Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

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.

 

Pregnancy Dental Health – Oral Care for Expectant Mothers and New Mums in Glen Iris

Pregnancy and Dental Health: What Expectant Mothers Should Know

Pregnancy can influence your oral health, leading to issues such as gum disease, gingivitis, and an increased risk of tooth decay. Numerous studies have identified a connection between gum disease in pregnant women and an increased risk of premature births and low birth weight babies. Understanding these risks helps you maintain both your dental and general health throughout pregnancy.

Common pregnancy-related dental issues include:

  • Gum problems

  • Gingivitis (gum inflammation): typically occurs during the second trimester, causing gum swelling and bleeding during brushing or flossing.

  • Gum overgrowth (pregnancy epulis), which sometimes resolves after childbirth.

  • Vomiting or morning sickness.

  • Cravings for sugary foods.

  • Tooth mobility (often temporary until after birth).

  • Retching while brushing teeth.

During pregnancy, these symptoms occur primarily due to heightened hormonal responses to dental plaque. However, with good oral hygiene at home and professional dental care, oral health can be effectively maintained.

Pre-Pregnancy Dental Care: Prevention is Best

Practicing solid oral hygiene before conception reduces the likelihood of developing dental problems during pregnancy. Key preventive steps include:

  • Brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.

  • Flossing daily.

  • Eating a balanced, low-sugar diet.

  • Scheduling regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.

Women planning pregnancy should visit the dentist for a full examination—elective procedures are best completed prior to conception for optimal safety and convenience.

Dental Treatments During Pregnancy

There’s a common misconception that dental treatments aren’t safe during pregnancy. In reality, routine dental care is both safe and recommended. Be sure to inform your Dr. Kaufman of your pregnancy so that any necessary precautions can be taken when scheduling your dental appointments. Learn more about routine dental treatment.

Vomiting and Reflux During Pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can cause gastric reflux or morning sickness, exposing teeth to strong stomach acids. Over time, this may erode enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. Tips to protect your teeth include:

  • Avoid brushing immediately after vomiting—wait at least one hour.

  • Rinse your mouth with fluoridated tap water after vomiting.

  • Use a fluoridated mouthwash or dab a small amount of toothpaste on your teeth.

  • Consult your dentist for tailored prevention and acid-protection strategies.

Managing Retching While Brushing Teeth

Retching or gagging when brushing teeth is common in pregnancy. Strategies that may help include:

  • Using a toothbrush with a small head (such as a toddler brush).

  • Brushing slowly and calmly while breathing evenly.

  • Closing the eyes or focusing on breathing to reduce the reflex.

  • Listening to music as a distraction.

  • If needed, brush with water and follow with a fluoridated mouthwash until able to use toothpaste again.

Food Cravings and Oral Health

Many pregnant women experience cravings, especially for sweets, increasing the risk of tooth decay. To reduce damage caused by sugary snacks:

  • Choose fresh fruits instead of processed sweets.

  • Rinse with water or milk after eating sugary foods.

  • Brush soon after snacking to remove residual sugars.

Dental Health After Pregnancy

After giving birth, it’s important for new mothers to schedule a dental check-up, especially if gum swelling or bleeding occurred during pregnancy. Hormone-induced gum conditions often subside after childbirth, but in some cases, persistent gum disease requires professional treatment.

To maintain long-term oral health after pregnancy:

  • Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.

  • Floss or use interdental brushes daily.

  • Drink fluoridated tap water.

  • Limit high-sugar foods.

  • Book regular dental visits to monitor gum and tooth health.

 

Scuba Diving and Dental Health: What Divers Need to Know in Glen Iris.

Forget sharks or the bends—a big concern for scuba divers could be dental problems and costly bills. A recent survey revealed that 41% of recreational divers experienced oral issues linked to diving. Most complaints involved pain caused by underwater pressure or holding the air regulator tightly in the mouth; some even reported loosened crowns or cracked fillings.

Why a Dental Check-Up Matters Before Diving

Surveys suggest that divers should always have their teeth checked before they go deep. Dental issues are much more noticeable underwater, where a fractured tooth or toothache can quickly become an emergency.

Underwater Toothache: Barodontalgia Explained

The professional term for underwater tooth pain is “barodontalgia,” which is well known in the diving community. Barodontalgia is caused by changes in pressure underwater that reveal underlying dental conditions like cavities or poorly completed fillings. High or low pressure makes tooth damage more obvious and painful.

Protecting Your Teeth Before and During Diving

Divers must meet a set medical standard for certification, but there are no dental health prerequisites. That’s why many divers get unpleasant surprises when tooth pain occurs underwater. To protect your teeth, visit the dentist before your dive to check for decay or damage. Be sure to mention your upcoming diving plans so the dentist can tailor advice to your needs.

Dr. Kaufman is a licensed diver and understands the health requirements for underwater activities. If you’re planning to dive or want more information about dental concerns, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a dive-specific dental examination.

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.

How does your diet impact your oral health?

Diet and Your Dental Health: Smart Choices for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Everything you eat and drink affects your teeth and gums—especially when it comes to the risk of tooth decay. Tooth decay is driven by bacteria that feed on sugars in your food and drinks, producing acids that attack the outer enamel layer.

To keep your diet from harming your dental health, here are key points to remember:

Drink Plenty of Water
Water is calorie-free, stress-free, and very affordable! In most Australian areas, tap water includes fluoride—one of the easiest and most effective ways to help prevent tooth decay. Bottled water typically lacks fluoride due to filtration. Regularly sipping water throughout the day is a simple step for better oral health.

Limit Snacking Between Meals
Saliva is vital for neutralising acid attacks and helping teeth recover after eating. Frequent snacking means your teeth get less rest from those attacks, increasing your risk for decay. Keep sugary treats to mealtimes rather than snacking between meals.

Be Mindful of Hidden Sugars
It’s not only obvious sweets like lollies or sodas that cause decay—other snack foods such as biscuits, crackers, cereals, chips, and dried fruit also contain sugars that can initiate acid attacks on enamel.

Consider Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum (never gum with sugar) after meals boosts saliva production. A 20-minute chew after eating can help neutralise harmful acids and support enamel health.

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.

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.

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.

Dairy-Free Diets and Oral Health: Glen Iris Advice on Calcium & Vitamin D

Many people in Glen Iris choose to cut dairy from their diet—whether for personal preference, allergies, or other health concerns. While avoiding dairy is common, it’s important to remember that dairy is a major source of calcium and other nutrients vital for healthy teeth, bones, nerves, muscles, and even cell function. Calcium is also essential in your saliva for preventing tooth decay.

How to Get Enough Calcium Without Dairy

Calcium can’t be made by your body—it must come from your food. If you’re dairy-free, focus on these sources:

  • Dark leafy greens (bok choy, broccoli)

  • Foods fortified with calcium (orange juice, cereal, soymilk)

  • Nuts, especially almonds

The recommended calcium intake for adults is around 1,000 mg per day. Make sure you’re reading labels and planning your meals accordingly.

Why Vitamin D Is Just as Essential

Vitamin D is needed for your body to absorb calcium effectively. You can get Vitamin D in two main ways:

  • Sun exposure (your skin makes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight)

  • Dietary sources like seafood (mackerel, salmon, tuna) and fortified foods (orange juice, cereal, soymilk)

Adults typically need about 600 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D daily.

Healthy Teeth and Bones in Glen Iris

By ensuring your diet provides enough calcium and vitamin D, you’re strengthening your teeth and bones and supporting your overall wellbeing—even without dairy.

If you have questions about nutrition for strong teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Kaufman.