Patient Resources

A cavity, or tooth decay, is a small hole in the tooth that develops because of acid. This acid comes from bacteria that lives in the plaque on your teeth. This bacteria loves sugar, and when you eat sugar, so too does the bacteria. And it releases acid as a by-product (bacteria poop). That is why it is important to brush away the plaque and avoid too much sugar in your diet. And it is really important to get cavities fixed to prevent them from progressing.

Dental decay, also known as cavities, is a common issue that can lead to pain, discomfort, and even tooth loss if left untreated. While it’s normal for teeth to wear down over time, there are steps you can take to prevent or minimize the development of cavities. Here are some of the best ways to avoid dental decay:

• Brush and floss regularly: One of the most effective ways to prevent dental decay is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Make sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gum line, where a toothbrush may not reach.
• Use mouthwash: Mouthwash can help to kill bacteria in your mouth and freshen your breath. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride or has antimicrobial properties to help prevent the growth of bacteria that can lead to decay.
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks: Sugar and acid can weaken tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to decay. Try to limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and if you do consume them, try to do so in moderation and brush your teeth shortly afterwards to help remove the residue.
• Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can help to stimulate saliva production, which can help to neutralize acid in the mouth and rinse away food particles. Look for gum that contains xylitol, which has been shown to help prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help to catch any issues early on and prevent them from worsening. Your dentist can also provide recommendations and treatments to help prevent dental decay.

By following these simple steps, you can help to keep your teeth healthy and strong, and avoid the pain and discomfort of dental decay. Remember to brush and floss regularly, use mouthwash, limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, chew sugar-free gum, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.

There are several things you can do to help get rid of bad breath (also known as halitosis):

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly: Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can help remove bacteria and food particles from your mouth, which can cause bad breath. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Use mouthwash: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Look for a mouthwash that contains antimicrobial agents.
• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help flush away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. Aim to drink at least eight cups of water a day.
• Avoid tobacco products: Tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, can cause bad breath and increase the risk of gum disease. Quitting smoking and using tobacco products can help improve your breath and overall oral health.
• Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits and vegetables can help keep your breath fresh. Avoid sugary and acidic foods, which can contribute to bad breath.
• Chew gum or suck on breath mints (just make sure it’s sugar free): Chewing gum or sucking on breath mints can help stimulate saliva production, which can help rinse away bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper

If you have tried these strategies and your bad breath persists, it is a good idea to see a dental professional to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

It depends on the mouthwash, and what you are using it for. A mouthwash can never replace mechanically cleaning away plaque and debris by brushing and flossing. But they can freshen your breath, and certain mouth rinses with fluoride can strengthen your teeth. Just avoid any alcohol containing mouth rinse, which can be harsh and damaging to soft tissue.

A soft bristle toothbrush, or an electric toothbrush works well. Medium or hard bristles can damage the teeth. Any non-whitening fluoridated toothpaste is great. Whitening toothpastes can be more abrasive and that can damage enamel in the long run. If you have sensitive teeth, use any toothpaste that is for sensitivity.

Digital x-rays use much less radiation than film x-rays (90% less), and provide the dentist with high resolution images that are needed to see decay, infections, bone loss, and oral cancers that would otherwise be undetectable. 4 dental bitewings produce. A digital X-ray requires less radiation to capture a high-resolution image than the traditional X-rays used a few decades ago. Depending on the type of film, equipment, and image being taken, it may be as much as a 90% reduction in exposure! As such, it’s safe to say that today’s dental X-rays are extremely safe. Four bitewings (typical during a recall exam) is about 0.005 mSv (millisieverts), which is less than the daily dose of radiation people get in daily life.

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends taking your infant to the dentist within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth or before their first birthday. This early visit can help to establish good oral hygiene habits and allow the dentist to identify any potential issues or concerns.

After the initial visit, it is generally recommended that children visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. This can help to prevent dental problems and keep teeth and gums healthy.

If your child is experiencing dental pain, has a toothache, or has injured their teeth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. In these cases, the dentist may need to provide treatment to alleviate pain and prevent further damage.

It is also a good idea to see a dentist if your child has difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing, or if they have any other concerns or issues with their teeth or mouth. By establishing good oral hygiene habits and visiting the dentist regularly, you can help your child to enjoy good oral health throughout their life.

Non nutritive sucking is a normal way for babies to self sooth. They generally find less of a need to do this by age 2-3. If they are still steadfast on this habit beyond that age, pacifier use is better than thumb sucking, as it is an easier behavior to control. Try to reduce this habit by age 5-6 at the latest, because this is when the adult teeth start to come in, and this is when pacifier use can have the greatest effects on dental development and jaw growth.

If you are having difficulty getting your child to give up their pacifier, it may be helpful to try gradually reducing the amount of time they use it, or offering alternative comfort items like a stuffed animal or blanket. You can also try distracting them with other activities or offering positive reinforcement for not using the pacifier. It can be helpful to involve the child in the process and explain that they are growing up and don’t need the pacifier anymore.

Many children and even toddlers grind their teeth occasionally. Unfortunately there is nothing much we can do. Since children are still growing, we cannot make them a nightguard as that would restrict growth in their jaw and teeth. The good news is that this is normal and will likely pass. As long as they are not in pain or complaining of discomfort.