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.
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.
Thursday, April 1st, 2021
As kids, we're imprinted with the idea that dentist offices are scary places (I'm looking at you, Finding Nemo). We lose many of our childish fears as we grow up, but this one seems to stick around a little longer.
Why else would only 64% of adults get a dental check-up in 2019?
It's easy to go about our daily lives and forget to focus on our oral health. Unfortunately, skipping these routine visits can lead to serious permanent issues. In the long run, that means thousands of dollars.
Do your mouth and your wallet a favor by scheduling your next dental visit. Don't believe this is important? Read on to discover the five main reasons to schedule a dental check up.
A regular dental check-up every six months allows you to touch base with your dentist. Not only do they inform you of the state of your teeth, but this is your chance to ask questions.
Your doctor is there to help you.
For example, if your smile has always made you self-conscious, you don't have to suffer from that discomfort forever. Treatment options exist, like orthodontics or Invisalign, that completely transform the look of your smile. You can read more about our orthodontic treatment benefits.
Without a dental visit, you may never know how close you are to a better life.
Gum disease and oral cancers are difficult to spot with the untrained eye. Waiting multiple years between check-ups is dangerous because you're letting diseases grow without treatment (unless you have X-Ray vision in which case we'll give you a pass).
Oral diseases affect 3.5 billion people worldwide. They're preventable in the early stages, so just go get your check-up.
This idea directly relates to the reason above. If you think that oral cancer, periodontitis, and gingivitis sound expensive and complicated, you're right. Treatments for these diseases can blow a big hole in your wallet.
Stop these problems in their tracks by taking a detailed look at your teeth and gums twice a year.
The majority of employers offer dental coverage. If you're paying for it already, why not take advantage of these benefits? They don't roll over to the next calendar year, so use them while you can.
Cleaning your teeth is one of the most memorable parts of a check-up. Did you know that stripping your teeth of plaque does a lot more for your health than just making you feel cleaner?
People with plaque buildup are 65% more likely to have dementia. There are also direct links between plaque and pneumonia, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
Your health should be your number one priority. Schedule a dental check-up to reap the benefits we mentioned above. From saving money to preventing serious diseases, there's no reason not to visit us here at Brookmere Dental Group.
Visit our website to view the services available to you and get in touch with one of our professionals. Click here to read our special message to new patients and schedule your appointment today!
There's no boogeyman at the dentist, we promise.
Monday, March 1st, 2021
Have you been experiencing tooth pain but you're too afraid to go to the dentist? You're not alone. Fear of the dentist's office is common. Over 10% of adults are terrified of visiting their dentist!
Many of these fears come from the potential for surgical extraction. People aren't aware that sometimes this procedure is necessary. Are you in need of tooth extraction in Coquitlam?
We're here to talk about when and why your teeth may need to be extracted so you can get rid of some of that fear. Keep reading to learn more.
Having impacted teeth is one of the more common reasons that someone would get a wisdom tooth extracted. These teeth aren't growing in place correctly.
When a tooth is impacted, it means it hasn't been able to erupt from the gums. This is often the result of your mouth being too crowded for an extra tooth.
Impacted teeth can cause further crowding, cracked teeth, or infection (or all three). Getting rid of that tooth won't hurt your smile, and you may have less pain overall after the tooth is gone.
Once you feel that wisdom tooth trying to burst through your gums, you'll be quick to google "tooth extraction near me" to get rid of the soreness.
If your teeth have already erupted, you can still experience overcrowding. Overcrowding means that there's not enough space for all of your teeth to fit the right way. This condition usually requires braces to fix.
Overcrowding makes it challenging to brush all surfaces of your teeth and to floss. This means that it's a health hazard, not just an aesthetic problem.
Sometimes braces and clear aligners aren't enough to fix overcrowding. Getting a quick tooth removal gives your teeth extra space so that orthodontic options are possible.
Your smile may change for a short time, but once your teeth are straightened, you'll never know the difference.
Your dentist wants to preserve your teeth at all costs. This is why they'd instead opt for a filling or a root canal when you visit them with cavities. Unfortunately, this isn't always possible.
Severe tooth decay results in the pulp of your tooth getting an infection. If this infection spreads to your gums, it can cause periodontal disease. Your dentist wants to do everything in their power to prevent this, so extracting the offending tooth is the best option.
If you already have periodontal disease, the tooth may still have to come out. Gum disease often results in loosened teeth.
We understand that the idea of having a tooth extracted is anxiety-inducing. That said, if you're experiencing pain, the extraction will get rid of it.
Expert dentists can remove your tooth without pain, only pressure. While you'll feel some soreness afterward, it's nothing in comparison to what you felt before or what you could feel in the future if your teeth aren't taken care of.
If you think that you need a tooth extraction in Coquitlam, we want to meet you.
Contact us to book an appointment for dentistry services in Coquitlam so we can ease your pain.
Monday, February 1st, 2021
Our teeth are protected by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. Over time, however, it can erode.
Take sugary and acidic foods, for example, they can cause the outer layer to degrade over time. If anything, that’s what causes cavities.
The good news is that it is preventable with proper brushing and flossing. Not only that, but regular dental checkups are important as well.
Are you looking for a dentist in Coquitlam? Want to know how often you should get your teeth checked? If so, you’re on the right page. Keep reading to learn more!
There are several reasons why you want to go for regular dental checkups. Here’s what you need to know.
Plaque can build up on your teeth even with regular brushing and flossing. Left alone, it will turn into tartar, which is impossible to remove without going to the dentist.
Ultimately, the goal is to remove the plaque and tartar before it becomes a problem.
Oral cancer can be life-threatening if it’s not diagnosed and treated quickly. That's why it's so important to go to the dentist—they’re highly trained to recognize the signs of the disease.
The earlier you catch it, the easier it will be to treat.
Periodontitis is a serious infection that damages the tissues surrounding the teeth. Left untreated, it can cause abscesses and receding gums, the former of which can be life-threatening if the infection travels to the bloodstream.
Fortunately, this can all be prevented with regular dental visits.
Certain things such as impacted teeth are invisible to the naked eye—that is, they can only be seen with x-rays. This is especially true with destructive diseases that show little to no systems but progress rapidly.
Various habits can have a negative impact on your oral health. For example, both biting your nails and chewing ice can damage your teeth.
When you go for a checkup, your dentist will be able to see if there’s any damage caused by these habits. If necessary, they’ll help fix the damage that’s already been done.
As a general rule, you want to go for a cleaning and checkup every six months. Some people, however, may have to go more often.
Some higher-risk groups include smokers, pregnant women, and diabetics. Those who are prone to cavities should also visit their dentist more frequently.
As you can see, there are several reasons why it’s important to go to a dentist regularly. If anything, it's the best way to prevent oral health problems.
Looking for a dentist in Coquitlam? We, at Brookmere Dental, would be happy to help—feel free to contact us to set up an appointment!
