Blog of Cawthra Dental
Learn Why Baby Teeth Are Important
They Aid in Chewing, Biting, Talking and Smiling
Baby teeth, most importantly, are used for everyday function. A full set of baby teeth are an essential component in biting and chewing, in forming the correct sounds for speech, and for confidence in smiling. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, it can make any number of these essential functions more difficult. If biting and chewing are difficult, there is a risk of inadequate nutrition. If talking and smiling are difficult, it can result in problems with socialization and self-confidence.
Hold the Place for the Adult Teeth
The adult teeth use the baby teeth as precursors when they begin to erupt. The adult teeth find their place by resorbing the root of the baby tooth above them and erupting in the same position. If the baby tooth is lost prematurely, to a cavity/infection or trauma, there will be no precursor for the adult tooth to follow for the eruption. And the likelihood of erupting out of position will be higher, leading to difficulty with cleaning and possibly the need for future braces.
Affect the Health of the Adult Teeth
If there is trauma or infection with a baby tooth, it can lead to problems with the future adult tooth. Injury can cause the root of the baby tooth to hit the vulnerable, forming adult tooth and affect the development, sometimes leading to a discoloured area when it eventually erupts. A large cavity that turns into an infection can have similar results, as the infection can travel up the root of the baby tooth and affect the space the adult tooth is forming in.
Proper Speech and Facial Development
Baby teeth are needed for proper speech and facial development. If baby teeth are lost premature, there could be delays or issues with the development of the face and jaw and the ability to create proper sounds for speech.
Options To Replace Missing Teeth
If you are missing one or more teeth, it is vital to have them replaced using either a denture, a bridge or an implant for several reasons. Replacing missing teeth restores your mouth to its natural function. You will be able to smile, talk, bite and eat with confidence. But what you might not be aware of is that missing teeth can lead to changes in the shape of the jaw and cheeks by creating concavities. Missing teeth can also lead to shrinking of the jawbone in affected areas because there are no longer teeth to support the height of the bone. There are several options to replace missing teeth. Your dentist will discuss which option will work best for you.
Partial or Full Denture
Dentures that are used to replace one or more teeth are called a partial denture. A full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth. A denture attaches to either the top and or bottom of the mouth to fill the space of the missing teeth. Dentures can help with aesthetics and eating but are not the most comfortable, convenient or long-term solution.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is an excellent solution for replacing just one tooth, or sometimes two teeth side by side. A bridge consists of the pontic tooth or teeth which are the fake teeth used to close the space, which is attached to crowns on either side of the pontic(s). The downside to a dental bridge is that the adjacent teeth on either side must have crowns placed to support the pontic, even if they are healthy teeth.
Dental Implants & Implant-Supported Dentures
The gold standard in tooth replacement is now dental implants. Dental implants are the best option to feel, look and function just like a natural tooth. You don’t need to sacrifice the adjacent teeth for an implant, and an implant helps to save the bone where the tooth was lost. A dental implant consists of a titanium screw that is inserted into the bone. Once placed, a porcelain crown is secured to the top of the dental implant. When taken care of properly, implants can last a lifetime. Implants can also be used to replace a full arch of teeth by supporting dentures that don’t need to be taken out and put back in every day.
Helpful Tips When Brushing Your Child’s Teeth
The first baby teeth to erupt in your child’s mouth are the lower front two teeth, which will erupt around 6-10 months old. As soon as your child has a tooth, it is essential to use a toothbrush to keep it free of bacteria. Before teeth erupt, you can use a damp cloth or gauze to wipe your baby’s mouth after they’ve had milk and before bed. Brushing your child’s teeth may be difficult at first, but gets easier with time.
Brushing your Baby’s Teeth
It is essential to get into the habit of cleaning your baby’s mouth as soon as possible to get them used to the experience. Some babies will be comfortable with this experience from the beginning, and some will cry and put up a fight. If your baby is upset while having their mouth cleaned, try laying them on the bathroom floor after bath time, with their head in your lap, and use one hand with the toothbrush and the other hand to hold their hands away from their mouth. Try the best you can to access all teeth with the toothbrush. As the child gets older, this experience will be more natural. Begin using a fluoridated toothpaste around the age of 3 with only a grain of rice size amount on the toothbrush head. Fluoridated toothpaste helps to prevent cavities. Flossing is also an essential part of the regimen as soon as any teeth contact each other. Usually, the first teeth to touch will be in the back, and these are the most susceptible teeth to in-between cavities.
Checking your Child’s Brushing
It is recommended to help your child brush/ check their brushing until the age of 8. Below eight years old, their hand dexterity and understanding of the importance of brushing might be lacking and if left unchecked, might lead to gum issues and cavities.
Tools to Help your Child Brush
There are many aids to help your child brush adequately and for the full 2 minutes. Some toothbrushes play a song for 2 minutes, so your child knows to continue brushing until the song is over. Some toothbrushes will give a beep at the end of the 2 minutes. Another option is a sand timer that your child flips as soon as they start brushing, and can stop once all the sand has gone through. It is crucial that your child feels comfortable with the toothbrush they are using and the flavour of the toothpaste so that they enjoy brush time.
Learn About Different Tooth Cleaning Aids To Keep Your Mouth Healthy
Walking into a drug store, it can be overwhelming trying to pick from the vast array of products on the shelf and what will work best for your mouth based on your individual needs. Below are listed many of the products you may find at the store, and what they are used for.
Manual Toothbrush- Manual toothbrushes come in super soft, soft, medium and hard. Super soft toothbrushes are recommended for patients with recession or patients that scrub too aggressively, to preserve the gum line. Soft toothbrushes are the most commonly recommended, and medium and hard are just too abrasive on the gums, don’t use them!
Electric Toothbrush- Electric toothbrushes often do an excellent cleaning job when compared to a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes either come in a circular or oval head shape, and either use an oscillating or sweeping motion. Electric toothbrushes can achieve more brush strokes in a minute than a human hand and are therefore considered to be a superior clean if appropriately used.
Floss- Floss comes in either waxed or un-waxed. Waxed floss is excellent for tighter contacts between teeth that may shred the floss and is known to be easier to use. Un-waxed floss can absorb more bacteria than waxed floss but is more prone to shredding and tearing.
Floss Wands- Floss wands are a great alternative to manual floss for patients who find flossing challenging. Floss wands contain a pre-cut piece of floss on a handle. Floss wands can be either disposable or reusable depending on the type. They are great for kids and patients with lower skill.
Water Floss- Water floss is an electric tool that sprays water in a jet stream to clean out bacteria from difficult to reach spots. Water floss is highly recommended for a patient with braces or with deep gum recession.
Tongue Scraper- Tongue scrapers are used to remove the bacteria accumulation on the surface of the tongue. Because the surface of the tongue is uneven from microscopic taste buds, bacteria can quickly accumulate. A tongue scraper uses a corrugated edge to clean the bacteria out.
Sulcabrush- This brush has a small end of bristles, about 1/3 the size of a regular manual toothbrush. It is used to clean out areas that are difficult for a large brush head to access, such as around back molars or gum loss between teeth.
Proxabrush- A proxabrush is a small pipe cleaner looking brush that is used to clean around the brackets and bands of braces as well as in between teeth.
Rubber Tip Stimulator- This tool is used to promote good blood flow to the gums and reduce gum inflammation. The rubber tip is used to apply light pressure to the gums.
It is essential to discuss with your dentist/ dental hygienist what products will work best for your individual needs. If you have any questions about any dental product or how to use them, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.
5 Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Advancements in the dental industry over the last 20 years have created options for patients missing teeth; we are no longer living in the age of dentures, although dentures are still a viable option. Whether a patient is missing 1 or all of their teeth, dental implants are the best option to replace them and give the patient back proper function and aesthetics. A dental implant is a titanium screw that is inserted into the bone where the gap is, that then has a dental crown placed on top. The screw takes several months to integrate into the bone before the crown can be placed and it can withstand force. Listed below are five benefits of dental implants:
Functions Just Like A Natural Tooth
Once an implant is placed, integrated into the bone and the dental crown is placed on top, it functions the same as a natural tooth. You don’t have to worry about taking anything out or putting it in. A dental implant is used for biting and chewing just like a natural tooth. A dental implant also gets cleaned like a natural tooth, with brushing and flossing to prevent bacteria build up.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Dental implants are by far the most superior aesthetic for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants use crowns on top that are fabricated in a lab to match inside a patient’s mouth. The colour, shape, and size can all be determined before the crown is even made.
Can Last A Lifetime
Dental implants can last a lifetime if properly cared for. That means adequate brushing, flossing and dental cleanings/ check-ups to monitor the health of the implant and surrounding teeth.
Saves Surrounding Teeth
If a gap is left from a missing tooth, oftentimes the opposing teeth will over erupt and the adjacent teeth will drift forward to fill the space. It is important to address a gap before surrounding teeth start to shift to prevent extra work/procedures. In addition, bone in the jaw will resorb away from an area without a tooth, so the sooner an implant is placed after a tooth is lost, the better.
Can Be Used for The Entire Mouth
A dental implant can be used to replace 1 missing tooth or an entire arch of missing teeth. Several implants can be placed along the arch of missing teeth and an implant supported denture can be placed on top. This type of denture is fixed, meaning it doesn’t require removal and insertion and prevents a patient from having to deal with the difficulties of removable dentures.
What is a Root Canal and When is it Needed?
What is a Root Canal?
A “root canal” actually refers to the anatomy of a tooth. A tooth is like an iceberg, there is a crown on top that comprises about 1/3 of the tooth length, and the root portion below that comprises the remaining 2/3. Inside the root is a canal that houses the blood supply and nerves of the tooth, which is called the pulp. Essentially, this pulp is what keeps the tooth vital and in good health. It is within this canal that infection can occur. A root canal treatment is recommended to save a compromised tooth from needing extraction, which can happen when the pulp is damaged, and bacteria enter. A tooth can still be functional after the pulp is removed for a root canal treatment, but will lack some sensory effects such as hot and cold sensitivity.
When a Root Canal Treatment is Needed
Several factors dictate the need for a root canal treatment including deep cavities that enter the nerve, trauma to the tooth, chips/fractures or repeated restorative dental work. Often an infected root canal will have symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild cold or hot sensitivity to unbearable throbbing pain. Also, the presence of an infection is common in the form of an abscess. An abscess occurs when the infection from the tooth causes pus to pool at the bottom of the root. Sometimes there can be a “pimple” on the gum that drains the infection. An abscess can be associated with a bad taste.
The process of a Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment can take anywhere from 1 to several visits depending on the tooth, size and amount of infection. Molars have more root canals (up to 4 or 5) than front teeth (usually 1.) Either a dentist or an endodontist will perform the procedure depending on the complexity and the difficulty level. If needed, a dentist can refer a patient out to an endodontist. The first step is to take an x-ray of the area to assess the infection. Next, the area will be frozen, and a dental dam will be placed on the tooth to isolate all saliva and bacteria. An access hole will be drilled into the tooth to access the root(s.) The nerve, blood supply and infection will be removed, and the canal will be thoroughly cleaned with files increasing in size. Either on the same day or at a second appointment a week or so later, a filling material will be fitted into the canal(s.) A filling will be placed on top of the canals to seal them off. The last step is the restoration of the crown of the tooth. Usually, a dental crown is recommended to provide support and prevention from chips/fractures.
If you believe you may require a root canal treatment, or have any questions about it, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Learn All About Baby Teeth
What are baby teeth?
Baby teeth or “Primary teeth” are the first set of teeth a child develops. A complete primary dentition is made up of 20 teeth. All of these 20 teeth will eventually be lost and replaced by the adult or, permanent teeth.
Why are baby teeth important? Won’t they just fall out?
Preserving and caring for primary teeth is essential for overall growth and development. Healthy teeth are needed for chewing. If children are in pain or missing teeth, they will often choose only to eat foods that require minimal chewing. This can result in lost nutrients for growing bodies as well as weak muscles of the face and jaws. These children often also experience poor sleep patterns which can negatively affect behaviour, mood and development. Dental pain is one of the leading causes of missed days of school.
The last set of baby molars often last in the mouth until age 10-12 and are necessary until that age. These teeth hold the space for the adult tooth developing in the bone underneath, early loss of baby teeth can result in shifting, crowding and expensive orthodontic treatment.
When does my child need to see a Dentist?
A child should visit a dental office by the age of 1, or within six months of the first teeth erupting. This helps not only to catch issues early on but, also to build positive relationships with child patients and their caregivers. Pediatric Dentists complete extra training focused on primary teeth and children’s individual needs. Some issues such as eruption difficulties, eruption cysts and missing or extra teeth can be spotted by a trained professional. Baby teeth are not just smaller versions of adult teeth. Baby teeth often have thinner layers of enamel which can result in faster progression of decay, or cavities.
How do I take care of my child’s teeth at home?
Cleaning baby teeth is very similar to caring for your own teeth. Brushing should take place at least twice a day, with adult assistance. New guidelines suggest that fluoride toothpaste should be used in a small amount (rice grain to pea- sized amount) once teeth start to be seen in the mouth.
Once adjacent teeth are contacting, flossing should become a daily habit. Children should always go to be with a clean mouth, no food or milk should be given after the evening brush and floss.
Good oral habits started early in life can gratefully benefit a child’s physical, mental and emotional health for years to come. Contact us today if your child has not seen a dentist yet, or if you have any questions.
Learn How You Can Smile Confidently With Invisalign
Having straight teeth can not only boost your confidence and give you a smile you will want to show off, but it can also improve your general oral health. Crowded and crooked teeth make it difficult to properly clean away harmful bacteria, making cavities and gum disease more likely. Also, an improper bite can lead to issues with tooth grinding, jaw pain and even bone loss around your teeth.
Many people would like to have straight teeth but do not want to have the look or inconvenience of braces. This is where Invisalign can help.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to straighten your teeth, no brackets or wires involved.
Is Invisalign right for you?
This will be important to discuss with your orthodontist since they will know your individual needs. Here are some general pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- With Invisalign, it is easier to clean your teeth. Just remove your aligners and floss and brush as you normally would. Braces have much more surface area for food and bacteria to cling to, and the brackets and wires make flossing and brushing more difficult.
- There is generally less discomfort since there are no brackets or wires to dig into the insides of your cheeks and lips.
- Many foods like popcorn, whole apples, corn on the cob, hard nuts, bagels and caramels need to be avoided when you have braces on.With Invisalign, you don’t have these restrictions since you will be removing your aligners to eat.
Cons:
- Traditional braces are better at fixing complex orthodontic cases. Not everyone will be an ideal candidate for Invisalign treatment.
- Braces are fixed on your teeth and Invisalign is removable. This isn’t an issue if you are dedicated to your following your treatment plan and wearing your aligners as instructed. Leaving your aligners out more than recommended will result in delaying or even reversing your progress.
What is the treatment process?
Consultation – The first step is having a consultation with a dental professional that is specially trained to do Invisalign.
Treatment plan – You will be presented with a plan that will explain your treatment, including costs and how long your treatment will take. You will get the choice to approve of your plan before moving forward.
Starting with your aligners – You will be wearing your custom aligners for 20-22 hours every day. How often your set of aligners will change will be explained in your treatment plan. Typically you would start wearing a new set of aligners either weekly or biweekly. These aligners will gradually move your teeth into their optimal position.
Office appointments – Your dental professional will want to see you for regular appointments to track your progress. These appointments are usually once every six to eight weeks.
After Invisalign – After you complete your treatment, you will want your teeth to stay in their new positions. This usually requires wearing retainers. You can talk to your dental professional about how you can maintain your new smile.
Interested in learning more about Invisalign? Call us today!
Learn How Smoking Affects Oral Health
Smoking, whether it be cigarette, cigar or pipe, is the leading cause of premature death in the province of Ontario with 13 500 deaths each year. Susceptible tissues are anywhere that smoke comes in contact with- cheeks, tongue, lungs, esophagus and stomach.
Smoking can cause:
– Bad breath, called halitosis
– Yellowing internal discolouration of teeth
– Brown external staining of teeth
– Altered sense of taste and smell
– Shifting teeth
– Mouth sores
– Sinusitis
– Dry mouth contributing to heavier plaque and tartar accumulation
– Increased susceptibility to gum disease
– Premature tooth loss
– Inflammation of the oral salivary glands
– Delayed healing process following a tooth extraction or gum surgery
– Increased bone loss around teeth
– A lower success rate of dental implants
– Increased risk of developing oral cancer
Smoking and Gum Disease
Smoking causes an increased risk of developing gum disease. This is due to the adverse effect of smoke on the way gum tissue cells behave. Also, tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, which provides the necessary oxygen to keep them healthy. Due to lack of oxygen, the gums are left at a higher susceptibility to bacteria and infection. People who smoke are four times more likely to have gum disease than people who don’t smoke.
Smoking and Oral Cancer
Tobacco contains chemicals that initiate an abnormal change in healthy cells. These cells then begin to abnormally and uncontrollably alter and grow, leading to the formation of tumours. The most common places for tumours to develop are the tongue, lower lip and floor of the mouth. Tumours appear as red or white spots/ sores.
Benefits of Quitting
Quitting smoking is the most beneficial, sure-fire way of reducing the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. After 10-20 years without smoking, the risk of developing oral cancer, heart disease and respiratory illness decrease to the same as a non-smoker.
What Is Pregnancy Gingivitis?
What Is Pregnancy Gingivitis?
Pregnancy gingivitis is a subsection of gingivitis that is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Because of the changes in hormones (I.e. increase in estrogen and progesterone), there may be an increased response to the accumulation of oral bacteria, called plaque. The body sends more blood to the gums, which can cause swelling, irritation and bleeding. Also, the change in hormones can make it easier for certain types of bacteria to grow. Although it can occur at any time, the severity of pregnancy gingivitis increases after the second trimester and is most severe in the third. If left untreated, it may progress into a more serious condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that infects the bone that surrounds and supports the tooth, as well as the gum tissue around the tooth.
Signs & Symptoms Of Pregnancy Gingivitis
The gums may appear more red and puffy than usual. There may be some bleeding when brushing or flossing as well as soreness and irritation. Symptoms are typically generalized, but in turn, may appear just localized to a specific area. Pregnancy granulomas, also known as pregnancy tumours, may arise during any trimester. These are bulbous, swollen pieces of gum tissue between teeth that are caused by the change in hormones. Pregnancy gingivitis can range from mild to severe.
Preventing Pregnancy Gingivitis
Because there is an increased response to plaque, the best form of prevention is to keep teeth and gums as clean as possible. It is always essential to maintain good oral hygiene, especially during pregnancy. Brushing at least twice a day at the gum line, flossing at least once a day and using an antimicrobial mouth rinse is considered best practice. It is also essential to maintain regular professional cleanings during the pregnancy; more frequent cleanings may even be recommended based on the symptoms. In most cases, symptoms will slowly reduce and return to normal within a couple of months after the pregnancy.
