Many of our patients have dental benfits that renew in January and as the end of the year approaches, it may be time to see what services you might still need so you can optimize your dental coverage.
Dental benefits allow a certain dollar amount to be used toward your annual dental care. If you do not use your whole benefit during the year the benefit does not carry forward to the next year.
If you have any questions regarding what treatment needs you may still have please give us a call and we will be happy to review with you.
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I have been told that I am grinding my teeth when I sleep. What should I do?
Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, is a preventable complication that can lead to severe dental problems. Grinding is a common condition that may vary in intensity and frequency. It often becomes more intense and frequent with stress.
Dental problems that can be linked to grinding include:
• Wearing down of your teeth,
• Breaking your teeth or dental restorations,
• Cracking your teeth,
• Experiencing tender jaw muscles, especially in the morning,
• Headaches, stiff neck and shoulders,
• Damage to the cheek tissues.
There are a variety of solutions to help you with grinding. Night guards are the most effective treatment in helping to prevent further damage to your teeth. The advantages of the night guard are that it protects your teeth from the extreme forces of grinding. Your dentist can provide you with a custom-made night guard. Your dentist may also suggest other treatments that may include physiotherapy, massages and possibly medications like muscle relaxants. If you think you grind your teeth, please call your dentist to get a consultation for a custom fitted night guard. Your dentist is your partner in keeping your teeth and gums healthy for life.
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Bad breath is caused by conditions in your mouth and is exacerbated by what you eat and how often you clean your teeth, tongue and gums. To ensure your breath stays as fresh as possible follow these simple tips:
- Brush and floss daily, ensure you brush your teeth, your tongue and your gums. Bacteria collects far back on your tongue so brush as far back as you can.
- If you are unable to brush and floss immediately after eating, drink water or chew sugar-free gum.
- Gum disease causes bad breath. Gum disease is an infection that can lead to loss of gum and teeth. Flossing helps to remove food particles caught between the teeth and under the gum line. Regular visits to your dentist for cleanings can help reverse or prevent gum disease.
- Certain foods can contribute to bad breath. Garlic, onion and some spices can affect your breath for up to 72 hours after eating. The proteins from these foods are expelled in your breath until they exit your system.
- Dry mouth causes bad breath. Drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free gum to keep your mouth moist.
If bad breath persists talk to your dental hygienist and dentist.
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Protect Your Smile
Back to school is quickly approaching and more kids will be back into sports. It is important to use a mouthguard during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth. A properly fitted mouthguard can help prevent broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw.
Sport Canada reports that overall, 69 percent of Canadian youth participate in organized sports. In any sport, whether it’s full-contact hockey or a friendly game of soccer, a little preparation can prevent costly and sometimes painful mistakes later on.
Any sport where contact with other participants or hard surfaces is possible requires protection. Players who participate in basketball, baseball, soccer, wrestling, squash, racquetball, lacrosse, rugby and martial arts should wear mouthguards.
Many athletes resist wearing a mouthguard because of bulkiness and poor fit. Custom-made mouthguards are comfortable and form-fitting. This leads to increased use and fewer injuries.
Dentistry on Sinclair can provide you with a custom-made mouthguard. We require a fifteen minute appointment to take a model of the teeth and the mouthguard will be ready for pick-up the next day.
Wearing a mouthguard while playing is the best way to protect your smile.
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Cavities in a child are often called early childhood tooth decay. When your child’s teeth are repeatedly being exposed to sugars for a long period of time, this can lead to tooth decay. This is because plaque, a sticky film of bacteria in your child’s mouth produces acids that attack tooth enamel (the outer layer of your child’s teeth). The stickiness of the plaque keeps the acids in contact with the teeth. After many such attacks, the enamel can breakdown, get soft and cavities can form.
As soon as your child has primary (baby) teeth, you should check them once a week for signs of tooth decay. Here’s what you should look for:
- Dull or chalking white spots or lines on the teeth;
- Brown spots on the teeth (remember to look along the gum line);
- Dark teeth.
Also, if your child has difficulty eating cold, sweet or hard food, this may be another sign of tooth decay. If you see any of these signs, take your child to the dentist right away.
Early childhood tooth decay is preventable. A few ways to stop it include:
- Never put your child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup, unless it contains only water;
- Between meals, give your children water to drink;
- Clean you child’s gums and teeth every day. Wipe the gums with a clean cloth. * Brush the teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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