Top 5 Signs You May Have a Cavity

Did you know that almost 100 percent of the adults in the world suffer from some form of tooth decay every year? Additionally, somewhere between 60 and 90 percent of kids suffer from tooth decay as well.

Tooth decay can, unfortunately, lead to cavities. And if cavities are left untreated for a long period of time, they can lead to even more serious oral health issues.

No matter how old you are, it’s important for you to keep a close eye out for cavity symptoms. It’ll allow you to avoid the potentially dangerous consequences that can come along with cavities.

Here are 5 signs that’ll let you know you may have a cavity.

1. Unexplained Toothaches

Do you have a toothache that just popped up out of nowhere? This is one of the most common cavity symptoms.

In some cases, you might have a dull, throbbing toothache that just won’t seem to go away. In others, you might have a toothache that comes and goes and seems to affect you most when you’re eating and drinking.

Either way, a toothache is an obvious sign of a cavity and should be investigated further.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

There are some people who have more sensitive teeth than others. Food and drinks that are hot, cold, sweet, acidic, and sticky may bother them almost all the time.

But if you notice that your teeth are suddenly sensitive to any of these things without warning, it could be because of a cavity. A dentist can check out your teeth to see what is causing your tooth sensitivity.

3. Noticeable Holes in Teeth

If you think you might have a cavity, use a flashlight to shine some light into your mouth and look at the area that’s giving you trouble.

Can you see any small holes in any of your teeth? If so, those holes are cavities that need to be filled.

You can’t always spot a cavity in your mouth, even if it’s a bad one. But many times, it’ll be possible to see cavities as they develop.

4. Tooth Discoloration

It’s not uncommon to see someone who drinks a lot of coffee or wine to experience discoloration in their teeth. But in these instances, all of their teeth will be a shade darker than they used to be.

Tooth discoloration tied to a cavity will usually only affect a small portion of a single tooth. You may see a spot that is slightly whiter than the rest of your teeth or a spot that has turned brown or black.

5. Pain When Biting Down

Do you feel pain when you bite down, even when you don’t have anything in your mouth?

You could very well have a cavity that is affecting the root of one of your teeth. It’s essential for you to get to a dentist as soon as possible for this type of cavity as it could start to take a toll on the bone underneath your teeth.

Seek Treatment If You Experience Any of These Cavity Symptoms

By learning how to tell if you have a cavity and picking up on cavity symptoms, you can prevent cavities from wreaking havoc on your oral health.

The key is catching decay and cavities at the early and preventative stages. This may save you from having to go through extensive dental procedures to fix your teeth and keep your teeth and health in better shape overall.

Contact us to schedule an appointment with a dentist if you suspect you might have a cavity.

 

5 Surprising Benefits of Dental X-Rays

Regular dental care is an invaluable asset to your quality of life. Dentists do more than clean your teeth and fix your smile. They play a crucial role in the overall well-being of every single patient they see.

One way dentists do this is by using x-rays to help them identify issues, plan a course of action, and follow-up on treatment. If you don’t mind going to the dentist, but you’re not a fan of taking x-rays, keep reading to discover 5 awesome benefits of dental x-rays.

1. To Track Tooth Growth and Development

Have you ever broken a bone then watched the progress of its healing with regular x-rays? It’s pretty cool to see, isn’t it?

In a similar way, dentists use x-rays to track healthy tooth growth and development. They can do this with their own eyes too, but only to a certain extent. Advanced medical equipment helps them assess the situation from all angles.

With just one set of x-rays, a dentist can see if your teeth are prone to crowding or tooth gaping. From there, they may consult with you to receive some sort of orthodontic treatment.

2. To Identify Dental Decay

The next benefit of dental x-rays worth mentioning is to identify decay. This is a serious matter worth treating as soon as possible. The growth of decay in your mouth can lead to gum disease, rotten teeth, or other health issues in the body.

If you want to keep bacteria from spreading, you need to catch it in action right away. You need to allow the dentist to take the necessary x-rays.

3. To Check for Gum Disease

Maybe it’s too late for you to identify the presence of dental decay early on. Maybe you’re already suffering from bleeding or inflamed gums and wondering what to do about it.

The best thing you can do is call your dentist who will likely require x-rays to aid in determining the severity of your potential Gum Disease. Most dentists can identify gum disease from a mile away. But, it’s only with an up-close look and support of x-rays that they can see the root of the problem and start planning a cure.

4. To Assure Treatment Success

It’s one thing to plan a course of action for dental treatment and another to see it through. As such, dentists often take follow-up x-rays to assure their work is complete. Some will even take x-rays at each stage of treatment to track progress.

This may mean you have two or three sets of x-rays done or maybe even four or five. However many times you’re asked to take them, always comply. The more x-rays a dentist has to compare, the better they can do their job and bring you back to good health.

5. To Act Quickly on Dental Issues

Speaking of bringing you to good health, at the end of the day, a dentist can’t do this if you don’t let them. It’s not enough to go in for cleanings and keep up with flossing at home.

You’re going to have to take x-rays from time to time to make sure your dental health is as good as you think it is. Not to mention, if something is wrong, you’ll be glad you took the x-rays sooner rather than later.

Discover the Benefits of Dental X-Rays for Yourself

Dental x-rays are nothing to fear or cause a fuss over. They’re incredibly safe, and although a little uncomfortable, quick to do when you follow directions.

The most important rule of going to the dentist, though, is to actually go! If it’s been a while since you sat in the dentist’s chair and you need to make an appointment, click here to set one up with us right away.

What You Need to Know about Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Closeup of x-ray image of teeth and mouth with all four molars vertically impacted and still not grown and visible in the jaw bone. Filled cavities visible. Impacted molars (wisdom teeth, teeth number 8) on the right side of the face (image left) shown red.

It’s April again, folks! You know what that means – It’s Dental Health month! We think we’d start the month with this informative post about impacted wisdom teeth. So if you are wondering about wisdom teeth, what an impacted wisdom tooth actually is or if you need yours extracted, then this post is perfect for you.

 

Before we talk about impacted wisdom teeth, let’s first have a quick overview on wisdom teeth.

 

What are They, Really?                         

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that are found at the very back of your mouth. They often appear long after all you get all your other adult teeth. Usually, wisdom teeth would break through your gum line in your last few years as a teenager or while you’re in your early twenties. They may cause discomfort in varying degrees.

 

Are All Wisdom Teeth Crooked?

You may hear of this from your parents or grandparents, but it’s just a myth. Of course, not all wisdom teeth grow in crooked! In fact, there are countless cases that show wisdom teeth can also grow in really straight. Needless to say, if this is the case, there is absolutely no reason for your wisdom tooth to be removed.

 

When they do grow in crooked, though, it is possible that they would affect all the other teeth that surround them – damage the adjacent teeth, crowd the other teeth, damage a nerve or even your jaw, and more.

 

What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth are those that are not able to break through the gum line. It is often because there’s another tooth blocking the way of the wisdom tooth and there is no sufficient space for the wisdom tooth to ‘erupt’. As you can probably imagine, impacted wisdom teeth can cause greater discomfort and even pain. Impacted wisdom teeth can damage your gums, jaw, and your other teeth or cause infection.

 

Should You Have Them Removed?

It actually depends on your particular case and a lot of factors like, whether your wisdom tooth has broken through the gum line or not, whether it’s causing damage to your mouth and more. Only your dentist can tell what you should do about it.

 

If your wisdom tooth has broken through the gum line, it can be easily extracted. However, if the offending tooth is embedded in your bone, the procedure can be a little more complicated. In any case, the extraction would require the application of a local anaesthetic (or sedation if that is what you prefer).

 

How Long is the Recovery Period?

It varies from patient to patient. For some, it just takes a couple of days while for others it could take a few weeks. What is important though, is that you follow every direction given by your dentist so as not to aggravate your gum and ruin the stitches.

 

So, are you concerned about your wisdom tooth? Visit Pickering Square Dental and have it checked by Dr. Lean and his expert Dental Team.

 


What You Need to Know About Baby Teeth

Baby teeth, medically termed as deciduous teeth, are the first set of teeth in the growth development of humans and other mammals. They are also called milk teeth, and now more commonly primary teeth. They develop as early as the embryonic stage – while in the fetus – and become visible in the mouth during infancy. They are meant to be lost and replaced by permanent teeth, but can remain functional for many years.

The ages when baby teeth usually appear and fall out are as follows:

Central Incisors

The first two visible teeth on the upper and lower gums usually appear i the first 6 to 12 months and fall out once the child turns 6 or 7 years old.

Lateral Incisors

These are the two upper and lower teeth next to the central incisors that appear between the 6th and 12th month. They usually fall out in the 7th and 8th year.

Canine/Cuspid teeth (16-23 months)

The first canine (also known as cuspid) teeth become visible on the upper gums, appearing between the 16th and 22nd month. They usually fall out in the 10th and 12th year. The lower canine teeth usually appear on the 17th and 23rd month, and fall out in the 9th or 12th year.

First molars (13-19 months)

The upper first molars become visible when the child enters their 13th to 19th month, while the lower first molars appear between the 14th and 18th month.  All molars s fall out when the child turns approximately 9-11 years old.

Second molars: (22-33 months)

The last set of primary teeth appear first on the lower gums, sometime between the 23rd-31st month, while the second molars on the upper gums become visible between the 25th-33rd month.  The second molars commonly fall out when the child turns 10 or 12 years old.

The oral health care for babies start even before any tooth becomes visible. After each feeding, wipe the gums off with a warm, wet washcloth. Soft, thimble-like rubbery devices are also used for rubbing off excess food.

Once teeth start coming in, you can now start using a toothbrush for babies.  The most ideal brushes come with soft bristles, a small head and a large handle.  As soon as teeth erupt (come in), a grain-sized portion of child toothpaste may be used, increasing to a pea-sized amount when the child turns 3 years old.  Toothpaste should always be spit out and not swallowed.

Creating a More Confident Smile

Who doesn’t want to have a dazzling smile? We trust that everybody wants just that. Most people do not find their smiles beautiful enough, but that shouldn’t be the case. Contrary to popular belief, having a confident smile is totally up to the willingness of the beholder – that and proper oral health routines.

If you find it difficult to socialize with others because you have to talk, laugh and smile most of the time, then maybe it’s time to rethink of your oral health routines and practices.

It Starts Within

Pearly whites make all the difference, yes, but you have to make sure that all your other teeth are healthy as well. If you have damaged teeth that need treatment, you should work on those first. They might not be hurting now, but once they do start being sensitive, smiling would be the last thing on your mind.

Stick to a Healthy Routine

Brushing your teeth should never be skipped nor forgotten – no matter how busy you are. Keep in mind that our mouths are one of the dirtiest parts of our bodies. Ending the day without brushing your teeth is similar to sleeping with dirty clothes on.    

Keep It Sparkly

Most people with confident white smiles have had their teeth whitened. If you know you have sparkling whites to show, you are more likely to flaunt it than keep it hidden. Having perfect white teeth doesn’t come naturally.  Professional whitening systems at our office create dazzling white teeth!

Say No to Bad Breath

The most common reason for having foul-smelling breath is poor oral hygiene practices. Some people find it difficult to keep a conversation longer than 2 minutes because they are too conscious of their breath and other people smelling it.  Brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis helps you prevent this.

Replace Missing Ones

Losing our teeth can be very traumatic. Even if you take care of your teeth, certain circumstances might have caused you to have lost a tooth or two at some point. Don’t leave it like that.  Consider getting dental implants as soon as possible to restore your mouth and its ability to function well as well as for your own self-esteem.

Regularize Trips to the Dentist

Maintaining your teeth in the best condition is done with the help of a professional.  We are here to help and are well worth the time and commitment. 

How to Help Your Teething Infant

Do your baby’s cries keep you up in the middle of the night? Is he/she still crying even after you’ve just fed them, changed his diaper, and tried rocking him gently to sleep? Maybe he’s in distress. Maybe his tummy is aching

Or maybe… maybe your baby is teething.

Teething usually occurs somewhere between 2 and 12 months, or sometimes even later than that. The first few teeth might show with ease, but it could be a long, painful process. The pain is common because just like with an adult’s wisdom tooth, the teeth are pushing through the gums. That is the reason why there’s so much pain and swelling so be sure you know how to help ease the pain!

 

Signs and symptoms of teething include:

*reddish, swollen gums

*flushed cheeks or face

*gum-rubbing, biting or sucking

*heavy drooling

*rubbing his ear on the same side as an erupting tooth

*not eating as much as usual

*irritable, agitated

*sleepless at night, but wakeful during the day

*increased temperature and diarrhea (might be caused by something else, consult a doctor to be sure)

 

Putting pressure on your baby’s teeth by chewing may relieve the pain. However, your baby’s gums might be sensitive at this time so there’s a tendency for him to turn away from your breast or his bottle during the teething phase.

 

There are several ways to soothe your baby’s painful gums before resorting to teething gels and other pain relief products. As much as possible, you would want to ease the pain naturally. Try some of these tried and tested practices:

*Rub a clean finger gently over your baby’s sore gums to temporarily numb the pain.

*Get your baby a teething ring. It’s better to buy the solid, silicone-based teething ring rather than the liquid-filled ones as the latter could leak. Before giving the teething ring, put it in the fridge for that cooling effect. Do not put it in the freezer as that could hurt your baby’s gums. Avoid teething necklaces as they are hazardous to babies.

*Offer cold drinks and cold food. For babies over six months, a bottle of icy cold water can be a relief for painful gums. You can also give ice-free water in a cup. For food, chilled yogurt, applesauce and blended peaches can be your options, as long as food has already been introduced to your baby.

*Never use rubbing alcohol on your baby’s gums. Parents should also avoid any herbal or homeopathic natural teething meds as those can contain ingredients that cause heart problems and drowsiness.

*Comfort – lots and lots of extra hugs, kisses and patience are required for our little ones throughout this painful process.

 

If you would opt to go for pain relief medicines or products, it is best to always consult your paediatrician first. Since you’re dealing with babies, it is not advisable to have them take medicines without prescription from a medical professional. 

5 Common Cavity Myths

Cavities might be a routine problem that dental professionals resolve every day, but that doesn’t means that that the general public hasn’t developed a misunderstanding on the ways in which cavities can occur. There are a number of myths around how to avoid cavities. And these myths often harm patients and prevent them from truly understanding their oral health needs. Within this blog, we’ll outline five common cavity myths.

1. Myth: Kids are More Likely to Develop Cavities than Adults

Several studies over the last 20 years have shown that children’s cavity numbers are decreasing while cavities among senior citizens are on the rise. This highlights the importance in a commitment to effective oral health for those of every age.

2. Myth: All Cavities Cause Pain

The vast majority of us might never feel pain if we have a cavity. The pain that’s often associated with cavities is actually the tooth decay caused by the cavity. This highlights the importance of regular dental health checkups to ensure that there are no hidden cavities.

3. Myth: Cavities are Always in a Visible Spot

The majority of cavities are likely to be in a hidden spot in the mouth where the brush might not have reached. Because those hidden spots between teeth are the areas where cavities commonly occur, it’s important to floss carefully after meals and ensure no food debris is still in the mouth for long periods.

4. Myth: Sugar is the Primary Cause of Cavities

Bacteria are the cause of cavities. These bacteria can be triggered to make acid when you eat anything with carbohydrates. And the acid is the element that erodes teeth and causes cavities. It’s important to remember that it’s not always the type of food you eat but the amount of time your teeth are exposed to that food. This means that those who eat a lot of carbs during meals are more likely to get a cavity than those who eat a small amount of carbs on a regular basis.

5. Myth: A Treated Tooth Cannot Experience Another Cavity

Just because a tooth was treated for a cavity doesn’t mean that it’s immune from having another cavity in the future. Changes in the mouth might mean that the filling separates from the tooth, allowing bacteria to sneak in and begin the decaying process again. The only way to prevent further cavities in teeth is to stay vigilant and complete a comprehensive oral care regimen.

By speaking with our Team and completing your own research, you can uncover the truths behind each of the latest cavity myths.