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top 5 toothpastes dentists love

Top 5 Toothpastes Dentists Love

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When you walk into any supermarket today to buy a toothpaste, you will find yourself in a sea of multiple options. Rows upon rows of different toothpaste brands on the shelves.

Unless you have a preference; you will be dazzled with the many, enticing promotional texts on each toothpaste brand. Every company wants to attract more customers. And so they use appealing taglines such as “Pure. Fresh. Clean,” “advanced formulas,” “number 1 recommended by dentists,” “multi-action,” “Feel the Shine,” “micro-cleaning crystals,” “natural” and many more to lure buyers.

The word “Natural,” for instance, may hint that the toothpaste contains no artificial flavours and colours. But if there’s more than one brand with the same buzzword, how do you know which toothpaste is better?

To help you choose a toothpaste that is right for you, we’ve put together a list of top five toothpastes dentists like best.

 

  • Sensodyne ProNamel – best for sensitivity

Sensodyne brand is highly reputed as the best for sensitive teeth. The company offers different versions of the product, and as of now, however, the Sensodyne ProNamel iso-active is the most widely recommended.

This toothpaste is packed with minerals that form a protective coating on the outer layer of your teeth. Aside from that, it is specially formulated with a high percentage of potassium nitrate to block receptors in the teeth that normally translate hot and cold signals into sharp shooting kind of pain.

Those who suffer from sensitivity have reported significant relief after using Sensodyne toothpaste for only a short period.

Also, the Sensodyne ProNamel iso-active, in particular, has the added advantage of a well-balanced pH designed to help prevent acid erosion on your teeth.

 

  • Colgate Total – best for gum health

Colgate toothpaste comes in varieties, and each is perfect for a specific purpose or even more. The brand is still popular with many consumers. And, dentists all over the world recommend Colgate. Being around for many years, Colgate toothpaste has certainly earned its place as a market leader for;

  • Strengthening the enamel
  • Fighting plaque and germs to keep your gum healthy.
  • Freshening breath.

Colgate Total, in particular, is formulated to kill germs that accumulate between your teeth. Unlike other ordinary toothpaste, it contains antimicrobial triclosan, a substance that fights bacteria causing gum diseases.

Many dentists, therefore, recommend Colgate Total as a top pick for keeping your gum health in good shape. Since prevention is better than cure, it is important to approach gum health preventively by killing the germs that cause gum disease way before severe infection. And that requires toothpaste that contain the right amount of antimicrobial triclosan, such as Colgate Total.

For satisfactory results, the best thing to do is to brush your teeth using Colgate Total at a 45-degree angle. Because at this angle, the bristles can effectively reach up under your gum line to remove bacteria that burrow there.

 

  • Colgate Optic White –  best for whitening (but don’t have high expectations)

Tooth whitening requires toothpaste that is specially made with abrasives to polish teeth, plus chemicals that aid in dissolving or breaking down tough stains.

In the past, such toothpaste contained large amounts of abrasives that when used frequently, became unsafe as they damaged teeth enamel or gums.

Today, improved versions contain safe-sized abrasives along with chemicals that make them effective at removing tough stains on your teeth. Some even form a shield around your teeth to help seal out new stains.

And the Colgate Optic White is one such toothpaste.  It removes stains ordinary toothpaste don’t, leaving brighter and whiter teeth. This is because it contains hydrogen peroxide, a powerful chemical that targets and easily removes tough, stubborn stains which build on the teeth surface. The level of hydrogen peroxide contained however is relatively low, and any whitening effects it creates would be very short term.

While hydrogen peroxide and abrasive particles in the toothpaste help reduce stains, no toothpaste will be effective against darker stains that have stayed for quite a while.

Why?

Darker stains are as a result of food particles building up between your teeth over a long period. If you don’t remove these food particles in time, they gradually form a tougher darker layer of tartar that even proper brushing with Colgate Optic White won’t knock off.

It’s therefore advisable to visit a dentist who will use special polishing tools to help remove such stains and restore your bright, dazzling smile.

 

  • Oral B Pro-Health –  best for all round usage

Dentists love Oral-B toothpaste because it offers a wide assortment of purpose. It’s best of all-rounded dental care and specifically flavoured for children.

With a single use of the Oral-B Pro-Health toothpaste, you whiten your teeth, reduce sensitivity and help prevent formation of cavities, plaque and gingivitis while at the same time freshening your breath.

One of the more well-known limitations of using Oral-B Pro-Health is that it contains stannous fluoride that can deprive your teeth of its white color. It’s always best to see your dentist for help when you notice brown spots after a short period of using Crest Pro-Health.

 

  • Colgate My First – best for children

Children require low/no fluoride toothpastes because they tend to ingest residual toothpaste rather than spit it out. Excessive fluoride in children leads to white spots (fluorosis spots) on their adult teeth, with some cases even having brown stripes. Colgate My First is a low fluoride formulation which is also low in foam which is more comfortable for children to use.

Conclusion

No matter the brand, always go for toothpastes that are approved by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) because;

  • They are tested and proven medically.
  • They contain fluoride, the mineral that ADA terms as nature’s cavity fighter. The mineral fluoride forms a protective coating on teeth to safeguard them from the harsh effects of cavity-causing bacteria and acids.

Last but not least, find out what your teeth need most depending on your dental health before shopping for a toothpaste. Remember that it may not be possible to get everything you need in one toothpaste brand. However, it’s our hope that this list will help you choose the toothpaste that is right for you. Otherwise, stick to what your dentist recommends.

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Dental Bridge Repair

When You Need Dental Bridge Repair?

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Oral care is something that needs to be practised at all ages. Irrespective of whether people are young or old, dental hygiene is an issue of utmost importance. People tend to lose their teeth for many reasons, internal and external. When one or more teeth are lost, people resort to medical assistance. They submit themselves to qualified dentists who help them tackle the issue by building dental bridges.

Dental bridges are usually built in a strong manner to last for many years. However, they may need occasional repairing as time passes by. Some dental bridges need to be replaced depending on their fitment and purpose serving ability. Teeth that are built in an artificial manner to fill in the gap between the lost ones are referred to as Abutment teeth. In common man’s language, such teeth are called false tooth. These teeth help in building dental bridges. A dental bridge may become a necessity when the dentist finds out the need during one of the routine dental checkups or when the earlier one built has given up.

Reasons why Dental Bridges Fail

Dental bridges have no reason to fail medically. Irrespective of whether they are made of porcelain or ceramics, dental bridges are held back to the teeth with a metal or zirconia structure available for the purpose. If at all they fail, it may be due to the lack of hygiene in oral care by people concerned.

Lack of oral care makes bacteria cause decay in the abutment teeth fixed to fill the gaps. Harmful bacteria typically manage to enter through the crown fixed on the top of the abutment teeth. Remember, Abutment Teeth are prone to be affected by bacteria and are also prone to breakage due to fractures.

Issues about the abutment Teeth can also be caused due to a breakage in the pontic or just the coating. Looking at the issue from a different angle, even a fracture in the metal fixtures underneath can cause trouble to the Dental Bridge. Many times, the colour or fitment of the bridge may cause tension more than any breakages.

When exactly do teeth require a fix?

Identifying as to when a dental bridge need fixing is a task by itself. Typically, as per the medical industry, a dental bridge must last for a minimum of 5 to 7 years and even as long as 35 years. However, since abutment teeth are fully covered, the only way available to ascertain their health is through the signs of decay if they exhibit.

These signs are predominantly given by the healthy teeth around the abutment teeth. Some signs are given by the abutment teeth also act as pointers for fixing the same. Some such signs are a crack on the surface of the teeth or breakage of the material with which the abutment teeth is built. Supersensitivity and pain are also pointers which indicate the requirement for the dental bridge to be fixed. Radiographs (x-rays) can also be taken to ascertain the health of the abutment teeth.

Dental Bridge Repair

The dentist ascertains the exact treatment required depending upon the primary cause of worry. If the problem is with the abutment tooth, it necessitates removing the bridge built earlier. Abutment teeth are cemented to the bridges so they can be held in a strong manner. This makes it inevitable to break the built bridge so the abutment teeth can be treated for the problem.

If the treatment is given to the teeth and the problem gets sorted out, the bridge can be rebuilt again to cover the same. If the abutment teeth are not treatable, then an implant gets necessitated. Implants provide support to build a new bridge. Implants can be made inside the jawbone replacing the lost teeth as well as abutment teeth.

On the other hand, if the problem is with the porcelain which chips out from the fixture, the dentist can in some select situations do a repair in a non-aesthetic zone.

Oral care for the new bridge

Care must be taken to brush the teeth at least twice a day after the new bridge is fixed. This will also help increase the longevity of the abutment teeth as well as the new bridge built. Flossing underneath the bridge is also essential but can be very difficult because of the teeth now being fixed to one another. Solutions such as superfloss, interdental brushes and air/water flossers are all easy, simple ways to clean these areas and maintain hygiene.

Ensure high levels of nutrition are provided to the teeth by consuming vegetable and fruits every day. Set up appointments with your dentist to clean your teeth in six monthly intervals. Such habits increase the oral hygiene levels helping you maintain a good dental health for long periods of time.

When you feel your tooth bridge is failing, don’t wait for them to repair all by themselves. Remember they need the help of a Dentist in Abbotsford. to get cured. Don’t miss to book an appointment with your dentist in Abbotsford whenever you face an issue with the Dental Bridge. After all, restoring your beautiful smile must get your priority at all points of time.

 

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Denture Care Methods

7 Denture Care Methods to Understand and Implement

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Dentures help us when we lose our original teeth to ageing and various other factors. It is important that we take good care of these dentures mainly for enjoying good health and mouth. A healthy mouth is represented by bright looking teeth and gums. Here are some denture care tips that will take oral hygiene a long way.

Handle with care

Dentures are subtle additions to your mouth. While handling the same during varieties of occasions, ensure dentures are held in hands in a safe manner. Stand to bend over the washing sink, so dentures do not fall from high altitudes.

Avoid using Toothpaste on Dentures

It is important that dentures are cleaned at least once every day. However, do not use toothpaste on dentures since this may damage the acrylic. The abrasive nature of toothpaste causes scratches on the dentures which are visible only when seen through a microscope.

It is indeed important to brush the dentures every day but only with an intention to clean the plaques and food particles stuck to the same. Brushing dentures regularly also help in maintaining and remaining stain free. Ensure you use only a soft bristled toothbrush to clean the dentures. Take enough care to cover all the niche areas in the dentures while cleaning. It is a good habit to rinse the dentures in water every time after you consume food.

Denture cleaners help in cleaning Dentures

Dentures can be cleaned using mild dish wash liquids or liquid hand soaps. Avoid using regular toothpaste or household cleaning liquids since their roughness may cause damages in the denture surfaces. Using bleaching powder or any bleach may make the pink portions of the denture white.

Cleaning the dentures using ultrasonic cleaners can be one of the best ways adapted. Ultrasonic cleaners are nothing but small cleaning tubs which have cleaning solution in them. The sound waves caused in the tub clears all the unwanted deposits in the dentures. Remember, this is not a foolproof way to replace manual brushing of the denture.

Dentures need to be taken care even when not in use

Dentures tend to lose their shape due to loss of moisture when not properly taken care while not being used.  They also dry out if not properly safeguarded while not in use. Ensure the dentures are kept in water or denture cleanser liquid. If the denture has metal parts, check with your dentist about the proper manner in which they can be taken care when not being used. Never place dentures in hot water since the heat in the water may cause the dentures to warp.

Can I repair or adjust my Dentures on my own?

Avoid doing any repairs or adjustments if you find any mismatch in your dentures as soon as you take the same home from the Dentist. The clasps found in the dentures must not be bent. The metal attachments in the dentures must not be meddled with. Doing such things all by yourself will weaken the overall structure in an irreparable manner.

Avoid using ‘Do-it-yourself’ kind of kits available in the market since these may cause permanent damage to the dentures and underlying gums. The glues available over the counter for fixing and repairing dentures as it may spoil the same due to the high levels of a chemical found.

Do not use Dentures when they are broken or if you witness any cracks on them. Such breakages can meddle with the fitting of the dentures in your mouth. This will ultimately result in mouth sores and irritation. Avoid using dentures that do not provide the comfort since the more the damage caused to the dentures, the delayed will be the repair time to correct the error. Get in touch with your dentist the moment you feel some damage in your dentures.

Is denture replacement a must?

Dentures, when used for long periods of time undergo wear and tear. The reasons for wear and tear may be many, right from the changes in the contours of the face of the wearer to age-related factors. This makes it essential to rebase or reline to suit the current requirements.

The Prosthodontist then resizes new dentures based on the new measurements. Average lifespan for most dentures is 7 years – after which point replacement is highly likely.

Mouth and Gum care while using Dentures

It is important to follow certain habits and precautions to safeguard the mouth while using dentures. Some tips for the same are given below:

  • Ensure that all parts of the mouth are brushed thoroughly once every day with the help of soft bristled tooth brush.
  • Wear the dentures in your mouth only after brushing first thing in the morning.
  • The metal clasps of the dentures must be cleaned with extra care. Remember, any presence of plaque in the metal clasps increases the chance of tooth decay to a great extent.
  • Brush your natural teeth only after removing the partial dentures from the mouth.
  • Ensure your gums are cleaned and massaged in a periodic manner. This can be done with lukewarm water after removing the dentures from the mouth.
  • Consuming a healthy diet will help in maintaining the gums and mouth in a hygienic manner.

In what periodicity should I visit the Dentist when I use dentures?

People who use Dentures must visit their Dentist or Prosthodontist once every six months. Take your Doctor’s advice about the same. Periodic visits to your dentist ensure that the dentures fit in your mouth in a perfect manner. Dentists use these visits to check your mouth and related areas for cavities or other lesions. It also helps them to keep a check on your oral health.

Adhere to these denture care methods always.

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how to take care of dentures

Top Tips to Take Care of Your Dentures

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Improper dental hygiene can lead you towards the path of artificial dentures. Whether partial or full, dentures need a methodical cleaning regime to keep them safe from plaque. In this article, we will talk about the process of caring for dentures, maintaining, and storing them.

Avoid these On Dentures

Dentures can spoil without proper care. Here are some basic guidelines:

  1.    Bleach – It changes the colour of dentures and weakens its metal fixtures.
  2.     Whitening Toothpaste – The “whitening” ones’ abrasive in nature. Avoid at all cost.
  3.     Brushes – Use soft bristled brushes to clean. Stiff bristles or harsh cleaners damages the denture.
  4.     Hot Water – NEVER use hot water. It warps the denture. Always use cold water.

Cleaning Dentures

Follow the instructions shared by the dentist: Remember to clean them once every day, even if not after every meal. Use a recommended denture cleaner or a mild liquid soap. While cleaning the dentures, clean the tongue, the roof of the mouth and the cheeks. Soak them in recommended solutions overnight and wear them in the morning.

Storing Dentures

Warped or unhinged dentures are the result of letting them dry out and leaving them in hot water. Leave the dentures in room temperature water when not wearing them or in a denture solution if the dentist recommends one. Keep them out of reach for children and pets. Avoid paper towels to keep the dentures; use a soft towel instead.

Visit the Dentist Abbotsford regularly for cleaning them professionally. Never ignore loose dentures as it can be the cause of sores and infection.

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How to Explain the Tooth Fairy to Your Kids

Family Dental – How to Explain the Tooth Fairy to Your Kids

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It’s a fact of life: we love to see our kids feel better or relieved from what we give, tell or do to them – even if it’s just a myth like the tooth fairy.

This fairy tale in particular makes kids excited about losing their baby teeth. The anticipation of a reward upon losing a tooth normally makes your child enthusiastic about what would otherwise be undesirable: losing teeth. So you’ll want to tell them about the tooth fairy to relieve their fear of losing teeth and see them joyous.

But this, as we know all too well, involves stretching the truth…

tooth fairy family dental

Yet kids become inquisitive as they grow, and won’t always remain as passive listeners. At some point, they start asking questions. Parents find some of these questions truly dreaded, because how you respond may affect the kid in substantial ways.

You can expect your kid to hit you with more of these dreaded questions when they start attending school. They’ll be meeting up with their peers. Soon they start questioning the whole thing about Santa Claus, or the Easter Bunny, and worst of all, the Tooth Fairy.

Around this age, kids are quickly losing their naivety. Most of the explanations you give them may be met with a quick “why” rejoinder. And suppose his or her peers say anything to the contrary, it would be upsetting for the kid to bring themselves to imagine the possibility of you “lying” to them. Because for every kid, mum (or dad) is always right and couldn’t lie.

You don’t want to put your child in that position. So, how exactly should you approach the tooth fairy tale to your child?

This will depend on:

  1. The age of the child, and;
  2. Whether the child asked the question or not

Considering the age factor

How you approach the tooth theory may have to be different for a 10-year-old as compared to a six-year-old child.

At age six, your kid is just starting to lose the baby teeth. Your main objective is to inspire courage in him or her so that the whole experience of naturally losing a tooth can be exciting. Children look up to events, and you’ll need to give them reason to.

As it is, the tooth fairy has a historical background in our societies. But your kid doesn’t need all that history. So you’ll want to pick the inspiring part of the tale: a personable mystic figure that comes only in the cover of darkness to reward them for their braveness at letting go of their tooth. That’s a line you would certainly resonate with as a child.

Then there’s the huge love that youngsters have for sweet stories. You don’t want yours to miss out. The tooth fairy time is often a nice little opportunity for you to soothe your kid with a good tale. Explain to the young one about what a fairy is, including how fairies have appeared in various myths. Narrate to your child fairies in various stories have been guides and helpers to children and grownups alike.

Then narrow it down to the tooth fairy. Let your child know how this fairy loves to visit kids in their sleep to reward them for their bravery. Be sure to tell your child the essence of the reward: to help the child grow and to encourage them not be afraid of the changes that come as one grows.

For an older kid…

The story may not always be the same. Chances are that the child is already schooling and is bound to encounter contradicting stories. Chances are that you already introduced them to the tooth fairy, so it won’t be an original topic.

“Is the Tooth Fairy real?”

What if he or she asks the question? This is the moment of truth. Many parents won’t find it easy to face it up and admit they’ve been lying to the kid all along. But you have to do it nonetheless. So here’s some guideline.

Consider the context and nature of the question

Be sure to get what your child is really asking. Your child might just be looking for a reason to continue believing in the tooth fairy. They may look excited and interested in the essence of the tooth fairy. Suppose that is the case then you have a breather. Simply stick to the question at hand. Explain to your child why it is necessary for him or her to get the reward. Make it interesting as we mentioned earlier.

If the child is looking for the truth however, you cannot sustain the lie; you’d have to “clear your name”. Sit him or her down, then use the kindest words possible to explain to them why it was necessary to tell them the myth earlier (to inspire them). The kid may be momentarily upset, but will be thankful; for the honest response just as immediately.

It should be easy to tell whether or not your kid is ready for the truth. A kid who says, “Mom, is the tooth fairy real?” is looking for the truth. You must give it to them!

Otherwise you could ask leading questions like “What do you think?” or “Why do you ask?” to find out if they may still be looking to keep holding on to the story.

Whatever the case, the child’s age should be your main guiding indicator. Telling a toddler in preschool that the tooth fairy doesn’t exist wouldn’t be a good idea. There may be social strain when the kid starts to share the same with his or her peers. However, letting your kid hold on to the myth as true in his middle school would make them appear ignorant before his peers. So, consider the age and determine the right age to give your child the truth.

Anticipate your child’s response and prepare for it

Not all kids will feel bad to know you that intentionally misled them earlier. Some will find it quite exciting and laugh upon learning that their parent is actually the tooth fairy. As a child it may appear quite comical that an adult would sneak in and “steal” your tooth while you are asleep leaving them some cash.

So, understand your child. If s/he is a fragile type, be gentle and pick your words carefully. If the kid is fun loving, then it should be easier to introduce the topic and lace it with fun.

The Abbotsford Dental Clinic service provides a wide range of children dental services including relief of pain, restorative and preventative services, and maintenance of dental health.

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5 Most Effective Ways To Keep Your Teeth Clean

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Health problems can affect everyone, especially oral problems like plaque. Problem is, only few understand what it is.

When the bacteria in the mouth forms a sticky coating on the teeth, it is called plaque. Plaque eats out teeth, causing it to decay and gum disease.

Here are ways you can stop plaque build-up and before it eats up all your teeth.

  • Brushing the right way is the key

It is recommended that we brush our teeth properly at least twice a day — when we get up in the morning and before we go to bed at night. Don’t forget to do it before you sleep as you don’t want the plaque to stick to your teeth all night. Use a toothbrush that has soft bristles, and have a new one every three months.

Now you got the guidelines of the routine down pat, here’s how you should brush your teeth:

proper tooth brushingHold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle from the gum.

  • Make gentle, circular strokes that cover the whole tooth from all sides – top, bottom and both inner and outer sides.
  • Brush for full two minutes will help you clean the complete space of the mouth in a perfect manner.
  • Ensure the bacteria on the top of the tongue is scraped away (with the scraper found on the back  side of the toothbrush).

couple brushing teeth

Try an electronic toothbrush that is more efficient than the manual ones.

  • Clean the space in between teeth

dental prosthetistWe can see the surface of the teeth, so we can brush it thoroughly. But brushing alone may not be enough to remove food stuck in between teeth

For this, you need to use a dental floss. This will reach the niche areas in between the teeth. Besides this, you can try these other dental care products:

  • Plaque Removers made of wooden material
  • Flossers which are available in a pre-threaded manner
  • Straight angled brushes that can reach in between the teeth
  • Water flossers
  • Dental toothpicks

Remember, there is no perfect timing to floss or brush your teeth. Brush and floss as many times a day as possible.

  • Use good quality mouthwash

use mouthwashA good quality anti-bacterial mouthwash prevents plaque buildup consistently. It protects the teeth  by loosening the plaque around them, making it easy to remove through brushing and flossing.

But before you gargle, remember to take care in using a mouthwash. This is especially true if you have a dry mouth. This is because alcohol is one of the main ingredients of a mouthwash. Alcohol does not help in preventing plaque from spreading in the mouth. If the mouth becomes parched due to the wrong usage, it will be hard to remove the sticky plaque from the teeth.

  • Avoid food items rich in starch and sugar

Every time you finish eating, plaques attack the teeth to taste the leftover sugar and starch on the surface. Thus, the more sugar and starch there is on your food, the more intense the   the extent of attack from plaques.

 

donuts bad for teethFoods that are high in sugar and acidic in nature decays the teeth faster. But these are not the only ones you should avoid. The following also attracts plaque, hence, you need to avoid as much as possible:

  • Alcohol;
  • Candies and chocolates, sugar content sticks on teeth;
  • Bread varieties and potatoes which are high in starch;
  • Carbonated drinks

If you ate or drunk any of these, make sure you clean your teeth immediately so you can retain the moisture in them.

Eating snacks between meals is highly harmful to the teeth. Make sure you brush after eating snacks and after every meal, so plaque is removed more frequently. If you don’t have a toothbrush nearby,  chew a sugarless gum instead to keep your teeth clean.

  • Frequent visit to Dentist helps

Visit dentist in Abbotsford at least two times every year. This is akin to a general cleaning of your house, where you can remove the dirt in every nook and cranny. Beyond what we usually do to clean teeth, an expert dentist can clean areas which we could not reach while brushing.

Having a right smile permanently on your face mostly depends on the extent of oral care efforts taken by you.

 

 

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Improve your Confidence with Cosmetic Dentistry

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Cosmetic dentistry is the art and science of providing a patient with an aesthetic improvement to their teeth. This involves looking at the patient as a whole, assessing their needs and tailoring a solution specifically to them.

To create the perfect smile solution for the patient, a number of different areas of the dental speciality need to be utilised including

  • Orthodontic movement of teeth
  • Reshaping and altering existing enamel in the teeth
  • Placing veneers on healthy but misshaped or stained teeth
  • Crowns and bridges to correct large restorations, poorly shaped and unhealthy teeth or missing teeth
  • Implants to replace missing teeth

In a number of following articles we will talk about the different smile solutions we offer to our patients

Do I need veneers?

Ever wondered how some people have the perfect smile? Despite what you may think, not all of those people were born that way. Orthodontics has helped many achieve a straight smile but it can’t change the shape or colour of a tooth. That’s where dental veneers come in.

So what are dental veneers? 

Dental veneers are super thin, custom made shells that cover the surface of the tooth. Because they are custom made for each patient, your dentist will work with you to achieve your ideal colour and tooth shape, even filling in gaps in your smile and in some cases, straightening your teeth!

There are two main types of dental veneer materials – composite resin and porcelain. Composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain veneers but they have much shorter life span, generally only lasting between 3-5 years. They are also more prone to chipping and staining during their lifespan. This is in contrast to porcelain veneers which have a life of 12-25 years, are incredibly resistant to chipping and rarely stain. Porcelain also reflects light in a similar way to natural teeth, so the veneer very naturally blends in to your existing smile.

Dentist Abbotsford before after pictures with Veneers

What happens when I choose to get veneers?

After your initial consultation with your dentist, a mould will be taken of your teeth, an example of the final result will be provided to you in wax. This will help both you and the dentist to come up with the perfect cosmetic result for you, making the teeth longer or shorter, wider, more square or rounded. Once all the planning work has been completed, the teeth will undergo some light but precise preparation, a mould taken and sent off the lab for final veneer creation!

If you would like to know if veneers are right for you, book in for a cosmetic consultation today and let us help create your dream smile!

What is the difference between composite and porcelain veneers?

Veneers are small, thin coatings that are placed over the front of anterior teeth in order to reshape, resize and change the colour and appearance of teeth in order to achieve a greater aesthetic result. They are primarily done for cosmetic reasons, correcting short, gappy or discoloured front teeth. So what is the difference between having the veneer done in composite versus porcelain?

Composite is essentially a very fancy plastic material. It is primarily used to fill in holes in teeth where there is plenty supporting tooth structure around the composite material, i.e. small fillings. When used on the edge of teeth or to cover a whole surface of a tooth like in the case of a veneer, it places excessive stress on the filling and causes it to not last as long.

Porcelain on the other hand is super strong, with modern dental ceramics they are often stronger than the natural enamel on teeth and as a consequence last a very very long time. Also because of their strength, they can be made much thinner, saving having to shave down the precious enamel on the teeth. Porcelains can also be made much whiter than composite fillings and can be used to colour match significantly better. The only down side with porcelain work is that it is considerably more expensive than composite and that the final result takes 2 weeks to achieve as the veneers have to be custom.

Both composite and porcelain veneers are a great option for creating a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Though composite provider a cheaper, quicker result, porcelain provides a better cosmetic result, as well as lasting longer and doing less damage to the underlying tooth structure.

 

What is enamel and why is it important?

Enamel is the outer layer of tooth, it protects all the underlying structures. Good enamel means good teeth. Enamel cannot be regrown, any damage done to it is permanent!

Though enamel is the hardest thing in the body, because of the fact that it cannot repair itself, any damage is cumulative. That means small amount of damage, every day, can lead to big problems months, years, or decades down the track.

We will cover some things that can help you strengthen and preserve your enamel for the years to come in the next posts as well as go over how we make sure we still have teeth for the rest of our lives.

 

 

How to strengthen enamel

Tooth enamel is the exterior surface of the tooth that provides protection against decay and damage. Strong enamel is essential for our long term oral care but once it’s gone, it cannot regenerate, so it’s important to maintain and strengthen what we have left. You might be surprised to learn that most causes of weakened enamel are easily avoided! Here are some tips on how to stop further erosion:

Minimise Sugar and Starch Intake

Sugar and starch cling to your teeth and provide food for bacteria to grow on. Bacteria in your mouth produce acids that weaken the enamel allow it erode away. This applies to not only food such as cakes, cookies, and chips, but to sugary, acidic drinks as well. If you enjoy your acidic drinks from time to time, it’s best to use a straw to minimise the contact between your teeth and the drink.

Brush Your Teeth Properly

Did you know that 25% of adults do not brush their teeth twice a day? Even adults who do brush twice a day often don’t brush long enough or well enough. It’s important to regularly brush your teeth to help clean off the food and plaque that bacteria can feed on. Each surface of each tooth must be brushed to have a proper clean. If you struggle cleaning your teeth properly, try switching to an electric toothbrush. A good electric toothbrush will provide a much better clean with the same amount of effort used with a manual brush.

Note: although it is important to brush your teeth properly, brushing hard can also cause damage to the enamel. We recommend using a soft bristle brush if using a manual toothbrush, or if you use an electric toothbrush, gently hold the device without exerting too much pressure. Remember, a hard clean is not a better clean!

Floss, Floss, Floss!

Failing to keep floss is probably the one thing most patients are guilty of. Flossing can remove up to 40% of the plaque in your mouth. When you skip flossing, you are essentially not cleaning two surfaces of your teeth and thus providing food for bacteria to grow on. So remember, after you brush, floss!

Choose the Right Toothpaste

When our enamel breaks down, it loses calcium and phosphate in a process known as demineralisation. Thankfully there are products on the market that remineralise the enamel known as CPP-ACP toothpaste. If you’ve been to our practice, you may have been recommended to use a CPP-ACP paste called Tooth Mousse. However products like Tooth Mousse are not replacements for regular toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride also remineralises tooth enamel, but studies have shown that the effect of fluoride on the tooth enamel is increased when used in conjunction with a CPP-ACP toothpaste.

Remember –  enamel cannot regenerate, so do your part to preserve and strengthen your enamel before it’s too late!

 

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Tooth Ache Remedy While on Vacation

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While many suffer from nausea while on the seas or jetlag after flying across the country, a tooth ache is one of the worst pains to get while you are on vacation. Not only can the pain be excruciatingly painful, but it is one of the biggest reasons why a vacation is ruined. If you have the first signs of an infected tooth, then it would be best to postpone the trip or get an appointment with your dentist immediately. Make sure that the dentist prescribes you a prescription pain reliever that you can take with you. Do not ignore the pain and hope that you can ignore it with all of the exciting activities going on. A tooth ache will only get worse with time, and you will not be able to ignore the pain for very long.

If you are flying, then you are much more susceptible to a painful tooth. This is due to the barometric pressure that you encounter when you are up in the air. If you have ever been on a plane then you probably remember that your ears will pop as you go higher and higher into the atmosphere. If you already have an inner ear infection or a sinus problem, then the pressure from your ears will only accumulate into your jaw, causing a tooth ache. If you have dental work done prior to flying, then it is recommended that you stay away from flying for a certain amount of time. Being higher in the atmosphere can cause your new incision to bleed.

While there are certain dental insurance providers that will cover international practitioners and other traveling situations, it is best to stick with a dentist that you know and trust. Try to avoid eating foods that can cause an irritated tooth. Popcorn is one of the leading causes, as well as extremely cold foods. Do not forget to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss for your trip. This will help prevent you from having any type of tooth pain. You will have to check with some flight companies before you pack. Many planes will not allow toothpaste. However, baking soda is allowed, which is an excellent alternative to tooth paste.

While you might have already done so, make sure to pack an extra strength Tylenol for the trip. This will not only help relieve the pain of a possible tooth ache, but any pains that could occur. There are also direct medications that you can apply to the tooth which will numb the area. Any antiseptic that contains Benzocaine will work fine. Remember to never place aspirin directly on your gums, because this can cause your gums to be burned.

The lingering question is if you should seek the help of a dentist while you are in another country or area of your country. If it is an emergency that you are not able to cure with basic remedies, then it is crucial that you seek the help of a professional. Some tooth aches are too severe for you to wait until you arrive back home. While abroad, your dental insurance provider can recommend other practitioners that are under the same coverage and who are reliable.

Courtesy of ezinearticles.com by Joe Stewart

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Tonsil Stones – How to Get Rid of Tonsil Stones and Keep Them Away

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Tonsil stones can be frustratingly uncomfortable. In order to know how to get rid of tonsil stones safely however, let’s examine just what a tonsil stone is (these are also called “tonsilloliths”), and then we can have a better understanding of how to keep these away forever. Basically, the condition of having tonsil stones (this condition also called “cryptic tonsils”), is when food particles become lodged in tonsil crypts, which are small, naturally occurring pockets and divots in the surface of the tonsils. These pockets can widen or become smaller depending upon our eating habits, whether we eat spicy, sour or mild foods and such, or even if we become a bit under the weather.

Not unlike the way that an oyster can get a particle of sand stuck inside his shell with him, and then secretes a substance to form around it and create a pearl, mucus then forms around these particles and hardens, eventually even calcifying to form these white to yellowish-white things called tonsil stones. Now that we’ve nailed down exactly what these are, we can get down to the business of how to get rid of tonsil stones. I should say here that I don’t suggest you do anything potentially dangerous to yourself, so let me say… have your doctor flake these away with a tongue depressor. It can be a little tricky, but these can come away easily – often, you may have coughed up a piece of them before.

Alright, that’s how to get rid of tonsil stones, but how to we keep them gone for good? Well, the tonsil crypts, the pockets or divots in the surface of your tonsils where a tonsil stone can take root, can be shrunk down naturally once the tonsil stones have been removed. This is pretty much done in a similar way to how these have become widened in the first place, by what you eat and drink, and that is how to keep tonsil stones away. But should we have to completely change our diet?

Well, an extreme dietary change is really not necessary at all, simply because certain salad herbs and herbal teas that naturopathic herbal medicine and CTM (Chinese Traditional Medicine) can offer, usually do the trick rather quickly, and quite naturally as well. Natural herbal medicine is the best way to regulate such things naturally, and keeping the surface of your tonsils smooth and healthy is how to keep tonsil stones from returning.

Courtesy of ezinearticles.com by Jesse Robinson

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Affordable Dentures – How To Save Money When You Need Dentures

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If you are trying to find affordable dentures, take a few steps in order to make the search a little easier for yourself. Dental costs have become increasingly more expensive. With the economy the way it is these days; people are choosing not to get the dentures they need, because they don’t want to pay out mega bucks for them. However, you should not consider putting your dentures off. Instead, you should find a way to save money when paying for the dentures you need. As you are probably already know, most insurance companies will not cover the cost of dentures. The money will pretty much be coming out of your pocket with the expenses. Let us take a look at how to get the most affordable dentures.

The first thing that you will need to do – just like with any other money saving options – is to do some price comparison. If you can talk to a few dentists who specialize in dentures and see what their prices are. By doing this you can narrow it down to a few of the dentists, and compare the best rates. If you are lucky you may even find a dentist that is offering some sort of promotional discount perhaps if you pay in full up front.

However a lot of people do not have the money to pay for dentures. This is why most dental offices will allow you to work with them on some sort of payment plan. These may include in-house financing options, or they may just bill you the balance. No matter what, you are sure to find a dentist in your area that will work with you on the fees and this is one of the best ways to save money on your dentures. This way will ensure that you are able to make low monthly installments rather than coming up with the whole payment in one go.

Another great way to save money on your dentures is to find a dentist that offers some sort of discount dental plan. These plans are usually a great way to save a lot of money. You can search for dentists within a certain radius of your zip code and find the best savings that way. There are many sites that offer this type of search online.

Do your research and also talk to friends and family members. If you do this, then you are likely to make the savings you need to be able to afford the dentures treatment. The best thing about this is that you will be able to get them immediately rather than putting the treatment off until later.

Remember, both your teeth and smile should be very important to your wellbeing. Make sure that you can show them off! Finding affordable dentures does not have to be impossible if you take the time to do your price comparisons, read some reviews, and look into payment plan options.

Our practice is in Ohio where we can offer you many different dental treatments including affordable dentures. Ohio is a large state so there are many different dentists who can give you advice. Make sure you find the right price and the right quality of service.

Courtesy of ezinearticles.com by Dr. Louis Saliba

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