How Turmeric Can Help Treat Oral Cancer

 In recent years, there have been numerous studies conducted to measure the impact of natural products on our health. Now, we’ve recently discovered that the yellow spice turmeric could be beneficial in treating some forms of oral cancer. Our latest blog will go into further detail on the benefits turmeric provides and how you can begin to integrate the product within your daily health care regimen.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a leading factor behind the development of oral cancer. While researchers are studying potential cures for oral cancer and for HPV, they’ve found that the spice turmeric offers “established anti-viral and anti-cancer properties”. Researchers originally noted the impacted that turmeric can have on HPV and cervical cancers in 2005. Then, medical teams found that turmeric can help slow the expression of HPV and could control the HPV infection. The new findings further highlight the benefits that turmeric can have on our oral health.
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The studies showed that turmeric can turn down the expression of HPV in infected oral cancer cells by down-regulating the AP-1 and NF-kB cellular transcription factors. These findings could indicate that turmeric can have a therapeutic role in oral cancer control as medical teams seek to minimize the extent of the danger oral cancer causes and control its spread across the body.

Turmeric for Daily Oral Health

In addition to its cancer-fighting properties, turmeric can also impact day-to-day oral health, research from the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology has shown. A study completed in 2014 found that rinsing the mouth daily with a solution containing 0.1% turmeric extract was more beneficial in terms of treating gingivitis than traditional mouthwash products. The study also showed that turmeric contained anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-plaque properties.

These studies continue to show that turmeric supplements, commonly available at most health food stores, can have a significant impact on oral health. It’s an area of rich promise for the dental health field and one that could be crucial to ensuring your optimal dental health in future! To learn more on this exciting development, speak with our trusted clinic team today!

Helpful Resources

oral sedation

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 Things to Consider When Having Wisdom Teeth Taken Out

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure. Each year, millions of North Americans have their wisdom teeth removed due to reasons such as overcrowding, infection and disease. It’s a process that can become complex for those who don’t prepare adequately. We’ve helped thousands of patients achieve effective wisdom teeth removal and in this blog, we’ll present five things to consider when having your wisdom teeth taken out.

1. Watch What You Eat

It’s important, both immediately before the surgery and immediately after the surgery to watch your diet and find out which foods could impact your oral health. Immediately afterwards, you should try to only eat softer foods such as pudding. And try to avoid eating spicy foods and hot foods that might cause significant pain if they come into contact with the treated area.

2. Rest As Much Possible
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You’ll achieve a faster recovery if you’re able to rest as much as possible in the time immediately before and in the week or two after treatment. Before the treatment begins, the rest and relaxation will help lower your blood pressure and protect your health during the surgery. Afterwards, the rest will provide your mouth with the required time to heal. It’s important to wait at least three days after the surgery before committing to any exercise.

3. Try to Quit Smoking Before Your Surgery

While quitting smoking should be a leading goal at all times, it’s especially important before wisdom tooth surgery. Smoking can limit the healing process after your surgery and may cause you to miss more work or social time. Try to begin the quitting process in the weeks preceding your wisdom teeth removal.

4. Talk to Your Dentist About the Healing Process

Depending on the unique elements of your procedure, your healing process could take several days, a week or more. It’s important to consult with your dental professional throughout the healing process to ensure everything is going according to plan.

5. Make Sure You’re Prepared for Travel Post Surgery

Post-surgery, you’ll unlikely be able to drive yourself home. It’s important to have someone pick you up from our office after the procedure has been completed. Make sure this is organized well in advance to avoid unnecessary delays on the day!

Wisdom teeth removal can help patients achieve complete comfort in their everyday lives. But the process should be completed carefully alongside a trusted expert. To learn more tips for ensuring effective recovery from wisdom teeth removal procedure, contact our office team directly!  

Helpful Resources

Canadian Dental Care Plan — Pickering, ON

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.

The Impact of Smoking on Your Oral Health – Make Oral Heath Month Your Time to Quit

Dentist Pickering

The latest data shows that smoking has a number of adverse effects on your oral health. Many smokers are aware of the way that smoking impacts their lungs. But the habit’s impact on their teeth and gums has long been overlooked. Fortunately, new campaigns are bringing this important issue to light.   Now is the ideal time for smokers to quit their habit as a way to mark Oral Health Month in Canada. This blog will highlight several ways smoking can impact your oral health.

Gum Disease Strongly Linked with Smoking

Gum disease is one of the leading risk factors associated with long-term smoking in Canadian adults. Smoking interferes with the normal function of the gum tissue cells to make smokers more susceptible to issues such as periodontal disease.  Smoking impedes blood flow, smokers will experience limited gum wound healing compared with non-smokers. Below are several oral health conditions linked with smoking:

·      Increased plaque

·      Bad breath

·      Increased loss of bone in the jaw

·      Lower success rate for dental implants

·      Increased risk of oral cancers
Learn more about periodontal care in Pickering.

The Steps to Begin the Quitting Process

Smoking is a notoriously difficult habit to quit. We know this from the numerous studies conducted across Canada in recent years. However, this doesn’t mean quitting is impossible. We know now there are many effective methods for guiding dental health patients to reduce and quit the smoking of cigarettes. To improve your chances of quitting smoking, review the following steps:

 

·      Talk to your dentist about developing a quitting strategy

 

Your dentist will likely be able to guide you on a customized approach to the treatment process. We know that not every strategy suits all smokers and so an individualized approach to the process can empower success.

 

·      Reward yourself for achieving quitting goals

 

Addiction specialists believe that cigarettes trigger a risk-reward process in our brains that prevents us from taking the logical action and quitting. It’s important to block that risk-reward process by rewarding yourself for small steps in quitting. Get a friend’s help to ensure you stay on-track and make the reward something out of the ordinary.

 

·      Try sugarless gum

 

One proven treatment solution to smoking addiction is the use of sugarless gum. While this approach is not 100% effective in all patients, it can help you begin the quitting process. It can make you less susceptible to cravings and give you the foundation to moving forward. You might also try drinking water when cravings hit, as this can temporarily block the cravings; often long enough for them to subside for a few hours.

By working alongside your dentist as well as your medical doctor… gaining a better understanding of your smoking addiction, you can join the millions across the country who are quitting the habit and improving their oral health. To discuss the impact smoking can have on your oral health, contact our office team today! 

Helpful Resources

Kids-Feel-Comfortable-at-the-Dentist

For more information, visit the Government of Canada Oral Health Guide.

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.

April is Oral Health Month – A Factual Guide to Oral Care in Canada

Only through comprehensive research can we, as a society, move forward in combating many of the oral health issues that exist within Canada. While our research companies and our research practitioners are making great strides in terms of new treatments, many challenges still exist in helping patients achieve optimal oral care across the country. Within this article, we’ll present a few facts to enlighten our readers on several predominant challenges the oral health industry faces.

57 per cent of Canadian Children between 6 and 11 years Old have had a Cavity

The number of children suffering from dental cavities and decay is rising across the country. We’re now at the point where the majority of children ages 6-to-11 have had a cavity. While there is little conclusive research behind the rise in cavities in children, one possible cause put forth by experts is the changing diet of our young children. Many children are now drinking juices and soda products with high sugar content as well as consuming highly acids foods and drinks that can quickly wear down their teeth’s enamel.  It is imperative parents teach children about oral health from a young age, and begin taking their child to the dentist by age two. This can help combat potential issues with cavities as they grow.
Learn more about periodontal care in Pickering.

Six Million Canadians per Year Avoid Visiting the Dentist for Economic Reasons

The latest data shows that six millions Canadians will put off that important trip to the dentist simply because they don’t feel that they have the financial resources to pay for treatment. However, we know that oral health care is essential to our long-term wellbeing and so it’s important to work with dentists to ensure affordable care options. Most patients will find that our office extends financing programs for those who cannot pay the full treatment amount during their initial visit helpful.  These programs ensure a simple payment process. It’s important to remember the value and long-term importance of your oral health and to speak with our team when financial elements are the only concern in achieving treatment. There is usually a solution to this type of problem.  Remember too that keeping current with your oral health may prevent small issues from turning into larger and potentially more costly problems!

 

28% of Canadians Floss at Least 5 Times a Week

There are many preventable dental health conditions and flossing is one of the leading preventative measures Canadians can take to improve their oral health. Yet the vast majority of Canadians are still not flossing regularly. Why not purchase floss during a future visit to the grocery store and then begin using the product during your daily dental care regimen? Simply flossing for one minute a day can help protect against a range of oral and systemic health conditions.

By understanding the data and reviewing their own personal oral health regimen, Canadians can take a small yet active role in improving oral health across the country. To learn more, speak with one of our office experts directly!

Helpful Resources

dental implants

For more information, visit the Government of Canada Oral Health Guide.

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.

Five Reasons to Make Tongue Cleaning a Part of Your Oral Care Routine

Five Reasons to Make Tongue Cleaning a Part of Your Oral Care Routine — Pickering, ON

The latest data shows that brushing your tongue is just as important as brushing your teeth and gums. But millions of Canadians are still resistant to make tongue-cleaning a part of their daily oral health regimen. In this blog, we’ll provide further insight into the benefits of teeth cleaning and why you should add the process into your oral care routine. 

1. Tongue Cleaning can Protect Against Tooth Decay

One of the leading causes of tooth decay is microorganisms that travel from the tongue and damage healthy teeth and gums. Brushing your tongue can help remove bacteria and prevent problems such as gingivitis. 

2. Tongue Cleaning Can Protect Against Strep Throat

Strep throat is a condition that can often be caused by bacteria traveling down from the tongue through the mouth and into the throat. By eliminating the bacteria at the entryway to your system, you can help stop strep throat in its tracks.
Learn more about periodontal care in Pickering.

3. Regular Tongue Cleaning can Help Guard Against Plaque Formation

The soft plaque on teeth is often comprised of bacterial byproducts that are produced by the tongue and move to the teeth. When this plaque is not removed within a 12-hour period, it becomes hard plaque, which is then more difficult to remove without professional help. Through proactive tongue-cleaning, you can help reduce plaque build-up.

4. Improve Bad Breath with Simple Brushing!

Many people believe that the use of mouthwash will prevent their bad breath throughout the day. But mouthwash is only a temporary solution to a persistent issue. Brushing your tongue over a long period of time can help prevent the buildup of bacteria that leads to issues with bad breath.

5. A Clean Tongue Can Enhance Taste

By cleaning your tongue, you can also actively improve your taste. By cleaning the food debris and other contaminants from the tongue, you can improve your ability to percept subtle flavours within food. This means tongue-cleaning is a critical process for those who love to go out and enjoy a great meal over their weekends.

Your tongue plays an important role in your overall oral health. Consider the tongue when completing your oral care regimen and ensure you’re removing all bacteria during cleaning. To discover more on the benefits of comprehensive tongue cleaning, contact our trusted experts directly!

 

Helpful Resources

Sedation Dentistry

For more information, visit the Government of Canada Oral Health Guide.

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.

TEETH GRINDING: An Insight on Teeth Grinding, its Effects and How to Minimize Grinding During Sleep

TEETH GRINDING: An Insight on Teeth Grinding, its Effects and How to Minimize Grinding During Sleep

Many of us grind our teeth from time-to-time. There are a numerous reasons why we grind our teeth, including stress and lifestyle choices. For some, teeth grinding can be a persistent problem that causes numerous challenges within their day-to-day lives. By understanding the problem, we can better resolve a grinding issue over time. And so within this blog, we’ll examine teeth grinding; its effects and techniques to minimize the problem.

 

A Common Challenge for People of All Ages

 

Teeth grinding or bruxism is an issue that can impact people at any age. The majority of teeth grinding incidents take place when the person is sleeping and they don’t retain full control over their teeth. This means it can become a difficult issue to resolve. Oftentimes, those who grind their teeth might not know about the issue until they’re informed by someone else that they grind their teeth in their sleep.
Learn more about periodontal care in Pickering.

 

The Harmful Effects of Teeth Grinding

 

Teeth grinding can result in the fracturing, loosening or even the loss over teeth over time! Those who chronically grind their teeth may find that their teeth have been ground down to stumps over many years. In addition, teeth grinding can result in a numerous jaw-related issues and acute forms of the issue can even cause hearing loss. This means that, when teeth grinding is suspected, it’s important to speak with a local dental professional immediately to resolve the issue.

 

Steps to Prevent Grinding

 

There are a number of options for those who wish to prevent grinding in future. One of the most popular treatments is the use of mouth guards. Customized mouth guards can be fitted to the wearer’s teeth to prevent them from grinding during sleep. There are also a number of therapeutic treatments that can help reduce grinding over time. For example, sufferers might try to limit their caffeine intake or reduce their alcohol consumption. It’s also important to try jaw and whole body relaxation exercises in the evening before bed. These steps can help prevent grinding and ensure optimal dental health in future.

 

By working alongside your dental professional, you can review and resolve your teeth grinding issues. To learn more, speak with one of our trusted experts directly! 

Helpful Resources

tooth coloured fillings

For more information, visit the Government of Canada Oral Health Guide.

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.

An Insight into the Leading Causes of Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion or decay is on the rise within our current culture. There are a number of reasons behind the increase in cases, including a change in society’s dietary and working habits. By understanding more comprehensively the causes behind tooth erosion, you can become a more focused dental patient. And so within this blog, we’ll highlight the leading causes of tooth erosion to help you mitigate future problems.

Diet High in Sugar

As with the majority of dental health conditions, your diet plays an important role within your level of tooth erosion. Many of the products that can lead to weight-gain also lead to the destruction of enamel. And so it’s important you minimize the amount of high-carbohydrate food and drinks from your diet. In addition to products such as candy, fruit juices are another culprit behind tooth erosion, as they often contain as much sugar content as the average non-diet soft drink.

Tooth Grinding
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Tooth grinding is a common problem among the general Canadian population and can lead to the stripping away of the outer enamel of the tooth. Once the enamel has been stripped from the tooth, the dentin within the center is exposed, leading to further potential damage in future. Your dentist might recommend protective mouth guards to reduce the damage caused by tooth grinding during sleep.

Medications

Medication is another of the leading causes of tooth erosion. The chemical compounds present within over-the-counter products such as aspirin and antihistamines may cause lasting damage to teeth if taken frequently. In addition, some medications can cause dry mouth, which is a leading risk factor behind tooth erosion as it prevents your mouth from using saliva as a defense.

Aggressive Brushing

While it’s quite rare, aggressive brushing is also a factor behind tooth erosion in some dental patients. You might be applying too much pressure or, improper technques with your brush, and wearing away the enamel of the teeth over time. This problem might also be related to an overly abrasive tooth brush. Your dentist will be able to recommend the ideal brush for your long-term teeth cleaning requirements.

By considering the many causes of tooth erosion, you can become more proactive on your lifestyle choices and prevent dental care issues in future. Speak with one our Team members today to discuss your tooth erosion treatment options. 

Helpful Resources

heart model

For more information, visit the Government of Canada Oral Health Guide.

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.