Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Why do I have a black line at the base of my crown in Glen Iris?

Over time, it is common for black lines to form at the base of a crown or become visible on the gums surrounding your crown. Typically, this is a cosmetic issue and usually causes no pain.

If you do experience pain, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Black lines can appear on crowns for several reasons, whether it’s an individual crown or one placed after root canal treatment:

  • Having a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown. As your gums recede over time, the metal portion at the top of your crown may be exposed.

  • Staining caused by the metal on your PFM crown where the gums meet the metal.

  • Cavity formation between the crown and gums.

Dr. Daniel Kaufman can assess the cause and recommend an appropriate solution, which may include:

  • Replacing an old crown with a fully porcelain crown to eliminate black lines and stains.

  • Treating any cavities promptly to avoid further complications.

All treatments should be supported with good dental hygiene at home and regular check-up and hygiene appointments at the dental practice. If you noticed a black line around your crown, schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Daniel Kaufman.

Sugary drinks in Glen Iris

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Sugary Drinks and Your Oral Health

Sugary drinks include sweetened beverages such as regular soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices, cordial, sweetened teas, rice drinks, sugar cane and bean beverages. While these drinks may seem harmless, they contain high levels of sugar and acid that can harm both your dental and general health.

Excessive consumption of sugary or acidic drinks can lead to weight gain, obesity, and poor nutrition in adults and children. In younger children, sugary drink intake often reduces milk consumption, resulting in lower calcium levels and increasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures later in life. These drinks also contribute significantly to tooth decay and dental erosion.

The Hidden Dangers of Sugary Drinks

  • A 600ml bottle of soft drink contains around 16 teaspoons of sugar.

  • A 600ml sports drink has about 9 teaspoons of sugar.

  • Nearly 47% of children aged 2–6 consume sugary drinks daily.

  • Just 340ml of sugary drink per day can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes by 22%.

Learn more about how obesity affects dental health.

Oral Health Effects

Frequent consumption of sugary drinks accelerates tooth decay and enamel erosion. Even diet soft drinks, although sugar-free, are highly acidic and can cause similar damage. Many sugary beverages also contain caffeine, which can affect hydration and lower the mouth’s pH, reducing saliva’s natural ability to protect your teeth.

Early exposure is particularly harmful. Prolonged or repeated contact between a baby’s teeth and sugary liquids has been linked to early childhood caries.

To understand more, read about acidic drinks and dental erosion.

Smart Tips to Cut Back on Sugary Drinks

  • Choose water first when you’re thirsty.

  • Carry a water bottle to avoid buying sweet drinks.

  • When ordering meals, opt for water or milk instead of soft drinks.

  • Check nutrition labels carefully—“healthy-sounding” drinks can be misleading.

  • For alcoholic beverages, explore lower-sugar options.

  • Avoid the soft drink aisles and checkout specials when shopping.

  • Limit how often and how much you drink sugary drinks per day.

  • Use a straw to reduce acid contact with teeth.

  • Rinse or brush your teeth after drinking sugary beverages.

  • Encourage children to carry a water bottle to school.

  • Avoid flavored milk or fruit juices with added sugar.

  • If vending machines at school offer sweet drinks, advocate for healthier alternatives.

Sugary Drinks and Infant Care

For babies with teeth:

  • Never settle your baby to sleep with bottles containing milk, cordial, fruit juice, or soft drink.

  • If your child needs comfort before sleep, offer water or a dummy instead.

Establishing healthy habits early helps protect both your child’s dental health and their long-term wellbeing.

 

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.