Tag: dental care

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.

How Do You Stop Thumbsucking?

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Children these days have resorted to thumb-sucking or making use of a pacifier to comfort themselves. It’s a reflex that occurs naturally in toddlers and babies that give them the feeling of security and comfort.

If it so happens thumbsucking becomes a prolonged habit, it can lead to inadequate development and growth of permanent teeth. A majority of parents are given of time to discourage their children from thumb-sucking before it ends up becoming a major dental issue.

Thumb-Sucking: When It Should Stop

Normally, children will stop thumbsucking Markham between two and four years of age. They tend to develop other means to comfort themselves. With a bit of peer pressure or some encouragement, they tend to quit altogether on their own.

Ways to Stop Thumb-Sucking

1.Spot thumb-sucking triggers.

The only approach that can actually get one’s child to stop thumb sucking is by understanding its trigger. Whenever a child feels tired or stressed, give them a hug or hold their hand rather getting them to let go of their thumb.

2.Put restrictions to thumb-sucking.

Cutting back on the time the child would be thumb sucking is an essential step in eradicating the habit.

3.Re-focus the attachment elsewhere.

Whenever one notices their child feeling upset or stressed, provide the child with a stuffed toy or an animal to hold on to effectively cope. Pair that with reassuring words and it’s everything your child would ever need without resorting to thumb sucking.

4.Deploying positive reinforcement.

Whenever your child isn’t sucking their thumb, give them a small reward or appreciate them for doing so. Keep them distracted so their hands will be busy doing something else will prevent them from sucking their fingers.

Contact the Dentist

If one wants to know more about thumbsucking or other dental concerns regarding their children, schedule an appointment with a Dentist in Markham today.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Reline Dentures?

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To keep your dentures in top condition, you should pay regular visits to a denture clinic in Markham. Whatever type of dentures you have, your Markham dentist will need to reline your them periodically. These adjustments correct the fit, which is key for maintaining comfort and allowing you to chew without difficulty.

When to Reline Dentures

At a minimum, you should receive relining every two years. However, if your dentures are feeling uncomfortable, it is definitely time to reline them. Bear in mind that you may not always notice that your dentures are causing any problems. This is why it is critical to come for frequent checkups — your dentist will notice changes to fit immediately.

Why Do Dentures Need Relining?

After your teeth have been extracted, your jawbone begins to shrink. This means that what were once perfectly-fitted dentures can soon become too loose. Leaving dentures like this can cause the bone, as well as soft tissues, to wear down faster than normal. Relining prevents this.

Another reason for relining dentures is use:

  • You use your dentures every day to bite and chew.
  • This naturally causes some wear and tear.
  • Relining can fix any weak points to keep dentures effective.

What Does Relining Involve?

To reline your dentures, your dentist will need to remove a layer of the denture surface. The dentist will then make an impression of your mouth with a kind of putty material. This will help create a new base for your current denture teeth.

If you are receiving a hard denture reline, your dentist will use a hard pink acrylic. This has a close fit, maximizing contact with the gum tissue. Your other option is a soft denture reline, which uses a more flexible material. It is available for patients with tender gums, but it does require more frequent relining.

3 Ways to Get Perfect Teeth

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Everyone who practices good Markham dental hygiene techniques can achieve perfect teeth. Having beautiful teeth will improve your self-confidence and encourage you to smile, but it will also have an impact on your dental health. For instance, you’ll prevent tooth decay and other problems and improve your general health, lowering your risk of serious conditions like heart disease.

Ways to Get Perfect Teeth

1. Brush Regularly and Correctly

You should be brushing at least twice a day to maintain a healthy mouth. However, how you brush is also important. Ask your dental hygienist to show you the correct technique. You may also like to ask for recommendations about the right type and correct amount of toothpaste. Finally, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and never brush too hard — this can irritate your gums, even causing them to recede.

2. Schedule Regular Checkups

It is often impossible to know that there’s anything wrong with your teeth or oral health without seeing your Markham dentist. You need to be receiving a routine checkup at least every six months.

Checkups are also the ideal time to discuss any concerns and receive tips about further improving your dental health. Make sure to always receive a professional cleaning at the same time and, if necessary, fluoride treatment.

3. Receive Basic Cosmetic Treatment

You may have problems with your teeth that brushing and checkups alone cannot solve. If a tooth is damaged, cracked, or decayed, your best course of action is to receive cosmetic treatment. Discuss your options with your dentist. Almost anything can be fixed with cosmetic dentistry, including misalignment, stains, and chips. There is even the option to change the shape or length of your gums through gum contouring.

If your problems relate to your bite or your teeth are crowded, orthodontic treatment is an option. With invisible braces, you can correct these issues without anyone knowing.

What a Dental Cleaning in Markham Involves

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If you’ve never had a dental cleaning Markham before, you’re probably wondering what to expect. There’s no reason to be concerned — a teeth cleaning is a fast and painless routine procedure, often carried out by a dental hygienist. It tends to involve a few basic steps.

A Recap of Your Medical History

Before you can receive a cleaning, your dentist needs to know about your medical history. This is because cleaning your teeth causes bacteria to enter your bloodstream. For almost everyone, this causes no problems. However, if you are high risk for an infection, your dentist needs to know about it. You can still receive the cleaning — you’ll just need to take an antibiotic first.

Your dentist may also ask about your family’s medical history. Find out before your appointment if any close family members have a history of gum disease.

The Cleaning

The cleaning itself takes 30 minutes to one hour and requires the use a few different tools.

  1. It starts with an ultrasonic instrument to knock large pieces of plaque off your teeth.
  2. Next, manual scalers and curettes remove small pieces of plaque and tartar.
    • Your dental hygienist will also use an instrument to spray your mouth with water mist to wash away the plaque and tartar.
  3. After they are clean, your dental hygienist will polish your teeth with a prophylaxis paste to make them smooth.

If you also need fluoride treatment, you will also receive it at this time. In the case you do receive fluoride treatment, you will have to refrain from eating for 30 minutes.

Brush Technique

After the cleaning, your dental hygienist will give you recommendations on how to improve your oral health. This will likely involve showing you the proper brush technique.

Talk to your Markham dentist about scheduling a teeth cleaning at your next checkup.

 

Types of Mouth Guards in Markham to Protect Your Teeth

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When looking for a mouthguard Markham, you have three options: a stock mouthguard, a boil and bite protector, or a custom-fitted mouthguard. It is important to think carefully about your choice, as what you choose will impact how well your teeth are protected.

Stock Mouth Protectors

Your least expensive option is a stock mouth protector. You can find these for sale in pharmacies, sports stores, and department stores. As they are cheap, they offer only the most basic protection and tend to be very much one-size-fits-all. Plus, there is little you can do to improve the fit. This means stock mouth guards tend to be uncomfortable and can even make breathing difficult.

Boil and Bite Mouth Guards

For a little extra money, you can purchase a boil and bite mouth guard, made from a thermoplastic. You place the mouth guard in hot water to soften the plastic and the place it in your mouth. You then bite down on the material and mold it into the shape of your teeth using a finger and your tongue. Although they do fit better than stock protectors, boil and bite mouth guards are still quite uncomfortable and will only offer you minimal protection.

Custom-Made Mouth Guards

Your best option is a custom-fitted mouth guard. These are available from your Markham dentist. Receiving a custom mouthguard requires two trips to your dental clinic. At the first, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. At this time, you will also discuss any specifications, such as level of protection according to the sports you play.

The impression, along with your specifications, will be sent to a dental lab. Once your mouth guard is ready, you will return to the clinic. Your dentist will check the fit and comfort, making any necessary adjustments, before you leave.

 

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.

 

Signs to Seek Dental Immediate Care in Markham

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Similar to the medical emergency, you must not ignore the dental emergency. However, most of the people do not have education related to this topic. Therefore, a dental emergency is an injury to gums or teeth that need extra care. In this regard, you should know how to differentiate. Some oral issues need immediate attention while other can wait until dentist’s regular business hours. We will highlight some of the sign to seek the dental immediate care  Markham.

IN CASE OF TISSUE INJURY

Tissue can be damaged due to various reasons, and the impact varies from minor to severe. In short, it depends on the condition of the person. For instance, if the injury is deep and blood does not stop then it is a dental emergency. Thus, needs immediate care and you should see an oral surgeon. However, If the tissues are slightly damaged, then you can treat it at home. For home treatment, ice your jaw area for three days to get rid of inflammation. If the problem persists then seek dentist attention.

PROBLEM WITH THE ALIGNMENT OF THE TOOTH

The alignment of the teeth is an acute problem that requires immediate care. It gives rise to the occlusal disease, which in turn makes you in trouble and you cannot smile confidently. In the meantime, you can put the tooth in its original position. Do not force it or try to take it out on your own.

BLEEDING TOOTH

There is no doubt in saying that bleeding tooth is a chronic condition. If you see blood brushing or flossing, then it is the indication of gum disease. However, if blood comes in the saliva, then it is different from gingivitis. So, in this case, should you seek immediate care from a dentist or not? We advise you to consult the dentist at first because the sooner is the better. Otherwise, you have to face the consequences later.

 

Know Your Protection: The Importance of Mouth Guards

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Practicing sports is great for your health, but only if you take the proper precautions to avoid injuries. Some of the most common injuries impact the teeth. They are also the easiest to prevent — you simply need to use a mouth guard or similar appliance.

The Importance of Mouth Guards & Appliances

Mouth guards and appliances cover your teeth, protecting them from damage in the case of impact from a ball, stick, puck, or elbow. They also separate your upper and lower jaws to stop your teeth from crashing together. In this way, mouth guards are able to prevent cracks, chips, and knocked-out teeth as well as cuts to the lips and cheeks and damage to the jaw.

It is especially important to use a mouth guard for sports like hockey, boxing, and wrestling. However, mouth guards are also worthwhile for any sports where an object could make contact with your mouth as well as for anyone with dental work, including braces and crowns.

Types of Mouth Guards & Appliances in Markham

Stock mouth guards

These over-the-counter mouth guards are your cheapest option, but they also provide minimal protection. Made to be one-size-fits-all, they are often uncomfortable and may require effort to hold in place.

Boil-and-bite mouth guards

Boil-and-bite mouth guards are also available for purchase in sporting goods stores. After boiling the mouth guard, you will bite it to shape it to your teeth. This offers a slightly better fit than the stock mouth guard.

Custom mouth guards

For optimal protection, receive a mouth guard from your dentist. This will be custom fitted using an impression of your teeth and made from a strong material, chosen to suit the sport you practice.