General dentistry Archives - Greenwood Plenty Dental Care

What Is A Narrow Palate and Its Impact on Speech?

Posted on March 28, 2024 by greenwood_dental

Have you ever wondered why some people have trouble saying certain sounds? It might not be their tongue-twister skills –it could be a narrow palate! A narrow palate is a surprisingly common condition where the roof of your mouth is narrower than usual. This minor difference can have a big impact on your speech. At Greenwood Plenty Dental Care, we aim to bring you insights into less-discussed but crucial aspects of oral health, such as the implications of a narrow palate on speech. Our team, including highly skilled dentists in Bundoora, is dedicated to addressing a wide range of dental concerns, from general dentistry to specialised treatments.

What is a Narrow Palate?

A narrow palate is medically termed as a maxillary constriction, refers to a condition where the roof of the mouth is narrower than usual. This structural anomaly can affect dental alignment and has potential implications for oral functions, including speech.

How Does a Narrow Palate Affect Speech?

The shape and size of the palate play a significant role in how we produce sounds. A narrow palate can lead to difficulties in articulating certain sounds, resulting in speech impediments.

Speech production mainly relies on precise movements of the tongue against the palate to articulate different sounds. When the palate is narrow, the tongue may not have enough space to move freely and make the necessary contacts for clear pronunciation. This can lead to several speech difficulties, including:

Lisping: The “s” sound often becomes distorted, taking on a whistling or slurring quality.

Articulation issues: Sounds like “t,” “d,” “k,” and “g” may be difficult to pronounce clearly due to limited tongue placement options.

Nasalised speech: Airflow may escape through the nose due to an improper seal between the tongue and palate, giving speech a muffled or congested sound.

Treatment and Management

Fortunately, with advancements in orthodontic treatment, including interventions available, a narrow palate can be addressed effectively. Treatments such as palatal expanders can gradually widen the palate, improving dental alignment and, subsequently, speech quality. Our Bundoora dentist and orthodontic specialists are adept at diagnosing and managing such conditions, ensuring tailored treatment plans for every patient.

A narrow palate is more than just a dental anomaly; it’s a condition that can significantly impact speech and overall quality of life. At Greenwood Plenty Dental Care, we believe in a holistic approach to dental health, understanding the intricate ways oral health affects daily living. Our comprehensive dental care ranges from general dentistry to specialised treatments like dental treatments for kids, orthodontics, Invisalign, and emergency dentists who ensure that every patient achieves not only a beautiful smile but also optimal oral functionality. If you’re experiencing speech difficulties or have concerns about your palate, our team is here to help.

To schedule an appointment with our dental clinic in Bundoora, call us at (03) 9466 7843 today.

Eating With Braces-Friendly Foods For A Healthy Smile

Posted on February 22, 2024February 22, 2024 by greenwood_dental

Navigating the world of braces can be a bit daunting, especially when it comes to eating. At Greenwood Plenty Dental Care, your trusted dentist in Bundoora, we understand the importance of maintaining a braces-friendly diet not only for the health of your braces but also for ensuring a smooth and efficient orthodontic treatment process. Whether you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment in Bundoora, seeking general dentistry, or in need of an emergency dentist, our comprehensive care approach is designed to support every aspect of your oral health journey. In today’s blog, we’ll tell you what foods to eat and which to avoid for a healthy, happy smile.

Soft Fruits and Vegetables

Incorporating soft fruits and vegetables into your diet is essential for maintaining overall health and ensuring your braces stay intact. Opt for fruits like bananas, berries, and grape tomatoes, and steam or boil vegetables to make them brace-friendly. These nutrient-rich foods support oral health without putting undue pressure on your braces.

Grains and Soft Breads

The dentists in Bundoora recommend soft, cooked grains such as quinoa, rice, and pasta as they are excellent choices for those wearing braces. When it comes to bread, soft loaves without hard crusts, tortillas, and pancakes are gentle on braces and won’t risk damaging wires or brackets.

Dairy Products

Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and soft cheeses are not only safe to consume with braces but are also rich in calcium and protein, which are essential for healthy teeth and gums. These foods are easy to eat and offer a comforting texture that’s ideal for sensitive mouths adjusting to braces.

Meats and Alternates

Tender, cooked meats, poultry, fish, and meat alternatives like tofu can be included in a braces-friendly diet. It’s important to avoid tough, chewy cuts and opt for softer, easily chewable options to prevent damage to your braces.

Sweet Treats and Snacks

While it’s essential to limit sugary and sticky foods that can compromise your braces and dental health, there are still many braces-safe options. Soft treats like ice cream without nuts or hard mix-ins, smoothies, and soft cakes can satisfy your sweet tooth without posing a risk to your orthodontic treatment.

Eating with braces doesn’t have to be a challenge. By choosing braces-friendly foods, you can enjoy a varied and nutritious diet while ensuring your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly.

At Greenwood Plenty Dental Care, whether you’re seeking orthodontic services in Bundoora, teeth whitening, a kid’s dentist, root canal treatment, help with a broken tooth or general dental care, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Our dental clinic in Bundoora is dedicated to providing you with the comprehensive care you need for a healthy smile, during and after your orthodontic treatment. Remember, taking care of your braces is a crucial in achieving that perfect smile.

What Does Your Tongue Tell About Your Oral Health? – Let’s Find Out!

Posted on January 10, 2023April 6, 2023 by greenwood_dental

When finding any issue in your health, you all look for differences in your body temperature, skin colour, energy, and blood pressure. Of all the things, you see and check, your tongue is one of the body parts you take for granted. The tongue plays a role in tasting and swallowing food, but you still don’t care about it. And, believe it or not, your dentist can determine the cause of your health issue by simply checking your tongue’s colour and oral health. In today’s blog, let’s find out what our tongue colour says about your health.

White Layer On Tongue

Your tongue should be pink in colour, it means you are healthy. However, if you don’t clean your tongue while brushing, the food residue will get settled on the tongue. It might be a yeast overgrowth that happens inside the oral cavity. It happens when you don’t brush your tongue like your teeth.

White Patches

White patches on the tongue indicate that you use excessive tobacco or smoke. It is better to visit a Bundoora dentist to check your health condition and rule out the possibility of oral cancer.

Red Tongue and Bumpy Patches

If your tongue looks red, it might be due to a deficiency such as folic acid or B-12. Just add B-12 vitamins to your diet or syrup to reduce the redness. If the tongue appears bumpy or textured, you might have a severe fever and need to take a pill or visit the doctor immediately.

Tender And Sore Tongue

Sometimes, your throat may feel numb or sore, and it shows up on your tongue. This is when you feel sensitive on one side or all over. You might have to check whether it’s a canker sore or meet a dentist.

Hairy Tongue

It may feel like you are biting a strand of hair on your tongue, and you might want to spit out. It is due to a protein buildup that forms inside. You can gently brush them off or use a scraper to scrap off the white protein layer.

Whether mild fever or serious, your dentist can help figure out the health issue and guide you with the right course of treatment. Follow your oral hygiene and take your oral and dental check-ups only from dentists at Greenwood Plenty Dental Care. For appointments, call (03) 9466 7843 today.

5 Dental Emergencies You Need To Act Quickly – Find Out!

Posted on June 20, 2022June 20, 2022 by greenwood_dental

Dental emergencies can be a horrible experience. Whether it’s piercing pain or bleeding or a knocked-out tooth, knowing what to do when it occurs is very important. If you meet any dental emergency, you must immediately visit a dental clinic in Bundoora to seek the dentist’s help. You can also get help from an emergency dentist in Bundoora via call or direct appointment. Accidents are unexpected and can happen at anytime. So be sure to keep your mouth protected with a mouth guard if you’re playing sports or have a dentist’s contact number handy to treat you. In today’s blog, let’s discuss the 5 dental emergency scenarios where you need to act quickly.

Knocked-Out Teeth

Be it one or more, knocked-out teeth can be a painful scenario. You don’t have to bear the pain or bleeding with discomfort, all you need to do is put the teeth in plain raw milk and hurry to the emergency dentist near you for treatment. Placing the tooth in the milk, helps the teeth from dry and maintain the pH. balance & proteins.

Broken Or Cracked Teeth

Whether you have fallen down and got your teeth chipped, cracked, or broken, the first course of action is to rinse your mouth with warm water, keep an ice pack on the side to avoid swelling, and visit the dentist as soon as you can.

Loose Or Missing Crown

If you have accidentally knocked or pulled out your dental crown or have a loose crown, it’s important that you should see the dentist immediately to fix them with a filling or crown. So, you can avoid making your teeth too sensitive.

Tooth Pain

Tooth pain is a common dental emergency caused by a cavity or stuck food in your teeth. Check for any food particles that are causing irritation and remove them or it can be gum disease. Visiting a dentist in Bundoora can get you relieved from the pain and help you aware of any dental issues.

Jaw pain

If you have been experiencing unbearable jaw pain while opening the mouth or eating, or biting, it might be a temporomandibular disorder. You can place an ice pack to ease the pain until you see the dentist for treatment and should not prolong or dwell in discomfort and pain.

Whatever dental emergency strikes you; know that our Bundoora dentists are available to treat you better with care. For any dental emergencies and general dentistry, call Greenwood Plenty Dental Care on (03) 9466 7843 today.

Can Dental Implants Last A Lifetime?

Posted on June 7, 2022June 7, 2022 by greenwood_dental

The quick answer to this question is a “Yes”. Dental Implants are highly durable and are designed to last for years. With proper oral hygiene and professional cleanings, it may even last a lifetime. If you have missing teeth or had your teeth extracted, dental implants can work better for you. Moreover, if you’re a Bundoora resident, you must visit a dental clinic in Bundoora to tell your concerns to get the best treatment specific to your dental concern. In today’s blog, let’s understand about dental implants and whether they can last a lifetime.

Orthodontics Dentist Bundoora

What Is A Dental Implant?

Dental Implants are a structure made of titanium that can help replace a missing tooth or sometimes even multiple teeth. In other words, you may even call it replacement tooth roots.

How Does It Work?

The implant is planted onto the jawbone and a natural-looking crown is placed on top, which acts as a natural tooth, and the titanium root structure acts as a real root by bonding with the surrounding bone tissues. These are designed to be a permanent solution for your missing tooth. So, when you have a missing tooth, dental implants can bring the aesthetics you desire with the natural functioning of your teeth like chewing, eating, and smiling without having to worry about whether they’ll slip or fall.

Am I The Right Candidate For Dental Implants?

If you have lost one or more teeth or have a gap, dental implants can be a perfect solution for you. It can help bring back the smile with the natural functionality of your natural teeth, boosts your confidence, gives the smile you desire with convenience in eating, chewing, and biting the food, protects your jawbone, and keeps your teeth in perfect shape.

Aside from this if you want to know if dental implants are right for you, consult with a dentist Bundoora from a reliable dental clinic in Bundoora. They diagnose the condition and recommend specialized treatment to support your condition.

Dental implants are a successful solution and If you want to get it done from a professional and reliable Bundoora dentist, come to Greenwood Plenty Dental Care. For appointments, call (03) 9466 7843 today.

3 Ways To Get A Pearl White Teeth

Posted on March 18, 2021March 24, 2021 by greenwood_dental

Who doesn’t love a sparkling smile? Most people give more importance to white teeth than having straight teeth. Because white tooth improves your look and boosts confidence in many ways. Teeth whitening comes as a savior for those who deal with discoloration and stains. With so many teeth whitening options, Dentist Bundoora recommends the right whitening treatment for you. Over time exposure to foods such as coffee, red wine, and tobacco will darken your teeth. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that helps get rid of food stains and provides a clean and white look to your teeth. Many factors like diet, aging, and oral hygiene can lead to teeth yellowing and it can become difficult to get the pearl white teeth you want.

You can proactively follow steps to improve your smile and whiten your teeth. We have compiled the five best tips.

Avoid stain-causing foods

Sugary foods, beverages like red wine, coffee can stain your teeth. The tanning in your favorite beverage discolor your teeth. Also, the sugar in these foods feeds bacteria in the teeth and can lead to tooth decay. If cutting these tasty drinks is impossible for you, using a straw can be helpful. Straw can help the discoloring agents away from the teeth. However, brushing and flossing after consuming them can save your teeth from pigmentation.

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What Are The Most Common Causes Of Crooked Teeth?

Posted on February 1, 2021February 2, 2021 by greenwood_dental

Misaligned, crooked teeth are very common among adults and children. Teeth that are not perfectly aligned are distinctive to you and can enrich the personality and charm of your smile. However, if you are not happy with your teeth’s appearance or if they cause health or speech issues, you can consider teeth alignment. Actually, what causes crooked teeth? Let’s see…

Jaw Size:

The soft and processed food that most people consume today requires less chewing. This has changed our jaw size, making it smaller than our early ancestors’. Scientists believe that our shorter jaw may be responsible for crooked teeth.

Bad Myofunctional Habits:

Myo-functional habits such as tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, pacifier or bottle use can affect the muscles of our mouth, leading to crooked teeth. Continue reading “What Are The Most Common Causes Of Crooked Teeth?”

Four Common Dental Fears And The Way To Overcome Them

Posted on January 27, 2021February 11, 2021 by greenwood_dental

Are you afraid of visiting a dentist? If yes, you are not alone. There are many people who have anxiety about seeing their dentist. Some people fear about the pain while others worry that their dentist may rush or ignore their concerns. Here is a list of the most common dental fears and the ways to overcome them.

Fear Of Needles:

Nearly one in every five people has fear of needles when visiting a medical practitioner. To overcome this, acknowledge your fears to your dentist Bundoora before scheduling the appointment. These professionals are very familiar with the anxieties and will have ways to help. While some dentists give painless injections, others use numbing gel over the area to be treated. Continue reading “Four Common Dental Fears And The Way To Overcome Them”

What Is Zoom! Teeth Whitening? Does It Really Work?

Posted on November 26, 2020November 26, 2020 by greenwood_dental

Are you dreaming of bright white teeth as you see on celebrities? Struggling with DIY teeth whitening kits? Are they uncomfortable, messy or ineffective? If so, Zoom! Teeth whitening system may help achieving your teeth whitening goals.

Why Do Teeth Become Yellow?

Over the years, teeth get stained for various reasons, including exposure to carbonated drinks, coffee, red wine, junk foods, smoking, medications and aging. No matter what the reason is, most people find very upsetting to have a discoloured smile as it can impact their overall confidence and self-esteem.

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Brushing Techniques To Maintain Dental Hygiene

Posted on November 16, 2020November 26, 2020 by greenwood_dental

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is an oral care routine you should always prioritize. It should be done early in the morning and before you get to bed to get rid of all foods from your teeth and prevent decay in them. Greenwood Plenty Dental Care is here to help you maintain good dental practices that ensure your teeth stay healthy, and you have a worthy smile. We are an experienced dental clinic in Bundoora and have employed a well-seasoned pool of certified and well-trained staff in the service.

Use the following tips, and undoubtedly, your teeth and mouth will stay healthy:

Continue reading “Brushing Techniques To Maintain Dental Hygiene”