Great Dental Stocking Stuffers

Community Service — Pickering, ON

It’s always a good time to teach kids about proper dental care.  You know that and Santa does too.  That’s why every opportunity to help your kids learn more about how to keep their teeth clean and bright is a good one.  When Christmas morning comes there are certainly worse things to find stuffed in their stocking then a selection of the great choices below.  

  • Toothbrushes.  You can get them a great (soft-bristled) toothbrush but there are plenty of brushes branded with cartoon characters your kids might love as well.  If they’re a little older you might want to try gifting them with their first electric toothbrush to see if they like the feel of it.  If your kid spends time at sleepovers or at camp grab them a cool toothbrush case as well.
  • Floss.  Flavored dental floss is always a favorite but you might want to put in some interdental picks as well.  Give them the opportunity to choose what they might like to use to clean between their teeth.
  • Sugar-free gum.  A classic favourite.  Kids love gum, and you’ll love that this gum is actually good for their teeth.  Still tastes great, too.
  • Other stuff.  If you’re looking for longer term dental care options you can always throw in a ‘certificate’ you make for something they want, like professional whitening, or a custom mouth guard, that they can ‘cash in’ at the dentist.

The holidays are for families and there’s precious moments in watching kids (and adults) open up their stockings.  If you fill it with the things that will help their teeth they’ll be the gifts that keep on giving.  If you’re looking for a full-service family dentistry for you and your little ones contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.
Learn more about sedation dentistry options.

Helpful Resources

tooth extraction

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.

Holiday Foods to Watch Out For

Now that the holiday season is upon us that means it’s time for food, family, food, presents, holiday parties, and food.  There’s a lot of food around is what we’re saying.  Tons of different varieties, holiday treats you don’t see the rest of the year, family recipes and specialties, and a whole lot of ways to incorporate sugar just make everything so tempting.  You should be wary however, for as delicious as all of these dishes can be they can be hard on your teeth, and some are just best avoided.

The Sticky

Food items that get into the crevices and stay there are some of the worst ones for your teeth since they can turn into sugars that feed damaging bacteria.  Popcorn is a major offender during this season as kernels can get stuck between teeth and under the gum line which can cause problems.  Other sticky foods like stuffing and dried fruit are problematic for the same reason – the longer they stick in your teeth the more damage they can do.
Learn more about teeth whitening and aesthetics.

The Sweet

There are plenty of sweets to go around during the holidays.  Egg nog is full of sugar and fat and can layer itself on to your teeth.  Candy, especially candy canes are almost pure sugar so they’re dangerous as are most other forms of seasonal snacks like sugar cookies, yule logs, and the various cakes and pies that get adorned with the symbols of holiday cheer.  It’s a sugar overload and your teeth are best served by avoiding them altogether.

Preventing Damage

Let’s be honest, you’re not going to avoid all of them.  People serve holiday foods because they’re yummy and simply all part of the celebrations of the Season, you’re going to want to indulge your taste buds.  That’s perfectly fine but if you know what the worst foods are you can know how to combat any issues that may arise.  Bring a toothbrush and floss with you to holiday dinners and you’ll be able to get any sticky stuff off.  Even drinking water between snack sessions will help clear your mouth of sugary debris.  Take the right precautions and you can enjoy the deliciousness the season can offer without ending up with dental problems.

Enjoy your holiday season but make sure to be smart about what you eat and how you clean your teeth.  If you’re looking to get your teeth cleaned to make your pearly whites really dazzle this holiday season or want to get something else checked, we provide full service family dentistry.  Contact Pickering Square Dental today.

Helpful Resources

Family Dentist

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.

Winterizing Your Sensitive Teeth

Winter is hard on everything – your car, your home, and your willingness to be outside – and it can also be hard on your teeth.  Sensitive teeth really act up when the air is chilly making food or drink that is hot or cold very uncomfortable to ingest.  It can be caused by a number of factors, though in most minor cases it’s worn enamel, or gum recession and there are ways to mitigate the sensitivity and save yourself some discomfort.

Change Up Your Brushing

One of the best first steps in combating teeth sensitivity is switching to a toothpaste that’s made for sensitive teeth.  When tooth enamel becomes eroded it exposes a more vulnerable layer underneath that these special toothpastes can desensitize.  If you use a hard or medium toothbrush you’ll want to switch to soft since just by trying to get your teeth clean you could be wearing down the enamel yourself.  A softer toothbrush will also help with minimizing gum recession as well.
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

Strengthen Your Enamel

There are other ways to strengthen enamel.  Avoiding sugary or acidic food and drinks is a great place to start as is eating leafy vegetables, dairy, and protein.  Mouthwash can also help as can chewing sugar free gum containing xylitol.  If necessary you can add a remineralizing gel to your hygiene regimen which can rebuild tooth enamel effectively.

Professional Measures

If eroded enamel is not the issue you will likely need to see a professional as other factors that may cause sensitive teeth are tooth decay, irritated gums, or an exposed root.  Action may need to be taken to attack the underlying problem before it escalates into something worse than simple issues with sensitivity.  If you suspect your sensitivity is caused by one of these other factors or is accompanied by pain, call Pickering Square Dental right away.

Sensitive teeth is one of those issues that are not usually harmful but can cause issues with quality of life so it’s best to have it take care of, preferably before the winter is over.  If you or your family are looking for great dentistry contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

Helpful Resources

Dental Care

For more information, visit the CDA Oral Health Resources.

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.

Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

Keeping your teeth looking healthy means keeping that smile bright.  Over time teeth can be stained by food and drink.  They can also be dulled and darkened by fluorosis – the excessive intake of fluorine compounds – or simply as part of the aging process.  Whitening teeth has become a big part of dental care but not all whitening products are equivalent.

Toothpaste

Your drugstore will likely have an entire row dedicated to teeth whitening.  The most common are whitening toothpastes which are just regular toothpastes with additional ingredients to lighten the teeth.  While whitening toothpaste can be useful for removing stains its power to lighten teeth is limited – generally only lightening by about one shade – in contrast to other methods.

Gels & Strips

Whitening gels are peroxide-based and applied directly on the surface of the teeth.  Strips, which are becoming quite popular are transparent adhesive bands coated with similar gels and folded around the teeth.  Based on instructions each application needs to be left on for 30 minutes to overnight on a daily or twice daily basis.  For many people this can be annoying.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash with whitening has become available more recently.  It has all the benefits of regular mouthwash – better breath and reduction of plaque and gum disease – with ingredients to lighten teeth.  This presents obvious benefits but with such a limited time for the whitening compound to interact with your teeth the capacity to whiten may be limited.  In fact most manufacturers state that it may take 12 weeks before any results can be seen.

Dentist Administered

Your dentist can offer a wide range of whitening options.  The most popular of which is bleaching.  With a dentist-administered in-office whitening your teeth can get – in a single 30-60 minute treatment – three to eight shades lighter.  Of all the options it is the shortest in duration with the biggest immediate impact.  With a few more treatments you’ll be able to reach a beautiful white shine with limited effort.

Keeping your teeth white is an important part, not just of dental care, but of maintaining an overall great look.  If you have questions on the wide variety of whitening options available contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

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

Helpful Resources

Teeth Whitening

For more information, visit the CDA on Tooth Whitening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does professional teeth whitening last?

Professional whitening results can last 1-3 years depending on your diet and oral hygiene. Avoiding coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco helps maintain your results. Ask about our Whitening for Life program at Pickering Square Dental.

Is teeth whitening safe for my enamel?

Yes, professional whitening supervised by a dentist is safe for your enamel. Over-the-counter products can cause sensitivity if overused, which is why professional treatment at our Pickering office is recommended for the best and safest results.

How white will my teeth get?

Most patients see their teeth lighten by 3-8 shades. Results vary based on the type and severity of staining. Dr. Lean will assess your teeth and set realistic expectations during your whitening consultation.

Why Your Teeth Should Be Professionally Cleaned

Taking good care of your teeth is something you do as a matter of course.  Brushing three times a day, flossing after each meal, and staying away from sticky sweets is just a regular part of your daily routine.  You look in the mirror and your smile is bright and beautiful and so you may wonder if maybe it might be fine to just go ahead and skip your next cleaning.  Here are the reasons why it’s a good idea not to.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Plaque is the biggest reason!  Plaque is a film that builds up on your teeth and causes decay and can be removed by brushing and flossing.  Over time however, plaque can turn into a hardened substance called tartar which can only be removed through a dental cleaning – as only the steel scrapers of a dentist can get it loose.  Plaque and tartar will lead to gum disease which can lead to tooth loss among many other issues.  Having regularly cleanings will prevent tartar and plaque from building up.
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

Polished to a Gleam

Teeth can become stained just through daily contact with coffee, tea, or other staining beverages.  Food can stain teeth as can tobacco.  Dental cleanings will remove those stains and polish teeth to a shine that will give you a brighter and more beautiful smile.

Saves Money and Pain

Much like most forms of preventative maintenance the short term effort of having a dental cleaning done is offset by not having to endure the effects of failing to get it done.  Dental surgery can be costly and painful and, barring injury, can be prevented by regular cleanings.  It’s just better to get professionally cleaned rather than wait for large problems to develop.

Your at-home dental care regimen is important but to maximize your health of your teeth and gum they should be cleaned by a professional regularly.  In addition to the cleaning the dentist will also be able to check for any additional problems that may have occurred since the last time you were in the office.  If you’re looking for a professional cleaning contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

Helpful Resources

Gum Problems

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.

What CEREC Can Do For You

Dental technology has had a long line of advances on the road away from wooden teeth and the latest and most exciting of those advances is CEREC.  CEREC – which is short for CEramic REConstruction – is a new system by which ceramic crowns and partial crowns can be designed, produced, and used in treatment in a single dental appointment.  No follow-ups necessary!

How Does It Work

The process begins when the dentist scans the area that requires work.  That scan is transferred to a computer which uses software to design a prosthesis that will fit the patient perfectly.  Once the design is complete is transferred to hardware – usually a milling machine or 3D printer – where it is manufactured on the spot.  Then the patient has their new crowns inserted.  All in a single sitting.
Learn more about laser dentistry treatments.

Benefits

The benefits of CEREC are numerous.  Due to the nature of the scan no physical imprinting is necessary which means no imprint tray and no jaw pain.  The process itself generally takes an hour or so to complete and because there are no additional appointments that means only one injection and no more time spent in the dentist’s chair than necessary.

The ceramic itself is translucent so the dental prosthesis looks like a real tooth and unlike conventional crowns no dark edges are visible once it’s been put in.  Additionally ceramic is considered well tolerated so there are extremely few allergic reactions.  The hardness of the ceramic also presents a benefit as it is very close to a natural tooth’s, which prevents wear in a way other materials do not.

CEREC is part of a bold future of convenient and effective dental prosthesis and it’s available right now.  If you have a cracked tooth or other issue normally solved by a crown or partial crown then CEREC may be the right choice for you.  If you need more information or want to make an appointment contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

 

Helpful Resources

Tooth Preservation

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.

Tips for Teaching Your Kids Dental Hygiene

Our Team — Pickering, ON

We all know how important keeping our teeth clean and healthy is.  Preventative maintenance like brushing and flossing prevents cavities, gum disease, and a whole lot of pain later.  As a result proper care is a critical lesson that needs to be passed on to the next generation.  As a parent that responsibility will fall to you but there are some great methods to help your kids get on board with dental hygiene.

Be a Role Model

Children learn from what we do and they want to be like mom and dad.  If they see you brushing and flossing every day that’s what they’ll want to do too.  Encourage that by brushing with them and making sure they see the care and effort you put in to making your own teeth look great.
Learn more about sedation dentistry options.

Teach Them

Take the time to show proper technique.  Impart important lessons like using the right amount of tooth paste (a pea-sized dab will do) and brushing gently back and forth and then angling the brush along the gums and chewing surfaces of the teeth.  Show them how to brush the pesky inner sides of the teeth and the fun part – brushing their tongue!  At around age four food can start getting stuck in children’s teeth and you may have to start flossing for them.  By around age eight they’ll be able to floss themselves so make sure they’re aware of proper technique – regardless of the inter-dental instrument your family chooses.

Explain the Importance

As they enter school-age it’s going to be time to teach them why they brush their teeth.  Teach them about gingivitis and gum disease and all the unpleasantness that can result from a lack of proper dental care.  They’ll be learning some of this in school as well and you should reinforce those lessons at home.  If the message isn’t quite getting through take a look at some pictures online of where teeth can end up if they’re not cared for and decide if you want to show your child – it might just frighten them into action.

Teaching your children dental hygiene is critical and you should use all the tools you can to impart to them the wisdom of brushing, flossing, and regular trips to the dentist.  If you’re looking for a new dentist for you and your children Pickering Square Dental provides complete service family dentistry.  Contact us today.

Helpful Resources

Oral Surgeon

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.

Aesthetic Options for Your Teeth

Our Team — Pickering, ON

When it comes to human interaction the attractiveness of our teeth – our smile – is a crucial part of the first impression.  White healthy teeth means a healthy person who takes good care of him or herself and cracked, crooked, or missing teeth can be perceived as the opposite!  This, of course, isn’t always true – a person with missing teeth could simply have been the victim of a bad accident or other misfortune but that won’t always come across to the person they are speaking to.  Thankfully, there are methods offered that can help you obtain or restore a gorgeous gleam for your smile.

Braces

For fixing crooked teeth in either children or adults braces remain a terrific option.  Braces are long-term dental work that are affixed to the teeth in multiple ways.  Over time the pressure applied by braces will coax the teeth into better alignment giving a gorgeous symmetrical look. 

Veneers

For people with small chips, cracks, or stained teeth veneers are a great option.  Thin porcelain shells that are custom-fitted and attached to the front of your teeth they can immediately whiten and brighten your smile and give it a long-lasting and healthy look.  If you just want to brighten your smile veneers are the way to go.

Crowns

If you have more serious issues with major cracks, extremely large fillings, or root canals then crowns are right for you.  Crowns, also called dental caps, are tooth shaped caps that cover the teeth all the way to the gum line.  Unlike veneers crowns also have the ability to strengthen the teeth but in order to be fitted properly a portion of the tooth needs to be removed.  They’re always the correct choice for teeth with structural issues.

Implants

If you lose your teeth and want to fill that gap the only way that used to be available was through dentures.  Dentures still remain a viable choice for those with multiple teeth needing to be replaced but for those with only one or two missing who want a more permanent solution dental implants are now available.  These implants will look and work like your natural teeth and with advances in dental technology are easier than ever to place.

As you can see there are a lot of great options for those wanting to add a little aesthetic power to their smile.  If you want some of that power for yourself contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.  We offer a full array of aesthetic 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 Care

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.

The Effects of Hot Drinks on Your Dental Health

Our Team — Pickering, ON

As the weather gets colder we want to feel warmer.  That means bundling up to go outside, turning up the thermostat in the house, and relaxing with some nice hot beverages.  As much as those pumpkin spice lattes inspire comfort and taste delicious warm drinks can create problems with your teeth.  Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate can all create issues that vary in severity based on a number of factors such as the amount of sugar… 

Staining

Coffee and tea are well-known for causing stains to teeth especially over long periods of time.  Coffee stains in particular can be resistant to brushing your teeth.  Teas can vary in staining ability depending on how rich they are in tannins.  Green tea and herbal tea are less likely to have discolouring effects while black tea is more likely. 
Learn more about teeth whitening and aesthetics.

Tooth Decay

Coffee by itself has been found to cause little-to-no harm in terms of gum disease.  In fact, it’s been suggested that it might actually help protect your teeth due to the antioxidants it contains.  Of course, all of that is overridden once sugar has been added to the mix.  Because of its stickiness coffee with sugar can be damaging as can tea.  Hot chocolate is loaded with sugar as a matter of course so it too can be detrimental.

Prevention

There are some tips you can use to minimize the damage to your teeth.  First off, use a straw whenever possible to bypass your teeth unless you’re drinking plain water.  Yes, this is likely more for iced coffees than the hot kind but it remains good advice.  Also, you’ll want to drink water after you drink coffee, tea, or hot chocolate as it can help wash away leftover particles that could damage or stain your teeth.   

Warm beverages are an autumn tradition and they can still be part of your routine as long as you’re aware of the risks and take proper precautions to mitigate them.  Your teeth will thank you.   If you have any issues with staining or any other problems with your teeth at all contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

Helpful Resources

Dental Emergency

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.

Tooth-friendly Treats on Halloween

Our Team — Pickering, ON

As October’s end approaches the days are getting shorter, the leaves are starting to fall, and it’s just about time for little ghosts and goblins to start making their way from door-to-door in search of tricks or treats.  Halloween is one of the best kid holidays of the year – dressing up, going out at night, and getting free candy – what’s not to like?  However, as with many things kids enjoy a candy-based holiday like Halloween doesn’t always have the best impact on dental health.  It’s our responsibility to make sure that whatever candy they do have doesn’t result in cavities.

Things to Give Out

Sugar-free candy is your best bet for helping out visiting spectres and superheroes with keeping their dental hygiene in good standing.  Sugarless gum is a great choice as well as the chewing action can help fight bacteria through increased saliva production.  Let’s be honest though, we remember what it felt like when we got to the house that gave out raisins for Halloween.  We did not care for it.  You may not want to be the neighbour that gives out sugar-free gum.  So if you’re looking for something the kids will love that will cause the least issues with their teeth you should go with something chocolate.  The chocolate melts quickly in comparison to harder candies and therefore does less harm.  Avoid chocolates with sticky centres and you’ll make both the kids and their dentists happy.
Learn more about dental extraction services.

Dealing with What Your Kids Bring Home

The other side of the Halloween coin is the haul your kids bring in from their evening adventure.  This can vary in size and quality greatly depending on your neighbours and your child’s work ethic.  Of course eating all that candy right away can create issues for their teeth and for their tummy so it’s best to take action to make sure that doesn’t happen.  The first step, favoured by parents for years, is to divide the candy into increments to be enjoyed throughout the month.  Once this is done don’t let them snack on it throughout the day as that can had adverse effects on their dental health – set it up as a dessert after a bigger meal. 

Additionally you can attempt to get them to trade some candy, perhaps for a little bit of change for their piggy bank or for something else they might want.  Use your imagination to get a little more candy out of their hands to protect them in the long run.  That said, don’t go eating all that candy yourself.  What goes for kids’ teeth goes for yours too!

If you’re looking to get your teeth checked out after too much sugar that may or may not have been related to Halloween, the team here at Pickering Square Dental is ready to help.  Contact us today.

Helpful Resources

Dental Implants

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.