1. Types of Veneers: Porcelain vs. Composite Resin

Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin. Each material has unique benefits, and it’s important to consult with your Brisbane dentist to determine which is best for you.

• Porcelain Veneers: Known for their natural appearance, durability, and resistance to staining. However, some tooth enamel must be removed to ensure a perfect fit. These veneers offer a long-lasting solution but require ongoing care.

• Composite Resin Veneers: These can be applied directly to your teeth with minimal preparation. While they may not last as long as porcelain, they offer a more affordable, reversible option for some patients.

Tooth whitening and natural porcelain veneers for subtle enhancements

2. Veneers Can Transform Your Smile

Veneers are ideal for improving the colour, shape, and position of your teeth. Whether you’re dealing with discolouration, misshapen teeth, or gaps, veneers offer a quick fix to a wide variety of dental issues. For optimal results, many patients undergo digital smile design to visualise the finished outcome.

3. Natural-Looking Veneers Tailored to Your Smile

A natural-looking smile is possible with veneers! At Dentistry on George, we don’t just aim for a “Hollywood smile”—we focus on creating a look that fits your features. Your veneers are custom-made after a thorough consultation, ensuring a bespoke design that looks and feels authentic.

Porcelain Veneers for a natural smile

4. Veneers Are More Affordable Than You Think

While veneers in Brisbane are an investment, their long-term durability and cosmetic benefits make them cost-effective. If properly maintained, porcelain veneers can last over 10 years, providing excellent value for money. Proper care includes avoiding excessive force, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups to ensure your veneers stay intact.

5. Veneers Aren’t for Everyone

While veneers are a great option for many patients, they might not be the best solution for everyone for a smile makeover. Tooth whitening or composite bonding may be more suitable for minor discolouration or small imperfections. If you have more significant misalignments, orthodontic treatments may be a better option.

Smile Makeover Consultation in Brisbane

Before deciding on veneers, it’s essential to consult with a professional. At Dentistry on George, we offer comprehensive smile makeover consultations. Our team will assess your dental needs, take digital scans, and create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your dream smile.

Every smile is unique, and so is every treatment plan. Our team will guide you through your options, costs, and the treatment timeline to ensure you’re comfortable every step of the way.

The post Top 5 Things You Must Know About Veneers first appeared on Dentistry on George.

Bad breath is a common problem to struggle with. In the mornings, it’s normal to experience bad breath, and it will usually go away with a drink of water and brushing your teeth. If the bad breath lasts throughout the day, or several days, there may be an underlying condition. In this article, we’ll go over what causes bad breath, medically called Halitosis, and what treatment is available.

What Causes Bad Breath? The Most Common Culprits

Bad breath is an issue that nobody likes having to deal with. Not only can it feel awkward not knowing if others can smell it, it may also be a source of discomfort to the person suffering from it. You may have a sour taste or dryness in your mouth or feel a constant need to clear your throat. In most cases, there’s a straightforward fix, but sometimes the root cause of the problem lies deeper.

If your bad breath is persistent and doesn’t go away, there may be an underlying medical condition. Many potential issues could be causing it, so if the condition persists, the best course of action is to book a check-up with a qualified dentist. This is especially the case if your teeth are also discoloured and sensitive, or other issues are present. However, here are some of the medical causes that may cause bad breath.

Gum disease

The number one cause of bad breath is gum disease. Without adequate dental hygiene, food particles remain in the mouth, allowing for the build-up of bacteria (plaque). Without regular brushing and oral hygiene, the plaque will begin to build up in pockets within the mouth, forming toxins and irritating the gums.

One of the main symptoms of periodontitis, the severe form of gum disease, is bad breath. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to much more severe symptoms than bad breath. This includes damage to the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth, and eventually tooth loss.

Plaque build-up

Often bad breath is simply due to a build-up of plaque in the mouth, tongue and gums. Plaque is a see-through, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. It should be removed daily with brushing and flossing, so it doesn’t build up and harden into tartar.

Tooth decay and Infection

Other medical causes for bad breath include tooth decay and infection. A common chain of events is food getting trapped around wisdom teeth, which then become infected due to bacteria. If left unattended for a long time, the infection can then lead to cavities or tooth decay. If you’re experiencing bad breath as well as toothache and mouth sores, it’s time to get a dental check-up.

Dry mouth

Chronic dry mouth may be a symptom of problems with your salivary glands. It can also be a side effect of certain medications and diseases. In addition to bad breath, those suffering from a chronic dry mouth are at a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Saliva protects the teeth, so when it’s lacking, tooth decay and gum disease can advance more rapidly. That’s why it’s crucial to see your dentist regularly if you suffer from a dry mouth.

Other medical causes

• Gut problems – gases in your gut may cause bad breath
• Conditions affecting the mouth, nose and throat
• Extreme diets and anorexia nervosa
• Diabetes

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath?

The best way to treat and prevent bad breath is with good and consistent oral hygiene habits. If the bad breath is not caused by an underlying health issue, it will usually go away with regular brushing and good hydration.

How to treat bad breath at home

1. Carefully brush the teeth and tongue twice a day, for at least 2 minutes each time.
2. Remember to floss daily.
3. Drink plenty of water.
4. Replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months.
5. Mouthwash can also help, but it’s essential to address the root of the problem.

Diet habits can also add to bad breath. Everybody knows how strong the effect of certain foods, such as onion or garlic, is on the breath – but, their effect is only temporary. If this is of concern to you, you may want to cut these foods from your diet. It’s also a good idea to avoid sugary foods, as they’re generally not good for the health of your teeth.

Treating bad breath at the dentist

When visiting your dentist to treat bad breath, the dentist will examine your mouth thoroughly and talk through the issue with you. They will discuss with you any potential causes, including medications you’re taking. When you book a teeth cleaning and check-up, your dentist will also remove any plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth.

If the cause of the bad breath is a decayed or infected tooth, potential treatments include putting in a filling, root canal treatment or, in case of severe decay, tooth extraction.

Are you suffering from bad breath?

Continuous bad breath is not just a minor inconvenience, it can have significant ripple effects on the quality of life. From a dental health perspective, bad breath is an issue to take seriously, as it may be a sign of poor dental hygiene habits or an underlying condition. Poor dental hygiene, in turn, can lead to other health issues, such as gum disease.

If you’re suffering from bad breath, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for a consultation and a check-up. At Dentistry on George, we offer complete and thorough check-ups that give your dental health the care and attention it deserves.

The post What Causes Bad Breath? first appeared on Dentistry on George.

Most people think of grinding as a jaw problem. But your teeth take the brunt of it. The forces involved in clenching and grinding are far greater than normal chewing, and they’re often happening for hours every night without you knowing.

The good news is that the damage builds slowly, so it can usually be picked up early at a check-up and protected against.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical term for clenching or grinding your teeth. It most often happens while you’re asleep (sleep bruxism), but it can happen during the day too, often when you’re concentrating or stressed.

If you’re not sure whether you grind, here are 5 signs you’re grinding your teeth (even if you don’t know it).

What grinding does to your teeth

Wear

Enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it isn’t designed to rub against itself for hours at a time. Over time, grinding flattens the biting edges of your teeth. Front teeth can start to look shorter or uneven, and back teeth lose their natural grooves. Once enamel is worn away, it doesn’t grow back.

Sensitivity

As enamel wears thinner, the softer layer underneath (called dentine) gets closer to the surface. Dentine has tiny channels that lead towards the nerve, so worn teeth often feel sensitive to cold, hot or sweet things, sometimes across the whole mouth rather than just one tooth.

Crack lines and cracked teeth

Repeated pressure can create fine crack lines in the enamel. Many of these stay harmless, but some can deepen over time. A cracked tooth is a bit like a crack in your windscreen: it may stay stable for years, or it may spread, and it’s hard to predict when or in which direction. If a crack reaches the nerve, the tooth may need a root canal treatment, or occasionally it can’t be saved.

This is why we keep an eye on crack lines at your check-ups. Picking them up early gives you more options. Read more about why teeth crack.

Chipped teeth and broken fillings

Heavy grinding forces can chip the edges of teeth, and fillings, crowns and veneers are vulnerable too. If you’ve had a filling break more than once, or chips keep appearing, grinding is often part of the reason.

Loose or tender teeth

Constant pressure can strain the supporting structures around the teeth, so some people notice their teeth feel tender or slightly loose, especially in the morning.

Why protecting your teeth matters

Wear and cracks are much easier to manage before they cause pain or need bigger treatment. Repairing worn or broken teeth can involve fillings, crowns or onlays, and if grinding continues unprotected, that work is at risk too.

How we protect your teeth

We can’t stop you from grinding. What we can do is take the load off your teeth. A custom hard splint (a night guard worn while you sleep) sits between your upper and lower teeth, so the splint takes the wear instead of your enamel and dental work.

We use hard acrylic splints, custom-made from a scan of your teeth, because they’re durable and hold their shape well. Here’s what to expect from a custom night splint.

When grinding is more than a teeth problem

Grinding can also cause jaw pain, headaches and earache, and night-time grinding can be linked to sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea.

If jaw pain or headaches are part of the picture, see how we approach TMD and jaw pain treatment.

Worried about wear or cracks?

If your teeth are looking shorter, feeling sensitive, or you’ve had chips or broken fillings, it’s worth having them checked. Book an appointment with our Brisbane CBD dentists.

The post What Tooth Grinding Does to Your Teeth (and How to Protect Them) first appeared on Dentistry on George.

What’s more, the last 11 years of a man’s life tend to be in poor health.

Men take their own lives at four times the rate of women (that’s five men a day, on average).  Accidents, cancer and heart disease all account for the majority of male deaths. (1)

The good news however, is that only 30% of a man’s health is determined through genetics. The other 70% is determined through lifestyle choices. (2) Those lifestyle choices affect all aspect of health, including dental health. In addition, a healthy approach to your dental well-being leads to a healthier lifestyle.

Men don’t brush their teeth as often as women

A study has shown that Australian men are significantly less likely to brush their teeth twice a day than women. Only 36% of men brush their teeth twice per day! (2)

You may remember from previous blogs, that brushing twice per day is only part of the picture. By not cleaning between your teeth (with floss or interdental brushes), 40% of tooth surfaces are missed.

This build-up of bacteria on the teeth causes inflammation, infection and tooth decay, which have consequences on general health.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in men.

There is more and more evidence coming out on the links between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Those with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease.

Men are more likely to suffer heart attack
than women.

Although it’s important for all men to be diligent with their dental health, some men should take extra time to make sure their oral hygiene is at its best, especially if they have a heart condition.

Signs of gum disease:

• gums that are red and/or swollen
• bleeding gums
• bad breath
• teeth that are loose
• teeth that seem to be moving

Seeing your dentist regularly means that gum disease could be caught early, which makes it much easier to treat.

Men are more likely to get cancer of the head and neck

Another leading cause of death in men is cancer. One cancer that we are particularly worried about is cancer of the head and neck. In Australia in 2019, 73% of head and neck cancers diagnosed were in men.

Oral cancers are those that affect the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks, gums, roof of mouth, tonsils and salivary glands. These are a type of head and neck cancer.

Cancers of the mouth can affect anyone, but it is more common in men over 40 years old (95% of oral cancers are in the over 40s).

Too much alcohol increases
your risk of oral cancer.

The main risk factors for mouth cancer:

• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Viruses (human papillomavirus; Epstein-Barr virus)
• Poor oral hygiene and gum disease
• Family history of mouth cancers
• Exposure to the sun (cancers of the lip)
• Betel nut chewing

Signs that warrant an urgent check by your dentist:

• A persistent ulcer
• A lump in your neck
• A swelling or sore on your lip that won’t heal
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Changes in speech, including hoarseness
• Bleeding or numbness in the mouth
• White or red patches anywhere in the mouth, for example on the gums, tongue or roof of the mouth

Mental Health

On average, one in eight men will experience depression and one in five men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives.

Depression can also lead us to neglect basic habits such as healthy eating, brushing and flossing. Neglecting our oral health can lead to many problems from tooth decay and gum disease.

Tell your dentist about any stresses or anxieties
you have, including any medications you are
taking.

What should I tell my dentist?

Telling your dentist about the medications you take for depression and anxiety is very important. Many of these medications can lead to a dry mouth. Saliva is so important for protecting your teeth and gums. It contains many substances, from those that are antibacterial, to ones that can actually stop and even reverse early tooth decay. Those with dry mouth are much more likely to suffer from tooth decay and gum disease, and these diseases can progress at an alarmingly rapid rate if left unchecked. Your dentist can help with keeping a close eye on things, and also prescribing or suggesting products that can help.

Men are more likely to snore

Snoring can affect the quality of life of those trying to get a good night’s sleep. However, snoring can by a symptom of a more serious disease – obstructive sleep apnoea.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is caused when fatty tissue at the back of the throat temporarily closes the airway during sleep. It is more common in men than in women, although after menopause women may be more at risk.

Almost everyone who has obstructive sleep apnoea snores. This is because snoring is the result of narrow or floppy upper airways. (4) People with moderate to severe sleep apnoea are more likely to die prematurely. Treatment is simple and can drastically improve your quality of life.

Untreated sleep apnoea increases your risk
of falling asleep at the wheel.

At Dentistry On George we can treat those, on recommendation from a sleep physician, who have mild to moderate sleep apnoea with an oral appliance. This is like top and bottom mouth-guards that hold the lower jaw, and therefore the tongue, forward. This reduces the soft tissues collapsing in at the back of the throat.

Next Steps

1. Make sure you are brushing twice per day and cleaning in between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes
2. Eat a healthy diet, low in sugars
3. Visit your dentist regularly
4. Get help for your snoring

Regular dental check-ups are an integral part of our overall health. This becomes even more important if there are other health issues at play, such as heart disease.

At Dentistry On George we do a thorough and meticulous check of not only your teeth and gums, but of your medical history and other factors that could be significant. If a sleep issue is suspected, a sleep history will be taken and referral to a sleep physician for testing.

Contact us to arrange your dental health assessment or to find out more about any of the issues raised in this article. Our friendly team are here to help.

Our friendly team are here to help you.

Resources

1. https://www.menshealthweek.org.au/health-info
2. https://www.dhsv.org.au/news/news-stories/general-news-stories/2013/mens-health-week-oral-health-for-men
3. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/media/statistics
4. https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/files/pdfs/Obstructive%20Sleep%20Apnoea.pdf

The post Men’s Health first appeared on Dentistry on George.

Our dentist Mishari loves cooking and we’ve already shared on the blog his healthier alternative to KFC. He loves cooking things from scratch, so he know exactly what goes in to it. Food manufacturers hide sugars in a lot of our food where we don’t expect it. Notorious for this is anything labelled ‘fat free’. Just check the ingredients for the sugar content.

In this blog, I want to give you some more of Mishari’s sugar-free recipes and why it’s important for us to limit our sugar intake and watch what we snack on.

What does sugar do to the body?

According to the World Health Organisation, poor diet and physical inactivity are some of the most common causes of non-communicable diseases (NCD). They are also a risk factor for obesity, which is a risk in it’s own for non-communicable diseases and which is rapidly increases across the globe. A high level of free sugars intake is a concern as it’s associated with a poor quality of diet, obesity and an increased risk of a non communicable disease.

A healthy lifestyle – diet, exercise and regular
health and dental check-ups – will help keep
you healthy.

What is a non-communicable disease?

A non-communicable disease (NCD) is one that is not transmissible from one person to another, for example heart disease, most cancers, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune diseases, chronic kidney disease and of course tooth decay.

If fact, dental decay is the most prevalent non-communicable disease across the world. Tooth decay causes pain, a limit in function (including time off work and school) and the social and mental implications of tooth loss or being self-conscious about your smile.

The WHO also states that although exposure to fluoride reduces dental decay and delays the onset of cavities forming, it does not completely prevent it. This just shows how important diet it. You can brush and floss and do all the prevention you can, but if you are still consuming a lot of sugar, you will still get decay.

To read about the different stages of tooth decay, check out another one of our blogs.

NCDs are the leading causes of death and were responsible for 38 million (68%) of the world’s 56 million deaths in 2012.

What other damage can sugar do?

Studies have shown association between a high-sugar diet and a greater risk of dying from heart disease. One study, published in the JAMA Internal Medicine in 2014 found that those who got 21% of their calories from added sugar had a 38% greater risk of dying from heart disease than those who only consumed 8% of their calories from sugar.

In addition, your liver metabolises sugar much like it does alcohol. It converts sugar to fat. Over time this can lead to fatty liver disease. This can contribute to diabetes and increase your risk for heart disease. Too much sugar can also increase blood pressure and chronic inflammation. Both of these can lead to heart disease and stroke. (1)

Healthy foods and snacks are great for your
general health, not just your dental health.

What are the different types of sugar?

The term “sugars” includes intrinsic sugars, which are those incorporated within the structure of intact fruit and vegetables and sugars from milk (lactose and galactose). You may have heard the term ‘natural sugars’ to describe these. These sugars pose little problems to the teeth provided they are within their original intact form. For example, eating an apple is much less damaging for your teeth than drinking apple juice or eating dried apple.

Free sugars, are those which are added to foods and beverages by the manufacturer, cook or consumer – you may also hear these being called ‘added sugars’. However, free sugars also include those naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates. It’s the free sugars that cause problems with your teeth and your general health.

These free sugars are the ones added into your ketchup, bread, yoghurt, cereal and even baked beans. When buying anything in a packet, my advice is to look at the label and check under ‘carbohydrates of which sugar’ . Compare this amount per 100 grams to other similar products to see which is the lowest sugar version (you can also do this to check salt content).

Why is snacking bad?

Plaque bacteria love sugar. When you eat sugar, these bacteria feed off it, producing acid. This acid causes tooth decay – the teeth start to rot and cavities form. This can be caused by eating sugar, or even eating something that breaks down into sugar (carbohydrates, like bread). Every time you snack, your teeth go under this ‘acid attack’. It can take up to 20 minutes for your saliva to neutralise these acids. If you keep snacking, your saliva will struggle to neutralise the acids – every time your mouth has almost gone back to normal, you have another square of chocolate, biscuit or a sip of a sugary drink, and the cycle begins all over again.

VIDEO

Some sugar-free recipes

Home-made Pizza

Mishari made this healthy home-made pizza, which you can whip up easily at home using whatever vegetables you have in the fridge (or freezer) for your toppings.

This recipe makes 2:

1. Mix 230 g of wholemeal flour, some salt & pepper, a sprinkle of fennel seeds, 2 sprigs of thyme, 125 ml water a tsp of olive oil and make into a dough ball. Knead the dough out until not sticky and then cut the ball in half. Roll each half out into any size/thickness you like
2. Heat a pan with a splash of oil – pop the flatbread in, and cook on both sides for 5 mins total ( until browned, slightly crisp)
3. Heat oven to about 200 degrees ( fan)
4. Cover each pizza base with a teaspoon of tomato paste, then add your cheese (e.g. mozzarella) and whatever veg you like (Mishari used mushrooms, broccoli, sweet corn and spinach)
5. Heat in oven for about 10 mins
6. After it’s cooked remove and enjoy!

Rice Salad

Another of Mishari’s favourites is this tasty and nutritious rice salad. He credits the inspiration from a good dentist friend of his.

1. Use any rice you like and quantity appropriate to how many you’re feeding. Cook the rice according to the instructions with an added splash of vegetable stock.
2. Use 1 tin of black beans (or equivalent amount of cooked dried beans) and 1 cup of frozen or 1 tin of corn (cook as required).
3. Non-vegan option: boiled eggs – boiled, peeled and cut into quarters.
4. Chop vegetables into chunks – Mishari used 3 tomatoes, cucumber, 2 capsicums (one red and one green) and 2 large handfuls of spinach
5. Place the rice, corn, beans and vegetables in a large bowl and mix together with a good amount of extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper, and the juice of 1 lemon (or lime).
6. Place the eggs on top.
7. Mishari placed this in the fridge to chill before serving cold.

Great on its own as a vegetarian or vegan (minus the eggs) lunch, or as a side salad to a larger meal.

Rice, beans and vegetable salad
(vegan if leave off the eggs).

Healthy Snacks

Swap out chocolates, biscuits and other sugary snacks for these alternatives:

• Cheese on crackers
• Veggies (carrots, cucumber, capsicum) dipped in hummus
• Nuts
• Fresh fruit
• Peanut butter on crackers or toast (make sure you go for natural peanut butter made from 100% peanuts – no added salt or sugar).
• Boiled egg

Tooth friendly snack (make sure there is no
added sugar in the peanut butter).

Worried you have been eating too much sugar? Worried you have damaged your teeth? Book in for a check-up to get your teeth checked out & discuss your diet with the dentist.

References

(1) https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar

The post Why snacking damages your teeth first appeared on Dentistry on George.

In addition, the latest dental fee survey carried out by the Australian Dental Association, showed that from 2018 – 2019 the average costs charged by dentists actually dropped by 1.9%. But our insurance costs are increasing and the average rebate paid is decreasing. So what’s going on and what can you do to make sure you get the most out of your private health insurance?

What to look out for this year

This year, the average increase in fees is going to be around 2.95%. In past years we have seen an average increase of between 3.5% and 5.5%. However, remember that this is just an average. One health fund is set to increase its fees by 5.58% (I was shocked to learn that this is actually my health fund!).

So, what should we do? Well first of all, don’t just accept the rise and carry on as normal. Although this seems tempting when you are already too busy and stressed to deal with it, it does pay to look around at other options.

The private health ombudsman advises you check your policy once every year to make sure that it’s meeting your health needs.

Do you actually need it?

I’m not an expert in health insurance, but this is the first question I ask myself. Here we’ll be dealing with extras cover only.

First thing to work out is what allied health services you actually use. Look back over past receipts or think about what you might be needing in the near future. Hoping this will be the year you finally run a marathon? Probably wise to keep the physio cover! Don’t wear glasses or contacts? You probably don’t need optical cover. Do you just get a check-up and clean once a year at the dentist? Maybe you don’t need dental cover.

If your health insurance extras covers for example, physio, dental and optical – grab your receipts from the past year and add up how much your total bills were. This is the total amount, before any health rebates, at each of these providers. Is this amount less that what you are spending in insurance? If so, you probably don’t need it unless you are foreseeing any changes coming in the next year.

Visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent
any unexpected emergency visits.

An example…

As an example, let’s say you paid $500 for the year for your extras cover, which is paying 50% up to a limit of $800 per year.

Imagine got 2 check-ups and cleans and one filling over the course of the year, which cost a total of $750. You’d have paid $375 (the 50% ‘gap’) plus your premium of $500, which means all up you’ve spent $875. This is more than the $750 you would have paid if you didn’t have any insurance.

This is just an example, but it’s definitely worth looking at your dental needs, what you’re paying and what’s covered to see if you have the right level of cover. Seeing your dentist regularly, they will be able to give you an idea of what kind of work you may require over the course of the year. Also, seeing them regularly means that you may be able to prevent problems before they arise, so there are not any surprise dental appointments that you didn’t budget for.

How does dental insurance work?

Different policies all do this differently. Some will give you an annual limit that will cover all dental whereas others will exclude certain procedures. Some will split procedures into general and major dental, but others might split this further into general, major, orthodontic and endodontic (root canals). Read your product information statement thoroughly. If you have absolutely no intention on getting braces, there’s no point having cover for orthodontics.

Each fund will have an annual limit. Some funds may allocate a limit for each type of provider, e.g. $500 for dental, $500 for physio. Others may not split it and give you say $800 a year to spend on any of the services covered by your policy.

Is your health insurance the right one for you,
or are you wasting your money?

What is a Member’s Choice or Preferred Provider dentist?

Some health funds have ‘Member’s Choice’ or ‘preferred provider’ dentist. This is purely a financial agreement between the dental provider and the health fund. The contracted dentist has agreed to provide a dental service at a fee agreed with the health fund. The health fund will then advertise ‘no out of pocket expenses’, but only if you see one of their dentists.

The dentist is providing the same service at at reduced fee, in return to receiving a higher volume of patients. The “preferred practitioners” are not actually preferred because of dental ability, nor are the practices held to a higher standard.

This is limiting the choice patients have over who their dentist is. Just because they signed up with a certain health fund doesn’t mean they should have to go to the dentist their health fund says. Continuity of care is so important. Finding a dentist that you like and trust should be your priority. Sticking with them over the years mean they get to know you, your history, your family. In addition they will become your trusted adviser and friend. Your health fund shouldn’t be penalising you for going to the dentist you like.

It’s important to see a dentist that you like
and trust.

Who can I turn to for impartial advice?

The government have a website that will give you comprehensive, independent private health insurance information.

Some of the comparison websites out there won’t compare all the funds. Funds pay to sign up with these companies. If you just use comparison websites, you’ll be missing out on all the options.

Another great source to try is the Fair Health Care Alliance, who have been backed by the Australian Dental Association. They will find out your insurance needs and do all the calculations and comparisons for your you.

In summary…

Want to get the most out of your health fund? Make sure you actually use it! Some funds give you unlimited check-ups per year (check your policy). There is no point in paying all that money to health funds who cover preventive treatment, when you don’t actually make the most of it.

Check-up overdue? Call our friendly team today on (07) 3211 1155 and let them take care of you.

The post How to Avoid the Health Fund Increases first appeared on Dentistry on George.

This time, we’re talking hormones! Read on to find out how pregnancy and menopause can affect oral health, and vice versa.

Pregnancy

First, things first – it is completely safe to visit your dentist during pregnancy. In fact is actually more important to do so. It’s important not only for mum’s health, but also for the baby. Your dentist knows exactly which medications are safe while you pregnant.

It’s more important than ever to see 
your dentist and take care of your
teeth and gums while pregnant.

But what about dental x-rays?

Dental x-rays are taken to see what is going on inside the tooth, between the teeth and under the gum-line where your dentist can’t see. The provide invaluable information about the state of your dental health and the bone supporting the teeth.

The amount of radiation involved is extremely low. In fact, it is the same as the amount of radiation you would get on a 1-2 hour flight. Therefore,  even if you’re pregnant you can have x-rays taken, although we try to keep them to a minimum during this time.

Gum Disease and Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums more prone to inflammation, bleeding and swelling – what we call pregnancy gingivitis. Excellent home care of your teeth through twice daily brushing, and daily flossing can help control this. Also seeing your dentist for a professional clean will help. Left un-checked it could develop into gum disease and cause further problems.

Studies have shown links between mother’s having gum disease and affects on the birth and the baby. For example, American Nurse reports a study that showed women who had severe gum disease which was left untreated during pregnancy were more susceptible to early labour.

Gum disease has also been linked to low birth weight and preeclampsia.

Undergoing dental treatment is completely
safe while pregnant.

Diet and Morning Sickness

Morning sickness can be very damaging to teeth. This  causes an acidic environment in the mouth , which lowers the pH level in the mouth. This acid causes tooth erosion, which is basically when the tooth starts to dissolve. Acid erosion of the teeth leads to tooth enamel that becomes thin – this causes the teeth to be more sensitive to hot and cold. Thin enamel is more prone to chipping and breaking. In very severe cases, the nerve inside the tooth can be irreversibly damaged.

If you have been sick, don’t brush your teeth afterwards. The acids will have softened the tooth surface and the brushing action could abrade and damage the teeth further. Instead, drink water and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to help protect the teeth. Other things that help return the acid levels in the mouth to neutral are milk, cheese and yogurt – just look for low sugar options.

The other problem pregnant women face are cravings! Look for healthier options if you get that sugar craving. Increased sugar intake will lead to tooth decay. Try and stick to water and plain milk for drinks and fresh fruit and things like cheese and nuts for tooth friendly snacks.

What about after the baby is born?

Once the baby is born, they will start to share the microbiome of their mother. This includes bacteria from the mouth. Remember that certain bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, mothers with untreated disease can actually pass these disease-causing bacteria on to their babies.

For all these reasons, it is especially important to visit your dentist during pregnancy to ensure a healthy mouth for the time baby arrives.

Bacteria can travel from mum’s mouth to
baby’s, which can cause tooth decay.

Menopause

Most women undergo menopause between the ages of 47 and 55. If this is you, you might be noticing inflamed gums, burning sensations, altered taste sensations and a dry mouth.

Changes in hormone levels are the culprit. You may notice your gums look shiny, pale to deep red and that they bleed easily. Don’t worry, this can be managed and treated by your dentist.

Those pesky hormones can also cause what we call burning mouth syndrome. This is where you feel your mouth is more sensitive to hot and cold, and things taste a bit strange. You may have a metallic taste. Your mouth may feel like it is burning, like it’s on fire, or it can feel numb and tingly. It can affect inside your mouth like inside the cheeks and tongue, or even your lips. Again your dentist can help with managing this condition.

Menopause can cause problems with a mouth
that feels like it’s burning, tingling or dry.

Something else others may experience is a mouth that feels dry. This is because the amount of saliva produced may be reduced. This can make eating, swallowing and speaking more difficult. The biggest risk for those with dry mouth is an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva in in fact incredibly protective of our teeth. It contains substances that help counteract acids and fight bacteria. It’s very important that you chat to your dentist about your dry mouth. They can recommend products to help not only with the discomfort, but also to protect your mouth from gum disease and tooth decay.

What about after menopause?

After menopause, many women can suffer with osteoporosis. This is when the bones become thin, weak and fragile. This can also affect the jaw bones. In addition, medications prescribed to treat osteoporosis can have an impact on the jaw bone and consequently healing following dental surgery. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s important to see you dentist. They can assess the bone levels surrounding the teeth and help prevent problems down the track

What should I do?

The key message here is to see your dentist regularly. Don’t suffer through menopause or pregnancy. Your dentist is able to give you tailored advice to your situation and help with recommending products that can help.

If you’re suffering any of the symptoms mentioned above, or are thinking about getting pregnant, are pregnant or going through menopause, please arrange a dental appointment for a check-up.

Our friendly team can take care of you throughout
your pregnancy or if you are suffering the effects
of menopause.

Regular teeth cleaning and check-ups help maintain good oral health and prevent major problems from occurring. Our highly trained dentist and dental assistants do a thorough check of your teeth, gums and mouth, picking up on things before they become an issue.

Call us on 0732111155 , book online or read more here.

The post Women’s Health and Hormones first appeared on Dentistry on George.

A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, stated that 1 in 2 Australian females have a chronic disease. The most commonly reported by women were mental health issues (19.2%) and cardiovascular disease (18.6%). At the other end of the spectrum we have diabetes (4.6%) and cancer (1.5%). How do these affect the health of our mouths? Let’s have a look.

Mental Health Issues – Stress

Many women feel under a lot of stress. A study by Jayne Hailes reported that around 40% of the Australian women they surveyed had been professionally diagnosed with depression or anxiety. Women aged 18-35 were the most anxious of all the age groups. Nearly half of the women surveyed reported that on several days they can worry excessively, become easily annoyed or distracted and have trouble sleeping.

Nearly half of women surveyed said they
had trouble sleeping.

How stress affects our mouth

With relation to our oral health, too much stress can lead to problems with our teeth, gums and even areas outside of our mouth.

Stress can cause mouth ulcers and cold sores. There are other causes of ulcers so if you are suffering from many ulcers at once, frequently have ulcers or have an ulcer that’s not healing within 10 days, please schedule a visit to your dentist. Iron deficiency is a common cause of ulcers in women.

Stress can also cause us to tense the muscles around our shoulders, face and neck, leading to headaches. We can grind or clench our teeth, which a lot of the time we do subconsciously, or even in our sleep. This can cause wear and damage to the teeth, and even affect the jaw joint, which can be very painful. Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment is important. The treatment can be as simple as some exercises for your jaw, some treatment from a physio and/or a mouthguard to help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding.

Stress and anxiety can cause problems with
cold sires and ulcers. In addition, medication
used to treat depression and anxiety can
cause a dry mouth.

Depression can also lead us to neglect basic habits such as healthy eating, brushing and flossing. Neglecting our oral health can lead to many problems from tooth decay and gum disease.

What should I tell my dentist?

Telling your dentist about the medications you take for depression and anxiety is very important. Many of these medications can lead to a dry mouth. Saliva is so important for protecting your teeth and gums. It contains many substances, from those that are antibacterial, to ones that can actually stop and even reverse early tooth decay. Those with dry mouth are much more likely to suffer from tooth decay and gum disease, and these diseases can progress at an alarmingly rapid rate if left unchecked. Your dentist can help with keeping a close eye on things, and also prescribing or suggesting products that can help.

Cardiovascular Disease

The health of your mouth influences the health of the rest of your body. Inflammation and bacteria in your mouth can affect your heart health. This is because the bacteria and the inflammatory toxins travel through the bloodstream to the heart. In addition, if you already have heart disease, medications for heart health can affect your mouth. Make sure you give your dentist a complete list of the names and doses of all medications you are taking (including complementary medications). This will help the dentist decide on the best treatment for you, including which medications/anaesthetics are safe for you.

Some doctors and surgeons seek dental clearance from the dentist before they proceed with treatment. They want to ensure the mouth and body are infection free before surgery.

Many medications can have implications for
your dental care.

Diabetes

The link between diabetes and oral health has been known for a long time. Diabetics are more prone in general to having infections. This includes infections of the mouth. We have had patients who were unaware they were diabetic, but following a request from the dentist to get this checked out they were diagnosed. This is because the dentist noted many unusual infections of the mouth, including severe gum disease that wasn’t responding well to treatment.

What’s more, it’s not just diabetes that causes problems with the gums. Having gum disease in the first place can also play havoc with your sugar control if you are already diabetes. This is why it’s even more essential for diabetics to get regular dental check-ups.

A healthy smile is part of our overall health.

Cancer

Seeing your dentist after your cancer diagnosis lets your dentist assess your oral health in relation to the proposed cancer treatment. Some treatment may need to be carried out before your cancer treatment begins, either by your dentist or a specialist.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy slow down the growth of fast growing cells. The cells that line the mouth are some of the fastest growing. For this reason, chemotherapy and radiation therapy slow down the ability of the lining of the mouth to heal itself. In addition, these treatments also affect the balance of bacteria in the mouth. For all these reasons, those undergoing treatment for cancer are more likely to have sores in the mouth, infections and tooth decay.

If radiation to the head and/or neck region is proposed, this can have a long-term affect on the jaw bones. Before treatment, your dentist should do a thorough check and get any treatment done that could pose a problem later.

Final thoughts

If you are feeling nervous or suffering with anxiety regarding your dental care and/or medical condition, please speak with your dentist and/or doctor. They can help with strategies and possible medications to help. Don’t let a fear put you off seeking treatment as this will be more detrimental to your health.

Call our friendly team on 0732111155 to find out more.

Look out for our next blog where we’ll look deeper at women’s dental health, in particular, the role hormones play in affecting our mouths.

The post Women’s Health & Dentistry first appeared on Dentistry on George.

Recap – what is gum disease?

Gum disease is inflammation and infection caused by bacteria. The bacteria irritate our gums. This is because our body recognises them as a foreign object and starts trying to defend itself. Loads of cells rush to the area, which is what causes inflammation – your gums may swell and bleed when touched. In these early stages, we call it gingivitis.

Gingivitis – red and bleeding gums.

However, some people’s immune systems take it too far, and the body basically starts the process of trying to get rid of this foreign object and anything else in the way. Periodontitis is when gum disease progresses and the connections between the tooth and the gum start to get destroyed. This including the bone around the tooth. The tooth will start to get loose and over time, if treatment is not sought, the tooth will become so loose it can fall out.

Periodontis. The supporting bone is lost. Here
we see the teeth looking longer and gaps are
appearing between the teeth.

Signs and Symptoms of gum disease

• Bad breath
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bleeding gums
• Sensitive teeth or gums
• Painful chewing
• Gap developing between the teeth and the gum
• Teeth that appear to be drifting/moving; gaps between teeth that weren’t there before
• Teeth that become loose
• Bad taste in the mouth; pus coming out from the gums
• Teeth that appear longer or fit together differently when you bite
• Or no symptoms at all

Risk Factors for gum disease

Smoking

People who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day are two times more likely to develop gum disease. For heavier smokers, this increases to four to five times more likely. In addition, the more cigarettes smoked, the worse the gum disease. Smokers do not respond as well to gum treatment as non-smokers. (1)

Poor oral hygiene

This means poor brushing technique and not cleaning between the teeth thoroughly. Did you know that 40% of the surfaces of your teeth are actually between the teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach this area. This is why it’s important to use something to clean between your teeth.

Using brushes to clean between 
your teeth is the key to healthy gums.

Diet

Sugars and acidic foods and drinks cause the plaque bacteria to thrive. The more bacteria, the more inflammation and infection.

Tooth abnormalities

Teeth with cracks and crevices trap food and lead to increased bacterial growth

Poor dental work

Fillings, crowns and other dental work done poorly can lead to gaps and surfaces where plaque bacteria will gather.

Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth that are coming through the gum and those that are impacted (stuck) can be a huge breeding ground for bacteria.

Tooth grinding

Studies have shown that those who grind their teeth can cause swelling of the little ligaments around the teeth which can lead to infection.

A hard splint (mouthguard) can help protect
the teeth from the effects of tooth grinding.

Genetics

Up to 30% of adults are genetically susceptible to gum disease. If a parent or grandparent has lost teeth early – make sure you are keeping on top of your oral health and having regular dental visits.

So what can be done?

Regular dental examinations allows the dentist to track the health of your gums. They will measure the gap around the tooth and the gum, assess bleeding and plaque and calculus (hardened plaque).

Regular dental cleanings will reduce plaque and calculus,which if left will lead to more plaque bacteria.

Book in to see our friendly and knowledgeable
team for your check-up and clean.

Your dentist will also assess your previous dental work for any areas where plaque bacteria may trap, assess wisdom teeth if required and give you advice on  your oral hygiene and cleaning techniques.

If there are any changes in your gums or oral hygiene, which may be too subtle for you to notice, with regular dental examinations, your dentist will be on top of it.

What is the treatment?

Gum disease in it’s early stages in reversible and treatment is straightforward. However, if left too long, it can become difficult or even impossible to treat.

In it’s very early stages, all that may be required are some changes to your brushing habit. At your check-up appointment the dentist will give you advice on your brushing technique and the best method for you to clean between your teeth.

Regular tooth cleaning is the key to preventing
and treating gum disease.

If there are build-ups of plaque and calculus the dentist will clean these off and polish the teeth for you. Depending on how much cleaning is needed, this can be done with an ultrasonic tooth cleaner, a hand scaler or a combination of both. People with very sensitive teeth tend to prefer manual scaling, as they might find the water spray sensation of the ultrasonic cleaner uncomfortable.

If gum disease has been diagnosed, depending on the severity, the dentist may wish to see you  more frequently for assessments and cleaning of the teeth and gums. This allows for modification of your at-home care, and more frequent professional cleans.

Referral to a specialist and/or medication may
be required to treat advanced gum disease.

If there is no improvement in your condition or the gums are deteriorating rapidly, a referral to a gum specialist may be required. A periodontist is a gum specialist. Treatment by them can involve further cleaning, surgery and/or the use of antibiotics.

What should I do if I’m worried about my gums?

If you are worried about your gums (they are sore, bleeding, look red or puffy) please arrange a dental appointment for a check-up.

Regular teeth cleaning and check-ups help maintain good oral health and prevent major problems from occurring. Our highly trained dentist and dental assistants do a thorough check of your teeth, gums and mouth, picking up on things before they become an issue.

Call us on 0732111155 , book online or read more here.

Sources and Further Reading

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/smoking-and-oral-health

The post Fighting Gum Disease Part 2 – Am I At Risk? first appeared on Dentistry on George.

So what is gum disease?

Gum disease is essentially inflammation and infection that affects the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. It is actually one of the most common diseases worldwide and more people lose teeth through gum disease than from anything else (this includes tooth decay, broken teeth or trauma).

Bacteria are responsible. The bacteria irritate our gums. This is because our body recognises them as a foreign object and starts trying to defend itself. Loads of cells rush to the area, which is what causes inflammation – your gums may swell and bleed when touched. In these early stages, we call it gingivitis.

Some signs of gum disease are red, puffy and bleeding gums. However, there can be no symptoms at all.However, some people’s immune systems take it too far, and the body basically starts the process of trying to get rid of this foreign object and anything else in the way. When gum disease progresses to what we call periodontitis, the connections between the tooth and the gum start to get destroyed, including the bone around the tooth. The tooth will start to get loose, and over time, when treatment is not sought, the tooth will become so loose it can fall out.

What’s worse, the inflammation in your gums produces inflammatory toxins. These bacteria and toxins travel from below the gum-line through the blood stream around the body. This is why gum disease can actually affect so many other parts of the body.

Why is treating gum disease important?

Gum disease is inflammation and infection. It can cause bleeding gums. If you had inflammation, infection and bleeding somewhere other than your mouth, it’d be cause for concern. Your mouth is no different.

There are many links between gum disease and other health conditions. These include heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia, pregnancy complications, diseases of the lungs, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis and obesity. That’s quite a list! Lets look at a few in more detail.

There are known links between gum disease
and heart disease and stroke.

Heart Disease & Stroke

The inflammatory toxins and bacteria can travel from the gums though the blood-stream to the heart and brain. Experts believe that the swelling that hardens arteries in heart disease and stroke and the swelling that occurs in the gums during gum disease may be related. (1)

Reducing the amount of damaging bacteria in the body, including those involved in gum disease, will reduce the risk of heart disease. However, remember that heart disease is caused by many factors. Keeping your mouth healthy with brushing and cleaning between your teeth, regular trips to the dentist, diet and exercise will all help improve your general health.

A healthy lifestyle – diet, exercise and regular 
dental check-ups – will keep you healthy.

Links between gum disease and heart health have been known for over a century:

• People with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease. (1)
• Those diagnosed with a stroke caused by blocked blood vessels in the brain are more likely to have gum disease. (1)
• The presence of common problems in the mouth including gum disease, cavities and missing teeth were as good at predicting heart disease as were cholesterol levels. (1)
• If you already have heart disease, or have suffered from a stroke, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are seeing the dentist regularly.

Heart health and gum health go hand in hand.

Cancer

Research suggests that advanced gum disease and some forms of cancer are linked. Research published in June 2008 in the Lancet Oncology found that men with a history of gum disease are 14% more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums. (2)

What’s more startling is that men with periodontal disease are actually 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.

There are links between gum disease and
cancers in men.

There has also been a link between prostate health and gum health. Men with gum disease indicators (red, swollen or tender gums) as well as inflammation in the prostrate have higher levels of PSA that men with only one of these conditions. A 2015 study from Case Western Reserve University showed that men treated for gum disease reduced the inflammation in the prostate. (1)

There have been links between gum disease and breast cancer in women, but further research is required. One study found that 14% of women with gum disease had an increased risk of cancer. (1)

Diabetes

Diabetics are 2-4 times more susceptible to gum disease. (1)

The link between gum disease and diabetes actually goes in both directions:

• Those with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease
• Having gum disease can cause problems regulating glucose levels in diabetics.

Bacteria in the mouth love sugar! Therefore, diabetics who can’t control their sugar levels actually provide an environment where bacteria thrive. This causes worsening of the gum disease and therefore worsening of the glucose control. It’s a viscous cycle.

Alzheimer Disease and Dementia

Research has shown that those who have had chronic gum disease for 10 or more years increase their risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 70%. (1)

The exact link is not know, but one theory is that the bacteria in the mouth travel to the brain, triggering the body’s immune system to attack, which in turn kills brain cells.

Read more here.

Pregnancy Complications

Pregnant ladies are more susceptible to problems with their gums due to changing hormone levels.

Studies have shown that women who have severe gum disease which is left untreated during pregnancy are more susceptible to early labour. (3)

Gum disease has also been linked to low birth weight and preeclampsia.

It’s more important than ever to 
visit the dentist while pregnant.

Once the baby is born, they will start to share the microbiome of their mother. This includes bacteria from the mouth. Remember that certain bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, mothers with untreated disease can actually pass these disease-causing bacteria on to their babies.

For all these reasons, it is especially important to visit your dentist during pregnancy.

What should I do if I’m worried about my gums?

If you are worried about your gums (they are sore, bleeding, look red or puffy) please arrange a dental appointment for a check-up.

Regular teeth cleaning and check-ups help maintain good oral health and prevent major problems from occurring. Our highly trained dentist and dental assistants do a thorough check of your teeth, gums and mouth, picking up on things before they become an issue.

Call us on 0732111155 , book online or read more here.

Make an appointment to have your teeth and 
gums checked.

Keep an eye out for our next blog, where we will discuss the signs and symptoms of gum disease, and what you can do about it.

Sources

1  https://fightgumdisease.com.au/total-health/

2  https://www.perio.org/consumer/cancer-link

 3 https://www.myamericannurse.com/does-periodontal-disease-contribute-to-preterm-birth/

The post Fighting Gum Disease Part 1 – Why Gum Health Matters first appeared on Dentistry on George.