Article by Tabitha Acret, Dental Hygienist at AIRFLOW Dental Spa
Tooth decay remains one of Australia’s most prevalent health problems. Coupled with the lifestyle changes brought about in 2020 aligned with Covid-19, dentists are predicting a surge in decay and cavities. As many are still working from home and becoming far too acquainted with the fridge, the 3 pm sugar hit has become somewhat of a necessity and our teeth are bearing the brunt.
Dental caries is the most common form of decay. It is the process whereby bacteria in the mouth metabolises sugar to produce an acid that then sticks to the outer layer of the tooth. These acids begin to attack the enamel in the form of white spots, which eventually turn brown and begin to form holes in the tooth. If dental caries are left untreated, they can grow deeper and larger, causing lasting damage. Letting your dental health get to this state only increases your risk of suffering pain and infection when trying to restore the tooth, or worst-case scenario, having to remove the tooth entirely.
Hera are the top x5 signs you may be suffering from dental caries:
- Increased sensitivity to cold or sweet foods
- Pain in the mouth which can be quite spontaneous
- Black or brown spots appearing on your teeth
- Holes forming in your teeth
- Pain when biting down
In most cases, people are not aware they are experiencing the beginnings of tooth decay because it often forms between the teeth. Difficult to see and painless in the early stages, it is this excess plaque and bacteria coating the teeth that require professional attention. Regular consults and cleans with your local dentists are required to prevent the onset and spread of decay. Technology such as the new AIRFLOW© device is a non-invasive and efficient way to remove bacteria from those hard to reach places. Using a combination of high-pressure water and cleansing powder this treatment leaves your teeth feeling brighter, whiter, and stronger, all without the discomfort of teeth scraping and/or prodding. Perfect for those with a touch of dental anxiety.
Besides these routine visits, it is important to extend this care by establishing great practices in the home including:
- Limiting your sugar intake
- Drinking plenty of water and avoiding regular consumption of juice or soft drink
- Avoid frequent snacking
- when you frequently snack, you are constantly attacking the mouth with acids and sugars which only build up the bacteria. This makes it hard for the mouth to stabilise the pH and fight back to remain clean
- Avoid sending babies to bed with a bottle
- when babies go to bed with a bottle the beverage remains sitting on the teeth for hours while the infant sleeps, and can cause baby bottle tooth decay
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes
- Floss daily to remove bacteria from places your toothbrush cannot reach
- Use a quality, fluoride toothpaste
- your dental professional can advise on the right one for you
The good news is tooth decay is a preventable and avoidable disease that adequate home care and regular professional cleaning can easily fix. Establish those regular routines today and keep your pearly whites bright and healthy!
ABOUT: Tabitha Acret is a dedicated and passionate award-winning Dental Hygienist. She studied a Bachelor of Oral Health at Newcastle University after working as a Dental Nurse and Practice Manager for 10 years and graduated in 2008. Since qualifying, Tabitha has become one of the most sought-after Hygienists and Educators in Australia and internationally with a fast-growing and loyal customer base of patients, dental professionals, and media.
Tabitha was previously the National Vice-President for the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia and has volunteered in many roles since graduation for the Association. She also has a passion for educating with students, working as a Clinical Educator at Sydney University, and currently works as a Clinical Educator for implant maintenance and non-surgical periodontal therapy. She lectures and writes regularly for both industry and consumer press on motivating patients, implant maintenance and disease prevention, and periodontal therapy. Winner of the 2018 Leadership Award in Dental Hygiene and the 2019 Award for Clinical Excellence, Tabitha had dedicated her professional life to continued learning and sharing her passion with the dental community.
Outside of her busy work life of lecturing and working clinically in private practice, Tabitha enjoys volunteering both locally and internationally to raise awareness to change the way oral health care is delivered to patients.
ABOUT: The recently launched EMS AIRFLOW® Dental spa means that you can now experience lighter and brighter clean teeth without the pain! No more mess, no more nails scraping like noise on the blackboard, and no more cold water. AIRFLOW® is a revolutionary, non-contact form of dental cleaning and prevention. It projects a controlled stream of air, warm water, and powder onto the tooth and in hard-to-reach areas to dislodge and remove food, bacteria, discolouration, and stains. Goodbye coffee and red wine stains! The high-pressure water/air stream cleans your teeth much faster, efficiently, and comfortably than the use of traditional cleaning methods. AIRFLOW® is akin to being at a day spa but instead of beauticians working on your face, your dentist or dental hygienist is gently exfoliating your teeth. With the water in the AIRFLOW® Dental Spa heats up to 40 degrees, it’s a positively warm experience.
To experience the AIRFLOW Dental Spa visit www.airflowdentalspa.com.au to find your closest dental practice. Can’t find a practice near you? Recommend your local dental practice here: www.airflowdentalspa.com.au/suggest-practice
