Visiting Your Dentist – Why It’s A Must

Maintaining your oral health should never be compromised.  

Reasons for Regular Dental Visits

*Early diagnosis of tooth decay – By seeing your dentist based on personalized treatment recommendations, you will be able to avoid the risks associated with dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay, among others. Although minor, these issues might lead to more complex ones if left untreated.

 

* Prevention of Gum Disease – Keeping teeth clean – Brushing and flossing the teeth is very beneficial but, never enough to keep everything perfectly clean.

 

Regular Dental Visits
Learn more about contact our Pickering dental office.

A regular dental visit consists of two parts: check-up and cleaning. For the first part, the dentist checks for cavities and assesses if there is build-up of plaque or tartar on your teeth or any other dental concerns too. Plaque is a clear and sticky layer of bacteria. If this is not removed, it hardens overtime and becomes tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing the teeth. If there’s a build-up of plaque and tartar, the risk for oral diseases is increased. The gums, tongue, throat, face, neck and head are also checked-up by the dentist to look for any signs of swelling and other problems that might be connected to your oral health.

 

The second part which is cleaning involves special tools used by the dentist and dental hygienist to remove tartar. This is termed as scaling. This is to remove tartar build-up that cannot be done with normal brushing and flossing.

 

In-Between Visits

Your oral health is not defined just by having regular dental visits. You are also held accountable in-between your dental visits too! It is essential that you take care of your teeth and gums in order to prevent oral diseases from occurring. Plaque is always forming on the teeth, but you can get rid of it by brushing and flossing the teeth regularly. Good oral care can be done at home by doing the following regularly:

 

*Brushing at least twice a day – use toothpaste that contains fluoride.

*Flossing at least once a day.

*Using a mouth rinse – this helps get rid of plaque bacteria and to freshen breath.

 

Post-Visits

Once Dr. Lean or one of our Team of Dentists at Pickering Square Dental has performed the examination and cleaning, they will tell you about the current health of your teeth and gums. Recommendations will also come at this point – make sure you visit them regularly to ensure maximum oral health. 

Helpful Resources

Family Dentists

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.

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.
Learn more about teeth whitening and aesthetics.

 

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. 

Helpful Resources

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.

How to Beat Dental Problems and Stay Smiling

Some people tend to take oral health for granted. They only pay attention to their mouth when they experience throbbing and incessant pain. Some fail to make their oral health their priority and use their busy schedules as their excuse. However, your oral health is as important as your overall health. Here are some ways on how to beat dental problems and stay smiling all the time:

Halitosis (Bad Breath)
This problem involves a person that has an unpleasant and foul odour coming from his or her mouth. This problem might be caused by several things: lingering food particles in the mouth, dryness of the mouth, poor dental hygiene, mouth infections, or illness. Resolving this problem depends on its cause but for some, this may be resolved simply by brushing the teeth to remove build-up of plaque, as well as brushing the tongue to remove bacteria. If you are suffering from this, it’s important that you replace your toothbrush every three months and have regular cleaning appointments. If this is caused by dry mouth, chew gum or drink water at regular intervals.
Learn more about frequently asked questions.

Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
Gums are the tissue inside one’s mouth that serves as teeth support. When they get infected due to plaque, it is called periodontal disease. The two basic types are: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder form and it is reversible. When left untreated, it develops to periodontitis – an advanced stage of gum disease. Bacteria can cause deterioration of the gums as well as destruction of tooth-supporting bones in this case. It might lead to tooth loss. Prevention is the key when it comes to this disease. Proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques remove the plaque and bacteria. Make sure you practice good oral hygiene.

Tooth Decay
As plaque forms on the teeth, it also produces acids. These acids attack the enamel and if not removed properly, it can damage the tooth enamel – this is called tooth decay. If this is not treated at the soonest possible time, it can result in cavities (small holes in the teeth). Tooth decay is caused by poor brushing techniques or failure to brush one’s teeth regularly or with proper technique.  It is highly preventable with basic oral maintenance – daily brushing and flossing after every meal.

Mouth Sores
Mouth sores vary in types and they can appear on the gums, inner cheeks, tongue and lips and even at the bottom of the mouth. They range from mild sores to more serious ones. Mouth sores can be prevented depending on the type of sore. People who get sores from biting their cheeks can prevent sores by chewing more carefully and slowly. Being careful when drinking hot substances also help in preventing sores from burns. Antiviral medications can also be given as they help prevent cold sores from appearing.

Helpful Resources

woman smiling

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

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

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

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

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

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

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

Why Root Canal Therapy Is More Important Than You Think

Family Dental

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. 

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our root canal therapy at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

Tooth Coloured Fillings — Pickering, ON

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Emergency Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, dental abscess, and lost fillings or crowns all qualify as dental emergencies. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 for same-day emergency care.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?

While the ER can manage pain and infection, they typically cannot perform dental procedures. A dental office like Pickering Square Dental is better equipped to treat the underlying cause. We reserve same-day appointments for emergencies.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in milk or saliva. Get to our Pickering office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

3 Tips for Preventing Toothaches

Dental Implants

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
Learn more about frequently asked questions.

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.

Helpful Resources

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.

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

Oral Surgeon

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:

 

 
Learn more about sedation dentistry options.

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.

Helpful Resources

dental fillings

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.

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
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

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! 

Helpful Resources

dental treatment

For more information, visit the CDA Oral Health Resources.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

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

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

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

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

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

Sticking to Your Dental Care Resolutions

Last month we talked about some great dental health resolutions you might want to consider for 2016.  Now that we’re a month in you might be wavering on them or any other resolutions you might have.  Thankfully you can reinforce any new behaviours in a way that can make keeping your resolutions easy – or at least easier.  Here are some tips on how to do that.

Turn It into a Habit

According to research it takes twenty-one days to form a simple habit like drinking a glass of water after dinner, or say, brushing after lunch.  Twenty-one days isn’t so long a time and once the habit has been established it will be second nature.  For more complicated tasks, like flossing regularly, the time before it sinks in may be longer but if you stick to it eventually it too will be just another part of your day.

Do What You Can to Enjoy It
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

One of the major keys to building a routine is to find a way that makes it desirable to do.  If you’re going to gym and you use that time to listen to a great audiobook you’ll enjoy that time more and it will make you want to go back to the gym.  If you want to teach proper dental health to your children you can make a silly song out of it and sing it with them – helping them learn and having a great time with your kids.

Try and Try Again

If you come to a point where it seems like your resolution has fallen apart or seems impossible just remind yourself that all it might take is another try.  Don’t get down on yourself.  If you break your diet you can just get back on it right now, and if you keep delaying or postponing your dental appointments because things keep coming up it won’t stop you from making another one.  Starting a longer process over from the beginning might seem daunting but once you’re making progress you’ll see the doubts start to fade away.

When you try to make positive changes in your life your resolve can falter but with these tips it can be a little bit easier maintaining course.  If you want to get on some dental resolutions like whitening or other aesthetic options contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

 

 

 

 

Helpful Resources

Dental Implants

For more information, visit the CDA Oral Health Resources.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

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

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

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

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

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

Winterizing Your Sensitive Teeth

Winter is hard on everything – your car, your home, and your willingness to be outside – and it can also be hard on your teeth.  Sensitive teeth really act up when the air is chilly making food or drink that is hot or cold very uncomfortable to ingest.  It can be caused by a number of factors, though in most minor cases it’s worn enamel, or gum recession and there are ways to mitigate the sensitivity and save yourself some discomfort.

Change Up Your Brushing

One of the best first steps in combating teeth sensitivity is switching to a toothpaste that’s made for sensitive teeth.  When tooth enamel becomes eroded it exposes a more vulnerable layer underneath that these special toothpastes can desensitize.  If you use a hard or medium toothbrush you’ll want to switch to soft since just by trying to get your teeth clean you could be wearing down the enamel yourself.  A softer toothbrush will also help with minimizing gum recession as well.
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

Strengthen Your Enamel

There are other ways to strengthen enamel.  Avoiding sugary or acidic food and drinks is a great place to start as is eating leafy vegetables, dairy, and protein.  Mouthwash can also help as can chewing sugar free gum containing xylitol.  If necessary you can add a remineralizing gel to your hygiene regimen which can rebuild tooth enamel effectively.

Professional Measures

If eroded enamel is not the issue you will likely need to see a professional as other factors that may cause sensitive teeth are tooth decay, irritated gums, or an exposed root.  Action may need to be taken to attack the underlying problem before it escalates into something worse than simple issues with sensitivity.  If you suspect your sensitivity is caused by one of these other factors or is accompanied by pain, call Pickering Square Dental right away.

Sensitive teeth is one of those issues that are not usually harmful but can cause issues with quality of life so it’s best to have it take care of, preferably before the winter is over.  If you or your family are looking for great dentistry contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

Helpful Resources

Dental Care

For more information, visit the CDA Oral Health Resources.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

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

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

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

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

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

Your Teeth and Thanksgiving Dinner

Our Team — Pickering, ON

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

Stay Away from the Sticky Stuff

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

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

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

Keep Water Handy

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

Bring a Brush

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

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

Helpful Resources

Oral Surgeon

For more information, visit the CDA Oral Health Resources.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

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

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

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

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

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