Have you jumped on the Marie Kondo bandwagon yet? At the start of 2019 Netflix released the series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”. Based on her best-selling book “The Life-Changing Method of Tidying Up”, this series guides us on how to properly declutter and organize our living space while keeping items that only bring us joy...
Teething. Glorious, glorious teething. It happens to all of us but as a parent, life can be quite difficult and upsetting when your little one’s teeth buds start to erupt.
The leaves are starting to fall, the warm summer weather is cooling down with a cool brisk breeze and BAM you’ve come down with a nasty cold. There is a reason for this. The first being more people tend to hang around indoors as opposed to the summer when people spend majority of their free time outside.
Every year it seems there is a new craze in the food and drink industry. This year all the hype is about Matcha Tea. Matcha tea is finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. While we all caught onto the green tea hype years ago because of its heightened amount of antioxidants (a substance that removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism), it is said that one cup of Matcha Tea is comparable to three cups of green tea.
Binge drinking is on the rise. More than 15% of Canadians are regularly bingeing and this is causing problems to relationships and their overall health. Here are some warning signs that you (or someone you might know) is a binge drinker
Dry mouth is a condition where our mouths produces less saliva than normal. It is very common in seniors and it affects approximately 1 in 5 Canadians. When we have low salivary flow, it can increase our chances of cavities and gum disease.
While it is often recommended that you should drink 8 glasses (250ml per glass) a day, the actual amount of required water is recommended on an individual basis. Several factors that affect these recommendations are weight, the climate where you live and how often you exercise.
We’re heading into our third week of school! Can you believe it? As things start to settle down and routines start to kick in, parents are still often left scrambling for healthy and kid acceptable lunch ideas. Here are some yummy ones that your child will love!
Daily brushing and flossing your teeth are the two things that most dental professionals recommend at your regular visits and checkups, but did you know there are a few more things you can do to achieve great breath and a healthy smile?
1) You only need to floss the teeth you want to keep. If you skip flossing from your regular oral hygiene routine you miss out on cleaning over 1/3 of your tooth.
Tooth pain can creep up on you overnight or can be a lingering chronic problem. At Innovation Dental in Vaughan we see patients with tooth pain every day. There are many reasons for the pain, and often a thorough exam is required to diagnose properly.
Cold sores are blisters on the lips and are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) type 1. Did you know that 90% of all people get a cold sore once in their life?
In Today’s Parent January/February 2018 there was an article on cavities in children. Did you know that between 2010 and 2012 almost 30,000 children underwent day surgery to restore decayed teeth?
Blood Pressure Readings: An ideal blood pressure reading is 120/80. The top number is your Systolic Reading this indicates how much blood is pressuring your arteries while your heart is beating.
Scientists at the Tufts University School of Engineering in Medford, MA have invented a sensor that helps you monitor what you eat. Until recently, the ability to accurately track your daily food intake has been fairly unreliable.
Wow! Is it 2018 already? Where did the years go? Today we all live very busy lives. The years seem to pass so quickly and we often don’t realize that it may have been 10 years since we last saw a dentist. Although some may have stayed away on purpose, others had every intention to book an appointment but forgot.
The other day we had a patient (who happens to be a teacher) running late for her dental appointment. When she arrived at the office she informed us that one of her students had their tooth knocked out during gym class.
Believe it or not, teeth are constantly on the move – they’re not fixed solidly into your jawbone. Movement stimulates your bone to stay strong and healthy.
Without a root to stimulate your jawbone, bone loss always occurs. That’s why when your root is damaged or put at risk by a decayed or broken tooth, we try to save as much of the tooth as we can.
One of the most multipurpose restorative options is the dental crown. Crowns protect and secure cracked or broken teeth, strengthen decayed teeth, restore teeth after root canal treatment, and cover severe stains.
What does this mean for you?
Dental crowns are tooth-colored and natural-looking and they function just like real teeth. Your jawbone stays strong and healthy. You can smile and laugh with confidence and eat all the crunchy healthy food you like.
The best part?
Take care of your crowns the same way you take care of your natural teeth….. by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
Scientists from the University of Nottingham and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University hope to find a way to end the dreaded root canal. At the moment they are developing a treatment strategy that may be able to repair the damaged tooth using the patient’s own stem cells.
Root canal treatment consists of the removal of damaged or infected gum tissue and then sealing the canals and tooth with dental material. These scientists are hoping to create a material that will aid in the regeneration of the pulp tissue.
At the moment, the procedure is in the earliest stages and they do not expect that they will be able to test it on humans in the near future.
The proper flossing technique, according to the Canadian Dental Association, begins with a piece of floss the length of a person’s hand to their shoulder. The floss should be wound around the index and middle finger with about two inches of space between. Each tooth should be cleaned by wrapping the floss in a C-shape around the base of the tooth and sliding the floss from base to tip two or three times. If you have braces, follow the same guideline but use a floss threader to get the floss through your braces.
Teeth should be brushed after flossing, according to the guidelines.
Bleeding is a common side effect when a person begins flossing, but it should stop after a few days. If it does not stop, the Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist.
In “Your Oral Healthy.ca” magazine, the article “All The Juicy Details” talks about how good juicing your fruits and vegetables really is, and what the benefits are of drinking lemon water. Dietitian, Julia Stanislavskaia, says that consuming fresh juice with an at-home juicer, or buying cold-pressed juices do provide people with most of the nutrients they need, however, to get the most vitamins and nutrients, it’s best to consume them whole. When it comes to replacing a meal with a juiced drink, essentially, you are only consuming liquid sugar by the body. This can also be an issue for your oral health. When consuming liquid fruits and veggies, Dr. Stephen Abrams says “this creates a very acidic oral environment, and if it is the only nutrient at a meal, it takes a long time for the saliva to return to its neutral pH.”
Many people drink lemon water first thing in the morning, claiming that it boosts their metabolism, clears skin, and helps with their overall health. Both Dr. Abrams and Stanislavskaia say they have not found any studies that states this information is true. However what studies do tell us is that drinking a lot of water in general can increase the feeling of satiety, which does help with weight management. Just
Although the mouth is part of the body, we often think of it as something separate. We often ignore bleeding or tender gums, while an irritation or pain elsewhere in the body would mean a trip to the doctor.
Poor oral health can affect a person’s quality of life. Oral pain, missing teeth or oral infections can influence the way a person speaks, eats and socializes. These oral health problems can reduce a person’s quality of life by affecting their physical, mental and social well-being.
The reality is that oral health problems could be a sign of something serious such as oral cancer. Every year approximately 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer and 1,050 deaths from oral cancer occur. This devastating disease has a low survival rate because it is often diagnosed very late. With early detection the survival rate of oral cancer can be greatly improved. This means going to your dentist for regular dental exams. Your dentist has the training and experience to detect oral cancer early.
Everything that happens in your mouth affects your whole body, which is why it is so important to visit your dentist regularly. Only your dentist has the training, skills and expertise to properly address all your oral health care needs. Regular dental exams help prevent small problems from getting worse.
Smoking has always been one of the hardest habits to break with many gizmo’s and appliances to help curb the cravings. One of the more recent and popular devices to help substitute or quit smoking are E-Cigarettes. For quite some time these colourful devices commonly known as “vapes” have become popular as they appear to be a beneficial substitute over a real cigarette. E- cigarettes have three major components; a battery, a cartridge and a heating element all without the use of many harmful chemicals and tobacco. At a first glance these e-cigarettes appear to be a great alternative for smoking, however, studies have shown that over time they can be equally as harmful to your mouth as a traditional cigarette. This may be because a 10ml liquid solution used to refill the e-cigarettes is comparable to 200 cigarettes worth of nicotine. Some key oral issues that Dr. Saxena has discovered are:
Regular e – cigarette usage puts users at a significantly higher risk of periodontal disease from increased exposure to nicotine.
Persistent dry mouth
Gum tissue and microflora may be affected by the e – cigarette liquid solution and can create an environment conducive to gum tissue mutation and changes in the microflora.
A recent study was conducted comparing the effectiveness of e-cigarettes vs. nicotine patches over a 6-month period and the results were inconclusive. This further proves that e
Scientists at the University of São Paolo have developed a new pain-free way of administering dental anesthetic. Say goodbye to those unfavourable needles. In their study, scientists applied a topical anesthetic to the mouth lining of a pig and stimulated it using a tiny electric current. They found that this electric current caused the anesthetic to diffuse more effectively. This method, a process called iontophoresis may be a potential replacement of injectable anesthetics. At the moment, researchers are trying to create an iontopheretic device that can be properly used in the mouth. So now we all wait with bated breath.
In the 1930’s the Ontario government started a program to provide free dental care to children in remote areas that were only accessible by railroads. Their dental appointments took place in makeshift dental cars for many years. Later, in 1951, a sleeping coach was transformed into a dental car with much better dental equipment and provisions for both the patients and the dentists. While this program was in action, multiple dentists and their spouses lived and worked in this dental car. By 1977 the dental car was retired and bought by John Weir. This man has gracefully preserved a wonderful piece of Ontario’s dental history and a provincial treasure.
With a New Year starting, there is a new reminder that February is Heart and Stroke awareness month!
To hopefully catch a stroke in time you can use the acronym FAST: FACE… Is it drooping? ARMS… Can you raise both? SPEECH… Is it slurred or jumbled? TIME… To call 9-1-1 right away
At Innovation Drive Dental, our patients health is of utmost importance. To support this cause we will be accepting donations for The Heart and Stroke Foundation to support research and aid. At the end of the month, Doctor’s Jennifer and Corey Shulman will match the total amount raised!
Check out the video below to see where your donations will be going to!
It’s October and it’s time to remind everyone that the end of the year is fast approaching. It’s time to think about maximizing any unused dental benefits on any outstanding dental treatment you may have. Unfortunately dental insurance benefits, if not used by the end of the year, expire. Having dental insurance is an awesome benefit, why not take advantage of it. Remember...USE IT OR LOSE IT!
A small start-up group in China created a new device to help smokers kick their habit. Like a FitBit monitors your steps and activity, the ToSee cigarette holder monitors the number of cigarettes you smoke as well as the amount of poison you are inhaling.
You can use the app (available on Android and iOS) to set up custom targets, reminders, tracking the intake of substances over time and how much the habit costs. Eason Wu, the co-founder and chief operating office believes that if people are aware of the amount, the cost and the effects of their habits, they may reduce the amount of cigarettes they smoke or quit altogether.
Before heading out, don’t forget to brush your teeth… and your tongue. While most people only focus on their teeth, the grooves and ridges on your tongue are a breeding ground for bacteria which can cause bad breath.
Choose a good mouthwash
Go with an alcohol free mouthwash. While mouthwash tastes great and seems to cover up bad breath, the alcohol in it can cause a dry mouth. Dry mouth=Bad Breath.
Eat some Strawberries
For a natural pick-me up try eating some strawberries, they are known to brighten your smile as well as freshen breath.
Limit your alcoholic intake
While alcoholic drinks may give you some liquid courage, they also cause dehydration, which can cause dry mouth. And like I said before Dry mouth=Bad breath. Make water your drink of choice to keep you hydrated.
Gum
Try popping some gum in your mouth after your meal. If you can, aim for one that contains Xylitol, a cavity fighting ingredient.
Thumb sucking is very common with kids. It is a habit that is developed at a young age, sometimes starting while still in the womb. It allows children to soothe themselves or can act as something to do when they are bored. Many children stop sucking their thumb between the ages of 2-4, but intervention is recommended once permanent teeth start to develop. At this point, thumb sucking could start to affect the development of the palate and the growing pattern of your child’s adult teeth.
How to encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb?
Don’t mention it. This tends to work if your child sucks their thumb for attention. Ignoring their habit is enough to deter them from continuing it.
Positive reinforcement. Use praise and rewards to encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb. A calendar with stickers is a great idea. Place stickers on the calendar for each day that they did not suck their thumb.
Identify triggers. Does your child suck their thumb when they are stressed? If so, find out the triggers and try to resolve those issues. Maybe a hug, blanket or stuffed animal will ease them and replace thumb sucking.
Gentle reminders. Do not scold, criticize or ridicule your child when they are sucking their thumb. Instead, try creating a subtle signal to bring your child’s attention
Read more
Today is Hug Your Cat day, so I figured… why not write a blog about proper hygiene for your pets? Here is some information on how to improve your pets dental health, whether they are a cat or a dog.
Breath Test: While many of our pets do not have the best smelling breath, we should be concerned if their breath is offensive. Foul smelling breath could be signs of digestion issues or gum disease. If your furry friend has a loss of appetite, vomiting, frequent urination, you should definitely be taking them to the vet.
Lip Service: Once a week lift your pets lips. Their gum tissues should be hard and pink, not red/white. Also make sure there are no fractured teeth and be on a lookout for brown tarter build up, their teeth should be sparkly and white just like yours.
Signs of oral disease: Bad breath, excessive drooling, inflamed gums, ulcers/tumors/cysts on the gum tissue or under the tongue, loose teeth, difficulty eating, pus, a red line along the gum tissue or excessive pawing of their mouth. These signs may show that your pet may have problem in their mouth or a gastro-intestinal related problem.
Tooth decay: Bacteria and plaque forming foods can start to harden on your pets teeth and create tartar build-up which if left on teeth can cause gingivitis and tooth decay.
As much as no one likes flossing, we can all agree that bad breath is worse! Many people avoid flossing because it takes some time and practice to get it right, therefore, they give up. Flossing has many benefits to your oral health such as preventing bad breath and potential cavities. Bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease can be caused by trapped food particles and bacteria in hard to reach areas which can easily be removed with some dental floss. To get into the flossing habit, floss at the same time everyday, keep your floss in a visible place next to your sink, or write it down on your daily ‘to do’ list. While flossing is recommended twice a day, flossing at least once a day is sufficient. It is preferred that you floss at night to remove all food particles and bacteria that has built up throughout the day. Daily flossing will not only improve your overall oral health but help to beat bad breath. Once you commit to this daily habit your teeth will feel cleaner and you’ll smile!
Therapy dogs soothe patients at Victoria dental clinic
Therapy dogs Gryphon and Rigby help calm patients down before they head to the dentist chair
Gryphon and Rigby are therapy dogs at a Victoria dental clinic. (InHarmony Dental Care)
A Victoria dental clinic has come up with a way to calm jittery patients that is perhaps more gentle than knocking them out with a sedative.
Gryphon and Rigby, two old English sheepdog and poodle crossbreeds, sit with patients at InHarmony Dental Care to help calm them down before they head to the dentist chair.
“When we first opened our practice, our goal was to allow people a choice between white knuckling it and being unconscious,” said Kate Darrach-Cottick in an interview with On The Island.
“We figured there had to be something in between — that you could come in and have your needs met in such a way that you would leave in a better frame of mind than when you arrived.”
Darrach-Cottick says sheepdogs have the ability to differentiate between the energy emitted from a running herd of animals and their own. The idea is for Gryphon and Rigby to use that same ability to read people’s energies.
When an antsy patient comes in, Darrach-Cottick would tell the dogs to “go to
Are electric toothbrushes better than your manual brushes? Likely yes! 90% of people do not use the proper techniques when brushing their teeth.
We don’t always hit every tooth or brush long enough. On average, you make about 300 strokes per minute using a manual brush. An electric toothbrush rotates 3000 to 7500 times a minute, and a sonic brush makes 30000 to 40000 strokes per minute.
A dentist in Minnesota states that electric toothbrushes can be very helpful for children, the elderly or anyone who has difficulty using their hands. They are always a good option if you are helping someone brush their teeth.
If you are interested in purchasing an electric toothbrush for you or your loved one, call us at 905-264-0333. We carry Philips Sonicare toothbrushes (and sell them at cost too)
Tea: While tea may be a healthy drink. Dentists say it causes more staining than coffee (especially the basic black variety).
Sauces: Deeply coloured sauces such as tomato, soy and curry sauce cause staining. Switch to white or light coloured sauces and brush and rinse shortly after eating.
Sports Drinks: Sports and energy drinks cause your enamel to erode causing teeth to stain more easily. Water is the better option for hydrating while working out.
Wine: Wine is acidic and causes staining of the teeth. While most people see only red wine as the culprit, white wine (which happens to be even more acidic than red) can cause staining as well.
Fruits and Berries: Blueberries, blackberries and cherries, oh my! These berries and a list of other vibrant coloured fruits can cause teeth to stain, so can juices and pies made from them.
Soda and other carbonated drinks: Looking for a reason to cut back? Thanks to acids and dyes, these drinks — even light-colored ones — can lead to serious stains. Plus, the chemicals that add flavor can also eat away your enamel.
Candy and Sweets: If your candy is causing your tongue to change colour, it could do the same to your teeth.
Thank you to all of our patients who so kindly donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. With your help (and Madeline’s DELICIOUS heart cookies) we were able to raise $181.00. The doctor’s matched that amount so all in all we raised $362.00!!! We could not have done it without you!
You do everything possible to protect your skin, face, body and hair from succumbing to the effects of aging. So, why should your smile be any different? Preserve your smile and keep it looking young with the following recommendations:
Limit tooth fractures: Especially during or after menopause, when the teeth are more susceptible to fractures.
Stay on top of visits to your dentist: Professional cleanings remove calculus that has formed on your teeth. If left on for too long, calculus can cause bone loss, gum inflammation and gum recession.
Steer clear of metal fillings: Composite resin is preferred over the old silver or mercury fillings because it reinforces the tooth and limits cracking.
Replace restorations when necessary: If your restorations are old or have experienced major wear, they may need to be replaced. Bacteria are attracted to imperfections at the junction of the tooth and restoration.
Various factors can cause jaws to shift, putting strain on the surrounding muscles in our mouths. Some of the causes of jaw misalignment are tooth loss, mouth breathing, whiplash, genetics, arthritis or even a slight blow to the head.
People are not aware that unconscious habits such as jutting their chins forward, clenching their teeth when they are angry or even biting down on a pencil or pen can put additional strain on the teeth and jaws. This can cause premature wear and tear on the teeth as they are not designed for this destructive habit.
Jaw problems can also occur in children due to poor oral habits. The most common cause is thumb sucking in children beyond four years of age. Thumb sucking can push their growing teeth out of position by molding their upper palate with their thumb or fingers. This creates narrow arches and cross bites. Fortunately, this is a habit that many children leave behind when their permanent teeth come in.
With a narrow upper arch in both children and adults the tongue positions itself on the floor of the mouth so when they swallow they push their tongue against the teeth that do not meet in order to create a closed space. The tongue is one our most powerful muscles and the sheer strength of its thrusts when swallowing can prevent children/adult from developing or having a normal bite.
The average person visits their dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and check-up, and these are appointments you don’t want to miss as we not know there is a connection between your oral health and your overall health. Inflammation in the mouth and inflammation in the body are correlated. When this goes unchecked, this inflammation can show up in the form as heart disease, stroke, and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
Your mouth is a window to your overall health. Nutrition plays a critical role. Very often, when something flares up, loosens, or looks different in your mouth, it is your body’s way of asking for some type of nutrient it doesn’t have enough of.
Google is throwing its money, brain power and technology at the humble spoon.
Of course these spoons (don’t call them spoogles) are a bit more than your basic utensil: Using hundreds of algorithms, they allow people with essential tremors and Parkinson’s Disease to eat without spilling.
The technology senses how a hand is shaking and makes instant adjustments to stay balanced. In clinical trials, the Liftware spoons reduced shaking of the spoon bowl by an average of 76 per cent.
“We want to help people in their daily lives today and hopefully increase understanding of disease in the long run,” said Google spokesperson Katelin Jabbari.
Other adaptive devices have been developed to help people with tremors — rocker knives, weighted utensils, pen grips. But until now, experts say, technology has not been used in this way.
“It’s totally novel,” said UC San Francisco Medical Center neurologist Dr. Jill Ostrem, who specializes in movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors.
She helped advise the inventors, and says the device has been a remarkable asset for some of her patients.
“I have some patients who couldn’t eat independently, they had to be fed, and now they can eat on their own,” she said. “It
Have you noticed staining on your children’s teeth? Some children who swim in a chlorinated pool up to 14 hours a week may have a hard brown to black in colour stain on their teeth. This staining is often observed along the gum line of the upper and lower front teeth. The good news is that this staining can be removed by your friendly hygienist/dentist and using a special remineralizing toothpaste may prevent it from developing
Today we say farewell to our amazing hygienist Stacey as she embarks on her journey into motherhood! We wish you all the best! We can’t wait to find out if it’s going to be a boy or a girl! We have our guesses!
Halloween is just around the corner and we want to see YOUR spooktacular Halloween costumes! The winner of our Halloween contest will win not one, but TWO Sonicare Kids Electric toothbrushes
We are happy to announce to you, that we are now offering the services of Dr. Jaclyn Altman , Periodontal Specialist to all of our existing patients. Our goal has always been and continues to be your comfort and convenience.
Therefore, Dr. Altman has agreed to be our onsite Specialist and she will be available to all of our patients for consultations and the treatment of:
Periodontal disease
Surgical placement of Implants
Periodontal Surgery
We have reserved one Thursday a month for Dr. Altman from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm for your convenience.
If you are in need of any of the above mentioned treatment or are currently seeing someone for any of these conditions, Dr. Altman can see you in the comfort of our office where all of your records are easily accessible.
Should you need more information, please, don’t hesitate to call our office, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
While some may consider dental implants “modern day dentistry”, you may be surprised to learn that it dates back to ancient Egyptian times.
In 1952, orthopaedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Brånemark, the father of modern day implantology, was researching bone healing and regeneration at Lund University. During this time, he adopted the rabbit ear chamber (a study that was conducted at the University of Cambridge in which a chamber of titanium was embedded into the soft tissue of the ears of rabbits to study blood flow in vivo) to use in a rabbit’s femur. When he had completed the study, he attempted to remove the titanium chambers from the femur, and noticed that the bone had grown back so close to the titanium that the bone and the chambers were almost fused together.
Although Brånemark had originally planned on using this discovery for hip and knee surgery, he decided that because of the high rate of edentulism (missing teeth) in the general population, he would use this discovery towards the replacement of missing teeth. Today, many dental offices still use Brånemark’s dental implant system.
Your tongue can help diagnose general health issues just by looking at it. It’s shape, colour, texture, bumps, and indents can tell you more about your health than you would expect, let’s just say… your tongue is kind of a road map to what is going on in your body.
Tongue Colour
A healthy tongue: pink in colour with a light white coat on it, medium thickness with no cracks, ulcers or teeth marks.
A bright red tongue: A red tongue normally indicates a lack of nutrients in the body, normally Vitamin B and Iron. In children, a strawberry/raspberry coloured tongue can be the early signs of Scarlett fever or Kawasaki disease.
A pale tongue: You are probabley lacking Haemoglobin, the iron-containing protein found in red blood cells. A pale tongue can also suggest bacteria, dead cells, and debris are wedged into your papillae. In some cases, a white tongue may be a sign of anemia or oral thrush (yeast infection).
Purple or bluish tongue: This can mean that fluid and blood are not circulating properly. A purple tongue is common in people who suffer from high cholesterol, heart problems, and chronic bronchitis.
Black and hairy tongues: This is caused by an overgrowth of papillae trapping bacteria and other debris. While this is normally harmless and short lived, it is normally found in
Make sure your review and update your medical history at every visit. Tell your dentist about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs you’re taking, any surgeries you have had (especially those involving the heart or joints – artificial knee or hip replacements, for example) and any existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer that can affect your oral health. The medications and conditions for which they’re prescribed can have an impact on the care provided. You want to make sure that any possible negative interactions are avoided and appropriate precautions are taken before beginning routine dental procedures. If you have had a hip or knee replacement or have a heart murmur, for example you may need antibiotics before any dental work in order to reduce the risk of infection.
1. Flossing can increase your life expectancy. True or False? True. By flossing daily, you can gain an additional 6 years! How? Poor oral hygiene may lead to inflammatory gum diseases and heart disease. By flossing, we rid our mouths of these disease-causing bacteria.
2. What percentage of adults are afraid of the dentist?
More than 80% of adults experience some degree of dental fear. And more than half say this fear may keep them from seeing the dentist
3. Chewing gum is bad for your teeth. True or false? False. Most dentists give gum the thumbs up-as long as it’s sugarless. Chewing gum stimulates saliva flow, which helps protect your teeth against decay-causing bacteria.
4. Toothpaste has an expiry date. True or false? True. Any toothpaste containing fluoride must carry an expiration date and typically it’s two years after the manufacturer date. After this date, fluoride in the toothpaste loses its ability to brush away bacteria in the mouth and protect against cavities.
5. What is the hardest substance in the human body?
Enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body.
6. It’s OK to keep your toothbrush near the toilet as long as it doesn’t
In the October 2013 issue of Dental Teamwork, an article was written about how a mother’s overall oral health can also affect the health of her baby.
When a woman becomes pregnant, she knows how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure the health of her baby; it is now highly recommended that expectant mothers maintain their periodontal health as well.
Periodontal disease is a chronic, bacteria-induced inflammatory condition that attacked the gum tissue, and in worse cases, the bone supporting the teeth. Tenderness, redness, swollen/bleeding gums are all signs of periodontal disease. These signs, especially during pregnancy, should not be ignored and may require treatment from a dental professional.
Research has indicated that women with periodontal disease may be at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes like low-birth weight and pre-term babies. Babies with a birth weight of less than 5.5lbs may be at risk of long-term health problems such as delayed motor skills, social growth and learning disabilities. Similar complications are true for babies born 3 weeks before their due date. Because of this, we encourage pregnant women to take care of their oral health with regular dental cleanings during their pregnancy.
Chewing gum. Your child’s favourite addiction. Did you know that gum-chewing may be the culprit of your child’s headache/migraine? Dr. Nathan Watemberg of Tel Aviv university-affiliated Meir Medical center published his findings in Pediatric neurology.
While typical triggers of headaches in adolescents are stress, tiredness, heat, video games, noise, sunlight, smoking, missed meals and menstruation, Dr. Watemberg noticed that many patients who reported headaches were daily gum chewers.
For this study, Dr. Watemberg observed 30 patients who had chronic headaches/migraines and chewed gum daily (for at least an hour and up to 6 hours a day). He asked them to stop chewing gum for a month and recorded the results. After a month of not chewing gum, patients reported that their headaches/migraines went away completely or that they experienced a decrease in the frequency and severity of their headaches. To test the results, the participants started chewing gum daily again for 2 weeks. Each of them reported the return of their symptoms within days.
Dr. Watemberg concluded that chewing gum puts stress on the TMJ (the joint where the jaw meets the scull) causing migraines and headaches. He says his findings can be put to use immediately. Doctor’s can advise their patients, teenagers with chronic headaches, to simply
Did you know the average person wastes at least 90 glasses of water every day by leaving the tap running while they brush their teeth?
That means in the United States alone, we’re pouring 27 billion glasses of clean, drinkable water every day, just brushing our teeth.
Add your voice to the growing chorus of people around the world who believe that every drop counts, and are pledging to turn off the tap when they brush.
It’s easy to “Save 90 A Day!”
Sign the Dental Patient Pledge Below
I am committed to my oral health and to the health of our planet.
I agree to follow the advice of my dental professionals to brush my teeth twice a day and conserve ninety glasses of water every day by:
1. Wetting my toothbrush under the water
2. Turning off the tap
3. Applying toothpaste
4. Brushing my teeth for 2 minutes
5. Filling a small glass with water
6. Rinsing and swishing with water from the glass.
7. Smiling!
Bad breath (also known as halitosis), we’ve all had it on occasion, but did you know that it is a common condition found in at least 50% of the adult population, with 25% of that group having chronic bad breath?
Here are the most common causes of Halitosis:
1. Sinuses and Tonsils: materials trapped in tonsils are part of our normal defence system. If you have overall healthy gums and teeth, the cause of bad breath could be a sign of a medical disorder such as sinusitis or a respiratory tract infection. You dentist can evaluate the situation and refer you to a medical doctor if needed.
2. Gastric Issues: Although not the most common of bad breath causes, people with gastric issues (gastric reflux and gastrointestinal issue) may experience halitosis. Semi digested food forced back through the sphincter, difficulty digesting certain foods like lactose and corn products, and people infected with Helicobacter pylori (bacteria that thrive on the stomach walls) create more bad breath issues.
3. Food and tongue: Alcohol, cigarettes and specific foods (onion, garlic, etc.) are all contributors to bad breath.
5. Health conditions and medications: Medications that cause xerostomia (dry mouth) are all sources of bad breath. Saliva helps cleanse our mouth by removing bacteria. When we lack saliva flow, bad breath can
While one may consider oral piercings a way of self expression, they must also consider the possible complications and problems that may arise.
When it comes to oral piercings, more dental professionals would not recommend it. Like any injury, one may expect pain, swelling, infections and scar tissue formation, these are only primary problems. With oral piercings, secondary infections may arise and they can be very serious.
If you, or your child are considering an oral piercing, please read below and consider every possibility before making your decision.
What exactly is an oral piercing?
An oral piercing is a piercing anywhere in, or around the mouth. They usually consist of a stainless steel, gold, titanium, plastic or nickel rings or barbells.
What problems can an oral piercing cause?
Problems depend on the area of the piercing. In most cases, tongue, lip, or below the tongue piercings can cause chipping of the teeth, it is recommended that you use plastic jewelry as this may be less damaging.
Tongue piercings, or piercings below the tongue are most prone to serious infections because both these areas have high blood supply. Infections of these areas can be very dangerous because if swelling occurs, one may chance an obstructed airway, which may be life threatening.
Nerve or muscle damage is another problem that can arise. While not usually serious or permanent, it may be unnerving to the
Simple tips for good dental health this Halloween and throughout the year:
Choose better treat options: Plain chocolate or sugarless gum are better options than hard and sticky candies. Sucking on hard candies leaves the mouth constantly bathed in sugar while chewy treats can stick to the teeth. Crunching on hard candies can also result in chips or cracks to the teeth. You can also hand out small items such as themed stickers, pencils or even a toothbrush!
Limit sugary treats to meal times: Allow your child to choose a treat to have with their lunch or dinner. Children are most prone to cavities when they nibble constantly on foods or drinks containing sugar throughout the day.
Share thewealth: Sit down and go through the candy with your child. Let your child choose some of their favourites and agree to give some away to a local food bank or community group.
Reinforce brushing and flossing: Halloween is a great time to remind your kids about the importance of daily brushing (in the morning after breakfast and before bedtime) and flossing. This is one of the simplest ways to keep their mouth clean and healthy.
Losing one or more of your teeth creates a gap in your smile, affects your ability to chew properly, and can alter your diet and nutrition. In addition to these serious issues, tooth loss also causes bone loss. A missing tooth can be replaced by a dental implant without altering the healthy neighbouring teeth. Once the implant is placed, a post is attached providing support for your final crown.
Dental implants are the new standard of care for tooth replacement. They bond with healthy bone and provide permanent support for dental crowns and dentures. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Implants, like natural teeth, stimulate the jaw and prevent bone loss. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it shrinks from lack of stimulating. Not only does this affect your smile, but it can also change the shape of your face causing you to look prematurely aged. Plus, with dental implants, healthy teeth are not compromised.
If you think that a dental implant is the best option for replacing a missing tooth, feel free to contact us at 905-264-0333. We would be happy to refer you to a specialist who would best suit your needs.
Our patient was unhappy with her lateral incisors (the teeth next to her two front teeth). She felt that that were twisted and set back too far. With Componeers we were able to straighten them out, reshape them, and bring them forward in a 1 hour appointment
Patient was frustrated with chipped front teeth and the black triangles along her gum line. She had been to our office and her previous dentist with multiple attempts to repair the chipping. Nothing would stay. With Componeers we were able to add more strength to her teeth and close up the dark triangles. Check it out!
Patient was unhappy with the colour of her lateral incisors (the teeth next to her two front teeth). After several attempts to improve shape and colour, this patient decided to go with the Componeer route before considering the more expensive alternative, veneers.
Chewing Ice: This is one habit to quit in order to prevent tooth damage. Chewing ice can cause gum damage or broken teeth. In some cases, teeth are so badly fractured that they may require more major treatment. If it’s the crunchiness of the ice that keeps you chewing, try chewing on a baby carrots or an apple. (A possible cause of chewing ice may be anemia, if you find yourself chewing on a regular basis, see your family doctor).
Using teeth as scissors (I’m definitely guilty of doing thisL): This nasty habit can lead to tiny divots in your teeth, which in turn, can lead to bigger cracks and/or fractures. When in doubt, USE SCISSORS!
The improper use of toothpicks: If used properly, a toothpick is a great tool for removing food from in between teeth, but if you use it too aggressively, you risk hurting your gums, or breaking the pick off in between your teeth.
Chewing of foreign objects: The only thing that belongs in our mouth is food, so stop chewing on your pens! These objects may be fun to chew on, but they can lead to unnecessary and expensive treatment.
If you’re the victim of any of these habits, feel free to give us a call at 905-264-0333. We would be more than happy to fix you up J
Today, a visit to the dentist is not as scary as it used to be. Dentistry has come a long way, and here at Innovation Drive Dental we offer a spa like atmosphere with the most up to date technology. You should no longer fear the dentist, as we are here to keep your teeth shining and your mouth (and body) healthy.
Do you fear the dentist because of the discomfort you’ve experiences during a cleaning appointment? Nowadays, you do not have to feel anything at all! If you are used to squirming and moaning in the hygiene chair, fear no more, we will offer both topical and local anaesthetic to ensure your cleaning is as comfortable as possible. However, please remember that the discomfort you’re experiencing may be caused because of overall neglect to your oral hygiene in the first place. You should be brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your lovely hygienist twice a year (more often in some cases).
If you fear the dentist because of previous filling experiences, and you hate the sound of the dental drill, we have TVs with Bell Expressvu in all of our operatories to occupy your mind.
If you are feeling any kind of discomfort, overdue for a cleaning, or new to the area, give us a call at 905-264-0333 to experience our spa like dental office for yourself!
1. Line drying clothing: Using super-strong floss is a great choice to hang dry your clothes. Just attach it to 2 stationary objects and you’re good to go!
2. Replace a shoe lace: Have you ever been out and about when all the sudden you realize your shoelace has ripped? If you have dental floss on you, you can use it as a shoe lace replacement until you have the time to buy a new one.
3. Support climbing plants: Plants like roses, cucumbers and tomatoes normally need the help of scaffolding to help them grow upwards. Try using floss. Create a trellis by tying the floss in a ladder pattern.
4. Hang things around the house: No explanation needed.
5. Make a dream catcher: Use different coloured floss for this DIY fun art project.
6. Remove sticky photos: Older photos tend to stick to the pages in photo albums. To prevent damaging the photo in the process of removing it from the album, use a piece of floss and gently slide it between the photo and the album page.
7. Remove cookies from a cookie tray: Do the same thing you would do for removing sticky photos. This time, use the floss between the cookie and the cookie tray and then gently slide the cookies onto a serving plate.
8. Slice cake: You’re on a picnic and forgot to bring a knife along…Don’t worry! If you have floss on you, it should do the trick. Hold the floss tight and
Apthous Ulcers, otherwise known as Canker Sores, are recurrent ulcers within the mouth. They normally appear between the ages of 10 and 20 years old, and are most common in women.
Although there is no direct link to the cause of these ulcers, it is believed that certain foods (citrusy or acidic fruits and vegetables), stresses, vitamin deficiencies (folic acid and B12), and immune problems may be a somewhat cause.
There are three categories of apthous ulcers.
1. Minor Apthous Ulcers: 80% of all cases, no larger than 2-8mm in diameter, last 10-14 days, no scarring left.
2. Major Apthous Ulcers: 10-15% of all cases, larger than 10mm in diameter, last 2-8 weeks, potential of scarring.
3. Herpetiform Apthous Ulcers: 5-10% of all cases, multiple ulcers ranging between 2-3mm, usually painful, no potential of scarring.
While most people do not experience any discomfort and no treatment is required, topical analgesics and anesthetics have been prescribed for those who experience pain. If sores occur frequently, you should see a doctor to rule out any possible underlying systemic disorders.
A less expensive alternative to veneers? Here at Innovation Drive Dental we are proud to introduce a new service called Componeer™ restorations. Componeers™ are polymerised, nano-hybrid-composite shells that can be bonded to your teeth using the same material used in regular restorations.
The Componeer™ shells come in a variety of different sizes to ensure the perfect fit for each tooth. These shells can be used to restore a single tooth, or your whole smile.
Unlike porcelain veneers, Componeers™ are economical and efficient. They save the patient money and the dentist time and extra expenses.
If you think Componeers™ are a good solution for your smile insecurities, give the office a call at (905) 264-0333and we would be happy to get you in for a FREE consultation.
Third Molars, a.k.a. wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop in our mouths. They normally begin erupting around our late teens/early twenties. Most of us do not have room in our mouth for these teeth to properly erupt. Because of this, we may begin to experience jaw pain, sore gum tissue, or bad tastes in our mouth caused by infection. Even if one does have room for the proper eruption of wisdom teeth, they are very difficult to keep clean and tend to still cause some problems. In many cases, the best solution is to extract these teeth.
Your dentist will normally take a panoramic x-ray or full mouth series of x-rays (trying to capture the wisdom teeth) to monitor development and eventually determine the location of your third molars so that they can grasp the level of difficulty for extracting these teeth. Not all dentists extract wisdom teeth so they may decide to refer to you to an oral surgeon.
The surgery may be simple or more complex. If you believe your wisdom teeth are causing you problems please contact our office 905-264-0333. We would be happy to set up an appointment with you to discuss all options.
Are you experiencing prolonged discomfort and sensitivity to hot and cold? Does this discomfort feel like a dull ache that just won’t go away? What you are experiencing may be more than a cavity. This may be pulpitis. Pulpitis is inflammation of the pulp tissue within the tooth. Pulpitis normally occurs when a large cavity has broken through the 2 outer layers of the tooth (enamel and dentin) and reaches the inner pulp (nerves and blood supply). This exposes the pulp to bacteria and infection resulting in inflammation and pressure. Often, the pain and pressure can build to the point where the surrounding teeth begin to hurt as well. This is known as referred pain.
There are two type of pulpitis: Reversible and Irreversible. Reversible can be treated by removing the decay and restoring the tooth with a properly sealed filling. Once this is done, it is possible for the tooth to heal itself and get back to normal. Irreversible occurs when the pulp becomes badly damaged by bacteria, in this case, the tooth must be treated with root canal therapy or an extraction.
The good news is that pulpitis is highly preventable. Avoid pulpitis by:
Having regular dental checkups to spot problems before they start.
Schedule needed fillings as soon as possible. Cavities will only get worse with time.
Call us immediately if you experience sensitivity or pain.
Thinking of quitting smoking? Here are some great health benefits that may help you get the ball rolling!
Within 20 minutes after quitting, blood pressure and heart rate decrease
Within 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood decrease to normal
Within 48 hours, nerve endings and sense of smell and taste both start recovering
Within 3 months, circulation and lung functions improve
Within 9 months, there are decreases in cough and shortness of breath
Within 1 year, the risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half
Within 5 years, the risk of stroke falls to the same as a non-smoker, and the risks of many cancers (mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix) decrease significantly
Within 10 years, the risk of dying from lung cancer is cut in half, and the risks of larynx and pancreas cancers decrease
Within 15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease drops to the level of a non-smoker; lowered risk for developing COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
As part of a healthy lifestyle and to help reduce the risk of oral disease, follow these 5 steps to good oral health. Your whole body will thank you for it.
See your dentist regularly
• Regular checkups and professional cleanings are the best way to prevent problems or to stop small problems from getting worse.
• Your dentist will look for signs of oral disease. Oral diseases, such as oral cancer, often go unnoticed and may lead to or be a sign of serious health problems in other parts of the body.
Keep your mouth clean
• Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss every day. Flossing reaches more than a third of your tooth surface that is otherwise neglected with just brushing.
• Your dentist may also recommend that you use a fluoride or antimicrobial mouthrinse to help prevent cavities or gum disease.
Eat, drink, but be wary
• Healthy food is good for your general health and oral health. The nutrients in healthy foods help you to fight cavities and gum disease.
• Limit consumption of sugar – one of the main causes of dental problems.
• Limit consumption of highly acidic food and drinks. The acid may contribute to dental erosion.
Sore jaw, headaches, neck pain, ear aches, migraines. Do you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms? Often in the morning when you wake up? All of these could be signs of bruxism. Bruxism is a condition where one may grind (brux) and/or clench their teeth. This mainly occurs overnight when you are unaware of it, but may also be occurring during the day when under stress. Bruxism is something you should be aware of. Most are not aware of this habit until they experience pain or until their dentist notices signs within the mouth (loose teeth, receding gum tissue, worn down enamel and sensitive teeth).
Night guard splints are great options to prevent further damage to your teeth. These night guards are typically made of plastic, are fitted to the contours of your upper and/or lower teeth, and are usually worn at night. Although this will not stop your clenching/grinding habits, it will prevent additional wearing of your teeth and temporomandibular (jaw) joints.
If you are experiencing bruxism (grinding/clenching), give our office a call. We would be happy to get you in for a quick assessment with one of our doctors, and if needed, we would be happy to have one of our lovely dental assistants take impressions for a custom night guard.
Root canal therapy is considered to be the most feared dental procedure. Most people fear this procedure based on someone else’s experience, not their own. Because of this, patients are likely to make silly decisions like having a tooth extracted instead of saving it.
Here are some root canal myths that may change the way you view root canals.
1.Root Canal Therapy Is Painful: In most situations, people require root canal therapy because they are experiencing pain caused by infection, a fractured tooth, or a nerve that is slowly dying. All of these conditions can be very uncomfortable. Root canal therapy is a procedure where the nerve of the tooth (the source of the problem) is removed. Many people who have had root canal therapy report that the procedure was comfortable (although long) and felt immediate relief.
2.Completing A Root Canal Requires Several Appointments: While this may be true in some cases, most of the time root canals only require ONE appointment. More than one appointment depends on a few factors. 1) Severity of the infection, 2) Difficulty of the root canal (shape of the nerves, location of the tooth in the mouth, etc), 3) Referring a patient to an endodontist.
Properly restoring a root canalled tooth may require a couple more appointments, but these appointments are not associated with the actual root canal procedure. These other
In cosmetic dentistry, crowns and veneers are both great options to enhance the look of your smile. Both veneers and crowns can change the shape of your teeth, the shade, and the way you feel about your smile. While this all sounds great, make sure you know whether or not you are a candidate for either treatments.
Veneers are the more conservative approach to a better smile. They are similar to a fake nail in the sense that your dentist will remove a thin layer of your natural tooth in order to make room for your new porcelain veneer to be cemented. Veneers are the best option when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, however, Porcelain veneers are not always the best choice if a patient grinds or clenches their teeth. These actions can cause the veneers to pop off regularly. If you already have veneers and find you are in the dental chair frequently to have them cemented back on, a night guard may help with this problem.
Crowns are a good option if your tooth has already been heavily restored, if it’s fractured, weakened with a root canal or grinding, or are in relatively bad shape where a lot of preparation will be required. The process for crown work is more involved and more of your natural tooth is removed to make room for your new crown. Because of this, make sure to discuss any alternatives with your dentist.
Every case is different, and it needs to be assessed carefully by your dentist so that you will get a set of teeth that are
The Dental Hygiene Research center at Old Dominion University in Virginia is conducting a study to see if virtual reality can help ease a patient’s dental fears while being seated in the dental chair. The study is looking to see if visual immersion therapy will help with dental anxiety. In this study, people will wear high tech glasses (similar to those worn in virtual reality simulators) and will be able to watch a movie or something relaxing to try to take their mind off of the treatment they are receiving. Dental hygiene profession Gayle McCombs from the university states that “Many people don’t like to go to the dentist…you hear at least once a day ‘I hate going to the dentist’”.
At the moment, most dental offices use conscious sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help patients relax when they come in for dental treatment. The students at ODU are looking into a way to move away from medication.
Carmelo Padrino will be conducting a clinical trial this semester, he will then write a thesis to be submitted to a professional journal.
A recent article in Canada’s Chatelaine magazine informs readers of foods and drinks that can cause tooth discomfort.
Sparkling Water: Fizzy sipping water can increase tooth sensitivity. The bubbles in sparkling water are highly acidic. Overtime they can slowly eat away tooth enamel. Try drinking carbonated beverages with a straw to prevent the liquids from hitting the teeth directly.
Energy Drinks: Imagine dunking your teeth in acid… This is similar to what happens when you drink energy drinks. These drinks can cause irreparable damage to the enamel that protects your teeth. The caffeine in these drinks can also cause you to grind unintentionally.
Peanut Brittle and Caramels: These treats are notorious for yanking out fillings and crowns. Also, the sugars that are left on your teeth can trigger cavity-causing decay within hours
Sugary Mints: Sucking on mints bathes teeth in a slow release of sugar. This tends to start decay along the gum line where the enamel is thinnest. People who have a mint habit may experience painful nerve exposure which will likely require root canal therapy.
Dried Fruits: Dried fruits are both sugary and sticky. If you do not floss the bits that get wedged between your teeth right away, it leaves your teeth vulnerable to cavities, stains and decay.
The tooth fairy is a fantasy character common in English speaking countries. Children are told that when their teeth fall out, if placed under their pillow, the tooth fairy will come and replace the tooth with money. Most children are intrigued by this tale but eventually discover that the tooth fairy is in fact their parents. Author Vicky Lansky advises parents to tell their children that the tooth fairy pays more for a perfect tooth than a decayed one. This promotes better home oral hygiene. Studies have shown that on average, the tooth fairy will bring children $2.60 per tooth. So, parents, please remember that your child has 20 teeth to lose!
Natural bleaching agent- Strawberries contain Vitamin C and an astringent (tannin). The astringent helps remove surface stains while the Vitamin C aids in removing plaque deposits
Natural tooth brush- Apples act like a toothbrush as you chew them. Chewing apples acts like a toothbrush removing excess bacteria and scrubs your teeth throughout the process. Apples also contain malic acid which is a chemical used in teeth whitening products.
Natural mouthwash- Raisins induce saliva production, this helps in naturally washing away plaque build up.
Cinnamon Gum: Cinnamon gum contains cinnamic aldehyde, a plant essential oil used for flavoring. This oil doesn’t just cover up bad breath, it actually reduces the amount of bacteria in your saliva by 50%.
Fish oil supplements: Fish oil is known to reduce inflammation and bacteria in the mouth, both of which can cause bad breath.
Magnolia Bark Extract: This extract has been shown to kill most oral bacteria that cause bad breath within 30 minutes. It’s often found in mints and toothpaste.
Celery, Apples and Carrots: All of these foods are fiber-rich foods. Fiber-rich foods aid in saliva production which helps wash away plaque build-up.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C can help prevent gum disease and gingivitis which both cause bad breath. This vitamin also makes the mouth inhospitable for bacteria growth.
Black tea: Black tea helps keep your breath smelling sweet because it is full of polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that stop plaque from clinging to your teeth. Studies have also found polyphenols inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thus minimizing the foul-smelling compounds that those bacteria produce.
1. People who drink 3 or more soft drinks a day tend to have 62% more tooth decay, fillings, and tooth loss than those who don’t.
2. Diet sodas are just as damaging as regular sodas at weakening tooth enamel
3. Tooth decay is the 2nd most common disease in the United States after the common cold.
4. The average person brushes his/her teeth between 45 and 70 seconds a day, it is recommended that you brush at least twice a day and for 2 minutes each time.
5. 80% of people are unhappy with their smile.
6. 50% of people report that a smile is the first facial feature they notice.
7. New born babies do not have tooth decay bacteria. Often, the bacteria are transmitted from mother to baby when she kisses the child or blows in hot food/drink before feeding the baby.
8. Over 3 million miles of dental floss are purchased in North America each year.
9. If you don’t floss, you will miss cleaning 35% of your tooth’s surface
10. Some studies find women smile as much as 62 times a day, while men only smile 8 times on average….SO SMILE BOYS!
You’re sitting in the waiting room with your child. The dental assistant comes out and calls your child’s name. As you and your child stand up and start heading towards the operatory, the dental assistant gently touches your shoulder and tells you “Your child is in good hands, have a seat, we will bring him/her back when we are done.” Your eyes are full of fear, but you sit back down and wait. Have you ever wondered why? One reason is that children tend to misbehave more when parents are in the room, another reason may be that you, the parent, fears the dentist yourself.
New studies show that the fear of the dentist in mothers and fathers is normally passed down to their children. Previous studies have linked the fear of the dentist to the patient’s parents, but they have never connected who plays a bigger role in this fear, the mother or the father.
More recent studies prove that the father plays a bigger role in these fears. It appears that children tend to pay more attention to the emotional reaction of their fathers than their mothers when deciding whether situations at the dentist are potentially stressful.
In order to prevent these fears of the dentists, it is important for parents to show their children that they feel at ease in the chair, do not show any signs of anxiety/stress. If you are a parent that avoids the dentist at all costs, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to find another adult, whether it
Are you feeling tired even though you’re getting a full nights rest? Does your partner complain about your snoring? If so, you may be a sufferer of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is not something to simply brush off. It is a serious condition that should always be dealt with. There are 3 different types of sleep apnea:
1. Obstructive sleep apnea- the most common. This occurs when the soft tissue in your throat relaxes and blocks your airway causing loud snoring
2. Central Sleep Apnea: This is a less common type. It occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control your breathing. People with Central Sleep Apnea seldom snore
3. Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea.
Anyone can have sleep apnea, however there are certain health factors that will increase your chances of getting it:
1. Overweight
2. Being a smoker
3. Male
4. Over 65
5. History of sleep apnea in your family and
6. Being black, Hispanic or a Pacific Islander.
There are different degrees of treatment for sleep apnea. Easy ways to avoid sleep apnea would be to lose weight, stop smoking, and avoid alcohol. You can also try sleeping on your side or prop your head up with an extra pillow, this will keep your airway open.
To all of our wonderful patients, we welcome you to 2013. We hope you had relaxing holidays and that it hasn’t been too hard getting back into the swing of things. With all New Years come New Year resolutions. A common, but often unsuccessful one is flossing every day. Many excuses arise, “I don’t floss in the morning because I’m always running late” or “I don’t floss at night because it takes too much time and I’m SO tired”. All these may seem to be legitimate excuses, but what are you doing during your down time? Watching TV? Browsing? Reading a book? A tip we suggest to our patients is to keep floss where you spend most of your down time. Whether that’s in your family room, in your office, or by your bed, make sure to always have floss handy. It takes no more than 2 minutes of your time to floss your teeth, these 2 minutes improve your oral and overall health immensely!
We all know that brushing with fluoride toothpaste is the most recommended and most used method of caring for our teeth. When we do this, we are removing plaque build-up, and in turn reducing bacteria associated with gum disease and tooth decay.
When we brush our toothbrushes become contaminated with the bacteria found in our mouth. Here are some recommended toothbrush care tips:
Do not share toothbrushes. The exchange of body fluids that such sharing would foster places toothbrush sharers at an increased risk for infections.
After brushing, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water to ensure the removal of toothpaste and debris, allow it to air-dry, and store it in an upright position. If multiple brushes are stored in the same holder, do not allow them to contact each other.
It is not necessary to soak toothbrushes in disinfecting solutions or mouthwash. This practice actually may lead to cross-contamination of toothbrushes if the same disinfectant solution is used over a period of time or by multiple users.
It is also unnecessary to use dishwashers, microwaves, or ultraviolet devices to disinfect toothbrushes. These measures may damage the toothbrush.
Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. Such conditions (a humid environment) are more conducive to bacterial growth than the open
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2013 is coming to an end and we’re hoping you’ve all had great year! If you have outstanding treatment and you haven’t reached your individual yearly maximum with your insurance company, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT. Did you know that most insurance plans offer a yearly maximum and if you don’t use it all of that money goes to waste? Most plans don’t roll over the unused dollars. So if you are due for a cleaning, have restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges) that you have been putting off, or any dental treatment for that matter, give us a call today. Because remember… if you don’t USE IT, you LOSE IT!
A common question asked by many of our patients with young children is “When should I be bringing my child in for his/her first dental visit?” At Innovation Dental, we recommend bringing your little one in when they turn 3, unless you have some concerns that you want assessed.
Here are some tips and information for you to understand your child’s teeth and to ensure your child has a healthy and clean mouth:
Baby teeth start to erupt when a child is about 6 months old.
Teeth normally start falling out after the age of 5 and continue falling out until the age of 12.
A well balanced diet is important for the development of healthy teeth.
If your baby sleeps with a bottle, fill it with water.
Before your child has any teeth, the gums should be wiped with a soft wet cloth after every feeding.
Brushing should begin when the first tooth erupts, this will get your child used to it.
Watch for changes in colour, lines or spots on your children’s teeth, these may be signs of a potential problem
Bring your child to the dentist for regular checkups!
If you have any questions, or if your child is at the age to have their first dental visit please call us and we would be happy to help you!
While you wouldn’t let your child play hockey without a helmet, many parents let their child play sports without a mouthguard, this is because many people do not realize the importance of a mouthguard. One may believe that a sports guard only prevents chipping and fracturing of teeth, but in fact, it can prevent much more. “Mouthguards also protect the soft tissues around the mouth and, in more serious injuries, can reduce the risk of jaw fracture by absorbing much of a blow to the jaw…It is further believed that there can be reduction of risk of concussion or severity of concussion”, Dr. Ian McConnachie, an Ottawa-based pediatric dentist. “Between 10-39% of children’s dental injuries result from sports accidents. Mouthguards are proven to reduce the incidence of these injuries”-American Association of Pediatric Dentistry.
There are a variety of different ways for purchasing a mouthguard. 1) Custom-made: Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and create an exact fitting mouthguard. Although these are the most expensive type, they are the most affective. 2) Boil-and-bite: Boil a thermoplastic material to soften it, you will then bite into it to create an impression. These are good for children who are in mixed dentition and losing teeth. 3) Ready –made: These mouthguards are held in place
Innovation Dental is wishing all of our ghouls and goblins a HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Halloween is a fun time to dress up, meet the neighbours and of course GET CANDY! Please remember, candy is SUGAR and what does sugar cause? CAVITIES! When chewed, sugary foods react with bacteria on your teeth to produce an acid that destroys tooth enamel. These acid attacks last up to 30 minutes, enough time to do serious damage to your teeth! Sticky sugars such as cookies and candy will stick in the grooves of your back teeth. These areas are at higher risk for cavities from sticky sugar intake. To all you parents out there, we recommend letting your children indulge in their sugary sweet snacks for the first 24 hours, and then THROW OUT THE CANDY! Easier said than done, we know HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Just as smoking and uncontrolled glucose levels are significant risk factors for developing periodontal disease, there are many studies that show obesity can also be a risk factor for developing periodontal disease.
Over the past 20 years obesity in both men and women has increased by 8-10%. A study done over the span of 5 years used men and women with BMI’s (body weight in kg/height in meters squared) over 30 to determine whether obesity was connected to periodontal disease. These individuals enrolled in this study with no prior history of periodontal disease. At the end of the study, regardless of smoking status or diabetes, it was found that obese persons were at higher risk for developing periodontal disease over healthy individuals. The exact reason for which obesity contributes to periodontal disease is unknown.
Ways to prevent periodontal disease include: eating healthy, exercise, daily flossing and brushing, and regular check-ups with your dentist!
A commonly asked question in a dental office is whether or not amalgam restorations are safe. Amalgam is a restorative material made up of silver, mercury, tin and copper. Recent studies have shown that the placement of amalgam restorations releases a minute amount of mercury vapour into the body, especially when chewing. If there were risks, they would have been observed during the 150 years that this material has been in use. One must remember that although people with amalgam restorations are receiving small amounts of mercury, we are also exposed to mercury through foods we eat, water, and the air we breathe. Here at Innovation Dental we do not place amalgam restorations. We use tooth coloured composite resin fillings. We do this more for esthetics; we are not against the placement of amalgam fillings. We are more than happy to replace silver fillings with composite if a patient requests this or if it is needed, but we feel comfortable leaving amalgam restorations in your mouth if they are stable and doing the trick. If you have any other questions regarding dental amalgam feel free to ask one of the dentists or visit:
As the weather begins to cool down and the wind begins to blow we get patients coming in complaining of tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is when the Dentin of our teeth becomes exposed to the environment. Sometimes our teeth react to hot, cold, sweets, and pressure. The exposure of dentin can be cause by several different factors- wearing of your enamel, decayed teeth (cavities) or root exposure. At times your sensitivity may be relieved simply by brushing with your toothpaste for sensitivity (Sensodyne, Colgate pro-health). If your sensitivity is not generalized and certain teeth are causing the discomfort you can try rubbing your toothpaste for sensitivity on your teeth nightly for a minute without rinsing. These are some simple cures to tooth sensitivity, but they do not always work for everyone. If you are experiencing sensitivity, come visit the Dentists at Innovation Dental so that they can assess your situation and discuss further treatment to help you and your sensitive teeth!
Although you may not want to hear it, our mouths are flowing with bacteria and despite what you may think, the overall health of your mouth affects your overall health.
These bacteria cause oral diseases such as gingivitis (inflammation of your gum tissue) and periodontitis (inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support your teeth). Research shows that an unhealthy mouth may also cause diseases such as: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory problems.
Cavites and gum disease have been linked to poor sleeping habits, as well as beahvioural and developmental problems in children. Studies are examining the connection between pre-term, low birth babies and their mother’s oral health.
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, floss daily, eat healthy and be sure to have regular check-ups with your dentist. If you notice any problems with your gums or teeth, be sure to contact your dentist right away, because a healthy mouth is an investment to your overall health.
It seems that more often than not people wait for pain before seeking treatment from a dental professional.
This is usually the case when people are:
fear the dentist
lack of funds
Did you know that a root canal with crown work costs about the same as having five cavities filled?
The filling work is also far less invasive than root canal treatment or extraction. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly to maintain a healthy mouth and avoid unexpected dental costs, you won’t be sorry.
School starts today! We hope you all enjoyed your summer and got caught up with some rest and relaxation.
When packing up your child’s lunch, try to think of healthy “teeth friendly” snacks and avoid cariogenic (producing/promoting the development of tooth decay) foods.
Foods that are less cariogenic include: vegetable, fruits, dairy products and grain products. Some examples are: slice of cheese, glass of milk, baby carrots, sliced apples. These snacks should be chose over foods high in sugar such as candy, cookies, fruit drinks and soft drinks!
Come to our office and experience the leading newest form of oral cancer detection. This tool uses a blue spectrum light and causes the mouth to fluoresce when something abnormal is detected.
A recent study at the University of Washington has provided insights into VELscope’s potential. A number of mucosal abnormalitlies were detected when using the VELscope during a routine exam. These abnormalities included:
Viral, fungal and bacterial infections
Inflammation from a variety of causes
Squamous papillomas (benign tumors, common in HPV patients)
Salivary gland tumours
In Canada, oral cancer is the 13th most common cancer. Oral cancer can be successfully treated if it is caught at an early stage.
Have you jumped on the Marie Kondo bandwagon yet? At the start of 2019 Netflix released the series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”. Based on her best-selling book “The Life-Changing Method of Tidying Up”, this series guides us on how to properly declutter and organize our living space while keeping items that only bring us joy
