A Youthful Smile At Any Age

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Declining health, limited mobility, financial strains – clearly, aging is not for wimps. Though some challenges seniors face can’t be avoided, others can. Dental dilemmas, for instance.

Many dental problems common among retirees such as missing teeth, gum recession, tooth damage, and yellowed enamel, can be remedied.

With modern cosmetic dentistry at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, mature men and women can have an extraordinary smile that looks as young as they feel (or wish they felt!). Regardless of your age, it is not too late to improve your smile – even if you have some missing teeth.

At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna, we pamper our highly regarded patients. We offer comprehensive general and innovative cosmetic dental services including cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

If you are looking for a friendly, experienced dentist, call 250-860-8900 to schedule an exam and consultation. You can talk to us about porcelain crowns and veneers, tooth-colored fillings, implant-supported dentures, invisible braces, and teeth whitening.

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


Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile

Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile In Kelowna

You know the old saying: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure. At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we are big advocates of preventative dentistry as the best way to maintain dental health.

Preventative dentistry, though, is about more than healthy teeth and gums. Your dental health is directly related to your overall health. Poor dental health has been linked to various diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, premature birth and low birth weight, and diabetes.

Furthermore, poor dental health also leads to gum disease. With regular brushing and dental checkups, gum disease is 100 percent preventable.

More Reasons

The above should be enough to get anyone in to the dentist’s office twice a year. But if it isn’t, here are three more very good reasons why you should get a cleaning and checkup every six months.

  • Plaque and tartar. Even with brushing and flossing twice a day, plaque can build up on the teeth and gums. Plaque hardens into tartar. Simply put, there are areas in the mouth that your floss and toothbrush just cannot reach. Professional cleanings, however, can.
  • X-rays. By taking dental x-rays and updating them regularly, we can detect problems that a simple visual inspection won’t turn up. The sooner new issues are treated, the better: treatment will be easier, less painful, and less expensive.
  • Oral cancer. It isn’t just smokers who need to be concerned about oral cancer; anyone can get it. Finding it in its earliest stages gives you the best chance for successful treatment and a full recovery. We can check for any symptoms, and if we find them, tell you what you need to do.

There are lots of great reasons to see us at Love Your Smile in Kelowna twice a year for preventative dentistry. People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 also come to our office for smile design and 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 3447

7 Ways To Fix A Chipped Tooth

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In a perfect world, each of your teeth would stay healthy, strong, and brilliantly white throughout your life. Unfortunately, most of us will need to restore a tooth at some point. At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we can help.

A tooth can be compromised by decay, enamel erosion, a chip or crack, gum disease, or injury. Sometimes old restorations break and need to be replaced or root canals performed decades ago develop an abscess.

Here are seven different options for repairing a damaged tooth:

  1. Dental Bonding. Bonding is used to fix minor cosmetic problems like small chips, cracks, discoloration, and spaces between teeth. A composite resin is applied and shaped as necessary.
  2. Porcelain Veneers. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells that are permanently attached to the front of natural teeth. They can cover chips, cracks, and gaps, or the alignment of a tooth.
  3. Fillings. Modern white fillings are strong and inconspicuous. Patients love them because they blend in so well with natural tooth color. People concerned about the safety of metal fillings often replace those with non-metal white fillings.
  4. Inlays and Onlays. Inlays are applied to the center of a tooth’s biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point). An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth.
  5. Crowns. A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, strength, and function. A crown is often necessary for a tooth that has had a root canal, with severe decay, or as the replacement tooth in a dental bridge.
  6. Soft Tissue Grafts. Gum recession puts teeth and underlying bone at risk. Soft tissue grafting can cover the exposed root of a tooth to prevent further damage. Gum surgery is also done for cosmetic reasons, such as reshaping a gumline.
  7. Dental Implants. Implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the jaw. Once they fuse with the bone implants can support one or more artificial teeth.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we offer complete restorative dentistry. People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 also come to us for general dentistry, and much more. Please call our office to find out what we can do for your 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

 

ArticleID 7028

Are You Watching For Cavities?

prevent cavities Kelowna

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems there is. Are you doing everything you can to prevent it? In this post from Love Your Smile in Kelowna we have some practical ideas that can help.

Avoid Refined Sugar

This one is probably obvious, but avoiding sugar should be your number one strategy to prevent cavities. Sugar and starch forms plaque, that sticky film that can coat the teeth. The acids in plaque start the process that forms cavities.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some plants. It is not the same kind of alcohol that makes people drunk, so it’s okay for anyone who is avoiding that type of alcohol. It is popular as a sweetener and can actually be good for dental health.

Brushing

Daily brushing and flossing is still your best bet for preventing cavities. It cleans off the plaque that leads to cavities, and also helps to prevent gum disease.

Along with brushing, regular checkups at Love Your Smile in Kelowna help you maintain good dental health. People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 come to our practice for general and preventative dentistry, and much more. Call to 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 8555

Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal Disease in British Columbia

Gum disease is more common than you might think. At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we see patients with gum disease almost every day. It’s a serious matter, but can usually be avoided with regular brushing at home, and preventative dentistry.

Some people aren’t even aware they have it until we see it during a checkup. It’s a treatable condition, although the earlier the diagnosis the better.

Gum disease is an inflammation or infection of the gums. It is usually the result of poor brushing and flossing habits. When you don’t brush and floss on a regular basis, there is a build-up of plaque, which hardens into a substance called tartar. That’s why we recommend our patients brush and floss twice a day. It’s the best way to prevent plaque from building up.

No amount of brushing and flossing will remove tartar from your teeth. It takes a professional cleaning to remove it, which is why we want to see our patients on a regular basis – twice a year, in most cases.

Risk Factors

In addition to poor oral hygiene, risk factors for gum disease include:

  • Smoking, which is the most significant
  • Diabetes
  • Genetics
  • Certain illnesses, like AIDS, and their medication
  • Medication that reduces the flow of saliva

The symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Painful chewing
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums

The type of treatment for gum disease depends on the extent of the condition. Part of the treatment might include behavioral changes, like giving up smoking. And it is essential that the patient adopts good daily dental care.

Anyone can get gum disease, but preventative dentistry at Love Your Smile in Kelowna can help keep your gums healthy. Patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 also come to us for clear braces and all their dental health 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

 

ArticleID 140

Preventative Dentistry At Love Your Smile

tooth decay pictures at https://drmalfair.ca/blog/

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we do everything we can to keep the teeth and gums of our patients clean and healthy. In other words, we really stress dental health: how to get it and how to keep it. One of the best approaches is with preventative dentistry.

Preventative dentistry – or preventive, as some say – combines good dental hygiene at home with regular visits to our office. The goal is avoiding gum disease, tooth decay, and enamel wear.

Twice A Year

As a rule of thumb, we recommend a dental appointment every six months. At each visit, one of our hygienists will inspect and clean your teeth. We may take x-rays, too.

The dentist also does an inspection of your teeth and gums. If there is any new decay we’ll fill it. We’ll also check for any signs of gum disease.

Brush and Floss

At home, you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing at least once. Brushing is easily the most important part of preventive dentistry. Use a toothpaste with fluoride, and has the American Dental Association seal on the tube. Use a soft-bristled brush, and replace it every three months or so.

Flossing your teeth every day is how you clean out the spaces between your teeth. There’s no way a toothbrush can get the gunk that builds up there. If you have any questions about flossing, ask our hygienist for some tips at your next checkup.

Prevention is always the best medicine! At Love Your Smile in Kelowna our patients come from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 for preventative dentistry, as well as complete restorative dentistry services. 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

 

ArticleID 1386

Floss Pick Facts

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At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we urge all our patients to keep their teeth as clean as possible. But we know a lot of them want convenience. That’s why so many use floss picks instead of conventional dental floss.

These little tools are quite handy. They usually have a handle that is pointed and can double as a toothpick, and a length of floss strung in a U-shaped groove. They are affordable and can be used more discretely than floss.

While this may seem like a dream come true, floss picks are, in fact, a step below regular floss when it comes to effectiveness.

One of the issues with floss picks is that they can’t curve around teeth, which is necessary for thorough plaque removal.

What to do? If you love floss picks, continue to use them when convenient. Carry them in your purse or backpack. But try to use regular dental floss, too, especially at the end of the day.

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 our office for preventative and restorative dentistry. Call to schedule your next cleaning and 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 6585

10 Terrific Tooth Tips From Love Your Smile

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In addition to cleanings and checkups, Love Your Smile in Kelowna likes to share useful information to help you stay on top of your dental health. So without further introduction, here are some terrific tooth tips:

  1. If you have kids and your municipal water supply does not have the recommended level of fluoride, talk to your pediatrician about fluoride supplements. Fluoride strengthens both the teeth you can see and the ones still forming in the jaw.
  2. Set a timer when you brush to make sure you spend at least two minutes thoroughly (but gently!) cleaning all surfaces. Don’t forget your tongue – it provides a cozy home for bacteria.
  3. Floss before you brush so that tooth bristles can better reach between teeth.
  4. If you can’t brush after a meal, chew some sugarless gum with xylitol. Xylitol may curb the growth of bacteria on your teeth to reduce plaque formation.
  5. Eat carbohydrates with meals instead of alone as snacks. More saliva is generated while eating a meal and this can lessen the effects of carbs sitting on your teeth.
  6. An oral fluoride rinse used right before bedtime adds an extra measure of decay deterrence. Fluoride rinses (not traditional mouthwash) work best when swished over teeth for at least thirty seconds after flossing and brushing. After spitting it out, don’t rinse with water.
  7. Let the residue protect and strengthen your enamel all night long. This is especially important for kids – just make sure they don’t swallow it.
  8. If you have diabetes, it is important to understand that unhealthy blood sugar levels can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. We can help you maintain oral health in spite of your condition.
  9. Beware of the dental risks of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia). Continual saliva production is essential for keeping the mouth lubricated, washing the food from tooth surfaces, and neutralizing the acid caused by plaque. Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers are some of the medications that can cause dry mouth.
  10. Wearing a mouthguard when you participate in sports can prevent tooth injury.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we want all our patients to take good care of their teeth. Brush and floss daily, and see us for a checkup every six months. Services include preventative and restorative dentistry. Patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 trust us with their dental health. Schedule your next exam 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 6515

Can You Name 9 Dental Specialties?

V1W 3C6 Pediatric and Cosmetic Dentistry

Most people probably know how a pediatric dentist differs from an orthodontist. But you may not know that there are multiple dental specialties. This post from Love Your Smile in Kelowna looks at the disciplines within dentistry.

  • Endodontics: This area focuses on dental pulp and periradicular tissues. If you need a root canal, you may require the services of an endodontist.
  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: If you want to straighten your teeth, you need an orthodontist. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy.
  • Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentists provide dental care for infants, children and teenagers.
  • Periodontics: This is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the tissues around the teeth – the gums, that is.
  • Prosthodontics: Prosthodontists provide restorative dental procedures including dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also perform cosmetic dental treatments.
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: This specialty concerns diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (x-rays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral surgeons perform surgery on the teeth, jaw, face, and gums. These include facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate correction, bone grafting, dental implants, and impacted teeth.
  • Dental Public Health: This discipline focuses on the prevention and treatment of dental diseases, and promoting dental health through community effort.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we keep your teeth and gums healthy with preventative dentistry. We’ve also provided referrals to patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 to specialists throughout the area. 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 4837

Treatment For Sensitive Teeth

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There are lots of people out there who feel pain when they sip coffee or eat ice cream, or take a bite out of something hard. If sensitive teeth are a problem for you, talk to us about it at Love Your Smile in Kelowna.

In many cases, sensitive teeth respond to something as simple as changing toothpaste. Most major toothpaste brands have a sensitive teeth version of their products. They can be very effective; many patients say they’ve helped within a week or so of use.

A possible cause of sensitivity is receding gums, which exposes microscopic holes in the teeth. When that happens, food and drinks that are hot or cold reach nerve cells that cause pain. We can evaluate the state of your gums, and whether something like the way you brush your teeth is a contributing factor.

There could also be a worn filling or new cavity. Treatment for that is as simple as replacing a worn one or filling the new cavity.

The important thing is to let us know what’s going on. People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 call Love Your Smile in Kelowna for preventative 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 6158