Bruxism and Teeth Grinding: 7 Essential Things to Know
Occasional teeth grinding isn’t a problem, but chronic bruxism can lead to dental issues over time. Here’s how to know when grinding your teeth is a problem.
Category: Blogs
Sensitive teeth: What’s normal and what’s not?
Most people have experienced tooth sensitivity at least once in their life. Eating ice cream, drinking hot liquids, breathing in cold fresh air or eating lollies is enough to trigger pain or discomfort at the root of your teeth. But what causes sensitive teeth and when should you do something about it?
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem. There are many reasons a person might have sensitive teeth and the symptoms might range from mild discomfort to a more intense pain.
What causes teeth sensitivity?
Lots of things can trigger the feeling of sensitive teeth but the underlying cause is when the nerve of the tooth is exposed to stimulation. There are a few reasons this can happen.
Thinner tooth enamel
Enamel is the outer protective covering that surrounds our teeth. Enamel is incredibly strong and shields our teeth from cavities and other types of damage. Tooth enamel can wear down over time thanks to plaque, acids and bacteria building up in our mouth. Eating and drinking acidic foods can also wear down enamel as can grinding your teeth. Tooth enamel loss can make our teeth more sensitive to heat, cold and sugar.
Gum recession
Gum recession is when the gums pull away from the teeth. Many people with gum recession experience sensitivity. This is because the tooth root which is now exposed isn’t protected with enamel. Instead, it’s covered with cementum, which isn’t as strong and offers less protection against hot or cold temperatures and sweet foods.
Cavities and chipped teeth
Cavities, tooth decay, chipped or broken teeth can all leave the interior of our teeth – the dentin – exposed, causing sensitivity. In the case of a decayed or damaged tooth, you’ll only feel pain in one tooth or area of your mouth rather than in across all of your teeth.
Tooth bleaching
Tooth whitening kits and whitening strips may leave you with whiter teeth, but they can also increase teeth sensitivity. This is because a lot of at home products are overly acidic which wears down tooth enamel and can irritate your gums. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity after using whitening strips or gels your teeth stop using them for a while and your teeth should feel less sensitive. If you have sensitive teeth but want to explore teeth whitening talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening.
Brushing too hard
Our teeth and gums are more sensitive to brushing than you might think. If you have sensitive teeth and gums, particularly after brushing, it could be because you’re brushing too hard. There’s no need to use a lot of force when you brush your teeth. Grip your toothbrush firmly and brush in gentle circular motions. You can also change your hard bristled toothbrush for a soft bristled brush. Better yet, use an electric toothbrush and let it do the hard work for you.
When is tooth sensitivity not normal?
There are lots of reasons a person might experience sensitive teeth but how do you know when it’s a problem?
If tooth sensitivity is affecting your daily life and is causing you pain, you need to see a dentist. The sharper and longer the pain lasts, the more likely your tooth sensitivity is caused by an underlying problem.
If you feel like you’ve always had sensitive teeth and the discomfort is mild, it’s still a good idea to come in for a checkup. Taking early action can help prevent cavities from forming and reduce enamel loss which is important for preventing tooth sensitivity.
When to see a dentist for sensitive teeth
You should book a dentist appointment if you have:
- Tooth pain that is sharp and feels isolated to one area
- Sensitivity that lasts longer than a day or two
- Reoccurring sensitivity after eating or drinking
- Staining on the surface enamel of your teeth
- Pain when biting or chewing
How is tooth sensitivity treated?
After a dental checkup, your dentist will recommend treatment based on the underlying cause of your sensitivity.
If your tooth sensitivity is mild and caused by thinning enamel, they may apply a flouride gel or desensitising agent during your appointment. These help to protect tooth enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Your dentist might also recommend cutting back on acidic and sugary foods and drinks to help prevent further tooth enamel erosion.
If the sensitivity is caused by exposed dentin, you may need a filling to treat a cavity or broken tooth.
If you have receding gums your dentist may apply a desensitising agent to reduce sensitivity on the tooth root. In more pronounced cases a gum graft could be an option.
In all cases, your dentist will talk through their recommendations for treatment with you and make sure you’re comfortable with the right treatment.
Time to book an appointment?
Whether your discomfort is mild or more severe, new or something you’ve been dealing with for a while, you don’t have to live with it. Book an appointment now at Gentle Dental and let our dentists take care of you.
Receding gums: Prevention and treatment of receding gums
Our gums’ play an important role in the health of our mouth. They act as a barrier against bacteria and keep our teeth in place. But what happens when they start to recede? If you think you’re experiencing receding gums, here’s what you need to know about the causes and how to treat it.
What are receding gums?
Gum recession is when the gum starts to pull away and exposes more of the tooth or the root. When this happens, a pocket or gap can also form between the tooth and gum, making it easier for bacteria to build up.
How do you spot receding gums?
Receding gums can be hard to spot as it usually happens very slowly. Gum recession is a common problem, yet most people only notice when a tooth looks longer than normal. If you’ve noticed any teeth that are exposed to the root, this might be a sign of gum recession.
Other signs of gum recession are:
- Pain or discomfort on your gum line
- Sensitivity to heat, cold and sugar
- Sensitivity when you brush or floss
The best way to know if you have receding gums is to visit your dentist. Your dentist will measure your gums and the periodontal pockets around each tooth. A healthy tooth has a periodontal pocket of between 1 and 3 millimetres.
People with gum disease have larger periodontal pockets. With gingivitis or periodontal disease, a periodontal pocket might measure 4-5 millimetres or more. These pockets can trap bacteria, food and debris and increase the change of tooth cavities and decay. That’s why it’s so important to see your dentist as soon as you notice the signs of receding gums.
What causes gums to recede?
Gum disease, periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene are common causes of receding gums, but there are other causes unrelated to gum disease. These include:
Genetics: Some people have thinner gum tissue and are predisposed to gum recession as they age.
Trauma: If you have suffered a mouth injury or trauma, your gums may recede.
Misalignment: If your teeth are misaligned your gumline may be thinner above some teeth.
Brushing hard: Brushing too hard is bad for your gums and can contribute to them receding.
Piercings: Lip or tongue piercings can rub against your gums causing them to recede.
Hormones: For women, changes in hormones can lead to gum recession. This can particularly happen during puberty, pregnancy and menopause as hormones fluctuate the most during those times.
Smoking: Smoking tobacco products prevents the blood from circulating as easily in your gums.
Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding can pressure the teeth, contributing to receding gums.
Left untreated, gum recession can lead to oral health problems, including loose teeth, tooth loss, and even bone loss. No matter what causes your gums to recede, you should always book a checkup with your dentist.
How is gum recession treated?
The treatment for receding gums will depend on what’s causing it.
To treat sensitivity: If your tooth feels sensitive your dentist can use a desensitising agent or bonding agent to reduce the sensitivity of the exposed tooth root.
To treat the tooth’s appearance: Dental bonding is one way of hiding the appearance of a long tooth. Your dentist can camouflage the area that is more exposed with a tooth-coloured resin. Gum recession surgery is another option. During this procedure your dentist will perform a gum graft from the roof of your mouth to replace the missing tissue and stitch it into place. While this may sound a bit scary, gum grafts are minimally invasive. A periodontist will usually perform the procedure.
To fix misalignment issues: If your gums are receding due to a tooth misalignment your dentist may recommend braces. This will help to reposition your teeth, making them easier to clean and may help the gum correct itself over time.
To treat early signs of gum disease: Receding gums are often caused by gum disease. Mild receding gums can be treated with a deep cleaning of the area. This could include tooth scaling and root planning of the affected tooth. These will remove plaque and tartar buildup on the tooth, root surface and gum line.
To treat bone loss: If gum recession has caused bone loss around your teeth, your dentist may suggest a procedure to regrow lost bone and tissue. This involves removing bacteria and using a regenerative material like a membrane or tissue-stimulating protein to encourage natural regeneration.
Can you reverse receding gums?
In most cases you can’t reverse receding gums, but you can prevent it from happening. Around 88% of people over 65 have receding gums. Keeping up with good oral hygiene practices throughout your life will help. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily and visiting the dentist regularly will help prevent gum disease which is often the root cause of receding gums.
Book an appointment now
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity or have noticed your gums receding book an appointment now with Gentle Dental.
Tonsil stones: Causes, symptoms and removal
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small, hard, calcified deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. They are typically white or yellowish in colour and can range in size from tiny grains to larger than a pea.
Although tonsil stones are not harmful, they can cause discomfort, bad breath, and infection if left untreated. If you think you have tonsil stones, there are a few things you can do to remove them.
Find out what tonsil stones are, what causes them, the symptoms of tonsil stones, and how to remove them.
What are tonsil stones?
Our tonsils contain small crevices, tunnels and pits called tonsil crypts. Their job is to trap bacteria, germs and viruses so that your body can learn how to fight infection. Tonsils are an important player in building a healthy immune system. In some people, these crevices trap food, dead cells and other bacteria that can cause tonsil stones to form.
Most people have experienced swollen tonsils when they have a cold or flu. You might have even had tonsilitis before and noticed white veins on your tonsils. In both cases, your tonsils may appear larger, redder than usual and you may have trouble swallowing.
Tonsil stones look different to tonsilitis. Rather than white veiny marks on your tonsils, tonsil stones are small and round and may stick out from your tonsils. If you touch them, they will feel hard. Tonsil stones can be either smooth or rough in texture, and they can have a foul odor.
Causes of tonsil stones
The exact cause of tonsil stones is not entirely clear. What is known is that tonsil stones are made up of biofilm — surface-level microorganisms that can cause many types of oral diseases including periodontitis. As well as being caused by biofilm, possible causes of tonsil stones may include:
Poor oral hygiene:
Poor oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of bacteria and food particles in the mouth. This can cause food and debris to get stuck in the tonsil cavities and lead to the formation of tonsil stones.
Tonsil size:
Some people are more susceptible to developing tonsil stones than others. People with larger tonsils are more prone to developing tonsil stones because they have more crevices and pockets for debris to accumulate.
Chronic tonsillitis:
People with chronic tonsillitis, which is inflammation of the tonsils, may be more likely to develop tonsil stones. With more bacteria in the mouth, tonsil stones are more easily able to form.
Postnasal drip:
Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus from the nose drips down into the back of the throat. This mucus can contain bacteria and other debris that can contribute to the formation of tonsil stones.
Diet:
A diet high in dairy and sugar may contribute to the development of tonsil stones because these foods can increase the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
The symptoms of tonsil stones
The symptoms of tonsil stones can vary from person to person. Some people may not experience any symptoms. Because stones can vary in size, it’s possible to not know you have tonsil stones at all. Common symptoms of tonsil stones include:
Bad breath:
Tonsil stones can cause bad breath, which can be difficult to treat with regular brushing and flossing. The odor is caused by the bacteria and debris that are trapped in the tonsil stones.
Sore throat:
Tonsil stones can cause discomfort and pain in the throat, especially when swallowing. The throat and tonsils may appear swollen, redder than usual and sore.
Difficulty swallowing:
Larger tonsil stones can make it difficult to swallow. Some people may feel as though something is stuck in their throat.
Ear pain:
Tonsil stones can cause ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ear. This is because the tonsils and ears share nerve pathways.
A cough:
Tonsil stones can irritate your throat and make you feel like you constantly need to cough.
Tonsil stone complications
Tonsil stones rarely lead to complications. Bacteria from within the stones can lead to bad breath, halitosis and tooth decay. Very large stones that aren’t extracted can cause damage to the tonsil tissue if the tonsils develop an infection.
Most of the time, tonsil stones can be easily removed either at home or at a dentists office and infections although rare, can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics.
How to remove tonsil stones
Most of the time, tonsil stones will fall out on their own. If they’re uncomfortable, you may be able to remove them at home. Here are some of the most common methods for removing tonsil stones:
Gargling with salt water: Gargling with salt water can help to dislodge tonsil stones and reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. To do this, mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds.
Using a cotton swab: You can try to remove tonsil stones using a cotton swab. Gently press on the tonsil area where the stone is located and try to dislodge it. Be careful not to push the stone deeper into the tonsil crevice.
Waterpik or oral irrigator: Using an oral irrigator or waterpik can be effective in dislodging and removing.
Visiting your dentist: If you can’t remove your tonsil stone and it’s causing you pain or discomfort, book an appointment with your dentist. At Gentle Dental, our friendly dentists use a light touch to put you at ease and can remove your tonsil stones with little discomfort.
Reduce gum disease with these 12 foods
Gum disease is a common problem that affects many New Zealand adults. Gingivitis, a mild form of the disease, often goes unnoticed. While gingivitis may not be painful, left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, a destructive form of gum disease that isn’t reversible.
Good oral hygiene and professional dental care are key to treating early signs of gum disease, but did you know your diet plays an important part too?
A diet high in healthy foods works alongside good dental practices to help your body fight infections, keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent gum disease.
Can you prevent gum disease with a healthy diet?
You can reduce your chances of developing gum disease with a healthy diet, but a good diet will not make up for poor oral hygiene habits. While food can work as medicine, even healthy foods like vegetables, protein, lean meats, and healthy fats can lead to plaque and tartar buildup if you don’t brush your teeth.
On the other hand, if you brush and floss daily but consume a diet high in processed foods, acids and sugars, you can still develop gum disease. This is because the right foods help nourish our bodies and give our bodies the building blocks they need to fight off bacteria. A healthy diet can make our teeth and gums stronger and healthier the risk of developing gingivitis.
Nutrients that help the treatment of gum disease
The right foods can nourish our oral microbiome, which helps our bodies fight gum disease. If you have gum disease, adding more foods that are rich in the following nutrients will help.
Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Our body requires Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as an antioxidant for proper cell function. Studies show that people with high CoQ10 levels are less susceptible to gum disease. In fact, if you then develop gum disease, the concentration of CoQ10 increases in the gums to help slow inflammation.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that helps maintain connective tissue health, including the gums. When you have gum disease, the body reorganises tissue to manage inflammation. This leads to collagen degradation.
Catechins
Catechins are phenols and antioxidants that help prevent gum inflammation and inhibit harmful bacteria, making them effective in treating gum disease.
Vitamin C
Research shows that low levels of Vitamin C are associated with gum disease. By boosting the immune system, Vitamin C aids in fighting bacteria causing the disease and regenerating gum tissue. Additionally, collagen maturation requires Vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy periodontal ligaments and other tissues.
Beta carotene
Beta carotene is a provitamin that the body converts to Vitamin A, and studies show that consuming foods rich in beta-carotene can aid in healing gum disease.
Omega-3s
Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and necessary for a healthy immune system. A study has indicated that a higher intake of Omega-3s is inversely associated with gum disease.
Adding foods high in these nutrients will help your body fight gum disease more effectively. So too, will removing harmful foods from your diet. Eating less sugar and refined carbohydrates will help your body fight gum disease.
The best foods to eat if you have gum disease
Bone broth:
Bone broth is a good source of collagen, which is essential in fighting gum disease and for good tissue health.
Broccoli:
Broccoli is rich in Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant in the body and is inversely associated with gum disease. It’s also a good source of other nutrients.
Cacao:
Cacao is high in disease-fighting catechins, fights cavities, plaque, and tooth decay, and contains a compound that hardens enamel.
Capsicums (red and green):
High in Vitamin C, capsicum are an easy way to boost your daily intake. Red capsicum contains over 300% of your daily recommended allowance of Vitamin C, and green capsicum contains over 200%.
Chicken:
Chicken contains CoQ10 and collagen, both excellent in fighting gum disease. The skin is a great source of collagen.
Grass-fed beef:
Grass-fed beef is a good source of collagen, which is essential in fighting gum disease. It’s also high in omega-3s and free from inflammatory, disease-causing components found in grain-fed beef.
Green tea:
Green tea is high in catechins and has an inverse relationship with periodontal disease. It’s a great alternative to sugary drinks.
Oily fish:
Salmon, herring, and mackerel are high in omega-3s and have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. They are also great for the immune system.
Omega-3-rich nuts and seeds:
Macadamia nuts, pistachios, and sesame seeds are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects on the body and an inverse relationship with gum disease.
Probiotic-containing foods:
Fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi support good bacteria in the mouth and reduce gingivitis and plaque buildup. They are also thought to suppress the growth of oral pathogens.
Shiitake mushrooms:
Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which targets harmful gum disease-causing bacteria. They are also anti-inflammatory.
Sweet potatoes:
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which reduces inflammation and provides the body with the elements it needs to create Vitamin A. They are also high in other nutrients.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, book an appointment with Gentle Dental now.
How to floss your teeth the right way
Good oral hygiene goes further than just brushing your teeth. Daily flossing is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health, preventing gum disease and tooth decay. As well as daily flossing, it’s important to use proper technique to rid your mouth of plaque in all those hard-to-reach areas.
Why floss every day
Flossing every day is an essential part of looking after your teeth. Yet, despite being an easy task, many people overlook the importance of flossing and don’t include it in their daily routine. In fact, over 80% of kiwis don’t floss every day which means plaque and food debris could be building up in their mouths. Adding flossing to your daily routine has many benefits including:
Removing plaque and food particles: Brushing your teeth only cleans some of the surfaces in your mouth, leaving the spaces between your teeth uncleaned. Flossing allows you to reach these areas and remove plaque and food particles that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Preventing gum disease: Plaque that isn’t removed by brushing and flossing can harden into tartar which can lead to gum disease. Flossing daily helps to remove this plaque as well as food particles that are stuck between your teeth. With plaque removed from these hard-to-clean places, you’re less at risk of developing gum disease.
Improving oral hygiene: Regular flossing helps to keep your mouth fresh and clean, and it helps to prevent bad breath caused by food particles and bacteria.
Increasing lifespan of your teeth: Regular flossing can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can ultimately extend the lifespan of your teeth.
Supporting overall health: Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall health. Studies have shown a link between oral health and other health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. By flossing daily, you can help to prevent oral health problems that could potentially impact your overall health.
Flossing your teeth every day has lots of health benefits. However, not everyone knows how to floss effectively. Follow these tips to get the most out of your flossing routine.
How to get the most out of flossing
Choose the right type of floss: Floss comes in many different types, including waxed and unwaxed, flavoured and unflavoured, and dental tape. Choose a floss that feels comfortable on your gums. If you don’t floss often you may want to choose a floss with a flat rather than rounded tape shape. This can make flossing against your gums more comfortable and reduce bleeding.
Floss at a time that works for you: Flossing should become a part of your daily routine. Flossing before or after brushing your teeth is the easiest way to incorporate it into your routine. If you usually rush through your morning routine, schedule your daily floss in the evening. That way you won’t be tempted to skip this important step.
Use the correct technique: Hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers, and gently slide it up and down between each tooth, being careful not to damage the gum tissue. Move the floss in a “C” shape around the base of each tooth, making sure to reach the gum line. Repeat this with each tooth, using a fresh section of floss.
Be gentle: Being gentle when flossing will avoid damage to your gums. Use a light pressure when guiding the floss between your teeth, and curve it gently around each tooth, taking care not to force it or snap it into your gums.
Don’t be afraid to use enough floss: Using too little floss will not effectively remove plaque and food particles. Aim to use about 30 centimetres of floss for each session.
Don’t forget the back teeth: Many people don’t floss their back teeth, but they are just as important as the front teeth. Use the same technique to floss between your back teeth, being careful not to miss any spots.
Rinse and repeat: After you’ve finished flossing, rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining food particles or bacteria. Then, repeat the process on the other side of your mouth.
Make flossing a habit: Consistency is key when it comes to flossing. Make sure to floss every day and set aside a few minutes each day to focus on your oral hygiene routine.
How to floss if you have braces
Looking after your teeth when you have braces is important as food can get trapped more easily between the brackets and wires in your mouth. It’s not impossible to floss with regular floss when you have braces, however there are some products that make flossing easier.
Super floss
Dental superfloss is a thicker spongy type of floss that is designed for slipping between braces or under a dental bar on the back of your teeth. Rather than coming in a single continuous spool, super floss is cut into separate strands and each strand has two stiff ends. These thin hard plastic ends make it easy to slip the super floss through a gap in your teeth or behind the wire of your braces. Once you have threaded the floss through you can floss as normal.
Interdental brushes
Interdental brushes are good for getting rid of food and plaque from between teeth, whether or not you have braces. These small brushes have a bristled head designed to fit between the small gaps between teeth.
Flossing is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. By taking the time to floss properly, you can remove food particles and bacteria from between your teeth and gums, prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing signs you should see your dentist
While you are flossing look out for any of these symptoms.
Bleeding gums: If you haven’t flossed for a while, the pressure of the floss on your gums could make your gums bleed. If your gums look inflamed, bleed for more than a few days after you begin flossing or your gums are tender, this could be a sign of gum disease.
Shredded floss: When you are flossing, the string should glide between your teeth. If you find the floss is ripped when you floss it could be catching on something between your teeth. You could have a cracked tooth or a broken crown and not know it.
Tooth pain: If you are experiencing regular pain next to a specific tooth when you floss it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Tooth decay or loose fillings can cause pain when you floss.
A bad smell or taste: If you haven’t flossed for a while, it’s normal for the plaque or food particles to smell. If you’re flossing regularly and notice a bad smell, it could be a sign of tooth decay.
If you notice any of these problems when flossing regularly, book a dental appointment with Gentle Dental. Experience the technology, expertise and gentle approach of the best dentists in Wellington. Book an appointment today.
Clear braces v Invisalign: Which is better?
Orthodontics can help fix alignment or bite issues while giving you the gift of a more confident smile. Two of the most popular options for fixing crooked or misaligned teeth are clear braces and Invisalign. Both treatments are highly effective and more discreet than traditional wire braces. However, both treatments have their own pros and cons. Here’s how to decide what type of orthodontic treatment is right for you.
Clear Braces: The Basics
Clear braces are very similar to traditional metal braces. The main difference is that instead of attaching metal brackets and wires to your teeth, your orthodontist will use clear or white-coloured ceramic brackets. These brackets blend in with the colour of your teeth.
Clear braces are a popular option for older teenagers and adults who want a more discreet orthodontic treatment and are sometimes called invisible braces. Like wire braces, the brackets are attached to your teeth and are connected with a thin wire. Your orthodontist will monitor your tooth movements and tighten the wire periodically to move them into the correct position.
Pros of Clear Braces
If you are weighing up the advantages of clear braces v Invisalign, one of the biggest advantages is that clear braces are more effective at correcting a wider range of orthodontic issues. They can be a better choice for people who have complex dental problems, such as severe overcrowding or a misaligned bite. Clear braces are also less noticeable than traditional metal braces, making them a more appealing option for people who are self-conscious about their appearance.
Cons of Clear Braces
One of the main disadvantages of clear braces is that they aren’t as strong as metal braces. This means it can take longer to complete orthodontic treatment and the brackets are more fragile. They can break more often than wire brackets. Clear braces can also be more difficult to clean than traditional metal braces, as the ceramic braces can sometimes become discoloured over time if you consume a lot of foods and beverages that can stain.
Invisalign: The Basics
Invisalign is a system of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth. The Invisalign trays are designed to gradually move your teeth into the correct position over a period of months. For best results, these treatments require you to wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day. You can remove the aligner to eat or brush your teeth.
Typically you will wear each set of aligners for two weeks before you can switch to a smaller set of aligners. Invisalign treatment is a popular choice for adults and older teenagers who want an even more discreet treatment than clear braces.
Pros of Invisalign
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign v clear braces is that the aligners are virtually invisible. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing aligners. The aligners are also removable, so you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss.
This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during your treatment. Invisalign is also a good choice for people who have mild to moderate orthodontic problems.
Cons of Invisalign
One of the main disadvantages of Invisalign is that it may not be as effective as other types of orthodontic treatments for more complex dental issues. Invisalign may not be the best option for people who have severe overcrowding or a misaligned bite. Additionally, Invisalign aligners can be more expensive than traditional metal braces or clear braces.
Clear braces v Invisalign: Which is better?
Clear braces or Invisalign are both effective options for straightening your teeth. Clear braces are a better option for people who have more complex orthodontic problems, such as severe overcrowding or a misaligned bite. Invisalign is a better option for people who have mild to moderate orthodontic problems and want a more discreet treatment option. Ultimately, the best way to determine which treatment is right for you is to consult with an experienced orthodontist who can evaluate your needs and recommend the best treatment plan.
Both orthodontic treatments are highly effective and can help you achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile. The choice between the two comes down to your needs and preferences.
At Gentle Dental, our expert orthodontal team can talk you through a range of orthodontic options including traditional braces, Invisalign, clear braces and lingual braces and find the right solution for you. Book a consultation today.
Wisdom tooth removal: What to expect
If you are experiencing pain caused by your wisdom teeth, your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal surgery. Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure. However, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect before, during and after your surgery.
Why should you get your wisdom tooth removed?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the back of the mouth. They are the last teeth to erupt and usually come in during your late teens and early to mid-twenties. Because these teeth emerge later in life, there isn’t always room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to fit comfortably. Wisdom teeth removal is generally easier when performed on younger patients.
A dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal surgery if your wisdom teeth are:
Impacted: A wisdom tooth that erupts partially or emerges at an angle is referred to as ‘impacted.’ Impacted teeth can cause problems for your overall oral health. They are sometimes painful, are often hard to clean behind, and can push up against other molars, causing your teeth to move slowly over time.
Sitting at an angle: If your wisdom teeth come in at an angle, they can cause damage to neighbouring teeth. Angled wisdom teeth can cause the enamel to chip away on your secondary molars. This can lead to an increase in cavities and tooth decay.
Overcrowded: There often isn’t enough room for wisdom teeth to fit comfortably next to other teeth in the mouth. As your wisdom teeth emerge, they sometimes push other teeth out of alignment. Removing your wisdom teeth can help avoid the need for braces or orthodontics later in life.
Hard to clean: Because wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, they are often difficult to brush or floss behind. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a buildup of food, plaque and bacteria behind the wisdom teeth and lead to cavities and tooth decay. Removing wisdom teeth that are hard to clean can improve your overall oral health.
What should you expect before wisdom tooth removal surgery?
If a wisdom tooth is causing problems, book a consultation appointment with the team at Gentle Dental. During your dental examination, your dentist will assess your teeth with an oral exam and a full jaw x-ray. For more complex wisdom teeth removal, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon.
For general wisdom tooth extraction, surgery takes place in one of our Wellington dental clinics. Your dentist will ask about any health problems you may have, list any drugs or medication you regularly take and discuss any initial questions you may have about the procedure. They can then book you in for wisdom teeth removal surgery at a time convenient to you.
During your initial consultation, they will also discuss options for anesthesia or sedation. Your dentist will usually use one of the following options:
Local Anesthesia: Your dentist may opt for local anesthesia via an injection near the site of each tooth that needs extraction. They may also use a numbing agent to prevent you from feeling the injection going in. Under local anesthesia, you will be awake. However, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You may feel some pressure and movement within your mouth during surgery.
IV or Oral Sedation: Sedation is delivered through an IV arm drip, or a liquid taken prior to the surgery. Under sedation you will feel drowsy yet responsive. Most patients have little memory of the procedure until after the sedation wears off.
General Anesthesia: General anesthesia usually involves gas inhalation or intravenous forms of sedation. Under general anesthesia, you will lose consciousness and won’t have any memory of the procedure. Your vital signs are monitored during the extraction surgery to ensure that the anesthetic has been administered safely.
What should you expect during wisdom teeth surgery?
At Gentle Dental, we can perform most wisdom teeth surgery in-house. Occasionally, for very impacted teeth, patients may be referred to a specialist dental surgeon.
Wisdom teeth surgery can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes. The complexity of the procedure depends on the position of your wisdom teeth. If the wisdom teeth have not emerged through the gum, a small incision is made, so the dentist can access the tooth. In some cases, the tooth is broken into parts to make it easier to remove. Sometimes, the dentist will have to cut the bone to remove the tooth. After the tooth is removed, the wound is stitched shut and the mouth padded with gauze to soak up the bleeding.
Wisdom tooth surgery takes around an hour. After surgery, you’ll be taken to a comfortable room until the sedation or anesthesia has worn off. Once you’re awake, we’ll call your emergency contact to pick you up and take you home. In the hours following surgery, you will be unable to drive or return to work. We recommend taking a few days off after your surgery to recover.
What should you expect after wisdom teeth surgery?
It can take two weeks to fully recover after wisdom teeth removal surgery. You’ll likely have two to three days of discomfort. During this time try to avoid working or intense exercise. During the days following surgery, you may experience:
Swelling of the mouth and cheeks
Bruising of the cheeks and extraction site
Stiffness and soreness in the jaw
Pain in the mouth
Tingling or numbness in the face, lips or tongue (although this is rare)
Most of these symptoms will wear off over time. Your dentist will provide guidance for surgery recovery. However, there are things you can do to make the recovery process more bearable.
Press a cold compress to the face to help remove swelling in the first 24 hours.
Take over-the-counter pain medications as directed
Avoid exercise or strenuous activity for the first few days
Avoid rinsing with water in the first 24 hours
Rinse with salt water every 3 hours after the first 24 hours
Eat liquids and soft foods for the first few days
Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol for the first days after surgery
If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or discomfort or are difficult to keep clean, book a wisdom tooth consultation with the friendly team at Gentle Dental.
What foods to avoid with braces
Braces are a great way to improve your smile or fix alignment issues. Getting used to the brackets and wires on your teeth can take a while, and you’ll also have to make small changes to your diet.
Hard, tough or sticky foods can damage the wires of your braces and be difficult to clean off. Here’s what foods you can eat and what you should avoid after getting orthodontics:
Foods to avoid while wearing braces
If you have traditional metal braces, there are some foods you shouldn’t eat. Avoiding these foods will prevent damage to the brackets and wires on your braces.
Chewy foods: A lot of snacks or processed foods fit into this category. Processed sugary snacks like fruit roll-ups and lollies such as hard licorice can easily get stuck all over the brackets and wires of your braces. Eating too many chewy sugary foods can lead to an increase in plaque on your teeth.
Crunchy foods: Foods such as popcorn, corn chips and nuts are notorious for getting stuck in between braces. They are hard to dislodge even after a good brush.
Sticky foods: Sticky foods such as bubble gum and toffees or caramels can easily pull at the brackets and wires of your braces. Chewing gum is particularly hard to remove once it gets stuck.
Hard foods: Hard foods like ice, boiled lollies, hard biscuits, or crackers can break the brackets off your teeth.
Overly soft foods: Very soft or overly processed foods like white bread can turn into a sticky paste that coats your braces and requires brushing to remove.
While this may sound like a lot of foods to avoid, most of the foods in these categories are found in the snack food isles and are highly processed. Reducing the amount of junk food you eat while you have braces will help your overall oral health. Soft drinks and sugary foods can get lodged between teeth or stick to the brackets of your braces and lead to an increase in plaque.
Braces require more cleaning than regular teeth, which means plaque may linger for longer in the mouth. The acids found in plaque attack the surface of your tooth, leading to tooth decay and cavities.
Foods to eat sparingly while wearing braces
Coffee and tea: The tannins in coffee and tea can discolour your braces and teeth. Try to limit the number of caffeinated beverages you drink.
Orange juice and citric foods. Because citric fruits and their juice are very acidic, they are very high in sugar. It’s best to either drink and eat these foods sparingly and drink a glass of water alongside your fruit or fruit juice. This will help to wash away the fruit acid from around your teeth and braces.
Foods that stain or use colouring: Foods that stain or use food colouring can stain your braces, especially if you have clear braces. Try and avoid curries that use saffron or contain heavy spices that might stain.
Foods to eat while wearing braces
Some foods are great for eating when you have braces. Not only are these foods easy to eat and healthy, but they are also great for when your teeth are feeling more sensitive.
Yoghurt. Fruit yoghurt and Greek yoghurt is full of protein, easy to eat, and easy to wash away.
Cheese. Most cheese is soft and won’t get stuck between brackets or break your braces.
Mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes are nutritious and easy to eat.
Pasta. Noodle dishes are soft enough to eat without turning into a sticky paste in the mouth.
Fruit without pits. Bananas, seedless grapes, strawberries, and kiwifruit are easy to eat and usually won’t get stuck between your braces.
Tips for eating with braces
After the first few months of wearing braces, you’ll naturally become more accustomed to avoiding certain foods. Most hard, sticky, chewy or very soft foods are uncomfortable to eat and can take a lot of cleaning to remove from between the brackets of your braces.
In general, swapping processed snack foods for whole foods is a great idea. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products and most meat off the bone is easy to eat for people with braces.
Reduce the amount of processed or refined sugar you eat and drink. Food debris that contains sugar leads to an increase in cavity-causing plaque.
Brush after every meal. It’s inevitable that food will get stuck between your braces. Brushing your teeth after you eat can help improve your oral health and prevent cavities.
Cut food into smaller pieces. Crunchy vegetables or corn are easier to eat when they are cut into smaller pieces or removed from the cob.
How to clean your braces between each meal
Pack an extra toothbrush for when you are on the go. To make cleaning on the go easier, pack an extra toothbrush and toothpaste in your work or school bag so that you don’t have to remember to take your toothbrush with you each day.
Clean your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can irritate your teeth and gums. When you have braces it’s important to clean thoroughly between your braces, the top of your teeth and your gums.
Brush after every meal. Brush your teeth after every meal and snack. Brace wires can catch all sorts of food debris and brushing after each meal will help prevent plaque buildup. If you have eaten citric foods or juices, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. The acids in these foods can weaken tooth enamel if you brush straight away.
Brush for two minutes. Make sure you get into every crevice and angle of your teeth. Spend thirty seconds on each part of your mouth, cleaning both the inner and outer sides of your teeth. Choosing a toothbrush with a narrow head can make it easier to brush between wires and get the back of your molars.
Use a floss threader or water pick. A floss threader makes it easier to floss between teeth when you have braces. Alternatively, a water pick cleans by using a stream of water and is a fast, easy way to floss.
Looking after your braces isn’t difficult. If you are interested in orthodontics, our specialist team will talk through how best to care for your braces. Book a consultation with the team at Gentle Dental today to find out if orthodontics is right for you.
What are the causes of sore gums?
Many people don’t visit the dentist when they are experiencing sore gums. Since the pain is often less severe than toothache, sore gums are often overlooked. However, experiencing pain in your gums could be a sign of early gum disease.
Brushing or flossing too hard
Sore gums can be caused be a range of things including brushing or flossing. If you don’t usually experience sore gums, switching to a hard bristled toothbrush or flossing too hard can be enough to cause irritation and bleeding.
Take note of what type of toothbrush you have. If the bristles are hard or medium strength, they may irritate your gums. Try switching to a soft bristled brush and brushing and flossing gently around the mouth. You do not need to apply much pressure to your brush or floss to get a thorough clean.
Gum disease
If you are experiencing sore gums, it could be a sign of early gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Symptoms include swollen or sore gums and bleeding when flossing and brushing. Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease and left untreated can lead to tooth loss and oral health problems.
If your gums look swollen, feel tender and bleed easily you may have gum disease. The best response is to see your dentist immediately.
Diet
Your diet can have a big effect on the health of your teeth and gums. Vitamin C helps keep the connective tissue found in our gums healthy and strong. Sailors lacking fruit and vegetables in their diet often suffered from diseases like scurvy, which causes the gums to bleed and bruise. While scurvy is no longer very common, a lack of vitamin C can still cause sensitivity or bleeding gums.
Vitamin A deficiency has also been linked to gum disease and other oral health concerns. Orange fruits and vegetables, oily fish, egg yolk, kumara, carrots, capsicum and pumpkin are all high in vitamin A and help keep your gums healthy.
Adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet or taking a multi-vitamin every day can help improve the health of your gums.
Smoking
Smoking affects your oral health in many ways and can cause sore gums. The tobacco and carcinogens found in cigarettes can irritate the gum tissue and cause the gums to loosen over time. This provides more room for bacteria to settle around the teeth and gum disease to take hold.
If you suffer from gum disease and smoke your gums will find it harder to recover from gingivitis or periodontitis. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for the health of your teeth and gums.
Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is a contributing factor to experiencing sore gums. If you aren’t brushing and flossing regularly and thoroughly, plaque and tartar can build up on the backs of your teeth and irritate the gums.
If you struggle to find time to brush your teeth establish a morning or nightly routine that works for your schedule. You don’t have to wait until you have had breakfast to brush your teeth. In fact, brushing your teeth when you first wake up in the morning has been proven to be more effective.
Struggle to brush right before bed? Try brushing your teeth two hours after dinner instead. Establishing oral hygiene habits you can stick to is important for the health of your teeth and gums.
What prevents sore gums?
A regular oral hygiene routine will help keep your gums healthy. Brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing once per day and using fluoride toothbrush all help keep plaque and tartar at bay.
If you are looking after your teeth and gums and are showing signs of gum disease, take a look at your diet and lifestyle. Reducing stress, getting enough sleep, quitting smoking, eating well and regularly exercising all help to keep your body healthy.
Sore gum treatment
If you are experiencing sore gums, the first thing you should do is see your dentist. They can examine your mouth for signs of gum disease. They will also be able to provide a treatment plan for gingivitis or periodontitis and schedule you in for a hygiene checkup to remove stubborn tartar from the hard-to-reach parts of your teeth. Book an appointment with Gentle Dental today.