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How often should children have dental check- ups?

A dental check-up every six months is recommended for children. A healthy mouth supports the ability to enjoy a healthy diet, is beneficial for speech development, and an important part of overall health. As children grow, their mouths are changing quickly. The primary teeth are small and once a cavity starts it can ...
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Do I need to have my dentist check this

Should I have my dentist check this? Good homecare, a healthy diet and regular dental exams and cleanings support a healthy mouth. There are some things that may need to be checked before your next regular exam. Persistent bad breath: can be caused by gum disease, food, drinking, smoking, medicine or a health condit...
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What is a Periodontal Pocket?

In a healthy mouth the gums fit snugly around each tooth, and the distance between the gumline and where the gum attaches to the tooth is 3 millimeters or less. This space or pocket area is an ideal spot for plaque to develop. Plaque is a sticky film that forms as a result of the bacteria in the mouth; if plaque is not...
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Will pregnancy affect my dental health?

Although many women go through pregnancy without any variations in their oral health, there are some systemic and hormonal changes that can contribute to changes in the condition of your gums and teeth. Hormonal changes can lead to the development of pregnancy gingivitis; the gums may become inflamed, tender and ble...
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When will my baby’s teeth come in?

Typically all twenty of the primary teeth are present in the jaw when babies are born. Teeth start to come through between six and twelve months of age. Most children have a full set of primary teeth by three years of age. It is normal for babies to be fussy, drool and have reduced appetite when teething; a fever, r...
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Do the medications I take affect my oral health?

Many medications, including vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations can have an effect on your oral health. Medications that alter blood clotting can influence bleeding during oral surgery or treatment for periodontal disease. Cardiovascular agents, NSAIDS, respiratory inhalants and smoking cessation products are so...
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Do I need an electric toothbrush?

As the variety of tools available to improve your dental homecare continues to grow it can be difficult to decide which tools and products are best for you. As you are deciding consider the following: All products should have the Canadian Dental Association Validated seal. Personal preference- If you like using a...
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Oral Cancer

April is daffodil month, a program of the Canadian Cancer Society dedicated to raising cancer awareness. Oral cancer is a disease resulting from abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue or throat. Signs and symptoms of oral cancer: lumps or changes in the texture or color of the mouth tissues, bleeding, numbnes...
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What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal. It is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. During the first stage of surgery the implant is placed into the jawbone. In most cases, three to four months are required for the bone and soft tissue to heal around the implant. The...
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Is my child’s thumbsucking habit a concern?

Thumbsucking is a natural reflex for children. Sucking on thumbs, fingers, or pacifiers may make babies feel secure and happy. After permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. Pacifiers can affect the teeth in the same ways as thumbsucking but it is ...
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How should I replace my missing teeth?

There are two methods to replace missing teeth; fixed dental appliances, and removable dental appliances. A fixed appliance is one that is permanently placed and may be supported by your remaining teeth or implants. Remaining teeth can be used to support a bridge, this involves preparation of the supporting teeth and...
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How do I make it easy for my child to see the dentist?

One of the best ways to help your child be comfortable at the dentist is to start young. Parents are the first dental caregivers and practicing good homecare makes dental care a part of your child’s routine. Dental visits can be as early as one year of age, it is usually a short visit in which your child gets acquain...
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How do I handle a dental emergency?

It is considered a dental emergency when your tooth breaks, cracks, becomes loose or is knocked out completely. If a tooth is knocked out, handle the tooth by the crown portion, not the root surface. Keep the tooth moist; gently rinse the tooth and then place it in your mouth between your cheek and gum, or immerse ...
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Do I need a dental nightguard?

A dental nightguard is designed to prevent damage to your teeth that may be caused by night time grinding or clenching and to minimize the possible muscle discomfort and headaches that can be associated with grinding or clenching your teeth. Many people unknowingly grind their teeth at night and this can lead to tooth...
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When do dental fillings need to be replaced?

Dental fillings are placed to restore teeth when there is a cavity, or when they have fractured or chipped. Fillings are subject to the same stresses that your teeth are such as chewing, grinding and clenching, so fillings may fracture, chip or wear just as your teeth do. The tooth structure surrounding the filling pr...
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Why are my teeth sensitive?

Many people experience tooth sensitivity to temperature, to acidic food and drink and to sweets. Sensitivity can be generalized or limited to a specific tooth, it may be mild or painful, and it may be occasional or continual. The enamel on your teeth is a protective layer that helps to prevent sensitivity. Tooth sensit...
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Do I need a professional dental cleaning?

Plaque is a sticky bacteria-filled coating that builds up on our teeth daily. Plaque can be removed with brushing and flossing, though even with excellent homecare, plaque may be missed at or below the gumline. It is the plaque that is left that hardens and develops into tartar. Tartar adheres to the tooth structure a...
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Do I need a filling?

Teeth are made up of layers. The outside is the enamel layer and is very hard, the next layer is the dentin and it is softer, in the center is the pulp; this is where the blood vessels and nerves are located. Your dentist uses different procedures for diagnosing cavities in your teeth, these include a visual exam, imag...
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Is it worthwhile to try to keep my teeth as a senior?

At one time keeping your teeth for a lifetime was uncommon, today many seniors enjoy the comfort and function of a healthy mouth throughout their lives. Along with avoiding pain and infection, having your natural teeth, or well fitted prosthetic teeth improves your ability to consume a nutritious balanced diet, and ...
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Are minerals and vitamins important for oral health?

There are many benefits to eating a well-rounded diet high in vitamins. Eating vitamin-rich foods, and even taking vitamin supplements can go a long way in maintaining your oral and overall health. Calcium and Vitamin D are the building blocks for healthy bones and teeth. Vitamins A and C help to build and repair c...
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Is there a link between periodontal disease and overall health?

Periodontal or gum disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and the supporting tissues of the teeth, it is the result of the interaction between bacteria in the mouth and the body’s response to the bacteria. Studies have demonstrated a relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease; peop...
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