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

Ortho-postural Dentistry: A Broader View of Oral Health | Dr Anthony Ancell

At Woollahra Dental we would like to share a podcast from The Good Doctors / Health Podcast. The podcast is called: Ortho-postural Dentistry: A Broader View of Oral Health | Dr Anthony Ancell.

If you thought oral health was only about brushing and flossing this will open your eyes (and your mouth) to a much bigger picture. A must for anybody with a mouth and interested in their health, and yet may never have fully connected the two.

Visit the Good Doctors Blog to hear the podcast 

Dr. Anthony Ancell joins us today to discuss ortho-postural dentistry. Anthony is not only a dentist in a private practice in Sydney, but he is also a world-leader in the concept of ortho-postural dentistry; how the shape and health of your mouth impacts your ability to breathe well, sleep well, your posture and much, much more.

About Dr Anthony Ancell

Dr Anthony Ancell is an Australian-based health professional. Anthony is trained as a Dentist and a pioneer of ortho-postural dentistry. Anthony has practice located in Woollahra.

To make an appointment…

in Woollahra, please call 02 9363 5690 - www.woollahradental.com


SOURCES:

The Good Doctors / Health Podcast
Links mentioned in this episode:
Weston A Price website
A website on Buteyko breathing

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,

Do you suffer from Head/Neck pain? Regular headaches? Jaw ache?
Find out how we can help!

www.woollahradental.com 

A Mental Headache

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and muscle disorders, often known as TMJ or TMD, can be not only a real physical pain but a psychological pain as well. When the muscles and nerves of the TM joint are injured; inflammation, headaches, blurred vision, jaw tightness, ear pain, ringing in the ear, facial swelling, shoulder/neck stiffness and even depression can occur.  According to the TMJ Association, approximately 12% of the population is affected by TMD.  A research article by The School of Psychology and Life Sciences concluded that, “depression is particularly common among TMD patients” and pain symptoms associated with TMD can be treated with occlusal appliances or dental splint.

The TM joint is where the bones of your skull connect to your jaw located just in front of your ear. Injury to the TM joint can occur directly through experiencing physical trauma or occur over time such as:

• Experiencing excessive stress or anxiety 
• Teeth grinding/clenching
• Poor posture
• Misalignment of teeth position
• Genetics
• Poor Orthodontic treatment 
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Excessive gum chewing
• Arthritis 

When people experience chronic pain, such as that experienced from TMD/TMJ depression becomes prevalent. According to WebMd, “depression can magnify pain and make it harder to cope”, which make it a vicious cycle if left untreated. TMD patients have said that the pain they feel stops them from doing daily activities, socialising with friends, going out to eat, talking on the phone and it disrupts their sleeping so they are always tired and have clouded thoughts.

Pain brings people to their GP first for immediate relief through medication.  However, there are other options for long term relief such as a visit to see Dr Tony Ancell of Woollahra Dental Practice.  His practice takes a holistic approach and can help treat TMD/TMJ through orthodontics, bite reconstruction, creating an occlusal appliances or dental splint.

If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic pain from the TM joint call today 02 9363 5690 to seek treatment that is life changing.

www.woollahradental.com

Sweet Destruction

‘Our “sweet tooth” has been the basis of one of the most long standing controversial topics in the health and food industries. The food industry believes and markets refined sugar to be a food that is harmless and “natural”. Whereas doctors and nutritionists in the health industry have been conducting studies and releasing research that is proving that refined sugar is actually a “poison”!

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines poison as, “A substance that through its chemical action usually kills, injures, or impairs an organism.” In 1957 Dr. William Coda Martin concluded that refined sugar is a poison. He stated, “The refinement process, creates a product our bodies can’t use, because we can’t digest it. It is more of a pharmaceutical drug than it is a nurturing food.”

In the early 1900’s the average consumption of sugar per year was 6-9kg. It’s scary to say that now the sugar consumption is closer to our weight in sugar each year as it has been made readily available and put into almost every packaged food on the grocery store shelfs. Sugar has become a habit in the majority of our daily lives and for many people, it has also become an addiction. At a neurobiological level of addition a study titled, Sugar addiction: pushing the drug-sugar analogy to the limit, showed sugar to be more robust than those of cocaine.

Over consumption of refined sugar causes the body to become more acidic. Excess sugar get stored as glycogen in the liver and causes it to swell.  From the liver the refined sugar re-enters our blood stream as a fatty acid which inevitability get stored around the belly, thighs and bum. Unfortunately, when these areas no longer have room to store the refined sugar it end up in our vital organs such as the kidneys, pancreas and heart.

This leads to serious health issues:
• Increased Risk of Diabetes
• Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
• Increased Risk of Stroke
• High Blood Pressure
• Poor Digestion- IBS, Intolerances, Constipation, Bloating
• Ineffective Immune System
• Gallstones
• Tooth Decay/Loss of Teeth
• Short Term Memory Loss

As we take a holistic approach to dentistry here at Woollahra Dental Practice, we urge you to become more mindful of your food choices and take note of the sugar content they contain. Reading food labels can be difficult a quick way to find out really how much sugar is in a product is to take the number of grams per serve and divide that number 4. This will tell you how many teaspoons of sugar are in your food as 1gram equals 4.2 teaspoons.

Contact us today 

Woollahra Dental Practice

27 Queen Street

Woollahra NSW 2025

Phone: 02 9363 5690

admin@woollahradental.com

Your Oral Health = Your Overall Health

Sounds surprising, but it is true! Your oral health reflects details of your current overall health. Your oral health also could be a contributing problem to your overall health. This is why Dr Tony Ancell and his team at Woollahra Dental Practice have a holistic view. They look beyond just your teeth and gums to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Did you know that a reduction in salvia flow occurs when you are taking certain medications? Often it is taking antihistamines, diuretics, painkillers or decongestants that are to blame. When we produce less saliva we are not able to protect our teeth from an overgrowth of bacteria. Saliva is a very powerful tool in our oral health system as it neutralizes acids and helps wash food away. 

Did you know that what you eat and drink, such as sugar (not just sweets but fruits and breads too) can play a harmful role in the formation of tooth decay? Did you know that by having red or inflamed gums you are putting your overall health at risk? It halts your immune system.

When our oral health defence system is down, oral bacteria, plaque and biofilms start to reek havoc on our systemic health.  Systemic is defined in The American Heritage Medical Dictionary as; “of, relating to, or affecting the entire body or an entire organism especially the nervous system”.  Numerous amounts of research has shown that your oral health might be affected by, or contribute to various systemic diseases and conditions.

Conditions/Diseases	Oral Health Affected/Contributed
Cardiovascular disease	Twice as likely to suffer a heart attack if you have periodontal disease.
Diabetes	The immune system is compromised and infections such as gum disease occur. Gum disease has been linked to disrupting the ability to control blood sugar levels.
Endocarditis	When bacteria from another part of the body enters the bloodstream, such as from periodontal disease, risk is increased.
Alzheimer’s disease	The American Psychological Association research showed tooth loss before the age of 35 (often due to  periodontal disease) puts you at a higher risk of experiencing  Alzheimer’s
Stroke	Research published in Clinical Advisor has shown the oral bacteria makes a person more susceptible to developing blood clots.
Osteoporosis	Has been linked with periodontal bone loss.
HIV/AIDS	According to WebMd oral mucosal lesions are often present.
Premature birth/low birth weight	Data gathered by the Australian Dental Association on mothers with periodontitis showed an increase risk of premature birth/low birth weight than mothers who had good oral health.
Sjogren’s syndrome	An immune system disorder that causes dry mouth.

Acid Reflux and Sleep Apnoea Go Hand in Hand!

 There have been numerous studies and data collected on people who experience acid reflux. The medical term for acid reflux that occurs frequently is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In a study of sixty million Americans who were diagnosed with GERD, 80% of them reported their symptoms were worse at night, according to WebMD.

The College of Gastroenterology is always searching for reasons to discover why there is such a strong correlation between sleep apnoea and acid reflux. Turns out, according to gastroenterologist Ken DeVault, MD of the Mayo Clinic, “with sleep apnoea, people tend to breathe harder because their breathing has stopped, and that could induce reflux to flow into the oesophagus”.1  In other studies by physicians, night-time reflux  was discovered as often being a primary cause of sleep disruption.

 
If you suffer from both problems, there is good news. There are treatment options that the team at Woollahra Dental Practice can help you with because they have a holistic approach.
Dr Tony Ancell has a special interest in Dental Sleep Medicine and can provide you with an at home sleep study and a sleep appliance, such as an Airway Ease dental appliance, to help you manage your sleep apnoea. Managing your sleep apnoea may be a solution to reducing/eliminating your night-time acid reflux as well. At required times referral to respiratory sleep physician can be made to our allied network of health practitioners.

Give Woollahra Dental Practice a call today 02 9363 5690, to book your initial consultation to improve your oral health and your overall health. Learn how it is possible to have a restful night’s sleep again.

Figure 1: Stomach acid travels up the oesophagus causing sleep disruption, especially when the airway is already narrow, making night-time breathing difficult. 

Attack by Acid!

There is a cause of permanent and severe loss of tooth structure you need to know about. The culprit: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also known as “heart burn” (1).

The name alone sounds threating, which it is. Even scarier than the name, is the fact that it is a common condition that occurs when stomach acids travel upward into the esophagus, which leads to acid reflux-induced erosion of your teeth!

According to the National Science Foundation, acid in the stomach is extremely low (meaning highly acidic), having a pH level ranging from of 1.0-3.0.

The Australian Dental Association states tooth enamel becomes soft and can be easily damaged when the pH level in your mouth drops below 5.5.

Our teeth are constantly being exposed to food and beverages with a low pH level (2) that put our enamel at risk of erosion.


Every time we enjoy a sports drink, fruit juice, or caffeinated beverage the pH level in our mouth drops dramatically. Ironically, it’s those same beverages that often prompt acid reflux to occur.  WebMD states, fatty foods, dairy, citric fruits, tomatoes, alcohol and even chocolate are the biggest triggers of reflux.

When you experience acid reflux, your teeth are at higher risk of chemical erosion occurring. Over time the root surfaces of your teeth can become exposed. If left untreated the tooth  
structure itself becomes compromised and could require complex dental treatment such as veneers, crowns, fillings or potentially a root canal treatment.

Luckily, the team at Woollahra Dental Practice can help detect early signs of acid reflux-induced erosion during your regularly six monthly hygiene appointments. Taking pro-active measures for the wellbeing of your teeth is vital to the longevity of your smile. At your appointment you will be given valuable information on what you can do at home in between visits to keep your enamel strong.    

Chronic periodontitis, an inflammatory gum disease, influences prognosis and the severity of heart attacks

Woollahra Dental would like to share a journal from the University of Granada about chronic periodontitis, an inflammatory gum disease, influences prognosis and the severity of heart attacks.

The researchers from the University of Granada have demonstrated for the first time that chronic periodontitis, an inflammatory gum disease which provokes gradual teeth loss, is closely related to the severity of acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as heart attack.

In a pioneering research, published in the Journal of Dental Research, and titled "Acute myocardial infarct size is related to periodontitis extent and severity," this team has demonstrated that the extent and severity of chronic periodontitis is related to the size of acute myocardial infarction through seric levels of troponin I and myoglobin (biomarkers of myocardial necrosis).

This research results in part from the conclusions of Rafael Martín Marfil Álvarez's doctoral dissertation, which was directed by UGR professors Francisco Mesa Aguado (Stomatology Department), José Antonio Ramírez Hernández (Medicine Department), and Andrés Catena Martínez (Experimental Psychology Department). This research analysed 112 patients who had suffered from acute myocardial infarction, at the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital Cardiology Unit. They all underwent a series of cardiological, biochemical and periodontal health checks and tests.

According to professor Francisco Aguado, one of the authors of this research (which will have to be confirmed through further research), "chronic periodontitis appears as a death risk factor and it plays an important role in the prognosis of acute myocardial infarction."

Researchers point out that it will be necessary to conduct follow-up checks with periodontal patients who have suffered myocardial infarction in order to determine the severity (or lack of it) of their clinical evolution (new coronary events, cardiac failure, or even death).

"If that happens to be the case, chronic periodontitis should be considered as a predictor in the development of myocardial infarction, and be therefore included in the risk stratification scores," according to Mesa Aguado.

For more information about how to prevent gum diasease make an appointment today 02 9363 5690.
Woollahra Dental 27 Queen Street - Woollahra NSW 2025


Story Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by University of Granada. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
_______________________________________
Journal Reference:
R. Marfil-Alvarez, F. Mesa, A. Arrebola-Moreno, J. A. Ramirez-Hernandez, A. Magan-Fernandez, F. O'Valle, P. Galindo-Moreno, A. Catena. Acute Myocardial Infarct Size Is Related to Periodontitis Extent and Severity. Journal of Dental Research, 2014; 93 (10): 993 DOI: 10.1177/0022034514548223

Your Secret to Keeping a Great Smile

In our website, we have described the procedures for Preventative care.
Preventative care is vitally important for overall dental health. Maintaining a thorough oral health routine will keep your smile fresh, your teeth and gums healthy, and is important for looking after your overall well-being.

Gum disease can begin for no apparent reason and can remain unnoticed for a considerable amount of time. Occasional bleeding during home care or sore gums may be only symptoms you get of gum disease that can lead to receding gums and loose teeth. Recent research has shown links between gum disease, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems and premature births. Uncontrolled gum disease can also destabilise treatment for diabetes. Healthy gums help to maintain a balance in all these medical conditions.

Have you visited a Dental Hygienist before? The mission for our Dental Hygienists is to deliver tailored preventative dental care to our patients in a gentle and caring way, to help our patients maintain the health of their gums, strengthen their teeth and keep their smiles looking beautiful.


Dental Hygienists perform:

• Cleaning and scaling teeth to remove all plaque and calculus (tartar)
• Removal of surface stains from the teeth
• Apply pit and fissure sealants to help prevent decay
• Saliva testing to assess your risk of gum disease and decay
• Help monitor the strength of your teeth
• Whiten and brighten your teeth with in-surgery teeth whitening
• Help prevent dental Injuries using mouth guards
• Instruction in tooth brushing and flossing
• Counselling in proper nutrition
• Presentation of prescribed dental treatment
• Recommending future treatment (orthodontics, periodontal therapy, etc) in consultation with your dentist.

Oral Health care

A Dental Hygienist visit is routinely performed every six months depending on the patient’s requirements and is usually between 45 minutes and 60 minutes. The process is very gentle and comfortable and your dental hygienist will recommend a suitable timeframe to keep your gum in healthy state.

"Frequent Dental Hygiene visits are the best way to maintain the health of your teeth and gums and prevent the need for complex dental procedures"


Fissure sealant

Fissure Sealants are the best non-invasive preventive measure against dental decay on the biting surfaces of the teeth where decay is common.
The grooves on the biting surfaces of most molar teeth are too deep and too narrow to be completely cleaned with a toothbrush.

Fissure sealing is a preventive procedure that involves the placement of dental resin or glass ionomer cement in these deep grooves to prevent the accumulation of food and decay-causing bacteria.

Fissure sealants are great in that they require no drilling, are painless, and are less expensive than fillings.

at Woollahra Dental we usually recommend them in younger patients at risk of tooth decay.

Contact us for more information and to find out how we can help you keeping a Great Smile!

Teach me how to brushy... and more

At Woollahra Dental we have been looking for videos and ideas to get children (and even some adults) to brush their teeth. We also have a guide on how to brush.

Study: 'Fat tongue' may be a factor in sleep apnea

at Woollahra Dental - we would like to share a very interesting article from Health Day about Sleep apnea and a disorder called "fat" tongue:

Sleep apnea is a potential health risk for millions of Americans, and a new study points to a possible culprit behind the disorder: a "fat" tongue.

"This is the first study to show that fat deposits are increased in the tongue of obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea," study senior author Dr. Richard Schwab, co-director of the Sleep Center at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, said in a news release from Sleep, which will publish the findings Oct. 1.

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which the airways constrict during sleep, leading to repeated stops and starts in breathing. The telltale signs include chronic loud snoring, with periodic gasps or choking -- and, for many people, daytime drowsiness because of poor sleep.

But the effects go beyond fatigue. Studies suggest those pauses in breathing stress the nervous system, boosting blood pressure and inflammation in the arteries.

Obese people tend to be at higher risk for sleep apnea, and Schwab's team say the new findings may help explain the link between obesity and the breathing disorder.

The study included 90 obese adults with sleep apnea and 90 obese adults without the disorder.
The participants with sleep apnea had significantly larger tongues, tongue fat and percentage of tongue fat than those without sleep apnea, the researchers found. The tongue fat in the people with sleep apnea was concentrated at the base of the tongue.

In addition to increasing the size of the tongue, higher levels of tongue fat may prevent muscles that attach the tongue to bone from positioning the tongue away from the airway during sleep, Schwab's group explained.

While the study found an association between tongue fat content and sleep apnea, it could not prove cause and effect.

However, the researchers believe future studies should assess whether removing tongue fat through weight loss, upper airway exercises or surgery could help treat sleep apnea.

"Tongue size is one of the physical features that should be evaluated by a physician when screening obese patients to determine their risk for obstructive sleep apnea," American Academy of Sleep Medicine President Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler added in the news release.

"Effective identification and treatment of sleep apnea is essential to optimally manage other conditions associated with this chronic disease, including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and depression," he said.

Nearly 35 percent of U.S. adults -- 78.6 million people -- are obese, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Source: Robert Preidt, HealthDay -  October 2, 2014

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