4 Tips for Great Dental Health

Four Tips for Great Dental Health

Brushing and flossing are essential to a healthy oral hygiene routine. Besides cleaning your teeth regularly there are other tools to add to your arsenal. By following a few guidelines and tips on how to care for your mouth, you will ensure that you achieve the best oral health for you.

Regular  dental check-ups

To maintain excellent oral hygiene, you should be booking in to see your Saskatoon dentist every three to six months. Make it a habit to visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups twice a year.  A dentist will check your teeth for cavities, bone and gum health, and other oral conditions that only a dentist can find.

A well-balanced diet

Eating the right kinds of food is important in keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. Make sure you include in your diet a lot of vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber and calcium. Limiting your intake of sugary or acidic foods is vital to your dental health.

Brush, floss, and rinse! Twice daily

Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day and rinse your mouth after every meal. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing will help you get rid of the germs and plaque and keep your teeth healthy.Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease. It is also 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 which product is best for you.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards can be extremely beneficial to people who grind or clench their teeth in their sleep. These can be over the counter type or custom made. Additionally, using guard during sports activity (even if non-contact) to cover your teeth and protect them from injury is a great idea!

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How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush

It can be challenging to know when to change your toothbrush. Most of us brush our teeth at least twice a day, but if you are brushing your teeth with an old germ contaminated and frayed brush – then you may be doing your teeth a disservice. 

According to dentists and oral health professionals, you should change your toothbrush every 12-16 weeks. But if you have been ill, then you should think about replacing it sooner; otherwise the illness may last longer or reinfect you! As children tend to brush their teeth a lot rougher than adults, you should replace your child’s toothbrush every 8-12 weeks instead.

A frayed toothbrush will not clean your teeth effectively and germs may linger in your mouth. Also, reusing an old toothbrush for over 16 weeks can cause mouth infections, increases your chances of having gum disease, and causes mouth ulcers.

You can make the lifetime of your toothbrush last longer if you care for it properly, by rinsing it properly after each use making sure excess toothpaste is out of the bristles, you should keep the bristles dry between uses, and never share it with anybody else (no matter how close you are with them).

Happy Brushing!

Want to learn more about keeping your teeth healthy? Schedule an appointment with us today if it’s time for a dental check up!

Why Teeth Break

 

Everyone wants a great smile. It’s important to keep your smile strong to prevent problems such as breaking a tooth.  Besides orthodontics or being genetically blessed there are things to look out for to help protect against tooth breakage. As a baby, thumb sucking is discouraged by parents. Why? Because it is one of the leading causes of misaligned teeth and broken teeth. Poor dental hygiene can make your teeth weak and susceptible to tooth pain.

 

Have you ever wondered why teeth break? What can you do to make sure yours are safe?

 

Bruxism

One of the most common causes of a broken tooth is bruxism. In simple terminology, bruxism is also referred to as excessive teeth grinding. The condition of teeth grinding usually happens during the night and many sleepers do not realize it is happening. There are other generic causes, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, and stress. A dentist-approved mouthguard can control bruxism. 

Cavities

A cavity in the tooth can be common due to poor nutrition or lack of dental hygiene. When the hole in the cavity deepens the teeth are prone to sensitivity and eventually can cause a split. Plaque and bacteria attack the enamel of the tooth, without proper plaque removal you are at risk of cavities and potential tooth breaks. 

Large Fillings

Fillings are placed when a cavity forms in the tooth. However, with time and if proper care is not taken, large fillings can start to disintegrate the tooth. This is typically found in the wisdom teeth which have a larger surface. Depending on how large the cavities are and the number of cavities, large fillings may be recommended.

 

Accidents or biting into hard food can also cause tooth breakage. If your tooth breaks or cracks we encourage you to see a dentist in Saskatoon as quickly as possible. Trauma due to heavy blows to the face and the mouth can also result in tooth breakdown. Now that the causes of common took breaks are known to you, you may want to learn more about potential treatments for any dental issues you may be facing.

 

Call our dentists in Saskatoon with any questions or concerns you may have or to schedule an emergency same-day appointment.

 

 

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

The mouth is a sensitive area, and even tho your teeth are extremely strong, things can happen. When dealing with a dental problem, your family dentist should be your first call. However, there are times when you may face an emergency on a weekend, holiday, or even the middle of the night. If you are facing a dental emergency it might be time to visit a dentist in Saskatoon.

We know nothing can be more unsettling than a sudden trauma to your teeth and in the case of an emergency, we want to see you as quickly as possible.

If you have lost a tooth, when treated quickly, the tooth could potentially be salvaged. When experiencing severe pain or bleeding it is time to pay a visit to the nearest Saskatoon dentist. Swelling or bumps on the gums or swollen cheeks may signal an infection. A serious infection or an abscess in your mouth could be potentially life-threatening and should be treated as soon as possible. Apply a cold compress to the mouth or jaw to reduce swelling. If you fear you may have an infection it is vital to get seen by a dentist immediately.

So what is considered to be a dental emergency in Saskatoon? Overall, any dental issue requiring immediate dental treatment in order to alleviate severe pain, stop heavy bleeding, or save a tooth is considered an emergency. Dental emergencies can vary in severity but your peace of mind should always come first. Furthermore, any infections that could be life-threatening are dental emergencies.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may require a visit to a dentist in Saskatoon. Call your Saskatoon dentist right away and describe in detail what happened. If a dental emergency occurs, don’t skip a visit to the dentist!