Rodney George Dental

It is with gratitude and some sadness that I let all my friends and clients know that I will be retiring effective Thursday 28th April, 20022 and Rodney George Dental will cease to operate.
Dr. Chris Dennien, the dentist directly next door has purchased the practice. To all my clients it has been my great pleasure getting to know you and looking after your dental needs over the last 25+ years.

Wishing all our wonderful clients and friends a very Merry x-mas and a happy New Year. Our surgery will be closed as of
today and will re-open on Monday 10th January. Keep safe everyone, and remember to clean your teeth after eating all
those sugary treats!

Only 2 more weeks to Christmas. We have a few spots still available, so don't put off what could become a problem over the Christmas/New Year break. Don't delay, call us today.

Ways to treat a toothache at night
Treating a toothache at night may be more difficult, as there is not much to distract a person from the pain.
However, people can try the following methods to relieve pain:
1. Oral pain medication
Oral pain medication may help treat a toothache at night.
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen is a quick, simple way for many people to effectively reduce mild-to-moderate toothaches.Always stay within the recommended dosage on the packaging. If the toothache is severe, it is best to see a dentist and speak to them about stronger pain relievers.
2. Cold compress
Using a cold compress may help ease the pain of a toothache.
Applying a bag of ice wrapped in a towel to the affected side of the face or jaw helps constrict the blood vessels in the area, which can reduce pain to allow a person to fall asleep. Applying a cold compress to the area for 15–20 minutes every few hours in the evening may also help prevent pain when going to bed.
3. Elevation
Pooling blood in the head may cause additional pain and inflammation. For some people, elevating the head with an extra pillow or two may relieve the pain enough for them to fall asleep.
4. Salt water rinse
A simple salt water rinse is a common home remedy for a toothache. Salt water is a natural antibacterial agent, so it may reduce inflammation. This, in turn, helps protect damaged teeth from infection.
Rinsing with salt water may also help remove any food particles or debris stuck in the teeth or gums.
5. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that generally occurs as a result of poor oral hygiene. It can cause issues such as soreness, bleeding gums, and teeth that come loose in their sockets.
The author of a 2016 study found that rinsing with hydrogen peroxide mouthwash helped reduce plaque and symptoms of periodontitis.
People should always dilute food-grade hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water. Swish the solution in the mouth, but do not swallow it.
This remedy is not suitable for children, as there is a risk they may accidentally swallow the mixture.
Of course first thing to do in the morning is call your dentist for an appointment!

Main Reason for Tooth Decay.
The main culprit that leads to dental caries has not changed; it is sugar consumption.
It is becoming more and more difficult for parents to escape sugar when they buy groceries. Sugar is ‘hidden’ in many food products under 56 different names! What chance do parents have? WHO recommends a maximum of six teaspoons of sugar per day.”

It is recommended that there be a huge overhaul of food labelling to help address this, and also that parents should supervise their children when they clean their teeth up to the age of around eight. Fluoridated water supply is the most effective public health measure in the prevention of dental caries. As of February 2017, 89% of Australians have access to fluoridated drinking water.
Bundaberg ceased water fluoridation in 2012 and now has a rate approximately 2.5 times higher than those areas of the state with fluoridated water. Conversely, dental health in the Cape York Indigenous community demonstrated a 40% reduction in dental caries six years after the introduction of fluoride to their water supply,” she states.
Regular dental checks are so important to get any dental caries and gum disease under control. Don’t delay making that appointment with your dentist.

Teeth.org.au - The new trusted public source for oral health information
The ADA was delighted to announce that Teeth.org.au has finally launched!

Teeth.org.au has been designed to be the trusted source for the public when searching for oral health information. All the content on teeth.org.au has been thoroughly researched, peer-reviewed, and references high-quality studies and information to support the topic under discussion.

The site contains articles about recent oral health issues, tips and tools to help with oral hygiene, information about common (and uncommon) treatments, and more. It also has a link to the Find a Dentist tool, so prospective patients can easily find you when they need you.

New content will be added regularly, with all content on the site routinely reviewed and updated to ensure that everything is accurate and based on current information.

To see the full scope of resources on offer, go to check it out Teeth.org.au

It's Halloween this week-end. Don't forget to brush your teeth after eating all that candy.

It’s fast approaching the festive season, only 9 weeks to go. Now is the time to book into your dentist for your regular check- up and deal with any problems before
they become big problems. Don’t leave it till the last minute. Don’t delay, phone today!

WHEN A TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT!
Don’t delay; quick action can save the tooth.
The teeth can be put straight back in the mouth (replanted), and can usually return to normal function and appearance. The most critical factor in replacing a tooth is time.

What happens to your teeth when you drink Coke?
Dental erosion is a type of tooth decay that results from acidic liquids contacting your teeth. Soft drinks such as Coke and Diet Coke contain phosphoric acid, an acid that is used in industrial cleaners. Erosion from phosphoric acid affects the entire tooth, unlike localized erosion that leads to cavities.

A Coke contains more than 9 tsp. of sugar. Bacteria that live inside your mouth eat sugar, producing acid as a result. This acid begins to erode your tooth enamel around the bacterial colony, allowing the bacteria to move into the eroded areas and eventually leading to cavities. All in all, it is wise to avoid drinking Coke, both for your teeth, and also your health.

Dental Anxiety
Anxiety is a common reason given for not visiting a dentist. It can arise from a previous painful or traumatic experience with a dentist or can result from negative beliefs and perceptions. Approximately 80% of people have some anxiety about dental treatment and that 5 – 14 % has extreme dental anxiety. There are many methods at the dentist’s disposal to control both anxiety and fear. You just need to ask your dentist.
The first step is to get in touch with your dentist and talk about your anxiety. It’s important to remember that he or she will understand if you’re anxious about having treatment. Help yourself and choose a time. To begin with, you may be able to book an appointment just to talk about your anxiety. This way you can meet with your dentist in person and discuss your worries. Don’t delay, take that first step and phone today.

5 Ways Your Teeth Can Impact Your Health
Dentists aren't just interested in keeping your teeth clean and white—they want to keep gum disease from messing with the rest of your body, too.
Here's something to chew on: The health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can tell a story about your overall health.
In fact, gum disease is associated with various, often serious, health problems, and it's more common than you think. About *half* of the adult population in the U.S. has some form of gum disease. Symptoms include a foul taste in your mouth and red, sore, or puffy gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
Your best bet to keep your pearly whites healthy? Brush twice a day for at least two minutes, floss at least once a day, and schedule cleanings with your dentist twice a year-so every six months. Doing so will help decrease your risk of these five health issues.
General Heart Health
Having periodontal (gum) disease puts you at risk for coronary heart disease, according to research published in the American Heart Journal.
Gum disease causes your gums to become chronically infected, creating bacteria and inflammation that can spread to other areas-particularly the heart. In fact, several types of bacteria that cause gum disease have also been found in the plaque that accumulates in the heart, according to findings from a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
"Bacteria from the mouth travels through the bloodstream and reaches the heart, and can attach to any damaged area and cause inflammation. Essentially, the inflammation of the gums (bacteria) causes inflammation in the heart (plaque), and over time this build-up puts you at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. What's more, "as the inflammation spreads, infection sets in, resulting in gingivitis, which can lead to periodontitis and bone loss.
Diabetes
One study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care found that people with gum disease were 23 percent more likely to have type 2 diabetes than those without the disease. It's important to note that correlation is not causation (i.e., gum disease doesn't cause diabetes), but it's rather a domino effect that occurs in the body. Follow this: Gum disease releases inflammatory proteins, which can irritate blood vessels and induce plaque build-up (as you've learned above), and can contribute to high blood sugar and, in turn, diabetes. Simply stated: Poor oral health leads to poor blood sugar control and greater problems with diabetes, and diabetics with good oral health have better control of their blood sugar.
Brain Health
In some extreme cases, plaque build-up in the heart can contribute to problems in the brain, says one 2015 study published in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences-and perhaps even increase your risk for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers say this is because gum disease releases inflammatory proteins, as well as C-reactive protein (a substance produced by the liver that can act as a marker for disease and inflammation in the body), both of which can make their way into the brain. Still, more research still needs to be done beyond this study to establish if a clearer association exists.
This points to poor oral and possibly overall health, if you are not taking care of yourself, the body and mind have a greater chance of decline."
Pregnancy Issues
Gum disease has been linked to pregnancy complications such as an increased risk for pre-term birth, restricted fetal growth, and low birth weight. But breathe easy, because there's much more to the equation than just remembering to floss. "A pregnant woman needs to take care of herself and follow good medical advice (no smoking, recommended folate intake, good diet, exercise) and oral health advice (visits to address any areas of oral inflammation or disease).
The theory is that bacteria can travel from your gums to your uterus and trigger an increase in prostaglandin, a labor-inducing hormone, which can interfere with delivery and fetal development. What's more, it's also thought that pregnant women are at risk for noncancerous "pregnancy tumors" on their gums due to excess plaque, he adds. Adhering to the dental health recommendations (brushing twice) will prevent this build-up. And if you can't remember the last time you flossed or went to the dentist, you're setting yourself up for problems. Don't be alarmed; these growths usually shrink back post-birth, and with the right dental routine, you can avoid plaque growth in the first place.
Oral Cancer
Women with gum disease are 14 percent more likely to develop oral cancer, says one study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. "This points to the association between poor oral health and systemic disease. Note: This study was done solely on postmenopausal women, and while it holds promise for future findings on the impact of gum disease and oral cancer, more research still needs to be done. "Cancer has been linked to unhealthy lifestyles, which includes having poor oral health-especially for people who smoke and/or drink alcohol. This is especially true regarding esophageal cancer, but there's also a link between poor oral health and lung, gallbladder, breast, and skin cancer.

Sugar & Nutrition
Everything you eat and drink can have a major effect on the health of your teeth and gums.
Tooth decay is a diet-related disease that commonly develops in response to our consumption of sugar. Sugar from the foods and drinks we consume is taken up by decay-causing bacteria that live on the surfaces of our teeth. These bacteria process the sugar, turning it into acid which is then excreted on the surface of our teeth where it draws out minerals from the tooth. If this process happens over and over, without any effort to prevent or stop the disease process, it can eventually result in the formation of tooth decay.

Here are some top pro tips for reducing your sugar consumption to help prevent tooth decay.
Drink lots of water
Water is the best choice for your teeth. It is good for you, it is sugar free and in most areas in Australian it contains fluoride. Drinking fluoridated tap water is one of the most cost-effective ways to try to prevent tooth decay.

Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and even fruit juices are packed with sugar. These drinks provide no nutritional content and increase your risk of developing tooth decay as well as a range of other health conditions like Type 2 diabetes. Even the sugar-free varieties can cause damage to your teeth as these drinks have a low pH, making them acidic, which can cause the tooth’s surface to soften and become worn.
How much is too much?
Did you know that one 600ml bottle of soft drink, on average, contains 16 teaspoons of sugar? This is over twice the recommended daily sugar intake for adults.
The World Health Organization recommends that adult sugar intake be equal to 5% of your daily total energy intake (kJ) to decrease your risk of developing tooth decay as well as other health benefits. For the average adult, this equates to 6 teaspoons (equal to 24 grams) of free sugar per day.
Calculating sugar consumption based on 5% of total energy intake:
Kilojoules are the measurement of energy from foods and drinks used in Australia. In some countries, calories are still used as the unit of measure. For reference, 8360kJ = 2000Kcal.
5% of 8700kJ

0.05 x 8700kJ = 435kJ


435kJ = 6.3 teaspoons of sugar per day
68kJ (approximate kilojoules in 1 teaspoon of sugar)

Note: The kJ value of 8700kJ in the above equation is the average adult daily intake. If you would like to know more about what is right for you and your health, talk to doctor or dietician.

You will see the term free sugar used above. Here are various descriptors used for sugar:
Added sugar – sugar added to food and drink products during processing, manufacturing or at the time of consumption, such as adding sugar to your tea or coffee or sprinkling it over your breakfast cereal.
Free sugar – this includes added sugars, as well as the sugar naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juice and fruit juice concentrate.
Natural sugar – sugar that is part of the natural structure of food products, including vegetables, fruits (fructose) and dairy (lactose).

To know how much sugar is in the foods and drinks you purchase, it is best to read the Nutrition Information Panel located on the food label to make a healthy choice.

Reading the label
When reading the food or drink label, the information you need to make a healthy choice is on the Nutrition Information Panel on the back or side of the product.

When deciding between products based on their sugar content, look at the amount of sugar per 100 grams (g). This will allow you to compare ‘apples with apples.’ If you use the sugar per serve value, you may be comparing ‘apples with oranges’ instead.

It is best to look for foods with 5g or less sugar per 100g. Between 5g and 10g is okay also. If a product has over 15g of sugar per 100g, it may be best to find a healthier alternative.

Not all products will advise the amount of added sugars present as a value on the label. To check for added sugars, it is best to read the list of ingredients, which are usually found at the base of the label. The higher an ingredient is to the top of the list, the more of it is present within the item.

Did you know that sugar can go by over 50 names? This can make it tricky identifying all the sources of sugar in a food product. It is not just the obvious foods such as lollies and cakes that include sugar. Look out for hidden sugars in foods such as cereals and sauces.
Grams to teaspoons
You will often health sugar content measured by ‘number of teaspoons.’ This unit of measure can often make it easier to understand sugar content by relating it to spoonfuls of sugar. To know how many teaspoons make up a quantity of sugar, divide the amount of sugar by 4.
1 teaspoon of sugar = 4 grams
So, if a drink label states that contains 20g of sugar, this means it is equal to 5 teaspoons’ worth of sugar.
Example: 20g sugar = 5 teaspoons of sugar
4g per teaspoon

Gum anyone?
Chewing sugar-free gum may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re thinking about habits that can benefit your teeth. But studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating can prompt your mouth to produce more saliva, which helps neutralise decay-causing acid attacks.

Here are some tips for encouraging a lifelong smile:
Brush often
Saliva plays a pivotal role in flushing the oral environment but when we are asleep, our salivary glands produce very little saliva.
• Use a small soft brush and one pea-sized blob of fluoride-toothpaste
• Tilt your brush at 45 degrees to clean gums.
• Brush in circles gently.
• If using an electric toothbrush hold the brush still for three seconds on each tooth.
• Brush inside and outside on all chewing surfaces. Then upper and lower teeth. Don't miss inside front teeth.
• Brush tongue to get rid of bacteria.
Floss regularly
It is important to floss every night to ensure that food or debris in between the teeth is removed before going to bed.
Flossing helps clean in between the teeth, where toothbrush bristles cannot get access to and will help minimize the occurrence of halitosis, gum disease and cavities.
Nutritious diet low in sugar
Frequent consumption of bottled fruit juices, soft drinks, energy drinks and snacking on foods with hidden sugars like biscuits, crackers, cereals, chips and even dried fruit can cause acid attacks on your teeth.
Visit your dentist regularly
Regular dental check-ups and x-rays will reveal issues that can be easily fixed before they turn into something more serious and painful and will also help maintain gum health and keep gum disease at bay.

Things that can harm your teeth.
Binge Eating and acidic food and drink.
Binge eating often involves excessive amounts of sweets, which can lead to tooth decay. Binging and purging (bulimia nervosa) can do even more damage to dental health. The strong acids found in vomit can erode teeth, making them brittle and weak. These acids also cause bad breath. Bulimia can lead to a variety of serious health problems, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you have been purging.
Frequent intake of acidic or sugary foods reduces the mouth’s natural environment from a neutral pH of 7. This drop in pH becomes critical when it falls below a pH of about 5.5, leaving the teeth more at risk of enamel wear (acid erosion).
Minimise exposure to acids
• Avoid frequent intake of acidic foods or drinks
• Avoid holding acidic drinks in the mouth
• Rinse mouth with water after acidic foods and drinks
• Rinse mouth with a solution of water and baking soda.
Brush teeth with appropriate technique and timing
• Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic food and drink
• Brush gently but thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Early diagnosis of enamel wear is important to prevent further, lasting damage.
Your dentist will be able to diagnose enamel wear, and start you on a management plan, so it is important to keep up with your 6 monthly dental checks.

Things that can harm your teeth!
Chewing on Pencils
Do you ever chew on your pencil when concentrating on work or studies? Like crunching on ice, this habit can cause teeth to chip or crack. Sugarless gum is a better option when you feel the need to chew. It will trigger the flow of saliva, which can make teeth stronger and protect against enamel-eating acids.

Things that can harm your teeth!
Constant Snacking
Snacking produces less saliva than a meal, leaving food bits in your teeth for hours longer. Avoid snacking too frequently, and stick to snacks that are low in sugar and starch -- for example, carrot sticks.

What can harm your teeth!
Sports Drinks
There's no doubt a cold sports drink is refreshing after a good workout. But these drinks are usually high in sugar. Like soda or candy, sugary sports drinks create an acid attack on the enamel of your teeth. Drinking them frequently can lead to decay. A better way to stay hydrated at the gym is to drink sugar-free, calorie-free water.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juice is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, but unfortunately most juices are also loaded with sugar. Some juices can have as much sugar per serving as soda. For example, there are only 10 more grams of sugar in orange soda than in orange juice. Fruits are naturally sweet, so look for juice that has no added sugar. You can also reduce the sugar content by diluting juice with some water.

What can harm your teeth!
Opening Things With Your Teeth
Opening bottle caps, ripping plastic packaging or biting off fishing line with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.

Things that can harm your teeth!
Softdrinks
Candy isn't the only culprit when it comes to added sugar. Softdrink can have up to 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. To add insult to injury, softdrinks also contain phosphoric and citric acids, which eat away at tooth enamel. Diet soft drinks let you skip the sugar, but they may have even more acid in the form of the artificial sweeteners.
Too much acid and sugar is a disaster for the well being of your teeth. Where possible always choose water over softdrink.

Things that can harm your teeth!
Cough Drops
The flu season is almost upon us, so here is a fact you need to know.
Just because cough drops are sold in the medicine aisle doesn't mean they’re healthy. Most are loaded with sugar. So after soothing your throat with a lozenge, be sure to brush well. Whether the sugar comes from a cough drop or a hard candy, it reacts with the sticky plaque that coats your teeth. Then bacteria in the plaque convert the sugar into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Hello, cavities.

GOOD ORAL HEALTH TIPS AND TRICKS
Brush at least twice a day!
Brush after breakfast and before bed using a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This provides the best protection against tooth decay and gum disease.
CLEAN BETWEEN YOUR TEETH
Remember brushing alone does not remove the plaque in between your teeth - use floss ,interdental brushes or a water flosser, as well as brushing.
VISIT YOUR DENTIST
Regular check-ups do more than just check for tooth decay, they also check for oral cancer and gum disease.
LIMIT YOUR SNACKS
Each time you eat foods containing sugar you feed the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay.
SPIT DON’T RINSE
Spit out excess toothpaste after brushing, but don’t rinse out your mouth. This washes away the fluoride that helps protect your teeth.

Things that can harm your teeth.
Playing Sports With No Mouth Guard
Whether you play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don't get in the game without a mouth guard. This is a piece of molded plastic that protects the upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough. You can have a mouth guard custom made here at Rodney George Dental.

Rodney George Dental would like to wish all our wonderful clients, friends and family a happy Easter. Keep safe, and remember to brush your teeth before you go to bed. We don't want all that yummy chocolate sitting around your teeth all night do we!

Things that are not good for your teeth.

Tongue Piercings
Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. And when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores. Also, with a tongue piercing there is a risk of accidentally piercing a large blood vessel, which can cause severe bleeding. Bottom line, discuss the health risks with your dentist first.

What is bad for your baby's teeth.
Bedtime Bottles
It’s never too early to protect teeth. Giving a baby a bedtime bottle of juice, milk, or formula, can put new teeth on a path to decay. The baby may become used to falling asleep with the bottle in their mouth, bathing the teeth in sugars overnight. It's best to keep bottles out of the crib.