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Oral Health

Nov 18
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impacted tooth illustration

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

By Oral Health No Comments

Wisdom teeth are the third molars that sit in the very back of the mouth. They are named “wisdom teeth” because they develop between the ages of 17 and 25, about a decade after a person’s second molar. It is believed that prehistoric humans needed their third molars to grind down tough meats, plants, foliage, nuts, and seeds.

Today, our foods are much softer, and our mouths have evolved by becoming smaller. As a result, our wisdom teeth have become insignificant, functionless, and intrusive (in most cases). Some people never need to have their wisdom teeth removed if their mouth is healthy, they are able to keep the teeth clean, and the teeth have developed properly.

Reasons Why Your Wisdom Teeth Should Be Extracted

Because of how our mouths have changed since prehistoric times, our third molars rarely have enough room to develop. In these cases, the wisdom teeth become stuck in the jaw, unable to emerge from the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and other oral and overall health problems.

Jaw damage from cysts that form around the new teeth is one of the more significant consequences of impacted wisdom teeth. If left untreated, the jaw can hollow out and the nerves become damaged.

If the teeth partially erupt, they may damage the second molars by putting immense pressure on them. As you can imagine, this may also result in pain and discomfort. The pain could arise from tooth movement caused by the pressure of the erupting wisdom tooth. If you notice that your teeth are becoming more crowded or are shifting in position, that’s a good sign that wisdom teeth removal is necessary.

Partially and fully erupted wisdom teeth are typically exceedingly difficult to clean. Getting a toothbrush back there is hard enough, not to mention trying to floss between the second and third molars. Consequently, patients who don’t have their wisdom teeth removed often experience cavities, gum disease, and all of the symptoms that those conditions come with, such as:

  • Tooth pain
  • Gum irritation
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Gum recession
  • Tooth loss

What to Expect

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common outpatient surgery that oral surgeons regularly perform. Before the procedure, the dentist will offer a local anesthetic or dental sedation, depending on your specific needs. These make the procedure much more comfortable and relaxing.

Once you are comfortable, the procedure begins. If the wisdom teeth are fully impacted, the oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gums to get to the teeth. Then, the tooth is gently removed. When the teeth have partially erupted, the dentist may need to break the tooth into pieces so that no damage is done to the remaining healthy teeth.

The entire procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. Afterward, the dentist will send you home to recover. He will provide a specific set of guidelines to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Woolgoolga

If you’re searching for a professional, experienced, and compassionate dental team in Woolgoolga, look no further! Our team at Magic Smiles is prepared to give you a comfortable dental experience. We have an oral surgeon on staff with decades of experience in removing wisdom teeth.

Don’t wait any longer to have your third molars removed. Contact us today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation.

Nov 10
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dentures in glass of water

5 Denture Care Tips to Make Your Dentures Last Longer

By Oral Health No Comments

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dentures are a popular option because of the many benefits they offer. These include improved appearance, easy maintenance, improved function, comfort, and support.

Not sure if dentures are right for you? The best way to find out is to visit your local dentist! He or she will examine your mouth and offer treatments that will fit your smile goals, lifestyle, and budget.

When it comes to making dentures last, proper care is essential. When a person follows their dentist’s guidelines, his or her dentures can last up to ten years without needing to be completely replaced. Check out the rest of this blog to learn our top five tips for long-lasting dentures.

Denture Care Tip #1: Clean them daily.

You wouldn’t go a day without brushing your teeth, right? The same rule applies to dentures. Cleaning them every day is a MUST. Plaque forms on dentures just like it does on natural teeth, and certain foods and drinks can stain them. If they aren’t cleaned properly, the dentures will appear dull and yellow and have a funny smell.

It is also important to rinse them after each meal. The food and bacteria surrounding your gums and denture can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and other serious oral health problems.

Denture Care Tip #2: Clean them properly.

Regular toothpaste can damage dentures. Be sure to use lukewarm water and a soft-bristled denture brush when cleaning the denture. Hot water can warp the dentures, making them fit uncomfortably. At night, soak the dentures in cool water or a denture cleaning solution.

Denture Care Tip #3: Be gentle.

If you are cleaning or removing your dentures, do so over a sink filled with water or a soft surface, like a folded towel. The denture can be easily damaged if dropped on a hard surface. Again, make sure to use a denture cleaner and soft-bristled denture brush so that the teeth do not become scratched or discolored.

Denture Care Tip #4: Remove them properly.

Denture adhesives and suction keep traditional dentures held in place throughout the day, so removing them can be a challenge. Here are three tips for removing dentures:

  • Swish with warm water or mouthwash beforehand
  • Top denture: Place your thumbs against the back of the front teeth; pull forward and upward towards your nose until they come loose
  • Bottom denture: Pull the denture outward in a rocking motion until it releases

Denture Care Tip #5: Visit the dentist regularly.

Six-month dental visits are so important for denture wearers. During these appointments, your dentist will check for wear and tear on the dentures as well as signs of irritation and gum disease. Treatment for these conditions is imperative for maintaining a healthy mouth and keeping your dentures comfortable.

More About Dentures

Applying these guidelines to your daily oral hygiene routine will certainly improve the longevity of your dentures, but that doesn’t mean they won’t need regular maintenance. Without natural teeth, your mouth will continue to change. Therefore, your dentures will likely need to be relined or rebased every few years.

With proper maintenance and help from an experienced dentist, dentures should last between seven and ten years. To learn more about dentures and denture care, contact our experienced dentists at Magic Smiles. Call (02) 6654-0650 today.

Nov 05
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illustration of three teeth with swollen gums

How to Know If You Have Gum Disease

By Oral Health No Comments

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, has four stages: gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common oral health problems and one of the most common chronic diseases. The good news is that it is easily prevented in most cases and easy to treat and reverse when caught in the earliest stage.

Preventing gum disease is as simple as maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, visiting the dentist regularly, and eating properly. However, even these things aren’t always enough when the cause is genetic or hormonal. That’s why it is so important to attend regular dental cleans and examination appointments every six months.

Concerned that you might have gum disease? Here are the most common symptoms:

Red, swollen, or irritated gums

Inflammation along the gum line is one of the first signs of gum disease. You may notice that your gums are a little more red than usual and brushing and flossing may be a little more painful. These indicate that something certainly isn’t right. You should visit the dentist as soon as possible.

Bleeding gums

If you notice blood in the sink after brushing or flossing, gum disease is most likely the cause. Bleeding gums is the most noticeable symptom. Many toothpaste commercials refer to this as “a little pink in the sink” and claim to reverse gingivitis. While the toothpaste may help, it’s best to schedule a dental cleaning appointment to reduce the risk of the disease progressing.

Bad breath

Gum disease occurs when the bad bacteria in the mouth outnumber the good ones. These take over when plaque and tartar are left on the teeth—again, this is why proper oral hygiene is so important!

These disease-causing bacteria release toxins that have a foul smell, causing your breath to smell bad no matter how much gum or breath mints you chew.

So far, we’ve discussed symptoms that are most common during gingivitis. At this stage, gum disease is reversible when properly treated. Be sure to contact your dentist to schedule a dental cleans appointment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

The following symptoms indicate that the disease has progressed from gingivitis to a more severe type of periodontal disease.

Receding gums

When left untreated, the symptoms of gum disease become more and more severe. The bad bacteria will eventually move on to eating away at the gums, making them shorter. In addition to the visible changes, your teeth will become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures as the dentin is exposed.

Shifting or loose teeth

If you notice your teeth don’t quite fit together like they used to when you bite, the bacteria may have moved on to attacking the jawbone which holds the teeth in the proper position. This is a symptom of advanced periodontal disease and should be treated immediately. At this point, you are at a high risk of tooth loss.

Gum Disease Treatment in Woolgoolga

Dental cleans are important for both the prevention and reversal of gum disease. If your gum disease has progressed to a stage that is no longer reversible, don’t fret! We offer effective treatments to stop it in its tracks. This way, no more damage is done to your smile.

To learn more about these treatments and to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists, call Magic Smiles at (02) 6654-0650 today.

Aug 12
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progression of gum disease

The Causes and Effects of Gum Disease

By Oral Health No Comments

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, affects millions of American adults every day—sometimes without them even realizing it. Bad breath, bleeding gums, irritated or swollen gums, and dental sensitivity are just a few of the main indicators of periodontal disease. These symptoms can affect how you interact with others, what you eat, how you eat, and how well you brush your teeth.

In other cases, gum disease symptoms are nearly invisible. By the time a person with unnoticed and untreated gum disease visits the dentist, they may need extensive dental treatment. This is why regular dental cleanings and exams are so necessary. This way, dentists can detect and treat early signs of the disease and save their patients from serious oral and overall health consequences.

Continue reading to learn about the causes and effects of gum disease.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Ultimately, gum disease is a result of an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the mouth. When the bad, disease-causing bacteria begin to take over, it’s difficult to restore that balance without the help of a professional.

So, how do the bacteria become imbalanced? There are several ways, including:

  • Poor oral hygiene: Improper brushing techniques, lack of flossing, and poor eating habits all contributes to periodontal disease. When plaque builds up over a long period of time, it turns into tartar which can only be removed by a dentist. Plaque begins to feed the disease-causing bacteria and the infestation continues to grow.
  • Hormonal changes in women: Hormones shift during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause and can cause inflammation throughout the body—including the gums. Women should pay careful attention to their oral health during these times. The good news is that the symptoms usually disappear after their hormones are back to normal.
  • Smoking and chewing tobacco: In any form, tobacco is one of the worst substances for teeth and gums. They both inhibit the proper function of the gum tissue cells, creating an environment conducive to disease.
  • Crooked teeth: Dental misalignment can sometimes be an oral health issue as well as an aesthetic one. Crooked, crowded teeth make it much more difficult for patients to clean between their teeth and make it easier for food and bacteria to hide there. Over time, those can lead to decay and gum disease.
  • Genetics: If your parents struggled with gum disease, you’re probably at a higher risk for developing it. Be sure to tell your dentist so he can help you prevent it as much as possible.

Effects of Gum Disease

Along with being the number one cause of tooth loss among adults, periodontal disease is associated with several overall health conditions, such as:

  • Heart and kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Osteoporosis
  • Cancer
  • Impotence in men

Many studies have been done to link gum disease to each of these issues. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, these associations are most likely due to the inflammation of the gums that spreads to other parts of the body.

Get Treatment for Gum Disease Today

While the symptoms of periodontal disease may seem harmless, this infection can lead to serious consequences. Thankfully, dentists offer effective treatments to reverse or manage the problem.

At Magic Smiles, our dentists are passionate about helping patients achieve optimal oral health which includes a mouth free of gum disease. Call today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an appointment with our dental experts in Woolgoolga.