Blowing up 11 dental myths so you can ditch the fear you feel when visiting the dentist

Regular visits to the dentist are an important part of caring for your teeth. But if the thought of having one makes you feel anxious, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is quite common. Unfortunately, the anxiety is often caused by the false facts (or as we like to call them, ‘untooths’) that regularly do the rounds. 

It’s time to pick apart this fake news and debunk the dental myths. And by doing so, we hope you’ll realise that a visit to the dentist isn’t as scary as it sounds. In fact, you may even be pleasantly surprised.

The 11 most common dental myths, debunked

From whitening treatments that weaken teeth to the causes of bad breath, we’re going to reveal the truth about dental treatments and ailments that are often misunderstood.

Jump to a myth:

Myth #1: Whitening products weaken your teeth
Myth #2: You’ll get a lecture from your dentist if you haven’t been for a while
Myth #3: Bad breath only happens if you don’t brush and floss your teeth
Myth #4: Brushing harder or with a firm brush gets your teeth cleaner
Myth #5: You only need to visit a dentist if you have a problem
Myth #6: It’s not safe to visit a dentist when you’re pregnant
Myth #7: Bad teeth are hereditary
Myth #8: It’s better to have your wisdom teeth removed
Myth #9: You shouldn’t clean your teeth if your gums bleed
Myth #10: Enamel can’t grow back but it can be repaired
Myth #11: The sugar in fruits won’t damage your teeth

Myth #1: Teeth whitening products weaken your teeth

Behind the myth: Teeth will naturally stain over time, especially if you enjoy tea, coffee, and dark foods such as berries and some curries. Using a tooth whitening product is one way to remove, or lessen the appearance of, these stains. But you may have heard that whitening products weaken the teeth.

Teeth whitening treatments, when carried out professionally, will remove stains from teeth safely and effectively. And while some people experience sensitivity around their teeth and gums after treatment, it soon passes. 

For our full take on teeth whitening, read our article on how your dentist can whiten your teeth.

Myth #2: You’ll get a lecture from your dentist if you haven’t been for a while 

Behind the myth: Dentists are human too. We understand that life gets busy, and before you know it the months have flown by without you having a check-up. 

The truth is, we’re happy to see you no matter how long it’s been since your last visit. We want to work with you to create an oral health plan that fits with your lifestyle. There’s no point dwelling on the past. What’s important is taking care of your teeth now and into the future. Please don’t let this myth stop you from making an appointment for a check-up.

Myth #3: Bad breath only happens if you don’t brush and floss your teeth

Behind the myth: Halitosis (bad breath) isn’t always due to poor dental hygiene. It can be caused by:

• eating strongly flavoured foods such as garlic and onions
• alcohol and cigarettes 
• illnesses outside your mouth (e.g. a throat or sinus infection) 
• dry mouth, which is common when you wake up in the morning 
• medical conditions such as diabetes. 

If you’re worried about your breath, see your dentist. They can help you determine the cause, and hopefully rule out an infection in your mouth, gum disease, or tooth decay. 

If it is one of these, we can treat it and have you breathing all over people with confidence again in no time. (We’re joking, of course. That would be weird. But you’ll be far less self-conscious about being close to other people.)

Myth #4: Brushing harder or with a firm brush gets your teeth cleaner

Behind the myth: There are so many brushing myths out there that we wrote an entire  article about when brushing goes bad. But here’s a summary of what you need to know.

• Pressing harder won’t make your teeth any cleaner. In fact, too much pressure can damage teeth and gums. The bristles on the brush will also splay if you press too hard, making it about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
• Using a firm bristled brush won’t clean better either. Again, you’re more likely to damage your teeth. It can also lead to gum recession. The evidence shows that a soft brush is just as effective.   

Myth #5: You only need to visit a dentist if you have a problem

Behind the myth: Seeing your dentist isn’t like seeing your doctor. You shouldn’t be making appointments only when you’re experiencing pain or symptoms. You should be seeing your dentist before you have an issue so they can prevent it. Which means the earlier or more regularly you see them, the better. 

Regular check ups also help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Visit often enough and you (hopefully) shouldn’t experience any oral health problems. But if you do, seeing your dentist regularly means it can be treated before it becomes a serious problem. At your regular check-up we’ll professionally clean your teeth to reduce the likelihood of you needing more invasive and expensive treatments later on.

Myth #6: It’s not safe to visit a dentist when you’re pregnant

Behind the myth: Not only is it safe to visit a dentist when you’re pregnant, it becomes even more important for you to maintain your oral health. You should tell us you’re pregnant (even if you’re in the early stages) so we can provide the correct care for you, and discuss any concerns you may have regarding treatment. 

Mothers-to-be are often worried about the safety of local anaesthetic injections used for dental treatments. Anaesthetics are available that can be used safely both during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. But untreated tooth decay and gum disease can lead to infections, which can pose a far greater risk to mums. Keeping you and bub safe is what matters. That’s why we wrote this article on caring for your teeth during pregnancy.

Myth #7: Bad teeth are hereditary

Behind the myth: While your genes can influence how your teeth develop and make you more prone to dental issues, inheriting bad oral care habits is far more likely to increase the risk of getting cavities. 

When a Melbourne study looked at the teeth of 173 sets of twins, it found varying degrees of decay. This suggests that environmental factors affect the health of your teeth more than genes. Your enamel structure, saliva, and the shape and alignment of your teeth are all hereditary. But no matter what teeth you inherit, a diet high in sugars, constant snacking, poor dental hygiene and missed dental checkups are the root cause of most oral health issues. 

Myth #8: It’s better to have your wisdom teeth removed

Behind the myth: This is a weird one. Extraction is an absolute last resort. As dentists, we much prefer to help you keep your natural teeth. So unless extraction is absolutely necessary, we wouldn’t recommend ripping teeth out of your mouth. And that includes your wisdom teeth.

Your wisdom teeth need removing only if they’re causing problems such as pain, swelling, gum inflammation or decay, or are likely to cause problems in the future. Outside of those, there are no scientifically proven health benefits of having your wisdom teeth removed. If you have any concerns about your own or your child’s wisdom teeth, discuss them with your dental team. 

Myth #9: You shouldn’t clean your teeth if your gums bleed

Behind the myth: This is possibly one of the oldest dental myths, and one that needs some serious debunking. Because bleeding gums after brushing can be a sign of early gum disease or gingivitis caused by a lack of brushing. 

If anything you should keep brushing. Make sure you brush for two minutes twice a day, floss once a day, and rinse your mouth with water after each meal or snack. Use a soft toothbrush and apply a light pressure (if you’re not already) until your gums heal. 

Myth #10: Enamel can’t grow back but can be repaired

Behind the myth: Tooth enamel is tough. It needs  to be so it can protect each tooth from a lifetime of chomping. But it can be eroded by:

• sugary or acidic drinks
• high sugar and starch intake
• dry mouth
• acid reflux 
• certain medications. 

And once it’s gone, it’s gone. It can’t grow back. 

Until recently, this was true. But scientific breakthroughs may soon allow us to regrow tooth enamel. Trials have begun on a lozenge containing a genetically engineered peptide that forms the building block of tooth enamel. And scientists in China have invented a gel that stimulates crystal regrowth to restore the original structure of tooth enamel. 

But for now, the best option is to avoid losing it in the first place by following a good daily dental regime and having regular check-ups.

Myth #11: The sugar in fruits won’t damage your teeth

Behind the myth: Eating fruit is good for you. It can’t possibly do any damage to your body, right? 

Sugar is sugar, no matter how it’s packaged. Whether it’s coming from lollies, chocolate, ice cream, soft drink or your beloved banana, it’s still a major cause of tooth decay. And it can be even worse when you combine it with the enamel-softening acid found in fruits such as oranges, grapes and pineapples. 

But it’s not all bad news. Fruit also contains vitamins and minerals that have tooth-friendly health benefits. 

To enjoy fruit without damaging your teeth, choose fruits low in acidity and sugar such as berries, peaches and apples. And rinse your mouth with water after eating them to remove any sugar left on the surface of your teeth. 

Now you know the whole tooth!

Dental myths are damaging. They often raise fears and concerns and make people hesitant about getting the oral health care they need.

Hopefully we’ve helped you understand why these 11 dental myths create such fear, and convinced you to debunk them and lay them to rest. And we hope you’re feeling a little more confident about booking an appointment with your dentist. 

If you’re in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area and need a dentist, we can help. To find out more about our ethos and approach to modern dentistry, visit our About page. 

Inside this article:
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Did you know there’s a link between poor oral health and heart disease, cancer and birth defects?

Brushing your teeth and visiting your dentist could prevent diabetes and Alzheimer’s. And the importance of oral health extends to heart disease, birth defects and even some cancers. 

Now that’s a big incentive to take care of your oral health. Who would have thought that looking after your teeth could improve your general health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that oral disease affects nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide. It also states that many of the risk factors for oral disease can be modified. That means people can prevent and fix oral health issues. And given the links to other diseases, the importance of oral health is critical to many areas of our body.

But what health conditions can be linked to poor oral health? And what can you do to reduce the risk of being affected by them?

Oral health and heart health

Did you know that gum disease can also be bad news for your ticker? According to the Heart Foundation, people with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease. And that’s a big deal. Heart disease was the number one cause of all deaths in Australia for the 2021 reference period.

Scientists have established a link between oral health and heart disease. However, they’re quick to point out that more research is needed to establish a direct cause between the two. Current theories suggest the bacteria from infected gums travel to the heart. This bacteria transfer can then result in endocarditis, an infection of your heart lining. 

Another theory is our body’s response (immunity) to gum bacteria in the heart can cause inflammation, clots, or sticky blood vessels. This results in cholesterol collection, which then leads to decreased or blocked blood flow.

So not looking after those toothy pegs could do more than just kill your Instagram status. 

Oral health and Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, was the second leading cause of death in Australia between 2017 and 2021. 

A 2021 systematic review collated and analysed a series of scientific papers to see if there was a  link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It found that “The literature currently seems to converge towards the affirmation of a link between periodontal diseases and Alzheimer’s disease”.

However, the review also states that more research is needed to confirm the connection between the two. 

We have around 700 types of bacteria in our mouths. And one study in the review suggests that one of them may be responsible. This bad boy’s scientific name is Porphyomanas gingivalis. (What a mouthful. And, yes, pun intended.) 

P .gingivalis is one of the main culprits for gum disease. A recent study suggests that P. gingivalis can spread to the brain. The infection causes a plaque build-up response (beta-amyloid proteins). The plaque and its by-products can also be toxic and may cause blockages. And these blockages between neurons can interfere with the brain’s connections and messaging.

Oral health and cancer

Chances are cancer has affected you, a loved one or a colleague. And despite all the research, it’s still a terrifying diagnosis. 

Scientists identified poor oral health as a risk factor for mouth cancer. They associated gum disease with a 43% increase in oesophageal cancer and a 52% increase in gastric cancer.

But  while it’s a widespread disease, could good oral hygiene help prevent some cancers? 

Scientists identified poor oral health as a risk factor for mouth cancer. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health linked periodontal disease and some cancers. They associated gum disease with a 43% increase in oesophageal cancer and a 52% increase in gastric cancer. It has also been linked to lung, pancreatic, colorectal, head and neck cancer.

Again, the connections need further research. Science needs to confirm that poor oral health is causing the cancer, and that it wasn’t simply present at the same time. But it’s not worth taking risks when it’s so easy to perfect your oral health routine.

Oral health and birth defects

Poor oral health can affect an unborn baby. Severe gum disease can lead to women giving birth early, resulting in underweight babies. 

Premature birth can lead to serious issues for a newborn, including hearing, eyesight and even brain injury. 

Better Health Channel suggests that out of every 100 premature births, 18 can be linked to periodontal disease (severe gum disease). 

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care found differing results. They didn’t see a substantial reduction in premature births by treating gum disease during pregnancy. However,  there was a reduction (from 9.6% to 1.7%) in children’s teeth decay when a pregnant woman improved her oral health.

Of course, we need to look after the star of this show, the mum-to-be. During pregnancy, some women are more prone to dental problems. Check out this article on caring for your teeth during pregnancy for 10 ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy.  

Oral health and diabetes

People with diabetes have a higher incidence of dental problems. Dental issues include infections, low saliva production, tooth decay, poor healing, and even an altered sense of taste. The Australian Dental Association is a leading source of dental information, and provides great tips on preventing and managing complications of diabetes on dental health.

Recent discoveries suggest the link goes both ways. In other words, periodontitis can negatively affect blood sugar regulation. And the effect it has on blood sugar levels can result in higher chances of pre-diabetes and diabetes. 

Oral health and diet

Poor oral health can affect your general diet in other ways.:

• Decayed and broken teeth can be very painful. They can stop you from eating altogether, or choosing to eat only certain foods due to their texture. Ultimately, this will affect your nutrition.
• Missing teeth and poor oral care “partly contribute to restricted dietary choices and poor nutritional status of older adults“. It can limit your food choices and prevent you from chewing your food thoroughly, which can in turn hinder the digestive process. 
• Sensitivities can stop you enjoying some of the best things in life. We live in Yeppoon and Rockhampton, and so we know some days aren’t complete  until you’ve had ice cream. Don’t let sensitivity to cold or hot food ruin your enjoyment of life.
• Inflamed, red and bleeding gums can make you subconsciously skip lunch or even brushing your teeth for fear of doing more damage. 

What other conditions link to poor oral health?

The Mayo Clinic includes a number of ailments as possible connections to poor oral health, such as:

• stroke
• pneumonia
• osteoporosis.

Now that you know the importance of oral health, what can you do to reduce the risks?

The good news is you have the power to change things in your hands. Well, provided your hands are holding a toothbrush and some floss. 

Regular, effective teeth and gum cleaning creates a healthy mouth. And now you know it can also improve your overall health.

Once those hands have finished brushing and flossing, get them to dial your dentist. Regular dental visits will keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. They can also diagnose any oral problems early. And your dental team is happy to show you how best to brush and floss.

Want better overall health? Don’t forget the importance of dental health.

Are you in the Yeppoon or Rockhampton area and thinking it’s time for an oral health check? Make an appointment.

Get smart about the signs you need to bite the bullet and get your wisdom teeth removed

Are your gums sore or bleeding in the back? Does that area of your jaw hurt? Is there pressure, a dull ache or a throbbing pain? Do you have a bad taste in your mouth even when you’re not eating, or bad breath? Are you struggling to clean your very back toothy pegs?

It sounds like your wisdom teeth are trying to make their debut. But that aloof wisdom tooth may not be here to play nicely.

And you may be wondering, What’s the best age to get my wisdom teeth removed?

Tooth extractions can be a little scary when you don’t know what to expect. You’ve probably heard stories from workmates or family members about wisdom teeth the size of small countries and roots wrapped around rib bones. Then again, they always did have a bit of a reputation for exaggerating.

What you’re experiencing may be a sign your wisdom tooth needs to come out. Here’s what to look out for, along with a sensible guide of what to expect during a wisdom tooth extraction.

Why do wisdom teeth need pulling?

Scientists believe wisdom teeth eruption is related to when we chewed on mammoth bones. We needed a third set of molars due to our prehistoric diet wearing away our first molars. But over millions of years our jaws and teeth have changed, and these days we’re now less Neanderthal and more TikTokable.

When it comes to molars, our smaller jaws and modern diets can mean two’s company but three’s a crowd. There simply isn’t enough room for the third set of molars to come through, at least for some people.

Potential wisdom tooth problems 

• Impaction – the tooth is stuck behind another tooth and can’t emerge.
• Part-eruption – your gum partly covers the tooth.
• Misalignment – the crowding makes your tooth erupt at an odd angle.
• Infection – crowded wisdom teeth are more prone to infections of the gum, and even the jawbone. A fluid-filled sac may also form at the base of the tooth. And the combination of this sac and the infection can lead to issues with the surrounding teeth or bone structure.
• Decay – that odd angle or “peek-a-boo” partially erupted tooth makes dental hygiene difficult. It’s hard to brush and floss effectively, and may result in more decay.

Wisdom teeth removal – what’s the best age to have it done?

Well, how long is a piece of string (attached to your wisdom tooth and the doorknob)? No seriously, don’t do that.

The first thing to know is that not all wisdom teeth need to come out. Many people have plenty of space, and so they and their wisdom teeth become lifelong friends.

But what if your back chompers give you grief, or when x-rayed look like they’ll be part of the naughty chew crew? Well, we prefer to remove them when you’re younger. Most patients for wisdom tooth removal have them appearing between the ages of 18 and 25. At this age, your ability to heal is much better. And because your wisdom teeth may not have finished growing their roots, it can be easier for the dental team to remove them. 

That’s not to say we can’t extract your wisdom teeth later. However, the longer they’re around, the more time that naughty back row has to cause wisdom teeth grief. And chances are you’ll also need more time to recover.

Signs your wisdom teeth need to come out

Here are a few indicators your third set of molars might be better under the pillow for the tooth fairy. 

• Jaw ache, throbbing or pressure.
• Gum pain, swelling or redness.
• Gum infection.
• Decay to wisdom tooth or adjoining molar.
• Cheek abrasion, or difficulty chewing food.
• Bad breath, or a foul taste in the mouth. (And we’re not talking tempura chicken here.)

Sometimes you need someone with superpowers to identify wisdom tooth problems. We have x-ray vision… okay, we take x-rays and then use our vision to see what’s happening. But all jokes aside, an x-ray may be the first sign your wisdom teeth will be naughty. 

How are wisdom teeth removed?

It’s WTE day – wisdom tooth extraction day. And hey, we get that you’re nervous. So, here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of how we say bye-bye to a wisdom tooth. 

First, rest assured we’ve had a good look at the x-rays and planned the extraction. Assuming we didn’t need to refer you to an oral surgeon due to a complex extraction, we’re now ready to remove that wisdom tooth (or teeth).

Wisdom tooth extraction

Step 1: We numb your gum and tooth with a local anaesthetic. Yes it’s a needle, but we use numbing gel first to make the area comfortable.

Step 2: Chat about the Yeppoon weather or surf conditions while we wait for everything to numb completely.

Step 3: Now we can’t give you a safe word because you’ll have a few tools in your mouth. So we discuss the hand signal you can use to get us to stop immediately.

Step 4: We test whether the anaesthetic has numbed the area. You’ll feel a fair amount of pressure, but no pain.

Step 5: We loosen the tooth in its socket using a lever called an elevator. You’ll feel downward or upward pressure.

Step 6: We grasp the tooth with extraction forceps and move it from side to side.

Step 7: You may hear some odd noises—a pop, a slight snapping or a crunchy sound. These are all normal, but they sound worse because your ears are so close to the action. You may also hear the dental drill to help remove the tooth.

Step 8: We use forceps to grab the tooth and pull it out.

Step 9: We’ll place a gauze wad over the socket, and ask you to bite on it.

Step 10: You’ll taste some blood in your mouth. But the bleeding will reduce quickly as the gauze helps form a blood clot in the socket.

Surgical extractions (for complicated wisdom teeth scenarios) are more involved. Surgical extraction can happen in the dental chair, or may involve a general anaesthetic in a hospital. If you need one we’ll discuss the procedure in depth with you. (Unless you’re a little queasy and would prefer not to know anything about it, in which case that’s fine too.)

Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction

Like all tooth extractions, recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction is generally straightforward.

Here are a few pointers to help with your recovery.

• Most patients recover in a week, although the socket and gum will still feel slightly different for a few more weeks.
• It’s common to have some pain. Your dentist will discuss pain relief options with you before you leave the practice so you can keep on top of the discomfort.
• Expect some swelling, and possibly some bruising. Use an ice pack wrapped in cloth for the first 24 hours.
• There will be a hole in your gum, and you’ll taste some blood. Avoid sticking your tongue or finger in the extraction site.

Here are more post-extraction tips about food, drink and hygiene: A quick guide to surviving your tooth extraction.

How much does it cost to get wisdom teeth removed in Queensland?

Good question.

Without seeing your x-rays, it’s hard to give you a price. There are many variables and options, including:

• simple versus surgical extraction
• in-chair versus in-hospital
• Farnborough versus Kemp surf breaks. (Sorry. That option’s probably just for me.) 

At Keppel Dental, wisdom teeth extractions generally range from $310-$550. There are extra costs for in-hospital treatment, which can include paying for the hospital room and the anaesthetist, and having the extraction completed under general anaesthetic. 

While we can’t give you the price of a hospital-based extraction, we are happy to give you a written quote if we can remove your wisdom tooth in our practice. We’ll tell you at your consultation so there are no nasty surprises on WTE day.

Get smart about removing your wisdom teeth

So, having read this, do you think you need to get your wisdom teeth removed? The first step is to see your dentist. If you’re in the Yeppoon or Rockhampton area, you can visit us. Make an appointment. 

Could dental implants answer your chewing, smiling and denture problems?

So you’ve heard about implants. That’s not surprising. They’re hard to miss when you’re in the supermarket queue with a Kardashian on a magazine cover. 

But today we’re not talking about those kinds of implants. We’re talking about dental implants. 

Perhaps a friend has mentioned them, or a colleague at work. But how much do you really know about them? 

You’ve probably heard that dental implant costs in Australia are expensive and that it takes a few trips to the dentist to complete the treatment. After all, having spent all that time and money on your smile makeover the last thing you want is your implants falling out. 

But when is the right time to consider dental implants? 

There are 6 signs that suggest it’s worth moving dental implants from your “Hmmm, maybe” list and onto your “Let’s get this done” list. Some are physical, while others are emotional. But if you answer “Yes” to them all, it’s time to discuss this tooth replacement option with your dentist.

What are dental implants?

Implants are artificial teeth that screw into your jawbone. They consist of two parts.

1. A titanium fitting that acts like a tooth root, anchoring the tooth securely. 
2. A tooth replacement that attaches to the fitting. A natural-looking ceramic crown replaces your lost tooth and matches the surrounding teeth.

This article about dental implants and how they work, explains it in a lot more detail.

The 6 signs that it’s time to consider dental implants

OK, so they sound promising, don’t they? Artificial teeth that look and feel like natural teeth could be your solution. But how do you know when it’s the right time to consider implants?

Can you answer “Yes” to these 6 signs?

1. You’re frustrated with these everyday problems

Are you sick of not being able to do these daily activities?

• Enjoying the things everyone else can enjoy, such as:
  • chewing steak
  • biting into a crunchy apple
  • savouring toasted muesli without getting crunchy bits caught under your denture.
• Sneezing without the fear of shooting a denture projectile in the middle of your meeting.
• Smiling freely for a photo and showing all your front teeth, rather than strategically tightening your lips so you don’t expose any white.

2. You want a long-lasting replacement for one or more of your teeth

Implants can last longer than dentures. They can also be more comfortable and are definitely more secure. Plus, you clean them the same way you do your natural teeth. If you want to see all the ways dentures stack up against implants, check out our article on dentures vs dental implants.

3. You have the finances to invest

Implants are more expensive than dentures and so you may not be able to afford them right now. But when you can, you need to be comfortable about prioritising your health and appearance. You can find out more in this guide to dental implant costs in Australia. We can also itemise a quote for you.

4. One or more of your teeth are missing or broken

Dental implants need to go where the original teeth once lived, and so you’ll need a suitable space. Sometimes removing a damaged tooth is part of the process. If that’s the case, we consider removing the old tooth as part of the treatment.

5. You’ve quit smoking or vaping

Smoking and vaping affect your health. We all know that. 

But did you know they both affect your oral health as well?

They can create issues with bone strength and gum healing. The toxic chemicals and reduced blood flow leave you more prone to infection. And can you imagine going to all the effort and expense of implants only to lose them because of a bone infection?

6. You’re worried about jawbone loss or gum deterioration

Within the first 12 months of a tooth extraction, it’s estimated that you lose 50% of the width of the alveolar bone. (The jawbone section containing the tooth sockets.) After removing a tooth and its root, the surrounding bone contracts as it heals.

Depending on its position, this reduction in the jawbone can affect a number of things.

• Your appearance, due to changes in your jaw shape and density. For people who have lost most of their teeth, it can create a puckering look that makes them look older than they are.
• Nearby teeth, causing movement and potential issues with chewing.
• Your speech (and singing in the shower).
• How well your dentures fit. (The more bone you have, the better your dentures can grip and be secured.)
• The natural appearance of your gum line. Gum lines on contracted bone can sit higher than the surrounding teeth and show a noticeable gap. 

Let’s plant the seed—now could be the time for a dental implant

This information is a starting point for when to consider dental implants. If you’ve answered “Yes” to those questions, now might be the right time. We talked a little bit about the financial investment of dental implants. And really, understanding how much your implant treatment might cost is the next step. 

Already financially prepared? Then you’re ready to chat with a dentist. And if you’re in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area, that means seeing our lead implant dentist, Luke Christensen.

How daily habits and the latest fashions could be ruining your teeth

Your teeth are strong and able to put up with a lot. This is fortunate, because modern living demands a lot from our chompers. We consume copious amounts of coffee and sugar. We follow mouth-altering fashions. Our diets and lifestyle can damage our teeth in ways we’re not aware of.

So how exactly can your daily habits and face-changing fashions, such as mouth piercings, damage your teeth? And what can you do to maintain a great smile?

Mouth piercings: Are they worth the risk?

Piercing your tongue, lips or cheeks increases the risk of bacterial infection. Infection causes pain and swelling. Serious infections can cause your tongue to swell, obstructing your airways. 

Beyond potential infection, there’s the ‘bite risk.’ Playing with or accidentally biting your piercings can scratch and crack your teeth and damage your gums. Damaged gums tend to to bleed and recede.

All that said, we get that mouth piercing is a significant cultural or lifestyle statement for some people. So if this is you, how can you get pierced and protect the health of your teeth?

Proper dental hygiene reduces your risk of all of the nastiness noted above. Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist regularly to check for cracks or chips. That way they can be treated as early as possible.

Coffee vs tea

It’s no secret that coffee stains your teeth. This is due to a potent combo of chromogens, tannins, and acids.

• Chromogens stain your enamel (the protective layer covering your teeth).
• Tannins make your teeth more vulnerable to stains.
• Acids erode enamel, making your teeth even more vulnerable to stains.

But what about tea? Surely tea is OK?

On the tea front there’s bad news and better news.

The bad news? Tea contains more tannins than coffee. It can turn your teeth yellow faster.

The better news? Tea is less acidic than coffee. Certain teas (like black and green tea) contain fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay and include antioxidants that murder plaque-producing bacteria.

Now for the worst news, adding lemon, sugar or honey to your tea is the real killer. Lemon is highly acidic, and sugar and honey can contribute to tooth cavities.

In short, both beverages have their pros and cons. But let’s be honest: you’re not going to stop drinking your preferred brew.

So how do you enjoy tea and coffee and protect your pearly whites?

Beat back the worst of tea and coffee’s woes by:

• drinking your tea or coffee in one sitting, rather than sipping throughout the day
• ditching add-ins like lemon, sugar and honey 
• avoiding swishing it around in your mouth
• rinsing your mouth with water after drinking 
• brushing your teeth after you finish (but not right away because coffee and tea soften enamel).

Is drinking alcohol bad for your teeth?

Like tea and coffee, alcoholic drinks like red wine and dark beers can stain your chompers. But you know how everyone’s always telling you to drink a glass of water between pints? This is great advice.

Drinking water cleans your teeth and reduces staining. It also keeps you hydrated. When you’re dehydrated, your saliva dries up. This is bad because saliva is one of your mouth’s best defences against bacteria.

Got ice in your drink? Avoid chewing it. Ice can break your teeth. If you must finish your whole drink, including the ice, suck it instead.

Ciggies and vapes

We know smoking cigarettes is bad for your teeth and mouth.

Among other things, smoking:

• gives you bad breath
• turns your teeth yellow
• reduces your mouth’s ability to combat bacteria
• causes gum disease
• causes oral cancer.

There’s nothing good we can say about cigarettes. But what about the increasingly popular practice of vaping? 

Well, tar and nicotine in cigarettes cause many of the issues listed above. Vaporisers don’t use tar, so that’s a big difference. You can also buy zero-nicotine e-liquid. But we don’t condone vaping. It’s still potentially damaging  to your teeth. 

Although vaping hasn’t been around long enough to understand its long-term side effects, the habit of tapping the vape mouthpiece against teeth risks damage. There’s also growing evidence vaping contributes to gum disease and disrupts the balance of bacteria in the mouth.

Gaps, grills and gems

Oral fashion takes many forms.

Tooth gaps have grown in popularity. Thanks to celebrities flaunting their tooth gaps on camera, some people now want a gap of their own.

Some cosmetic dentists (not us!) offer tooth gaps as a surgery option. Giving you a gap means shaving your teeth to make a space. Once you get this material removed, there’s no going or growing  back. Shaving slivers off your teeth will most likely make them more sensitive and vulnerable to decay..

A word on DIY dental ‘enhancements’—please don’t

Some highly devoted fashionistas try to give themselves tooth gaps or fangs. We strongly advise against filing your own teeth. Your enamel won’t grow back, and you may end up with sensitive and decay-prone teeth. The only person you should trust to file your teeth is your dentist. And even then it would be for medical reasons, such as making space to relieve crowding.

Grills and tooth gems? Are they safe?

Some cosmetic dentists will fit a single tooth or multiple teeth with gold or silver (often jewel-encrusted) grills. 

Grills come with a number of risks.

• Food and debris trapped in a grill can cause bacteria build-up, leading to  tooth decay and gum disease.
• The glue used to attach a grill can damage your teeth and gums.
• Grills can ruin your enamel by grinding against opposing teeth.
• You can have an allergic reaction to the metal.

Tooth gems are pieces of jewellery fitted to individual teeth. They pose similar risks to grills.

If you’re after grills or tooth gems, we strongly recommend speaking to your dentist first. 

If you do have grills or tooth gems, you can reduce the risk of oral issues by:

• removing them before eating and cleaning your teeth (if possible)
• thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth
• cleaning your oral jewellery often.

Taking precautions can save your smile

Your daily habits and fashion statements are important personal choices. We only hope you’ll also choose to do whatever you can to protect your teeth.

If you’re in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area and are thinking about modifying your smile, get in touch. Let’s see how we can help. If you’re worried about the impact fashion or lifestyle choices are having on your teeth and gums, we’d love to help you stay on top of your dental health.