Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Why does my new crown hurt when chewing in Glen Iris?

Pain or Discomfort After a New Dental Crown

It is not uncommon to experience soreness or discomfort when biting down on a tooth after a new crown has been fitted. However, persistent pain or sensitivity after a dental crown is not normal and should be assessed by Dr. Daniel Kaufman . There are several possible reasons this might occur.

Common Causes of Pain After Getting a Crown

  1. Crown height or bite alignment issue
    The most common reason for pain is that the new crown sits slightly higher than adjacent teeth, causing excessive pressure when you bite or chew. The solution is to adjust and reduce the crown height to align with surrounding teeth for an even bite.

  2. Underlying tooth decay
    If decay was present beneath the tooth before placing the crown, bacteria may remain trapped beneath it. In such cases, the crown may need to be removed so the tooth can be properly cleaned and restored. Leaving the infection untreated can result in swelling or abscess formation near the affected tooth.

  3. Cracked or fractured tooth
    If the tooth covered by the crown is cracked, pressure while biting may cause the crack to open slightly, resulting in sharp pain. This often requires further dental treatment to repair the fracture.

  4. Gum inflammation or infection
    Soreness or tenderness around the crown can also be caused by gum irritation or infection. This may feel worse when brushing or eating and needs professional evaluation to treat the area and promote healing.

  5. Inflamed or damaged nerve
    If the nerve inside the crowned tooth was not removed during treatment, it may become inflamed or infected, leading to persistent discomfort or sensitivity. Root canal therapy may be necessary to relieve the pain.

  6. Loose crown
    A crown that does not fit securely can move slightly while chewing, irritating the tooth and gums underneath. Tightening or re-cementing the crown can usually resolve the problem.

When to See Your Dentist

If you notice pain, sensitivity, or soreness in a tooth that has been recently crowned, do not ignore it. Schedule an examination , ask Dr. Kaufman a question or schedule an appointment online today.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Glen iris

Teeth whitening performed under the supervision of a dentist is one of the most effective ways to improve the color and brightness of your smile. While it has become very popular, many people are unaware of the potential risks and limitations of whitening treatments. Not everyone’s teeth are suitable for whitening, and if your teeth or gums are not healthy, the procedure may cause more harm than good.

The safest way to find out if teeth whitening is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaufman. During your appointment, we will check important factors such as enamel thickness, gum health, existing restorations like fillings, crowns, and veneers). We also examine the cause of discoloration—whether it comes from diet, ageing, medications, or internal factors.

While teeth with surface stains may respond well to whitening, deeper internal discoloration might require different treatment options.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Professional teeth whitening uses oxidising agents such as hydrogen peroxide to alter how the tooth surface reflects light. Used correctly, this process safely brightens the enamel. However, repeated or improper use over long periods can cause irreversible damage to teeth.

There are two main whitening methods:

  • Take‑home whitening trays: Custom trays made by your dentist for controlled use over 1–2 weeks.

  • In‑chair whitening: A dentist applies the whitening gel in one or two visits, sometimes using light or heat to accelerate the results.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

Some patients experience a mild “bubbly” sensation or slight tooth discomfort during the application. Temporary sensitivity may occur after treatment, especially when biting. These effects typically subside within a few days. If sensitivity persists, please contact us.

How to Maintain Whiter Teeth

To keep your smile bright for longer, reduce daily staining from foods and drinks. Stains can come from plaque, tannins, tobacco, and colored foods. Common sources of staining include:

  • Herbal or black tea

  • Coffee

  • Red wine

  • Spicy foods such as curries

Smoking also causes persistent surface stains that are difficult to remove. For best results, any visible stains should be cleaned professionally before whitening. To get started, schedule an appointment with us today and restore the natural brightness of your smile.

Dental Erosion- Acidic drinks and food in Glen Iris

Dental Erosion: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Dental erosion, also known as erosive tooth wear, occurs when acid dissolves the surface of the tooth. This leads to thinning of the enamel, which weakens the tooth and causes sensitivity. When the enamel layer wears away, the softer dentine beneath becomes exposed and dissolves even faster in acid. Preventing dental erosion is key to maintaining strong, healthy teeth.

Where Does the Acid Come From?

The acid that causes dental erosion usually comes from the food and drinks we consume. Common sources of dietary acids include:

  • Soft drinks

  • Energy drinks and sports drinks

  • Vinegar and pickled foods

  • Citrus fruits and fruit juices

  • Fruit-flavoured teas (e.g. lemon, peach, rosehip)

  • Cordial and alcoholic drinks

  • Sour lollies and chewy sweets

  • Chewable Vitamin C tablets and effervescent medications

Even sugar-free drinks can be damaging if they are high in acid. Common acidic ingredients to look out for include:

  • Citric acid (food acidity regulator 330)

  • Sodium citrate (regulator 331)

  • Malic acid (preservative 296)

  • Ascorbic acid (vitamin C additive 300)

  • Fruit juice concentrate

Acid from the stomach can also cause dental erosion, especially in people with vomiting, reflux, or conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bulimia, anorexia, or pregnancy-related morning sickness.

What Else Increases the Risk of Dental Erosion?

Low saliva flow, or dry mouth, increases susceptibility to acid damage. Saliva helps wash away and neutralise acids in the mouth. Conditions and habits that can reduce saliva include:

  • Certain medications or multiple medicines taken together

  • Head and neck radiotherapy

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome

  • Smoking

  • Diabetes

How to Prevent Dental Erosion

You can protect your teeth from acid damage with a few simple habits:

  • Limit acidic foods and drinks, especially between meals

  • Only have acidic beverages at meal times when saliva levels are higher

  • Avoid holding acidic drinks in your mouth; swallow them quickly

  • Eat low-acid fruits such as bananas, melons, pears, and papayas instead of fruit juices

  • Chill acidic drinks, as warmer liquids cause more erosion

  • After acidic foods, vomiting, or reflux, rinse your mouth with water, milk, or a fluoride mouth rinse

  • Visit your Dr. Daniel Kaufman to check for underlying medical conditions that may increase acid exposure

Brushing and Dental Care Tips

Good oral hygiene remains vital. Traditionally, people were advised to wait 30–60 minutes before brushing after acid exposure, but new research shows this delay may not help enamel repair. Instead, focus on consistent, gentle daily care:

  • Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste

  • Use a soft toothbrush and gentle circular motions

  • Rinse your mouth with water, milk, or fluoride mouthwash after acid exposure

  • Consider a toothpaste with stannous fluoride (SnF₂), as it provides greater resistance against acid wear

This information is based on guidelines from the Australian Dental Association (ADA) Victoria Branch, October 2018.

Sugary Drinks and Your Health: Choose Water Instead

Tap water is the best and most affordable way to stay hydrated while protecting your teeth. Choosing water instead of sugary or acidic drinks helps prevent dental erosion, cavities, and other chronic health issues.

The Risks of Sugary Drinks

  • One 600 ml bottle of soft drink can contain up to 16 teaspoons of sugar

  • Drinking one can of soft drink a day can add up to 6.5 kilograms of weight gain in a year

  • Sugar and acid together increase the risk of tooth decay and erosion

  • Overconsumption of sugary drinks raises the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers

Tips to Drink More Water and Fewer Sugary Drinks

  • Ask for tap or sparkling water when dining out

  • Carry a reusable water bottle

  • Keep a glass of water nearby throughout the day

  • Choose tap water during and after exercise instead of sports drinks

  • Drink plain milk, or tea and coffee without added sugar

  • Save money from skipping sugary drinks to enjoy other activities

The World Health Organization recommends consuming no more than seven teaspoons (27.5 g) of added sugar per day—equivalent to 5% of your total energy intake—to reduce the risk of tooth decay, obesity, and chronic diseases.

When does a tooth need Pulp Capping?

What is the Pulp?

The pulp is the soft matter that exists in the center of our teeth, it contains connective tissue and cells that are responsible for the health of the tooth and repair of injury to it. Among the connective tissue cells, there are special cells called odontoblasts that form the dentin around the pulp and are also responsible for providing nutrients and  sensation of heat, cold, pressure and pain to our teeth.

What is Pulp Capping?

The survival of the pulp is important for the health and function of teeth, and it should be maintained and protected as best as possible. If a tooth has broken down or the pulp has been exposed by decay, it is important to protect the pulp from bacterial invasion and mechanical forces. Failure to protect the pulp will result in its death, and lead to a need to perform a root canal treatment or the removal of the tooth.

Given the right conditions the an inflamed pulp can repair itself and the surrounding dentin. To allow the recovery Dr. Kaufman will clean all the bacteria and decay. To protect the healing pulp a bandage is placed over the pulp and then the tooth shape is restored with a composite restoration. This method, called Pulp Capping, protects the pulp and possibly can help in avoiding the need for a root canal treatment.

The extent of damage to the pulp and bacterial penetration will determine if a more conservative approach called “indirect capping” will be used or a more extensive approach called “direct capping” is used. In the indirect pulp capping, a thin layer of dentin is present over the pulp tissue, which provides a barrier between the pulp and the restoration, while in the direct capping, the layer of protective material is placed directly on the exposed pulp. In both cases the final seal and tooth restorations are made of resin to provide good thermal isolation.

If you have a broken tooth, sensitivity to cold or need more information about pulp capping, please contact us at Tooronga Family Dentistry for further information or scheduling an appointment.

 

Tooth Acid Erosion: Why It’s Increasing and How Glen Iris Patients Can Protect Their Teeth

In recent years, tooth acid erosion has become significantly more common — so much so that it is now considered one of the leading causes of tooth loss, even as traditional tooth decay is gradually declining. At Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, we are seeing more patients with worn enamel, sensitive teeth and TMJ discomfort caused by acid erosion.

Below, we break down what enamel erosion does to your teeth, why it happens, and how we can treat and prevent it.

How Acid Erosion Affects Your Teeth and Jaw

1. Effects on the Entire Dentition

Enamel is the hardest structure in the body, but once it’s lost, it cannot grow back. As enamel wears away across many teeth, the results can be significant:

  • Loss of overall tooth height

  • Reduced support for the jaw joints (TMJ)

  • Increased pressure on the jaw joint, leading to clicking, popping or even jaw locking

  • Facial height changes, which may affect your bite and smile

2. Effects on Individual Teeth

When enamel thins or disappears, the underlying dentin becomes exposed. This leads to:

  • Teeth appearing more yellow

  • Sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods

  • Higher risk of tooth decay

  • Increased wear and surface roughness

  • Greater susceptibility to chips and fractures

Why Acid Erosion Is Increasing

Modern diets play a major role. The biggest culprits include:

  • Soft drinks

  • Sports and energy drinks

  • Fruit juices

  • Sparkling water with added flavours

  • Frequent snacking on acidic foods

Many patients in Glen Iris consume these daily without realising how harmful constant acid exposure is to the enamel.

Prevention: The Best Approach

Preventing acid erosion is far easier — and far more effective — than repairing damaged enamel.

How to Protect Your Enamel

  • Reduce acidic drinks such as soft drinks, energy drinks and juices

  • Rinse with water after consuming acidic foods or drinks

  • Use high-fluoride mouth rinses to strengthen the enamel

  • Apply Tooth Mousse (MI Paste) to protect and re-mineralise vulnerable teeth

  • Avoid brushing immediately after acidic drinks (wait at least 30 minutes)

How We Restore Worn Teeth at Tooronga Family Dentistry

When enamel has already been lost, the missing structure can be rebuilt using the latest dental materials:

  • Advanced composite bonding

  • Porcelain restorations

  • Minimally invasive veneers

  • Bite rehabilitation where necessary

These materials are designed to mimic natural enamel in both strength and appearance, restoring:

  • Tooth shape

  • Function

  • Bite stability

  • Comfort

  • Aesthetics

Experiencing Sensitivity or Jaw Clicking in Glen Iris?

If your teeth are sensitive or your jaw clicks while eating, you may have significant enamel erosion. Early diagnosis makes treatment much easier and protects your long-term oral health.

👉Call Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006  or book online to book an examination with Dr Daniel Kaufman. We’ll assess the extent of enamel erosion and design a personalised treatment plan to restore your comfort and protect your smile.

Tooth Sensitivity: Why Ice Cream or Coffee Hurt Your Teeth in Glen Iris

Many patients in Glen Iris visit us asking why enjoying an ice cream or having a sip of hot coffee suddenly becomes painful. In most cases, the answer is tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity to hot, cold, or touch happens when the underlying dentin layer of the tooth becomes exposed to the oral environment.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Dentin may become exposed due to:

It’s important to come in for an examination as soon as you notice sensitivity. If sensitivity is caused by decay, failing fillings, or cracks, bacteria may already be approaching the nerve—potentially leading to a painful infection. In these cases, a filling or restorative treatment is usually needed.

Treatments for Sensitivity From Exposed Root Surfaces

If the sensitivity is due to exposed dentin or root surfaces, there are several effective treatments:

  • Desensitising toothpaste – seals exposed dentin and reduces sensitivity over time.

  • Fluoride mouthrinses or gels – strengthen enamel and prevent further decay.

  • Tooth mousse application – helps remineralise tooth structure and reduce sensitivity.

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, please 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly. We’re here to help you find relief and protect your long-term dental health.

📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.