Can Tooth Enamel be Restored?

According to the Canadian Dental Association, there are a significant number of Canadians who suffer from enamel erosion. Because enamel plays a vital role in protecting your teeth from decay, it’s best to do everything that you can to prevent your enamel from eroding.

What is tooth enamel?

Enamel is a mineral that acts as a strong barrier for your teeth sheilding the inner layers from your teeth from the effects of acids and plaque as well as hot and cold foods. It’s one of the hardest tissues in your body, however similar to bones in your body, once the enamel is gone, the lost portion can’t ever be replaced; however if it has become weakened, it can be restored.

Here are some causes of tooth enamel erosion:

  • Acidic drinks (e.g. citrus juices, pop, etc.)
  • Starches and sugars
  • Medical conditions like acid reflux disease, dry mouth, inherited genetic conditions, low salivary flow and gastrointestinal problems
  • Wear and tear, teeth grinding (bruxism), friction, brushing too hard, brushing when tooth enamel is softened
  • Poor oral hygiene can cause enamel erosion

How you can spot tooth erosion?

Early detection and treatment of tooth decay is important, so here are some symptoms to look out for.

  • Tooth sensitivity: your teeth may hurt when you eat very hot or cold foods, when you brush, or when your gum line is exposed to air
  • Yellow teeth: when your teeth appear to be yellow, the enamel is so thin, you’re actually seeing the dentin (which is yellow in colour)
  • Uneven edges: when your tooth enamel wears away, it can result in rough edges, chips and cracks
  • Dental spots: shiny white spots on your teeth is indicative of demineralization. Dark, brown or other forms of discolouration may be signs of a cavity
  • Increased tooth decay: when the protective surface on your teeth becomes worn down, your teeth become more susceptible to cavities
  • Tooth fracturing: as enamel grows weaker, your teeth eventually become weaker which can cause cracks and fractures
  • Bad breath: pesky, stuck-on bacteria causes plaque build up which causes bad breath. Depending on the severity of the build-up this may weaken the tooth pulp within the gum line which can also often emit bad odours

Prevention and restoration techniques: 

Since it’s impossible for your body to make new enamel, your goal should be to strengthen and repair the enamel you have. One of the best ways to restore your tooth enamel is to maintain good oral hygiene. The Oral Health Foundation recommends these steps to help prevent tooth enamel erosion:

  • Brushing and flossing your teeth daily and after every meal
  • Little to no consumption of too sugars, snacks and acidic foods (i.e. sports drinks, fruits like lemons, oranges, etc.)
  • Avoiding mouthwashes and toothpastes that contain alcohol in it
  • Avoid clenching and grinding your teeth
  • Chewing sugar-free gum after eating to maintain a steady saliva flow
  • Receiving regular hygiene appointments with your dentist (minimum of twice a year)

April is National Oral Health Month. Each year, approximately 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer with 1,050 deaths occurring. This is why Altima Dental offers free oral cancer health screenings each April, as we strive to detect and prevent oral cancer.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

 

How Does Nutrition Affect Dental Health?

Did you know that healthy teeth is linked to a balanced diet and eating healthy? As much as brushing consistently, flossing and rinsing is important, what you eat can have a significant impact on your oral health. By getting rid of unhealthy food from your diet and visiting the dentist regularly, you’re drastically increasing your chances of maintaining healthy teeth and decreasing your chances of acquiring gum disease.

What is the correlation between diet and healthy teeth nutrition?

Foods that contain sugars can lead to tooth decay. In fact, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and is potentially more severe in people with poor nutrition. According to the Canadian Dental Association, a proper, balanced diet is good for your overall and dental health. Without proper nutrients, your teeth and gums become more susceptible to decay and gum disease and it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to resist infection. To control the amount of sugar you eat, read the nutrition facts and ingredient labels on foods and beverages, choose options that are lowest in sugar but your best bet is to buy natural ingredients (as opposed to processed or canned foods) to properly maintain your diet.

Foods/Snacks to avoid:

  • Sugary snacks: sugar is one of the main causes of dental problems. The average Canadian eats the equivalent of 110 grams of sugar each day (approximately 21 percent of your daily energy intake).
  • Processed Foods of foods that have been genetically modified.
  • Foods that are high in sugar or sugar substitutes (typically ending in -ose like high fructose corn syrup).
  • Sports drinks: sports drinks do not contain of sugars but contain a lot of acids. The acid in these drinks breaks down the tooth’s enamel, causing your teeth to become overly sensitive to temperature changes and touch.
  • Refrain from drinks that stain your teeth.
  • Tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars and chewing/smokeless tobacco are all harmful for you oral and overall health. In addition to containing nicotine, cigarettes also contain approximately 28 harmful chemicals.

Some great-tasting snacks that won’t harm your teeth:

  • Foods that contain dairy: Milk, buttermilk, yogurt and cheese contain calcium, which help assist with tooth development and strengthen your teeth and gums.
  • Fruit and raw vegetables: For vegetarians, vegans or those with dietary restrictions, (i.e. lactose intolerance) fruits and veggies contain a ton of vitamins which are very important for good oral health. Eating one cup of dark leafy greens (e.g. kale, bok choy, spinach, collards, etc.) daily provides nearly 10 percent of the recommended daily calcium allowance. Fruits and vegetables are also fibrous in nature, meaning they’re able to stimulate the salivary glands to release lots of saliva, which in turn protects your teeth.
  • Sugar-free gum: Sugar-free chewing gum increased the salivary flow in your mouth.  Saliva can washes away food, neutralizes acid in the mouth, and can repair damaged teeth.  If you can’t brush after you eat, try chewing a piece of gum. Some gums, contain xylitol, which is a sugar-alcohol that can actually kill the bacteria that ruin your teeth.

Everything you eat affects your whole body, which is why it is so important to visit your dentist regularly, as they’re the only people who have the skills and expertise to properly address all your oral health care needs.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

 

How Does Dental Scaling and Root Planing Help Prevent Gum Disease

According to the Canadian Dental Association, 70 per cent of the Canadian population will develop gum disease at some point in their life. Gum disease occurs when your gum line becomes inflamed with bacteria (caused by plaque and tartar build up) that can spread to the bones that surround and support your teeth. There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis (mild gum inflammation), periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. While curable and preventable, gum disease can often go undetected and once symptoms are spotted it’s often to the point where it’s so advanced you may need dental scaling and/or root planing. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis causing tooth decay and loss.

What is dental scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure done to treat periodontal disease. Often referred to as a deep cleaning, the procedure involves thoroughly removing bacterial toxins and tartar deposits from your teeth, root and crown surfaces. If you have gum pockets that are four to six millimetres in depth, you may require root planing, which removes hard tartar and surface dentin and smooths all rough areas on your root surfaces. Smooth root surfaces keep bacteria, plaque and tartar from re-adhering underneath the gum line, allowing your gums to heal and reattach themselves more firmly.

When would someone need dental scaling and root planing? 

Mild forms of gum disease don’t show any symptoms which is why having regular dental visits are key. If you have a stubborn plaque that can’t be removed by brushing or flossing, your dentist may recommend scaling – which acts as a preventative measure to help reduce the risk of gum disease. It’s also different from a standard dental cleaning as it involves cleaning areas of the tooth below the gum line. When you have more advanced signs of gum disease this is when you would require root planing.

Is scaling a painful procedure?

Not really, as the hygienist or dentist numbs your gums and teeth with a local anaesthetic. After the procedure, your gums may be a little tender and numb; however, by maintaining a proper oral home care routine your gums should be pink and healthy within a few hours.

How to maintain your teeth after treatment:

According to Oral-B, the easiest way to maintain healthy teeth and gums after periodontitis/gum disease is having a robust oral care routine to help keep your mouth healthy. Regular hygiene visits to your dentist are also strongly recommended.

If you’re looking to maintain healthy teeth or gums after treatment or reduce the risks of developing a gum disease, try these simple but effective methods.

  • Brush at least twice daily
  • Replace your toothbrush when bristles are worn
  • Floss daily in between your teeth to remove hidden plaque
  • Use an antimicrobial mouthwash

To ensure optimal dental health, it’s best that you maintain proper oral health regimes as gum disease can open the door to several other oral and physical conditions.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Five Tips for Prevention And Treatment of Toothaches

Toothaches can create a mouthful of pain for anyone dealing with dental problems. Tooth decay is the main reason why toothaches occur, however other reasons include: infection, gum disease, an abnormal bite, and teeth grinding.

Below are some tips to not only prevent but to also provide relief if you have encountered tooth pain.

  • Floss Regularly:  Food particles sometimes get trapped in places where your toothbrush won’t go. Lodged food particles cause bacteria to grow in between the teeth and gums which will cause abscesses to grow, eventually leading to toothaches. Regular flossing reduces your risk of developing gum disease because it removes the hidden plaque.
  • Brush twice daily:  Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, brush with a fluoride toothpaste to decrease your risk of getting a cavity.
  • Eat Vitamin C:  There’s a strong connection between vitamin C and healthy gums. Vitamin C is a powerful antibiotic that destroys bacteria and helps with blood flow and tissue repair. Studies from the American Dental Association show that the less vitamin C one consumes, the greater the risk of periodontal disease.
  • Decrease consumption of sugars:  Despite what you eat, bacteria is continuously growing on your teeth. This bacteria thrives on sugary substances, and it will only build up and harden after consuming sugary foods. This makes it harder for the bacteria to be cleaned with flossing and brushing and creates an environment for the bacteria to thrive.
  • Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth:  According to Colgate, sensitivity occurs on your teeth when enamel is damaged, thinned or eroded which leaves the underlying dentin exposed. Whether you have sensitive teeth or not, toothpastes designed for sensitivity have ingredients to reduce teeth sensitivity which will make you less susceptible to discomfort.

Prevention is key!  However, if you have a toothache it’s best to visit a dentist right away, Here are a few tips you can follow to treat the pain if you can’t see your dentist immediately.

  • Do a salt water rinse: If your gums are in pain make a salt water rinse and gargle the water in your mouth, paying special attention to the affected area. Repeat 4-5 times daily/or until the pain subsides.
  • Keep your head elevated: If you are suffering from a toothache, try sleeping with your head slightly elevated as it limits the effect of increased blood pressure to the head relieving the pain associated with toothaches. It also relieves pressure in blood vessels along sensitive areas of the gum line.
  • Drink clove oil: This herb is beneficial as it contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anesthetic properties that help alleviate tooth pain and help combat infection.
  • Eat small amounts of onions: Onions offer antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that are known to kill the bacteria in the mouth and placing a raw onion on the tooth ache reduces inflammation.
  • Take painkillers or Benzocaine:  Anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin and Benzocaine (often known as Orajel) will help temporarily relieve the pain for most minor toothaches.
  • Avoid extreme hot and cold foods:  Over time, tiny cracks can develop as your teeth expand and contract with exposure to hot and cold temperatures; this may create erosion in your enamel which may cause tooth aches.

Taking proper care of your teeth through a regular oral hygiene routine can help with sensitivity due to decay and gum disease. Even with the best care, sensitivity can be the result of a cracked tooth or regular wear and tear. By defining your symptoms and seeing your dentist, you can have the healthy teeth you’ve always wanted.