While most people have been encouraged to brush and floss their teeth regularly, it’s a tough habit to establish, especially later in life. That’s why dentists are so keen on helping children start healthy habits early on, so they’re less likely to deal with serious dental problems years down the line because of poor oral health habits. If you’re a parent of a young child, how can you help establish a friendship between kids and their oral health
Start Early
The first key is starting the habit as early as possible, even before they have teeth.
By wiping their gums with a clean, soft cloth or very soft toothbrush, you can help your infant get used to the idea and sensation of oral cleanliness being a regular part of their day. As they get a little older and begin teething, this ritual can be soothing and enjoyable too.
Don’t Assume They’re Doing It Right
While a child of 3 or 4 may be able to move a toothbrush around their mouth and work up a lather, they probably still need some help adequately brushing every tooth.
This isn’t just a matter of being easily distracted or not fully appreciating the importance of doing a thorough job. Instead, they likely don’t yet have the motor skills and coordination necessary to do a really good job brushing everywhere. In this case, assisting children until they’re more in control goes a long way.
Set Goals
Since you want brushing and flossing to be a lifelong habit for your children, it’s important to give them a reason to care about it before they’re old enough to truly appreciate oral health.
Many parents have found that sticker charts work especially well:
Create a simple grid that covers a week and tape it to the bathroom mirror. (There are plenty of free printable charts available online, or you can draw your own.)
Let your child pick out stickers they like and hang them up next to the chart.
Decide on a simple, (non-sugary) privilege or treat your child will earn if they do a good job filling in the sticker chart each time they brush and floss properly.
Be sure to check with your child’s dentist, as they may have similar ideas and materials right there in their office to share with you.
Make it Fun
Along the same lines as the sticker chart suggested above, anything you can do to make maintaining good oral health less tedious and more fun, the better the chance you’re going to teach your kids to love brushing and flossing in the long run.
There are plenty of novelty toothbrushes, floss holders, flavored toothpastes, and other accessory options you can experiment with to make the whole experience more engaging and enjoyable. Sometimes, all it takes to get a young child interested in brushing and flossing regularly is for them to see you doing it and enjoying it. In fact, if you make a habit of participating with them every day, they might look forward to this special time you have together.
It’s Never Too Late
Although it’s certainly preferable for excellent oral health habits to start when a child is young, it’s never too late to establish good patterns.
If your child is already in school and still doesn’t like to brush and floss, there’s not a moment to lose. You may need to be especially creative to find ways to incentivize their participation, but it can be done.
For advice on your kids and their oral health, ask your local Tooth Corner or check back later, we might have another blog in store for you!
Do you ever cringe when you watch someone bite into ice cream? Are you sometimes fearful of that first sip of hot soup or drink of tea? You’re not alone. Sensitive teeth are one of the most common complaints we hear about!
Teeth Become Sensitive When Nerves Are Exposed
On the outside of each tooth is a protective layer of enamel. Over time, the enamel can wear away, leaving an inner layer called the dentin, exposed. This occurs due to normal wear and tear, poor dental hygiene and/or certain lifestyle choices. Dentin contains fluid-filled tubules that reach into the innermost part of the tooth where all the nerves reside. Because the nerves inside the tooth are exposed when the enamel is eroded away, sensitivity is the result. Another form of tooth sensitivity develops when gum recession leaves the root of the tooth exposed to food, drink and air.
Desensitising Toothpaste Can Help
Desensitising toothpastes are a great way to ease tooth sensitivity. Many of our patients ask us how these toothpastes actually work! It’s simple: they are specially formulated to either block the tubules in the dentin, protecting the nerves in the tooth from exposure, or numb your teeth, in a manner of speaking, so you don’t register the pain of sensitivity.
It’s important to remember, however, that if your teeth are at all sensitive, your first stop should be your dentist’s office. Some problems that cause teeth to be sensitive can be quite serious and may require more extensive treatment than desensitising toothpaste can provide.
Follow These Helpful Tips To Avoid Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth can range from mildly annoying to severely painful. To prevent further damage to your teeth, or any sensitivity in the first place, follow the suggestions below:
Practice proper oral hygiene: Gum disease and tooth decay are frequently the cause of tooth sensitivity. Avoid smoking or any form of tobacco use.
Don’t brush so hard: Aggressive brushing or brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum recession and enamel erosion. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and don’t apply too much force. Plaque comes off easier than you think!
Protect your teeth: If you clench your teeth frequently or have been diagnosed with bruxism (teeth grinding), make sure you protect your teeth with a night-guard provided to you by your dentist and try to be conscious of your clenching habits during the day.
Make sure your diet is healthy: Eat sugar and carbohydrates in moderation. Drink plenty of water and eat foods that are good for your teeth such as dairy products and vegetables.
Take Our Advice! Don’t Live With Pain!
No matter what your level of discomfort, the tooth corner believe that nobody should have to live with tooth pain. If you experience any kind of sensitivity in your teeth, come in and see us! We can diagnose the root cause of your sensitivity and work out the best way to treat it.
As parents, you know that when your child comes home from school, they often run straight for the pantry! We understand that kids can be a bit hungry after a long day at school and we want to help you provide you with smile-friendly snacks that won’t only fill their bellies, but will benefit their teeth as well!
Try These Smile-Friendly Snacks!
Consuming a lot of starchy and sugary treats in the afternoon can do a number on a child’s teeth—not to mention ruin their appetite for dinner! Sticky, sugary snacks can adhere to your child’s teeth for long periods of time, potentially causing harmful cavities. In order to avoid snack-induced cavities and other oral health concerns, try these ideas instead:
Leafy Greens and Fresh Veggies
Dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens have calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B2, and magnesium–all essential for healthy teeth and gums. Veggies like broccoli and celery are great as well! In addition to being rich in vitamins, broccoli has been shown to create an acid-resistant “shield” for your teeth. As for celery, because of its fibrous material, it massages gums, cleans teeth, and encourages saliva production, making it a natural tooth scrubber!
If your kids like a little crunch in their snack, you could even try making homemade veggie chips! You can use anything from kale and spinach to sweet potatoes and carrots. Simply mix your veggies with enough olive oil to coat them, add any spices you’d like (garlic or pepper is always good), and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes, flip your veggies, and then bake until crispy!
Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt
Dairy is the go-to dental snack for a reason! Few other foods give such a great boost of calcium. Cheese and yogurt even help cut acidity, helping protect your child’s teeth from erosion caused by acidic fruit juices. If your child doesn’t just want plain yogurt, fruit and yogurt parfaits are a great option to add some flavor and healthy vitamins to their snack.
Fruit High in Vitamin C
A lack of vitamin C can break down the collagen network in our gums, making them tender and more susceptible to bacteria and gum disease. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and kiwi are great sources of Vitamin C. To make their citrus snack fun, you can make fun kabobs with some citrus, berries, and some of their favourite cheeses.
If you’d like some healthy and creative school lunch ideas, check out these tips from Martha Stewart!
Do You Have Anything To Add?
Do you have any healthy snack recipes of your own? We’d love to hear them! Feel free to comment below and share this with your friends and family! Maybe they’ll have snack recipes of their own!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Dental implants can help fix any missing, broken or loose teeth. They can turn our damaged smiles, into a beautiful ones! But did you know there are 3 types of implants? You do now! Read below and find out what implant you might need!
What are Dental Implants?
First, lets start with a brief introduction into what exactly dental implants are, case you’ve never had one. They are metal posts or frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. They are a safe and proven effective replacement for the tooth root – the very foundation of a natural tooth.
Types of Implants
Now that you know what a dental implant is, find out the 3 types and what they mean for your teeth and overall health.
Endosteal Implants: In this type, the tooth roots are replaced by screws, cylinders, or blades that are usually made of titanium or ceramic material. The implant is surgically drilled into the jawbone that helps to hold the artificial teeth in place. Thus, these implants lie completely inside the jawbone, well below the gums. However, artificial teeth are not directly connected to endosteal implants. So, once the dental implant is inserted into the jawbone, a post is connected to the implant. The artificial tooth is then securely placed over the post
Transosteal Implants: These implants that can be fitted only to the lower jawbone are generally not recommended as the surgical procedure is complicated and extensive. The procedure involves attaching a metal plate at the bottom of the jawbone, with screws running through the jawbone, and the posts embedded within the gum tissue. An incision is made below the chin to fix the plate with screws and posts on top, to attach the artificial teeth. However, these implants are not available at a pocket-friendly price as they have to be customised according to the width and height of the jawbone. This will ensure that the implant fits correctly on the individual.
Subperiosteal Implants: a metal framework is firmly secured on the jawbone, but the framework lies below the gum line. Metal posts are again necessary, and appear to be projecting outwards above the gum line through the metal frame. The procedure is time-consuming, has minimal success rate, and can result in post-surgical scars.
Dental implants also come in different sizes and heights, including standard and narrow. Call Dr. Hassan El-Awour’s Dental Office to book an appointment to help you determine what option is right for you, which depend on the tooth or teeth that need to be replaced.
Going to the dentist is something a lot of people try to avoid as much as possible. Nevertheless, it’s important for you to understand why it’s something you need to look forward to. There are many benefits and advantages to visiting the dentist, and you need to embrace these. Here are some reasons why your dentist should be your best friend.
Oral hygiene is important
There are a lot of things that matter these days when it comes to health and well-being. Oral hygiene is one of the most important. You need to have healthy teeth as you go through life, and the only way to properly ensure this, is to make sure you start going to your dentist on a regular basis.
Saves you from serious work in the long run
One of the biggest benefits of going to see your dentist regularly is that it saves you stress and money. By going often, you’re able to catch any problems early, which will help ensure your teeth stay healthy . Problems with teeth can quickly lead to more severe problems. This often takes a lot of time and money to correct, and this is something most people would want to avoid. So, make sure you visit your dentist on a regular basis; it will be worth it in the long run.
Helps improve your appearance
Appearance plays such a prominent role in your life that it’s important to work on looking good as much as you can, and your teeth play an enormous part in the way you look. When you have bad teeth, it’s often very noticeable, and it’s the same with healthy teeth. Your dentist will be able to work on your teeth, and give you tips and helpful suggestions. You can get them cleaned, polished and whitened, and this will make them look a lot brighter than they did. There’s even the option of veneers to make them look even better!. Your dentist can be monumental in helping improve your appearance and make you look and feel more confident.
Avoid fillings & dentures
As we get older, we might get to the point where we need to get fillings and dentures. This is never a pleasant experience but is often necessary. You can avoid this for a long time by ensuring you partake in bi-annual visits, helping your teeth and gums stay strong. Avoiding dentures and fillings will save you money, as well as saving you the stress and trauma of having intensive work done.
A lot of people have an irrational fear of visiting the dentist. But, you need to understand how important it is to visit your dentist in the long-run. In fact, your dentist should become your new best friend. Hopefully this article gave you a better insight on how beneficial a dentist can be; and helped calm any fear you may have of them. If you have any stories or tips on how regular visits benefit you, leave a comment below!
Looking for the best dentist in Mississauga ? The Best dentistry is about care and service. Can my dentist fix my smile if she can’t even smile herself? Confidence is an asset but does it necessarily have to come with a rigid attitude? Here’s what “Best Dentist” means to me:
Passionate: Without passion, you have a dentist working hours anxious to get through the day, whereas a dentist with passion is lost in the moment, completely focused on your care.
Kind and Friendly: When a dentist can empathize with you, they can relate, and when they can relate, they can feel your frustration. A few kind words like “you’re in good hands now, just relax and enjoy the ride,” can go a long way in putting you at ease. A friendly dentist is easy to work with no matter what the situation, but it’s something you feel and experience rather than a question you ask.
Experienced: All the kindness and passion in the world won’t do if your dentist doesn’t know what they’re doing. Ask about their credentials, where they studied, what their specialty is, and for how long they’ve been practicing dentistry. Fresh college grads are passionate and kind but tend to lack in experience. You don’t want to be a training ground for experience; you want to be in the care of someone with years of experience.
Not Necessarily the Cheapest: A cheap dentist can be alarming at times. Cheap at the cost of what exactly? Something has to give because dentists are not in the business to lost money. Make sure you’re charged fairly and that your dentist is wisely and not greedily using up your insurance to care for your teeth and not just their pockets. Notice whether the dental clinic is run more like a business or a caring facility. Ask if they follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, and if so, which year do they adhere to?
Convenient: What’s the point of all of the above if you have to wait for weeks to see your dentist or the clinic has odd hours. There are dentists in Mississauga open seven days a week and late in the evenings. Ask if they offer emergency care and what number you can reach out to in case of an emergency.
In the end, choosing or finding the best dentist in Mississauga comes with experience. You just don’t want to go through so many before finding one. You can start by giving us a try, after all, if we’re aware of the points above, we could be striving to put them to practice! You can reach as directly by phone or book your appointment online for a free consultation.
Dentist Mississauga is the name of our smartphone App. We’ve recently released it on both the App Store and Google Play store. It’s 2016 after all and it’s becoming unmistakably clear and evident that mobile is here to stay. It’s not that more and more users are using smartphones, of course that’s the case. But in Canada, more and more are preferring the use of their smartphones at home over their laptops or desktops. Screens are becoming larger, and then there’s phablets of course!
As reported on Catalyst, “…It comes as no surprise that smartphone ownership is growing in Canada; what is surprising is the rate at which it is growing. The 2014 study showed that 55% of Canadians owned a smartphone. In 2015, the penetration rate grew to 68%, representing a year-over-year growth of 24%. This gain in smartphone owners is a significant one that demonstrates how quickly the mobile revolution is progressing.” http://catalyst.ca/2015-canadian-smartphone-market/
We wanted to make it easy for all our patients in Mississauga to be in the know regarding the latest and greatest in dentistry. We wanted them to follow our updates, keep them informed and give them an easy way to find us through google or apple maps, contact us, or request an appointment with a click of a button.
To find the app, you can simply search for, Dentist Mississauga on the App Store or Google Play Store, or you can simply visit our website and download the app from our home page: https://drhassandental.ca
