Stop Taking Your Teeth for Granted

Strong and healthy teeth are more than just aides in the digestive process of chewing and breaking down food. They are also more than just making you more attractive – a healthy and beautiful smile allows a person to speak and eat with confidence. This is why teeth should not be taken for granted. Many predisposing factors can lead to tooth loss such as cavities, gum diseases and other repercussions of good oral hygiene negligence.  Once you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone and gums also distort and shrink as the area heals – that affects your appearance and bite.

Unfortunately, many people are affected by the loss of one or more teeth. The good news is that due to technological advancements in dentistry, you can get help in fixing your smile! You will also be allowed to enjoy and eat the foods that you have been deprived of for years. Dental implants provide foundation of support for artificial teeth – this makes you feel confident and comfortable as you flash a smile or eat in public.

Teeth Replacements
If you are missing one or more teeth, it is best that you consider getting implants or bridges as replacements at the soonest time possible. Why?  Implants have a natural feel and look – they are also the most attractive and most comfortable replacements for missing teeth. Teeth lost due to gum disease, decay, and trauma can be replaced by implants or bridges.
 
Quality of Life
The best thing about these implants is that they distribute chewing forces throughout the jawbone. This minimizes the wearing away of the bone when some teeth are missing. Patients who have received implants or bridges testify that they notice a major improvement in the quality of living because they again found the confidence to smile and chew like they used to.

Why Root Canal Therapy Is More Important Than You Think

Male dentist working on teeth inside a mouth with an instrumentRoot canal is probably one of the most dreaded procedures of dental patients. However, it really is not that bad… root canal definitely relieves you from a nagging toothache and infection or abscess.  Teeth are meant to last for a lifetime, however, inevitable injuries or deep cavity damages the teeth. Thus, the insides of the teeth become infected. Root canal is a procedure that saves teeth by removal of bacteria and decay. 

Signs and Symptoms

Damaged and infected teeth that are not treated with root canal therapy will eventually abscess and would need extraction (removal). Some patients think that the extraction of damaged tooth is the best solution; however, tooth extraction might actually cause more significant problems for the adjacent teeth. Some of the signs and symptoms for requiring root canal therapy are:

  • Persistent and severe toothache
  • Sensitivity to cold and hot
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Abscess on gums
  • Swelling or tenderness
  • Irritation in the surrounding gum tissue
  • Visible signs of infection on X-rays
  • Foul taste or odour in the mouth

In the worst cases of infection, bacteria tend to reproduce to an extent that they can cause problems in other areas of the body. For example, bacteria can enter the blood stream through the bleeding and/or inflamed gums around the affected tooth – this can cause cardiovascular problems. In other cases, bacteria might cause a suppressed immune system, complications with pregnancy, diabetes, as well as digestive problems to name a few. 

Why is it necessary?

Each tooth is made up of three primary components:

  • hard outside layer (enamel)
  • soft middle layer (dentin)
  • inner layer of soft tissue (dental pulp)

The dental pulp is made up of blood vessels, nerve fibres, and lymph tissue. Root canal therapy might be required if decay has reached the pulp and the abscess or infection has reached either inside the tooth or at the tip of the root. If left untreated, the damaged pulp causes significant infection that eventually damages the bone around the tooth – this causes the death of the tooth. If you have damaged pulp, the infection can cause serious health problems such as cardiovascular issues – all without root canal therapy. 

Post-Root Canal Procedure

After the procedure, expect one or two days of soreness. Your dentist will definitely prescribe pain relievers in those first few days, and may give you an antibiotic(s) to fight off any residual bacteria. Once you’re relieved of the pain, you might be tempted to skip out on your scheduled follow-up visits. Make sure you don’t do that. Regular trips to the dentist are essential in ensuring that you have good oral health. This also prevents you from having to undergo another root canal procedure. Make sure you do your part. 

How Proper Oral Hygiene Improves Your Overall Health

Open mouth during oral checkupNot a lot of people know that a healthy mouth equates to a healthy body.  Did you know that just by a swab of saliva, a doctor can tell a lot of things about what’s going on inside your body? Our mouths are helpful in detecting early signs and symptoms of certain systemic diseases (diseases that affect our entire bodies, not just one of their parts). Diabetes, for example, often becomes apparent as oral problems. Here are some of the conditions that might affect your oral health:

Cardiovascular Disease

Some studies suggest that clogged arteries, heart disease and stroke might be linked to the infections and inflammations that can are contributed to oral bacteria. 

Diabetes

Diabetes puts the gums at risk because it reduces the body’s resistance to infection. Gum disease might appear to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Studies show that people with gum disease have a harder time controlling the levels of their blood sugar. 

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is the infection of the inner lining of your heart (endocardium). It typically occurs when bacteria and other germs from another part of your body – such as your mouth – spread through your bloodstream, and attach to the damaged areas in your heart. 

Osteoporosis

This condition causes bones to become weak and brittle. It might be linked with tooth loss as well as periodontal bone loss. 

Pregnancy and Birth

Periodontitis has also been linked to low birth weight and premature birth in some cases. 

Alzheimer’s Disease

Tooth loss before the age of 35 might be a risk factor for this certain disease. 

Other Conditions

Due to these potential links, make sure that you let your dentist know if you are taking any medications or if you’ve had any changes in your overall health – most especially if you’ve had any recent illnesses, or you have a present chronic condition such as diabetes. 

It is a must to protect your overall health by practicing good oral hygiene every day. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss daily. You should also eat a healthy diet and it’s a must to replace your toothbrush as soon as your bristles are worn out. 

Don’t forget to contact your dentist as soon as you experience an oral health problem. It’s best to have regular trips to the dentist. Keep in mind that when you invest in your oral health, you are also investing in your overall health. 

4 Qualities You Really Need in a Toothbrush

Old and new toothbrushIn order to have good oral hygiene practices, it is also important that we use the right type of toothbrush. Partner that with proper brushing techniques and good fluoride-containing toothpaste – you are sure to remove plaque from teeth effectively. Toothbrushes don’t just clean the teeth, they also help in keeping the tongue and gums clean. Here are the 5 qualities that you need to look for when buying a toothbrush:

Size

The shape of the head of a toothbrush actually makes no difference. What you should be concerned about is the size of the head. Small-headed toothbrushes are ideal because they are able to reach all areas of the mouth including the sides and backs of your molars. For adults, a toothbrush with a half-inch wide and one-inch tall head would be the most efficient and easiest one to use. 

Bristles

If you think that hard-bristled toothbrushes are the ones to use, then you’re wrong. Dental professionals would attest that a soft-bristled toothbrush is the most effective when it comes to removing debris and plaque from your teeth. Not only that, but a soft-bristled brush helps in protecting the gums, the tooth enamel and the root surface. Bristles come in many shapes such as: flat, rippled, dome-shaped – you should choose the one that’s most comfortable to you. There are also brushes that come in multi-height bristles – these reach every corner of your mouth. The bristles on a toothbrush with rounded tips offer more tooth protection. 

Handle

A good toothbrush should have a handle that’s long enough for you to comfortable hold in your hand. There are different types of handles such as: flexible necks or non-slip grips – these can be chosen as per the user’s preference. The grip plays an important factor because a comfortable one will make your brushing experience more effective, especially when you’re brushing the hard-to-reach areas such as your back molars. When you use a toothbrush that comes with a handle that feels comfortable in your hand, it also improves your ability to clean your teeth. Some brushes come with tongue-and-cheek cleaners on the other side of the bristles. 

Manual or Powered

Powered toothbrushes are said to be a lazy man’s way of brushing. However, if you have a condition that limits your movements, then investing in an electric toothbrush is a good idea. Though they may be a bit expensive, they definitely give you a good brushing experience.  Electric brushes loosen effortlessly and they also dispense plaque with their high-frequency micro-movements. Electric brushes are easy-to-use, convenient and effective. 

3 Tips for Preventing Toothaches

Woman suffering from toothacheToothaches are unforgettable.  If you’ve ever had one, you’re sure to remember how it felt.  Usually, toothaches are either dull, sharp, or worse, throbbing. Toothaches are triggered differently, often, depending on the degree of damage to the tooth, gum tissue or supporting bone.  Some teeth hurt when there’s applied pressure, while other teeth just hurt even when you’re sleeping. When a tooth is infected, fever, headache, and a foul odour or taste in your mouth might also be present. It can also be caused by a number of several things such as:

– abscessed (infected) teeth
– teeth fractures
– damaged fillings
– extensive tooth decay
– teeth grinding
– gum infection
– teeth injuries

Whatever the cause is, what’s important is for the pain to be relieved. Here are some of the ways to prevent toothaches:

Good Oral Hygiene

Toothaches are definitely prevented by keeping good practices of oral hygiene. This can be done by brushing regularly with toothpaste containing fluoride. You also need to floss at least once daily, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day, and make sure you have your teeth professionally cleaned by our dental team at Pickering Square Dental at least  twice a year.

Healthy Diet

Food plays an important role when dealing with toothaches. You should keep a low-sugar diet if you want to prevent cavities. You should also be mindful when eating hard foods. If you have an existing injured or fractured tooth, you have to stay away from foods that are hard to bite and chew. Failure to do so may lead to larger issues.

Regular Dentist Trips

Not a lot of people enjoy going to the dentist. However, this is essential when you want to totally avoid the excruciating pains of damaged teeth. Your dentist can definitely help you in preventing toothaches by addressing the potential problems with your teeth. Treatments depend on the cause.  If your toothache is coming from a cavity, one of our Dentists can assess the tooth and typically a simple filling can be placed.  If your tooth’s infected nerve is causing the pain, then a root canal might be required. This happens when bacteria have worked their way in the inner parts of the tooth. If there is fever or swelling of the jaw, then an antibiotic might be prescribed.

 

There are other dental treatments available – again, they vary depending on the causes. To ensure that your teeth and gums are taken care of, do not delay your trip to our office.  Your invested effort in visiting Dr. Lean and our Team of Dentists is nothing compared to the potential problems or possible pain you may be dealing with if you choose not to come.

Why We Love Brushing Our Teeth (and You Should, too!)

family brushing teeth

Some people think that brushing one’s teeth is just to keep our breaths smelling good and our teeth pearly white. There must be something more than just those two reasons since brushing our teeth had been important since we were kids. Despite how long you’ve known that it is essential, you still tend to forget to brush your teeth as often as you should. Let’s be reminded on why it’s important that we brush our teeth:

 

 

Prevents Bad Breath

Bad breath is not necessarily the lack of oral hygiene – it can actually be caused by other existing health problems. However, its common cause would be poor dental hygiene. 

Prevents Loss of Teeth

For babies, tooth loss is a normal thing. However, it is definitely not a normal thing for adults. For adults, tooth loss might be due to an injury, gum disease or, tooth decay. This might be a bit frustrating for adults, especially in social gatherings.

Prevents Cavities

Cavities are permanent damage that comes in the form of tiny holes in the teeth – more so found on the hard surface.  These holes, known as decay are breached by acids from certain sugary foods and liquids. When this happens, it can and sometimes causes pain or tooth sensitivity.

Prevents Gingivitis

When a person fails to brush or floss his or her teeth adequately, plaque forms and tends to stay on the gums and the teeth – this is how gingivitis develops.  It’s a form of gum disease that creeps beneath one’s gum line and it separates the teeth from the gums.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

If you think that having a toothbrush is enough for oral health care, you’re wrong. Choosing the right toothbrush plays an initial role when it comes to taking care of your teeth.  So how do you choose your toothbrush?

 

The Basics

Since a toothbrush is an exclusive property, you have to choose the one that best suits your preference. Your comfort while using it should be considered. It should fit perfectly on your hand and the toothbrush should feel comfortable in your mouth, reaching every tooth surface.

Soft Bristles

According to the Canadian Dental Association, a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles is the best one to choose. Most people don’t get that ‘clean feeling’ unless they use a toothbrush with stiff bristles but that habit can be unhealthy on the teeth and gums. Brushing the teeth too hard is a leading cause of sensitive teeth.

Mind the Handles

The design of the handle might seem unimportant but there are easier-to-use designs nowadays. Because of their design, brushing becomes more effective. Toothbrushes with straight and rigid handles are difficult to control. The ones that have bent or tilted necks are easier to use and also helpful in reaching behind the teeth as well as around the back teeth.

Consider the Age

Toothbrushes, just like shoes, depend on the user’s age. Babies should use baby toothbrushes because they have small mouths, and the same goes for older children. Since you want to promote oral health care at an early age, let your children pick their own design at the supermarket, making their toothbrushes more personal for them.

 

Quality vs. Quantity

You might be seeing those 5-in-1 toothbrushes for the whole family in supermarkets.  As much as you can save money by buying those, it’s still better to go for the familiar ones, instead.  Nameless products might be made of weaker materials and since you put a toothbrush in your mouth, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  

Power and Battery-Operated Options

Over the years, it has been proven that power toothbrushes remove 10 to 40% more plaque than manual brushes. It’s because these power toothbrushes have round oscillating heads and fixed bristles. Studies also show that more than 35% of adults and children brush for a longer period of time when using power brushes.

 

Ideally, a toothbrush should be replaced every three months, but some people tend to wear out their brushes earlier than that.  If you see that your toothbrush is already worn out even before the three-month period, then it’s time to get a new one. 

Keeping Teeth Safe in Spring

Winter has gone and spring is here – finally! Have you already planned your activities for this season?  There are many things to choose from, really. Getting back outdoors is tops on our list!  You can enjoy hiking with your friends, or go fishing with your family; you can even spend time with your loved one at a cottage, just enjoying the beauty of nature.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you get the most out of it, but don’t forget that your safety and overall health should still be your priority! If you are planning on having some fun under the sun, be sure to always be prepared for whatever dental emergency you might encounter.

 

Picnics and Get-togethers

Outdoor activities usually involve picnics and having a beer or two with friends. Make sure you bring a bottle opener so that you (or one of your friends) won’t have to use your teeth in desperate times. Just in case this can’t be avoided and one of your friends chips a tooth in the process, don’t worry! Be sure to rinse your mouth with warm water as soon as possible. No bacteria should be present in the affected area to reduce the risk of any infection. For swelling that might appear in a few minutes, use a cold compress and apply pressure on the affected area.

 

Spring Sports

If your idea of fun is playing sports with your buddies, then be sure to wear the proper protective gear. For physical sports, it is best to protect your mouth using a mouth guard. This protects teeth from being knocked out, broken or chipped, and is definitely a good way to avoid a potential concussion. Before you go out and play, equip yourself with this first.

Hiking

One of the most famous activities in spring is hiking. Most people enjoy going up trails during this time because the air is somewhat cool and warm at the same time. However, trips and slips are also common during these times. The soil tends to be soft and muddy – slippery. In a case of a knocked out tooth during a climb, use a cold substance and apply it to the affected area – cold compress will do. If bleeding occurs, bite on a wet towel with pressure.  It’s important to hold on to the tooth as you need to show that to your dentist. Some teeth have the chance to be re-implanted! 

Mouth Sores and How to Deal With Them

Dental health doesn’t only involve the teeth and gums. Sores and irritations may develop inside and around the mouth.

Mouth sores are common ailments that affect most people at some point in their lives. These sores usually appear on any soft tissues in the mouth including the lips, gums, tongue, and the floor and roof of the mouth.

 

Causes

These sores come in different shapes and sizes and might be caused by one of the following:

*Irritation from a loose orthodontic wire, sharp edge from a filling or a broken tooth or, a denture that doesn’t perfectly fit

*Burns from hot food and beverage

*Brushing your teeth too hard with a very firm toothbrush

*Chewing tobacco

*Biting your tongue, cheek or lip

*Infections from various bacteria, fungus or viruses

*The symptom of a disease or disorder

*Over-the-counter or prescription medications

*Weakened immune system

 

Symptoms

Mouth sores commonly cause redness and pain, most especially when drinking and eating. They come in various sizes and severity, and they may be located on the different parts of your mouth.  These sores may also develop blisters, making it difficult for a person to eat, talk, or smile.

 

If a sore does not go away after a couple of weeks, or once they start getting worse, it’s time to consult a doctor for further examinations. The doctor will check your mouth, tongue and lips and may perform other necessary tests.

 

Treatment

Minor mouth sores often heal naturally within 10 to 14 days.  To help ease the pain, you may try the following:

*Gargle with salt water.  

*avoid hot, spicy, salty, citrusy, and sweet foods.

*Avoid tobacco and alcoholic drinks.

*Avoid squeezing or picking at the blisters and sores.

*Eat ice chips, sherbet, or other cold foods.

*Take over-the-counter anti-pain medications.

 

For more severe cases, however, the doctor might prescribe a pain medication, steroid gel, or an anti-inflammatory drug. If results show that the sores are caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus, then the proper medication will be prescribed to treat the infection.

 

Prevention

There is no absolute way on how mouth sores can be prevented. However, these practices might be helpful in reducing the risk for having these painful sores:

*Be careful with very hot foods and drinks.

*Chew with caution.

* Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and practice good and regular dental hygiene.

*Eat a balanced diet.

*Drink plenty of water.

*Do not smoke or use tobacco.

*Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.

*Take vitamin supplements, especially B vitamins.

*Let your dentist know if any dental wire of teeth may be irritating your mouth.

*Avoid excessive stress. 

Great Looking Fixes for Your Teeth

Having great-looking teeth is important to maintain one’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Not a lot of people can pull of having missing teeth, and going about life normally. If this is a problem you are currently struggling with, maybe it’s time to have a visit at our office.  Before coming to visit us, you might want to know of some options:

1.     Teeth Whitening

This is one of the most common (and inexpensive) fixes to achieve that beautiful smile.  Tooth whitening can be accomplished at home with professionally made and monitored products from our office.  Another option is our in office whitening system.

2.     Composite Bonding

If a chipped tooth (or teeth) is your main concern, you might opt for a tooth-coloured composite resin.  Attached to the teeth, this can improve the strength and the appearance of chipped teeth.  This usually requires the dentist having to prepare your teeth for the bonding.

3.     Dental Implants

Nowadays, dental implants are usually made of titanium. It is used to replace not just the missing tooth, but the actual root portion of a missing tooth which makes them extremely strong.  Dental implants are fitted with a crown to have that natural-looking feeling and appearance.

4.     Tooth-Coloured Fillings

Tooth fillings used to be obvious in earlier times because of their different colours.  Thanks to modern technology and innovation, tooth fillings now have the same colour as that of natural teeth and are barely noticeable!

5.     Clear Orthodontic Aligners

Just like the old tooth fillings, metal braces are slowly fading from the picture. All thanks to another new trend: clear orthodontic aligners! Many adults, and some teenagers, are already going for this alternative to straighten crooked teeth.

6.     Tooth Contouring

Do you wish to have a different shape for your teeth? That’s not a problem! Cosmetic dentists have the ability to smoothen or reshape teeth with the use of a laser or small drill.

7.     Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are designed to substitute for tooth enamel.  They are made of hard, thin shells of tooth-coloured material that can mask a variety of dental imperfections.

8.     Porcelain Crowns

Heavily damaged teeth are still teeth that can be saved with natural-looking porcelain crowns. These replace more natural tooth structure than veneers.

 

Dental treatments depend on the different and individual needs of each person.  A trip to the dentist will determine the best option for you.