The desire to prohibit decay is one of the main reasons people visit their dentists
Today we are going to explore 5 things you need to know about cavities.
1. Cavities are also called caries or tooth decay. When a tooth is permanently damaged in the hard surface, tiny openings develop. These little holes are cavities.
3. Cavities may get so bad that you will see pits or holes in your teeth, but symptoms may be more subtle, such as sensitivity, pain when biting, or a toothache. If you see any of these symptoms, you should call your dentist today to schedule an appointment.
4. Cavities are more common among youngsters, but that doesn’t mean adults don’t have to take precautions.
5. Avoiding cavities is simple. Be sure to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat right, skip frequent snacking, and have regular visits with your dentist.
Do you have extreme tooth damage, bone loss, or few or no teeth still intact? This post is for Kelowna area residents whose mouths are in a world of hurt.
First off, we feel for you. We understand how severe dental issues influence you every day of your life.
Whatever the cause of the condition – chemotherapy, recreational drug use, eating disorder, severe mouth injury, disability, inadequate oral hygiene, or simply poor overall health – there is hope.
Full mouth reconstruction can restore your previously healthy, nice smile or give you the remarkable smile you never had. Patients who undergo full mouth reconstruction regain their confidence to smile, eat, and speak normally. How would that impact your life?
Replacing missing teeth and adding bone through grafting restores underlying facial structure, improving or preventing that “sunk-in” look that develops when teeth are gone and the jawbone recedes.
Full mouth reconstruction (sometimes called full mouth restoration) is a term that refers to a combination of dental procedures that restore a smile for people with several damaged or missing teeth. Treatment may include any combination of the following procedures: crowns, inlays/onlays, dental bonding, white filling replacement, tooth implants, porcelain veneers, implant-anchored dentures, gum contouring, soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, and tooth whitening.
Dental implants are often the best tooth replacement for Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair patients with missing teeth. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. If there is not enough bone to anchor an implant, bone grafting may be carried out to augment existing bone. The post integrates with the bone to provide a sturdy foundation for the abutment and beautiful crown. Dental implants are indistinguishable from initial teeth in both form and function.
If you currently have dentures, speak with us about implant-anchored full or partial dentures. Significant improvements can be made even if you only get two or three tooth implants.
Crowns (sometimes called caps) are used when there is enough viable tooth structure that the tooth doesn’t need to be extracted. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been injured. A crown can correct a bite misalignment and is usually necessary after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, attaching the crown to the abutment is the final step.
Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair offers a full menu of cosmetic dental services including total mouth reconstruction. Cosmetic dentistry may be more affordable than you think. Talk to us about financing or a multi-procedure treatment schedule that allows you to pay as you go. Restoring a healthy smile may be the best investment you ever make.
Run your tongue along the gumline behind your lower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar or dental calculus.
Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a ‘pocket’. This creates a new space for plaque and tartar to grow. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna, we perform the most thorough dental cleanings possible. Gum disease can be reversed in its early stages.
Our goal is to help our Kelowna dental patients prevent gum disease before any damage occurs. Cleanings include root planing and periodontal scaling. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus above and, especially, below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Planing smoothes root surfaces so it is more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate and grow. It also creates a healthy surface for the gums to reattach to the root if necessary.
To schedule a deep cleaning, call 250-860-8900. We are located at 301-1890 Cooper Rd in Kelowna. In addition to providing comprehensive dental cleanings, we create mega-watt smiles for cosmetic dentistry patients in the Mission and V1Y 8B7 area. See https://drmalfair.ca/blog/ for more information about our state-of-the-art dental practice.
As I stand over my sink and meditate the frayed bristles of my favorite toothbrush, I wonder if I should replace it.
It’s a good question. We all brush our teeth on a daily basis. Like a good pair of jeans, it seems the more we use a toothbrush, the more comfortable it gets.
As it turns out, that’s not a good thing when it comes to brushing your teeth.
The angle of the bristles on your toothbrush are an important part of cleaning. Straight bristles scrub your teeth and flex your gums. A light circular motion is enough to clean your teeth without causing damage.
Flat or frayed bristles are less efficient and can even cause you to work harder. Pressing harder on your teeth can cause damage.
So how often should you change your toothbrush?
Anyone who has worried about changing the oil in their car has learned this basic rule of thumb; change your oil every three months. It’s the same with your toothbrush.
Most dental professionals recommend a new toothbrush every three months. Your local Kelowna British Columbia dental professionals at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair do, too.
The American Dental Association suggests replacing your toothbrush “every three to four months.”
The reasons to replace your toothbrush includes worn bristles and bacteria. Worn bristles, as we have discussed, are less effective.
Bacteria can also built up in the small gaps of your toothbrush and may contribute to decay and bad breath. Make sure you keep your toothbrush in a sanitary location. Allow for good drying to help extend its life.
Regardless of how long it’s been, if the bristles on your toothbrush look like they’re trying to get away from each other, it’s time. Otherwise, change your toothbrush at the start of every new British Columbia season to keep it fresh and effective.
Floss picks vs regular floss? While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. Dr. Malfair recommends traditional floss or dental tape. Here’s why:
A floss pick holds just a small section of floss stretched in a straight line. Looking down, a tooth is shaped somewhat round or oval, with occasional irregularities. A straight segment of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically because it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss used correctly. By wrapping the floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more capably clean that critical area around and just below the gumline. And your fingers are much more agile than a piece of plastic.
We have seen patients who are observant floss pick users who developed decay due to a tiny crack the floss pick missed day after day.
Here is a review on correct flossing:
1. Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
2. Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with. Thread the floss between two teeth.
3. Hold the floss firmly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s vital to scrape up and out of the pocket.
4. Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to furnish a clean piece for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new section.
5. Some people find it easier to commence on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch. Whatever method you select, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.
6. If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding usually stops within a week or two.
I’m Dr. Malfair with Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair. I’d like to take a few minutes to share with you some insight about halitosis.
Brushing just the teeth may not remove particles of food between the teeth and up in the gums. Bacteria can grow and stink from hidden floss-only locations. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.
Also, the food you are eating can impact the odor in your mouth. Onions, garlic, and coffee are likely to show up on the breath regardless of consistent brushing.
Illness, infection, and allergies can all cause dry mouth which in turn upset the control of bacteria in the mouth. Diabetes, kidney failure, radiation therapy, liver malfunction, dry mouth, or even a sinus infection can cause an odor. The bacteria balance in the mouth is ever-changing.
Finally, dentures or a removable appliance may also carry bacteria that needs to be cleaned and freshened up on a regular basis.
1. Brush and floss the teeth as well as brush the tongue, gums, and sides of the mouth.
2. Enjoy onions and garlic a little less.
3. Stay on top of health issues.
4. Keep dentures clean.
Again, I’m Dr. Stephen Malfair. Located at 301-1890 Cooper Rd Kelowna, British Columbia. We offer Sedation Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, and Dental Implants just to name a few of our services.
Today’s article is for people who are frustrated because they haven’t been successful at making some changes that will benefit their oral health. We want to urge you to keep trying and assure you that the team of dental professionals at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is eager to help.
Keep Trying To Floss
Many men and women are observant about brushing and believe that it makes up for lack of flossing. This is a misconception. Flossing is the only way to clean food debris and plaque from the gumline. Failure to floss can lead to periodontal disease which can, in turn, bring about tooth loss. We encourage everyone to make it a habit to floss appropriately every day. If you are not sure how to floss correctly, any one of the courteous dental hygienists at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair would be happy to teach you. (They’re the pros!) Call 250-860-8900 to schedule a professional dental cleaning a review on flossing.
Keep Trying to Overcome Dental Anxiety
Skipping dental checkups can have harmful, and in some cases, irreversible oral health consequences. Severe cavities or delayed diagnosis of oral cancer are two potential risks. If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you are not alone. This psychological disorder affects a significant portion of the population. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage this condition so you can undergo an exam and any necessary services. Talk to Dr. Malfair if you or a family member suffers from dental anxiety. Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair furnishes oral sedation and other help for apprehensive patients.
Keep Trying to Quit Tobacco
Smoking is just as detrimental for your teeth and gums as it is for other parts of your body. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to drop the habit, it’s clear that you value your health and want to lower your risk for all the issues caused or exacerbated by smoking, chewing, or vaping.
Many smokers do not kick the habit the first time. But there’s hope! According to the CDC, there are now more former smokers than current users. Each of those former smokers was once right where you are. Keep trying!
Sometimes a little help can make all the difference. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair at 250-860-8900 to schedule an appointment.
Maintaining good oral hygiene in the Kelowna area is essential to overall health and wellness. Your teeth and gums are the foundation of great personal health.
Most of us in the Kelowna area brush our teeth twice a day. This is good practice and makes for a good start to your oral health. However, many people overlook the importance of flossing. Flossing is just as important as brushing, if not more so.
Here are four good reasons why flossing your teeth is so important:
Flossing Removes Plaque and Food Particles
Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-laden film that forms on teeth and gums. It’s a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. While brushing can remove some of the plaque from the surface of your teeth, it can’t always reach the areas between your teeth. Flossing is a convenient way to remove plaque and food particles from these hard-to-reach areas.
Flossing Prevents Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding in the gums. It can eventually lead to tooth loss. Flossing can help prevent gum disease by removing the plaque and food particles that can lead to inflammation and infection. It can also help keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, allowing you to enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.
Flossing Reduces Bad Breath
Perhaps most importantly for most of us, flossing can help prevent bad breath. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and unpleasant. It is often caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce foul-smelling gases. Flossing can help reduce bad breath by removing the food particles and bacteria that can contribute to the problem.
This single benefit alone makes flossing worth the effort, but we have one more big one…
Come in to Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair for a quick check up and we can help guide you with a prevention plan that includes regular flossing. We can also recommend useful tools that will help you maintain good oral health within your lifestyle. For example, there are many new products on the market today that make flossing a lot easier and much more convenient.
Flossing is an essential part of good oral hygiene. It can help prevent cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems. By incorporating flossing into your daily routine, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
One of the developments in cosmetic dentistry is prepless veneers. Though thousands of smile restoration patients who have received standard veneers are happy with the results, some dental patients have delayed this procedure because they do not want to give up healthy tooth structure.
Veneers Have Advanced
Prepless veneers are a more conservative procedure for transforming smiles. New prepless veneers at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair are extremely thin shells that adhere to the face of teeth and require no removal of tooth enamel. Most prepless veneers are about the thickness of two pieces of paper. Because the color is built into the veneers (instead of being applied after fabrication), they look like your natural teeth—only better!
The Skilled Lab Technicians Behind the Scenes
Our experienced ceramists are experienced artists. They create each custom veneer with the perfect shape, color, and thickness for your new smile. Another great feature of the Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair prepless veneers application procedure is that it requires no anesthesia or drilling.
If you are uncomfortable with misaligned, discolored, or broken teeth, prepless veneers may be a smile restoration solution that you can feel good about. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair to learn more about prepless veneers. It may be your answer for smile!
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, we are to educating patients.
We know that optimal dental health depends on good habits, so we want you to have all the information you need to practice those habits.
We make sure we explain all procedures and answer our patients’ questions. We also explain how to care for your teeth post-procedure.
In addition to having healthy teeth and gums, we want our dental patients to have the beautiful smile they deserve. We work to make patients aware of the numerous cosmetic dental procedures that can improve smiles dramatically. Procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers are simple but can have amazing results.
If you are in the Kelowna area and are looking for a highly skilled dentist with superior communication skills, give us a call at 250-860-8900. We can answer any questions you have about services such as dental implants or complete smile makeovers. Our services include:
Love Your Smile is a full-service dental practice led by Dr. Stephen Malfair, a skilled and compassionate dentist. Anyone can visit our convenient office in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia for top-quality dentistry services and personalized patient care.https://drmalfair.ca/
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