Medications - many medications can cause dry mouth symptoms as a side effect of the medication.

Such examples as some analgesics, anti anxiety and anti-depressants, antihistamine/decongestants, anti-asthmatic, some antibiotics, anti convulsive, anti-psychotic,blood pressure medication/anti-angina, anti-inflammatory, anti-nauseants, ant-parkinson agents, ant-ulcerants, anoretics, bladder disorder, diuretics, hypolipaemics and nicotene therapy medications.

Some medical treatments and disorders can also cause dry mouth symptoms. Sometimes normal saliva will resume as before or the person may continue to experience the dry mouth symptoms.

Dry mouth or xyrostomia should not be ignored and is a treatable condition.

Patient education on how to manage such symptoms is vitally important for patient comfort and to maintain the teeth and oral tissues of the mouth.

Dental tooth decay can progress quiet rapidly in a patient who has reduced or no saliva.

Saliva cleanses the teeth and has a protective buffering mechanism after eating or drinking.

Possible causes of dry mouth are as follows-

Radiotherapy of the head or neck.

Chemotherapy treatment will sometimes cause dry mouth symptoms. Such treatments can induce vomiting in patients whereby the stomach acids can further harm the teeth and oral tissues.

Sjogren's Syndrome

Stress and depression

Diabetes

Kidney dialysis

Hormonal changes

Endocrine disorders

Treatment in the management of dry mouth symptoms

Specially formulated products are available to treat and manage dry mouth symptoms. These come in the form of moisturising toothpaste, moisturising mouthwash, moisturising mouth gel or spray. Special sugar free chewing gum or lozengers.

Such products are available from some dental surgeries, chemists or supermarkets.

You should consult your treating doctor or dental practitioner for diagnosis and suggested treatments.

Dietry education is also important as sugary food and drinks are more damaging in a dry mouth.

Sugar free alternativies are less damaging to the teeth.

The grooves (fissures) on the biting surfaces of back teeth are high risk sites for tooth decay developing. Because of their shape and depth they tend to collect plaque which cannot be reached effectively by the bristles of the toothbrush. This tends to be a genetic tendency so it can run in families.

A hard protective coating called a fissure sealant covers the grooves and pit and prevents plaque collecting and prevents decay from starting. These can also be placed in deciduous (baby molars) and pits and grooves behind the top fount adult teeth.

They also help protect the susceptible areas by stopping the plaque collecting in these sites, and also make it easier to keep the teeth clean.

What materials are used to place fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are usually made from a strong resin, plastic or a material known as a glass ionomer cement.

These materials are biologically sound and, when placed, blend in with the natural colour of the tooth.

Placement is easy and relatively quick to perform.

How are they placed?

The tooth is firstly cleaned and dried.

A mild conditioning agent is applied to the area to be covered by the fissure sealant and is then washed away.

The sealant is is placed and set usually by using a UV (ultra-violet) light.

The sealant is inspected and, if necessary smoothed down slightly to fit.

This procedure requires no injections or drilling.

When should they be placed?

Ideally sealants should be placed as soon as pracicable after a tooth with susceptable fissures erupts into the mouth.Newly erupted molars are susceptible to decay more frequently in this post-eruptive stage.

Fissure sealants generally last for years especially when the treated tooth is kept toally dry during placement.

Watch your mouth - your whole mouth, not just your teeth, not just your gums.

You are what you eat and drink. Diet can impact your dental health.

Eating and drinking habits play a major role in tooth decay, which is a diet related disease.

Sugars in the food and drinks we consumed are metabolised by the bacteria in our mouths producing acids, which attack the outer layer of tooth enamel causing tooth decay.

Frequent snacking between meals of such food and drinks increases our chances of developing tooth decay because the teeth are more frequently exposed to acids produced by the bacteria in our mouth.

Tips for maintaining healthy teeth

* Limit sugary treats to meal times, rather than between meals.

*Drink water throughout the day and after meals.

*Chew sugar-free gum after eating.

* Watch what you eat and limit snacking particularly of foods with hidden sugars.

*Have three regular meal times a day, rather than snacking and grazing.

Limit your sugary treats to be part of a meal, rather than as a snack.

Effective toothbrushing and why flossing is a key part of your oral care.

How you brush your teeth matters a great deal, with how often you brush, how long you brush, the technique and the toothbrush you use are all major influences on the effectiveness of your brushing.

To gain maximum benefit from brushing, you should brush for at least two minutes morning and night, using a soft bristled toothbrush with a small flexible head.

Manual and electric toothbrushes are great, your dental professional can recommend the right one for you.

A soft flexible brush removes plaque and debris from your teeth and gum line without damaging your teeth and gums.

It is important not to brush and scrub too hard, the right brushing technique should be shown to you by your dental practitioner if you are unsure.

Flossing can be a challenge but is well worth it as your toothbrush alone does'nt remove the plaque from between your teeth.

By using floss to remove the plaque from between your teeth, you’re helping to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and halitosis (otherwise known as “bad breath”).The more you floss the quicker you become at it and once you see what you remove by flossing the more likely you are to continue this healthy habit.

If you don't know how to floss please ask your dental professional to show you.

Dental health week 2018 - encourages everyone to visit their dentist and if you don't have one, to find one and get your oral health back on track.

Afterall your mouth is connected to the rest of your body. Poor oral health is known to affect general health.

Regularly have a look in your mouth check your teeth, gums , tongue and soft tissues.

If your find something your are not sure about get it checked by your dental professional or GP.

Most ulcers will resolve within a week or so but if they persisit its best to get it checked.

Sensitivity of the teeth affects most people especially as we age.

As gum recedes, parts of your teeth being the root surfaces where the gum used to be connected aren't protected by enamel and become exposed. This exposed dentine ( root surface) has thousands of microscopic pathways which lead to the nerve in the tooth. When teeth come into contact with different stimuli such as hot, cold, air, acidic or sweet these sensitive pathways carry sensations to the nerve of the tooth and cause painful tooth sensitivity.

If you experience such symptoms it is best to come in to see us so a correct diagnosis can be made. Treatment for hypersensitivity is quite straight forward and often means changing to a sensitive tooth paste and not rinsing but to spit out only after brushing.

Other recommendations can be made on a individual basis.

For the first time two of Australia's leading health associations,the Australian Dental Association (ADA) & Sports Medicine Australia (SMA), have come together to approve the use of a Mouthguard Policy that all sports clubs can sign up to.

The wearing of custom-fitted mouthguards helps to absorb & spread the impact of a blow to the face, which may otherwise result in the injury to the mouth, teeth and or jaw.

"Dental injuries can result in time off school or work in order to recover, which can be painful & disfiguring which may involve lengthy & complex dental treatment. The cost of a injury to the teeth or jaws can far exceed the cost of a mouth guard".

All sport clubs are encouraged to sign up to the Mouthguard Policy & require their members to do so as well.While traditional contact sports such as Rugby League, Rugby Union, AFL & boxing are known to have incidences of dental trauma, sports that are considered to be of a non-contact nature, such as hockey, netball & basketball, can & often have incidents of mouth injuries also.

Ideally a custom made mouthguard is recommended as it fits better than an over the counter bought DIY mouthguard purchased from a chemist or sports store. If unsure please feel free to ask our dental team.

Prevention is always better than a cure. Preventing dental trauma is far cheaper in the long run.

People undergoing orthodontic treatment need to be even more dedicated to good oral hygiene. After all orthodontic treatment is costly & we all want the best results possible.

Braces trap food & plaque very easily. If plaque is not carefully removed from the teeth & from around the braces, the patient runs the risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay & bad breath.

It is important to remove the plaque thoroughly & often. So when the braces are removed, the surfaces of the teeth underneath the braces should be healthy & strong & look good.

The following tips should help-

Brushing using a soft bristled brush.

Brush at least three times a day. It is best to brush after meals to make sure no food is trapped in or around the braces.If you are unable to brush after eating, at least rinse your mouth with water very thoroughly.

Brush for at least two to three minutes each time. Paying particular attention to the areas between the brackets & your gums.

Floss at least once a day. It maybe a bit of a challenge at first but your orthodontist, dentist, hygienist or dental assistant can show you the best method for you. Special flossing products & interdental brushes are available to help get between the wires, teeth & the gum line.

When your braces are first placed on you should be instructed on how to brush & floss correctly.

Fluoride

Use a fluoride toothpaste.

Your orthodontist or dentist may recommend that you use a over- the -counter fluoride mouth rinse at home.

Fluoride rinse helps to protect & strengthen teeth during orthodontic treatment.

Regular dental check ups with your dentist.

A regular dental examination, clean & fluoride treatment is recommended usually every 6 months. Unless advised differently by your orthodontist or dentist. A orthodontist doesn't generally check your teeth for cavities. That is why it is important to have regular dental check ups with your dentist. This way problems such as cavities can be detected & treated early.

Caring for your retainer

If you have a retainer or other removable orthodontic appliance, it needs to be cleaned regularly, too.Brush the appliance daily with a soft toothbrush & toothpaste.This is especially important for the side that is in contact with the roof of your mouth or gums.

When brushing or soaking your appliance, never use hot water. As this can distort the plastic or resin in the appliance.

Your orthodontist, dentist or dental assistance can recommended a solution to use if you want to soak your retainer.

When you are not wearing your retainer ensure you store it away from your pets. Dogs & cats have been known to chew & destroy them.

Eating Right

While wearing braces, you should be mindfull about consuming food & drinks which could increase your risk of developing cavities. You should also avoid anything which may damage your brackets or wires. Frequently breaking your braces will lengthen your overall treatment time & can make your treatment more expensive.

Stay away from hard & sticky foods. They can damage your braces as well as becoming stuck in your braces.

Generally cut down on sugary foods & drinks. Always remember to brush after consuming sugar of any kind.

Frequent snacking on sugary foods is worse than eating those foods with a non-sugary meal. Don't eat sugary foods before going to bed without brushing.

Brace friendly habits

Habits such as nail biting, pencil & ice chewing , and pulling at wires & bracket can break your braces.

Remember that damaged braces means extra appointments, inconvience & extended treatment.

By 3 years of age, your child will have 20 primary (baby) teeth.These teeth are important for many reasons & need to be taken care of until the adult teeth replace them. Tooth decay in these teeth can mean your child maybe at an increased risk of developing decay in their permanent (adult) teeth.

From about 6-12 years of age your child will lose all the baby teeth as the permanent teeth erupt. Some children can be older than 12 & still losing their baby teeth.This can vary from child to child.

These permanent teeth need to last 70-80 years or the rest of their lifetime.

With a little daily oral care & diet from an early age, your child can have healthy teeth for a lifetime.

Oral care at home

What your child does at home everyday is essential to staying healthy. Remember children learn to take care of themselves from parents, siblings & carers.

Children should be encouraged to brush their own teeth. However, children do not have the coordination needed to use a toothbrush properly until they are about 10 to 11 years. For this reason, parents and carers need to assist with thorough brushing at least once a day preferably twice.

Toothpaste with fluoride is recommended to be used twice daily with brushing. However toothpaste dosage should be monitored by parents & care givers .And should be kept out of young children's reach after use. Excess toothpaste should be spat out after brushing. Rinsing out of toothpaste is not recommended. As a small amount of toothpaste left in the mouth has a hardening effect on teeth helping to protect them from developing decay.

Parents & carers should start flossing their chidren's teeth when the teeth start fitting close together.

It isn't easy to floss someone else's teeth. If unsure ask a dental professional to show you.

By the age 13 children should be able to floss without supervision .Remember practice makes perfect & it takes time to learn how to floss properly.

Parents are encouraged to look in their childs mouth regularly. In order to monitor cleaniness of their mouth but to check for any changes to the teeth & gums.

Tooth friendly diet

Eating patterns are just as important as the types of food & drinks children have. The risk of tooth decay can increase if children eat too often thoroughout the day.

As a general rule try to limit eating times to 3 meals and 2 snacks each day.

Tooth friendly food & drinks

- Encourage healthy snacks such as dairy products, unsalted pop corn, fruits & vegetables in place of sugary snacks.

-Keep healthy snacks readily available to grab on the go.

-Limit intake of acidic drinks such as soft drinks, sport drinks, fruit juices, fruit drinks & cordials. Remember don't sip on them too long & limit how often you give them.

-Drink water & plenty of it.

Making dental visits a positive & good experience

Start regular dental visits early in life. This will prevent small problems becoming big ones. Treat their dental visit as routine

.

Many children play contact sports. Remember mouth & teeth injuries can happen easily so a mouth guard is recommeded. Check with your dental professional what is the best option for your child.

When your child has their teeth checked their bite is also examined. A good time to check with your dental professional is when your child is about 9 years of age. A orthodnotic referral will be given if required.

Fissure Sealants

These are a preventive protective seal over the grooves of the back teeth.These are often preformed on the permanent back teeth (6 & 12 year old molars) & sometimes in the baby molars. They protect the pits & grooves with a resin that prevents plaque from becoming trapped & causing decay.

Smoking leads to dental problems, including:

- Bad breath

- Tooth discolouration

-Increased build up of plaque & tartar on the teeth

-Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth

-Increased loss of bone within the jaws

-Increased risk of leukoplakia, white cell changes inside the mouth

-Increased risk of gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss

-Delayed healing after tooth extraction, treatment for gum disease, after oral surgery

-Lower success rate of dental implants

-Increased risk of developing oral cancer & other cancers of the body

How Does SmokingLlead to Gum Disease?:

Smoking & other tobacco products can lead to gum disease (periodontal disease) by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to the teeth. This makes smokers more prone to infections, such as gum disease, wound healing because smoking impairs blood flow to the gums.

Studies have shown smokers experience a much higher loss of teeth due to gum disease.

People who have diabetes are informed that this disease can harm the eyes, nerves, kidneys heart & other systems of the body. Did you know diabetes can also cause problems in your mouth.

People with diabetes are at a special risk for gum disease (periodontal disease), an infection of the gums & bone that hold the teeth in place. Gum disease can lead to painful chewing & even tooth loss. Dry mouth, often a symptom of undetected diabetes, can cause soreness, ulcers, infections, & tooth decay. Smoking makes these problems worse.

What can you do?

Good blood glucose control is the key to controlling & preventing mouth problems. People with poor blood glucose control develop gum disease more often & more severely than people whose diabetes is well controlled. Daily brushing & regular flossing, regular dental check ups & good blood glucose control are the best defense agaisnt the oral complications of diabetes.

Gum Disease & artery disease Research shows that gum disease is, by itself, a risk factor for coronary artery disease.

Gum disease is a important risk factor for diseases of the blood vessels & the arteries that supply the brain. This is likely associated with stroke caused by insufficient blood & oxygen to the brain.

Some research has found a direct link between clogged arteries in the legs & gum disease.Poor oral health has been debated as a possible cause of heart disease for many years.Many studies show an as-yet unexplained association between gum disease & several serious health conditions, including heart disease.

With good oral hygiene, patients greatly reduce their risk of developing cavities, gingivitis (inflamed gums), periodontitis (gum disease), & other dental problems. This in turn, can reduce the risk of secondary problems caused by poor oral health.

A healthy mouth directly contributes to a healthy body. Brushing & flossing, and not smoking, diet, & regular dentist visits all contribute to good oral health.

10 Ways to Improve Your Smile

Keeping your natural sheen:

A smile is one of the first things that people notice about someone.

Here are a few tips to help improve the appearance of your teeth.

1) Floss Daily this removes plaque from between the teeth and out from under the gumline, where a toothbrush can't reach. Doing this daily helps prevent tooth decay, bad breath, gingivitis and gum disease. Learning to floss correctly is a learnt habit worth forming .If you are unsure of how to do this correctly ask your dental hygienist or dentist to show you.

Brushing at least twice a day. Because plaque can harden into tartar, frequent brushing allows teeth to stay cleaner, whiter & healthier than people who brush infrequently.

2) Seeing your dentist or hygienist regularly helps to promote good oral health as well as a beautiful smile. A recall notice will be sent or sms'd to you when you are due.

3) Your dentist and hygienist also screen for oral conditions such as oral cancer and dry mouth.

4) Giving up smoking as smoking causes staining of the teeth, receding of the gum and can cause gum disease.

5) Limit coffee, tea and red wine as such drinks are known for causing stain to the teeth. This can usually be removed by your hygienist or dentist.

6) Purchase a quality toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are clinically shown to remove more plaque & achieve healthier gums than a standard manual toothbrush. But the brush head needs to be replaced every 2-3 months depending on wear.

7) Choosing a non- electric toothbrush. Always choose a soft bristled toothbrush. As medium & hard bristled brushes and aggressive brushing can cause gums to recede & can wear tooth enamel away faster. Causing sensitivity and tooth destruction.

8) Drink plenty of water as its the healthiest drink for your smile & body.

Frequent consumption of acidic or sugary drinks increase decay rates dramatically. Athletes are quickly becoming a at risk group as effects of sports drinks are taking a toll on their teeth.

9) Getting other health conditions under control. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity & bruxism (grinding of teeth) can all affect the health & appearance of your smile.

10) Receiving dental treatment in a timely manner.

Dental conditions never correct themselves on their own. Treating tooth decay and gum conditions early means less invasive dental treatment is required resulting lower treatment costs.