Did You Know That Snoring Can Be A Major Health Risk And Can Be Treated At The Dentist?

A patient of mine had found that in recent years that he had started to snore at night more frequently and his wife was starting to get frustrated about it.

About 40% of adults snore and although it doesn’t seem like a major problem, actually in 40% of these people it is a warning sign to a much more serious problem called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In sleep apnea, the person stops breathing momentarily which usually wakes the person up and in severe cases this could happen up to 100 times an hour. The persons body is basically fighting for oxygen and is definitely not getting a good night’s sleep. read more

If I’m Not Eating Lollies Why Do I Still Get Cavities?

I hear this a lot in adult patients, as you experience life, your tastes change. I think many of us remember always wanting dessert or sweets when we were younger, now I find when I eat at a restaurant it is the savory food that I find more interesting than the desserts. So if you mainly ate sweets when you were younger, why are you still getting cavities?

It’s not the amount of sugar you eat as much as the frequency. The problem with busy people is that there is a tendency to snack more and most snacks and drinks people consume have some amount of sugar. There are a lot of hidden sweet things like the teaspoon of sugar in your coffee or sugar coating on most snack biscuits, even the savory ones. read more

Diabetes has an impact on more than just your blood sugar levels. It puts you at risk for greater dental problems.

If your blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop gum disease, tooth decay, and inevitably lose more teeth.

In addition, dental infections can wreak havoc on your overall health. Infections which can cause sores and an excess of candida growth, or dry mouth which can cause ulcers and cavities. This can lead to an increase in blood sugar and make your diabetes harder to control. read more

Most of us have experienced toothaches or tooth pain at one point in their life.

Often these toothaches are minor or temporary. Occasionally a toothache requires urgent care. So how do you know the difference between minor and a required trip to the dentist once a toothache starts?

There are a few scenarios which can indicate a more serious toothache. If your toothache fades before 48 hours, you shouldn’t need to visit your dentist. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, give us a call and come see us right away:

The pain is extreme and throbbing

If your toothache throbs in time with your heartbeat and is extremely painful, you want to visit a dentist right away. It is especially important to see us right away if you notice any swelling in your cheek or face, or you begin to run a fever. This type of pain could indicate an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth has the potential to rupture and cause the infection to quickly travel throughout your body, making you extremely ill. read more

We’re excited to bring the latest dental hygiene technology to Vivid Dental. Talk to us today to find out how Swiss-manufactured EMS AIRFLOW® and a Guided Biofilm Therapy treatment can benefit your smile!

The addition of the Airflow system means that you can now experience stain-free, clean teeth without the pain! No more mess, to more cold water, and no more scraping. It’s time to give your teeth the best clean they’ve ever had.

What is EMS AIRFLOW®?

AIRFLOW® is a revolutionary, non-contact form of dental maintenance and prevention. It projects a controlled stream of air, warm water and very fine sweet powder onto the tooth and in hard-to-reach areas to dislodge and remove food particles, plaque, discolouration and stains. read more

Dry Mouth Concept - Cracked Ground, Earthquake Background, Texture Parched Earth

You might not think that having a dry mouth is cause for dental concern. It’s irritating, yes – and often a side effect of medications – but not something to be concerned about.

However, that parched, dryness can lead to gum trouble and tooth decay, as well as being uncomfortable.

So how does dry mouth happen? It occurs when the glands in your mouth, those that produce saliva, aren’t functioning properly. This can be because of medication (such as those for blood pressure pain relievers), autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy for cancer, or radiation therapy (specifically targeting the head/neck region). read more

Do you feel overwhelmed when you walk down the toothbrush aisle? It’s not uncommon – there are a lot of options.

When it comes to picking out the best toothbrush, there are a number of factors you should consider.

Choosing the right toothbrush head

The shape of your toothbrush needs to fit the shape of your mouth in order to get the best clean possible. Consider the shape and size of a toothbrush head before you purchase. The bristles should reach your back molars comfortably and be able to cover each tooth. If your toothbrush isn’t reaching everywhere in your mouth, swap it out for a toothbrush with a different sized head – one that better fits your mouth. read more

3 Ways you are brushing your teeth wrong

We are all aware of how long we should be brushing our teeth (2 minutes) and that we should be brushing after every meal. And while we might not follow these guidelines strictly, it’s something we all know we either are or are not doing.

However, there are a few things that you might not know you are doing wrong when it comes to brushing your teeth.

1. You are brushing too hard

If you hold your toothbrush in a tight death grip and push the bristles firmly against your teeth, you are doing your tooth enamel more harm than good. It can also hurt your gums and lead to gum recession issues. This leads into point #2…. read more

Menopause and Oral Health - Middle Aged Woman sitting against wall smiling

So you’re in your forties or fifties and experiencing hot flushes, sleeplessness, irritability and weight gain? Welcome to menopause! It’s a natural chapter in a woman’s life, however the symptoms can vary considerably and impact on your quality of life.

Along with the commonly discussed symptoms of menopause, fluctuations in hormones during menopause can also impact on your oral health. This can cause burning sensations in your mouth, altered taste sensations, dry mouth and inflamed, bleeding gums. You may have experienced similar changes during pregnancy, also due to hormonal changes. Lack of estrogen following menopause can also cause bone loss, leading to periodontal disease and tooth loss. read more

Are you embarrassed by crooked teeth? Perhaps you have thought about getting them fixed, but you don’t want to endure braces as an adult.

Years ago, metal braces were your only option. Today, you have options.

What is Invisalign?

Instead of metal braces, which adhere to the front of your teeth and guide the process by a wire, Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners (similar to a retainer but molded to fit you and much more comfortable to wear!) worn over your teeth.

How does Invisalign work?

Using a 3D scanner, we take impressions of your teeth and map out a custom-treatment plan. This treatment plan guides the creation of aligners in a step-by-step teeth straightening process. Once the plan has been finalised, the custom-made aligners are ordered. Each aligner will gently shift your teeth into a new position. We will determine a schedule to move from aligner to aligner – though you typically wear each individual aligner for approximately a fortnight. read more

Man Pouring Bottle Of Mouthwash Into Cap

Mouthwash freshens your breath and can help to improve your oral health. Mouthwash helps to kill the germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis. There are many types of mouthwash, so how do you choose the right mouthwash for you?

Fluoride Mouthwash

Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, thereby preventing tooth decay. Whilst controversial, fluoride is an important inclusion in most toothpastes, and is also added to the drinking water as a preventative measure in many Australian regions. If you are more prone to cavities, using a fluoride mouthwash can help to maintain your tooth enamel and prevent cavities. read more

As a new mum, you’re focused on looking after your baby’s health, but it’s equally important to take care of your own health.

Oral Hygiene

New babies need a lot of time and attention, and new mums sometimes forget to brush and floss. Poor oral health can result in cavities and gum disease, and can also impact on your baby’s oral health. Giving your baby a bottle or dummy that you’ve had in your mouth, even for a short time, can transfer bacteria into your baby’s mouth.

Ensure you maintain your brushing and flossing, and schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. read more

Dentist Flossing Teeth With Ceramic Brackets

The dreaded question (and the one most people lie about) when going to the dentist: have you been flossing regularly?

Though everyone’s least favorite dental activity, flossing plays a vital role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing removes much of the surface buildup on teeth, but it is only a partial job in keeping your mouth clean.

Flossing gets underneath the gum line to remove the buildup that causes issues such as gum disease. Each time you eat, food debris, plaque and bacteria build up along your gum line. Flossing pulls these particles down and out of your gums, leading to a cleaner, healthier mouth. read more

While we all know the physical and psychological benefits of exercise, one thing we don’t often think about is how our exercise routine might be affecting our teeth.

There are a variety of reasons your exercise routine may be negatively impacting your teeth. Below are just a few of the common causes:

Clenching Jaw/Teeth

You might not notice, but you likely clench your teeth when you exercise. Weightlifting, spin class, even strenuous yoga poses can cause you to clench your jaw while you focus. Continuous clenching can cause both short- and long-term damage to your teeth. read more

Pregnant woman at dentist before treatment

So, you’re expecting a baby. Congratulations!

Life is exciting, your body is changing on a daily basis, and there is a lot to think about and plan for.

Pregnancy has a major impact on every aspect of your health, including your oral health. At Vivid Dental, we get many questions from mothers-to-be about the effect of pregnancy on your oral health (and that of your growing baby), and how to maintain optimum oral health during pregnancy.

Are there any common oral health problems I’m likely to experience during my pregnancy?

Pregnancy gingivitis is the most common oral health problem experienced during pregnancy. Symptoms include red, inflamed and bleeding gums. read more

Two Young Girls Eating Easter Bunny Chocolates

You’ve successfully hidden the chocolate eggs in anticipation of Easter Sunday.

But you’re worried about the effect of so much chocolate on your children’s teeth. So how can you protect their teeth from the effects of excess sugar?

Don’t worry, there are some easy steps you can take to help prevent cavities and dental decay during this holiday weekend.

Sugar is converted to acid by the bacteria in the mouth, and too much acid in the mouth breaks down tooth enamel and creates cavities. By keeping your children’s mouths in a neutral PH balance (through brushing and rinsing), you can prevent cavities from developing.

It’s important for your children to drink plenty of water when they eat their Easter chocolate. Not only does this help to keep them well hydrated, it also has the benefit of neutralizing the effects of excess sugar in the mouth. For added benefit, encourage them to rinse their mouths with water immediately after eating chocolate. read more

Types of Dental Mouthguards

A dental mouthguard is a molded piece of soft plastic which fits inside the mouth, to protect against trauma during physical activity. It helps to protect teeth from being loosened or knocked out, as well as the cheeks, lips, and tongue.

There are 3 main types of dental mouthguards, which provide varying degrees of protection:

Generic stock-type mouthguards. These are a ‘one size fits most’ variety and typically can be found cheaply in a sports store. They come in small, medium, or large. These provide the least amount of fit and, therefore, protection. They could be too wide, too small, or too loose to provide adequate protection during gameplay.
Boil and Bite mouthguards. These are semi-custom fit because you use hot water to soften the plastic, then you bite into the guard to mold it. While these mouthguards offer good protection, and are relatively inexpensive, they can also have the same problems as the Stock style in terms of a generic fit in width.
Custom fit mouthguards. These are custom fit by your dentist and provide the greatest amount of protection. In addition to fitting your teeth, these also provide the best solution for breathability while wearing the mouthguard. This is also the best option for children with braces, so that the mouthguard doesn’t interfere with their treatment.

While there are pros and cons to each of these types of dental mouthguards, there are a few key questions to ask to help you decide which mouthguard to purchase:

* Do you (or your child) play continuous activity sports (such as basketball, footie)?
* Do you (or your child) wear braces or Invisalign?
* Do you (or your child) play a number of sports throughout the year?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a custom fit dental mouthguard is a necessity. This will ensure proper fit, won’t interfere with other dental treatments, and will last you throughout the seasons. read more

Easter Means Sugar! Protect Yourself From Tooth Decay

Easter is a wonderful time of year. School holidays roll around and we have a long weekend. Often, family functions occur and lots of delicious food is consumed. This holiday season can be tough on your teeth. Sugar and acidic foods are really harmful to your teeth. This time of year can mean consuming a lot of these nasties!

Whether you celebrate Easter due to it’s religious significance, or just enjoy some time off with friends and family, this holiday can wreak havoc on your teeth. One thing is for sure across all faiths and backgrounds – and that’s sugar and treats at Easter time. Easter eggs, hot cross buns, lollies, big meals, the list goes on. read more

Gum Disease – The Quiet Health Threat

Sarah considers herself very healthy. She eats well, exercises each day and loves practicing yoga. Sarah is also diligent with her water intake and ensures she eats loads of organic fruit and veggies. She avoids alcohol and refined sugar. To Sarah, health and well-being was always a priority. It came as a huge surprise to Sarah to find out that she had gum disease. Sarah had neglected a very important aspect of her well-being for years – her oral health.

After noticing bleeding whilst brushing her teeth, Sarah booked in an appointment with our team. Following a thorough examination, Dr Finnegan explained to Sarah that she has moderate gum disease. Her gums are puffy, inflamed and have loosened from the tooth structure, allowing harmful bacteria and plaque to enter the blood stream. read more

Curious About Teeth Whitening? Read David

David took great care of his teeth, but was always unhappy with their colour. While he brushed and flossed regularly, he also enjoyed lots of coffee, red wine, and was a long term smoker. Over the years, David’s teeth had become heavily stained and he was feeling self conscious about it. David had been curious about teeth whitening but didn’t know how best to proceed.At his regular 6 monthly check up and clean, he discussed his concerns with our caring dentist Dr Theresa Leong.

Dr Leong was able to explain to David that the staining of his teeth may have been caused by several factors, including: read more

Did You Know That Snoring Can Be A Major Health Risk And Can Be Treated At The Dentist?

If I’m Not Eating Lollies Why Do I Still Get Cavities?

Diabetes and Your Oral Health

How to Know When a Toothache is Serious