Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

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.

Charcoal Toothpaste: Hype vs. Facts in Oral Care in Glen Iris

Charcoal has taken the oral care industry by storm—ads, social media posts, and articles claim that charcoal-infused toothpaste whitens teeth and freshens breath better than any other product available. But what’s the real story behind the trend?

Activated charcoal is a fine-grained powder made from wood, coconut shells, and other natural substances oxidized under extreme heat. Its main property is high abrasiveness.

A thorough review in the British Dental Journal (2019) found that charcoal offers little protection against tooth decay and there’s limited scientific evidence to support its other health claims. In fact, powdered charcoal in toothpaste can be harmful—it strips away tooth enamel, lightening the tooth’s visible color but also increasing sensitivity and risk of staining over time. If you use charcoal toothpaste, you must brush very gently to avoid wearing down the enamel surface.

Additional findings shared by the BBC highlight that overuse of charcoal toothpaste in patients with fillings allows particles to infiltrate and darken them, as well as accumulate in the gums and irritate them. Most charcoal-infused and “natural” toothpastes do not contain fluoride, which is essential for cavity prevention.

Key summary:

  • Charcoal toothpaste is too abrasive for daily use.

  • Most charcoal brands lack fluoride.

  • It may aggravate staining on teeth.

  • Charcoal can negatively affect dental restorations, such as fillings.

If you want to know more about whitening your teeth or selecting a whitening toothpaste, please make an appointment with Dr. Kaufman to explore the safest and most effective options for your smile.

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 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.

How Dental Health Reveals the Body’s Hidden History in Glen Iris.

A groundbreaking study published in the magazine Science found that one of history’s worst epidemics may have been caused by a common microbe. Researchers made this discovery using the pulp—the soft tissue located inside teeth—to identify bacteria present in the body at the time of death.

The DNA extracted from ancient teeth revealed that indigenous inhabitants suffered from a salmonella infection thought to have been introduced by Europeans into the local water systems. This finding connects dental tissues directly to historical patterns of disease and infection transmission.

Teeth: The Gateway to Understanding Health

This discovery highlights the deep connection between the inner tooth chamber and the rest of the body. The pulp inside teeth contains vital blood vessels and nerves that communicate with broader body systems.

When oral infections develop, they can spread through the bloodstream, potentially contributing to infections or inflammation in other organs. Conversely, certain systemic diseases can also exacerbate or manifest through dental symptoms.

The Link Between Oral and General Health

Scientific research increasingly supports the idea that oral health is a key indicator of overall wellbeing. Uncontrolled dental infections may contribute to or worsen several systemic conditions, including:

  • Heart disease

  • Diabetes

  • Respiratory infections

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

The mouth serves as both a mirror and a gateway to the body’s health, making regular dental care essential for early detection and prevention of diseases.

Protecting Your Health Through Dental Care

Maintaining oral hygiene is not just about keeping your smile bright—it is about safeguarding your total health. Regular dental checkups ensure that issues like decay or infection are caught early before they can affect other parts of the body.

If you’d like to learn more about the relationship between your dental and general health, please ask Dr. Kaufman during your next visit.

When does a tooth need Pulp Capping?

What is the Pulp?

The pulp is the soft matter that exists in the center of our teeth, it contains connective tissue and cells that are responsible for the health of the tooth and repair of injury to it. Among the connective tissue cells, there are special cells called odontoblasts that form the dentin around the pulp and are also responsible for providing nutrients and  sensation of heat, cold, pressure and pain to our teeth.

What is Pulp Capping?

The survival of the pulp is important for the health and function of teeth, and it should be maintained and protected as best as possible. If a tooth has broken down or the pulp has been exposed by decay, it is important to protect the pulp from bacterial invasion and mechanical forces. Failure to protect the pulp will result in its death, and lead to a need to perform a root canal treatment or the removal of the tooth.

Given the right conditions the an inflamed pulp can repair itself and the surrounding dentin. To allow the recovery Dr. Kaufman will clean all the bacteria and decay. To protect the healing pulp a bandage is placed over the pulp and then the tooth shape is restored with a composite restoration. This method, called Pulp Capping, protects the pulp and possibly can help in avoiding the need for a root canal treatment.

The extent of damage to the pulp and bacterial penetration will determine if a more conservative approach called “indirect capping” will be used or a more extensive approach called “direct capping” is used. In the indirect pulp capping, a thin layer of dentin is present over the pulp tissue, which provides a barrier between the pulp and the restoration, while in the direct capping, the layer of protective material is placed directly on the exposed pulp. In both cases the final seal and tooth restorations are made of resin to provide good thermal isolation.

If you have a broken tooth, sensitivity to cold or need more information about pulp capping, please contact us at Tooronga Family Dentistry for further information or scheduling an appointment.

 

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!

Dairy-Free Diets and Oral Health: Glen Iris Advice on Calcium & Vitamin D

Many people in Glen Iris choose to cut dairy from their diet—whether for personal preference, allergies, or other health concerns. While avoiding dairy is common, it’s important to remember that dairy is a major source of calcium and other nutrients vital for healthy teeth, bones, nerves, muscles, and even cell function. Calcium is also essential in your saliva for preventing tooth decay.

How to Get Enough Calcium Without Dairy

Calcium can’t be made by your body—it must come from your food. If you’re dairy-free, focus on these sources:

  • Dark leafy greens (bok choy, broccoli)

  • Foods fortified with calcium (orange juice, cereal, soymilk)

  • Nuts, especially almonds

The recommended calcium intake for adults is around 1,000 mg per day. Make sure you’re reading labels and planning your meals accordingly.

Why Vitamin D Is Just as Essential

Vitamin D is needed for your body to absorb calcium effectively. You can get Vitamin D in two main ways:

  • Sun exposure (your skin makes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight)

  • Dietary sources like seafood (mackerel, salmon, tuna) and fortified foods (orange juice, cereal, soymilk)

Adults typically need about 600 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D daily.

Healthy Teeth and Bones in Glen Iris

By ensuring your diet provides enough calcium and vitamin D, you’re strengthening your teeth and bones and supporting your overall wellbeing—even without dairy.

If you have questions about nutrition for strong teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Kaufman.

Brushing & Fitness: Glen Iris Tips from Tooronga Family Dentistry for a Healthy Mouth and Body

To maintain great oral health, it’s essential to spend enough time at the sink—brushing thoroughly and cleaning between your teeth twice a day. But let’s face it, brushing can sometimes feel boring! Why not use your two minutes productively? At Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, we suggest combining dental care with simple exercises for a quick health boost.

Exercises to Try While Brushing Your Teeth

  • Squats
    Squats enhance flexibility and build lower-body and core strength. For best results, push your hips and bottom back as if sitting down, keeping your knees behind your toes and heels grounded. Keep your back flat and toes pointed slightly outward. Make sure your knees track outward—not inward—with each squat. See how many squats you can fit into your brushing time!

  • Lunges
    Lunges help tone your thighs and strengthen your hips. Keep your back straight and your core engaged. Step forward, lowering your hips until your front knee is at 90 degrees (right above your ankle) and your back knee nearly touches the floor. Alternate legs for balance.

  • Calf Raises
    Stand tall with feet hip-width apart. Raise your heels slowly, balancing on your toes, then lower down with control. Repeat throughout your brushing for stronger, more defined calves.

Make the most of your daily oral care routine by adding these exercises. You’ll leave the bathroom with a cleaner mouth—and a bit of a workout, too!

For more oral health and lifestyle tips, or schedule your next checkup, contact Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris.

Sugar Guidelines & Smarter Choices: Glen Iris Dental Advice from Tooronga Family Dentistry

A new WHO guideline recommends that both adults and children keep their daily intake of free sugars below 10% of total energy—and ideally closer to 5% (about 25g or 6 teaspoons) for even greater health benefits.
Despite knowing the risks—weight gain, liver problems, and tooth decay—most of us find it hard to cut back. Why? Sugar triggers our brain’s dopamine response, lighting up our reward centers and causing us to crave more. It’s almost impossible to quit sugar cold turkey, but controlling your intake is both realistic and vital for your health.

Three Practical Ways to Reduce Sugar Intake

  1. Read Food Labels
    Food and beverage companies use many names for added sugars. Use this reference list on your next shop—remember, even foods that don’t taste sweet often contain added sugars. By choosing low-sugar options, you take big steps towards better oral and general health.

  2. Think Before You Eat
    Hunger isn’t the only reason you reach for sweets—fatigue and dehydration are common triggers. Before you snack, check: are you truly hungry, or just tired or thirsty? Sometimes, all you need is a glass of water or a short break.

  3. Try Artificial Sweeteners
    There are plenty of non-nutritive sweeteners available. Choose one you like and use it instead of sugar to help cut cravings and lower overall intake.

By following these strategies, Glen Iris families can manage sugar cravings and support lifelong health. For more practical advice or guidance on reducing sugar, contact Tooronga Family Dentistry for a personalized consult.