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Dental Care Tips for Kids

Good dental care starts at a young age. The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that children start visiting the pediatric dentist as early as before their first birthday and return every six months for a dental cleaning, but many parents don’t truly understand the importance of their children’s dental health. Here are a few things to know about dental care for kids that can help you keep your children’s teeth healthy and strong.

Dental Care Tips

It’s important to be vigilant about your kids’ dental hygiene while they’re young. Even after they’ve learned to brush and floss for themselves, you should try to check on their technique to make sure they’re reaching every area of the mouth. Try to make oral hygiene fun by turning it into a game for your kids. If they’re eager to brush their teeth every night, they’re less likely to forget to do it. You might also want to invest in a color-changing toothpaste that helps identify where plaque is in the mouth, so your kids know where to brush.

Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Going to the dentist is vital while your children’s teeth are still growing and developing. Regular checkups can help make sure the teeth are coming in properly and that your child does not have any underlying oral health issues, such as periodontal disease. Aim for a dental check up every six months to keep your kids’ teeth healthy. Your kids might be a little afraid of the dentist, which is normal. Try to use positive language when talking to your children about going to the dentist, both for their appointments and yours, as well. If kids learn early on that the dentist is a normal and necessary place to be, they’ll be much less likely to be afraid. At Toothworks Calgary, we know kids’ dentistry. Our friendly staff knows exactly how to make your child’s dental experience friendly and fun. To make an appointment for your child, give our office a call at 587-351-7735 today!

How Much Do You Really Know About Your Teeth?

Until our dental health is compromised, most of us don’t give our teeth a second thought. Teeth play an important role in our daily lives; we need them to chew properly, digest food, and to speak clearly. When you keep your mouth healthy, you are protecting your overall well-being. A useful way to improve your oral health is to acquire more dental knowledge. Here are a few things you might not have known about your teeth!

Teeth Composition

Enamel: The hard, outer coating of a tooth is the strongest compound in the human body. Composed mainly of calcium phosphate, it is one of the hardest substances in existence, second only to diamonds.
Dentin: The thick layer just beneath tooth enamel. This sheet of live cells surrounds the inner pulp.
Pulp: The soft, center structure of a tooth. This inner chamber houses nerves, blood vessels, and the root canal.
Cementum: The connective tissue that firmly binds tooth roots to gums and jawbone.

Tooth Types

The secondary (permanent) teeth emerge between ages 6 and 12. Each tooth type has unique parts and serves a different function.

Incisors: Usually the first teeth to erupt, there are eight incisors, four upper front teeth and four on the lower jaw. Incisors are used to bite through food.
Canines: The next in line of teeth development are the four canines. This is your sharpest set of teeth, designed to rip and tear food apart. The upper two typically erupt just before the bottom canines.
Premolars: The two upper and two lower premolars are used to chew and grind food. The four teeth are located on both sides of the mouth. The first set appears around age 10, and the second duo follows about a year later.
Molars: The first set of molars that erupt between 12-15 months of age are used to chew and grind food. These primary molars are later replaced by both sets of permanent premolars.
Wisdom Teeth: The third molars (wisdom teeth) are the last to develop and don’t show up until the late teen years or early twenties. Some people don’t have third molars, while others often need to have theirs extracted due to the common problems wisdom teeth cause.

Why is Your Tooth Hurting?

No matter how good an oral health care routine you have, no one is exempt from occasional tooth pain. If you experience any pain to your teeth, here are some possible causes.

Tooth Sensitivity – If you’re experiencing discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, you may have sensitive teeth. This could be caused by receding gums or from a thinning of the tooth enamel. You should see your dentist to find the cause of the sensitivity, but it may help to lessen the discomfort if you switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush or try using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
Sinus Infection – If the only teeth that are hurting are your upper teeth on both sides of your face, the cause may be a sinus infection. This cause is much less common than others, but it is usually accompanied or preceded by nasal congestion and tenderness around the sinuses. If this is the case, a visit to your doctor is in order.
Cavity or Cracked Tooth – If the pain can be described as sharp and stabbing and occurs when you bite down on your food, it could be due to a cavity or cracked tooth. Cavities are caused by the acids in plaque (formed by the combination of bacteria, food debris, saliva, and acid in your mouth) dissolving the enamel on your teeth and creating small holes.
Abscessed Tooth – Unlike with a cracked tooth, the pain that accompanies an abscessed tooth is more throbbing or incessant. An abscessed tooth is caused by an infection located either at the root of the tooth or between the tooth and gum. The infection is usually a result of severe tooth decay, though it could also be due to trauma to the tooth, such as when it’s chipped or broken, or gum disease or gingivitis.

If your toothache lasts for longer than one or two days, is severe, or is accompanied by fever, earache, or pain when opening your mouth wide, it’s important to visit the dentist to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

When is it Time for a Tooth Extraction?

Even though our permanent teeth are meant to last our entire life, occasionally situations arise where a tooth extraction may be the safest, best dental treatment option. At Toothworks Calgary, we try our hardest to avoid extractions of teeth, opting for less invasive dental treatment options when possible. So what exactly are the situations that require a tooth extraction?

Infection Risk

Certain patients at Toothworks Calgary must avoid infections of any kind, such as those with suppressed immune systems or those receiving chemotherapy treatment. Due to the suppression of the immune system in these patients, an infection can be life threatening. In these situations we may opt for a tooth extraction to avoid any further complications of an infection.

Tooth Infection

In situations where the neglecting of teeth and oral health have lead to an infection or abscess, a tooth extraction may be the only option to keep the rest of your oral health in check. In certain cases a root canal may be able to remove the infection and bacteria; however, if it is not successful or possible, a tooth extraction may be necessary.

Teeth Crowding

Certain patients at Toothworks Calgary do not have the space for all of their teeth, leading to the crowding of teeth, alignment issues, and occasionally no full eruption of teeth. In these situations, the extraction of teeth may be the best option for functionality and appearance of your smile.

Wisdom Teeth

Having wisdom teeth removed is an extremely common dental procedure, most often the teeth become impacted, can’t erupt, or lead to infection. In these situations, your dentist will recommend having your wisdom teeth extracted.

Gum Disease

Periodontal gum disease an extremely common oral condition that leads to infection of the tissue and bones that support your teeth. This can lead to loosening and shifting of teeth. Occasionally the best course of treatment is to extract the affected teeth to avoid any further complications.

Bring Your Child to the Dentist Before School Starts Again!

If you have an active family life, summer can be a very hectic time filled with cookouts, camping trips, beach excursions, and all sorts of fun in the sun. Before you know it, it is time to send the kids back to school. When you are in vacation mode, it can be difficult to start thinking about school preparation. But you don’t want to wait until the last minute to schedule your child’s back to school dental exam.

Why is a back-to-school check-up important?

Schedule a dental appointment to help set the pace for a successful school year. Kids with poor oral health have been shown to miss almost three times more school days than their classmates’ due to dental issues. These absences can result in poor performance. Regular dental checkups with a pediatric dentist in Calgary will allow for preventative services and early detection. This way, your child may avoid painful dental problems and not have to miss classes. In addition, a back-to-school dental exam can help set your child’s healthy dental routine back on track, after the laid-back summer months. Many kids let their usual oral care habits lapse once they are off the clock.

What Is Involved in A Regular Dental Checkup?

Your pediatric dentist will screen your child’s overall dental health. The dentists will look for teeth alignment issues, and determine if orthodontic services are needed. Are the baby teeth falling out as expected, and are the primary teeth erupting without incident? Kids don’t need x-rays at every regular dental checkup, but they are often included in a back-to-school dental exam. This allows your pediatric dentist to see below the surface and determine if your child’s teeth and roots are healthy. X-rays also serve as a visual check for decay that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Professional Teeth Cleaning – Even kids with the most diligent at-home dental care still fail to remove all the harmful plaque that can lead to cavities. A professional dental cleaning is a vital part of a back-to-school checkup. It removes the plaque, tartar, and bacteria to keep kid’s gums healthy and remove teeth stains.

Sealant Treatment – A dental sealant is a clear, protective coating applied to the chewing surface of back teeth.

Sealants add an effective layer of anti-cavity protection because the coating prevents bacteria and food debris from accumulating in deep teeth grooves and crevices. Kids should have sealants applied once their permanent molars start to erupt.

Sports Guards

The new school year also means ‘tis the season for youth sports. It is important for kids who participate in school sports to always wear a protective mouth guard. Your pediatric dentist in Calgary can make a custom fit sports guard for your child. A professionally-made orthotic will fit properly and feel more comfortable than an over the counter mouth guard. Schedule your child’s back-to-school dental exam today, then lay back and enjoy the remainder of summer knowing your little scholar will head back to school with a healthy smile.

The Best Treatments for TMJ

Sometimes, symptoms of TMJ disorders subside without specific treatment for TMJ. But if your pain or discomfort persists, your dentist or doctor may suggest several TMJ treatment options. Often, more than one measure may be needed at the same time.

TMJ Disorders Treatment

Medications may work well along with other nonsurgical TMJ treatments. The following drug options alleviate TMJ pain for many patients:

Pain Relievers and Anti-inflammatory Drugs: If over-the-counter meds do not relieve your TMJ symptoms, prescription pain relievers. Typically, NSAIDs like ibuprofen are the standard treatment for TMJ.
Tricyclic Antidepressants: Drugs like amitriptyline, that used to manage depression, are also known to relieve TMJ pain.
Muscle Relaxants: These medications may be prescribed for several days or weeks to treat symptoms of TMJ disorders.

Non-Drug Therapies for TMJ Pain

Common non-drug treatments for TMJ disorders include:

Mouth Guards or Oral Splint: Patients who suffer from jaw or TMJ pain benefit from wearing a mouth guard or oral splint over their teeth. It controls teeth clenching and alleviates tension on the jaw joint.
Physical Therapy: This might include moist heat, ice, ultrasound and stretching and strengthening exercises for the jaw.
Counseling: It helps if you understand what habits and factors aggravate your TMJ pain so that you can eliminate or avoid them. Common TMJ causes include teeth grinding or clenching, biting fingernail biting or leaning on your chin.

Surgical Treatment for TMJ

When all else fails, there are surgical TMJ treatments and other procedures available to address TMJ symptoms:

Arthrocentesis: This minimally invasive procedure involves small needles that are inserted into the jaw joint to allow fluid to be irrigated through the affected area to remove inflammatory byproducts and debris.
Injection Therapies: Corticosteroid is helpful for some patients when injected into the jaw joint. Sometimes injecting Botox, or similar toxins, into the chewing muscles is an effective TMJ treatment.
Arthroscopy: For some individuals, arthroscopic surgery relieves symptoms of TMJ disorders. A thin tube is inserted into the joint space, followed by an arthroscope to uncover TMJ causes and other surgical instruments.
Modified Condylotomy: This procedure indirectly treats TMJ causes by operating on the mandible, as opposed to the joint. If the sufferer experiences lock jaw, this TMJ treatment may be effective at relieving pain.
Arthrotomy: If your TMJ pain does not respond to conservative treatment methods, a structural problem may be to blame. Arthrotomy or open-joint surgery may be necessary to replace or repair the faulty joint. However, this solution comes with more risks than any other option and should be carefully considered.

Alternative TMJ Treatments

Alternative TMJ disorders treatment techniques are worth trying. Non-traditional medicine such as acupuncture, relaxation techniques or biofeedback may manage chronic TMJ pain by helping to relax tight, tense muscles.

The History of Dentistry

Did you know that dentistry is one of the oldest medical professions on Earth? The earliest evidence of dentistry in ancient times dates back to 7000 B.C, teeth were found in a Neolithic graveyard located in Pakistan. The teeth have evidence of holes made from primitive dental drills. The first recorded mention of dentistry was all the way back in 5,000 B.C! A Sumerian text described that dental decay was caused by something known as a “tooth worm.” Sadly, this wasn’t proven false until the 1700s. The first “dentist” was an Egyptian named Hesy-Re, his tomb was inscribed with “the greatest of those who deal with teeth, and of physicians,” and is the first known documented “dental practitioner.” During the times of ancient Greece, both Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote about dentistry and the treatment of decayed teeth. However, the first book that was devoted entirely to dentistry, known as The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Disease and Infirmities of Teeth” wasn’t published until 1530. In the 1700s, dentistry finally became a more defined profession. In 1723, Pierre Fauchard credited as “the Father of Modern Dentistry,” published The Surgeon Dentist, a Treatise on Teeth which defined a system for caring for and treating teeth affected by decay and disease. Fauchard also introduced the idea that sugar led to dental decay, dental fillings, and even the use of prosthesis in dental practice. In 1840, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (the first dental college) was opened. In 1841, Alabama enacted the first dental practice act, and almost 20 years later, The American Dental Association was born. In 1873, Colgate began mass producing toothpaste, with mass-produced toothbrushes to follow a few years later. Each day, advancements are made in the Dentistry field, with laser dentistry, dental implants, and even one-hour teeth whitening. What may be next? Let us know what you think!

Chew on This: Healthy Foods for Your Teeth

Everyone knows how important at home dental care such as brushing and flossing can be for your teeth and gums, but what role can your diet play? Your diet can be extremely important in the prevention, treatment and outcome of your oral health. Foods and beverages high in sugar have always been known to cause cavities, but what kinds of foods can actually improve your overall dental health? Take a look at these 5 great healthy foods for your teeth:

Almonds

Almonds are a great snack for your oral health, they are a great source of protein and calcium while still being low in sugar! Instead of chips, try substituting almonds and other nuts as snacks.

Carrots

Carrots are a great source of fiber and vitamin A and can help scrape debris and bacteria from your teeth. Carrots also increase saliva production, washing away additional bacteria and particles along with reducing your risk of cavities.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens such as kale, broccoli, spinach, etc. are full of vitamins and minerals. Calcium in leafy vegetables can help strengthen teeth and the folate found in them may aid in treating gum disease.

Celery

Celery may not seem like the most exciting snack in the world but it can be extremely beneficial for your teeth. It acts much like a toothbrush, scraping debris and bacteria off your teeth. It’s a great source of vitamin A and C along with antioxidants which can help protect gums and teeth.

Black Tea

Most people probably think tea stains your teeth, but Black Tea can, in fact, improve oral health. Polyphenols found in black tea can inhibit the growth of bacteria which leads to decay and plaque. The nutrients found in black tea can also help with chronic bad breath.

Pregnancy and Dental Health

Are you expecting a new addition to your family and are wondering how it may affect your dental health? Due to the hormone surge women experience when pregnant, certain dental health issues can be more common. There are ways however to prevent oral health issues during your pregnancy. Continue reading to learn more about pregnancy and dental health.

Can Poor Oral Health Affect My Pregnancy?

Recent research on pregnancy and oral health has suggested a link between high dental bacteria and pre-term babies. When you suffer from a gum disease, there is an excessive number of bacteria which can enter your bloodstream via your gums. In certain cases, these bacteria could travel to the uterus and produce prostaglandins, potentially inducing premature labor. If you suffer from gum disease and are expecting a baby, contact Toothworks and we can help get your oral health in check.

Can Pregnancy Cause Any Oral Issues?

When you are pregnant there is a surge of hormones in your body; estrogen and progesterone are two of them. These hormones can actually alter the way dental plaque affects your gums. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis, and symptoms for it can include red, swollen or bleeding gums. To avoid pregnancy gingivitis, we recommend routine brushing and flossing, especially near your gum line. This can reduce and even prevent gingivitis symptoms in some pregnant women. Make sure you eat healthy foods that do not cause excessive plaque and decay. If you are suffering from bleeding, inflamed, red gums, contact Toothworks and schedule an appointment today! Oral pregnancy tumors are something else you may experience during your pregnancy. These are non-cancerous, inflammatory response growths that tend to pop up when gums become irritated. They will typically shrink and go back to normal after the birth. If you have tumor growth that interferes with day to day life, Toothworks may be able to remove it for you. If you have any questions regarding dental treatment and pregnancy, feel free to contact Toothworks Calgary. We’d be happy to schedule an appointment and evaluate your overall oral health!

Ways to Make Your Smile Stand Out

Being self-conscious of your smile is a thing of the past with constant advancements in both general and cosmetic dentistry. Over the years, your teeth take some wear-and-tear, whether it be chips and cracks or discoloration. Luckily it is not something you have to live with forever. If you find yourself hiding your smile, Toothworks cosmetic dentistry services may be perfect for you.

Wondering how to make your smile stand out?

From general hygiene services to teeth whitening, there are a number of cosmetic dentistry services perfect for giving you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

General Hygiene Services

Although regular at home dental care definitely helps with overall oral health, regular scheduled dental care by a professional dentist is always recommended. When you come to Toothworks Calgary we offer various general hygiene services such as oral examinations, routine cleanings, dental polishing, fluoride treatments, gum disease treatments and even professional breath control treatments. These preventative hygiene services can help you achieve your goal.

Gingival Contouring

If you experience exposed tooth roots, loss of tissue between teeth, a gummy smile or deep gum pockets, Gingival Contouring may be the perfect choice for you. The process is done using a laser which removes extra gum tissue and seals the gum leaving no bleeding. Anesthetic is applied for no pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Invisalign

Wanting to straighten your smile without braces? Invisalign is the perfect option for you. Not only is Invisalign safe and easy, it is also invisible. People won’t even notice you’re wearing them. Skip the painful, unsightly braces and go straight for Invisalign.

Dental Implants

Are you missing teeth due to an accident, gum disease or tooth decay? Dental implants can be a great way to replace missing and/or damaged teeth and are a permanent fixture. The implants are anchored to the jaw, functioning just like a real tooth.

Teeth Whitening

Hiding your smile due to discoloration? Hide no more with teeth whitening! At Toothworks we use SpaDent, which whitens teeth in under an hour. For those who wish to do it in the comfort of their own home, we offer customized teeth whitening options. Molds will be taken and a custom teeth whitening tray will be made. All you have to do is follow the directions!

Veneers

If you suffer from chipped, cracked, misaligned, or stained teeth then porcelain veneers may be the perfect cosmetic dentistry option. Veneers are made from a thin piece of porcelain which is customized to fit your teeth. They are placed directly over your natural tooth. You can select the perfect color to match your smile. Being self-conscious about your smile is a thing of the past with Toothworks Calgary’s cosmetic dentistry services. Whether you need to fix the coloration of your smile or replace entire teeth, we’ve got the cosmetic dentistry solution perfect for you.