Dental health

What Do You Do If You Get Something Stuck Between Your Teeth?

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Categories: Dental Crowns, Dental health, General Dentist

what to do if something is stuck between your teeth Kelowna

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.

When to seek professional dental care to get food unstuck from between your teeth: 

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:

  1. Puncturing and/or infecting the gums
  2. Breaking or cracking the teeth
  3. Creating pain
  4. 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.

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

When It’s Better Not To Brush

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentist

enamel erosion Kelowna

Though thin and partially translucent, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and has the critical job of safeguarding teeth from constant use and the continual assault of chemicals in food and drink. Enamel also safeguards tooth nerves from hot and cold food and beverages. That’s why enamel loss often causes tooth sensitivity.

Cuts heal. Bruises fade. Broken bones mend. The body’s ability to heal itself is truly incredible. But tooth enamel is different. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

The team at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair encourages our patients to protect their tooth enamel for a lifetime of dental health.

This may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes it is better NOT to brush immediately after eating. Specifically, after eating acidic items. The acid weakens the enamel which can be further weakened by brushing. Waiting 60 minutes will allow the acid to dilute. Rinsing immediately after eating acidic foods is useful, however, because it washes away some food particles and speeds up the dilution of the acid.

Some people don’t realize that dry mouth can cause or exacerbate enamel erosion. The calcium and phosphate in saliva protect your enamel. When there is little saliva, the enamel is left unprotected. Chewing stimulates saliva production but constant snacking is not the answer for dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water periodically can stimulate saliva production between meals without increasing the risk of or upping your calorie intake.

Furthermore, tooth grinding wears enamel away. If you are one of the many Kelowna residents who grind their teeth at night, it’s critical to get a mouthguard right away. People who grind their teeth are at high risk for enamel erosion and the cavities that can follow. Athletes should also safeguard their teeth on the playing field with a mouthguard. For more specifics, talk to Dr. Stephen Malfair at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair about custom mouthguards.

If you sip soda, tea, or coffee all day, we suggest you switch to water to halt any enamel erosion that has already transpired. It may be a hard change to make – but if you are successful – your teeth will thank you for it.

Using teeth as tools can hurt enamel, as well. Take a moment to fetch scissors before tearing a package or ripping duct tape with your teeth. Do you really want to take a chance on chipping a tooth just to open a package of lunchmeat?

Chewing ice and hard candy can also hurt enamel. If you simply must have sugar, soft candy is best as long as it is not left to sit on teeth for long periods of time. If your molars are packed with gummy candy, it can lead to cavities that erode enamel just as efficiently as chipping it with hard candy. Many of the old-school hard candies we enjoyed as kids now come in soft versions. Enjoy them sparingly because constant sugar is bad for teeth. Period.

If you have already experienced enamel erosion or other dental problems, Dr. Stephen Malfair can help you protect what is left. To schedule an extensive examination, contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna at 250-860-8900!

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

Soft, Medium, Or Buzz Lightyear?

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentist

Affordable Dentistry in Kelowna At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, Dr. Stephen Malfair is often asked how to select the most basic tool of oral hygiene, the toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush can be as difficult as choosing a paint color, and there seem to be just as many choices.

If you have visited the dental section of your local grocery store or drugstore lately, you know what I am talking about. There are brushes with bristles of varying lengths, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when they are used up. (If I had to rate them purely on their fun factor, I would choose the Spiderman brush.)

Some toothbrush manufacturers claim their brushes freshen your breath or remove stains from your teeth. How do you pick the best one?

One vital factor is the firmness of the bristles. Hard bristles may be more effective for cleaning burnt steak off a grill or hard water deposits off a shower floor. However, this does not hold true for your teeth. Medium and firm brushes can break your gums. Soft and extra-soft bristles are plenty stiff enough to wash plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles also serve you with more flexibility for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

After having dental work or oral surgery, especially anything involving soft tissue grafts, make sure that you use an extra-soft brush and be careful!

When selecting a toothbrush for a child, make sure the brush feels comfortable in his or her hand. If the size and angle feel awkward, the child will be less likely to use it long enough to clean all areas of the mouth. Children do not necessarily need a child-sized toothbrush. Some kids can handle an adult-size brush better than a short, narrow child-size brush. If you are unsure, ask your dentist.

What about the electric types and water shooters? Some men and women like the feeling of pulsing bristles or a mini-squirt gun squirting away at the plaque. People with arthritis or other movement-inhibiting conditions can benefit from powered brushes which take some strain off hands and arm muscles.

Is your toothbrush doing the job? Schedule an exam at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair.

At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, our caring dental hygienists instruct our patients and on proper brushing and flossing. If you haven’t experienced a dental deep cleaning at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, you don’t know how clean your teeth and gums can feel.

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

The Good, Better and Best for Dental Health

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentist

cosmetic dental Kelowna

Even if you value a healthy smile, it’s easy to become somewhat lax about smile-friendly lifestyle choices. In today’s post, our goal is for you to analyze where you stand and consider whether you could step it up a notch. Committing to oral health best practices can prevent future problems and improve your quality of life.

Brushing

Good: Brush teeth once a day.
Better: Brush teeth effectively after each meal.
Best: Brush after each meal and floss effectively before bed.

Dental Checkups

Good: See your dentist if you get a toothache.
Better: See Dr. Malfair once a year even if you don’t notice any dental problems.
Best: Twice yearly, have a thorough dental exam and professional dental cleaning at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair.

A White Smile

Good: Use whitening toothpaste.
Better: Use a tooth whitening system at home.
Best: Schedule an in-office tooth bleaching procedure.

Missing Tooth

Good enough for some people: Ignore it. (We don’t recommend this.)
Better: Get a quality dental bridge.
Best: Restore your smile with a beautiful, sturdy, and natural-functioning dental implant. (Consult with Dr. Malfair to find out if you are a good candidate for an implant.)

Smile-Friendly Nutrition

Good: Eat a nutritious diet.
Better: Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary snacks and beverages.
Best: Eat a sensible diet, limit between-meal snacking, eat lots of calcium-rich foods, minimize sugar-filled foods, abstain from energy drinks and soda, and sip water throughout the day to keep acid at bay.

For Young Smiles

Good: Never put your baby to bed with a bottle. When your toddler starts drinking from sippy cup, don’t let them sip juice or milk all day.
Better: Follow the previous guidance and schedule his/her first dental checkup before the first birthday.
Best: In addition, communicate with Dr. Malfair about dental sealants when your child is young. When your little athlete starts participating in sports, make sure he/she wears a protective mouthguard. Set a good example of daily dental hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices.

Hello, I am Dr. Stephen Malfair. At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, we are dedicated to the best in dentistry. We invite you to call 250-860-8900 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you.

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

Dental Confidence Or Caution

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Categories: Dental health, General Dentist

V1W 3C6 cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Whether you are one of those who goes willingly to the dentist or are hesitant about getting work done, the team at Love Your Smile in Kelowna wants you to make and keep regular appointments for cleanings and checkups.

Regular dental appointments are important because they help keep your teeth and gums healthy. For most patients, we recommend a visit to our office every six months. We occasionally need to see a patient more often.

Appointments, Parts 1 & 2

There are two parts to a typical dental appointment: a cleaning and a checkup.

During a cleaning, one of our dental hygienists inspects your teeth and gums, and uses special tools to remove any plaque and tartar that have built up. It also includes polishing your teeth, which removes any surface stains. The last step is flossing.

During a checkup, the dentist checks your overall dental health. If there are any issues, like a cavity or signs of gum disease, we’ll usually schedule a follow-up appointment. It will be planned for your convenience, of course, but sooner is better.

What you do between your six-month visits is really important. Plaque is contantly forming on the teeth, so we recommend – and we cannot say it strongly enough! – that you brush and floss your teeth every day. Ideally, you’ll do it twice.

You have a lot of toothpaste choices. The flavor is up to you, but be sure to choose one with fluoride.

By seeing Love Your Smile in Kelowna twice a year and maintaining a good dental health regimen at home, you can have confidence that your teeth and gums are in great shape. Patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 from to us for restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. If you haven’t already, schedule your next 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

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

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

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

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