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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.

Benefits of Chewing Gum

Recent research has shown that chewing gum can be good for your oral health and overall well-being. Improvement in memory, focus, alertness, concentration, stress management, weight management, oral health, and more can be achieved by simply chewing sugar-free gum. However, the surprising results have demonstrated no standard benefits for all gum chewers. Everyone will respond differently.

Chewing Gum for Improved Memory

Tests have shown that people who chewed gum throughout the testing produced superior scores to those participants who did not. Chewing gum appeared to improve memory and cognitive skills.

The act of chewing continuously improves memory by stimulating activity in the portion of the brain (hippocampus) that manages memory. Some studies have discovered that insulin receptors located in the hippocampus may play a role in memory processes. Chewing gum raises glucose levels, the fuel for the body and mind. It can also increase the flow of blood to the brain. More blood means a higher heart rate and improved oxygen delivery up to the brain, which may enhance cognitive abilities.

Reduce Stress and Chew Bubble Gum

We have all grown up being told not to chew gum in the classroom, but due to new discoveries, the tide is turning. Instead of making students take the gum out of their mouths and stick it on their noses, teachers are encouraging gum chewing during tests. The modern belief is that chewing gum helps boost concentration and alertness, helps reduce tension, and, the rhythmic motion releases nervous tension and frustration.

Chew Sugar-free Gum to Maintain Your Weight

Some studies have proven that adults who chewed sugar-free gum or bubble gum ingested fewer calories than those who didn’t chew gum. It was found that both sugared and sugarless gum helped participants to eat less, but sugar-free gum has fewer calories and does not promote tooth decay.The act of chewing helps to reduce cravings for high-calorie snack foods. Chewing gum for about an hour will burn 11 calories.

Chewing GumGets the Digestive Juices Flowing

Chewing gum increases saliva flow which naturally promotes more swallowing. It also improves intestinal motility and prevents acid reflux from backing up into the throat.

Chewing Gum is Good for Your Oral Health

Finally, gum chewing is good for your teeth and overall oral health, because it stimulates saliva production. Saliva is the most important protector of your whole oral cavity.

Saliva balances a harmful, bacteria-riddled environment with powerful anti-bacterial and mineral components. Stimulated saliva also helps flush away food particles, debris, sugars and other acids that lead to decay.

There are numerous dental benefits to chewing sugar-free gum:

Doesn’t cause tooth decay
Re-mineralizes tooth enamel
Antimicrobial effect
Reduces sugary snack cravings
Freshens breath
Whitens teeth
Reduces and prevents staining
Reduces plaque

Want to improve your mental, physical, and oral health? Simply chew a piece of sugar-free gum!

Gum Disease: Symptoms and Treatments

If you have been diagnosed with some level of gum disease you are not alone. Most adults will develop gingivitis or some form of periodontal disease. Problems range from simple inflammation to severe damage to the teeth, supporting bone, and soft tissue. The worst cases of periodontal disease result in tooth loss.

Gum disease is a serious health issue. Research has shown that poor dental health can affect more than just your mouth. Whether the progression of gum disease stops, slows down or worsens, all depends on your oral care habits from this point on.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Human mouths are riddled with bacteria. These harmful critters, along with other particles and debris, form a sticky plaque that adheres to teeth. Regular brushing and flossing help control plaque accumulation. If this substance is not removed, it will harden and become bacteria-rich tartar, which requires professional removal.

If plaque and tartar are not removed, the gums will eventually become inflamed, swollen, and bleed easily. This condition is called gingivitis. This is an early stage of gum disease that can be easily reversed. The gingivitis cure is proper oral hygiene and professional cleanings.

Without gingivitis treatment, this condition can worsen and advance to periodontitis. At this stage, pockets of infection form around teeth, causing the gum to pull away. Tissues and bone that hold teeth in place get broken down by bacteria. Teeth can become loose and need to be removed.

How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?

There are some easy steps you can take every day to help prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease:

Brush your teeth at least two times a day with a good fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once everyday
Keep up with regular routine dental cleanings and check-ups
Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet
Stay away from tobacco products

What are the Signs of Gum Disease?

You might not know you have gum disease until the problem has advanced. Common signs include:

Consistent bad breath
Red, bleeding or inflamed gums, that are tender to the touch
Pain or discomfort when chewing
Loose teeth
Teeth sensitivity

How is periodontal disease treated?

Periodontal disease treatment is designed to manage the infection. The level of gum disease will determine the type of and number of treatments needed. Regardless, proper oral hygiene habits will need to be practiced at home. In addition, certain behavior patterns will need to be adjusted, like quitting smoking.

Deep cleaning through scaling or root planing may be required to remove excess plaque. Scaling involves scraping away tartar buildup above and below gums. Root planing smooths rough areas on the root of a tooth where bacteria gather and contributes to periodontal disease.

3 Reasons Why Brushing Your Tongue is Important

You brush your teeth at least two times every day and remember to floss once per day, so you are quite confident your whole mouth is clean, right? Not completely if you haven’t been regularly brushing your tongue.

Why Should You Brush Your Tongue?

You may wonder why it is necessary to brush your tongue if you are diligent about maintaining your oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing just around enough to rid your mouth of harmful bacteria and germs. While both steps are very important, and so is tongue cleaning.

How to Clean Your Tongue

The human tongue is a large organ that hosts most of the bacteria that reside inside of the mouth. Brushing your tongue is a crucial step that should not be skipped. To remove harmful, odor causing build-up, with a small amount of toothpaste, gently brush the tongue surface. Begin at the far back of the tongue and gradually work your way to the tip. Be sure to clean the entire upper surface and thoroughly rinse with water.

For the most thorough cleaning, use a scraper for tongue cleaning. This dental device is typically made of a soft, flexible material that gently peels away the thin layer of debris atop the surface of the tongue. Always rinse the scraper with warm water after each use.

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Cleaning Your Tongue for Health

In addition, here are three more reasons to make tongue cleaning a part of your daily oral hygiene regime:

Remove the harmful plaque and bacteria that lead to gum disease and other illnesses that can spread throughout the body. It can help improve your overall health.
Eliminate odor-causing germs that accumulate on the tongue and cause bad breath.
It will help improve your quality of life, your food will have more flavor. By brushing your tongue and removing the build-up of plaque film that dulls taste buds, you will be able to enjoy your favorite meals with much greater intensity.

Brush your tongue at least twice per day, once when you clean your teeth in the morning and once again at night. If your mouth is dry or if you experience a sour taste during the day, clean your tongue and rinse with mouthwash to remedy the problem.

Common Causes of Toothaches

All over the world, the most common reason patients seek dental help is to relieve tooth pain. Most frequently the cause of the discomfort is tooth decay. However, there are many other reasons, and identifying them may help prevent future toothaches.

Tooth decay

Decay is the most common cause of tooth pain. Tiny cavities that form in the enamel (outer tooth coating) are usually painless, but when the damage permeates the dentin (inner layer) the tooth then becomes very sensitive. As the decay advances, deeper into the pulp, the pain intensifies. If an infection develops the pulp tissue will die and a pus-filled abscess will form below the root of the diseased tooth.

An abscess may also be a sign of advanced gum disease. The inflammation and infection that comes with an abscess cause pulsating pain and throbbing. It can often be difficult to determine which tooth is in distress.

Periodontitis

Besides swollen, red and bleeding gums, a toothache can also be a sign of advanced gum disease. Infection leads to inflammation of the bone tissues and gum, loss of bone and dull aching pain. An abscess may form in the advanced stages that can be very painful.

Accidents and falls

Accidents and falls may lead to broken or fractured teeth. Although you may or may not notice the damage initially, it will cause severe pain once the fracture reaches the nerves in the pulp of the tooth. Even a shallow break can cause problems as bacteria and plaque accumulate in the opening and eventually cause decay.

Tooth grinding

Tooth grinding or bruxism can chip or wear down teeth. The act puts excessive force on supporting tissues and causes tooth, jaw and muscle pain.

Poor oral hygiene

Improper brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, causing gums to recede or detach around the tooth, and the roots to be exposed. When this occurs, sensitivity to hot, cold and sour foods heightens, and acids cause further erosion since the roots are exposed.

Additional problems include crooked or misaligned teeth, impacted wisdom teeth or pain caused by orthodontic treatments. But sometimes, tooth pain is caused by something unrelated to the jaw or a tooth. Certain conditions in the body cause pain that appears to occur in the mouth. For instance, a sinus infection may result in an ache in the upper back teeth. Although rare, jaw or tooth pain may signal a heart attack. When in doubt, always consult your dentist.