What You Need to Know Before You Get a Filling

Close up of dentist hand drilling the teeth and spraying the water

Did you know that whenever you chew food, your back molars exert a force of about 70 pounds a square inch? Think about that next time you eat dinner! Now if some of your teeth have filings, just imagine what it goes through every single day. No wonder they eventually crack!

Fillings allow you to keep a tooth that would otherwise have been destroyed by cavities. Your dentist clears the part with bacteria and uses a drill to shape the tooth, ensuring that there is no decay left. Then your tooth is filled with a specialized material to protect the exposed soft, inner part of your tooth from infection.

Here are some things you need to know about fillings:

Fillings Need to be Replaced Eventually

Like we mentioned above, your fillings go through so much when you eat.  If you’re also grinding your teeth when you’re sleeping, you’re exerting even more force and subjecting your filings to even more stress.  Fillings generally last anywhere between seven and 15 years, depending on the material used and how well you take care of your oral health.

Cracks and Damages in Your Filling Require Immediate Attention

Even if they seem microscopic, cracks in your fillings can let bacteria and germs in. Once this happens, it is impossible to remove the bacteria even by thorough brushing and flossing. So if you think your filling is cracked or even just loose, contact Pickering Square Dental immediately to schedule an appointment.

Fillings are Not a “Seal” for Your Teeth

Your fillings, even if they’re the most sophisticated ones, are just fillings. Having them does not mean you can slack off with your oral hygiene. It’s very important that you brush your teeth correctly because even with the fillings, they are still susceptible to decay.

The best way for you to avoid fillings is to make sure you have a good dental hygiene routine established. It is also important that you go to your dentist so you can prevent problems from progressing. Give Platinum Square Dental to schedule an appointment! We’ll help take care of your teeth so you won’t need fillings!

Helpful Resources

dental implant

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.

Tooth Whitening – How Safe is It?

Teeth After and Before Whitening high quality studio shot

Most people want to have whiter teeth and it’s perfectly understandable.  Many of us have teeth that are more faint yellow instead of pearly white. It can be caused by various factors, including age, tobacco usage, eating and drinking habits, and more. Sometimes even those people who do take extra care of their teeth still get frustrated because their teeth are not as white as they used to be.

It is therefore not surprising that many are interested in teeth whitening, hoping that they can achieve their dream pearly whites. Of course, these people have a few questions about it, including:

  • Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?
  • Is the effect of teeth whitening permanent?
  • Is teeth whitening safe?

If you are wondering about teeth whitening too, then you have come to the right place. Pickering Square Dental frequently get these questions from our patients! So read on and find out all you wanted to know about teeth whitening.

Years back, only celebrities like movie stars, athletes, and musicians have access to teeth whitening. But that is not the case anymore. Due to technological advancements, teeth whitening is now available to everybody and it’s much less expensive than what you probably believe.

There are a lot of reasons for you to whiten your teeth, including:

  • Wanting to look younger. Compared to other cosmetic procedures like Botox or facelift, whitening your teeth is a much cheaper option but can also make you look a lot younger
  • Wanting to gain confidence with a brighter smile. Let’s admit it. Whiter teeth do make you feel better about yourself.
  • Removing embarrassing spots. As you age, there may be some discoloration of your teeth that you want to address. Teeth whitening can help with that and let you get a more uniform smile.

Some say that all the reasons for teeth whitening are connected to vanity. Well, it may be, but if you feel better about your appearance, and it makes you more confident in facing the world – get a better job, start a business, meet new people – don’t you think it’s a worthy procedure?

Different Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

At the Dentist’s Office

Pickering Square Dental can help whiten your teeth. We use a safe peroxide power bleaching gel that can provide you with brighter and whiter teeth in an hour or less in the dental chair! Because it is chemically activated, it works as soon as it is placed on your teeth.

Of course, it is administered safely. We protect your gums to make sure that they are not damaged by teeth whitener. You can expect your teeth to be one to two shades lighter after, which is typical for patients who are jump-starting their bleaching process. If you want longer lasting results, you may follow up with at-home bleaching using custom trays.

Whitening Kits from Your Dentist

Your dentist can also provide you with whitening kits that you can administer at home. The whitening gel will be delivered using a custom tray which you will wear anywhere between 30 minutes to overnight. This whitening method is also safe as long as you carefully follow the directions. Do not leave the trays in longer than the recommended time.

Over-the-Counter Whiteners

The cheapest option you’ll find for teeth-whitening can be found at drug stores or groceries. Over-the-counter whiteners are usually in the form of strips or paint-on applicators. They are less potent than what you’ll get from your dentist and you may also get inconsistent results as they are not made nor administered by a dental professional.

Teeth-whitening is often not covered by insurance as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Insurance companies usually cover medically necessary treatments and procedures.

Is teeth-whitening harmful to your health?

While you may experience short-term sensitivity, teeth-whitening is not damaging to your natural teeth nor will it damage your restorations like bridges, crowns, veneers, fillings, and more. However, they will remain the same colour.

Teeth-whitening is worth the investment, especially if you are feeling self-conscious about discoloured teeth or you believe the procedure will give you more confidence to achieve more in life.

Should you decide to go ahead and try teeth-whitening, you can contact Pickering Square Dental so we can schedule an appointment with you!

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

Helpful Resources

dental fillings

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

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.

Bad Breath and Wisdom Teeth – Is There a Connection?

Yawning tired woman isolate on white background

Wisdom teeth are thus called because they are normally the last ones to appear and at a relatively late age.

In some instances, wisdom teeth or third molars don’t fully come out of the gums. In such cases, they are called impacted wisdom teeth. These impacted teeth may cause infection due to bacterial growth and even bad breath. This can be addressed by taking antibiotics and cleaning and treating the surrounding gums.

You might need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. This way, you can prevent problems in the future. Remember that if they are not removed, wisdom teeth can cause decay, bone and gum infection, and bone loss.

Why are wisdom teeth full of bacteria?

Misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth are a little difficult to clean and they’re the perfect host to food particles and bacteria. Since bacteria thrive in warm and damp environment, impacted wisdom tooth can cause infections, cysts, and decay. As you can expect, all these can result to bad breath and an even off taste in the mouth.

If your wisdom tooth is submerged and causing bacterial profusion, the tiny air pocket between the tip of the tooth and the gum can be where bad breath is coming from. The sensitive gums surrounding the impacted wisdom tooth get infected easily and the bacteria in the wound can release sulphur compounds with foul odour.

Will the Wisdom Tooth Infection Get Better on Its Own?

You can’t expect an infection to get better without proper treatment.  Some signs of wisdom tooth or gum infection include an awful taste in the mouth, pain, tenderness or swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and bad breath that doesn’t go away. Visit Pickering Square Dental to find out if your wisdom tooth infection needs immediate attention.

Extraction is Necessary

Because impacted teeth are a potential cause of various problems, they have to be extracted. Extractions may be done one tooth per visit or multiple teeth can be extracted simultaneously.

Bad Breath May Be Caused by the Extraction

Wisdom tooth removal does not instantly stop bad breath. When your wisdom tooth is extracted, a blood clot is formed in the empty socket and when removed, it leads to a “dry socket”. Bacteria can get in there, lead to an infection, and bad breath.

Antibiotics and medicated creams may be prescribed by the dentist to clean the socket and aid in the healing process. Expect for the dry socket to take a few weeks to fully heal. Bad breath may seem persistent for some time after your wisdom tooth extraction, but with proper oral care, it should be gone soon. However, if you notice that it persists too long, you should take a trip to the dentist so it can be checked.

Whether it is caused by a wisdom tooth or not, bad breath is never a good sign. Schedule an appointment with us at Pickering Square Dental so we can assess the situation and help you bring your fresh breath back.

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

Helpful Resources

man at the dentist

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

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 You Shouldn’t Miss an Appointment with Your Dentist

Image of smiling patient looking at camera at the dentist?s

It is highly recommended for everyone to make dental appointments at least every six months. However, some people go as long as three years or more without visiting their dentist!

This is alarming. Why do Canadians skip their dental appointments? There may be a number of reasons, including busy schedules, forgetfulness, dental anxiety, and more. However, the more important question that you should be asking is “Why shouldn’t I miss my dental appointment?”  Well, let us enumerate the reasons.

Missing an Appointment Turns Minor Issues into Major Problems

When you visit your dentist on a regular basis, any potential problem will be caught in the early stages and they will be treated easily. For instance, let’s take gum disease which has three stages – gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. If caught early, gingivitis can be addressed by a thorough dental cleaning. However, if you skip your appointment, it could progress to periodontitis and may require your teeth to be extracted or a surgery to be performed. You can avoid the hassle and costly treatment if you go to your dentist when you are supposed to go.

Thorough Cleaning

Daily brushing and flossing is important, but that’s not all you need to achieve the best oral health possible. After all, oral care that you do at home may be really good, but it is still limited. For instance, there are hard to reach areas in your mouth and there may be hardened plaque that has turned into tartar. As you know, tartar cannot be removed by simply brushing or flossing. A visit to Pickering Square Dental at least once every six months can ensure that all plaque and tartar is removed from your teeth.

Regular Screening for Oral Cancer

Just like you would go to a doctor to have general check-ups and make sure that everything is well, you should visit your dentist so you can be screened for potential problems. Among the many health concerns that can be detected during a dental check-up is oral cancer. At its later stages, this type of cancer is nearly impossible to treat and highly deadly. The key, therefore, is early detection. Oral cancer screening is undeniably one good reason to keep your dental appointments.

The best way to be sure that you have the best oral health possible is to do your part in keeping it that way. That means building an efficient oral care routine at home and making it to your dental appointments. Prioritize your oral health and you’ll have a greater chance of preventing any dental problems and keeping a truly beautiful smile. Contact Pickering Square Dental now and schedule your next appointment with us!

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.

Toronto Maple Leafs’ Trusted Dentists

Picture of 4 ice hockey players without any signs or specific teams.

Who doesn’t know and love the Toronto Maple Leafs? As Canadians, we all feel very proud and excited when we see them play. Most adults enjoy watching all their games. Children look up to them and aspire to be a part of the legendary team one day. Indeed, we all think that the amazing players are just a cut above the rest.

But just like everyone else, athletes need to have their teeth taken care of. When it comes to their oral health, the Toronto Maple Leafs only trusts Dr. Marvin Lean and his partner from Pickering Square Dental.  Since 2005, Dr. Marvin Lean and his partner have been the team’s official dentists.

For more than 12 years, Dr. Marvin Lean and his partner have been a part of Toronto Maple Leafs’ training camp, providing all the hockey players with thorough dental assessments. Additionally, they also customize protective mouth guards for every hockey player so their teeth won’t be damaged when they are out on the ice.

Whenever there are home games at the Air Canada Center, Dr. Lean and his partner are also the official dentists that are on staff, ready to provide all the players (including those from the visiting team) with the dental assistance they need in case there is any emergency.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are the best and for their dental care, they depend on the best dentists, too. If our beloved hockey team trusts Dr. Lean and his partner to make sure that they have the best oral health possible, there’s no reason you shouldn’t! So whether you are looking for a new dentist for yourself or your child, don’t look elsewhere! Pickering Square Dental is the best place for you and your family to go when you’re in need of superior dental care.

You’ll find that a visit to the dentist doesn’t have to be traumatic! In fact, you’ll be really comfortable in our office while your teeth are getting the best care. There is a reason patients have been loyal to Pickering Square Dental for more than 25 years now! To find out more about all our services that we offer to patients of all ages, check out pickeringquaredental.com. You can also schedule an appointment with us by calling 905-420-1777!

Helpful Resources

dental crowns

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

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.

Battling Aggressive Oral Cancer

oral cancer colorful word with stethoscope on wooden background

Diagnosis of cancer or even just a suspicion of cancer can be quite scary. Instantly, you think of people you know who lost their battles to cancer. You may even reflect on how most TV shows or movies that feature a character with cancer almost always has that person dying. You may be the one suffering or it could be someone dear to you – either way, cancer is something that can easily change the way you live your life.

Instead of living in fear, one of the things that you can do is to learn what you can about it. In this particular post, we aim to share with you some information on one of the most aggressive types of cancer which affects thousands of people every year – oral cancer.

Risk Factors

Knowing the causative factors of cancer can contribute to the prevention of the disease. For oral cancer, age is often named as a risk factor (it often occurs in those past the age of 40).  In the recent years, the anterior of the mouth, alcohol, and tobacco-associated cancers have declined in number along with a corresponding decline in smoking. Posterior of the oral cavity sites that are associated with the HPV16 viral cause, on the other hand, are increasing.

It is also likely that the accumulative damage caused by factors like excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and viral infections like HPV are the real culprits. It should also be noted that those who drink and smoke are at 15 times higher risk of developing oral cancer.

There are also physical factors like ultraviolet radiation exposure. This is often the cause of cancers of the lip, whose numbers have declined in the last few decades most likely because of increased awareness. People now understand the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to the sun and the benefits of wearing sunscreen. Biological factors associated with oral cancers include viruses and fungi. HPV16 in particular has been implicated in oral cancers.

Treatment

Once a definitive diagnosis is made and the cancer is staged, treatment may start. Treatment of oral cancers is often a multidisciplinary approach that involves the collaborative effort of dental practitioners, surgeons, chemotherapy oncologists, radiation oncologists, nutritionists, and rehabilitation and restorative specialists.

The actual treatment modalities are often chemotherapy with concurrent radiation, and sometimes, surgery.

Chemotherapy is currently not used as a lone approach for oral cancers but instead added to decrease the possibility of metastasis, to reduce the size of malignancy before the surgery, and to sensitize the malignant cells to radiation. It is also a powerful component of treatment for patients with confirmed distant metastasis of the disease.

 

Before the curative treatment starts, other oral health needs have to be taken care of. It is necessary so the likelihood of getting post-therapeutic complications would be lessened. Teeth that have poor prognosis from caries or periodontal problems may be extracted. Avoiding post-radiotherapy surgery is important because it can sometimes induce osteonecrosis which happens when tissue damaged by radiation exposes the underlying bone and does not heal. A thorough prophylaxis or cleaning will probably be done before treatments start.

Every cancer phase potentially paves an avenue to discovering a new therapy for treatment. And with all the research being conducted, there is always a possibility that we will see cures for oral cancer in our lifetime.


 

Helpful Resources

dental treatment

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.

Implant Key Terms You Need to Understand

woman take tooth implant false tooth on green background

If you have been told that you should consider dental implants and you are not exactly sure what they are, the best thing for you to do is discuss it with your dentist. But like with other dental procedures, there might be some terms that could sound “alien” to you. That could get in the way of you fully understanding what you need to know about dental implants.

To help you decode dental lingo, here are some terms that you should know:

Abutment

It is a connector that the dentist will attach to the top of your dental implant. This will serve as the attachment for the replacement tooth, bridge, or crown, keeping it securely in place.

Abutment Teeth

This refers to the teeth that support the partial denture or bridge. The bridge is attached during a crown prep or inlay/onlay prep. If for a partial denture, clasps or rests are necessary to support the denture on the abutment tooth.

Crown

A crown or a cap, as it is also called, replaces the top portion and layer of a tooth. If you have broken or lost a tooth because of injury, infection, or decay, your dentist can fit you with a crown to replace the damaged or missing one. Crowns fit over the top of existing teeth but they must be ground down to fit or attached to the abutment of an implant.

Ceramic

This is a material used to make dental implants. It is made of clay that is hardened by heat. Some people like the aesthetic appeal of ceramic better than titanium because it gives a more natural look. It is available in ivory, which looks similar to existing roots and teeth. Ceramic implants are an option for patients with allergy to metal.

Endosteal Implant

This is the most commonly used implant type in modern dentistry. To fit this particular style of implant, small screws, plates, blades, or cylinders are placed directly into the jawbone surgically. Every implant can hold at least one prosthetic tooth.

Eposteal Implant

This type of implant receives support by directly resting on the jawbone. This is not used often today in dentistry as it is often seen as an outdated method.

 

Implant or Fixture

This is a medical device that interfaces with the jawbone to support a bridge, crown, or denture. Most dental implants last for patients’ entire lives so they are deemed better than bridges which would need replacement and dentures which can be uncomfortable for the wearer.

Titanium and Zirconia

Most dental implants these days are made of titanium. This is the preferred material of most patients because very few people are allergic to titanium. It is also very durable and lightweight. There is a small percentage of people who are allergic to titanium, and for them Zirconia is a good option. Zirconia implants have no prosthetic connections, lowering the risk of bacteria growth. Patients may also find that they have better gum health with this type of implant. Its white colour makes it look more like a natural tooth.

If you want to know more about dental implants or you’re wondering if it’s an option for you, do call Pickering Square Dental and we will set an appointment for you!


 

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

Helpful Resources

dental service

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association on Dental Implants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dental implants can last 25 years or more. Many patients enjoy their implants for a lifetime. At Pickering Square Dental, Dr. Lean uses high-quality titanium implants designed for long-term durability.

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients report less discomfort than expected. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, and sedation options are available. Post-procedure soreness typically resolves within a few days with over-the-counter pain relief.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most adults with good general health are candidates for dental implants. You need adequate jawbone density to support the implant. Dr. Lean will assess your bone health and overall suitability during a consultation at our Pickering office.

Dental Care Resolutions You Really Need To Stick To

Beautiful young parents and their cute little daughter are looking at camera and smiling while brushing teeth, against gray wall

Did you know that only about 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolution? This can be attributed to a lot of factors, including unrealistic expectations regarding the ease, the speed, and the consequences of their resolutions.

What can you do then? Make more reasonable goals, of course! Because we want you to enjoy healthy and beautiful smile all year, here are some dental resolutions that you can easily stick to:

Brush and Floss Twice a Day

Well, you should already be doing this and you probably are. But there are probably a few times last year when you skipped brushing and flossing because you were a little too busy, sleepy, lazy, or distracted. Make sure that this year, nothing comes between you and your brush and floss!

Lessen Your Sugar Intake

Let us not kid ourselves. It is really hard to completely stop eating and drinking sugar. But it will greatly help if you at least aim to reduce your intake of sweets. It may also be time for you to discover healthier alternatives! While you lessen your sugar intake, increase your intake of water and make sure you rinse your mouth after eating sweets.

Break Your Bad Habits

Unfortunately, some of the things you like doing, like drinking coffee every so often and smoking can be really bad for your teeth. Not only do these habits stain your teeth, but they can even damage your gums and cause oral cancer! For these reasons alone, you should be working really hard to drop these habits. It can be really challenging, but your dentist and your physician can surely provide you with helpful suggestions on what you can do to beat your chemical dependency.

Get Checked for Oral Cancer

So, this is not really a resolution that you have to repeatedly do but one that you just have to do at least once this 2018. Then you can have it done next year again! Thousands of Canadians suffer from oral cancer. Most oral cancer cases are treatable as long as they are detected and treated early. Advanced tools can now be used to check your mouth for signs of inflammation and bumps that could be an early sign of oral cancer. Ask for a screening on your next dental appointment!

Set a Schedule and Stick to It

One of the best things you can do for your oral health this year is not just making an appointment with your dentist, but actually sticking to it. Your dentist is the one person who understands your needs when it comes to your oral health – even more than you do. Regular visits can help ensure that you won’t suffer from any problems in the near future.

These are pretty simple things that you can do for your oral health. And trust us – what you’ll get in return is all worth it.

Want to make 2018 the year where you got your best smile ever? Give Pickering Square Dental a call and set an appointment. We’ll be your partner in this very achievable goal!

Helpful Resources

dental bridges

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.

Keep a Healthy Heart with Better Dental Care

Portrait of beautiful young woman with perfect smile. Isolated on white.

Heart disease is among the top causes of death for both men and women worldwide. Countless studies have been dedicated to finding out the causes of this fatal disease. But did you know that research has also found that there is a link between heart disease and your gum health?

According to a 2016 study conducted in Sweden, having gum disease increases the risk of getting a first heart attack by 28%.Heart disease and gum disease have some common risk factors that include poor nutrition, diabetes, and smoking, among others. Many researchers also believe that inflammation that is caused by periodontal disease may be attributed for the connection.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Yet again, this old cliché proves to be true. Maintaining healthy habits can significantly lower your risk of both gum disease and heart disease. These strategies can help:

 

* Start (and stick to) a healthy diet. Make sure that your meals are rich in nutrients. Always include foods that contain vitamins A and E. Eliminate, or at least reduce sugar and starches, which are not only bad for your oral health but your overall health as well.

 

*Stop smoking! You know that this terrible habit can compromise your oral health, as well as your heart and lungs. Every time you light a cigarette, you are deliberately harming yourself and sometimes even those around you. Quit smoking before it destroys your gums and put you at a higher risk of heart disease.

 

*Brush and floss daily. Proper brushing is as important as doing it regularly. To make sure plaque and bacteria are removed, brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Do it in the morning and in the evening before bedtime. Don’t forget to floss! You should also pay extra attention to your oral hygiene if you are taking medicine because there are some that can increase the risk of gum disease. You can ask your doctor about it if you believe your medications are causing gum problems.

 

* Visit your physician and your dentist regularly. One way to avoid health problems is to have regular check-ups. Your doctor can perform tests to determine your health. Of course, regularly visiting Pickering Square Dental can help ensure that you don’t just have an amazingly white teeth but a healthy gum, too! Both your doctor and your dentist can tell you how often you should visit to help make sure you maintain optimal health.

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.

How Not to Let Holiday Spirits Lead to Dental Cavities

Happy family in the room with the Christmas tree.The family is enjoying in the holidays.They are celebrating their first Christmas together.

Christmas is the time where everyone celebrates the birth of Christ. We celebrate love and everything that’s good. It’s when we spend time with family and friends and usually, we do that over festive dinners and fun parties.

But even though the holidays are all about festivities, we should not neglect our oral health. Now more than ever, we should recognize the importance of preventing caries. After all, it is during the holidays when we double or even triple the amount of sugary foods and beverages that we consume.

Make sure you maintain good oral health during the holidays with these tips:

  1. Use a straw when drinking sugary beverages like pop, punch, and more. You can limit the exposure of your teeth to sugar by using a straw. See, when you sip out of a glass or a bottle directly, the liquid lingers in the mouth and coats your teeth. When you use a straw the liquid is directed away from your teeth, so it’s less damaging to your teeth.
  2. If you must indulge in something sweet, go for dark chocolate. Tannin in cocoa can help reduce plaque growth. Dark chocolate contains less sugar than other kinds of chocolate and it is also the least processed variety. Take note, however, that you should still not overindulge. It’s still best to eat dark chocolates in moderation!
  3. Reduce the number of times you eat sweets. Did you know that a big slice of cake throughout the day is even more harmful than eating it in just one sitting? According to studies, tooth decay has more to do with the frequency of eating rather than the amount of sugar itself, meaning how often you eat has more weight than how much you eat. If you have Christmas treats to enjoy it’s best to do so directly after each meal. Snacking throughout the day will expose your teeth to acid (produced when bacteria come in contact with sugar) constantly.
  4. Brush your teeth twice a day and don’t forget to floss. To lessen the amount of plaque on your teeth, you need to brush at least twice daily, ideally in the morning and before you go to bed at night. It is also important that you floss, especially during the holidays, to remove all the debris stuck in between your teeth. Skipping this step can greatly affect your oral health in the long run.

See? You don’t have to completely say no to that scrumptious fruit cake or those candy canes. As long as you take the necessary steps to remove sugar and thoroughly clean your teeth, you can still enjoy those holiday sweets! To make sure that your teeth are not compromised by the treats you eat, you can always visit Pickering Square Dental to have your teeth professionally cleaned, too!

Helpful Resources

Dental Care

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.