Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Are wisdom teeth important in Glen Iris?

Wisdom Teeth: Understanding Their Role and When to Remove Them

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually appearing in the late teens or early twenties. In many cases, there isn’t enough space in the jaw for them to come through properly. As a result, the wisdom teeth may only partially erupt or remain trapped beneath the gums, known as impaction. These are common reasons why many wisdom teeth require removal.

However, not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. When they grow in the correct position, they can play a useful role in the mouth. Properly aligned wisdom teeth help in chewing and grinding food and provide additional structural support to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

In some cases, wisdom teeth can even replace missing or damaged molars. For example, if a molar has been lost and space is available, orthodontic treatment can sometimes be used to shift other teeth, allowing the wisdom tooth to move into that position naturally.

Before deciding to remove any wisdom tooth, it is important to have a thorough examination to determine whether it can serve a useful function, replace a missing tooth, or support jaw alignment.

If you are experiencing discomfort or would like your wisdom teeth assessed, please click here to contact us and book an appointment with Dr. Kaufman. We will examine your wisdom teeth and discuss the best approach to improve both the appearance and function of your mouth.

COVID-19 and Oral Health Prevention

While there is limited data on COVID-19 due to its recent emergence, the German Society of Dentistry and Oral Medicine (DGZMK) has emphasized the importance of dental prevention and the systemic relevance of dentistry, especially during the pandemic. They cite several recent studies suggesting that good oral health can reduce the severity of COVID-19 cases. Prof. Roland Frankenberger, president of the DGZMK, stated: “In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, dentistry has a particularly important role to play in keeping the oral cavity healthy. Dental prophylaxis strengthens the immunocompetence at the point of entry of the virus and helps to avoid infection or to mitigate its course.”

A healthy oral cavity acts as a barrier against numerous diseases under normal circumstances. Dr. Frankenberger notes that this remains true for COVID-19, where studies suggest that poor oral hygiene may lead to more severe viral courses.

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.

 

Dry Mouth in Glen Iris – Does your mouth feel dry?

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common condition that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, and even tooth loss. It occurs when there is not enough saliva to keep your mouth moist and comfortable.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is often caused by medicines but can also result from diet, lifestyle habits, ageing, medical treatments, or underlying diseases. Speaking with Dr. Daniel Kaufman can help identify the cause and manage the symptoms effectively.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

You may have dry mouth if you experience:

  • A dry or sticky feeling in the mouth

  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing dry foods

  • Dryness when eating meals

  • Thick, stringy saliva or reduced saliva flow

  • A constant need to sip water or chew gum

  • Bad breath or changes in taste

Even if you wear dentures, it is important to have an annual dental check-up. Regular oral examinations can detect early signs of decay or gum inflammation caused by reduced saliva flow.

The Effects of Dry Mouth

Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy mouth. It helps to:

  • Protect teeth and gums from bacteria and acid

  • Prevent tooth decay and tooth loss

  • Aid chewing, swallowing, digestion, and speech

  • Maintain a natural balance of bacteria in the mouth

Without enough saliva, you are at a higher risk of cavities, sore gums, oral infections, and discomfort with dentures.

Talking to Dr. Daniel Kaufman

Many medications can cause dry mouth, including:

  • Antidepressants and antihistamines

  • Blood pressure and pain medications

  • Cough and cold remedies

  • Inhaled medicines and some eye drops

Dr. Daniel Kaufman may ask your medical doctor to review your medicines, recommend alternatives, or suggest a Home Medicines Review.

How Dr. Daniel Kaufman Can Help

Dry mouth increases your risk of decay and gum disease, but we can help prevent these issues. During your dental visit, inform Dr. Daniel Kaufman about your symptoms and all medications you take. Dr. Daniel Kaufman can recommend specific fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, and moisturising products designed for dry mouth relief.

Practical Tips to Relieve Dry Mouth

You can manage dry mouth with simple daily habits:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily

  • Rinse with a non-alcoholic mouthwash

  • Reduce sugary, acidic, and caffeinated drinks

  • Sip plain tap water frequently and suck on ice chips when needed

  • Use a humidifier at night to keep air moist

  • Eat crunchy foods to stimulate saliva flow

  • Chew sugar-free gum or lollies between meals

  • Use a water-based lip moisturiser for dry lips

  • Avoid smoking and seek support from the Quitline or call 13 7848

Today there is no need to suffer from the consequences of a dry mouth. With all the various solutions available, Dr. Kaufman had the knowledge and experience to provide you with solutions. Please  ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease from a dry mouth.

The Benefits of Straight Teeth: More Than Just a Beautiful Smile in Glen Iris

A great smile is reason enough to show off straight teeth. But the advantages of proper tooth alignment go far beyond appearance. When your teeth are positioned correctly, you gain a host of health and functional benefits:

  1. Healthier Gums
    Straight teeth are easier to keep clean. Crooked teeth often create hard-to-brush areas that trap food, increasing the risk of plaque, gum disease, and cavities. Aligning your teeth allows your tongue to help with self-cleansing throughout the day and lets toothbrush bristles reach all surfaces more effectively.
  2. Clearer Speech
    Gaps or incorrect bite relationships can interfere with speech, leading to a lisp or other articulation issues (such as with an “open bite”). Bringing teeth into the right position often corrects these problems, making speech clearer and more confident.
  3. Better Jaw and Joint Health
    Correct tooth positioning (known as Class 1 occlusion) allows jaw muscles and joints to function harmoniously. When teeth don’t meet properly, certain muscles and joints can be overloaded—potentially causing jaw pain or joint damage.
  4. Even Tooth Wear
    A poorly aligned bite can cause certain teeth to wear down faster or crack because they’re bearing more chewing force than they should. Straightening teeth helps distribute biting forces evenly across all teeth, reducing the risk of fractures and premature wear.
  5. Teeth for Life
    Balanced, straight teeth facilitate better oral hygiene, prevent excessive wear, and protect jaw joints. This means your teeth are more likely to stay healthy and last a lifetime.

Why do I need straight teeth in Glen Iris?

You might wonder, “Do we really need straight teeth? After all, crooked teeth aren’t life-threatening!” While this is true, having properly aligned teeth brings many long-term oral health and lifestyle benefits.

Appearance and Confidence

The most noticeable benefit is a confident, attractive smile. Straight teeth help you feel positive about sharing your smile with others.

Healthier Mouth, Fresher Breath, Fewer Problems

But having straight teeth goes well beyond looks:

  • Reduced risk of bad breath: Crooked teeth provide more surfaces and crevices where bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

  • Prevents tooth loss and ulcers: Crowding or wide gaps strain gums and disrupt your chewing, which can eventually lead to ulcers and tooth loss.

  • Even wear and chewing: When upper and lower teeth meet unevenly, some teeth may wear down faster, causing abnormal chewing, loss of enamel, and jaw discomfort.

  • Easier cleaning: Straight teeth are simpler to maintain with regular brushing and flossing, helping you prevent dental problems for years to come.

Straightening Crooked or Spaced Teeth

Orthodontic treatments like braces gently guide your teeth into their best position, delivering a harmonious, healthy, and attractive smile. If you have misaligned teeth or just want more information about the benefits of tooth alignment, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a detailed consultation.

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.

What is wrong with crooked teeth in Glen Iris?

Crooked teeth may affect your appearance or confidence but their major impact is on your oral and overall health. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Straight teeth allow your gums to fit more snugly around them. It allows for proper oral hygiene by providing easier access to the areas around the gums. Otherwise, there is more room for bacteria to sneak in causing deep pockets in the gums that lead to irreversible bone loss, known as gum disease.
  2. Uneven teeth make chewing and biting more difficult. Teeth function best when they join together in a harmonious way. But when they lack their counterparts, eating is compromised. It will lead to uneven wear of some teeth and cavities in other, which can result in tooth loss.
  3. Protruding upper teeth are more likely to chip or break in the event of an accident.
  4. Crowded teeth create nooks and crannies, that are difficult to reach, for toothbrush bristles and floss. Without proper brushing, plaque builds up and weakens the teeth, damaging the enamel and causing cavities.
  5. Few realize that dental disease can seriously affect their health. Studies have proven that oral infections may lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

There are many reasons why a beautiful smile is good for you. For a straight smile or if you would like more information about the bite you have, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Why do the gums bleed around my crown in Glen Iris?

After getting a crown attached to your tooth, you might notice sore, red gums that bleed while brushing or flossing. This isn’t normal—and it may indicate underlying problems needing professional attention.

Common Reasons for Gum Inflammation Around Crowns

1. Poor Crown Fit
A poorly fitting crown can trap food and bacteria, making it difficult to clean and leading to gum inflammation and decay under the crown. These hidden pockets become hotspots for infection and gum disease.

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2. Biologic Width Violation
When the crown edge extends too far beneath the gum or invades the biologic width, the body’s immune system reacts, triggering persistent gum inflammation.

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3. Root Canal Abscess
A faulty root canal treatment can trap bacteria in the tooth’s root. This may lead to pain, infection, and swelling or abscess in the bone around the crown.

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Consequences of Untreated Crown-Related Gum Problems

  • Chronic gum swelling and redness

  • Easy bleeding during oral care

  • Persistent bad breath and taste

  • Bone loss and tooth decay

  • Tooth sensitivity and even tooth mobility

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Left untreated, these complications can endanger both your crown and your natural tooth, sometimes leading to extensive dental intervention.

What Should You Do?

If you’re experiencing bleeding, pain, or swelling around a crown, seek a dental evaluation. Only a dentist can pinpoint the cause and offer solutions, such as adjusting the crown, treating infection, or prescribing a deep cleaning.

Addressing these concerns quickly prevents advanced gum disease and damage to your restoration.

Get help and advice on persistent crown-related gum problems—ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment.

What Is Biologic Width around a Tooth and Why Does It Matter in Glen Iris?

The soft tissue lining covers the entire mouth and acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the body. Where teeth erupt through the bone, the gum must form a tight cuff around each tooth—this area is essential for keeping bacteria out and protecting your overall health.

To safeguard the junction between tooth and gum, every tooth is encircled by a vital “connective tissue attachment” known as the biologic width. This structure is divided into three key zones:

  • Gum sulcus (gum pocket): The shallow crevice next to the tooth, typically 0.69 mm in depth.

  • Epithelial attachment: The layer of gum cells directly attached to the tooth’s surface, about 0.97 mm deep.

  • Connective tissue attachment: The robust tissue anchoring the gum to the tooth, roughly 1.07 mm deep.

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The total biologic width averages 2.04 mm and forms a natural seal against infection and disease. When dental work invades this biologic width, inflammation and bone loss can result.

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Why Is Biologic Width Important for Oral Health?

  • Maintains a natural seal to block bacteria and prevent gum disease

  • Preserves healthy gums and protects underlying bone

  • Ensures restorative dental treatments don’t cause chronic inflammation

Understanding and preserving biologic width is crucial in both dental treatment planning and daily oral care. Learn more about gum attachment features and gum inflammation.