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Quick Tips For Choosing A Holistic Dentist

14 May 2024 by almcl91

It can be difficult to make a decision when looking for a holistic dentist.

Most people who actively seek out a holistic dentist are far more conscious about their health than the average customer. These sorts of people do a lot of research on things like what sort of materials and technology are used and the dentist’s personal philosophy on controversial matters. The chances are if you are reading this page – you are currently going through this research process yourself.

To make things easier when choosing your holistic dentist, Laser + Holistic Dental has outlined some key areas for you to focus your research on. Remember there is a lot of misleading information on the internet, some of it comes from those who use ‘holistic’ as a buzzword and some of it comes from those who make claims that are not grounded in scientific fact.

Some Things To Consider:

Ask any new prospective holistic dentist some of these questions.

Do they use mercury amalgam, and if not – what are the reasons for their choice?
Are they SMART certified for removing mercury amalgam fillings?
What sort of resin fillings do they use – are they familiar with the chemical composition?
Do they use metals or biocompatible alternative products?
What sort of technology to they integrate into root canal procedures to ensure good patient outcomes?
How do they address radiology needs and limiting radiation exposure?

For more information you might like to read this blog post.

You might also like to learn more about Laser + Holistic Dental’s five point treatment philosophy.

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Fact vs Fiction on Professional Teeth Whitening – Whitening Wisdom: Part Three

13 May 2024 by almcl91

Part one of our Whitening Wisdom series looked at how and why teeth stain, and which foods are the main culprits. Part two examined which home whitening remedies are effective, which are dangerous and which are just marketing spin.

The simple fact is that people are investing more money into looking good – and the teeth whitening industry as a whole has benefited from that. We wrote these Whitening Wisdom articles to offer a well researched, balanced perspective on teeth whitening without the spin.

At Laser + Holistic Dental we have been offering professional whitening services for a long time and have seen the rise and fall of fad products – both for consumers and professionals. With advancements in technology over the last few years – we believe that a combination of laser teeth whitening and high quality gels for home use is the best way to get a great whitening result that actually lasts.

In this article Dr Simon Javadi goes through a range of common points of interest that we are often asked about, and compares the different treatments available on the market to see what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to professional teeth whitening.

Facts vs Fiction

Anyone have a pearly white, celebrity smile through teeth whitening.

Unfortunately there are a lot of unrealistic expectations when it comes to teeth whitening as the result of ‘the perfect smile’ being heavily used in marketing images. A lot of marketing images are heavily edited, and for most celebrities – they actually have veneers.

It is important to understand that some stains are intrinsic – they are inside the structure of the tooth often due to developmental defects of the enamel or dentine.

Some types of medical treatments will also cause staining of the teeth. Dr Simon says “when you have intrinsic stains in the teeth, it can be very challenging to get complete resolution and an even whitening result.”

As we know from Whitening Wisdom Part One – teeth whitening works by triggering a chemical reaction to break down chromophores in the outer layer of tooth structure. Intrinsic stains caused by pharmaceuticals or genetic factors will not be treated by teeth whitening.

Dr Simon suggests “if you are self conscious about the appearance of your teeth and have intrinsic staining, then a cosmetic restoration using veneers will be your best treatment option.”

Verdict: Fiction

Most images of the ‘perfect smile’ are either edited or are the result of veneers – not teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening works well, but it cannot deliver the perfect smile to everyone.

Professional whitening at the dentist rarely every works.

According to Dr Simon, “professional whitening is like any other dental treatment and needs to be prescribed specifically for that patient after they have been assessed for their suitability, the potential risks and benefits, as well as their individual goals. All teeth have an ability to become lighter in shade. Some people will experience vast improvement, whilst in others the improvement may be only moderate – this, in most instances, depends on the initial or base line shade of the teeth.”

Verdict: Fiction

There are some types of teeth which are difficult to whiten, no matter what method is used – but for many people professional whitening delivers great results. Everyone is a little bit different, so to find out if professional teeth whitening is going to work for you – ask your dentist.

Peroxide is dangerous and should be avoided for teeth whitening.

High concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can be harmful – which is why it must be legally administered by a professional. “Five to ten years ago the regulations around the use of peroxide was not regulated properly, and a lot of people ended up with burned lips and damaged gums,” says Dr Simon – “using peroxide in high concentrations for whitening is dangerous when it isn’t done in a professional environment. A properly trained dentist will take precautions when using peroxide, so when it is used correctly it is actually very safe.”

“It is really important to understand that most peroxide gels have different chemical structures – one brand will not be the same as another. We are very strict about what gels we use and provide our patients at Laser + Holistic Dental. Poor quality gels will have degraded a lot, which increases the acidity and is likely to cause sensitivity and potentially damage to the tooth enamel. If your gel isn’t constantly kept cool and away from UV light it will be degraded before you even use it.”

Verdict: Part Fact, Part Fiction

Poor quality gels are degraded and highly acidic – which poses a risk to your teeth. Ask Laser + Holistic Dental about which whitening gels are high quality, and which are not. Don’t use degraded whitening gels! Also remember – high concentrations of peroxide can cause burns so should only be used by professionals.

There is no difference between dentists who offer professional teeth whitening.

Any dentist can whiten their patient’s teeth – the difference comes down to their understanding of the whitening reaction, their experience and the technology that they use. Dr Simon points out “the main difference between dentists is going to be their choice of gels and the equipment that they use to whiten a patient’s teeth. There are a whole range of gels on the market and a few different whitening technologies such as LED or laser activated teeth whitening.”

At Laser + Holistic Dental our teeth whitening protocol has been extensively researched and trialled by our dental team to make sure we are using the best products available.

Verdict: Fiction

It is important to find out how deep a dentist’s understanding of their whitening process is. Do they use a quality gel? Has the gel been cooled to keep it chemically stable? Does it have a range of additives? Does it have a neutral pH to protect tooth enamel?
If they are using a light activated whitening method – which technology is it? Does it heat the tooth pulp as a side effect? If so, how do they manage sensitivity?
If a dentist cannot answer questions like these, then they are not going to deliver the highest standard of teeth whitening available.

My natural home remedy is just as good as professional teeth whitening.

This topic was covered in detail in Whitening Wisdom Part Two. There are very few home whitening remedies that actually work, and some are very dangerous to your teeth. Check out the other article to look at whitening methods like charcoal, turmeric, baking soda, lemon juice and the popular social media whitening kits.

Dr Simon says “most of the home whitening kits on social media may seem appealing with minimal equipment and ingredients, short application times and the convenience factor. They do not stand up scientifically, so you should not expect a great result for the amount of money invested.”

Verdict: Fiction

A lot of home remedies damage the enamel surface through abrasion or acidity. Most of the social media whitening devices do not use the right wavelength of light to activate the gels, and the gels certainly will not have been kept cold so they are likely to be degraded and acidic.

Teeth whitening can damage the nerves of your teeth, causing pain and sensitivity.

Teeth whitening does not have any impact on the nerve of the tooth, however it can definitely play a role in sensitivity. “This is a complex topic that is not completely understood – the general theory is that oxidising compounds such as hydrogen peroxide interact with chemosensitive ion channels (TRPA1) within the dental pulp to trigger tooth sensitivity” says Dr Simon.

“When whitening is carried out by a properly trained professional teeth whitening is very safe and poses no risk of damaging the nerves of teeth. Sensitivity can be common after professional whitening but will be substantially reduced by using quality gels, Er:YAG laser energy and assessing the patient for any areas like exposed roots which will be more sensitive than the normal tooth surface.”

Verdict: Fiction

Teeth whitening cannot damage tooth nerves, however it may cause increased sensitivity if you have receding gums and your tooth roots are exposed. There are a number of ways to reduce sensitivity – ask the Laser + Holistic Dental team about our whitening protocol to find out more.

Teeth whitening results are permanent.

Dr Simon says “this is actually a common misconception about teeth whitening treatments. Most people will never return to their original shade so their is going to be a long term benefit from professional teeth whitening. However certain foods, drinks and lifestyle habits will take their toll over time and slowly stain your teeth again.”

“To maintain your white smile over time we recommend that you have custom whitening trays made so you can regularly boost your smile at home after the in-chair whitening procedure.”

Verdict: Fiction

Professional whitening does lighten your smile – even in the long term. However for optimal results you will need to regularly whiten at home with one of our take home kits.

In chair, professional teeth whitening gets you an instant result.

Teeth whitening results ultimately will vary from person to person – “a significant improvement is noticeable in a short period of time and largely depends on the baseline teeth shade. Patient’s who are wishing to achieve that ‘Hollywood smile’ will often need to continue with home whitening treatments” says Dr Simon.

Verdict: Fiction

You will normally see a substantial improvement after a professional in-chair whitening treatment, however the best results will take a few weeks of home whitening as well.

Bleaching & Whitening Gels

Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are basically the same thing.

This is not really true – although the different gels work in nearly the same way. “Hydrogen peroxide is released when carbamide peroxide breaks down. Hydrogen peroxide is more reactive so it releases most of its whitening power in the first 30-60 minutes whereas carbamide peroxide will release about half of its whitening power in the first two hours, and will remain active for another six hours after that,” explains Dr Simon.

Verdict: Fiction

Hydrogen peroxide is more reactive which is why it should be used in a professional environment, carbamide peroxide is slower to activate so it is best suited to at home whitening use.

All teeth whitening gels damage your tooth enamel.

“The risks to tooth enamel come from the concentration of acid in the gels. When peroxide gels break down and degrade they naturally become more acidic – so poor quality gels are more likely to harm your tooth enamel.” Dr Simon stresses “it is really important to use a whitening gel with a neutral pH so you know it has not been chemically degraded.”

A quality, neutral pH whitening gel will reduce the risk and the severity of tooth sensitivity. Make sure your whitening gels have been kept cold at all times and have not been exposed to sunlight.

Verdict: Fiction

It is important to understand that there are quality whitening gels, and poor quality whitening gels. The latter are a risk to your tooth enamel.

It is very important to keep whitening gels cold.

This is a really important point. Dr Simon discusses, “the chemical structure of whitening gels will break down when they are not kept cool. For the product to be effective at whitening teeth it needs to maintain the potential of the chemical reaction. Our supplier is the only one on the market that keeps the gels cool throughout the whole delivery process to ensure the product remains stable meaning you are going to get a better whitening result.”

Verdict: Fact

Cool temperatures stop whitening gels from chemically degrading which means they will have a better whitening effect and will not be as acidic as gels kept at room temperature.

Whitening gels can have some nasty chemical additives.

Many brands will add chemicals such as sodium benzoate and/or methyl propylparaben to act as antimicrobial agents and improve the shelf life of the product. Some chemical stabilisers will be added in an attempt to reduce the cost of shipping and storage so that the gels do not need to be kept cool.
Unfortunately, most standard bleaching gels still break down when exposed to normal temperatures and sunlight – reducing the effectiveness of the gel and increasing the acidity and the risk of damaging your tooth enamel.

Dr Simon says “Good quality products that ensure cold chain delivery and correct storage eliminate the need for most of these additives and result in a better whitening outcome with reduced side effects like sensitivity. Some gels that require the use of additional chemical stabilisers to avoid the need for refrigeration create an osmotic ‘pull’ on the dentinal tubular fluid inside the teeth – which can increase the risk of sensitivity.”

Verdict: Fact

Some gels do have a lot of chemical additives which are designed to improve shelf life and profit margins. These gels are likely to cause tooth sensitivity and may also be more acidic that a high quality, neutral pH gel.
With teeth whitening gels – you will get what you pay for. Ask the team at Laser + Holistic Dental about the teeth whitening products we actually recommend.

At Home Teeth Whitening Kits

You need custom whitening trays to fit your teeth.

Dr Simon weighs in – “Yes – a custom whitening tray ensures optimum results and helps to protect your gums. A stock tray that has not been designed for your teeth will lead to an uneven spread of gel which means you may end up with too much gel on one tooth and too little on another. This will result in uneven whitening. Stock trays also often end up with the patient loading too much gel which causes irritation of the gums.”

Verdict: Fact

If you want to get a good, professional teeth whitening result then you definitely need custom whitening trays.

You need to whiten your teeth every one or two days.

Your dentist will advise you on how often you should be whitening to get the desired result. Dr Simon explains “ Home whitening should take place until the desired outcome is reached – usually within about two weeks. Once your teeth have reached the target shade then you will not need to keep whitening at home. If desired results have not been reached after two weeks it is important to check back in with your dentist. ”

“ Whitening agents are chemically active components with potential to substantially alter the structure of dental enamel if overused. Some of the risks include increased porosity of the superficial enamel structure, demineralization and decreased protein concentration, organic matrix degradation, modification in the calcium:phosphate ratio, and calcium loss.”

Long term and excessive teeth whitening can eventually lead to a condition called external resorption. This is very difficult to treat and in most cases leads to having the affected teeth extracted.

Laser + Holistic Dental has designed our whitening protocol to include a range of mineralising pastes and Vitamin C hydrogels which support enamel health and protect teeth against the possibility of demineralisation.

Verdict: Fiction

Whitening every day would be excessive use that does pose some serious risks. You should not need to whiten very often once the first course of whitening has been completed – ask your dentist about what they recommend.
To look after your teeth as well as possible, make sure you use the mineralising pastes and hydrogels – check with the team at Laser + Holistic Dental about these.

Home whitening gels always make your teeth sensitive.

Teeth sensitivity will come down to three main things – the formulation of the whitening gel, the type of whitening method used and individual variation.
Dr Simon says “some people naturally have sensitive teeth and will not find it comfortable to whiten every day. Personally I find my teeth getting sensitive if I whiten for five consecutive days. Things like receded gums that expose the tooth root will make sensitivity issues worse. When I am assessing a patient as a candidate for teeth whitening I’ll identify individual factors that may play a role in sensitivity and discuss those with the patient.”

With a good quality gel, the risks of teeth sensitivity are going to be reduced substantially. If you are getting bad sensitivity, switch to a better whitening gel. Dr Simon recommends that “if you cannot tolerate liquids at room temperature then it is best to stop whitening and start daily use of the ACP mineralising paste that we give our patients. Once room temperature liquids are no longer a problem then you can start whitening again. Some people may be better off ‘pulsing’ their whitening to complete their home whitening plan. Instead of whitening every day, try every second or third day.”

The type of whitening method used will also play a big role in sensitivity – some types of lasers and LED lights will heat the tooth pulp which will trigger nerve pain. Make sure that your dentist is using a Er:YAG laser so this does not become a problem.

Verdict: Fiction

Sensitivity is a common issue with whitening, but it can be easily reduced for most people. Use a high quality gel without the additives that increase sensitivity, if your professional whitening is light activated – only see a dentist that uses a Er:YAG laser to avoid heating the tooth pulp, and finally do not over do it! If you have sensitive teeth, break up your whitening schedule and use your mineralising paste and Vitamin C hydrogel.

In-chair LED whitening

A LED is the best way to professionally whiten teeth.

Dr Simon discusses the LED technology – “without getting too technical, the theory behind a LED light is to activate the whitening gel which increases the speed of the chemical reaction that whitens your teeth. In reality the heat from the LED light actually causes short term dehydration of the tooth which makes the teeth appear whiter. The heat created can be damaging to the nerve and pulp within each tooth which is one of the main causes of tooth sensitivity.”

“In my opinion LED technology is definitely not the best way whiten your teeth.”

Verdict: Fiction

LEDs are not that effective and the heat penetrating into the tooth pulp is likely to cause sensitivity after the treatment.

Some lights will damage your lips and gums.

This idea comes from back when whitening technology used UV lamps to activate the whitening gels. This is an outdated technology and is not recommended by Laser + Holistic Dental. UV lamps for whitening pose the same risk as tanning beds – potentially damaging sensitive tissues.
It would be rare to find a dental clinic that uses UV technology in Melbourne, most have switched to LED lamps, and the best ones will be using laser teeth whitening.

Verdict: Fact

UV teeth whitening exposes you to unnecessary radiation – to protect your lips and gums avoid it!

LED lights have UV which can be harmful.

Dr Simon says “ UV light has a different wavelength to visible light (LED light) on the electromagnetic spectrum. LED lights do not emit UV light so there is no risk of harm from UV exposure. ”

Verdict: Fiction

LED technology uses a different wavelength of light that does not contain UV radiation.

Laser Teeth Whitening

There is no difference between laser whitening and LED whitening.

“The principles behind professional whitening user a LED light or a laser are basically the same,” says Dr Simon. “The idea is that the light sources accelerate the whitening reaction using heat. With a LED light there is no targeting of the heat so it heats up the tooth as well as the gel which can cause sensitivity. The scientific research on LED whitening found that there was little advantage for the price the average patient will pay. Laser’s also vary in effectiveness for whitening – the best type is an Er:YAG laser that can accelerate the whitening action of the gel without actually heating the tooth pulp.”

Verdict: Fiction

The scientific research on LED whitening found the technology to not offer a significant advantage over home whitening, with the increased risks of tooth sensitivity. Laser whitening has been proven to be more effective, and with the right laser the risks of sensitivity are greatly reduced.

Laser Teeth Whitening is a popular procedure at Laser + Holistic Dental. The combination of our Er:YAG laser, high quality gels and home teeth whitening kit ensures a great whitening result with minimal risk of sensitivity or damage to tooth enamel.

Dental lasers for teeth whitening come in a range of different types.

According to Dr Simon “there are a few different types of lasers that are used for teeth whitening. The best type of laser for whitening is the Er:YAG because the energy is fully absorbed by the water content of the whitening gel. The Er:YAG uses energy to laser activate the gel, accelerating the whitening effect without heating the underlying tooth pulp like a diode laser or LED light. The Er:YAG is able to speed up whitening without the risks of increased sensitivity and shooting pain that can happen when you expose the tooth to a lot of heat.”

Verdict: Fact

There are big differences in the types of lasers and the energy they emit. If a dental clinic is offering laser whitening, find out what sort of laser they use because the effectiveness of the whitening and comfort of the treatment will depend on it.

Laser teeth whitening will make your teeth more sensitive.

This depends on the type of laser being used – if the laser energy gets absorbed by the tooth then that is likely to cause tooth sensitivity after the treatment. Dr Simon says “at Laser + Holistic Dental we only use the Er:YAG lasers for teeth whitening so there is no heating of the tooth pulp. This means you can get a faster whitening reaction without painful symptoms like those common with LED and diode laser whitening treatments. We also use the best whitening gels on the market which are chemically unique and help to reduce sensitivity.”

“We take our patient’s comfort seriously – even after they have left the dental chair. Our professional teeth whitening method is going to be the best whitening option available for those who are concerned about sensitivity.”

Verdict: Part Fact, Part Fiction

A diode laser will cause tooth sensitivity after a whitening treatment because it heats up the tooth pulp. An Er:YAG laser like what we use at Laser + Holistic Dental doesn’t heat the pulp so this treatment is much better for people with sensitive teeth.

The Whitening Wisdom Series

If you would like to read part one and two, please use the links below.

Can a healthy diet damage the appearance of your teeth? Whitening Wisdom: Part One

Spoilt For Choice – What Teeth Whitening Works & What Doesn’t. Whitening Wisdom: Part Two

Laser + Holistic Dental is a holistic dentist in Melbourne, Australia.

Located in South Yarra, Laser + Holistic Dental offers a new approach to teeth whitening using a combination of special lasers, high quality whitening gels and calcium mineral pastes.

For a whiter, healthier smile without any of the common sensitivity issues – get in touch to find out more.

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Spoilt For Choice – What Teeth Whitening Works & What Doesn’t. Whitening Wisdom: Part Two

13 May 2024 by almcl91

In part one of the Whitening Wisdom series, we discussed how lots of foods – even very healthy ones can cause teeth staining. In this article we will go through a whole range of common whitening methods, teeth whitening home remedies, internet whitening fads and the professional whitening options. Getting to the bottom of which teeth whitening technique works bests and what doesn’t work at all can be tricky – if you’ve been doing your own research then this article should be a good resource for you.

To make things easier we have split the main whitening treatments into four categories:

Natural Teeth Whitening Remedies
Over The Counter Whitening Products
Internet Based Whitening Products
Professional Teeth Whitening

Natural Teeth Whitening Remedies

Natural teeth whitening remedies have been around for centuries. The ancient Egyptians used pumice and vinegar, and the Romans believed that urine was effective at teeth whitening. Thankfully the popular natural teeth whitening remedies are much more civilised in today’s age!

The most common options that are claimed to be effective at whitening teeth are:

Oil Pulling
Charcoal Brushing
Turmeric Brushing
Baking Soda Brushing
Lemon Juice Teeth Whitening
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses

Oil Pulling

Oil Pulling is usually done with coconut or sesame oil – there may be some oral health benefits to oil pulling (see our article here), however it is certainly not effective at whitening teeth in the true sense of the word.

The idea behind oil pulling is to dislodge the bacteria that create plaque build up on the teeth. As we found in this article – oil pulling can be helpful for this purpose, and by reducing the bacteria’s ability to stick to the teeth – your teeth may look cleaner.

For a tooth to be whitened – the chemical compounds called chromophores that cause the stains must be broken down and removed (for more information on this read Whitening Wisdom Part One). Oil pulling does not generate a chemical reaction that can break down chromophores and remove them from teeth.

Oil pulling certainly may help your teeth look cleaner, but it will not actually whiten them – any claim that oil pulling is effective at whitening is misleading.

Charcoal Brushing

Brushing with activated charcoal has become popular over the last few years – online stores selling charcoal based toothpastes and toothbrushes have popped up everywhere! Activated charcoal is great for adsorption – which means it attracts other molecules and binds with them.

Activated charcoal bonds to a whole range of things including harmful chemicals, heavy metals and toxins from bacteria like the ones that cause food poisoning.¹ It also can bind to useful things like Vitamin C and Vitamin B6.² Many manufacturers of activated charcoal whitening products claim that these adsorption properties enable ‘toxins’ and ‘chemicals’ that stain the teeth to be removed, resulting in a whiter smile.

As we know from Whitening Wisdom Part One, the main cause of tooth staining is from chromophores in food, usually these come from very healthy chemical compounds in fruits and vegetables – not toxins! The adsorption effect of activated charcoal only works best in the gastro-intestinal tract, which is why it is good for treating food poisoning symptoms. It will not absorb ‘toxins’ from your teeth and make them whiter.

The only way that charcoal whitening can make your teeth whiter is through abrasion – the charcoal particles are brushed onto the surface of the teeth scraping any plaque, biofilms and potentially some of the enamel away. This scraping and abrasion could potentially leave the teeth looking slightly whiter – however because the charcoal is not actually treating the stains in the teeth, the effect is likely to be very small. The abrasive nature of charcoal does pose a real risk to the health of your enamel.³

If you use activated charcoal for whitening, sorry to say that it doesn’t really work. Stick to using activated charcoal tablets for relieving the symptoms of food poisoning on your next holiday instead.

Turmeric Brushing

Turmeric has a very rich colour coming from the compounds like curcumin. We discussed turmeric in Whitening Wisdom Part One as one of the easiest foods to stain your teeth – not whiten them!. In our opinion it is highly unlikely that brushing with turmeric will leave your teeth whiter. Turmeric is very abrasive, similar to charcoal meaning that it will theoretically clean away any plaque buildup on the teeth, but this will also make it easier for staining chromophores to penetrate into the enamel.

We think turmeric brushing for whitening is best avoided.

Baking Soda Brushing

Baking soda is a popular whitening method, however it should be approached with caution. Normally baking soda brushing involves mixing a paste with some water (sometimes lemon or lime juice – more on this below) and then brushing the paste onto the teeth for a few minutes.

Baking soda is mildly abrasive so frequent or hard brushing will cause damage to tooth enamel and the gums. Most people who use baking soda for whitening agree that it should be done sparingly for this reason.

Baking soda can appear to whiten the teeth because of the abrasive properties that clean away plaque build up (the same as charcoal and turmeric but without the strong colours). This isn’t a true teeth whitening effect – however when combined with hydrogen peroxide, baking soda can create a mild oxygen free radical reaction.

This chemical reaction will actually produce a true whitening effect. Keep in mind though that only dental professionals can legally supply high concentration hydrogen peroxide. Any peroxide bought over the counter will be at about a 3% concentration so the chemical reaction will be quite weak and any whitening effects very subtle.

Lemon Juice Teeth Whitening

Whitening with lemon juice is a home remedy that actually poses a serious risk to the health of your teeth. Lemons are extremely acidic with a pH around 2.0 which means it can easily dissolve tooth enamel..⁴ Lemon juice is actually more acidic than Coca-Cola which has a pH of about 2.5. Enamel can never grow back so using lemon for whitening is extremely risky.

Most advocates for lemon juice whitening suggest that the lemon juice is heavily diluted or mixed with baking soda, and sometimes hydrogen peroxide. Once the preferred mixture is prepared you are supposed to gently brush the teeth. Unfortunately any brushing whilst the teeth are exposed to a strongly acidic substance will only damage the enamel further – so we strongly suggest you avoid using lemon juice for any form of teeth whitening.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses

Most Apple Cider Vinegar has a pH of 2.8-3.0 – making it strongly acidic. Apple Cider Vinegar has well documented anti-microbial effects, killing off harmful bacteria during food preparation.⁵ However, this does not make it suitable for teeth whitening in any way. With a strongly acidic pH – Apple Cider Vinegar falls into the same category as lemon juice: dangerous to your tooth enamel.

Any whitening effect from using strongly acidic substances like lemon and apple cider vinegar would come from dissolving the biofilm on the enamel surface, and then the enamel itself. This is not a safe way to whiten your teeth – so we strongly advise you to avoid any of these highly acidic whitening home remedies.

Lemon Juice Teeth Whitening

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses

Over The Counter Whitening Products

For those who have visited their dentist or local chemist seeking whiter teeth know that there are a dizzying number of products available.

What you may not know is that most of these products work the same way – by using abrasion to remove surface stains. These ‘whitening’ products are not actually altering your teeth’s natural color, they simply are just scraping away the biofilm and any extrinsic stains on the tooth enamel surface.

Whitening Toothpastes

This section refers predominantly to traditional whitening toothpastes, for charcoal whitening toothpastes refer to the section on charcoal whitening above.

There are two main types of whitening toothpastes: those that contain abrasive agents to remove any stains on the tooth surface and those that contain active ingredients to chemically whiten the tooth.

The typical abrasive agents include magnesium carbonate, hydrated aluminium oxides and calcium carbonate – at Laser + Holistic Dental we recommend avoiding these types of whitening toothpastes as they make only a very small, if any, impact on the whiteness of your teeth, but pose significant risk in terms of damage to the enamel surface. Some of the abrasive agents like aluminium oxides may pose broader health risks as well so steer clear!

The chemically active whitening toothpastes will normally use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide – both of which are used by dentists in professional whitening treatments. In Australia it is very rare to see whitening toothpastes with these ingredients – most whitening toothpastes here are actually the abrasive kind.

Be wary of products claiming clinically proven benefits of ‘micro crystals’ or ‘micro beads’ – these are simply scratching away the surface of teeth, potentially removing stains, but also potentially damaging your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips are a small adhesive plastic strip, usually with hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient. Because these strips actually use hydrogen peroxide they can break down the stains from chromophores in food that have become embedded in the tooth’s outer surface.

These strips may be appealing because of their relatively cheap prices compared to a professional whitening tray to fit your teeth and high quality whitening gels – however we do have a few concerns about the quality of the typical ingredients, and for this reason we recommend you consider alternative options.

The main ingredients that Laser + Holistic Dental questions for safety concerns are:

Sodium Hydroxide
PVP or Polyvinylpyrrolidone
PEG-8 or Polyethylene Glycol Laurate
Sodium Saccharide
Acrylates copolymer

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide is extremely corrosive, making it useful for industrial strength cleaning products – but perhaps not ideal for whitening gels. Sodium hydroxide can cause severe damage to mucous membranes.⁶ For this reason it poses a risk to the gums and saliva glands in the oral environment and can also burn the throat if accidently swallowed.⁶

At Laser + Holistic Dental we strongly recommend that you avoid using any whitening products that contain this chemical compound.

PVP or Polyvinylpyrrolidone

PVP is a synthetic compound that is commonly used in the cosmetic industry. Generally, it is considered to be safe with an acute oral toxicity dose of 50 > 100g/kg.⁷ There has been some research that suggests PVP is harmful to sperm, and because of this it may pose a risk as a reproductive toxin.⁸

PEG-8 or Polyethylene Glycol Laurate

PEG-8 can contain chemical impurities such as Ethylene Oxide, 1,4-dioxane, PAHs, lead, iron and arsenic.⁹ These chemicals are known to increase the risks of uterine, breast and brain cancers, and leukemia.^{10, 11}

While carcinogenic contaminants are the primary concern, PEG compounds themselves also show some evidence of genotoxicity.¹²

Sodium Saccharide

This is controversial chemical – that was listed as a possible carcinogen for many years. Sodium saccharide has been proven as a carcinogen in rats, however in 2001 the American FDA reversed this compound back to safe status as it was that the factors that caused cancer in rats did not apply to humans.¹³

Saccharins are only used as an artificial sweetener and do not provide any practical benefit for teeth whitening, you may prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid gels that contain this ingredient.

Acrylates copolymer

This ingredient is used mainly for adhesive purposes in hair sprays and nail products, it also commonly found in teeth whitening strips. The polymer is made up of both acrylic and methacrylic acids.

Acrylic acid is known to cause burns and irritate the mucous membranes. It may also pose a cancer risk in animals.¹⁴ There is almost no research on the carcinogenic effects of acrylic acid in humans.

Methacrylic acid is readily absorbed through mucous membranes of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract and the skin; and is rapidly distributed to all major tissues.¹⁵ It is considered highly hazardous if ingested – we think you should avoid this ingredient!

Internet Based Whitening Products

Bleaching Gels

Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide – these are the same active ingredients as the professional gels, however they are in lower concentrations than what is legally allowed for professional use with a dentist.

In Australia, the legal limits are 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide. Anything beyond these concentrations must be administered by a dental professional to avoid the risks of chemical burns to the mouth and throat. Due to illegal business activity from some of these online companies and consequent injury claims – there have been substantial product recalls by the ACCC.¹⁶

Like all things, bleaching gels are not always of the same quality with some containing chemicals like sodium chlorite, sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, potassium nitrate, HEMA or benzalkonium chloride. Nearly all bleaching gels purchased online will also have a very high acidity content. Hydrogen peroxide is very reactive and will degrade if not kept cool and away from light, once the gel is degraded it will be less effective at whitening and also more acidic which means it can damage your enamel. Be wary of any gels that are not kept cool and protected from light during storage and transit.

We strongly recommend that you never purchase any bleaching gels online with concentrations above the legal limit – it is simply not worth the risk.

Whitening Lights

LED Whitening lights have become a social media smash hit, turning 20-something year old entrepreneurs into millionaires thanks to celebrity endorsements and viral social media competitions.

Generally speaking, these companies are certainly good a marketing but perhaps less good at delivering long lasting, quality teeth whitening results.

These devices are concerning for a few main reasons:

1. The LED light is a gimmick.

Professional laser whitening uses a light to accelerate photochemical and photothermal reactions in the professional whitening gels. This means that the chemical reactions are quicker when the right type of light and heat is applied to the right type of gel. The LED light supplied with these devices is nowhere near powerful enough to produce an accelerated whitening effect, and even if it was – it would have to be used with a peroxide based gel (most of these kits do not have peroxide gels – more on this in the next point).

2. The gels do not use professional quality ingredients

Dental professionals use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide – these are scientifically proven whitening gels. Because of the concentrations used by professionals, they are dangerous to members of the public who could accidentally burn their gums or throat. Australian law restricts the sale of high concentration hydrogen peroxide gels because of companies selling dangerous gels direct to consumers. When people reported permanently damaged teeth and burned gums the regulators cracked down. Now – online whitening companies are using alternative ingredients to sidestep the legal regulations.

Sodium chlorite is the most common ‘active ingredient’. At Laser + Holistic Dental we are concerned about sodium chlorite, as it is well documented as highly toxic when swallowed and has the potential to cause burns.¹⁷ Most companies do not specify the concentration of sodium chlorite in their gels. It is highly likely that people using these products will be accidentally swallowing or absorbing sodium chlorite through the mucosal tissues inside their mouths. Ongoing use could potentially have harmful effects – at this point there is no scientific research to prove this product is safe.

To link this back to the first point – sodium chlorite will not respond to the LED light to create an accelerated whitening reaction. The chemistry simply does not add up. Even in the gel does whitening your teeth without the light – we have expressed our concerns about the ingredients.

3. Misleading and deceptive advertising

The ACCC is having to crack down again on people and businesses promoting these whitening products as equivalent or better than professional whitening.

Could these products whiten your teeth? The answer is probably, however there are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the effectiveness of the lights and the quality of the gels.

Any company claiming that these products offer the best quality teeth whitening available is kidding themselves, and the ACCC will be investigating them for potentially breaching consumer law.

So, yes these devices may work and they may be cheaper than a professional laser whitening treatment but please make sure you do your homework first! Research what sort of light they use, will this actually work with the chemistry of the gels – and most importantly are the gels actually safe?

Whitening Pens

Most whitening pens are simply carbamide peroxide gel on an instrument to apply the gel to the tooth surface. These pens are an alternative to using a tray with the gel for those who haven’t invested in proper whitening trays.

Generally speaking, a tray will allow for a more even spread of the whitening gel on the tooth surface and will also be quicker to apply. Whitening pens require manually application of the gel to each tooth so the process can be quite slow, and it also creates the potential for uneven whitening if the gel is poorly applied.

Like all other types of gels, the quality of the gel is critical. Many manufacturers only specify the active ingredients and do not list the complete ingredients in the whitening pen gels. It is possible that these gels contain a range of chemicals that we recommend you avoid. Always read the label to make an informed decision.

Whitening Mouthwashes

There are a lot of different whitening mouthwashes on the market – ranging from fluoride heavy, major brands to those focuses on natural ingredients like coconut oil and baking soda.

At Laser + Holistic Dental we avoid the use of fluoride, so naturally we do not recommend any mouthwashes that use it. Some mouthwashes also contain alcohol which is best avoided.

Generally speaking, mouthwashes in Australia rarely contain active ingredients for whitening such as hydrogen peroxide. For this reason we think it is highly unlikely that any mouthwash promoted for whitening purposes will be effective, apart from a rinsing effect similar to using water to remove any food residue.

Professional Teeth Whitening

We are going to explore the details of professional teeth whitening in more detail in the next article of the Whitening Wisdom series. The team at Laser + Holistic Dental will be looking at the following topics and answering questions like:

Bleaching Gels

What is the difference between hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide gels?

Why do some gels damage the enamel and some do not?

Why do good quality whitening gels need to stay cold?

At home whitening kits

Do I need custom trays to fit my teeth?

How often should I be using my home whitening?

How do you avoid getting sensitive teeth when whitening at home?

In-chair LED whitening

How does a LED help whiten my teeth?

Can the light damage my lips and gums?

Is there UV in the LED light?

Laser teeth whitening

What is the difference between laser whitening and LED whitening?

Are there different types of laser whitening treatments?

Will laser whitening make my teeth more sensitive?

The Whitening Wisdom Series

If you would like to read part one and three, please use the links below.

Can a healthy diet damage the appearance of your teeth? Whitening Wisdom: Part One

Fact vs Fiction on Professional Teeth Whitening – Whitening Wisdom: Part Three

Laser + Holistic Dental is a holistic dentist in Melbourne, Australia.

Located in South Yarra, Laser + Holistic Dental offers a new approach to teeth whitening using a combination of special lasers, high quality whitening gels and calcium mineral pastes.

For a whiter, healthier smile without any of the common sensitivity issues – get in touch to find out more.

References

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Can a healthy diet damage the appearance of your teeth? Whitening Wisdom: Part One

7 May 2024 by almcl91

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in Australia, and over the last few years teeth whitening has become a huge industry with a range of new products and technologies becoming available.

This article is Part One of our Whitening Wisdom series, which will examine teeth whitening as an industry, go through the science and inform you on the best ways to go about getting a healthy, attractive, white smile.

In Part One we will go through how and why tooth staining happens, understanding the importance of diet and how you can manage tooth stains from dietary sources.

It is important to understand that a very healthy diet – rich in coloured fruits and vegetables can stain teeth in a similar fashion to smoking and regularly consuming coffee, tea and wine.

To learn more about teeth stains, diet and getting a healthy, white smile – keep reading.

How & Why Teeth Get Stained

First things first, we will be addressing the cause of tooth staining – which ironically can actually be increased by a diet rich in certain healthy foods.

There are two kinds of stains to teeth – Intrinsic stains and Extrinsic stains.

Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic stains are predominantly caused by the types of foods and drink we eat. These are the more superficial stains on the outer layer of the tooth. These occur as a result of of two things, the accumulation of chromophores on the tooth, and the reaction between sugars and amino acids.

Usually, these stains are localised to the surface of the enamel and because of this, extrinsic stains can often be removed by brushing and maintaining a regular oral health routine. If not managed well, extrinsic stains will become darker and more persistent over time.

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains are stains that affect the inner layer of the tooth – the dentin. They are caused by deeper internal stains, or defects on the enamel.

They are caused by aging, ingestion of chromogenic food and drinks, tobacco usage, enamel microcracks, tetracycline medication, excessive fluoride ingestion, severe jaundice in infancy, porphyria, dental caries, restorations, and the thinning of the enamel layer.
Aging often results in darker teeth. This is due to the formation of a secondary layer of dentin inside the tooth which is darker than the previous layer.
Another, deeper stain can be caused by drug ingestion. This can occur with the antibiotic, Tetracycline which when ingested during childhood, is incorporated into the dentin of the adult tooth while it is forming, causing discolouration.

Intrinsic stains cannot be removed by brushing as the stain is deeper within the tooth. Intrinsic stains can be removed, or at least improved by certain chemical reactions that can penetrate the enamel and break down the staining compounds.

What is a chromophore & how does this relate to having white teeth?

A chromophore is the part of a chemical compound that is responsible for its colour. An auxochrome is a group of these compounds that generally increase the richness of the colour to the human eye.

Richly coloured foods are considered to be highly chromogenic. Teeth become stained when these chromophoric compounds penetrate into the microscopic pores, notches and grooves of the enamel.

Once the chromophores enter into the structure of the enamel they become very difficult to remove with normal brushing. Most cheaper and non-professional whitening products such as generic whitening toothpastes, over the counter options and those commonly found online will also be ineffective at removing the stains once this happens.

What does my diet have to do with it?

Simply put, a healthy diet consists of a lot of fruit and vegetables – especially those that are richly coloured. Most scientists agree that plants have evolved with rich colours for a range of purposes including sun protection, antifungal properties and to encourage animals to propagate their seeds. ¹

For humans, many of these phytochemicals that give the plant its colour have powerful antioxidant health benefits. Pigments like anthocyanins found in foods like blueberries, cherries and pomegranate are a powerful antioxidant and may possess anti-inflammatory properties, and also help with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer. ²

At Laser + Holistic Dental, we strongly encourage people to consume a wide range of coloured fruits and vegetables – however not many people make the connection between their healthy diet and the cosmetic stains on their teeth.

If you want to have the whitest smile possible, learn which foods play a significant role in tooth stains and tweak your consumption habits to minimise any cosmetic staining.

Which Foods & Drinks Are Chromogenic?

If you regularly consume any of these foods they are likely to be contributing to yellowing and staining of your teeth.

Coffee

Coffee’s brown colour is largely made up of chemical pigments called melanoidins which contribute to browning and yellowing of the teeth. Black coffee is more likely to stain than coffee diluted with milk.

To minimise coffee stains, consume coffee in one sitting instead of regularly sipping and rinse out with water after drinking.

Tea

The colour of black tea is from the tannins found in the tea leaves. The tannins actually are more likely to stain teeth than coffee – so consider lighter coloured teas like green, white or herbal teas with reduced tannin content.

Rinse with water after drinking your tea.

Red Wine

The colour in red wine comes from plant pigments like tannins and anthocyanidins. Both of these compounds can stain the teeth.

White wine and clear spirits will not stain like red wine does – perhaps consider those options instead or rinse with water after drinking the wine.

Turmeric

Turmeric’s yellow colour comes from curcumin – a natural phenol compound that has anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric can very easily stain clothes, and definitely stain your teeth!

Recently it has been claimed that turmeric is effective at whitening teeth – any whitening effect would be the result of abrasion. The curcumin compound is more likely to stain and discolour teeth than to whiten them.

Curries

Curries are generally high in spices such as turmeric, saffron and paprika – all of which are highly chromophoric substances. The compounds capsanthin and capsorubin give paprika the signature red/orange colour.

Turmeric’s yellow colour comes from curcumin – a natural phenol compound.

Curries can easily stain orthodontic bands, as well as the tooth surface.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce contains similar melanoidins compounds to coffee – creating a rich brown colour.

These melanoidins have been linked to increased tooth discolouration in Asian populations where the consumption of soy sauce is generally high.

Other condiments like balsamic vinegar have a similar effect.

Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the richest sources of antioxidant phytonutrients. Blueberries are extremely high in anthocyanins – giving the rich blue colour to the skin of the fruit.

Organic blueberries are a favourite of ours – just be aware that the skin pigments can play a role in tooth stains.

Berries

Berries like raspberries and blackberries are high in phytochemicals like anthocyanin pigments, and phenols like gallic acid. Generally speaking, the darker the berry – the higher the phytochemical content.

When drinking things like a berry smoothie, it may be worth using a straw to minimise contact between the chromophoric chemicals and the tooth enamel surface.

Beetroot

Betalains are a class of red and yellow pigments that give beetroot the rich colour we commonly associate with it.

These betalain pigments, display potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and chemo-preventive activity.

Beetroot juice easily leaves stains on clothes, skin and your teeth!

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is another fruit rich in antioxidants and is also a good source of minerals like potassium iron, zinc and magnesium. The deep red juice – packed with anthocyanins and polyphenols is very healthy, but can easily stain your teeth.

Make sure to rinse after eating any pomegranate products.

How to deal with teeth stains from food:

If you are concerned about the impact that these foods may be having on the appearance of your teeth – there are a few options to consider.

Tweak consumption habits:

Identify which foods are likely to be contributing the most staining, and change your consumption habits. This doesn’t mean you should cut out your coffee, tea or berry smoothie – instead consume in one sitting instead of sipping constantly, reduce the frequency where possible and try using a straw to minimise contact with the tooth surfaces.

Rinse and/or brush after eating or drinking:

Rinsing or drinking some water after eating is always a good idea to help neutralise the pH of the mouth, wash away any extra food and help to remove any staining compounds.

You may like to consider brushing immediately after eating or drinking to reduce staining. Manual brushing will help to remove any residue stuck to the outer surface of the enamel – however this is not recommended after drinking anything acidic as it can damage the enamel surface. Carbonated drinks, citrus juices, coffee and and tea are all acidic so keep this in mind.

Use a mineralising paste to reduce stains:

At Laser + Holistic Dental we use mineralising pastes to protect the tooth surface for a range of different treatments including teeth whitening. These mineralising pastes reduce the porousity of the tooth surface – filling in the gaps and grooves in the enamel that chromophores often will get stuck to.

If you integrate these mineralising pastes into your everyday oral hygiene routine, there may be a proactive benefit at reducing teeth staining compounds from binding to your teeth. A stronger, mineralised enamel surface can prevent stains from penetrating into your teeth and discolouring them over time.

At your next appointment – ask us if regular use of mineralising pastes will be beneficial for you.

The Whitening Wisdom Series

If you would like to read part two and three, please use the links below.

Spoilt For Choice – What Teeth Whitening Works & What Doesn’t. Whitening Wisdom: Part Two

Fact vs Fiction on Professional Teeth Whitening – Whitening Wisdom: Part Three

Laser + Holistic Dental is a holistic dentist in Melbourne, Australia.

Located in South Yarra, Laser + Holistic Dental offers a new approach to teeth whitening using a combination of special lasers, high quality whitening gels and calcium mineral pastes.

For a whiter, healthier smile without any of the common sensitivity issues – get in touch to find out more.

References

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Know These Four Things Before Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

7 May 2024 by almcl91

The idea of wisdom teeth removal can be a scary thing for teenagers and young adults. People often talk about the swelling, the pain, the time off work, school or university which builds up the ‘fear factor’ and because of this they may delay treatment.

It is recommended that most people have their wisdom teeth removed by their early 20’s, when the teeth are erupting through the gums. In some cases, people’s wisdom teeth come through totally fine and they will not need to be extracted. However, ‘impacted’ wisdom teeth are common – this means the teeth are not growing correctly, usually pushing and damaging other teeth.

When not resolved, impacted wisdom teeth can cause issues like:

Pain and swelling.
Development of cysts in the jawbone.
Infection of the gums which can cause pain and bad breath.
Root resorption of other teeth, making them come loose over time and likely to die at some stage in the future.
Crowding which may push your teeth out of place, even if you have had orthodontics.

At Laser + Holistic Dental, our dentists recommend that you read this article to understand what is involved in the wisdom teeth removal process – making sure you are informed when it comes to making important decisions about your health care.

1. Know where your wisdom teeth are and what they are doing:

The absolute number one priority before having a wisdom teeth extraction procedure is to have correct, detailed diagnostics done. This would involve an x-ray, or as we prefer at Laser + Holistic Dental, a 3D CBVT scan that provides much more detail than a traditional x-ray.

A CBVT scan creates a 3D image of the head and mouth so the dentists and oral surgeons cannot only see the teeth, but also other related anatomical structures like nerve canals and blood vessels.

Everyone is anatomically different; a CBVT scan allows our team to identify important factors that will influence the wisdom teeth removal procedure such as:

If the wisdom teeth are pushing and damaging other teeth.
If the upper wisdom teeth roots are penetrating into the sinus area. In this case, the patient is at increased risk of serious sinus infections following the removal of the wisdom teeth unless treated correctly.
If the bottom wisdom teeth roots are involved with nerves and blood vessels in the inferior dental canal. This is extremely important as wisdom teeth removals can damage these sensitive areas – leading to long-term complications (more on this later).

When having your wisdom teeth removed – it is best to be proactive. Plan a few months ahead of when you would like to have the procedure done and have your x-rays or CBVT scan well in advance.

2. Is your priority on minimizing anxiousness or a faster recovery time?

There are two main options for having your wisdom teeth removed:

In hospital under a General Anaesthetic (GA) by a specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
In the dental chair, usually incorporating some form of sedation.

For very anxious patients:

If you are extremely nervous about visits to the dentist, or about having your wisdom teeth extracted, it is probably best to have your treatment done by an oral surgeon in a hospital setting with a General Anaesthetic. Normally, the oral surgeon will remove all of the wisdom teeth in one appointment.

This means you will be unconscious for the procedure and woken back up when it is complete. Generally, the wisdom teeth removal procedure will take a couple of hours and you will be required to be at the hospital for most of the day. You will not be able to drive, so someone will need to stay with you for the day.

As your mouth will have been held open with a bite-prop – your jaw and mouth will probably be very sore for at least a few days. It is common to have significant swelling and it is not recommended to eat anything other than soft foods for the first few days after treatment.

You will probably need to have a review appointment with your oral surgeon and have the stitches removed about five days after the procedure.

Please be aware that some people cannot tolerate a General Anaesthetic for medical reasons, and if you have a family history of bad anaesthetic reactions – this option would not be available to you.

For patients who care about speed and a quick recovery:

Many patients do not want to take a lot of time off work or university to recover from their wisdom teeth removal appointment. In this case, it is best to have the procedure done in house at Laser + Holistic Dental.

Our dentists will generally split the wisdom teeth removal procedure into two appointments – doing one side of the mouth at a time. This means the treatments are done quickly, and will not stop you from eating relatively normally. By splitting up the procedure – one side of your mouth will be fine for regular chewing and swallowing.

Patients who choose this option will generally book a Friday or Saturday appointment slot so that they can recover over the weekend and be fine for work or university on Monday.

At Laser + Holistic Dental we provide patients with the options of oral sedation and stem cell treatment using Concentrated Growth Factors (CGF). Oral sedation is recommended to minimize any anxiety and the CGF treatment is recommended to reduce pain, swelling, speed up recovery and improve the bone density during healing. This helps to protect and maintain a healthy level of bone around the molar teeth throughout the rest of your life.

3. Be aware of the potential long-term complications from wisdom teeth extractions:

Wisdom teeth removal is a major surgical procedure and should not be taken lightly. There are a number of negative long-term complications that can occur – so it is important to be informed of the risks.

Nerve and blood vessel damage

When the wisdom teeth roots are penetrating into the inferior dental canal, they can be closely involved with major nerves and blood vessels. It is possible that during the removal of the tooth these nerves and blood vessels could be damaged.

If these structures are damaged it can lead to permanent numbness, permanent changes in sensation and possibly severe pain syndromes – which have very limited treatment options.

At Laser + Holistic Dental, we always recommend having a CBVT scan so your dentist and/or oral surgeon can clearly see these sensitive structures when planning the treatment to minimize the risk of these complications.

Risks of bone cysts developing

There is increasing evidence suggesting that wisdom teeth removal procedures play a role in the formation of jawbone cysts, ‘cavitations’ or ‘NICO lesions’. The cavitation grows when all of the cells haven’t been removed, or perhaps a tooth root was left behind in jaw.

Over time, the cysts create a soft, squishy section in the bone that can harbor serious infections. These infections can be a cause of systemic illness many years after the initial surgery. After an extraction, healthy bone should fill in the extraction socket space within three to four months. If a someone has developed cysts or infections, Laser + Holistic Dental can use peizo ultrasound technology and our lasers to clean out the site, following with a stem cell and alkalizing “bone ” crystal mix to regrow healthy bone in the area damaged by the cyst or infection.

To minimise the risks of cysts developing in the first place – the team at Laser + Holistic Dental always recommend our surgical protocol of laser curettage and stem cell/CGF based sticky bone for all tooth extractions, including for wisdom teeth.

4. If you fit into one of these groups – don’t delay treatment:

It is always best to be proactive about health care, and for these populations we recommended that you avoid putting off having your wisdom teeth dealt with due to the increased likelihood of infections in the area.

Teenagers and Young Adults

Teens and young adults are the most vulnerable to a wisdom teeth flare up as the teeth begin to erupt through the gums. As the teeth come through the gums many people will develop pericoronitis, a very bad gum infection caused by bacteria trapped in the flaps of gum surrounding the partially erupted wisdom tooth.

Pericoronitis can be extremely painful, which will often lead to an emergency dental visit to remove the wisdom teeth.

It has become increasingly common for children to have orthodontic treatments, usually finished towards the end of their high school years. This is roughly the same time wisdom teeth will start to become active – as they push through, the wisdom teeth can impact on other teeth creating crowding issues.

In some cases the wisdom teeth will push the other teeth out of alignment, even after orthodontics have been completed. The crowding caused by the wisdom teeth can create a need for further orthodontic treatment which can be an expensive and frustrating exercise – an important reason why teenagers need to be strict about wearing their orthodontic retainers.

High Stress Lifestyle

A high paced, high stress lifestyle does come at a cost to the body – triggering increased cortisol levels which suppresses the immune system and increases the likelihood of becoming sick, or in this case – developing an infection in the wisdom teeth area.

With a suppressed immune system, harmful bacteria can build up in the gum and bone surrounding a partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth. This can become extremely painful in a short amount of time, triggering the need for an emergency extraction.

It is always best to avoid the need for emergency treatments, so if you cannot afford down time to recover from wisdom teeth surgery it is recommended to have them assessed and removed if needed as soon as possible.

Living or working or travelling to remote areas

For those who live or work in remote areas, or for people travelling to an exotic and remote destination, access to high quality health care, especially in an emergency situation can be a challenge.

If your wisdom teeth have started erupting, please plan ahead to have appropriate diagnostic scans, have your wisdom teeth assessed and organize the necessary treatment before it becomes an emergency.

People planning a pregnancy

Pregnancy is a massive stress on the female body – triggering a host of hormonal changes, one of which contributes to increased risk of gum disease.

With the gums being vulnerable, it is possible that painful cases of pericoronitis can develop. Pain and the need for emergency treatments have the potential to impact on a pregnancy and should be avoided wherever possible.

If you are planning a pregnancy, please have your wisdom teeth assessed and appropriate treatment completed before conceiving to avoid any potentially risky procedures down the track.

People with medical conditions

For people with certain medical conditions, it is important to treat problematic wisdom teeth as soon as possible. Conditions like osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, multiple myeloma, breast and prostate cancer are often treated with bisphosonate bone medications. A side effect of using this medication is that a very serious, painful and untreatable condition called Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) can develop following dental extractions.

For those who are about to undergo chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, it is recommended to complete the wisdom teeth surgical process, along with any other dental procedures in order to be fully healed and be declared dentally “fit” prior to starting medical management.

The body undergoes a huge amount of stress during chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Often there is oral ulcerations and gum, teeth and bone infections may develop at a greater rate due to a suppressed immune system. Prioritizing dental treatment before embarking on cancer therapy help reduce these complications and frequent professional oral hygiene maintenance is recommended throughout cancer therapy.

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The Truth About Oil Pulling: A Dental Perspective

7 May 2024 by almcl91

What is oil pulling & how does it work?

Oil pulling involves swishing oil around the mouth like a mouthwash. The intention of this is to use the oil to remove harmful bacteria or ‘biofilm’ from the mouth.

There are thousands of bacteria in the mouth, many of which are not healthy for you. Leaving a harmful biofilm in the mouth can lead to issues like bad breath, stained teeth, gum inflammation, gingivitis and cavities. Simply put, bad bacteria cause a lot of problems when left unchecked – so is oil pulling a good way to clean out your mouth?

The number of bacteria found in our mouths is usually between 1000 and 10,000 on each individual tooth. Each of these bacteria have a fatty outer coating, and when they come into contact with another fatty substance, such as oil, they have a tendency to stick to that substance. Since liquid oil has the ability to get into hard to reach areas of the mouth that a toothbrush would miss, it is thought to be able to pick up bacteria that may have otherwise stayed hidden.

Another major factor is what chemists call ‘polarity’. Oils are non-polar liquids, and will not blend with polar liquids. Brushing your teeth will remove some of the polar particles left in your mouth, but may not end up removing a lot of the non-polar particles. Swishing with oil can help to dissolve and flush out residual non-polar particles and ensure a good clean and healthy mouth environment.

Most people choose to use Coconut oil for oil pulling, which contains Lauric acid and Vitamin E – natural antifungal and antibacterial agents. Recent studies have shown that oil pulling helps fight bacteria, gingivitis, and plaque. So if anything, the oil works as a natural mouthwash alternative to chlorhexidine and alcohol based products.

What does conventional medicine say about oil pulling?

Oil pulling is sometimes claimed to be a miracle cure for diseases ranging from headaches and migraines, diabetes, asthma, acne, psoriasis and eczema. There is little high quality medical research to support these claims – although there is evidence to suggest that there is a measurable oral health benefit to oil pulling.

Studies¹ comparing oil pulling treatment with a conventional chlorhexidine based mouthwash have found comparable results in the reduction of cavity causing bacteria. Other research found oil pulling to be effective at reducing plaque induced gum infections.²

Oil pulling does pose the health risk of lipoid pneumonia³ – a chemical lung disease caused by breathing in small amounts of oil. In some cases lipoid pneumonia can be fatal. To minimise the risk it is recommended to not to let children oil pull.

The research on oil pulling to date suggests that the primary benefits of oil pulling come from the mechanical action of the oil, and the saponification effect where the oil creates a soap like substance reducing bacterial adhesion in the mouth.1 It is clear though that no research suggests oil pulling as a substitute for good oral hygiene practises like brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups.

For those of us who want a chemical-free, natural alternative to common mouthwashes, oil pulling may be something worth adding to your regular dental routine.

How do I oil pull?

If you have never tried oil pulling and you think this might be something to try – you’ll need one Tablespoon of oil (we recommend coconut, sesame or sunflower oil but you can use another oil if you prefer).

Put about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth.
Swish the oil around your mouth for about 15-20 minutes.
Spit out the oil (into a bin, not down the sink) then brush your teeth.
Do not swallow the oil, as it contains the bacteria from your mouth that you are trying to get rid of, it is best not to allow it to enter your digestive system.

You may find that the first time you pull oil you end up with a strained or tired jaw from the repetitive motions, because of this, it is recommended that you begin at around 5 minutes a day and build up to 15-20 minutes over time.

Are there any risks with oil pulling?

The dentists at Laser + Holistic Dental weigh in on the oil pulling discussion.

Dr Simon Javadi
“You can use oil pulling as an adjunct, but it is not a replacement for brushing or flossing. It is important to be careful as it may also cause discolouration of existing fillings.”

Dr Edward Lee
“Oil pulling appears to offer benefits for the gums, although I’d like to see some more solid studies on this. I think the risk that oil pulling will loosen existing fillings is low, although it may cause problems for people who are partially through the restoration process.”

Dr Lisa Matriste
“Never oil pull if you have dental amalgam fillings. The mercury in amalgam fillings is Lipophillic, which means it is attracted to oils and fats. Oil pulling will pull mercury out of the fillings which will then be absorbed into your tissues, inadvertently poisoning your body with mercury at a faster rate. I would recommend that you wait until you have had your amalgam fillings removed by a SMART certified dentist before you try oil pulling.”

Conclusion – Should I oil pull or not?

Oil pulling seems to offer a relatively risk free benefit for improving the health of your gums, helping to reduce plaque and potentially improving bad breath.

There is some anecdotal evidence that oil pulling may loosen fillings or crowns by dissolving certain dental cements. This may be very expensive if you have extensive restorative work that then needs replacing. If you have multiple fillings or crowns it is good to be aware of this risk, and you may want to check with your dentist about oil pulling before you begin.

If you have mercury amalgam fillings (the silver ones) we strongly advise against any oil pulling until the fillings have been safely removed by a SMART certified dentist.

For people who are looking for an alternative to the common chlorhexidine and alcohol based mouthwashes – oil pulling might be a good option for you to experiment with.

Laser + Holistic Dental is a holistic dentist based in South Yarra, Melbourne.

Our dentists treat patients with a comprehensively holistic philosophy – embracing technology for a new approach to dentistry.

For the Laser + Holistic Dental team the biocompatibility of our materials are a critical part of our dental philosophy.

Learn more about our focus on biocompatible materials and technology as part of modern dentistry here.