Enamel Dental wants you to enjoy a healthy and fantastic smile! Our team is committed to educating our clients about the best ways they can prevent different types of cavities. Did you know there are different stages of tooth decay? Book your oral health checkup before the upcoming holidays to ensure nothing takes your smile away this season.  

HOW TO PREVENT CAVITIES

  Daily brushing and flossing and using mouthwash immediately come to mind. Listening to your mouth is important. It is best to address any sensitivity or issues as soon as they arise for best results. Putting off your dental appointment is easy to do. We understand how busy life can get. However, you can’t take care of anyone else until you take care of yourself first! There are plenty of additional things you can do to keep your smile radiant including:

• Upgrading to an electric toothbrush
• Choosing expanding dental floss
• Try a Waterpik
• Limiting sugary Halloween candy binges
• Brushing your tongue, roof of your mouth, gums and everywhere!
• Updating your medical history with us if you start new medications
• Dental sealants
• Maintain regular dental appointments with us

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A CAVITY TO FORM?

Everyone is different and of course, diet and genetic factors can play a role. Many cavities are found initially on your dental X-Rays and this is one of the main reasons we like to keep your X-Rays up-to-date. Did you know that it takes quite a while for a cavity to develop? It can take months for a cavity to get to the point that it needs attention, depending on the level of oral hygiene and other contributing factors. Visiting us every six months is one of the best ways you can be proactive with your oral health.

3 TYPES OF CAVITIES

The three kinds of cavities include smooth surface decay, root decay and pit and fissure decay. Smooth Surface Decay: Generally found on the exterior flat portion of the teeth. This type of cavity forms when bacteria is not adequately removed daily and plaque bacteria builds up. Proper brushing and flossing can help prevent future cavities. Root Decay: This is the main kind of decay found in adults who often have receding gums. This type of cavity affects the roots surfaces of the teeth. Pit and Fissure Decay: This issue develops the back teeth on the chewing surfaces. It can be prevented with proper oral care and inconsistent cleaning may be the culprit.

SIX STAGES OF TOOTH DECAY

Our helpful and experienced team has the tools to give your smile the professional care and attention it deserves. The six stages of tooth decay are as follows: White Spots, Enamel Decay, Dentin Decay, Pulp Involvement, Abscess Formation and Tooth Loss.

AVOID THE DECAY DELAY & CALL YOUR PENTICTON DENTIST TODAY!

Don’t ignore your symptoms. If you are experiencing any dental pain, sensitivity or issues with chewing, bad breath or toothache, call our office right away. The earliest stages we can catch tooth decay in, the better. Don’t be embarrassed if you have let your smile get away from you. We are here to help.

Contact us today to book your appointment.

  Enamel Dental wants to help you avoid all types of cavities! This post originally appeared on pentictondentist.com

The post Types Of Cavities & How To Prevent Them appeared first on Dentists, Orthodontists, and Dental Professionals.

Why Cavities Form In Teeth

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a cavity or dental caries forming. Poor oral hygiene, lack of flossing and consuming sugary and acidic foods and beverages such as juice, milk, wine or pop regularly are common culprits. Is a lack of dental insurance keeping you away? Book now and pay later with our PayBright Financial Services.

Additional reasons for cavity formation include:

• Genetics
• Improper dental health education
• Not visiting the dentist regularly
• Dry mouth due to certain medications
• Not brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day (and especially before bed)
• Having a bottle of milk, juice or pablum before bed instead of pure water
• Swimming in unregulated chlorine pools and hot tubs
• Grinding teeth or Bruxism
• Cracked, chipped or broken teeth can allow bacteria to penetrate

How To Prevent Cavities

Avoiding sticky, chewy treats such as toffees and caramels or carbohydrate-rich snacks such as potato chips are advised for a variety of health reasons. These break down into simple sugars over time and wreak havoc on your smile. Of course, most of us do enjoy acidic fruits, candies, and chocolates from time to time. The key is to clean your mouth adequately afterward and maintain regular biannual checkups with us!

Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Gear

We are happy to recommend different products to simplify and enhance your oral hygiene. From electric toothbrushes with built-in timers to special anti-bacterial mouthwashes for advanced cases and expanding dental floss; our courteous and professional team is always ready to answer all of your questions or concerns. It is delightful when clients heed our advice and everyone can see and feel the difference in their future appointments!

Will Cavities Get Worse?

We monitor your teeth, gums, tongue and oral mucosa to ensure that any invasive bacterial issue is treated before it turns into gingivitis or periodontal disease. It is never too late to visit your West Kelowna dentist! Putting off issues due to sensitivity, discomfort, bad breath or embarrassment will likely only compound the problem.

Cavities can take years or months to form…they do not develop overnight. Learning how to care for your smile is something we are passionate about sharing with every client. Let New Look Dental help you find your smile again!

How Cavities Are Formed In Teeth

Biofilm, plaque bacteria and food and drink residue can destroy the outer, protective layer of enamel that surrounds each tooth. Once your enamel layer is gone, it is gone. We, unfortunately, do not regenerate this hardest substance in our bodies; hence, prevention and protection are key. After this layer is missing, decay can set in and essentially bore away at your tooth.

Can A Decayed Tooth Be Saved?

Catching cavities when they start is ideal and yes, we always prefer to save your original tooth if possible. If the decay is left untreated, it can travel down to the root of the tooth and create an abscess. Even at this stage, a root canal or endodontic therapy can potentially save your smile. If the decay is too deep, or the rest of your tooth is too damaged, a dental extraction may be recommended.

Education Is Key

While it can be tempting to lie to yourself and decide that you will “deal with this later,” or “chew gum every day to mask your decaying dragon breath,” there IS a better way! Book a cleaning with New Look Dental and get the facts you need for your smile, your oral health and your entire body to succeed.

Did You Know…?

After all, our oral health affects much more than simply our smile. Swallowing copious amounts of bacteria daily can affect your heart and may even be linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and memory problems. Ensure you are giving your system the best chance to radiate health and happiness by maintaining your regular dental checkups.

Book A Cleaning With New Look Dental Today!

We’ve got awesome hours and ample parking for you and your family.

We are located in central West Kelowna behind Superstore on Old Okanagan Hwy. Visit us to get the low down on your smile and caring, helpful advice you can trust.

Happy Holidays from all of us at New Look Dental!

This post originally appeared on newlookdental.ca

The post What Will Happen If Cavities Are Left Untreated? appeared first on Dentists, Orthodontists, and Dental Professionals.

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth’s crust and is widely distributed in nature. It can be found in water, soil, plants, rocks, our food and even in the air.

Due to its ability to increase bone mass, it is also produced synthetically for use in drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwashes and various chemical products.

It has also been used as an experimental treatment for osteoporosis.

Fluoride and Health Benefits

Fluoride has many health benefits, one of the primary benefits being that it promotes new bone formation. This benefit of fluoride has been extensively researched since the 1930s.

In the 1930s, researchers found that people who grew up drinking naturally fluoridated water had up to two-thirds fewer cavities than people living in areas without fluoridated water.

This observation has since led to fluoride intentionally being used in drinking water and in dentistry.

How Is Fluoride Treatment Used in Dentistry?

Dentists apply professional fluoride treatments to help patients who may be at risk for cavities.

These professional fluoride treatments are applied with a swab, brush, tray, or mouthwash in the form of a highly concentrated rinse, foam, gel, or varnish. Kids often opt for a flavoured fluoride treatment.

What Is Dental Fluoride Used for in Dentistry

Dental fluoride can help prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.

When bacteria in your mouth break down sugar and carbs, they produce acids that eat away at the minerals in your tooth enamel. This loss of minerals is called demineralization. Weakened tooth enamel leaves your teeth vulnerable to bacteria that cause cavities.

Fluoride helps to re-mineralize your tooth enamel, which can prevent cavities and reverse early signs of tooth decay.

What Is Dental Fluoride: Its Effects on Children

Fluoride concentrates in the growing bones and developing teeth of children, helping to harden the enamel on baby and adult teeth before they emerge.

If your child’s main source of tap water is not fluoridated, your child’s dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements. These supplements come either as drops or tablets and are taken orally. The amount of fluoride that is prescribed is based on the child’s age and amount of fluoride in their drinking water.

It’s important for your family dentist to be aware of your child’s fluoride intake before prescribing fluoride supplements. If your child has too much fluoride, this can increase your child’s risk of getting dental fluorosis.

Dental fluorosis is the appearance of faint white lines or streaks on the teeth that only occurs when younger children consume too much fluoride, from any source, over long periods when teeth are developing under the gums. Once a child’s adult teeth come in, they are no longer at risk for dental fluorosis.

Fluoride Toothpaste and Fluoride Treatment

If your drinking water is fluoridated, then brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste is considered sufficient for adults and children with healthy teeth who have a low risk of decay.

However, if your community’s water is not fluoridated and does not have enough natural fluoride in it (1 part per million is considered optimal), you may be at a risk for tooth decay.

Other factors that may put you at a risk for tooth decay include:

• High sugar-intake
• Taking medications that increase dry mouth
• Old age
• Genetics
• Poor oral care

If you are at high risk for tooth cavities, your dentist may give you a professional fluoride treatment at the dental office or prescribe you fluoride tablets or drops to take daily at home.

Fluoride Treatment West Kelowna

Visit our True Dental office for your fluoride treatment in West Kelowna. Our highly trained team can identify oral health issues early on so that they don’t become bigger and far more serious health issues in the future. Let us help you detect early symptoms of decay which may be treatable with dental fluoride.

Want to learn more about dental fluoride treatment? Book an appointment with True Dental West Kelowna today!

This post originally appeared on truedental.ca

The post What Is Dental Fluoride? appeared first on Dentists, Orthodontists, and Dental Professionals.

New Look Dental can help ensure your smile is healthy and radiant just in time for the holiday season! If you haven’t booked your oral hygiene appointment, now is a great time to get in and maximize your 2019 dental health benefits.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

You may be wondering, “How do I know if I have a cavity?” or “How long does it take for a cavity to form?” The answers may surprise you.

Many clients assume they will experience dental discomfort and telltale symptoms. While this may be the case for more advanced stages, many people discover the issue when they update their dental X-Rays early on.

Dental X-Rays

Dental technology is so precise that we can often see shadows and problematic issues before they cause discomfort. This is one of the main reasons it is important to keep your dental X-Rays up-to-date. Our friendly and compassionate dental team will check your records and advise when you are due for your next set of X-Rays – just keep up with your regular appointments.

Stages of Tooth Decay

Catching tooth decay during its infancy is ideal. When we can treat the problem before it causes any grief or tooth pain when chewing, we are able to prevent the cavity from spreading. If the bacterial infection gets into the pulp of the tooth and close to the nerve, it can become nerve-wracking.

Clients are often disappointed to hear they need a root canal instead of a simple filling because they put off their dental work for too long.

The stages of tooth decay are:

• First Stage = White Spots
• Second Stage = Enamel Decay
• Third Stage = Dentin Decay
• Fourth Stage = Pulp Involvement
• Fifth Stage = Abscess Formation
• Sixth Stage = Tooth Loss

How Long Does It Take To Get A Filling?

Most minor fillings are fixed within a few minutes. We offer a variety of sedation techniques at New Look Dental to keep you happy and relaxed during your appointment.

There is topical freezing we can apply before the needle with medicine is given to numb a portion of your mouth. Even if you require a more extensive endodontic procedure such as a root canal, you will be in and out of the chair in no time!

When Can You Eat After A Filling?

Our team is committed to providing clients with everything they need for a successful procedure before and after. Your mouth will be frozen for up to a couple of hours after the procedure.

Eating and chewing during this time are not recommended as you can easily bite your tongue. Pre-planning by eating ahead of time if possible or relying on soup broths or protein shakes afterward are great options.

Dental Checkup Before Holidays

Are you planning on travelling to visit family, friends or a beach this holiday season? Avoid the potential for a dental emergency by getting in your annual checkups now. New Look Dental wants to help you prevent cavities and educating our clients is something we take pride in.

Let Us Help You Care For Your Smile

We invite you to discuss any dental concerns. Our team is always happy to answer your questions or concerns. If something feels strange with your smile, don’t delay.

Book an Appointment at New Look Dental to take care of tooth decay ASAP! We look forward to helping you achieve all of your general and cosmetic dentistry goals.

*This post originally appeared on newlookdental.ca

The post Take Care Of Tooth Decay ASAP! appeared first on Dentists, Orthodontists, and Dental Professionals.

• Yogurt, milk and puddings
• Cheese
• Tofu
• Soft fruit, bananas
• Oatmeal
• Cooked grains
• Creamed soups
• Nut spreads
• Hummus
• Blended shakes and so much more!

Plan Ahead To Avoid Food Stuck In Braces

Our warm and caring dental team is happy to share our favourite tips and tricks to make living with orthodontics easier to manage. We understand it can be difficult during wire changes and that soreness in the jaw can make eating harder.

Soft foods are your friends. Plan ahead and make or prepare some delicious soups to enjoy on appointment days and for the next 72 hours. Pureeing foods in a blender also works well. Mashed potatoes and mashed up spaghetti may not look super exciting but they will taste great and satisfy. Steam your veggies to avoid having food stuck in braces and lessen your chances of embarrassing moments.

Your Ortho Travel Kit Can Combat Food Stuck In Braces

Ortho travel kits save smiles! Keep one in the glove box of your car, in your locker or desk at school and your gym bag or backpack. Your on-the-go ortho kit can include orthodontic floss, a toothbrush, toothpaste and special cleaning pics to ensure your smile is healthy and harmonious after every meal.

Brushing your teeth regularly after eating can help you avoid unsightly food particles becoming trapped in your brackets. If you are using Invisalign, ensure your appliance case is in your travel kit. Having a safe and sanitary place to store your clear aligners during mealtime is essential.

Avoid These Items to Stop Food Stuck In Braces

Your smile is one of the first things people notice. If you have 6-month smiles or traditional brackets, avoid corn on the cob, chewing meat on the bone, popcorn, hard candies, chewy toffees, candy and even whole apples. Anything you need to bite into to enjoy can become an instant red flag. One wrong bite can damage or break your wires or brackets.

While it may feel like you need to learn how to eat all over again, Canyon Dental is confident you will adjust with some patience. If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, feel free to call us or ask at your next appointment.

Canyon Dental Is Here For Your Ortho Emergencies

It happens; brackets fall off and wires break or get bent sometimes, dogs chew on your Invisalign aligners and the list goes on! We can arrange for you to come in for a fix if and when you need it!

It is better to amend the situation ASAP as your teeth are susceptible to shifting. Don’t live with scratchy or pokey wire issues. Call Canyon Dental at the first sign of any discomfort or loose or broken dental appliances so we can fix it up and have you smiling again in no time.

Book Your Orthodontic Consultation At Canyon Dental Today

Whether you currently have braces or have been considering them, we have all the options you need. Our gentle and friendly team has the professional solutions your smile deserves.

Conveniently located in the Southcentre Mall. Stop in and say “hi,” next time you are in. Or, call us to book your next orthodontic appointment or consultation. We love giving you even more reasons to smile!

*This post originally appeared on canyondental.ca

The post Best Dietary Choices to Combat Food Stuck In Braces appeared first on Dentists, Orthodontists, and Dental Professionals.

Establishing great oral hygiene habits early on is essential. Here are some tips from your Richmond dentist:

• Brush together with the kids (monkey see, monkey do)
• Help kids under 12 brush and floss correctly
• Watch for bleeding, red, puffy or inflamed gums
• Use quality mouthwash
• Check to see if your child’s toothbrush is wet or smell their breath if they say they brushed and you are not sure if they are telling the truth
• Get kids and teenagers to smell their used dental floss and remind them their mouth smells the same to encourage more flossing (and a better social life)
• Brush teeth at least twice a day (before bed and before leaving the house in the morning) for 2 minutes
• Try an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer
• Try plaque rinses or tablets to show kids where they need to brush more
• Visit your Richmond dentist regularly to monitor oral health
• Change toothbrush every three months or after a cold or a coldsore (Herpes Simplex 1)

Dental Decay: The Most Preventable Chronic Childhood Disease

We strive to make visiting your Richmond dentist informative, exciting and interesting! When we become educated on certain tasks in life, they become easier to accomplish. When we can understand the why and how behind the job, it can make it more enjoyable and feel less like a chore.

Dental caries or cavities are considered to be one of the most preventable chronic childhood diseases. A good rule of thumb is to have your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday. Visiting us every 6 months after is the best way we can monitor the health and well-being of their smile.

Your Richmond Dentist Makes Visits Exciting!

Kids love to come to Kaizen Dental to learn about sugar-bugs and how they can take care of their teeth. We have some hands-on tools to encourage proper teeth brushing and flossing techniques. Reminding children that decay on their baby teeth could potentially affect their adult teeth can often help them take more responsibility for their smile.

Our family-friendly dental clinic is happy to address everyone’s dental concerns and answer all of your questions. We feel that you can choose the best options much easier once you have the facts.

We will ensure your dental records and X-Rays are up to date. Kindly inform us if you have started taking any new medication or if you have recently moved.

Maximize Your 2019 Dental Benefits

We look forward to helping you achieve all of your dental goals. Regular daily care and biannual dental visits are the best way to stay proactive in your oral health. Letting your smile go can lead to pain, discomfort and expense.

We look forward to helping you monitor your family’s beautiful smiles. Contact your Richmond dentist today to book your family in for everyone’s fall checkups!

*This post originally appeared on kaizendental.com

The post Richmond Dentist Recommends Teeth Cleaning Tips For Kids appeared first on Dentists, Orthodontists, and Dental Professionals.

Although many patients prefer to keep this information private, the dentist needs to know this information in order to keep you safe and to know the best course of action for your dental health.

If you’re not entirely convinced that your dentist needs to know all facets of your medical history, keep reading to understand why it’s important to fill out a medical history form as accurately and completely as possible.

Medical History Form for Dental Office: Medications

Why is it important for dentists to know all your medications? This is a commonly asked question.

Some medications you take on a regular basis may impact your course of dental treatment. In the scenario that you require medication before, during, or after a dental procedure, the dentist needs to know the medications you take so that he or she can prescribe you a medication that won’t have a negative interaction with your regular dose of medication. There are also some medications that have negative interactions with certain types of anesthetics; the type of anesthetic you are given before dental surgery may depend on medications you’re on.

Improving Oral Health

Also, if your dentist knows what medications you’re using, this can help them improve your dental health; certain medications can be the underlying cause of many dental issues. For example, some medications cause dry mouth and dry mouth not only increases the risk for cavities but can also lead to gum disease. Without treatment, these conditions can lead to a root canal or tooth loss.

A dentist will never tell you to stop taking your medication because it causes dry mouth, but they will keep a closer eye on any changes in your oral health and may suggest for you to come in more frequently. Some vitamins and natural remedies can also have negative side effects on your teeth and gums.

To keep your safety in check and determine the best course of action, the dentist needs to be informed of any and all medications you are taking.

Health Conditions Highlighted in Medical History Form for Dental Office

Implications for Immune System

Some health conditions like diabetes, and some medications like steroids, reduce the effectiveness of your immune system. Poor immunity could be the underlying cause of any oral health issues you may have, and this would be beneficial for the dentist to know.

It’s also important to have a healthy immune system before a major dental procedure. A healthy immune system can help fight off infections and if the surgery puts you at risk for infection, your dentist may prescribe you an antibiotic (that doesn’t have any negative interactions with medication you’re currently taking).

Dentists also never want to put their patients in a position where their health and immunity could be compromised. Before surgical dental procedures, it is best for the patient to have optimal health and for the patient to let their dentist know otherwise.

Periodontitis and Increased Health Risks

Informing your dentist of health conditions can also help them better understand your oral health and monitor changes in tooth health more closely. Patients with heart disease tend to be more susceptible to periodontal diseases. In some studies, it has been suggested that periodontal disease-causing bacteria has the potential to play an active part in making the heart disease worse in a patient and increase their risk of heart failure.

Similarly, patients with diabetes are also at a higher risk for periodontal disease. Patients with diabetes also have an increased risk for wound infection post-dental surgery and their gums take much longer to heal after any type of dental procedure. Therefore, it is very important for your dentist to know your history of diabetes, so that he or she can prescribe adequate medication to decrease your risk of infection post-surgery.

Have Artificial Parts? Add This to Your Medical History Form for Dental Office

Some patients with artificial parts need to take preventive antibiotics before certain dental procedures are performed. For example, patients with an artificial heart valve may need to take an antibiotic prior to certain treatments to help prevent a serious infection from occurring.

Another situation where a patient may need to take a prescribed antibiotic before a dental procedure is if the patient has had a knee or hip replacement. Patients who have a history of joint replacement may have to first undergo a cycle of antibiotic prophylaxis before the dental treatment begins.

The relevance of this treatment is that it helps to eliminate any oral bacteria from entering the bloodstream so that it does not adversely affect the new joint. Therefore, it is imperative that you give your dentist full information about any such surgery that you may have undergone in your medical history.

Medical History Form for Dental Office is Kept Private

All information on your medical history questionnaire is kept strictly private and is protected by doctor-patient confidentiality meaning, it will not be shared with anyone outside your dentist office without your permission.

Sometimes your dentist may wish to speak with your family doctor or medical specialist to get more details about your medical situation. If your dentist needs to consult with your doctor or another health-care provider, this will be discussed with you first.

Medical History Form for Dental Office at Best Dentist in Kelowna

At the risk of sounding redundant, it is extremely important for you to complete your medical history form for dental office as accurately and completely as possible. It is also as equally important to update your dental medical history form whenever there’s a change in your health or prescribed medications.

For dental professionals who truly want to improve your dental health in the most comfortable and safe way possible, connect with True Dental today!

*This post originally appeared on truedental.ca

The post Medical History Form for Dental Office—Why Is It Important? appeared first on Dentists, Orthodontists, and Dental Professionals.

What is an Abnormal Bite? 

Here at New Look Dental, we get asked by many patients “what causes a bad bite?”. First, you may be wondering “What is an abnormal bite?”.  An abnormal bite occurs when your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together correctly. This misalignment can cause a range of issues with your teeth, jaw and overall well-being. An abnormal bite, also known as malocclusion, could be from crowded teeth, an overbite, crossbite, open bite or underbite. Ideally, your upper and lower teeth should fit together without any spaces or crowding issues. 

What Causes a Bad Bite?  

You may be wondering “what causes a bad bite?”. Typically, a misaligned jaw may be from genetics. If other members of your family have experienced malocclusion, you may be more likely to have it. However, there are occasions where an individual has a misaligned bite from other causes. Other causes that may contribute to a bad bite include:  

• Abnormally shaped or impacted teeth 
• Injuries that affect the jaw  
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids 
• Chronic thumb-sucking, pacifier use or bottle feeding in early childhood 
• Poor oral care 

What Should Your Bite Look Like?

If you’re wondering what your bite should look like, ideally, your teeth should fit together without any spacing or crowding issues. Your upper front teeth should overlap your bottom teeth ever so slightly to allow your molars’ pointed ridges to fit into the groves of the molars opposite to them. Deviations from this is considered a misaligned bite.  

How Do I Know if My Jaw is Misaligned?  

A misaligned jaw can cause a range of symptoms and concerns for your oral health. If you’re wondering, “How do I know if my jaw is misaligned?”, here are a few of the signs and symptoms that indicate a malocclusion:  

• Teeth are improperly aligned  
• A “click” in your jaw when chewing or opening your mouth  
• Experiencing frequent headaches, especially when you wake up  
• Biting of the inner cheeks and/or tongue, sometimes while you’re sleeping  
• Constant feeling of tension in your jaw  
• Difficulty or discomfort biting or chewing 

Can a Bad Bite Cause Neck Pain? 

Having a misaligned jaw causes a range of oral health issues, and if bad enough, can cause headaches, neck pain, and jaw pain. If you’re experiencing tension headaches and neckaches, it may be from a misaligned jaw. However, if you’re unsure if you have a misaligned jaw, we recommend booking an appointment with your Kelowna Dentist. Dental experts, like the team at New Look, will be able to properly diagnose your jaw and help you find a personalized solution to ease your jaw tension and align your bite properly.  

Can A Dentist Adjust Your Bite?  

Typically, when a patient discovers the have a misaligned jaw, one of their first questions is “can a dentist adjust my bite?”. The specific solution for re-aligning one’s bite will vary depending on the specifics of your individual bite. At New Look, we’ve helped many patients find relief by re-aligning their bite.  

What is a Bite Adjustment Procedure? 

After receiving consultation on their bite, you’ll likely be wondering “What is a bite adjustment procedure?”. If you’re working with the team here at New Look, we’ll create a jaw alignment treatment plan as personalized as your smile. We’ll assess the root causes of the misalignment, and what work needs to be done to align your jaw. Treatment could range from braces or Six Month Smiles to correct the position of the teeth, to the removal of teeth if there is overcrowding, and possibly the use of appliances to help adjust your teeth and jaw position.  

Bite Adjustment at New Look: West Kelowna Dentist  

If you’re experiencing the signs and symptoms of a misaligned jaw mentioned, the good news is, we can help you find relief from the tension and start aligning your jaw. If you think you may have a misaligned jaw, we recommend making an appointment with your Kelowna Dentist as soon as possible to start working towards a solution. The longer dental issues such as a misaligned jaw are left, the worse they can become with time. If you’ve been putting off dental treatment due to financial reasons, contact Shelley, our New Patient & Treatment Coordinator. Shelley meets with every patient one-on-one to help you understand your options, explain benefits, insurance, and our financing option, PayBright.  

With our financing plan, we don’t charge our patients interest on their dental procedures, so the initial quoted cost won’t turn into a much larger expense. There is no required down payment, which means you don’t have to worry about saving up before your procedure. We offer payment plans for 12-months, which means you have an entire year to budget and pay for your dental services. You can also pay in full at any time. We do not require a down payment or minimum deductible.  

If you’re wondering “what causes a bad bite?” or would like to find out if you have a misaligned jaw or would like more information on symptoms, treatments or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’d be happy to help you achieve your best smile!  

Source: New Look Dental

The post What Causes a Bad Bite? Jaw Alignment FAQs appeared first on Dentists, Orthodontists, and Dental Professionals.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in the back of your mouth. Generally, this happens between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people have four wisdom teeth, but it’s also common to have a few missing, or even none.

Wisdom teeth can be impacted, which means they only erupt partially, or not at all. If there isn’t enough room in your jaw for them to erupt, they can come in crooked, causing other teeth to move and shift.

Do I need to Get my Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If you’re experiencing pain and swelling in the back of your mouth, it could be time to have your wisdom teeth removed. If you’re between 16-25 years of age, we recommend book and appointment with your Richmond Dentist to have them X-rays done – regardless of whether you’re feeling discomfort. Getting your wisdom teeth looked at can identify any issues that may arise in the future, preventing discomfort and more serious dental issues. The older you are, the more your wisdom teeth will develop and the larger they’ll become. As a result, it becomes more difficult to remove them the longer you wait. Because of this, we recommend getting your wisdom teeth checked out sooner than later.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect

Like any dental procedure, getting your wisdom teeth removed is a simple, painless and straightforward procedure with the right tools and anesthetic agents. In fact, getting your wisdom teeth removed usually takes around the same amount of time as a filling.

We recommend getting someone to drive you to and from your appointment. For the following few days after getting your wisdom teeth pulled, you may be prescribed painkillers to make your recovery more comfortable. Depending on the specifics of your personal situation, you may be able to go back to work or school the following day. However, a few days of rest is recommended. In fact, we recommend taking a few days to rest after surgery as too much physical activity can increase bleeding. You’ll also have to limit your diet to soft foods like mashed potatoes, ice cream and yogurt. The mouth and gums heal incredibly fast, and as healing progresses, you’ll be able to incorporate solid foods back into your diet.

Wisdom Teeth Removal at Kaizen

Getting your wisdom teeth removed doesn’t have to be a cause for anxiety! Our team of gentle and caring dentists would be happy to take a look at your specific oral needs and create a customized plan to assist you in the treatment of your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is now a very common procedure, making it no cause for worry or anxiety!

Source: Kaizen Dental

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Your Calgary Dentist will also be able to diagnose and treat minor oral health concerns before they progress into serious issues. While professional dental cleanings are routine, there are a few things you should know before your next appointment. Are you ready for your next dental cleaning? Keep reading for a few tips to get your teeth clean enough to impress your dentist at your next appointment!

How Do You Prepare for a Dental Cleaning?

If it’s your first appointment with us at Canyon Dental, we’re excited to meet you! We love welcoming new patients into our dental family. Getting started is easy.  We recommend heading to our ‘New Patient Form’ page on our site to fill out a medical history and dental history PDF.

Whether it’s your first or hundred-and-first appointment with us, we also recommend telling our dental team of your current health status. This vital information provides important clues to evaluate your oral health. Please let us know what conditions you may have and any medications you are taking for them. Better yet, bring a medication list. We would also appreciate a quick review of any recent surgeries.

Medical conditions can influence oral health. For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease can give rise to increased cavities due to higher acidity. Diabetes is a huge factor in periodontal (gum) disease. Maintaining these conditions help you keep you and your mouth healthy.

Is it Okay to Eat Before a Dental Appointment?

Are you fasting before your dental appointments? Skipping meals before a dental appointment seems to be common practice. However, the benefits of doing this are actually a myth. In fact, it’s recommended to eat before seeing your dentist. If you’ve been fasting all day, it could lead to lightheadedness and even anxiety. If your body is properly nourished before heading to the dental chair, it can help you relax and fight off any anxiety. However, we do recommend you brush and floss after your meal, whether you’re headed to a dental appointment or not!

Can I Eat After Dental Cleaning?

After your dental appointment there is one quintessential thing you shouldn’t forget to do; schedule your next appointment! It’s important to see your dentist a minimum of twice a year to maintain your oral hygiene.

Many patients wonder whether they can eat after their dental cleaning. If you’ve received a fluoride treatment, you may want to wait at least 30 minutes after your cleaning. Waiting gives the fluoride treatment enough time to seal around your teeth. If you didn’t receive fluoride, you’re safe to eat immediately after your appointment. However, we recommend sticking to soft, mild foods like bananas, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs or apple sauce. It’s common to experience some sensitivity after having your teeth cleaned, meaning spicy foods, sugary or sticky foods or anything high in acidic content may cause discomfort.

Dental Cleanings at Canyon Dental in Calgary

Here at Canyon Dental, we’ve been providing dental care to families in Calgary for over two decades. We’re always welcoming new patients and would be happy to welcome you into our dental family. Our team strives to always find a solution to any issue that you may have. We accept insurance plans directly and will modify services for your unique budget. If you require attention outside of our offerings, we have strong relationships with the top health professionals in Calgary for referrals options. We can’t wait to greet you with a smile!

The post How Do You Prepare for a Dental Cleaning? appeared first on Dentists, Orthodontists, and Dental Professionals.