Crossbite: What You Need to Know

crossbite

When a child is brought to the dentist, braces may be the last thing parents expect to hear about.  Many do not know that even kids as young as three or four can be diagnosed with a crossbite, and if that’s the case, parents should be prepared to hear about braces, retainers, and sagittal expanders.  But before those orthodontic appliances are discussed, you are probably wondering – what is a crossbite and what should be done about it?  Here are the answers.

 

What Is a Crossbite?

A crossbite can involve just a single tooth or several teeth on either side of the mouth (or even both). If any of your or your child’s tooth or several teeth lay closer to the tongue or cheek instead of standing together evenly, you probably have a crossbite.

 

What Can Be Done About It?

The dental industry is still divided into two sides when the topic is the right time to initiate crossbite treatment. Some suggest that treatment should start as soon as a diagnosis is made, which can be as early as three years old. Others say that parents should wait at least until a child’s molars come out. But even with the difference of opinion regarding when treatment should be done, all dental professionals agree that crossbite is not a condition that should be left untreated. Why? Because it presents a number of complications that include gum and tooth wear, temporomandibular joint disorder, and even facial asymmetry.

 

What Is the Treatment Like?

Crossbite treatment aims for the bite pattern to match evenly on all sides, and that involves adjusting how a child’s teeth are spread using dental appliances. It can be done using dental expanders which are similar to orthodontic retainers. They include a screw that you can tighten every night to “spread” a child’s bite to the width prescribed by the dentist. Other options like dental headgear, clear aligners, and braces may also be used, usually when a single tooth is out of alignment.

 

Crossbites are generally considered as a genetic condition, so they are not that common. But if your child happens to have it, know that it is imperative that crossbite is treated before it can permanently affect your child’s oral and facial development. That’s why if your visit to the dentist leads to a discussion about your child having a crossbite and needing to wear a dental expander, don’t just shrug it off. Learn more about it and the necessary treatment to address this problem.

 

Have your child scheduled for a dental check up with Dr. Marvin Lean at Pickering Square Dental. He can tell if your child has a crossbite and offer you the best treatment approach possible.

Helpful Resources

Emergency Dental Care

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.

Oral Health Problems to be Aware of If You Have Diabetes

toothache.adult man. isolated

Did you know that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of getting tooth and gum disease than those with regular glucose levels? This is because of their lowered resistance to infections and because they do not heal easily.

 

Those who have diabetes need to pay extra attention to their oral health on top of controlling their blood glucose levels. If you are diabetic, you should definitely visit your dentist more regularly and ask for advice on how you can keep your gums and teeth really healthy.

 

The first signs of diabetes can occur in your mouth, so you have to pay attention to your oral health, as that can help with early diagnosis and timely treatment. Some of the most common oral health issues that affect diabetic patients include:

  • Periodontal or gum disease
  • Gum abscess
  • Thrush and other fungal infections
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Dry/Burning mouth
  • Taste Disturbances

 

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND DIABETES

Periodontal or gum disease is the result of an infection that destroys the bone that supports your teeth.  The bone connects your teeth to the jawbone, allowing you to eat food with ease.

 

Dental plaque from bacteria and food debris cause gum disease. If plaque is left on the teeth and gums for some time, it hardens and forms a tartar or calculus. These irritate the gums around your teeth, making them red and swollen and sometimes causing them to bleed.  As this gum problem worsens, more bone is lost and teeth may fall out when they become too loose.

 

This oral health problem is more common in diabetic people who have irregular blood glucose levels. To help prevent gum disease, it is important that you take care of your oral health by visiting your dentist often and controlling your blood sugar levels.

 

TOOTH DECAY AND DIABETES

Because of their increased blood glucose levels, diabetic patients have more glucose in their saliva and noticeably dry mouths. These all contribute to dental plaque buildup on your teeth, which ultimately leads to cavities and tooth decay.

 

Dental plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth and gums twice daily and using dental floss to clean between your teeth. Doing these good oral habits can help you prevent cavities and gum disease, as well.

 

THRUSH AND DIABETES

Oral thrush or candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans which are naturally in the mouth. High glucose in saliva, dry mouth, and poor resistance to infection, which are all caused by diabetes, can also contribute to oral thrush.

 

Oral thrush causes red or white patches on the tissue which result to ulcers and discomfort. Optimal blood glucose levels and good oral hygiene are important in treating oral thrush. Your dentist can treat this with antifungal medications if required.


 

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

Helpful Resources

dental treatment

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.

What You Should Look for in a Toothpaste

Portrait of smiling young brunette selecting dental treatment in drugstore

We are still celebrating Dental Health Month, and we decided to focus the spotlight on a dental product that we do use every day – our toothpaste!

 

When you are purchasing a tube of toothpaste you can be one of these two: a.) passive –not really caring what kind you get and most likely to go for a reasonably priced toothpaste brand or b.) confused – paying too much attention on every detail, including flavour, ingredients, packaging, and more.

 

While it is not advisable that you just grab the first product you see on the shelf, we don’t think you should worry too much either. After all, most formulas you’d find on those shelves will definitely protect your teeth. To help you make a decision though, we’ll explain some of the most common label terms you find printed on toothpaste boxes.

 

Cavity- Fighting

Of course, all toothpaste products should be able to fight cavities by removing plaque. That is what they are for, after all. What you should look for though is fluoride, which for years has been proven to keep your tooth enamel from decaying. The use of fluoride in dental hygiene is recognized by the CDA, Health Canada, and many other national health organizations.

 

Antibacterial

You probably have seen toothpastes that claim to have antibacterial agents, specifically triclosan, that can protect your gums from gingivitis and other bacterial infections. So if you are prone to gingivitis, this can be good for you. Check with your dentist whether or not this kind of toothpaste would be beneficial to you.

 

Whitening

What whitening toothpastes actually do is help in combating stains but you cannot expect the same results that dental office treatments can deliver. Whitening toothpastes, cleans the surface harder to remove stains giving the illusion of whiter teeth. However most whitening toothpastes contain an abrasive agent which is not for everyone. So again, check with your dentist if it suits you.

 

For Sensitive Teeth

Does your mouth ache when you eat ice cream? You need toothpaste that are meant for sensitive teeth. When you have sensitive teeth, your gums may be receded thus exposing the roots of your teeth. Because the roots have no enamel it can easily be affected by temperature changes, sweets, and more. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth can block whatever the stimulus is from getting through the surface of your roots.

 

These are just some of the labels you see on toothpaste boxes. And while every product aims to provide you with healthier teeth and gums, it also wouldn’t hurt to look for something that works a little extra to address your specific concerns. If you are still unsure what to get, you can visit Pickering Square Dental and consult with our expert dentists for advice.

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

woman brushing teeth

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.

What You Need to Know about Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Closeup of x-ray image of teeth and mouth with all four molars vertically impacted and still not grown and visible in the jaw bone. Filled cavities visible. Impacted molars (wisdom teeth, teeth number 8) on the right side of the face (image left) shown red.

It’s April again, folks! You know what that means – It’s Dental Health month! We think we’d start the month with this informative post about impacted wisdom teeth. So if you are wondering about wisdom teeth, what an impacted wisdom tooth actually is or if you need yours extracted, then this post is perfect for you.

 

Before we talk about impacted wisdom teeth, let’s first have a quick overview on wisdom teeth.

 

What are They, Really?                         

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that are found at the very back of your mouth. They often appear long after all you get all your other adult teeth. Usually, wisdom teeth would break through your gum line in your last few years as a teenager or while you’re in your early twenties. They may cause discomfort in varying degrees.

 

Are All Wisdom Teeth Crooked?

You may hear of this from your parents or grandparents, but it’s just a myth. Of course, not all wisdom teeth grow in crooked! In fact, there are countless cases that show wisdom teeth can also grow in really straight. Needless to say, if this is the case, there is absolutely no reason for your wisdom tooth to be removed.

 

When they do grow in crooked, though, it is possible that they would affect all the other teeth that surround them – damage the adjacent teeth, crowd the other teeth, damage a nerve or even your jaw, and more.

 

What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth are those that are not able to break through the gum line. It is often because there’s another tooth blocking the way of the wisdom tooth and there is no sufficient space for the wisdom tooth to ‘erupt’. As you can probably imagine, impacted wisdom teeth can cause greater discomfort and even pain. Impacted wisdom teeth can damage your gums, jaw, and your other teeth or cause infection.

 

Should You Have Them Removed?

It actually depends on your particular case and a lot of factors like, whether your wisdom tooth has broken through the gum line or not, whether it’s causing damage to your mouth and more. Only your dentist can tell what you should do about it.

 

If your wisdom tooth has broken through the gum line, it can be easily extracted. However, if the offending tooth is embedded in your bone, the procedure can be a little more complicated. In any case, the extraction would require the application of a local anaesthetic (or sedation if that is what you prefer).

 

How Long is the Recovery Period?

It varies from patient to patient. For some, it just takes a couple of days while for others it could take a few weeks. What is important though, is that you follow every direction given by your dentist so as not to aggravate your gum and ruin the stitches.

 

So, are you concerned about your wisdom tooth? Visit Pickering Square Dental and have it checked by Dr. Lean and his expert Dental Team.

 


Helpful Resources

sedation dentistry

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

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

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

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

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

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

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

5 Ways You are Damaging Your Teeth Unknowingly

Woman with cracks on her teeth

Most of us know how important it is to brush our teeth at least twice a day. Many of us religiously floss and rinse, too. But do you know that there are also a lot of people who are damaging their teeth on a daily basis without even knowing it?

 

Here we have listed  for you five ways you could be unknowingly damaging your teeth. Check it out and see if you are guilty of any of these:

 

RINSING WITH WATER AFTER YOU BRUSH

It is not advisable to rinse your mouth with water after brushing your teeth. Why? It is simply because when you do, you just wash away the fluoride which is what your teeth need and what helps you to prevent tooth decay. What to do with all that excess toothpaste? Just spit it out.

 

BRUSHING YOUR TEETH RIGHT AWAY AFTER MEALS

We understand how you can be in a rush. But you should really wait for about 30 – 40 minutes before brushing. Doing so will allow saliva to naturally neutralize the low PH level in the mouth that is caused by food and drinks. Brushing straight away causes the acid in your mouth to get brushed into your teeth. This causes erosion and tooth enamel loss, leading to tooth sensitivity and weakening.

 

CHOOSING A TOOTHBRUSH WITH HARD BRISTLES

Perhaps you think harder bristles will do a better job at removing food particles. It is; however, better to use a medium-soft bristled toothbrush as it is a lot kinder to your teeth. Hard bristled ones can damage your gums, as well as the root surface and the protective enamel.

 

OPENING BOTTLES WITH YOUR TEETH

You probably have tried this before out of curiosity or at least seen one do it at a party once or twice. While it may seem a pretty neat party trick, opening a bottle (or even a bag of chips for that matter) using your teeth can be quite damaging. It wears away your teeth and also, you are risking a chipped tooth.

 

 

DRINKING COLOURED DRINKS

Drinking coloured beverages like coke or rum are the worst when it comes to damaging and eroding your teeth. That includes pop and other fizzy drinks. Dark coloured drinks have the lowest pH so they are more acidic. Lighter coloured drinks like champagne and Prosecco, you’d be glad to know, are your better options as they have a higher pH level.

 

There you go – five seemingly harmless acts that are actually damaging to your teeth. To know if you are doing the right things for your teeth, ask the advice of an oral health care professional from Pickering Square Dental. We’d love to hear from you soon!

 

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.

Cavities: Myths and Facts You Should Be Aware Of

dentist's drill treating a sick tooth

Everybody, young or old, is afraid of dental cavities or what we commonly call tooth decay. Hundreds of years ago, ancient folks used to believe that worms are responsible for one’s toothaches. They are said to be boring their way into teeth. If a tooth was aching, then that only meant the worm is wiggling.

 

Now we all know that that particular story is nothing but a myth, although it still is an interesting theory that seems to work wonders with children. But while that particular myth is already established as such, there are some that still confuse us.

 

Here we will clear the air about what is factual and what is actually a myth:

 

MYTH: Only Sugar Can Cause Cavities

Here is how one opens the door to some serious cavities – You eat. Bacteria in your mouth then act on the food that you have eaten and produce acid that attacks your teeth. This bacterial activity requires carbohydrates like rice, bread, potatoes, and also sugar. Those are the primary source of energy of those bacteria. Remember that for a tooth to actually decay, four things are needed: a tooth surface, bacteria that causes caries, carbohydrates that can be fermented, and time. Sugar is not the sole culprit.

 

FACT: Acidic Foods Can Cause Cavities

Citrusy foods and juices like lemons can break down your tooth’s enamel and weaken it. Weaker teeth are more prone to decay. Like we mentioned bacteria act on food substances to produce acid, eating foods that are already acidic speeds up the process.

 

MYTH: You Shouldn’t Worry About Cavities in Baby Teeth

This cannot be farther from the truth – so please do worry! What many do not realize is that baby teeth actually keep the space in line for permanent teeth. Aside from that, cavities are a bacterial infection that when left untreated may spread into the adult teeth that are also developing underneath. Early loss of baby teeth due to a cavity blocks and disrupts the ideal eruption of the adult teeth.

 

FACT: The Decay Stops As Soon as the Tooth is Treated

A tooth is not capable of repairing itself. That is why when there is a cavity; “fillings” should cover the hole. Your dentist fills that cavity with the right amount of restorative material and the decay at that particular spot stops. However, that does not give immunity to the tooth. Without proper care, a new cavity may start to develop in the same tooth.

 

MYTH: Gaps in Between Teeth Cause Cavities

This is just a myth. In truth, it is easier to clean teeth with big gaps in between. The spaces make it harder for bacteria to reside there. Therefore it is less likely for you to get cavities.

 

FACT: You Can Actually Prevent Cavities

This is true. A cavity that is sealed on time can save a tooth. Prevention is always better than cure. You can prevent cavities from forming by brushing your teeth twice in a day, as well as flossing and rinsing.

 

 


 

Helpful Resources

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.

Love Your Teeth More this Valentine’s Day, Unlocking the Secret to a Healthier Smile

woman's portrait with chocolate

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and as it gets closer, you may also be getting more and more anxious about what kind of celebration your loved one has planned, or just hoping you’d find a date before that big day. Equip yourself with one of the best weapons for Valentine’s – a beautiful smile. Research shows that nothing is more attractive to the opposite sex than a bright and white smile.

 

What is ironic is that Valentine’s Day, which we often spend smiling, is actually a bad day for your teeth – and your smile. People tend to get carried away with all the delicious chocolates and sweets, as well as wine and other great food. These can all take their toll on your teeth.

Bacteria that grow in your mouth feed on sugar, so the more sugar you eat, the more those bacteria can damage your teeth. That is when they start creating cavities that also hurt the inner layer of your teeth and enamel. Because we cannot totally ban sugar, especially on Valentine’s Day, the least we can do is to limit our intake and try to avoid sticky candies that are more damaging than the others.

 

To get a better and healthier smile, here are our Valentine-proof tips just for you:

 

Choose Strawberries. Not everyone knows that strawberries have that substance called malic acid that acts as a natural tooth whitener. It can remove any discoloration on the surface of your teeth.

 

If strawberries are not your thing, you can eat red apples instead. They increase saliva production that help wash debris away.

 

If you can’t skip the chocolates, at least go for dark ones. Dark chocolates are known to have calcium and other ingredients that actually promote stronger and better teeth.

 

Drink lots of water to help flush away food particles that are left in your mouth. Stay hydrated!

 

Do not forget to visit your dentist at least twice in a year. Only a professional can tell whether or not your teeth are in good condition. You dentist can also help you in maintaining a healthy mouth.

 

Valentine’s Day is holiday that is best celebrated with a loved one. Instead of following the norms of giving sweets and chocolates, why not start a new one? Perhaps we can give a fruit basket instead a box of chocolates. That would make Valentine’s Day even more special than it already is.

Helpful Resources

dentistry maintenance

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.

Serious Health Risks Directly Linked to Your Oral Health… What to Do This New Year

caucasian woman tGingivitis portrait isolated studio on white background

Even when you regularly brush your teeth, there still may be some dangerous bacteria living inside your mouth. Thinking about it instantly gives visuals of extreme pain in your gums and perhaps bleeding. While periodontitis is indeed an inevitable result of poor oral hygiene, certain studies found a link between poor dental hygiene and some major health concerns.

 

Here are some serious health issues that are connected with your oral hygiene:

 

  1. Gum Disease May Lead to Coronary Artery Disease

Yes, those who suffer from periodontitis are more likely to develop coronary artery disease. Some researchers say that it is possible that harmful bacteria from the mouth could enter the bloodstream. Once it does, it can attach to some fatty plaques in your heart’s blood vessels. This can lead to inflammation and later on, trigger heart attacks.

 

  1. Your Memory May Also Be Affected

There are some researches that suggest a tie between poor oral condition and a higher risk of dementia. Experts believe that similar to how it happens with coronary artery diseases; oral bacteria may also reach the brain through cranial nerves and the bloodstream. It may also contribute to the specific type of plaque that has been connected to Alzheimer’s disease.

 

  1. It Has an Effect on Your Blood Sugar

Those with diabetes, in particular, are more prone to periodontal disease than those who do not. Perhaps the fact that diabetes patients are highly susceptible to infections is a factor. Additionally, research shows that gum disease could also make controlling your blood sugar more difficult. Treating it also improves one’s symptoms.

 

  1. You May Be at Risk of Getting Respiratory Infections

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as pneumonia, may be caused by the inhalation of some harmful bacteria from your mouth into the lungs and result to inflammation of the airways.

 

  1. Your Fertility May Be Affected

Researchers in Western Australia discovered that for women with gum disease, it took an average of two months longer than usual to conceive. Additionally, gum disease in pregnant women increases the risk of having a miscarriage.

Because of these more serious risks, it is only expected that you’d be more interested in caring for the health of your mouth. To achieve a healthier mouth, you’d want to:

 

  • Use mouthwash twice a day to reduce the risk of gum disease by an astounding 60%.
  • Choose a toothbrush with really soft bristles.
  • Floss before you brush your teeth to remove any food remnants.
  • Brush for at least two full minutes to thoroughly clean your teeth and mouth.

 

Just follow these expert tips and you’ll maintain not only really fresh breath, but also a healthier and stronger body.

Helpful Resources

dental fillings

For more information, visit the CDA Guide to Gum Disease.

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.

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

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

1. Gum Disease

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

2. Oral Cancer

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

3. Tooth Decay

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

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

Helpful Resources

Sedation Dentistry

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

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

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

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

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

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

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