Daniel Bedard

Tooth Tips | Don’t Make This Mistake While Flossing

April 7, 2022 by Daniel Bedard

When flossing, it’s important to remember not to irritate your gums while removing plaque. To hasten the process, lots of people floss too quickly without focusing on their technique, putting too much pressure on their gums. Doing so can repeatedly damage your gums, leading to inflammation as well as recession and bleeding.

TL;DR: floss your teeth, not your gums!

What’s the right technique?

Break off 18-24 inches of floss.
Wrap it around your index and middle fingers, leaving two inches or so between your hands.
Gently slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it into a C-shape around the base of the tooth and under the gumline. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times.

Floss both sides of every tooth, periodically going to a new section of the floss as it wears and picks up particles. [source]

955 boul. Saint-Jean #302, Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 5K3

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Tooth Tips | Learn How Smoking Leads to Gum Disease

March 31, 2022 by Daniel Bedard

Studies have shown that smokers have twice the risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers. When your body’s immune system becomes compromised due to smoking, fighting off gum infection becomes much more difficult. This can lead to gum recession and even disease. Smoking also diminishes the effectiveness of gum treatments, making it less likely for damaged gums to heal properly. In more advanced stages, gum disease also weakens the structures holding your teeth in place, leading to an altered bite and even tooth loss.

In addition to throat and lung cancer, smoking also causes oral cancer, symptoms of which include mouth/lip sores that don’t heal, red/white patches, growths, constant pain, etc. Often requiring radiation therapy and surgery to remove any affected tissue, oral cancer can severely change the entire structure of your face, from the way it looks to your ability to chew, speak, etc. Your quality of life can be severely diminished.

What can you do?

We know it’s easier said than done, but quitting smoking is absolutely vital if you want to maintain your oral (and overall) health. If you can’t quite beat the habit just yet, you should make an effort to maintain an otherwise healthy lifestyle (balanced diet + regular exercise), never forget to brush/floss, and maintain your dental appointments.

955 boul. Saint-Jean #302, Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 5K3

514.694.8880 | PUR.CA

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Tooth Tips | Red Tongue Causes & Treatments

March 29, 2022 by Daniel Bedard

A tongue that is red, swollen, and bumpy typically indicates a vitamin deficiency (folic acid and B-12). To address this deficiency, make sure to have more leafy greens and citrus fruits, which are rich in folic acid. While B-12 can be found in meat and dairy, those who avoid or can’t have animal products should consider taking an oral supplement.

A red tongue can also be tied to strep throat or scarlet fever, in which case a visit to the doctor for an antibiotic prescription is in order!

Having a swollen red tongue might even indicate a case of Kawasaki disease, a condition marked by inflamed blood vessels throughout the body. Often affecting children younger than 5, other symptoms include fever, swollen hands/feet, bloodshot eyes, and rashes. While Kawasaki disease requires hospitalization, most children recover without serious issues if the illness is addressed and treated swiftly.

955 boul. Saint-Jean #302, Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 5K3

514.694.8880 | PUR.CA

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Tooth Tips | No Snacks Between Brushing and Bedtime!

March 24, 2022 by Daniel Bedard

Everyone knows that brushing twice a day is at the heart of our dental health, but the number of times we brush is only half the story; the timing is equally vital in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

When you brush your teeth at night, make sure you don’t eat or drink anything afterward (except water!).

Otherwise, you’ll give bacteria ample time to feed off food particles, which produces tooth-attacking acids that can cause cavities. While saliva production helps protect your teeth from these acids during the day, your body produces much less saliva during sleep, making your mouth dry and putting you at an even greater risk of developing cavities.

Brushing and flossing before going to sleep — with no snacking in between — is the best way to keep harmful bacterial organisms from thriving.

And remember, the same bacteria that leads to decay also produces foul odours, and morning breath is no joke!

Tooth Tips | How Teeth Grinding Affects Your Oral Health

March 22, 2022 by Daniel Bedard

Frequent or severe teeth grinding and clenching (aka bruxism) can lead to significant issues that damage your mouth, teeth, and jaw.

Pain / Jaw Disorder (TMD)

Bruxism places constant pressure on the jaw joints and their surrounding surrounding muscles, causing pain and stiffness. Issues with the jaw and joints can have a severe impact on your ability to chew and speak, cause a clicking noise, and inhibit your jaw’s range of motion. Click here for more information about this particular issue.

Jaw disorders typically affect other parts of the body, with pain and discomfort spreading to the neck and shoulders. They are also often a source of severe headaches or migraines.

Tooth Damage & Sensitivity

Tooth damage is a leading side effect of bruxism. Frequent grinding and clenching can wear down the surface and enamel of your tooth, leading to sensitivity as well as height loss. This constant pressure on your teeth can also cause them to become cracked, fractured, and even loosened over time.

Treatment Options

Your dentist may choose to prescribe a custom nightguard to prevent further damage to your teeth. Because bruxism is a complex issue, a variety of factors may be at play and other approaches may be required. Figuring out the root cause of your bruxism (sleep apnea, anxiety, etc) is a vital step, so visit your dentist to figure out your best options!

955 boul. Saint-Jean #302, Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 5K3

514.694.8880 | PUR.CA

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