You may have heard the term root canal and wondered what it is or why people may need one. Well, a root canal is a dental procedure that removes the infected pulp (the nerve of the tooth) and fills the chamber with rubber material before sealing it in. The goal is to remove the infection from inside the tooth to... read more »
How to Avoid Gingivitis What is Gingivitis? Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease causing irritation, swelling and redness of the gum. Gingivitis is often due to a buildup of bacteria and plaque, a sticky layer of food debris and bacteria. This triggers an inflammatory response causing the gums to be swollen and tender. Gingivitis does not cause bone... read more »
What is cleft lip or cleft palate? Cleft lip or cleft palate are most commonly seen in new borns as most parents choose to have the cleft lip or palate fixed through surgeries. It is one of the most common birth defects. The causes of a cleft lip or palate include: genetics Smoking or cosumption of alcohol during pregnancy Deficiency... read more »
What is dental abcess? Dental abcess or a periodontal abscess is a pocket full of pus. Dental abscess has many causes and locations it can occur in. The most common is caused by a cavity that was left untreated and now the bacteria has reached the inside of the tooth and gums. The bacterial pus accumulates in a pocket and... read more »
What are mouth ulcers, causes and preventions? There are many types of mouth ulcers, however, the most common is the aphthous ulcer. You probably know this as a canker sore. These are generally not harmful, just a little irritating. The main causes of canker sores aren't known however they could be due to acidic foods/beverages, stress and injuries to the... read more »
What is GERD, how does it impact our teeth, causes and preventions? GERD, more commonly known as acid reflux is a digestive condition many individuals face. The sphincter in our stomach that prevents the acidic stomach juices from going back up in the mouth is weakened, allowing those acidic juices to go back in the mouth. The weakned sphincter allows... read more »
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digetive issue that impacts the individuals ability to absorp nutrients. It can also cause acid reflux or issues from it's medication. Potential deficiencies in nutrients can impact the gums and saliva. The gums may become irritable and bleed more easily. The saliva contains many essential nutrients for important purposes, without them the saliva loses... read more »
4 common dental myths you may have heard and why they are wrong! We have all heard the myth that tooth loss is genetics, that we will all loose our teeth eventually. This is entirely wrong as tooth loss can be preventable from good oral hygiene habits. The myth that only sweets can cause cavities. This is untrue as cavities... read more »
2 brushing methods for your child! Fones brushing (6 under): Children under the age of 6 are recommended to use the fones brushing technique. This method requires the child to keep their teeth closed together. Hold the toothbrush horizontally and make wide circles, ensuring that all teeth are being covered. The biting surfaces of teeth are scrubed as usual. The... read more »
Step 1: Hold the toothbrush 45 degrees away from your gums, ensuring that the bristles go in-between your wires. Vibrate the toothbrush 10 times in each spot, making sure to cover all teeth. Step 2: Now hold the toothbrush 45 degrees towards the gum line and vibrate 10 times. This cleans the plaque around the gumline as well as stimulates... read more »