Dundas Dentist

Sometimes we have all the pieces, but they don’t fit together in the way they should. One example of this is small teeth. Our teeth may be perfectly healthy, but they are too small for our mouth. This often leaves us with gaps between the teeth, and probably a bad bite. Most likely we will find that small teeth just look out of proportion to the rest of the mouth.
Small teeth, or teeth that are misaligned of misshaped, can usually be fixed by the dentist.

Types of Small Teeth – Dentist Denistone

There are several way in which teeth might be too small, or appear too small.
True Generalized Small Teeth – This is causes by genetics, the teeth really are small.
Relative Generalized Small Teeth – A large individual has teeth that appear small in relation to the rest of the face.
Localized – A few Teeth, usually in the upper jaw, fail to fully develop and are smaller than the other teeth.
Overextended Gums – The teeth appear short because they are mostly covered by the gums.
Abrasion – Over the course of many decades the teeth may wear down from grinding.

Treating Smaller Teeth – Telopea Dental

Crowns – By crowning teeth we can make them larger. This can produce a neat set of correctly proportioned teeth for the mouth.
Veneers – These cover the front surface of the teeth. If the size of the teeth is not too far off the veneers can fill the gaps between teeth, and make them slightly longer.
Gum Reshaping – If the issue is with the gums rather than the actual teeth then the gums can sometimes be cut back to reveal more of the tooth surface. This is limited, however, because the gums can only be cut back so far before the tooth roots are exposed.

Oatlands Dental

Some Dental work is concerned with aesthetics. There is no reason not to have better teeth. Let us give you the smile you deserve.

Newington Dentist

Over time the gums around our teeth can recede. This not only looks bad, but leaves us prone to sensitive teeth that feel pain from hot or cold food. The sensitivity comes from the the roots of the teeth being exposed, so the nerve inside the tooth has no insulation from the outside. It is best to avoid this at all costs.
Our Gums can recede for a variety of reasons. Most of the time this can be avoided with some good dental habits.
–   Gum infections, including Gingivitis or Periodontitis, can lead to receding gums (as well as other problems like bone loss and bleeding).
–   Using a hard bristle toothbrush can lead to receding gums, as well as thin enamel on teeth. Use a soft bristle toothbrush instead.
–   Brushing too hard with any brush may lead to receding gums and thin tooth enamel.
–   If we brush too soon after eating we will damage the tooth enamel which has been soften by the food/drink we consume. This might lead to receding gums. Wait 30 minutes after eating before brushing.
–   An injury to the mouth can lead to receding gums.
–   Poorly fitting dentures can lead to receding gums, though people who need dentures already have problems wiht their teeth, so their risk is higher even without the dentures.
–   Smoking increases the risk of tooth and gum problems.
–   Old age and a genetic disposition. This can be reduced with good dental habits.
–   Poor dental habits, bot brushing and flossing every day, greatly raises the risk of gum problems.

Dundas Dentist

We can reduce the risk of receding gums by:
–   Good dental habits greatly reduce the risk of dental problems like receding gums. Brush twice daily, floss once daily and use mouthwash several times per day.
–   Oil pulling seems to reduce the risk of gum problems. Gargle coconut oil for a few minutes then spit into the sink.
–   A diet strong in antioxidants seems to reduce the risk of receding gums. Antioxidants are found in fresh fruit and vegetables.
–   Green Tea fight the bacteria that cause gum diseases. Drink green tea twice daily. Or use green tea chewing gum that is sugar free.
–   Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet seem to reduce gum problems, and keep us healthy in other ways. Omega 3 is found in fish, nuts, and seeds.

Invisalign Denistone

Invisalign can be used to correct many (but not all) moderate tooth alignment issues without braces. This is popular with adults who do not like to wear braces.
Invisalign will not interfere with gums.

Wisdom teeth Rydalmere

Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing problems, not emerging properly, pushing other teeth out of alignment. More than half the population will need one or more wisdom teeth removed.
By removing a problem wisdom tooth we can prevent gum infections, and hence prevent gums from  later on.

Dental Newington

Good dental hygiene habits go a long way to reducing gum and tooth issues. See the dentist is you suspect you might have a problem.

Implant Rydalmere Dentist

A dental implant replaces a natural tooth with an artificial tooth. This is necessary if the natural tooth is badly damaged, or badly misshapen. The dental implant gives a realistic looking, fully functional replacement tooth.
If a tooth has only suffered surface damage it might be crowned (also called capped). This replaces the outer part of the tooth, while keeping the internal nerve, pulp and underlying root. If a tooth in badly damaged, or damaged internally, it is best replaced with an implant.

Implant Dundas Dental

Implants are permanently fixed to the jawbone, where they bond to the bone at a molecular level. This makes them very secure and reliable. There are very rarely and complications with an implant if the individual is healthy.
An implant has two main sections, a metal post inside and a facsimile post on the outside. Titanium is used for the internal post because it bonds to the jawbone, and because it does not rust or cause allergic reactions. This titanium is superior to stainless steel, which contains the common allergen nickel.
The external part of the implant, the facsimile tooth, is made of Ziriconia or Lithium Disilicate. Both of these materials have slightly different advantages. Usually the back molars use the material that is stronger (Ziroconia) , while the front teeth will use the material that looks more realistic (Lithium Disilicate), though both of these materials are fairly strong and long lasting. Older implants used porcelain, which looked fine but was not as strong as either Ziriconia or Lithium Disilicate.
Some recent advancements in dental research have produced some superior materials that might soon replace Lithium Disilicate and Ziriconia in implants.

Implant Oatlands Dentist

A dental implant will require several dental appointments. First, the original damaged tooth may need to be removed, and the metal post put in place. A mold of the mouth or a computer scan will be used to produce a new artificial tooth of the right proportions. The new artificial tooth will be manufactured and put in place at a second appointment, once the mental post has started to bond to the jaw.
If several adjacent teeth need to be replaced it is often possible to replace them with a row of artificial teeth secured by only two metal posts.

Telopea Dental Implant

Implants last for decades with only the same care that we give normal teeth. While the implant will never decay we still need to brush and floss in order to prevent any gum infections.

It would be ideal for everybody to keep their natural teeth. But if we do need to replace a damaged or ill formed tooth then implants are the best option. They are permanent, reliable, realistic looking, and do not need nay special form of maintenance.

Dundas Dental

The invention of cutlery, knives and forks in the West, chopstick in the East, changed the way we eat, and apparently the way our jaws align. Several centuries ago the top and lower jaws of humans usually met so that the front teeth touched. But since the use of cutlery the lower teeth usually sit behind the front teeth. This is because we once used our teeth to bite all of our food, like we still do with an apple. Jaws that met at the front were useful for this. Now we eat pre-cut food, so our jaws align slightly differently.

This change to cutlery is not the only explanation for the change in our jaws. The eating and chewing of slightly tough food apparently alters out jaws too, causing them to grow slightly more forward. Perhaps the change in our jaws is the combination of both factors.

We might expect this jaw change to cause problems. But this very slight overbite is fine. Our jaws suffer the minimal wear if they are not leaning to one side, and if they have the slight overbite. So this is regarded as the new ideal.

Dentist Denistone

If our jaws are not aligned correctly there will be problems. misaligned jaws can make chewing and speaking difficult. And over time the teeth tend to wear unevenly.

Overbite – while slight overbite is normal a more extreme overbite needs correction. This can sometimes be done with braces as a teenager, sometime by combining braces with headgear, sometime by surgery in extreme cases.
Occasionally veneers can be used to bring the teeth slightly forward, removing the overbite.

Underbite – This is where the bottom jaw comes too far forward. Like overbite the less extreme cases may be cured with braces, and more extreme cases altered by surgery.

Crossbite – This is where the lower jaw leans to one side, not neatly meeting with the upper jaw. Crossbite tends to cause uneven wear on teeth that grows worse over time. This may require braces at an earlier stage, or surgery latter on.

Dental Denistone

Talk to the dentist about any jaw issues. Early treatment can prevent problems latter on.

Newington Dental

Dentists are concerned with the health of our gums as much as they are concerned with our teeth. Bad dental hygiene, failure to brush, floss and use mouthwash every day, will raise the risk not only of tooth decay but also of gum infections. These gum infections can be quite serious.

Dentist Newington

Gum infection generally fall into two categories, Gingivitis and Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease). Both are serious, but periodontitis, which can develop from untreated Gingivitis, is far worse.

Symptoms of Gum Disease include:
– Dark red or faded pink gum. Sometimes gums go a deep purple.
– Bleeding gums
– Sore gums
– Gums that recede from the root of the tooth.
– Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
– Persistant bad breath

Newington Dentist

Gingivitis is the more common type of gum disease. It is caused by bacteria infecting the gum, usually because the teeth and not being cleaned every day.

Gingivitis is painful, but it will clear up after a few weeks of regular brushing, flossing and use of mouthwash. A healthy diet will also help the body fight the infection.

Periodontal Disease is a more serious infection. If often develops from Gingivitis that has not been left untreated. It is not only a more severe infection, it also involves a different, more persistent, strain of bacteria.

Periodontal Disease will soon lead to loss of bone in the jaw, followed by loss of teeth. This damage is not reversible. Even after the disease is treated the patient will need surgery to replace the lost teeth, and to help restore the badly damaged gums.

Periodontal Disease will not clear up on its own. It requires serious dental treatment, including antibiotics. Often the dentist will sent a patient with Periodontal Disease to a specialist for full treatment.

Periodontal Disease can only be cured if caught in the very early stages. After it has spread the infection can never be fully removed, only managed by ongoing use of prescription mouthwash and diligent cleaning.

If is estimated that perhaps 40% of the western population over 50 has Periodontal disease, which must be constantly managed.

Dental Newington

Good dental hygiene greatly reduces the change of contracting Gum Diseases. Twice daily brushing, flossing and use of mouthwash will prevent a lot of inconvenience.

Newington Dental

An adult usually has 32 permanent teeth, though some individuals only have 28 permanent teeth as the wisdom teeth either never emerge or need to be removed.

Not all these teeth are identical. The back molars are different to the front incisors, as are the canine teeth between them teeth. But the underlying structure of the teeth are basically the same. All teeth have a central nerve, a surrounding pulp, a mid layer of dentin, and an outer layer of hard enamel.

Rydalmere Dental

We can only see the top part of the tooth that is above the gum. Beneath this outer visible section of the tooth is the root, hidden in the gum. This root varies in size between individuals, but is often larger then the outer section. It provides the anchor for the tooth and allows blood to flow into the tooth’s central nerve. The root is attached to the jawbone via the periodontal ligaments.

Dundas Dental

The visible part of the tooth has several layers behind the hard outer enamel. If the hard outer layer is damaged, perhaps by decay, then these inner layers are exposed. This is a serious problem, with the tooth almost always continuing to get worse till it fails completely. The tooth itself will probably be painful at this stage, and sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.

The layer immediately beneath the outer enamel is the dentin. This dentin layer is slightly yellow in colour, and less rigid, less brittle than the outer enamel. It is necessary for support of the tooth, as the outer enamel is too brittle for this. Dentin is a mixture or organic and mineral components.

Dentin provides some of the colour of the tooth as the outer enamel is semi-transparent. We see some of the colour of the dentin when looking at a healthy tooth.

If the dentin is exposed to the outside, when the enamel is damaged, the tooth becomes sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This is because the channels through the dentin conduct the heat/cold directly to the nerve inside the tooth. The enamel is needed to provide some insulation for the tooth nerve.

Dentist Denistone

Diligent brushing and flossing goes a long way to preventing dental decay and gum problems. Use of mouthwash also helps, though this does not replace brushing and flossing.

Our teeth have a much better chance of staying healthy if we look after then every day.

Newington Dental

It is too easy to feel negative when we read about all the bad habits and bad food that damage teeth. So we should perhaps take a different approach and look at what we should eat and should do to benefit our teeth.

Anything that keep our mouth moist tend to help, because bacteria thrive in a dry mouth. Any any food that provides vitamins, minerals or good bacteria also helps strengthen teeth and gums.

Teeth:

Crunchy Food like celery or raw carrots, almost anything that works in a salad, will help clean teeth and keep our mouth moist. These are also foods that benefit our health.

Cashews have an element in them that fights the bad bacteria in our mouth that causes tooth decay. Cashews have a lot of calories, but other wise are healthy.

Green Tea fight bad bacteria in the mouth and keeps things moist. It even works when it is chilled. So have one or two cups per day. The decaffeinated variety works as well as the regular type.

Cheese, natural yogurt and other dairy products provide calcium for strengthening teeth, and good bacteria that help replace the bad decay causing bacteria. Many dairy products also have vitamin D which benefits teeth.

Vitamin C in many fruits helps strengthen gums, and is generally healthy for us. though the citrus fruit is acid, which is bad for enamel. So drink water after eating fruit.

Water is the most basic, yet essential part of out diet. Water cleans the teeth and keeps things moist. Tap water also provides some fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel.

Sugar Free gum keep the mouth moist, and if the gum is sweetened with Xylitol it helps fight the bad bacteria in the mouth.

Xylitol sweetener isn’t just for chewing gum. We can use it in tea or other drinks, where is helps fight bad bacteria without adding calories.

Natural Chocolate is healthy, though the sugar content is bad for us. 70% cocoa chocolate is good for teeth, as is chocolate drinks without sugar. Sweetent these with Xylitol

Breath:

Green tea give us fresh breath.

Chew parsley or basil for fresh breath.

Sugar free gum with xylitol is good for breath.

Strawberries freshen breath and help whiten teeth.

Cherries get rid of the smell of onions and spicy food.

Ginger also reds rid of the smell of spicy foods, and gives us fresh breath.

Chlorophyll is substance found in green vegetable, or available as a liquid. This is great for deodorizing the body, including our breath.

Dentist Oatlands

If we look after our teeth we have far fewer problems with decay, gum infections or bad breath.

Newington Dental

Fluoride was initially added to the drinking water in places like the USA because research had shown its benefits. Populations that already drank water with natural fluoride content were show to have less dental decay. So small amounts of fluoride were added to tap water, and there was a noticeable improvement in dental health.

There is some controversy over fluoride in tap water. It is known that high levels of fluoride will cause problems, raging from tooth discolouration to cognitive issues (poor memory than thinking), especially in developing children. But the levels that cause problems are far higher than the small levels found in tap water. And fluoride does occur naturally in foods, so we always have some of it on our body system. Indeed, like copper or sodium it seems we need a small amount of these trace elements to survive. But we suffer if we have excessive amounts.

Rydalmere Dental

Fluoride helps to harden the enamel of a tooth’s surface. It even helps when teeth show early signs of decay; fluoride can actually help repair enamel than has decalcified, the first sign of decay. A constant low level supply of fluoride, as in drinking water, is the best way to apply fluoride to our teeth.

Government put fluoride in drinking water on the basis that ‘prevention is better than cure’. It is better, and cheaper, to prevent tooth decay problems in the population than it is to undergo expensive dental work latter on.

Dundas Dental

Strangely, the trend to drinking more water, which started in the 1990’s, had actually made dental problems worse, at least in some ways. While drinking water is certainly healthy, and while is certainly helps cleans teeth, the trend has been towards bottled water, which is usually fluoride free.

We might do well to add fluoride to our dental routine, perhaps by using mouthwash several times per day, it we insist on drinking bottled water.

Dentist Telopea

We need a small amount of fluoride to help fight dental decay. Discuss the best options with your dentist.

Newington Dental

In many dental situations the functionality and appearance fit together. Neatly aligned teeth will look good, and they tend to work well. Occasionally the appearance of the teeth might not affect the function, but there is no reason no too look good if the function is already good.

Implants Dundas Dental

An implant will replace a lost or badly damaged tooth. While certainly a health natural tooth is the best option, which is why we all should try to keep our natural teeth, an implant is the next best thing. In facts, it is so similar to the natural tooth the patient soon forgets that the implant is artificial.

Modern implants are made from lithium desilicate or zirconia. These are both extremely strong, and lithium disilicate (almost always used for front teeth) looks realistic and natural.

Braces Dental Denistone

These are common on many teenagers, and even a few adults. Braces will align individuals teeth and jaws for improved function, and improved appearance. the idea is to produce a neat set of teeth that fit properly together, making speaking and eating easier.

Whitening Dentist Telopea

Teeth whitening is one of the few examples of a purely cosmetic procedure. It lightens and whitens the teeth to make them look better, and perhaps match the patient’s skin tone.

One health advantage of white teeth is easier cleaning- it is easy to see if white teeth and clean or not.

Invisalign Dundas

Adults who never had braces but who require some alignment can use Invisalign. This is a series of clear plastic aligners that correct most minor orthodontic problems. They are not conspicuous, and can be removed for eating.

Newington Dental

At one point there was concern that mouthwash might increase the risk of oral cancer. But this proved unfounded. It was only the mouthwash containing alcohol that was under suspicion.

A mouthwash containing alcohol apparently does raise the risk of oral cancer, but it depends on the exposure. Research indicates that alcohol mouthwashes would need to contain 25-40% alcohol, and be used three times per day for a full minute to really increase the risk of cancer. This is a fairly high amount of alcohol exposure.

More commonly, when people do use mouthwash it is gargled for half a minute, twice per day. This level of alcohol exposure is a little high, but probably not too bad.

There is a possibility that some individuals already had oral cancer, and were using mouthwash to remove the oral cancer sores. So the alcohol mouthwash was correlated with the cancer, even as it was not the cause.

Ironically, alcohol mouthwash can cause the mouth to dry out, leading to more bacteria and bad breath. This means it causes the very problems that it is supposed to remove. It is best to avoid alcohol mouthwashes.

Alcohol free mouthwashes are readily available. These can be used two or three times daily, and your teeth, not to mention you breath, will be benefit.

Dentist Newington – Types of Mouthwash

Antiseptic / general mouthwashes – The most common type. It does a decent job of killing off germs and bacteria, especially if you have already brushed you teeth, and it gives you fresh breath.

Fluoride mouthwashes – These are designed for sensitive or slightly damaged teeth. If the outer tooth enamel is damaged the fluoride in these mouthwashes will help re-calcify the enamel, and reverse the damage. It takes a few week to feel the benefits, but these mouthwashes can stop decay from getting worse, and reverse the process if we start using them early on.

Cosmetic Mouthwash – These just freshen the breath. they do no harm, but it would be better to use an antiseptic mouthwash that helps fight decay and bacteria.

Natural Mouthwashes – Mouthwashes with all natural, non-chemical ingredients. They shouldn’t cause any harm, but their effectiveness varies.

Prescription Mouthwashes – An extremely strong mouthwash that fights infections and gum disease. This will only be used for a short period, until the infection is removed.

Braces Rydalmere

Braces make regular brushing and flossing is difficult, but mouthwash still work well here . Mouthwash adds that extra bit of protection. We also recommend a Waterpik for cleaning between the teeth as flossing with braces is difficult.