How To Keep Your Teeth Healthy (Besides brushing)

It’s easy to get tunnel vision when it comes to taking care of your teeth. To keep healthy, all you need to do is brush every day, and mix in some flossing, right? In some cases, you can keep your teeth clean with this, but the fact of the matter is that there’s a lot more that you can be doing in terms of your oral health. Here are some key options that can be a bit off the beaten path.

For one thing, don’t forget that when it comes to what you eat, there is such a thing as teeth-friendly foods. Along with avoiding sugary and syrupy foods, be sure to eat plenty of leafy green vegetables as well as dairy foods that are rich in calcium. Why? These foods have nutrients that are essential for keeping your teeth healthy.

If you’re ready to incorporate some new dental tools outside of your toothbrush, a great place to start is a tongue scraper. To use this, simply run the scraper over your tongue at least once a day along you’re your brushing. This is great because it reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth that can end up becoming plaque and tartar. If you find yourself on the go and don’t have any floss, it may be a good idea to use sugar-free gum in a pinch. This is because it can stimulate saliva production, which has a natural benefit for oral health.

In some cases, you may want to turn to the natural and herbal world, and this is where the South Asian tradition of oil pulling comes in. Oil pulling involves using coconut oil or sesame oil and swishing it around in your mouth to take advantage of its anti-bacterial effects. There are a surprising amount of different herbal components that you can make into different mouthwashes. These include aloe vera, sage, and tea tree oil. This helps not only avoid plaque, but also take care of your gums. As a note, though, if you plan on putting these into action, it may be a good idea to check with a doctor first.

Remember, the purpose of some of these practices is to complement your typical oral health routine, not replace it. Be sure to regularly visit the dentists at Pickering Square Dental to keep your teeth clean and stay on top of other oral health issues.

 

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!

Tips on Keeping Your Teeth in Good Condition During Holiday Season

The holiday season is almost here, and as your friends, we want to wish you a happy holiday! As your oral health care provider though, it is our responsibility to remind you about keeping your teeth healthy during this season that’s filled with parties!

 

As you probably have no time for dental visits this season, we are hoping you would follow these tips to make sure your teeth makes it through the month!

  1. Skip the candy canes. We know that these candy canes and other hard candies like peppermints taste especially delicious during the holidays but you should be extra careful when you eat them. For one, they are so hard they can crack your teeth if you bite them the wrong way. If you can’t help having a piece or two, then just let the candy dissolve to prevent having chipped tooth. Don’t forget to brush your teeth after having a candy that sweet!

 

  1. Avoid chugging pop. In every party, you would probably find pop and you very well know that this sugary drink is really bad for your teeth. Try fizzy water as an alternative. If you really must have soda, at least use a straw to keep acid on your teeth at a minimal.

 

 

  1. Go for the turkey. If there is one holiday food that we recommend you to munch on, that would be turkey. Why? Turkey is an excellent source of phosphorus and protein which are both great for helping you keep your teeth strong and fight tooth decay, too.

 

  1. Fill your plate with greens. We know those holiday cookies and brownies look a whole lot more tempting than the salad or the stir-fried veggies, but the latter is the better choice.

 

 

  1. Choose cheese. When you have to snack on something while having a drink at some party, snack on cheese. It would help neutralize the acid in your beverage and of course, the calcium is food for your teeth!

 

  1. Hum while you brush. You probably know that efficient brushing takes about two minutes. This is the best time for you to practice that carol, or at least hum one! By the time you finish chorus, it’s likely you have cleaned your teeth, tongue, and gums thoroughly, too!

 

We know that holidays are the perfect excuse to kick back and have some fun, have that extra chocolate bar, drink that extra glass of wine. Whatever kind of fun you decide to go for this holiday, we do hope you don’t forget how important it is to keep your teeth healthy. After all, you still want to welcome the New Year with a bright smile, don’t you?

Are Your Teeth Ready for Halloween Candies?

Toothbrush and dental hygiene waxed tape mint floss by wash basin at night still life color photo.

Your kids are probably excited about Halloween, what with their great costume, and an even greater selection of Halloween treats they can get when they go Trick or Treating. Of course, you want your child to enjoy! But you do not want as a toothache to affect their memory of this year’s Halloween?

 

Keep your children’s teeth safe from scary cavities this season by considering these tips:

 

Shoo Chewy Candies!

There are candies like caramels, gummies, and taffies that just find their way into the grooves and pits of your kids’ teeth where they stay stuck for a while. These sticky candies get stuck on your teeth and their saliva just can’t wash them away. If a toothbrush is not handy, at least make them drink a glass or a bottle of water to swish away some of the sugars.

 

Eat Now, Treat Later

Never let your child out on an empty stomach, and make sure they have a nutritious meal. When you chew during a meal, it stimulates your saliva which has protective enzymes that can protect teeth against cavities. On top of that, you’ll feel more relaxed knowing that with that full tummy, your child would probably have a smaller room for sweets!

 

Give Away Good Treats

As a parent, you hope your kid would get some teeth-friendly treats when he or she goes Trick or Treating. If that’s the case, then there is no reason for you not to give away those kinds of candies, right? Be the “responsible parent” in your street who hands out sugar-free hard candies, lollipops, and gums. It won’t hurt to throw in a little reminder to brush teeth when you give those treats out.

 

Remember Your Routine

The fact that it is Halloween and your child is tired from Trick or Treating should not keep you from enforcing your usual oral routine at home. If anything, now is the time to spend an extra minute or two when you brush your teeth. Do not forget to floss as this can greatly help in removing sugars that your toothbrush missed.

 

Halloween is a fun holiday that should never be ruined by a terrible toothache. Make sure you let your child know of his or her limitations and responsibilities. Set a limit on the number of candies allowed in a day, and make sure that those tiny teeth are brushed, flossed, and rinsed well before bed time!

 

 


 

Junk Food and What It Does to Our Teeth

Some people find it difficult to quit eating junk food completely – and this goes without saying.  Some foods that we consume on a daily basis can cause enamel erosion that leads to increased teeth sensitivity to cold, hot, sour and sweet. If a person’s oral hygiene with proper brushing and flossing is not maintained dental enamel damage may result with teeth likely to develop a cavity..

 

Acidic Foods

Although lemons are healthy, using them as a home remedy for whitening teeth might not be the best move as they might be very harmful to the teeth. After eating lemons, tomatoes, oranges and grapefruit, the teeth should be rinsed with plain water thoroughly.

 

Long-Lasting, Sticky Sweets

Hard candies tend to stick and cling to the surfaces of your teeth. Hard candies can also take a long time to dissolve – making them harmful to the teeth too. Hard sweets can also crack a tooth when you bite into them. It isn’t about the amount of sugar that is damaging, but how often the intake is and, how long the sugars are left on or, in between teeth or in your saliva.

 

Starchy Foods

We tend to consume a lot of starchy junk food without even knowing their after effects. White bread, pizza, potato chips, burgers, and pasta can easily get lodged in-between the teeth and the crevices. Even though they are not sweet nor sugary, starchy foods can be converted into sugar almost immediately because of the digestive process that begins in our mouths. The sugar might cause our enamel to decalcify leading to tooth decay.

 

Sports Drinks and Sodas

Sugary drinks like sports drinks and other carbonated beverages are bad for the teeth especially if consumed regularly. Soft drinks are loaded with phosphoric and citric acids that erode the enamel of the teeth. These beverages are also the leading source of added sugar in both children and adolescent diets. Sipping on a sugary beverage for hours is harmful because the high sugar content in drinks is bad for both our teeth and body.

 

Dried Fruits

Munching on dried fruits instead of fresh ones might also be harmful for the teeth because of the concentrated sugar content and stickiness they possess. Examples of dried fruits are dried prunes, raisins and apricots. Parts of them easily adhere to teeth and the sugar in them promotes bacteria growth in the mouth, leading to the erosion of tooth enamel.

 

If you are seeing signs of damaged teeth as a result of eating too much junk foods, consult Dr. Lean. D. Lean and his team can handle all types of oral conditions. It’s best to take care of your teeth now rather than later. 

Food and Drinks That are Bad for the Teeth

Although there are many available dental procedures and treatments that ensure optimal dental health, prevention is still better than any cure. Other than brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis, avoiding the wrong foods and drinks also help in keeping your teeth healthy. Here are some of the foods and drinks that damage the teeth:

 

Citrus Fruits

Although loaded with vitamin C and other nutrients that are good for the body, citrus fruits also contain sugar and acid that might erode tooth enamel over time. Grapefruit and lemon juice, in particular, are highly acidic. In 2008, a study found that among all the citrus juices, these two can cause the most damage to the teeth. Orange juice was said to cause the least damage based on the same study. Brushing, flossing and/or simple rinsing with plain water as soon as possible following consumption will help in minimizing any risks.

 

Ice

Some people think that ice is good for their teeth. Although it’s made of water and does not contain any sugar or other additives, ice can cause damage to the teeth when chewed because it’s hard. Chewing on hard substances leaves your teeth vulnerable to enamel damage and other dental emergencies.  Enjoy water in its liquid form, instead of its solid form.

 

Caffeinated Drinks

Coffee and tea, in their natural form, can be healthy beverage preferences. However, some people cannot drink these beverages without adding sugar. Caffeinated drinks are known for drying out the mouth. Frequent drinking of coffee and tea also leads to staining the teeth. When you do consume coffee or tea, make sure that you drink plenty of water afterwards.

 

Sticky Foods

Dried fruits are being eaten by some people because they are healthy, but a lot of dried fruits are sticky – these can also damage the teeth. Sticky foods tend to stay on the teeth longer than any other types of food. If you eat dried fruits often, make sure you rinse your mouth with water afterwards. Brushing and flossing your teeth afterwards also helps in preventing teeth damage.  

 

Crunchy Foods

Crunch snacks such as potato chips are filled with starch. This additive tends to get trapped in between the teeth. If you are fond of eating these snacks, make sure that you floss carefully to remove food particles that lead to the build-up of plaque.

 

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol is not just bad for the teeth; it is also bad for overall health. Alcohol causes dry mouth and dehydration. People who drink alcohol excessively may find their saliva flow to reduce as time passes. This can lead to tooth decay and other oral infections including gum disease. Heavy alcohol use also increases the risk for mouth cancer.

 

For dental problems associated with eating and drinking the wrong foods and snacks, we can help you fix them. Contact Dr. Lean and his team of experts to prevent further teeth damage. 

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.

Holiday Foods to Watch Out For

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

The Sticky

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

The Sweet

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

Preventing Damage

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

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

The Effects of Hot Drinks on Your Dental Health

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

Staining

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

Tooth Decay

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

Prevention

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

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