Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Wisdom Teeth Removal and Care in Glen Iris

What Are Wisdom Teeth? Do We Need to Remove Them?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars located at the very back of the mouth. While the first molars usually erupt after age 6, wisdom teeth, the third molars, typically emerge during the late teens or early twenties. The wisdom teeth, which begin developing around the age of 6-7 and can be seen on an x-ray early on.

Since wisdom teeth erupt after all other teeth, they often face limited space to emerge, leading to what’s called impaction. This is largely due to evolutionary changes. Anthropologists believe wisdom teeth were necessary for chewing coarse foods that wore down earlier teeth. Today’s softer diet means they are often unnecessary and classified as vestigial organs. Additionally, modern jaw sizes have decreased, sometimes causing wisdom teeth to grow at angles that push against neighboring teeth or gum tissue, sometimes causing pain or infections.

When a wisdom tooth pushes against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, it results in impaction, which can cause pain, damage, or other dental issues. To prevent complications, impacted wisdom teeth that cause symptoms are typically removed.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

It is crucial to evaluate the development and position of wisdom teeth around age 15-16 to determine if they will cause problems and to plan treatment timing. Early assessments prevent discomfort and avoid future complications. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth might not cause immediate issues but are at higher risk for decay and gum disease. That’s why Dr. Kaufman may recommend removal of impacted wisdom teeth even when symptom-free. This evaluation is included as part of our comprehensive dental exam.

Expertise and Advanced Techniques at Tooronga Family Dentistry

With extensive experience in wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Kaufman offers extractions using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation and general anesthesia. To ensure precision and comfort, we utilize the latest ultrasonic surgical system, which is more efficient and less invasive than traditional drills.

For personalized advice or to discuss wisdom teeth concerns, please contact Dr. Kaufman or call Tooronga Family Dentistry.

What Is Mouth Cancer? Understanding Oral Cancer, Signs, and Prevention in Glen Iris

Mouth cancer—also known as oral cancer—refers to lesions or growths that begin in the mouth. The most common sites include the lips, tongue, and floor of the mouth, but oral cancer can also develop in the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tonsils, and salivary glands.

What Are the Warning Signs of Mouth Cancer?

  • A swelling or sore on your lip that doesn’t heal for more than two weeks

  • Lump in your neck

  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing

  • Bleeding or numbness in the mouth

  • White or red patches on the mouth, tongue, or gums

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Loose teeth

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Mouth Cancer

Historically, oral cancer was predominantly linked to smoking and alcohol use. While these remain risk factors, decreased smoking rates have shed light on additional causes and risk factors:

  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

  • Family history of oral cancers

  • Poor oral hygiene and gum disease

Early Detection Saves Lives

Early detection is crucial for treating mouth cancer successfully. Don’t ignore unusual sores, patches, or lumps—make sure to see a dental professional if symptoms persist. For more information or to book a consultation, contact Dr. Kaufman or call Tooronga Family Dentistry.

What Is Tooth Scaling? How Dental Cleanings Protect Your Oral Health in Glen Iris

Tooth scaling is a professional dental procedure designed to remove harmful buildup from your teeth and roots. In our mouths, bacteria form a sticky film known as plaque or dental biofilm, which can be removed with brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning tools. If left undisturbed, this soft layer hardens into calculus (tartar).

Dental biofilm and calculus must be removed promptly, as toxins from accumulated bacteria can cause periodontal disease. In its early stages, routine scaling at your dental clinic can clear away bacteria and restore your oral health.

What Is Deep Cleaning?

When buildup extends below the gumline and adheres to the roots, specialized dental tools are required. This advanced procedure, called “deep cleaning” or “scaling and root planing,” involves cleaning and smoothing the tooth roots to eliminate hidden bacteria and tartar.

Deep cleaning tackles advanced deposits and is often key to stopping periodontal disease before it requires surgical intervention. Scaling and root planing help ensure all damaging bacteria are cleared from beneath the gums, reducing inflammation and allowing gum tissue to heal.

Our Approach to Tooth Scaling and Deep Cleaning

Dr. Kaufman uses the latest proven techniques for thorough, comfortable scaling and deep cleaning. In addition to removing all plaque and calculus from teeth and gums, Dr. Kaufman provides personalized advice for effective at-home care—helping you prevent future disease and maintain lasting oral health.

Living with Diabetes-Preventing complications-Oral Health

Diabetes and Oral Health: Understanding the Connection

The mouth is an important part of overall health but is often overlooked when discussing complications associated with diabetes. Diabetes can have a serious impact on your oral health and increase your risk of several dental conditions.

Common Oral Health Problems Linked to Diabetes

1. Periodontitis
Periodontitis or gum disease, is the most common oral complication related to diabetes. It causes gum and bone recession around the teeth, leading to loose, painful, or lost teeth if left untreated. This condition is chronic and requires consistent professional care. Studies show a two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Periodontitis can make it harder to manage blood glucose levels, increasing HbA1C levels and the risk of prediabetes. Professional periodontal treatment can moderately improve glycaemic control, highlighting the importance of regular dental visits. Well-controlled blood glucose, however, lowers this risk to that of non-diabetic individuals.

2. Tooth Decay
Diabetes-related gum disease can expose the tooth’s root surface, making it more susceptible to decay. Reduced saliva flow, often present in people with diabetes, also increases this risk by reducing the natural protection saliva provides.

3. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
A common symptom in people with diabetes is reduced saliva production, causing a persistent dry feeling in the mouth. It is more frequent in individuals with diabetic neuropathy and can lead to increased tooth decay, gum disease, and infection.

4. Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)
Oral thrush is a fungal infection that appears as white patches in the mouth or on the tongue. High blood sugar, reduced saliva, and a weakened immune system increase the likelihood of this infection in diabetes patients.

5. Delayed Wound Healing
Changes in blood flow and reduced immunity can cause delayed or poor healing of mouth ulcers and other oral wounds, making it harder for the body to recover from even minor injuries.

6. Altered Taste
Diabetes can affect the ability to taste food and drinks, possibly because of slower cell renewal in taste receptors or nerve-related complications.

Recognising Symptoms of Gum Disease

Early signs of periodontal disease include:

  • Bleeding gums

  • Bad breath

  • Gum recession and longer-looking teeth

  • Tooth sensitivity or looseness

  • Spaces developing between teeth

These symptoms often occur without pain, which is why regular dental check-ups are essential to detect and manage problems before they progress.

Maintaining Good Oral Health with Diabetes

To reduce the risk of oral complications, follow these practical tips:

Dental Care for Patients with Diabetes

Dr. Daniel Kaufman plays an essential role in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diabetes-related oral health problems. Always inform Dr. Kaufman about your diabetes condition, blood glucose control, and any medications you are taking. Regular dental visits and ongoing communication can significantly improve your oral and overall health.

Tooth Extraction: When and Why It’s Needed & What Modern Dentistry Offers in Glen Iris

No one looks forward to having a tooth pulled. However, statistics reveal that many Australians lose teeth every day. Unlike baby teeth (which are naturally replaced), once adult teeth are lost, there are no natural replacements. Sometimes, tooth removal is necessary for proper oral health and function.

Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction:

  • Severe Tooth Damage:
    When a tooth is damaged beyond repair due to progressive decay or trauma, it may not be able to withstand chewing forces. In these cases, extraction prevents pain, infection, and further damage to neighboring teeth and bone.

  • Making Space for Proper Alignment:
    Sometimes the mouth is too small to fit all teeth comfortably. To address overcrowding and help straighten teeth, one or more teeth might need to be removed. This is sometimes necessary for wisdom teeth or extra (supernumerary) teeth as well.

  • Preventing the Spread of Gum Disease:
    Advanced gum disease leads to bone loss, causing teeth to loosen. When these cannot be treated, removal is essential to stop the infection from affecting other teeth or entering the bloodstream.

  • Cancer Therapy (Chemotherapy or Radiation):
    These treatments lower the body’s immune defense and slow healing. Even mildly infected teeth can pose risks during therapy, so they may need extraction to prevent major infections.

  • Organ Transplant Patients:
    Immune-suppressing medications (to prevent organ rejection) raise infection risk. Infected or potentially problematic teeth are often removed to prevent future health complications while on strong medications.

  • Teeth Blocking Others:
    Misaligned teeth may stop other teeth from erupting normally. In such cases, extraction might be necessary to allow for healthy eruption and alignment.

Modern, Comfortable Tooth Extraction Techniques

Thanks to advances in dental technology, tooth extraction is now gentler and less intimidating than ever. When removal is necessary, Dr. Kaufman uses microsurgical techniques—magnification, focused lighting, small instruments, and Piezosurgery technology—which minimize trauma and promote faster healing. These state-of-the-art methods offer better comfort during and after the procedure.

If you’re concerned about a tooth that may need removal or want to learn more about the process, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a personalized consultation.

Gum Disease: Risks, Prevention, and Treatment for Lifelong Oral Health in Glen Iris.

It’s alarming that 3 out of 4 adults will experience gum disease (periodontal disease) during their lives, and adults over age 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than to cavities. The good news is your oral health isn’t just up to chance—gum disease can be prevented and effectively treated.

Prevention Is Key

The best approach is prevention through daily oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. Dr. Kaufman offers professional scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and calculus from below the gum line. Smoother root surfaces allow gums to heal and halt further disease progression. After healing, twice-daily brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly checkups are essential to maintaining healthy gums.

Factors That Worsen Gum Disease

Certain lifestyle and health factors make gum disease more severe:

Reducing or managing these risks will have a significant impact on gum disease prevention.

Treatment Options

If you develop gum disease, Dr. Kaufman provides a range of non-surgical treatments: antibiotic therapy, reshaping biting surfaces, and laser-assisted scaling and root planing. If you need support or advice on managing gum disease, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a personalized consultation.

At what age does Gum Disease start in Glen Iris?

Gum disease symptoms for most of us will start to show in our thirties. But if oral hygiene is not up to standards most of us will have some form of gum disease earlier in life since gum disease can start at any time or any age. There are young adults at the age of 12 or 13 that can show loss of bone and gum infection. But there are other factors that play a part in the onset and progression of gum disease for example men (56.4%) will be more affected than women (38.4%) and those who smoke have a higher risk too (64.2%).

Other factors that can put the average Australian at risk of developing gum disease include diabetes, stress, HIV, certain medications, and even female hormonal changes. Sometimes, it can even just be in your genes, since genetics  play a main role in determining how the body will respond to a gum infection.

What Causes Gum Disease to Develop?

Gum disease begins with plaque or dental biofilm that stays on your teeth for too long. Plaque can be removed by regular brushing and flossing, but if it stays on the teeth longer than 2 or 3 days, it can turn into calculus, which hardens under your gum line. Once calculus forms there will be a need to remove it with ultrasonic or hand scalers.

While the plaque and calculus are attached to the teeth, the bacteria in them release toxins that inflame and irritate the gums. Once the inflammation begins, you’ll usually notice your gums are swollen, tender, and/or bleeding, especially after brushing or flossing. This condition is the beginning stage of gum disease, called gingivitis.

If left untreated, the infection will spread to larger parts of the gum tissue and will lead to pocket development between gums and teeth . Those pockets fill up with more plaque and bacteria. Leading to the advanced stages of gum disease, where supporting bone loss occurs, called periodontitis.  The more the gum disease advances, the deeper infections can go, which can lead to tissue and bone loss and eventually teeth will need to be removed.

What You Can Do to Fight Gum Disease 

To ward off the risk of gum disease be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. It is important to keep your regularly scheduled dental cleaning appointments and not smoke. If you have more questions about the condition of your gums or if you would like more information about gum disease, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Pregnancy and Oral Health in Glen Iris

Expecting a baby is an exciting time—congratulations! While there’s a lot to prepare for, dental care during pregnancy should be on your checklist. Your oral health directly affects your overall wellbeing and can even influence your baby’s health, making it crucial to maintain a strong dental hygiene routine before, during, and after pregnancy.

It’s important to ignore myths such as “a tooth is lost for every baby,” calcium being leached from your teeth, or that fluoride treatments are unsafe. All these claims are false. Your dentist is a vital member of your healthcare team throughout your pregnancy journey.

Make Dental Visits a Priority

Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can increase your risk of gum issues and dental problems. Scheduling regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings helps prevent and manage conditions like pregnancy gingivitis. Your dentist is also knowledgeable about the safest medications and dental procedures during every pregnancy stage.

Managing Food Cravings and Morning Sickness

Many pregnant women experience unique food cravings, sometimes leading to higher intake of sugary snacks. Opt for healthier choices, such as fresh fruit with unsweetened yoghurt, to protect your teeth.

If you suffer from morning sickness, remember that vomit is acidic and can erode your enamel. Avoid brushing straight after vomiting; instead, rinse your mouth with water, chew sugar-free gum, or eat an acid-neutralising food like cheese. Wait at least an hour before brushing to protect your enamel.

Prioritize Brushing and Flossing

Hormonal changes can make gums more susceptible to inflammation and bleeding—a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine, and see your dentist if you notice swollen, sensitive, or bleeding gums. Most gum conditions resolve after giving birth with proper dental care.

Our team is here to support your oral health for a brighter, healthier pregnancy. Schedule your next appointment today and let us help you smile confidently throughout this special journey.

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.

Understanding Gaps Between Teeth (Diastemas) in Glen Iris

Many people experience gaps between their teeth, known as diastemas. These gaps can appear between any two teeth, though they are most common between the upper front teeth, often creating a visible dark space that many find aesthetically unappealing.

What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?

Several factors can contribute to the formation of diastemas:

  • A mismatch between the size of your teeth and jawbone.

  • Missing or undersized teeth.

  • An enlarged frenum (the tissue connecting your lip to your gums) keeping teeth apart.

  • Habits such as thumb or dummy sucking.

  • Misalignment or incorrect bite relationships between the teeth.

  • Periodontal disease causing teeth to loosen and drift apart.

  • Poor eruption or positioning of certain teeth preventing proper alignment.

Identifying the cause is the first step to choosing the right treatment approach.

Why Should Gaps Be Treated?

Although diastemas are not harmful by themselves, they may indicate underlying dental issues.
When gaps result from gum disease or oral habits, they often worsen over time, making treatment more complex later. Closing a diastema not only improves the appearance of your smile but also helps maintain better teeth alignment and gum health.

Treatment Options for Closing Gaps

Depending on the cause and the size of the gap, several options are available:

1. Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is often the most natural and long-lasting solution. By gradually moving the teeth into their proper positions, gaps can be closed permanently, restoring a balanced smile while maintaining your own teeth.

2. Resin VeneersGap closed

Resin veneers can make teeth appear slightly larger, closing small or moderate gaps. Veneers can be created in a single visit and provide an immediate cosmetic improvement, although they may chip or discolor over time.

3. Crowns or Bridges

For larger gaps or when one or more teeth are missing, crowns or dental bridges can be used to restore aesthetics and function. These options also help protect neighbouring teeth from shifting.

4. Dental Implants

When a tooth is missing entirely, placing an implant restoration can provide a long-term solution. A dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports a natural-looking crown to fill the space seamlessly.

Get a Professional Opinion

At Tooronga Family Dentistry, we assess the cause of spacing issues and help you choose the treatment that best fits your dental health and aesthetic goals. If you have a diastema or gaps in your teeth, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation today.