Daniel Bedard

Tooth Tips | Saint Patrick’s Day!

March 17, 2022 by Daniel Bedard

It’s Saint-Patrick’s Day! We’re all for cutting loose and having a bit of fun, but there are some important things to keep in mind in terms of your dental health while celebrating!

The sugars and acids in alcoholic drinks can increase your risk of decay, attacking and wearing out your enamel until your teeth are more vulnerable to cavities. Alcohol also dries out the mouth, which increases the concentration of harmful acids and hastens the decay process.

Plan on having a few beers to celebrate the holiday? Make sure to chug a bit of water as well to stimulate the flow of saliva! Saliva mitigates tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria and washing away food particles.

Adding water to the mix will also help counteract the discoloration caused by darker beverages– like green-dyed beer!

Have a happy Saint Patrick’s Day and make sure to celebrate safely!

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Tooth Tips | Toothbrush 101

March 15, 2022 by Daniel Bedard

Check out some simple teeth brushing tips to help you maintain the best possible oral health.

Use a Soft Toothbrush

Soft bristle toothbrushes are minimally abrasive, meaning they’re gentle enough to clean your teeth effectively without damaging your enamel. They’re also a great choice for people with sensitive teeth!

Brush for 2 Minutes

Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes at a time, as this gives you enough time to focus on every part of your mouth. And make sure you never go to bed with unbrushed teeth, unless you want to give food particles and harmful bacteria plenty of time to damage your teeth.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride has been proven to help prevent tooth decay, so brushing daily with a fluoride toothpaste will help strengthen your teeth and lessen your chances of developing a cavity.

Clean Your Tongue & Gums

In order to eliminate even more bacteria, food particles, etc. cleaning your tongue and gums in addition to your teeth is very important.

Let Your Toothbrush Air Dry

Keep your toothbrush upright and let it air dry, as a wet toothbrush is a prime breeding spot for bacteria. Toothbrushes tend not to dry as fast if stored in a sleeve or placed upside down in a container.

Change Your Toothbrush Every Three Months

Over time, your toothbrush’s bristles become worn and therefore less effective in cleaning your teeth and more prone to bacterial growth. After three months, start using a fresh brush!

Tooth Tips | Is Thumb Sucking Bad for Your Child’s Teeth?

March 10, 2022 by Daniel Bedard

While thumb sucking is incredibly common for infants, the habit may impact your child’s oral development if it persists past the age of 4. Past this age, and particularly when permanent teeth start coming in, the following can occur:

Open bite issues

The upper and lower front teeth are pushed outward, leading to a misaligned bite.

Narrower dental arches

The roof of the mouth becomes narrow and sensitive.

Overbite issues

The upper teeth cover the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Deformed/ jawbone

The shape of the jaw changes, which can alter or weaken a child’s speech and eating abilities.

Speech impediments

Thumb-sucking can reduce a child’s ability to pronounce sounds correctly.

Tongue misalignment

Poor tongue placement and movement can occur.

If your child keeps sucking their thumb after age 4, it’s important to remember that positive reinforcement is key to helping them break the habit. Be supportive and encouraging. In some cases, continued thumb sucking can be related to anxiety, meaning that identifying and addressing the root cause of your child’s stress will be necessary. And if the problem persists? A visit to your family dentist can help solve the issue once and for all!

Tooth Tips | Do Saltwater Rinses Actually Help?

March 8, 2022 by Daniel Bedard

The foundation of any good oral health routine is simple: 1) brush twice a day for two minutes at a time and 2) floss at least once per day. But your dental health can also benefit from the occasional saltwater rinse!

Key Benefits

Salt inhibits oral bacteria by increasing the pH balance of your mouth, creating a more alkaline environment that mitigates their ability to thrive. Because they’re effective bacteria killers, salt water rinses can help prevent gingivitis and freshen your breath. They can also promote post-treatment healing and pain relief by reducing inflammation.

Moderation

Keep in mind that rinsing your mouth with saltwater too often can wear out your enamel. Up to 3 times a week should be enough, and make sure to swish gently!

Add a 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water.

Tooth Tips | 5 Signs of Gum Disease

March 3, 2022 by Daniel Bedard

One of the most common dental issues, gum disease typically begins slowly and painlessly, making it difficult to detect without regular checkups.

Some key signs of gum disease:

Red or swollen gums

Healthy gums should be pink, so having red and puffy gums can be a sign of the earliest stages of gum disease (gingivitis).

Bleeding gums

If you notice your gums bleeding after brushing or flossing, you might have a buildup of plaque caused by poor dental hygiene. If improving your habits (i.e. brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day) doesn’t help, visit your dentist as soon as you can.

Frequent bad breath

If your breath seems to smell bad no matter what you do, this might be a warning sign for gum disease, particularly when combined with any of the other symptoms in this list.

Receding Gums

When gums recede, gaps can form between the gum and tooth, allowing bacteria to build up and cause a host of issues. If your gums recede too much, it may lead to bone loss, which can lead to:

Loose Teeth

If left untreated, gum disease can eventually damage the bone supporting your dental structure causing your teeth to loosen or even fall out. Loose teeth are a sign that your gum disease is in a more advanced stage (periodontitis).

Luckily, regular checkups can allow your dentist to diagnose gum disease in its earliest stages, so make sure you don’t skip your next appointment!