Dental Implant Options

One of the major concerns around dental implants is the cost associated with them. To help you make an informed decision that is best for your oral health, it is important you understand that you many have other options in situations where a dental implant might be used…options that might be less expensive and more appropriate to your specific situation.

Gum Disease Treatment:

If your gums are receding and there has been bone loss around the tooth, that doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll lose your tooth and require a tooth replacement. With gum disease treatment, there are three cheaper procedures that your dentists/periodontist may be able to do to reduce your chances of needing implants.

  • Gum Grafts: In this procedure, gum tissue is taken from your palate or from another source and used to cover the exposed roots of one or more teeth. Covering exposed roots helps reduce sensitivity and protects your roots from decay, while stopping gums from further recession and bone loss.
  • Pocket Reduction: This includes folding back the gum tissue around the infected tooth so your dentist or periodontist can remove infectious bacteria and smooth areas of damaged bone, allowing the gum tissue to reattach to healthy bone.
  • Regenerative Procedures: During this type of treatment, your dentist or periodontist will eliminate bacteria and then place either natural or synthetic bone in the area along with tissue-stimulating proteins to help your body effectively regrow bone and tissue.

If after consulting your dentist, you find that these treatment alternatives work, ensure to book more checkups and cleaning appointments to keep on top of your periodontal health and drastically reduce your need for implants.

Root Canal Therapy:

While dental implants are used to replace teeth if your teeth have little to no remaining structure to them, root canals are designed to save your existing teeth. Like gum disease, it really depends on how severe your infection is (as there are instances when the infection has damaged the tooth to the point where it cannot be saved). Your natural teeth are your best option for having optimal oral health. If you are using root canal therapy as an alternative to dental implants, your dentist will remove the infected or inflamed pulp inside your tooth and then restore the tooth with a dental crown. Your natural smile is maintained. With proper care, a tooth that undergoes a root canal can last a lifetime.

Dental Bridges:

If you can’t save the tooth either with gum disease treatment or root canal therapy, you can often get a dental bridge that will perform the same function. With a dental bridge, the replacement tooth is supported by dental crowns on teeth next to the missing tooth. Dental bridges are fixed, meaning they are not loose and won’t slip out. You can maintain your existing diet and they can look as good as dental implants. There are three options for bridges as an alternative to dental implants:

  • Tooth-supported fixed bridges: uses healthy adjacent teeth to attach and support the bridge.
  • Removable partial/complete dentures: this denture sits on top of the gums where the missing teeth were and need to be taken out for cleaning your teeth.
  • Resin bonded bridges: also known as a Maryland bridge, this is used for replacing your front teeth and is affixed to your healthy adjacent teeth with wings on each side.

If the damage to your tooth is extensive and one of these three alternatives is not a long-lasting solution, then your dental professional may recommend extraction and implant dentistry. When you visit one of our dentists, they will provide you with all available options. At Altima, several of our clinics offer a range of implant dentistry options and have a team of dental professionals.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Professional Teeth Whitening Options

Are you tired of your teeth looking dull and discoloured? Perhaps you have an event coming up and you need your teeth to be pearly white. Many people have asked whether there are differences between take-home teeth whitening kits and in-chair laser treatment. At all of our clinics, we offer a variety of whitening options as well as information about take home and professional teeth whitening. However, understanding your options prior to treatment will help you make a better informed decision.

Professional teeth whitening: 

Having your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist produces faster and more reliable results compared to doing it yourself. This is because  in-chair treatments use a higher concentration of peroxide in the whitening gel and should be applied by a dental professional.

At the procedure, before applying the whitening gel, your dentist will clean and scale your teeth to remove excess plaque and other food particles. A rubber dam will be placed in your mouth to protect your gums and other soft tissues against irritation, and to make sure you don’t swallow the gel. Your dentist will then carefully apply the bleaching gel to the surfaces of your teeth, which is activated by an LED light. The treatment takes about an hour and is carried out in stages, giving your dentist the chance to check its progress and to decide when your teeth have reached the desired shade.

At-home teeth whitening: 

You’ll still need to see your dentist for an oral examination and teeth cleaning before using a take-home whitening kit, as the presence of plaque or underlying oral health conditions will affect the results. In some cases tooth sensitivity may be so high that you may not be a candidate for whitening… so it’s always best to do ask your dentist prior to booking an appointment. In some cases your dentist will also take impressions of your teeth, which are used to make custom-fit trays, or they may provide you with more generic kits that do not contain custom fit trays. (i.e. Opalescence).  These trays should be filled with the whitening gel provided and placed over your teeth for one hour per day or for as long as your dentist recommends. Your teeth will usually reach their desired level of whiteness in around two weeks.

What options are best for you?

This really depends on your needs, schedule, and budget. Both options provide great results, but if you experience high levels of tooth sensitivity, take-home kits might be a better option as the levels of peroxide and other bleaching agents are lower, you manage how much gel you use and how often you apply the gel. However, if you’re interested in quick results, our in-office whitening is a perfect option because the appointment is relatively quick and with our flexible financing options we make sure obtaining a beautiful smile is affordable.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Three Key Questions to Ask About Invisalign Treatments

Since the inception of clear aligners, Invisalign® has quickly revolutionized the world of orthodontics. Now, there are other options available to straighten your teeth besides metal brackets. Whether you’ve been referred by your dentist to investigate your options between braces or aligners or have general questions, this is an important decision that will affect your quality of life and finances. This is why choosing a (or being referred to a reliable) dentist you trust with excellent reviews specific to Invisalign experience is important in your decision. Other questions to ask are:  What’s involved in that first visit? How long is the treatment period? What will day and night be like throughout the treatment? Will you need to visit the dentist regularly throughout treatment and how often?

We’ve answered all your questions below.

What Happens on my Consultation?

Before you go on your first visit, take the free smile assessment before your consultation on Invisalign’s site to determine if you’re even a candidate. While Invisalign can be useful in treating gaps, under and over bites, crowding and other issues, it is not ideal for every case. More severe cases of malocclusion would still require traditional braces or alternative treatments. However, by visiting your dentist, your official consultation will really help determine if Invisalign is right for you. On your visit, ask all the questions you need (i.e. cost, is this the best option for me, etc).

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign aligners are almost invisible; they include no metal, are made from BPA-free clear plastic, and are custom made for your teeth. Your specialist will use x-rays, pictures, and impressions to create a precise 3-D image of your teeth and to configure your aligner trays accordingly. This process will gradually shift your teeth into place. Every two weeks, you will receive a new set of aligners, slowly moving your teeth towards their ideal positions. As opposed to metal brackets that are affixed to your teeth, the Invisalign process produces the best results when it’s worn for 20-22 hours every day, meaning that the aligners should be worn all day and night with the exception of meals and brushing your teeth. As it is a new piece of hardware in your mouth, you may need to spend a few days adjusting to speaking.

What is the cost of Invisalign?

Both braces and invisalign are expensive procedures, but invisalign is slightly more expensive, with the average cost ranging between $3,500 and $8,000. The large variance in price is determined by how complex your bite is, the duration of your treatment, and your coverage options from your benefits/insurance provider (if applicable). Your orthodontist will be able to give you a more accurate cost.

Are you interested in Invisalign and a consultation? It is an expensive procedure. This is why we offer financing options for all of our patients, if you are under-insured or have no insurance at all. 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

What are the Different Types of Dentists?

There are many types of dentists and deciding what type of dentist you need may be confusing. From fixing misaligned teeth to performing complicated oral surgery, there are many types of dentists who will help you achieve the best oral health.

Curious about what other types of dentists there are? We’ve compiled a list of the types of dentists and dental specialists.

General Dentists

A general dentist is your primary dental care provider and has one primary goal: to help you maintain a healthy smile. Dentists diagnose and treat minor to moderate dental conditions and perform extractions, gum care, bridges, crowns, and fillings to help you improve your overall health.

Endodontists

Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy (procedures, involving the soft inner tissue of the teeth). Patients typically need a root canal when there is inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth. This type of specialist performs root canal procedures on patients which involve removing unhealthy pulp at the bottom of the tooth, filling the space and then sealing it. This procedure can save teeth that would otherwise have to be removed.

Orthodontists

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who works to prevent, diagnose and treat facial and dental irregularities in the jaw and its structures such as malocclusions (bad bites). You would visit the orthodontist to identify if/when braces (or other options like Invisalign®) are needed. This dentist specializes in corrective retainers and appliances to improve your bite and smile.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

This type of dentist is responsible for any type of surgeries that involve the mouth, jaw, or face  such as removal of wisdom teeth and placement of dental implants. Typically, you will see an oral/maxillofacial surgeon if you have suffered trauma to your face, jaw, or mouth, if you suffer from cysts or tumours, or if If you wish to receive dental implants.

Oral Pathologist

An oral pathologist is a specialist who studies the different causes of diseases that occur in the mouth and the diseases that change the jaw, lip, teeth, and cheek structures. You would visit an oral pathologist if you have abnormal colouration in your gums (they should be pink), and growths on an x-ray. These specialists will often biopsy areas of concern and have them tested to determine the underlying disease or condition.

Paediatric Dentist or Pedodontists

A paediatric dentist (or pedodontist) specializes in dental care for infants and children. Paediatric dentists perform dental procedures that are similar to general dentists. However, because of their specialized training, they are equipped to handle many difficult behavioural situations and treat many types of patients, including infants, young children, and adolescents.

Periodontist

A periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the soft tissues within the mouth, including the bones and gums and are experts in the area of oral inflammation. You would visit a periodontist whenever you feel like your gums are sensitive or you notice bleeding. This dentist would diagnose and treat both gingivitis and periodontitis.

Prosthodontist

A prosthodontist specializes in the replacement of missing teeth or the repair of your natural teeth. This specialist will make use of caps and crowns to correct any areas of concern within the patient’s mouth. A prosthodontist is also involved in the dental implant process and can work with patients who experience any type of head and neck issues.

At Altima Dental, we provide a range of services, from general to cosmetic dentistry. Several of our clinics offer general dentistry and more specialized services all under one roof saving you from having to make an extra trip elsewhere.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Five New Technologies in Dentistry

Gone are the days when dental offices were just boring, drab spaces with over sized machines. With new innovations and technology within the field, dentistry is constantly evolving and changing to best suit patient needs.

If you’re wondering what dental technologies you’ll find in dentist offices in the coming year, check out these five innovations.

Cavity detection through lasers

Normally, your hygienist pokes around your mouth with an exploration tool to search for cavities. While this has been a regular element of checkups for a century or more, lasers can now do the job. A diode laser improve efficiency and eliminate discomfort in a number dental procedures, including filling cavities, reducing tooth sensitivity, getting rid of tumors, and whitening. Each time you visit, they can check for further decay, recommend fillings without having to do so much “exploring” and can effectively eliminate any form of bacteria during the procedure to avoid any further complications or problems.

High-tech x-rays

While digital x-rays are not too new to the dental industry (it’s been around in the 80s) they’ve become the preferred choice from  radiography based x-rays. The benefits to clinicians is that the radiation levels are 90 percent lower with the new technology and x-rays can arrive on screens in a second making the whole review process more efficient. The information is stored on computers and you can access it within a few clicks. It’s also and it’s a much cheaper than radiography; x-rays can be taken quickly and reviewed quickly, expediting your time in the office.

Shorter visits with Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technology

Older technology meant that if you needed a crown, your dentist would take a mould and build a temporary replacement. In the meantime, the lab would create a new and permanent crown to fit over your prepared tooth. Using CAD technology, your tooth will be photographed and then prepared for a crown. The machine can create the crown in the office without all of the complicated work of hand molding and sculpting.

Thinner Veneers

Veneers are moldings that cover the front part of a crooked or unattractive tooth. Before this technology advanced, they were very thick to be able to withstand wear and tear. However, advancements in technology allows for the creation of thinner veneers. Teeth will remain just as well protected while keeping the original tooth intact.

Fillings and Bond Material

Bonding and filling materials are to be made of high-quality, medical-grade, industrial-strength adhesives and fillers. With technological improvements,  your tooth colour can be easily matched, making the repaired tooth fit with the rest of your teeth as well as the plastic resin used today lasts longer than previously used materials and comes in a wide range of shades.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Everything You Need to Know about Orthodontic Treatments

Several orthodontic treatment options exist today for people who are interested in improving their smile. From traditional braces, headgear, removable appliances, retainers to Invisalign® aligners, there are several options for you to choose from. It can be a challenge to decide which choice is the best for your particular needs. That’s why you should visit your dentist. They will refer you to an orthodontist who can work with you to explain what best suits your needs. We’ve put together some quick facts to help you along the way with your decision.

Are you a candidate for orthodontics?

If your top and bottom teeth do not fit together properly (this is known as a malocclusion or a bad bite) speak to your dentist. There are several things that can affect your bite such as thumb sucking or missing, crooked, crowded or protruding teeth. A bad bite can make it hard to chew some foods, cause your teeth to wear down, cause muscle tension and pain and make you more susceptible to chipped or broken teeth. Orthodontic treatments not only improve your  smile and your health but also reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease as straighter teeth are easier to clean.

There are two types of braces offered:  fixed, which are worn all of the time and can be removed by a dentist and removable, which you can take out of your mouth. The most common types are:

Traditional Braces:

Braces consist of metal brackets being placed on your teeth with an adhesive and are connected by wire and rubber bands. Although they are still metal, you can get brackets that match your teeth enamel (making them more discreet), or choose the colour of your choice. They require periodic tightening so steady pressure can gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw.

Who is a candidate for traditional braces:

  • If you have a complex bite and alignment issues
  • If you have extreme crowding, gapped or misaligned teeth
  • If you need to address issues with your back teeth, need to rotate teeth or move teeth vertically

Invisalign:

As an alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is an orthodontic adjustment approach that uses a series of clear aligners or trays to gradually adjust your teeth. Invisalign is particularly popular with adults and teenagers that are concerned about the appearance of braces.

How does Invisalign work?

A series of custom-made clear aligners are made using 3D computer imaging technology that gradually shift your teeth. Rather than going to the orthodontist on a bi-monthly basis to have your wires tightened, you’ll be provided with a series of aligners to wear every day and change at home every couple of weeks.

Who is a candidate for invisalign:

  • Those who suffer from mild to moderate bite issues
  • Those who are self conscious about having a “metal mouth”

Key Differences between Invisalign and Traditional Braces

  • Easy to Maintain: the plastic aligners are removable, so it’s easy to brush and floss regularly
  • Shorter Duration of Treatments: Someone who wears metal braces might expect the treatment to take as long as five years. Invisalign normally takes about a year or year-and-a-half to straighten your teeth.
  • Appearance: Some people (especially adults) are self conscious with metal braces as they are unsightly, and can get food caught in them without you being aware of it. Invisalign offers an alternative.
  • Cost: Invisalign is normally more expensive than traditional braces…but both are costly procedures.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

What to Expect at a Dental Checkup?

According to the Canadian Dental Association, about 80 percent of Canadians visit their dentist at least once each year for a regular dental checkup. However many people have little to no idea what is actually happening in their mouth while they’re in the dental chair. Whether it’s a first-time visit, or you haven’t had a dental exam in a while, you may be wondering how your appointment will go.

What happens during your dental checkup?

A dental exam

The goal of the examination is to maintain your good oral health and to identify and prevent problems from becoming serious. During the exam, your dentist will check your face, neck and underneath your bottom jawline for any abnormalities (lumps, bumps or swelling). They’ll also inspect and do a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, looking for signs of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. They’ll  discuss any problems you’ve been experiencing, such as toothaches, sensitivity, or cosmetic concerns as well as put together a personalized treatment plan designed to improve your oral health.

X-rays

Since the majority of problems with your teeth and the jawbone are not visible to the naked eye, your first dental appointment will most likely include new X-rays. X-rays play a key role in providing a more accurate look at what is really going on inside your mouth and below your teeth and gums. By using X-rays, your dentist can diagnose problems otherwise unnoticed, such as damage to jawbones, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts or tumors, decay between the teeth and check for any bone loss.

A thorough cleaning

Prior to sitting in the chair, it is important that your dental care team knows about any health concerns, anxieties, or allergies you may have in order to avoid any mishaps and to make sure you get the kind of care you need. Before anything is done inside your mouth your hygienist will need to know about your medical history if this is your first appointment at the dental practice, if you have been to the practice before, any changes in your health (i.e. new medications, pregnancy, etc).

Scheduling your next appointment:

According to the Canadian Dental Association, you should be visiting the dentist twice annually for routine hygiene appointments. To maintain a proper oral regime or if further  dental treatment is required (i.e. filling a cavity, removing a wisdom tooth, or repairing a broken crown — you should make an appointment before leaving the office.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Is Sedation Dentistry a Solution for Anxiety?

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you’re not alone. Reports show that 40 percent of Canadians worry about the potential pain and discomfort that they may encounter during regular hygiene appointments or more complex dental work (i.e. periodontics, extractions, etc.) While sedation dentistry can ease your mind and help you feel more relaxed during procedures, is it always right for you?

Below we’ve provided some information on sedation and sleep dentistry.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry administers medication to help patients relax and ease the pain during or after dental procedures. Although it’s commonly interchanged with sleep dentistry; the difference between the two is that sleep dentistry uses general anesthetics which makes you unconscious while, sedatives relax you, but won’t totally knock you out.

Common types of sedation/sleep dentistry:

  • Nitrous oxide: Also known as ‘laughing gas’ this helps relax you during your procedure. It wears off fairly quickly, so you may be able to drive home after and function within a reasonable time frame.
  • Oral sedatives: Oral sedatives (e.g. such as diazepam or valium), also helps relax you during dental procedures. You typically take them an hour or so before your appointment as they take longer to break down than gas. With oral sedatives, you’re fully awake but less anxious, and you might feel a little sleepy and/or incoherent.
  • Intravenous sedatives: Intravenous/IV sedatives (needles that are inserted into veins) can put you in varying stages of consciousness and will put you into a deep or twilight sleep (one where you’re less aware of your surrounding and generally incoherent).

Who is the most appropriate candidate for sedation dentistry?

Sedation is most appropriate for people with an overwhelming fear or anxiety that prevents them from going to the dentist. It can generally help patients get through many types of dental work (i.e. root canals, extractions, dental implants/dentures, etc), but is not typically offered for regular dental cleanings, x-rays, and other routine care.

Other patients who may need sedation dentistry include:

  • Patients who suffer from dental phobia (fear of the dentist or dental procedures)
  • Patients who have had negative experiences with past dentists
  • Those who have a strong gag reflex
  • Those who are resistant to local anesthetics
  • Those who are having extensive/complex work done

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes, but keep in mind that there are only a small percentage of dentists, oral, maxillofacial surgeons and dentist anesthesiologists who have completed the accreditations in sleep sedation and general anesthesia.

Here’s a checklist of what needs to be done if you’re a candidate for sedation dentistry:

  • Prior to your procedure, your dentist should go over your medical history to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for sedation and ask about any medications you’re currently taking. They’ll also provide you with information if there any risks associated with the anesthetic and let you know all the information you need before starting your procedure.
  • Ensure your dentist/anesthesiologist has the proper amount of training needed to perform these techniques from guidelines stipulated from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons in Ontario.
  • Ask relevant questions, such as: what sedative is appropriate for your age, general questions associated with risks (if you have any health issues).

Our goal is for you to be relaxed and comfortable so you can enjoy a pleasant experience at our practice. To determine if you’re a candidate for sedation dentistry or experience any anxiety about dental procedures, please reach out to our dental professionals.

Types of Dentures Explained

Are you in the process of researching different types of dentures and tooth replacement to see which one is right for you or a family member?  We’ve compiled a little tip sheet to help you in your decision-making process.

What are dentures? 

Implant dentistry (aka dentures) is the ideal long-term solution for tooth loss. Dentures are removable appliances that can behave as either a full or partial set of teeth replacement appliances in one or more areas of your mouth.

Why would someone need dentures?

The three most common reason people may need dentures are:

  1. Decay:  if you’ve suffered from tooth decay for years, this may lead to your have led to teeth rotting and falling out.  Reasons for tooth decay can result from lack of goodhereditary or diet related, despite regular brushing and dental checkups.
  2. Gum Disease: if left untreated, gum disease can result in the loss of teeth, making dentures the best (and in some cases the only) option for restoring a smile.
  3. Injuries: a facial injury can result in multiple teeth falling out or becoming seriously damaged. Dentures can quickly and easily restore your smile if you’ve ever experienced a hit to your face that damaged your teeth.

What are the types of dentures: 

There are several different types of dentures based on your needs.

Full Dentures: Dentures for replacing a full set of teeth; these dentures include a flesh-colored acrylic base that covers the gums and the roof of the mouth, allowing an entire set of false teeth to sit firmly.

Partial Dentures:  When just a few teeth are missing, partial dentures fill the gap.

Custom dentures: Custom dentures are made of more expensive teeth which results in a more natural-looking smile.

Immediate dentures: Immediate dentures are typically placed on the same day that the teeth are removed/extracted.

Implant supported dentures: The denture provides a great amount of support for a solid foundation, which allows the denture to stay securely in place.

Snap-in dentures: Snap-in dentures are very stable and are used when a patient doesn’t have any teeth, but enough bone density to support an implant.

Overdentures: Titanium posts (implants) are inserted into the jaw where the bone will heal around them. An overdenture sits on top of the gums and is held in place with dental implants. It can be placed on the upper and/or the lower jaw, depending on the patient’s needs. The overdenture is also removable.

Upper dentures: Upper dentures are just that—-dentures for the upper teeth—-if you are missing teeth in the upper jaw.

Economy dentures:  Generic in nature, economy dentures are typically the cheapest form of dentures. They normally don’t fit securely or comfortably in the mouth and they look artificial.

If you have any additional questions, it’s best to speak to your dentist or be referred to a denturist, as they’re professionals in the field and would have the most accurate answers.

How much do dentures cost?

The cost of dentures can range depending on whether they are for the upper or lower arch, the quality, materials used, fees that the denturist charges (based on their level of expertise and the services they provide). If you or your spouse have insurance/benefits this may also cover some of the costs (depending on your plan coverage).

What payment plans are available?

Dentures or any type of dental implants are expensive (whether or not you have coverage). We offer financing for all of our procedures, making oral care affordable for you and your family.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

 

Can Tooth Enamel be Restored?

According to the Canadian Dental Association, there are a significant number of Canadians who suffer from enamel erosion. Because enamel plays a vital role in protecting your teeth from decay, it’s best to do everything that you can to prevent your enamel from eroding.

What is tooth enamel?

Enamel is a mineral that acts as a strong barrier for your teeth sheilding the inner layers from your teeth from the effects of acids and plaque as well as hot and cold foods. It’s one of the hardest tissues in your body, however similar to bones in your body, once the enamel is gone, the lost portion can’t ever be replaced; however if it has become weakened, it can be restored.

Here are some causes of tooth enamel erosion:

  • Acidic drinks (e.g. citrus juices, pop, etc.)
  • Starches and sugars
  • Medical conditions like acid reflux disease, dry mouth, inherited genetic conditions, low salivary flow and gastrointestinal problems
  • Wear and tear, teeth grinding (bruxism), friction, brushing too hard, brushing when tooth enamel is softened
  • Poor oral hygiene can cause enamel erosion

How you can spot tooth erosion?

Early detection and treatment of tooth decay is important, so here are some symptoms to look out for.

  • Tooth sensitivity: your teeth may hurt when you eat very hot or cold foods, when you brush, or when your gum line is exposed to air
  • Yellow teeth: when your teeth appear to be yellow, the enamel is so thin, you’re actually seeing the dentin (which is yellow in colour)
  • Uneven edges: when your tooth enamel wears away, it can result in rough edges, chips and cracks
  • Dental spots: shiny white spots on your teeth is indicative of demineralization. Dark, brown or other forms of discolouration may be signs of a cavity
  • Increased tooth decay: when the protective surface on your teeth becomes worn down, your teeth become more susceptible to cavities
  • Tooth fracturing: as enamel grows weaker, your teeth eventually become weaker which can cause cracks and fractures
  • Bad breath: pesky, stuck-on bacteria causes plaque build up which causes bad breath. Depending on the severity of the build-up this may weaken the tooth pulp within the gum line which can also often emit bad odours

Prevention and restoration techniques: 

Since it’s impossible for your body to make new enamel, your goal should be to strengthen and repair the enamel you have. One of the best ways to restore your tooth enamel is to maintain good oral hygiene. The Oral Health Foundation recommends these steps to help prevent tooth enamel erosion:

  • Brushing and flossing your teeth daily and after every meal
  • Little to no consumption of too sugars, snacks and acidic foods (i.e. sports drinks, fruits like lemons, oranges, etc.)
  • Avoiding mouthwashes and toothpastes that contain alcohol in it
  • Avoid clenching and grinding your teeth
  • Chewing sugar-free gum after eating to maintain a steady saliva flow
  • Receiving regular hygiene appointments with your dentist (minimum of twice a year)

April is National Oral Health Month. Each year, approximately 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer with 1,050 deaths occurring. This is why Altima Dental offers free oral cancer health screenings each April, as we strive to detect and prevent oral cancer.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.