Five Discoveries Dentists Made in 2016

If you’re an Indiana Jones type but you’re wondering if there’s anything left for you to discover anymore, you might want to take up a career in dentistry after reading this. Okay, it’s a little different… we said you might.

Like any health science practitioners, dentists are always discovering new and exciting things about who we are as a species - and 2016 was a big year for some of the world's best dentists. Check out the five most incredible discoveries that dentists made in 2016 below!

Link discovered between low testosterone in men and oral health

Macaques, some of our closest living primate relatives, have helped us to uncover a link between lowered testosterone and periodontal disease. When scientists began to investigate the conditions of oral health, they noticed that all of the castrated males showed signs of periodontitis and other oral health issues - and much more exacerbated than the other males of the same age. The manager of the center’s Primate Skeletal Collections made note of the bone that supports the teeth, and how it had dramatically receded away in older castrated males. There may not be as many eunuchs as in the good old days, but men who suffer from prostate cancers or a diagnosis of low testosterone may find this information helpful to ensure that they are caring for their teeth properly.

New research could eliminate need for needles

Anaesthetic needles are something that most of our patients probably don’t enjoy as much as they endure. But 2016 saw a new study find a new approach to administering anaesthetic. Instead, dentists can look forward to using a small electric current to give the anaesthetic - which not only saves time and money, but the sweat and tears of any overly-anxious recipients. This could be huge for oral hygiene, as people who are avoiding dental care for fear of the syringe could potentially seek out much-needed procedures.

Multiple fillings linked to toxic level of mercury in blood

Researchers have found that adults with more than eight fillings have 150% more mercury in their blood than those without any filling at all. Yikes.
High levels of mercury can be toxic, and can cause lung, heart, brain, and immune system issues - that’s just to start with.
Amalgam fillings are made up of mercury, silver, tin, and other metals, and has been the industry standard for over 150 years - thankfully, our next discovery comes right on cue…

Composites of the future may be glass

Bioactive glass is being studied for its ability to reduce bacteria’s capacity to attack composite fillings, and may even help to provide minerals that the tooth may have lost during decay. Made with compounds such as silicon oxide, calcium oxide, and phosphorus oxide, our bodies are reactive to the glass which may prove to prolong the life of fillings and slow tooth decay.

Mouthbreathers increase their risk of dental decay

If you breathe through your mouth in your sleep, your mouth is dried out of all that valuable saliva that would usually coat your mouth. This results in an acidic oral environment, which paves the way for dental erosion and loss of enamel. Mouths of nose-breathers had a pH level of 7 during studies in New Zealand, while mouthbreathers experienced a drop in pH - periodically as low as 3.6! Anything below 5.5 is the threshold where tooth enamel starts to demineralise, making people who breathe through their mouth when they sleep at higher risk of decay.

For more fun facts about amazing advances in dentistry and valuable industry insights, keep an eye on our blog which we update regularly. For the best dentist in Perth, call Carillon City Dental. Our team of dentists can help you through any emergency or issue you may be experiencing, and can discuss your options with you as you decide on your chosen form of treatment.

What If I Stop Wearing My Retainer? Ask A Perth Orthodontist

Not many people realise that it takes a little while for the teeth to settle into their new spots. The braces will slowly manoeuvre them into their new positions, but teeth are surprisingly rebellious and usually begin to roam about again. Many patients who get braces - both adults and children - are chomping at the bit to get the small wires taken out of their mouth, and in their eagerness they overlook the last crucial step; the retainer.

What Is A Retainer?

A retainer is a small device which has been specially sculpted to fit your bite. Usually made from plastic or metal, it sits in your mouth and acts as a supporting frame for your smile. They’re common to be used after braces or dental alignments, to keep the teeth in place until the mouth has healed correctly and the teeth are settled.

What Happens If I Stop Wearing Mine?

Okay, so your braces are off. We get it, you’re excited to go grinning and dining with your new pearly whites - but the dental care isn’t over just yet. There are some consequences that may arise from neglecting your retainer, and the results could range from a ‘little annoying’ to ‘very expensive’.

Your Teeth Have Been Moved To Their Natural Positions:

If your treatment involved moving your teeth to positions that they should have naturally occupied, the mouth requires slightly less adjustment and your orthodontist may recommend a considerably shorter period of time to wear your retainer. Even though this is an easier process for your mouth, you should still wear your retainer for as long as your orthodontist recommends. This will help the teeth to settle in to gums and adjust to their new space, and will keep them from straying. If your teeth begin to move around the jaw again, you may need orthodontic services, such as braces, all over again.

Your Teeth Have Been Moved To New Positions:

If your orthodontist has moved your teeth to new positions in the jaw, then your teeth are highly likely to try and recover their lost ground once the braces are off. In this circumstance, the teeth could move back to their original positions and cause you discomfort - as well as another extensive period of braces, to align the teeth once more.

Your orthodontist will examine your teeth and situation, then will prescribe a length of time which they see fit. After the costs and effort involved in braces, you want to be sure that the results will last! This is why your orthodontist encourages you to wear your retainer, and to be consistent during the time where your teeth are likely to shift once more. If you have any further queries about your orthodontic care, call us at Carillon City Dental. Our team of dental and orthodontic experts can arrange an appointment or consultation with you to discuss any issues you may have.

Let Your Smile Shine This Summer With Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular in Perth, with more and more people wanting a dazzlingly white smile. While everyone’s smile is unique, every smile looks healthier and more radiant with a clean, white set of teeth.

Are you considering brightening and whitening your teeth? There are plenty of reasons to have a pearly smile, such as:

• A special occasion, such as a wedding or function, where you want your smile to be the cherry on top of your appearance
• If you’re attending a job interview and you want to make a glowing first impression
• Simply to remove stains from the teeth so you can have a Hollywood smile every day.
• The boost in confidence will make you feel like smiling at everyone - and when you smile at the world, it smiles back.
• The price of teeth whitening is relatively inexpensive compared to other cosmetic works you can have done on your appearance, but adds the subtle vigour of health and youth.
• If you have ageing teeth, teeth whitening can take years off your smile
• It can be a helpful motivator if you’re trying to quit smoking or cut down on sugar. You’ll instantly see how bright and clean your smile is, and you’ll find it much easier to resist temptations that could dull your teeth!

While there are plenty of cosmetic beauty procedures you can have done that will make you stand out in the crowd, teeth whitening will keep you looking healthy and fresh while remaining one of the more subtle cosmetic procedures on the market. Teeth whitening is relatively inexpensive, and it is a small price to pay for a confident smile.

Common Causes Of Tooth Discolouration

There are three main causes of tooth discolouration;

Age related - this is usually a combination of lifestyle and early lifetime habits or traumas. Dentin naturally yellows over time, as the enamel thins across the tooth and the dentin becomes exposed. Dietary choices and smoking will play a huge role in the potential discolouration of a tooth, as well as any chips or cracks that may cause the tooth to darken.

Extrinsic - this is when your enamel is stained. This could be from coffee, soft drinks, wine, smoking, or other food and beverages.

Intrinsic - this is when the dentin darkens from beneath the enamel, and this is usually from early-life factors such as

• Your mother used tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy, or you used them at 8 years of age or younger.
• A rare condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta. This causes grey, amber or purple discolorations.
• As a young child you experienced a trauma that affected a tooth, such as a bad fall which damaged a developing tooth still yet to erupt.
• You had internal bleeding which discoloured the tooth, such as from a  trauma.
• You were exposed to too much fluoride during your childhood

If you think that your smile could benefit from a dental whitening procedure, call our friendly team at Carillon City Dental to organise an appointment or consultation. Our in-chair whitening procedure and take-home whitening kit are both available to you, and our dental team can provide answers to any questions or queries you may have.

How To Care For Your Temporary Dental Fillings

Temporary dental fillings may be used for a variety of reasons, and it is important that they are cared for appropriately.

Your dentist may recommend temporary dental fillings:

• Following a root canal
• Your dentist would like to give your teeth some time to heal
• In cases of emergency dentistry
• For fillings that will span over more than one appointment, such as indirect fillings the placement of gold fillings.

Whatever your dentist's reason, your tooth with a temporary filling is much more delicate than the rest of your pearly whites and will need some extra special attention from you. A temporary filling is meant to remain in place until your next dental visit when your dentist can finish their work - but how can you ensure that your temporary filling doesn’t fall out?

Brush/Floss Gently

Once you’ve had a temporary filling placed, it’s helpful to be exceedingly gentle when you brush and floss your teeth every morning and night. Try using a softer bristled brush, but still make sure that your mouth is receiving a proper clean. When flossing, try to manoeuvre around the filling as best you can. If the filling reaches to the edges of your tooth, avoid pulling the floss up and away when you take it from between your teeth, as this could send the filling flying if it gets caught. Instead, pull it out from the side of your tooth.

Chew Carefully

Your dentist will probably advise you of the potential problems if you return to your regular diet, as food can easily dislodge the filling. You should avoid chewing on the entire side of your mouth with the filling to preserve the filling for as long as needed. Sometimes you may forget - it’s fine if you occasionally chew very gently using that side, but there are foods that could cause havoc. Chewing gum, toffee, and other chewy foods may become stuck to your filling and inadvertently pull it out, and crunchy foods like nuts or carrots may also dislodge the filling.

If you’re mindful of your oral hygiene and chewing habits, your temporary filling should have no trouble lasting until your next visit to Carillon City Dental, in Perth CBD. Please follow the directions that you receive from your dentist thoroughly, this article is a guideline but your dental care needs may vary. If you have any more questions or queries about your temporary filling, call our team to make an appointment or consultation. A temporary filling is a very straightforward procedure, and it can instantly provide pain relief to those who may have been suffering due to exposed pulp or sensitive areas. Regardless of your dental condition, you can be confident that your Carillon City dentist will find the best solution for you.

Carillon City Dentists Have Your NY Resolutions Ready, Perth

It’s 2017, and it’s time for some New Year’s Resolutions. Carillon City is known to be the best dentists in Perth, so we’ve taken the time to assemble your top ten resolutions to stick to this year to keep your smiles bright and healthy.

1. Brush Properly Twice A Day

   Half of you probably rolled your eyes, thinking “Well duh” - this is something that is drummed into us from a young age. But as we grow and are left fend for ourselves, sometimes regular tooth-brushing becomes overlooked. Your first resolution is to brush properly twice a day; angle the bristles at 45 degrees to the gum line, and brush both your teeth and gums as bacteria lives on all your oral surfaces. Gently brush in an up-down, back-forth movement, then repeat the movement on the inside of your teeth to get rid of any build-up that lives nearer your tongue - and don’t forget to give your tongue and the roof of your mouth a brush too. Aim to do this at least twice a day to keep optimum oral health - but we know that dental hygiene can sometimes be difficult to maintain if you’re off enjoying the West Australian summer and forgot to pack your toothbrush. In these situations, you can always use a mouthwash (or clean water, if you’re lacking supplies) to flush out the food that your mouth's bacteria live on.
   

2. Floss Every Day

   Flossing always played second string to brushing (see what we did there), but it plays a crucial role in dental care. Those small spaces between your teeth can be accessed by two things; bacteria, and dental floss. Even mouth wash is far less effective! Create a healthy lifelong habit of flossing, whether it’s in on the way to work or watching the news in the evening.

3. Avoid Tobacco

   Tobacco is known to be harmful to most parts of your body that it touches, and your teeth are included. Oral cancers can be devastating, and the bad breath can be terrible. The act of pulling the smoke into your mouth is usually done with pursed lips, meaning that those particles are connecting directly with the front surface of your teeth and will result in visible discolouration. Carillon City Dental has amazing solutions for dental whitening, but you can save your money on the procedure and the tobacco, and help your teeth get their shine back on your own.
   

4. Cut Down On Sugary Drinks, Alcohol, And Coffee

   Most of these drinks contain their own additives and sugars, and you probably know already how damaging they can be to your teeth. We always recommend cutting down on these drinks - even a resolution to drink tea or coffee without sugar, soda water instead of lemonade can help you to stave off any effects.

Pay Attention To Your Vitamins And Minerals

5. Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones, so make a resolution to monitor your mineral and vitamin intakes and to improve on them where you can. Broccoli, legumes, leafy greens, seafood, and even fruits like figs and oranges, are all fantastic sources of calcium and come packed with other nutrients that are vital for your health. Alternately, you can find a calcium supplement to ensure that your teeth are strong. Other nutrients, such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B Complex, Copper, Zinc, Iodine, Iron, and Potassium are all necessary to care for your teeth and gums.

Visit Us

6. Your dentists are here to care for your smile, so check in at least twice a year so we can assess your dental health. We can help you to develop lifestyle solutions for your dental hygiene, and assess and problems for the most effective course of care. An emergency dentist can help with any grave problems that may arise, but most dental hygiene issues can be nipped in the bud by your Perth dentist before they become a serious concern.

Start making some great lifelong habits this year, and take on our list of New Year Resolutions if these aren’t already your routine. Carillon City Dental is proud to offer Perth expert advice and dental care from our team of industry professionals.

What You Need To Know About Dentures

Dentures can seem like an intimidating procedure, thanks to their uncomfortable, poorly fitting, and unsightly history. However, dental dentures have progressed as rapidly as the rest of our technology, and are now usually as natural to look at as the rest of your smile.

With the leaps and bounds in dental technology, each procedure or treatment has become less of a hindrance and more appealing than ever. This is fantastic news for the many people around the world who need care such as denture services. Denture services are most common among the elderly, whose teeth have seen a lifetime of laughter and meals and may have sustained too much wear and tear to be useful, however this is not exclusively the case and some young people may require dental dentures. Likewise, many people who are careful with their oral hygiene and habits will enjoy their own teeth through their entire lifetime.

In a variety of circumstances, dentures are the ideal solution. Dentures are replacement teeth, however they differ from others because they are not permanently fixed to the teeth or jawbone. This is because dentures are primarily used in cases where there are no teeth to fix the replacement to, and multiple teeth are missing on the same row.

Complete and Partial:

Complete dentures are designed to be worn part-time, and taken out for cleaning at night.

Partial dentures are similar, except they’re clipped onto the remaining natural teeth.

If you’re missing multiple teeth, such as gaps of three or more missing teeth, there is no tooth available to act as an anchor for crowns, fillings, or bridges. This means that dentures are usually the most successful option, and whether you receive complete or partial dentures depends on your personal case, by considering the size and location of the gaps.

Dentures are usually fastened by suction, and they attach firmly to the gum. While this can take some getting used to, once your mouth has adapted you’ll find it just as comfortable as usual. It’s a common misconception that there is some type of ‘glue’ involved - dentures shouldn’t require any special adhesives to bind them.

For many elderly, the natural tooth can become so deteriorated that it is useless or painful - it can also leave you susceptible to pain and infections. Dentists will always try and salvage the natural tooth to the best of their abilities, so dentures will only be suggested if the natural tooth is completely unsuitable.

Modern dentures have been refined and perfected, and are often indistinguishable from natural teeth when worn and cared for correctly. They can act as regular teeth, and you can continue to eat the same foods as with natural teeth with no discomfort. If you have concerns about your teeth and you’re considering dentures, we encourage you to make an appointment with one of our dentists for an assessment and consultation. Our team at Carillon City Dental will be able to talk you through all of your options, and discuss which solution will suit your needs the best. Call our reception team today to book an appointment, or use our convenient online form.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Post-Care

If you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, you might be experiencing some discomfort, pain, and tenderness or swelling. This is all part of your recovery and how your body will heal, but there are plenty of things you can do to ensure that you’re as comfortable and hygienic as possible, to avoid aggravating your mouth and interrupting the healing process. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, in Perth and worldwide, so many patients feel very at ease with the procedure and post-care.

Why Do I Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are your third molars, and are accepted to be superfluous to a healthy or attractive smile. They are usually attributed to our ancient eating habits, but due to changes in our lifestyle they are now known for causing more harm than good. If there is not enough space, or they are erupting on a tilt or a rotation, then it can cause pain or discomfort. Wisdom tooth extraction can be considered a surgical procedure, so dentists are very accommodating of their patients and what their tolerance might be. There are various form of anaesthetic and sleep dentistry which can help to alleviate the discomfort or stress of the procedure, but afterwards it is important that the patient maintains the proper care.

Post-Care:

After your appointment for wisdom tooth extraction, you may experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding. Mouths heal extraordinarily quickly, but it is important not to disturb the blood clot or to aggravate your gums while they heal. Hot beverages like tea or coffee, soda and alcohol, and solid foods can all be uncomfortable to eat and may cause damage to the healing tissue during the recovery period, so we encourage our patients to give their mouths time to heal correctly and avoid these foods. We even give you permission to skip brushing your teeth for the first day of your recovery! Most patients experience three to four days of recovery, while for some cases it can last a week. This all depends on the severity of the teeth and how they were erupting through the gums.

For the week following your procedure, you should plan on taking it easy and avoiding activities or foods that could disturb the blot where your teeth were removed. An ice pack on your jaw should help to reduce the swelling, and your dentist may prescribe you painkillers to help with the pain. Otherwise, regular over-the-counter pain relief can help to manage any pan or discomfort.

Your dentist will advise you on how to properly care for your individual circumstances but you may be instructed to avoid flossing, rinsing, or brushing for a day, and to resume your dental care very softly for the following days. A saline solution such as warm salt water can help to prevent an infection.

Soft foods will be able to sustain you through the initial days, as you readjust and heal. Think yoghurts, smoothies, soups (served slightly cool), and more.

Wisdom teeth are a very common procedure, so if you are at all concerned about your wisdom teeth then talk to our team at Carillon City Dental. We will discuss all of your options with you, and we will ensure that you are comfortable and informed about your choice.