Important Dental Care Tips for Seniors

For those reaching their golden years additional worries about their health are nothing new.  Advancing age makes the body more susceptible to injuries, complications, and disease.  In addition health issues that build over time often come to a head in later years further complicating a senior’s medical situation.  Dental health is no different and there are important things every senior should know about additional risks they may have and what they can do to lower those risks.

Issues Specific to Seniors

Cavities can start to pop up again in old age after not having them for many years.  The primary cause of this is dry mouth which is a reduction of the flow of teeth-protecting saliva.  Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging however, but a very common side-effect of hundreds of different medications including those for high blood pressure and Parkinson’s disease.  Your dentist can help you combat this, provided they’re aware of the medications you’re taking.
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Gum disease is often painless until it reaches the advanced stage – and advanced age can often be when it strikes.  Seniors may also suffer darkened teeth due to decades consuming stain-causing beverages or the thinning of the outer enamel layer.  Tooth loss can also happen more often due to gum disease and root decay that may be the result of receding gums.

Preventative Care

There are a lot of issues but the good news is that most of it can be prevented with a fairly standard dental hygiene regimen catered to your specific needs.  That means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist on a regular schedule, a minimum of twice a year or more depending on specific circumstances.  For dry mouth specifically drinking more water will help, as will chewing sugar-free gum, oral moisturizers, and avoiding beverages that can irritate dry mouths alike alcohol or coffee.

Getting old isn’t easy but it can be made easier with the right preventative care.  If you are, or know, a senior who requires dental care contact us at Pickering Square Dental today and we’ll be happy to assist.

Helpful Resources

Teeth Whitening

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.

Your Teeth and Thanksgiving Dinner

Our Team — Pickering, ON

The leaves are changing and jackets are fast becoming a necessity.  Autumn is in full swing and that means the holiday season is about to begin.  First on the list: Thanksgiving.  It’s a holiday filled with family, friends, good times, and a whole lot of food.  It’s all delicious but some of it can cause havoc with the health of your teeth and gums.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when enjoying yourself on Thanksgiving Day.

Stay Away from the Sticky Stuff

While sugary treats in general should be avoided some are worse than others.  If you absolutely need to indulge your sweet tooth do what you can to stay away from stickier treats like jam cookies or pecan pie.  The stickiness keeps the sugar on your teeth longer which can have a larger impact than less sticky sweets.  Try and rinse your mouth with water as soon as possible when you’re not able to brush and floss immediately after enjoying all those special treats!!!

Don’t Graze
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

If your family is anything like most there’s usually a platter or two of snacks available long before dinner is served.  Snacking here and there creates more harmful bacteria in your mouth and allows that bacteria to stay hard at work all day.  Grab something resembling a lunch and hold out until dinner to give yourself time for your teeth time to protect themselves.  Besides, you’ll enjoy your dinner more if you have room for it.

Keep Water Handy

Acidic drinks like wine or soft drinks are tempting especially when you’re enjoying yourself.  Opt for water if you can as it can help wash your mouth of any leftover food particles or sugars.  If you can’t, or don’t want to avoid harmful drinks, then you should keep water nearby anyway to drink along with them.

Bring a Brush

Just because it’s Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you give up your normal healthy dental routine.  Bring a brush so you can get some of that turkey lodged in there out after dinner is over.  And don’t forget to floss either!

Thanksgiving can be a great time and if you take the right precautions your teeth will be no worse for it.  Then you’ll have one more thing to give thanks for.  If you’ve had too much sticky sugars on your teeth and need to see a dentist, or have any other issues that need attending, contact us at Pickering Square Dental and we’ll be happy to help.

Helpful Resources

Oral Surgeon

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.

How to Prevent Receding Gums

Our Team — Pickering, ON

It can, and usually does, happen without you even knowing it.  You smile a big smile in the mirror and you notice something – your teeth seem ever so slightly taller or longer than they used to be.  You have receding gums.  Receding gums is a condition in which the gum tissue around the teeth pulls back or is worn away, exposing more of the teeth and their roots.  It can be serious problem especially with heavy recession as the gaps that can form between the teeth can allow bacteria to build up and can even result in severe damage to teeth and the surrounding bone if left untreated.  In order to understand what you’re dealing with there are some things you should know about receding gums.

Causes

Gum disease is the largest cause of receding gums – the bacteria destroys tissue around the teeth and attacks the supporting bone structure as well.  Hard or incorrect tooth brushing can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away and your gums to recede.  Inadequate brushing can also make it easy for tartar to build up which itself can lead to issues with receding gums.  Additional contributing factors include hormonal changes, heredity, smoking, and grinding your teeth.
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

Treatment

If receding gums become enough of an issue that treatment becomes necessary mild or moderate recession can be treated by deep cleaning and potentially antibiotics.  If the recession has progressed into becoming severe it may require dental (periodontal) surgery to treat.

Prevention

Preventing gum recession can be as easy as taking good care in maintaining dental hygiene.  Brush and floss every day and see your dentist at least twice a year.  Always use a soft bristled toothbrush and follow the correct instructions on how to use it.  If receding is caused by grinding or crooked teeth you should get the issue corrected by your dentist as soon as possible.  Make sure to keep an eye on your gums if you sense a problem and see your dentist if you’re worried.

Taking care of your gums isn’t too difficult but if you are noticing an additional sensitivity or you’re worried about your dental care in general contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

Helpful Resources

Veneers

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.

How to Teach Your Child about Dental Care

Making sure children are prepared with the right knowledge to take them through the rest of their life is the one of the pillars of parenting.  Knowledge of dental care and oral hygiene is an important part of that.  Sure, kids may get a brand new set of teeth pretty early on, but good habits ingrained young carry over into adulthood.  Here are some great ways to make sure your kids know and practice proper care of their teeth and gums.

Be a Good Example

Your most important method of teaching is by providing an example.  If you brush your teeth and floss, your child will understand that’s just a part of life.  Regular trips to the dentist can bolster that too – letting them know it’s just part of the routine – and can also be beneficial in dispelling dental anxiety early.
Learn more about sedation dentistry options.

Reinforce the Habit

Use positive reinforcement to help your child learn.  Give praise and positive feedback when your child has brushed properly for two minutes… and more so, when they’ve brushed and flossed.  Children are very responsive to this… we all want to please our parents!

Explain to Them Why it’s Important

Kids are often smarter than we expect them to be.  If you take the time to describe what can happen if they don’t take proper care they’re likely to listen.  Google some pictures of bad teeth if you think it might help – images like that can be unpleasant to look at for kids but might be instructive if compliance is becoming an issue.  How you explain it is, as always, your call as a parent.

With just a couple of these tips, teaching your child about proper oral hygiene and dental care will be easy.  Oh who are we kidding?  Raising kids is tough – but teaching them to take care of themselves is important – and this is information you know they should have, so if these tips help even a little, then they were worth reading.  If you or your child need any dental care, or are looking for a great group of family dentists, contact us here at Pickering Square Dental, and we’ll be happy to help you out.

Helpful Resources

man talking to dentist

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.

Tips for the Perfect Selfie Smile

Maybe you’re with friends and family, or maybe you’ve found yourself in unique surroundings that you want yourself to be a part of, or maybe you’re just feeling particularly good – and you think “I should take a selfie.”  Selfies or cell-phone camera self-portraits are becoming a ubiquitous part of life as technology has changed the way we capture and share memories.  Not every selfie is worthy of social media, but there are some ways to enhance your selfies – starting with the most important part – your smile.

Great Teeth

Yes, the start of the perfect selfie smile is beautiful teeth created by great dental hygiene.  Obviously if your teeth are stained or chipped or otherwise not completely aesthetically pleasing that’s going to affect the quality of your smile.  Even worse, it may cause you to be too embarrassed to smile, even for a selfie.  A dentist can correct any cosmetic issues and make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

The Right Smile

Be as natural as you can be when smiling.  Fake smiles are no good as genuine smiles are always best and smiles that are too big can scrunch up your features in unflattering ways.  Use a relaxed smile, with your mouth open slightly and your lower lip matching the curve of your upper teeth to maximize the appeal. 

A Little Photography Knowledge

A little knowledge of how to take a photo can help as well.  The most important part of any photo is light – while your camera will do its level best to compensate low light won’t do you any favours, and even bright sunlight can create a bleached appearance.  When possible aim for a shaded area on a sunny day or if indoors, an area right by a window. 

In regards to photographic composition there are few things to remember – the first and most important is the rule of thirds – you want your eye line to be one third down from the top of the frame and a little off to one side – being in the middle of the frame makes it look like a yearbook photo.  Otherwise, do things that will spice your selfie up – play with angles, use different locations, dress up, or use the timer and take a selfie from a distance.

However you want to take a selfie, a big beautiful smile of healthy teeth is always the central feature.  If you need help getting your smile selfie-ready, contact us at Pickering Square Dental, and we’ll be happy to go through your options.

Helpful Resources

Wisdom Teeth Removal

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.

The Benefits of a Custom Mouth Guard

Mouthguard

Contact sports like hockey, football, basketball or soccer can get pretty rough so protecting your or your child’s most vulnerable areas, including the mouth, and protection for concussion are crucially important whether the damage is intentional or incidental.  Even in many non-contact sports like biking or gymnastics, the potential for injury to the mouth is a real risk, and guarding against that particular harm may be prudent.  The best way to protect the mouth is with a custom and professionally made and fitted mouth guard that is designed to distribute the shock of an impact to minimize damage to the teeth and reduce the force going to the skull and brain cavity.  The mouth guard is a solid piece of protective gear, but not all mouth guards are created equal.  In fact, there are some distinct advantages to a custom guard over generic store bought models.  Here are some of those advantages.

Stability

A custom-fitted mouth guard is made when a dentist takes an impression of the patient’s teeth, and that impression is then used to mold a guard specifically tailored to an individual.  Due to your unique specifications, the mouth guard will remain stable in the mouth, not prone to falling out or creating pain due to tightness like a generic mouth guard would thus, provide you with the best results of protection!
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

Breathability

Store-bought mouth guards are made to be ready-to-wear regardless of specific needs, and as a result, they tend be bulkier and ill-fitting – increasing proneness to gagging and making breathing difficult because they require the jaw to be shut in order to be held in place.

Fit and Protectiveness

These two things – fit and protectiveness – go hand in hand when it comes to mouth guards.  The more comfortable and stable the guard is directly translates to better shock absorption on impact.  If a mouth guard is loose or bulky its ability to take a hit will be greatly compromised.  Good news, proper fit and maximum comfort adds up to providing the best possible tolerance in wearing mouth guards.

A professionally fit and made mouth guard is superior in every way to a store-bought model.  And while it is more expensive, the reduction of risk to injury for everything from teeth damage to jaw fractures, to concussions or brain damage makes them well worth the additional cost.   If you are looking for a custom mouth guard, or need professional advice on dental issues of any kind, contact our team today.

 

Helpful Resources

oral health

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.

Why You Should Take Care of Your Tongue

The value of your tongue is obvious – it helps you rub food out of the back of your teeth, it sticks out when you want to make a funny face, and of course, it enables you to taste and talk.  The tongue is extremely important for communication and enjoying food, and should be treated as the crucial part of the quality of everyday life it is. 

That means keeping your tongue healthy and clean, because if proper care is not taken, the tongue can be a breeding ground for the bacteria that causes bad breath.  In extreme cases it can make your tongue crusty, or turn it yellow, white, black, and even give it the appearance of looking hairy.  Needless to say, such unfortunate results are best avoided, and for that you need the right tools.
Learn more about periodontal care in Pickering.

There’s a device available called a tongue cleaner that’s built specifically for the purpose of… cleaning tongues as effectively and efficiently as possible.  So should you run out to the store and buy one?  The answer is… probably not.  For most people the only tool they need to keep their tongue clean is one that they already have – their toothbrush.  Simply by brushing your tongue back to front – toothpaste is optional – you can keep your tongue clear of the bacteria that causes bad breath and remove any plaque that might have formed on it.  While a toothbrush is usually sufficient, if you have issues with your tongue, or want a somewhat easier way to get it thoroughly clean a tongue cleaner might be a good investment.

Check your tongue regularly as well, just stick it out and take a good look in your bathroom mirror.  What you’re looking for are changes to the skin or any cuts or white or red patches that haven’t healed within a couple of weeks.  These may be indicative of a deeper problem, even potentially mouth cancer, so make sure to see a professional if these symptoms arise.  For the aforementioned crusty tongue, clean it when your mouth is most moist, which is generally after brushing, or consider using a moisturizing spray or gel. 

With just a little preventative maintenance you can keep your tongue healthy.  If your tongue is showing any problems you want to get checked out, or if you have any other mouth or dental issues you want a professional to see, please contact us at Pickering Square Dental.

Helpful Resources

kid smiling

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.

How to Strengthen Tooth Enamel

Enamel is the protective coating that surrounds your teeth, the natural armor that protects a tooth from damage, infection, and other harmful effects.  The bad news is that if you’re enamel is weakened or otherwise burned away, it can cause increased sensitivity, discoloration, and cracks, and can end up leading to severe pain and cupping.  The good news is that even with significant damage your enamel can be repaired, and you can take proper care to ensure that it becomes stronger than ever.  Here are some tips to keep your enamel strong.

Diet

Stay away from too many sugary foods, especially ones with extra sugar added, and be particularly wary of sticky snacks like caramel that can cause damage even after you think you’ve finished eating it.  Acidic food and drinks, which can include diet soft drinks, are best consumed in moderation as well, but if you want to drink acidic beverages consider a straw so that less contact is made with your enamel.   Of importance, keep in mind whenever it’s possible rinse with water if you’re not able to brush and floss after sugary treats, acidic foods or beverages.
Learn more about teeth whitening and aesthetics.

After Meals

Make sure to rinse with or drink some plain-old refreshing water after you eat, to better wash off any particulates that may be left – plus a little more hydration won’t hurt either.  It’s also important to give your enamel time to repair itself after each meal which means all-day ‘grazing’ is not good, and with sugary food, extremely detrimental. 

Keys to Rebuilding

Tooth decay can eat away at the minerals in your teeth causing damage and cavities.  This damage can be repaired through a process called remineralization.  Fluoride is a major asset in remineralization, so just brushing with fluoridated toothpaste 2-3 times a day can already be a big help.  In terms of diet, you can assist your mouth’s natural willingness to heal itself with leafy vegetables, protein, and dairy.  Saliva is also a major component to strong dental health – which is why when chewing gum, make it sugar-free gum as it is recommended by dental professionals.

Keeping your enamel strong can be an easy mix of good dental hygiene and some smarter diet choices.  Strong enamel means strong teeth, and that means big smiles all around.  If, for whatever reason, you’re not happy with your smile or your dental health contact our team at Pickering Square Dental and we’ll be happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have.

Helpful Resources

sedation

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.

Helping your Children Overcome Any Fear of the Dentist

Whether it’s the sometimes negative portrayal of dentistry in pop culture, or the apprehension that comes with a medical examination of any type, or an understandable nervousness at the unusual sensations unique to a trip to the dentist, dental anxiety is not completely an uncommon issue in children.  It’s very important for fear of the dentist to be minimized at an early age, as ongoing anxiety can lead to an avoidance of the dentist, and an endangerment of long-term dental health.   Here are some tips to help your child overcome their anxieties of the dentist and to set the stage while they’re young!

Keep them Informed

Let your child know the feelings and sounds that are common to the dental experience and let that knowledge empower them.  Letting them know how the cleaning paste tastes can avoid any fears resulting from the unknowns and the first’s of a checkup or cleaning.

Help them Relax
Learn more about sedation dentistry options.

If your child looks visibly nervous or anxious in the waiting room, teach them some simple breathing exercises to help them relax.   A simple deep inhalation and slow exhalation can soothe a child on the verge of being overcome with emotion.

Engage in Positive Reinforcement

Some families let their children know that after their first dental visit that they’ll be rewarded for ‘being well behaved’ with something such as a token item at the dollar store or the promise of some (sugar free) treats can help them endure any anxieties they may be feeling and the experience of this appointment.

Talk to your Dentist

Give your dentist or hygienist a heads up about your child’s feelings.  They might be able to help by engaging in some interesting conversation, helping them remember a pleasant experience, or giving them a distracting task like mental arithmetic that could help push away the anxiety.

Get Involved

If your child seems like they’re going to a have a particularly challenging time in the dentist’s chair, talk to the staff in advance of your child’s visit.   We highly encourage and recommend having your children attend your regular dental hygiene visits… This way, your child will be able to firsthand experience our Dental Team at work as well as the comfortable and friendly environment here at Pickering Square Dental.  This will result in providing your child the opportunity to model your behaviour and be comforted with a seamless, pleasant and comfortable experience when it comes time for their first visits!  

Using these tips will definitely help alleviate any potential dental anxiety.  The best way to ensure your child is in good hands is to work with a full-service family dentistry like Pickering Square Dental.  That way, you’ll know that the staff is experienced in helping children overcome any potential fear of the dentist.  If you or your child requires any dental assistance, contact our team, and we’ll get everyone in the family in good dental health.

Helpful Resources

patient at the dentist

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.

The Importance of Preventative Gum Maintenance

Anyone who has had to endure periodontal surgery will tell you that taking care of your gums is a crucial part of your dental care.   Whether you want to end the bleeding you experience while brushing, or never ever want to experience it, there are steps that can be taken to keep your gums healthy.   Here are some of the keys to preventative gum maintenance:

Medical

There are numerous systematic health conditions related to gum disease such as heart disease, diabetes as well as a multitude of other medical conditions and risks.  This only re-emphasizes the importance of maintaining a regular hygiene programme and healthy teeth and gums.

Brushing

Brushing two to three times a day is recommended to everyone for a reason.  It prevents plaque buildup which in turn prevents gum disease.  Timing is hugely beneficial too with the most ideal times typically being; after breakfast/prior to leaving for the day, after meals and sugary snacks and, before bed.  Be sure to watch what kind of brush you use – you’ll want soft bristles as anything harder can cause damage such as gum recession and enamel erosion.
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

Flossing

Other than brushing, nothing is more crucial to gum care than cleaning between your teeth.  Whether using old fashioned floss, floss picks, or new interdental brushes, making sure you are clear of plaque buildup and harmful bacteria will do a great deal to alleviate the risks for and symptoms of gingivitis.

Mouthwash

Therapeutic, not cosmetic, mouthwash can be a boon to gum health as well, providing another weapon in the war on gum disease.

Diet

Be sure to watch the amount of sugar consumed as it can feed the bacteria that cause gum disease.  Stay away from added sugars, and make sure to ingest enough calcium to keep up your protection against dental issues and jaw deterioration.  Remember to brush when possible after enjoying sugary treats and beverages.

Regular Dental Visits

Gum conditions are often painless and without symptoms when they begin.  It’s important, therefore, to regularly see your dentist so they can assess any issues you might have.  Have regular checkups every six months or more often if you’re at greater risk of oral diseases.

Follow these guidelines of preventative gum maintenance and you should be able to stave off any problems.  If you are showing signs of gum disease or need to see a professional to get a checkup, contact our team today, and we’ll help you get your gums back on the right track.

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.