Did You Know That Plaque Could Help Prevent Disease?

Dentist Pickering

Long thought of as simply a mass of bacteria that grows on our teeth over time, plaque apparently could offer great insight into our oral health. The latest studies completed by the Oral Microbiome and Metagenomics Research Lab (OMMR) at the Faculty of Dentistry have shown that plaque could be a more complex material that first thought. Within this post, we’ll go into greater detail on the new data and what it could mean for future dental treatments.

Greater Consistency than Saliva Sampling

One of the major benefits discovered through the latest research was that plaque could provide researchers with a greater degree of sample consistency than current saliva sampling techniques. The problem with saliva samples is that the bacteria within saliva can change throughout the day, preventing professionals from achieving a clear picture on the person’s oral health. The bacterial content from plaque samples, however, remains quite stable over time. This provides health care teams with a greater foundation to understanding a patient’s health.
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Non-Invasive

Plaque samples could also offer a non-invasive method of locating stable bacteria samples. Many research teams currently use bacteria from the intestines and the stomach to understand the processes taking place in a patient’s system. But these procedures often require surgery and are considered invasive. Plaque sampling can be completed simply and requires no invasive methods.

Comparison with Biomarkers

The researchers at the OMMR lab found that by using the 16S rRNA gene, which is found in all bacteria on the planet, they could then identify other bacteria present in a plaque sample. Through this process, the research team could distinguish biomarkers that correlate with certain health conditions. This could allow medical teams to build a proactive treatment regimen that is customized to the patient’s unique health conditions. Because this analysis can be completed in just hours, it’s an exciting development in the area of medical diagnosis and could prevent millions from being misdiagnosed in future.

By understanding the bacteria in our mouths and by learning more about what plaque is telling us about the individual patient, we, as care professionals, can improve treatment results and help patients maximize their health over the long-term. It’s exciting news for all hardworking healthcare professionals. To discuss this latest research with an expert, please contact our office team directly today! 

Helpful Resources

Tooth Extraction

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

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

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

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

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

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

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

Dental Health Month in Focus: Three of the Most Common Dental Health Conditions Across Canada

As April is Dental Health Month across the country, we thought we’d provide a series of posts detailing the current climate of dental care in Canada. This first post looks into the three most common dental health conditions suffered across Canada. For Canadians across the country, this information could help prevent oral health issues and ensure comfort during future dentist visits.

1. Gum Disease

As a dental condition, gum disease is difficult to self-measure as it varies in severity from person-to-person. What we do know is that 70% of Canadians will suffer from gum disease at some point in their lifetimes, according to the latest data. This means that there’s still a lot of work to be completed in educating patients on the most important ways to prevent gum disease. Often brushing and flossing twice a day can offer the best defense against this pervasive problem.
Learn more about frequently asked questions.

2. Oral Cancer

The latest data from 2014 suggest that over 4,300 Canadians were diagnosed with the condition by their oral health specialist. While this makes the problem relatively rare compared to other conditions, it’s one of the most serious in terms of prognosis. We know that tobacco and alcohol consumption are leading risk factors for oral cancer, and Canadians can cut their cancer risks significantly by eliminating or reducing these two habits from their lifestyle. Why not make Dental Health Month your time to quit?

3. Tooth Decay

Not only is tooth decay the most prevalent dental condition in Canada, it’s also one of the most prevalent of all medical and dental conditions, only surpassed in incidence by the common cold. Tooth decay occurs when plaque combines with the sugars and starches of the food we eat. This produces acids which then attack the enamel. By working with their dentist and by committing to their oral health regimen, Canadians can protect their teeth against the many dangers of decay.

By recognizing the leading oral health conditions within our country, we can take preventive steps to resolving them and ensuring effective treatment for the long-term. To learn more, speak with one of our experts directly today! 

Helpful Resources

Sedation Dentistry

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

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

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

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

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

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

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

5 Common Cavity Myths

Cavities might be a routine problem that dental professionals resolve every day, but that doesn’t means that that the general public hasn’t developed a misunderstanding on the ways in which cavities can occur. There are a number of myths around how to avoid cavities. And these myths often harm patients and prevent them from truly understanding their oral health needs. Within this blog, we’ll outline five common cavity myths.

1. Myth: Kids are More Likely to Develop Cavities than Adults

Several studies over the last 20 years have shown that children’s cavity numbers are decreasing while cavities among senior citizens are on the rise. This highlights the importance in a commitment to effective oral health for those of every age.

2. Myth: All Cavities Cause Pain
Learn more about frequently asked questions.

The vast majority of us might never feel pain if we have a cavity. The pain that’s often associated with cavities is actually the tooth decay caused by the cavity. This highlights the importance of regular dental health checkups to ensure that there are no hidden cavities.

3. Myth: Cavities are Always in a Visible Spot

The majority of cavities are likely to be in a hidden spot in the mouth where the brush might not have reached. Because those hidden spots between teeth are the areas where cavities commonly occur, it’s important to floss carefully after meals and ensure no food debris is still in the mouth for long periods.

4. Myth: Sugar is the Primary Cause of Cavities

Bacteria are the cause of cavities. These bacteria can be triggered to make acid when you eat anything with carbohydrates. And the acid is the element that erodes teeth and causes cavities. It’s important to remember that it’s not always the type of food you eat but the amount of time your teeth are exposed to that food. This means that those who eat a lot of carbs during meals are more likely to get a cavity than those who eat a small amount of carbs on a regular basis.

5. Myth: A Treated Tooth Cannot Experience Another Cavity

Just because a tooth was treated for a cavity doesn’t mean that it’s immune from having another cavity in the future. Changes in the mouth might mean that the filling separates from the tooth, allowing bacteria to sneak in and begin the decaying process again. The only way to prevent further cavities in teeth is to stay vigilant and complete a comprehensive oral care regimen.

By speaking with our Team and completing your own research, you can uncover the truths behind each of the latest cavity myths. 

Helpful Resources

Full 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.

Medical Conditions linked to Dentistry… Did You Know?

Dentist Pickering

In the past decade, there has been a considerable increase in the amount of research on the connection between oral health and bodily health. The level of research time dedicated to studying this connection is due to the latest figures, which show that people with serious gum disease are 40% more likely to suffer from another chronic condition as well. It’s important to known which medical conditions are linked to oral health. In this blog, we’ll examine the connection through several conditions.

 

Diabetes

 

It’s now been proven that inflammation within the mouth can weaken the body’s ability to control blood sugar. This reduction in blood-sugar level control can lead to the development of diabetes in those patients who were previously healthy. The link between periodontal disease and diabetes is further highlighted by the fact the high blood sugar then provides the ideal conditions in which gum infections can emerge. Many diabetes patients find that, once they get their gum disease under control, their diabetes symptoms begin to subside. While the connection between the two conditions is still being investigated within the medical field, it’s important that those with both gum disease and diabetes understand the risks and speak with a specialist about any symptoms they’re experiencing.
Learn more about frequently asked questions.

 

Heart Disease

 

It has been proven that 91% of people with heart disease have periodontitis. This compares with 66% of people without heart disease. The two conditions are linked by several risk factors – including smoking, excessive weight and an unhealthy diet. Many leading medical professionals also suspect that inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in the heart. It’s the reason that researchers are looking more closely at the importance of regular teeth brushing on heart health, as the connection between the two becomes ever clearer.

 

Dementia

 

A recent medical study has found a link between dementia and periodontal disease for the first time. Researchers have found the presence of products of Porphyromonas gingivitis in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s. These products enter the bloodstream through daily brushing activities and may trigger an immune response from brain cells, causing the cells to kill-off healthy neurons. Researchers suggest that this could be one of the mechanisms that leads to the changes in the brain found in patients with Alzheimer’s.

 

It’s important to remain informed on the latest links between common medical conditions and oral health. As the research continues within the oral care community, patients must speak with their local area specialists about any symptoms they have been experiencing that could indicate a larger medical issue. To learn more, book an appointment to speak with a Pickering Square Dental specialist today. 

Helpful Resources

Root Canal Therapy

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.

Fillings 101: The Facts & Fiction

Fillings 101: The Facts & Fiction — Pickering, ON

Patients often come to us with questions about dental fillings. There seems to a lot of confusion in this area of dental care and the fog of fiction continues to blur the facts. Fortunately, there continues to be comprehensive research taking place within the dental field to help provide guidance to patients. It’s important to understand the dental process with comprehensive awareness and clarity. And so in this blog, we’ll highlight the prevailing myths surrounding the industry while separating fact from fiction.

Fiction: Dental amalgam fillings release mercury vapors that are harmful to the body.

Fact: Amalgam fillings may release a tiny amount of mercury under the pressure of chewing or grinding. However, there has been no scientific research to indicate that this level of low exposure is harmful to the body. The studies show that it would require the person to have at least 500 fillings for even the slightest symptoms of mercury exposure to occur. This highlights how unlikely the chances of mercury exposure are for those patients using dental amalgam fillings.

 
Learn more about frequently asked questions.

Fiction: All fillings must eventually be replaced.

Fact: Filings will only require replacement if the material breaks down or a cavity forms around the filling. Maintaining high levels of oral hygiene while following the instructions of dental professionals can ensure that a fillings longevity is maximized.  Of course, it’s still important to have fillings checked regularly by a professional to ensure there is no structural damage or decay that could impede their performance.

 

Fiction: Dental amalgams are the only option available.

Fact: The dental industry is continually researching new products to ensure that fillings are more aesthetically-appealing and more durable. The industry has come a long way in the last few decades and one of the latest products available are white fillings. One of the leading advantages of white fillings is they can be closely matched to the natural colour of your teeth. And they can also be placed in areas where it would be more difficult to place an amalgam filling. They offer an effective solution for a broad range of filling applications.

By speaking with your local dental health professional, and turning to experienced experts when you have questions, you can avoid making faulty assumptions on dental fillings. To ensure your questions are answered by trusted professionals, speak with one of our team members directly. 

Helpful Resources

child brushing teeth

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

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

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

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

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

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

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

Strange but True Dental Facts

Truth is stranger than fiction, and that applies to dental facts, too. Most people don’t think all that much about their teeth other than to go about their everyday routine to keep them clean. When something hurts, they call their dentist. Other than that, teeth aren’t usually a subject that most people spend a lot of time thinking or talking about.  These strange but true dental facts may change your mind about how interesting teeth really are.

 

Mayan Bejewelled Teeth

Mayans may be best known at present for their “end of the world” prediction but 2,500 years ago, they also appreciated the appeal of enhancing their appearance by making their smiles more attractive. While we are focusing on making our look more shiny and bright by using various means of whitening our teeth, they took it up several notches by using drills to decorate their teeth. In some cases, they would have part of the tooth removed or shaped to create a different look!

 

Some people would go for a jewelled look by having holes made in their teeth which were then fitted with gemstones. Men underwent this procedure more often than women. It took great skill to fit a jewel into a tooth without breaking it.
Learn more about frequently asked questions.

 

Ancient Egyptian and Roman Dentists

Evidence gathered from Egyptian mummies has proved that dentistry was practiced in ancient times. Fillings made from resin and malachite have been found, and gold wire was used to hold loose teeth together.

In 200 A.D., the Romans were filling cavities with gold crowns. Bridgework was being used at that point to fix gaps between teeth. They also used crushed eggshells and honey to make toothpaste.

 

More Strange but True Dental Facts

•   The plaque your dentist is always warning you not to let build up on your teeth contains more than 300 different species of bacteria. If that isn’t a good reason to make sure you brush and floss twice daily,  then we don’t know how to persuade you!

•   A snail’s mouth is roughly the size of the head of a pin. It can contain over 25,000 teeth!

•   Over 40 percent of North Americans have at least one tooth that could benefit from some type of dental treatment.

 

If it’s been at least six months since you have seen a dentist, don’t wait until something hurts to get a check-up. Regular preventive care is important for your health. Call us at Pickering Square Dental to schedule your appointment today.

Helpful Resources

smiling woman sitting at dentist

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

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

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

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

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

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

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