Toronto Maple Leafs: Dr. Lean’s Involvement

Toronto Maple Leafs: Dr. Lean’s Involvement

When on the lookout for a new dentist for yourself and your kids, you want to be sure that you find one that you know you can trust and be comfortable with.  After all, your family’s dental health is not something you can entrust to just anybody.  Little kids, especially, can be challenging as they are often anxious about going to the dentist and introducing them to a new one can be disastrous. It’s not like you’re taking them to meet their favourite hockey player, right? 

Well, we’ve got the next best thing. How about taking them to the dentist of their favourite hockey stars? Yes, that’s right. You can now tell your child that you’re going to take them to the man who takes care of all the players of the Toronto Maple Leafs.  That’s sure to get the attention of any Canadian kid!

Dr. Marvin Lean’s Services for the Toronto Maple Leafs

As the Toronto Maple Leafs’ official dentists, Dr. Marvin Lean and his partner provide these highly-admired hockey players with thorough dental services, just like they do with every single one of their patients.  That means that choosing Pickering Square Dental means that you’re getting the best dental services available.

What do Dr. Lean and his partner do for the team? Since 2005, they have been attending the Toronto Maple Leaf’s training camp to perform meticulous dental assessments on every single member of the team. Aside from that, Dr. Lean and his partner customize durable yet comfortable sports mouth guards for every player to make sure that their teeth are protected when they are playing our favourite sport.

Whenever there are home games held at the Air Canada Center, Dr. Marvin Lean and his partner are always present to ensure that all the players, including those from the visiting teams, are provided with professional dental assistance when needed. Can you imagine how many respected athletes rely on Dr. Lean and his partner to take care of their teeth?

You Can Receive the Same Quality of Dental Care

If you are looking for a truly professional dentist, you need not look anywhere else! Pickering Square Dental has been providing top-notch dental care services for more than 25 years. We welcome patients of all ages, from the littlest toddlers to beloved seniors who are looking for a family dental location that is comfortable. Our dental experts and staff will ensure that you are relaxed while you have your dental treatment.  Check out our amazing services now!

Helpful Resources

man brushing teeth

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Crossbite: What You Need to Know

crossbite

When a child is brought to the dentist, braces may be the last thing parents expect to hear about.  Many do not know that even kids as young as three or four can be diagnosed with a crossbite, and if that’s the case, parents should be prepared to hear about braces, retainers, and sagittal expanders.  But before those orthodontic appliances are discussed, you are probably wondering – what is a crossbite and what should be done about it?  Here are the answers.

 

What Is a Crossbite?

A crossbite can involve just a single tooth or several teeth on either side of the mouth (or even both). If any of your or your child’s tooth or several teeth lay closer to the tongue or cheek instead of standing together evenly, you probably have a crossbite.

 

What Can Be Done About It?

The dental industry is still divided into two sides when the topic is the right time to initiate crossbite treatment. Some suggest that treatment should start as soon as a diagnosis is made, which can be as early as three years old. Others say that parents should wait at least until a child’s molars come out. But even with the difference of opinion regarding when treatment should be done, all dental professionals agree that crossbite is not a condition that should be left untreated. Why? Because it presents a number of complications that include gum and tooth wear, temporomandibular joint disorder, and even facial asymmetry.

 

What Is the Treatment Like?

Crossbite treatment aims for the bite pattern to match evenly on all sides, and that involves adjusting how a child’s teeth are spread using dental appliances. It can be done using dental expanders which are similar to orthodontic retainers. They include a screw that you can tighten every night to “spread” a child’s bite to the width prescribed by the dentist. Other options like dental headgear, clear aligners, and braces may also be used, usually when a single tooth is out of alignment.

 

Crossbites are generally considered as a genetic condition, so they are not that common. But if your child happens to have it, know that it is imperative that crossbite is treated before it can permanently affect your child’s oral and facial development. That’s why if your visit to the dentist leads to a discussion about your child having a crossbite and needing to wear a dental expander, don’t just shrug it off. Learn more about it and the necessary treatment to address this problem.

 

Have your child scheduled for a dental check up with Dr. Marvin Lean at Pickering Square Dental. He can tell if your child has a crossbite and offer you the best treatment approach possible.

Helpful Resources

Emergency Dental Care

For more information, visit the Health Canada Children’s Dental Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

How Eating Disorders May Affect One’s Teeth

Worried girl standing in front of mirror

Eating disorders affect young girls about ten times more than men. These disorders either involve a constant preoccupation with (junk) food or a much-distorted idea of a good body image and eventually, extreme measures taken just to control weight.  It is because of these excessive measures that one’s physical and mental health is greatly harmed.

 

But did you know that eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia can wreak havoc in your mouth?  In fact, just in the first few years of these illnesses, teeth can get worn and cracked. This kind of damage is caused by frequent vomiting.  Of course, when food is restricted like with anorexia, it can also have harmful effects on a person’s teeth.

 

Damages to the teeth that are linked to eating disorders are often indicative of chemical and mechanical wear. The enamel can be eroded by excessive acid that comes from different origins in the body. It can get thinner and as time passes by, the dentine which is very sensitive gets exposed. This situation is aggravated by inappropriate brushing, abrasive food, and even teeth attrition. Where the damage is worst is an indication of the cause.

 

For example, the damage that is caused by vomiting often affects the back of the teeth and at the gum line around the incisors, because those areas are where the stomach acid comes into contact with.

 

Patients with bulimia may also be exposing their teeth to gastroesophageal reflux during the night, which means the damage happens even as the person is sleeping and unaware of it. Acid reflux damage is often found around one side of the jaw, depending on the sleep position. Of course, the front teeth can be damaged when a person drinks a lot of acidic beverages. In extreme cases of anorexia, the gums recede too much and expose the roots of the teeth to acid and your damaging tooth brushing action.

 

How Can Patients Stop the Damage?

While still battling these eating disorders, it is highly recommended that the patient rinses his or her mouth with tap water after vomiting. Wait for about 20 minutes before brushing. You can also do this after eating or drinking food and beverages that are acidic.

 

When brushing your teeth, make sure that you do it vertically, starting from the gum line to the ends. The bristles of the toothbrush should reach between the teeth. Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste.   

 

You can give us a call at 905-420-1777, and we’d be happy to schedule you for a check-up. We’d like to help you achieve a better oral health and a more beautiful smile!

Helpful Resources

tooth pain

For more information, visit the Government of Canada Oral Health Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Sports Mouth-Guards vs Night-Guards

Smiling Woman with silicone trainer. Invisible braces

If you are affected by bruxism, there are a few remedies that you can try to resolve the problem. Of course, the most popular is a dental night guard. While it’s not really a guaranteed solution (it may stop your habit of teeth grinding), it can definitely help you prevent any possible damages to your teeth. You can wear one before you sleep and it will absorb all the clenching and grinding that you do when you’re asleep. You can find off-the-shelf night guards, but one that is custom-made by a dentist would be better. While also customized by a dentist, you should not confuse a night guard with a sports mouth-guard.  Not only are they made of different materials.  Each also serves its own purpose in the mouth that is different from the other.

 

A Closer Look at the Materials Used

Like we’ve already mentioned, a night-guard is designed to protect one’s teeth and jaw structures from the damaging effects of clenching and grinding during sleep. It is fabricated with a material that is not that thick but is durable enough to perform its function well.

 

A sports mouth-guard, on the other hand, is often made with a thicker and more rubbery material, and because of the purpose it serves, it extends to cover the entire jaw and gum tissue, so the entire mouth will be safe.  If you are an athlete and you are going to have a mouth guard made, you can choose to incorporate the colour of your team or even its logo.  Often, sports-guards are fabricated in such a way that they look like they’re part of the team uniform.  Different dyes are used to incorporate various colours.

 

How They Function

Both a sports mouth-guard and a night guard are made to protect your teeth. But they do it in different ways. A regular night guard protects the surface of the teeth from being worn down by grinding and clenching. On the other hand, athletes wear sports mouth guards primarily to protect their teeth in case of a hard and sudden impact. Therefore, a night guard, which is often made from acrylic plastic, is durable enough to withstand extended periods of grinding. A sports mouth-guard is often made from a softer material. This way, it can absorb force and sudden impacts. Also, a dental night guard just covers the occlusal surface of the teeth while a sports mouth-guard covers both gums and teeth.

 

Choose the Right Kind of Mouth-Guard

There are sports mouth-guards that are available commercially at some sports stores.  But they are different from the custom-made ones that are offered by Dr. Lean.  Needless to say, off-the-shelf appliances are both uncomfortable and not as effective as a dentist’s customized sports mouth-guards.  Of special note, annually, Dr. Lean and his partner attend the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp and make their professional mouth-guards which are available to our own patients, too.

 

The same goes with dental night-guards.  Those that are dentist-prescribed are of the higest quality and custom designed and fit for your personalized needs compared to pre-made stock sized over-the-counter appliances.  So, if you wear your sports-guard to combat the effect of bruxism instead of a night-guard, that is a compromised decision and we do not advise it.  It is still better to wear a night guard that is made exactly for that purpose.

 

You can always contact Pickering Square Dental if you have any inquiries about our sports-guards, mouth-guards, grinding appliances or night-guards.  Call us today!

Helpful Resources

Sedation-Dentistry

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Real Benefits of Dental Implants

Tooth human implant (done in 3d graphics)

Your smile is an amazing thing – it brightens up your face, makes you look younger and can even make you feel really good.  Strong and healthy teeth are important if you want to achieve a great smile that you can enjoy for a lifetime. Unfortunately, not all of us are born with pearly whites that always look great and strong.

 

While a really good smile with complete and healthy teeth is everyone’s goal, that doesn’t mean you should simply let that goal go if you’re already missing one or more teeth. In fact, you should do something about it now! For missing teeth, dental implants should definitely be considered.

 

Here are some great reasons why you should consider getting dental implants to replace your missing teeth:

 

To Keep a Younger Facial Structure

Having a beautiful smile helps keep one looking younger. See, your teeth are part of your overall look – your cheeks, your lips, and your facial skin all look tauter when your teeth are intact. But when you lose teeth, you also lose that great bone structure. That’s why the skin around one’s mouth, as well as the cheeks, appear saggy and even wrinkled when a person doesn’t have teeth.

 

A lot of people who have had dental implants to replace their missing teeth also enjoy a younger and fresher appearance on top of their improved smile.  Dental implants can truly transform one’s looks and life!

 

To Enjoy Eating Without Worries

Those who are either missing some of their teeth or wearing dentures often hold back when it comes to eating, especially if they are in public. Also, they often choose food that’s softer and easier to chew, even if they are not the healthier choice. Who wants to worry whenever they have a meal? No one wants that. However, missing teeth and wearing dentures make chewing difficult. Dental implants, on the other hand, act like natural teeth because they are directly anchored into the jaw. What that also means is that this procedure has no impact at all on the surrounding teeth which are in perfect health.

 

To Achieve Your Personal or Career Goals

We cannot deny that a healthy and beautiful smile helps one create a really good first impression. Do not miss out on great career opportunities and even relationship potentials because of this.  Dental restorations can restore your lost confidence and give you the boost you need to take charge of your life once more.

 

Call Pickering Square Dental and schedule for a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific situation and treatment options.

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our dental implant services at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

dental treatment

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Procedures Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Keeping Your Teeth Straight Post-Braces

smiling female holding invisible teeth braces front of perfect smile

If you have been wearing braces for years, you are probably looking forward to the day when you finally get to have yours removed! Of course, you are excited about finally getting to see your improved smile, with your teeth perfectly aligned. Imagine how enjoyable your first meal will be, too!

 

Before you get too excited though, there’s one thing you need to know about first – retainers. Yes. When it comes to keeping your teeth straight post-braces, retention plays a very important role.

 

Why Should I Wear a Retainer?

Just because your braces are now ready to be removed doesn’t mean your teeth won’t move anymore. The remodelling process done with your bone that has helped transform your smile didn’t start overnight. You can’t expect it to stop abruptly either.  The pressure from your aligner trays or arch wire made the bone and the connective tissue around your teeth to slightly loosen up, shift, and rebuild the bone around the teeth in the new and corrected positions. This is a really slow and continuous process and it continues even after the pressure from the arch wire or the aligner trays is gone. That’s why you should be committed to wearing retainers after your braces are taken off, to ensure that you get to enjoy that amazing new smile for years and years.

 

How Does a Retainer Work?

Retainers act like brakes, preventing teeth from moving or shifting. Teeth like to shift little by little over time. Retainers tell the roots of your teeth to stop moving, stay in place and properly aligned. There are some retainers that are fixed behind your teeth. The more common ones though are removable. They are made of a metal wire and acrylic fitted to your mouth, intended to guide your teeth. You have to remember though that retainers need to be worn regularly if you want them to work.

 

How Long Would I Have to Wear Retainers For?

The really crucial period is during the first six months after the braces are removed. This is because the teeth are still trying to move actively. For this reason, it is suggested that you wear your retainers for those six months full time. When that is over, you can start wearing your removable retainers only at night, for the rest of your life.

 

You have read right. You see, while your teeth are really strong, they also shift naturally. And the only way you can keep your teeth looking as good as they are now for as long as you can is to wear retainers. Remember that you only have to wear them at night.

 

Since you have already invested a lot of your time and (maybe your money, too) on your orthodontic treatment, it is only right that you take care of the results for the rest of your life. Talk to your orthodontist about your options, and the things you need to do to make sure your retainers are working for you.

 

 

Helpful Resources

Pedodontics

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Procedures Guide.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Missing a Tooth? Here are Some Great Options !

Close up on a man smiling while he is missing a tooth.

It is quite common for a Canadian between the ages of 20 and 65 to have more than two decayed or missing teeth. It’s a real concern for many. Why does it matter, you ask? Well, even if the missing tooth is not noticeable, it still affects the way you speak and chew your food – especially if you’re missing teeth in the back, which are meant for heavy chewing. When you lose those, you have no other choice but to use your front teeth for chewing. Because they are not intended for all that hard action, there’s a high probability that they’ll break down, as well. The remaining teeth may also shift when there’s a space that’s not supposed to be there.

 

If you are missing one or more teeth, you are probably wondering what options you have for you to be able to restore your smile. We’ll help you decide!

 

PARTIAL DENTURE (removable)

It is considered the most economical way to replace missing teeth. A partial denture is removable. It has replacement teeth on a plastic base that is colored to match the patient’s gums. It is connected to adjacent teeth using metal clasps. This is how partial dentures snap in place for both support and retention.

 

FIXED BRIDGE (non-removable)

A fixed bridge is yet another good option for replacing one or more missing teeth. A bridge replaces a patient’s missing tooth by connecting to adjacent teeth. For large restorations, multiple teeth are attached. What a fixed bridge basically is a crown on supporting teeth on either end and a false tooth in the middle.

 

DENTAL IMPLANTS (non-removable)

Implants are considered by many to be the best option for replacing one or more missing teeth. With an implant, a titanium anchor is integrated into your jaw bone, similar to your natural tooth root. An aesthetic crown is then attached to that implant as a replacement for the missing tooth.   Additionally, an implant helps you keep the bone height you have and it’s very hygienic, too.

 

It is important that you take care of your oral health to avoid losing a tooth. However, if it has already happened, know that you always have the option to get a tooth replaced. To know which one is the most suitable for you, you can contact Pickering Square Dental and we’d help you choose the best option for you.

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our dental implant services at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

sedation dentistry

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Emergency Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, dental abscess, and lost fillings or crowns all qualify as dental emergencies. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 for same-day emergency care.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?

While the ER can manage pain and infection, they typically cannot perform dental procedures. A dental office like Pickering Square Dental is better equipped to treat the underlying cause. We reserve same-day appointments for emergencies.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in milk or saliva. Get to our Pickering office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Benefits of Deep Dental Cleaning

Close up of a professional dental brushing at the clinic

Many people are quite familiar with the twice a year professional cleanings of their teeth.  It’s considered a routine procedure done to keep patients’ teeth healthy and clean.  Some patients are fortunate to have dental coverage to their cleanings too.  However, some still neglect to have their teeth professionally cleaned.  Others have bigger issues and could definitely benefit from deep cleanings more often than twice a year.

 

What is Deep Cleaning?

Deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planning is a procedure that is performed to prevent periodontal problems. Aside from cleaning the teeth themselves, the dentist will use probes, as well as other instruments to clean below the gum line. The area to be cleaned may be numbed using local anaesthetics, depending on the extent of the deep cleaning to be done.

 

Periodontal disease may occur when stains, calculus, and plaque on the root surfaces of your teeth begin to cause inflammation of your gums. If you leave it untreated, it could result in serious damage to both the soft tissues and the bones that your teeth depend on for support.  As you can expect, if neglected for too long, it can even result to tooth loss. The problem, which is usually referred to as ‘receding gums’ happen when gum tissues begin to pull away and detach from the teeth, creating periodontal pockets.

 

Why You Should Get a Deep Cleaning or Scaling

*To Achieve Better Oral Health: Deep cleanings should be made part of your comprehensive oral health package together with drinking enough water, proper brushing and flossing, and avoiding sugar and bad habits like smoking.

*To Prevent Diseases: Deep dental cleanings can help you avoid diseases that are caused by bacteria growth. When calculus, tartar, and plaque are thoroughly removed, infections are also easily avoided.

*To Avoid Deterioration: When your dentist removes all the disease-causing bacteria from your mouth, tooth deterioration and even tooth loss are prevented.

 

Scaling and root planning provides your gums with a truly healthy environment, allowing them to recover, re-adapt, and attach to normal tooth surfaces again.

 

Do not wait until you get gum disease before you start caring for your oral health as you should. Call Pickering Square Dental and inquire about our deep cleaning service and we’ll have you scheduled for this procedure when you are ready. Remember, there is no better time to start caring for your teeth and gums than now!

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our periodontal care in Pickering at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

porcelain bridges

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Getting Braces? Here’s What You Can Expect

Close-up teeth with braces. Woman healthy smile. Orthodontic Treatment

Are you about to get your braces? If so, you are probably feeling a bit anxious now, wondering if braces hurt and what it will be like when you have them on. Well, you can relax, because in truth, the discomfort you will feel from braces is really manageable.

 

We know you would feel more confident when you know more so here are some things you’d want to know if you are getting braces:

 

PLACEMENT

You can expect some discomfort when braces are applied to your teeth. You have to eat slower and your meals will definitely take longer as you’d have to adjust to chewing. It is advisable that you only eat a soft food diet for the first couple of days. You can have soup and yoghurt, eggs, and pasta for example.

 

FIRST THREE DAYS

As your teeth start to realign, you are going to feel some discomfort. It will take time until you get used to the pressure of having wires and elastic ligatures in your mouth. You may find relief from discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication. Of course, your orthodontist will provide you with instructions on how you can deal with this discomfort.  In most cases, the slight pain and discomfort are gone by day five.

 

REGULAR ORTHODONTIC APPOINTMENTS

Getting your braces on is only the beginning of the process of straightening your teeth. You are going to have your braces adjusted by your orthodontist from time to time so that your teeth will continue to move properly. Make sure you make it to your appointments. Some discomfort is also expected for a couple of days after each orthodontist appointments.

 

HOW TO DEAL WITH DISCOMFORT

While the discomfort that may be caused by braces is inconvenient, it’s still very manageable. Besides, they only last for a few days after your braces are applied and when you get them adjusted. Over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help to relieve a headache and soreness that are often associated with getting braces. Rinsing with salt water solution may also help alleviate swelling and discomfort.

 

You are not the only one feeling anxious about getting braces. But you need not fret over it much. The question of whether or not braces will hurt should be set aside because they are really bearable. Think of why you’re getting braces instead, and focus on how great your teeth and your smile will be after the braces have done their job!

Helpful Resources

dental treatment

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Procedures Guide.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Oral Health Problems to be Aware of If You Have Diabetes

toothache.adult man. isolated

Did you know that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of getting tooth and gum disease than those with regular glucose levels? This is because of their lowered resistance to infections and because they do not heal easily.

 

Those who have diabetes need to pay extra attention to their oral health on top of controlling their blood glucose levels. If you are diabetic, you should definitely visit your dentist more regularly and ask for advice on how you can keep your gums and teeth really healthy.

 

The first signs of diabetes can occur in your mouth, so you have to pay attention to your oral health, as that can help with early diagnosis and timely treatment. Some of the most common oral health issues that affect diabetic patients include:

  • Periodontal or gum disease
  • Gum abscess
  • Thrush and other fungal infections
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Dry/Burning mouth
  • Taste Disturbances

 

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND DIABETES

Periodontal or gum disease is the result of an infection that destroys the bone that supports your teeth.  The bone connects your teeth to the jawbone, allowing you to eat food with ease.

 

Dental plaque from bacteria and food debris cause gum disease. If plaque is left on the teeth and gums for some time, it hardens and forms a tartar or calculus. These irritate the gums around your teeth, making them red and swollen and sometimes causing them to bleed.  As this gum problem worsens, more bone is lost and teeth may fall out when they become too loose.

 

This oral health problem is more common in diabetic people who have irregular blood glucose levels. To help prevent gum disease, it is important that you take care of your oral health by visiting your dentist often and controlling your blood sugar levels.

 

TOOTH DECAY AND DIABETES

Because of their increased blood glucose levels, diabetic patients have more glucose in their saliva and noticeably dry mouths. These all contribute to dental plaque buildup on your teeth, which ultimately leads to cavities and tooth decay.

 

Dental plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth and gums twice daily and using dental floss to clean between your teeth. Doing these good oral habits can help you prevent cavities and gum disease, as well.

 

THRUSH AND DIABETES

Oral thrush or candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans which are naturally in the mouth. High glucose in saliva, dry mouth, and poor resistance to infection, which are all caused by diabetes, can also contribute to oral thrush.

 

Oral thrush causes red or white patches on the tissue which result to ulcers and discomfort. Optimal blood glucose levels and good oral hygiene are important in treating oral thrush. Your dentist can treat this with antifungal medications if required.


 

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our periodontal care in Pickering at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

dental treatment

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.