Toothbrush abrasion is a wearing down of the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth) and sometimes the subsequent recession of the gum tissue in the same area. Toothbrush abrasion typically occurs on the outer surfaces of the teeth that are easier to access with the toothbrush but can occur anywhere in the mouth. Toothbrush abrasion can be localized to a single tooth or generalized to several teeth.
Did you know that baby teeth are essential for many reasons, including health, function and aesthetics? It is important to help keep your child’s baby teeth healthy and cavity-free. Baby teeth lost premature, either to cavities, infection or trauma, can lead to problems with the positioning and health of the future adult teeth.
– Help with talking, chewing, smiling, speaking and confidence
– Are used by the future adult teeth as placeholders, meaning the adult teeth use the roots of the baby teeth to guide them into the correct position
– Prevent shifting of adjacent and opposing teeth, meaning if a baby tooth is lost premature, the surrounding teeth can shift and affect the bite
(more…)
In this day and age, children are at an increased risk of developing cavities from an early age. This is due to the abundance of and easy access to sweetened foods, coupled with misinformation and poor oral hygiene habits. Cavities can form on baby teeth upon the earliest eruption through the gums, which occurs around 5-10 months old. Early childhood caries occur at lightning speed and can cause severe distress for a child. The Canadian Dental Association considers early childhood cavities a significant public health problem. Early childhood caries can lead to pain, infection, loss of confidence, trouble biting and chewing and future issues with crowding of the adult teeth.
(more…)
Each tooth is like a box; they have 5 surfaces that require cleaning. By using a toothbrush, you are cleaning the top, front and back surfaces, but due to the diameter of the bristles, they are unable to access between the teeth. That means that if you are brushing your teeth but not using an interdental aid such as floss, you are missing nearly half the surfaces in your mouth! Bacteria are constantly forming on your tooth surfaces and even underneath your gums, and the same is true for between your teeth.
Gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums from the presence of oral bacteria, is thought to affect up to 90% of the population in varying severity. Gingivitis can lead to gum disease, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity and even loose teeth. Gingivitis can occur localized or generalized, and therefore it is important to clean all tooth surfaces to prevent it.
(more…)
Cigarette smoking exposes your teeth to nicotine and tobacco, which can have detrimental effects on the health of your teeth, gums and mouth, not to mention your throat and lungs. Smoking also exposes soft tissues to harmful smoke. As of 2018, 15% of the Canadian population 12 and older smoke either regularly or occasionally.
– Bad breath
– Dry mouth
– Yellow, brown or black external stains on teeth
(more…)
New research in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology has shown that COVID-19 complications are linked to oral health. Managing gum disease is essential for avoiding COVID-19 related complications. Gum disease triggers an inflammatory response in the body, so maintaining healthy teeth and gums is vital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Periodontal disease or periodontitis can cause bleeding gums, bad breath and eventually loss of teeth if it is left untreated. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and COVID-19 complications. COVID-19 complications resulting from gum disease showed higher levels of biomarkers that are associated with worsened disease outcomes, such as white blood cell levels, D‐dimer, and c-reactive protein. Patients with severe gum disease in the study were at least 3 times more likely to experience COVID‐19 complications, including death, ICU admission, and the need for assisted ventilation.
(more…)
To Our Valued Patients,
Please note that our office remains open during the stay at home orders issued by the Provincial Government for Peel region. Under the new stay at home lockdown orders, dental offices are permitted to remain open as an essential service to serve the local community.
(more…)
A tooth infection is when bacteria enter the nerve and blood supply in the inner part of a tooth, infecting the tooth and causing an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus at the base of the root caused by bacteria accumulation. A tooth infection typically causes pain, swelling and tenderness in the area and requires treatment. If not treated, the infection will grow and potentially cause serious effects such as the jaw and even the brain. Tooth infections occur due to untreated cavities, old restorative work and trauma. It is essential to see your dentist immediately when you think you may have a tooth infection, and your dentist will likely recommend an antibiotic. The type of antibiotic recommended depends on the type of bacteria and the type of infection.
(more…)
Dental crowns are used to cover teeth with large cavities that fillings can’t repair. Dental crowns act as a protective covering over the tooth, preventing chips, fractures, breakage and future decay. Often if a child has a large cavity on a baby tooth, a silver crown will be required to fix it to save the tooth.
(more…)
We all know the recommendation, brushing at least twice a day and always before bed. But do we all know why the essential toothbrushing time of the day is the one before bed? In this article, we will explore why brushing before bed is a must and the consequences of neglecting that nighttime brush.
(more…)