Magee Dental Surgery: Camberwell, Victoria 3124



DENTAL NEWS & INFORMATION

Genetics testing for gum health
Setp 2010
Largest study ever using genetic testing to help with gum health
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ADA DENTAL HEALTH WEEK
Aug 2010
Diet and erosion: cause and combating!
+ READ MORE


MORE DENTAL TOPICS
Accidents
What do you do if a tooth is knocked out?
Anorexia
Eating disorders can have serious dental consequences. Dentists can be part of the team who helps with your health while you deal with the eating disorder.
Arthritis
Is there anything that would help me?
Bad breath
Read some odd research on this common problem
Bisphosphonates
These medications used in cancer and osteoporosis treatment are a real concern to dentists. Find out why and let the dentist know if you are taking these drugs.
Bleeding gums
When you clean your teeth and your gums bleed should you be concerned?
Boot camp for kids
Are your kids ready for a fun challenge? The ADA has a web site just of them. You can start your kid's Bootcamp program anytime-just click on the first day and get them started with Day One's Basic Training.
Braces
Orthodontics seems so common today. When should I have my child checked out for braces?
Bruxism
Bruxism or wearing down your teeth from grinding is not uncommon. Other symptoms are more common in bruxers. What?
Burning mouth & tongue
Burning mouth: You should be confused because we are !
Burning mouth & tongue
A tongue or mouth with burning sensation is not uncommon. This condition is linked to certain ages and stages in life.
Cancer treatment
Remembering to keep your mouth and gums healthy before and during treatment for cancer is very important
Caries
Caries or decay is a disease caused by bacteria. Diet and prevention are linked to successfully managing this disease.
Chewing gum
Chewing gum can help prevent and heal teeth - if you make the right choice.
Cleaning kids teeth
Help avoid the 'bathroom' fights morning and night!
Crowns
Should you have a filling or a crown? What is involved and how will you benefit?
Decay
Getting holes in your teeth is preventable. Become informed so you can make a difference.
Dentures
How do you live well with new dentures? Hints and suggestions for success
Diabetes
What should you do 'dentally' if you have diabetes? What about the gums and diabetes?
Diet and Acid erosion
Diet and erosion: cause and combating!
Drinks
Acid and sugar content of drinks is a great concern in looking after your teeth for a long life. Find out what sort of damage may occur - even with diet drinks.
Dry mouth
Medications and illness can dry our mouths. Find out our hints for relief.
Dummies
Sucking is natural for babies and it is comforting. Will that dummy affect my babies teeth later in life?
Eating disorders
Anorexia and bulimia may be seen by a dentist before any other health professional. Find out why the teeth are affected.
Endodontic treatment
A 'dead' tooth causes pain and needs to have endodontic treatment. It sounds very complex. Find out what and why the inside of the tooth is treated.
Erosion
Are you wearing your teeth down or out! What causes erosion and how do you make sure this insidious condition doesn't cost you money.
Erosion
Are you wearing your teeth down or out! What causes erosion and how do you make sure this insidious condition doesn't cost you money.
Eruption dates
When should teeth start to grow? Is it better for teeth to be early or late?
Fluoride
This is added to water supplies to help prevent tooth decay. Why shouldn't you remove it with your water filter?
Genetics and gums
Largest study ever using genetic testing to help with gum health
Geographic tongue
Do you have a 'road map' in your mouth? Geographic tongue affects up to 4% of the population.
Gingivitis
The most common infection dentists see is gingivitis. It is preventable and treatable.
Grinding
Don't wear away your teeth. Night grinding is a real problem.
Heart Risks
Research is becoming clearer and showing gum disease is linked to heart attacks.
Hormones
At different stages of life different hormones affect our gums.
Implants
The newest major change to dentistry has been the ability to replace teeth. Dental implants may be an option if you have a missing tooth or dentures that are always loose.
Infection control
You need to know that the dental surgery is concerned with your general health and safety. Infection control is how we make sure we don't share 'bugs'.
Jaw pain
My teeth don't ache but my face does. Should I see a doctor or a dentist?
Joint pain
Does it 'click' when you open your jaw. Find out why.
Knocked out tooth
Emergency help - you need to act quickly.
Lichen planus
Lichen planus is a common disease of the skin and mouth. Why, how and what?
Morning sickness
If you suffer from this it is important to take our advice so you don't cause long term tooth damage.
Mouthguard Info
New ADA information resources for sports clubs
Mouthguards
Be safe when you play sport. A mouthguard can save 1,000's of dollars.
Musican's mouths
Did you know that people who play musical instruments and sing are prone to certain types of mouth and face pain?
Oral health rating
New studies rank Aussies 1st or 2nd in nine different oral health indicators when compared to UK, USA and Germany
Orthodontics
When should my child have orthodontics, why and what?
Osteonecrosis
This is a rare but serious condition of the jaw bone. The symptoms and risk factors are discussed.
Osteoporosis
If you have osteoporosis you may be taking medications which the dentist needs to know about. Find out why.
Periodontal disease
80% of Australians have this disease in some form. Be informed to reduce its impact in your mouth
Porcelain veneers
Fine coatings of porcelain can cover defects in teeth and make them look stunning and perfect again.
Pregnancy advice
Cravings, morning sickness, bleeding gums and how do I have a healthy baby?
Radiation therapy
How can I maintain the health of my teeth and gums while I have radiation therapy? Loss of appetite, dry mouth and nausea!
Radiographs
Why do dentists want to take radiographs of teeth? Can't they just look around your mouth for holes?
Research pain paper
German brain scan research gives new insight into dental pain
Research to help gaggers
Having pressure applied to the palm of the hand can reduce gagging
Root canal treatment
The inside of the tooth root is treated by dentists. Find out what and why and how of root canal treatment.
Scaling and cleaning
Removing buildup around the teeth may not be a favorite part of the dental visit. Why does it matter and what causes the buildup?
Sensitive teeth
Ice-cream -ouch. Cold water -ouch. Find relief from sensitive teeth.
Smoking
You know it affects your lungs but why is your dentist talking about gum damage and smoking?
Sports drinks
Sports drinks are great for rehydrating but terrible for teeth. Find the sensible balance.
Sterilization
Your health is important so we take extra special precautions to keep you safe.
Stroke Risks
Gum health and strokes have been linked. Prevent the risk of strokes with healthy gums?
Teething (babies)
What is normal? When should teeth come through? How can I survive as a parent?
Thumb sucking
What is worse - thumb or dummy? Will they ruin my childs teeth and mean we will need braces later in life?
TMJ
My dentist said I have TMJ problems. What does that mean and how can it be fixed?
TMJ pain
My face aches and my teeth ache on BOTH sides of my face. Why?
Tongue piercing
Is tongue piercing dangerous to teeth or is it all a rumor spread by old people?
Tooth brushes
Which toothbrush do I need? Soft? Hard? Electric? Some hints on what to look for and how to decide what you should do.
Tooth mousse
Prevention of dental caries is important to Aussie's
Toothpaste
Low dose children's toothpaste does little to protect against decay
Trauma
Find out what to do if you have a tooth accident. Quick and correct action is very important.
Trigeminal neuralgia
What is trigeminal neuralgia? What is the cause and how is it treated?
Unreal pain
It's not a 'normal' toothache. What is it and how can we make it go away.
Veneers
Appearance is important and veneers are an option for making your teeth look better.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not just good to stop colds and flu.
When teeth grow
When should teeth come through? What is 'normal'?
Whitening teeth
Please make my teeth whiter! How do you do that?
Wisdom teeth
Everyone seems to be getting their wisdom teeth out and you want to know what's going on! Do you have any wisdom teeth and will they need to be removed?
Xerostomia
A dry mouth is uncomfortable and causes tooth decay. The things you need to know.
X-rays
Is taking xrays really necessary in your mouth if you don't have any pain or discomfort?

Magee Dental Care
575 Riversdale Rd
Camberwell 3124
Ph 9882 4444
Information sheet from www.mageedentalcare.com


Dentures

How to live well with new dentures
Denture cleaning and maintenance
Immediate dentures

A denture is an appliance which replaces lost or missing teeth with artificial teeth. Dentures can be made of an acrylic or metal substructure with acrylic or porcelain teeth.

In order to make a denture the dentist takes an impression of the jaw and any remaining teeth using a special flexible material. Colour and shape of artificial teeth is determined and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws is also determined. ie how they fit together.

How to live well with new dentures

  1. Comfort : Allow yourself time to get used to a new denture, even if you have worn one before.
  2. Eating : Avoid eating sticky food, sharp or hard foods. You will need to learn to "balance" placement of food because dentures may tip up or place accessive force on areas of the gums. If you have not worn a denture before your gums may feel sore as they adjust to their new roles in eating. Cut food into small pieces and try to chew on both sides of the mouth at the same time. Start out with soft food and add other foods as you learn to adjust.
  3. Speech : Your tongue and cheek muscles will need time to get used to holding your denture in place as you speak. Try practicing infront of a mirror. Initially you may produce lots of saliva but this will subside as your mouth gets use to the denture. If your dentures "click" when you talk try talking more slowly.
  4. Soreness : If soreness occurs call the dentist for an appointment. You may need to leave your denture out if the soreness is excessive but you will need to place the denture back of half a day before the dental appointment or we will not be able to see where the sore area is in your mouth to adjust your denture.

Denture cleaning and maintenance

  1. Cleaning : You need to continue cleaning your denture and gums. A soft tooth brush or cloth will be useful for cleaning both. Clean your dentures after each meal. Don't use abrasives or strong chemicals or hot water.
  2. Breakage : Dentures are easy to break if dropped. Always be very careful when you take them out to clean them. Stand over a folded towel or basin of water when removing and handling the dentures. Don't glue broken peices of dentures back together as this can damage the denture and may make it impossible to repair.
  3. Rest : We will advise you on what is best for your individual circumstances but often it is best to leave dentures out at night to allow your gums to rest. Initially with a new denture we will probably advise you to leave the denture in all the time so you get use to it. When you leave your dentures out, place them in water so they don't dry. Dentures that are allowed to dry up may warp.
  4. Denture adhesive : A denture adhesive can provide additional retention for well-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting dentures will cause problems so see the dentist if your denture doesn't fit well.
  5. Dentures Replacement : Your mouth will change naturally over time. Bone and gum can shrink or recede and your jaws may align differently. Loose dentures can contribute to health problems. A new denture can improve facial features.
  6. Dental appointments : Regular check ups are still important with dentures and are most important if you have a partial denture.

Immediate dentures
This is a denture inserted at the same appointment as the removal of teeth. In order to allow this to occur the dentist needs to take moulds of the mouth during a previous visit.
The advantage of this denture is that the wearer doesn't have to go without teeth after teeth are removed. The disadvantage is that bone and gums shrink over time, especially in the initial 3 months after teeth removal. The shrinkage will result in the denture becoming less well fitting and usually the denture will need to have its fitting surface "relined" or "rebased" after this period of time.

Notes: