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.
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:
Keeping your teeth clean is an essential factor in maintaining a beautiful smile. One of the benefits of visiting your dentist commonly is receiving a thorough teeth cleaning and a review of your brushing habits.
Your Partner in Oral Health
Our dental hygienist can professionally clean and polish your teeth at your twice-yearly dental check-up. The hygienist also helps you keep your teeth clean by assessing the condition of your teeth and recommending improvements to your daily teeth cleaning habits.
Having a professional dental cleaning is the only way to get rid of plaque (a sticky substance in which bacteria thrives) and tartar (a calcium deposit that forms on teeth and contributes to cavities).
Don’t Forget Basic Dental Hygiene
Brushing and flossing at least twice each day can keep plaque and tartar from collecting on your teeth and results in cleaner, healthier teeth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist at least once every 6 months for a dental checkup and dental cleaning.
To keep that beautiful smile in top condition, come in for a dental check-up and teeth cleaning. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair to make an appointment.- Dr. Stephen Malfair
Most Kelowna residents know that frequently eating foods high in sugar can cause cavities. Therefore, it’s important to limit candy, soda, cookies, etc. Also, remember that frequency is as dangerous as the amount of sugar.
Research has found that a higher frequency in sugar consumption may lead to demineralization more than the amount of sugar consumed. In other words, eating sugary foods in small amounts on a regular basis can do more harm than eating the occasional sugar-laden dessert. (Healthline)
Before we discuss the issue further, let’s review the miracle substance that protects our teeth: enamel. While enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it’s not invincible. In fact, it demineralizes (loses some of its density) when it comes in contact with sugar, acids and bacteria.
Let’s consider additional eating habits and how they can affect oral health.
Acid is as Bad as Sugar
First, let’s talk about acids. A plethora of both healthy and unhealthy foods and drinks are acidic. Soda pop and energy drinks are especially dangerous because they have sugar and acid, a dangerous combo. Plus, they provide virtually no nutrition. However, you probably don’t want to limit all acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes. Many acidic foods and beverages are high in Vitamin C and other nutrients.
You can shield your teeth by eating these things as part of a meal to decrease the acidic effects. It is smart to eat a variety of healthy foods such as chicken, cheeses, chicken, other meats, nuts and milk. The calcium and phosphorus will support tooth remineralization.
Meal Timing Makes a Difference
The more frequently you eat the more often your teeth are subject to the decay process. This can be moderated by deciding on healthy snacks. And keep in mind, the later at night you eat, the more likely you will skip brusing and flossing altogether.
Enamel Erosion
While the enamel is soft, the tooth is exposed to losing a microscopic outer layer of enamel. If the onslaught continues, the much softer dentin underneath is exposed. The dentin erodes more quickly. Eventually, you may lose the tooth.
Understand Which Foods are Acidic
Broadly speaking, the normal diet is becoming more acidic. The list of acidic foods may surprise you. They include eggs, gravy, asparagus, chicken, cottage cheese, honey, fish, ham, butter, sour cream, aged cheese, and yogurt with active cultures. Generally, foods with a high sugar or artificial sweetener content are especially acidic. We don’t recommend cutting out the healthy foods. We just want you to be aware of them so you can make better choices.
If your teeth have become more sensitive in general, or in response to hot or cold foods or liquids, you may have enamel erosion. Call us to schedule an appointment and Dr. Malfair can examine your teeth and discuss it with you.
Is Your Go-To Beverage Affecting Your Teeth?
Now let’s talk about beverages. You probably already know that soda pop and wine are not good for your teeth. Kelowna teenagers that sip soda all day can have acid erosion while their young teeth should be at their healthiest. As mentioned, energy drinks have a multitude of teeth-damaging ingredients. Dentists are noticing the impact of their increasing popularity.
If you drink soda or energy drinks often, you may want to drink water or chew sugarless gum after downing a can. Increasing saliva production can energize the remineralization process.
Xylitol Gum
If you choose to chew gum to stimulate saliva production, a good choice is gum with Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually beneficial for your teeth.
Several clinical studies have demonstrated that xylitol prohibits the growth of the bacteria that initiates tooth decay. It also diminishes plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.
Chronic bad breath can happen to anyone. Even individuals who practice impeccable oral hygiene can suffer from the condition.
Are you struggling with bad breath?
Schedule an examination and deep dental cleaning at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna. Our dental hygienist will get all the plaque and calculus off your teeth. During your examination, Dr. Stephen Malfair will determine whether you have a dental problem that is contributing to your breath.
In addition to inadequate dental hygiene, the following can cause chronic bad breath:
Dry mouth
Digestive issues
Systemic infection
Gum disease
Food particles on tonsils
Bacteria on dentures or a broken crown
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, we can help you with this unpleasant condition. Even if you think you brush and floss adequately, here’s a refresher course:
Brush for at least 2 minutes
People who have no idea how long they brush can set a timer (there is probably one on your smartphone). When you are finished with your teeth, don’t forget your tongue!
Floss carefully
Then take the time to carefully floss around each tooth to wipe away the plaque between your teeth and keep your gums healthy.
Some extra-careful oral hygiene pros brush after each meal to restrict particles of food from sitting on their teeth during the day.
Possible dental causes are: a cavity, a broken crown, or gum disease. If we suspect that your bad breath is linked to a non-dental malady, such as a respiratory infection, you will be referred to an appropriate medical professional.
Treating bad breath starts with a visit to Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair. In addition to general dental care, we provide a complete menu of dental services including Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, and Dental Implants.
Going to the dentist in Kelowna is often considered to be a dreaded task for many people in British Columbia. However, a good dentist can make all the difference in how you view your dental visits.
We came up with ten great reasons to love your dentist and visit often. Here they are:
ONE: Personalized Care
A good dentist takes the time to get to know their patients and their specific needs. They create personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique concerns. Personalized care can make all the difference in achieving optimal oral health, and making your next dental visit comfortable and productive.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we pride ourselves on the personal care we provide. It’s our goal to make you as comfortable as we can.
TWO: Comprehensive Services
Dentists are highly skilled professionals that offer a wide range of services to their patients. From routine checkups and cleanings to more complex procedures like root canals and orthodontics, a good dentist can provide comprehensive care for all of your oral health needs.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we provide a comprehensive range of services to meet your needs. We can help you with a complete oral healthy plan, services to meet every need, and a range of alternatives to choose from.
THREE: Pain-Free Procedures
One of the biggest reasons people dread going to the dentist is the fear of pain. Modern advancements in dentistry have helped eliminate pain from the many procedures we perform. Good dentists use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to minimize discomfort and ensure a comfortable experience for their patients.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we feel that your comfort is our first priority. We know you’re nervous, and that working with your teeth can bring out the anxiety in even the toughest tigers. We understand, and will always work with you to ensure your comfort.
FOUR: Preventative Care
Preventative care is key to maintaining good oral health. A good dentist emphasizes preventative care and works with patients to establish good oral hygiene habits. By catching and treating dental problems early, a good dentist can help prevent more serious issues from developing down the road.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we feel that preventative care is your best option from the start. That’s why we emphasize regular visits and a carefully personalized plan to help you extend the health of your teeth and gums.
FIVE: Education and Communication
A good dentist takes the time to educate their patients on proper oral hygiene and dental care. They communicate clearly and effectively, making sure their patients understand their treatment options and what to expect from each procedure. This level of education and communication helps patients feel more at ease and confident in their dental care.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we love to talk with our patients. We’re here to answer your questions about oral health and to discuss the options you have to maintain the healthiest smile possible.
SIX: Emergency Care
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and a good dentist is always available to provide emergency care. Whether it’s a broken tooth, severe pain, or other dental emergency, a good dentist is ready and equipped to handle the situation.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we’re prepared to help you with those emergencies when you need us. We’ll also help you practice good oral health with a plan that will help you avoid those emergencies in the first place.
SEVEN: Patient Comfort
A good dentist understands that many patients experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist. They go out of their way to create a comfortable and welcoming environment that puts their patients at ease. From comfortable chairs to calming music, a good dentist strives to make each visit as pleasant as possible.
As we mentioned above, everyone at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is concerned about your comfort. We’re working to create a pleasant environment where you can relax and get the treatment you need with as little anxiety as possible.
EIGHT: Flexibility and Convenience
Many people have busy schedules that make it difficult to fit in dental appointments. A good dentist understands this and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate patients’ needs. They also strive to make their services as convenient as possible, with features that make dental care easier to access.
At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we try to keep our schedule flexible with open spaces to accommodate everyone we can. If you need help scheduling an appointment or want to talk to one of our specialists, please give us a call at 250-860-8900
NINE: Commitment to Continuing Education
The field of dentistry is constantly evolving, and a good dentist is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements and techniques. They attend continuing education courses and workshops to improve their skills and knowledge, ensuring that they can provide the best possible care to their patients.
Our dentist at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is always learning the latest techniques and procedures to make sure you get the best possible care available. Our continuing education goals include our entire staff and we’re all committed to treating you with the latest proven techniques.
TEN: Positive Relationship
Finally, a good dentist is someone you can trust and build a positive relationship with over time. They take the time to listen to their patients and understand their concerns, and they work collaboratively with their patients to achieve the best possible outcomes.
From all of us at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair we’re excited to count you among our cherished patients. We know it takes a lot to trust someone to work on your teeth, and we know it’s something we earn through a long history of honesty and a lasting relationship.
There are many reasons to love your dentist. From personalized care and comprehensive services to pain-free procedures and preventative care, a good dentist can make all the difference in achieving optimal oral health. By prioritizing patient education, comfort, and communication, and staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field, Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is a partner in your journey to a healthy and happy smile.
If you’ve ever visited a grocery store dental aisle, you know that there are many different types of mouthwash. Some tout their germ-killing abilities, others emphasize their fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening the breath. These are all great benefits, but will they help meet your oral care needs?
Many individuals wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two critical habits that have the greatest impact on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash necessary?
I’m Dr. Stephen Malfair of Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna. When my dental patients ask about mouthwash, I tell them that as long as they follow the directions on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit dental health, even if it doesn’t live up to every promise as touted. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride can’t hurt your teeth, but allowing a bit of diluted toothpaste to stay on tooth surfaces after brushing probably has the same effect.
People who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the issue. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can worsen bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are often more effective for freshening breath. These products are often called fluoride rinses.
If you have severe bad breath, however, you should have your teeth checked out for plaque build-up. No amount of mouthwash can remedy a mouth full of plaque. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you still suffer from bad breath, it’s important to ascertain the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your doctor soon.
Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. And if you use mouthwash, elect a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.
We like to tackle important issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry services, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, pediatric dentistry, oral care habits, and more!
My practice, Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, provides quality dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at 250-860-8900. A member of my caring staff can answer any questions you have about our services.
The soft tissue in your mouth, like skin, has an essential job. It protects the roots of your teeth. It also provides a barrier for the connective tissues and ligaments that hold your teeth in their sockets. Plus the alveolar bone in which your teeth are anchored.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease starts with inflammation. Gums become swollen and tender. In its early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. As the disease advances, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. This is called periodontitis or periodontal disease.
What causes gingivitis?
Bacteria are always present in the oral cavity. When it is left on the teeth and gums, it turns into plaque. Plaque is a thick coating of bacteria on your gums and teeth. Plaque accumulates if it is not removed by rinsing, brushing, and flossing. If plaque builds up in the pockets, the gums can start loosening. When plaque hardens, it is called tartar or calculus. You can’t brush away tartar with your toothbrush. You need to have a professional dental cleaning.
Individuals get food stuck in and between their teeth all the time. Most of the time it is not a problem to get the food unstuck with floss or a toothbrush and move on with your day. However, once in a while there is a pesky piece of food that seems almost impossible to get out of your teeth. So, what do you do if this is the case?
Sometimes, depending on the food that is stuck between your teeth and where the food is stuck, it can be dangerous and possibly damaging to your teeth to remove it on your own. Remember that you do not need to do everything yourself, and it is okay and oftentimes safer to seek professional help.
In fact, Dr. Malfair at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is available to help you when something is stuck between your teeth and is too challenging or dangerous to get out on your own. A dentist can carefully and safely remove the piece of food that is stuck and causing irritation or discomfort.
It is important to seek care from a dentist if the food stuck between your teeth causes you pain. Also, if you get food stuck deep between your teeth, in your gums, or in a hard-to-reach location like the back teeth it is a good idea to see a dentist for help.
Trying to take action and fix the dilemma on your own in any of these situations can lead to consequences. For example, if a piece of food gets stuck in the gums and you accidentally push it farther in, making it harder to get out, you may cause your gums to get infected.
This happened to 41-year-old firefighter Adam Martin in January of 2020. Martin got a popcorn kernel stuck between his teeth that he continuously poked at and tried to get unstuck for months. The constant prodding with random sharp objects led to a potentially fatal blood infection that required open heart surgery to treat. After the surgery, Martin said, “If I had gone to the dentist in the first place, then none of this would have happened.”
The possible effects of trying to remove food from between your teeth on your own:
Puncturing and/or infecting the gums
Breaking or cracking the teeth
Creating pain
Causing existing pain to worsen
In conclusion, if you get food stuck between your teeth that does not easily come out by using floss or brushing your teeth you should take caution and seek professional dental help. It is much better to have a dentist safely remove the food than to try to do it yourself and end up in more pain or with an infection.
The effectiveness of teeth bleaching depends partly on the types of stains.
Extrinsic tooth stains are the best to remove. These surface stains have not yet penetrated through the enamel into the dentin. Extrinsic stains are caused by dark-colored foods and drinks like blueberries, carrots, coffee, red wine, and cola. And nicotine is no better for your smile than it is for your lungs.
Unfortunately, even if you prevent these common teeth stainers, your teeth will become discolored over time. Like gray hair, wrinkles, and memory lapses, a dull smile is an inevitable part of aging for some men and women.
Intrinsic tooth stains appear from the inside out. Tooth injury or tetracycline are the usual culprits. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove entirely, but it is possible to lighten them with professional tooth whitening available at your cosmetic dental office.
If your teeth are stained, whether from coffee, tetracycline, or excessive fluoride, call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair at 250-860-8900. We have treated many patients with extreme tooth discoloration.
It is never too late or too early to whiten your smile.
Men and women can take years off their appearance by restoring the youthful white smile they once enjoyed. Teens and young adults with surface stains can restrict them from becoming intrinsic stains with tooth bleaching.
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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