Maintaining Healthy Teeth And Gums While Pregnant

After you become pregnant, your hormones, especially progesterone, start to increase and change. Hormones do not affect just the growth of your little one; they also change the very chemistry of your body. That is why, when you are pregnant, it is more important than ever to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Before Pregnancy

If you and your partner are thinking about getting pregnant, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will not only clean your teeth but will also check the health of your gums. If the dentist notices any potential issues, you can address them together before pregnancy.

Dental Health During Pregnancy

While you might not notice a difference in your dental health during the first trimester, do not slack off on your daily flossing, brushing and rinsing. Gums often become swollen, which can lead to other issues, particularly gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease in any trimester of pregnancy. An increase in hormones during pregnancy often also leads to dry mouth, especially at night.

Additionally, in about 10 percent of all pregnancies, women will experience pregnancy granulomas, or gum tissue growths, which are purplish in colour. Hormones also relax ligaments in your body, including those in your mouth, so be sure to keep an eye out for any loose teeth. While there are steps that can be taken to address these symptoms at home, it is important to talk to your dentist about how you can best keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Here are additional tips to keep in mind throughout your pregnancy:

• If you experience morning sickness, rinse your mouth as soon as possible. Also, if your toothpaste is causing you to feel nauseous, switch toothpaste brands or change to a mild flavor.
• Be sure to brush your front teeth and your back teeth very well during pregnancy. Make it a point to brush the gumline to prevent pregnancy gingivitis from occuring and also the teeth and biting surfaces to prevent dental caries (decay).
• If you have a midnight snack, brush your teeth again to reduce the chance of cavities.
• In addition to flossing and brushing, be sure to rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.

All of this is crucial not only for you but for your new baby as well. Poor dental health has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight in babies.

Visit Your Dentist While Pregnant

Professional cleanings are essential during pregnancy to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Schedule an appointment during your second trimester, and be sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant and to disclose any medications or prenatal vitamins that you are taking.

Depending on the state of your dental health, your dentist may instruct you to come back for another cleaning while you are pregnant; this is completely normal. It is better to get another cleaning than to risk bacterial infection or increased risk of gingivitis and gum disease.

Dental Health after the Baby Arrives

Although you are no longer eating for two after your little bundle of joy has arrived, keep up with bi-annual appointments, and check in with your dentist regularly to maintain optimal oral health.

If you need any more information you can contact us at info@orionsdental.com

Heart Disease And Gum Disease

Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease?

Overall the data indicates that chronic gum disease may contribute to the development of heart disease, the nation’s leading cause of death in both men and women.

How does this happen? Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can affect conditions outside your mouth. In heart disease, one theory is that gum disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream where they attach to the fatty deposits in the heart blood vessels. This condition can cause blood clots and may lead to heart attacks.

Good oral health is integral to general health. So be sure to brush and floss properly and see your dentist for regular checkups.

If I Have Heart Disease, Are There Special Requirements to Maintain Proper Oral Health?

To maintain the best oral health, you should:

• Establish and maintain a healthy mouth. This means brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly.
• Make sure your dentist knows you have a heart problem.
• Carefully follow your physician’s and dentist’s instructions, and use prescription medications, such as antibiotics, as directed.

Am I at Risk if Dental Procedures are Performed?

If you have certain preexisting heart conditions, you may be at risk for developing bacterial endocarditis — an infection of the heart’s inner lining or the valves. Anytime there is bleeding in the mouth, certain oral bacteria can enter the blood stream and may settle on abnormal heart valves or tissue weakened by an existing heart problem or heart condition. In these cases, the infection can damage or even destroy heart valves or tissue.

There are precautions you need to take if you have any of the following conditions:

• Artificial (prosthetic) heart valves
• A history of endocarditis
• Congenital heart or heart valve defects
• Heart valves damaged (scarred) by conditions such as rheumatic fever
• Mitral valve prolapse with a murmur
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Be sure to tell our dentist if you have a heart condition, and what, if any, medications you are taking for it. Our dentist will record important health information in your record and coordinate treatment with your doctor.

If you need any more information you can contact us at info@orionsdental.com

Medication Side Effects Can Affect Your Oral Health

Many medications, including vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations, can have a negative effect on your oral health. Make sure that the dental office has your most recent medical history, including a list of all the medications (both over-the-counter and prescribed) that you use, as well as any chewable vitamins, herbs and similar products.

Common medication side effects include:

• Abnormal bleeding – Reduced blood clotting is a side effect of aspirins and anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin. These medications can be helpful in preventing stroke or heart disease, but can cause bleeding problems during oral surgery or treatment for periodontal diseases.
• Taste-altering medications – Some medications can cause a bitter or metallic taste or affect the ability to taste. Among them are cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, respiratory inhalants and smoking-cessation products such as nicotine skin patches.
• Soft-tissue reactions – Some medications have been linked to the development of oral sores, inflammation or discoloration of the soft tissues in the mouth including those prescribed for blood pressure control, immunosuppressive agents, oral contraceptives and some chemotherapeutic agents.
• Enlarged gum tissue – Overgrown or enlarged gum tissue is known as “gingival overgrowth” and is sometimes associated with antiseizure medications such as phenytoin, immunosuppressant drugs such as those taken after organ transplantations and calcium channel blockers that are taken by some heart patients.
• Dry mouth – Dry mouth is a potential side effect of numerous medications (prescribed and over-the-counter). Among them are antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease medications, antidepressants and many others.

If you need any more information you can contact us at info@orionsdental.com

What Is It?

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety. It’s no wonder that store shelves are overflowing with gum, mints, mouthwashes and other products designed to fight bad breath. But many of these products are only temporary measures because they don’t address the cause of the problem.

Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with consistent proper dental hygiene. If simple self-care techniques don’t solve the problem, see your dentist or physician to be sure a more serious condition isn’t causing your bad breath.

Symptoms

Bad breath odors vary, depending on the source or the underlying cause. Some people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor, while others have bad breath and don’t know it. Because it’s difficult to assess how your own breath smells, ask a close friend or relative to confirm your bad-breath questions.

When to see a dentist

If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits. Try making lifestyle changes, such as brushing your teeth and tongue after eating, using dental floss, and drinking plenty of water.

If your bad breath persists after making such changes, see your dentist. If your dentist suspects a more serious condition is causing your bad breath, he or she may refer you to a physician to find the cause of the odor.

Causes

Most bad breath starts in your mouth, and there are many possible causes. They include:

• Food. The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can increase bacteria and cause a foul odor. Eating certain foods, such as onions, garlic, and other vegetables and spices, also can cause bad breath. After you digest these foods, they enter your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs and affect your breath.
• Tobacco products. Smoking causes its own unpleasant mouth odor. Smokers and oral tobacco users are also more likely to have gum disease, another source of bad breath.
• Poor dental hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth and if not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums (gingivitis) and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums (periodontitis). The uneven surface of the tongue also can trap bacteria that produce odors. And dentures that aren’t cleaned regularly or don’t fit properly can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
• Dry mouth. Saliva helps cleanse your mouth, removing particles that may cause bad odors. A condition called dry mouth — also known as xerostomia (zeer-o-STOE-me-ah) — can contribute to bad breath because production of saliva is decreased. Dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep, leading to “morning breath,” and is made worse if you sleep with your mouth open. Some medications can lead to a chronic dry mouth, as can a problem with your salivary glands and some diseases.
• Infections in your mouth. Bad breath can be caused by surgical wounds after oral surgery, such as tooth removal, or as a result of tooth decay, gum disease or mouth sores.
• clenching the jaw when angry, anxious or concentrating
• Other mouth, nose and throat conditions. Bad breath can occasionally stem from small stones that form in the tonsils and are covered with bacteria that produce odorous chemicals. Infections or chronic inflammation in the nose, sinuses or throat, which can contribute to postnasal drip, also can cause bad breath.
• Medications. Some medications can indirectly produce bad breath by contributing to dry mouth. Others can be broken down in the body to release chemicals that can be carried on your breath.
• Other causes. Diseases, such as some cancers, and conditions such as metabolic disorders, can cause a distinctive breath odor as a result of chemicals they produce. Chronic reflux of stomach acids (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can be associated with bad breath.
• raised tissue on the inside of the cheek caused by biting

Preparing for your appointment

If you’re going to have your bad breath evaluated by your dentist, the following tips will help:

• Dentists generally prefer morning appointments for testing bad breath to reduce the chances that foods you eat during the day will hinder the exam.
• Don’t eat, drink, chew gum or smoke for three hours before your appointment.
• Don’t wear perfume, scented lotions, or scented lipstick or lip gloss to your appointment, as these products could mask any odors.
• If you’ve taken antibiotics within the last month, check with your dentist to see if your appointment needs to be rescheduled.

What to expect from your dentist

Your dentist will likely start with an evaluation of your medical history, asking questions such as:

• When did you first begin to experience bad breath?
• Is your bad breath occasional or continuous?
• How often do you brush your teeth or clean your dentures?
• How often do you floss?
• What kinds of foods do you eat?
• What medications and supplements do you take?
• What health conditions do you have?
• Do you breathe through your mouth?
• Do you snore?
• Do you have allergies or sinus problems?
• What do you suspect might be causing your bad breath?
• Have other people noticed and commented on your bad breath?

Tests and diagnosis

Your dentist will likely smell both the breath from your mouth and the breath from your nose and rate the odor on a scale. Because the back of the tongue is most often the source of the smell, your dentist may also scrape it and rate its odor.

There are sophisticated detectors that can identify the chemicals responsible for bad breath, but these aren’t always available.

Treatments and drugs

To reduce bad breath, help avoid cavities and lower your risk of gum disease, consistently practice good oral hygiene. Further treatment for bad breath can vary, depending on the cause. If your bad breath is thought to be caused by an underlying health condition, your dentist will likely refer you to your primary care physician.

For causes related to oral health, your dentist will work with you to help you better control that condition. Dental measures may include:

• Mouth rinses and toothpastes. If your bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth, your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that kills the bacteria. Mouth rinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride and those with chlorhexidine can prevent production of odors that cause bad breath. Your dentist may also recommend a toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup.
• Treatment of dental disease. If your dentist discovers that you have gum disease, you may be referred to a gum specialist (periodontist). Gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets that accumulate odor-causing bacteria. Sometimes these bacteria can be removed only by professional cleaning. Your dentist might also recommend replacing faulty tooth restorations, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Lifestyle and home remedies

To reduce or prevent bad breath:

• Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to use after eating. Brush using a fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after meals. Toothpaste with antibacterial properties has been shown to reduce bad breath odors.
• Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, helping to control bad breath.
• Brush your tongue. Your tongue harbors bacteria, so carefully brushing it may help reduce odors. People who have a coated tongue from a significant overgrowth of bacteria (from smoking or dry mouth, for example) may benefit from using a tongue scraper. Or use a toothbrush that has a built-in tongue cleaner.
• Clean your dentures or dental appliances. If you wear a bridge or a partial or complete denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist. If you have a dental retainer or mouth guard, clean it each time before you put it in your mouth. Your dentist can recommend the best cleaning product.
• Avoid dry mouth. To keep your mouth moist, avoid tobacco and drink plenty of water — not coffee, soft drinks or alcohol, which can lead to a drier mouth. Chew gum or suck on candy — preferably sugarless — to stimulate saliva. If you have chronic dry mouth, your dentist or physician may prescribe an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.
• Adjust your diet. Avoid food and beverages that can cause bad breath. Avoid sticky, sugary foods.
• Regularly get a new toothbrush. Change your toothbrush when it becomes frayed, about every three to four months, and choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Schedule regular dental checkups. See your dentist on a regular basis — generally once or twice a year — to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned.

If you need any more information you can contact us at info@orionsdental.com

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of the teeth. About half of the population does it from time to time. Around five per cent of the population are regular, forceful tooth grinders. Often it happens during sleep, but some people grind their teeth when they are awake.

Usually, a person doesn’t realise that they grind their teeth in their sleep. The partner who shares their bed (and hears the grinding noises at night) is often the first to notice the problem. Parents may also hear it in their sleeping children.

Teeth grinding can be a result of stress. For example, some people grind their teeth when they are angry, concentrating or feeling anxious.

Symptoms of teeth grinding

Signs and symptoms of bruxism include:

• grinding sounds while the person is asleep
• headache, jaw joint and/or ear pain
• aching teeth, particularly just after waking up
• aching and/or stiffness of the face and temples just after waking up
• aching or stiffness in the jaws while chewing, particularly during breakfast
• clenching the jaw when angry, anxious or concentrating
• temperature-sensitive teeth
• cracked or chipped tooth enamel
• tooth indentations on the tongue
• raised tissue on the inside of the cheek caused by biting
• loose teeth.\

Effects of teeth grinding

Problems caused by tooth grinding may include:

• cracked tooth enamel
• more wear and tear on the teeth than is normal
• broken teeth or broken restorations (for example, fillings)
• strain on the jaw joint (temporo-mandibular joint)
• pain in the jaw joint or limited movement
• sore jaw muscles
• tooth loss (rare)
• enlargement of the jaw muscles (rare).

Causes of teeth grinding

Some of the many factors believed to trigger teeth grinding include:

• emotional stress, such as anger or anxiety
• mental concentration
• physical stress, such as illness, poor nutrition or long-term pain
• some dental treatments, such as fillings that sit ‘too high’
• drug use (particularly amphetamines)
• when teeth are coming through in babies and children.

Treatment for teeth grinding

If you think you grind your teeth, see your dentist or other oral health professional as soon as possible. They will look at your teeth and talk about possible treatment options that may include:

• repair of tooth damage
• fixing fillings that are too high
• a special mouthguard (‘bite splints’) to wear at night so that the guard is worn down instead of your teeth. In most cases, a bite splint will only help with the symptoms and will not stop you from grinding altogether.

Other treatments that may help to manage teeth grinding include:

• stress management therapy
• relaxation techniques
• cognitive behaviour therapy
• regular exercise
• medication that relaxes the muscles.

Things to remember

• Teeth grinding (bruxism) is an involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth, usually during sleep.
• Causes can include stress, concentration and drug misuse.
• Treatments include mouthguards worn at night, repair of tooth damage, muscle-relaxant medication and stress management therapy.

For more information, contact us for a free consultation at:

Dr Justtin Daniels, Lilydale: 03 9735 7755, Level 1, 351 Main St, Lilydale

Dr Sam Koh, Taylors Lakes: 03 9390 9872, Suite B, 1 Melton Hwy, Taylors Lakes

Cosmetic Dentist St Andrews Beach: Cosmetic Dentist Treatment

Let a Cosmetic Dentist near St Andrews Beach Transform Your Smile

Cosmetic dentistry involved more than just aesthetics; it also plays a pivotal role in enhancing functionality. It aids in improving your bite and, when necessary, replaces damaged teeth, allowing you to chew and speak better.

At Orion’s Dental, we’ve got a team of experienced clinicians who know their way around cosmetic dentistry. We work together to keep the treatment on point and personal. We’re all about making your smile shine and will ensure your smile works as great as it looks. Ready to give your smile a makeover? Book a slot now.

Why Visit a Cosmetic Dental Clinic near St Andrews Beach

If you find yourself dissatisfied with the appearance and function of your smile, a consultation with a cosmetic dentist near St Andrews Beach can be beneficial. Issues like overcrowding, stained, or missing teeth can impact both your confidence and overall well-being. Aligning your teeth can help you achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile.

In Melbourne and nearby, we’ve successfully guided numerous patients on their journey towards transforming their smiles. The cosmetic dentists near St Andrews Beach take immense pride in not only restoring and safeguarding your smile but also in empowering you with knowledge about your oral health. Let us partner with you in transforming your smile you can confidently show for years to come.

Why Us for Cosmetic Dentistry?

At Orion’s Dental, we do more than simple cosmetic dentistry. Knowing our way around cosmetic dental procedures, we can help you and your loved ones get smile you ever wanted.

At our practice, nothing is more important to us than your dental health remains. Focusing on our comprehensive range of solutions, we tailor your cosmetic treatment to ensure you get the most out of your treatment. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, the team at Orion’s Dental has all the necessary qualifications to meet the highest standard of care, guaranteeing you exceptional experience.

We also employ medical-grade equipment and technology. Once you’re in the cosmetic dentist’s chair at our St Andrews Beach practice, the practitioner will handle the rest. Our highly qualified team will address your dental concerns, so you get the treatment you expect from a reputable dental clinic near St Andrews Beach.

• Complete Teeth Restorations
• Veneers
• Dental Bonding
• Crowns and Bridges
• Composite Fillings
• Implants
• Teeth Whitening and more

Give Your Smile the Makeover It Needs

At the heart of what we do, we truly believe in creating a smile that lights up your confidence. We’ve gone the extra mile to give patients not just good, but exceptional treatment and the peace of mind that comes with it. Because let’s face it, who doesn’t dream of a smile that exudes confidence?

Let our amazing team help you turn that dream into reality. Don’t hesitate – book your appointment now and let a cosmetic dentist near St Andrews Beach bring you an incredible smile! Book your slot now.

FAQs

Does cosmetic dentistry involve pain?

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t really painful. In fact, it’s a safe and effective solution for tackling dental problems in the long term.

You won’t feel any pain since we use anesthesia to ensure your comfort. But, as your mouth recovers in the days after the treatment, it’s totally normal to feel some soreness. The cosmetic dentist near St Andrews Beach will share a bunch of useful pointers to help you handle any discomfort.

How long does it usually take?

Duration really depends on the kind of treatment you’re seeking. If you’re dealing with chips or cracks, a dental bonding session can often happen in one visit. When it comes to procedures like veneers, those might take a bit more.

What can cosmetic dentistry help with?

Cosmetic dentistry can help with anything from yellowing and stains to chips, cracks, or broken teeth. And it’s not just about teeth. Receding gums, overbites, and even crooked teeth can all get a makeover with the right cosmetic dental treatment.

I have a toothache! What should I do?

There are number of causes of toothache other than tooth decay which is the primary cause of toothache for most children & adults. Other possible causes of toothache can include:

• An accumulation of food & debris between your teeth, especially if teeth have spacing between them
• Infection in the gums or at the root of the tooth
• Trauma to the tooth, including injury or grinding your teeth
• Sudden fracture of the tooth or tooth root
• A split in the tooth that occurs over time
• Tooth eruption through the gums
• Sinus infection that can be felt as pain in the teeth

While it may quite frustrating to have a toothache, it is critical to see your dentist at your earliest convenience. Until you can see your dentist, try these self-care tips to temporarily relief pain:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salty water
• Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to dull the ache
• If the toothache is caused by trauma to the tooth, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
• * Try not to bite any hard food with the offending tooth

If you need any more information you can contact us at info@orionsdental.com

Bonding Teeth: Who Needs It?

No one has perfect teeth. Aging, dental hygiene and previous injuries or accidents can all affect the form and function of your teeth. Luckily, there are many dental procedures designed to improve the way your teeth look and function, such as bonding. The process of bonding teeth has a few advantages over options such as veneers, including a lower price tag and a shorter wait time. If you aren’t happy with the appearance of your teeth, or if you have an issue that needs to be corrected, bonding might be the right procedure for you.

What is Tooth Bonding?

Tooth bonding is simply the application of a material, such as a composite resin, to the surface of the tooth. Before a dentist bonds a tooth, or multiple teeth, he or she will select a shade of resin that closely matches the natural shade of the patient’s teeth. This assures that the final result looks as authentic as possible.

The process of bonding teeth involves roughing up the surface or outer enamel before the tooth, or teeth, can be treated. This helps the material get a better grip on the tooth. When the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will apply the bonding material to it. To make the bonding material look like a tooth, the dentist will then shape it before using a special light to set it. After the resin has hardened and set, the dentist will polish the material so that it has the same appearance as the rest of the paient’s teeth. The bonding process is usually completed in a single visit, after which you can go back to business as usual. In many cases, the process of bonding doesn’t require any anesthesia.

Why would you need it?

There are a number of dental issues that bonding can correct. Bonding is most often used to successfully correct chipped teeth. However, your dentist may also recommend it if you have large spaces between your teeth or if one tooth is considerably smaller than the others. Bonding can also be used if your teeth are very discolored, and in some cases, it’s considered over amalgam or metallic fillings, or to replace a metallic filling.

Are there other options?

Bonding teeth can be a permanent fix for chipped, discolored or misshapen teeth. Some people, however, use it as a transitional treatment, and have their teeth bonded while waiting for a more involved or expensive option, such as veneers. Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are applied to the front of the tooth to correct its color or shape. While they do cost more than bonding, they are also stain-resistant and tend to be more durable than bonding.

How do you care for bonded teeth?

It is important to care for bonded teeth just as you would your natural teeth. The bonding material can stain, so along with avoiding foods and drinks that discolor teeth, such as coffee and red wine, you should use a toothpaste that removes surface stains. Flossing daily and seeing your dentist on a regular basis for an exam and cleaning are also part of taking good care of bonded teeth.

Because the bonding material can break or fracture, you also want to avoid any habits or activities that can potentially damage the teeth. Nail-biting or using your teeth to open bottles or to pry lids off of jars should be avoided. Wear a mouthguard when you play any sports to protect all of your teeth, not just those that are bonded.

Bonding offers a relatively inexpensive, long-lasting way for you to change and improve the appearance of your teeth. With the right care, your smile will look great for many years.

If you need any more information you can contact us at info@orionsdental.com