Is your Enamel at Risk of Erosion?

Experiencing tooth sensitivity, noticing discolouration or small chips/cracks around your teeth is a possible sign your tooth enamel has eroded. There are several ways tooth enamel may be put at risk of erosion.

The most common ways include:
1) Clenching/grinding your teeth.
2) Brushing your teeth too hard.
3) Plaque build-up.
4) Acid reflux.

The team at Woollahra Dental Practice can help by protecting your teeth from future erosion caused by clenching/grinding your teeth (known as bruxism). They can create a perfectly fitting mouth guard/splint. This guard will create a safety barrier between your teeth that can be worn night or day depending on your current bruxism pattern.

If you have abrasions in your enamel (little lines or rough edges across your teeth) as a result of brushing too hard or as a result of plaque build-up, one of Woollahra Dental Practice’s Hygienists can help. They will take the time to show you a new brushing technique.  They will also demonstrate and explain how using an Electric Tooth Brush removes more plaque and is more effective than manual brushing.

Dr Tony Ancell, who has a holistic approach to dentistry, can look at the potential causes of acid reflux erosion to teeth. Studies have shown sleep apnoea to be a predominate cause of acid reflux erosion.  He will provide you with an at home sleep study and a sleep appliance, such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), which has been shown to help reduce acid reflux occurring at night-time.

However, if a preventative approach isn’t possible then an active restoration approach will be necessary to restore your teeth. Depending on the size and area of enamel that has eroded a simple filling could do just the trick. Alternatively, restorations such as lengthening, crowns or veneers may be required to fully cover and protect the tooth from further erosion. Teeth that are left untreated put the tooth’s root at risk and may require root canal therapy.

Give Woollahra Dental Practice a call today on 02 9363 5690 to schedule an appointment with one of their friendly, helpful team members. Loss of enamel doesn’t have to mean the loss of your beautiful smile.

Circular Breathing on Didgeridoo

Juan from Colombia, playing the didgeridoo to introduce the

Ortho Postural Course from Dr. Anyhony Ancell

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Circular breathing is a wind instrument technique that allows the player to sustain a tone for an extended period of time. This is accomplished by storing air in the mouth (inflating the cheeks) and using this reservoir of air to inhale through the nose while air is still coming out the mouth. People always ask me if it is difficult to do circular breathing on didgeridoo and I usually reply that it is just a slight variation on normal breathing. Circular breathing is key to didgeridoo playing because it allows for the continuous drone to remain unbroken, forming a strong foundation for the complete sound. Learning to circular breathe is like going to the gym in that you are working to develop muscle tone, flexibility and control. While it may seem challenging, practice of the following exercises you will give you an understanding of how the mechanics work and how to successfully master the art. Some people find it easier to learn circular breathing by playing the didgerdioo but you do not need an instrument to practice these exercises.

1. Breathe through your nose with inflated cheeks

Fill your cheeks with air so they are puffed out and hold your lips tight so no air escapes. Inhale and exhale naturally through the nose, keeping the cheeks filled with air the whole time. Inhale slowly. Exhale slowly. This first step serves to establish independence between your breath and the air in stored in your mouth reservoir.

2. Spit water

Fill your mouth with water so that your cheeks are bulging out. Gently squeeze your cheeks and bring your jaw up as if biting so the water streams out. Maintaining a constant stream, inhale and exhale naturally through your nose. Your goal is to have an uninterrupted flow of water coming out of your mouth as you breathe. This exercise can be practiced each time you step into the shower.

3. Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth with inflated cheeks

Start with your cheeks inflated and mouth closed. Inhale through the nose, keeping your lips sealed and your cheeks inflated. Then exhale through your mouth, keeping your cheeks just as full. On your next inhale, seal your lips again. Continue with this cycle maintaining inflated cheeks throughout.

4. Inhale through the nose while squeezing air out of your mouth

This is the first stage in what will become a full breath cycle. Start with your cheeks inflated. At the same moment you begin to inhale through the nose, squeeze the air out of your mouth by bringing your jaw up and tightening your cheek muscles. You should strive for a strong but quiet inhale through the nose. With some practice you should be able to synchronize the flow of air coming in your nose and the flow of air going out your mouth. Practice this until you get good at it.

5. Add the “HA”

Start with exercise 4. After you simultaneously inhale through the nose and squeeze air out your mouth, make a strong exhale from the lungs by saying “HA”. This out-breath should come from deep in your core so be sure that your diaphram is engaged and abdominal muscles are tightening to push the air out. This exhale should also push air back into your cheeks.

6. Find the rhythm

Once you have combined steps 4 and 5, repeat them over and over again until you start to feel the groove. Make the repetition as musical as you can. The goal is to get air constantly coming out of your mouth with no gap between the inhale and exhale. With practice you will be able to blend the air flow from the two sources (mouth and lungs) into one rhythmic cycle, the circular breath.

After you have mastered step 6 and completed the cycle, you’ve done it! It is time to pick up a didge and put your new circular breathing skills in action.

Ready for further training on circular breathing? Want to see how to put all the pieces together? Sign up below for a free video class on circular breathing exercises you can try at home.

source: www.didjshop.com

From brushing their first tooth to their first trip to the dentist, here's how to take care of your children's teeth.

Woollahra Dental, would like to share an article from the UK based 'NHS choices' about the importance of taking care of your children's teeth. 

A regular teeth-cleaning routine is essential for good dental health. Follow these tips and you can help keep your kids' teeth decay free:   

• Start brushing your baby's teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through (usually at around six months, but it can be earlier or later). It's important to use a fluoride paste as this helps prevent and control tooth decay. 

• All children can use family toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride as long as you supervise brushing until the age of seven and make sure they don't eat or lick toothpaste from the tube.

• Children under the age of six who don't have tooth decay can use a lower-strength toothpaste if you prefer, but make sure it contains at least 1,000ppm fluoride. Check the toothpaste packet for this information or ask your dentist.

• Below the age of three years, children should use just a smear of toothpaste.

• Children aged between three and six years should use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste. Check the toothpaste packet for this information or ask your dentist.   

• Brush your child's teeth for about two minutes twice a day: once just before bedtime and at least one other time during the day.

• Encourage them to spit out excess toothpaste but not to rinse with lots of water. Rinsing with water after tooth brushing will wash away the fluoride and reduce its benefits.

• Supervise tooth brushing until your child is seven or eight years old, either by brushing their teeth yourself or, if they brush their own teeth, by watching how they do it. From the age of seven or eight they should be able to brush their own teeth, but it's still a good idea to watch them now and again to make sure they brush properly and for about two minutes.

Making sure they brush properly

• Guide your child's hand so they can feel the correct movement.

• Use a mirror to help your child see exactly where the brush is cleaning their teeth.

• Make tooth brushing as fun as possible by using an egg timer to time it for about two minutes.

• Don't let children run around with a toothbrush in their mouth as they may have an accident and hurt themselves.

Taking your child to the dentist

• Take your child to the dentist when the first milk teeth appear. This is so they become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist. The dentist can help prevent decay and identify any oral health problems at an early stage. Just opening up the child's mouth for the dentist to take a look is useful practice for when they could benefit from future preventative care. 

• When you visit the dentist, be positive about it and make the trip fun. This will stop your child worrying about future visits.

• Take your child for regular dental check-ups as advised by the dentist. 

Contact us today and book a regular dental check up.

Ultimate Guide to Good Posture at Work [Infographic]

Find more information about the importance of your posture
visit our website

source: Wellbeing Infographics

How Posture affects your spine

Find more information about the importance of your posture in our website

www.woollahradental.com

source:visual.ly

Are you anxious about visiting a dentist?

We help a large group of patients with anxiety about dental treatments at our practice. We provide a calm environment and friendly service. All procedures are explained prior to the treatment. We also allocate extra time for those patients that experience nervousness.

We offer various technologies to help you feel as comfortable as possible during your visits with us.

These include Local anaesthetic, Happy Gas (Nitrous Oxide), Sleep Dentistry (I.V Sedation) and Rubber Dam.

Local Anaesthetic

We offer a range of Local Anaesthetic to suite different individuals depending on the complexity of your medical history or the number of medication you are currently taking. Also we offer long or shorter acting anaesthetic to stop you from experiencing numbness for hour after your treatment.

Happy Gas

Happy/ Laughing gas can be offer at the beginning of treatment to help you relax and calm your mood.
It is absolutely safe and the effect stops with a few deep breath of fresh air. The gas exits the body within 12-24 hours.

Rubber Dam

A dental dam is used when putting fillings into teeth or during Root Canal Therapy. They are thin squares of latex rubber. Silicone versions are available for those with latex allergies. Rubber Dam allows you to relax without having water rushing to the back of your throat during treatment while a plastic block keeps your mouth open allowing you to relax.

I.V sedation

I.V Sedation also known as Sleep Dentistry is a good way to tackle complex and lengthy treatments for anxious patients. We offer Sleep dentistry as an option to all our patients who are aged 12 years and over.

If you would like to know more about sleep dentistry or find out how we can accommodate your needs please call us on 02 9363 5690.

www.woollahradental.com

Holistic Orthodontics

When a person’s teeth or jaw structures do not function properly, the body compensates in order to survive. However this leads to many other potential problems such as increase risk of injury to jaws and teeth, chronic head aches, sore jaws, malocclusion (bad bite) and excessive and premature wear of your teeth.

• Orthodontic treatment addresses many of these issues and aids in treatment of;
• Tempromandibular joints (Jaw joints) dysfunction.
• Chronic head/ neck pain.
• Improves intraoral volume to ease breathing and tongue posture.
• Reconstructing the bite.
• Improves aesthetics of your smile.

Orthodontic treatment can be achieved through many different ways to suite your lifestyle. Please feel free to Ask Dr. Ancell any questions that you may have if you think you experience any of above.

www.woollahradental.com.au

Concerned about what’s in your water supply? Is your water filter really working?

If you care about water quality you know that a bad taste or bad smell can ruin the pleasure of drinking. If your water tastes “weird” or smells “chemically” then there is clearly reason for concern. However, not every water pollutant can be tasted or smelled. Some dangerous forms of bacteria and many common pesticides cannot be detected without lab analysis. Not knowing if your water supply is safe can cost you more than just anxiety, and investing in bottled water or water purification can be expensive and unnecessary. Water samples can determine if filtration is necessary or effective.

The young and elderly, immune compromised, or pregnant should be especially cautious.

Through precise lab analysis scientists can make the invisible – visible. User-friendly reports will indicate if additional filtration is recommended or if your existing filtration system is sufficient, providing peace-of-mind and clear direction for maintaining good water quality.

At Woollahra Dental we can help you identify if the quantity of water you are consuming is enough for your body type and also if the quality of your drinking water agrees with your body and your well-being. Book a consultation with Tony Ancell calling our practice on  02 9363 5690 or email us.

What you lack can cause cavities!

Eating habits and every day diet play a huge role in oral health care. Food and drinks that are high in sugar have been linked time and time again to being the culprit of plaque build-up and tooth decay. The Australian Dental Association states, “The bacteria in plaque use sugars in food and drinks to produce acid. This acid dissolves the tooth’s strengthening minerals (calcium and phosphate) from the tooth surface thereby increasing the risk of cavities”.  According to Better Health Victoria, foods that are acidic (citrus fruits, wines) can weaken enamel and make them prone to decay.

Obviously, minimizing the consumption of sugary and or acidic foods, along with regular daily brushing and flossing teeth will help prevent cavities from forming……but that may not be enough.

Turns out there are 3 things lacking in most modern day diets that are linked to cavities forming, according to research by Dr Weston Price and other dental pioneers.

Natural News published Dr Price’s research stating what actually causes tooth decay is:
• Not enough minerals in the diet.
• Not enough fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K
• Nutrients not being readily bioavailable, and the intestinal system not properly absorbing them. The presence of phytic acid largely influences this factor.

Phytic acid impairs the absorption of calcium, iron and zinc. “Over a period of time, if your diet lacks vitamins and minerals from a poor diet and/or contains high levels of phytates (from grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes), the blood chemistry and the ratio of calcium and phosphorous become out of balance, which results in minerals being pulled from bones, causing tooth and bone loss.”

Woollahra Dental Practice has a holistic approach to dentistry and understands the importance of diet on your oral health care.  For further information on how you can minimize your risk of cavities call 02 9363 5690 to schedule a consultation with Dr Tony Ancell.

Source: Natural News

Is Whitening Safe?

Whitening

Is whitening safe?

If done correctly, Whitening is one of the safest procedures in dentistry. Extensive research has indicated that whitening under a supervision of a dentist is safe. However Tooth whitening is not recommended for children under 13 years of age or pregnant or lactating women.

What results should I expect?

In office whitening can whiten teeth from six to ten shades lighter. The results can be surprising for most patients who choose this technique.
At home whitening provides results that are typically two to four shades whiter than the starting shade.

How long does the result last?

It depends on your dietary habits. Frequently drinking coffee, tea, red wine or smoking can reduce the whiteness of the teeth quicker. Also consuming colourful spices in your food can have similar effect.

However by following the post whitening care instructions you can ensure that your teeth stay brighter than ever before. A home top up kit is provided to you at the end of your In Office Whitening session to use as a touch up from time to time.

Is there side effects?

Some patient can experience temporary sensitivity to the cold temperature between 1-4 days after in office whitening.

In Office Whitening

In office whitening can take up to 70 minutes. It is effective and fast and is tailored for people with a busy lifestyle. This technique provides patients with fastest results possible.

The procedure is safe and has minimal discomfort. It consists of initial preparation to isolate the soft tissue and lips. Whitening gel solution is then applied by the clinician to cover the teeth and activated by light to start the procedure.

A home whitening kit is given to the patient at the end of this appointment if they wish to touch up from time to time.

What Whitening system do we use?

We use PHILIPS Zoom! Whitening for our in office sessions. This system has been proven to provide one of the best results Australia wide and Philips Zoom at-home whitening products have two mild desensitizing agents, potassium nitrate and Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP), to minimize tooth sensitivity.

How does the whitening work?

Whitening gel contains Hydrogen peroxide solution which is activated with our special light. As the Hydrogen Peroxide gel is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching coloured substances while the structure of the tooth is completely unchanged.

At Home Whitening

This technique gives more gradual and provides result slower. It is great for people who are already experiencing slight sensitivity. The procedure consists of two 15 minutes appointments.

The clinician takes an impression of the teeth at the initial appointment. The technician will then prepare a unique set of trays that fits only your teeth according to the impressions.

At your second appointment the trays will be fitted and adjusted accordingly. You will receive instruction on how to use the material. Whitening gel and all the necessary instructions and material is provided at this appointment.

Contact Woollahra Dental and find more about whitening your teeth today!

Orthodontics without extraction

Gone are the days when the only way a person with crowded teeth could have a straight smile was by undergoing an extraction. Thanks to the inventors Dr. Darick Nordstrom and laboratory technician Heather Ashton, there is a way to straighten teeth without extraction or braces!

 

They created the Advanced Lightwire Functionals (ALF) appliance that is custom designed to help correct improper development and growth that resulted in crooked teeth or cranial distortions.  Dr Anthony Ancell uses this method of treatment in Woollahra Dental Practice. Being a holistic dentist, he looks beyond just the teeth and gums to understand why and how the entire body is functioning the way that it is.  

When it comes to orthodontics, Dr Ancell evaluates body posture, the TM joint, the craniofacial structure and even does muscle testing before proceeding with a treatment plan. The use of ALF often is more beneficial than traditional braces as it puts a light force on the teeth from the inside of the mouth. This allows the muscles and bones in the jaw along with the cranial structure to expand creating space for teeth to move into alignment instead of forcing them to be straight. ALF treatment makes powerful corrections in not only the aesthetics of the teeth but also of facial features such as; creating higher cheek bones or bringing the chin forward.  Unlike traditional braces this appliance doesn’t hinder speech and isn’t painful during adjustments.

This treatment can be done at any age. The younger a patient is when treatment is commenced the more rapid the results will be. If you or your child require orthodontic treatment call Woollahra Dental Practice 9363 5690 to make an appointment for a consultation on how you can have a beautiful long lasting straight smile.

Is your dentist addressing the real reason your child’s teeth are crooked?

As a parent it is important to help your child grow and develop in the best way possible. This should apply to your Dentist too. It’s important for you to understand WHY a dental treatment is being recommended and if it really is the best method for your child.

Too often dentists treat children with “traditional orthodontics” (metal braces on the outside of teeth) or Invisalign with disregard to the reason WHY teeth are not aligned in the first place.  Teeth grow and move into place based on the structure of the bones and muscles around them. They also move due to how the tongue is positioned in the mouth.

It’s important for your dentist to evaluate if your child’s teeth are crooked due to an improper development. There are several indicators that your child may have an improper development and growth in their jaw, teeth, and or muscles of the skull:

·         Lack of spacing in baby teeth
·         Difficulty nursing
·         Cross-bite
·         Under-bite
·         Forward head posture
·         Speech issues
·         Asthma
·         Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
·         Recurrent ear infections

If these factors are overlooked, the use of traditional braces being used can restrict your child’s genetic potential, as it can “pull” teeth into a tight position causing bones to become narrow.  As your child grows up they may experience headaches, neck and back pain, jaw joint pain, and or difficulty breathing.

Luckily, Dr Anthony Ancell and his team at Woollahra Dental Practice have a holistic approach to dentistry. During a consultation these indicators are evaluated before commencing any treatment. In these cases the use of Advanced Lightwire Functionals ( ALF ) is used to help your child develop to their full potential and create a beautiful smile. ALF promotes growth and alignment of the teeth without the use of braces.  If you are concerned your current dentist’s doesn’t have your child’s growth and development in your best interest be sure to call  9363 5690 for a consultation with Dr Ancell. His team is happy to see how they can help your child. 

 

www.woollahradental.com

 

 

 

Align your child’s teeth without braces!

It is possible to improve the aesthetics and function of your child’s smile without braces via the use of ALF. ALF is short for Advanced Lightwire Functionals, known to be a self-healing appliance.  The use of this appliance being worn incorporates a method of orthopaedic and orthodontic treatment.  From an orthopaedic perspective this appliance aides in aligning the bones in the jaw and cranium aka cranial osteopathy. Additionally, the ALF improves craniofacial muscle function. This is very important in creating a long lasting straight smile.

 

Teeth can be moved into a straight position but, over time may revert back to their “natural” (original) position if the bones in the jaw and skull aren’t first adapted into the correct position. This is why many people who have undergone treatment such as Invisalign require a permanently fixed metal bracket behind their teeth or a night guard.

The benefits from an orthodontic perspective is the appliance is far more comfortable than braces and it’s barely noticeable when smiling. Instead of traditional orthodontics where metal is placed on the outside of the teeth to create movement, the ALF creates space for teeth to align by being placed on the inside of the mouth. The placement of the appliance in the mouth has also been known to calm the nervous system, improve the airway, and enhance facial growth and development in children.

This treatment requires a high skill set and a holistic view to which Dr Anthony Ancell and his team at Woollahra Dental provide. If you believe your child would require braces, call Woollahra Dental 9363 5690 to make an appointment for a consultation. Dr Anthony Ancell is happy to see children as young as ages 3-5 when this treatment can be the most beneficial.


www.woollahradental.com