Category: general dentistry

Good news! According to the American Dental Association (ADA), Americans in their golden years are now keeping their natural teeth longer than any other time.  The average number of teeth that older people are retaining is growing. However, as these individuals hold on to their teeth longer, more problems are likely to develop. This is all the more reason why routine dental exams are so vital to maintaining oral health.  Some common teeth problems for older people and solutions are discussed as follows:

People over 50 can still develop cavities

• Problem: Tooth decay isn’t just for kids. Older adults can get cavities on tooth surfaces that have never been a problem in the past. They can also develop at the root of a tooth or around an old filling. As people age, teeth roots soften and often become more exposed.
• Solution: Fluoride treatment isn’t reserved for children either; it is one of the 10 most essential health measures to come out of the 20^th Most people in the U.S. have fluorinated tap water. If you are not part of that 80 percent, try adding a fluoride rinse to your daily oral hygiene regime to avoid teeth problems. If necessary, your dentist may prescribe a gel with a stronger fluoride concentration. If you have fluoridated water and are suddenly starting to develop cavities, a dentist-recommended fluoride rinse may be the best solution.

A decrease in saliva production

• Problem: Dry mouth is often a side effect of many prescription medications. As people grow older, they tend to require more prescriptions to function properly. Smoking and certain head injuries can also lead to salivary gland damage, resulting in dry mouth. Sufficient saliva production is your mouth’s best defense against tooth decay. If you are not producing enough, you may be at risk for decay and cavities. Signs of dry mouth include chapped lips, throat dryness and trouble swallowing, persistent foul breath or a metallic taste in your mouth.
• Solution: Stimulate saliva production by sipping water throughout the day or by chewing sugarless gum or candy with Xylitol. A saliva substitute might be prescribed by your dentists or an over-the-counter remedy may be suggested.

Untreated gum disease

• Problem: Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. This is an early stage of gum disease. If this dangerous condition progresses it becomes periodontitis, where the gum pulls away from the tooth allowing for pockets of infection. Eventually, bone loss occurs in the jaw resulting in the loss of teeth.
• Solution: Routine dental check-ups are the best way to monitor your oral health. More frequent professional teeth cleanings may be necessary to ward off the further development of the condition. People who practice good oral habits and keep up with routine dental visits are less likely to develop gum disease.

Teeth shifting with age

• Problem: Shifting teeth are just another part of the aging process. If you have been noticing food getting stuck in new areas in your mouth or if your teeth are starting to overlap, you probably have shifting teeth. Teeth shifting with age can be problematic because it makes them harder to clean. Also, misaligned teeth are more prone to teeth erosion and possible damage to the supporting bone and underlying tissues. Combined with older adult’s tendency to develop gum disease, shifting teeth may accelerate tooth loss.
• Solution: Orthodontic care may be the answer to fixing a problem with shifting teeth. You may need to be fitted for a spacer, retainer or possibly braces in severe cases. Your dentist will discuss the best treatment options with you. You may only need to have your teeth cleaned more frequently.

Frolicking and splashing in a cool swimming pool on a hot summer day brings joy to kids and adults alike. It is refreshing and lap swimming is a great form of exercise. When the school year ends, many kids head to camp sessions with daily swim lessons and open pool time. Folks fortunate enough to own pools on their private property can take the plunge and indulge any time the desire take hold.

Can a swimming pool cause tooth damage?

These wet basins of joy offer much fun and opportunity for a variety of recreational activities, but frequent exposure to pool water can put your dental health at risk. Besides dehydrating your skin and turning light hair green, one of the downfalls of regular swimming pool exposure is the possibility of damaging tooth enamel. It has been reported both by NYU researchers and The Academy of General Dentistry that extended exposure to pool water that hasn’t been well balanced can lead to brown stains on the teeth and tooth erosion. In addition, almost 750 professional swimmers between 1986 and today were surveyed. It was discovered that almost 40 percent of them had experienced tooth enamel damage due to swimming pool exposure. The survey results were published in The American Journal of Epidemiology.

Does alkaline pool water promote brown tooth stains?

Pools need to be maintained at a safe pH level of approximately 7.5. The water will become an alkaline if it reaches more than 7.8. Research has shown that when kids and adults spend more than six hours per week in an alkaline swimming pool the risk for developing brown stains on teeth increases. This unsightly discoloration results from the mixture of high pH pool water and the minerals inside the mouth. This combination becomes a dangerous substance that breaks down proteins in saliva.

Can brown tooth stains be professionally removed?

Fortunately, brown stains on the teeth from swimming are reversible with a proper cleaning. If you notice discoloration beginning to develop on your teeth or a loved one’s teeth, schedule a dental appointment immediately. Sometimes more frequent professional dental cleanings are necessary, particularly during warm seasons or anytime pool water exposure is most frequent. Also, it is very important to keep the pool’s pH level balanced correctly.

At what pH level does swimming pool water become an acid environment?

A pH balance that is too high is one problem, too low of a pH level is quite another. Anything below 7.2 is a damaging acid environment. When your eyes burn and you the pool has a strong chemical odor, the pH level is too low. This doesn’t always mean there is too much chlorine in the water. Acidic swimming pool water is irritating to your skin and very corrosive to your tooth enamel. Everyone who swims in acid level pool water for a few hours per week is susceptible to irreversible tooth enamel erosion. This result has been proven conclusively through case studies. One report demonstrated an incident where the damage occurred in only two weeks of exposure. If you or your child swims laps regularly or participates on a team, be aware of increased sensitivity, and consistently check your teeth and your youngster’s teeth routinely for brown stains or other changes in tooth enamel.

A common canker sore is a painful mouth ulcer that most people will experience at one time or another. A patch of red skin will become present first, and gradually become more inflamed. A white or yellow spot will develop in the middle. Sufferers need to find canker sore relief to be able to chew and speak properly.

Canker Sore Causes

These bothersome sores are sometimes caused by bad habits, like biting the inside of your lip or cheek. Ill-fitting orthodontic appliances are another culprit. Other times, internal factors come into play, like stress, genetics, and a compromised immune system. But still, these irritating spots are best known for popping up for no identifiable reason. Fortunately, there are effective home remedies for canker sores that you may already have on hand. If you are susceptible to spontaneous outbreaks and need canker sore relief from time to time, consider experimenting with the following easy remedies.

Home Remedies for Canker Sores

• • Chamomile Tea: Chamomile is a plant similar to a daisy. It is widely used to promote a calming effect or encourage sleep. This herbal remedy can also help with digestive issues. German chamomile contains an essential oil known as bisabolol or levomenol. This naturally occurring compound is used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. Treatment with a chamomile tea bag will help ease canker sore pain and possibly accelerate healing.
  • Numbing Spray: Both of the essential oils of peppermint and eucalyptus offer anti-inflammatory properties and protection against infection. They also provide a cooling effect to help ease discomfort. To create a therapeutic spray, start with about two tablespoons of either olive or grapeseed oil and pour into a glass mister bottle. Add 8-10 drops each of the essentials oils and shake very well. Spray directly onto the affected area.
  • Coconut Oil: Coconut oil treatment is one of the best ways to get rid of canker sores. This holistic powerhouse helps reduce inflammation, fight infection and is easy to apply. With either your clean hands or a cotton swab, dab a generous dose of coconut oil directly onto the sore. If you find the oil is too runny, melt one tablespoon of it with about half that amount of beeswax to compose a thicker layer.

• Raw Honey: Honey has been used as a potent first aid salve since ancient times. Like the previous canker sore remedies, it offers an anti-bacterial barrier and anti-inflammatory therapy. Simply rinse your mouth with warm water and then dab a thick layer of honey onto the sore. Repeat two or three times per day.
• Yogurt: Eating yogurt every day can help balance bacteria levels in your mouth. A product of fermented milk, yogurt is often used to help populate the gut with healthy bacteria. An overgrowth of bad bacteria in the mouth may lead to the development of canker sores. It is important to use plain yogurt rich in active cultures. Take in at least one tablespoon three times per day. It can be helpful to take in a full cup serving with a touch of raw honey for added healing benefits.

Additional Tips

Limit or omit acidic foods from your diet when you are experiencing a canker sore outbreak. Acid rich foods can trigger the onset of sores and hinder healing. However, some highly acidic juices, like lemon juice, have been helpful at promoting healing. Determine which treatment options work best for you by trial and error, and try to pinpoint your triggers.

Pregnancy brings many changes to the female body. One you may not expect is changes in your oral health. Surging hormones can cause your gum tissues to magnify a normal reaction to plaque. The increase of progesterone may encourage bacteria growth, causing pregnancy gingivitis. Symptoms are noticeable around the second month of pregnancy. Gums are red and swollen, and may bleed during brushing. This discomfort will generally not cease until after the birth. With proper oral hygiene at home and visits to your dental clinic, your teeth should remain healthy throughout pregnancy.

Prevent Enamel Erosion

Vomiting exposes teeth to corrosive stomach acids. Repeated regurgitating will break down enamel, increasing the probability of decay. The highly acidic vomit softens enamel, leaving it susceptible to damage. Even gently brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush is a bad idea. Rinse with plain water, followed by a good fluoridated mouthwash. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.

Hydrate a Dry Mouth

Pregnancy-induced hormone shifts can also lead to a decrease in saliva. This is uncomfortable, and bad for your oral health. Saliva washes away debris and controls bacteria in your mouth. If you are not producing enough, your teeth and gums are more prone to plaque buildup, cavities and pregnancy gingivitis. Drink plenty of water and swish it around your mouth to wash away bacteria and keep dry mouth under control. It is very important to be diligent about oral hygiene during pregnancy. Dental care should include brushing with a quality toothbrush for two full minutes twice daily, flossing daily and using an antimicrobial, fluoridated mouthwash. In addition, healthy eating should be a priority, for both a healthy pregnancy and maintaining oral health. Consuming greens, carrots, nuts and milk are associated with healthy teeth and gums. Stay away from foods that are high in sugar and starch, which create a friendly environment for bacteria. Also, visit your dentist regularly and keep him/her up-to-date with your current stage of pregnancy.

We’ve all been there: you’ve just brushed your teeth, forget about it and take a big swig of orange juice. You’re expecting some delicious refreshment but… yikes! It’s not just orange juice, either. Many foods taste slightly odd after brushing your teeth. So, why is it that food and drink taste so different after you’ve just brushed your teeth? Our common toothpaste contains an ingredient known as sodium laureth sulfate. It is this ingredient that so drastically alters the taste of certain foods you usually enjoy. This ingredient usually appears on the label as SLES or SLS. So why do we have it in toothpaste in the first place? Sodium laureth sulfate is a foaming agent that essentially makes it easier to spread toothpaste around your mouth while you’re brushing. Without it, your teeth brushing experience would be a whole lot different and you wouldn’t be able to perform the same comfortable brushing action as normal. Additionally it has an emulsifying action that contributes to the removal of surface stains and helps dissolve debris. So that’s great, right? It certainly is for brushing your teeth, but has the adverse effect of affecting your taste buds in two very significant ways. One is that it suppresses the receptors on your taste buds so they fail to pick up on sweetness quite so acutely. At the same time the sodium laureth sulfate boosts any bitter tastes, so what you finally end up tasting is bitter to the extreme! Fortunately for everyone this doesn’t last. Around half an hour after brushing your saliva will have diluted everything away and your mouth will be back to normal. So, if you’d like to take a big swig of orange juice in the morning, just remember to try and do it before you brush, it’ll be a much better start to the day!

It’s always a good idea to start making better choices regarding your health and diet. One way to do this is by reducing the amount of sugar you consume in your diet. It’s a good idea for your internal health, and also for your teeth. It can be hard to cut back those cravings brought on by a sweet tooth, but fear not! Here are some foolproof tips for taming that sweet tooth.

Drink plenty of water

We often mistake our craving for sugar as a call from our sweet tooth, when the reality is many times we’re simply dehydrated. If you’re tempted to reach for a sugary snack, try having a glass of water instead, it may be all you need.

Snack well

When you’re craving sugar, it’s usually a little snack you’re after. For this reason it is smart to have some healthy snacks nearby. Fruits and nuts are great, especially berries. You could even try freezing fruit and then blending it to make yourself an ice cream!

Read the label

Labels are there for your help. When you’re shopping for healthy food, be sure to check the labels on everything you buy. If you see sugar high up the list, drop it and look for an alternative. And don’t be fooled just because something says ‘now with less sugar’ or something similar – be sure to read the label thoroughly!

Clear out your cabinets

If you’re seriously worried you’ll be tempted, the best thing that you can do is clear sugar out of your house. If it’s not there, you can’t have it. Throw out all the cookies, the ice cream, the cupcakes, the muffins, the frozen food and the fizzy drinks! Cutting out sugar isn’t easy since it has made its way into many of our everyday meals, but by staying aware and being determined, you can drastically cut down your sugar intake to lead a healthier life.

Do you feel a sharp pang in your teeth when you eat your ice-cream or take a sip of some hot coffee on a cold winter night? If you do, then you might have sensitive teeth. In the case of sensitive teeth it’s recommended you make an appointment to find out if you really do have sensitive teeth or another dental issue. If you do, then you need to be careful about what you eat, what you drink, how often you brush or floss your teeth. People, who have sensitive teeth, often do so due to some underlying problems like gum disease, tooth decay, exposed teeth, worn out fillings, or damaged root canal. You start to have sensitive teeth because there has been some damage to the layer of enamel that is right above your gum line. The function of this enamel is to protect your teeth from chemicals and harmful bacteria in food. There is another layer for protection under the gum line which is called the cementum and this also has the function of protecting the root of the teeth. Below this layer (the cementum) and the enamel is a layer called the dentin, which is thinner than the layers of cementum and enamel. Dentin has some microscopic tubules, which are what the cementum and the enamel are there to protect. If this protective layer suffers any damage then the microscopic tubules of the dentin create a gap for letting in hot, cold, sticky, and acidic foods which then reach the cells and the nerves with the tooth and cause that sharp pang of pain that you feel when you have certain food. Dentin also gets exposed to food when the gums recede, eventually causing hypersensitivity. The problems causing sensitive teeth varies for each person, therefore the treatment also varies to a certain extent. You should never take the advice of another patient and do what they have done. The problem may get worse if not treated in the right way, so it is suggested that you go to a professional dentist and get your teeth looked at. ToothWorks Calgary is one of the many clinics that has certified dentists as well as the authority to prescribe you with the proper medication. Contact us today for an appointment with our amazing dentists who will take the greatest care of you. Say goodbye to hypersensitivity with our help and go back to enjoying your food with every bite.

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.

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.

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.