The NobleDentist Blog

The Australian Dental Association has issued a media release regarding research by the Sydney Dental Hospital that treatment of severe gum disease can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The Australian Dental Association notes that this research strengthens the relationship between dental and general health.

For the above reason the Australian Dental Association has restated its belief that money spent on improving dental health will lead to savings in treatment costs for general health. The Australian Dental Association is also supporting a call to reinstate the Commonwealth Dental Health Program.

To learn how to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars at the dentist, click on NobleDentist.

I recently had the pleasure of talking with the editor of the Springfield News, Lisa Joyce. Lisa was interested in including a story about NobleDentist in the Springfield News.

The Springfield News is a community newspaper put out every Wednesday by Quest Newspapers (News Limited). It focuses on the people, issues and events of the Springfield area as well as items of interest from nearby suburbs.

Lisa Joyce organised a photographer to visit our participating dentist at Springfield Lakes. And she informed me that the story should appear this coming Wednesday.

So, look out for us in the Springfield News!

To learn how to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars at the dentist, click on NobleDentist.

The Shadow Federal Health Minister, Julia Gillard has launched a Discussion Paper. This was anncounced in a recent media release. The paper is titled ‘Goals for Aussie Kids’. And page 12 mentions oral and dental health.

Below is the relevant extract from the Discussion Paper.

Trends

The dental health of Australia’s children has improved considerably since the 1970s.
However significant dental decay is still experienced by a substantial minority of
children, and there is recent evidence that decay among children is increasing. The
gains in oral health of children are lost in adolescents and young adults (AIHW
2004b).

Causes

Much of the tooth decay and poor oral health in children and adolescents can be
attributed to the lack of affordable services, especially in regional and rural areas and
for those in the lower socio-economic groups. In some areas lack of fluoridation of
public water supplies is clearly linked to increased tooth decay. Some children and
adolescents have specific dental needs due to cleft palates and other deformities,
specific illnesses such as cancer and bulimia, and disabilities that require specialised
services.

Consequences

Oral health is important in its own right but also because of its impact on general
health and wellbeing and disease. Failure to seek dental care early can lead to loss
of teeth and gum disease in later life.

Dental decay and gum disease are costly health burdens. Dental decay is the
second most costly diet-related disease in Australia with an economic impact
comparable with that of heart disease and diabetes (AHMAC 2001). Oral disease
has been shown to represent 1% of the Australian total disability adjusted life years
which is comparable with acute respiratory infection, melanoma, or lymphoma (ADA
2004).

Federal Government Role

The Australian Constitution (at 51 xxiii(A)) specifies a clear role for the Federal
Government in the provision of dental services, which should be seen as an integral
part of health care. Government assistance is clearly needed in the provision of
services to the less well off, those living in rural areas, and the disabled. The
abolition of the Commonwealth Dental Health Program by the Howard Government in
1997 has lead to the blow-out in waiting times for public dental health services with
650,000 people now estimated to be on waiting lists around the nation.

A couple of the goals pertaining to the Discussion Paper include:

• All children will have access to affordable dental care and preventive dental health services.
• Amongst the goals for children in the 0-5 years age range, there is to be
  parental education and awareness programs on nutrition, dental care and child development.

The shadow health minister has invited feedback on a range of questions relating to goal priorities, methods to best achieve the goals, and a strategy to achieve a well coordinated national approach.

Submissions are to be addressed to:

Julia Gillard, MP
Shadow Minister for Health
RG-108 Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Or by email to julia.gillard.mp@aph.gov.au

To learn how to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars off dentist fees, click on NobleDentist.

Smoking exposes your mouth to all 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke. And it can have such effects as stained teeth, bad breath, and tooth loss. Not smoking can improve the overall health of the mouth, gums and teeth.

The following is some brief information on the effects of smoking in relation to your dental health.

• Smoking is a cause of periodontitis. This is a common dental disease affecting the gum and bone that support the teeth. It results from toxins produced by bacteria in plaque seeping down between the teeth and gums causing them to become inflamed. Problems can occur such as swollen and infected gums, loss of jawbone that holds teeth in place, and deep spaces forming around the teeth that collect bacteria if plaque is not cleaned away (periodontal pockets).
• Smoking is thought to contribute to periodontal disease by affecting the immune system, making smokers more likely to develop bacterial infection. Also, smoking impairs healing of gum and bone.
• It is estimated that about half of periodontitis cases in the United States are caused by smoking. The risk increases with increasing numbers of cigarettes per day and years of smoking. Smokers are around three times more likely to have severe periodontitis than non-smokers. They also show only about half as much improvement following treatment as non-smokers.
• Stopping smoking reduces the risk of developing periodontitis and slows down the progress of existing disease. Stopping smoking improves wound healing within one to eight weeks, and response to treatment for ex-smokers can become similar to people who have never smoked.

But wait, there’s more…

• Smokers are more likely to have tooth decay and tooth loss than non-smokers. This is probably because the root surfaces at the base of the teeth are more likely to become exposed due to periodontal disease caused by smoking.
• Tobacco stains teeth, dentures and dental restorations. These ugly brown to blackish stains are particularly noticeable around the base of the teeth.
• Bad breath (halitosis) and impaired taste are more common among people who smoke.
• Smoker’s melanosis is characterised by brown spots on the gums. It occurs in up to a third of smokers. Although it is not associated with a risk of mouth disease, it can be unsightly. After stopping smoking, gum colour gradually returns to normal over several months to years.
• Black hairy tongue occurs when the tongue cannot clean itself properly and bacteria, yeast and debris collect on the tiny bumps on the tongue (called papillae). These bumps can become black hair-like forms several millimetres long. It is mainly seen in people who are heavy smokers.
• Smoker’s palate is where the roof of the mouth (hard palate) becomes thickened and pale or white, often with many red dots (inflamed salivary gland openings). This condition is most often seen in pipe smokers and people who practise reverse smoking, meaning they place the lit end of the cigarette in their mouth. It appears to be related to irritation and heat of concentrated tobacco smoke. It can disappear within several weeks of stopping smoking.
• Dental implants are more likely to fail in people who smoke. Stopping smoking improves the success rate of dental implants.
• Some enzyme activity in saliva is reduced by chemicals in tobacco smoke.

To learn how to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars at the dentist, click on NobleDentist.

All tobacco products imported and manufactured for retail in Australia are to be printed with new health warning labels from 1 March 2006. Health warnings on cigarette packs will take up 30% of the front and 90% of the back. And a graphic will also appear on the back and front of the pack.

The graphics are obviously designed to deter people from smoking. Whilst there are several graphic warnings, one of the new graphic warnings relates to oral cancer risks. So, you may see a picture of a very startling image of a person’s mouth which includes a very unattractive set of teeth.

To learn more about these tobacco warnings, simply click on Tobacco Product Packaging.

For more information on putting an end to smoking, you can call Quitline on 13 78 48 or click on Quitline.

To learn how to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars off dentist fees, click on NobleDentist.

What do dental amalgam fillings consist of?

A number of metals including silver, tin, and mercury make up dental amalgam.

Can mercury leak from the amalgam fillings?

Very small amounts of mercury can be released from the amalgam fillings. Testing equipment has enabled dentists to make this finding. It is also known that this release of mercury occurs mostly when the amalgam fillings are polished or removed.

Is this mercury dangerous?

In some rare cases, individuals may be unusually sensitive to the dental amalgam material. However, according to medical research organisations, there is no scientific evidence that a tiny amount of mercury released from dental amalgam fillings is harmful to your health. Also a number of overseas studies have indicated no increased health risk or shortening of life between groups of people with dental amalgam fillings and those without.

Isn’t mercury in our diet?

Yes, mercury is in our diet. A balanced diet does include amounts of mercury. We also come into contact with mercury in our environment and in various other products. You in fact get more mercury from these sources than the dental amalgam fillings in your teeth.

Is it possible to be allergic to the mercury in amalgam?

It is possible but it is very rare. Since 1905, only 46 cases have been reported worldwide. You can consult your doctor in the event that you are particularly concerned. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist to ascertain whether you are allergic. If it turns out that you are allergic, your dentist can utilise an alternative type of filling for you.

Haven’t some countries banned dental amalgam?

Not at all. There were a few incidents of European parliaments attempting to phase out the use of dental amalgam. This was mainly for environmental reasons. However, their health authorities have not banned the use of dental amalgam fillings. Also the World Health Organisation has stated that dental amalgam fillings are safe to use.

Should I have my dental amalgam fillings removed?

You will not improve your dental health by having your dental amalgam fillings replaced unless you are one of those rare individuals who is particularly sensitive to dental amalgam fillings. It has been expressed by Australia’s health authorities and specialist doctors that there is no reason to believe that this will cure a variety of serious illnesses.

Would dental amalgam fillings place pregnant women in danger?

There is no evidence that dental amalgam fillings can harm either a pregnant mother or her baby. So, if you have dental amalgam fillings, there is no need to have them replaced. It is also good practice to avoid any dental treatment during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Your dentist may be able to postpone your treatment until a more suitable time can be organised.

Should dental amalgam fillings be used for children’s teeth?

The use of dental amalgam fillings has largely been replaced with a choice of new fillings. Tooth coloured materials usually used for children’s fillings require much smaller cavities. It has been suggested by some health authorities than dental amalgam fillings should be avoided in favour of these tooth coloured fillings.

Many people also prefer the tooth coloured fillings for cosmetic reasons. You can read more about tooth coloured fillings (white fillings) by clicking on Secrets to Improving Your Smile.

To learn how to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars off dentist fees, click on NobleDentist.

Dr Steve Martin, dentist, located in Currimundi has joined NobleDentist.

He is available to see members 5 days a week including evenings (Monday-Friday).

Dr Steve Martin has over 25 years experience in dentistry. Special services include disabled and handicapped wheel chair access. His staff are very caring and friendly. And he welcomes nervous patients.

Members wanting to make an appointment can simply click on Brisbane Dentists for contact details.

To learn how to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars at the dentist, click on NobleDentist.

What causes bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums are most often noticed whilst brushing your teeth and is often dismissed as being normal. It would be a mistake to think that this is normal. In fact, it may be a sign of a much more serious issue.

Bleeding gums are often caused by an infection of the gums and the bone supporting the teeth.

Bacteria growing on the teeth cause this infection. The bacteria accompanied by various food waste products form plaque which is a sticky film that gathers on the teeth. It produces the gum infection known as gingivitis. From there, the gingivitis can potentially become a more serious infection called periodontitis which leads to chronic inflammation causing the separation of the gums from the teeth. Eventually, the spaces created house the infection, bone is lost, teeth become loose, and then fall out.

Bleeding gums may be the only clue that this may occur. That is why it is important to take action right away.

Can gum disease be treated?

Gum disease is very common and treatable. However, regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing is not sufficient once the infection has established itself. At this stage, it may be important for you to attend a dentist or periodontist as they will need to remove the hard deposits (i.e. calculus, scale, or tartar) using special instruments.

Are there other causes of bleeding gums?

It is possible that other factors are causing bleeding gums. People taking aspirin or other drugs that thin the blood may also experience bleeding gums. Though, it may be evidence of a more serious blood disorder. Nonetheless, bleeding gums brought on when brushing your teeth is not normal. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, it is recommended that you consult your dentist.

To learn more about gum disease, click on Gum Disease: Frequently Asked Questions.

To learn how to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars off dentist fees, click on NobleDentist.

The introduction of fluoride into the water supply many years ago has been instrumental in the fight against tooth decay. However, the recent trend towards drinking bottled water is reversing that good.

Including flouride into the water supply in Australia has been responsible for creating a generation of young people with much better teeth than previous generations. Drinking tap water remains one of the most effective methods to prevent tooth decay according to the Australian Dental Association. This is an important recommendation considering tooth decay is the number one most suffered health condition by Australians.

(Please Note: The main water supply in Queensland does not yet include fluoride. For more information on Queensland’s water situation, simply click on Incentives for Councils to Fluoridate Local Water.)

A spokesperson from the Australian Dental Association has said, “There are fewer cavities and fillings in children living in fluoridated compared to non-flouridated areas. The use of fluoridated toothpaste and the fluoridation of tap water remain central to the prevention of tooth decay.”

The spokesperson continued, “Many young people who were born after the introduction of fluoride in the 1960s and 1970s took their dental health for granted and were not being as vigilant as their parents in ensuring that their own children are exposed to fluoridated water.”

The spokesperson also said, “Fluoride is a naturally occurring compound found in many foods and naturally in water. And can be taken in other forms such as through fluoride toothpaste. However, scientific studies have shown a substantial benefit from water fluoridation in Australia.”

To learn how to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars at the dentist, click on NobleDentist.

Dr Steve Martin, dentist, located in Newmarket has joined NobleDentist.

He is available to see members 5 days a week including evenings (Monday-Friday).

Dr Steve Martin has over 25 years experience in dentistry. Special services include disabled and handicapped wheel chair access. His staff are very caring and friendly. And he welcomes nervous patients.

Members wanting to make an appointment can simply click on Brisbane Dentists for contact details.

Surrounding suburbs include Lutwyche, Grange, Alderley, Wilston, Windsor, Albion, Bowen Hills, Ashgrove and Herston.

To learn how to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars at the dentist, click on NobleDentist.