Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Habits That Can Damage Your Teeth: What to Avoid and Better Alternatives in Glen Iris

Some everyday habits may seem harmless but can actually harm your teeth in the long run. Here are some common examples and tips for protecting your smile:

Using Your Teeth as Tools
Opening packages or ripping tags with your teeth may seem convenient but puts you at risk for cracked or broken teeth. Instead, keep a small multi-tool or scissors handy to save your teeth for smiling—not cutting!

Nail Biting
Biting your nails can cause painful nail infections and may even damage your teeth. Like using your teeth as tools, this habit increases the risk of chips and cracks. Break the habit by getting a manicure or covering fingernails with bandages.

Chewing Ice
Ice is very hard and can put stress on your teeth, causing cracks, chips, or even fracturing existing fillings or crowns. It may also leave your jaw muscles sore. If you crave something chewy and refreshing, opt for sugar-free gum instead.

Using Toothpicks Incorrectly
Frequent or aggressive use of round toothpicks can damage gums and teeth. Toothpicks can become wedged between your teeth and gums, causing irritation or even injury. If you need to remove food particles, use floss or interdental brushes. If you prefer toothpicks, choose anatomically shaped ones and use them gently.

Protect Your Smile!
By kicking these damaging habits, you can maintain strong, healthy teeth for life. If you have questions about tooth health or need advice on better oral habits, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Kaufman.

What Is Fluorosis? Glen Iris Dental Guide from Tooronga Family Dentistry

What is fluorosis?

During the formation of our teeth and bones fluoride can become embedded in them as part of their mineral content. Normally the mineral content of the teeth and the bones is hydroxy apatite which is made of calcium, phosphate and hydroxyl ions. But if fluoride ions are present, during the formation of these tissues, they can replace the hydroxyl ones and form a crystal called fluoro-apatite, which can interfere with the proper formation of the teeth and bones. This the reason why ingesting high doses of fluoride will lead to the formation of floor-apatite in the teeth.

When we are born our “baby” and permanent teeth are already forming under our gums in the jawbone. An overexposure to fluoride during the pregnancy or during the first eight years of life, will lead to changes in the formation of the teeth and the appearance of stains – these stains are called fluorosis. There can be different stains ranging from yellow to dark brown and there can be pits and surface irregularities depending on the severity of the affliction.

How to prevent Fluorosis?

The introduction of fluoride to drinking water is one of the great preventive disease programs of the 20th century. But the addition of fluoride to the water can make any additional fluoride ingested a risk factor for fluorosis. That is why other sources of fluoride in the diet need to be checked for their fluoride content, these are tooth paste, seafood, fruit juices, formula milk and tea. Since all the ingested fluoride can add up, it is important to know how much fluoride your child consumes. To prevent fluorosis your child should not consume more than the daily amounts a person can safely ingest.

Here are the safe limits for daily consumption as published by the National Health and Medical health council:

For infants:

0-6 months 0.01 mg/day
7-12 months 0.50 mg/day

For children

All
1-3 yr 0.7 mg/day
4-8 yr 1.0 mg/day
Boys
9-13 yr 2.0 mg/day
14-18 yr 3.0 mg/day
Girls
9-13 yr 2.0 mg/day
14-18 yr 3.0 mg/day

For Adults:

Men
19-30 yr 4 mg/day
31-50 yr 4 mg/day
51-70 yr 4 mg/day
>70 yr 4 mg/day
Women
19-30 yr 3 mg/day
31-50 yr 3 mg/day
51-70 yr 3 mg/day
>70 yr 3 mg/day

Treatment
Since fluorosis affects the structure and appearance of teeth. It will cause unsightly stains and may result in cavities . As a result, the treatment for fluorosis is to remove the surface of the stained areas and restore the teeth with resin restorations or veneers.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have more questions about fluorosis or to make an appointment to see Dr. Kaufman Daniel at Tooronga Family Dentistry to have .