Bad Dental Habits to Quit Right Now

When it comes to our teeth, we can fall behind on taking the proper care for them at times. Instead of quitting our bad habits, we tend to pile up on them. What we fail to realize is how much damage we are causing to our teeth in the long run. By becoming more aware about the bad dental habits that we possess, we might be able to cut it down or get rid of it altogether.

Chewing Ice

Even though chewing ice might satisfy a crunching or chewing sensation some people crave, the hard texture of the ice and the cold actually causes harm to your teeth. They can do this by cracking or chipping them. So, to cut back on this bad habit, try switching to alternatives. This could include chewing on sugar-free chewing gum or drinking normal temperature water.

Drinking Soda

Soda is both acidic and sugary. This is the case with diet sodas as well. So if you have a habit of drinking soda on a daily basis, then you could cause more damage to your teeth than you realize. This is because the consumption of acidic drinks coat your teeth in fluid which causes decay. It has also been found that alcohol and juice are equally harmful in excess and if your teeth aren’t properly cared for after consumption. So, in order to remain on the safe side, try to drink less sugary drinks and more of water.

Not Brushing Your Teeth Correctly

This would not come as a surprise, since we all have heard our parents complaining about it. The ideal time for brushing your teeth is after every meal, but not immediately. You should wait at least thirty minutes before brushing your teeth after meals. This is because the acid which is usually produced by digestion will go away. In addition, when brushing your teeth, the proper procedure also needs to be adopted. You need to brush your teeth in small and gentle circular motions. This is because brushing too roughly can cause damages to your gums and tooth enamel.

Biting Your Nails

Contrary to what people say, biting nails is also bad for your teeth. In this way, different types of viruses and germs can be introduced to your system. It can cause your teeth to move out of its usual place. In some cases, it has also been found that the tooth enamel has splintered, which can be quite dangerous.

Teeth Grinding – Causes and Prevention

For people who wake up with an achy jaw or a headache, if they notice that their jaw pops and clicks when they yawn or open their mouths too wide – there must be some teeth grinding going on at night. While teeth grinding may not be a severe dental problem, it can cause severe misalignment of teeth and can promote gum disease. Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding almost always occurs at night. While it has been linked with stress, it can also be caused by sleep disorders or mechanical problems with the teeth, such as missing teeth. If the problem is mild, the dentist will keep an eye on the wearing of the enamel. For serious cases, the dentist may prescribe a mouth guard to wear at night to protect the teeth. If bruxism is caused by misaligned or broken teeth, dentists will suggest some treatments to correct the problem with crowns or braces. If it is caused by stress and anxiety however, it is a good idea to identify the stress triggers and find ways to relax including jaw-specific therapy, meditation and exercise. Muscle relaxants have helped some people control the problem. In many cases, teeth grinding is not caused by any of the factors above. It can be a side effect of Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Certain types of medications, including antidepressants can lead to bruxism too. For people suffering from teeth grinding, they should ensure they follow a good dental care routine before suing their mouth guards at night. In addition to this, they should visit their dentist regularly so that the level of damage to the enamel can be checked on regularly.

What is TMJ and How to Stay Away From It

TMJ- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is the name or acronym used to describe a collection of dental problems altogether; it is not merely just an isolated dental disorder by itself, but a group on a whole. The problems mainly involve the jaw, that is, the muscles and joints that are around the jaw. Some of the symptoms include having stiff jaw muscles- jaws that are difficult to move about due to the limited and restricted motion; painful popping or clicking in the joint of the jaw; pain while chewing, etc. TMJ is a very a painful and disconcerting disorder that leaves the person feeling uncomfortable and in extreme pain for an extended period of time. If not treated immediately then your jaw might suffer greater damage and actually come out of its natural alignment. This can lead to chronic teeth-grinding and jaw-popping discomforts that will eventually cause more deep-rooted problems in your dental area. Some causes of the disease include clenching teeth for a prolonged length of time, damage in the cartilage of the joint due to any traumatic event or medical causes like arthritis, dislocation of the jaw, or for many other reasons. But sometimes, the causes of TMJ can be unknown, and hence, treatment is not always easily available. So, because of the lack of available treatments, it is always better for you to be careful so as not to acquire the disease. As we all know, prevention is always better than cure, and since this particular disease doesn’t really have a permanent cure in the first place, you must take great care so that you don’t get yourself in a bad situation with TMJ. Some definite ways to avoid it are by taking special care to avoid any injuries to the jaw, any blows to the face, and by fighting the urge to clench your teeth even when under great stress or anger. If your jaw ever feels like its tightening up, then, according to dentists’ suggestions, relax and gently massage your jaw muscles for some time to avoid increasing the tension in the jaw bones- this is a small exercise that will help to relieve the tension from your jaws. Regular visits to the dentist will cover all of these small exercises and also help to maintain good dental health.

Beware of These Common Dental Problems

We want our teeth to be perfect because they are a very important part of our appearance. We also need our teeth to be healthy because they helps us to eat and digest, both of which are a must to keep us in good health. Just brushing your teeth twice is not enough, you must floss between each tooth and go to your dentist for regular check-ups after every few months even if you have no detectable discomforts with your teeth. Some of the most common and widely occurring dental problems can be kept at bay if only these three precautions are taken. If you’re still being careless, here are a few common dental problems that you might have to deal with: 1. Abscessed Tooth: This is an exceedingly common dental problem that most of us have already faced or have heard about. An abscessed tooth is caused when a bacterial infection reaches the pulp of the tooth and accumulated into the gums, near the jawbone. The accumulation of the infection looks like a small, swollen ball of skin filled with pus that causes pain, bad breath, gum redness, and even fever. 2. Tooth Decay (Cavities): Damaged tooth enamel, in other words, cavities are formed when acid eats away at the tooth and lets plaque inside the enamel of the tooth. Accumulation of further food and sugar into the cavity causes more damage to the gums and worsens the problem, leading to a lot of pain and bad breath. 3. Dry Socket: A dry socket is a cavity at the base of the gum-line, which looks like a hollow area full of bacteria and germs. A dry socket often forms after a tooth has been extracted and the blood supply of the area gets cut off. The area shows the difference in color because the nerves here are exposed and susceptible to more damage. These are three of the most common problems that most of us have faced or might be at danger of facing. The only way to prevent these is to keep the mouth clean and fresh by regular brushing, flossing and practicing the ritual of visiting the dentist for a thorough check-up and examination after every few months.

Be More Confident About Your Smile

We all know the importance of having a great smile- a smile can help you engage people, be perceived as friendly and become more well liked and admired by others. Most importantly give you that extra boost of confidence in yourself. One of the most important things that make a smile beautiful is a good set of teeth. Having nice, clean teeth is a start, but sometimes, our teeth tend to get yellowish in color no matter how much we brush them, and this is because of the various colors that are in our everyday food and drinks. While there’s no way that we can actually stop drinking or eating all of the foods that stain our teeth, it is possible to get them to their perfect pearly white color by using teeth whitening methods.

Why take expert help when you can do it yourself at home?

We have all heard of those ‘Do It Yourself’ techniques that can help you whiten your teeth at home, using home ingredients, but the problem here is that many of those ingredients required to whiten the teeth are acidic and damage the coat of enamel over the teeth so that over time, the teeth become weak and prone to wearing off. The safer option for you is to go to an experienced and accredited dentist that practices teeth whitening professionally; sure it will cost you a little more, but it will also save you from doing any damage to your precious teeth.

What’s special about us:

At Toothworks Calgary, you have two options for getting whitened teeth. You can either take our in-office services of teeth whitening, called SpaDent, or get a Home Kit with which you can whiten your teeth safely in the comforts of your home. Our home kit is amazing because it can be customized to meet your particular specifications! Before getting you a kit, we will examine your teeth and find out the specific kind of treatment you require according to your dietary and lifestyle choices, and make you a personalized kit for your dental health. Both of these teeth whitening procedures use chemicals at carefully measured amounts, which not only save your teeth from enamel damage, but also help them resist further yellowing for a long time. Contact our amazing team at Toothworks Calgary right now, because you seldom get an offer as amazing and as safe as this!

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

A cracked tooth is a medical condition in which the person can feel a sudden, sharp pain or contraction when a patient bites or puts pressure onto something in their mouth. The symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome are: 1. Increased tooth sensitivity to varying temperatures 2. Extreme pain in the tooth when chewing or biting something. The pain comes in sharp pangs and is usually more noticeable in that tiny moment in which the pressure is removed again. The pain is irritating, sharp, and can last for a long time, as the sufferers usually think that it’s going to subside, but this isn’t the case. The cracked tooth syndrome usually occurs due to small fractures in the tooth. These fractures may occur in teeth that have undergone too many dental procedures. Sometimes the cracks are so small that they cannot even be detected by x-rays. The cracks can even take place under the gum line, therefore, becoming harder to detect. In any case, if you feel a sharp pain in your teeth while applying pressure, find a good dentist and make an appointment as soon as you can. Cracked tooth syndrome has to be treated as early as possible, because if the crack travels all the way to the pulp chamber and extends into the pulp chamber, then the tooth is at serious risk. The pulp chamber will be exposed and the pulp tissues will be prone to bacterial attack and damage. Gradually, it will get inflamed and result in pulpal necrosis (death of nerves) and tooth abscess, i.e. infection. Cracked tooth syndrome mainly occurs due to fractures in the teeth. Fractures can happen due to a number of different factors. Fractures may be a result of the natural pressure that is always put on the teeth with daily use; it may also happen due to bad chewing habits, any trauma of the teeth, due to the presence of large fillings, extensive tooth decay, or even after a root canal treatment when the teeth are sometimes too susceptible to damage. Treatments for cracked tooth syndrome depend on the type, location, the nature of the tooth, and the reason for the fractures. Some possible treatments include dental bonding, porcelain veneers, etc., depending on other factors. Detecting the cracked tooth syndrome is very important, as it can actually help save the teeth. Visit our qualified dentists in Tooth Works Calgary and set an appointment to discuss the possible treatments. Do not let any underqualified dentist touch your teeth, because they can only do more harm than good. The dentists in Tooth Works are highly qualified to perform complex procedures, and they can even detect problems faster and more effectively due to their experience in oral treatments.

Veneers and Dental Bonding

Most people know that veneers and dental bonding are both cosmetic surgery procedures, which can help hide any dental imperfection and a small glitch in your teeth to give you self-confidence with a beautiful smile to match. Many people are, however, confused as to the differences between these two types of surgeries, because both of them bring about the same results. To know the difference, you have to first know what these procedures individually are:
  • Dental Bonding- In dental bonding, any damage or imperfection of the teeth, that is, problems related to decayed, fractured, chipped or even discolored teeth can be repaired by the application of a composite plastic (resin). At first, the teeth are washed with a mild solution that makes the surface of the teeth rough and allows the bonding material (resin) to stick. After applying the resin, your dentist will shape, sculpt or color your teeth to enhance their appearance. At the last stage, a high-intensity light will be shined on the fixed teeth, so that the material hardens and retains its effectiveness.
  • Veneers- Veneers are very thin pieces of hard material, most commonly porcelain or plastic that are shaped like your teeth. These pieces are attached to the front of your teeth using dental glue. Veneers help repair teeth that are severely chipped, discolored or misshapen. There are two types of veneers to choose from: porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Porcelain veneers cost more, last longer, and require at least two visits to your dentist. Composite veneers, on the other hand, cost less, does not last more than seven years, and can be completed with only one visit to the dental clinic. Getting veneers is simpler than dental bonding, but it requires small microscopic holes to be made in your teeth as the initial step.
Now both of these are amazing inventions that will help you regain your charming smile, but how do you know which one you should get? Veneers or bonding differs from person to person, according to the extent of damage to the teeth and the lifestyle choices they have; your dentist will be able to tell you which one to get, but here are a few points on both of the surgeries that will give you a little idea on the differences. 1. Veneers are harder to stain because they are whole pieces, whereas dental bonding uses porous chemicals that can get stained if you do not take proper care. The general advice for smokers and drinkers is- avoid dental bonding. 2. Many people think that veneers look fake and sometimes may seem uncomfortable in your mouth. The key to this is to go to a good dental clinic that has qualified dentists, which is exactly what Tooth Works Calgary has in store for you. So what are you waiting for? Call us immediately and make an appointment to get yourself a beautiful smile!

Why Fluoride is Good for You

Fluoride is an important mineral for good oral health. It helps prevent cavities by boosting the rate of remineralization and slowing down enamel erosion. The new mineral crystals that form on the tooth crown are larger, denser and better equipped to shield against mouth acid. Plaque breaks down the outer enamel and can seep down into the rods of a tooth, causing internal damage. This demineralization can lead to weakened areas that will eventually form a cavity. Fluoride treatment can help preserve mouth health and ward off tooth decay. Common sources of fluoride include are fluoridated tap water, topical fluoride treatments, toothpaste, and mouthwashes.

Fluoride Toothpaste

A good fluoride toothpaste will help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities from forming in adults and children. It reinforces weak areas and exposed roots, and stops early decay in its tracks. To attain the full benefit, brush at least twice daily with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Supervise young children when it is time to brush, and remember that kids under six should only use a smear of fluoridated toothpaste.

Water with Fluoride

Fortified tap water is a simple, cost-effective way to protect a community from the ravages of tooth decay.
  • If you don’t know if your drinking water contains fluoride, or if you are curious about the exact how much is in your water system, ask your dentist, public works dept. or have your water tested. If not, your dentist may suggest professional fluoride treatments.
  • If you have confirmed that your tap water is not fluoridated, you and your loved ones may be given drops or tablets from your dentist for added fluoride protection.
  • Treated drinking water is the best substitute for soda and sugary fruit drinks as it protects your oral health and there is no harmful exposure to sugar and corrosive acids.
  • Bottled water is better than soft drinks, but it may not contain fluoride.

Fluoride Mouth Rinse

Many mouthwash varieties now have added fluoride. Add a swish with a fluoride rinse to your daily dental care routine for some extra cavity-fighting protection.

What Dental Cleaning Can Do For You

There are many reasons why you should get your teeth cleaned by a dentist at least three times a year. A whitish film builds up on teeth known as plaque. Plaque is the leading cause of tooth decay. This substance which is acidic in nature, eats away at the tooth enamel and if you leave this unattended, you will see cavities soon. Plaque can be effectively removed with regular and proper brushing, flossing and dental cleanings. When you have built-up plaque, gum disease becomes your next concern. Gum disease leads tooth loss and it is a major problem in adults. When gum disease progresses, plaque is able to move further down the tooth where the supporting bone in the jaw can be compromised and cause teeth to fall out. If you have good oral habits and go in for regular dental cleanings, you can greatly reduce this risk. Regular drinking of coffee, tea, wine and the usage of tobacco can stain teeth. When you go in for regular dental cleanings, these built-up stains can be removed and you will get back your bright smile. Although brushing your teeth regularly is a good thing to keep bad breath away, dental cleaning can completely remove the plaque build-up and this can give you fresher breath for a longer time. You will save a lot of money in replacing teeth and expensive treatments for your teeth if you get your teeth cleaned by a dentist regularly. Make your appointment with your dentists today – start saving and look forward to healthy teeth and gums.

How to Improve the Appearance of your Teeth

If you think your teeth could do with some aesthetic improvement, veneers are one of the best options for you. People usually think of teeth whitening when wanting to improve the appearance of their teeth, but few think about getting veneers, which are actually a better option. Veneers help capture that perfect Hollywood smile, which in turn will get you plenty of compliments and boost your confidence. Veneers are also a great option to repair damaged teeth. The process is simple. A thin layer of restorative material is laid over your tooth’s surface. This veneer is made of either composite or porcelain. Most people opt for the latter as it has a better aesthetic appearance. Here are some commonly asked questions about veneers:

1. How long do they last?

When it comes to teeth whitening, it needs to be done regularly. When it comes to veneers however, they can last from 10 to 30 years as long as there are no accidents in between and they are fitted well. The bonding agents used to attach veneers have improved greatly since the time they were first introduced. Spending less time in a dentist’s chair is an added bonus here!

2. What if you don’t like them?

If veneers are not made properly, they can feel thick and uncomfortable. In this case, you should let your dentist know immediately so it can be corrected. This is rare but if it happens, act immediately.

3. Do veneers damage teeth?

Veneers were designed to actually correct damage to teeth by covering worn edges, stained teeth and small gaps. With veneers you do not have to tolerate yellow teeth, gaps and crooked teeth. Veneers help shape teeth and make them appear uniform in color.

4. The cost

Porcelain veneers cost a bit more than composite ones but they also look and feel better. The smile you are waiting to have will cost you as little as $200 a month with zero interest. So whether you are spending $1000 to $2000 per tooth, your dentist will always have flexible payment plans for you. Veneers are the thing for you if you want to make your smile look better. Sit back in the dentist’s chair and enjoy the ride, the results will be worth it. Talk to us at Toothworks!