Thursday, September 1st, 2022
Exposed dentin is a health condition that is preventable and treatable. A visit with your dentist will diagnose the cause of tooth sensitivity. Preventative measures and treatment options restore and protect teeth from decay and exposed dentin.
Exposed dentin harms your overall sense of well-being because it’s an exposed barrier that protects the inner parts of your teeth. There is soft pulp with sensitive nerves inside your teeth. When your dentin is exposed, you may experience sensitivity or pain when your teeth come into contact with:
Instead of wondering how to treat the pain on your own, trust a professional to help remedy the pain and sensitivity in your mouth.
Certain harmful mouth hygiene practices and reactions to stress can cause exposed dentin. Some people use the wrong tools to clean their teeth, such as the wrong hardness of toothbrushes. Dentists can help with the most common causes of exposed dentin, including:
The wearing down of the teeth and decay from harmful bacteria contained in plaque dissolve the protective tooth enamel. A dentist will demonstrate and advise you on proper brushing and flossing techniques to avoid further exposure of the dentin.
Exposed dentin treatment is the most effective and safest with guidance from a dentist. There are several options for treating the affected exposed areas, eventually relieving the pain in your mouth. Exposed dentin treatment includes:
Proper dental treatment and hygiene protect teeth and gums from further decay and relieve pain. When you need a dentist in Coquitlam, trust the Brookmere Dental Group for comprehensive care. Book an appointment for exposed dentin and other oral health needs.
Monday, August 1st, 2022
Many people like to drink sparkling water because they find it more appealing than regular water. Additionally, they get to enjoy a variety of fun flavors without the worry of high sugar intake. If you are a regular consumer of sparkling water and are concerned about your teeth, then you will want to know how it will affect your teeth, your gums and your overall health.
According to the most current research, sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth and gums. In one study, teeth that were removed for treatment were studied to see if sparkling water would attack the tooth enamel more aggressively than regular water. The findings demonstrated that sparkling water generally did not impact teeth and gums negatively. There is one caveat to this, however. Sparkling waters that are citrus flavored contain more acid than those that are not, and these can potentially impact your teeth and gums negatively because the acid content in citrus-flavored sparkling waters can erode the enamel on your teeth.
Sparkling water is much better for your health than sugar sweetened beverages. Sugary drinks have been known to cause a plethora of health problems, and therefore they are best consumed in moderation. If you are looking for a drink that contains flavor and are not in the mood to drink regular water, sparkling water is an outstanding choice because it is free from sugar and will not negatively impact your health.
Research shows that all carbonated water has a higher acid content than plain water. Some sparkling waters are more acidic than others depending on the ingredients that are used.
If you want to enjoy sparkling water, then you must follow the below tips for best results.
Pay attention to the ingredients in your sparkling water. Sparkling waters that are citrus based can erode your teeth if you consume them too much. If you are a huge fan of citrus flavors and want to consume citrus-flavored sparkling water, consume them with your meals so you have something else to offset the acid content and avoid the chances of eroding your teeth and experiencing emergency dental problems.
Sparkling waters that contain any amount of sugar can no longer be legitimately considered sparkling water. When sugar has been added to sparkling water, it is now considered a sweetened beverage which can impact your teeth and health. For best results, only consume sparkling waters that contain no amount of sugar.
If you consume sparkling water regularly, be sure to also drink plain water. Even though sparkling water will not impact your teeth, gums and health negatively, plain water is still always better.
If you want to make sure your teeth remain in tiptop shape, you must schedule a dental checkup with our leading dentist in Coquitlam. We will provide you with a thorough checkup and make recommendations for maintaining your oral health to prevent the development of serious problems. With us, you are in good hands as we believe in giving our patients superior-quality care and making them feel relaxed.
Friday, July 1st, 2022
Do you suffer from bad breath and chronic throat infections? You might be a member of the tonsillolith club! Tonsilloliths, commonly known as tonsil stones, are a common oral problem for adults.
Approximately 5% to 6% of people experience tonsil stones. But what are they, and are they dangerous to your health? Get the answers here and learn how your dentist in Coquitlam can help.
Tonsil stones are hard calcified deposits that form in the crevices of your tonsils. They're usually yellow or white and can range from microscopic bits to several centimeters in size. One of the biggest tonsil stones ever removed measured 3.1 × 2.3 cm (about the size of a grape!)
You might have tonsil stones if you notice some of these common symptoms:
Some people are asymptomatic, while others can clearly see the stones. Many people find out they suffer from tonsilloliths when they cough or sneeze too hard. The vibrations can dislodge the stone, causing it to fly out.
Tonsil stones are the result of food or debris getting trapped. The mucous membrane that covers your tonsils contains crevices where these bits tend to accumulate. Some people have deeper crevices, making it easier for tonsil stones to get stuck.
The most common causes of tonsil stones include:
Your family dentist always stresses the importance of proper oral care. But skipping the floss and not brushing well doesn't just affect your teeth and gums; it can lead to more tonsil stones!
Tonsil stones are not usually dangerous. They might be annoying and embarrassing, but they won't cause serious physical harm. The worst that can happen is that they become too large to be ignored.
But if your tonsil stones come with severe ear or throat pain, it's best to see a doctor. There might be an underlying reason that's irritating your tonsils. Your local dentist can also remove any large, bothersome tonsil stones.
If you've noticed a few tonsil stones and want to get rid of them, there are a few methods to try. You can attempt to remove them yourself or visit the best dentist in Coquitlam! But a mild case of tonsil stones is usually easy to treat using these tips:
If none of these methods work, seeking professional dental services is the next step. A recommended dentist can easily remove larger stones embedded deep in the tonsils.
Tonsil stones aren't dangerous, but this issue can lead to frustration and embarrassment. The best way to prevent bad breath and chronic throat infections is by practicing excellent oral hygiene! Need some help with that?
Visit Brookmere Dental Group, your friendly dentist in Coquitlam. We offer family, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in a friendly environment. Schedule an appointment today, and we'll take care of those stones!
Wednesday, June 1st, 2022
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, it seemed that smoking was on the decline in Canada. British Columbia was no exception but unfortunately, this is a trend that now appears to be reversing. The latest figures show that at least 15% of the population here smokes.
There are many good reasons to visit a dentist in Coquitlam, but if you're a smoker then this is especially important to do on a regular basis. You're probably well aware of how smoking can affect your physical and mental health, but how does smoking affect your teeth?
That's what we're going to be discussing today. Read on to see if it might be time for you to schedule a dental check up in Coquitlam.
Let's start off with something on the less serious side of things. Smoking is renowned for causing discoloration in teeth.
Your teeth are made out of enamel and this enamel has microscopic cracks on its exterior. Every time you smoke a cigarette the nicotine and tar contained inside settle into these cracks.
Over time this is guaranteed to cause discoloration. Usually, you'll notice a yellow or brown color developing.
If you have discolored teeth from smoking you will eventually have to address the root cause of the issue by kicking the habit. But in the meantime, you can try a teeth whitening treatment.
If you're a smoker then you're automatically at risk of developing gum disease. This is because smokers have higher bacterial plaque production rates. Over time it's this plaque that can lead to gum disease, which often results in tooth loss.
What's worse is that because smoking restricts levels of oxygen in your bloodstream your infected gums have a harder time healing. It's for this same reason that smokers often have a more difficult time healing from dental surgeries and treatments.
Of course, one of the more serious consequences of smoking is an increased risk of developing several different types of cancers. This includes oral cancer.
Did you know that smokers are 10 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers? While dentists don't directly treat oral cancer, they are able to spot signs of it and are integral in relaying different treatment options to you and coordinating with other medical professionals.
Nobody likes that one person who always has bad breath—you definitely don't want to be that person either. But it's a fact that smokers are prone to chronic cases of halitosis. It's a condition called smoker's breath, and short of giving up smoking entirely, it can be very difficult to treat.
Everyone should visit their dentist on a regular basis, but if you're a smoker you should take extra special care of your oral health. If you'd like to visit a dentist in Coquitlam, we'd be happy to see you. Get in touch to book your appointment at your earliest convenience.
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.
