The NobleDentist Blog

This is part 18 in a series titled Oral Health Care – Conception to Preschool.

Why having a dental check-up before pregnancy is important?

Having a thorough dental check-up before pregnancy is certainly beneficial.

Some reasons are listed below.

• The dentist can x-ray any areas of the mouth that need more detailed investigation.


• Decayed teeth can be restored or extracted without the patient worrying about the effects of local anaesthetic on the baby. (Local anaesthetic is not considered harmful to the baby.)


• The smell of dental materials and the thought of dental treatment in the early stages of pregnancy may be unpleasant if you suffer from morning sickness.


• Pregnant women may gag easily when they are suffering from morning sickness. Tolerating dental equipment or unusual tastes in the mouth may be uncomfortable if you are concerned about gagging and vomiting.


• Most dental treatment is performed with the patient lying in a supine position in the dental chair. As the pregnancy progresses, it is often uncomfortable to lie on the back for any length of time. Babies seem to dislike the position as the baby’s weight is pressing on the aorta and reducing the blood flow for mother and baby. The internal iliac artery supplies the fetus via the umbilical cord. If the dentist is made aware that you are pregnant, the chair and treatment position may be able to be modified for the client and baby’s comfort.

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

Dr Henry Nguyen of Unity Dental has recently become a participating dentist.

Unity Dental is located at shop 1A Kmart Plaza 176-210 Burwood Highway, Burwood East, Victoria.

Dr Henry Nguyen and his team look forward to assisting members of NobleDentist.

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

Surrounding suburbs include Mount Waverley, Glen Waverley, Vermont South, Vermont, Forest Hill, Blackburn, Blackburn South, Box Hill, Box Hill South, Surrey Hills, Ashwood, Wantirna, Nunawading, Burwood, Mitcham, Donvale, Park Orchards, Ringwood, Warrandyte, Templestowe, Doncaster, Blackburn, Surrey Hills, Mont Albert North, Canterbury, Eltham, Balwyn, Blackburn South, and Bulleen.

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

This is part 17 in a series titled Oral Health Care – Conception to Preschool.

Specific foods act as buffers that will normalise the saliva pH more quickly. Cheese acts as a buffer and could be included in snacks where it is not possible for a person to brush their teeth after eating. Milk has also been recognised as cariostatic (stop decay) rather than cariogenic (cause decay). Studies report that milk reduces the solubility of enamel. In the presence of acid, the pH was higher when milk was present.

Causes of acid attack on teeth

Sport drinks are frequently promoted as an energy drink. Sport drinks are very acidic due to the sugar content. Use of high sugar content sport drinks can create serious erosion of the enamel layer of teeth. (The enamel layer is the outside surface of the tooth that is visible in the mouth.)

Vomiting. Illnesses or conditions that cause prolonged periods of vomiting expose teeth to the risk of dental decay and erosion. Conditions causing vomiting can include morning sickness, bulimia, food poisoning or stomach upsets.

Stomach contents are acidic and if left in the mouth may dissolve some of the tooth enamel. People who suffer from vomiting need to be aware of the risks to their teeth and take positive steps to maintain the health of their teeth.

• After vomiting do not brush the teeth immediately as the enamel is already softened by the acidic contents.


• Rinse the mouth out after vomiting.


• Apply a smear of fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride will help strengthen the tooth enamel and the toothpaste will help to make the breath fresh.


• Include foods in the diet that have buffering or protective effects for teeth.

Sweet food and drinks. Many foods contain natural or hidden sugars that may not be easily identified as a decay risk to teeth. Honey is a natural type of sugar that is sticky and clings to teeth. Many canned foods are stored in syrup rather than a lighter, natural juice. Fruit juices and soft drinks also contain natural or added sugars. Check food labeling of contents before purchasing products.

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

An article titled Govt to Weigh Medibank Private Sell-Off appeared in ABC Online News on 27 March 2006.

The following are some items that were mentioned:

• It is likely that Federal Cabinet is considering a recommendation to sell Medibank Private.
• ABC Radio’s AM believes that the Federal Government is set to sell Medibank Private now that a scoping study has been completed.
• Medibank Private is valued at an estimated $1 billion. And it is thought that interested bodies will be able to bid for ownership as opposed to a stock market float.
• Medibank Private controls 30% of the private health insurance market and is Australia’s largest health fund. Total revenue for 2005 was $2.8 billion and operating profit was $131 million.
• Professor Jeff Richardson, director of the Centre for Health Economics at Monash University, is not convinced of the economic argument for a sell-off. “As we are running surpluses at the moment, it is not exactly clear why we need to be raising revenue by selling off our assets. Remember, when you do sell off an asset, you may have more cash in your hand, but you don’t have the asset. So overall, there’s no particularly persuasive reason why you would want to change the form of your assets from an enterprise to cash.”
• Lindsay McMillan from the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society raises concerns for people with a chronic illness. “As we know from an Access Economics report, that 70 per cent of Australians with MS continue to have private health insurance, and the concern that we would have is, does this mean that for a group that is most vulnerable and relies heavily upon private health insurance, will the continuing cost of private health insurance increase and become a further burden,” he said.
• Health insurance premiums have jumped 40 per cent in the last six years, and the Australian Consumers Association argues that the sell-off of Medibank Private would put more pressure on premiums.
• The Government has argued in the past that privatisation could make the system more competitive.
• Professor Richardson says ownership does not determine premiums. “The prices are going up in health insurance because people are using more services and they’re more costly services, so costs are really being driven by technologies, it’s not being driven by the management expenses of the health fund. There is no evidence Medibank Private would be more efficient if sold off. Their expenses are comparable with the expenses of other health funds,” he said.

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

This is part 16 in a series titled Oral Health Care – Conception to Preschool.

What causes dental decay?

A number of different factors contribute to the start of dental decay. The main factors that cause dental decay include:

• Dirty Teeth. A colourless film called plaque forms on the teeth daily irrespective of whether you eat or drink. Plaque needs to be removed from the teeth with regular toothbrushing (morning and night).


• Diet. Sugary food and drinks as well as starchy foods such as crackers and chips contribute towards dental decay.


• Bacteria. Bacteria that are present in the mouth generate an acid when they combine with certain food products and dental plaque. The acid slowly erodes away the tooth surface and creates dental decay. (Note: Babies are born without decay-causing bacteria in their mouth. Babies acquire bacteria in the mouth through transfer of fluids such as licking ice cream, cleaning a dummy in the mouth, kissing, blowing on food etc.)


• Acid. Every time that food is eaten there is the potential for acid to be created. The teeth remain bathed in this acid for about 30 minutes after eating until the saliva in the mouth restores to its normal balance.

A person who snacks frequently is creating an acid bath for their teeth many times per day rather than just mealtime. This means that the teeth have less time to recover between acid peaks and are at greater risk of dental decay. (Note: If frequent snacks must occur, consider healthy snack foods such as cheese, plain milk, carrot, celery etc in preference to snacks such as sweets, biscuits, chips, muesli bars etc.)

Additional Factors that will Increase the Risk of Dental Decay

• Crowded Teeth. Teeth that are crowded together and in crooked positions will make plaque removal more difficult. This will put the teeth at greater risk of dental decay if extra attention is not given to toothbrushing.


• Saliva. People with reduced saliva flow will not have the added cleansing or washing effect from saliva. This means that food debris may remain around the teeth from prolonged periods of time. Certain illnesses and/or medications as well as each person’s natural variation can cause saliva flow reduction. (Note: Please discuss management options of reduced saliva flow with you doctor, dentist, dental therapist, or oral health therapist.)


• Weak Teeth. Some people appear to have strong teeth whilst others appear to have weaker, chalky teeth. Weakness in tooth structure may be inherited or may have been influenced by illnesses during the formation of the tooth. Weak tooth will be more susceptible to decay and will require additional care through cleaning.


• Medications. Many medications may contain sugar. If medications containing sugar are taken for prolonged periods, this can cause dental decay. Sugar free medicines are recommended and should be requested if the choice is available.


• Decayed teeth. If you have a decayed tooth within your mouth, decay from that tooth, if left untreated, could spread to the adjacent tooth. Regular dental check ups and treatment of any problems are recommended.

How do I prevent dental decay?

• Brush teeth at least twice a day. Remember to clean every surface of every tooth.


• Saliva. Cleaning teeth last thing at night is most important as saliva flow in the mouth reduces during sleep.


• Use fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride in the toothpaste helps to strengthen the teeth each time you brush.


• Use dental floss to clean the surfaces between the teeth. An adult will need to floss for children under the age of 9-10 years. Young children do not have the skills to use floss without causing damage to their gums.


• Eat sensibly. The teeth and body both require sensible foods for healthy development. Sugary and starchy snacks are okay in moderation but should not form the main part of the diet.

Limited snacking. If sweets are to be eaten, it is better that they are all eaten at once. By eating all the sweets or chips in one sitting, the mouth only experiences one acid peak. Often a child will feel more satisfied if they eat all their allotted lollies in one go rather than the sweets being spread out through the day. Once all the sweets are eaten, the children won’t badger you for more.

• Brush after special snacks. If your child must have a special treat, give it to them at a time they can brush their teeth immediately afterwards.


• Try to avoid sending treats to school for morning tea or lunch. Save them for afternoon tea when the child is at home and can brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste after eating the snack.

I have dental decay – what now?

• Yes, it’s disappointing but it isn’t the end of the world – don’t give up!


• Visit your dentist or any of our dentists to have any decayed teeth treated and for personalised dental advice.

Your dentist may suggest…

• Use of a mouthwash to reduce the bacteria in your mouth.


• Fluoride tablets or fluoride mouthrinse to help strengthen the enamel (outside layer of the teeth).


• Different toothbrushing technique.


• Modified eating habits.


• More frequent dental check-ups to monitor other teeth.

Please remember that this is only general advice and if you have any questions, please speak to a dentist or dental therapist for more detailed information relevant to your own personal situation.

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

Residents of Victoria can now become members of NobleDentist.

We have begun to include Dentists in Victoria in various locations and will continue to do so.

You are now able to find their contact details by clicking on Find a Dentist.

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

An article titled NSW to Take on Foreign Dentists appeared in the ABC News Online on 25 March 2006.

The article mentioned the following:

• New South Wales will be recruiting foreign dentists to improve their oral health situation.
• Assessment is being conducted by the NSW Government to ascertain the number of foreign dentists that are required and in which areas.
• Dentist recruitment and oral health has become an issue for the NSW Government because of the withdrawal by the Commonwealth government says Health Minister John Hatzistergos.
• The initiative to recruit foreign dentists has been met with a warm welcome from Opposition health spokeswomen, Jillian Skinner. But she also wants more money dedicated to dental services.

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

This is part 15 in a series titled Oral Health Care – Conception to Preschool.

The first dental visit that a young child has will influence whether they develop a positive and enthusiastic approach to dental care. As a parent, your attitude towards dental treatment will be very important for promoting your child’s confidence and participation in their future dental care.

When should my child have a dental visit?

• Have your child visit the dentist at an early age from about 12 months of age.


• Take your child with you when you go for your own dental check-ups or take older children to see the dental therapist.


• First visits can be confidence builders where they just have a ride in the dental chair either on your knee or the knee of their brother or sister.


• Many young children may be hesitant about getting in the dental chair on first visits. Do not worry about this. They may just want to watch and see what happens. Curiosity often will win the younger child over.


• A young child who is comfortable and familiar with visiting a dentist on a regular basis will cope much better if dental treatment is ever required.

How can I prepare my child?

• Be positive about dental visits.


• Do not express any of your fears to your child.


• Avoid using words that could upset the child such as ‘needle’ or ‘drill’. The dental staff may use more child-friendly and less alarming terms such as ‘sleepy juice’ or ‘germ chaser’.


• Dental operators are very used to the nervous child (and parent). If you have any concerns, possibly discuss them in advance with the operator (without little ears listening in).


• Arrange for dental appointments to be in the morning when your child is less tired and more able to cope with the visit.


• Do not make a big fuss about ‘going to the dentist’. Treat it as something routine like getting their haircut or buying groceries. It’s just one of those things that everybody does.


• When attending the appointment, try to arrive a few minutes early. Rushing makes everyone feel hassled and tense. Arriving early gives your child time to become familiar with the different surroundings.

What can I do as a parent?

• If you introduce good eating and cleaning habits from an early age, your child may never need to experience any dental work beyond a regular check-up and clean.


• It is very important to inform the dental staff of any past or present medical conditions that your child has experienced. It is also important to advise the staff of any medications that your child is currently or has recently taken. Certain medications have different reactions when used together.


• Notify staff of any past incidents (medical or dental) which may affect your child’s behaviour and ability to cope with the situation. This will allow the dental team to adjust their approach to compensate for any concerns.


• It is recommended that you are present at the visit as a ‘passive observer’. This will allow the dental staff to capture your child’s complete attention.

What is tooth decay?

• Decay is caused when bacteria in the mouth changes sugar into acid. The acid produces holes in the teeth called decay or dental caries.


• Natural and added sugars are present in many foods including juice, cordial, biscuits, muesli bars, fruit bars, softdrinks, and honey.

Early Childhood Caries

• Early childhood caries occurs when baby teeth are immature. Bacteria in the baby’s mouth use sugars to produce acid that attacks the immature enamel easily.


• Regular coating of the teeth with sugary foods or drinks by sucking from bottles containing fruit juice or sweet drinks (e.g. cordial and softdrink) or sucking on dummies dipped in sugar syrups such as honey can cause early childhood caries.


• Researchers have found that milk and cheese may help to protect teeth from dental decay.


• It is better if your child does not take a bottle to bed. If they do, only give water (boiled and cooled) in the bottle and take it away as soon as your child falls asleep.

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

Residents of Melbourne can now become members of NobleDentist.

We have begun to include Melbourne Dentists in various locations and will continue to do so.

You are now able to find their contact details by clicking on Melbourne Dentists.

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

This is part 14 in a series titled Oral Health Care – Conception to Preschool.

It is quite common for a baby to want to suck a thumb or fingers. Sucking from a breast or bottle provides nourishment and comfort for a baby. A baby may often try to repeat this pleasurable sensation in a number of different circumstances such as when hungry, bored, falling asleep, during sleep, when contented after being fed, or when cranky and irritable. Prolonged sucking actions can affect the development of the jaw and the positioning of teeth.

Can this habit cause any damage to my child’s teeth?

Sucking habits can cause distortion of the jaw. The bone in the upper jaw can be pushed forward and upwards creating what is called an open bite. Pressure from sucking on fingers and thumbs can also cause the teeth to be pushed out of position.

When should my child stop sucking?

• Many children will stop their sucking habit without any pressure or action from you.


• It is preferable for the habit to stop before the adult teeth arrive – so before 5-6 years of age.


• Once the jaw has been distorted by a sucking habit, the tongue may often fill the space. The muscles of the tongue in an unusual position may cause the teeth to erupt out of position.

About thumb-sucking

• The habit of thumb or finger sucking may be hard to break as the thumb/finger is always available.


• Some parents prefer thumb-sucking as their baby can soothe itself whenever necessary.

Does thumb-sucking run in the family?

Research shows a definite relationship between the degree of thumb-sucking and the number of siblings with the same habit. This indicates that the children within the same family imitate each other’s sucking behaviours.

Do children give up thumb-sucking in their own time?

• Yes. The habit is reduced with time with the majority of children giving up on their own accord. Starting school is a good time with peer pressure exerted for them to cease this habit.


• Children usually learn other appropriate coping skills to replace the sucking and the actual reflex reduces with age.


• Children learn to verbalise their feelings rather than hide behind the thumb and this reduces the need to soothe anxieties with physical comfort.

How do I stop my child from sucking?

• The situation may improve as your child gets older.


• Have a simple talk with your child about what the sucking habit is doing to their mouth.


• A child has to be eager to stop.


• Identify the times when your child likes to suck (e.g. watching television) – then teach them to focus on something else at that time – hold a toy instead.


• Do not make this an issue that causes stress or opposition from the child.


• Try placing a football sock or bandage over the hand at night if the child likes to suck their thumb in their sleep.


• Remember that you will not succeed in forcing the child to stop sucking. They must be willing and ready to stop sucking on their own.


• Remove the thumb or fingers from the mouth after the child has fallen to sleep.


• If concerned about the sucking habit, talk to your dentist or any of our dentists.

Is thumb-sucking a sign of insecurity?

• Thumb-sucking is rarely a sign of psychological problems.


• If there are emotional problems then the thumb-sucking will only be one of many signs.


• Thumb-sucking originates from baby’s biological need to suck and is part of normal development.

Dummies

• Do not dip dummies in honey or any sugary substance such as jam, condensed milk, or vitamin C syrups. This could lead to dental decay. Also avoid placing any other substance on the dummy to entice the child to use it.


• Always carry a spare, clean dummy – in case you drop the one in use.


• If dummies are dropped on the floor, they need to be cleaned thoroughly.


• Dummies should not be cleaned in the parent or carers mouth.


• Avoid sucking the child’s dummy as this will transfer bacteria from your mouth to the child’s.


• Discourage your child from walking around with a dummy.


• Remove the dummy from the mouth after the child has gone to sleep.


• Care needs to be taken that your child does not inhale any piece of dummy if damaged by a toddler.


• Bitten dummies may get a puncture and not be safe or acceptable to the child.

Are dummies poor thumb substitutes?

No. There are children who just prefer dummies to their fingers or thumb. Children usually don’t like both. It is usually one or the other. It is probably a matter of timing. If the thumb is found before a dummy then it is usually what they stick with.

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