Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

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.

Effective Plaque Removal: Disclosing Agents and Oral Hygiene Tips in Glen Iris.

Daily removal of plaque—the bacterial film that builds up on teeth—is essential to prevent dental disease. But how do you know if your brushing and flossing are making a difference?

Plaque forms naturally each day from leftover food particles after eating. Bacteria within it produce acid that may erode tooth enamel, leads to tooth decay, and can infect gums, causing gum disease.

Twice-daily plaque removal with thorough brushing and interdental cleaning keeps harmful bacteria in check. A quick brush isn’t enough—plaque’s sticky texture allows it to hide below gums, in uneven biting surfaces, or underneath overhanging restorations.

Because plaque resembles natural tooth color, it’s very difficult to spot visually. That’s where disclosing agents come in—solutions, tablets, or swabs containing dye that temporarily stains plaque (not tooth enamel). Dr. Kaufman uses these to show patients areas they may be missing when brushing and flossing, and you can use them at home too.

To check for plaque after cleaning, chew a disclosing tablet or swish solution for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. The dye will stain plaque in a bright red color—some products even show older plaque in a different color than new. Examine your teeth in the mirror, then brush and floss until all color is gone.

Disclosing dyes are safe in the mouth, but don’t swallow or let them touch clothing. Dye on lips, gums, or tongue fades in a few hours.

For more advice on effective oral hygiene, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a professional consultation.

Is tooth paste needed for good oral hygiene?

What’s In Your Toothpaste? How Ingredients Affect Oral Health

Standard (non-organic) toothpaste usually contains:

  • Abrasives to clean bacterial film and debris off teeth. Common abrasives include calcium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, hydrated aluminum oxides, magnesium carbonate, phosphate salts, and silicates. Silica is often the whitening agent in most whitening toothpastes.

  • Detergents that create the foamy sensation, like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium N-Lauryl sarcosinate.

  • Fluoride at different strengths—children’s toothpaste contains less fluoride than adult formulas.

  • Flavoring compounds, including sweeteners such as saccharine.

  • Special ingredients for specific conditions, such as tetrasodium pyrophosphate for tartar control, potassium nitrate or strontium chloride for sensitive teeth, stannous fluoride and triclosan for reducing gum inflammation and removing plaque.

  • Moistening agents to keep the paste soft and easy to squeeze out, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, and sorbitol.

  • Binders to prevent ingredient separation—mineral colloids, natural gums, seaweed colloids, or synthetic cellulose.

Organic toothpaste tends to be paraben-free and sulfate-free, without Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate or artificial colors/flavors. It may have natural preservatives. If you frequently get tiny pimples or rashes around your lips, or canker sores inside your mouth, consider switching to organic toothpaste that is free from Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, as some people are sensitive or allergic to these additives.

Do You Need Toothpaste to Clean Your Teeth?

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless biofilm of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque is acidic and will break down tooth enamel and dentine, causing cavities. It can also irritate gums, causing gingivitis, infections, and eventual tooth loss.

Brushing with a product designed for a fresh mouth feels great, but for practical cleaning, toothpaste isn’t strictly necessary. You can remove food debris and plaque simply with a soft toothbrush and good brushing techniques. Flossing, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and regular dental checkups keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Tips to Help You Floss Like a Dentist in Glen Iris

Flossing may not be your favorite thing to do, but it is one of the most important things you can do for the health of your teeth. Flossing clears away food and other debris that can get stuck between teeth. Without flossing, bacteria can build up and cause cavities and gum disease. While it may seem simple, there is actually a bit of technique to flossing like a pro.

How to floss:

When flossing, start with about 30 cm of floss. Wrap one index finger with enough floss so it does not slide when you pull, wrap the extra length around your other index finger and leave a few centimeters between them. Gently work the floss between each pair of teeth by sliding it up and down in a rubbing motion. When you reach the gum line, gently slide the floss into the space between the root and the gum line.

What floss to use:

Waxed floss is easier to use because it glides over your teeth better than un-waxed floss. On the other hand unwaxed floss is better since the fibers can trap more bacteria on their way. When you’re choosing a floss material, look for PTFE floss instead of nylon floss, because nylon versions can shred more easily.

When to floss?

Ideally brushing and flossing would happen after every meal. But if you can only floss once a day, we recommend doing it at bedtime. When you’re asleep, saliva production slows down and bacteria can easily multiply, so flossing before bed can decrease the bacteria growing at night.

How to floss on the go?

Floosing at idle times during the day is a good strategy to get the bacteria numbers down. Keep single-use, disposable “flossers” with you at all times. You’ll be thankful, especially if you have a piece of food stuck in your teeth that distracts you.

If you discover pain or bleeding in your gums when you floss, these are signs you need to see your dentist, since it could be a sign of gum disease. If you would like to schedule an appointment for an examination please call 98227006.

 

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.

Are Aligners or Braces better to straighten my teeth.

Braces vs. Clear Aligners: Which Orthodontic Option Suits You Best?

Today’s orthodontic options offer more choice than ever! Patients can now select between braces and clear aligners (like Invisalign). Here’s a detailed overview to help you understand when each option is most suitable and what sets traditional braces apart from aligners.

The differences between traditional braces and aligners

  • Unlike metal braces, aligners are made from clear plastic and do not involve any wires. The obvious benefit of aligners is that they are less noticeable than standard braces. Aligners can only be seen close-up and are often undetectable in photos.
  • Aligners are removable, and each set is worn for around two weeks before being replaced by the next set. While braces are stuck to the teeth. The aligners allow the freedom of being able to take them out for a short while. Allowing you to eat crunchy, sticky or hard food that may damage braces.
  • When metal braces are attached to the teeth, they trap food and bacteria around them, making cleaning your teeth hard. If the oral hygiene is not good while wearing braces, one could finish the orthodontic treatment to find he or she have white or brown spots on the teeth. These spots are either permanent or need cosmetic treatment to remove or make them less visible.
  • While it is vital for all orthodontic patients to adopt good teeth brushing habits, clear aligners will be more forgiving. Since the aligners can be removed while brushing, oral hygiene habits are the same as for those without orthodontic treatment. But if the teeth are not cleaned, the aligners can cause the same white or brown spots on the teeth and there will be a need for restorative treatment after the orthodontic treatment is concluded.
  • Braces and wires can move teeth into the desired position faster than aligners. Since the aligners trays are swapped out every two weeks, the changes between steps can only be minor. Braces can close large gaps and align teeth more efficiently.
  • Everyone has different teeth. Therefore, some have multiple issues that require attention during their treatment while others are simple and straightforward. Aligners work well for those with mild discrepancies, but for more complicated cases, the braces are needed to bring teeth into position and correct bites

Which Option is Best for You?

It is difficult to choose what is the best way to achieve your goal of straight teeth. To help you decide, Dr. Kaufman will perform a thorough examination and consider the right way to achieve your goals. He will go through with you and explain each option and why it is suitable or not for you. Once you have all the information, It’s up to you to decide which option you prefer.

If you would like to know if you are a candidate for braces or clear aligners, please book an obligation-free appointment to discuss your options by calling 98227006 or contact us online.

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.

Are Sports Drinks Bad for Your Teeth?

These days, sports drinks are seen by many as an indispensable part of exercising. They’re one of the first things people grab as they rush to the gym or sports field. The thinking goes—if professional athletes drink them, they must be good for you, right?

That’s not quite how it works.

Sports drinks were designed to help professional athletes recover from intense training under controlled conditions. But if you’re more of a “weekend warrior,” these drinks don’t do much to boost your performance, hydration, or overall health—despite what the marketing says.

Even worse, sports drinks can harm your teeth. They’re full of sugars and acids that can lead to tooth erosion and decay over time. Like many things in life, they’re best consumed in moderation—if at all.

A Better Way to Stay Hydrated

So, what’s a better option when you’re sweating it out?
Water—good old-fashioned, straight-from-the-tap water.

It quickly relieves dehydration symptoms such as a dry mouth or excessive sweating, it’s free, and it’s naturally fortified with fluoride, which helps protect your teeth and reduce decay. Plus, water doesn’t come with a label full of unpronounceable ingredients.

Reading the Label: Know What You’re Drinking

A simple way to check whether what you’re eating or drinking supports your dental health is to learn how to read labels. It’s easier than you might think.

Look out for hidden sugars such as honey, rice syrup, or organic dehydrated cane juice. To spot acidity, check for ingredients like citric acid or sodium benzoate—and remember, if it ends in “ate,” it’s likely an acidic preservative.

Once you understand how to identify these ingredients, you’ll be better equipped to choose foods and drinks that support your teeth, gums, and overall health—helping you stay healthy and strong, both on and off the field.

Why Your Dental Implants need to be Cleaned like Your Teeth?

Dental implants offer a long-lasting, aesthetic, and functional solution to replace missing teeth, but maintaining them properly is essential for their success. Despite implants being made from materials like titanium or porcelain, the natural gum and bone tissue surrounding them can still be vulnerable to infection, such as peri-implantitis, caused by plaque buildup. Unlike natural teeth, implants lack the periodontal ligament, which normally helps protect the bone from bacterial infiltration, making good daily oral hygiene critical.

To care for your dental implants effectively:

  • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste, carefully cleaning all implant surfaces.

  • Floss daily using implant-specific floss or interdental brushes designed to remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas without damaging tissues.

  • Consider using water flossers or antimicrobial mouth rinses as recommended by your dentist.

  • Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of implant failure and gum problems.

  • Maintain regular dental visits, typically every three to six months, for professional cleaning, implant stability assessment, and gum health evaluation.

  • Follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your dental professional, especially during the healing phase.

Early detection of swelling, redness, or bleeding around an implant is important. If you notice these signs, promptly consult your dentist for examination and treatment to prevent further complications.

Good oral hygiene and regular professional care can help your dental implants last for decades, ensuring a healthy, confident smile.

For personalized implant care advice, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment.