We are so lucky to have access to reliable clean water here in Australia. We are already paying for an unlimited water supply (about 1c per litre) so why spend on average $2.53 per litre for bottled water. The Australian Dental Association recommends tap water as the primary choice of drink for everyone. Not only is it the most hydrating drink, it is free of sugar and where fluoridated, reduces the risk of tooth decay. Don’t turn your back on the benefits of tap water and think about our environment too. Only a small proportion of recyclable plastic water bottles actually make it to the recycle bin.
Why is fluoride good for your teeth?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral – the 13th most common element in the earth. It has been used in the prevention of dental decay for over 60 years. Fluoride makes the outer surface of the teeth (enamel) resistant to decay.
Bacteria in the mouth feed on what we eat and produce acids resulting in mineral loss and weakening of the tooth enamel. Fluoride replaces the lost minerals, repairing the enamel and strengthening the teeth. We recommend the use of a fluoride toothpaste and encouraging your children to drink plenty of tap water (which, in Brisbane, contains fluoride).
Effects of smoking on our teeth and mouth.
We all know that smoking is bad for us but did you know how it affects our teeth and mouth? A recent World Health Organisation study revealed:
Tobacco use, including tobacco smoking and smokeless tobacco use, increases the risk for oral cancer by five to six times.
Smoking increases the risk for gum disease by two times.
Exposure to second-hand smoke has a one-and-a-half to twofold higher risk of causing dental decay.
Smoking increases the risk of tooth loss by one-and-a-half times.
If you are a smoker it is extremely important to see your dentist regularly. Perhaps you are keen to give up? Call us today.
Emergency Appointments
If you have knocked out a tooth, have a toothache, lost a filling, broken a tooth or denture we understand that you will need to be seen as soon as possible. That’s why we reserve appointments throughout the day for emergency care. Call today! If you have knocked a tooth out it is critical to get to a dentist within 30 minutes for successful re-implantation. Follow this link for more information: First Aid for a Damaged or Knocked Out Tooth ADA Fact Sheet
Women’s Health Week
Last week was Women’s Health Week which reminded us that the two biggest barriers for women not maintaining a healthy lifestyle is ‘lack of time’ and ‘health not being a priority’. Ladies it is time to put ourselves first, even if it’s just for one week, and start making positive changes that can last a lifetime. Read our downloadable information brochure for dental oral health issues that women face including sensitive, swollen and bleeding gums during pregnancy and menopause – Women’s Oral Health
Dr Elaine walks the Camino in Spain
At the end of October 2016, I did part of the Camino de Santiago (also known as St James’ Way) which is a Christian pilgrimage walk in northern Spain. I started walking from Leon all the way to Santiago de Compostela which is about 300km away. It was a lovely walk with some challenging stretches where the terrain was quite rocky underf
oot. The mornings started off quite chilly about 8 degrees C around sunrise which was at 8am but quickly rose to the high 20’s within a few hours.The walk went through flat open fields through to little villages where we sometimes had to walk amongst cattle and on to green rolling hills with some rocky sections. There were also times when we could hear traffic as we were walking very close to the road. On Friday evening at the Santiago de Compostela cathedral the Pilgram’s Mass was held. The giant incense burner (butafumiero) was swung from the ceiling of the cathedral which was packed out and despite getting there an hour early, was standing room only. This was the highlight of the trip.
Raffle prize made by our patient
Special thanks to our patient Christina Hoffmann for this beautiful hand made quilt which she has donated as a raffle prize to raise money for our dental clinic at M’lop Tapang in Cambodia. Tickets are $2 each. Let me know if you would like one! Drawn mid December.
Dr Sarah is now married.
You might notice that Dr Sarah has changed her name. She was married in June at a rustic setting in Stanthorpe. Luckily the weather was perfect for the wedding. The temperature was mild and the rain held off. The following weekend it snowed!
Congratulations Dr Mandikos!
