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How Often Should You Take Professional Teeth Cleanings?

Have you had teeth cleaning this year?  Professional teeth cleanings are not only for a bright and sparkling smile. You all might have heard about professional teeth cleanings from reputed dentists helps to reduce the risk of cavities and prevent any serious dental issues. However, how often are professional teeth cleanings recommended?  If you want to have clean and sparkling teeth, you must maintain your oral hygiene and consume teeth-strengthening foods. Dentist Bundoora suggests taking teeth cleanings twice a year. However, if your oral hygiene is poor or has dental issues, your visit to the Bundoora dentists would be more frequent.  In today’s blog, let’s explain professional teeth cleanings.

Dental Hygiene

Plaque And Tartar Build-up

Whether you have stained teeth or bad breath, teeth cleanings should be your utmost priority. It not only gives your teeth a fresh look to your teeth but also improves your overall health. Getting professional teeth cleanings helps to remove plaque-causing bacteria, strengthens the enamel, and reduces bad breath.  After the teeth cleaning, bacteria will start to occupy the teeth within two or three days. However, if you maintain dental care at home regularly, you can consider taking professional teeth cleanings twice a year.  So, you are less likely to have heavy tartar or plaque buildup that affects your dental health.

Identify Dental Issues

Visiting a dentist for professional teeth cleanings helps to identify early signs of dental issues than plaque. During the dental examination, a dentist can spot signs of oral cancer, new cavities, receding gums, protruding teeth, anaemia, and other medical issues. As you know, gum diseases are directly linked to cardiovascular diseases, and detecting them at an early stage will prevent any other serious consequences.

If you haven’t taken professional teeth cleanings, it’s not too late! Our dentists at Greenwood Plenty Dental Care would love to help you. For appointments, call us at (03) 9466 7843 today.

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

Well, it may appear to be a simple question but it’s crucial to know that your oral hygiene tool has validity.  In some extreme cases, you need to replace the toothbrush sooner than you should. You need to realize that toothbrushes won’t last forever. Like how you change your worn-out shoes, clothes, and other things, you must change your toothbrush when the bristles have become frayed and dry. Though replacing a toothbrush purely depends on your usage and personal preferences, dentists Bundoora recommends having it replaced every three to four months. So before you brush, make sure to check the condition of your toothbrush.

When you don’t change your toothbrush, the cleaning becomes less effective; it may affect your dental health, causing infection.

Change Once In Three Months

Your toothbrush is the best cleaning tool that fights against disease-causing bacteria and prevents tooth decay and other dental issues. If you have been practicing brushing thrice a day, chances are that your toothbrush bristles may go weak soon. You must change the brush once in three months for effective cleaning. If you use an orthodontic toothbrush specified for braces, check with the dentist for replacements.

Sore Throat And Cold

If viral infections, strep throat, and sinuses are a concern to you, you may have to change the toothbrush every two months. No matter what, always clean your toothbrush in lukewarm water and keep the head stand upright in the container. Make sure it gets dried in the air and should not cover it in a plastic case or container as bacteria thrive well in a moist environment.

Don’t Keep Your Brushes In The Bathroom

If your bathroom is prone to water spillage, moisture can cause bacteria and molds to grow and buildup in the brush to avoid contamination.  Instead, you store your toothbrush in the drawer or storage cabinet and let them dry.

Remember, a healthy mouth needs a clean and new toothbrush to clean effectively. You can note down the date of your purchase and keep a reminder. So that you can get rid of the old ones in time to buy a new one and make your daily teeth cleaning effective.

If you have any other concerns like tartar buildup or tooth decay and want a quick solution, get teeth cleaning and whitening treatments from our expert dentists at Greenwood Plenty Dental Care.  For appointments, call (03) 9466 7843 today.

Should You Brush After Eating Or Before? – Find Out!

Ask any dentist, they will tell you that brushing and flossing twice is imperative for your oral health.  Brushing before bed and after getting to bed is the regular oral hygiene norm that everyone follows. However, brushing in the morning aids in many health benefits that you may not be aware of. When you don’t brush or floss or visit the dentist in Bundoora, the food residue will turn into tartar and weaken the teeth’s enamel. This leads to the cavity, plaque formation – a hardened layer, that slowly turns into tartar (Heavy buildup), and other serious dental problems. So if you are concerned about your oral health, make sure to keep up the oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Dentists in Bundoora recommend that when you maintain healthy dental practices like brushing and flossing twice, visiting the dental clinic near you for teeth cleaning and whitening, and eating enamel-strengthening foods, your teeth will remain in good shape and look and will have a radiant smile.

Teeth Whitening

 

Why is brushing before your breakfast good?

  • Brushing before you eat your morning breakfast is highly recommended. When you are sleeping the food remains, and the germs and bacteria in your mouth start to damage the teeth and fill the air that surrounds your teeth. This smell affects your morning breath. And, when you wake up, you will have an unpleasant and mossy food smell emanating from your mouth. This is removed by brushing and flossing with fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash.
  • Also, brushing preps up your teeth and increases saliva production. Saliva helps digest foods easily. Moreover, saliva production will be high in the morning; it’s good to brush your teeth before you eat anything.
  • If you are planning to eat anything acidic, like citrus-based juice or coffee, or tea, make sure to eat after 30 minutes.
  • After you eat, make sure to rinse your mouth with water and use sugar-free and enamel-friendly chewing gum to chew to protect your teeth.

If you need further assistance or info about oral health practices, consult with our dentists from Greenwood Plenty Dental Care. To schedule an appointment, call (03) 9466 7843 today.

Is Your Tooth Feeling Itchy?

Does an itchy tooth mean gum disease? Is your tooth itching way too often? Have you ever run to the dentist in Bundoora for help? If not, there maybe similar sensations like mild pain associated with gums that people perceive as itchiness or tissues adjacent to your teeth itch. Itchy teeth can be dreadful and you might feel anxious about your teeth.However, this is an unusual dental condition and you must check immediately with a dentist in Bundoora.

orthodontist

Causes Of Itchy Teeth

Teeth itching can be annoying; various reasons make your teeth feel itchy. Sometimes, itchy gums can also be the reason for your itching sensation.

Plaque Build-up

When the tartar (hardened yellow dirt buildup) crosses your gum line, your gums start to feel itchy and you will feel that your teeth are itchy and painful.

Gingivitis

Gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease can also be the reason for your teeth’ itching sensation. When the bacteria inside your mouth develop, it leads to inflammation and pain and sometimes bleeding as well.

Allergies

When the tissue inside your mouth becomes sensitive or swollen, your teeth become itchy. For instance, oral allergy syndrome or pollen food allergy syndrome can create an unpleasant situation when you eat something and start feeling a tickling sensation or itchiness.

Side effects

If you had gone through dental procedures’ like a root canal treatment or cavity filling can also lead to temporary itching of the teeth or gums as a side effect.  So make sure to check with your dentist if the itching or pain persists.

Tooth damage

Teeth itchy sensation can also result from an injury. No matter how the trauma to teeth is caused, if the tooth structure is damaged, there are more possibilities to have an itchy sensation.

Teeth grinding

Sometimes teeth clenching or grinding can cause an itchy sensation to teeth or gums. So, you might have to get treatment for Bruxism as soon as possible. When a foreign object like a small piece of food is trapped beneath the gum line or you have accidentally poked your teeth with a toothpick, it could cause itchy teeth. This would last for a day or so if you brush your teeth correctly.

If you are experiencing itchy gums, consistent pain or inflammation, talk to our dentists from Greenwood Plenty Dental Care at (03) 9466 7843 today.

All About Traditional Metal Braces – Things You Should Know

Braces are orthodontic tools responsible for correcting your dental problems. They are recommended by dentist Bundoora for people with teeth crowding, teeth protrusion, gapped teeth, teeth that are out of alignment, cross bite, overbite, and under bite issues. Based on the severity of the problem, the dentist may suggest braces for your teeth to align perfectly in time. Braces can help get your desired result and help you eat, chew, smile, and laugh confidently.  Most people get their braces in their teenage and some during their adulthood. So how do these braces work? Let’s tell you in detail.

Dentist Rosanna

To know how they work, you must know the parts of the braces and their functionality. Let’s go one by one.

Bracket

It is a small thin attachment that is glued to the patient teeth. Its job is to help the wire settle in place in all the slots.

Arch wire

An arch wire is the connecting wire that helps connect all the brackets and decides in which direction the teeth should move.

Elastics

These are rubber bands that put pressure on the jaw so that it helps in aligning the teeth quickly.

Molar band

The molar band is a thin metal ring with hooks that are usually attached behind the teeth to hold the elastics. This helps to join multiple teeth and pull them together in the right direction.

Headgear Tube

It’s the tube that’s placed on top of the molars and a flatter tube is placed on the bottom.

Power Chain

It’s the chain that helps to find the length of the elastics. So, the dentist uses the required elastics to join your teeth.

Elastic Tie

These tiny flower-like tiny ligatures help to hold the wire into the slots of the brackets. This comes in colours as well.

Springs

These are placed between two teeth to create additional space between them.

All these small components in a traditional metal brace work together to correct the teeth to their original position.  Whatever your teeth concerns are, work it out with our professional dentists from Greenwood Plenty Dental Care on (03) 9466 7843 today.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

We have been asked a million times about Teeth Grinding – Bruxism. Questions like whether it’s a sensory issue or hereditary issue or a sleep disorder or weakness have filled our inboxes recently.  Therefore, we have decided to come up with the answers you need and the facts about Bruxism.  Whether you have mild or severe Bruxism, visit a dentist in Bundoora to get help and find the right solution for your condition.

orthodontist

 

Bruxism is a condition in which a person clenches or grinds the teeth for no apparent reason. Well, mild bruxism may not require treatment; severe conditions can lead to jaw disorders, headaches, teeth damage, and other teeth issues. Some patients also have sleep apnea – a condition in which a person stops breathing for a while or pauses breathing and loud snoring.

What Induces Teeth Grinding?

Individuals grind their teeth for many reasons. While stress and anxiety are one of the major reasons, people clench their teeth, it can also happen due to lost teeth or crooked teeth or misplaced teeth and teeth gaps.

Some patients might have persistent dull headaches in the morning, excessive tooth wear, and grinding sounds while sleeping. The worst scenario of teeth grinding is it can lead to tooth loss.

How To Know If You Are Grinding Your Teeth?

  • Teeth grinding often occurs during sleep. If you find yourself constantly clenching your teeth while you are awake, you need to discuss it with a dentist to relieve this situation. In severe cases like chronic grinding, a patient may experience severe headaches, jaw pain, tooth loss, and cracking.
  • Your dentist may recommend root canals, bridges, crowns, or implants to correct this issue. Some even suggest stress counselling, physiotherapy, and muscle relaxants to help solve this problem.
  • For sleep time clenching, patients would wear a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding.
  • Teeth grinding when left untreated can cause difficulties to your teeth, face muscles, and jaws. So, consult with an experienced dentist in Bundoora to get the best treatment.

If you are looking for dental treatments for teeth grinding issues, consult with our expert dentists from Greenwood Plenty Dental Care. For appointments, call (03) 9466 7843 today.

Dental Implant Aftercare Tips From Expert Dentists

Dental Implants are one of the most viable, natural-looking, and long-term replacement options. They remain a good choice for various tooth replacement cases. It is a multi-step procedure where the dentist Bundoora will inspect your teeth’s condition and insert titanium rods into the jawbone to support the dentures, crown, or bridges based on the requirements of the patient. However, the real struggle begins after you get the dental implants. Yes! Whether you have lost one or more teeth and had implants planted into your jawbone, regular teeth cleaning and maintaining good oral hygiene will help you heal faster with minimal discomfort. Because dental implants generally take about 6 months and more to heal completely. In today’s blog, we will discuss the aftercare tips you should follow after getting your implants.

orthodontist

Switch To Nylon Toothbrush

Once you got the implants, the first step is to change your toothbrush. Nylon toothbrush has soft bristles that are flexible and gentle on your implants. It can access all the hard-to-reach areas and efficiently cleans all the areas around the dental implants. It’s advisable to avoid metal or electric brushes to prevent scratches on the implants.

Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Products

People with dental implants must avoid abrasive cleaning products that contain fluoride or other chemicals. You can ask dentist Bundoora to recommend cleaning products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and other mouth care products. Also, people should avoid using cinnamon or mint-flavoured toothpaste as these can cause discomfort in their mouth.

Quit Smoking & Alcohol

Though alcohol & smoking is injurious to your health, they can be hazardous to your implants. Be it smoking or alcohol consumption, it can slow down your healing process & damage the implants.

Avoid Eating Sticky Foods

It can be tempting to eat your favourites after getting your dental implants. However, eating sticky foods will only ruin your implants and makes your teeth cleaning process harder. Foods like potato chips, nuts, ice cream, cakes, biscuits, meat, hard candies, carrots, apples, and any crunchy foods are harmful.

Visit Dentist Regularly

Dental implants can be successful and last for a lifetime if you maintain your oral hygiene and follow your dentist’s recommendations. However, oral health issues can vary from person to person and you need to visit dentists in Bundoora regularly for proper care.

Bottom Line

If you follow these aftercare instructions, you can heal easily in a short period and enhance your smile. However, if you are facing any issues or planning to get dental implants, visit Greenwood Plenty Dental Care. To schedule an appointment with us, call (03) 9466 7843 today.

Are Clear Aligners The “BEST CHOICE” For Teens?

Like adults, teens these days are also highly conscious of their smiles and looks. They want to look good and don’t want to be called Buck teeth or scarecrows. If you’re planning to invest in a clear aligner for your teen, there are certain things you need to consider. Dentists in Bundoora recommend metal braces for teeth straightening, teeth crowding and teeth protrusion, and other cosmetic concerns. However, teens are resisting the idea of wearing metal braces to school, and clear aligners turn out to be a good solution for them. When aesthetics become a concern, dentists Bundoora recommend clear aligners for teens to move their teeth to a better position.

Flexibility

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are easy to remove, which makes eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing easier for teens. This orthodontic appliance can be cleaned and re-inserted safely. Aligners are made of thin & transparent material, professionally fabricated using dental scans and impressions. So, if your teen qualifies for this treatment, they will wear one set of aligners for a specific period before they move on to the next set.

Convenience

As teens have a lot of study and writing work to do, they may find metal braces annoying, painful, and hard to clean. Clear aligners turn out to be a good & convenient option for teens as they have to wear them for 20-22 hours a day and remove them when they want to eat their favourite food.

Complexity Of The Teen’s Teeth Condition

Clear aligners are recommended by orthodontics for teens with mild to moderate orthodontic problems. For complex orthodontic issues or teeth structure & they will suggest a different orthodontic appliance or treatment altogether.

Your Teen’s Dental Health

Apart from misaligned teeth or teeth protrusion, if the teen has any dental issues or poor oral health, you may have to take your teen to the dentist Bundoora for an overall assessment of the teeth. Dentists may suggest orthodontic treatment to resolve dental issues they may have.

Better Aesthetics

Clear aligners are less noticeable & it helps your teen to stay confident and stress-free. Moreover, it boosts their self-esteem & improves their oral hygiene. And when your teeth have better oral hygiene, better aesthetics. It’s what makes your teen’s teeth straightening journey a pleasant & comfy one.

If you’re planning dental treatment for kids or orthodontic treatments like clear aligners for your teen, consult with experienced dentists from Greenwood Plenty Dental Care. For appointments, call us at (03) 9466 7843 today.

How Dental Veneers Are Helpful? – Find Out!

Everyone wants to have a picture-perfect smile & it’s not an unattainable dream anymore. Dental veneers can give you a drastic make-over to your teeth shape; enhancing the overall shape of your face and helping you smile, grin and laugh out loud confidently. It is the best cosmetic dental treatment that dentist Bundoora recommends.  Veneers are thin porcelain shells made of composite material attached to the teeth.

They are placed on top of the natural teeth to make the smile more natural, aesthetically appealing, and inviting. Veneers can help modify the size, colour, and shape of your teeth. However one must know when to get veneers. If you think you are the right candidate for dental veneers, consult with experienced dentists in Bundoora and step towards your smile journey.

Dentist Briar Hill

 

Veneers Improve Overall Teeth Structure

Veneers help improve your teeth’s overall structure. Whether you have stained or yellow teeth, veneers can help cover those flaws and help your smile confidently in public. When you have veneers placed on your mouth, you don’t have to hide away your smile.

Veneers Are Good For Chipped Or Cracked Teeth

Whether you have chipped your tooth or have marks on your teeth, veneers can be recommended. They are placed on the tooth, which covers all the imperfections and protects your natural tooth. Minor accidents or dental trauma can result in the loss of enamel; once the tooth enamel chips off, your tooth’s protection will be in danger. In such a case, a dentist in Bundoora may suggest dental veneers to protect the teeth and visually enhance their appearance.

They Look & Functions Like Natural Teeth

Veneers are as strong and rigid as natural teeth and function the same.  They are made of composite resin material or porcelain, which resembles the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. If you’re concerned about the quality of how it works on your teeth, consult with a dentist in Bundoora to clarify your dental concern.

If you want to smile without hesitation or embarrassment, dental veneers are the best option. They are way more helpful in getting you the desired smile.

To ensure that you’re the right candidate for dental veneers,

consult with expert dentists from Greenwood Plenty Dental Care on (03) 9466 7843 today.

Are Crowded Teeth Bad For You? – Find Out!

First impressions matter! That’s why having a symmetrical face and straight teeth are crucial. Most importantly a healthy & symmetrical tooth equals a healthy body & that’s why dental crowding AKA Malocclusion has to be treated before it takes a toll on your teeth, gums, and jaw bones. Crowding also affects the structure of your face shape and could ruin the beauty of your face and your smile. In such cases, it is good to seek licensed and experienced orthodontists and dentists Bundoora for help.  In today’s blog, let’s know why crowded teeth are bad for your health.

Crowded Teeth Cause Teeth Protrusion

Crowded teeth can change the teeth’ alignment, causing them to protrude over time. When your mouth does not have space for all your teeth, it leads to crowding.  Apart from growing in their natural position, they may grow in unnatural positions trying to occupy the space between the fellow teeth leading to crooked teeth and causing the upper or lower teeth to protrude over time.

Crowded Teeth Cause Headaches

When the teeth are so close to one another, you will experience a lot of issues like migraine headaches, jaw pain, and facial pain. Also, when oral function is impaired, it causes strain on the temporomandibular joint, which leads to facial pain and consistent headaches while eating and chewing. Frequent headaches can also signal a dental issue and come for people who often clench their teeth and grind their teeth.

Crowded Teeth Cause Hygiene Issues

It’s often people with crowded teeth face hygiene-related issues. Crowded teeth put you at higher risk of tooth decay and cavities. When your teeth are crowded, the harder it gets to clean, floss, and pick out any sticky food items from the teeth. If the cleaning is not done properly, it may lead to tartar build-up and cause serious issues. In an extreme case, it may even lead to bone loss and gum disease.

If you have been suffering from crowded teeth & the above-mentioned symptoms, consult with our Dentist Bundoora from Greenwood Plenty Dental Care. For appointments, call us at (03) 9466 7843 today.