL, raised LDL, high blood sugar, increased diabetes risk, and high blood pressure.

  • Fat:
    A diet high in saturated fat and low in unsaturated fat increases risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and triggers inflammatory mediators. Balancing your unsaturated (healthy) and saturated (less healthy) fats is key for reducing inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet: What to Eat for Healthier Gums

For Glen Iris families, focus on:

  • More unsaturated fats (like olive oil, fish oil, nuts)

  • Less processed sugar

  • Plenty of vegetables, whole beans, and healthy proteins

Lifestyle Changes That Lower Inflammation

  • Stop smoking

  • Manage stress

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Stay active (avoid sedentary routines)

These steps help lower free radicals, C-reactive protein, and cortisol, all of which fuel chronic inflammation.

If you’re in Glen Iris and want advice on gum health, contact our dental team or book your appointment to find personalized solutions for gum problems.

Healthy Easter Smiles: Glen Iris Dental Tips for Enjoying Sweets Without Overloading on Sugar

Easter in Glen Iris means hot cross buns, cookies, pies, and chocolate at every turn. While a little indulgence is all part of the fun, it’s important not to go overboard on sugar. Here’s how your local Glen Iris dental team recommends protecting your teeth while still enjoying the holidays:

Smart Ways to Limit Sugar at Easter

  • Start with healthy foods:
    At festive meals, put nutrient-rich options on your plate first, then add a portion of sweets on the side—just as much as you actually want to eat. One plate is enough; skip going back for seconds.

  • Keep fresh, healthy snacks handy:
    Stock your kitchen or party table with a visible cookie jar filled with fruit or veggies. When convenient choices are healthy, you’re less likely to grab sugary snacks.

  • Bring better options to gatherings:
    When heading to an Easter event in Glen Iris, consider offering healthy desserts—like dark chocolate-dipped strawberries, homemade pumpkin pie, or refreshing fruit tarts.

  • Wait before dessert:
    Allow 20 minutes after your main meal—your brain needs time to realize you’re full. Try going for a family walk; by the time you return, you may crave less dessert. Walking also helps boost your metabolism.

The Tooronga Family Dentistry team wishes our Glen Iris community a bright, happy, and healthy Easter with your loved ones!

Wisdom Teeth Facts: Glen Iris Dental Guide to What You Need to Know

There are plenty of myths and urban legends about wisdom teeth. If you’re in Glen Iris and wondering whether you have them, what their purpose is, and if removal is required, here are the facts:

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are just like any other tooth—the third molars, located at the very back of your mouth. They usually begin to erupt around age 18, but can appear later. Most people grow all four, but some only develop two or three. The presence and position are best checked with a large dental x-ray (OPG) typically around ages 15–17.

Why Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?

Since they come in later than other teeth, wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to emerge properly. This can lead to:

  • Tilting or becoming impacted (stuck below the gum)

  • Crowding existing teeth

  • Damage to nearby teeth

  • Trapping food and bacteria, increasing the risk of decay

Misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth can result in tooth decay, swelling, tenderness, and bad breath. Extraction is often the safest solution for these issues.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Ideally, removal should be planned early—before problems develop. Extracting wisdom teeth at a younger age is generally easier, as roots are not fully formed and bone is less dense.

If you live in Glen Iris and want to find out more about your wisdom teeth, contact our dental team for a thorough check. The first step will be an x-ray; then Dr. Kaufman can suggest the best approach for your oral health.

Sports and Dental Injuries: Glen Iris Guide to Mouthguards and Prevention

Staying active is vital for a healthy lifestyle in Glen Iris—but certain sports can put your teeth at risk. Here’s what you and your family need to know about preventing dental injuries while staying fit:

Facts About Sports-Related Dental Injuries

  • Children and teens in Glen Iris have the highest rate of dental trauma from sports activities.

  • The biggest culprits: footy, basketball, cricket, cycling, and hockey.

  • Injuries happen from falls, contact with elbows or hands, or being hit in the face by a bat, ball, or other sporting equipment.

Why You Need a Custom Mouthguard in Glen Iris

Wearing a mouthguard greatly reduces the chance of dental injury on the field or court. At Tooronga Family Dentistry, our custom mouthguards come in three levels of protection, offering the best fit, comfort, and safety.
Store-bought (chemist) mouthguards may seem easy, but often won’t stay in place when you need them most.

What To Do After a Dental Injury

If you or your child suffers a dental injury during sport, make an appointment immediately with Tooronga Family Dentistry for emergency care.
If the person lost consciousness, has unstoppable bleeding, or deep face or tongue cuts, seek urgent medical attention right away at your nearest emergency facility.

Stay safe and keep scoring goals—with a protected, healthy Glen Iris smile!