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 
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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.

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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