Category: Preventive dental

Preventive care in Markham: What You Should Know About

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Preventive care in Markham is vital to your oral health. It is something that everyone needs, but many people are not taking advantage of it. Read on to learn more exciting details about this dental care. 

What is preventive dentistry?

Maintaining your teeth’ health is part of preventative dentistry. Doing so reduces the risk of dental decay and gum disease. The state of your oral health will also influence the condition of your overall health, meaning that you are more likely to develop other illnesses. Having a clean and healthy mouth can make a difference. 

Preventive dental care coverage

Depending on your health condition, your dentist may perform the following services during your dental appointment. 

  • Check-ups and x-rays  – to evaluate early signs of oral problems
  • Dental cleanings
  • Application of sealants – to prevent tooth decay
  • Oral routine education – sharing of tips on proper brushing and oral care routine
  • Fluoride treatments 

A dentist can use these services to evaluate, assess, and provide treatment when a potential oral issue is detected early. 

What can you do to help?

Although your dentist will fix any dental issue, you also have to do your part. Doing preventive care at home will be beneficial for your oral health. Here are tips for keeping your teeth in their best state ever. 

  1. Brush your teeth daily, and do not forget to clean your tongue as well.
  2. Do not ignore the importance of floss. Flossing your teeth will remove any remaining debris in your teeth.
  3. Observe a balanced diet and eat healthy foods.
  4. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly. 

You can take steps to ensure you have a healthy mouth and teeth. By doing these things, your body will thank you.  Schedule an appointment with your Markham dentist today to maintain your oral health.

The Amazing Benefits of Dental Sealants For Your Kids

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Almost all parents would want their kids’ teeth to be as healthy and strong as possible. The diet and lack of hygiene of children, however, make them more prone to tooth decay. Luckily, dental sealants in Markham can protect their teeth. 

What are dental sealants?

Dentists put dental sealants on molars of teeth as a protective layer. Sealants prevent cavities from developing in your child’s teeth and protect them from decay. During the procedure, the dentist will use a resin and dry it using a LED light. Dental sealants act as a barrier from food debris. 

Why consider them?

They are a great way to protect teeth from cavities. Most dentists recommend this dental treatment for children and adults who are prone to tooth decay. Based on research, children who do not have dental sealants are most likely to develop plaque or cavities.  If you are not still convinced, here are three benefits of dental sealants you should know about.

1. Supports your kid’s oral care routine

Even if your child brushes your teeth regularly, chances are brushing cannot reach other areas of the teeth. When your kids have dental sealants, their teeth will be free from food debris that can stuck on their teeth. 

2. Teeth will be free from plaque

Since sealants provide an additional layer of protection to your teeth, the formation of tartar will be prevented. As a result, the risk of acquiring oral health problems or gum diseases will be greatly reduced. 

3. They last long and help you save money.

Dental sealants can provide protection to your teeth for up to five years. They are worth the investment and will help save you money from costly dental procedures. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you decide whether to get dental sealants for your kids:

Are dental sealants expensive?

Getting dental sealants is inexpensive. There are insurance companies that include this treatment as part of their coverage. Consult your Markham dentist to know more about your payment options. 

My child has sensitive teeth, can dental sealants help?

Aside from the prevention of cavities, there are dental sealants that can help in reducing tooth sensitivity. Your dentist may give recommendations that will suit your child’s dental needs. 

Is it necessary to give fluoride treatments to my child even though he has dental sealants?

Dental sealants protect the surface of the teeth. Getting fluoride will ensure that your child’s teeth will be free from cavities and decay. 

Process

The dental sealants procedure is painless. As the child sits on the dental chair, he or she may not feel anxious. In a few minutes, the procedure is done. Here are the steps your dentist takes to finish the treatment. 

  1. The dentist will first conduct a cleaning process to remove any food particles in your child’s teeth.
  2. Then, they will dry each tooth with cotton to ensure that sealants will bond securely on your teeth.
  3. Once the sealants are applied, they will rinse your teeth and dry them once again.
  4. For the final step, they will harden the sealant using LED light. 

Schedule an appointment

With the right dental sealant, your child’s teeth will not experience decay or even cavities. Furthermore, they can help maintain healthy teeth. If you have questions about what this procedure entails, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Markham dentist. 

Pediatric Dentistry: Dental Treatments For Your Child

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Even at a young age, your child needs proper dental care. It is why clinics offer pediatric dentistry services to ensure that your child’s oral health is cared for early on.

What does a kids’ dentist do?

Your dentist makes the environment safe and friendly for young patients. The following are the main roles of a dental professional who specializes in pediatric dentistry.

Education

A pediatric dentist uses dental technology to assess your child’s oral health. They will recommend dental care habits for oral hygiene and the prevention of oral problems.

Intervention

Your child undergoes continuous monitoring for every regular dental visit. Your dentist ensures that your child is safe from oral issues. They do this by addressing minor problems right away through the recommendation of orthodontic treatment.

Examples of dental service interventions you can expect for your child may be:

  • A mouth guard for teeth grinding
  • Braces for malocclusion (incorrect bite)
  • Dental sealants for cavities
  • Reconstructive surgery for a broken tooth

Standard procedures for pediatric dentistry

The following are some of the procedures you can expect during your kid’s dental visit.

Dental x-rays

Your child’s teeth structures change rapidly, and this is normal for young patients. Hence, they need more x-rays than you do. Dental x-rays are an excellent means to identify any risks for tooth decay.

Dental cleaning

A dentist or dental hygienist reviews the medical history of your child and discusses it with you. Once done, your child undergoes a physical assessment before the cleaning procedure.

Your child needs to undergo at least one x-ray session in a year. Pediatric dentistry services that follow after the x-ray procedure are essential. These treatments protect your child from potential risks of tooth damage.

Tooth fillings 

Children enjoy eating sweets, and tooth decay is an oral issue that begins even among young patients. If your child fails to brush and floss twice a day, they become more exposed to teeth damage.

When combined with sugar, bacteria can eat away at your child’s enamel. Once this happens, it also exposes the gum tissue to inflammation. To save your child from getting a tooth extraction, a dentist near you can repair the tooth after removing cavities.

Extractions

In severe cases of tooth decay, your child will need to have a tooth extraction. However, they may still undergo the procedure even in the absence of damage.

Your kid’s dentist may recommend extractions for your child’s crowded teeth to ensure proper alignment of the permanent teeth. Oral issues like gap teeth or crowded teeth may call for the procedure to correct the spacing in the jawbone.

Take your child to your Markham dentist every six months for dental checkups. Doing so allows your dentist to monitor your child’s oral health.

Professional Teeth Whitening For Stubborn Coffee Stains

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Dental sealants can prevent cavities, especially among children. However, some people have some misconceptions about their effectiveness for oral health.

How do dental sealants protect your teeth?

Your dentist applies dental sealants on occlusal surfaces. These occlusal surfaces are your molars and premolars that come in contact with the teeth on your opposite jaw.

Chewing surfaces expose your teeth to wear and tear because of frequent motion. Hence, pit and fissure sealants protect your teeth.

The commonly used sealant materials are as follows:

  • Resin
  • Glass ionomer cement
  • Poly-acid modified resin
  • Resin-modified glass ionomer

These materials have overlapping similarities and benefits. They may vary, but they achieve the same result: teeth protection for dental care. 

What are the common misconceptions?

Here are five of the most common perceptions that are wrong about sealants:

Sealants can leak

Using the right technique in applying sealant and curing can ensure that it won’t leak. However, expect that it can weaken over time because of repetitive chewing motions.

Getting a few touch-ups is necessary to ensure that your sealant is in mint condition. You’ll need to visit your dental hygienist for these follow-up sessions.

They don’t work when applying them over initial caries on molars

You’ll benefit more from sealants when your dentist applies them on your molars than initial caries. Initial caries are lesions you can find on tooth surfaces that haven’t developed as cavities. Sealing tooth surfaces will prevent these lesions from progressing.

Your teeth will decay under the sealants

You are prone to plaque buildup when bacteria accumulate on permanent teeth. Brushing can remove plaque, but not on areas that are hard to reach, such as grooves and pits. Hence, sealing these nooks will prevent the deposit of food particles and bacteria on permanent molars. 

Fluoride varnish works just like dental sealants for preventing caries lesions

Caries or cavities cause lesions on surfaces of teeth as a sign of tooth decay. Lesions appear first on the tooth surface and hollow the teeth out as they get more in-depth.

Fluoride varnish works in reducing caries for children. However, young patients who had sealants saw a 73% reduction in developing new ones. It shows that sealants can prevent further tooth decay much longer than fluoride varnish.

Levels of bisphenol A (BPA) can be dangerous to patients

Many plastic and resin products contain the dangerous chemical bisphenol A. You can find the same chemical in sealants, but you aren’t at risk of exposing yourself to hazardous BPA levels. 

You are more exposed to BPA in handling receipts and through breathing air. In fact, you are 100 times more prone to dangerous levels of BPA as you breathe air.

Moreover, BPA present in foods and drinks is at 5800 nanograms. The amount is significantly high compared to the 0.09 nanogram you can find in sealants.

Schedule an appointment with your Markham dentist to know if dental sealants can work for your preventive dental treatment.

Using Custom Sports Mouth Guards For Optimal Protection

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The daily life of an athlete involves engaging in strenuous activities. Athletes deal with high risks for injury, so they use custom sports mouth guards for protection.

You can also benefit from using customized mouth guards even if you don’t engage in sports daily. Recreational activities you get involved in can still pose risks to injuries, thus leading to dental treatment.

Custom sports mouth guards for protection

Athletes use a sports mouth guard to protect their teeth and jaw during sports activities. Different types of protectors are available, but customized ones are the top picks. Your mouth and teeth structures are different from others, so using a one-size-fits-all one isn’t ideal.

Accidents can quickly happen in any physical activity, and this is where a sports mouth guard comes in handy. Wearing one limits the risk of mouth-related injury by protecting your teeth and the soft tissues in your mouth. Thus, you won’t need any cracked tooth fix or tooth replacement.

Wearing custom sports mouth guards can avoid the following dental problems or injuries:

  • Chipped tooth

  • Teeth loss

  • Tooth nerve damage 

  • Jaw injury

  • Severe concussions

Custom sports mouth guards are excellent shock absorbers that will give you high protection against possible injuries and trauma. On the contrary, an ill-fitting mouthguard can do more damage when intense force is applied. 

Pre-made vs bespoke mouth protectors

Athletes commonly use two types of mouth guards. Some prefer purchasing a pre-made one because it is affordable. Meanwhile, others prefer customizing their own for the best fit.

Boil and bite mouth guards

Sports goods establishments sell boil and bite mouth protectors made of thermoplastic material.This type of mouth protector is also known as an off-the-shelf mouth guard. Since a boil and bite mouth guard is readily available, its primary selling point is its affordable price. 

The steps are simple in using your mouth guard for the first time.

  1. Soak the mouth guard in hot water to soften the material.

  2. Once the material softens, place the mouth guard in your mouth.

  3. Mould the material to your teeth by applying pressure using your tongue and finger.

Custom-fitted mouth guards

Unlike off-the-shelf mouth protectors, custom-fitted ones require accuracy to fit your mouth well. Your dentist customizes the mouth guard by using a soft material for teeth impressions.

The customization procedure uses a material different from the actual mouth protector. Hence, custom-fitted mouth protectors are an expensive option because of the time and detail spent to design them. Learning how you can protect your mouth while staying active is essential. Consult your Markham dentist to design a custom mouth guard that can give you optimal protection.

Dental Sealants Markham

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Are dental sealants right for you?

To find out, check with your dentist.

What are dental sealants

Dental sealants are a special type of synthetic material, generally a plastic, which is placed over the teeth.

Who is suited for dental sealants

Those best suited for dental sealants are between the ages of 6 to 14.

However, adults who have no cavities or tooth decay can also take advantage of dental sealants.

How do dental sealants help good oral health

Dental sealants help with good oral health by coating the tooth of kids and teenagers by covering the back molars and premolars to prevent tooth decay.

The sealant will fill little spaces and crevices to help prevent food particles from becoming lodged in those places causing decay.

How are dental sealants applied?

The procedure of applying dental sealants is painless.

The steps include:

  • A thorough cleaning of the teeth
  • The teeth are then dried
  • A special solution is applied to the chewing area of the teeth that makes them rough which helps the sealant stick to each tooth
  • Then the teeth are rinsed and dried again
  • The sealant is applied and allowed to dry

As you can see it is a painless procedure which helps keep food particles out of the spaces and crevices of the tooth to stop decaying from happening.

How long will sealant last?

Dental sealants can last up to ten years but it is important that you have regular dental checkups and the dentist can spot any areas that have chipped or become thin.

If that is the case the sealant can be reapplied.

Dental sealants do not mean you do not have to do your regular dental hygiene of brushing and flossing.

So if you are interested in stopping cavities check on sealants for teeth Markham.

 

Do You Need a Dental Checkup in Markham

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Are you in need a licensed dental checkup in Markham?

Dental checkups are important to good oral health and hygiene.

How to find a good dentist for dental checkups

The best way to find a good dentist for dental checkups is to do your research.

Look at their record to make sure that they have had no complaints.

Here are some tips;

  • Check with your local dentistry board they can give you names of a licensed dentist in your area.
  • Talk to your family, friends, and trusted co-workers to see if they have a dentist they can recommend.
  • Talk to your dental insurance company to see which dentist in your area they accept for coverage and what they cover for you in the pricing of procedures.
  • Once you have a chosen a dentist, make an appointment and meet the dentist; once you meet the dentist you will generally know if it is going to be the right fit for you and your work schedule.

Why you need dental checkups

Many people fail to realize that dental checkups are as important to your overall health as is regular checkups with your physician.

The reason for that is good oral health which includes your teeth, gums, and the inside of your mouth is as important as exercise and nutritional food.

Regular dental checkups can spot cavities, gum disease which can lead to bone loss, and even different types of cancer that appear in the mouth.

Good teeth aid in the digestion of food, which helps your body absorb nutrients and vitamins it needs.

This is why it is so important to start at an early age with regular dental checkups and to continue those checkups throughout your lifetime.

Finding a dentist for a good dental checkup in Markham is not difficult.

How Frequently Should Dental Cleanings be done in Markham

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How frequently dental cleanings are done depend on your dentist and any issues you might have; however, for the most part, they are done twice a year.

What are dental cleanings

Dental cleanings are done by the dentist or dental hygienist in which they scrape off tartar, look for gum disease, brush your teeth a special toothpaste which cleans and polishes, and then give you a fluoride treatment.

How are dental cleanings performed?

When you go to your dentist for a dental cleanings, the first thing you will have is an exam.

Then, most generally, it is the dental hygienist who will begin the cleaning process.

This process involves looking first with a mirror to see if there are any areas that may be problems areas due to gum disease.

At this point the scraping will begin; that is then followed by toothpaste that scrubs and polishes the tooth clean.

Then, you will have them floss your teeth.

After that part is finished you will rinse your mouth and there will be a fluoride treatment done. The fluoride treatment will last about 3 months or so.

Tips to help keep your dental cleanings working

If you wish to keep your teeth healthy and your dental cleanings to a minimum amount of time here are some tips for you.

  • Regularly brush your teeth with a nonabrasive toothpaste
  • Floss regularly
  • Rinse with a good mouth rinse after brushing and flossing
  • Keep regular dental exams and cleanings as a routine part of your oral hygiene

If you follow these tips, keep regular exams with your dentist for checkups, and use a good rinse after your brushing and flossing you should have clean healthy teeth.

That is why it is important for  cleaning Markham.

Markham: Know the Symptoms of Oral Cancers

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Do you know the symptoms of oral cancer?

It is something that most people never even consider.

Risk factors for oral cancer

What are the risk factors for oral cancer?

  • History of oral cancer
  • 40 years old and up in age
  • Alcohol and tobacco use

Symptoms of oral cancer

Many of these symptoms can be confuse with other issues such as a cold or a toothache however if these symptoms last for numerous days or weeks it is imperative to get the issue checked out.

Early detection with any form of cancer is important.

  • Continual mouth sore or mouth pain
  • A bulge or condensing on the cheek
  • White or red patches on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or inside of the mouth
  • A tender throat and or feeling something stuck in the esophagus that will not quit
  • Swelling in the gums or mouth that causes your dentures to be uncomfortable
  • Lack of sensation, pain or soreness anywhere in your mouth
  • Constant bad breath
  • A bulge in the neck
  • Change in voice

Those are all signs or symptoms of oral cancer but can be caused by something else.

If you are experiencing any one or more of these oral cancer symptoms in Markham go to your dentist and have your mouth checked out immediately; after all, it is better safe than sorry.

How can the dentist detect cancer?

A dentist can use a fluorescent technology of a blue light rated at 435 – 460 nm which will show abnormal lesions in the oral mucosa that would not show up with regular lighting.

This type of technology allows even the smallest microscopic lesions to show up that would not be seen otherwise.

Like any cancer the earlier it is found the better the outcome so make sure to have a regular screening.

Follow These Oral hygiene Tips in Markham

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To keep the gums and mouth healthy, you have to follow good oral hygiene. Keeping a good hygiene also gives you a nice smile and keeps you safe from dental and other medical issues. People who are not bothered about dental hygiene fall into gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart problems and many others. It is best to have regular check-ups with dentists and follow oral hygiene tips Markham to be on the safe side.

Follow the eight important oral hygiene tips in Markham:

Brush Daily

It is recommended to brush twice a day one in the morning and one before going to bed at night. Brushing keeps gums and teeth neat and away from debris. If after every snack or meal you can’t brush, just rinse mouth with water to be on the safe side.

Floss Daily

When you floss daily, it helps in removing debris, food particles and other items from the mouth. Floss will reach where brush cant and thus gives you best cleaning.

Limited intake of Soda, alcohol, and coffee

These beverages affect your teeth badly and drinking too much can reduce the calcium from the teeth.  Reduction in calcium leads to tooth deterioration and gum disease.

A good Diet

A healthy diet is essential not only for teeth but the whole body. It is important to eat food rich in protein and calcium that are essential for good oral health. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts also make saliva which is healthy for the mouth.

Avoid Sugar

Sugar can lead to tooth decline and affects the enamel of teeth. Starch should also avoid as it sticks food particles and other items to the tooth.

Avoid Tobacco

Tobacco is hazardous whether it’s chewed or smokes; it can lead to gum diseases and oral cancer.

Use Mouthwash

Use mouthwash that kills harmful bacteria and keeps the teeth healthy.

Dental Checkups

Find a good dentist in Markham and have twice a year visits to prevent dental problems.