The truth is that gum disease affects many individuals, often without them even realizing it until it has already taken hold. With the proper treatment and dedication, you can possibly reverse the effects of gum disease and increase your oral health.

Thankfully, with proper oral care and treatment from an experienced dentist, gum disease can be successfully treated and managed! We’ll discuss what causes gum disease and how it can best be prevented.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a severe condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums, which can inflame and damage the tissue. 

Gum disease progresses through 4 stages:

• Gingivitis: This is the initial stage of gum disease. It occurs when plaque buildup causes inflammation and irritation of the gums. 
• Early periodontitis: If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to early periodontitis. In this stage, the gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. Bacteria can accumulate in these pockets, leading to further infection.
• Moderate periodontitis: As the infection spreads, it can reach the bones and tissues supporting the teeth. This can cause bone loss and the formation of deeper pockets. 
• Advanced periodontitis: At this final stage, the supporting structures of the teeth are severely damaged. Teeth may become very loose or even fall out. 

The leading causes of gum disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Fortunately, gum disease can be prevented with regular brushing and flossing and treated with professional dental care. 

So, if you notice any signs of gum disease, such as bleeding or swollen gums, it is crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible. Caring for your teeth and gums can help keep you healthy and smiling.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

When it comes to oral health, gum disease is a serious matter that should not be ignored. However, many people only realize they have it once it’s too late. That’s why understanding the warning signs of gum disease is crucial. 

Some of these warning signs include: 

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• A change in the way your teeth fit together
• Gum recession
• Tooth sensitivity
• Persistent bad breath

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even bone damage. 

Keeping an eye out for these symptoms and visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent gum disease from taking hold and ruining your smile.

When to See a Dentist for Treatment

When it comes to dental problems, it’s always best to take a proactive approach. While regular brushing and flossing at home are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, there are times when professional treatment is necessary. Ignoring dental issues can lead to more serious problems down the road, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. 

So when should you see a dentist for professional treatment? Anytime you experience pain or discomfort in your mouth, have a loose or broken tooth, or notice any swelling or bleeding, it’s important to schedule an appointment right away. Remember, the sooner you seek treatment, the better off your dental health will be in the long run.

Restoring Healthy Gums & Teeth with Periodontal Treatment

We all know that having healthy teeth is essential, but it’s easy to neglect the health of your gums. However, neglecting your gums can lead to serious issues like periodontal disease. Thankfully, with periodontal treatment, healthy gums and teeth can be restored. This type of treatment is focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. It’s a non-invasive way to get your oral health back on track, and it can help prevent more serious dental problems down the line. 

Whether you’re experiencing swollen gums, gum recession, or bleeding when you brush your teeth, periodontal treatment can help prevent your gums from further receding and damage. So don’t wait until it’s too late – take care of your gums and teeth with periodontal treatment!

What Is Periodontal Treatment?

Periodontal treatment refers to procedures performed by dental professionals to address gum disease. This can include cleanings, scaling and root planing, and surgery to remove damaged tissue. Gum disease is a common condition that occurs when bacteria build up along the gum line, leading to inflammation and eventual damage to the surrounding tissue and bone. 

Without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even systemic health problems. By addressing gum disease early on with periodontal therapy, patients can maintain healthy gums and teeth for years to come.

Visit Your Dentist in SW Calgary for a Healthy Mouth

Knowing what to look for and how to care for your gums and teeth is essential in preventing gum disease. Proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are vital to maintaining healthy gums and using preventative measures against gum disease. 

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, structural damage, susceptibility to other infections or health issues, along with several other serious risks. Contact West 85th Dental for periodontal treatment if you are looking for more information on getting the best care possible for your gums.

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Your dentist will typically diagnose a crossbite during a regular check-up. As they would explain, it’s a dental condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not correctly align when biting down.

Depending on the severity, a crossbite can cause several problems, including difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and even changes in the shape of the face. Fortunately, corrective treatments are available if you or your child have this painful complication, and experts are ready to help.

Types of Crossbite

In general, a crossbite is when one or more bottom teeth stick out past the top teeth. This condition has two primary types: posterior crossbite and anterior crossbite.

Posterior Crossbite

A posterior crossbite affects the back teeth. It’s when a set of upper molars sit inside the bottom molars. This type of crossbite could happen on one or both sides of the jaw.

Anterior Crossbite

While a posterior crossbite affects the back teeth, an anterior crossbite is the opposite. In this case, you’ll find your top front teeth sitting inside some of your bottom front teeth. 

Crossbite vs. Underbite

Another dental condition you may have heard of is an underbite. A crossbite, specifically an anterior crossbite, is similar to an underbite in that both dental malocclusions affect how our teeth come together.

The difference between an underbite and an anterior crossbite is larger in scale. An underbite affects the entire lower teeth, placing them in front of the top teeth, while an anterior crossbite may only affect a selection. 

What can Cause Crossbite?

Various factors, some genetic and some through development, can cause crossbites.

Genetics

Just as our facial features result from genetics, so can the state of our jaw alignment. If you have a crossbite, there’s a chance your child will inherit it. This condition could be due to a hereditary larger lower jaw, and an orthodontist might suggest a growth modification device if this is the case.

Delayed Eruption of Permanent Teeth

When baby teeth don’t fall out when they should, they can prevent the proper eruption of permanent teeth. When the teeth do erupt, they could come out at abnormal angles or jut out further than they should.

Childhood Habits

Some habits, such as mouth breathing or thumb sucking, could alter jaw growth if they continue into late childhood.

Dangers of Crossbite

We understand that crossbite is not simply a cosmetic issue; it can drastically change your quality of life. The most common symptom of a crossbite is difficulty chewing. This symptom is because the teeth are not aligned properly, making it difficult to bite and chew food.

If crossbite is left untreated into adulthood, it can lead to other more severe symptoms:

• Jaw and tooth pain
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Tooth decay
• Sleep apnea
• Frequent headaches
• Facial asymmetry
• Difficulty speaking
• Jaw, neck, and shoulder pain

Treating Crossbite

Treatment for a crossbite will depend on your age and the severity of the condition. Children have options available to them that an adult might not, and it’s generally easier to correct crossbites when it is detected early. Despite this, your dentist can still correct a crossbite in adults through similar orthodontic devices.

Treatment of crossbites can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to correct.

Braces

Braces can be an effective orthodontic device for children and adults with a minor crossbite. Braces can be either metal or ceramic with wire and bonding materials to attach to your teeth.

Over time, braces will exert constant pressure on your teeth. Your jaw slowly adapts to this pressure until they need to be adjusted, and this process continues until any misalignment is corrected.

These braces have evolved over the years but still tend to be clunky and restrict what foods you can eat. However, some dental conditions that are complex or severe may only be able to be corrected through the use of braces.

Invisalign

First introduced in the 1990s, Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner noted for being barely visible on your teeth. Like braces, they straighten teeth and align bites by applying constant pressure. However, many people find Invisalign to be easier to maintain, allowing them freedom and flexibility that conventional braces may not.

Unlike braces, these plastic aligners can be removed while eating or drinking and have no food restrictions. So while you must brush your teeth after meals to ensure food doesn’t become trapped inside the aligner, you don’t have to clean wires or brackets.

Invisalign can’t correct every condition, and you’ll need to discuss it with your dentist to see if it can work for you.

Oral Surgery

Dental experts might recommend jaw surgery for some severe cases of crossbite in adults. This type of surgery is designed to reset and correctly align your jaw and may be combined with braces to ensure your crossbite is fixed.

Caring for Your Teeth

While crossbite can be inherited, there are a few steps that you can take to prevent the condition from developing or worsening. These include:

• Encouraging children to stop thumb-sucking or using pacifiers as soon as possible.
• Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
• Seeking treatment for missing teeth as soon as possible.
• Wearing a mouthguard to protect the teeth and jaws during sports or other activities that may cause injury.

Crossbite is a common condition and one that may be easily corrected once noticed. If you have it and are wondering if Invisalign or braces can help you, contact our team at West 85th Dental or book an appointment.

The post What is a Crossbite? appeared first on West 85th Dental.

Your mouth provides access to the rest of your body. Bacteria from your teeth and gums can quickly enter your bloodstream, causing infections and having a dramatic impact on your overall health. 

Some Hype for Oral Hygiene 

Why should we concern ourselves with dental hygiene? Well, for starters, poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay and cavities. If dental plaque is not consistently removed, it can build up on your tooth enamel, producing bacteria, decay, and causing cavities. 

If you’re a social butterfly, bad dental health can put a real damper on party planning. Without proper oral hygiene, small food particles between the teeth collect bacteria and emit chemicals like hydrogen sulphide, resulting in halitosis (bad breath). 

Practicing good oral hygiene can help eliminate the pain and inconvenience of poor dental health. And adding to the importance of oral hygiene: oral health can be an indicator of your body’s overall health. 

10 Health Issues Connected to Oral Health 

Your teeth are not the only parts of the body affected by dental health and oral hygiene habits. Unchecked bacteria from the mouth can travel throughout the body, causing a myriad of health problems, like: 

1. Gum Disease

 Okay, this one may be obvious, but gum disease results from poor oral health. Infections occur when plaque builds up along and under the gums. Periodontal disease is a severe form of gum disease, leading to bone deterioration and tooth loss. 

2. Heart Disease and Stroke 

Patients with periodontal disease are at risk of bacteria and plaque entering the bloodstream through the gums, leading to higher chances of developing heart disease and narrowing arteries. 

Bacteria and plaque can harden and clog arteries (atherosclerosis), leading to blood flow issues and heart blockages. If high levels of bacteria from the mouth block the carotid artery, it can increase the patient’s risk of stroke. 

3. Respiratory Illnesses 

Bacteria and plaque from periodontal disease can travel through the body and into the lungs, aggravating the respiratory system. Bacteria in the lungs leads to infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

4. Diabetes 

Patients with diabetes are often more susceptible to infections, and more vulnerable to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can make blood sugar levels more difficult to control, leaving the patient at risk of complications from diabetes. 

At the same time, gum disease also leads to elevated blood sugar levels, so a person with poor oral health has a higher risk of developing diabetes. 

5. Dementia

Experts have determined that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can result from periodontal disease and gingivitis. 

Bacteria from the mouth can spread into the nerve channels or enter the bloodstream, resulting in brain cell death that leads to memory loss.

6. Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy results in various hormonal changes, making an expectant mother more susceptible to oral infections. Pregnancy complications can result from any infection in the body. 

Periodontitis and gingivitis are linked to premature birth and low birth weight. It’s essential to practice good dental hygiene throughout pregnancy to avoid serious health issues for mom and baby. 

7. Cancer 

If you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products, you’re probably already aware of the oral health detriments associated with the habit. However, there are other types of cancers linked to gum disease besides oral and throat cancers.

Poor oral health can also lead to an elevated risk of pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and blood cancers. 

8. Kidney Disease

 Patients with gum disease will typically have weaker immune systems, and are more susceptible to infection. Kidney disease can occur as a result of infection. 

Chronic kidney disease is a health condition that affects many areas of the body, and it can be deadly if it leads to kidney failure or cardiovascular disease.

9. Arthritis

 Bacteria from periodontitis and gingivitis can increase inflammation in the body, resulting in a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. 

10. Infertility 

There are various health issues linked to gum disease, and many of them can cause difficulties for someone looking to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Prevention is Key 

You’ve read all the bad news, but isn’t it heartening that you can avoid serious health issues linked to bad oral health by practicing good oral hygiene? 

Our team at West 85th Dental have put together a few hygiene tips to help you down the path to a healthier smile:

• Twice-a-day tooth and gum brushing: Sigh. This one may seem obvious, but brushing your teeth morning and night is highly beneficial to oral health.
• Do the floss: Flossing frantically before your check-up doesn’t count towards your oral health! Make sure you’re getting between each tooth daily. 
• Avoid smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products: We know this isn’t an easy task. Visit your family doctor for information and treatment.
• Come for a visit: We’re always happy to see you! Stick to your dentist’s recommended cleaning and check-up routine to keep your oral health in tiptop shape. 
• Limit Sweets: Treats are great; we love them too! It’s okay to have a few, but definitely try to limit sugary foods that tend to stick on the teeth. We recommend rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth after indulging in something sweet. 

Your Oral Health & Overall Health are Linked

Think of your mouth as a gateway to the rest of your body, and remember the link between oral health and overall health. Maintaining good dental hygiene can help lower your risk of other health issues, and we’re always here to help! 

If you have questions about oral health, would like more information about health conditions related to gum disease, or would like to book an appointment, contact our incredible team at West 85th Dental. We can’t wait to hear from you.  

The post 10 Health Issues Caused By Bad Oral Health appeared first on West 85th Dental.

Almost everyone knows what a cavity is, but what causes tooth decay? Continue reading to learn more about tooth decay, its stages of development, and the possible treatments available. 

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay (or a cavity) is damage to your tooth’s surface, causing tiny holes or openings to develop. They can happen for several reasons, but poor oral hygiene is prominent in the development of cavities. 

Tooth decay is one of the world’s most common health problems and is prominent in children and older adults. Cavities may seem insignificant at first, but the longer they go untreated, the worse they become. 

They grow in size and severity with time, affecting the inner layers of your tooth. This can lead to severe toothache, infection, or tooth loss, and it’s important to watch for the symptoms of tooth decay. 

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

With minor cavities, you may not experience any symptoms at all, but severe tooth decay can cause significant pain and discomfort. Common symptoms include: 

• Toothache
• Pain while eating or drinking something hot or cold 
• Pain when you bite down
• Visible holes in your teeth
• Tooth sensitivity

Because tooth decay may not be immediately noticeable, regular dental visits (even if you feel fine) can catch any initial development. Also, daily brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay. Understanding tooth decay is important to protect your teeth, so what exactly causes it?

What Causes Tooth Decay? 

Tooth decay is caused by the formation of plaque on your teeth and typically develops in 5 stages: 

Initial Plaque Formation 

Plaque is a clear film coating your teeth after eating sugars, starches, and not brushing effectively. Sugar is present in many common foods and drinks you consume each day, including: 

• Baked goods 
• Soda
• Fruit canned in syrup
• Sweets & chocolate 
• Sugary cereals & bars
• Jam

When sugars and scratches sit on your teeth, bacteria feed on them, creating plaque. This can appear as white areas on the tooth where plaque is developing. 

Plaque can harden near the gum line and develop into tartar if it stays on your teeth for too long. A build-up of tartar makes plaque harder to remove and protects bacteria. 

Enamel Decay

Eventually, plaque will begin to break the enamel, one of the layers of your tooth. Your tooth’s surface may break with persistent tooth decay if your body cannot naturally restore its enamel. This creates a cavity needing to be filled by your dentist. 

Dentinal Decay

The more tooth decay persists, the deeper into your tooth bacteria can travel. Dentin is what sits between the enamel and pulp, and it makes up most of your tooth. Dentin is softer than enamel, so tooth decay can quickly affect it. 

Pulp Damage

The centre of your tooth, the pulp, holds tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. Once tooth decay has reached the pulp, bacteria can cause a formation of pus within the tooth. This stage of decay is severe, and if not treated, can lead to the loss of your tooth. 

Abscess

If an abscess develops within your tooth, there are several symptoms you will notice, including: 

• Severe toothache
• Fever
• Tender & swollen lymph nodes under your jaw
• Tooth sensitivity 
• Facial swelling

An abscess requires medical attention as soon as possible. The infection present within your tooth can affect other areas of your body, and this can be a serious health concern. 

Before you possibly develop an abscess, visit your dentist if you’re suffering from tooth decay and they can provide you with effective treatment. 

Tooth Decay Treatments 

If you’re suffering from tooth decay, your dentist has several treatments they can provide you with. The type of treatment depends on the stage of tooth decay you’re experiencing, and what will most effectively help you. Possible treatments include: 

Fluoride Treatments

In the initial stages of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend fluoride. This may help restore your tooth’s enamel and is more potent than the fluoride used in toothpaste and mouth rinses. It can come in liquid, gel, foam, or varnish form. 

Fillings

Dentists use filling when tooth decay progresses past the initial stages. They are artificial substances used to fill in the holes within your enamel caused by tooth decay. There are various materials used for fillings. 

Crowns

Crowns are custom-fitted coverings to replace the entirety of your tooth’s natural crown. They are used when your tooth is weakened or has suffered from severe decay. Your dentist will drill away any decayed areas and enough material to ensure a snug fit for your new crown. 

Root Canals 

If tooth decay has reached your tooth’s pulp, you may need a root canal. Your dentist repairs your infected tooth by removing the diseased pulp and then replacing it with a filling. 

Tooth Extractions 

If teeth are beyond repair, extraction is the best option. You can receive a bridge or implant as an alternative after your tooth’s removal. 

While there are many treatments for tooth decay, prevention is your best method of dealing with cavities. Brush and floss your teeth daily while maintaining regular visits with your dentist. 

Deal With Tooth Decay at Its Source

While daily brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay, regular visits with your dentist are essential to maintaining your oral health. Dental exams can catch any decay in its initial stages, and your dental team can effectively treat your cavity. If you have any symptoms of tooth decay or need a regular exam, book an appointment with your dentist.

The post What Causes Tooth Decay? appeared first on West 85th Dental.

Brushing and flossing twice daily, and getting a professional dental cleaning twice a year, are the best ways to keep healthy. But do you wonder what else you could be doing?

There are a lot of lessons learned from oral hygiene tips given to our patients using invisalign, that anyone can make use of for healthy teeth and gums. Because Invisalign requires maximum sterility for dental health, a patient who doesn’t wear anything in their mouth can benefit from following this advice even casually! 

Healthy Teeth

Your teeth have several layers, and if they’re breached, your dental and oral health is at risk. Your teeth’s first line of defence is your enamel, so learning to care for the enamel of your teeth can go a long way, setting you up for good oral health.

Your Enamel

Your enamel is the top layer of your teeth, shielding two layers beneath it. It’s highly mineralized, hard, and translucent, often a pearl or off-white colour. Dentin is rigid, porous, and off yellow. Beneath that, lies your tooth’s pulp chamber, a mass of nerves and veins.

Many of the tips that can grant you dental and oral health involve preserving your enamel, and keeping your gums hanging on tight where they meet the enamel. Enamel can wear away, so preserving it makes the most sense.

Avoid Abrasive Whitening Gums

Some whitening chewing gums might tempt you, due to their convenience and whitening effect. But these chewing gums have abrasive substances, designed to scrape stains away as you chew. The trouble is, they take your enamel with them, weakening your teeth’s defenses.

It’s best to consider all options if you’re interested in teeth whitening, especially those that preserve your enamel.

Make Sure Your Toothpaste has Fluoride

Fluoride toothpaste helps with the cleaning process, and it can even help to remineralize your enamel, so strengthening it offers better protection. Your selection of toothpaste can form an important dental health factor, so feel free to ask your dentist if you need a recommendation!

Don’t Delay a Dental Emergency

The insides of your teeth, specifically pulp chambers, are alive. If they’re cracked or broken to their core, you’ve got a time-sensitive window to get it repaired. If there’s a lot of damage, the need for a root canal might be unavoidable. But with time, there’s an increased risk of complications, maybe necessitating a root canal specialist.

A cracked or broken tooth is a dental emergency, so please don’t hesitate seeing us when needed.

Brush Your Tongue

Especially before sleeping, brushing your tongue ensures bacteria is well under control before you go to bed. As  you sleep, bacteria can thrive on your tongue and establish themselves on tooth surfaces in contact with your tongue.

Tooth decay is the result of rampant bacterial activity on your teeth, as they feed on whatever they can find. If you brush your tongue you remove both food and bacteria, which lowers your risk of decay.

Healthy Gums & Healthy Teeth

Some advice benefits your gums just as much as your teeth. Your gums’ health is just as important for your oral health as your dental health, so you’ll want to keep them healthy as much as possible.

Swish Your Mouth with Water After Eating & Drinking

Swishing water in your mouth grants a high chance of dislodging microscopic food particles where your gums meet your teeth. By doing so you keep bacteria off the base surface of your teeth, preventing tooth decay, as well as the gum line.

Drink Lots of Water Before Bed

Drinking water before bed can dramatically reduce bad morning breath, and halt dry mouth, which can result in a better environment for bacteria. 

Don’t Eat After Brushing Your Teeth at Night

As you can probably guess, eating after you brush your teeth and going to bed produces the opposite effect you want. Existing bacteria have tons of food supply so they can dramatically reproduce. Tooth decay becomes likely if you make this a habit.

Only Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar in gums you chew can reside in your mouth long after you’ve finished chewing them, becoming an ample food source where it settles. Your risk of tooth decay is much higher compared to sugar-free gums, which have artificial sweeteners.

Eat Crunchy Vegetables

Eating raw vegetables is great for your teeth and gums because it denies a food source to bacteria. Bacteria thrive most on carbohydrates, fats, oils, and sugars. But crunchy vegetables are not an easy target, and they struggle to break it down.

Good Dental Hygiene Habits Mean Easy Dental Exams

If you’ve noticed your dental health backsliding a little in recent months, there’s no need to worry yet; you might just need to implement a few tips to supercharge already good habits.

Without Invisalign, there isn’t as much need for sterility. So taking the advice to avoid hard, chewy candies, eating vegetables, and drinking mostly water goes a long way. That will certainly count for something at your next dental exam! Please book an appointment if you’d like to get a dental cleaning and advice tailored to you.

The post 10 Tips for Healthy Teeth & Gums appeared first on West 85th Dental.

Thankfully, dentists are highly trained to assess the extent of gum disease in their patients and provide meaningful solutions to manage their symptoms. But, what does your dentist look for to determine gum disease? How is gum disease managed? And what can you do to protect yourself from it?

Today, we’re going to look at these questions, and more, so you are better prepared against gum disease. However, every patient is different, and there isn’t a blanket treatment that helps everyone. Please speak to your dentist to get help finding solutions right for you.

Spotting Gum Disease

Signs of gum disease can be detected with a routine dental exam. During this exam, your dentist will have a detailed conversation regarding your health history to note any health risks you may have that could affect your oral health (i.e., smoking) before moving on with the rest of the exam.

During the exam, your dentist will look for signs of gum disease by examining your gums for inflammation and using a special probe measure pockets around your teeth. Some of the common signs your dentist will look for include:

• Constant bad breath
• Swollen, tender, receding, or bleeding gums
• Loose or sensitive teeth

In more serious cases, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for treatment.

How Gum Disease Develops

Gum disease always starts with the buildup of plaque on teeth. Plaque is a combination of bacteria, mucus, and other particles that builds up over time. If the plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and form tartar, which can only be cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist.

The buildup of tartar can then lead to gum disease.

Certain health factors can also increase the risk of developing gum disease, including:

• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes in girls and women
• Illnesses
• Medications
• Genetics

How Are Gum Diseases Treated?

Treatments can vary between patients, but this is determined during a dental exam. Some common ways dentists treat gum disease include:

Scaling & Polishing

Scaling and polishing are standard cleanings performed by a dentist or dental hygienist, typically packaged with a routine dental exam. During a scale and polish, the dentist will scrape away tartar and plaque using various instruments and tools before polishing your teeth to help remove stains.

Root Planing

Root planing is performed when the patient needs to remove bacteria attached to the tooth’s roots. Because of how thorough this cleaning process is, patients may need a local anesthetic to numb the area.

Following the treatment, patients may experience pain in the treated area for up to 48 hours.

Periodontal Surgery

In more serious cases, the patient may need to have periodontal surgery. There are various surgeries the dentist could have, depending on their symptoms. Some could include:

• Gum grafting
• Laser treatment
• Dental implants
• Dental crown lengthening
• Plastic surgery procedures

Protecting Yourself From Gum Disease

Despite all the different periodontal treatments dentists can offer, none will achieve their full effectiveness without the continuous care for oral health at home. 

Every patient needs to ensure they are brushing and flossing every day to remove plaque and bacteria related to gum disease. On top of this, patients should also be having a dental exam at least once a year, but most dentists recommend at least 2 appointments a year.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you believe that brushing and flossing isn’t providing you with the bright, healthy smile you crave, please book a dental exam and cleaning with us today. Our team can help determine the cause of your oral health problems and provide you with meaningful solutions.

The post Signs of Gum Disease Your Doctor Looks For appeared first on West 85th Dental.

Some diseases can affect a patient at any age, so we can think of them as “the usual suspects.” They’re common diseases that can strike young and old alike. However, these dental problems can sometimes affect different age groups more than others.

Common Dental Diseases Affecting All Ages

We see patients of all ages and different backgrounds over the years, and we’re happy to have them enjoy dental health as often as possible. Sometimes we see some uncommon diseases, but most problems can be avoided by following your dentist’s recommended habits. 

As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” especially with common diseases. Fortunately, twice-daily brushing and daily flossing do a lot to prevent common types of disease, so you’ll repeatedly see that advice in the sections below.

Cavities

Also known as caries, or more generally, tooth decay, cavities are small holes forming in the tooth. They begin on the enamel and burrow deeper. Cavities form when bacteria in our mouths consume residual sugar, producing an acid that can melt through teeth slowly. Plaque and tartar, if unremoved by daily brushing and flossing, can cause cavities.

Cavities tend to affect children more than adults, perhaps because of differences in the bacterial composition of our saliva. Some ethnicities can suffer cavities at slightly different rates, due to differences in genes present — resulting in bacterial differences.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums, meaning redness, bleeding, and puffiness all indicate gingivitis. Usually, gingivitis isn’t accompanied by much pain, though. Plaque, if unremoved by daily brushing and flossing near the gum line, is a known cause.

Gingivitis can affect any and all age groups, and like cavities, it’s been known to affect different ethnic groups at different rates.  

Gum Disease

Gum disease tends to affect adults more, but it can flare up at any age. It begins with plaque, which leads to tartar at the gums’ point of attachment. Sensitive teeth, gums bleeding, bad breath that doesn’t go away, or a metallic taste in your mouth are signs of gum disease. 

Plaque, a clear and sticky film of bacteria, tends to form on your teeth — especially after eating. If it’s not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar leads to gingivitis, and gingivitis leads to gum disease.

You might notice redness or discolouration, but It doesn’t necessarily come with symptoms of sensitivity and swelling like gingivitis. Your best bet is to have your dentist check for it during a dental exam, as they have a trained eye looking for the signs. If you catch it early, it can even be reversed!

Oral Cancer

Like all cancer, oral cancer can have multiple or unknown causes. Still, many cases of oral cancer can be traced to smoking or chewing tobacco habitually. Heat, pressure, or other factors can affect changes in your oral tissues. Your dentist will be able to spot parts of the mouth at risk.

As we age, our body’s cells break down and may not regenerate properly, so keep a vigilant eye out for oral cancer past age 40. Since tobacco use is the most significant factor, and kids are to be kept away from tobacco, you don’t have to worry about it for kids as much.

As a rule, keep an eye on your child’s oral health; listen if your child reports something wrong with their mouth. The earlier detected, the better chance at treatment — and after spotting it in the dentist’s chair, talking to an oncologist might give you precious time.

Best Line of Defence Against Common Dental Diseases

You might have noticed the importance of solid oral hygiene habits. They can put a dent in the plaque and tartar aiding the usual suspects (gum disease, gingivitis, cavities, and oral cancer). Great habits include brushing your twice a day, eating healthy, and quitting bad habits like smoking.

Good Habits Can Prevent Disease at Every Age

Brushing and flossing can’t take care of cancer, but quitting oral habits like smoking or chewing tobacco can dramatically reduce risk. A diet minimizing sugars, especially refined sugars, and maximizing whole foods is another good habit to form since plaque doesn’t have the fuel it needs to grow.

You can’t go wrong brushing and flossing daily, because it takes care of plaque. If you don’t remove plaque, it hardens into tartar.

Regular Professional Cleanings Complement Good Habits

Tartar can only be removed by a dentist, which is where regular cleanings come in. If you missed some plaque in your dedicated brushing and flossing regimen, professional scaling from a dentist tackles tartar you just can’t at home.

Your child should begin visiting the dentist as soon as the first tooth comes in. You can get a professional assessment of your child’s dental health and practical advice about how to brush baby teeth as they grow during infancy. After that, for children and adults alike, a visit once every six months for life is golden.

Great dental health is in your hands, and as long as you do your homework and visit your dentist regularly, a bright smile can last a lifetime.

The post Dental Disease to Watch for at Every Age appeared first on West 85th Dental.

What Are Cavities?

Cavities are pockets of decay that develop in our teeth. They’re called cavities because they are actually tiny holes (or cavities) that develop as the tooth decays.

Cavities are more common in children, due to the fact that children often eat sugary foods and aren’t as good at brushing their teeth properly. That said, cavities can develop in adults as well.

Adults typically get recurrent cavities or root cavities. Recurrent cavities are cavities that form around the filling of a previous cavity when food becomes trapped, often as the filling wears away or breaks.

Root cavities are cavities that form around the root or base of the teeth. This type of cavity often affects adults and seniors and occurs when the gum line recedes. If the gum line recedes, the vulnerable area of the tooth’s root is exposed. This area does not have a protective layer of enamel, making it more susceptible to cavities. 

How to Tell If You Have a Cavity

Cavities can appear in many different ways and come with many different symptoms. The best way to tell if you have a cavity is to visit your dentist for a dental exam and diagnosis. 

Some signs you should visit the dentist about a cavity include:

• Brown, black, or white staining on your teeth
• Pits or holes in your teeth
• Toothache or tooth pain
  • Spontaneous pain
  • Pain when biting down
• Sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold food

To check your children for cavities, lift their lips up and examine their teeth once per month. Pay close attention to the “necks” of the teeth, next to the gumline and look for the signs above. 

You or your child might be at a greater risk of developing cavities if you have:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Worn fillings
• Don’t get enough fluoride
• Heartburn
• Dry mouth
• Eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia)

How Cavities Form

When we eat, trace amounts of food are left on the teeth. The trace amount of food is known as plaque. If the plaque is not brushed away, the bacteria in our mouths feed on the sugars in the plaque. As the bacteria consume the sugars, they produce acid as a byproduct. This acid is what ultimately erodes our teeth and causes cavities.

The more sugary or carbohydrate-heavy foods you eat, the more food there is for the bacteria, and the more likely you are to develop cavities. Foods like bread, cookies, muffins, candy, soda, and juice make our teeth especially vulnerable to cavities. 

What to Do If You Have a Cavity

The best thing to do if you have a cavity, or you think you have a cavity, is to visit the dentist. Your dentist will be able to make a diagnosis, and if the issue is a cavity, they will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment. 

How Are Cavities Treated?

In most cases, cavities are treated with dental fillings. The 2 main types of dental fillings are indirect or direct fillings. Indirect fillings, like ceramic fillings, are typically made in a lab and are designed to fit on or over your natural tooth. Direct fillings, like silver (amalgam) fillings, are inserted directly into the cavity. 

Your dentist will assess the cavity and recommend a filling type based on the size and location of your cavity. Once you and your dentist have decided on a filling type, your dentist can proceed with the treatment. Direct fillings can often be installed in one visit after the tooth decay is removed with a drill. Indirect fillings usually take 2 visits, an initial visit to measure your tooth and a second visit to install the filling after it has been made in a lab. 

How To Prevent Cavities

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

One of the best ways to prevent cavities is by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Another good way to prevent cavities is by eating healthy. Avoid sugary foods, especially sticky foods. Sticky foods adhere to the teeth and worsen the cavity-causing effects of sugar. 

It’s also best to avoid snacking to limit your teeth’s exposure to sugar, but if you do need a snack, choose foods like celery or carrots. Vegetables have less sugar and stiff veggies help to remove plaque from your teeth as you eat. 

Finally, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, especially during and after meals. Water helps to rinse your mouth and remove some of the sugary plaque that leads to cavities. 

Preventing Cavities in Children

As soon as your child’s first teeth grow in, they can get cavities. Even though children’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, it’s still important to care for their teeth properly to prevent potentially painful and progressive dental problems.

Visit the dentist for a pediatric dental exam 6 months after your child gets their first tooth or visit around the time they turn 1 year old. Make sure you’re encouraging your kids to brush their teeth and floss too, as this will help to prevent cavities and build good oral hygiene habits for life.

Limit your child’s sugar intake. Sippy cups with sugary beverages are especially bad, as they continuously fill your child’s mouth with sugar. Don’t give your children sippy cups with sugary beverages including juice or milk. Give them water instead and don’t let them eat or drink anything other than water after brushing their teeth for bedtime. 

If you’re concerned about cavities for you or your child, it’s never a bad idea to visit your dentist. Your dentist can examine your teeth for cavities and make sure you’re practicing good oral hygiene. For comprehensive family dentistry in Calgary, book your appointment at West 85th Dental.

The post Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cavities appeared first on West 85th Dental.

Dentists want you to have a healthy smile, and this guide can help you wade through some of the most common dental myths and misconceptions.

Eating A Lot Of Sugar Can Cause Cavities

It is common knowledge that sugar is terrible for your teeth, but what does that mean? Ingesting a lot of sugar does not technically cause tooth decay, how long the sugar remains in your mouth is the real cause.

Sugars introduced into your mouth causes bacteria to produce acids that slowly eat away at your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities.

Minerals found in your saliva, in addition to brushing and flossing your teeth, can help repair the enamel worn down by the harmful bacteria, strengthening your teeth.

Sugar-Free Sodas are Fine For Your Teeth

A common misconception is that sugar-free sodas are not harmful to your teeth. However, even without sugar, the acidity of soda can still be very damaging to your tooth enamel.

The average pH level of water sits at 7, which is neutral on the scale of acids and bases. However, diet sodas sit around a level of 2 or 3, which is still incredibly acidic to your teeth. For reference, the pH level of battery acid sits at a 1.

White Teeth are Healthy Teeth

Teeth whitening is a popular service and many people take steps to brighten their smile. Around 18-52% of people are not happy with the colour of their teeth. That said, a pearly white smile is not necessarily an indicator of healthy teeth.

The natural colour of teeth changes from person to person. Instead of basing health on the colour of your teeth, dentists look for indicators like fresh breath and zero cavities to determine your overall oral health.

Braces Are Only For When You’re Young

Braces are a way for many people to get the smile they desire. However, braces have often been misconstrued to be something children and teens have to deal with as a part of growing up. This is not true. 

More and more adults are starting to see the benefit of having braces. If you didn’t get braces as a child or your teeth have shifted over time, straight teeth can still be achieved at any age. Options like Invisalign are also available to straighten your teeth without the look of braces.

Pregnant Mothers Should Avoid The Dentist

Some soon-to-be mothers might have some reservations about visiting the dentist while they are expecting. This could not be further from the truth. 

In fact, it is recommended by dentists that mothers should keep their regular check-ups during their pregnancy because hormone levels rise while a mother is expecting, and these hormone levels can cause gums to swell or bleed. 

Toothaches are No Cause For Worry If They Stop

If you are experiencing a toothache, but then the pain subsides, you should still see your dentist as soon as you can. Cavities often cause toothaches, as untreated cavities can reach a nerve inside your tooth, causing pain.

If the pain stops, the problem has not disappeared, but rather the cavity has killed the nerve inside your tooth.

Oral Health Does Not Connect To Your Body

Your mouth is home to a lot of bacteria, some of them harmless and some of them beneficial. However, your oral health can determine the well-being of the rest of your body since your mouth is can be an entry point for harmful bacteria. 

By neglecting the health of your teeth, you are making your body vulnerable to a host of different types of diseases like endocarditis, pneumonia, and cardiovascular disease. By keeping a good oral care routine and seeing your dentist regularly, you can significantly reduce the risk of other diseases entering your body.

The Health Of Your Teeth Deteriorates With Age

Your oral health changes over time, but this does not mean your oral health will get worse and there is nothing you can do about it. By keeping a tremendous dental routine and checking in with your dentist regularly, you can have excellent oral health leading well into your senior years. 

The processes on how to do so change with age and from person to person, so be sure to book regular appointments with your dentist to find the best oral care routine for you. 

Baby Teeth Do Not Matter

The importance of baby teeth cannot be understated. While still being very necessary for your child to chew and speak at an early age, baby teeth also serve the purpose of creating space for adult teeth to come in. 

Removing a baby tooth prematurely will leave a space open for other teeth to shift around, which can cause problems like overlapping and crookedness. Overly-shifted teeth can make it hard to maintain a great oral health routine going into the future.

Bleaching Is Bad For Your Teeth

In the early days of tooth whitening, patients often considered bleaching to be harmful to their teeth. Since the acidic nature of bleaching would dissolve the protective enamel, your teeth can be left vulnerable to all types of cavities and tooth decay.

However, this is not the case anymore. Dentists are now using safe and non-acidic bleaching methods to help whiten your teeth making modern teeth whitening safe and effective.

Talk With Your Dentist

It is important not to believe everything you hear or see regarding your oral health. By speaking with your dentist, you can get the right advice for you to have a long-lasting and beautiful smile.

The post 10 Common (& Disproven) Dental Health Myths appeared first on West 85th Dental.