Tag: dentist

Unravelling Floss: Which one is right for you?

Posted on by adminvpdc in dental care

Most people when they think of dental floss, they think of running a piece of string in between their teeth to remove food and plaque their toothbrush can’t reach. But what you may not realise is that there are many different types of floss that service multiple purposes. So, with so many choices, it is crucial to find the most suitable choice for your specific needs.

Dental Floss

This is the quintessential type of floss that most people think of. Otherwise known as dental tape, dental string, or ribbon; it comes in a variety of types: natural, waxed, unwaxed, superfloss, flavoured, which could be used by everyone who has teeth. Deciding which type suits you comes down to personal preference, but in the clinic, we prefer a waxed and mint flavoured dental floss.

Floss Picks

These are an easier alternative to traditional dental floss and are best for children and older people who lack dexterity. They may not be as thorough as dental floss, but a good alternative.

Orthodontic Flosser

These are very similar to a floss pick, however one side is thin and flat so that it can move seamlessly between the teeth and braces.

Interproximal Brush

This device has a stiff brush that can be poked in between the teeth to clean them. These are very useful if the gaps between the teeth are larger due to recession or gum disease.

Water Flosser

This device uses a stream of water to clean plaque, food and bacteria from between the teeth and along the gum line. It can be very useful in cleaning hard to reach areas, or where there are very tight spaces between teeth. For those who have difficulties using their hands, the water flosser is an ideal alternative to traditional floss, which can be difficult to maneuver and work with.

These are only the most common dental floss types on the market. We have barely scratched the surface, but these should give you an idea of the best choices that we recommend. Whether you are searching for the perfect dental floss, wanting to incorporate a water flosser or wishing to complement dental floss with an interdental brush, there is no shortage of options! And if you are unsure on what to pick, come see us in the clinic for your check-up– our team is ready to help you make the right choice.

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. 

teeth do not repair themselves!

Posted on by adminvpdc in dental care

It is mouthguard time!  Footy is back, hockey is back, basketball/netball are ongoing. Winter sports time is here.  We remind all patients of the terrible impact a sporting injury can have on our teeth, jaw and soft tissues.  A knock to the mouth can result in losing teeth as well as significant long-term damage.  Teeth do not repair themselves. Most sports are now no mouthguard, no play; an initiative which we fully support.  Here at Victoria Park Dental Care, we make professional mouthguards for both junior and senior sport. 

Our mouthguards are custom-made here in Adelaide supporting another locally owned and run business, Adelaide Laboratories.  They are comfortable and firm fitting to ensure maximum protection for you or your child.  They come with a case to keep them clean going to and from sport.  (They should never go in your footy socks! Gross!).  Our mouthguards are coloured in the design of your choice and even have your name in them.  We love the choice Michelle made for her custom mouthguard. 😊 

Should you or your child knock a tooth out, we would recommend the following steps:

•          Find the tooth, be careful to only pick it up by the crown or shiny part of the tooth

•          If it is an adult tooth and fairly clean, put the tooth back where it came from (if you can)

•          Gently bite on a tissue to support the replaced tooth and get to the Dentist for assistance

•          If you are unable to put the tooth back in, store it in milk or saliva in a container and get to the Dentist immediately.

It is not only sport that can injure teeth or mouths.  Falls, accidents, crashes etc can also play a part.  A chipped or broken tooth may also need to be assessed quickly.  Call and advise the clinic you have a mouth trauma and we will assess the tooth and decide on the best course of treatment with you.  We are here to support you in any emergency situation.  Call the clinic on 8332 1188 and will we assist you.

May the floss be with you!  As an avid Star Wars fan, May the 4th is one of Michelle’s favourite days of the year.  Expect a Star Wars meme or two on our Facebook page!!

We had a couple of busy months during March and April.  We hope you had fun over Gather Round, Easter and the school holidays.  In clinic news everyone has updated their medical emergency training with CPR and learnt some new exercises from our ergonomics workshop with Thrive Physio Plus.  It is great that the CPR trainer does simulations in our clinic to make it real world. 

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. 

Chocolate – is it good for your teeth

Posted on by adminvpdc in dental care

Chocolate – Is it good for your teeth and health?  As much as we would love to say it is good for your teeth, especially at Easter, we have to say it isn’t! 

There are multiple variety of chocolate and chocolate products with varying degrees of sugar, hard additives such as nuts, extra had additives such as praline and sticky additives like toffee and nougat. 

Dark chocolate usually has less sugar and more cocoa solids, than milk or white chocolate but it varies depending on the brand.  Milk chocolate contains cocoa solids and more sugar, while white chocolate contains cocoa butter, sugar and milk and is generally the sweetest chocolate.  In a 100gm serving of chocolate you will find the following amount of sugar. 

🍫 Dark Chocolate (70–85% cocoa) → 10–30g of sugar
🍫 Milk Chocolate → 40–50g of sugar
🍫 White Chocolate → 50–60g of sugar

Sugars are food to the decay causing bacteria in your mouth which leads to an acidic environment next to the enamel (often in between the teeth), and then this causes the enamel to leak calcium and phosphates. If this calcium and phosphate are not replaced from the saliva then a hole will develop.  The ions will not be replaced if the acid environment persists through lack of cleaning on all surfaces of the tooth or if the saliva flow is low or not good quality.

On top of this is the sticky insides of some chocolates that tend to linger over surfaces of the teeth.  Thinking of toffees or nougat or cream fillings that make their way into the nooks and crannies of teeth. Sigh!  These often spend time on teeth creating a longer acidic environment that these bacteria love.  And then there is the hard or extra hard additives.  For all our patients, who have fillings or crowns these are the chocolates that will break teeth around fillings or porcelain!  Best treat these with care. Plus, a tip – please don’t put chocolate in the fridge and then try to bite into it.  It will break teeth!

“Everything in moderation” is a wonderful saying and we would love to follow that advice with chocolate of any kind.  The Haigh’s store is on Greenhill Road, Menz Fruchocs are available, Charlesworth Nuts are available too, and we do like to support South Australian business after all!  Dr Stone is a Haigh’s dark chocolate fan.  However, we do need to follow our scope of practice and remind all of the need for good oral hygiene regardless of your own chocolate preferences.  Flossing, interproximal brushes such as piksters, and brushing with a fluoride toothpaste will help strengthen your enamel, reducing the harm done by chocolate.  Regular dental and hygiene visits with regular dental xrays will also help us to fix something small or introduce a new oral care regime to assist you to keep your teeth as long as possible.

We wish you a wonderful Easter break with family and friends.

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.  Our last team training day on Medical Emergencies in Dental Practice will be up there.

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. 

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.