Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Smile Improvement Solutions – Whitening, Veneers, and More in Glen Iris

There are six ways Dr. Kaufman can improve the appearance of a smile with:

  1. Tooth Whitening can lighten your teeth by several shades for a fresh, bright smile. Whitening can be done in a single visit in our practice or gradually at home.
  2. Veneers can achieve a better and more profound change in the shape and color of the teeth. Veneers can mask stains, chips, and gaps to create a uniform, natural look.
  3. Straightening the teeth with aligners or braces. Clear aligners or traditional orthodontic braces can straighten crooked or crowded teeth for better function and appearance.
  4. Crowns and Bridges: These can fill the gaps of missing teeth and reinforce damaged teeth to achieve  symmetry of your smile.
  5. Implants will replace missing teeth without the need to compromise adjacent teeth.
  6. Comprehensive Smile Makeover which is a customized plan combining several treatments—like whitening, veneers, and orthodontics—for total transformation.

Today there is no need to be afraid to smile. With all the various solutions available, Dr. Kaufman had the knowledge and experience to provide you with a smile to be proud of. Please  ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation to embark on your journey.

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Do I need Retainers?

If you’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment, you’re probably excited for the day your braces finally come off. However, your journey to a straighter smile isn’t quite finished—you’ll need to wear a retainer to maintain your results.

As braces move the teeth into better alignment, the surrounding bone must gradually adapt and stabilize. Right after treatment, there’s a risk your teeth could shift back to their original position. To prevent this, a custom orthodontic appliance, called a retainer, is used to keep your teeth in their new orientation during this crucial adjustment period. Depending on age and individual needs, patients may wear retainers for at least eighteen months, while adults might need them for several years—or even indefinitely—to ensure lasting results.

The most common style is a clear overlay retainer, which is removable for easy cleaning and comfort. Another option is a bonded (fixed) retainer: a thin, nearly invisible wire attached discreetly to the back of your teeth by your dentist. Bonded retainers offer the advantage of consistent retention because they stay in place at all times.

If you’d like to learn more about your options for clear or bonded retainers, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a personal consultation.

What is the reason front teeth are not erupting in Glen Iris?

Frequently parents call or visit our practice, since the primary teeth of their child had fallen and the permanent adult teeth are not coming through. The most common reason for this are obstructions in the eruption path or teeth that have “lost their way”. Here are some common causes

  1. Lack of space – When the jaws are too small for the size of the teeth, when one permanent tooth erupts it causes the loss of two primary teeth. Crowded teeth tend to erupt on top of each other of behind the primary teeth giving rise to “shark teeth”.

  2. Obstructions in the path of the emerging tooth – Some times “extra” teeth or supernumerary teeth develop on top of the regular ones.  These teeth are common in the area where the upper central incisors should erupt and create a barrier.

  3. Abnormal tooth position or angulation – As a result of trauma to the teeth or wrongly shaped teeth the position of the teeth and their eruption path changes. This can lead the teeth to erupt into other  teeth or get stuck after loosing their way.

In addition to these common reasons, there genetic and systemic reasons. Children with ectodermal dysplasia, cleidocranial dysplasia or Down syndrome may have missing teeth. Children which had suffered from lack of nutrition, chronic illnesses, hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, or rickets can have missing teeth or display delayed eruption.

If a tooth is missing or a permanent tooth had not erupted after 6 months of the primary tooth being shed, it is not normal. It requires an examination to determine what is the reason the permanent tooth is not erupting, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

 

Good Oral Hygiene – Ways to Teach Young Kids to Brush

To keep your kids teeth healthy it’s important to set them up with smart, healthy habits while they’re young. Here are great tricks to help them master tooth brushing:

1.) Show and tell. Many young children are visual learners, so make sure you personally demonstrate healthy routines you want them to learn. Participate as often as you can.

2.) Use books and stories. Make sure kids know why good oral hygiene is important. There are many storybooks and online activities that can teach kids about germs and bacteria, and how brushing can keep them healthy. There are even smartphone apps to help teach about hygiene and track their efforts.

3.) Positive reinforcement. Keep a chart and reward your kids with star stickers every time they properly demonstrate good oral hygiene. Incentivize them further by offering a reward when they collect a certain number of stickers.

4.) Make it a song.  Tooth brushing should last at least 2 minutes. Find a song that’s this length to play while your kids are brushing, or use a bathroom timer.

5.) Make it fun. There are a lot of ways you can make hygiene fun for kids. Buy them  toothpaste and toothbrushes with their favourite character or fragrance. Try fun activities like doing dances while brushing can make it hilarious.

6.) Stick to routines. Kids thrive on routines. By setting strict morning, night-time routines, good oral hygiene will eventually become an automatic response.

Have fun while brushing. For more ideas please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Learn how breastfeeding affects your baby’s dental health and risk of early childhood caries in Glen Iris

Breastfeeding and Dental Health: What Parents Should Know

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life provides extensive nutritional and health benefits. Continued breastfeeding until two years of age or beyond, alongside complementary foods, is recommended to support healthy growth and development.

While the benefits of breastfeeding are well established, current guidelines provide limited direction regarding when to cease breastfeeding or how feeding patterns influence dental health — particularly in relation to early childhood caries.

Health and Oral Benefits of Breastfeeding

Extensive research links breastfeeding to a reduction in infections and improved long-term health outcomes. Breastfed children exhibit lower rates of ear infections (otitis media), respiratory illnesses, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In addition, one U.S.-based study found that breastfed infants experience 21% lower post-neonatal mortality rates compared to formula-fed infants.

For mothers, breastfeeding is associated with lower risks of breast and ovarian cancer, enhanced maternal recovery, and overall improved family health outcomes — benefits that extend to the broader community through reduced healthcare costs.

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Early Childhood Caries and Infant Feeding

Early Childhood Caries refers to decay in one or more baby teeth in children under six years old. ECC increases children’s risk of future dental problems, causes discomfort, and can negatively impact speech, growth, and school performance.

Key risk factors include:

  • High sugar intake from bottle feeding, juices, and sweetened drinks.

  • Poor oral hygiene habits.

  • Frequent night-time feeding with milk or formula.

  • Low fluoride exposure from water supply.

These challenges are especially common among children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Understanding proper infant feeding techniques, including responsible breastfeeding and bottle use, helps reduce caries risk.

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Breastfeeding Duration and Cavities

There is limited evidence linking breastfeeding itself to tooth decay. However, research suggests that prolonged or on-demand nighttime feeding beyond 18 months may increase caries risk. A Japanese study found a higher prevalence of caries in children breastfed beyond 18 months compared to those weaned at six months. This may result from reduced levels of protective minerals (like calcium and phosphate) in breast milk over time. Dr. Kaufman encourages breastfeeding while counseling parents on balanced feeding practices, reduced sugar exposure, and consistent oral hygiene.

Bottle Feeding, Infant Formula, and Caries Risk

Prolonged bottle feeding, especially with milk or formulas containing added sugars, can contribute to cavities. During night feeding, milk may pool around teeth, allowing caries froming bacteria to thrive. Parents should avoid giving bottles overnight unless they contain plain water. Studies show that both bovine milk and soy-based infant formulas can reduce pH in the mouth, leading to enamel break down. Infant formulas are generally cause more decay than breast milk due to higher sugar and carbohydrate concentrations. If parents use infant formula, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends mixing it with cooled, boiled tap water to ensure safety, fluoride exposure, and optimal dental protection.

Breastfeeding, Fluoride, and Infant Oral Care

In the past, concerns were raised about a link between infant formula and fluorosis. However, since the early 1990s, manufacturers have reduced fluoride levels in infant formula powders, easing these concerns. Current research shows no significant difference in fluorosis rates between formula-fed and breastfed infants when fluoridated water is used.​

Parents should:

  • Begin cleaning baby teeth as soon as they erupt.

  • Use a soft infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

  • Avoid prolonged night feeding after teeth appear.

  • Encourage daytime feeding with breaks for water.

Supporting Parents in Feeding Choices

Feeding decisions are deeply personal and often influenced by lifestyle, emotional, and cultural factors. While dental professionals can guide families, the ultimate choice lies with parents. Encouraging a judgment-free, evidence-based approach helps caregivers feel supported. Discussing dental care within broader parenting and nutrition contexts empowers families to make well-informed decisions for their child’s health and wellbeing.

If you need more help and support for your baby’s dental health please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Effective Plaque Removal: Disclosing Agents and Oral Hygiene Tips in Glen Iris.

Daily removal of plaque—the bacterial film that builds up on teeth—is essential to prevent dental disease. But how do you know if your brushing and flossing are making a difference?

Plaque forms naturally each day from leftover food particles after eating. Bacteria within it produce acid that may erode tooth enamel, leads to tooth decay, and can infect gums, causing gum disease.

Twice-daily plaque removal with thorough brushing and interdental cleaning keeps harmful bacteria in check. A quick brush isn’t enough—plaque’s sticky texture allows it to hide below gums, in uneven biting surfaces, or underneath overhanging restorations.

Because plaque resembles natural tooth color, it’s very difficult to spot visually. That’s where disclosing agents come in—solutions, tablets, or swabs containing dye that temporarily stains plaque (not tooth enamel). Dr. Kaufman uses these to show patients areas they may be missing when brushing and flossing, and you can use them at home too.

To check for plaque after cleaning, chew a disclosing tablet or swish solution for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. The dye will stain plaque in a bright red color—some products even show older plaque in a different color than new. Examine your teeth in the mirror, then brush and floss until all color is gone.

Disclosing dyes are safe in the mouth, but don’t swallow or let them touch clothing. Dye on lips, gums, or tongue fades in a few hours.

For more advice on effective oral hygiene, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a professional consultation.

What Adults Should Know About Orthodontics in Glen Iris?

Adult Orthodontics: Achieving a Confident, Beautiful Smile at Any Age

It’s never too late to achieve your dream smile—even as an adult! If you want straighter teeth or need to resolve a bite issue, modern orthodontic solutions make it easier than ever. Today, adults have a variety of choices for improving tooth alignment and smile appearance.

The best way to determine which treatment option is right for you is to make an appointment with Dr. Kaufman. After a thorough exam, he can recommend braces or aligners and help you address any questions or concerns.

Cost Considerations:
Traditional metal braces are usually the most cost-effective option, but other alternatives such as clear ceramic braces or invisible aligners may cost more but are less noticeable. Ceramic braces are placed on the front of teeth and blend in with natural enamel. Invisible aligners involve using a series of clear, removable trays for gradual tooth movement.

Treatment Duration:
Adult treatments often take longer than children’s—on average, most adults need orthodontic treatment for 18 months to three years. Results depend on the complexity of each case and chosen method.

If you’re ready for a straighter, more confident smile this year, make an appointment with Dr. Kaufman to discuss the best path forward.

Botox for Bruxism: Effective, Safe Relief for Teeth Grinding and Clenching in Glen Iris?

Recent research confirms that Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections offer effective and safe relief for Bruxism—a repetitive jaw-muscle activity involving clenching, grinding, or thrusting of the jaw. Bruxism may occur during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism), possibly resulting in several orofacial problems including tooth wear, sensitive or painful teeth, fractured restorations, loss of tooth support, TMJ disorders, and muscle pain.

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?

Common triggers include:

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Neurochemical imbalances

  • Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or depression

  • Smoking, alcohol, caffeine

  • Certain medications and illicit drugs

Traditional treatments—such as oral splints, medications, and behavioural approaches—do not always provide a complete cure. Since bruxism often involves high, centrally mediated motor activity in the jaw muscles, reducing this activity is critical. Botox works by blocking nerve-to-muscle messages, decreasing contractions, and relaxing the jaw.

When Is Treatment Necessary?

Many people experience mild tooth wear with age, but excessive or early wear can cause pain, sensitivity, or affect your smile. Early intervention is key—the sooner you address tooth wear due to bruxism, the simpler and less costly it may be. Severe cases may require complex dental repairs.

Recognizing Bruxism — Ask Yourself:

  • Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep or while awake?

  • Has anyone told you that you grind your teeth at night?

  • Do you wake with jaw pain, clenching, or stiffness?

  • Any worn-down, chipped, or cracked teeth?

Common warning signs and symptoms:

  • Shorter, worn teeth

  • Cracked, chipped, or fractured fillings/crowns

  • Morning jaw or neck pain

  • Grinding noise during sleep

  • Tongue or cheek ridging (linea alba)

  • Muscle fatigue on waking

Management and Treatment for Teeth Grinding

  • Wear a custom hard night occlusal splint to protect teeth and crowns (avoid store-bought splints).

  • Repair damaged teeth with fillings or crowns as needed.

  • Consult a TMJ physiotherapist.

  • Try relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.

  • Address psychological triggers with a medical professional if needed.

  • Make regular dental visits for monitoring and protection advice.

  • Warm packs and short-term anti-inflammatory use can help with tender jaw muscles.

Botox for Bruxism:

  • Botox injections can safely reduce jaw muscle activity, lowering grinding intensity during sleep.

  • Combining Botox with a custom splint provides maximal protection for jaws and teeth.

For more guidance or to explore if Botox is right for your bruxism, please schedule an appointment our practice or call 98227006.