Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Archives for May 2018

Are Sports Drinks Bad for Your Teeth?

These days, sports drinks are seen by many as an indispensable part of exercising. They’re one of the first things people grab as they rush to the gym or sports field. The thinking goes—if professional athletes drink them, they must be good for you, right?

That’s not quite how it works.

Sports drinks were designed to help professional athletes recover from intense training under controlled conditions. But if you’re more of a “weekend warrior,” these drinks don’t do much to boost your performance, hydration, or overall health—despite what the marketing says.

Even worse, sports drinks can harm your teeth. They’re full of sugars and acids that can lead to tooth erosion and decay over time. Like many things in life, they’re best consumed in moderation—if at all.

A Better Way to Stay Hydrated

So, what’s a better option when you’re sweating it out?
Water—good old-fashioned, straight-from-the-tap water.

It quickly relieves dehydration symptoms such as a dry mouth or excessive sweating, it’s free, and it’s naturally fortified with fluoride, which helps protect your teeth and reduce decay. Plus, water doesn’t come with a label full of unpronounceable ingredients.

Reading the Label: Know What You’re Drinking

A simple way to check whether what you’re eating or drinking supports your dental health is to learn how to read labels. It’s easier than you might think.

Look out for hidden sugars such as honey, rice syrup, or organic dehydrated cane juice. To spot acidity, check for ingredients like citric acid or sodium benzoate—and remember, if it ends in “ate,” it’s likely an acidic preservative.

Once you understand how to identify these ingredients, you’ll be better equipped to choose foods and drinks that support your teeth, gums, and overall health—helping you stay healthy and strong, both on and off the field.

What to Do After a Dental Accident: Emergency Steps to Save Your Teeth in Glen Iris

Accidents happen — and when they involve your teeth, acting fast can make all the difference. Dental injuries from falls, sports, or everyday mishaps can cause cracks, chips, or even tooth loss. The good news? You can often minimize the damage if you know what to do and when to contact your dentist.

At Tooronga Family Dentistry, Dr. Kaufman and our team are here to help you handle dental emergencies quickly and effectively. Here’s what you should know if you or your child experiences dental trauma.

After a Fall — Don’t Assume Everything Is Fine

Even if your teeth look intact after a fall, there could still be internal damage. Cracks, loosened teeth, or root injuries aren’t always visible to the naked eye. If left unchecked, these can lead to long-term dental complications.

Always book an emergency appointment with Dr. Kaufman at Tooronga Family Dentistry to ensure no hidden damage has occurred. The sooner you get examined, the better the chances of saving your tooth.

Dental Accidents in Children

Bumps and falls are part of growing up, but a knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention. Follow these steps to minimize long-term damage:

  1. Find the tooth — Hold it by the crown (the white part), not the root.
  2. Clean it gently — If dirty, rinse with clean running water. Don’t scrub or touch the root.
  3. Reinsert the tooth if it’s permanent — Gently place it back in the socket, ensuring it’s facing the right way.
    • If it’s a baby tooth, do not reinsert it. Place it in a bag and bring it to your dentist.
  4. Call Tooronga Family Dentistry immediately.
  5. If you can’t replant it, store it in milk or saliva. Older children may keep the tooth in their mouth if safe to do so.

If your child complains of a toothache after a fall, rinse with salt water (1 teaspoon salt in a cup of lukewarm water) and use paracetamol for pain relief. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling — but remember, this does not apply to teething infants.

For broken or bent braces or retainers, remove them and bring them to Dr. Kaufman for adjustment. Learn more about orthodontic emergencies.

Dental Trauma in Adults

If you lose a tooth due to an accident, time is critical — ideally, see Dr. Kaufman within 30 minutes. The faster you act, the greater the chance of saving your tooth.

Follow these steps:

  1. Find the tooth and handle it by the crown only.
  2. Rinse with clean water if dirty — never scrub or soak it.
  3. Reinsert it gently into the socket and bite down softly on a tissue, gauze, or mouthguard to keep it in place.
  4. Call Tooronga Family Dentistry right away.
  5. If you can’t replant it, transport it in milk or saliva.

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone — children or adults. Knowing what to do in those first few moments can be the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Keep our number handy, and if an accident occurs, contact Tooronga Family Dentistry immediately for professional care and peace of mind.

 

Pregnancy and Oral Health in Glen Iris

Expecting a baby is an exciting time—congratulations! While there’s a lot to prepare for, dental care during pregnancy should be on your checklist. Your oral health directly affects your overall wellbeing and can even influence your baby’s health, making it crucial to maintain a strong dental hygiene routine before, during, and after pregnancy.

It’s important to ignore myths such as “a tooth is lost for every baby,” calcium being leached from your teeth, or that fluoride treatments are unsafe. All these claims are false. Your dentist is a vital member of your healthcare team throughout your pregnancy journey.

Make Dental Visits a Priority

Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can increase your risk of gum issues and dental problems. Scheduling regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings helps prevent and manage conditions like pregnancy gingivitis. Your dentist is also knowledgeable about the safest medications and dental procedures during every pregnancy stage.

Managing Food Cravings and Morning Sickness

Many pregnant women experience unique food cravings, sometimes leading to higher intake of sugary snacks. Opt for healthier choices, such as fresh fruit with unsweetened yoghurt, to protect your teeth.

If you suffer from morning sickness, remember that vomit is acidic and can erode your enamel. Avoid brushing straight after vomiting; instead, rinse your mouth with water, chew sugar-free gum, or eat an acid-neutralising food like cheese. Wait at least an hour before brushing to protect your enamel.

Prioritize Brushing and Flossing

Hormonal changes can make gums more susceptible to inflammation and bleeding—a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine, and see your dentist if you notice swollen, sensitive, or bleeding gums. Most gum conditions resolve after giving birth with proper dental care.

Our team is here to support your oral health for a brighter, healthier pregnancy. Schedule your next appointment today and let us help you smile confidently throughout this special journey.

Mouthguards and Dental Checks: Essential for Glen Iris Kids Playing Winter Sports

As pre-season training kicks off for winter sports in Glen Iris, parents and caregivers are busy fitting children with new boots, helmets, and protective gear. But don’t forget—a dental check-up is just as important as new sports equipment! Kids may need a new mouthguard to protect their growing smiles.

Professor David Manton, Chair of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) Oral Health Committee, emphasizes: “Children’s teeth and jaws grow every year, just like their feet. It’s crucial to see your dentist in Glen Iris to ensure their mouthguard still fits correctly. An ill-fitting mouthguard could do more harm than good.”

Why Choose a Custom-Made Mouthguard?

The ADA strongly advises wearing a custom-fit mouthguard professionally made by your dentist. These offer superior protection for teeth and jaws compared to store-bought or ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards, which often provide little to no real safety.

‘No Mouthguard, No Play’ for Glen Iris Youth Sports

Sports Medicine Australia and the ADA have partnered to promote a “No Mouthguard, No Play” policy, which many schools and sporting clubs in Glen Iris and across Victoria are adopting.

“The most important requirement for a mouthguard is that it stays in place during impact—fit and resilience are vital for real protection,” adds Professor Manton. While some parents worry about the cost of a custom mouthguard, think long-term: repairing traumatic dental injuries is far more expensive than investing in professional protection up front.

Mouthguard Benefits

  • Properly fitted mouthguards absorb and spread the force of a blow to the face, helping prevent injuries to teeth, gums, and jaws

  • Each year, preventable dental emergencies happen because children wear the wrong type of mouthguard—or none at all

Building Healthy Smiles from Childhood in Glen Iris

A consistent oral hygiene routine for children helps protect against dental disease throughout life, according to Australian Dental Association (ADA). Recent findings show that early dental care is essential not just for a healthy smile but for long-term overall health.

The ADA, alongside the Australian Health Policy Collaboration (AHPC), published a report highlighting concerning trends in kids’ dental health. It revealed that three in four children consume too much sugar, and one in three children aged five to six already have decay in their baby teeth. For more details access the Australia’s Oral Health Tracker report.

Early Dental Health and Long-Term Well-being

The report had found the level of decay among young children as unacceptably high, warning that poor oral health in early life can lead to chronic issues later on. The report shows that of the 67,000 Australians hospitalized each year for oral health problems, one third are children under nine years old. “Poor oral health in childhood” is a predictor of disease in adulthood. Australia needs to recognize that oral health care is part of good health care, and that access to dental care is vital for both oral and physical well-being.” Learn more about keeping your child’s teeth healthy on our Children’s Dentistry page for age-appropriate oral care advice.

The Role of Parents in Children’s Oral Care

Dr. Kaufman had found that parents are key to helping children establish good brushing habits. “Children often lack the dexterity and patience to brush their teeth properly under the age of ten,”. Parents should brush their child’s teeth when they are young and supervise as they get older to ensure thorough cleaning at least once daily.  Older adults who face mobility challenges may also benefit from similar assistance to maintain effective daily care.

Key Habits for Lifelong Oral Health

Dr. Kaufman highlights that maintaining good dental hygiene is a multi-step process combining:

  • Regular brushing and flossing

  • Avoiding sugary foods and drinks

  • Scheduling routine dental checkups for examinations and professional cleans

Gum disease and tooth decay are both preventable with consistent care and early intervention. Dr. Kaufman can guide you on how to adapt your oral hygiene routine to each stage of your child’s growth.

Book your child’s dental check-up today with Dr. Daniel Kaufman to ensure a bright, healthy future.

Junk Food Advertising and Children’s Dental Health in Glen Iris

Recent research led by Associate Professor Lisa Smithers from the University of Adelaide, published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, has found that Australian children are exposed to twice as much unhealthy food advertising as healthy food advertising.

This large-scale study highlights a growing public health concern as dietary habits formed in childhood directly influence both general and oral health.

Australian Children See Over 800 Junk Food Ads a Year

Using a world-first, year-long TV monitoring system, researchers collected advertising data from one major commercial network in South Australia. Unlike previous studies, which typically analyse only a few days of advertising, this research provided a detailed picture of children’s daily viewing exposure.

The findings showed that children viewed more than 800 junk food ads per year, assuming an average of 80 minutes of TV viewing daily. Ads for snack foods, crumbed and battered meats, takeaway meals, and sugary drinks dominated airtime during children’s peak viewing hours, with exposure peaking at 71% in January and declining to 41% in August.

Advertising’s Impact on Diet and Health

Associate Professor Smithers described the results as deeply concerning. She noted that diet-related problems are the leading cause of disease in Australia, and that the World Health Organization has long emphasised the influence of food marketing on children’s food preferences and consumption habits.

When children are regularly exposed to persuasive junk food advertising, they are more likely to develop unhealthy eating behaviours. These behaviours contribute not only to obesity but also to widespread tooth decay and poor oral health among Australian children.

Tooth Decay Statistics in Australian Children

According to Australia’s Oral Health Tracker published by the Australian Dental Association (ADA):

  • 34.3% of children aged 5–6 years have experienced decay in their primary teeth.

  • 2.35% of children aged 6–14 years have experienced decay in their permanent teeth.

  • 27% of children aged 5–10 years have untreated decay in their primary teeth.

These alarming figures show the urgent need for stronger food marketing regulations and increased public awareness about nutrition and dental health.

Protecting Children Through Policy and Education

One positive outcome from the University of Adelaide study is the creation of a custom TV monitoring system that can be reused for future research and policy development. This tool may help evaluate the effectiveness of advertising regulations and ensure ongoing protection for children from harmful marketing influences.

Dr. Daniel Kaufman continues to encourage parents to support healthy habits at home — including balanced eating, reduced sugar intake, and regular dental checkups to prevent decay early.

Takeaway: Reducing Exposure, Improving Oral Health

Children’s exposure to junk food advertising affects not only their nutrition but also their oral development. By controlling advertising exposure, promoting healthy snacks, and encouraging consistent dental care, families can help children grow up with healthier smiles and better overall wellbeing.

Water Fluoridation: Proven Protection for Dental Health in Glen Iris

Hailed as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, water fluoridation has played a major role in reducing dental decay across communities. Introduced into US water supplies in 1945 and in Australia at Beaconsfield, Tasmania in 1953, fluoridation has since provided consistent protection to millions of people, preventing cavities and improving overall oral health.

The Debate and the Rise of Antifluoride Movements

Despite decades of evidence supporting its safety and benefits, antifluoride groups have managed to influence some local councils to remove fluoride from water supplies, particularly in parts of Queensland, and are now targeting Western Australia.

These groups often promote unsupported claims suggesting links between fluoride and various health problems, including lower IQ levels. Their campaigns gained momentum after state governments handed over fluoridation decisions to local councils—a move the Australian Dental Association (ADA) continues to criticize as misguided. The ADA maintains that fluoridation is a national public health measure, not a local political issue, and that removing fluoride only places communities at higher risk of dental decay.

Research Reinforces Fluoride’s Effectiveness

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recently released findings from a study led by researchers at the University of Sydney, confirming once again the clear benefits of fluoridated water. The study found significant reductions in tooth decay among children in fluoridated areas, both in baby and permanent teeth. It also debunked popular myths suggesting fluoride negatively affects cognitive function or causes systemic health conditions. The ADA had described the situation as “unacceptable,” saying that it is alarming to see councils ignore overwhelming scientific evidence and recommendations from the ADA, the World Health Organization, and the Australian Medical Association.

Supporting Evidence from Western Australia

The Government of Western Australia Department of Health released its independent study titled Dental Health Outcomes of Children Residing in Fluoridated and Non-Fluoridated Areas of Western Australia. The findings support those of the NHMRC, showing that children in fluoridated regions had lower rates of decay compared to those in non-fluoridated areas. This solid evidence further strengthens the case for maintaining and expanding water fluoridation programs across the country.

The ADA’s Recommendation

The Australian Dental Association strongly recommends that fluoride be added to all Australian community water supplies without exception. Fluoride remains one of the most effective, equitable, and safe methods for improving oral health and preventing tooth decay across all age groups.

Regular dental checkups combined with fluoridated water and good hygiene habits form the foundation of preventive dental care for both children and adults.

Australians not eating enough from the five food groups in Glen Iris

The 2011–2012 Australian Health Survey found that Australians are not meeting their recommended daily serves across the five food groups set by the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADGs). Fewer than 4 percent of Australians consumed adequate amounts of vegetables and legumes/beans each day. Only 10 percent met the recommendation for dairy foods, 14 percent for lean meats and alternatives, 30 percent for grain (cereal) foods, and 31 percent for fruit. This low compliance highlights the need for stronger public health messaging around balanced diets, as it not only impacts general health but contributes to increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

The Impact of Poor Dietary Choices

The survey further revealed that 35 percent of Australians’ daily energy intake came from discretionary foods, or “junk foods.” These include processed snacks, sweets, and sugary drinks—foods that should be occasional indulgences, not dietary staples. This imbalance shows that many Australians choose high-energy, low-nutrient foods when they should instead be reaching for foods from the five essential food groups. These poor eating choices are also strongly linked to oral health problems, particularly cavities caused by frequent sugar consumption.

How Have Australian Diets Changed Over Time?

A CSIRO study comparing dietary habits between 1995–1996 and 2011–2012 showed some encouraging trends. Australians are now eating:

  • More fruit

  • A greater variety of vegetables

  • Less refined sugar

  • More yoghurt

  • More brown and wholegrain cereals

However, the research also found that Australians still fall short of national dietary recommendations. The vegetables, legumes, and dairy food groups remain the most under-consumed.

To improve health outcomes, Australians need to:

  • Reduce consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor discretionary foods

  • Increase intake of whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy foods such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt

Balanced diets support both physical and dental health by strengthening teeth and reducing decay risk.

Dentists’ Role in Nutrition Advice

A Dairy Australia survey found that 92 percent of dentists provide some form of nutritional advice to patients, and that almost half of all dental consultations include a nutrition discussion.

Common guidance from dentists includes:

  • Reducing sugar-sweetened beverages and high-sugar foods

  • Recommending regular consumption of milk, cheese, and yoghurt for strong teeth and bones

One in five dentists specifically emphasised the importance of dairy products in their patients’ daily diets due to their protective effects on enamel and contribution to calcium intake.

Supporting Healthier Habits Through Dental Care

While small improvements have been seen in Australian diets, dentists remain in a unique position to promote whole-body health through nutrition. Dr. Daniel Kaufman encourages patients to limit processed foods and eat a balanced diet benefits both oral and overall wellbeing. Tools like the Foods that Do Good Nutrition Calculator allow dental professionals to create tailored guides showing patients how many recommended serves they need from each of the five food groups for optimal health.

Regular dental checkups combined with well-balanced nutrition help patients maintain healthy teeth for life.

What Is Oral Health? The New Global Definition, Explained by Glen Iris Dentist

The FDI World Dental Federation unveiled a new, comprehensive definition of ‘oral health’ at the Annual World Dental Congress in Poznan, Poland. This updated definition has been adopted by over 200 national dental associations, including those in Australia, and marks a major milestone for dental health globally and here in Glen Iris.

What Is the New Definition of Oral Health?

FDI now defines oral health as:

  • A multi-faceted concept including the ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and express emotions with confidence—free from pain, discomfort, or disease in the mouth, jaw, or face.

  • A fundamental component of overall health and well-being, both physical and mental, that’s shaped by attitudes and values of individuals and communities.

  • Reflective of physiological, social, and psychological factors that are essential to quality of life.

  • Influenced by an individual’s changing circumstances, experiences, perceptions, and adaptability through life.

Professor David Williams, Co-Chair of the FDI Vision 2020 Think Tank, explained, “Oral health is embedded within the wider framework of overall health—raising awareness for all its dimensions.”

Why Does This Matter for Glen Iris Families?

The FDI’s new definition, discussed at length with help from the Australian Dental Association, pushes for a more holistic approach to oral health—including local clinics and families in Glen Iris. It means your dentist isn’t just concerned with cavities or cleanings, but with helping you speak, eat, smile, and interact confidently and pain-free each day.

Standardized measurement tools, coming from this definition, will soon help dental practices in Glen Iris to track, compare, and improve oral health more effectively for individuals and the community.

Find Out More

If you’re in Glen Iris and want to know how this new approach to oral health impacts your care, ask your local dentist or contact our team for more information and wellness resources.