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Bringing Your Children to the Dentist
The dentist office can be a very strange looking place to a child. It may be like nothing they have ever seen before. There are strange looking tools and funny sounds and smells that can be unnerving to an unsuspecting child. Fortunately dentists have come a long way since I was a child, and as a mom of three children, I am grateful for these comforts. As a local Dentist in Calgary, we have been providing services for over 25 years and have developed several techniques in treating children.
To ensure smooth appointments and cooperation at return appointments, children must feel comfortable with their dentist. For young children, usually starting at the age of three, we use the first appointment as a general meet-and-greet. At this appointment we show your child some of the tools that we use, such as mirrors and polishing cups, and try to make it a fun experience. If everything goes well, we will proceed with regular cleanings and check-ups. Some children have difficulties adjusting to the dental environment and therefore they may be referred to a pediatric specialist accordingly. We don’t want to traumatize kids at an early age with something as important as their oral health.
Of course, kids will be kids and sometimes they have an accident or urgent dental injury. To accommodate dental emergencies we have extended hours, and weekend availability, to address the situation as soon as it arises.
As a mom, I think it is a good idea to have a few toys to entertain your child while they wait. I teach my children that the dentist office is a business and therefore it is important to sit in one area and talk quietly. It is always a good place to do some reading with your kids, and our office has a designated area for kids to play with a few toys, read some books, or even watch cartoons. Of course we also have a well-stocked toy chest to reward kids after their appointments!
It’s always a good idea to show up 5 to 10 minutes before your appointment to allow time to go to the bathroom and update any of your information (such as address or insurance) as well as get the kids into the right mindset for being at the dental office. Fortunately my children look forward to going to the dentist so it is never a problem to get them here!
Wendy B
Greeter, and Mom of 3
Providing Oral Care as a Caregiver
If you are like me you’ll agree that the evolution of being a child, who is always taken care of, to becoming the adult that takes care of the parent is an interesting and challenging transition! As I make this change I am learning new skills and approaches to help me look after the health of another. One very important area to remember is oral care. With all the physical changes that come with age, along with increased medication use, it is vital to continue excellent care of one’s mouth and teeth.
Here are a few suggestions from the Canadian Dental Association if you are aiding someone with their oral care:
Natural Teeth
- Stand behind the person to brush and floss their teeth. That way, you can make the same motions you use when you brush and floss your own teeth.
- Let the person sit in front of the sink.
- Make sure you use a soft toothbrush, or you may find using an electric toothbrush is better. Ask the person to tell you if you are brushing too hard.
- Have the person rinse with warm water when you are done.
Dentures
- Let the person tell you or show you how to take the denture out.
- Dentures must be cleaned daily.
- Look for damage or cracks in the denture. If you find any problems take it to a denture technician for repair.
- Scrub the denture with a denture brush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Soak denture overnight. It can be soaked in a special denture cleaner or a mix of warm water and vinegar (half and half).
- Rinse the denture with water when you have finished cleaning it.
Mouth Tissues
- Ask if it is okay to look inside the person’s mouth.
- Check the mouth closely for swelling, red or white patches, parts of the gums that have changed colour and sores that do not heal in a few days. If you see any of these things, call the person’s dentist for an appointment to check it out.
- Clean and massage the inside of the person’s mouth with a damp cloth or soft toothbrush.
Make sure you are present for this person’s dental appointments as we can show you areas that are being missed, or different methods for oral care.
These tips are just a few ideas to help caregivers provide successful dental aid to their patients. For more information please contact the Canadian Dental Association or ask one of our dentists at your next appointment!
Elaine WH
RDA II
Lemon Water – Friend or Foe?
Drinking lemon water has become very popular in today’s society. There are various reasons someone may choose to add lemon water to their day such as: to aid in digestion; as part of a weight loss program; to detoxify; to help control acne or simply just for the flavor. How often and in what concentrations you drink lemon water could have a direct impact on your dental health.
Lemon is an extremely acidic food. If your teeth are exposed to acidic foods and beverages on a regular basis it can damage the soft tissue and soften the tooth enamel, which can lead to enamel erosion, sensitivity and/or tooth decay. Keep in mind that lemon is only one of the acidic products we ingest – other examples are: citrus fruits and fruit juices, tomatoes, pickles, sodas, energy drinks, wine, tea and coffee.
If you enjoy a slice of lemon in your water or drink a higher concentration of lemon water for health benefits you may wish to consider these ideas to reduce the effects of the acid on your teeth:
- Drink your lemon water once per day instead of sipping on it throughout the day
- Drink your lemon water through a straw to minimize the direct contact with your teeth
- Rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking lemon water
- After rinsing your mouth with plain water, wait about half an hour and then brush with a soft tooth brush and a non abrasive toothpaste
- Eat a piece of cheese or drink a glass of milk to help neutralize the acid level in your mouth
- Chew a piece of sugar free gum to help remove the acidic residue from your teeth; it will also increase your saliva flow which will dilute the acid and assist in rinsing it away
- Avoid brushing with a hard toothbrush and abrasive toothpastes directly after drinking lemon water or ingesting any acidic food product
- If you are adding lemons for flavor try adding a slice or two of cucumber instead! Many people find the flavor equally satisfying and refreshing.
Healthy eating helps maintain your healthy smile!
Darlene D
RDA
Bad Breath
Bad breath, also known as “halitosis” can cause difficulties in both your personal and professional lives. Almost half of Canadians have bad breath at some point in the day and while you might get used to the odor, others may still notice it. This makes it important to understand the many different causes and cures:
- Coating on the Tongue: If your tongue has either a white or yellow coating then you should start brushing your tongue with a soft toothbrush or by using a ‘tongue cleaner’ every day to remove the coating. In about a week or so you will have a nice pink tongue which will help prevent bad breath.
- Dry mouth: If your mouth is extremely dry, there may not be enough saliva to wash away excess food particles and bacteria which can cause an unpleasant smell if left in the mouth for too long. The best solution to try is using products like Biotin which enhance the saliva production in the mouth. Drinking lots of water and chewing sugar-free gums can also increase saliva flow.
- Tobacco/Foods: Using tobacco products constantly causes bad breath. If you are ready to quit, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice and seek support from family and friends. Certain foods/herbs such as garlic and onion contribute to bad breath, but only temporarily. Once these foods are absorbed into the bloodstream the odors are expelled through your breath and will remain until the body processes the food, so there’s no immediate solution. Remember: Mouthwashes only improve bad breath short term!
- Gum Disease: You may be prone to have bad breath if you have been diagnosed with severe gum disease. This is a result of deep pockets that form between your teeth and gums and may harbor odor-causing bacteria.
- Infections: Bad breath that seems to have no other cause may indicate an infection elsewhere in the body. If you have chronic bad breath, see your doctor for an evaluation or possible blood work. Bad breath can be a sign of a hidden health conditions so it’s important to not ignore the problem.
The best way to improve bad breath is to follow a complete oral care plan which includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least once to remove the food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Jaskiran T
RDH
Cavities: Causes and Prevention
Being told you have a cavity during a routine trip to the dentist is a familiar- if unpleasant- experience for many people; however, most people are unaware of the actual process of tooth decay. Tooth decay, properly referred as dental caries, is a common oral disease that affects children and adults of all ages. Luckily, this disease is mostly preventable if you understand how the disease process begins and spreads.
There are over 500 varieties of oral bacteria found in the mouth, including the acid-producing Streptococcus mutans, which is largely responsible for cavities. These bacteria thrive and reproduce in a sticky substance, known as dental plaque, which allows them to adhere to and destroy tooth surface. Streptococcus mutans cause tooth decay by metabolizing carbohydrates and sugars into acid. The acid then eats away at the tooth enamel until—voila!—a cavity is created.
Because the risk of a cavity is related to both bacteria and the acid level in your mouth, there are several steps you can take to prevent the caries process from starting:
- Brush twice and floss at least once daily to remove plaque. This is the first line of defence against tooth decay.
- Avoid constantly snacking throughout the day. The constant exposure of food to the bacteria results in a large production of acid that will bathe and destroy the teeth.
- Limit food and drinks, like soda, tea and citrus foods, which increase the acidity of the mouth and harm the enamel.
- Maintain regular dental checkups with periodic x-rays to check under fillings and between teeth where the dentist cannot see.
- Fluoride helps remineralize teeth that have been “softened” by acids. Use fluoridated toothpaste and ask your dental professional if you are at high risk for cavities: a fluoride rinse may be recommended.
- An ounce of cheese eaten at the end of a meal helps neutralize acids.
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate salivary flow to help neutralize and rinse the acids.
Managing dental caries is more than just filling cavities; these varieties of techniques can be implemented at home and in the dental office, and will help lower your risk for developing new cavities!
Michelle W
RDH
Why are baby teeth important?
Many people think that baby teeth are not important because they fall out after a few years, however; that is not the case!
Besides chewing, baby teeth have several important functions, including; speech, enunciation and language development, in addition to holding a space for the permanent teeth. If the baby teeth are removed before they are naturally ready a small appliance may be needed to prevent adjacent teeth from drifting into the empty space and causing dental crowding (meaning possibly braces!) down the road.
Taking care of baby teeth by brushing, flossing, eating a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist will help to ensure your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy, and allow them to fulfill their natural function.
A child’s smile is one of life’s greatest blessings!
Michelle A
Treatment Coordinator
Importance of your Medical History
People often don’t recognize that their dental hygiene appointment is actually a medical appointment. Keeping your hygienist up-to-date on any changes in your overall health, dental or otherwise, is crucial to a successful visit and may help avoid medical complications or even a medical emergency.
During teeth cleaning, bacteria are unavoidably released into the bloodstream. This can have serious effects on patients with heart issues or with various prosthetic devices, such as hip or knee replacements and preventative measures may be needed prior to dental visits. You should also tell your hygienist about any medications you may be taking, prescribed or otherwise. For instance, blood thinners may cause excessive bleeding during hygiene procedures.
What exactly does your hygienist need to know? You should inform your hygienist about any hospital visits, new conditions, illnesses, medications or allergies, or anything else that concerns your health.
So the next time your hygienist asks “Are there any changes in your medical history since your last visit?” be sure to give a complete answer. It may be more important than you realize!
Colin M
RDH
What to Expect During a Dental Hygiene Visit
Coming to the dentist can be fun and informative if you know what to expect. A hygiene appointment is the most common, and perhaps may also be the easiest. Frequent hygiene appointments are important to maintain and improve your oral health and the condition of your periodontal tissues. This article will explain what to expect throughout a standard hygiene appointment.
To begin, your hygienist will place a disposable bib and protective eyewear on you to protect against excess water that may splash outside of your mouth. Next your hygienist will review your medical history and update any changes. This is done frequently to ensure dental hygiene treatment will be safe for each individual patient. Your hygienist will then assess your mouth and oral tissues (tongue, cheeks, gums and teeth) to check for any areas of concern.
You will then have your teeth cleaned (known as “scaling” and “root planing”) to remove soft and hard plaque, calculus, tartar and food build-up. This is done using a hand instrument known as a scaler and sometimes a vibrating ultrasonic instrument called the cavitron. Scaling is done to improve your overall oral health. Some people may find the scaling process uncomfortable, so local anesthetic (freezing) is an option for a more comfortable visit.
After scaling is completed your hygienist will usually use a flavoured paste to polish your teeth and remove remaining surface stains. If you are at risk for cavities you may also receive a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth. If there are cavities present or if you are due, x-rays may be taken at this appointment to check for problems. In this situation, the dentist will come discuss progress or concerns at the end of the cleaning appointment.
Based on your overall oral health, your hygienist will recommend the best recare frequency for you. This can be as often as every three or four months, or sometimes once per year. Booking your next cleaning in advance is a great way to book your ideal time of day, as well as to stay on track for your dental hygiene routine.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask any of us at your next hygiene visit!
Leah R
RDH
Understanding Your Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is a great benefit that can save you money on dental treatment. There are several different insurance companies that carry many individual and group coverage plans. To maximize your benefits and prevent financial surprises, it is important to thoroughly understand your insurance policy.
Most insurance companies will provide you with a general benefit booklet to let you know what services you are covered for, how often you can have services done, and how much coverage you can expect. Depending on your insurance company you may also be able to locate this information on their website, or you can also phone them to get your coverage information over the phone. Here are some useful insurance limitations to look for:
- How often will your insurance cover a recall exam, dental x-rays, scaling, polishing and fluoride? Scaling doesn’t always follow a frequency limitation; often it is limited by units of time. So even if your polish and fluoride is only covered once per year, you might still have enough units to have scaling done in between!
- What services are you covered for? Does your policy cover basic services (cleanings, fillings) and major services (dentures, crowns and bridges) as well? Are cosmetic services covered?
- What percentages are these services covered at? For example, your basic coverage may be 80%, and your major coverage may be 50%. This information is helpful when calculating your benefits for needed treatment.
- Does your policy have a yearly dollar maximum? If so, how much? Is the maximum combined for all services, or separate for basic and major services?
- Does your policy follow a calendar year?
If you already have this information we can copy it into your profile and use it to provide more accurate estimates on your regular treatment. You can bring your booklet to the office and one of our Treatment Coordinators can explain the details of your plan, or while you are here in the office, we can phone your insurance provider to get the needed information. Having this information available at your appointment allows us to efficiently process your claims and estimates!
For more information on dental insurance, please click here.
Marie C
Treatment Coordinator
Dental Visits during Pregnancy
Many mothers-to-be avoid coming to the dentist while pregnant as they are unsure on what is safe, and what is not, and wish to avoid any potentially hazardous situations. The mother’s health is directly linked to the healthy development of the baby and must be taken seriously.
The truth is that preventative dental treatment, such as regular check-ups and cleanings, should be continued throughout pregnancy. The changes in hormones during pregnancy can cause gum disease, including swelling, bleeding and tenderness. Regular dental visits can prevent dental problems and infections which could potentially have a negative effect on the baby’s development.
Dental x-rays are usually taken at annual check-up appointments, and play an important role in many dental procedures; especially emergencies. While our digital x-rays use a minimal level of radiation and are unlikely to cause any adverse effects, we recommend waiting until after the baby is born before having any dental x-rays taken.
If dental work, such as fillings or crowns is needed and cannot wait until the baby is born, the second trimester is the best time for dental treatment. Vital organ development occurs in the first trimester and the third trimester prevents the mother from lying on her back for long periods of time. Dental emergencies such as pain and infection should be addressed immediately, and the treatment options will be assessed based on treatment needed and stages of pregnancy. Infection from untreated dental problems can affect the baby in a harmful way. Other dental treatment, such as non-urgent and cosmetic work should wait until birth to avoid any potentially harmful situations.
If you are unsure if you are experiencing a dental emergency, or if needed treatment is essential or can be postponed until after pregnancy, please book an appointment to have the dentist assess the urgency.
Stelian L
RDA