For the third year running Kenmore Dentists Neil Smith and Phil Rigby will ride as a team from Brookfield Road Dental and proudly participate in the 2013 Rio Tinto Ride To Conquer Cancer, benefitting the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.

The QIMR is a world leader in cancer research, with proceeds  from previous rides having funded research programs into cancers such as breast cancer, bowel cancer, Leukaemia to name but a few.

This year the ride has added significance for Phil whose wife Tash was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  Whilst Tash has an excellent prognosis in her case, sadly for many people facing a cancer diagnosis this is not the case.

Phil and Neil would gratefully accept any sponsorship for their ride, with proceeds going to the QIMR and their amazing work.  Please follow the links:

http://br13.conquercancer.org.au/site/TR/Events/Brisbane2013?px=1015012&pg=personal&fr_id=1110

http://br13.conquercancer.org.au/site/TR/Events/Brisbane2013?px=1011675&pg=personal&fr_id=1110

As more people are keeping their teeth into older age there are certain problems that are becoming more prevalent and are presenting to our Kenmore dental practice more commonly. These might include some of the following.

Root decay. As we age it is more likely that we will develop receding gums and become “long in the tooth”. The exposed root surfaces are less resistant to decay as they are not covered by a hard layer of enamel. The risk of root decay can be decreased by minimising the intake of sugary foods and carefully cleaning the exposed root surfaces with a fluoride toothpaste. Regular check ups by one of our Kenmore dentists will allow any developing problems to be discovered early which is the key to long term successful management.

Dry Mouth. Many medications decrease the saliva flow resulting in an uncomfortable dry mouth. The risk of decay and gum disease is increased as the protective functions of saliva are lost. Sucking sweets or frequent sipping of sweetened  drinks to make the mouth more comfortable will greatly increase the risk of decay and should be avoided. Chewing sugarless gum especially after meals will stimulate saliva production and sipping water will also help to decrease discomfort.

Cracked and broken teeth. Maintenance of teeth is important at all ages but the wear and tear of a lifetime can make the problems of cracked and broken teeth more prevalent as we age. Regular check ups at our Kenmore dental practice will ensure these problems are detected early which increases the chances of saving the teeth.

The number of older people retaining their natural teeth is rising. This means it is even more important to maintain regular dental examinations with our Kenmore dentists in order to detect problems early and reduce the risk of further problems.

Periodontal disease is the inflammation and/or infection of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth.  It is most commonly caused by plaque which is a sticky build-up of bacteria on the teeth. Plaque may calcify to form calculus which is a hard deposit that cannot be removed with a toothbrush. Plaque and calculus accumulate as a result of poor oral hygiene.

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is a reversible inflammation of the gums characterised by redness, swelling and bleeding of the affected areas. It can usually be successfully treated by removal of the plaque and calculus followed by a thorough home cleaning programme.

The more advanced form of gum disease is known as periodontitis. It can cause destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth including the gum and bone that surround each tooth.  Periodontitis can result in the loss of teeth. The aim of treatment is to halt the destructive processes of periodontitis and maximise the chance of keeping your teeth. Signs of periodontitis include puffy, painful and bleeding gums, receding gums, infection of the gums, bad breath, loose teeth and drifting teeth

Your Kenmore Dentist will check the health of your gums during your regular check up. If you suspect a problem, let us examine your teeth and we will advise you as to what the best course of action is. There are times when referral to a specialist periodontist will be suggested.

This is a question that frequently comes up at our Kenmore Dental practice.  In short, there is no one answer for every case.  Dental amalgams have been used in dentistry for over 100 years. A Dental Amalgam is an alloy of silver, tin, copper and mercury.  Because of its mercury content the use of amalgam to fill cavities in teeth has attracted some degree of controversy.  The Australian Dental Association states that dental amalgams are a safe, cost effective filling material, a view supported by the World Health Organization and the International Dental Federation in a joint statement.

In more recent times there has been a greater demand for tooth coloured aesthetic fillings, and advances in dental material research and development have given rise to viable alternatives to dental amalgam to restore back teeth.  The decision as to whether your dental amalgams need to be replaced may be based on aesthetic concerns, as well as whether the tooth has issues regarding cracks and decay leaking under the current filling.

The decision to replace dental amalgams is not always as black and white as some would lead you to believe and requires careful consideration of all the pros and cons with your dental professional.  Your team of dentists at Kenmore are more than happy to take the time to discuss your concerns.

It is important to change your toothbrush on a regular basis. Our Kenmore dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3 months.

There are two reasons for this. Firstly, with all the use that a toothbrush gets every day, the bristles become worn and less efficient at removing plaque. They won’t get into all the hiding places where bacteria can hide. Secondly, toothbrushes are a breeding ground for germs that can build up over time. These can be transferred to adjacent toothbrushes if they are stored together.

After use rinse your brush under cold water, dry it and store upright where it can dry out. Wet toothbrushes allow greater bacterial and fungal growth.

Decay in its early stage before cavitation can be reversed. Initial decay involves loss of the mineral component of the tooth structure. It is possible to replace this lost mineral if conditions are right.

Our Kenmore dentists might recommend a plan that includes the following:

1 Dietary advice to reduce the frequency of sugary or acidic foods/drinks.

2 Using fluoride products in addition to toothpaste for home use

3 Using re-mineralising agents to encourage repair of the damaged enamel

These home measures should be supplemented by regular dental visits to monitor progress and professional fluoride application.

Our Kenmore dentists can advise you on the best approach for each case.

Joh, Phil Neil and Rory

On 18^th and 19th August, your team of Kenmore Dentists Neil, Phil, Neil’s wife Joh and son Rory completed THE RIDE TO CONQUER CANCER 2012. The 220 km round trip to Wivenhoe Dam was achieved without incidents except for tired legs and sore backsides.

We would like to thank all those who supported us. This includes the staff at Brookfield Road Dental who gave up their time on the CHECK UP TO CONQUER CANCER days and the many patients of this practice who generously donated over the last few months. We would also like to thank Neil’s daughters, Rosie, Phoebe and Olivia who gave up their whole weekend to work as volunteers on the ride. They did a fantastic job at one of the pit stops along the route.

Between the four of us we raised over $11000 for the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. The whole event raised $5.2 million. This makes it the largest fundraising event ever held in Queensland.

THANK YOU.

BROOKFIELD ROAD DENTAL

This August 18-19 , a team of Kenmore Dentists from Brookfield Road Dental will once again embark on the grueling 2 day epic that is the 2012 Rio Tinto Ride To Conquer Cancer, benefiting the Queensland Institute OF Medical Research, and the amazing work they do.

Currently QIMR researchers are investigating the causes of more than 13 cancers including skin, brain, colorectal, breast, ovarian, lung and lymphoma. They are working to develop the most accurate diagnostics as well as new, targeted drugs, vaccines, and immunotherapies. These treatments have the potential to allow for earlier detection, increase survival rates as well as reduce the side effects of anti-cancer therapies.

With the support of our patients, colleagues and the public your team of dentists from Kenmore have raised over $11000 for this amazing cause.  Stay tuned for further updates as we approach the epic weekend.  For more information go to br12.conquercancer.org.au or www.qimr.edu.au.

Our Kenmore dentists are finding that there is an increase in the incidence of tooth sensitivity. Symptoms include a short sharp pain coming from exposed dentine (the inner part of the tooth normally covered by enamel) due to cold, heat, touch or acidic food or drink. Other dental problems might mimic these symptoms so it is important to get your teeth checked by your dentist to eliminate these as possible causes.

Exposed dentine may be the result of receding gums, tooth wear due to incorrect toothbrushing technique, excessive dietary acid, reflux problems, teeth grinding and defective fillings.

Before deciding which treatment is best for you, the cause of the problem needs to be determined. Solutions include using desensitizing toothpaste, dietary modification, use of remineralizing agents and correction of incorrect brushing technique. Most cases respond to these simple measures. Occasionally more complex treatment is required.

 Treatment of dental decay (dental caries) is one of the more common procedures that our Kenmore dentists need to perform. The decay process is started when mouth bacteria use sugars found in food to produce acid. This initiates a process of loss of the hard mineral component of the tooth structure which if not stopped will lead to breakdown of the surface of the tooth and a “hole” forms.  The good news though is that in its early stages, this process is reversible. Early stage decay will appear as white spots in vulnerable areas and until the surface enamel breaks down it is possible to remineralise these areas and repair the surface to its original health. Where breakdown of the surface has occurred, it is usually necessary to place a filling.

Factors that lead to dental decay include;

1)      A diet containing a lot of sugar and acidic drinks/foods. Eg  soft drinks or sports drinks, frequent sugary snacks.

2)      Poor oral hygiene. It is necessary to remove the bacterial plaque every day with thorough brushing and flossing.

3)      Some general health problems and medications can lead to a decrease in saliva production which increases the risk of dental decay.

It is important to detect decay as early as possible so that where possible this process can be reversed. Our dentists at our Kenmore practice can help you to prevent decay and encourage repair of early lesions. Stay tuned for a future blog about how to minimise the risk of decay and how to remineralise damaged enamel.