Top 5 Signs You May Have a Cavity

Did you know that almost 100 percent of the adults in the world suffer from some form of tooth decay every year? Additionally, somewhere between 60 and 90 percent of kids suffer from tooth decay as well.

Tooth decay can, unfortunately, lead to cavities. And if cavities are left untreated for a long period of time, they can lead to even more serious oral health issues.

No matter how old you are, it’s important for you to keep a close eye out for cavity symptoms. It’ll allow you to avoid the potentially dangerous consequences that can come along with cavities.

Here are 5 signs that’ll let you know you may have a cavity.

1. Unexplained Toothaches

Do you have a toothache that just popped up out of nowhere? This is one of the most common cavity symptoms.

In some cases, you might have a dull, throbbing toothache that just won’t seem to go away. In others, you might have a toothache that comes and goes and seems to affect you most when you’re eating and drinking.

Either way, a toothache is an obvious sign of a cavity and should be investigated further.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

There are some people who have more sensitive teeth than others. Food and drinks that are hot, cold, sweet, acidic, and sticky may bother them almost all the time.

But if you notice that your teeth are suddenly sensitive to any of these things without warning, it could be because of a cavity. A dentist can check out your teeth to see what is causing your tooth sensitivity.

3. Noticeable Holes in Teeth

If you think you might have a cavity, use a flashlight to shine some light into your mouth and look at the area that’s giving you trouble.

Can you see any small holes in any of your teeth? If so, those holes are cavities that need to be filled.

You can’t always spot a cavity in your mouth, even if it’s a bad one. But many times, it’ll be possible to see cavities as they develop.

4. Tooth Discoloration

It’s not uncommon to see someone who drinks a lot of coffee or wine to experience discoloration in their teeth. But in these instances, all of their teeth will be a shade darker than they used to be.

Tooth discoloration tied to a cavity will usually only affect a small portion of a single tooth. You may see a spot that is slightly whiter than the rest of your teeth or a spot that has turned brown or black.

5. Pain When Biting Down

Do you feel pain when you bite down, even when you don’t have anything in your mouth?

You could very well have a cavity that is affecting the root of one of your teeth. It’s essential for you to get to a dentist as soon as possible for this type of cavity as it could start to take a toll on the bone underneath your teeth.

Seek Treatment If You Experience Any of These Cavity Symptoms

By learning how to tell if you have a cavity and picking up on cavity symptoms, you can prevent cavities from wreaking havoc on your oral health.

The key is catching decay and cavities at the early and preventative stages. This may save you from having to go through extensive dental procedures to fix your teeth and keep your teeth and health in better shape overall.

Contact us to schedule an appointment with a dentist if you suspect you might have a cavity.

 

5 Surprising Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

We all know that having a routine dental cleaning can remove stains from your teeth and prevent bad breath. That’s why many people think it’s okay to skip their trip to the dentist.

Little do they know that having a regular dental cleaning is essential for keeping your smile and body healthy.

The benefits of dental cleanings are surprising and can have a positive impact on your overall health:

1. Reduced Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke

Shocking, right?

There’s actually a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular problems. Infrequent dental cleanings lead to gum disease, which can possibly cause inflammation in the heart.

A large study shows that those who had their teeth cleaned regularly were 24% less likely to have a heart attack than those who didn’t. In addition, their likelihood of having a stroke fell 13%.

2. Save Money

You might think that having frequent dental cleanings is more expensive than not. However, these teeth cleanings save you money in the long run.

Going for a long period of time without seeing the dentist causes more problems with your teeth and leads to expensive dental procedures in the future. Regular teeth cleanings prevent cavities, tooth decay, and tooth loss, allowing you to avoid the expense of root canals and dental implants.

3. Give Birth to a Healthy Baby

It’s very important to take care of your teeth when you’re pregnant. Pregnant mothers are more susceptible to gingivitis due to higher hormone levels.

Expectant mothers who don’t have their teeth cleaned are at slightly higher risk of having a preterm birth and a baby with a low birth weight.

Gum disease can also impede your fertility. This can make it longer to become pregnant if you’re trying to conceive.

4. Lowered Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

If you’re younger, you may not be thinking about the possibility of getting Alzheimer’s or dementia. But when your teeth aren’t clean, you can be at a higher risk of developing these diseases.

Bacteria in the mouth caused by infrequent cleanings can travel to the bloodstream. Eventually, it can end up in the brain and cause tissue degeneration related to Alzheimer’s.

When you receive frequent dental cleanings, you are safeguarding yourself against a buildup of bacteria that can damage your health in the future.

5. Control and Prevent Diabetes

The importance of dental cleanings even applies to those with diabetes. Diabetics are more likely to develop gum disease due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. In turn, fighting a gum infection can lead to difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels and worsening of diabetic symptoms.

Getting a regular teeth cleaning can help diabetics manage their symptoms while preventing any further complications.

Dental Cleanings Keep You Healthy

In order to live a healthy life, it’s important to see your dentist and have routine dental cleaning. The benefits of teeth cleaning outweigh any hangups you may have about going to the dentist.

At Pickering Dental, we are passionate about giving you your best smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

How Dental Veneers Have Changed Over the Years

Dentist showing porcelain crowns to the female patient.

Did you know that dental veneers have been around for about a century? And in that long span of time, dental veneers have evolved drastically. Dental veneers of today are so far from those removable tooth caps that started it all. If you think you will need veneers, it is a good idea to know more about how they have changed over the years!

Porcelain veneers have first been used in the late 1920s. Its use began in Hollywood when a dentist from California named Charles Pincus thought of a way to improve the smiles of his celebrity patients. Dr. Pincus came up with the idea of making an acrylic tooth cap and fitting it over a patient’s existing tooth. Hollywood stars would wear those caps during the filming of movie scenes and then remove them afterward. This may seem too different from the porcelain permanent veneers that we have today, but it really is the beginning of dental veneers and how they were used to perfect people’s smiles.

Regular people then began getting that particular type of dental veneers to improve their smile up until the early 1950s. This dental solution was especially popular among those who have damaged or lost teeth. In the 1950s, dentists were already bonding veneers to the surface of teeth. The problem, however, was that the veneers, which were then already made of either composite or porcelain, would not adhere properly to the teeth’s surface. It was Dr. Michael Bunocore who discovered that using a mild acid to lightly etch the surface of the tooth made bonding easier and stronger. It was during this time that veneers became a more permanent and attractive option.

It was in the early 1980s that veneers that are similar to what we have today began. Dental veneers also became more affordable, making them popular among people who wish to get improvements for cosmetic reasons.

 

Veneers of Today

Today’s veneers look very real that it is very hard to tell if someone is wearing them. Now you can choose between two options: traditional and no-preparation veneers. For traditional veneers, a small amount of enamel from your teeth will be removed to make room for the veneers. For no-preparation veneers, there is no need to modify your natural teeth as the veneers are directly fitted over your natural teeth.

While the very first veneers were temporary and for short-term use, the ones we have available today are permanent. High-quality veneers can last anywhere between 2 to 20 years.

Veneers have really come a long way and now it has reached that stage where they look just like your natural teeth. Colour- matching with your existing teeth is, of course, an important aspect and that’s where the dentist’s and the dental laboratory’s skills come into play. Being able to create a natural-looking veneer with subtle translucency and the right shape for our patients is what sets Pickering Square Dental apart from others.

Veneers can fix a lot of problems like chipped, decayed, broken, or gapped tooth. But don’t just get veneers anywhere! Choose Pickering Square Dental to make sure that you get the best veneers! Our attention to detail and meticulous veneer application ensure that you will get that gorgeous smile that you are looking for.

What to Do About Your Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth in women

Many people experience tooth sensitivity and often, they blame their ice cream or hot soup for it. But what many do not realize is that sometimes the cause of sensitive teeth is more than just hot and cold food.

 

Why Tooth Sensitivity Occurs

The part of your tooth that shows above the gumline is protected by enamel, while the root that is below the gumline is protected by cementum. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is the dentin which is a lot less dense than the materials covering it. There are microscopic canals in the dentin called tubules. When either enamel or cementum gets damaged, the dentin is exposed and the tubules let fluid flow in them They are affected by heat and cold and causes the tooth nerves to have pain and sensitivity.

Enamel and cementum can wear away when you often eat and drink food and beverages that are too acidic. Aggressively brushing your teeth and using certain whitening products can also contributing to the wearing of your enamel. If you have hypersensitive teeth, though, tooth decay, fractured teeth, or worn fillings that expose more dentin may be the cause.

 

What Can You Do About It?

You can find some relief when you use desensitizing toothpaste. Your dentist can suggest some products that contain specific ingredients that can help protect the surface of your teeth. A fluoride gel treatment which helps strengthen your tooth enamel and decrease the sensations may also be recommended.

As we have mentioned, extremely sensitive teeth are usually caused by more complex problems. That is why it is important that you see your dentist at Pickering Square Dental to have the issue treated properly. Treatment options may include a crown, bonding or inlay, root canal, and others. If you are suffering from chronic or advanced gum disease, this will be treated as well.

Extremely hot and cold foods can usually trigger tooth sensitivity. However, if you are experiencing sensitivity along with other symptoms like pain when chewing, swollen gums, and loose teeth, your sensitive teeth may be caused by a different dental issue. Your Pickering Square Dental dentist can determine the real problem as well as the right treatment. Just like any other oral health concerns, you should not ignore sensitive teeth! Call Pickering Square Dental today and have an appointment scheduled!

How to Avoid Problems with Your Dental Crown

health care, dental hygiene, people and beauty concept - smiling young man with toothbrush cleaning teeth and looking to mirror at home bathroom

If you have chipped, damaged, or decayed teeth, getting dental crowns could be an excellent solution. Dental crowns can last for many years. However, that does not mean that you should neglect them. You will have to take care of your dental crown like you would your real teeth if you want it to stay functional and beautiful for as long as possible.

 

How should you take care of your dental crown?

Right after your dental crowns are placed, you might feel some sensitivity, especially to food and drinks that are cold or hot. You may also experience a very slight irritation due to the cement. You can use sensitivity toothpaste to help with your sensitive teeth.

Because dental crowns protect the area of your tooth that is visible above the gum line, it is important that you take extra precautions and make sure that the gums and that area between the gums and the crown stays clean and healthy. Remember that even if the crown itself won’t deteriorate, the area close to the gum line where your natural tooth is still visible remains susceptible to decay.

The best way to ensure that your own teeth and your dental crown stay healthy is by committing to brushing and flossing regularly. You should also consider swishing with a fluoride rinse to help strengthen the underlying enamel and steer clear of root decay. This is even more important if you have a history of tooth decay or periodontal disease.

Even if dental crowns are very strong and can generally withstand bite pressure, there is still a small risk of fracturing, just like a real tooth. You can extend the life of your crown by not chewing on ice and extremely hard food that can be damaging.

Of course, one of the best things that you can do for your dental crown is to visit Pickering Square Dental to have your trusted dentist check your dental crown and your overall oral health. We can assess your dental crown and closely inspect if there are any signs of damage to the underlying tooth structure. This will help you avoid any potential problem before they even begin. We can also clean those hard to reach areas that you cannot get at on your own at home to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

Your dental crowns can save your smile. But remember, that by taking care of your crown is key to enjoying their benefits for a really long time.

So, are you ready to have your dental crowns? Call Pickering Square Dental today!

Dental X-Rays – Are They Dangerous?

X-ray image.

Dental x-rays are usually used as a diagnostic procedure and it is considered safe as they have really low doses of radiation and produces just a small fraction of what other imaging procedures exposes you to. If you think you are going to need dental x-rays or if you are worried about getting one because of your medical condition, you should read on to know more about dental x-rays – why they are done and more.

 

What are dental x-rays for?

Dentists use dental x-rays to see issues that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. Patients get dental x-rays if their dentist needs to detect and treat some issues that include areas of decay that are not visible, bone loss, abscesses, tumors, and more. Without an x-ray, these problems and more could go undiagnosed and get worse. Using x-ray as a reference, dentists are able to prepare treatments such as dentures, dental implants, braces, and others.

 

Are dental x-rays safe for children and pregnant women?

Some parents are concerned that dental x-rays may affect their children’s health as children are more sensitive to radiation. But you don’t have to worry because the amount of radiation that comes from a dental x-ray is still considered safe even for a child. Why would your child need a dental x-ray? Sometimes it is necessary to know for sure whether a child’s primary teeth are loosening the right way so new permanent teeth would come out properly, too.

As for pregnant women, it is generally advised that they avoid dental x-rays. Even if the radiation is very minimal, it’s still best to avoid any exposure at all for the health of the fetus developing inside the body. It is important that you inform your dentist if you are or you may be pregnant before getting any dental treatment, especially if you believe a dental x-ray may be required.

 

At Pickering Square Dental, we always do a careful clinical evaluation of our patients to minimize the need for dental x-rays. Note, however, that there are certain dental issues that would only be diagnosed using dental x-rays. If you want to know more about dental x-rays or if you need to discuss whether or not you need one, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you understand why it may be necessary for improving your oral health.

Do You Need a Periodontist?

Patient at dentists office, getting teeth examined with hand-held mirror and cleaned of tartar and plaque, preventing periodontal disease. Dental hygiene, painful procedures and prevention concept.

Every year, millions of people around the world are affected by periodontal disease or gum disease. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. One major concern is that most people do not realize that they have gum disease until they experience severe pain or they actually loose teeth. This is because there are very few symptoms of gum disease, especially in its early stages.

 

How Does Gum Disease Begin?

The problem starts when bacteria build up between teeth and along the gum line. As this happens, very few symptoms – if any- are visible or are felt. When bacteria continue to multiply, they can cause the gums to pull away from teeth. When the gum recedes, more of the tooth gets exposed to plaque and bacteria get even closer to the root as they get below the gum line. It is at this stage that tooth loss can happen.

When gum disease reaches an advanced stage, it may still be treated but the treatments would be more extensive and much more costly. It is therefore important that it gets caught as early as possible. Visiting your trusted dentist at Pickering Square Dental regularly is the best way to know for sure that your teeth and gums are healthy.

 

There are also a number of signs and symptoms that tell you that you need to see a periodontist:

* Gums are swollen, red, and bleeding, especially when you are brushing your teeth and flossing.

* Gums are receding. There may also be deep pockets between teeth and gums.

* There is an unpleasant taste in the mouth which tends to return even after you brush your teeth.

* You have chronic bad breath.

* Your teeth are moving and shifting out of their former alignment. They may also feel loose.

* You feel pressure or even pain when you are eating. This is because when there is infection around the tooth root, the pressure caused by biting food and chewing can result in discomfort or even pain.

* Your teeth are more sensitive to hot or cold food and beverages than usual. You feel more sensitivity as more of the roots of your teeth are exposed.

 

If you are noticing one or more of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with Pickering Square Dental so we can evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums. Remember that early detection is the key to fighting gum disease and saving your teeth!

Oral Effects of E-Cigarettes

Young smoker is vaping e-cigarette or vaporizer.

We often see electronic cigarettes or simply e-cigarettes marketed as a much safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, new research says it may not be the case, especially when it comes to your oral health.

According to researchers, the chemicals that are found in e-cigarette vapour are as damaging – if not more damaging – to mouth cells as smoke from tobacco. The damages include tooth loss, gum disease, and even mouth cancer.

How do e-cigarettes work?

An e-cigarette is battery-operated. It contains a heating device and a cartridge which holds the liquid solution. The heating device then vaporizes the liquid as the user takes a “puff” and the vapour is inhaled.

Many individuals turn to e-cigarette, vape pens, and hookah pens for their nicotine replacement when they are trying to quit cigarettes. For some, it’s all just recreational. Majority of the people who use e-cigarettes believe that they are harmless. But is it really as safe as they are advertised to be?

Effects of E-Cigarette on the Oral Cavity

Similar to cigarettes, the aerosol makes contact with the oral cavity when it is at its hottest.  Some studies have shown that e-liquids contain toxins like di-ethylene glycol which is used in lead and chromium, too, among others. Also, the menthol additive in most e-cigarette liquids poses a negative effect on the epithelial cells and the fibroblasts within the periodontal ligament, just like conventional cigarettes do.

The effects on the oral cavity vary depending on the type of e-cigarette, frequency of use, and of course, individual response. The most common effects of vaping are in the form of xerostomia which can lead to various other oral health complications, including decay.  Stomatitis may also appear on the palate, looking similar to dark pinpricks.  Ulcerations and “burns” on the palate may also appear, but unfortunately, most patients don’t relate them to their use of e-cigarette because they don’t perceive it as harmful.

Vaping has become a big trend everywhere, especially to the younger population who rarely concern themselves about the long-term oral risks of e-cigarettes. But raising awareness and educating people about the risks can make all the difference.

If you want to know more about the negative effects of e-cigarette on your oral health and what you can do to address the already existing problems months of vaping has caused, call Pickering Square Dental. We’ll provide you with the best dental care possible so you can enjoy healthier teeth and gums!

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.

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!