The Link Between Gum Disease and Viral Infections

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Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

gum disease and COVID-19 risks Kelowna

The pandemic has increased public awareness of the danger of viruses and the importance of a strong immune system. We at Love Your Smile in Kelowna can help you understand the link between viruses and gum disease

Our Immune System Protects Against Serious Illness

The variation in the severity of COVID-19 illness is due, in part, to the strength of natural biological defenses.

Of course, you may be wondering why we’re discussing this in a dental blog. Does it have anything to do with dental health?

Actually, it does. Scientists have found a link between oral bacteria and viral infections.

Gum Disease is Caused by Bacteria

The oral bacteria in question is Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis for short). The “gingivalis” in its name gives you a clue to what type of bacteria it is. As you may have anticipated, P. gingivalis is the bacteria that causes gingivitis and the more advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis.

Your Mouth Produces Natural Viral Protection

Interferon lambdas are a family of proteins created by cells in the mouth. These proteins protect us from all types of bacterial and viral infections in addition to the coronavirus. The danger of P. gingivalis is that it makes Interferon lambdas less effective at protecting us.

This is how one of the researchers explained it:

“Our studies identified certain pathogenic bacterial species, P. gingivalis, which cause periodontal disease, can completely suppress interferon production and severely enhance susceptibility to viral infection. These resident oral plaque bacteria play a key role in regulating antiviral responses.” Juhi Bagaitkar, assistant professor, University of Louisville Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Disease.

Oral Health and Physical Health Go Hand in Hand

As if you needed one more reason to prevent gum disease! Not only does gum disease put you tooth loss, it makes you more susceptible to the potential dangers of viruses. To recap: if you avoid gum disease, you protect your mouth from P. gingivalis. This lets you benefit from Interferon lambdas and the virus protection they provide.

Let’s discuss basic oral hygiene practices that can prevent periodontitis and keep your smile healthy:

  • Brush at least twice daily using appropriate brushing techniques
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily using the correct flossing method
  • Get a professional dental cleaning twice a year
  • Schedule twice-yearly dental exams
  • Take care of dental dilemmas in their early stages so they don’t progress

Has it been a while since you’ve had a dental exam and cleaning? We serve patients in the Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 area. Our friendly team of dental professionals is here for and your family. We at Love Your Smile in Kelowna can serve all of your dental needs. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Do You Have The Most Common Dental Problem?

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Categories: General Dentistry, Toothache

Kelowna Teeth Whitening

Tooth decay is the single most common dental issue there is. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day goes a long way toward preventing it. That’s something we stress to all of our patients, at Love Your Smile in Kelowna!

Cavities form when acids in the mouth attack the enamel and dentin of the teeth. The acid is produced by bacteria in plaque, that sticky film that forms on the surfaces of teeth. When sugar is introduced it interacts with the bacteria in the plaque, and makes the acids, which attack the teeth and cause cavities.

That’s why it is so important to choose food and drink wisely. But it isn’t easy, is it? Sugar seems to be in just about everything. Health experts say the average person in the United States consumes about 19.5 teaspoons of sugar every single day! That is twice as much as is recommended by the American Heart Association.

Knowing how much sugar is in the food that you buy is vital: not just to your teeth, but to your overall health. Reading ingredient labels on processed foods is essential.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. So cut back on sugar, brush your teeth at least twice a day, don’t forget to floss, and see us for a cleaning and checkup every six months. People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 come to our practice for family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Super Smiles Have Strong Enamel

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry

Kelowna dental financing

Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the body? It’s true! Found on the outer surface of your teeth, enamel is meant to last a lifetime, and with the help of regular checkups at Love Your Smile in Kelowna, it can.

Enamel may be super strong, but you still have to do your part to take care of it. Here are some useful tips for keeping enamel healthy.

  1. Pick the right foods for enamel health. It’s no secret that soft drinks weaken your teeth, and don’t think that diet sodas are harmless – the artificial sweeteners can also erode enamel over time. There are also other culinary culprits that can do a lot of harm.
  2. Sticky, chewy candies should be avoided. Chewing ice is a no-no. And don’t use your teeth as tools. Take a minute to grab some scissors before you rip open that package with your incisors.
  3. Avoid vigorous brushing and use a soft brush. Also, it’s best to brush about an hour after eating, because foods, especially acidic ones, can soften the enamel, making it more prone to weakening from brushing.
  4. Keep stomach acids in check. If you have a problem with severe heartburn, the stomach acid could be traveling up your esophagus and into your mouth. This acid can erode enamel, so talk to your doctor about treatment.
  5. Talk to us about dry mouth and tooth grinding. Lack of saliva is a major issue for tooth enamel, and teeth grinding can also wear it down. Let us know if you suspect either of these issues.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we want the best possible dental health for all our patients. People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 come to us for cosmetic and preventative dentistry and much more. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

A Beautiful Smile is Timeless

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Categories: Beautiful smile, Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, Invisalign

Your Smile Doesn’t Have to Show Your Age in Kelowna

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we know that every stage of life has its pros and cons. For example, in our golden years, we may enjoy traveling, more free time and grandchildren. However, most  retirees do not welcome wrinkles, limited mobility or dental problems.

Fortunately, your smile can be healthy and pleasing throughout your life. With cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can have a youthful smile at any age.

Regain Your Youthful Smile

Even if your teeth are showing visible signs of wear, we can help. Do you have any of the following concerns?

  • Enamel loss
  • Staining
  • Chips
  • Missing teeth
  • Broken dental work
  • Gum recession
  • Old amalgam fillings

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we serve you with a full array of dental services including dental implants sleep apnea, and cosmetic dentistry.

Could Your Smile Benefit From Adult Braces?

Would you like to straighten your teeth? Modern braces can correct all types of tooth alignment dilemmas. Overbite? Gap between your two front teeth? Crowded teeth?

Now, individuals of any age can have an extraordinary smile that looks as young as they feel. Let’s discuss some orthodontic options.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses clear aligners instead of metal or ceramic brackets. With Invisalign aligners, you switch aligners every couple of weeks as your teeth gently shift into place.

How can straightening teeth improve your life?

We all know that a an attractive smile improves one’s appearance. Everyone wants to look better. However, the benefits aren’t purely aesthetic.

  • Straight teeth can prohibit decay
  • If teeth are aligned properly, you are less likely to snore
  • Decreases the risk of periodontitis (advanced gum disease),
  • Straightening teeth can help you eat a healthier diet

Regardless of your age, it is not too late to enhance your smile–even if you have some missing teeth. Braces combined with tooth implants can transform a smile.

If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, you will be interested to learn about the latest cosmetic dentistry treatments. Many procedures can be completed in one visit with us at Love Your Smile in Kelowna. We serve patients in Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 seeking all kinds of services, including restorative dentistry and sedation dentistry. Contact us for an appointment today.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Swollen Gums?

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Categories: General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral health

If Your Gums Are Swollen And Sore, Call Love Your Smile - Dr. Stephen Malfair

If you are worried about swollen gums or an aching tooth, you’re are not alone. You should have your symptoms checked out right away, because they could be a sign of gum disease, a serious but treatable condition at Love Your Smile in Kelowna.

Gum disease is progressive. Before it reaches the advanced stage it is called gingivitis, which is inflammation in the gums. An early sign of gingivitis is bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth.

Gingivitis develops when plaque is not adequately removed from your teeth. You remove it by brushing and flossing. The good news is that gingivitis is easily reversible. If you’re diagnosed with it, you need to step up your brushing and flossing, and get a professional cleaning by a dental hygienist.

Advanced gum disease develops when gingivitis is not treated. Toxins build up in the plaque on your teeth and invade gum tissue. Not only that, it gets into the bone and ligaments that support the teeth. The teeth can actually become loose.

Severe cases may require surgery, but first is a non-surgical treatment called scaling and root planing, or SRP. We scrape plaque and tartar off the surfaces of your teeth and root surfaces. From there, any roughness on the roots is smoothed to prevent bacteria from accumulating there.

It usually takes more than one appointment to complete SRP. But once it’s over, the gums will heal and reattach to the teeth. After a few weeks we’ll evaluate the procedure to determine whether additional treatment is necessary.

Gum disease can be prevented with proper dental care. Like we always say, brush and floss twice a day to maintain good dental health. People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 have sought gum disease treatment at Love Your Smile in Kelowna. We also offer complete general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and more. Schedule an appointment with us today!

 

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

 

ArticleID 3782

Keeping Patients Calm Since 2004

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Categories: Children's dentistry, General Dentist, Sedation Dentistry

sleep dentistry Kelowna

Keeping Patients Calm

If you tense up just thinking about going to the dentist, you may benefit from sedation dentistry offered by Love Your Smile in Kelowna.

Millions of Americans stress out when they have to see the dentist. It is referred to as dental anxiety. There is a more severe form, too, called dental phobia. In both, some people would rather skip the dentist altogether than sit down for a checkup. The problem with that, of course, is it puts their dental health at risk.

There are lots of reasons why people develop anxiety or phobia over dental care. It often stems from a bad experience they had with a dentist as a kid. Fear of pain may be involved, as well as a fear of anesthesics and possible side effects.

Whatever the cause, sedation dentistry has helped millions of people get through their appointments.

We offer three types:

Nitrous Oxide – You also know this as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for more than a century and is highly effective.

Oral conscious sedation – You take a sedative an hour or so before the appointment. You won’t sleep, but will be in a deeply relaxed state. When the appointment is over, someone will have to drive you home.

IV Sedation – As the name suggests, this is a sedative that is administered intravenously. You won’t sleep with this one, either, but will be in a deeply relaxed state. You’ll need an escort for a ride here and back.

Remember, it is critical that you do not compromise your dental health by skipping the dentist. Sedation dentistry from Love Your Smile in Kelowna has helped patients throughout Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6. Our services include general and children’s dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!

 

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

 

ArticleID 7041

3 Vital Reasons to Floss Regularly

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry

reasons to floss your teeth

Flossing your teeth is one of those things you should do every single day in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Too many people skip flossing, though. In this post from Love Your Smile in Kelowna we’ll give you three very good reasons why you should make it part of your regular dental health regimen.

  1. Helps Fight Cavities: Every time we eat, food debris is left in the mouth. It accumulates in between teeth without us always being aware. Flossing gets rid of it and helps reduce the amount of plaque buildup.
  2. Helps Prevent Gum Disease: Plaque buildup also increases the risk of gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. Flossing is a great way to clear it out.
  3. Freshens Your Breath: All that gunk between your teeth can lead to bad breath, and no one wants that! Brushing alone isn’t enough – floss it away.

Flossing your teeth is essential to good dental health. So are regular checkups at Love Your Smile in Kelowna. People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

ArticleID 8550

5 Ways To Floss Daily

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry in Kelowna, BCIf you’ve noticed that you’re too tired to floss your teeth each night, this post from Love Your Smile in Kelowna is for you. We want to give you a few ideas for unique times to floss, since it’s an essential part of your daily dental health routine.

  1. If you’re an early riser, try flossing in the morning right after you brush.
  2. Try just after lunch, but before you go back to work.
  3. Before or after you exercise is as good a time as any. Your oral health is just as important as your physical fitness. Keep some floss in your gym bag and give your teeth and gums some attention along with the rest of your body.
  4. During the nightly news or while watching Netflix.
  5. While taking a bath. Any task is more enjoyable if it can be done while relaxing in a warm tub. Light some scented candles, play some soothing music and turn off your cell phone for an at-home spa experience.

Along with brushing, flossing should be part of your daily routine. So should regular checkups at Love Your Smile in Kelowna. We offer complete general and preventative dentistry, and patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 make sure to see us every six months. They also improve their smiles with our cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

ArticleID 4849

2023 Is The Year To Replace Missing Teeth

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

Implant dentist in Kelowna, BCIf you or someone you care about lost a tooth this year, but haven’t yet dealt with the issue, Love Your Smile in Kelowna suggests a consultation with our dental implant team immediately.

Why the rush? Though your missing tooth might not be an aesthetic issue now – maybe it’s far enough back that the gap is not visible, or perhaps you don’t mind a sort of rugged look – it could very well become one in the future.

When we lose a tooth, the root and jaw bone eventually atrophy. This causes neighboring teeth to begin to shift into the empty spaces, causing misalignment and pain. Worse, it causes your facial features to take on a “sunken” look; especially round the cheeks.

Dental implants are the best way to avoid this, as they protect and stimulate the remaining teeth, keeping them in place and bolstering their strength. The good news is that dental implants and their associated restorations mimic natural enamel perfectly, so nobody will be able to tell that you’ve achieved your New Year’s resolution early this coming year!

If you’ve been dreaming of a more complete smile for years, 2023 is the time to do it and Love Your Smile in Kelowna can help! We offer implants and complete restorative dentistry. We serve satisfied patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6. Contact us today!

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Holidays Bring Health Hazards

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry

General Dentist - bright smiles in Kelowna BCAt Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we don’t like providing the reality check; especially around the holidays. Everyone wants to think positively and enjoy their time, and that’s well and good. But we would be an ineffective dental team if we didn’t remind you to take extra care of your teeth this holiday season.

With dinners and parties just around the corner – or in the rearview – you’re bound to be facing some sticky or brittle food debris that is threatening to lodge itself in your gum-line. If this happens, and you don’t clean it off with proper brushing and flossing, you might be facing greater problems come January and February.

In the first few hours, the bacteria from this food will coat your teeth. However, this plaque is removable until it turns into tartar. Once it’s attached to your teeth, only a professional cleaning will be able to remove it.

If it’s not removed, it can contribute to conditions like gum disease, inflammation, and even tooth loss. Love Your Smile in Kelowna wants all our patients to avoid these and enjoy many holiday seasons for years to come. We offer general and restorative dentistry, and serve satisfied patients in Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6. Contact us today!

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7