Sunday, May 1st, 2022
Oral hygiene is one of those areas that most people find easy to neglect. However, a little effort up front goes a long way toward preventing cavities, gum disease, and other issues that are, unfortunately, quite common. As you review the list below, don't hesitate to get proactive and start implementing preventive solutions as soon as possible.
Sensitive teeth can be painful, and they can also end up having a significant impact on which foods you are able to eat. If you've noticed that your teeth have become sensitive to sugary foods, then it's time to put away the candy and get more disciplined with your diet. Drinking icy water, hot coffee, or hot tea can also trigger sensitive teeth.
While sensitive teeth can be a symptom of many underlying conditions, gum issues are among the most common causes. Brushing your teeth too aggressively can cause gums to recede, but so can normal aging. If you've already eliminated bothersome foods and checked your brushing habits, then the next step may be to come in for a checkup.
Buildup of tartar and plaque on the gums can cause gingivitis, and gingivitis can lead to painful inflammation. When gingivitis progresses without treatment, it can turn into a serious condition known as periodontitis. Fortunately, it's easy to catch gingivitis early.
Common symptoms include discoloration around the gum line or swollen and sensitive gums. In addition to brushing your teeth once in the morning and once in the evening, flossing regularly also provides a solid defense against gingivitis.
When many people think of dental problems, cavities are what immediately come to mind. However, it's more accurate to think of tooth decay as a process. If decay is able to set in and start damaging a tooth's enamel, then eventually it will eventually begin damaging that tooth's root unless treated. Like gum disease, tooth decay isn't difficult to prevent. Brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dental appointments can certainly help you avoid pesky cavities and stay away from costly dental surgery.
Most often, an infected root is the result of untreated tooth decay. As suggested by its painful nature, a root infection is an emergency situation. As the infection progresses, you may notice swelling in your checks, sore gums, pain in your jaw, and even swelling of the lymph nodes. The best way to prevent a root infection is to follow our advice for preventing cavities and gum disease.
This is the only common problem on this list that isn't necessarily due to poor dental hygiene. Through no fault of your own, an unfortunate accident can result in missing teeth. Regardless of the cause, however, it's important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible. Fortunately, we offer dental implant services that can help.
The problems listed above are all preventable or treatable if you take the time to monitor your oral health and form proper habits. To book an appointment with a Coquitlam dentist, contact us today.
Friday, April 1st, 2022
According to the CDC, 47% of American adults over 30 struggle with gum disease. That number jumps to 70% of adults over age 65. It may be the most common diagnosis made at a dental checkup.
In its early stages, gum disease (gingivitis) makes gums swell with inflammation, which can hurt and cause bleeding. As it worsens, patients can lose their teeth. Most urgently, gum disease can expose patients to serious infections that damage the bones, lungs, and even the heart.
Fortunately, there are preventative measures and treatments—including deep cleaning. It's wise to talk to your local dentist in Coquitlam, BC, to learn what treatment options are right for you.
That said, there are some broad guidelines to explore if you're wondering, "When does gum disease require deep cleaning?" Read on to learn about the stages of gum disease, and how deep cleaning works to help.
Gum disease starts with oral bacteria. Ideally, you'll be able to prevent gum disease before it ever happens. Oral hygiene is key to prevention.
That said, it's important to intervene as early as possible if you have it.
The best preventative measures are to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, and to see a dentist once or twice each year. It's wise to see a dentist more often if you're at higher risk of gum disease. Medications that cause dry mouth, hormonal treatments, and stress can elevate your risk.
If your risk is high, you can use mouthwash in addition to brushing and flossing.
Studies have demonstrated certain mouthwashes can further decrease the risk of gum disease. These can also help treat gum disease by reducing its severity. According to one recent analysis, the most effective mouthwashes typically include one or more of these ingredients:
Other studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Aloe vera as a mouthwash ingredient. It can improve dental health and soothe irritated tissue at the same time.
If you have early-stage gum disease, or your disease's severity is mild to moderate, a deep cleaning is the right treatment. Deep cleaning is scaling and root planing. Typically, dentists use local anesthetics, like novocaine, so the treatment is painless.
During a deep cleaning, the dentist uses manual and electric tools to remove the plaque from teeth. The process specifically removes plaque deposits that form in deep pockets of the gums. The deposits are the primary source of the germs that cause gum disease.
Deep cleaning pulls the gums from the roots of the teeth. After deep cleaning, the dentist will smooth out the roots, which encourages the gums to re-attach to the roots.
Dentists may prescribe an aftercare regimen after the deep cleaning is complete. This can involve prescription-strength toothpaste and mouthwash. You may be asked to avoid certain foods.
Once gum disease has progressed and become severe, a deep cleaning may not be enough. At this stage, you may have already lost teeth and experience severe pain. A dentist will generally prescribe oral antibiotics to get the bacterial infection under control.
Once antibiotics start working, it's possible deep cleaning is still an option. But, more often, clinicians must address severe gum disease with debridement.
In some cases, debridement cannot be safely performed in a dentist office. This is an oral surgery that removes damaged or diseased tissue.
Dentists treat the most serious cases with gingivectomy or gingivoplasty surgeries. This removes diseased gum tissue and shapes healthy gum tissue.
Catch gum disease early with a dentist you trust. Get your next dental checkup right here, from a dentist in Coquitlam. Book an appointment by phone, or contact us online today.
Tuesday, March 1st, 2022
Have you ever experienced a dental infection?
Dental infections, or dental abscesses, arise when a tooth is exposed to bacteria. Even simple cavities can result in dental abscesses when they're left untreated.
We're here to talk about dental infections and how a trip to your local dentist in Coquitlam can help you prevent them. Read on to learn more.
Why Are Dental Infections So Dangerous?
Dental infections don't only affect your teeth and gums.
While infections start in the mouth, they're quick to spread. Your infection can spread throughout your body and even to your brain (after all, your mouth and your brain aren't that far apart).
Dental infections don't have to be serious to cause those problems. Even a bad untreated cavity or a crack in a tooth can lead to a dental disaster.
Aside from the obvious pain that comes alongside a dental infection, there are several health problems that can arise if you don't get treatment from your local dentist.
A tooth infection can turn into a jaw infection which is harder to treat. You'll notice significant swelling and pain. Tooth infections can also turn into sinus irritation.
In more serious cases, a tooth infection could trigger Ludwig's Angina. This can cause your neck and throat to swell, which will make it harder to breathe, speak, and eat.
In the most serious cases, an untreated dental abscess could lead to meningitis.
So how can you know if you have a dental abscess? What are the dental infection symptoms that you should look out for?
First, keep in mind that infections don't always cause pain, at least not right away. If you've had a root canal, or if you have a dental implant infection, you may not feel it because your nerve is dead.
In most cases, you'll experience at least some discomfort and inflammation. Most of the time patients will experience pain, and that pain will increase with pressure or hot and cold temperatures.
It's common to feel ill when you have a dental abscess and you may have a fever.
People with dental infections often have bad breath and they may find it difficult to open their mouths, eat, and sleep.
Although problems can arise after dental emergencies (like cracked teeth), most dental infections can be avoided if you regularly visit your dentist.
One in four adults has at least one untreated cavity. While a cavity is "no big deal" when it first forms, it can turn into a dental abscess if it's allowed to grow.
When you visit your local dentist, they'll be able to identify problems before they get serious.
When you're not at the dentist's office, make sure that you're taking good care of your own dental hygiene. Brush your teeth twice per day with high-fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once per day, and make sure to replace your toothbrush every few months.
Dental infections are no joke! If you think that you might have a dental infection, or if it's been a while since your last appointment, it might be time to visit your dentist in Coquitlam.
At Brookmere Dental Group, we're here for all of your dental needs. Contact us to set up an appointment today.
Tuesday, February 1st, 2022
4 Ways to Treat Tooth Decay and Keep Your Tooth
There are ways to treat a decaying tooth that do not require extraction. Many people are so frightened at the thought of visiting the dentist that they will let salvageable teeth reach the point of no return. There are extraction alternatives that you might want to consider if you are worried about decaying teeth.
Filling a decaying tooth is one of the easiest dental fixes. A tooth with relatively minimal decay can be treated by filing off the decayed area and putting a filler material, usually porcelain, to fill the area where the decaying tooth was. This will help to prevent an exposed nerve and allow eating to be as normal as it was pre-decay, pre-filling with a healthy tooth.
A crown, sometimes called a cap, for your tooth is a protective covering that fits over your damaged tooth. If a tooth is too decayed to save cosmetically, or if too much decay needs to be filed down, a crown can be placed over the tooth. While often cosmetic, a crown also offers a safeguard against the pain of cold or hot on an exposed tooth nerve.
A relatively new treatment for children with the potential for decaying baby teeth is to crown the teeth instead of filling the cavities or extracting teeth. Some tooth decay is genetic, and no amount of early dental care will preclude decay in your child's first set of teeth. Crowns are a way to allow your child to keep their baby teeth so their jaw and bite will stay in alignment until their second teeth come in.
Bridges provide an extraction alternative when you have one or more missing teeth. You can save surrounding teeth by affixing a molded dental piece to the side teeth going across the area of a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge is professionally formed to look just like your own teeth, and you will be able to smile and eat as if all of your natural teeth are in place.
Root canals are a way to treat tooth decay by treating the bad tooth without extraction. Your dentist will usually give you a local anesthetic, which will numb your mouth. You will probably feel them working but the procedure should be painless after the pricks of the numbing shots. The total root canal process usually ends with a temporary filling to prevent infection where the dentist drilled your tooth. At a later appointment, a permanent crown will be placed.
For tooth extraction alternatives in Coquitlam, call us today at Brookmere Dental Group to make an appointment to see our gentle, friendly dentist. There are alternatives to pulling your tooth.
Monday, January 3rd, 2022
Dental fillings are typically used to replace missing tooth structures. Generally, they are used to treat enamel defects caused by decay, trauma, or previous restorations.
What if there is severe pain following a filling, or if a prolonged soreness persists? How about a temporary soreness that returns? In this article, we'll discuss what to expect after a dental filling, and when you should call your dentist.
Fillings are used to treat cavities in the mouth. To stop decay and strengthen the tooth, a cavity filling is a straightforward procedure. The procedure can be repeated for multiple cavities in one visit. Dentists select the most suitable dental filling material from several different materials available.
To numb the area surrounding the tooth, a local anesthetic (usually Novocaine) is injected. Before the affected area becomes numb, patients usually experience a pin prick-like sensation.
The decayed parts of the tooth are ground away by the dentist once the area has been numbed. The tooth is then cleaned and filled with filling material. To ensure that the filling does not affect the patient's bite, the tooth is polished and filed.
There is usually no need for follow-up visits after the treatment, and the patient can resume normal activities.
After a filling, some discomfort is to be expected, especially in the first few hours. Once the local anesthetic wears off, you may feel tingling and even twitching.
When the pain does not diminish within a few hours, then there may be a problem with the affected tooth. Occasionally, the pain subsides and then returns. This often means the cavities may have been larger than previously thought, or there may be decay around the filling.
Similarly, the area around the filled tooth may also be sensitive to hot and cold liquids for a short time after the procedure. An uncomfortable sharp pain is usually felt in the sensitive area of the filling. It could mean that there is something wrong with the filling if the pain lingers or if the sensitivity persists after a week.
The procedure of placing a filling can occasionally result in complications, even though it is a common one. To reduce the pain caused by fillings, patients can take a variety of steps. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, both available over the counter, can help relieve pain. Cold compresses can also be helpful.
If the home remedies listed above do not alleviate severe pain after a dental filling, individuals should consult their dentist. A dentist may have to redo the filling or find other treatment options to relieve the pain.
Finding a trusted dental office is crucial to exceptional oral health. Brookmere Dental Group has over 20 years of experience. Contact us today to make an appointment with our Vancouver area lead dentist.
Wednesday, December 1st, 2021
Have you experienced a chipped or broken tooth? Too many people try to leave these tooth problems alone, but they're actually dental emergencies. A broken or chipped tooth can lead to tooth decay, trouble eating, severe pain, and more.
In other words, it's crucial that you do everything in your power to remedy the problem as soon as possible.
But how does one repair a tooth? We're here to talk about it so you can make an informed decision about your dental health. Read on to learn all about how to repair a broken or chipped tooth.
As soon as you experience a broken or chipped tooth, you need to act fast. You need to contact an emergency dentist right away.
In the meantime, if possible, collect the pieces of the tooth that broke away. Store them somewhere safe so you can bring them with you to the dentist's office.
If you're in pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Consider swishing with warm salt water if your remaining tooth is still sturdy. Avoid eating anything too hot or too cold (and it's best to avoid eating in general, if possible).
Small chips and cracks can often be repaired in a single visit.
Your dentist may be able to use dental composite to bond the visible area of the tooth. This way, the crack or chip will be unnoticeable. They may also use a filling to make sure that your tooth retains its integrity so you can avoid tooth decay and sensitivity in the future.
For more serious problems, your dentist may have to apply a crown or cap. This is common if there is too much of the inside of the tooth exposed, or if the patient needs a root canal as a result of the breakage.
Crowns take two visits. During the first visit, the dentist will analyze your teeth and make a dental impression so they can make a crown that fits you perfectly. Before you leave, they may give you a temporary crown so you can keep your tooth safe.
If you need a root canal procedure, this must happen before the crown is placed. It can happen during the first session, but talk to your dentist about your options.
During the second session, your dentist will place and secure your final crown.
So what happens if repairing the tooth isn't possible?
Dentists will always prefer restoration over extraction, but sometimes, extraction is the best option. If the tooth is too damaged or unhealthy, it's better to remove it.
You have the option of getting a dental implant after the extraction.
Your dentist may choose a restorative option, like a porcelain veneer, if the appearance of your tooth can't be fixed to your liking. A veneer covers the problematic tooth, adds an extra layer of protection, and restores your smile.
Cracks and chips might not seem like dental emergencies, but they can lead to serious dental health problems in the future. Contact your local emergency dentist right away!
Do you need emergency dental care in Coquitlam? At Brookemere Dental Group, we want to restore your smile! Contact us and we'll schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible.
Monday, November 1st, 2021
A dazzling and aligned smile can boost your confidence. A corrected smile can make you seem more friendly and open to others.
Even if your smile has been stained or damaged, you can enlist the aid of cosmetic dentistry. Keep reading to learn more about how you can repair your smile.
Cosmetic dentists can improve your smile. These dentists work to improve the health and appearance of your mouth, teeth, and gums.
The field of cosmetic dentistry offers many different treatments. Keep reading to learn more about various cosmetic dentistry procedures and how they can repair your broken smile.
Dental implants replace missing teeth at the root. These implants are put into the jaw bone to support a missing crown. This procedure begins by putting a titanium post into the tooth socket.
This post supplies the necessary support at the base of your teeth. Dental crowns are attached to these implants to help restructure your smile.
Dentists who need dental treatment to repair a tooth with severe decay or damage may need a crown or cap. These are made of acrylic, porcelain, or resin. Your cap is fused to your metal, so it won't easily fall out from chewing or biting.
Crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. The lifetime of this dental solution makes it a successful long-term solution.
A crown should not cause you an unreasonable amount of pain or discomfort. During this cosmetic dental procedure, your dentist will use a local numbing jelly to ensure that you don't feel any pain.
Having a clean and straight smile can help boost your confidence. Teeth are typically straightened with bracket sand wires to help slowly shift the teeth into the desired position. Your dentist may suggest the use of braces or aligners to help gradually move your teeth into place.
Teeth straightening procedures are some of the most common Coquitlam cosmetic dentistry procedures. Your dentist will run a series of scans to manufacture a plan to reposition your teeth.
Dental bridges are false teeth that are placed around missing teeth. Bridges are usually made of porcelain or plastic. They will cover any missing teeth and repair your smile.
Your bridge can be placed anywhere from one to four teeth. This may be a suggested solution from a cosmetic dentist.
It is usual for teeth to stain and change color over time. Unhealthy dental habits accelerate this process. For example, drinking coffee or wine and eating sugary foods can directly affect how quickly your teeth stain.
These unhealthy habits paired with poor oral hygiene habits can lead to discoloration. You can combat discoloration by practicing good oral habits and routinely undergoing a whitening treatment.
Whitening treatment can vary because everyone's teeth react differently. Your oral hygienist will be able to find a whitening solution that works for you.
Cosmetic dentistry solutions can elevate your confidence levels and smile. Brookmere Dental Group provides the expertise and experience necessary to bring a smile to anyone's face.
Connect with us to start your journey to repairing your smile.
Friday, October 1st, 2021
Have you ever spit your toothpaste into the sink and saw it streaked pink? Or, looked in the mirror after brushing and noticed one of your gums bleeding? Most of those reading this will likely answer yes.
That's because almost everyone will experience bleeding gums at least once in their life. So while the sudden sight of blood can be alarming, you should not be concerned if it only happens once.
However, bleeding gums are sometimes a symptom of more serious issues. If you are concerned about your inflamed gums, then continue reading to learn the causes of bleeding gums, treating gum disease, and how to prevent it.
These gum disorders are the top causes of bleeding gums.
The main difference between them is that your dentist can resolve your gingivitis, but if you are a periodontal patient, you are a periodontal patient for life. That's because, with gum disease, you can slow the progression of the condition, but you can't eliminate it.
Unfortunately, if left untreated, gingivitis will progress to periodontal disease.
Gum disease causes gum recession, tooth loss, and eventual loss of jaw bone. So, if you live in British Columbia and experience bleeding gums, finding a gum disease treatment dentist in Coquitlam should be your priority.
Sometimes the cause of bleeding gums is as simple as a brand new toothbrush. Stiff bristles paired with a heavy hand might be wreaking havoc on your soft, delicate gum tissue.
If you just started flossing, you may experience sensitive gums or bleeding the first go-around. Once you incorporate flossing into your hygiene routine, you should not experience any more bleeding. When bleeding becomes consistent, it's time to visit your dentist.
You should always keep your dentist in the loop of your overall health and medications because your dentist will tell you if the medications you're on might impact your oral health.
For example, blood thinners can cause bleeding gums because they make you more prone to bleeding.
So at your next appointment, bring a list of medications with you so that you and your dentist can optimize your dental care plan.
Several lifestyle factors can cause gum disease symptoms to arise.
Even a short lapse in oral hygiene can have consequences. Suppose you stay up too late on the weekends that you fall asleep without brushing or flossing. In that case, you can develop gum disease, even if you have stellar habits throughout the week.
Those that smoke are also risk of periodontal disease. This is because smoking inhibits healing making you more vulnerable to gum infections.
If you suffer from bleeding gums, you should visit your dentist for gum disease treatment as soon as possible to bring your mouth back to good health.
Studies have proven that stress is tied to higher rates of gum disease. Scientists suspect that stress related inflammation changes the way your mouth responds to bacteria.
When you're stressed, improving gum health is the last thing on your mind. However, bleeding gums are often a sign of a severe problem, so you should you contact your dentist right away.
There are several benign causes of bleeding gums, but you shouldn't assume that they apply to you. The only way to be sure of the cause of bleeding is to visit a professional dental office and have a thorough examination.
The first step to exceptional oral health is to find a trusted dental home. Brookmere Dental Group is a gum disease treatment dentist in Coquitlam with 20 years of experience.
Contact us today to begin your journey to a healthy smile.
Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure that improves the look of your teeth and also aids their function. With the help of a highly experienced and skilled dentist, it's possible to enhance the quality of your life and gain more self-confidence by having an improved appearance through veneers. Below are the things you need to know before getting veneers.
You can choose from four different types of veneers. Composite and removable veneers are the most affordable, but they only last up to five years. Lumineers last up to 10 years and are semi-permanent. Porcelain veneers are the most expensive, but they can last up to 15 years, so long as they are properly maintained. We recommend getting porcelain veneers as they as more durable and also resistant to stain. They may be expensive, but the benefits outweigh the costs. Make sure to regularly visit the dentist for a regular checkup to ensure that your veneers are still in good condition.
Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure that can significantly enhance the appearance of your teeth. It can make your teeth look straight and uniform. If you have chipped, cracked, or gaps between your teeth, veneers can help you resolve it. They also fix misalignments and discolored teeth. Veneers don't have to be permanent; you can have temporary veneers for your teeth. Porcelain veneers may not necessarily remedy receding gums, but it effectively addresses issues associated with it. In addition, it reduces the patient's discomfort that comes from gum recession.
Not everyone can qualify for veneers. To know whether you're a good candidate, you'll need to visit a dentist for a checkup. To qualify for veneers, you may have to undergo some dental treatment first, including a root canal. Don't hesitate to contact Brookmere Dental Group if you're thinking about getting dental veneers. We're highly skilled and experienced with porcelain veneers Coquitlam. Contact us today.
Depending on the issues that need to be fixed, you may need to only have veneers for one or two teeth. A full-mouth restoration is also possible for patients who have many problems with their teeth, such as misalignments or gaps. Make sure that you visit a dentist to know your options.
Unlike dental implants, you can still keep your natural teeth when you get veneers. This is because veneers are thin, don't bulge, and are only bonded to the teeth. You can even remove some types of veneers. They are used merely to improve the teeth' appearance.
Do you need veneers to fix tooth issues? Our dentists are more than happy to help. We have been providing exceptional and compassionate dental services for years. Our team takes pride in our commitment to provide top-notch dental services in Coquitlam, New Westminster, Burnaby, and the Surrounding Communities. Call us today for an appointment.
Sunday, August 1st, 2021
Have you ever wondered why orthodontists place such a high premium on making sure that teeth come in straight and you keep your smile looking its best? It goes beyond simple aesthetics: it's because straight teeth are much easier to properly care for.
In recent years, Invisalign has become one of the best methods for straightening teeth, mainly because it gets results without the wires that come with traditional braces. But if you've never stopped to think about it, you might wonder why it's so critical to keep your teeth straight. These are just a few of the biggest benefits of doing exactly that!
Think about it: when you're flossing, do you find it easier to get into a straight area or one that's kind of jagged? There's no accident here: it's a lot more manageable for toothbrushes and dental floss to get in between your teeth and take care of bacteria before it can cause damage to your teeth. Not only are they harder to get in between, but when teeth come in jagged, bacteria can get trapped by the curve of your teeth, which makes it difficult for even your dentist to clean your mouth properly.
When you aren't able to clean your mouth correctly, plaque buildup is inevitable. If you can't get rid of bacteria before the plaque is created, you'll need to visit your dentist for a cleaning in rather short order.
When your teeth are spread out too far apart, you're more likely to develop problems with your gums. That's because spread-out teeth make it easier for bacteria to get to your gum line, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Gum disease is easy to prevent before it exists, but once it's had time to develop, it's very hard to get things heading back in a positive direction. If your teeth start to come in crooked, an Invisalign treatment can protect your gums for the long term.
As you get older, it becomes even more important for your teeth to fit together properly so that you're able to keep your jawline strong throughout your adult life. Grinding your teeth becomes much easier to accidentally do when your teeth don't fit together all that well, and wearing your teeth down can lead to headaches, broken bones, and issues with your jaw in old age. Studies have also shown that jaw problems can lead to sleep apnea, which brings its own set of issues.
If you're worried about any of these problems popping up in the future, Invisalign can be an excellent way to ensure that you straighten out your teeth properly so that they're easy to care for. When you've got straight teeth, not only will your smile look its best, but it'll feel its best because a straight smile is by far the easiest smile to keep healthy!
