It is reccommeded that you have your teeth examined twice a year. Between visits there are some things you can do to ensure good dental health. I think you will agree that a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is the goal. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. It starts by eating well balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Tooth Brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with a soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.

Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.

Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.

Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are highly recommended as they are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from build up and preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Take 30-40cm (12-16 inches) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 5cm (2 inches) of floss between the hands.

Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.

Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to have a consultation to determine what is the best product is for you.

Other dental aids that are recommended: Interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., they can all play a role in good dental home care.

Halitosis, or “bad breath” as it's more commonly known, is an embarrassing problem for both the person speaking, and the to person being spoken. This can cause unnecessary social awkwardness, and can be a hindrance in professional situations. Learning the causes of bad breath will go a long way toward prevention.

Waking up – The flow of saliva comes to a near standstill during sleep. So does it's cleansing ability, which causes bacteria to grow. These bacteria cause bad breath.

Certain types of food – Food like garlic and onions possess odor-causing properties which enter the blood stream. From there, they go to the lungs and are exhaled.

Poor oral hygiene – Any food remaining in the mouth is a fertile breeding ground for bacteria.

Periodontal disease – The condition that is Periodontal disease, inflamed gums, is caused by the presence of food debris and bacteria under the gums.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) – Medications, salivary gland problems or constant mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, leading to bacterial buildup.

Tobacco – Tobacco products dry out the mouth, which leads to the growth of bacteria.

Dieting - As the body burns fat, chemicals, called ketones, are released in the breath.

Dehydration and hunger – Saliva flow is increased by drinking water and chewing food. The saliva washes away bacteria.

Stopping any habits that dry out the mouth is a good way to combat bad breath. Also, using correct brushing and flossing technique will remove any food from the mouth that can cause periodontal disease and bad breath.

Composite fillings are a great way to repair teeth that are cracked, chipped, worn or decayed. Many also like the fact that a composite filling is tooth colored and blends very well after repairing a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc.

There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas in your mouth./p>

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. However, under normal use, they are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons to Choose Composite Fillings:

• Chipped teeth.
• Closing space between two teeth.
• Cracked or broken teeth.
• Decayed teeth.
• Worn teeth.

How are Composite Fillings Placed?

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, decay is removed as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling. You will also be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

We recommend that patients visit our office at least twice each year to ensure their optimal oral health and to help avoid serious and costly future problems. In addition to cleaning and polishing all the visible and hidden surfaces of your teeth, we also check for many potential problems. Tooth decay, oral cancer and periodontal (gum) disease are just a few examples of problems that can have serious consequences if left undetected. In certain cases, we may even recommend 3 or 4 visits per year in order to properly treat conditions that require more regular attention.

Maintaining a regular appointment schedule with your dentist isn’t just good for your teeth, it’s an important part of your overall health.

Bleeding during brushing and flossing is often the first sign of periodontal (gum) disease. This means that your gums have become inflamed or infected as a result of plaque and tartar buildup along and below the gum lines. This condition can become very serious if left untreated and can eventually lead to receding gums and tooth loss.

The best treatment for this condition is a visit to your dentist for a thorough check-up and cleaning, followed by a complete regimen of brushing and flossing. With prompt and thorough treatment, the condition if caught early can normally be corrected. Please feel free to call our office if you have noticed bleeding during tooth brushing, or if you would like direction on proper homecare techniques.

High-speed collisions that occur during the play of sports like hockey, football, soccer and basketball can cause serious tooth damage. A professionally fitted mouth-guard is the best defense for any athlete against this. The mouth guards provided in our office are custom-made to perfectly fit the wearer’s teeth which can result in a more comfortable and secure fit. In addition, we use a heavier mouth guard material selected based upon each patient’s individual needs. The boil and bite mouth-guards that you purchase in retail stores simply can not provide the same level of protection.

Generally, candidates for dental implants should be in good health, have healthy gums, good oral habits for aftercare and a healthy jawbone to support the implants. Dental implants can adversely be affected by some chronic diseases, existing dental problems, diabetes, bone disorders, smoking and alcohol. Your dentist can evaluate your situation to determine if dental implants are the best option for you.

Many of our patients have asked us about replacing very old crowns that have deteriorated or crowns that do not blend well with their natural teeth. One of our skilled dentists will ensure that the colour and shade is matched and the crown is shaped precisely for a very natural, indistinguishable appearance.