What is the best toothbrush for my child? Dentist in Nedlands recommends how to choose.

What is the best toothbrush for my child?

Nedlands dentist gives free advice on what to look for when selecting a child's toothbrush.  This is a free service for all our Facebook followers and patients. Please share this and follow https://www.facebook.com/dentistsnedlands  for more oral health tips

Choosing the right toothbrush for your child is quite simple.

Look for a small head and a large handle

Soft bristles that are gentle yet effective

Kids love attractive colors  

Use toothpaste that is age appropriate

There are many different brushes available and it can get confusing

Dr Yudelman is particularly fond of the Swiss Toothbrushes that are imported into Australia.

They have just announced a super one specially for kids over 5.

The Curaprox CS Smart is smaller - yet bigger. CS Smart children's toothbrush looks just like the CS 5460 ultra soft adult's toothbrush, Dr Yudelman's favourite. 

The adult version has 5460  individual ultrafine Curen filaments - and the CS Smart has 7600 Curen filaments and these are even finer, with a diameter of only 0.08mm. 

We dispense these and all other dental products in our office at the lowest possible price.

More information on children's dental care click here

For an appointment with Dr. Yudelman please phone: (08) 6389 2711

15/88 Broadway Nedlands WA Perth 6009
Open - Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Fresh breath tips from Dentist in Nedlands

Fresh breath tips from Dentist in Nedlands

Top Ten Fresh Breath Tips from Nedlands Dentist

1   Clean your tongue gently with a tongue cleaner. Floss your teeth

2   Have your teeth cleaned periodically by a dental professional. Make sure your gums don't bleed easiily and there is no gingivitis or periodontal gum disease.

3   Brush and floss your teeth as recommended by your dentist. You may use interproximal brushes like the Piksters available in Australia. Practice complete oral health and brush behind the back teeth in each row.

4   Eat fibrous vegetables, such as carrots and celery. This helps to keep the tongue clean.

5   Clean your mouth after eating and drinking proteins, such as milk products, fish and meat. The bacterial coating breaks down protein to produce sulfur(VSC's Volatile Sulfur Compounds).  Chewing sugar free gum helps.

6   Drink plenty of liquids, especially water, but be aware that drinking too much coffee may make the situation worse.

7   Get control over the problem. Ask a family member to tell you whenever you have bad breath.

8   Clean your dentures very well (if you wear them) with a denture brush and soak overnight in a antiseptic solution as recommended by your dental professional.

9   If you have a dry mouth your tongue coating will be worse. Post-nasal drip due to allergies or illness will make your breath worse, as continuous protein mucous is broken down by tongue coating and gives off sulfur.  Discuss your medications with your doctor as they may cause dry mouth.

10   If odor comes from your nose and not from your mouth, see a doctor immediately as it may be caused by medical problems.  Bad breath that is commonly known as halitosis does not come from the stomach or lungs and cleaning the tongue will help in most cases.

Dr Yudelman invented the Breath-So-Fresh Tongue Cleaner that sold all over USA and Canada.  We dispense them free to our patients if they need one.

For an appointment with Dr. Yudelman please phone: (08) 6389 2711

This local Nedlands dentist is here to look after all your general, preventive and cosmetic dentistry needs We recognise that it can be difficult deciding on a new dentist who is good for you and your family. Without the advice of a trusted friend who may know who the best dentist is in Perth, you may be faced with choosing a name, at random, from the telephone book or internet. Here are a few points for your consideration: With over 28 years of international dental experience, local Nedlands dentist Dr Clifford Yudelman is able to provide the latest high-tech, individual, personalised care for all members of your family. Our comprehensive dental services encompass general, preventive, restorative and cosmetic dental treatment. We practice Microscope Enhanced Dentistry, with our latest Leica M320 Dental operating microscope. Microscope Enhanced Dentistry is practice by about 2% of dentists worldwide. We now routinely do ALL of our restorative dentistry at a magnification of 16-25 times! This allows us to refine the edges of crowns and inlays more accurately, as well as treat cavities in the most conservative way. Dr Yudelman likens it to the latest keyhole surgery on gallbladders and knees, with minimal invasion and repair of the defect, allowing quicker recovery and less collateral damage. The microscope is connected to a 10 megapixel video camera and we can capture images of the conditions for complete record keeping. Dr Yudelman is very impressed by what can be seen with a microscope that was not visible before with 4x magnification loupes. Our regular patients have come to expect that Dr Yudelman will always have some new high-tech equipment or technique to enhance the comfort of their visit or the quality of the treatment received. Our patients have been very enthusiastic about the numbing "Wand" we started using in early 2011, as most of the time they don't even know they have had an injection. We are able to numb a single tooth on the lower and not have the awkward feeling of a numb tongue or lip. Our diagnostic laser DiagnoDent allows us to find cavities before they become a problem, so teeth can be restored or sealed with very conservative white fillings long before they show on x-ray, or are getting close to the nerve (root canal). We also have another diode laser for various treatments to the gums, especially when fitting a crown. When patients require x-rays we use extremely low dose, small comfortable digital imaging plates. These are scanned in the latest Digora Optime laser scanner where the high quality image is displayed in seconds. Instead of looking at a tiny film Dr Yudelman can enlarge the image to full screen to see even the smallest details and recommend preventive minimal invasive dentistry before small cavities become a big problem. We offer: dental cleanings dental inlays dental implant restoration cosmetic dentistry fillings dental bridges dental sealants dental crowns cosmetic dentistry porcelain veneers non-surgical gum treatment and cosmetic dental tooth whitening. • We are proud of our reputation and standing in the community. Our dental practice was built on our satisfied patients’ word-of-mouth referrals. Our state-of-the-art dental surgery in Broadway Fair Nedlands was established with our patients’ comfort and convenience in mind. So, if we can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us on (08)6389 2711 for more information or to set up an initial dental examination appointment. When you call, if you are in pain with toothache, or have an urgent problem, we will endeavor to see you on the same day. Kind Regards Dr Clifford Yudelman and Staff

You can't lick BAD BREATH, but you can tame it. Perth dentist has tips and advice on getting halitosis under control.

I have been involved in diagnosing, and treating bad breath since 1994.

When I was in San Diego, I had numerous patients with a history of gum disease. They had been seeing a gum specialist (periodontist) every six months, and alternate visits with me every six months as well. ( So they had their teeth and gums checked every 3 months). I know this sounds like a lot of visits, but it is common to be seen every 90 days, if your gums have been attacked by periodontal disease, as in most cases it is never cured, only managed.

I noticed that many of the patients, who by now had perfect, or relatively healthy gums, still had breath that smelled like persistent diseased or infected gums.

This lead me to become interested in the causes and cures for oral malodour, as it is now courteously known.(*please see below for more history)

• In many cases "bad breath" is simply "morning breath" that lasts all day. When we sleep our saliva flow shuts off. The dead cells, food and bacteria all start fermenting and upon awakening ...Voila! morning breath! If you skip breakfast and run off to work, you can be sure of not having many friends. Breakfast is one of the best ways to clean all the smelly debris off your tongue. It is best if you choose something like a crunchy bread roll, or wholewheat toast instead of soft white bread. An apple instead of a banana, crispy cereal instead of soft porridge...I think you get the picture.
  
• After breakfast make sure you perform perfect oral hygiene.(read some of the other posts on my blog for more information) If you didn't floss or clean between your teeth before bed, don't skip it now, as that is a sure way to get gum disease and bad breath. Lastly, scrape your tongue making sure to reach the back third ,in the centre where most of the odour causing germs hide. Be careful not to injure the row of very large mushroom like taste buds back there! Some people can brush their tongue, but I find it gags me, and I can do a better job with a specially designed scraper. Chew a piece of sugar-free gum, preferably sweetened with Xylitol, on your way to work. This stimulates saliva flow, and also has a pleasant masking effect.
• Anything that dries out your mouth, like stress, air conditioning, dehydration, medication, alcohol containing mouthwashes, smoking and mouth breathing when you have a cold or allergies combined with "post-nasal-drip" helps the odour causing bacteria on the back third of your tongue. Chewing gum (as above) several times a day, can increase your saliva flow rate, but only if you drink enough water and stop or reduce drying medication (consult your GP)
• Using a mouthwash with Chlorhexidine for 2 consecutive days a week, can be beneficial. There are specific products to use, as some will stain your teeth. Also you can't use it straight after brushing with normal toothpaste, as it reduces the effect. (Please feel free contact me for further details on this)
  
  *I had been a collector of antique dental instruments since after graduating in 1983. When I was in London I went to an exhibition of old medical and dental instruments. I purchased a few different items and so my collection started. In 1985, when in Hong Kong, I bought a set of silver instruments attached together...a toothpick, an ear pick and a tongue scraper! I later found out that they are from the 16th century. As my collection grew over the years I acquired a tortoise shell /ivory example and a Victorian silver scraper.
  
  But it was only in 1994 that I thought of trying out the old Chinese scraper. It was fantastic. My food tasted better and my mouth felt cleaner. Since I was working close to people all day I felt more confident about my breath. I was now researching bad breath and was collaborating with experts all over the world.
  
  This led me to design my own version of the old Chinese scraper and it was called "Breath-So-Fresh" I travelled to several biannual International Conferences on Breath Odour Research and became very involved. Tongue cleaning was becoming recognised as one of the ways to reduce the odour emanating from the mouth.
  

Click here for a summary of the "Breath-So-Fresh" tongue cleaner patent

For a very informative and highly regarded article on tongue cleaning click here

This article is solely the professional and individual opinion of Dr. Clifford Yudelman a Perth dentist in Nedlands, Western Australia and does not replace the professional guidance of your own personal dentist. He/she is the best person to counsel you on specific products for your specific situation. Please consult with them if you have any questions regarding anything mentioned in this article.

Dentist in Perth discusses alternative to flossing teeth.

So many patients tell me that they can't get it right when it comes to flossing. Getting your hands in your mouth, getting the floss between all the teeth, blood everywhere...yuk!

A while back when I was in San Diego, a patient of mine who was a mother, and child psychologist, said that when growing up our parents keep saying things like: "get your hands out of your mouth".

Then when we get to 13 or 14 the dentist or hygienist says :"this is how you stick your hands in your mouth...just do it"

Face it, flossing just doesn't come naturally. Many patients who do really try, just can't get their gums to stop bleeding, even when they do it everyday.
If you do floss everyday, it then comes down to perfect technique. I have posted a video with tips on flossing previously and it is really helpful. I have shown it mainly to younger patients who are still keen and eager to learn.

When it comes to older patients I have found that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", which means it is difficult to make someone change the way they do something when they have been doing it the same way for a long time, or in the case of flossing, not doing it at all.

The other expression that comes to mind involves larger four legged creatures(horses) and water!

You say this when you can give someone the opportunity to do something, but you cannot force them to do it if they do not want to, or in the case of dental floss just can't.

Well don't worry, all is not lost. I have found a system from Switzerland that works so well, and is easy to master after only a few tries.

Since nobody needs to be taught to use a toothpick I thought that there must be something simpler than flossing. After 20 years of nagging, demonstrating, threatening and getting on my knees and downright begging patients to floss I was about to "throw in the towel" when I discovered Curaprox Prime. Now even though this is a plug for the company and the product, I can assure you I am not on their payroll!

The website states "When you insert the interdental brush into an interdental space for the first time, there is frequently bleeding and it can sometimes be a little painful. Don't worry! You are not bleeding because you have injured yourself, but because you have a small open wound there caused by plaque. Gums only bleed if they are irritated by excessive plaque. If you use your interdental brush correctly, the problem will generally resolve itself after just ten days. The bleeding gums you experience at first will disappear" and I have found this to be the case every time.

The company has a great website with a demonstration video and in Perth you can buy their products at Broadway Fair Pharmacy or Captain Stirling Pharmacy.

This article is solely the professional and individual opinion of Dr. Clifford Yudelman a Perth dentist in Nedlands, Western Australia and does not replace the professional guidance of your own personal dentist. He/she is the best person to counsel you on specific products for your specific situation. Please consult with them if you have any questions regarding anything mentioned in this article.

White wedding teeth…. Perth dentist offers advice.

It’s coming up for the big day and everything is under control.
You’ve got the ring, the dress, and the flowers.
You’ve decided on the menu, the guest list and the invitations.
You have a photographer, videographer and a fantastic venue.
The hair is sorted and you know who will be doing your makeup.

But some things are not under your control…like what kind of weather will I have?

Then you realise: “Oops…I have always wanted a glistening pearly white smile and what better time than now? They will really stand out in the wedding videos and photos. They can brighten up my face and make me look younger, fresher and healthier.” You can try doing it yourself with a kit off the internet or from the supermarket.

Think about it…are you doing your own flowers or doing the catering? Ask your dentist about professional tooth whitening options for the safest and best possible results.

Dr Yudelman has looked at all the options and recommends: Nite White® ACP Bleaching Gel By Discus Dental. There will be more about this soon.

This article is solely the professional and individual opinion of Dr. Clifford Yudelman a Perth dentist in Nedlands, Western Australia and does not replace the professional guidance of your own personal dentist. He/she is the best person to counsel you on specific products for your specific situation. Please consult with them if you have any questions regarding anything mentioned in this article.

Australia: Perth dentist says chewing gum can make your dental cavities go away!

Did you know that scientific research has proven that chewing gum with the natural sweetener Xylitol, can help cut down on dental decay and even remineralise early cavities?

Xylitol occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables and is produced commercially from plants such as birch, and other hard wood trees and fibrous vegetation.

Chewing gum sweetened with Xylitol after snacks and between meals, has been shown in numerous studies to reduce new dental caries 30-60%. In younger patients who have their 6 year or 12 year molars erupting, it can have lasting effects and reduce caries by 70% on these teeth. It inhibits the growth of S. Mutans, the germs most associated with dental decay. It has a significant effect on reducing plaque.

Chewing sugar free gum with the sweetener Xylitol listed as the first ingredient is very beneficial in stimulating saliva and reducing cavity causing bacteria. It helps alleviates dry mouth. Dry mouth (Xerostomia) is associated with a significant increase in cavities.


I recommend Wrigley’s Extra Professional which is available at the supermarket. Sweetlife Dental Gum is available at Broadway Fair Pharmacy ( it has 66 % Xylitol and no artificial sweeteners).


For more information please contact Dr. Clifford Yudelman a Perth dentist in Nedlands, Western Australia

Australia: Perth dentist lists 10 top oral hygiene products and tips

Every day patients ask me "what kind of toothbrush should I use", or "can you recommend a dental floss?"

Well here are the top ten things on my list

1. Dental floss. They are all good but one of my favorites is "Reach Dental Floss Waxed" or the minty one called "whitening" just for the flavour. Remember "you don't have to floss all your teeth...just the ones you want to keep!"
2. Interproximal brushes. Many people can't floss, won't floss, hate floss, just ran out of floss. After 25 years I have heard every excuse in the book. Flossing is difficult and luckily there is an alternative. Tiny brushes that go between your teeth. Not the larger ones that will only fit under a bridge, next to an implant or if you have had periodontal disease. I like the ones from Switzerland called Curaprox. There will be more about them soon.
3. Toothpicks. Come on, the least you can do is pick your teeth! Not the round ones you get at cocktail parties (in your Martini) or with the corner of an old business card. I am talking about special triangular ones made from soft wood. They don't damage your gums and do a pretty good job, and at least get the bits of food out. In Perth Australia we get the Sensodyne brand "InterDens fine" which are excellent and which you must moisten before use.
4. Manual toothbrush. Very soft but nothing too fancy. Again there is nothing to beat the Curaprox Brand and the one I like best is model CS 3960 "supersoft"
5. Electric or power toothbrush. If you're going to spend the money, get the best. Many patients do better with a manual brush than the cheap throw-away electric ones. You can't beat the Braun Oral-B Triumph Professional Care 9500 or the Sonic Complete.
6. Tongue cleaner or scraper-daily use is essential to ensure fresh breath. These work much better than brushing the tongue. We give all our patients one that I developed called the "Breath-So-Fresh". Some pharmacies now have a few different ones in stock, and you should try several, as all tongues are slightly different. Find one that reaches the back third of the tongue and isn't too sharp, but still effective.
7. Mouthwash. Most of my patients don't need it. I have posted recently about the controversy surrounding oral cancer and strong alcohol mouthwashes. In some cases I recommend Curasept Chlorhexidine 0.12% non-staining toothpaste and mouthwash. More about this soon.
8. Toothpaste. I don't like the more expensive ones with lots of ingredients. All that is necessary is a mild abrasive and fluoride. I like "Colgate Fluorigard Anti-Cavity Great Regular Flavour".
9. Plaque disclosing tablets. Yes the little tablets that you chew and all your teeth go pink are still around. By the way the pink is all the plaque you missed. New tablets now available will show old plaque in blue.
10. Timer. You cannot brush effectively in less than 2 minutes no matter what your technique. It feels like forever but it's only 2 minutes!

This article is solely the professional and individual opinion of Dr. Clifford Yudelman a Perth dentist in Nedlands, Western Australia and does not replace the professional guidance of your own personal dentist. He/she is the best person to counsel you on specific products for your specific situation. Please consult with them if you have any questions regarding anything mentioned in this article.

Flossing is easy. Watch this great video for some tips.

How To Floss Your Teeth on Howcast

Here is an interesting "how to" video on keeping your teeth white.

Dentist in Perth says: "Porcelain veneers for cosmetic dental makeover may not be for you."

Porcelain veneers are all the rage today, with instant makeover shows on television glamorizing cosmetic dental procedures, along with face lifts and breast enlargements.

The average person just wants their teeth a little whiter or straighter, or has old fillings that have gone dark. A few front teeth may be slightly chipped.

Wikipedia defines “cyberchondria” as a colloquial term to describe the behaviour of individuals who use the Internet to gather information on health or healthcare, for themselves or people in their care. Although there may not be much about how “cyberchondria” relates to cosmetic dentistry, there are people who self diagnose the need for veneers.

No matter what their smile looks like, they think porcelain veneers are the answer. This may not be the case and you should seek more than one opinion as with all irreversible, surgical medical procedures, especially of the elective or cosmetic kind.

In conclusion porcelain veneers may be the most expensive option in the long run and may not be required for your particular case.

There certainly are cases where they are the best option, and if done properly can achieve a natural and cosmetically pleasing result.

Over the last 25 years many of my patients have simply required 10- 14 nights of take-home bleaching, some quick, simple, inexpensive cosmetic contouring, and the replacement of old discloured fillings. For crowding orthodontic referral may be the best option.

This article is solely the professional and individual opinion of Dr. Clifford Yudelman, a Perth dentist in Nedlands, Western Australia and does not replace the professional guidance of your own personal dentist. He/she is the best person to counsel you if a dental procedure like porcelain veneers, cosmetic contouring, tooth whitening or orthodontics, may be the right treatment for your specific situation. Please consult with them if you have any questions regarding anything mentioned in this article.

For more information from "The Journal of the American Dental Association" JADA called "Veneer Mania" click the link