Do you feel that sharp pain whenever you’re biting down on food? It could be caused by tooth decay, a crack in the tooth, a loose filling or damage inside the tooth (usually the pulp tissue). In these cases, the dentist might perform a tooth extraction or a root canal procedure (where the infected pulp is cleaned out). It’s important to visit the dentist right away if you’re experiencing that pain. There’s no reason for…
Brown teeth (including the brown stains and spots) can be caused by dark-coloured foods and drinks (including those with artificial colours), nicotine and tobacco, tartar (which can get worse because of smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes and other medical conditions), tooth decay, ageing (white enamel naturally wears out through the years) and genetics. We may or may not have control over some of those causes and factors but we do have control of how to keep…
Researchers are becoming more convinced of how oral health plays a role in our overall health. Poor oral health is being associated with poorly controlled diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, preterm birth and other health issues. It’s been suspected that this happens because compromised gums (e.g. gingivitis, periodontal disease) make disease-causing bacteria enter our bloodstream. Although the immune system can fight off the bacteria, those with a compromised immune system might acquire a disease or make an…
Ideally, it should be between 10 and 14 years when the head and mouth are still growing (partial development) and that the teeth can be easily straightened out. Adults can also wear braces but at a younger age correction will be much easier and better planned. When it comes to orthodontic check-up and treatment, it could be as early as age 6 or 7. At this age crowding of the teeth is easier to address….
More than 33 per cent of adults and children worldwide have problems about tooth erosion. Aside from worries about the appearance, dental erosion may also cause discomfort and sensitivity because the dentin gets exposed. Acidic foods and drinks (including hot and cold beverages) can trigger the sensitivity. In addition, tooth erosion could also lead to the loss of teeth and other serious problems. Front teeth wearing away It’s especially the case with the front teeth…
It’s one of those things where we think more effort means more success. We often think that over brushing our teeth leads to better results, the more vigorous our brushing means our teeth are getting thoroughly cleaned. But there’s a problem with that because our teeth can only handle so much. Over brushing (could be forceful brushing, combined with the use of hard-bristled brush and excessively abrasive toothpaste) could result in loss of tooth enamel…
More than half of the population have sensitive teeth but this doesn’t mean you have to endure the discomfort from time to time. After all it can be really distracting especially during a meeting, a date or other significant event. The discomfort is often triggered by heat or cold although sweet and acidic food and drinks could have the same effect. The root cause is that the enamel and/or gums that are supposed to give…
Over one in seven Australians are aged 65 years and over. By 2057 the projection is there will be 8.8 million older people in Australia (from 3.8 million in 2017) and will take up more than 20% of the country’s total population. The number and proportion are increasing because of declining birth rates, improving medical care and increasing lifespans. This is actually good news if we’re talking about humanity’s welfare. Improving medical care and lifespans…
Is gum disease uncommon? Is sugar the main cause of tooth decay? Only kids get tooth decay? Is bad breath necessarily a sign of gum disease? Is no pain no problem true? Let’s answer those questions and debunk the myths about oral health. These questions are important to answer so that you’ll unravel myths about your oral health that can help you protect your teeth and gums. Let’s begin. 1. Is gum disease uncommon? Approximately…
It’s baffling to think that many Australians regularly go to the gym or attend yoga classes and yet neglect their oral health. It’s estimated that 30% of Australians currently go without dental care (source: National Oral Health Alliance) whether due to the cost, fear of dental procedure, being too busy, unavailability of services or other reasons. In addition, more than 70,000 hospitalisations in 2016-17 for dental conditions may have been prevented with earlier treatment (source:…
