A Holistic Dental Practice in Woollahra

We are glad you are one of the people who take the initiative to invest in their health. We would like to welcome you to our community at Woollahra Dental Practice and thank you for letting us be a part of your journey. It is important to note that this is your journey and we are here to help you through it by guiding you in the right directions to the best of our ability.

From the moment you walk through our doors you will feel welcomed and relaxed. Our friendly staff will look after you with upmost care and make your visit a comfortable and memorable one.

We serve our patients with compassion, excellence and value. We understand that all our patients are individuals, each of whom has his or her own personal needs and concerns.

We encourage preventive techniques - helping you to understand how to maintain good oral hygiene and therefore preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

When treatment is required, we practice minimal intervention dentistry using research-based techniques and materials chosen on merit, not cost.

We are here to help our patients enjoy a lifetime of complete dental health.

Our Dentists attend regular courses on the latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry. They will work with you to create a natural smile that harmonizes with your facial aesthetics.

Our dedicated practitioners will ensure that your time spent with us is as comfortable, relaxed and as stress free as possible.

For more information about specific details for Initial appointments please visit the Woollahra Dental Website

Bite reconstruction

When teeth are lost or can’t be replaced, they start to wear down. Chipped and shortened teeth can compromise the face. These effects result in aging. Bite reconstruction or full mouth reconstruction is a dental treatment to improve patient's bite and the jaw position.

The dentist builds up or replaces the teeth to improve the appearance of the face and provide harmony between the jaw and bite. If you have worn, broken, decayed or missing teeth, or if you suffer from a bad bite and the appearance of the entire smile is letting you down, then arrange an appointment for one of our dentists to discuss your options.

http://www.woollahradental.com/procedures.nuromuscular.php 

The top 5 exercises you should be doing

Heidi Dawson
Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Woollahra Dental would like to share some information published by the Heidi Dawson  to provide her top five exercises that everyone should be doing. The aim of these exercises is to address common muscular issues that so often lead to muscle imbalances, poor posture and subsequent pain or injury.


Few of us perform exercises regularly with the aim of preventing pain or injury. In fact, few of us perform any exercises regularly with injuries in mind — even ones we have previously been prescribed to help rehabilitate an old injury. Once the pain has gone, the exercises often stop.

As the old saying goes, "prevention is the best medicine," and this is definitely true when it comes to the training and development of our bodies. There are so many injuries I see on a daily basis that stem from the same few causes — causes that can so easily be addressed in just a few minutes a day, before they become a problem or cause a problem somewhere else along the chain.

So, with this in mind, here are my top five exercises that everyone should be doing. The aim of these exercises is to address common muscular issues that so often lead to muscle imbalances, poor posture and subsequent pain or injury.

1. The clam

The clam is an exercise designed to strengthen the abductor and external rotator muscles of the hip, such as gluteus medius and minimus. This exercise is important for a number of reasons, but the most common reason I prescribe it is in knee pain rehabilitation.
If these muscles are weak, it allows the knee joint to fall inward when we are weight-bearing or landing predominantly on a single leg, as occurs when walking, running, jumping, etc. This creates a valgus force at the knee and dramatically affects the biomechanics of the knee joint.
The most frequent complaint caused by this pattern of movement is known as patellofemoral pain syndrome — a condition characterized by a vague pain at the front of the knee which often comes and goes, moves around and is usually worse when walking down hills and stairs.
The reason so many of us suffer with this weakness is because we don't move laterally. Ever. Everything we do is straight forward and occasionally backward (in the sagittal plane as it's known). These muscles specialize in moving us sideways, and as the saying goes "use it or lose it." If we don't train laterally, we can't expect our bodies to do it well when it comes to daily situations.
The clam exercise can help strengthen the muscles which are responsible for preventing the knee falling inwards like this. Here's how to do it:
Lay on your side, knees bent to a right angle, feet together and in line with the spine and hips stacked one on top of the other.
Keep the lower back and pelvis still and the feet in contact, as you lift the top knee up, away from the bottom knee.
Ensure you don't roll backward through the pelvis as you lift the knee. This means the movement will probably be smaller, but it will be isolated to the hip joint.
Slowly return to the start position, under control and repeat.



2. Gluteus maximus isolation

The gluteus maximus is the biggest of the "glute" muscles found in the butt. Its role is to extend, abduct and externally rotate the hip. This muscle is often known as the powerhouse of the hip, and its role is vital within the gait cycle.
However, for too many of us, the Gmax doesn't work as efficiently as it should and becomes "inhibited." This basically means it doesn't fire when required.
The most common cause of Gmax inhibition is a shift in the pelvic position into an anterior tilt. What this means is that the front of the pelvis is pulled down (usually by tight hip flexors — more on this later), resulting in a forward rotation of the pelvis.
This in turn actually lengthens the Gmax and can cause it to "switch off." This places a bigger demand on the hamstrings and other, smaller bum muscles that can then become overworked, leading to injuries such as hamstring strains, lower back and sciatic pain and even calf and Achilles problems.
This exercise is really useful in order to "switch on" the Gmax:
Lay on your front, both legs straight and the leg you want to work turned out a little (so the foot points outward)
Simultaneously lift the whole leg (knee straight) off the floor and out to the side, in a diagonal movement.
Don't lift the leg so high that the back arches — a small lift is sufficient
Rest and repeat

These three movements are all of the ones that the Gmax performs and no other muscle can do all three, so it has to fire here. Repeating this movement pattern helps to re-establish the connection between the brain and the biggest of butt muscles.






3. Scapula stabilizer strengthening
The scapula stabilizers are muscles that connect the scapula (shoulder blade) to the rib cage and spine. They include little gems such as serratus anterior and the lower fibers of trapezius.
Without these muscles functioning efficiently, our scapulas move about all over the place when we move our arms. The scapula is the point onto which many muscles in the upper body attach, and we need this to be a stable base of attachment to produce the most effective and powerful movements we can. 

Without strong scapula stabilizers, you put yourself at risk of injuries such as shoulder impingement and rotator cuff or labrum tears, to name just a few. The scapula stabilizers are also important in maintaining good posture, which in turn can reduce the risk of tight, aching neck and shoulder muscles, neck pain and headaches.
There are several exercises out there that are recommended to work the lower trapz and serratus, and it's hard to pick just one. But this scaption exercise has been shown to produce the combined highest muscle activation of both muscles. Here's how to do it:  

Perform this exercise one arm at a time — hold a dumbbell or the end of a resistance band in one hand
Start with the thumb pointing up and the scapula retracted (pulled back)

Raise the straight arm upward at a 30-45-degree angle in front of the body. Think halfway between lifting the arm straight up in front and straight out to the side. This is the scapula plane.

Lift the arm up above shoulder height, as far as is comfortable and then slowly come back down, maintaining a retracted scapula. Repeat.

There is lots of debate ongoing at the moment concerning the best exercises for promoting scapula stability, and that has made it hard to choose just one. Other ones you could try include a push-up plus and the dynamic hug exercise.




4. Pec minor stretching
The majority of us spend a large part of our day sitting down, hunched over something like a computer, desk, steering wheel, etc. Even with the best intentions, posture often slips into that atrocious curved spine, rounded shoulders position that feels so natural. But constantly adopting this posture can cause problems due to the shortened length of the pectoralis minor muscle.

The pec minor is the smaller of the two main chest muscles (the other being pectoralis major). It attaches to ribs 3-5 and travels upwards to insert into the coracoid process — a forward-facing bony protrusion of the scapula. If shorter in length than it should be, it can effectively pull the shoulder blade forwards, creating a protracted (rounded) shoulder position.

As we learned from the hip flexors and gluteus maximus earlier, shortening on one side of the body leads to lengthening and potential inhibition on the other side. In this case, the inhibition often manifests in the scapula stabilizers (see above).

Stretching the chest muscles in a conventional way doesn't really target pec minor due to it having no attachment on the arm. Therefore moving the arm into extension, abduction and external rotation (as most chest stretches do) will have no effect. Instead you need to find a way of increasing the distance between the upper ribcage (origin) and the scapula (insertion). Cue the foam roller method:
Place a foam roller on the floor and lie on your back, with the foam roller along the length of your spine.
Ensure your head is rested (either on the roller or a pillow) and the knees are bent with feet flat on the floor.
Allow the shoulders to drop down towards the floor and relax.

This reverses the hunched over position we often adopt which leads to a shortened pec minor. It probably won't feel like as strong of a stretch as a hamstring stretch, but it should feel like a subtle pull and like the chest and shoulders are opening up.





5. Hip flexor stretching 

Again, often due to being seated for long periods, tight hip flexors are a common issue. The rectus femoris and iliopsoas muscles at the front of the hip and thigh are in a shortened position when we are seated. If sitting for long periods, this becomes their natural resting length, and this is where the problems can start.
As discussed above, increased hip flexor tone can cause an anterior pelvic tilt. This plays havoc with the way the pelvis moves and affects other muscles such as the gluteus maximus, abdominals and hamstrings, as well as smaller, deeper hip muscles.

Injuries and pain conditions resulting from an anteriorly-tilted pelvis can range from lower back and sciatic pain, to hamstring and groin strains, and even as low as the ankle or as high as the neck and shoulder due to further compensatory biomechanical adjustments.

Stretching the hip flexors regularly throughout the day is a simple way to help reduce this natural shortening:
Kneel on the floor on one knee, with the other foot on the floor in front of you, knee bent to 90 degrees.
Tilt the pelvis posteriorly. This can be achieved by trying to tuck the tailbone underneath yourself or by trying the flatten the lower back.

Hold this tucked pelvis position, as you gently shift your weight forward over the kneeling knee, until a stretch is felt in the front of the hip.

To more specifically target the rectus femoris, perform the same stretch, with the toes of the back leg tucked under the foot — this increases knee flexion slightly and the stretch shifts down the thigh.




Stretching these muscles should be performed regularly, ideally 3-5 times, spread throughout the day to lengthen the muscle after a period of sitting.
This is by no means a definitive list of preventative exercises that any individual may want to adopt. But it is a good starting place for many people who fall into a fairly "typical" daily pattern of sitting for long periods and then undertaking sudden bursts of activity/exercise.

Spending just 10 minutes a day working on these most common imbalances, can save a lot of time (and money) on treating an injury further down the road.

www.woollahradental.com




More about the author Heidi Dawson is a graduate sports rehabilitator based in the United Kingdom. She runs two successful sports injury clinics and the injury website Rehab4Runners.

Proper dental care linked to reduced risk of respiratory infections in ICU patients

New research shows vulnerable patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who received enhanced oral care from a dentist were at significantly less risk for developing a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), like ventilator-associated pneumonia, during their stay. The study was published in the November issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).

"Bacteria causing healthcare-associated infections often start in the oral cavity," said Fernando Bellissimo-Rodrigues, MD, lead author of the study. "This study suggests that having a dentist provide weekly care as part the ICU team may improve outcomes for vulnerable patients in this setting."

Brazilian researchers utilized an observer-blind randomized clinical trial design to analyze data from 254 adult patients who stayed in a general ICU for at least 48 hours. Patients were randomized to receive enhanced dental care provided by a dentist, or to receive routine oral hygiene performed by the ICU nurse staff.

Enhanced dental care included teeth brushing, tongue scraping, removal of calculus, atraumatic restorative treatment of caries, tooth extraction and topical application of chlorhexidine corresponding to each patients' needs four to five times a week. Comparatively, regular treatment consisted of mechanical cleansing using gauze followed by topical application of chlorhexidine three times a day.

Patients provided enhanced dental care were 56 percent less likely to develop a respiratory tract infection during their ICU stay compared to the control patient group. Researchers note that enhanced dental treatment, including oral antisepsis routinely performed in ICUs could be more effective in reducing the oral bacteria and help prevent migration of these bacteria into the lungs.

www.woollahradental.com/


Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

TMJ Next Generation Device FDA Approved for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Woollahra Dental would like to share some information published by the AACP written by GAURAV KRISHNAMURTHY to provide information a device (FDA Approved) for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders .

TMJ Health (Farmington Hills, MI) has received FDA clearance for the TMJ NextGeneration Device to alleviate temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) pain. TMJD affects the jaw joint, surrounding muscles, and nerves, leading to chronic pain and poor quality of life. According to the NIH, more than 35 million Americans suffer from TMJD, which includes symptoms such as pain in the face, jaw or neck, jaw muscle stiffness, and sharp pain around the ears. TMJD has conventionally been treated with bite splints to reduce the amount of grinding of the teeth that causes the sharp pain. These splints cannot be worn while eating, are known to affect speech, and cause long term damage to the joints.


The TMJ NextGeneration device treats the TM joint pain in the ear canal, which happens to be near the temporomandibular joint. The device consists of two hollow ear canal inserts that rest in the outer part of the ear canal and allow full transmission of sound due to their hollow construct. The device is also easy to remove thanks to the retraction posts that are built into it.  The device is discreet, not noticeable from the outside, and makes use of the dynamic change in the ear canal geometry when the jaw is opened or closed through movements such as chewing and smiling. The device is 20% larger in size compared to the ear canal when jaws are closed, and this change in ear canal space applies light pressure against the walls of the ear canal to encourage the patient to return to the open jaw position while reducing the inclination to clench the jaw. All TMJ Next Generation devices are custom built to match the patient’s unique anatomy.

www.woollahradental.com.au 
press release source

Is your tongue putting you at risk of having Sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a potential health risk for many Australians. It is a common disorder in which the airways constrict during sleep, leading to repeated stops and starts in breathing. The tell-tale signs include chronic loud snoring, with periodic gasps and choking and, for many people, daytime drowsiness.

Studies suggest that those pauses in breathing due to this condition cause stress in the nervous system, elevate blood pressure and cause inflammation in the arteries.

A new American study by Dr Richard Schwab is the first study to show an association between tongue fat and sleep apnoea. The study found that the levels of fat deposits are increased in the tongues of obese patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea.

Study of 90 obese adults with sleep apnoea and 90 obese adults without the disorder found that the participants with sleep apnoea had significantly larger tongues, tongue fat and percentage of tongue fat than those without sleep apnoea.

Following this study, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggested that physicians check the tongue size of patients to evaluate their risk for obstructive sleep apnoea and indicated that effective identification and treatment of sleep apnoea is essential to optimally managing other conditions associated with this chronic disease, including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and depression.

At Woollahra Dental Practice we are very focused on these issues!

Dental Erosion a Silent Epidemic

Woollahra Dental would like to share some information developed by the ADA to provide information on dental erosion.

Dental erosion is the loss of tooth structure due to exposure to acids. This occurs when teeth are exposed to acids such as those found in some beverages, in vomit and through some illegal drugs.

These acids can gradually erode enamel from teeth and lead to the loss of the tooth’s natural shape, or premature exposure of the dentine, which is the internal part of a tooth. Tooth erosion can result in tooth sensitivity – especially when the tooth is exposed to hot and cold temperatures.

Acidic drinks like fruit juices, sports, soft and caffeinated drinks can exacerbate the dental erosion process. Other causes of dental erosion can be vomiting, excessive consumption of alcohol and the use of some illegal drugs.

Acidic Drinks: Most people are aware that high sugar soft drinks contribute to tooth decay. What is not so well known is that these drinks, along with fruit juices and caffeinated beverages often have high-acid levels, and can play a major role in the development of tooth erosion.

If a beverage has a low pH level, this means it is acidic and the lower the pH the more acidic the product. Damage can start to occur when the pH drops below 5.5. Soft and sports drinks, caffeinated beverages and fruit juices can have a low pH level, making them highly acidic.
The ADA recommends limiting consumption of acidic drinks and suggests the following guidelines if consuming such drinks:

• Avoid holding or ‘swishing’ high acid drinks around the mouth as this increases the likelihood of dental decay and enamel erosion.
• Use a straw where possible as this minimises exposure of the beverage to teeth.
• If you do drink soft and sports drinks, try to consume them chilled, as cooler temperatures have been shown to be less likely to encourage tooth erosion.
• Drink fluoridated tap water as much as possible.
• Chewing sugar free gum can stimulate saliva fl ow and wash these acids away.
Other causes of teeth erosion: Binge drinking and eating disorders that induce vomiting can also contribute to dental erosion. Stomach acids from vomiting, eating disorders or the result of binge drinking can cause damage to tooth enamel and exposed root surfaces.

People who take ‘recreational’ drugs like amphetamines and cocaine have an increased likelihood of tooth damage because of the acidic nature of these drugs. Illicit drugs can lead to a dry mouth, which leave teeth vulnerable to attack by acids.

If a person is suffering from reoccurring vomiting, exposing their teeth to stomach acids, or is using illegal drugs, the ADA recommends the following:
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water.
• Rub fluoridated toothpaste on teeth with a finger to toughen the teeth and freshen the mouth.
• DO NOT brush the teeth until they can recover – at least 30 minutes after vomiting and with a soft bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste.
• Maintain good oral hygiene and make regular visits to the dentist.
• Seek advice from a specialist who can provide support and advice for eating disorders or drug abuse.

www.woollahradental.com


source: Australian Dental Association's website

When will my child's teeth come in?

Woollahra Dental would like to share some interesting information from the 'Stanford Children's Health Organisation'  for parents wanting to know more about when their child's teeth will come in.

While every child is different, the primary teeth begin to come in between the ages of six and 12 months. Most of the primary teeth (baby teeth) will have erupted by 33 months. Girls tend to have their teeth come in before boys. The following are general guidelines for the eruption of the baby teeth:

Below, we have provided average ages of eruption and shedding.

The first tooth to erupt is usually a middle, front tooth on the lower jaw, known as the central incisor. This is followed by the second central incisor on the lower jaw.

Next, the four upper incisors usually come in.

The above is followed by the first four molars, and the remaining bottom two lateral incisors. Lateral incisors are beside (lateral to) the central incisors. Next, the four first molars come in.

Then the cuspids, or the pointed teeth, appear.

Usually, after the child reaches two years old, the four second molars (the last of the baby teeth) appear.

The teeth on the upper jaw usually erupt one to two months after the same tooth on the lower jaw. There are a total of 20 primary teeth. Usually, about one tooth erupts per month once the teeth have started coming in. There is normally a space between all the baby teeth. This leaves room for the larger permanent teeth to erupt.

The eruption sequence can vary quite a bit from child to child. So, don't become overly concerned if your child's teeth do not follow the pattern above. However, if teeth fail to come in a year after the expected time, it would be advisable to check with your child's dentist to make sure they are developing properly.

www.woollahradental.com


source: http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/

Oral piercings what you need to know

Woollahra Dental would like to share some information developed by the ADA to provide information on how oral piercings affect your oral health and teeth.

It’s important to know the facts about tongue and lip piercings so that people can make informed decisions about oral piercings.

In the best case scenario, soreness and swelling will be the only symptoms experienced following the piercing procedure, however damaged teeth, excessive bleeding and infection can occur, in rare cases.

Tongue piercing involves a needle being inserted through the midline of the tongue to place a stud, hoop or a barbell in the tongue, and is usually done without anaesthetic. After piercing, common symptoms include swelling and pain.

Possible side effects following tongue piercing: Slight bleeding can be expected. There is a risk that blood vessels can be severed in the process of piercing the tongue, which can cause the excessive bleeding.
While swelling of the tongue is expected after piercing, in severe cases, it can swell significantly enough to close off the airway altogether.

Additionally, if an inexperienced practitioner pierces the tongue incorrectly, nerve damage can permanently inhibit feeling in the tongue and facial movement.

There are nerves at the back of the tongue, which if severed, could lead to permanent numbness, speech impediments and the loss of taste.

Know the facts about tongue piercing so that you can make informed decisions.
There is also a risk of infection, especially if stringent hygiene practice is not followed. Bacteria can penetrate into the inner tissue of the tongue where it has the potential to cause infections.

In the long term, tongue piercings can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, because of the continuous rubbing of the metal/plastic against teeth. Tiny cracks can form and cause severe pain and a tooth can fracture and leave the nerve exposed. Sometimes, a full crown is the only way to save a particular tooth. Injuries to the gum and cheek tissue are not uncommon either.

Lip piercing is where a ring is placed through the lip. These heal relatively quickly, although extra care must be taken during the healing process as food, smoke and liquids that come into contact with the piercing might increase the risk of infection.

Retainers on lip rings can also damage gums, and possibly damage nearby teeth. In some cases, gum grafts are required to repair an affected area.

Similar to tongue piercing, nerve damage is also a possibility, affecting facial movement and the ability to feel the affected area.

If contemplating an oral piercing, or if a person already has an oral piercing, the ADA advises:
• Ensure the practitioner performing the piercing is experienced, is aware of your oral anatomy and uses strict infection control practices, to guard against the risk of infection or long-term nerve damage.

• Seek immediate medical advice if excessive bleeding, swelling or pain occurs following a piercing.

• If infection occurs seek urgent medical advice.

• Once the piercing is in place, the ADA recommends visiting the dentist every six months. The dentist will be able to closely monitor the piercing and any potential damage to teeth, and this will decrease the likelihood of any long-term damage.

• Athletes undertaking sport should remove their jewellery prior to competing as piercings can be ripped from the skin accidentally

www.woollahradental.com

source: ADA dental week 2006

Caring for Wisdom Teeth

Woollahra Dental would like to share some information developed by the ADA to provide information on managing and caring for wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth have an uncanny way of erupting at around the same time that people are planning their first overseas adventure. Rather than risking a toothache half way around the world, the ADA recommends getting wisdom teeth assessed prior to any extended travel.

Impacted teeth are a common problem experienced with wisdom teeth. Impaction may be due to soft tissues (i.e. gums) continuing to cover part or whole of the wisdom tooth or hard tissues such as other teeth or bone preventing the teeth erupting successfully into the mouth. Teeth that become impacted are generally more likely to cause problems.

It is not known why wisdom teeth become impacted but one theory suggests that as our diet has become more refined over time, the teeth in front of the wisdom teeth are surviving longer and not wearing as much.

A wisdom tooth that fails to erupt completely through the gum can result in the gum at the back of the wisdom tooth extending over the biting surface, forming a soft tissue flap or lid around the tooth called an operculum. A wisdom tooth covered by an operculum can be difficult to clean properly. Food and bacteria can easily accumulate under the flap, which may cause an infection. This is a common problem in young adults with partial wisdom tooth impaction. Symptoms include swelling and redness of the gum around the tooth, difficulty in opening the mouth, a bad odour or taste in the mouth, and pain in the general area, which may run down the entire lower jaw or the neck.

Untreated, infection can develop into a much more severe infection. Accessing dental care in another country can be expensive and difficult, and in some cases, the infection control requirements for overseas countries are far less rigorous than in Australia, making for less than optimal care.

Some points to note with wisdom teeth: Pain – Sometimes when wisdom teeth are erupting the site of the tooth can be painful and tender. Your dentist can provide advice on how to manage discomfort and can also check your teeth for problems such as impaction and overcrowding.

Cavities - Wisdom teeth can have a higher rate of decay due to their location and difficulty in leaning them properly. They can also have lower exposure to fluoride, which can help protect teeth against decay.

Care and prevention – Always get a dental check up before travelling overseas. In fact, regular visits to the dentist can save on treatment and pain in the future. Maintain good oral hygiene while travelling and when at home.

Brush your teeth after eating, floss daily and rinse well.


Looking for a dentist in East Sydney? Woollahra Dental



sources: 
ADA Australian Dental Association 
image 

Tips for oral hygiene part 2

Oral hygiene facts

Poor oral hygiene can increase your chances of developing heart disease. Professional teeth cleanings will reduce the bacteria that cause inflammation and eventually lead to heart disease

A major cause of tooth loss in children is cavities; while periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

• The leading oral health problem for infants is baby bottle tooth decay, which can be caused when babies are given a bottle filled with sugary liquids, like milk or juice, when put to bed.

Oral hygiene statistics

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Between 2005-2008, 16 percent of children ages 6-19 and 23 percent of adults 20-64 had untreated cavities.
• Dental fluorosis (overexposure to fluoride) is higher in adolescents than in adults and highest among those aged 12–15.
• Most adults show signs of periodontal or gingival diseases. Severe periodontal disease affects approximately 14 percent of adults aged 45-54.
• 23 percent of 65-74 year olds have severe periodontal disease
• Men are more likely than women to have more severe dental diseases.
• Oral cancer occurs twice as frequently in men as women.
• Three out of four patients don’t change their toothbrush as often as is recommended. Toothbrushes should be changed every two to three months and after illnesses.

Oral hygiene greatly affects overall long-term health, and promotes a more confident you. When it comes to dental care, prevention through daily cleaning and regular visits to the dentist’s office is better not only for your health, but for your budget. That's why it's important for parents to play a key role in reinforcing smart oral hygiene habits. Kids are likely to follow in the footsteps of those who set positive examples and will carry those healthy habits through their own adult lives. Remember, whatever your age, it’s never too late to take a serious stand in keeping your teeth healthy and your smile confident.

visit Woollahra Dental website

References: Medline Plus: Child Dental HealthAdd a Few to Your Next Health StoryUniversity of Missouri: Basic Dental Health for Older Adults; Jerry D. MichelCenters For Disease Control and Prevention: Oral and Dental HealthKaiser Health News: Kids and Dental Health: Rising Costs and Struggling State Programs a Dangerous Mix ; Blaire Briody

Dental Tourism - It's your money, your teeth and your health

Dental Tourism

It's your money, your teeth and your health

We have found a very interesting article about Dental Tourism form the ADA which we would like to share.

At Woollahra Dental Practice we realise that the oral cavity is not treated separately from the rest of the body. Our field is linked in many ways to whole body health.

Complex dental treatment can sometimes come at a high cost. Some Aussies consider getting their treatment overseas in order to receive a ‘free’ holiday out of their dental treatment instead of having it done at home. But what are the risks? Is there a reason dental treatment is significantly cheaper in the developing world? Is it worth the risk?

The ADA has prepared the resources to demonstrate the risks associated with overseas dental treatment.

For high quality dental services in Eastern Sydney visit www.woollahradental.com

Dental Tourism

We have found a very interesting article about Dental Tourism form the ADA which we would like to share.

At Woollahra Dental Practice we realise that the oral cavity is not treated separately from the rest of the body. Our field is linked in many ways to whole body health.

Information and Questions

Are they a qualified dentist with positive feedback?

When considering receiving dental treatment overseas you should always do your research.

First, ask these important questions:

1. Where was the dentist trained?

2. Is it a reputable university?

3. Are you absolutely confident you will receive quality professional treatment and care?

When seeking any healthcare treatment it’s important to research how much experience your care provider has in their field. You must have complete confidence that the overseas dentist and their team are qualified and experienced - it’s your health in their hands. 

What happens if something goes wrong?

There is a risk that complex dental procedures could go wrong overseas. Signs of a dental procedure gone wrong may not immediately appear. In the event of an incident, you will need to be certain that you can rely on the overseas dentist repairing the work that they may have incorrectly performed in the first place. It is unlikely you will be able to return for further treatment in an appropriate time frame, however, if an Australian dentist was chosen, any incident could be dealt with immediately.

What are the health standards for the country? Is the dentist following the standards?

Australia has clear and strict regulation on infection control. They are endorsed by National Law, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and the Dental Board of Australia. Patient safety and health is at the forefront for all Australian dental professionals to ensure quality procedures are carried out.

First, ask these important questions:

Are there adequate health standards in the country you are looking to receive your dental treatment?

How do you know the dentist is following the standards?

Do you know the materials and instruments being used for the procedure are safe and are going to be used, sterilised and disposed of correctly?

Does the cost truly weigh up against the risks to your oral health?

You need to account for every cost involved travelling overseas for treatment. They will include flights, accommodation, transfers, after treatment care and more. You may also need to factor in return travel if treatment is not successful. While the savings may seem attractive, you may not be considering the cost to your health.

A trade mark of Dental Tourism is compressing multiple treatments into an inappropriately short time frame. Compressing treatment time drastically increases the chance of a failed or troubled procedure. Between each treatment an appropriate amount of rest and healing is required in order for the gums and teeth to settle. Most Australian dentists create a treatment plan for complex procedures which consists of multiple treatments spaced over several weeks. A treatment plan allows the gums to rest and the dentist to monitor your progress.

Many dental procedures are invasive and some procedures performed cannot be undone. It is important to weigh up all factors when considering overseas dental treatment. Although lower fees may be enticing, you need to consider at what cost it is to your teeth and health.

www.woollahradental.com

source: ADA Australian Dental Association website.

Tips for oral hygiene part 1

A better, more confident you begins every morning and ends every evening if you stick with a consistent oral hygiene routine. This, in addition to regular dentist office visits, helps develop not only strong teeth and gums, but also overall good health. You'll feel good, look great, avoid unnecessary bills, and experience an improvement in many of your day-to-day social interactions. It's easy once you understand the basic routines required to maintain good dental hygiene. Get started with some basic dental education and a thorough awareness of the steps that should and should not be taken toward great, long-term oral health.

Proper oral hygiene is important in helping you stay healthy if you have risk factors such as diabetes and heart problems.

Oral hygiene benefits

Daily cleaning of your teeth, gums, and tongue, combined with annual check-ups helps ward off harmful bacteria and microbes that may cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, and oral infections. Proper oral hygiene is also important in helping you stay healthy, especially if you have risk factors such as diabetes and heart problems. Plus, oral hygiene elevates your sense of self-esteem. This is especially true for teenagers and adults who frequently interact with others at work or in social situations. Maintaining proper oral hygiene ensures that you won’t experience embarrassing conditions, such as plaque, tartar, and bad breath. It also lowers the need to treat dental problems that could otherwise be inexpensively prevented. For example, according to Kaiser Health News reports, dental costs make up approximately 20 percent of a child’s total health care expenses, and the costs are escalating rapidly.

Oral hygiene for kids

Enforcing good oral hygiene habits early in a child’s life is essential for his overall well-being. According to a 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of cavities in children between the ages of two and five has escalated by 15 percent. Proper oral hygiene habits must start as early as the child begins to bottle feed. This is when babies are prone to tooth decay if they are given a bottle filled with sugary liquids, like milk or juice, when put to bed. While baby teeth should be cleaned using a washcloth, young babies should eventually have their teeth and tongues brushed using soft brushes. It is important for parents to teach children the proper way to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste, to take them for regular dental check-ups, and to serve foods that will help strengthen teeth. These include milk, cheese, and vegetables.

Oral hygiene for adults

Many adults experience significant dental problems that could be prevented through basic oral hygiene practices, like regular dentist appointments. For example, in 2009 alone, CDC data indicated that only 62 percent of adults surveyed had visited the dentist. To maintain optimal oral health, adults should brush their teeth at least twice a day, preferably after each meal and before going to bed. Flossing is also an essential part of an adult’s daily oral hygiene regimen. Regular brushing and flossing can prevent unpleasant conditions, such as plaque and bad odor. However, over-brushing or flossing may result in mouth bruises and bleeding, which can lead to infections. Adults should visit their dentist regularly for routine check-ups and before using over-the-counter medication.

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References:Medline Plus: Child Dental Health Add a Few to Your Next Health StoryUniversity of Missouri: Basic Dental Health for Older Adults; Jerry D. Michel

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: Oral and Dental HealthKaiser Health News: Kids and Dental Health: Rising Costs and Struggling State Programs a Dangerous Mix ; Blaire Briody

Interesting Oral Hygiene Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Our Woollahra Dental Practice team wants to share with you a few fun facts about oral hygiene that you may not be aware of. There are plenty of myths surrounding dental hygiene and you shouldn’t believe everything you hear on the streets. Dental health is a whole science in itself and there is a lot more to it than there appears and the Sane Dentist Blog reported 7 facts about oral hygiene that you may have never heard of.

If you’re someone who puts a cap on their toothbrush each time after you use it, then consider tossing that cap and letting your toothbrush air out. The commonly used practice of putting a cap on toothbrush is actually more detrimental. The moisture entrapped in the cap favours bacterial growth.

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colourless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean, which if left untreated can turn into gum disease.

People who tend to drink 3 or more glasses of soda daily have 62% more tooth decay, fillings and tooth loss than others. If you habitually drink soda or even sugary juices, you should drink them through a straw and make sure to brush your teeth right after so the sugar doesn’t have time to linger on your teeth.

The first toothbrush with bristles was manufactured in China in 1498. Bristles from hogs, horses and badgers were used. The first commercial toothbrush was made in 1938. Thankfully, our toothbrushes are no longer made from animal hair.

Fluoridated toothpastes when ingested habitually by kids can lead to fluoride toxicity. You should make sure to teach your kids to spit out excess toothpaste into the sink and not to swallow it. Too much fluoride could lead to dental fluorosis, which is a cosmetic condition that affects the teeth during the first eight years of life. This is the time when most permanent teeth are being formed.
You are supposed to replace your toothbrush after you have an episode of flu, cold or other viral infections. Notorious microbes can implant themselves on the toothbrush bristles leading to re-infection. So make sure to get a new toothbrush after you’ve been sick so you don’t re-infect yourself.

Newborn babies do not have tooth decay bacteria. Often, the bacteria are transmitted from mother to baby when she kisses the child or blows on hot food/drink before feeding the baby.
If you have any questions about oral hygiene in Eastern Sydney, then please Woollahra Dental a call today 02 9363 5690 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ancell.

Source: the Sane Dentist Blog

Principals of Orthopaedic & Ortho-Postural Dentistry

Principals of Orthopaedic & Ortho-Postural Dentistry

Incorporating innovation, knowledge and experience to deliver a higher level of patient well-being.

Oral health involves understanding the ultimate relationship between jaw growth, airway physiology, sleep quality and head and neck posture. Breakdown of teeth, excessive wear, jaw joint inflammation and muscular or neurological pain in the head or neck are often signs of the result of the body’s breakdown when compensating for less than ideal growth and development.

Woollahra Dental examines the patient to determine the causal sequence represented by the problem in question before commencing a treatment plan. This approach has proven to deliver a much higher level of care, where head and jaw pain problems are relieved before restorative, orthodontic or surgical procedures are undertaken.

Ortho-Postural Dentistry

Ortho-Postural Dentistry brings together years of research and understanding from the fields of sports medicine, neurology, orthopaedics, respiratory and whole body physiology and chronic pain treatment. The philosophy is based on rehabilitation of injured tissues, including worn teeth, with a view to restoring optimal function.

The system of treatment is based on aligning the skeletal system, which in turn results in a balanced muscular relationship. Minimal wear and stress to the supporting structures is therefore achieved.

Orthopaedics

Ortho-postural dentistry starts with the developing infant and growing child. A major aim is to correct aberrant myofunctional habits, establishing an ideal breathing pattern and developing jaw bones to their ideal genetic potential. These functions are critical to the child’s physical, emotional, biochemical and aesthetic development.

Orofacial pain

The treatment of chronic pain of the head and neck is a difficult diagnostic puzzle. In an acute injury, the pain is at the site of origin, in a chronic condition however, the brain and body have instigated a variety of compensatory mechanisms that may drastically alter the degree and location of symptoms.

Diagnostic postural balance tests are used to prioritise treatment and identify the origin of the presenting systems, which may involve: muscle pain of the head, neck or back; dizziness or vertigo; migraine; pain in the arms, hands or shoulders; sleep deprivation; swallowing difficulty; and many other symptoms. Treatment involves jaw joint stabilisation using removable pivots or splints and mandibular postural appliances to correct any structural injuries. Referral to other medical and allied health practitioners is required if systems persist for treatment of biochemical, physiological, hormonal or respiratory disorders.

Following jaw joint stabilisation, pain relief and a full range of jaw movements, restorative dentistry is undertaken (if required). This involves protecting compromised heavily restored teeth, improving aesthetics, reconstructing the correct intermeshing of teeth using restorative techniques (crown, bridges, implants or only) orthodontics, orthognathic surgery or cosmetic dentistry,

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About Woollahra Dental Practice

At Woollahra Dental Practice we recognise that your dental health is directly linked to your general health. We aim to provide a holistic approach to your dental care and always consider your overall health when providing you with a treatment plan.

Our philosophy is that we are here to help you be a healthier you. That’s is why we have developed an extensive network of allied practitioners such as;

• Chiropractors, Osteopath, Physiotherapist, etc.
• Periodontists, Neurologists, Endodontist, etc.
• Ear Nose and Throat Specialists, Respiratory Physicians, etc.

To help you not only achieve the best dental health but reach better whole body health. We apply this special philosophy to all our treatments which include;

• Orthodontics
• General and Cosmetic Dentistry
• Ortho-Postural Dentistry
• Preventive and Oral Health Care

We provide minimal intervention dentistry and always provide safe dentistry to all our patients. This is why we always use the latest research-based materials and techniques in our practice.

We also recognise the importance of periodontal (gum) health on your general health. Your mouth is a gateway to your body and healthier mouths lead to a healthier body. That’s why we have employed Dental Hygienists as a part of our clinical team. 

We would like you to browse our site to help you understand potential treatments that are important for you. Please feel free to ASK DR ANCELL any questions regarding your relationship with Woollahra Dental Practice.