General Dentistry

Did You Know That You Can Change the Shape of Your Gums?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

gum contouring V1Y 8B7

Most dental patients know that cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic dentistry procedures correct a multitude of smile flaws. There are treatments to reshape teeth, straighten teeth, correct damaged teeth, whiten teeth, and replace missing teeth. But what about your gums? Are you aware of how much your gums affect the look of your smile?

You Can Contour Your Gums

The shape and size of your gumline can make your teeth appear too large or too small or otherwise out of proportion. Gum contouring can fix gums that appear too low or too high in relation to the teeth and shape them for the perfect smile.

People who are unhappy with their gums might want to examine gum contouring. Many dentists and periodontists offer gum contouring surgery.

Gingival Sculpting

This procedure is also called gingival sculpting, gingival contouring or gum graft surgery, but don’t let the term surgery frighten you. Cosmetic gum contouring is performed using a precision laser. The procedure usually involves little pain and requires no recovery time.

Gum Contouring Can Treat Gum Recession

Gum reshaping is not always done for purely cosmetic reasons, it is also used to treat gum recession, a common condition that can lead to decay and tooth loss.

In gum graft surgery, soft tissue is often taken either from the roof of the mouth, the area surrounding the site of the grafting, or a tissue bank. Soft tissue grafts used to cover exposed tooth roots protect teeth from receding gums and can relieve sensitivity. Of course, gum grafts often increase the attractiveness of the smile in the process.

If you are seeking more specifics about gum contouring or other dental procedures, call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair today at 250-860-8900 to schedule a consultation.

We provide quality dentistry to patients in Kelowna and the greater Kelowna area.

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

How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

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Categories: General Dentistry, Gum Disease

gum disease treatment Kelowna

1. Which of the following are risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis)?

a. Pregnancy
b. Overbite
c. Diabetes
d. Genetics

2. Which of the things listed below are possible signs of gum disease?

a. Teeth that appear longer
b. A change in the way dentures fit
c. Loose teeth
d. Tender gums

3. Which of the items below are possible health problems linked to untreated gum disease?

a. Asthma
b. Low birth weight babies
c. Parkinson’s disease
d. Stroke

4. What percentage of men and women age 65+ have gum disease?

a. 5%
b. 12%
c. 25%
d. 50%

5. Which of the following procedures are used for gum disease?

a. Scaling and root planing
b. Gum grafting
c. Flap surgery
d. Flip surgery

Answers
1. All of the above. Pregnancy, menopause, or any other condition that causes hormonal changes is a risk factor as is any type of malocclusion.
2. All of the above. Note: some patients don’t observe any symptoms.
3. a,b,d.
4. c.
5. a,b,c.

Hi, I’m Dr. Malfair of Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna. Gum disease usually responds favorably to treatment—especially if caught early. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, or have been noticing issues with your gums or teeth, I invite you to call 250-860-8900 today to schedule an appointment.

Sources:
John Donavan, “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Teeth,” WebMD, December 15, 2015, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-your-teeth#3, accessed March 20, 2017
“Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments,” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm, accessed March 20, 2017
“Diseases and Conditions Periodontitis,” Mayo Clinic, February 4, 2014, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/basics/risk-factors/con-20021679, accessed March 20, 2017

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

Does Your Smile Make a Great First Impression?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Smile makeover

top smile makeover dentist Kelowna

In a Match.com survey, over 5,000 single men and women were asked what they found most attractive in a potential dating partner. 60% of men and 71% of women said straight, white teeth and an attractive smile was the most valued feature.

and…

Research by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), found that a healthy, beautiful smile makes you appear more intelligent, successful, friendly, and interesting.

plus…

Research reveals that many people believe when meeting someone for the first time, an attractive smile makes a deeper impression than the first thing a person says.

Hopefully, we’ve successfully made the case that most people place great importance on the quality of a person’s smile.

Have you ever wondered how a more attractive smile could improve your life?

Our smile makeover patients at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna have discovered the power of a beautiful smile firsthand. Not surprisingly, they not only appreciate their attractive smile for themselves, they feel more confident in their personal and professional circles.

I’m Stephen Malfair of Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna. I enjoy improving my patients’ lives by transforming their smiles.

It starts with a consultation where I work with each patient to design a custom treatment plan.

What would you like to change about your smile?

  • Tooth stains?
  • Crooked teeth?
  • Chipped teeth?
  • Missing teeth?
  • Gum recession?

There are cosmetic dental treatments that can correct each of these issues and more!

If not now, when?

There has never been a better time to enhance your smile. It’s an investment in yourself that will pay off every day.

We have performed smile makeovers for patients in all life stages. Clearly, you are never too young or too old to enjoy a healthy, attractive smile.

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

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

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

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

If 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

At 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