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.

DRY MOUTH AND LIPS: Tips for Prevention and its Complications during Wintertime

DRY MOUTH AND LIPS: Tips for Prevention and its Complications during Wintertime — Pickering, ON

Winter brings with it its own set of skin care issues. For those with dry skin, the scourge of dry mouth and dry lips can prevent even the most wonderful winter day from being enjoyed. The painful cracking and peeling of dry lips can be prevented, however! And in this blog, we’ll look at several preventative measures as well as review the complications that can arise during the wintertime.

1. Keep Your Body Hydrated

During the dry winter months, your body requires hydration to stave off dry lips. Take steps to prevent dehydration such as keeping a water bottle with you at all times. And try to eat more fruits and vegetables on a daily basis to ensure you achieve optimal nutrition in the wintertime.

2. Exfoliate Your Skin to Remove Dry Buildup
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

The dry flakey skin that can occur in wintertime should be removed on a regular basis to help further ensure comfort. Use a damp cloth to gently exfoliate the skin and remove any dry patches. You might also consider a specialized lip scrub to remove the dry skin areas. However, it’s important to ensure the lip scrub is fragrance free to prevent any further skin reaction.

3. Use a Humidifier

Heated indoor air is one of the leading causes of dry skin around the lips and mouth. To combat this issue, set up a humidifier within an office space or home area where you spend the majority of your time. Setting a humidity level of 30-40% can often help prevent the occurrence of dry lips.

4. Don’t Lick Your Lips!

It’s very common for those with dry lips to try to resolve the issue by licking them. But unfortunately, this can have more of a negative than positive effect. That’s because the digestive enzymes present in the saliva can dry tissue out very quickly. And so, when the moisture evaporates, your lips can become even drier than before. The application of a specially designed moisturizer or lip balm is often a superior solution to the problem especially when routinely applied in wintertime after brushing your teeth morning and night and as required in between..

This winter, try to protect the skin on your lips by following the guidelines highlighted within this article. You’ll feel more comfortable and ready to enjoy the many activities that winter living in Canada has to offer! 

Helpful Resources

Tooth Coloured Fillings

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.

5 Common Cavity Myths

Cavities might be a routine problem that dental professionals resolve every day, but that doesn’t means that that the general public hasn’t developed a misunderstanding on the ways in which cavities can occur. There are a number of myths around how to avoid cavities. And these myths often harm patients and prevent them from truly understanding their oral health needs. Within this blog, we’ll outline five common cavity myths.

1. Myth: Kids are More Likely to Develop Cavities than Adults

Several studies over the last 20 years have shown that children’s cavity numbers are decreasing while cavities among senior citizens are on the rise. This highlights the importance in a commitment to effective oral health for those of every age.

2. Myth: All Cavities Cause Pain
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The vast majority of us might never feel pain if we have a cavity. The pain that’s often associated with cavities is actually the tooth decay caused by the cavity. This highlights the importance of regular dental health checkups to ensure that there are no hidden cavities.

3. Myth: Cavities are Always in a Visible Spot

The majority of cavities are likely to be in a hidden spot in the mouth where the brush might not have reached. Because those hidden spots between teeth are the areas where cavities commonly occur, it’s important to floss carefully after meals and ensure no food debris is still in the mouth for long periods.

4. Myth: Sugar is the Primary Cause of Cavities

Bacteria are the cause of cavities. These bacteria can be triggered to make acid when you eat anything with carbohydrates. And the acid is the element that erodes teeth and causes cavities. It’s important to remember that it’s not always the type of food you eat but the amount of time your teeth are exposed to that food. This means that those who eat a lot of carbs during meals are more likely to get a cavity than those who eat a small amount of carbs on a regular basis.

5. Myth: A Treated Tooth Cannot Experience Another Cavity

Just because a tooth was treated for a cavity doesn’t mean that it’s immune from having another cavity in the future. Changes in the mouth might mean that the filling separates from the tooth, allowing bacteria to sneak in and begin the decaying process again. The only way to prevent further cavities in teeth is to stay vigilant and complete a comprehensive oral care regimen.

By speaking with our Team and completing your own research, you can uncover the truths behind each of the latest cavity myths. 

Helpful Resources

Full 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.

ROOT CANAL: Three Important Factors behind Effective Root Canal Therapy

For those patients with an infection in the root of their tooth, root canal therapy might be the only viable course of treatment in order to save your tooth.  It offers the optimal chance for successful treatment of the tooth in the long-term. In this blog, we’ll analyze the three important factors behind effective root canal therapy.  

1. Timing of Root Canal

It’s essential that a root canal is completed the moment that any infection is discovered within the tooth. Timing is a critical factor in this form of treatment. Dentists that find an infection within the tooth are often able to complete the treatment effectively with the patient suffering fewer side-effects. This means patients must visit their local dentist immediately if they experience any lasting tooth and gum sensitivity. Prompt diagnosis can help ensure a short limited treatment period and a better outcome.

2 Effective Placement of the Crown

One of the leading causes of failure within root canal therapy treatment is the improper time placement of the crown. After a root canal has been completed, the interior of the tooth often becomes brittle and weak. That’s because the pulp within the tooth is removed, leaving the interior exposed to pressure. Most professionals will advise that the placement of a crown is completed in the weeks after a root canal therapy. The timing of crown placement is important, as patients that wait too long to undergo the crown procedure might suffer a fractured tooth in the meantime.

3. The Type of Tooth

Another important factor that can impact the success and the complexity of the procedure is the tooth on which the root canal therapy is performed.  Our team of skilled and caring Dentists performs root canal therapy treatments routinely.  Whether you’ve had an accident, fractured a tooth or the tooth has become infected and requires a root canal we’re always here to provide preventative treatment to restore your teeth.  

Successful root canal therapy can help patients maintain their teeth and achieve comfort over many years. Speak with one of our trusted team members directly to learn more about the factors affecting root canal therapy success. 

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

Helpful Resources

Periodontal Disease

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.

A Guide to Effective Oral Health for Seniors

The oral health of seniors is an issue that must be closely analyzed as part of a broader commitment to their effective overall healthcare. There are many unique considerations professionals must consider when caring for seniors.  An individual treatment program is often required. Thus, within this blog, we’ll look at several factors impacting oral health care for seniors.

Consider the Impact of Dry Mouth

Seniors are often required to take a medication that may cause them to have dry mouth. This condition depletes the amount of saliva within their mouth, which means they have no natural defense against cavities and tooth decay. Changing eating and chewing habits can help protect against this issue. For example, a dentist might recommend sugar-free gum or sugar-free candy for those with dry mouth issues.

Choose Quality Electric Toothbrushes
Learn more about periodontal care in Pickering.

Brittle bones and arthritis-related pain can make tooth brushing a challenging experience for seniors. But it’s important that they consider their brushing habits carefully. Using dentist-recommended electric toothbrushes can often help minimize the challenges of brushing while ensuring teeth are cleaned effectively over many years.

Focus on Diet to Avoid Tooth Discolouration

The enamel on our teeth may become worn as we age. This could mean seniors are prone to issues with tooth discolouration and must focus on honing their dietary habits to prevent discolouration issues. Foods such as berries, red wine, coffee, tea and candy might be consumed in moderation to avoid such issues. Dental professionals can also offer specific whitening solutions to those with challenging discolouration problems.

Alarms and Reminders can Help Maintain a Routine

Memory is also a persistent challenge for many seniors.   Remembering their dental care routine can often be difficult for older seniors. This means that the use of alarms and family reminders can be important tools within the dental care process. Family members can help in this process by setting a specific time each day to contact their loved ones and discuss their care plans directly.

A comprehensive oral care routine is critical to seniors’ health. Review the tips within this article or speak with one of our specialists directly to learn more on the senior dental care process. 

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.

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
Learn more about periodontal care in Pickering.

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.