Yikes ! Bad breath!

It’s Saturday morning.  You roll over and look at your other half and decide to give them a good morning kiss. 

WAIT!!!

What’s been brewing in your mouth overnight?

Here’s a question – if we floss and brush before we go to bed and settle down to sleep with a fresh mouth every night, why is it that just mere hours later, we wake up with dreaded “morning breath”?

The simple answer is that during the day, saliva works as your body’s own natural mouthwash, washing away bacteria and particles that cause bad breath. While we sleep, saliva production decreases and our mouths dry out, providing the perfect environment for odour-causing bacteria.

Bad breath (or “halitosis”, as it’s officially known) can come from a number of different sources. It can reflect medical conditions, such as chronic infections in the lungs to kidney and liver failure. Dieting and fasting can slow down the stimulation of saliva flow and result in ‘offensive’ breath. Talking for long periods of time will dry out your mouth with the same result.
In addition to bad breath, a dry mouth can also put you at risk for cavities and gum disease. When saliva is not present in the mouth to continuously flush foods away, food particles may adhere to teeth and begin the decay process.

Preventing bad breath.
Most everyday bad breath, however, can be controlled by following some simple steps:

1. Floss – flossing removes food particles from between the teeth eliminating an element of ‘bad breath’. If food particles are not removed, they can rot, leaving an unpleasant odour in your mouth.

2. Brush your teeth after every meal – brushing will clean the surface of your teeth and gums eliminating bad breath causing bacteria and prolonging the life of your teeth. It was good advice when you were a kid and it’s still good advice today.

3. Brush your tongue – more than half of the bacteria that cause bad breath can be found on your tongue so remember to brush your tongue when you brush your teeth.

4. Keep your mouth moist – avoid sugary beverages, but be sure to drink a lot of water. Aside from being good for hydration, the water acts to flush your mouth of the bacteria that cause bad breath

5. Visit your dentist regularly – aside from keeping your teeth in top shape, your dentist can look for signs of periodontal disease and other treatable causes of halitosis.

Persistent bad breath can be a sign of gum disease. If you notice that you have red, swollen or tender gums that bleed when you brush your teeth or gaps in-between your gums and your teeth, you may be experiencing the first signs of gum disease. Talk to us about steps you can take to halt or even reverse the indications of this preventable disease.

If your concerns go beyond morning breath, please ask us for more information. We’d be happy to give you some “fresh” oral hygiene tips.

How to control bad breath?

Want to control bad breath? Don’t ignore your tongue!

All those bumps and grooves on your tongue are a haven for bacteria and could be contributing to your bad breath because of the gases they give off.

It’s important to take care of the tongue in addition to regular brushing and flossing.

Your tongue is made up of groups of muscles that run in all directions to carry out the tongue’s many functions. Underneath your tongue is a soft, thin skin called mucous membrane. Your tongue is fastened to the jaw bone (mandible) and to the front of your throat.

The front of the tongue is extremely flexible and works in a variety of ways, from working with the teeth to create different sounds and words, to helping you eat by moving food around your mouth while you chew. The muscles at the back of the tongue not only aid in the eating process but also in the formation of certain sounds, like the letter “k” and the hard “g” in “go”.

The top of your tongue is covered by hundreds of small bumps called papillae. Inside the papillae are “taste buds” for picking up different flavours. Salty or sweet tastes are near the front of the tongue, sour tastes are mainly along the sides of the tongue and the ones for bitter tastes are at the back of the tongue. We have almost 10,000 taste buds inside our mouths! As we age, the taste buds begin to disappear from the sides and the roof of our mouth, leaving taste buds mostly on the tongue.

How should you clean your tongue?
Most people overlook the importance of cleaning their tongue. There are various ways to scrape away the bacteria that have accumulated on your tongue’s surface.

No matter which method of tongue cleaning you use, you should try to clean as far back on your tongue as possible. Don’t be surprised if you find you have an active gag reflex. Gagging is a natural reaction but with time this reflex should diminish.

Your toothbrush or a tongue scraper can be used to clean your tongue. With either technique, start as far back as possible and then make strokes outward, toward the front of your mouth. You need to use some pressure but of course not enough to cause irritation to your tongue. Some people find that they have less of a tendency to gag when using a tongue scraper rather than a brush.

While brushing the tongue doesn’t have a long-lasting effect on bad breath, it is an important step in keeping your entire mouth healthy.  According to the ADA, bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.

Why take care of your tongue?
It is important to take care of your tongue, just like any other part of your mouth, by cleaning it properly and having it examined during your regular dental visits. At every oral health check-up, your dentist should look at your tongue for signs of potential cancer. During the exam, the soft tissue in your mouth, including the lips and gums, should also be examined.

So the next time you are in for your cleaning, remember to stick your tongue out and say aah!

6 easy steps to prevent cavities

What is a cavity?

A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by bacteria. Decay occurs when plaque (the sticky substance that forms on teeth) combines with the sugars and/or starches of the food we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel.

Enamel is the hardest tissue in your body, but by no means indestructible. In fact, enamel is exposed to bacteria all day which produces plaque that eats away at the enamel causing the holes known as cavities.

Leaving plaque on your teeth leads to tartar buildup which brushing and flossing alone cannot remove.

Letting plaque get out of control can lead to many oral problems ranging from bad breath and cavities to gum recession, periodontal disease and tooth loss.  Even teeth with fillings are not immune to plaque. Plaque can damage fillings and other dental work which can lead to future problems.

Why do I need a filling?

With the exception of some early decalcification, cavities do not fix themselves or disappear. Once a cavity starts, it continues to spread into the deeper parts of the tooth, eventually affecting the pulp leading to nerve damage and even an abscess. In the process, it destroys the tooth structure making the tooth weaker and possibly resulting in a fracture. Early treatment is less painless, less expensive and often preserves the tooth. This is why we often fill small cavities long before they reach a level where they become problematic.

Prevention is the key !
The best way to prevent cavities is by brushing twice a day, flossing daily and going to your regular dental check ups. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.

Take these simple steps to protect yourself from the damage that plaque can cause and to limit your teeth’s exposure to plaque.

1. Brush your teeth : The bacteria in your mouth produce plaque throughout the day, especially after meals. Make sure you brush your teeth properly (2 minutes) after every meal. Keeping a toothbrush at the office is a great idea.
2. Floss: When you eat, food debris often gets caught between your teeth. If the food debris is not removed, it can lead to cavities. Flossing daily is the best way to remove this debris from between the teeth. Remember to floss before bed.
3. Visit the dentist: Regular check-ups and cleanings are a key factor in preventing cavities since some cavities can only be detected by a dentist or a dental x-ray. Our Toronto dental  implants specialist can help you in this.
4. Eat healthy:Proper nutrition plays an important role in good dental health. Eating nutritional snacks and limiting the amount of sugary drinks will help to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth. If you want a sugary snack, have it with a meal.
5. Place sealants:Dental sealants are a protective coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant protects the tooth from getting a cavity by shielding against bacteria and plaque. Sealants are more common in children because of the new growth of permanent teeth, however, sealants can benefit adults too.
6. Chew gum ! (the sugarless kind): Believe it or not, chewing certain sugarless gums can actually help to prevent cavities by increasing the flow of saliva in your mouth.

Playing it safe with mouth guards

Do you or your children play any of the following sports?

Soccer, basketball, squash, football, rugby, hockey, boxing, gymnastics, skateboarding, martial arts, skiing or volleyball.

What would happen if you or your child got hit in the mouth or jaw?
In a nutshell, A LOT!

What is an athletic mouth guard?
Mouth guards are resilient appliances that fit over your teeth. When worn during sports activities, they help protect against injuries to the teeth and areas in and around your mouth. Although the number of mouth injuries caused by sports activities is relatively low, the cost of these injuries can be relatively high, especially if there is damage to the teeth.

How can a mouth guard protect you?
There are two main goals in wearing a mouth guard for active play, organized or not. The first is to protect teeth against the impact of an object or body part. When you are hit in the mouth or jaw, a mouth guard acts as a cushion that redistributes the force of the blow, so the impact is absorbed more evenly. Second is to protect against concussions. A blow from an elbow or implement transferred through the mandible and into the skull can cause severe damage, not just broken teeth.

Choosing the Right Mouth Guard!
Mouth guards vary in terms of cost, comfort and effectiveness. The ideal mouth guard is durable, resilient, and comfortable. A mouth guard should fit properly, be easy to clean and should not affect your ability to speak, swallow or breathe.

There are two types of mouth guards: Custom-Fitted and Store Bought.

Store Bought Mouth Guards:
The store bought mouth guards are less expensive but easy to chew through. Store bought mouth guards offer some protection but they do not grip the teeth and it can be difficult to keep them in place unless you bite down on them constantly. This makes them uncomfortable

Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards:
Custom-Fitted mouth guards are more expensive but they have a better fit, which means better protection and more comfort. They are prescribed and fitted by a dentist.  The process involves making a model of your teeth and then moulding the mouth guard material around the dental model to ensure a close and comfortable fit. And let’s face it, if it isn’t comfortable, you’re not going to wear it. They also come in fun colours!

Minimize your risk!

As the sporting season approaches, think safety and invest in a custom-fitted mouth guard for yourself or your child. Protect yourself and your children by using an athletic mouth guard when you take part in activities that pose a risk of injury to your mouth. It’s a smart investment that can provide valuable insurance against injuries that could cost much more in the long run.

Please feel free to speak to our dental team for advice about choosing the right mouth guard for you and your children.

Brighten it up with white fillings

Is it time to replace your old filling with composite filling

Spring is around the corner !  And with it, our thoughts turn to projects like gardening, fixing up the house and maybe even renovations. If you are in the mindset for sprucing things up, it might be an ideal time to think about refreshing your smile.

A simple and effective way to “touch up” your smile is by replacing any amalgam (also known as silver or mercury) fillings you have with white ones. If you’re embarrassed by your old fillings and tired of hiding your smile, ask us about composite fillings.

What are composite fillings or white fillings?
Composite fillings (or white fillings) are made of a porcelain-like material that bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are strong, stain-resistant, and colour-matched to the natural tooth, making them essentially ‘invisible’.

How are fillings done?
In filling teeth, the decayed material is removed and replaced with a restorative material such as composite. A local anaesthetic may be administered to numb the area if the cavity if fairly large.

Why do I need fillings?
Once a cavity starts, it continues to spread into the deeper parts of the tooth affecting the pulp leading to nerve damage and even an abscess. In the process, it destroys the tooth structure making the tooth weaker and possibly resulting in a fracture. Early treatment is less painful, less expensive and often preserves the tooth.

Why do I feel discomfort after my filling?
It is normal to experience some sensitivity to cold and pressure after a filling is done. The amount of post operative discomfort depends on the depth and extent of the cavity preparation which in turn depends upon the depth and extent of the original area of decay or of the old filling which is to be replaced.

If you feel any discomfort in chewing after a filling is done, a minor adjustment is usually all it takes to make you comfortable. Don’t wait too long as teeth can become quite sensitive if the bite is “high”. You can generate 40,000 pounds of pressure per square inch when chewing on your back teeth!

Are silver fillings safe?
In recent years, there has been a lot of controversy regarding the safety of amalgam fillings. According to the Canadian Dental Association and the dental community, there is no scientific evidence to substantiate the claims of mercury toxicity from amalgam fillings.

Should I change my amalgam fillings to white fillings?
If aesthetics is a major concern, then you should request the replacement of your amalgams with composites or porcelain crowns. But beware! Every time you remove one filling and put another in its place, you run the risk of killing the nerve of the tooth and then possibly needing a root canal or extraction.

Remember that the presence of mercury in amalgams is not considered a sufficient reason to replace them. We do not solicit the replacement of any old filling provided that it is still serviceable and you, the patient, do not object to its appearance.

If you are concerned about your amalgam fillings, feel free to discuss this with us.
Your smile will thank you!

Teeth Whitening is your Smile Radiant White

Spring is the season when we start to think about ‘fresh stuff’. Fresh air, fresh flowers and fresh looks. As you’re in this mindset, we would like to suggest you start thinking about freshening your smile as well. Freshening your smile involves us helping you restore your smile to its full potential, through routine care or more elective procedures such as veneers, implants or teeth whitening.

How can I freshen my smile?
A simple way to ‘freshen your smile’ is through teeth whitening. Years of drinking coffee, tea or soft drinks can make your teeth stained and discoloured, leaving even the healthiest of smiles a little dull. Depending on your needs and budget, teeth whitening can be completed over a number of treatments or in as little as two hours. However, before you make that kind of decision, be sure to follow the important steps below.

Your first stop should be to a dentist, to make sure that you have a healthy mouth and gums and are a good candidate for the bleaching process.  Step 2 involves a discussion between the dentist and you on your tooth whitening expectations. While whitening works in most cases, the level of success depends on what you are starting off with. For example, yellowish-hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth not as well and grayish-hued teeth less well. Sometimes a different cosmetic procedure will be recommended which would better meet your expectations.

Once it is determined that whitening will work for you, the next step is to decide which method would suit you best. The most important thing to remember is that a professional teeth-whitening program issued and supervised by your dentist uses a program custom-made to your needs and is your best bet for safe treatment and long-lasting professional results. Choose immediate results with in-office whitening or consider the more economical at-home whitening program. With either program, your teeth whitening process should be monitored at each step of the way, ensuring that it is proceeding safely while watching for any sensitivity to your teeth or gums.

Do you think you are a candidate for teeth whitening?

Take the first step to whiter, brighter teeth by scheduling a smile analysis with us. We’ll make sure that your smile is just as radiant as you are!

How to Reduce Oral Cancer

FACT: 10.9 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year.

FACT: Each year, 6.7 million people with cancer succumb to death because of the disease.

FACT: Oral and pharyngeal cancer is the sixth most common cancer diagnosed worldwide.

What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is cancer that can occur on the lips, inside the mouth, the back of the throat, the tonsils or salivary glands.  Oral cancer can require surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy depending on how early the cancer is detected. Oral cancer can also be fatal, especially when it is not detected in its early stages.

How to Check for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can be almost invisible, making it difficult but not impossible to detect.  It is vital to have good dental health awareness and to perform regular self-examinations to help with early identification. However, regular check-ups with both your physician and dentist are vital to catch the signs you might have missed. Your dentist in particular is specifically trained to detect the early warning signs of oral cancer.  In fact, every examination appointment with your dentist should include an examination for oral cancer.

A Symptoms Checklist
When you perform your self-examination, check for the following :
 sores or ulcers in your mouth that have not healed within three weeks
 lumps in your mouth
 white or red patches on your gums, tongue, or inside of your mouth
 difficulty swallowing
 difficulty chewing or moving your jaw or tongue
 numbness on your tongue or other areas of your mouth
 swelling of the jaw
 persistent sore throat or hoarseness in your voice that has lasted longer than six weeks
 swelling of the neck that has been present for more than three weeks
 unexplained tooth mobility that has lasted for more than three weeks
 persistent nasal obstruction (esp. a mucus discharge which causes you difficulty when trying to breathe through your nose)
 unexplained and persistent earache

If you have experienced or think you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, a visit to your dentist is in order (better safe than sorry!).

Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer
Although the cause of oral cancer is unknown, several risk factors have been identified and continue to be studied.  These include, but are not limited to, smoking, chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets and certain strains of the HPV.  In addition, spending too much time in the sun can increase your risk of lip cancer.

Remember, the key is early detection!  To this end, ensure you visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and oral cancer screening.

How Cosmetic Dentistry (Porcelain Veneers) can give you a perfect smile

Who should consider cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers ?

Do you have discolored teeth?  Are they poorly shaped, chipped or crooked? Are they unevenly spaced or you have a large gap between your two front teeth? Have you ever thought of checking with a dentist for a solution ?

Are you happy with your smile ?

Well, there is a solution!  With a simple, comfortable procedure that takes only a few visits to complete, your dentist can change your smile, and in the process give you a new confidence and vibrancy that you never knew you had!

What are dental (or porcelain) veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom, porcelain facings that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth to cover any imperfections and fix your smile.  Porcelain veneers are extremely thin (only about 1mm thick), yet strong and durable. The entire procedure normally takes 2-3 visits.  To prepare your teeth for the veneers, a small layer of tooth enamel is removed from the front and sides of the teeth. This ensures that the veneers do not look or feel unnatural or bulky.  A mould is then taken to create the porcelain veneers that will cover your teeth.  Adjustments are made to the veneers to create the desired shape for your new teeth.  Finally, the porcelain veneers are cemented in place.

To find out if you are a good candidate for dental veneers or Cosmetic dental procedure, speak to our Toronto Dentist at 416 922 9040 or visit our website , we promise to make your experience pleasant and easy.

“Conscious Sedation” – Why I am not afraid of dentists anymore.

Dental anxiety is an extremely common feeling.  According to the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation in the US, 30% of the population avoid the dentist due to fear. It is safe to assume this percentage would be similar in Canada.  Being scared of a dentist can potentially be dangerous for your oral and overall health as you might delay visits to your dentist and be at risk of developing serious dental issues.

It is advisable to go to the dentist at least twice a year and if you have any form of anxiety then booking these two visits into your calendar (and keeping them!) is important. Having anxiety is common but it is important to develop coping strategies so it does not impact other aspects of your life. If dental problems are neglected, they will become worse; they never just go away. Regular dental check-ups can prevent problems from developing. Being scared of going to the dentist is relatively normal but you should face these fears at least twice a year.

A phobia is a profound dread or terror of a specific situation or thing. It is way out of proportion to any real danger or threat.  Some people have a phobia about injection needles, or about going to the dentist. They may become panic stricken or immobilized with fear at the prospect. Although this fear is unreasonable and irrational, it is nevertheless very real to the person experiencing it. It requires patience and understanding to help with this problem.

Impatience, or telling people to pull themselves together, is unhelpful. Because the fear is irrational, reasoning with the patient or explaining the situation, won’t help very much.

Can sedation or sleep dentistry help?

There are several methods that have been proven to be successful in treating dental phobia.  For mild anxiety, deep breathing techniques or visualization can be helpful.  Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can be very beneficial for people with mild-moderate dental anxiety.

For those with dental phobia, the best method is to undergo sleep dentistry.  Sleep dentistry allows people who would normally try and avoid the dentist to enjoy a relaxing and anxiety-free dental experience. Sleep dentistry utilizes safe levels of sedative to relax patients during their dental visit.  Sedation can be administered orally or intravenously, and sometimes in conjunction with nitrous oxide. While you are not technically asleep, patients often describe the experience as seeming sleep-like. You’ll barely remember coming to your appointment; the only proof that you’ll have that you were there, will be your beautiful smile. Throughout the entire process, your vitals will be monitored.  The major benefit of sleep dentistry is the ability to make people feel like their dental treatment is over within a few minutes while in actuality, the treatment may take several hours to perform.

If you or anyone you know suffers from dental anxiety or phobia, visit us at our “Toronto Dentist” and ask about the use of nitrous oxide or sleep dentistry.

Your child’s first visit to the dentist

At what age should you take your child for their first visit to the dentist?  What are some of the factors you should consider and how should you choose a dentist for your child?

How old is old enough?
The Canadian Dental Association and the American Dental Association both recommend that a child be seen within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by their first birthday. 

Although it may be tempting to postpone a visit to the dentist until there is a problem, the key to “early visits” is to prevention - before a problem arises.  However, every child is different and therefore the age at which they should start seeing a dentist will be different as well.   

What is crucial to remember is that from the moment your child is born, they are learning your habits…habits that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. It is therefore important to promote healthy eating and healthy dental habits as early as possible. This will involve you making smart meal choices and developing a routine of brushing after meals and before bed in addition to flossing regularly. Your diet choices will also influence your child’s dental health – make choices that emphasize whole grains, lean protein, fresh fruit and vegetables.  Avoid sugary drinks and snacks.

Choosing a dentist for your child
The field of child dentistry is known as pediatric dentistry.  Word-of-mouth recommendations are the best way of finding a quality dentist for your child… ask your current dentist whether they treat children.  Regardless of whether you take your child to a pediatric dentist or a family dentist, the most important factor is comfort…yours and that of your child.  If your child is comfortable with the practitioner, a trusting relationship will develop which can only benefit their oral and overall health.

Make going to the dentist fun

It is paramount that your child have a good attitude toward dental visits. Be positive and remind your child that the dentist is a friendly doctor who is helping to take care of his or her teeth. Set a good example yourself by brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly. Engage in role play before your child’s first dental visit or do some shared reading (one of my favourites is The Berenstein Bears Visit the Dentist).  Remember to provide your child with familiarity during their first visit – bring along a favourite book or toy.  At the end of the visit, have a small treat for your child (preferably not a sugary one!). By following these tips and promoting a healthy oral routine from an early age, you should be able to ensure the first visit to the dentist is a no-fuss affair.

Next Page »