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Enamel erosion is one of the numerous causes of tooth pain. It occurs when excess mouth acids wear away the outer layer of the teeth, which gives teeth their structure. Overall, the calcium that is present in saliva helps to neutralize the acids in the food you consume and protect the enamel from erosion. However, if you keep consuming foods that contain a lot of acids, such as citrus fruits and alcohol, the calcium in your saliva may not be able to reverse the damage. Any type of carbonated drinks and fruit juices are highly acidic; therefore, if you drink large amounts of these beverages, you may be increasing your chances for enamel erosion. Symptoms of Tooth Enamel Erosion   The symptoms of enamel erosion can vary, however in most cases they include: Chips, and Cracks Increased tooth sensitivity to cold/hot temperatures, taste, and textures Indentations referred to as cups on the teeth surfaces Tooth Discolouration In other extreme cases of enamel erosion, you may experience pain, extreme teeth discolouration and unbearable tooth sensitivity when your teeth get exposed to hot, cold, spicy, or acidic foods and drinks. Additionally, if your teeth remain untreated, the erosion can lead to complications such as: Fractured teeth Jagged edges on your teeth Yellow stained teeth Shiny spots on your teeth Clear, and slightly translucent teeth Increases tooth decay Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion Similar to how we have various symptoms of enamel erosion, there are also several causes. 1. Diet Foods that contain a lot of sugars, starches, and acids can all result in enamel erosion. When you combine the consumption of such foods with poor oral hygiene, then you are risking the deterioration of your oral health. 2. Dry Mouth Reduced amounts of saliva in your mouth is a major contributor to enamel erosion. A dry mouth can be caused by several things, such as: Smoking Tobacco Chemotherapy Use of certain drugs such as marijuana Thrush 3. Teeth Grinding Teeth grinding/ bruxism is mostly occurring as a result of anxiety and stress. As much as sporadic teeth grinding is normal and typically not harmful to your teeth, but consistent and persistent teeth grinding can definitely wear down your enamel. 4. Acid Reflux Disease (GERD) Gastroesophageal reflux disease causes stomach acids to abnormally reverse up the oesophagus and into the mouth. In most cases, this can lead to enamel erosion. 5. Abrasion The physical wear and tear that occurs when you brush your teeth too hard, biting on hard objects and improper flossing can wear down your tooth enamel. Bottom Line If you are experiencing tooth enamel erosion, your dentist may recommend the type of treatment depending on how progressive the erosion is and if the surrounding tissues are affected. In some cases, a dental filling or tooth bonding may be used to protect the tooth and improve the appearance of your teeth. But, if your enamel is severely worn down, the dentist may recommend a dental crown. If you have enamel erosion, kindly do not hesitate to consult with our dentists at Springvale Dental Clinic as soon as you can. Our dental staff and dentists will be glad to serve you.

Your baby’s first tooth is kind of a big deal in your bundle of joy’s life. However, it can be painful and uncomfortable. As a parent, you must understand the concept of teething so that you can know how to help your little one get through it. Your baby’s paediatrician may monitor the child’s teeth development for signs of decay. Teething is an important stage in every baby’s life, and there are a number of remedies that you can use to provide relief to your baby during this process What is teething? Teething is the process through which a baby’s teeth break through the gums. As mentioned earlier, it is a painful process and makes most parents worry. Normally, for most babies, the first teeth erupt between five to nine months. However, signs and symptoms of teething will start a few weeks or months earlier before the first teeth comes out. Usually, your baby’s teeth appear in pairs, starting from the lower jaw to the upper jaw. Signs and symptoms of teething Some babies have a smooth teething process. The teeth simply appear with no irritability or discomfort. Others, the process is painful and uncomfortable. Teething symptoms are normally related to jaw and gum discomfort. As the teeth below the surface prepare to break through, a blood blister may be seen over the surface. The larger molars may be more sensitive than other teeth like the incisors because of their larger surface, causing more pain and discomfort. Generally, a teething baby may have the following symptoms. It is important to note that the symptoms are not the same for all babies. Baby teething symptoms include; Increased drooling A slight increase in body temperature Poor appetite Irritability and fussiness that is not continuous Restlessness and changes in sleep patterns because of gum discomfort Swollen and tender gums Diarrhoea and upset stomach Mild rash around the mouth because of excess drooling Chewing and gnawing on hard objects How to soothe a teething baby There are a number of ways to soothe a teething baby. Some of them include; Something cold will help soothe your baby’s gums. Try refrigerating the baby’s toys such a teeth rings for a few minutes or using a clean wet washcloth for your baby to chew on. Chewing can distract your baby from the discomfort she is feeling. You can massage your baby’s gums gently using your clean finger or a moist gauze pad. Rubbing the baby’s gums gently or allowing her to gnaw on your finger can be soothing. Teething gels can also help relieve the baby’s pain. Teething gels contain anaesthetic and antiseptic, which work by preventing infection as well as relieving the pain. A little cuddling and affection may just be what your baby needs. You can try holding and comforting your baby to distract her from the discomfort and pain she is feeling. Teething is a stage in every child’s life. However, if the above symptoms become prolonged and seem concerning, it is important that you contact your doctor. Springvale Dental Clinic Springvale Dental Clinic is a dental facility that provides a wide range of dental care and treatments. Our kids’ dentist, Springvale, provides you with enough educational information to help you focus on your child’s oral health goals in the long term. We understand the importance of proper oral health, especially in children, which is why the team at the children’s dental Springvale are all well trained and experienced.      

In the wake of the current global pandemic, most service providers have been told to close down to minimize the spread of the virus. If you were planning on getting your teeth cleaned, then you will have to wait a bit longer. The Australian Dental Association has issued several guidelines requiring dental facilities to stop providing non-urgent treatments and surgeries. These include elective treatments like teeth whitening, fixing cosmetic problems, X-rays, and routine check-ups. Dental treatment during the Coronavirus pandemic The global pandemic has made the provision of dental treatment difficult, as many dental facilities have closed. Based on the fact that the virus that causes this disease is spread through respiratory droplets, dental care is among the most affected services because asymptomatic patients can easily spread the virus. In addition, most dental treatments require the dentist and patients to be in close proximity, which would make dental practitioners be in violation of the physical distancing. COVID-19 virus is found in the throat, nasal passages, and saliva. Any kind of dental treatment can provoke the patient to cough involuntarily, thereby releasing infected droplets into the air. For this reason, many dental facilities have chosen to close because of safety concerns and the scarcity of protective equipment. Fortunately, people with dental issues can receive care and treatment through video and phone consultations from the comfort of their homes. These remote consultations allow the dentist to help patients to manage their dental problems by offering interim self-management remedies for the pain and infection at the comfort of the patient’s home. For instance, if your tooth becomes sensitive because of a broken filling, the dentist can recommend an off the temporary shelf filling that you can use to manage the problem. Dental emergency treatments A number of dental clinics are still operational to provide emergency treatments for their patients. Serious dental issues that are life-threatening will require a face to face visit with the dentist. They include  Severe pain  Pain and swelling due to infection  Excessive bleeding  Swelling around the mouth  Dental trauma  Tissue that requires biopsy  Dentures that hurt For all these treatments, you will be required to make an online appointment so that all the necessary questions can be covered and a plan of treatment established to help minimize your time at the dental clinic and exposure to the coronavirus. Preventative care during the pandemic During this uncertain time, it is crucial that you maintain proper oral health by taking care of your mouth and teeth. Some of the ways that you can do this are by brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice every day, using bottle openers to open bottles instead of your teeth, reducing your sugar intake, and maintaining good toothbrush routine etiquette. After the global pandemic is over, a routine dental check-up will be essential to ensure the health of your mouth and teeth. Springvale Dental Clinic Our dentist is well trained and experienced in a wide range of preventative care treatments. They are supported by a team of dental care professionals that ensure that you are safe and comfortable in their hands. Our dentist in Springvale is available for emergency care treatments for all our patients. We have invested in the latest technology to ensure that our dental procedures are done in the safest way possible, especially with the current coronavirus pandemic. At Springvale dental clinic, we are going from just open from emergency only to Level 1 restrictions, which will allow us to do more treatments. Under level 1 treatment, we can be able to attend to all dental treatment using standard precautions for patients who do not meet clinical or epidemiological risk factors for the virus infection transmission. Are you looking for any kind of dental care treatment and are worried about your safety during this uncertain time? Make an appointment with us today, and we will support you in whatever way we can.