Tag: dental

pregnancy and Oral health

Posted on by adminvpdc in Pregnancy

It is fitting this month to talk about pregnancy and oral health especially with the safe arrival of a baby boy for Tina born in January 2025.  He is so cute!  Tina will be on maternity leave until November 2025.  Here is the link to a great podcast on pregnancy and oral health https://teeth.org.au/watch-your-mouth-podcast/oral-health-and-pregnancy

Pregnancy and your gums:

With the pregnancy hormones, needing to eat multiple small meals, and feeling unwell and/or tired your gums can be more sensitive and less resilient to plaque build up and gum disease.  It is very easy to feel that you don’t want to brush and floss, however this can lead to more issues down the track.  It is more important than usual to keep with the oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing morning and night.

Pregnancy and your teeth:

If you are unfortunate to be physically sick or have reflux during pregnancy then the acid attack on your teeth can be damaging to the enamel surface and root surfaces of your teeth.  After you have been unwell you can rinse your mouth with water, but don’t brush your teeth for at least 30mins to allow for your mouth to return to a more neutral level and the enamel to harden.  Frequent small meals and snacking will keep your mouth in an acid environment as well so the same habit applies.  You can also put some toothpaste on your finger and rub around your teeth after vomiting or reflux or use an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash.

Pregnancy and your dental appointments:

We know you now have so many extra appointments with your doctor, obstetric care, blood tests, scans etc!  We would love to still see you too, and your teeth and gums would benefit from checkups too!  As your gums can be extra irritated a lovely hygiene clean will help to reduce the bleeding and the possibility of bone loss from gum disease.  Depending on how irritated your gums are we may need to see you a couple of times during your pregnancy. We can also check your teeth for signs of acid wear or the beginnings of decay.  It is safe to take xrays if required due to the minimal radiation from our digital xrays and a lead shield.  However, in a well-maintained mouth we often wait until after baby is born if it is not urgent.  If we need to do dental treatment such as fillings then we often schedule these during the middle trimester more for your comfort than any other reason.  It is safe to attend at any time, but the first trimester you are often feeling unwell and the third trimester it is often hard to lay flat.  It is safe to have local anaesthetic for treatment during pregnancy as well. During treatment we are likely to offer you a pillow for the left side of your body to prevent baby from pressing on the major blood vessel return to your heart while you lie flat to make you more comfortable. We may also suggest some adjunct oral health care products such as tooth mousse or some mouthwashes during your pregnancy.

See you in the clinic!  The Victoria Park Dental Care team.

PS:  check out our socials (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) for top tips for teeth, mouth and gums and dental family snaps!  Maybe even the latest video on YouTube. 

specialty drinks and your teeth

Posted on by adminvpdc in dental care

We hope you all had a enjoyable festive season meeting up with family and friends to share memories and make new ones.  With the many social occasions, we always have different beverages available. From fizzy kombucha and sparkling water to the intense jolt of energy drinks, specialty beverages have become staples in our routines. While they can offer unique benefits like gut health or hydration, many come with oral health considerations.

Learn how to enjoy your favorite drinks without compromising your smile!

1. Energy Drinks: A Jolt or Jinx for Your Teeth?

  • Energy drinks are famous for their quick energy boost, but their effects on teeth are less thrilling.
  • Acidic Punch: With pH levels around 3 or lower, energy drinks can weaken enamel.
  • Sugar Spike: The sugar fuels bacteria that cause cavities.
  • Tip: Use water as a chaser to reduce acidity and sugar impact after sipping.

2. Kombucha: The Gut-to-Mouth Connection

  • Kombucha is a favorite for its probiotics, but the acidic nature of this drink can impact your teeth.
  • Enamel Erosion: Its pH level can contribute to enamel loss.
  • Hidden Sugars: Even health-conscious brands may include added sugars.
  • Pro Tip: Use a straw and wait 30 minutes before brushing after drinking kombucha.

3. Sparkling Water: A Bubbly Debate

  • Sparkling water is a refreshing, low-calorie alternative to sugary sodas, but how safe is it for your teeth?
  • Mild Acidity: The carbonation creates carbonic acid, which is less harmful than energy drinks or soda but still slightly erosive.
  • Plain vs Flavored: Flavored varieties often contain citric acid, increasing acidity and enamel risk.
  • Sip Smart: Stick to plain sparkling water and pair it with meals to neutralize acid naturally.

4. Healthy Sips: Balancing Enjoyment and Oral Care

  • Enjoying specialty drinks responsibly is key to keeping your smile healthy:
  • Choose Wisely: Opt for unsweetened or low-sugar options when possible.
  • Drink – don’t sip: Having small sips over a long time will do more damage than drinking it all down.
  • Rinse with Water: After drinking, rinse with plain water to reduce acidity and sugar residue.
  • Regular Checkups: Stay ahead of potential issues with routine dental visits.

If you love sparkling water? Wonder how to enjoy it safely? Or maybe you’re curious about another drink? Ask your dentist or hygienist at your next appointment.

See you in the clinic!  The Victoria Park Dental Care team.

PS:  check out our socials (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) for top tips for teeth, mouth and gums and dental family snaps!  Maybe even the latest video on YouTube. 

A spotlight on cold sores

Posted on by adminvpdc in general health

As we welcome November, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our wonderful patients. Your trust in us for your dental care means the world, and we are here to keep you informed about your oral health.

Spotlight on Oral Health: Understanding Cold Sores (Oral Herpes)

This month, we would like to discuss a common condition that affects many: oral herpes, often caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Oral herpes usually presents as cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, even when sores are not visible.

Symptoms to Watch For:

Tingling, burning, or itching around the lipsTiny fluid filled blisters
Blisters that may break open and crust openPainful sores that can last 1-2 weeks


Managing Oral Herpes:

While there is no cure for oral herpes, you can manage outbreaks effectively:

  1. Avoid Triggers: Stress, illness, and sun exposure can trigger outbreaks. Practicing stress-reducing techniques and using lip balm with SPF can help.
  2. Medications: Over-the-counter creams that contain antiviral medication (such as acyclovir 5% w/w) can reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks. There is also pharmacist dispensed tablets as a once off antiviral dose to treat cold sores.
  3. Laser Treatment: At our sister practice, Adelaide City Dental Care, we offer laser treatment for oral herpes. Laser therapy can help reduce pain, speed up healing, and minimize the duration of outbreaks when treated early. This painless and simple procedure targets the affected area and promotes faster recovery.  Treatment is best done as soon as the first signs start or within 48 hours.

When to See Us:

If you experience frequent outbreaks or have concerns about sores that are not healing, please reach out. Our team is here to provide guidance and treatment options to help manage your symptoms effectively.

Upcoming Festivities:

As we head into the festive season, remember that holiday treats can impact your oral health. Enjoy sweets in moderation, and maintain your oral hygiene routine—brushing and flossing daily are key to preventing cavities and gum disease. Come in to see us to make the best use of your dental benefits for this calendar year. December can be our busiest period, so book now if you have outstanding treatment or want to get your teeth cleaned before Christmas!

Welcome to Soheila, our new hygienist, who is joining our team on.  Soheila is lovely and very experienced.

See you in the clinic!  The Victoria Park Dental Care team.

PS:  check out our socials (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) for top tips for teeth, mouth and gums and dental family snaps!  Maybe even the latest video on YouTube. 

Team Electric or Team manual

Posted on by adminvpdc in dental care

14th October 2024 is World Cavity Free Day! The focus is on children with healthy eating, healthy brushing habits and drinking water.  The research shows that children copy their parents, and modelling great brushing habits will assist your children and grandchildren to save their teeth from cavities.  So, families that brush together not only keep their teeth clean and cavity free, but also save on the costs of tooth decay in the long term!

With tooth brushing we have the option of electric or manual methods.  We thought we would share some of the hints and tips around electric and manual toothbrushes.  What do you use at home?  Patients report to us a mixed use of electric and manual brushes, sometimes using a manual in the morning and electric at night.  Even amongst our team, there are “team manual” and “team electric”.  Personal preference plays a large part in selection.

Electric toothbrushes are highly researched and developed to produce a quality, efficient, reliable product.  Research has shown that electric toothbrushes are very effective at cleaning of teeth.  The toothbrush uses an oscillating motion, with a small circular brush head.  This is ideal for manoeuvring around tight spaces and reaching back teeth.  Most electric toothbrushes are rechargeable and fully waterproof, so no need for concern in wet areas like the bathroom.  When you are purchasing an electric toothbrush make sure you have one with the pressure sensor so you can’t push too hard.  With the Oral B electric toothbrush, the whole family can use the one brush, and the colour-coded rings make it easy to identify whose brush head is whose.  Being gentle and letting the toothbrush do the work is most important with the electric toothbrush – don’t brush with it!  Hold the brush gently on the teeth and let it do the work for you.

Manual toothbrushes have been around since 619, and were first found in China and made of hogs’ bristles.  Thankfully the modern toothbrush is a small, soft and carefully made product.  Look for a manual brush with soft or extra soft bristles to minimise damage and a small head for reaching back teeth.  The simple looking toothbrushes are gentler on the teeth and gums.  Use a gentle, circular motion to move around your mouth, spending time reaching all surfaces of the teeth towards the cheeks and towards the tongue.  Our team is happy to show you how to refine your brushing technique.  We have both plastic and bamboo manual toothbrushes available here. Don’t forget you can recycle all toothbrushes, packaging and electric brush heads at the practice.  Please bring them in with you anytime so we can recycle our plastic waste.

Dental benefits – Please remember, as we head towards the end of the year and, dare we say Christmas, we do book up very quickly.  For bookings in the next few months, start scheduling now.  Don’t forget your dental benefits limits for this year finish on 31st December for most funds.  Make the most of those benefits.

Clinic news – Welcome to Soheila as she joins our hygiene team. She will be working on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

See you in the clinic!  The Victoria Park Dental Care team.

PS:  check out our socials (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) for top tips for teeth, mouth and gums and dental family snaps!  Maybe even the latest video on YouTube. 

Your questions answered on tooth whitening

Posted on by adminvpdc in dental care

We have had a number of people ask us about whitening their teeth and the options for a brighter smile.  Whitening is a possibility and depending on your tooth enamel, numbers of fillings present and your gum health it is an option for most people.

Teeth whitening is an easy way to brighten and freshen your smile.  There are a number of products on the market for whitening teeth.

Whitening toothpastes and whitening strips will remove and help prevent the build up of external stain on the enamel.  For example, they will reduce the coffee and tea marks on your teeth.  They don’t have the strength to change the actual colour of the enamel.  Some of them can be a bit abrasive so stick with the renown brands or ask your dentist or hygienist when you see them next.  

Whitening gels from your dentist will change the colour of the enamel.  We prefer the “Zoom” whitening product for ease of use, gentleness to patients and successful whitening outcomes. 

  • We take impressions of your teeth, our laboratory makes trays which fit exactly to your teeth, and then you simply add the whitening gel. 
  • The whitening gel stays on your teeth for 45 minutes per day or overnight for approximately 7 – 14 days depending on the depth of colour change and is applied in the comfort of your home. 
  • Most of our patients prefer not to bleach their teeth “too white” and this is another advantage of the take home whitening, as you can choose when to stop.

Images of whitening our patient’s teeth. (Yes, she has lovely teeth!)

In-Office whitening from your dentist or hygienist is another option.  We find this option is less gentle on the teeth and your teeth can be very sensitive for quite some time.  It is also a long appointment with your mouth open.

Tooth sensitivity is often a side effect of whitening your teeth, especially if you have exposed root surfaces.  We can mostly manage this with desensitizing agents, such as Tooth Mousse and care during eating and drinking.

Try not to purchase whitening toothpastes or gels over the internet.  Often, they haven’t been approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, which signs off on the safety and effectiveness of any product.

Dental benefits – Please remember, as we head towards the end of the year and, dare we say Christmas, we do book up very quickly.  For bookings in the next few months, start scheduling now.  Don’t forget your dental benefits limits for this year finish on 31st December for most funds.  Make the most of those benefits.

Clinic news – Welcome to Insuk as she joins our hygiene team. Zakia will be working with Dr Stone on Tuesdays and Insuk with Dr Nguyen on Wednesdays.

See you in the clinic!  The Victoria Park Dental Care team.

PS:  check out our socials (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) for top tips for teeth, mouth and gums and dental family snaps!  Maybe even the latest video on YouTube.