Gum Disease and Smoking: What You Need to Know

Did you know that smoking is one of the leading causes of gum disease in Australia? If you’re a smoker, you’re up to six times more likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease — which can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and even affect your overall health.

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we understand how smoking affects your gums and teeth — and we’re here to help you prevent, manage, and treat gum disease with compassion and care.

How Smoking Affects Your Gums

Smoking impacts the gums in several damaging ways:

• Reduces blood flow to the gum tissue

• Delays healing after dental treatments

• Masks symptoms like bleeding, making gum disease harder to detect

• Weakens immune response, allowing infection to worsen

• Increases plaque and tartar buildup

Even if your gums “look healthy,” smoking may be silently causing damage beneath the surface.

Signs of Gum Disease (Especially in Smokers)

• Bad breath that doesn’t go away

• Receding gums or “long” teeth

• Loose or shifting teeth

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing

• Pus between teeth and gums

Smokers may not experience early warning signs like bleeding, so regular check-ups are essential.

Can You Reverse the Damage?

The earlier gum disease is detected, the better the outcome. While advanced periodontitis can’t be fully reversed, it can be managed and stabilised.

Quitting smoking, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and receiving professional gum care are key steps toward preserving your teeth and health.

Gum Disease Treatment Options at Pain Free Dentist Sydney

We offer:

• Comprehensive gum health assessments

• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)

• Laser gum therapy for advanced cases

• Personalised oral hygiene plans

• Supportive care for patients who smoke or are quitting

We create a non-judgmental, supportive space for all patients — whether you're a current or former smoker.

Smoking, Gum Disease & Whole-Body Health

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth — it’s linked to:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Diabetes

• Respiratory issues

• Low birth weight in pregnancy

Taking care of your gums is an important part of protecting your overall health.

Why Choose Pain Free Dentist Sydney?

✔ Gentle, compassionate care for smokers and ex-smokers
✔ Focus on prevention and gum stabilisation
✔ Laser and non-surgical periodontal options
✔ Convenient Leichhardt location in Inner West Sydney

Book a Gum Health Check Today

Smoking doesn’t have to cost you your smile. Let’s take the first step together.

📞 Call (02) 9558 8988
💻 Book online at Pain Free Dentist Sydney

Baby Lip and Tongue Tie in Sydney: What Parents Need to Know

Is your baby having trouble breastfeeding, latching, or gaining weight? Or maybe you're noticing speech delays or a clicking sound during feeds? These may be signs of a lip tie or tongue tie — conditions where the thin tissue (frenulum) under the lip or tongue restricts normal movement.

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we offer gentle, laser-based treatment for lip and tongue ties in infants and toddlers, with a focus on comfort and long-term outcomes.

What Is a Lip or Tongue Tie?

• Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia):
  Occurs when the lingual frenulum (tissue under the tongue) is too short, tight, or thick, restricting tongue movement.

• Lip Tie:
  Happens when the upper lip's frenulum is too tight or low, limiting the lip's ability to flange outward — essential for effective breastfeeding.

Both can impact:

• Breastfeeding

• Bottle feeding

• Speech development

• Dental growth

• Sleep and breathing

Signs Your Baby May Have a Lip or Tongue Tie

For babies and infants:

• Difficulty latching during breastfeeding

• Clicking sounds when feeding

• Prolonged feeding times or fatigue at the breast

• Poor weight gain

• Gassy, colicky behaviour

• Sore nipples for mum, frequent mastitis

For toddlers and children:

• Speech delays or difficulty pronouncing sounds

• Mouth breathing or snoring

• Eating slowly or messily

• Tooth spacing issues (gap in front teeth)

How We Treat Lip and Tongue Ties

We use laser frenectomy, a safe and gentle method that:

• Minimises bleeding and discomfort

• Offers fast healing

• Reduces the risk of reattachment

• Is quick and usually completed in under 10 minutes

Our team works closely with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and myofunctional therapists to provide full support before and after the procedure.

Is Laser Frenectomy Safe for Babies?

Yes. Laser treatment is a well-established, low-risk option for infants and children. We ensure your baby is swaddled, soothed, and treated with care. Breastfeeding can often resume immediately after the procedure.

Why Choose Pain Free Dentist Sydney?

👶 Gentle, infant-focused care
🦷 Laser technology for precision and comfort
🤱 Supportive environment for mums and bubs
📍 Conveniently located in Leichhardt, Inner West Sydney
💬 Multidisciplinary referrals for full recovery

We’re here to support you every step of the way — from assessment to aftercare.

Book a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie Assessment Today

Early treatment can make a big difference in feeding, speech, and development.

📞 Call (02) 9558 8988
💻 Book online at Pain Free Dentist Sydney

TMJ Botox in Sydney: Relief from Jaw Pain & Teeth Grinding

Do you suffer from jaw tension, headaches, or teeth grinding? You might be dealing with TMJ disorder — a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints connecting your jaw to your skull.

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we offer Botox for TMJ treatment, a modern, non-surgical solution that provides long-lasting relief from TMJ pain, clenching, and bruxism.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder is a condition where the jaw joints become inflamed or overactive, often due to:

• Stress-related teeth grinding (bruxism)

• Jaw clenching during sleep or stress

• Bite misalignment

• Jaw injury or arthritis

Common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or tightness

• Clicking or popping sounds

• Headaches or facial pain

• Pain while chewing

• Worn or broken teeth

How Does Botox Treat TMJ?

Botox (botulinum toxin) is carefully injected into the jaw muscles — particularly the masseter and temporalis — to:

• Relax overactive muscles

• Reduce clenching and grinding

• Ease tension and inflammation

• Protect teeth from further wear

It typically takes 3–5 days to start working, with full effects in about 2 weeks. Results last 3–6 months, depending on the patient.

Benefits of TMJ Botox

• Fast, non-surgical relief

• Minimal downtime

• Reduced jaw tension and headaches

• Improved sleep quality

• Less tooth damage from grinding

• Slimmer jawline (aesthetic side benefit)

Is TMJ Botox Safe?

Yes — when administered by trained professionals. At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, TMJ Botox is performed by our experienced dentists with detailed knowledge of facial anatomy, ensuring safe and precise results.

TMJ Botox vs Night Guard

FeatureTMJ BotoxNight GuardMethodInjections into jaw musclesWorn over teeth while sleepingTargetRelaxes musclesProtects teeth, doesn’t relax muscleAesthetic benefitMay slim jawlineNoneDuration3–6 monthsOngoing use

Many patients benefit from a combination of both approaches.

Why Choose Pain Free Dentist Sydney?

✔ Gentle, anxiety-free care
✔ TMJ experience with both dental and aesthetic training
✔ Located in Leichhardt, Inner West Sydney
✔ Holistic approach to treating the root cause of jaw tension

Book a TMJ Botox Consultation Today

Don’t live with jaw pain or headaches. Let us help you feel better with tailored TMJ Botox therapy.

📞 Call (02) 9558 8988
💻 Book online at Pain Free Dentist Sydney