Author: Dr. Gurpreet Gill

This author has written 180 articles
Read more about the article Some Facts About Wisdom Teeth

Some Facts About Wisdom Teeth

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the upper and lower third molars, located at the very back of the mouth. They are called wisdom teeth because usually they come in between ages 17 and 21. Wisdom teeth that are healthy and in the right position usually don’t cause problems. You may have a problem if any of the following occur:

  • Your wisdom teeth break through your gums only partway because of a lack of space. This can cause a flap of gum tissue to grow over them. The flap can trap food and lead to a gum infection.
  • They come in crooked or facing the wrong direction.
  • Your jaw isn’t large enough to give them room. Your wisdom teeth may get stuck (impacted) in your jaw and not be able to break through your gums.
  • They are so far back in your mouth or crowded that you have trouble cleaning around them.

Symptoms:

If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, you may have pain or jaw stiffness near an impacted tooth. Wisdom teeth may also crowd the other teeth. Sometimes, there could be tooth decay or gum disease if there isn’t enough room to properly clean your wisdom tooth and nearby teeth.

Your dentist will check for signs of a wisdom tooth coming through your gum or crowding other teeth. You will have X-rays to find out if your wisdom teeth are causing problems now or are likely to cause problems in the future.

Treatment:

The dentist or oral surgeon will open the gum tissue over the tooth if needed and remove the tooth. If you have an infection, you may need to wait until it is gone before you have your wisdom teeth removed. The dentist or surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection.

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Read more about the article Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?

Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?

Diabetes and Oral Hygiene:

When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can take a toll on your entire body — including your teeth and gums. Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of following dental problems:

  • Tooth decay (cavities) – Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria. When starches and sugars in food and beverages interact with these bacteria, a sticky film known as plaque forms on your teeth. The acids in plaque attack the surfaces of your teeth (enamel and dentin). This can lead to cavities. The higher your blood sugar level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches and the more acid wearing away at your teeth.
  • Gum disease – Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria. If you don’t remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing, it will harden under your gum line into a substance called tartar. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the part of your gums around the base of your teeth. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is gingivitis.
  • Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) – Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth, which in turn causes your teeth to loosen and possibly fall out. Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing. An infection such as periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which in turn makes your diabetes more difficult to control. Preventing and treating periodontitis can help improve blood sugar control.

To help prevent damage to your teeth and gums, take diabetes and dental care seriously:

  • Make a commitment to manage your diabetes.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Floss your teeth at least once a day.
  • Schedule regular dental visits.
  • Make sure your dentist knows you have diabetes.
  • Look for early signs of gum disease.
  • Don’t smoke.

Ref: American Diabetes Association, Diabetic Forecast Mar 2016

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Read more about the article Facts About Dental Sealants

Facts About Dental Sealants

Dental Sealants

Sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth, usually the back teeth (molars), that a Dental Office uses to prevent tooth decay. The painted on liquid sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and groves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of the tooth.

Dental sealants are intended for young children as soon as their first teeth come in. Decay is most common in the molars, so taking your child to dentist’s office for sealants right when you see the molars grow in gives your child the best chance to fight tooth decay. A child’s first set of permanent molars grow in between ages five and seven, while the second permanent molars come in between 11 and 14 years of age. A sealant creates a smoother tooth surface, one that’s easier to clean and therefore more resistant to the formation of decay.

How long do sealants last?

It’s difficult to say how long a sealant will last. Diet, oral habits and oral hygiene are huge factor determining factors. Expect to have a dentist check the sealant at every visit to the office. They will look at the sealant and determine if it needs to be replaced. Sealants need to be checked for chipping or wear.

Procedure

By bonding dental sealant into the grooves of a tooth, a dentist can make a tooth’s surface smoother. As a result, there are no longer any locations where the bristles of a toothbrush can’t reach and clean. The tooth is now at less risk for developing a cavity.

For starters, the teeth are cleaned carefully, and then dried with an absorbent material. A mild acid solution is applied to them to roughen them slightly. This is done so the sealant can bond properly to the teeth. Then the teeth are rinsed and dried, and the sealant material is painted on and dried with a special light.

Molars are susceptible to decay early on, which is why sealants are an important treatment to get for your children’s first set of teeth.

If you have questions about dental sealants and planning to have them for your children, talk to our general dentists at Expressions Dental.

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Read more about the article Do Dental Crowns Need Special Care?

Do Dental Crowns Need Special Care?

Crowns are “caps” or coverings for the entire tooth.

When you go home, after your crown has been placed, you can treat your crown as though it were your natural tooth. Continue to follow good oral hygiene practices. Simply flossing and brushing with toothpaste will help to keep crowns clean and the gums around the crowns healthy, thus preventing gum disease. Your dentist will show you how to correctly floss around your new crown.  Antibacterial mouth rinse can also help. Also, you don’t need to worry about adhering to special diet restrictions, but you should be careful about chewing extremely sticky foods, such as caramels, which can accidentally dislodge your crown. Like your natural teeth, remember not to bite down on hard objects or use your teeth to open or cut things.

Get in touch with Expressions Dental to find out how we can restore your teeth with a dental crown.

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Read more about the article Bad Habits That Destroy Smile

Bad Habits That Destroy Smile

Maintenance of your teeth is a lifelong process. And if you add some bad habits into this equation, it can make the whole process even more difficult. You should eliminate the following habits from your life if you want to maintain a healthy smile.

  • Consumption of soda – Too much consumption of soda leaves a constant coating of sugar and acids on your teeth throughout the day. This then slowly build up over time and starts eating away at your teeth. Regardless of whether it is regular or diet soda, it is best to stay away from these fizzy drinks if you want to prevent cavities.
  • Chewing ice – Chewing ice is considered to be one of the biggest causes of chipped or cracked teeth in people.
  • Teeth grinding – Teeth grinding will eventually wear down your teeth. If you have the habit of grinding your teeth at night, try putting on a mouth guard and then going to sleep.
  • Hard candy – These sugary substances tend to coat your teeth. It then combines with the plaque to form an acid which then slowly eats away your teeth.
  • Not flossing – Not flossing your teeth is also considered to be a bad oral habit. Daily flossing helps to clear the plaque in between your teeth which can then prevent gum diseases.
  • Sports drinks – Sports drinks tend to have as much sugar as sodas. So even if the advertising says they are healthy, they are actually not. So just like sodas, try to limit your consumption of sports drinks.
  • Opening things with your teeth – If you open things like bottle caps with your teeth, they will eventually lead to your teeth being chipped or cracked.
  • Brushing too soon after eating – Brushing your teeth too soon after eating or drinking beverages such as soda or wine, can cause damage, because you are essentially rubbing softened enamel away. Instead, you should rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic beverages and then brush after 30 minutes.
  • Failure to replace toothbrush in time – Older toothbrushes lose the majority of their effectiveness, and tend to harbor infectious bacterial growth over time. It’s recommended that toothbrushes be replaced at every 3 months. It’s also important to dispose and replace your toothbrush after any sickness or cold.
  • Use of hard-bristled toothbrush – A stiff or hard-bristled toothbrush may cause damage to your gums, especially when paired with aggressive brushing habits.

Get in touch with a dental hygienist to know more about dental care.

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Read more about the article Types of Dental Crowns

Types of Dental Crowns

There is a wide variety of materials from which dental crowns are made. Each of the type of dental crown has its own pros and cons.

Here’s the list of materials used for dental crowns:

  • Porcelain or ceramic – These crowns can give a great cosmetic result, by best reproducing the natural look of a tooth. There are many types of crown that fit into this category. In the back of the mouth where substantial chewing forces are routinely generated, placing an all-ceramic might not make the best choice due to strength. They are commonly used in for front teeth.
  • Porcelain fused to metal – Such crowns, also known as porcelain-bonded crowns, are very common. They combine the strength of a metal base with a cosmetic covering of tooth-colored porcelain. They have a proven track record of success. They can make a good choice for either front or back teeth. However, over time, the metal may show through at the gum-line (as a visible dark line). These crowns may therefore not be the ideal choice where aesthetics are of prime importance.
  • Metal – Usually made from gold or “white” (silver-colored) dental alloy. They’re known for their strength and durability. The precious alloys that are used to make gold dental crowns have a wear rate that’s similar to tooth enamel. That means the crown won’t create excessive wear on the teeth that oppose it (the teeth that it bites against).

If you are considering dental crowns for restorative or cosmetic dental purposes, it is best to discuss your options. We, at Expressions Dental will help you choose the dental crown material that best fits your needs.

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Read more about the article How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

The material crowns are made of can affect how long the crown lasts. Some dental crowns will be more durable than others, and whether you clench or grind your teeth can play a role in the life of your crown.

Taking care of a dental crown:

How long dental crowns will last depends on many other factors in addition to the material they are made of. Practicing good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day will increase the life of your crowns. You can also increase crown life by limiting consumption of hard or crunchy foods. If you tend to clench or grind your teeth, your crowns may not last longer. Habitual teeth-grinding is called bruxism, and many people do it while they’re sleeping and don’t even realize it. A dentist can determine if you are a nighttime grinder, and explain how that may affect your crowns.

Dental crown needs to be replaced, if it cracked or broken or in case of excessive wear.
If you have additional questions about dental crowns, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Expressions Dental.

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Read more about the article Diabetes and Periodontitis

Diabetes and Periodontitis

Diabetes and Oral Hygiene

When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can take a toll on your entire body — including your teeth and gums. Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of following dental problems:

  • Tooth decay (cavities) – Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria. When starches and sugars in food and beverages interact with these bacteria, a sticky film known as plaque forms on your teeth. The acids in plaque attack the surfaces of your teeth (enamel and dentin). This can lead to cavities. The higher your blood sugar level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches and the more acid wearing away at your teeth.
  • Gum disease – Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria. If you don’t remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing, it will harden under your gum line into a substance called tartar. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the part of your gums around the base of your teeth. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is gingivitis.
  • Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) – Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth, which in turn causes your teeth to loosen and possibly fall out. Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing. An infection such as periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which in turn makes your diabetes more difficult to control. Preventing and treating periodontitis can help improve blood sugar control.

To help prevent damage to your teeth and gums, take diabetes and dental care seriously:

  • Make a commitment to manage your diabetes.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Floss your teeth at least once a day.
  • Schedule regular dental visits.
  • Make sure your dentist knows you have diabetes.
  • Look for early signs of gum disease.
  • Don’t smoke.

Ref: American Diabetes Association, Diabetic Forecast Mar 2016

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Expressions Dental™
Emergency Dental Care In Calgary NW
http://www.expressionsdental.ca
Call: +1 (403) 252 7733

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Read more about the article Bad Breath Causes, Treatment

Bad Breath Causes, Treatment

Our Dental hygienist Mel, explains bad breath causes and treatments.

Bad breath is a common condition caused by sulphur-producing bacteria that live within the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Its treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Smoking, dry mouth, dental infections and nasal or sinus infections can cause bad breath. Good oral hygiene, including brushing flossing and tongue cleaning, is important. Other treatments may include mouthwashes, nasal spray or antibiotics.
Oral malodor (bad breath) can be divided into two distinctive catego­ries—transitory and chronic. Transitory refers to food-related malodor that can last as long as 72 hours. Virtually everyone suffers from this condition at one time or another. The second category, chronic, is generally related to oral or general medical problems.

There is no one treatment for bad breath. The treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. Avoiding dehydration and good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, are important. Some mouthwashes, lozenges and toothpastes can assist in fighting bad breath.

Gentle but effective tongue cleaning may also be required. A variety of tongue brushes and scrapers have been produced in recent years. The tongue should be brushed in a gentle but thorough manner, from the back towards the front of the tongue, keeping in mind that the hardest to reach back portion smells the worst.

Just as important to oral health and fresh breath is oral health care delivered by a qualified professional. Regular oral health care appointments, which include teeth cleaning above and below the gum line is essential to maintaining good oral health and fresh breath, so visit your dental hygienist every six months, or as often as recommended.
For more information about proper oral health care, as well as brushing and flossing instructions, please talk to your dental hygienist.

Powered by:
Expressions Dental™
Emergency Dental Care in Calgary NW
http://www.expressionsdental.ca
Call: +1 (403) 252 7733

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