How does Fluoride protect my teeth?

Teeth loose minerals daily causing demineralization. Acids, Plaque, and bacteria strip away minerals and can cause cavities. Fluoride, calcium, and phosphate replace minerals which is called remineralization and reduces tooth decay.

According to the CDC in Canada: Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba have the highest percentage of community water fluoridation with rates of 75.9%, 74.7% and 69.9% respectively. At the other end of the scale, the lowest rates of water fluoridation can be found in British Columbia (3.7%), Newfoundland and Labrador (1.5%) and Nunavut and the Yukon (0%).

So why are these percentages of the population that receive fluoridated water so different? Social influence is probably the main Factor. A lot of people are scared of something they do not understand. There is 65 years of proven studies indicating that fluoridated water is safe and extremely effective in preventing decay through remineralization. Recent studies say there is a 20-40% reduction of tooth decay due to fluoridated water.  Not to mention it’s saving the consumer money. For every 1$ invested for fluoridated water, it saves 38$ in dental treatments.

How much fluoride is in fluoridated water? Fluoride is added to public water supplies at an average concentration of about 1 part per million (1 ppm) or 1 milligram per liter, or slightly below (0.7). Naturally occurring fluoride concentrations in surface waters depend on location but are generally low and usually do not exceed 0.3 ppm. However, groundwater can contain much higher levels naturally.

Some dentists actually prescribe fluoride pills. Some main indications are for people who are more susceptible to decay because of dry mouth, those with crowns, bridges, or braces and between the ages of 6 months to 16 years.  However, too much fluoride can cause mottling or pits in teeth, discoloration, or stain enamel. Though, anyone who is prescribed fluoride is carefully monitored by dentist.

Even Though, water fluoridation is thought to be dangerous, there is no need to worry the amount present in water and toothpaste. These levels are very low and widely considered beneficial. Fluoride however, has been known to be added to some food and drink sources. The percentage of each is at the discretion of the manufacturer and therefore it may be difficult to know how much an individual is consuming. Time and time again fluoride has been proven to be a safe and effective preventative measure to dental decay. Please do your own research to make a fully educated opinion.

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1. Brush 2 or even three times (occasionally after lunch) daily: best time to brush is 15 minutes after a meal. It is important to brush with a SOFT bristle brush. Anything harder than soft can actually damage and erode away your gums.

2. Use a mouth rinse: Usually an antiseptic mouth rinse without alcohol is the best. Some brands still sell older versions of their mouthwash that have been known to include alcohol in their ingredient list, though in recent studies, it has been found to be directly related to oral cancer. So read those labels!

3. Floss like a boss: Aim for at least one flossing session daily. Most dentists suggest before brushing to dislodge any excess foods. Whether it’s waxed or not, whatever works for you is the best. They say without flossing you are missing 40% of the tooth, so remember to floss in your daily routine!

4. Avoid Sugary things: Say so long to sugary foods. ESPECIALLY SUGARY DRINKS. Ever notice a sensitivity to something sweet! This could actually be an indicative sign that you have some cavities. Replace refined sugar with natural sugars found in fruits.

5. Drink water: Like tones of it. Water helps prevent excessive acid buildup in your mouth and dry mouth, and aids in saliva production. WOW! So what’s my daily does? On average an adult should have about 8 cups of water a day. That’s 4 Litres or 1 gallon!

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Fun Fact! Halitophobia (also known as delusional halitosis) is the fear of having halitosis (bad breath). People who have halitophobia often worry excessively about having bad breath. They may suffer from halitosis or not at all, but usually the bad breath they have is not as bad as they believe it is.

1. Poor oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can be the leading cause of bad breath. Plaque buildup, and left over food particularly between your teeth as well as your tongue and gums, can produce unpleasant-smelling gases.

2. Strong flavoured foods and drinks: like onions, garlic, coffee, can all be avoided. Eating strong flavoured food and drink is considered temporary halitosis. Make sure to floss and brush 15 minutes after eating. Full fat Yogurt is always a good neutralizer to bad breath.

3. Dehydration: Are you drinking enough water? Daily recommended amount is 8 cups of water a day. Dehydration means less salivary flow which will decrease the chances of any movement of food between teeth. The decrease effect of salivary flow from the glands is called xerostomia and can be linked to increased decay rate of teeth.

4. Smoking: Smoking is another cause of bad breath. As well as making your breath smell, smoking stains your teeth, irritates your gums, and reduces your sense of taste and smell.

5. Dieting: Dieting, fasting, and low-carbohydrate diets are another possible cause of bad breath. They cause the body to break down fat, which produces chemicals called ketones that can be smelled on your breath. Some gastro-esophageal issues can also be linked to bad breath. Ideally, try to take a probiotic.

6. Medication: Some types of medication can also cause bad breath. These include: nitrates which can sometimes be used to treat angina, (chest pain due to restriction of blood supply to the heart), some chemotherapymedication, and some sleep medication.

So what’s the Answer?  Make sure to come in for routine cleanings to get rid of hardened plaque, flossing and brushing regularly (including your tongue), and if you have any questions our hygienist can help you learn about the proper ways to clean your teeth.

What can I do at home? Floss and brush 15 minutes after meals, drink 8 cups of water a day, kick the bad habits, eat healthy well rounded meals, take a probiotic, and if you suspect it may be medicinally related contact your GP to suggest an alternative.

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• ONLY, 28% of Canadians floss at least 5 times a week or are regular flossers at all.

So if gum disease and a host of other major health issues aren’t enough to remind you to bring out that little container of waxed string, here are 8 unusual ways to squeeze in 2 minutes to floss your teeth…

1)      Floss when you first get up in the morning –Floss before you brush!

2)      Floss in the shower- Wash your face, hair, brush your teeth, and floss! Get err done!

3)      Stuck in traffic? Keep it in the glovebox and whip it out to your favourite tunes!

4)      Lunch break at work- After eating of course, keep it close by!

5)      Watching YouTube videos- or any TV shows or movies. Especially after popcorn!

6)      Floss in the evening before bed – Sometimes this is the easiest time to remember.

7)      Floss after exercising- Build a routine, and one that feels good!

8)   Take an after dinner break and floss– it’s always a good time after you eat.

So it Proven- squeezing in 2 minutes to floss is actually quite easy.

21 days of consistent flossing forms a habit! You up for the challenge??.

Happy Flossing!

The post 8 Unusual Ways to Remember to Floss! appeared first on WestView Dental Clinic.

By learning these simple tips, you can prevent cavities on your own. We want the absolute best for our patients, and that means providing you with all the tools you need to build excellent oral health. Habits like smoking, and eating sugars and starches are bad news. Bacteria consume them, producing acids. These acids are harmful to enamel, and erode the outer tooth surface.

What is Dental Plaque?

Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that clings to your teeth. Because the bacteria have adhered to teeth, when they produce acids, enamel becomes weakened. The first signs of cavities are:

• White spot indicating loss of minerals
• Brown spot from destruction of enamel by acids

If these spots continue to develop, they will become cavities. A cavity must be treated by a dentist and cannot be improved on your own.

You may have plaque buildup if you’re noticing:

• Persistent bad breath
• Fuzzy-feeling teeth
• Inflamed gums
• Bleeding gums when flossing

Why do I have plaque?

Plaque most commonly builds when patients skip brushing, especially before bed. It’s crucial to remove acids before sleeping for the night when enamel is more vulnerable.

Reduce Cavities at Home!

• Use fluoride toothpaste or rinse – Fluoride will help remineralize teeth that have been eroded by acids. If you get the appropriate amount of fluoride from the right sources, it can only be beneficial for your teeth. Use a fluoridated toothpaste or rinse as instructed. Ask your dentist for product recommendations!

• Improve your oral hygiene! – Better brushing and flossing will prevent plaque buildup. If you’re already brushing and flossing regularly, check your techniques to make sure you’re brushing more effectively. Be sure to brush your tongue, which is home to a significant amount of bacteria.  Essentially, brush 2 x per day, floss 1x per day (before bed).

• Reduce sugars and starches– Cut out some of the sources of the initial problem. Try to reduce your snacking, as teeth are especially vulnerable to snacks since there’s not as much saliva present to rinse away acids. Prioritize fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, nuts, and lean proteins for midday snacks.

• Drink more water – Water not only helps remove oral acids, but hydrates your body and keeps it working properly. Now is the time to swap out your daytime Coke for water, sparkling water, tea, or other non-sugary, less-acidic beverages.

If you’re already experiencing plaque buildup, you may have some calculus. Calculus is hardened plaque which pushes your gum tissues and bone level down. Inflamed gums can develop into gingivitis, which may progress to gum disease. Prevention is the best way to combat plaque and cavities!

Follow the decay-reversal tips mentioned above to scrub away plaque and reset your mouth – before decay can take hold.

The post How Cavities form – and how to stop them! appeared first on WestView Dental Clinic.

Ever wonder how celebrities dazzle us with their perfect um well everything. Tooth be told, 47% of people notice smiles first above appearance, hair, eyes, smell, and clothes… That’s a lot of noticing! If you have ever thought of or wanted that Hollywood smile there are options to get exactly the smile you always dreamed of….sigh!

First and foremost, it is extremely important to talk to your Dentist about your smile goals, and use lots of pictures to get the point across. You want to work with a Dentist that explains everything, and most of all listens to you.

Make sure that your dental office takes lots of pictures. It is good to see progress, and have a base to refer back to. Find a Dentist who has your oral health in mind above all, realistically achievable goals, and will always makes sure you know all of your options.

So….What are my options?

Whitening: Sometimes, this is all you need to brighten up your smile. Within 1 hour, you can have up to 8 shades whiter with Zoom and the combination of at home bleaching trays. However, if you have previous work done in the smile zone likeveneers, crowns, or fillings this bleaching method will not lighten anything un-natural unfortunately. It is always a good idea to whiten your teeth first before having any other dental work like fillings, crowns, veneers so they can be matched after to you whiter tooth structure.

Invisalign: One of the best kept secrets of Hollywood for straightening teeth. Within 6 months you could have your celebrity smile, without brackets. Some prefer the wire and bracket method primarily because you have to wear your clear (invisible) retainers for 22 hours of the day, remove while eating, and diligence with wearing the trays for 22 hours a day, oral hygiene, and flossing are imperative.

Conventional Braces: Let`s call it the wire and bracket method. For people who have some serious crowding, or rotated teeth this could be your only option. For elder patients sometimes the conventional method, embarrassment or inconvenience of having wire and bracket braces is too much. But there are always more options.

Veneers: An alternate option to an orthodontic approach. Think of a Veneer as a thin, protective covering for your tooth. A veneer is a type of cap or partial crown that only is attached to the front surface of the tooth. Veneers are truly the Hollywood approach to a celebrity smile. Although effective and instant, some natural tooth structure will be removed, and excellent oral hygiene is a must.

Crowns: Sometime Veneers won’t cut it. Crowns are made for teeth that have gaps between them, are rotated, or need a different shape to complete the cosmetic look. The only problem with this method is that a lot of natural tooth structure is taken away to make the preparation for the cap. Ideally veneers are a better option than crowns, but not all teeth are able to take veneers.

Bonding: Bonding is a great option for those on a budget. Essentially, filling material is added to your teeth and reshaped. The only issue with this method is eventually this filling material will need to be replaced, as filling material tends to absorb stain but not lift after 5-10 years. However, this procedure can be done in-office within 1 appointment.

Consult with your Dentist for further information to see if any of these options are good for you. Please feel free to contact Westview Clinic for any of your inquiries, or more information on a Hollywood Smile.

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For those individuals who have fear or are nervous towards any type of dental treatment, there are a couple options we offer at Westview Dental to help alleviate some of your anxiety.

At Westview Dental we offer:

• Nitrous Oxide: is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax.Nitrous oxide, is also called “laughing gas,” is an option your Dentist may offer to help make you or your children more comfortable during certain procedures. This can be used for any treatment, with local anesthesia, from Fillings to Crown Preparations, as well as implants or extractions.

• Oral sedation:This refers to taking prescribed medication an hour or so before a dental appointment for a calming effect. Oral sedatives can be taken with or without the use of nitrous oxide and local anesthesia.

• IV or intravenous (“intra” – inside; “venous” – vein) sedation.This is the next level of sedation administered if oral sedation is not enough to facilitate needed dental treatment. In this case, the sedative medication is delivered through a small needle or catheter placed in a vein. Generally this is for more surgical procedures such as Wisdom tooth removals, Bone Grafts, or Implants.

Lastly, it is important to find the right, compassionate healthcare provider. This is important for everyone, especially for individuals who are particularly anxious. Your dentist should always listen carefully to you in an accepting and non-judgmental way, and offer assurances that you are in control of the situation at all times.

The post What is Sleep Dentistry? appeared first on WestView Dental Clinic.

Zoom Whitening is one of the quickest safest and more effective dental treatments for whitening your teeth.

• • Zoom is FAST! A brighter smile in 1 hour (up to 8 shades), used as a booster for optimal results which can be complemented with 2 weeks of bleaching trays. All Zoom procedures include a free bleaching tray which are customized to your smile. These trays can be used and kept indefinitely. For Optimal results 1 x per day @ 30 minutes.

• • ZOOM is proven SAFE! Long-term tray whitening, along with many whitening toothpastes can be abrasive to your enamel (the outer surface of your teeth). With ZOOM, 8 shades lighter in 1 hour is an extremely attractive way to boost your natural smile without the added months of lightening your teeth with trays. *** lightening 8 shades of staining can sometimes take up to 3 months of continuous use of bleaching trays alone to achieve.

• ZOOM is proven EFFECTIVE! Well, that’s because it works. New LED technology helps the light activated gel (hydrogen Peroxide) without harmful added heat that UV light can generate.

In conclusion Zoom with whitening trays is the most effectively proven, safest, and fast way to lighten your teeth! Call in the Best Dentist North Vancouver to book your appointment today!

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As early as 6 months are when your baby’s teeth will start to come in. These teeth are called primary teeth which are essential for eating, building jaw bone structure and eventually making way for their adult teeth which come in at the age of 6 or 7. So the importance of taking care of your baby’s teeth should start early as they will be using them for the next 6 years.

1. Familiarize your baby: Make sure your baby becomes comfortable with a toothbrush in their mouth. Even before baby teeth come in there are a few steps to follow:

• Wipe your baby’s gums (before any teeth have erupted) with a moist cloth or piece of gauze after every meal.
• When the first baby teeth start to come up use a soft bristled baby tooth brush designated for infants. There are also finger brushes which are sometimes easier to start with.
• Biggest no-no which I am sure you have herd before: Avoid all sippy cups or bottles with juice, milk or formula before bed. Always water down all your juices if you choose to give it to them throughout the day.
• Around the age of 1 or just before is a great time to familiarize your child with the Dentist for their first checkup. Most of the time their first checkup does not include a cleaning, just a visit, to meet the Dentist and become comfortable in their surroundings.

2. Build those habits! From baby to Toddler those terrible two’s have you running around the house with a toothbrush in your hand, but be diligent!

• Brush with water until the age of 2, thereafter you should use a fluoridated toothpaste 2x a day (morning and night) and floss between the day (if possible) or before nighttime brushing.
• Build a routine: same time, same place same amount of times a day be consistent!
• Make it fun with lots of rewarding and positive reinforcement. Always watch from beginning to end and help them until they can do it sufficiently themselves (thoroughly). You can always do a check afterwards and help them floss.

• Around the age of 4 is a great time to invest in an electric toothbrush. At Westview Dental we usually recommend Sonicare for kids. They have interactive games with tooth brushing which communicate via Bluetooth! WOW, technology eh!!? **Dexterity at a young age can sometimes be difficult for our young ones, electric toothbrushes ensure a thoroughly clean mouth.

• Regular cleanings and checkups are a must to ensure your child’s oral health. Dental professionals are able to help show mom the right way of brushing their little one’s teeth.

• Sealants- Sealants are a type of filling material that fill in the natural fissures or cracks in our children’s teeth. They are an excellent preventative measure to actively stop cavities from forming. Your Dentist will tell you when the right time is for sealants.

In Conclusion, your child’s growing mouth is something to always keep an eye on no matter the age, and help building familiarity and habits that will maintain good oral health throughout their lives.

The post How to Care for your Child’s Growing Mouth appeared first on WestView Dental Clinic.

There are 4 Main Causes of Bad Breath:

1. Dry mouth: AKA Xerostomia. Dryness of your mouth can be caused by medication (80% of most pharmaceutical drugs often cause dry mouth. Certain drugs such as antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, and antihistamines can factor into dry mouth because they reduce saliva production. Long periods of speaking, sleeping with your mouth open, and drinking alcohol. “OK, so I can’t stop taking my meds… what can I do?” The answer: Drink lots and lots and LOTS of water every day. Make sure you quench your thirst with water and not soda or other harmful, sweet, and acidic drinks. Remember, sipping water throughout the day makes the smell go away.

2. Diet: Bad breath also known as Halitosis is often caused by the foods we eat. Foods which have sulfuric compounds such as onions and garlic can cause bad breath. Meat, dairy and fish have a certain type of protein which bacteria in our mouths use as an energy source and also release sulfuric compounds. Since we can’t stop eating these foods our best bet is to floss after every meal, as well as rinse and drink LOTS and LOTS of water. Hmm… I see a pattern!

3. Poor Dental Hygiene: this one is a no brainer. If you don’t brush or floss your teeth regularly there will be plaque and bacterial build-up. Simple! Furthermore, bad oral hygiene will most certainly lead to gum tissues to erode, as well as inflammation or puffy gums, and of course cavities and further dental treatment. Remember our mouths are our temples. Course of action: Brush 2 x a day, minimum flossing 2 x a week. Another thing to mention is you should be changing your toothbrush head at least 4 x a year, and after you become sick.

4. Illness and disease: Ok so not a lot but According to some studies, an estimated 10% of all halitosis cases are caused by certain illnesses. Individuals who suffer from diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, liver disease, respiratory tract infections, or metabolic disorders often experience chronic foul breath due to dry mouth. Sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, postnasal drip, and polyps affect the airways and may also contribute to the problem. Other common illnesses associated with bad breath include nasal odor, yeast infections of the mouth, and gum disease. Remember: if you have bad breath this doesn’t necessarily mean you have an illness.

In conclusion, drinking lots of water, along with eating healthy and practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to stay away from bad breath.

On a side note: If you have a bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away and you can taste it often even after flossing and brushing, that could be an indication that there is a type of dental infection, so please see your Dentist immediately.  Hope you learned lots! Thanks for checking us out!

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