Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

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.

 

Why Does Orange Juice Taste Bad After Brushing? Glen Iris Dentist Explains SLS in Toothpaste

Have you ever brushed your teeth and then taken a sip of orange juice—only to find it tastes unexpectedly unpleasant? If you’re in Glen Iris and curious about this common experience, read on!

The Culprit: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS or SLES)

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (commonly called SLS or SLES) is found in most toothpastes as a foaming agent. It helps toothpaste spread easily in your mouth, remove stains, and dissolve food particles, but it also temporarily alters your sense of taste.

How SLS Changes Your Taste Buds

SLS and SLES:

  • Suppress sweet taste receptors

  • Heighten bitter taste receptors

With these combined effects, foods and drinks (like orange juice) can suddenly taste bitter or off after brushing. That’s why your favorite juice doesn’t taste right after your morning dental routine.

How Long Does It Last?

The effect is temporary! Within 20–30 minutes, your saliva will have washed away the SLS, and your taste buds will return to normal. So if things taste odd after brushing, just wait a bit—then enjoy your breakfast.

Questions About SLS or Toothpaste in Glen Iris?

If you have further questions about toothpaste ingredients, strange tastes, or want advice on SLS-free options, contact our Glen Iris dental team for expert help.

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.

Healthy Travel Tips for School Holidays: Glen Iris Advice from Tooronga Family Dentistry

It is school holiday season which means that more people will be traveling to spend some time with friends and family. Here are some tips to keep you healthy when traveling:

Have a healthy breakfast.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Having a nutritious breakfast sets the tone for the  rest of the day by maintaining good blood glucose levels. Some great options for your body and teeth are: fresh fruits, eggs, yogurt, and cereals. Avoid sugary and baked goods.

Drink plenty of water.

Water is always important to keep you fit and health but when you’re traveling drinking it is especially important. Water dilutes the sugar  and salt you consume and flushes out bacteria, plus staying hydrated helps keep your immune system and energy levels high.

Find ways to relax.

Our daily life is stressful enough, so it is important to find a quiet place to relax, read, meditate, and catch up on some sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to overeating, affect your mood, and lead to errors while driving. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of free time during your holiday, otherwise your will need another holiday to rest after the school holidays.

Keep your toothbrush dry.

Bacteria are opportunistic creatures and a wet toothbrush is a cozy place for them to grow in. While on the road you may need to pack your toothbrush wet, so at your destination, clean it and let it dry before you use it. Don’t forget to pack dental floss or interdental brushes, since your bacteria are not on holiday.

The team at Tooronga Family Dentistry wishes you a great time on your holiday.

New Year’s Resolutions for Better Oral Health in Glen Iris

Many people consider the beginning of a new year a time to reflect on the past and set personal goals. At Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, we recommend making a New Year’s resolution to improve your oral health. Oral health affects more than just your smile – poor oral health can increase the risk of diabetes, stroke, and other health issues.

Here are some proven tips to help you start the year with a healthier mouth:

1. Floss Every Day

Flossing is the single most important step in preventing gum disease, which affects over 50% of adults. Set aside 2–3 minutes each day. If flossing causes irritation, you may already have periodontal disease and need guidance on proper technique.

2. Brush Twice Daily for 2–3 Minutes

Ensure you brush long enough to remove plaque effectively. A helpful tip: brush for the duration of a full song on the radio.

3. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

Change your toothbrush or electric brush head when bristles become frayed. Worn toothbrushes are less effective and can harbor harmful bacteria that contribute to gum disease.

4. Drink Sugary Beverages Through a Straw

Minimizing contact between sugar and your teeth reduces the risk of cavities.

5. Choose Water, Milk, or Tea Instead of Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated beverages can erode enamel and increase cavity risk.

6. Chew Sugarless Gum with Xylitol

Chewing after meals helps cleanse your mouth and prevent bacteria from attaching to teeth.

7. Wait One Hour to Brush After Acidic Foods

Highly acidic foods and drinks, such as wine, coffee, citrus fruits, and soft drinks, soften enamel. Waiting protects your teeth from wear.

8. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

Regular dental checkups help detect issues early, preventing minor problems from developing into serious health concerns.

By following these simple steps, you can prevent cavities, oral infections, and bad breath. Give Dr. Kaufman 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006  for personalized tips to improve your oral health – because a healthy mouth is more than just a beautiful smile.

📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.

Happy New Year! 🎉