Three Tips to Prevent Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is scary. In the family of mouth cancers, oral cancer includes cancers of the tongue, lips, cheeks, throat, and hard or soft palate. If not detected or treated early enough it can result in death, mainly due to the fact that it often goes undiagnosed and is detected too late. Read on to learn more about how to work with your dentist to cut your risk.

Schedule Regular Appointments

Visiting your dentist twice a year is an essential key to maintaining a healthy oral regime. April is Cancer month in Canada and we also offer cancer screening at our locations to help detect any signs early. However, if you feel you’re at risk, visit your dentist sooner rather than later so they can check your gums, tongue, and soft mouth tissues for any signs of cancer.

Symptoms of oral cancer

If cancer is detected in its early stages, you have a much better prognosis for full recovery. Here are some of the signs to look out for. 

  • Mouth sores
  • Bleeding in the mouth that lasts more than a week
  • Lumps in the mouth or neck
  • Pain in your mouth lasting more than two weeks
  • Dramatic voice changes, especially in smokers
  • Persistent earaches in both ears
  • Lower lip and chin numbness

Eliminate Bad Habits

According to the Mayo Clinic, oral cancer is contracted by heavy smoking, drinking, excessive sun exposure, human papillomavirus and a poor immune system. This is probably why your dentist will always advise you to either quit or cut back smoking as soon as possible and to limit alcohol consumption.

Eat Healthy Foods

Having a balanced diet, eating properly and exercising regularly are ways to ward off oral cancer. Not only do healthy foods prevent tooth decay, they also drastically reduce your chances of getting cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society identifies beans, berries, cruciferous vegetables (i.e. bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, etc.), dark green leafy vegetables, flax seed, garlic, grapes, green tea, and soy as cancer-preventing foods and drinks.

Have questions? Visit any of our locations to speak with our dentists or to request an appointment for an oral cancer screening.

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

 

Four Myths and Truths about Oral Health

Since the proliferation of web searching, the internet has been an invaluable tool for providing information on oral health. It has also, unfortunately, helped to spread large amounts of misinformation at the same time. Not all websites are reputable and some are full of information that is misleading or just plain wrong. At Altima Dental, we want to ensure that you know what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to oral health.

Four Myths about Oral Health:

1. If my teeth look white and I don’t feel any pain, my teeth and gums are healthy and I don’t need to see the dentist twice annually.

False. Regular dental hygiene care is important for the early detection of cavities and gum disease. Often, by the time pain is felt, advanced disease is present. Early detection by a dental professional can prevent lengthy and costly treatments.

2. Whitening/bleaching your teeth is dangerous.

False. We’ve all heard the horror stories of patients who’ve suffered permanent damage or enamel erosion from teeth whitening products. These side effects only occur when patients choose unsafe over-the-counter products, which can contain high levels of peroxide or they don’t follow the instructions. Whether you are choosing a take-home product or having an in-chair session done, it’s always best to consult your dentist first to determine what the safest and most effective options are.

3. Cavities and gum disease aren’t normal.

False. On the contrary, gum disease is extremely common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults age 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease, cavities and plaque buildup.

4. Flossing is a total waste of time.

False. Everyone should be flossing daily in order to prevent gum disease and cavities that form in between the teeth. If you’re not a regular flosser, you most likely have gingivitis (the early form of gum disease) and your gums will bleed the next time you floss or even brush.

Four Truths about Oral Health:

1. Good practices of oral health aren’t innate or developed over night.

True:  A white smile doesn’t happen overnight. Several small positive changes in your routine will contribute to this gradual process.

2. It is important to start good oral hygiene practices early.

True:  The foundation for healthy permanent teeth in children and teenagers is laid during the first years of life. This is also the best time to teach kids why going to the dentist is important. By establishing good oral hygiene routines (brushing after meals, flossing, brushing your tongue) for your children right from the start, you’ll give them the best chance of keeping their teeth healthy.

3. There is a link between oral health and your overall health.

True:  Studies have shown a direct correlation between oral hygiene and a patient’s overall health. Poor dental hygiene and gum disease may directly increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and even diabetic complications. Women who have poor dental health may be more susceptible to pre-term birth and giving birth to low-weight babies. Some other examples of diseases that can be caused by poor oral health:

  • HIV
  • Certain types of cancer (i.e. leukemia)
  • Digestion problems
  • Heart, kidney and other major organ disease
  • Ulcers, mouth sores, swollen gums and dry mouth

4. What you eat can affect your oral health.

True:  Although poor nutrition does not cause periodontal disease directly, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and can be more severe in people with nutrient-poor diets. How does this happen? If your diet is low in the nutrients your body needs, your mouth may have a more difficult time resisting infection. Not only is teaching proper oral habits important from early childhood, teaching your children about eating patterns and food choices are also important to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Want to make sure your oral health is the best it can be? Contact us today! We can schedule an appointment for an oral examination and dental hygiene visit.

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

Does Smoking have an Affect on Dental Implants?

Smoking is always risky business when it comes to your health. It can make replacing teeth with dental implants more complicated but not impossible. Smoking has several adverse effects on your overall oral health and will affect the chances of a successful dental implant. According to Colgate, if you’ve recently gotten a dental implant, it’s highly advised you do not light up as smoking drastically increases the risk of dental implant failure. In this study, Spanish researchers studied 66 patients who received 165 implants and followed their progress for five years. The studies showed that the implant failure rate for smokers was 15.8 per cent compared to just 1.4 per cent in nonsmokers.

What are dental implants:

A dental implant is actually a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. They are used to secure crowns, bridges or dentures.

When will you need dental implants?

You will need implants if you have lost teeth or need to replace teeth which have been removed for various reasons (i.e. either the teeth have rotted away or they were broken in an accident).

How does smoking affect dental implants?

Studies have shown that the nicotine in tobacco reduces blood flow. This can have adverse effects because you need as much blood flow as possible to allow for proper and quick healing. Secondly, the smoke you inhale may burn the tissues in your mouth.  Over time, this will thicken the top layer of skin cells, creating a fibrous tissue rather than more bone. The smoke can also damage your salivary glands which leads to a dry mouth. A dry mouth reduces the saliva necessary to wash away bacteria.

What to do if you’re a smoker but also need dental implants?

It’s recommended that you cut back (ideally stop) one week prior to your procedure. After you’ve completed the procedure, you should try to avoid smoking for two months after the implant, which will allow the osseointegration (anchoring of a surgical implant) period to complete. There’s no easy way to put this. Nothing good comes from smoking in regards to your implants, but quitting is easier said than done. So if you are going to continue to smoke, it’s important to understand how it will affect you, your dental implants, and how best to care for them.

Seven Remedies for Sensitive Teeth

Do you suffer from tooth sensitivity? Many of the patients that visit our clinics express discomfort related to temperature sensitivity. Whether your teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, acids, sugars, brushing or flossing, you don’t have to suffer. Below we’ve compiled some causes of sensitive teeth along with ways to prevent and treat sensitive teeth.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem that can develop over time. It starts to happen when the softer, inner part of the tooth called the dentin becomes exposed. Dentin lies under the enamel and the gums. Other factors that cause sensitive teeth include:

  • Tooth decay/cavities
  • Fractured, cracked or chipped teeth
  • Worn fillings or enamel
  • Gum disease or infection
  • Exposed tooth root
  • Bruised tooth nerves from a recent procedure (temporary)
  • Over-brushing
  • Teeth grinding
  • Acidic foods

Preventing and treating tooth sensitivity

The first step to help cure dental sensitivity is to find out what the cause is. Our dental professionals can help you with this. If the sensitivity is due to exposed dentin, there are a number of steps you can take to help reduce the sensitivity. Here are seven tooth sensitivity treatments to try.

  1. Salt water rinses: To alleviate pain symptoms from sensitive teeth, gargle with a salt water rinse twice daily.
  2. Change your toothbrush/toothpaste: Hard bristle toothbrushes or abrasive toothpastes can aggravate sensitive teeth. By switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and using a toothpaste specifically for sensitivity like Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening, this will reduce pain.
  3. Honey and warm water. You probably weren’t aware that honey is an antibacterial agent and can be used for wound management, pain reduction, swelling and inflammation. To reduce pain from sensitive teeth, rinse your mouth with warm water and a spoonful of honey.
  4. Turmeric: Turmeric is commonly known to be an anti-inflammatory treatment. For oral health treatment and to alleviate pain from sensitive teeth, you can massage ground turmeric on the teeth, or create a turmeric paste and apply to your teeth twice daily.
  5. Green tea: For sensitive teeth, use unsweetened green tea as a mouthwash twice a day to strengthen teeth and reduce swelling.
  6. Vanilla extract: To treat sensitive teeth, pour vanilla extract onto a cotton ball. Apply the cotton ball to your gums for a few minutes, and repeat the process as often as needed.
  7. Purchase a mouth guard: If you are suffering from sensitive teeth because of teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) your dentist can make a model of your teeth and use this to produce a mouth guard that you can wear during the night.

Don’t let your sensitive teeth take the joy out of simple pleasures in life. Talk to your dentist. You don’t have to suffer – there are ways to overcome this issue.

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

Nine Simple Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay

Fact:  Our mouths are full of bacteria. In fact, hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other places in our mouths. That is what causes tooth decay. The bacteria feeds on the sugars in the foods and drinks we consume, leaving behind a  sticky bio-film also known as plaque. This plaque allows bacteria to live on your teeth longer, giving it time to create acids which wear down the tooth enamel and cause cavities.

If left untreated, the eventual disease process that starts from bacteria in the mouth can potentially spread to other areas of the body. This bacteria can complicate chronic conditions ranging from diabetes to heart disease.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is typically a result of diet and oral hygiene choices. The two primary reasons why teeth decay are:

  • Consuming foods high in sugar content allows more bacteria to form and thrive
  • Eating foods with too much acid such as soda pop, wine, and citrus fruits. Too much exposure to acids causes your tooth enamel to break down, resulting in white spots which is an early form of enamel erosion or tooth decay.

Here are nine simple tips you can implement to prevent tooth decay:

  1. Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste such as Crest, Colgate, Oral B or Arm and Hammer
  2. Drink lots of water to increase salivary production
  3. Floss your teeth once a day or use an interdental cleaning tool (a small angled brush that fits between teeth with wider spacing)
  4. Limit or avoid avoid sugary snacks and beverages of any type as these expose your teeth to constant bacteria and increase the production of acid
  5. Limit starches in your diet because they also create an acid environment in your mouth
  6. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Tips on a balanced diet can be found on Canada’s Food Guide website.
  7. Visit your dentist at least twice per year for a cleanings, exams and x-rays (if necessary)
  8. Use a supplemental fluoride rinse, gel or varnish, or a high fluoride prescription toothpaste, to further strengthen your teeth. If you drink a lot of bottled water, for instance, you may not be getting enough fluoride.
  9. Use temporary dental sealants on the back teeth chewing surfaces. This may help to protect them from developing cavities. Ask your dentist if sealants make sense for you.

How to prevent tooth decay?

It’s easy! Simply limit sugary and starchy foods between meals, brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and visit any of our locations for regular check-ups and cleanings.

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

Is Fluoride Necessary For Children?

Keeping your child’s teeth healthy means more than just daily brushing, it consists of developing a proper oral regime including, brushing, proper oral health techniques and regular visits to the dentist. At these visits, your dentist will talk about your child’s teeth, brushing and how much water they drink. Your child’s water intake is important as tap water contains fluoride which plays an important role in healthy tooth development and cavity prevention.

When should you start brushing your child’s teeth?

You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth develops. However, you should start cleaning their gums with a soft cloth within the first few weeks of their birth. Once those first teeth start coming through the gums, begin brushing them with a soft brush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Once your child becomes better at spitting (which happens around age three or four), use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste making sure they spit rather than swallow the toothpaste. The American Dental Association notes that parents should not recommend that their kids use a fluoride toothpaste until age two and fluoride mouthwash until age six. It’s important to monitor your children until the ages about five or six to ensure they have the oral regime down pat.

Why is fluoride important?

Fluoride protects teeth by making your child’s teeth stronger and more resistant to acid. In fact, according to Colgate and the Centers for Disease Control, it reports that water fluoridation can reduce tooth decay in children by 18 and 40 per cent. It not only reduces the risk of cavities, it can even help reverse early signs of decay.

When should you start taking your child to the dentist?

The first visit to the dentist should be around your child’s first birthday. This early start is important for you and your child to begin good habits and develop a positive relationship with your dentist. Remember, if your baby has teeth, they can get cavities.

Something to be aware of with fluoride:

Because fluoride is found naturally in water, some soils and foods, it’s important to not give/expose your children to too much fluoride as it can cause ailments such as dental fluorosis (white specks or streaks in the teeth due to over exposure to fluoride), and more severe health issues like bone disease (skeletal fluorosis), thyroid and  neurological problems.

Using fluoride for children is an effective way to make sure your little ones have the healthiest smiles possible. To find out more about whether your child is getting the right levels of fluoride, talk to your family dentist about your child’s tooth care routine.

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

When Are Antibiotics Recommended for a Tooth Infection?

If you have a tooth infection, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is important to prevent any sort of infection from spreading. Your dentist will likely prescribe an antibiotic to help kill the bacteria causing your tooth infection. The good news is that if the infection is caught early enough it can be treated.

Read on to learn more about when you should use antibiotics to treat tooth infections.

What is a tooth infection?

A tooth infection is an infection at the root of the tooth between the jaw and gum line. The swelling can be extremely painful and often unbearable, especially if the infection affects the pulp which forms part of the tooth and has important nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If the infection gets worse, it can spread into your brain causing much more damage.

What are some of the symptoms of an infected tooth?

  • Gnawing or throbbing toothache
  • Pain when eating
  • Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Sensitivity to pressure
  • Bitter taste in the mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Swollen neck glands
  • Swelling in the gums
  • Swelling in the jaw
  • Fever

What are some recommended antibiotics for a tooth infection?

The type of antibiotic you’ll need depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Different classes of antibiotics have different ways of attacking bacteria. Your dentist will want to choose an antibiotic that can effectively eliminate your infection. Antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin are most commonly used to help treat tooth infections. If you’re allergic to penicillin (which some people are) be sure to tell your dentist. Erythromycin is an alternative to penicillin and can be prescribed in its place. Information about dosage and how to take the medication will be given to you by your local pharmacist; however you’ll typically need to take antibiotics for about a week.

What are some natural remedies for a tooth infection?

If you have an allergic reaction to penicillin or are looking for holistic ways to treat infections – here’s a list that may be beneficial. Just to be clear, these natural remedies may deter the infection from spreading, but you should always consult your dentist right away just to be safe.

Some natural remedies include:

  • Salt water rinse: rinsing your mouth with salt water promotes wound healing, healthy gums and is an affordable alternative to seeing the dentist
  • Baking soda: great for removing excess plaque, it also has antibacterial properties
  • Oregano, clove and/or thyme oil: known to be antibacterial and anti-oxidizing, these oils all contain anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve pain
  • Cold compress packs: reduce swelling and numbs the pain
  • Garlic: rubbing a clove of garlic on the infected area will reduce the pain and kill bacteria

If you’re having symptoms of a tooth infection, such as persistent throbbing pain, swelling and sensitivity to temperature or pressure, see a doctor or dentist as soon as possible. If your dentist prescribes antibiotics, follow the instructions carefully and finish the prescription. Even if the infection seems mild, it can quickly become serious without proper treatment.

Signs of a cavity and how to avoid them

According to our dentists, oral cavities are one of the most common health problems faced by the majority of patients they see. Don’t let this alarm you. Cavities are treatable and with the proper techniques you can drastically reduce the chances of you ever getting a cavity. However, do you know what the warning signs are? You may not, because a cavity is not always easy to detect right away. If left untreated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss.

What is a cavity?

A cavity is a hole in your tooth that can get bigger and deeper over time if not properly treated.

How does a cavity develop?

When your tooth is exposed to acid frequently, this will cause the enamel to break down. As the enamel continues to break down, it allows the bacteria to cling to your teeth causing small white spots to form on your teeth. This is the first warning sign that a cavity may be developing. If the tooth decay process continues, this will form the cavity.

The Canadian Dental Association mentions that these are signs of a cavity:

  • Toothaches and/or spontaneous pain
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
  • Visible holes or pits in your teeth
  • Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
  • Pain when you bite down
  • White spots on your teeth

How to reduce the chances of getting a cavity:

  • Chew Sugar Free Gum
  • Consume Vitamin D
  • Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
  • Cut down on sugary foods and snacks
  • Gently brush your gums as well to keep them healthy
  • Maintain your dental regimen by sticking with your oral care schedule of visiting the dentist two times a year

How to treat a cavity

Treatment depends on how bad the cavity is. Most often, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of your tooth with a drill. They’ll then fill the hole with a filling made of either silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or a composite resin…all safe materials.

The best way to spot and properly diagnose a cavity is through regular dental exams. If you think you or a family member may have an oral cavity and you have not seen a dentist in more than six months, we highly recommend booking an appointment with at any of our locations to speak to a dental professional.

Five Tips for Teaching Your Kids Better Dental Habits

Healthy teeth are important to your child’s overall health because it helps set good oral health habits as your child grows. If dental care for kids is overlooked, it can lead to infection, disease, or other teeth problems. Because children live by their parents’ example, it’s best to teach them the best habits from early on as this will help shape their behavior during future cleanings and will also affect whether or not they will stick with other good dental habits.

Here are a few strategies you can try to help teach good oral health habits.

Show…don’t tell

Your toddler or child should see you brushing your teeth every morning and evening. Alter your routine so they can be present during this time. You can also find YouTube videos of children the same age as your child having a good time using a toothbrush. Kids love having a peer to relate to when they are learning a new skill.

Make it a fun habit

One easy way to encourage good dental health for kids so that it turns into a lifelong habit is to look for ways to make it enjoyable. A few easy ways to do this is:

  • Finding a children’s toothpaste flavor that your child enjoys…better yet, let them choose their own toothpaste.
  • Reward them for brushing and flossing and keep track of your child’s daily brushing and flossing habits. After a week of consistent brushing (for example), let them choose a board game or select their favorite meal for supper.
  • Read books or watch fun YouTube videos that talk about dental hygiene.

Refrain from sugars and juice

Children under the age of three should not be drinking juice as it’s not a healthy alternative to water and can lead to tooth decay before their adult teeth start growing.

Make your child’s dental regimen a priority

Because most children aren’t too familiar with putting objects other than food into their mouths they’re most likely to become fussy as they don’t know the concept of brushing their teeth. Do not cave…make it clear that dental hygiene is not a choice because if good practices aren’t instilled early, you’ll have a much more difficult time as a parent enforcing proper habits when they’re older.

Tips on how to encourage your child if there is a struggle with them brushing their teeth

  • Be patient.
  • Reward your child for good oral care. Offer something healthy or simple like apple slices or a gold star.
  • Don’t wait until too late in the day. Try to avoid brushing your child’s teeth right before bedtime. If its too late, they may be too tired which will cause more stress. Tip: try to do it 30 minutes after their last meal. 

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

Fast Facts on Oral Abscesses

What is an oral abscess?

An oral abscess is an infection at the root of the tooth or between the gum and a tooth. It’s a result of tooth decay and erosion, which is caused by cavities or poor oral health habits. It creates buildup of pus that forms inside the teeth, gums or throat.

There are three types of abscesses:

  • Gingival abscesses: residing only in the gum tissue, this type of abscess does not affect the tooth or the periodontal ligament.
  • Periodontal abscesses: this abscess starts in the supporting bone tissue structures of the teeth.
  • Periapical abscess: this abscess commences in the soft pulp of the tooth.

Oral Abscess Causes:

Oral abscesses are caused by bacterial infections that have accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth.  The soft pulp of the tooth contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue.

Other factors that may cause oral abscesses:

  • Poor dental hygiene:  Not taking proper care of your teeth and gums (i.e. such as not brushing your teeth twice a day and not flossing) can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, and other dental and mouth complications.
  • High sugar intake:  Frequently eating and drinking foods rich in sugar can contribute to dental cavities and turn into a tooth abscess.

Oral Abscess Symptoms:

The main symptom of a dental abscess is pain. The pain is quite unbearable, gets worst with time and may radiate to your ear, jawbone and neck.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the affected area when biting or touching it
  • Sensitivity to cold or hot food and liquids
  • Foul taste in the mouth
  • Fever
  • General unwell feeling
  • Difficulty opening the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing

Oral Abscess Treatment:

It’s important to know that dental abscesses do not go away without proper dental treatment. They can spread leading to more serious illnesses like sinus tracts  or fistulas, cysts and sepsis – a potentially life-threatening complication when bacteria from your mouth spreads to other parts of your body. Therefore you should see a dentist sooner rather than later to begin treatment.

Step one: Diagnosis
Your dentist will start by diagnosing the severity of the abscess by probing your teeth which would most likely cause pain if you have an abscessed tooth. They’ll ask you to close your mouth, bite down, as well as check your gums and jawlines to see if they are swollen and red from infection. X-rays may also be required to check for erosion and decay of the bone around the abscess.

Step two: Treatment 

Treatment involves draining the pus from the abscess.  This is the only way to remove the infection and prevent any further complications. Your dentist will start by removing any debris in your periodontal pocket through scaling and root planing (a procedure that  removes plaque and tartar from above and beneath the gum line). Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may involve tooth extraction or root canal surgery.

With early treatment, the outlook for a gum abscess is positive.  If left untreated, however, a gum abscess can worsen and lead to a potentially life-threatening infection. Visit any of our offices to speak with our dentists if you develop any pain, swelling, or discharge in your gums.

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