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Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids.

Toothbrushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with a dentist-approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

• • Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, gently 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 head to clean the inside front teeth.

• • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

We recommend electric toothbrushes. They’re 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, but it also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

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

Use floss holders if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing: It’s 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 consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

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 building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums.

Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is the beginning of periodontal disease.

There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70%.

What may cause bad breath?

Sleeping: Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.

Certain foods: Garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the bloodstream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.

Poor oral hygiene habits: Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.

Periodontal (gum) disease: Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.

Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances: May also contribute to bad breath.

Dry mouth (Xerostomia): May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.

Tobacco products: Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.

Dieting: Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.

Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals: Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.

Certain medical conditions and illnesses: Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with your dentist.

What can I do to prevent bad breath?

Practice good oral hygiene: Brush at least twice a day with an dentist-approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush.

Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline.

Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.

If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.

See your dentist regularly: Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.

Stop smoking/chewing tobacco: Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.

Drink water frequently: Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.

Use mouthwash/rinses: Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath but also kill the germs that cause the problem.

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.

You should typically have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health.

These include:

Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight into your overall health and also your dental health.

Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumours, cysts, and bone loss. Digital X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.

Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!

Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during toothbrushing and scaling.

Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).

Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.

What can I do about stained or discoloured teeth?

Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, noninvasive dental treatment used to change the colour of natural tooth enamel, and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Learn more about teeth whitening.

Porcelain veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted to cover the fronts of teeth. They are very durable and will not stain, making them a very popular solution for those seeking to restore or enhance the beauty of their smile. Veneers may be used to restore or correct the following dental conditions:

• • Severely discoloured or stained teeth

• • Unwanted or uneven spaces

• • Worn or chipped teeth

• • Slight tooth crowding

• • Misshapen teeth

• • Teeth that are too small or large

Learn more about veneers.

Cosmetic dentistry is focused on straightening, whitening, or otherwise adjusting the look of your smile. Our cosmetic dentistry services include:

• • Invisalign

• • Teeth Whitening

• • Veneers

4 out of 5 people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.

Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• • Red, swollen gums

• • Bleeding gums

• • Persistent bad breath

• • New spacing between teeth

• • Loose teeth

• • Pus around the teeth and gums

• • Receding gums

• • Tenderness or Discomfort

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

If you’ve ever wondered why your dentist draped you in a lead apron and all of their staff step out of the room each time you need a dental X-ray, it’s normal to have some concern about the safety of the procedure.

Fortunately, getting dental X-rays today is extremely safe… and the only reason why your dental team stays far away is because of the risk of gradual exposure that accumulates day after day throughout their career.

Otherwise, dental X-rays are usually nothing to be concerned about!

Digital X-Rays Use Lower Amounts of Radiation

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!

Compared to not getting dental X-rays, the tiny amount of radiation exposure is an important trade-off. Diagnostic imaging allows dentists to see inside and around the tooth structures where pathology (such as bone loss, oral cancer, or tooth decay) commonly lurk.

Diagnosing them as early as possible allows for less-invasive and more cost-effective treatments. Otherwise, such problems can’t be detected until they’ve reached an advanced state that requires more aggressive therapies to manage.

Radiology and health experts follow the rule of ALARA, or “as low as reasonably achievable.” This means limiting the risk of scatter radiation to staff and patents.

While scatter radiation is minimal, it cannot perforate lead. As such, lead aprons are used to shield tissues that are most sensitive to radiation, including the thyroid gland and reproductive organs. While the risk is extremely low, the apron essentially prevents radiation exposure to other parts of the body that are of greater concern.

If you have questions about dental X-rays or how often imaging is necessary to keep your smile healthy, be sure to speak with your dentist.