According to Dental Health Services Victoria oral cancer is on the rise in Victoria.

Further: Oral cancer (including oropharyngeal cancer) is a significant cause of disease burden in Victoria, with an average of 14 new diagnoses and five deaths a week. Oral cancer is often diagnosed late, resulting in a relative five-year survival rate of just 66%.

Who is most at risk?

Oral cancer is the 9th most common cancer in Victorian men and the 16th in Victorian women. Tobacco and alcohol consumption cause three in four cases of oral cancer; and over 70% of oropharyngeal cancers are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Incidence is higher in people over 45, especially men, and disadvantaged groups, who are more likely to smoke or drink and have poorer access to dental care. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have higher rates of oral cancer...

Early detection saves lives

Opportunistic screening is the best way to detect oral cancer early. Oral cancer screening by an oral health professional takes only a short time and is an integral element of routine care. Every patient should be screened regularly, not just those at higher risk. “With earlier diagnosis, a person’s treatment and prognosis can be enormously improved,” says Michael McCullough, Professor of Oral Medicine at the University of Melbourne."

Oral cancer is frequently discovered in the tongue, lips, cheeks and floor of the mouth and is mostly caused by smoking. Look out for white patches in the mouth, sores and ulcers that do not heal within 2 weeks, a lump or thickening in the cheek, red or white patches in the mouth, difficultly chewing or swallowing, difficulty moving the tongue or jaw, numbness in any part of the mouth and swelling of the jaw making dentures uncomfortable recommends the DHSV.

Alcohol consumption and excessive sun exposure to the lips are also factors.

The DHSV further recommends that eating well to improve your general health, and reduce the risk of oral cancers, frequent brushing and flossing of teeth and drinking plenty of fluoridated tap water decreases the risk of oral cancer. 

General oral hygiene is an especially important consideration which should not be ignored.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

Dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Victorian dental practices are a permitted workplace. It is important not to delay dental care during the pandemic. Going to the dentist for check-ups every six–12 months helps to prevent dental problems or find them early. If you notice any signs of a dental problem, visit your dentist to avoid any problems becoming worse.

Visiting the dentist

It is safe to attend dental appointments, as dental practices have strict infection control procedures in place, and other measures to protect patients and staff, including COVIDSafe Plans. Dental practices may ask patients if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been somewhere that may have exposed them to COVID-19 before dental appointments.

If you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 and are required to quarantine, or you are experiencing cold and flu symptoms, please delay your dental appointment and get tested for COVID-19. You must stay at home and isolate until you receive your test result. For further information, visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website or call the Victorian coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

Note: This information was updated 1 October. As COVID-19 infection rates and restrictions change, so too may the restrictions around dental treatment. Check back before your dental appointment or phone your dentist to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Caring for your teeth

For tips and advice about taking care of your oral health, view our fact sheets. We have a range of fact sheets freely available to download with vital information about caring for your teeth, including two new 'COVID-19 pandemic: Getting your dental health back on track' fact sheets. Download Part 1 | Download Part 2

Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch

See you soon!

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

The Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB) welcomes the announcement today to lift the restriction to provide only urgent dental care when Melbourne moves to the Second Step on the road map on 28 September 2020.

When Stage 4 restrictions were introduced, one of the requirements was that only urgent dental treatment could be performed. Whilst this was seen as a necessary step to restrict the movement of people at the peak of the pandemic in Victoria, the continuation of restrictions had the potential to impact on dental health.

The easing of restrictions from 28 September means that patients will now be able to attend for non-urgent procedures such as routine examinations, preventive and restorative treatment, dentures and orthodontic care.

“We want to assure our patients that it remains safe to visit the dentist, and people should not put off attending if they have a problem,” said Dr Pacella. “We want to thank our patients for their understanding during this difficult time and look forward to seeing them soon.’" ADAVB

Wheelers Hill Dental thanks you for your patience and understanding during these trying times.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

Latest from the ADA:

Being healthy is something that most of us aim for.
 
We brush our teeth twice a day. We go for a jog around the neighbourhood. We eat a handful of nuts instead of chomping on a chocolate. We see our doctor whenever we don’t feel well.

But are you aware that all your good work could be being undone by sugars lurking in the depths of many of the processed food items you consume?

Sugar is everywhere in supermarket staples, even some that might appear to be healthy on the surface, and so this Dental Health Week (3 - 9 August), we’re pulling back the sugary curtain to show you what’s really in the food you eat, and how this information can help you be healthier all over but especially in your mouth.

In other words, we want you to become more “sugar savvy”.

Dental Health Week is an annual event run by the Australian Dental Association which aims to make everyone aware of the key things they need to do to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Hiding in plain sight
You might think that a little extra sugar here and there isn’t such a big deal, but the odds are that you are taking in far more than you realise. 

Figures show that the average Australian is consuming 14 teaspoons of sugar a day, a whole lot more than the maximum six teaspoons a day recommended by the World Health Organisation for increased health benefits such as decreasing the risk of tooth decay, which is having a profoundly negative effect on Australia’s dental health as revealed by Australia’s Oral Health Tracker (ada.org.au/oralhealthtracker).

To help you get within the recommended range, and be healthier into the bargain, this year’s Dental Health Week is all about showing you what daily sugar consumption level looks like in relation to the food you eat, how to read a food label so you can see what’s really in your food, and how sugar can negatively affect your dental health.

Beyond that, we want to show how easy it is to keep your teeth and gums healthy by following a few simple tips.

Brushing
If you're like most people, there’s not a whole of brushing going on. In fact, only 50% of Australians brush twice a day. The reality is that a quick, occasional dash along your teeth with a hope and a prayer is not going to cut it. As your dentist will tell you, you need to brush for at least two minutes twice a day, taking care to use a soft-bristled toothbrush (they're less damaging to your teeth and gums than their harder counterparts) to clean your teeth systematically along all surfaces, always brushing in small, circular motions. 

Flossing
Flossing (or using an interdental brush) once a day is important because it removes plaque from between your teeth which goes a long way in helping to prevent gum disease, tooth decay and halitosis ("bad breath"). It's not something that should be rushed either. Take your time, using a gentle side-to-side motion with about 45cm wound around your middle fingers and thumb. If you're not sure about the right technique, have a chat to your dentist who can show you all the right flossing moves.
Say "Hello!" To your dentist
If you have a regular dentist, and it is a good idea to have one since it means your teeth will get the consistent care they need, you should be seeing them more often than you probably are, with one survey revealing that 65% of Australians have not seen a dentist in the last two years. Yup, that’s right – two whole years. Sure, that’s extra time for catching on Game of Thrones but is it good for your teeth, and the health of your whole mouth? Not really. You should really be seeing your dentist every 6 to 12 months or as needed to keep on top of your dental health.

Eat and drink well
Beyond limiting the sugar you eat, we recommend drinking more tap water, avoid snacking between meals, instead sticking to three meals a day and concentrating on the good stuff like vegetables and dairy products. Of course, before you make any major dietary changes, first check with a healthcare professional.

How do we know the average Aussie isn’t giving their dental health the required amount of attention? Australia’s Oral Health Tracker, launched last year and updated in 2020, is a national report card on the health of our mouths and how this impacts how healthy we are overall. You can find out more about how healthy we are and how healthy we’d like to be at ada.org.au/oralhealthtracker

ADA

Also look at our article entitled “PUSH FOR MORE TRANSPARENT SUGAR LABELLING” by clicking:

https://wheelershilldental.com/news/push-for-more-transparent-sugar-labelling

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

Thank you so very much for your “epic” self portrait (to quote Cooper verbatim) Blake and Brock Carson and to all the Teachers of Australia for refusing to let Covid 19 stop us from learning. Love from Dr Saw, Janet, Cooper, Sean and Kevin.

Thanks Brock and Blake for my 10th Birthday present. The BB-8 is EPIC! Can’t wait to hang out with you guys in the clinic soon. Cooper Saw.

Is it safe to visit the dentist?

Australian dental practitioners have the highest infection control standards in the world and the safety of their patients and their teams is a cornerstone of Australian dental practice. Dentists are now at ‘Level 1’ restrictions; this means where appropriate, dentists may take extra precautions, and if required you will be advised of these.

Can I be treated for a dental emergency if I have COVID-19?

If you need urgent dental care and think you may have COVID-19, it’s important to call your dentist and discuss your situation.

If you have a dental emergency and have been diagnosed with COVID-19, dental treatment is available as an in-patient or within a hospital setting by appropriately trained and credential-led dental personnel.

What should I expect if I do see my dentist?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional steps are being made to stop the spread of the virus. You might see an empty waiting room and be asked to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser as you enter the practice. Your dentist will ask you to do a mouthwash prior to treatment and may use a ‘rubber dam’ to perform any emergency treatment. All of these measures are designed to minimise any risk to you and to the practice team.

What should I do if I'm half way through my treatment?

If your treatment has already begun and you are scheduled to have it finished, you should contact your dentist to discuss whether it's safe to defer the treatment. If your treatment cannot be deferred, your dentist will complete the work taking extra precautions or refer you to someone who is able to complete it.

Should you have any further queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Wheelers Hill Dental.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

I’m going to have it framed and hang it in my office!

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

It’s time to think of your teeth. As coronavirus restictions are eased and dental practices open up for the full range of dental procedures once again, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is reminding people to book an appointment with their dentist.

“For the past six weeks dentists have only seen patients on an emergency basis,” said ADA President Dr Carmelo Bonanno. “The coronavirus pandemic resulted in a restricted range of dental services that could be offered to the general public.

“We’re pleased that people can now resume routine dental treatment, including any procedures they started before the pandemic struck.”

The ADA is concerned that people may have neglected their teeth whilst stuck at home during the pandemic. In addition, while people are at home, they could be more open to the temptations of sugary pantry treats more often than usual.

“We’re anticipating a rush of people back to the dentist. Why not also get children’s teeth checked while they’re spending less time at school due to COVID-19?”

It’s a good time to also remind people that everyone has their part to play in maintaining optimal oral health with four regular practices:

- Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride,
- Floss daily to remove bits of food stuck between the teeth,
- Reduce sugar intake - most adults still consume far too much sugar. The World Health Organisation recommends limiting sugar to no more than six teaspoons a day or 24 grams,
- See your dentist regularly.

For more information please contact the ADA.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

As advised by the federal Australia Dental Association (ADA) on Friday 8 May, Australia has now moved to Level 1 dental practice restrictions on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee. The Dental Board of Australia has confirmed that these changes take effect immediately. Level 1 restrictions are now in effect in Victoria.

For more information please contact the ADA.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has answered some common questions pertaining to methods used to help prevent coronavirus infection:

CAN GARGLING MOUTHWASH PROTECT YOU FROM INFECTION WITH THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?

No. There is no evidence that using mouthwash will protect you from infection with the new coronavirus. Some brands of mouthwash can eliminate certain microbes for a few minutes in the saliva in your mouth. However, this does not mean they protect you from 2019-nCoV infection.

ARE ANTIBIOTICS EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING AND TREATING THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. Therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalised for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

ARE HAND DRYERS EFFECTIVE IN KILLING THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?

No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels.

DO VACCINES AGAINST PNEUMONIA PROTECT YOU AGAINST THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?

No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus. The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine.

HOW EFFECTIVE ARE THERMAL SCANNERS IN DETECTING PEOPLE INFECTED WITH THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?

Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever because of infection with the new coronavirus. However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.

IS IT SAFE TO RECEIVE A LETTER OR A PACKAGE FROM CHINA?

Yes, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus. From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects.

DOES THE NEW CORONAVIRUS AFFECT OLDER PEOPLE, OR ARE YOUNGER PEOPLE ALSO SUSCEPTIBLE?

People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC MEDICINES TO PREVENT OR TREAT THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?

To date, there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the new coronavirus. However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimised supportive care. Some treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials.

CAN SPRAYING ALCOHOL OR CHLORINE ALL OVER YOUR BODY KILL THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?

No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to the mouth and eyes. Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.

CAN REGULARLY RINSING YOUR NOSE WITH SALINE HELP PREVENT INFECTION WITH THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?

No. There is no evidence that regular rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.

CAN PETS AT HOME SPREAD THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?

At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.

For more coronavirus disease advice please contact the WHO on +41-22-7912111.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) advocated that recent premium hike demands of some private health insurers were driven by profits rather than providing comprehensive care to patients.

The aforementioned correlated with recent advice from the Australian Prudential Authority (APRA) which insisted that medical devices were not a justifiable reason to increase premiums. Health Minister Greg Hunt had been pressured by the ADA to rethink health insurer’s demands.

“These APRA results show that costs are reducing for health insurers in many areas of their business,” said Dr Carmelo Bonanno, President of the ADA. “The ADA calls on Greg Hunt to insist insurers keep premium increases to a minimum next April..."

Subsequently on Saturday 7 December 2019 Health Minister Greg Hunt said he had approved a 2.92 per cent increase in prices from April, which will be the lowest average premium increase in 19 years and introduced reforms to the cost of medical devices.

A welcome change.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

A recent article published by Professor Leandro Martins, of the Institute of Chemistry Unesp, warns that one of the biggest problems of dental teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity.

Therefore, finding professional treatments that bring greater safety is paramount in his expert opinion. Professor Martins believes that "with low concentration carbamide peroxide, Pola Night bleach has high water content, neutral pH, desensitisers and viscosity." These characteristics respond to patient’s demands for an effective result with production against sensitivity and irritation.

It is further recommended that a gingival barrier to protect gums and soft tissues during in-surgery whitening to arches, slightly overlapping enamel and interproximal spaces significantly reduce excessive crevicular fluid to ensure a good seal and avoid peroxide contacting, burning and damaging the soft tissue. Cheek reactors are also recommended in my opinion.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

Australian parliament ministers both federal and state are advocating that Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) re-evaluate nutrition labelling for added sugars.

Currently food labelling regulations do not require food and drink manufacturers to differentiate between added and naturally occurring sugars on their labels. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA) added sugar is also disguised as cane syrup, fructose and dextrose in the ingredients panel.

“At the moment consumers may look at labels and not be able to recognise how much is added sugar – so separating natural from added sweeteners on nutrition panels would provide the information shoppers need to make informed choices,” said Dr Mikaela Chinotti of the ADA.

It is interesting to note that the World Health Organisation recommends just six teaspoons as our daily limit to prevent tooth decay. In contrast, soft drinks contain up to a staggering 16 teaspoons of sugar in one 600ml bottle. In addition, transparent labelling will allow consumers to ascertain exactly how much added sugar is in products such as cereals, sauces and muesli bars.

The ADA’s view is that the move for more transparent sugar labelling is long overdue. For further information please contact the ADA on 02 8815 3333

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research the majority of Americans suffer from Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease).

Periodontal Disease is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth and is mainly attributed to bacteria in the mouth which leads to the build up of plaque.

In the initial stage (Gingivitis) the gums proliferate and have the propensity to bleed. In its more serious form (Periodontitis) the gums recede from teeth, bone can be lost, and teeth may loosen and/or completely detach (as stated by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Bad breath may also transpire. Research conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology has demonstrated that the use of lasers in conjunction with scaling and root planning ameliorate the efficacy of this procedure.

Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) involves using lasers to vaporise and eliminate diseased tissue and in turn cauterise the wound. According to Dr Joseph Zelig, a renowned Periodontist, “using lasers represents the leading-edge treatment to fight periodontal disease.

Lasers provide a revolutionary and painless option to kill harmful oral bacteria, plus they allow you to preserve teeth that may have been lost with standard treatments". Other applications also include treating ulcers and abscesses. For further information about Wheelers Hill Dental's use of LANAP please contact us.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is essentially pain and stiffness in the jaw. TMD disorders affect the temporomandibular joint positioned on either side of an individual’s head in front of the ears.

In order for the joint to move fluently, levelly and steadily the temporomandibular joint (a soft cartilage disk) acts as a buffer between the bones of the joint.

According to the Mayo Clinic in The Unites States of America, TMD may be due to genetics, arthritis and injury to the jaw. Further, individuals with Bruxism (teeth grinding) may develop TMD. Pursuant to an article in the American Academy of Orofacial Pain entitled “Temporomandibular Joint Disorders” one of the most common causes of TMD is Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by an autoimmune problem which can attack any joint in the human body, causing inflammation which is often excruciating. More than 50 per cent of individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis suffer from jaw pain according to the article. Signs and symptoms of TMD may include: pain and/or tenderness in the jaw, aching facial pain; pain in and around the ear; difficulty chewing; pain in the temporomandibular joint; and locking of the joint.

TMD is treated primarily by medications (pain relievers and anti-inflammatories), surgery (open-joint surgery) and nondrug therapies such as oral splints or mouth guards. For further information, please contact us. Dr

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

According to findings published in ACS Nano (a monthly, peer-reviewed, scientific journal published by the American Chemical Society), a membrane implanted into the gums of rodents may assist in periodontal tissue regeneration (regrowing tissue destroyed by gum disease).

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is in the process of growing and fostering a membrane that may potentially augment and intensify periodontal tissue regeneration by coating nanofibrous membranes with polydopamine (a man-made polymer). This coating, according to the study, may assist in bone mineralisation by enthralling calcium and phosphate ions.

When scientists at UCLA implanted said membranes into the gums of rodents with periodontal defects, a significant bone regeneration increase was evident within a very short period of time. This discovery may have the potential to aid in the healing and prevention of infections commonly associated with periodontal disease.

For more information please contact UCLA on +1-310-825-4321.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental

Some toothpaste manufacturers claim that activated charcoal can take in or soak up stains on teeth, thus whitening teeth.

Activated charcoal commonly used to neutralise poisons that have been ingested accidentally or deliberately by individuals thus facilitating the ousting of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract, is industrially treated charcoal.

Although there is some evidence according to the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) July 2019 publication that activated charcoal can be efficacious in some cases at reducing stains and whitening teeth, activated charcoal, like many whitening products can be abrasive.

This has the potential to damage enamel on teeth. In fact, charcoal can have the adverse affect of staining teeth when it becomes stuck in cracks in the teeth and embedded at the extremity of fillings.

In conclusion, “whitening toothpastes have limited results and you may need to speak to your dentist about effective alternatives...” says The ADA.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental