Dental FAQs
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD VISIT THE DENTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME?
This is probably a lot earlier than most people think, but tooth decay in children can progress rapidly and visiting the dentist early can prevent damage to your child’s first teeth.
DO I NEED TO FLOSS?
WHO NEEDS FLUORIDE?
People who have sensitive teeth need fluoride because fluoride has been scientifically proven to help with sensitivity. The main medical ingredient in sensitive toothpaste is sodium fluoride. Adults with recession are prone to root cavities, therefore using fluoride will help prevent root cavities and sensitivity. Xerostomia (dry mouth) is often caused by medications or radiation treatment and results in a lack of saliva. This increases cavity risk as there is less saliva to wash away bacteria, which is why fluoride can help xerostomia patients. Fluoride can also help prevent cavities in patients with poor oral hygiene.
WHAT IS CALCULUS?
WHAT IS DENTAL FLUOROSIS?
Dental fluorosis can be reduced in children by using non-fluoridated toothpaste until the child is three to four years of age, at which age the child should be able to rinse and spit without swallowing the toothpaste.
CLOSE ACCORDION
Invisible
I BRUSH MY TEETH DAILY, WHY DO I NEED A DENTAL HYGIENIST TO DO IT?
Although you may have a detailed oral care regime (i.e. brushing twice a day & flossing) there are areas such as under the gums and between your teeth which you can not access properly with floss or brushing alone. A dental hygienist has superior cleaning instruments that access these areas and other surfaces of your teeth. Once that white sticky plaque hardens into tartar a toothbrush or floss is unable to remove this hard deposit. This is where a dental hygienist uses her training and specialized tools to remove the buildup.
WHY DO “GUMS” BLEED WHEN BRUSHING?
Bleeding gums could be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease that results from that inflammation and if you are experience bleeding gums you should visit a dentist. Gum disease can cause tooth loss if not treated early enough. Therefore, good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to the dentist are important for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.
WHY ARE MY TEETH SENSITIVE TO COLD?
Acidic foods or drinks like pop, certain alcoholic beverages and citrus fruits can “soften” the hard enamel that covers the tooth surface. Once the acid “softens” the enamel, it takes a couple of hours for enamel to harden again. Normally, the enamel is resistant to various physical stresses but when “softened” by acids, it becomes sensitive to toothwear forces. Brushing too hard or grinding your teeth can gradually remove the enamel, especially when it is “soft”.
Over time, the protective enamel can wear down so much that the part of the tooth called dentin becomes exposed. Many people experience gum recession with aging, and due to gum disease, but brushing too hard can also affect your gums by pushing them back until they no longer cover the tooth at the natural gum line. This gum recession can be an important factor leading to dentin exposure and tooth sensitivity. In addition to sensitivity caused by tooth wear and gum recession, there are some situations that can cause temporary sensitivity such as bleaching or whitening procedures, gum surgery and scaling or polishing.
WHAT ARE CANKER SORES?
At any given time, 20% of Canadians will have a canker sore. They’re most common in women and in people aged 10 to 40 years. Many people get them regularly, at least once a year. In the most severe cases, people get one after another.
For treatment of canker sores there are many over the counter medications that can help ease your discomfort. If the problem persists longer than 1-2 weeks or the sores become larger and you have difficulty eating make an appointment to visit your dentist for any alternative treatments that may be available.
WHAT IS HALITOSIS?
Most bad breath odour comes from food particles trapped in the mouth. When food remains in the mouth it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that cause the bad breath. Other causes include poor oral health, improper cleaning of dentures, periodontal disease, smoking and use of tobacco products. Bad breath can also be a sign of underlying medical conditions of the stomach, lungs and bloodstream.Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can also contribute to bad breath. When the mouth is dry, saliva production decreases leaving the mouths’ natural ability to clean itself impaired. Alcohol consumption, certain medications and mouth breathing can be contributing factors.
To prevent halitosis, brush, floss and rinse after every meal. Brush your tongue daily and visit the dentist for regular check ups to correct any faulty restorations, overhanging fillings and faulty crowns all of which can trap food in the mouth. Also, chewing sugarless gum increases saliva flow and cleans foods from the mouth which helps.
CLOSE ACCORDION
Canada Dental Benefit - Government Dental Plan for Children Under 12
The government has introduced a Canada Dental Benefit for children under 12 who do not have access to dental insurance in Unionville.
Your team at Main Street Dental is happy to help care for your children under this new plan.
Low- and middle-income families with a combined income of under $90,000 in Unionville can access up to $650 per year for the next two years for dental services.
Hours of operation
Mon - Wed: 8 - 6
Thurs: 8 - 7
Fri: 8 - 5
Sat: 8 - 4
Sun: Closed
Find Us
Main Street Dental Team
104 Main Street Unionville
Markham, ON L3R 2E9
Your Markham Family Dentist
Phone
Fax: (905) 477-3471
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