Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Dental Sporting Injuries: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment in Glen Iris

Dental sporting injuries are among the most complex and distressing dental emergencies faced by both patients and clinicians. These injuries, often affecting the upper front teeth, require a careful and timely approach to ensure the best long-term outcome. Rehabilitation depends on understanding which tissues are damaged and applying the right treatment, including repositioning, splinting, and appropriate use of antibiotics.

Wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma and improve recovery outcomes when accidents occur.

Common Causes of Dental Injuries

Most dental injuries result from falls, which occur across all age groups. Other frequent causes include violence, road accidents, and contact sports. In recent years, injuries from bicycle riding have also increased.

In children, the highest risk period occurs around two years old when they are learning to walk. Sports-related injuries become more common for boys between eight and nine years old and peak during the teenage years when participation in contact sports is at its highest.

Dentists strongly recommend custom-built pressure laminated mouthguards for athletes and children involved in any contact or high-impact sport.

Factors Influencing Dental Injuries

Dental injuries occur in many situations beyond contact sports. Contributing factors include:

  • Mixed dentition stage in children and adolescents

  • Lack of protective gear in recreational athletes

  • Sports involving hard objects (bats, balls, or sticks)

  • Boxing, martial arts, and collision sports

  • Existing dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or implants

  • Improper or no mouthguard use

The Australian and American Dental Associations both support the use of custom-fitted mouthguards for effective protection. Even non-contact sports like basketball and softball are now showing increased rates of dental injuries due to aggressive play.

Players not wearing a mouthguard are 60 times more likely to sustain dental trauma, and contact sport athletes face a one in ten chance of injury per season and one in three over their careers.

Understanding the Type and Impact of Injuries

The pattern and severity of dental injuries depend on:

  • The energy and direction of the impact

  • The location of the blow

  • The resilience of the surrounding tissues

Advancements in thermoforming technology have improved the design of custom mouthguards, ensuring proper thickness, fit, and durability tailored to specific sports.

Emergency and Delayed Dental Trauma Management

Dental professionals now categorise injury treatment by urgency:

Acute treatment (immediate attention) – Required for injuries such as avulsions, extrusive luxations, and alveolar fractures. Quick repositioning of an avulsed tooth—ideally within five minutes—greatly improves recovery outcomes.

Subacute treatment (within several hours) – Suitable for injuries like intrusive luxation, minor luxation injuries, crown fractures, or pulp exposure. Early intervention, even if not immediate, can restore function and aesthetics effectively.

Delayed treatment (after 24 hours) – Used for certain primary teeth or cases where immediate treatment isn’t possible. Advances such as Cvek pulpotomy using biocompatible materials like mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) have proven to deliver high success rates (up to 98%).

More severe cases involving multiple fractures or crown-root damage may require tooth extraction. Future reconstruction, such as dental implant placement, is considered once jaw development is complete, generally after age 21.

Mouthguard Design and Innovation

Future mouthguard technology will continue evolving. New materials of varying thickness and hardness, combined with pressure laminating methods and balanced occlusion design, will further reduce the risk of injury. Innovative designs with integrated air spaces may also improve energy absorption during impact.

The Importance of Expert Dental Treatment

Appropriate, evidence-based management of traumatic dental injuries is key to preserving teeth and avoiding long-term complications. Early diagnosis, treatment precision, and follow-up care can mean the difference between tooth survival and tooth loss. Dr. Daniel Kaufman had a comprehensive knowledge and had helped many children and adults recover from trauma following sport and road trauma. For ones care following dental trauma please make an appointment.

Play It Safe, Wear a Mouthguard in Glen Iris.

The Importance of Mouthguards: Preventing Dental Injuries in Sports

Every year, thousands of children and adults suffer dental injuries that could have been prevented or reduced by simply wearing a mouthguard. The Australian Dental Association highly recommends using a mouthguard in any sport or activity where there is a risk of collision or facial contact. Dental injuries often occur during activities we least expect—so it’s always safest to play with a mouthguard.

Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?

High-contact sports such as rugby league/union, AFL, hockey, and boxing are obvious candidates for mouthguard use. However, any sport or activity with potential for facial impact—like cricket, basketball, netball, touch football, and soccer—poses a real risk of dental trauma.

Participants in contact sports know the risks and often protect themselves, but injuries can occur unexpectedly, especially in so-called “non-contact” sports.

The Damage from Sporting Injuries

Dental trauma may include nerve injuries, fractured, cracked, or knocked-out teeth, broken jaws, cut lips, and tongue injuries. Unfortunately, a single dental trauma can mean a lifelong need for restoration and dental work. Fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy may need to be replaced multiple times. Prevention is always best—wear a mouthguard and avoid a lifetime of dental problems.

Proper Protection for Your Mouth

Dr. Kaufman and the Australian Dental Association recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard for anyone playing contact sports or those with a high risk of mouth injury. Custom mouthguards, professionally made by Dr. Kaufman, are far more comfortable, and allow for easier speaking and breathing than ‘boil-and-bite’ mouthguards from a chemist or sports shop. Off-the-shelf guards are generic, may fit poorly, and can even increase injury risk if they move during impact.

Don’t risk your smile—make an appointment with Dr. Kaufman for a custom-fit mouthguard and keep your teeth protected.

Why wear a mouth guard while playing sport in Glen Iris?

Each year, thousands of adults and children are treated for dental injuries that could have been prevented or minimised by simply wearing a mouthguard. The Australian Dental Association strongly recommends the use of a mouthguard in any sport or activity where collision or contact is likely, during both games and training. Often injuries in sports or activities that occur, are those we didn’t even consider to be a danger. It’s always best to ‘play it safe’ and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

Who Needs a Mouthguard?

Anyone who plays a sport or undertakes an activity where collision or contact to the face is a risk should wear a mouthguard. Sports such as rugby union and league, AFL, hockey and boxing are ‘no brainers’ because intentional collision, are part of the game.
However, it is sports where accidental collision occurs that are often responsible for dental trauma, such as cricket, basketball, netball, touch football, and soccer. These sports are considered ‘non-contact’ and yet they also carry a risk of accidental collision.
It does not matter if you are just during training or you are during a game, the risk is always there.

The consequences of an injury to the face.

Dental trauma from sporting injury can include damage to the tooth nerve, fractured, cracked or knocked-out teeth, a broken jaw, damage to the tongue and cut lips. Unfortunately, a single event of dental trauma can lead to a lifelong need for dental treatment in order to maintain the strength and health of the damaged tooth or teeth. Some treatments do not last forever so a damaged tooth will often need attention more than once. Prevention is always better than the cure, so play it safe and wear a mouthguard.

The best protection.

The Australian Dental Association recommends a custom-fitted mouthguard for all those who participate in contact sports or sports with high risk of dental injury. A custom-fitted mouthguard that has been designed by Tooronga Family Dantistry makes breathing and speaking a lot easier when wearing your mouthguard. You are overall a lot more comfortable than the ‘boil-and-bite’ counterparts. These are the mouthguard that you can purchase from a chemist or sports store that offer less protection as they are ill-fitted and loose in the mouth, which can be dangerous during impact or they may come out altogether.
It is important to stay safe when playing sports, don’t let an injury take away the fum from the game.

Loose Tooth in a Child? Glen Iris Family Dentistry Advice for Parents

A loose tooth in your child’s mouth isn’t always a sign that a permanent tooth is ready to come out. Kids in Glen Iris sometimes bump or knock their teeth while playing or falling. If your child’s tooth becomes loose unexpectedly, book an emergency appointment with the Glen Iris dental team at Tooronga Family Dentistry to rule out infection or damage to the underlying permanent tooth.

When Should a Loose Tooth Worry Glen Iris Parents?

  • Children typically lose their teeth in the same order they appeared, starting around age 6.

  • If a tooth is loose “too early” or not in the usual order, don’t try to pull it out—it may cause pain or unnecessary trauma.

  • If you’re unsure why a tooth is mobile, or it seems out of sequence for your child, get in touch with your Glen Iris dentist for advice.

When “Baby Teeth Hang On” Too Long

Sometimes baby teeth linger when the adult teeth below are ready to erupt. If baby teeth aren’t removed, they can force the permanent teeth to erupt in the wrong spot, which may result in bite misalignment or crowding.
In cases where a permanent tooth breaks through behind or in the wrong position (for example, the upper front tooth erupting behind the lower), prompt extraction and dental assessment are needed to prevent future orthodontic complications.

If your child is having issues with permanent teeth coming through, contact Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris for a thorough evaluation and a gentle, effective treatment plan.

Why Mouthguards Matter for Sport in Glen Iris: Tooronga Family Dentistry’s Guide

Do you play sports, martial arts, or cycle around Glen Iris? If you don’t regularly wear a mouthguard, consider the risk—a single accident could mean a missing front tooth or even damage to your TMJ jaw joint. Nearly 40% of dental trauma in kids is due to sports injuries.

How Mouthguards Protect Your Teeth

Mouthguards act as elastic bumpers, absorbing and distributing the force of a blow—helping prevent fractures, tooth loss (avulsion), and even concussion.

Which Mouthguard Should You Choose?

  • Ready-Made Mouthguards:
    Cheap, sold at chemists or sports shops. Often uncomfortable, poor fit, hard to speak or breathe with, and can easily fall out during activity.

  • “Boil and Bite” Mouthguards:
    DIY style, better fit than ready-made. Still bulky, can make speaking difficult, and may loosen during vigorous play.

  • Custom Fitted Mouthguards:
    The best for protection, comfort, and durability. Research—including a Journal of Athletic Training study—shows custom mouthguards reduce concussion risk by over 50%. These are made to closely fit your teeth, retain well, and many athletes find breathing and speaking much easier. Personalize color and even add your name, all at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris.

Take Action for Your Smile & Safety

Don’t gamble with your health or appearance! Whether you’re an adult or child, protect your teeth, gums, and jaw with a custom mouthguard.
Tooronga Family Dentistry can create guards in your choice of colors and add your name. Book your appointment today and play with confidence.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain and What to Do Before You See Your Glen Iris Emergency Dentist

Tooth pain can be one of the most distressing dental issues, and in my more than 35 years of experience providing emergency dental care in Glen Iris, I’ve found that most toothaches come from a small number of common causes. Understanding these issues—and knowing what to do before you reach us—can help you protect your teeth and get relief more quickly.

The Most Common Causes of Tooth Pain

1. Tooth decay (“tooth holes”)

Early decay often causes sensitivity to hot or cold foods. As decay progresses, the pain becomes constant and more severe.

2. Gum infection

Inflamed or infected gums can lead to bleeding, swelling, bad breath, and loosening of the teeth.

3. Trauma or knocked teeth

Sports injuries, accidents, or falls may cause a tooth to chip, crack, or be knocked out completely.

4. Chewing hard objects

Accidentally biting into a stone or very hard piece of food can fracture a tooth.

5. Problematic wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth often trap food and bacteria, leading to swelling, infection, and pain.

Why You Should See Dr. Kaufman Daniel Quickly

When you’re in pain or a tooth has been knocked out, timing is critical. Seeing us early helps:

  • Prevent further damage

  • Increase the chance of saving a broken or knocked-out tooth

  • Provide instant pain relief

  • Protect your long-term dental health

At Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, we are open 6 days a week and do our best to see emergency patients as soon as possible.

When you arrive, I will first examine your teeth to identify the true source of the pain. It’s common for tooth pain to radiate into the ear, jaw, or even cause headaches, so professional diagnosis is essential. Once we understand the cause, we can provide immediate relief and a clear treatment plan.

What You Can Do While Waiting to See Us

If You Have a Toothache

Before your emergency appointment:

  • Rinse your mouth with water to clear debris.

  • Use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove trapped food.

  • Apply a cold pack to the cheek if there is swelling (remove it periodically).

  • Take pain medication you are familiar with—never place tablets directly on the tooth.

  • Avoid home remedies such as aspirin on the tooth, alcohol, or baking soda—these cause more harm than good.

The safest and best solution is a proper dental examination.

If You Have a Knocked-Out Tooth

  • Find the tooth.

  • Hold it only by the crown, not the root.

  • Rinse with milk; if unavailable, rinse briefly with water or have the patient gently suck it clean.

  • Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket.

  • If you can’t reinsert it, store it in milk, cling wrap, or inside the cheek (only if safe).

See a dentist within 30 minutes if possible—this greatly improves the survival of the tooth.

If You Have a Broken Tooth

  • Rinse with warm water (cold water may increase pain).

  • Collect any broken fragments and bring them to us—they are often repairable.

  • Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.

  • Do not try to remove fragments lodged in lips or cheeks—wait for professional help.

Come to see us as soon as possible.

Cuts to the Tongue or Lip

These areas bleed heavily due to rich blood supply. To control bleeding:

  • Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth.

  • If bleeding does not stop or the cut is deep, visit us or your nearest hospital emergency department.

Braces or Retainers Causing Irritation

  • Cover loose or sharp wires with a cotton ball, gauze, or orthodontic wax.

  • Do not attempt to remove wires stuck in soft tissues.

  • Contact your orthodontist, or if unavailable, we can assist.

Need an Emergency Dentist in Glen Iris?

We are here to help—6 days a week.

👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly.

📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Protecting Your Child’s Teeth During Sport: Why Mouthguards Matter in Glen Iris

young boy recently fractured his front teeth when a teammate accidentally swung a cricket bat backwards. While it may sound like a freak accident, dental trauma during sport is unfortunately common. Research shows that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur during sports, and around 80% of those injuries involve the front teeth. Injuries to the tongue, lips, and cheeks are also frequent.

Why a Mouthguard Is Essential for Sport

Even seemingly “minor” dental injuries can lead to serious, costly, and lifelong problems. If your child plays sport—or if you enjoy high-risk activities yourself—wearing a protective mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent injury.

Custom Mouthguards

A custom-fit mouthguard offers the best protection. It is comfortable, secure, and won’t fall out at the moment of impact. This gives far better protection against dental fractures and soft-tissue injuries.

Boil-and-bite Mouthguards

These can be purchased from chemists and sporting-goods stores. While cheaper, they are often bulky, may not fit well, and can cause:

  • Muscle fatigue

  • Difficulty breathing

  • TMJ (jaw joint) irritation

Whenever possible, a professionally fitted mouthguard is the safer choice.

When You Also Need a Helmet

Depending on your sport, a mouthguard alone may not be enough. Helmets are essential for activities involving speed or impact, including:

  • Bike riding

  • Skating

  • Hockey

Make sure the helmet fits correctly and is designed for the specific sport you’re playing.

What to Do if a Tooth Is Injured

If your child experiences a dental injury:

  1. Collect all fragments of the tooth.

  2. Store them in a moist environment—cold milk is ideal.

  3. Seek dental care immediately. Early assessment gives the best chance of saving the tooth and preventing long-term complications.

Need Advice or Emergency Dental Care in Glen Iris?

👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly.

📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Understanding Root Resorption: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment in Glen Iris

Root resorption is a process in which the tissues surrounding a tooth begin to break down the root surface and replace it with soft tissue. This destructive process can affect both children and adults, and because it is usually painless, it often goes unnoticed until a dental X-ray reveals the problem.

What Causes Root Resorption?

Several factors can trigger root resorption:

1. Trauma or Injury

A blow to the mouth or an accident can damage the tissues around a tooth. During healing, the body may mistakenly break down part of the root.

2. Internal Resorption

Inflammation inside the pulp chamber can lead to the body attacking the tooth from the inside out. This is often discovered incidentally on routine X-rays.

3. Gum Disease

Severe periodontal inflammation may cause the body’s immune cells to misidentify the root surface as a foreign object, resulting in external resorption.

4. Orthodontic Treatment

Braces and aligners apply pressure to move teeth. In some patients, this can lead to a shortening of the roots over time.

5. Pressure From Nearby Teeth or Cancer

The eruption of canines or wisdom teeth, or the presence of a cancer, can press against neighboring teeth and trigger resorption.

Why Early Detection Matters

Because root resorption is typically painless, it may progress silently for months or years. Routine dental X-rays are essential to detect it early.

Once identified, determining the cause is critical. By removing or treating the underlying reason—whether inflammation, pressure, or trauma—we can often stop the resorption and preserve the affected tooth.

If left untreated, however, resorption can progress to the point where the tooth may need to be extracted.

Concerned About Root Resorption?

If you have questions about tooth resorption or would like your teeth assessed, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Kaufman 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly. We are here to help protect your teeth and maintain your long-term oral health.

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