Knowing how to brush your teeth properly is important so you can avoid conditions such as gingivitis and tooth decay.
Bad brushing technique can lead to tooth abrasion, which wears away the surface of the tooth. Because gum tissue is so delicate, it can be damaged from the bristles on your toothbrush and lead to tooth sensitivity.
These instructions will help you brush your teeth the right way:
Brushing at least two times a day is key- we recommend you do this in the morning and before bed. If your bristles look worn out, be sure to replace your toothbrush. You should also get a new toothbrush every 3 months. If you get the cold or flu or any kind of sickness, be sure to get a new toothbrush.
If you constantly have bad breath and think there’s nothing you can do about it, think again. These helpful tips can assist in keeping bad breath at bay.
Halitosis, or bad breath, can be seriously humiliating. You don’t have to live with it forever! Simply by brushing and flossing at least two times a day, particularly after you’ve eaten, can help. The tongue collects a lot of bacteria and gunk so be sure to brush it – you can even use a tongue scraper. If you rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after, that will do you wonders.
One thing you may not know that is a great way to keep bad breath at bay is to chew a piece of parsley after you’re done eating. The reason this works is because parsley has chlorophyll in it and this has been a proven way to freshen breath. You can also drop some tea tree oil or peppermint oil on your tongue, or you can put these oils on your toothbrush in conjunction with your toothpaste. It might also help to choose a toothpaste or mouthwash containing natural oils which can battle the bacteria causing your bad breath.
If you’re a smoker, this is undoubtedly a contributor to your bad breath. Smoking is bad for your health in many ways and you may want to consider finding a method so you can quit. Quitting smoking will also prevent you from getting gum disease.
There are certain foods that trigger bad breath and these can be things like garlic, specific spices, and coffee. Dry mouth can also lead to bad breath so make sure you stay hydrated during the day. If you’re finding your mouth is really dry, try some sugar-free gum, products or candy to trigger saliva production.
If you’re still noticing your bad breath, try combining half hydrogen peroxide and half water into a glass and use it as a mouthwash.
There are a number of breath freshening kits and remedies out there that can help you, but be sure to ask us at Coquitlam General and Sedation Dentistry about it before you try these products.
Watch the video below for more fresh breath tips:
Due to an increase of sugar in the diet through fast food, soda pop and candy, children are now much more susceptible to bacteria which causes cavities or tooth decay to harm their teeth.
In fact, the U.S. Center for Disease Control cites a study that says there has been a 15.2 percent increase in tooth decay during the last 10 years for children under six.
Various things cause tooth decay for younger dental patients at Coquitlam General and Sedation Dentistry, most notably sugar intake, severe stress, contents in baby bottles and infant feeding habits.
Children’s oral health worsens when they are sent to school. At school, there is more chance of them getting a soda from vending machines. Our culture is shifting so that there is minimal parental supervision and convenience foods are way too readily available, and this is all having a severe effect on oral health.
There are many things parents can do to stop their kids from getting cavities. Daily oral care is essential, and can be achieved at minimal cost.
Here are some additional healthy dental habits for kids:
Making sure your child gets the proper oral care. Pregnant women who eat a balanced and nutritious diet are already helping their children and leading them on the right path when it comes to oral health. Preventive care is ideal after the baby’s first feeding and should continue on as the child gets older. Children are not able to remove plaque themselves until they are eight, so a parent needs to help them brush and floss twice a day.
Sugar is hurting your child’s teeth. Kids can get cavities as early as nine months of age. Their upper front teeth are first affected and this can quickly spread to the other teeth if a child is feeding on a bottle containing sugar. If food surface is not removed from the teeth, your child’s teeth will start to decay quickly.
Bring your child to the dentist before they turn 1. Before a child turns one is the ideal time to take them for their first dental visit. This is a good idea for you too, parents – this appointment can help educate you on what you can do to make sure your child’s oral health is the best it can be. We can also help you identify signs of early problems while they are still in a stage that is easy to treat.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure in Coquitlam, but most patients are not even aware of why wisdom teeth removal is necessary. The extraction experts at Coquitlam General & Sedation Dentistry have written this handy guide on wisdom teeth to answer any questions you may have.
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| “Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure in Coquitlam, but most patients are not even aware of why wisdom teeth removal is necessary. “ |
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, the last molars in your bite, typically show up in people aged 16 to 25 years old. In the past, wisdom teeth were useful for our diet of harder foods and meats. Nowadays, with softer diets and orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth are left with little room to erupt.
Some people are unaffected by wisdom teeth, while others experience painful situations that require immediate removal. It’s a good idea to ask a dentist at Coquitlam General & Sedation Dentistry for more information on your wisdom teeth development.
Why should I get my wisdom teeth out?
Wisdom teeth removal is necessary because:
How will my dentist take out the wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth removal is typically pain-free due to oral or IV sedation. The procedure will begin by:
After the procedure, dental stitches are typically utilized to help with healing. There is likely to be swelling or bruising, but a cold compress and medication should aid in a faster recovery.
For more information on wisdom teeth removal in Coquitlam, or to book an appointment, contact Coquitlam General & Sedation Dentistry today.
Children’s dental care is often overlooked in Coquitlam, because many parents think that baby teeth are just going to fall out and be replaced by adult teeth. However, regular family dental care is important for all family members—young and old.
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| “Aside from the fact that tooth decay is the most preventable illness in children, not taking care of baby teeth can lead to future problems as an adult.” |
Taking care of baby teeth is one of the most valuable lessons to teach young, impressionable children. Aside from the fact that tooth decay is the most preventable illness in children, not taking care of baby teeth can lead to future problems as an adult.
Early Dental Disease
Cavities are painful and they can also cause embarrassment, wasted time, speech impediments and more. Even though baby teeth are going to fall out, protecting these teeth will not only help improve overall health and wellness at the present, they will also help lead to healthy adult smiles.
Practice Good Oral Health
Maintaining great oral health should be a fun experience for both you and your child. From an early age, it is an important idea to promote brushing and flossing daily. Bad habits form at an early age, visit your local family dental clinic to learn tips and tricks on how to encourage proper oral health habits.
For more information on children dentistry, or to book an appointment at Coquitlam General & Sedation Dentistry, contact us today.
In existence for over 30 years, dental veneers are still not commonly understood or utilized by many dental patients in Coquitlam.
While most people have heard of whitening teeth with bleach treatments, they are not aware that they are being exposed to the bleaching alternative almost daily. In fact, dental veneers are worn by actors, models and professionals and play a huge roll in the cosmetic dentistry industry.
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| “Dental veneers do more than just make your smile look beautiful, they can also help fix for biting problems, help fill in gaps between teeth, or straighten overlapping teeth.” |
Dental veneers are similar to acrylic fingernails, where a replacement is shaped and placed on the natural nail. Veneers are made of a thin layer of custom-made porcelain or composite material, which are then placed over the natural tooth.
However, unlike an acrylic nail, veneers are incredibly tough. Patients with dental veneers are still able to bite into carrots, eat fudge, or enjoy anything else they would normally. Dental veneers are completely sealed against the natural tooth, lasting for several years without regular maintenance.
While professional teeth whitening may have a few limitations, veneers are used to solve a variety of oral health issues. Bleaching is typically used only to lighten teeth, without the ability to change the position, size or shape of teeth.
Dental veneers do more than just make your smile look beautiful, they can also help fix for biting problems, help fill in gaps between teeth, or straighten overlapping teeth.
Dental veneers also allow you to keep much of your natural tooth, which is always ideal. Veneers are custom-made to cover just the front and biting surface of your teeth, which leaves the back area untouched.
Don’t forget, if you are interested in any cosmetic dentistry solutions from Coquitlam General & Sedation Dentistry, it is incredibly important to maintain proper oral health.
For more information on dental veneers, or to book an appointment at our Coquitlam dental clinic, contact us today!
Cosmetic Dentistry has become increasingly more accepted for patients thanks to popular reality shows that focus on dramatic smile makeovers. Dental patients in Coquitlam are beginning to understand how easy it is to create their ideal smile with the available cosmetic dentistry solutions.
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| “Cosmetic Dentistry in Coquitlam, BC has come a long way in providing smile correction. Dental patients can benefit greatly by taking advantage of gummy smile treatment and other cosmetic dentistry solutions.” |
We are often asked questions about what a cosmetic dentist can accomplish at Coquitlam General & Sedation Dentistry, and many patients are surprised at all the smile correction solutions we provide.
One popular cosmetic procedure is “gummy smile” treatment or correction. A gummy smile occurs when a large section of gums appear when the patient smiles or laughs. In some cases, there will be more gum area visible than teeth.
Patients complain about their “gummy smile” because they seem to resemble an adolescent, with prominent gums and small teeth. Generally, this smile comes from genetics, which causes the typical gum development to stop early, leaving teeth shorter than they should be.
A gummy smile correction can be treated in a few different ways. First, patients with less severe or moderate gum problems can be treated by lifting the gums and utilizing dental veneers. This “gum-lift”, similar to a face-lift, sculpts the gums to a natural height, allowing veneers to be affixed to the teeth to allow for a beautiful, new smile.
Second, for severe gum disproportion, treatment can include the physical breaking and repositioning of the upper jaw. This can require a healing time of up to two months and the jaw will be wired shut.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Coquitlam has come a long way in providing smile correction. Patients at Coquitlam General & Sedation Dentistry are able to benefit greatly by taking advantage of gummy smile treatment and other cosmetic dentistry solutions.
For more information on cosmetic dentistry in Coquitlam or to book an appointment, contact the expert team at Coquitlam General & Sedation Dentistry.
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| “Always consider the options available and the gravity of your situation before phoning any local emergency dental clinic.” |
Emergency situations occur all the time in Coquitlam. Medical emergencies are typically treated in emergency room facilities at the hospital, but how about emergency dental treatment?
If you have ever experienced a broken or knocked out tooth, you know that treatment is needed IMMEDIATELY. However, if a patient is not covered by dental insurance or cannot see a dentist, often they resort to taking emergency dental measures. It is important to understand what is an important dental emergency, and what can wait for a few hours or days.
Examples of “Not as Serious” Dental Emergencies:
With these problems, you will be able to wait until a time when you can make an appointment with us at Coquitlam General & Sedation Dentistry. Take some painkillers in order to experience temporary relief.
Examples of “Serious” Dental Emergencies:
In these cases, emergency dental treatment is required. These injuries may commonly occur in sporting accidents, car crashes, or children and should be taken immediately to an emergency dental facility.
These serious dental emergencies are also the only problems that require a visit to the emergency dental room. Always consider the options available and the gravity of your situation before phoning any local emergency dental clinic.
Contact us today to learn more about what to do in the case of a dental emergency.
Many families in North America are finding it increasingly difficult to gain access to dental care without proper dental or health care. As the economy continues to worsen, patients in Vancouver and the surrounding municipalities are choosing to skip their regular dental appointments.
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| “Maintaining a healthy smile is not just purely for cosmetic reasons. Dental diseases are the only cause of death that is easy to find, treat and prevent.” |
In a dramatic wake-up reminder to maintain proper oral health care, a 24 year North American man passed away earlier this week due to an infected tooth. According to ABC, Kyle Willis began noticing a toothache around fourteen days ago. When told that it was necessary for his wisdom tooth to be extracted immediately, he declined the dental work because he did not have a job at the time and lacked health insurance.
When the symptoms worsened and his face began to swell, Willis was taken to the hospital and was given prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics. He could not pay for both, so Willis opted simply for pain medication.
Without proper dental procedures or medication, Willis’ tooth infection spread–causing his brain to swell. He died Tuesday.
Many dental patients in North America are ignoring the fact that dental disease can lead to serious illness, or even death. In April, a survey was conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation discovering that 33% of people surveyed skipped dental appointments or dental checkups because they were too expensive.
Maintaining a healthy smile is not just purely for cosmetic reasons. Dental diseases are the only cause of death that is easy to find, treat and prevent. With regular dental appointments, oral health exams and routine cleanings, dental patients in North America can live longer lives with beautiful smiles.
For patients that do not have access to dental insurance and can’t afford to go to the dentist, many dental clinics offer payment plans that suit most financial situations. If you are not able to pay for dental care, even with the help of a financial plan, dental patients in Canada can:
In addition, you can escape expensive dentistry procedures by proactively practicing good oral health. Brush, floss and visit your dentist on a regular schedule for dental exams. These routine check-ups may require payment, but they are much cheaper than dealing with serious dental issues that arise from neglect.
To find an affordable and reliable dental clinic near you, visit 123Dentist to find a dentist that will work with your health, lifestyle and financial goals.
The winter holidays are swiftly approaching and we at Coquitlam General and Sedation Dentistry want to help you look and feel your best this season! We want to offer you the following tips to keep your holidays happy and healthy this year:
1. Do you want to make a statement about how happy and beautiful your life has been in 2011? There is no better way to make a lasting impression that exudes confidence, joy and success than a gorgeous smile. Come in for your cleaning or book a appointment for whitening and dazzle your friends and family with a healthy stunning smile just in time for seasonal visiting!
2. Carbonated beverages are consumed more frequently during the holidays. Pop is loaded with sugar and acid, which can cause cavities and wear down the natural enamel protecting your teeth. We recommend that you use a straw to drink soda, to reduce contact with your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking pop, especially before brushing your teeth. Water will help neutralize the acidity as toothpaste combined with pop can do even more damage to your tooth enamel.
3. Candy canes are everywhere this time of year. Your health partners at Coquitlam General and Sedation Dentistry want to encourage you to limit your hard candy consumption this holiday season. Hard candy can damage teeth when chewed and has a tendency to get lodged between your teeth, causing bacteria to collect near the gum line. So if you are eating a lot of hard candy this holiday – please remember the health of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing daily!
4. With all your party hopping and trips to see family out of town, remember to bring dental floss and your toothbrush. Sneak away to the bathroom after your feast to brush and floss away the bacteria that causes gum disease.
5. Keep Coquitlam General and Sedation Dentistry contact information handy in case of a dental disaster! There is nothing worse than a cracked, chipped or broken tooth haunting all your family photos throughout the holiday. Check out our holiday hours, and come in to see us right away – we promise to correct the problem, relieve the pain and restore your smile to ensure your holiday is all that it should be!
On behalf of the entire Coquitlam General and Sedation Dentistry team we want to wish you a happy holiday season!
At CGS Dentistry, we’re very proud and fortunate to be members of BC’s own 123 Dentist – Community Dentist Network.