Take Care Of Your Toothbrush!

Kelowna Dental Patients Take Care Of Your Toothbrush!

The common household toothbrush. Every home has at least one, and at Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we hope our patients are all brushing their teeth after each meal. Regular brushing and flossing are still the most important things you can do for your dental health.

It has been said that each toothbrush can contain millions of bacteria. But when you’ve got a healthy immune system, they pose no threat.

That said, a few common-sense tips might keep any unnecessary germs from affecting your toothbrushes.

  • Be sure to store your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, and close the toilet lid before flushing. Each flush of the toilet releases a spray of bacteria into the air, so it’s best to just eliminate the spray.
  • Bacteria like a moist environment, so store your toothbrush upright so it can dry completely between uses.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Brushing and flossing are the key to good oral health, and doing both each day will keep your risk for gum disease, cavities, and bad breath low.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, your dental health is our top priority every single day. Services include restorative dentistry and smile design. Schedule your next cleaning and checkup 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 4058

Not Your Mother’s Jewelry: 5 Reasons Tongue Piercings Are Dangerous

lip piercings Kelowna

In this post from Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we’ll get right to the point. While tongue, cheek, and lip piercings are popular and even commonplace, there are lots of reasons to keep piercings where they belong—in your ears. Here are five really good ones:

  1. Excessive drooling—YIKES!
  2. Chipped teeth
  3. Infection (some even in places you wouldn’t think can get infected)
  4. Hypersensitivity to metal
  5. Nerve damage

Drooling

Lip and tongue piercings may make you look cool and edgy. They may express your personality and creativity. But they can cause frequent drooling. That may not be the look you’re going for.

Chipped Teeth

Having any metal in your mouth can chip your teeth. It could  happen while eating, drinking, or sleeping.

Do you already have a tooth that’s weakened? These cracks can then be repaired before further damage or decay occurs.

Infection

Beware of infection. When it comes to oral piercings, you have to really watch the pierced area. Your mouth is teeming with bacteria. Upon piercing anything in your mouth, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream. Neglecting proper brushing habits can lead to infection. So can touching the piercing with dirty hands.

Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reaction to Metal

Many people love body jewelry. But too much of a good thing (like metal) can be bad. Having metal piercings can lead to hypersensitivity to any metal in your mouth, such as silverware. This is problematic for most people.

There is also the risk of an allergic reaction at the piercing site. If you know of a sensitivity to certain metals, you can get your piercing in a metal you aren’t allergic to. But you are still at risk of the other hazards discussed here.

Nerve Damage

Finally, there’s the risk of permanent nerve damage. If the previous dangers don’t convince you, this one should. Experiencing a numb tongue is usually temporary. But in extreme cases, it can be permanent

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we understand the popularity of oral piercings. But fashions change, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Our services include children’s and restorative dentistry. 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

ArticleID 8156

Regular Cleanings And Heart Health

Kelowna Dental News Regular Cleanings And Heart Health

Visiting Love Your Smile in Kelowna for a dental checkup and cleaning every six months may  seem inconvenient sometimes, but you may benefit in ways you’d never imagine.

A recent study showed that people who had their teeth professionally cleaned at least once every two years were 24 percent less likely to have a heart attack, compared to those who skipped appointments.

Not only that, but brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes may lower your risk of heart disease. The study says that people who brushed less than twice a day, and for less than two minutes, were three times as likely to have heart issues than those who brushed at least twice, and for at least two minutes.

A cardiologist who was not associated with the study said it’s possible that those who are attentive to their dental health may simply be more health conscious overall.

Still, researchers believe it strengthens the notion that there is a clear link between your dental health and your overall health.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we encourage all our patients to brush their teeth for two minutes at least twice a day, and to floss, too. It’s the best way to keep cavities at bay. Our services include restorative dentistry and smile design. Schedule your next cleaning and checkup 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 3698

Ouch! Are Your Teeth Sensitive?

Are Your Teeth Sensitive In Kelowna?

If you feel tooth sensitivity when you sip coffee or bite into ice cream, Love Your Smiles in Kelowna is here for you.

Millions of Americans cope with sensitive teeth. Problems with hot and cold foods and drinks are one of the most common complaints. Tactile issues – biting or chewing hard foods – is another.

Fortunately, many cases of sensitive teeth respond to special sensitivity toothpastes. There is a lot to choose from, and most toothpaste brands include a line for this issue. Lots of people report good results in as little time as a week or two.

Even if you’re in that lucky group, you should have your sensitive teeth checked by a professional. One of the most common causes of sensitive teeth is enamel erosion, which can expose the dentin. Believe it or not, aggressive brushing or using a hard-bristle toothbrush can lead to enamel erosion, which is why we always recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Other causes of sensitive teeth include:

  • Tooth erosion from highly acidic foods and beverages
  • Tooth decay
  • Receding gums
  • Bruxism (tooth grinding)

The most important thing is to talk to us about it at Love Your Smile in Kelowna. We’ll advise you on treatment. Our services include restorative dentistry and smile design. Call 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

ArticleID 3091

Let’s Work Together To Keep Your Smile Healthy And Beautiful

low cost tooth bleaching Kelowna

Here at Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we approach all your oral health needs from two separate angles—what we can do in our office and what you can do at home.

For example, tooth whitening and correcting discoloration can be treated in our office or at home. Here in the office there are safe and effective methods for whitening yellowed or stained tooth enamel. At-home whitening techniques are also safe and effective and sometimes more affordable.

Additionally, we guide you regarding food and drink choices that can influence your whitened smile. Be aware of staining substances such as coffee, tea, tobacco and soda. We understand that eliminating these items altogether is not an easy lifestyle change. Nor do we expect it.

Awareness and precaution can make a big difference. Rinsing your mouth out with water after drinking a dark or sugary beverage can cut down on the contact your teeth have with it and help neutralize the acids. Prolonged exposure to sugar can lead to buildup of plaque and tartar and prolonged exposure to staining substances can negate the results of teeth whitening.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, your dental health is always our top concern. We emphasize preventative dentistry and offer smile design. Call 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

ArticleID 6856

Protect Young Smiles For Active Kids

pediatric dental Kelowna

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, children’s dentistry is central to our practice. Do you have a youngster playing sports? We remind you that soccer, baseball, football, and basketball can be very dicey for your child’s teeth.

Football is a contact sport, yet has a relatively low rate of tooth injuries compared to other contact sports. Why? Football players are instructed to wear a mouth guard and a helmet. Mouth guards are inexpensive, but worth their weight in gold!

If your child participates in a contact sport and does not wear a mouth guard, we recommend that you get them one and make sure they wear it. They are available at most athletic supply stores. Some dentists make individually-constructed athletic mouthguards that deliver even better protection than the one-size-fits-all brands.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, our children’s dentistry maintains your youngster’s dental health. We also offer smile design services. Call to 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 875

Which Type of Toothbrush is Best?

Toothbrush Wars in Kelowna

It may surprise you to know that some people have strong opinions about which type of toothbrush is the best: manual or electric. Is there one better than the other? At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we think it really comes down to how you brush, not what type of brush you use.

Electric toothbrushes have been around since the 1960s. They first appeared in Switzerland, where they were invented. They caught on quickly, and have come a long way since then. With the modern electric toothbrush, there is a lot of choose from.

Those earliest electric toothbrushes did not have rechargeable batteries; you had to plug them in. That wasn’t really much of an issue, unless you like to walk away from the sink while you brush.

Rechargeable batteries are standard in most modern electric toothbrushes. In fact, they have features that those 1960s inventors probably never dreamed of. Some models have:

  • Timers, so you can make sure you brush at least two minutes
  • Digital alerts, to remind you it’s time for a new brush head
  • Pressure sensors that tell you if you’re brushing too hard
  • Multiple brush head capability, so different types fit
  • Variable brushing features like pulsing and oscillating capability

Sonic

And then there’s the sonic toothbrush. Sonic toothbrushes take electric brushes to a whole new level. Toothbrush manufacturers consider them a subset of electric brushes, but we think they are in a class by themselves.

Sonic toothbrushes can deliver up to 40,000 strokes per minute. Compare that to an ordinary electric toothbrush, which deliver between 2,500 and 7,000 strokes per minute. That’s quite a difference. For some people, that’s over the top. But people who love them say that sonic toothbrushes out-perform any other type of toothbrush you can find.

But remember this: a manual toothbrush used properly does a fine job cleaning your teeth. You can always take it to the next level, but with a manual toothbrush you’re good to go.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we want each of our patients to brush and floss their teeth twice a day. It’s the best way to ensure good dental health. Our services include restorative dentistry and smile design. 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 3696

Avoid Bone Deterioration Following Extraction

Kelowna Jaw Bone DeteriorationIn this post from Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we will talk about jaw bone health.

To remain healthy and dense, your jaw bone needs to be continually stimulated by the pressure of chewing, biting, and talking. Each tooth has a root structure the extends into the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates blood flow in the bone surrounding the root.

In some cases, tooth extraction is the only possible treatment for men and women with tooth damage beyond repair. However, we make every effort to save the root structure. When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone that surrounded the initial root structure begins to recede.

Fortunately, dental implants provide a new, artificial root which helps to keep the surrounding bone healthy and strong. A dental implant  a strong titanium post which replaces the original root and eventually integrates into the surrounding bone.

After the implant has been placed and the surrounding bone has healed and fused with the implant, a post is placed into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss.

Don’t struggle with missing teeth.At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we offer dental implants and many other services. Call 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

 

ArticleID 693

Why a Water Flosser Might be a Good Idea

Kelowna should I use waterpik?

Water flossers have been around for more than fifty years. During that time there have been at least that many studies on their effectiveness. At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we present what is known about water flossers, and whether they’re any better than ordinary string floss in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues.

First of all, the main benefit of standard dental floss – string floss – is that it passes easily between the teeth to remove food debris and plaque. It is easy to use, inexpensive, readily available, and a very efficient way of removing plaque.

On the down side, some people find it hard to reach certain areas of the mouth with string floss, like way in back. It can cause minor bleeding, and gum sensitivity. People with agility issues may find it hard to use.

Water flossing

Water flossers use pulsing water to clean between teeth and along the gum line. A special machine directs a jet spray that can be very effective. They too are easy to use, and in addition to cleaning your teeth can also massage the gums.

They’re also great for people with braces and other dental work. The stream of pulsing water makes it easy to get those areas that are harder to reach with string floss. They are also an excellent solution for people with agility issues.

On the other hand, water flossers can be expensive. You need to find a place to store them when not in use. And they require electricity.

The Bottom Line

It isn’t necessarily an either/or situation. The best dental health routine at home may well be to floss, brush, and water floss (not necessarily in that order). The sequence in which these are done comes down to your personal preference. To put it another way: whatever works!

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we think the most important thing, by far, is that you establish a dental health routine that you practice every day. We also like to see you for a cleaning and checkup in our office every six months. We offer preventative dentistry and smile design. 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 7376

9 Tips For Preventing Gum Recession

prevent gum disease Kelowna

Unfortunately, gum disease is very common. It is also a treatable condition at  Love Your Smile in Kelowna.

There are simple and very effective ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you keep them healthy, you will only need to visit us for cleanings and checkups.

  1. Brush for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Brush away the particles of food. Don’t brush too hard, but be thorough.
  2. Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. It loosens the debris that always gets wedged in, along with any plaque that is building up.
  3. Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse can halt plaque accumulation and keep your enamel strong. Remember that fluoride mouth rinses are not the same as mouthwashes. Mouthwashes have alcohol and are designed to freshen breath. (But they can exacerbate dry mouth which can cause other problems.)
  4. Eat a healthy diet. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque. A sensible diet provides the nutrients needed (Vitamins A and C, in particular) to keep teeth and gums healthy.
  5. Skip cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, which may lead to oral cancer. That includes E-cigs and vapors.
  6. Be aware that certain medications can also threaten a healthy mouth. These include oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines. If your medications are affecting your dental health, let us know.
  7. Exercise preventive care and schedule regular checkups — the best way to detect early signs of gum disease and make a plan to reverse it.
  8. Talk to us about dental issues such as old, broken fillings or crowded teeth.
  9. If you grind your teeth, ask us about ways to guard them.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we want the best possible dental health for each of our patients. Our services include gum treatment and restorative dentistry. Call 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

 

ArticleID 8129