Debunking Common Dental Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

men brushing teeth

Misconceptions about dental care can significantly impact achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. To make informed decisions about dental care, it is essential to separate fact from fiction. This article will debunk some common dental myths and provide evidence-based facts, ensuring readers can make the best choices for their dental health. 

At Pickering Dental Services, our team specializes in a wide range of family dentistry services, including aesthetics, crowns and bridges, and periodontal care.

Myth vs. Fact

1. Myth: Teeth Whitening Weakens the Enamel

  • Fact: Teeth whitening, when done professionally and appropriately, does not damage or weaken the enamel. In fact, professional teeth whitening, like those offered at Pickering Dental Services, uses products and techniques to minimize potential sensitivity and any impact on the enamel.

2. Myth: Hard-Bristled Toothbrushes Clean Better

  • Fact: Hard-bristled toothbrushes can lead to gum recession, enamel erosion, and increased tooth sensitivity. Most dental professionals recommend using a soft or extra-soft bristle toothbrush to effectively clean teeth without causing damage.

3. Myth: Flossing is Unnecessary if You Brush Well

  • Fact: While regular brushing is essential, it does not reach the spaces between teeth where plaque and bacteria can thrive. Daily flossing is crucial to removing plaque, preventing gum disease, and maintaining good oral hygiene.

4. Myth: Gum Disease Only Affects Your Mouth

  • Fact: Gum disease is not an isolated issue and has been linked to other health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Treating gum disease and maintaining proper oral health is vital for overall well-being.

Misconceptions That Matter

1. Myth: Baby Teeth are Unimportant Because They Fall Out

  • Fact: Even though baby teeth aren’t permanent, they play an essential role in a child’s development. Neglecting baby teeth can lead to speech and eating difficulties and negatively impact adult teeth development in the future.

2. Myth: Dental X-Rays are Dangerous

  • Fact: Modern dental X-rays use minimal radiation and are considered safe for regular use. Dental professionals take necessary precautions to protect patients from any potential risks associated with X-rays. Dental X-rays are valuable diagnostic tools that allow the dentist to identify and address hidden dental issues early.

3. Myth: You Should See a Dentist Only When in Pain

  • Fact: Preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining oral health. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings allow dentists to detect potential issues early, prevent the progression of dental problems, and keep the mouth in optimal health.

Dental Truths and Best Practices

1. Truth: Dental Check-ups Every Six Months are Important

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings allow for early detection and treatment of potential dental issues, helping to maintain overall oral health and prevent more severe problems.

2. Truth: Sugar Affects Your Teeth

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can lead to tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that can erode tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.

3. Truth: Tooth-Coloured Dental Fillings are a Safe and Aesthetic Option

Tooth-coloured dental fillings offer a safe and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. At Pickering Dental Services, we provide tooth-coloured dental fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, offering a healthy and attractive solution to dental decay.

Schedule a Dental Service in Pickering Today

Separating fact from fiction is essential to making informed decisions regarding dental care and maintaining good oral health. At Pickering Dental Services, we deliver factual, engaging content and provide a wide range of family dentistry services to ensure optimal dental health for our patients. Our experienced team is dedicated to educating our patients and providing personalized dental care tailored to individual needs. 

Don’t let dental myths hold you back; contact Pickering Dental Services to schedule a consultation and discuss the best dental care options for you and your family.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health: A Comprehensive Guide

drinking water

Oral health is often perceived as a separate entity from overall health, but the reality is that the two are closely intertwined. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to overall health, as problems in the mouth can lead to issues in other parts of the body. In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between oral health and overall health, and discuss ways to maintain a healthy mouth for a healthier body.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Our mouths are a gateway to the rest of our bodies. A healthy mouth can contribute to overall well-being, while an unhealthy one can potentially cause a range of health issues. The mouth is home to various bacteria, some of which are essential for maintaining balance in the oral ecosystem. However, poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, resulting in oral infections and diseases that can affect the rest of the body.

Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a prime example of how oral health can impact overall health. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums, bone, and other structures supporting the teeth. It occurs when harmful bacteria in plaque build up and cause inflammation and infection.

Research has shown that periodontal disease is linked to various systemic health issues, including:

1. Cardiovascular Disease: The inflammation caused by periodontal disease can lead to hardened arteries and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

2. Diabetes: Gum disease can make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. Additionally, people with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal disease due to their weakened immune systems.

3. Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory infections such as pneumonia.

4. Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women with periodontal disease may be at an increased risk for preterm birth and low birth weight babies.

Maintaining Good Oral Health

To maintain good oral health and minimize the risk of developing systemic health issues, follow these essential tips:

1. Brush Your Teeth: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time. This helps remove plaque and prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria.

2. Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your gum line, where your toothbrush cannot reach.

3. Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and oral exams. Your dentist can detect early signs of gum disease and other oral health issues, allowing for prompt treatment.

4. Eat a Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help promote good oral health. Limit sugary snacks and beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

5. Don’t Smoke: Smoking can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections, including gum disease.

Conclusion

Understanding the connection between oral health and overall health is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you’re also investing in your overall well-being. Follow the tips mentioned above to ensure that your mouth stays healthy, and be sure to consult the experts at Pickering Square Dental for personalized advice on maintaining good oral health.

Find Out Why You Shouldn’t Let Dental Plaque Build Up

man brushing teeth in the mirror

Dental plaque is a well-known buildup of bacteria, food particles, and saliva on the surfaces of teeth. It typically has a soft, sticky texture and can be felt when running the tongue over your teeth. It’s created when bacteria in the mouth combine with bits of food and saliva to form a film on the teeth.

It is important to be mindful of plaque buildup in your mouth. Not paying attention to plaque can have consequences beyond bad breath and stained teeth. Your dentist will likely discuss the more common issues that can arise, but many more serious issues can occur.

Pay close attention to dental plaque build-up, not only for the more obvious risks but for the less obvious but equally dangerous effects it can have on oral health. Here are a few issues that develop when you don’t address plaque through a dentist:

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common issue when the protective layer of enamel on our teeth breaks down. This often happens due to acids created by plaque and the bacteria it contains. If left untreated, cavities can form, and this damage can’t be reversed, only stopped. So it is vital to take care of our teeth to avoid tooth decay.

Gum Disease

Gingivitis is a gum disease caused by bacteria that build up around the teeth. It is characterized by inflammation of the gums, which causes redness, swelling, discomfort, and even bleeding. If left untreated, it can worsen and develop into a more serious condition called periodontitis, destroying the underlying structures that support the teeth and potentially leading to tooth loss.

Tooth Loss

Sadly, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and other painful and costly oral health problems if left untreated. Ignoring the warning signs can result in serious consequences, so taking steps to prevent this is important.

Health Issues

We often emphasize that oral health directly connects to overall health and well-being. Some studies have found evidence that the bacteria and inflammation in our mouths can lead to serious medical conditions such as heart disease, memory loss, and diabetes. Therefore, taking care of our oral health is important to maintain our overall health.

Dental plaque build-up can be a small factor that has a big impact on many issues. To prevent problems from worsening, it’s important to take action and ensure that plaque does not accumulate.

The Simple Solutions

A few extra moments to practice good oral hygiene can make a huge difference. Be sure to brush regularly, but also take the time to floss and clean the hard-to-reach spots in between your teeth. Visit your dentist twice a year to get thorough cleanings. Doing so will help maintain good dental health and prevent plaque from building up in those hard-to-reach places.

Regularly cleaning your teeth and gums can protect you from the buildup of dental plaque and the potential problems it can cause.

In Closing

As the saying goes, “It’s the small holes that sink ships.” The same goes for dental plaque. These minor problems can lead to major health risks when left to rot in your dental cavity. So brush and floss daily and visit your dentist once every six months to prevent plaque from gumming up the works.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Periodontist Now

Doctor Shoval and our team of dentists in Ajax are ready to provide a consultation or full dental exam for proper periodontal care! Call now at 905-420-1777. New patients are more than welcome!

Side Effects of Thumb Sucking

child thumb sucking

Many children turn to thumb sucking as a way to help them feel secure and comforted. It is a habit that begins at a very young age — sometimes while in the womb — and can last for many years. While this isn’t a dangerous habit, it should be stopped before a child’s permanent teeth come in.

Let’s talk about several side effects that may occur if your child continues sucking their thumb and struggles to break the habit.

1. It Can Affect the Teeth’s Placement

Unfortunately for children who continue to suck their thumbs, they will often experience crooked or out-of-place teeth. Sucking on the thumb for long periods of time can cause the child’s teeth to move and affect its placement. However, it isn’t just the teeth’s placement that is altered.

Frequent thumb sucking can also cause an overbite or underbite to form, which will need to be corrected by specialists when the child becomes older.

2. It Can Alter the Roof of the Mouth

When the thumb is constantly in the child’s mouth, it can continually press upon the roof of the mouth. Over time, this can cause the roof of the mouth to become malformed, and it will need professional treatment from a specialist to correct the problem.

3. It Can Cause Speech Complications

Another serious side effect of thumb sucking is that it can affect various aspects in the mouth. These include tongue placement, teeth alignment, and more, which can all affect a child’s speech. With these issues, it can make certain sounds difficult for children to say.

Additionally, children who suck their thumb as their permanent teeth grow increase the risk of having a lisp.

4. More Physically Ill

Due to children constantly placing their finger in their mouth, they are more prone to becoming sick, particularly in their school years. For children who suck their thumb often, it is vital that they wash their hands as much as possible to keep themselves safe and to prevent spreading germs.

For most young children, they will gradually stop sucking their thumbs on their own by the time they are the age of four. But, in some cases, intervention and assistance are needed to help break the habit.

For questions regarding your child’s oral habits or if you have any concerns for their teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist at Pickering Square Dental today.

Ways to Lower Stress and Stop Grinding Your Teeth

stop grinding your teethWhile grinding your teeth is a common habit, if left untreated and not cared for, it can cause oral damage such as shortened teeth, increased sensitivity, broken teeth, severe pain, and more. While there are many causes of teeth grinding, one of the most common is stress.

In many situations, people who experience high levels of stress and anxiety begin grinding and clenching their teeth unknowingly, particularly when they are asleep. To help reduce this destructive habit, many experts suggest stress management techniques. Let’s talk about several of them that have been proven effective.

1. Yoga

Yoga offers many physical and mental health benefits. It is an excellent form of exercise, and it reduces stress, anxiety, and muscle tension. It helps lower the heart rate and blood pressure, and it can improve your quality of sleep. Yoga also encompasses meditation techniques, which helps you focus on your breathing and clear your mind, another popular and effective form of stress management.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a popular treatment option to help individuals reduce their stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. This therapy is designed to help you change your thinking and the way you behave. It can help you work through stress and the causes of it and change the way you deal with high-stress and high-pressure situations.

3. Take Time for Self-Care

Self-care is an important aspect of stress management. This can look differently for every individual but should be an important piece of their daily routine. This is when an individual sets aside time each day for themselves — to do something they enjoy.

Whether that is participating in a specific hobby or interest, relaxing in a hot tub, visiting the spa, reading a good book, going for a run, etc., it needs to be something the person enjoys and that they look forward to doing each day.

4. Writing About Your Stress

Keeping your stress and negative emotions inside can create muscle tension, anxiety, anger, and more. It can lead to negative effects such as teeth grinding if not released properly. One way to help reduce many of these emotions is through writing. Establish a habit of regularly writing in a journal.

Write about many of the issues you are stressed about and develop a plan to overcome them. It is also important to write about things you are grateful for. Expressing and showing gratitude for various things in your life will help you focus on the positive and cancel out those negative feelings.

If you or a loved one grinds their teeth, visit with your dentist at Pickering Square Dental. Your dentist can help you develop a treatment plan to stop the problem before it causes further damage.

Top 5 Beneficial Foods for Oral Health

Nearly 25 percent of Americans are currently dealing with untreated tooth decay.

In addition to causing you physical pain, tooth decay can lead to gum disease, dental abscesses, and even bacteria that travels from the mouth into your bloodstream.

While it’s important to get help for your tooth decay as soon as possible, prevention is the best cure when it comes to a healthy mouth.

What you eat can help you to get healthy teeth.

Read on to learn all about the best foods for your teeth.

 

What Are the Best Foods for Your Teeth?

Along with regular dental cleanings, what you eat can improve your teeth.

Start by eating more carrots, as this causes your mouth to produce more saliva, lowering your risk of developing a cavity.

Also, top salads and eggs with shiitake mushrooms, which contain lentinan. Lentinan helps to fight off plaque, as it contains antibacterial properties that can protect your gum line and the spaces between your teeth.

Make sure you’re getting your fill of leafy greens, like spinach or chard and kale. They’re high in Vitamin C, which lowers inflammation and gives red blood cell production in the body a boost. Plus, since they take a while to chew, you’ll see an increase in your saliva production.

If you’re looking for an influx of tooth-strengthening calcium without the sugar, opt for a handful of almonds as a snack.

Finally, you might be surprised to learn that eating cheese is great for your oral health. That’s because it actually increases pH levels in the mouth, which makes you less likely to deal with tooth decay as you age.

 

The Worst Foods to Eat for Healthy Teeth

In addition to discussing the best foods for teeth, you also need to know which foods to stay away from if you want healthy gums and teeth.

First of all, kick your ice-chewing habit, and switch to water instead. The hard texture can damage your enamel and put you at risk for chips and cracks.

Also steer clear of acidic foods, like lemons, limes, and grapefruit. Not only will they make any mouth sores you have worse, but they’ll also quickly wear down your enamel.

Watch out for sticky, gummy foods like dried fruits and sour candies. While they might be delicious, they easily get lodged in between teeth and in your mouth. Plus, they’re high in sugar, which means you’re at a higher risk for developing cavities.

 

Beyond The Best Foods for Your Teeth

We hope this post has helped to serve as a reminder that eating the best foods for your teeth now — and staying away from ones that could damage them — is a form of preventative dental care.

Of course, you also need to make regular brushing, flossing, and dental procedures a part of your routine.

Our expert team at Pickering Square Dental works to make getting professional dental care as pleasant and comfortable as possible. By combining oral care that takes advantage of the latest technology with a commitment to excellent patient service, we can help your teeth look their best for years to come.

Learn more about our services and book your appointment with us today.

5 Surprising Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

We all know that having a routine dental cleaning can remove stains from your teeth and prevent bad breath. That’s why many people think it’s okay to skip their trip to the dentist.

Little do they know that having a regular dental cleaning is essential for keeping your smile and body healthy.

The benefits of dental cleanings are surprising and can have a positive impact on your overall health:

1. Reduced Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke

Shocking, right?

There’s actually a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular problems. Infrequent dental cleanings lead to gum disease, which can possibly cause inflammation in the heart.

A large study shows that those who had their teeth cleaned regularly were 24% less likely to have a heart attack than those who didn’t. In addition, their likelihood of having a stroke fell 13%.

2. Save Money

You might think that having frequent dental cleanings is more expensive than not. However, these teeth cleanings save you money in the long run.

Going for a long period of time without seeing the dentist causes more problems with your teeth and leads to expensive dental procedures in the future. Regular teeth cleanings prevent cavities, tooth decay, and tooth loss, allowing you to avoid the expense of root canals and dental implants.

3. Give Birth to a Healthy Baby

It’s very important to take care of your teeth when you’re pregnant. Pregnant mothers are more susceptible to gingivitis due to higher hormone levels.

Expectant mothers who don’t have their teeth cleaned are at slightly higher risk of having a preterm birth and a baby with a low birth weight.

Gum disease can also impede your fertility. This can make it longer to become pregnant if you’re trying to conceive.

4. Lowered Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

If you’re younger, you may not be thinking about the possibility of getting Alzheimer’s or dementia. But when your teeth aren’t clean, you can be at a higher risk of developing these diseases.

Bacteria in the mouth caused by infrequent cleanings can travel to the bloodstream. Eventually, it can end up in the brain and cause tissue degeneration related to Alzheimer’s.

When you receive frequent dental cleanings, you are safeguarding yourself against a buildup of bacteria that can damage your health in the future.

5. Control and Prevent Diabetes

The importance of dental cleanings even applies to those with diabetes. Diabetics are more likely to develop gum disease due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. In turn, fighting a gum infection can lead to difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels and worsening of diabetic symptoms.

Getting a regular teeth cleaning can help diabetics manage their symptoms while preventing any further complications.

Dental Cleanings Keep You Healthy

In order to live a healthy life, it’s important to see your dentist and have routine dental cleaning. The benefits of teeth cleaning outweigh any hangups you may have about going to the dentist.

At Pickering Dental, we are passionate about giving you your best smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

5 Surprising Benefits of Dental X-Rays

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

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

1. To Track Tooth Growth and Development

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

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

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

2. To Identify Dental Decay

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

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

3. To Check for Gum Disease

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

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

4. To Assure Treatment Success

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

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

5. To Act Quickly on Dental Issues

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

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

Discover the Benefits of Dental X-Rays for Yourself

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

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

What to Do About Your Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth in women

Many people experience tooth sensitivity and often, they blame their ice cream or hot soup for it. But what many do not realize is that sometimes the cause of sensitive teeth is more than just hot and cold food.

 

Why Tooth Sensitivity Occurs

The part of your tooth that shows above the gumline is protected by enamel, while the root that is below the gumline is protected by cementum. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is the dentin which is a lot less dense than the materials covering it. There are microscopic canals in the dentin called tubules. When either enamel or cementum gets damaged, the dentin is exposed and the tubules let fluid flow in them They are affected by heat and cold and causes the tooth nerves to have pain and sensitivity.

Enamel and cementum can wear away when you often eat and drink food and beverages that are too acidic. Aggressively brushing your teeth and using certain whitening products can also contributing to the wearing of your enamel. If you have hypersensitive teeth, though, tooth decay, fractured teeth, or worn fillings that expose more dentin may be the cause.

 

What Can You Do About It?

You can find some relief when you use desensitizing toothpaste. Your dentist can suggest some products that contain specific ingredients that can help protect the surface of your teeth. A fluoride gel treatment which helps strengthen your tooth enamel and decrease the sensations may also be recommended.

As we have mentioned, extremely sensitive teeth are usually caused by more complex problems. That is why it is important that you see your dentist at Pickering Square Dental to have the issue treated properly. Treatment options may include a crown, bonding or inlay, root canal, and others. If you are suffering from chronic or advanced gum disease, this will be treated as well.

Extremely hot and cold foods can usually trigger tooth sensitivity. However, if you are experiencing sensitivity along with other symptoms like pain when chewing, swollen gums, and loose teeth, your sensitive teeth may be caused by a different dental issue. Your Pickering Square Dental dentist can determine the real problem as well as the right treatment. Just like any other oral health concerns, you should not ignore sensitive teeth! Call Pickering Square Dental today and have an appointment scheduled!

Dental X-Rays – Are They Dangerous?

X-ray image.

Dental x-rays are usually used as a diagnostic procedure and it is considered safe as they have really low doses of radiation and produces just a small fraction of what other imaging procedures exposes you to. If you think you are going to need dental x-rays or if you are worried about getting one because of your medical condition, you should read on to know more about dental x-rays – why they are done and more.

 

What are dental x-rays for?

Dentists use dental x-rays to see issues that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. Patients get dental x-rays if their dentist needs to detect and treat some issues that include areas of decay that are not visible, bone loss, abscesses, tumors, and more. Without an x-ray, these problems and more could go undiagnosed and get worse. Using x-ray as a reference, dentists are able to prepare treatments such as dentures, dental implants, braces, and others.

 

Are dental x-rays safe for children and pregnant women?

Some parents are concerned that dental x-rays may affect their children’s health as children are more sensitive to radiation. But you don’t have to worry because the amount of radiation that comes from a dental x-ray is still considered safe even for a child. Why would your child need a dental x-ray? Sometimes it is necessary to know for sure whether a child’s primary teeth are loosening the right way so new permanent teeth would come out properly, too.

As for pregnant women, it is generally advised that they avoid dental x-rays. Even if the radiation is very minimal, it’s still best to avoid any exposure at all for the health of the fetus developing inside the body. It is important that you inform your dentist if you are or you may be pregnant before getting any dental treatment, especially if you believe a dental x-ray may be required.

 

At Pickering Square Dental, we always do a careful clinical evaluation of our patients to minimize the need for dental x-rays. Note, however, that there are certain dental issues that would only be diagnosed using dental x-rays. If you want to know more about dental x-rays or if you need to discuss whether or not you need one, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you understand why it may be necessary for improving your oral health.