Dental Hygiene

5 Health Problems caused by Crooked Teeth

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Crooked teeth are not just the cause for a self-conscious smile, but can also affect your overall health. Properly aligned teeth allow you to properly brush and floss, removing grit and bacteria that build in your oral cavity every day. Misaligned or crooked teeth make it difficult for bristles to get into the crevices. Harmful bacteria building on the teeth and gums leave the whole body at risk! Read on to discover some of the troublesome ways your crooked teeth can affect your health.

Improper Digestion

Misaligned teeth make it hard for you to chew properly. Human teeth are designed for different functions of chewing. Misaligned teeth hinder the function, leading to digestion problems. Proper chewing is necessary for the breakdown of nutrients for your body. Hence, crooked teeth can negatively impact your intake of nutrients causing a negative impact on your immune system and overall health.

Persistent Headaches

Crooked teeth throw your bite off-balance & put pressure on your jaw muscles. Temporomandibular joints connected to your lower jaw move smoothly when there is a perfect alignment of teeth. Crooked teeth restrict the TMJ’s smooth movement. This leads to a condition called TMJ disorder which gives way to chronic headaches & migraines.

Gum Diseases

Crooked teeth don’t allow bristles of the toothbrush to reach in all places, which leaves more room for bacteria to sneak in. Bacteria that survive the cleaning process start to build on and around the teeth which lead to deep pockets in your gums. The bacteria thrive in these pockets which leads the way to various dental complications like gum disease called periodontitis which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Heart Diseases

Bacteria that thrive due to crooked teeth cause gum diseases & can travel through the bloodstream. When these bacteria reach the heart, it can result in cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies suggest that people with moderate to advanced stages of gum diseases are at greater risk for heart disease. Researchers have uncovered oral bacteria in the fatty deposits of people with atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries. When untreated, these deposits can narrow arteries, causing a heart attack or stroke.

Respiratory Problems

Crooked teeth allow the breeding of bad bacteria in your mouth. Such bacteria in the mouth can reach the lungs and cause infections such as pneumonia. Studies have suggested a higher mortality rate from pneumonia in people with higher numbers of deep gum pockets which can be a result of crooked teeth. Crooked teeth can also cause airway problems such as obstructive sleep apnea.
Now you know that crooked teeth can not be ignored. Crooked teeth can be caused due to various factors like genetics, facial injury, habits like mouth breathing, etc. Certified dentists evaluate the underlying cause and formulate a custom plan to straighten up your crooked teeth. To save your pearly smile and overall health, consider getting orthodontic care today. For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment for your crooked teeth, please contact us today.
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5 Dental DIY Trends You Need To Unfollow

DIY is often thought of as a way to cut corners. But, it becomes a scary proposition when it comes to Dentistry. The professional supervision & controlled environment of a dental office can never be the same as a kitchen sink. No matter how easy it is to rely on ‘Doctor Google’, one should never attempt DIY’s that pose health risks. Here are a few DIY Dental dont’s you must never attempt.

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DIY Tooth Filing

DIY Tooth Filing Tooth filing using nail files, sandpaper, handheld power tools, etc is an alarmingly unsafe idea that’s been trending on social media platforms like Tik Tok and YouTube. Such practice causes irreparable damage and destruction to teeth. Dentists use proven tooth filing techniques that have been researched for years, if not decades. A DIY enthusiast attempting to file their tooth themselves could potentially remove vital enamel coating, causing the tooth to become hypersensitive, misshaped or even die.

DIY Tooth Whitening

The internet is full of ‘crazy hacks’, one of them being ‘ways to whiten teeth using household ingredients’. Citrus rinds, baking soda, activated charcoal, are unfortunately the popular choices of the internet. However, resorting to quick fixes with these ingredients can cause long term damage to your teeth. These ingredients are harsh on the tooth surface causing dental cavities, sensitivity and gum problems in few cases.

DIY aligners

Aligning teeth is something one should leave to the professionals. Dentists carefully assess a patient’s full medical & dental history, then design custom-fit aligners that work wonders without restricting the structures around the tooth. Remote alignment services or DIY Aligners lack one-on-one professional care. These unsupervised dental solutions come at low-cost but prove to be a costly mistake in the long run. Many Orthodontists have witnessed patients who have developed gum diseases, cavities and tooth loss due to direct-to-customer orthodontics.

DIY Restorations

Believe it or not, some people use materials like wax and store-bought adhesives to ‘fix’ their restorations. Glues have toxic compounds which can cause serious damage to the tooth and surround tissue. One must never try to poke, prod, and scrape cavities or restorations in an attempt to ‘fix’ them. Such attempts permanently damage the restoration or introduce infections or cause an abscess. DIY methods often bury the underlying cause and extend the amount of professional care needed which proves to be a costly affair in the long term.

DIY Extractions

Toothache isn’t easy to handle, but DIY tooth extraction sounds like something nightmares are made of. Tooth extraction is a form of surgery, and surgery comes with the risk of complications. Only a certified dental surgeon must assess the underlying cause of toothache & attempt a tooth extraction. Few popular culture DIY extractions methods are, using pliers, using a string tied to a door, etc. Described as creative on the web, these methods are rather medieval which cause infection, excessive bleeding, gum damage, serious damage to other teeth and underlying bone.
However easy or cost-effective DIY dental hacks might seem, it’s wise to consult with a certified dentist for all your tooth qualms. It’s understandable to look for shortcuts in life, but your shiny pearls are simply too important to risk. Got a dental worry to share? Write to us or book a consultation visit here.
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Read more about the article Dental Care During Cancer Treatment

Dental Care During Cancer Treatment

Your dental care is also an essential part of your overall cancer treatment. When you are diagnosed with cancer, make sure you let your dentist know about your treatment so he/she can update your medical history. Also, ensure to share your oncologist’s name and number with your dentist. This is because your cancer treatment can have side-effects or can also interfere with your dental treatment.

Before beginning any cancer treatment, your doctor may advise you to complete any major dental procedures. Any form of mouth, teeth or jaw pain or any dental problems must be reported immediately to your oncologist and dentist.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw:

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is an uncommon but severe condition that has occurred in some cancer patients receiving treatment using a particular drug called bisphosphonates. The link between the drug and the disease is only a suspect as of now.

When the jaw fails to heal after a minor trauma like a tooth extraction, it leads to the development of ONJ. This may result in the jawbone being exposed. Pain, swelling, gum infections, etc. are the symptoms when you develop ONJ. The factors that may increase the risk of ONJ include:

  • Radiation therapy to the head or neck
  • Chemotherapy
  • Anemia
  • Poor dental health
  • Poor nutrition
  • Poor blood circulation

An oncologist should manage bisphosphonate treatment by coordinating with your oral surgeon or your dentist. Before you begin your therapy, you should:

  • Undergo a dental examination
  • Complete your existing dental treatments and procedures
  • Maintain good oral hygiene
The treatment of ONJ includes:
  • Frequent dental assessments
  • Oral rinses
  • Removable mouth appliances
  • Surgery to remove injured tissue

Do you have any queries regarding your dental health? Feel free to visit our dental clinic in Calgary or Call +1 (403) 252 7733 to consult our dentists.

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Read more about the article Dental Care During Cancer Treatment

Dental Care During Cancer Treatment

Your dental care is also an essential part of your overall cancer treatment. When you are diagnosed with cancer, make sure you let your dentist know about your treatment so he/she can update your medical history. Also, ensure to share your oncologist’s name and number with your dentist. This is because your cancer treatment can have side-effects or can also interfere with your dental treatment. Before beginning any cancer treatment, your doctor may advise you to complete any major dental procedures. Any form of mouth, teeth or jaw pain or any dental problems must be reported immediately to your oncologist and dentist.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw:
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is an uncommon but severe condition that has occurred in some cancer patients receiving treatment using a particular drug called bisphosphonates. The link between the drug and the disease is only a suspect as of now. When the jaw fails to heal after a minor trauma like a tooth extraction, it leads to the development of ONJ. This may result in the jawbone being exposed. Pain, swelling, gum infections, etc. are the symptoms when you develop ONJ. The factors that may increase the risk of ONJ include:
  • Radiation therapy to the head or neck
  • Chemotherapy
  • Anaemia
  • Poor dental health
  • Poor nutrition
  • Poor blood circulation
An oncologist should manage bisphosphonate treatment by coordinating with your oral surgeon or your dentist. Before you begin your therapy, you should:
  • Undergo a dental examination
  • Complete your existing dental treatments and procedures
  • Maintain good oral hygiene
The treatment of ONJ includes:
  • Frequent dental assessments
  • Oral rinses
  • Removable mouth appliances
  • Surgery to remove injured tissue
Do you have any queries regarding your dental health? Feel free to visit our dental clinic in Calgary or Call +1 (403) 252 7733 to consult our dentists.
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Read more about the article The Rising Tooth Decay Rates Amongst Young Canadians

The Rising Tooth Decay Rates Amongst Young Canadians

The tooth decay rates among the young Canadian children have been on the rise. This worsening oral health situation sheds light on the lack of proper oral hygiene education and prevention components.

Tooth decay rates had been falling for the last couple of decades, until now. Decay in children is the most widespread disease of childhood. Tooth decay in five-year-olds rose close to 10% in 1999-2000, and 11.6% on 2005-06, according to the survey conducted by Toronto Public Health and published on canada.com. Whereas in five-year-olds with two or more decayed teeth, the percentage rose from 9.9% to 14.6% in the same six-year stretch.

How does tooth decay occur?

According to colgate.com destruction of the tooth enamel causes tooth decay. It occurs when foods with carbohydrates, like milk, raisins, cakes, etc. get left behind on the surface of the teeth. The bacteria that live in your mouth thrive on these foods, which then produces acids as a result. Over time, these acids destroy the tooth enamel, which results in tooth decay.

What causes this tooth decays amongst children? 

Lack of education about dental hygiene, no proper oral maintenance routine, lousy diet, etc. are some of the reasons which contribute to tooth decay. Lack of fluoridation of Calgary waters can also be one of the reasons for the rise in tooth decay. Failure to visit the dentist once every six months is also one of the reasons for rising tooth decays. Children of families of the low-income group also faced issues, since they skipped on dental check-ups due to financial problems.

What to do in such cases?

There are various dental programs across different provinces of Canada offering dental care programs. There are also programs to educate the masses on dental hygiene through public health units and community health centers.

Visiting the dentist regularly can help maintain your child’s dental hygiene. Minimizing or avoiding sugar intake for children can help cut down on tooth decays. You can also provide fluoride treatment for your children and learn more about tooth decay prevention from your dentist.

If you would like to learn more about tooth decay in children and also the prevention methods, please feel free to visit our dental clinic in Calgary or Call +1 (403) 252 7733 to book a consult with Dr. Gill our dentists.

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Read more about the article How Can Your Dentist Help You With Oral Hygiene?

How Can Your Dentist Help You With Oral Hygiene?

Oral hygiene is as important as physical hygiene and should be started right from an early age. Overlooking oral health can lead to multiple dental issues requiring several dental treatments.

Some people visit their dentist only when they experience a dental problem, but it is recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for oral checkups. Moreover, the in-house dental care is also an integral part of your oral hygiene, so make sure to complement dental check-ups with your own personal care regimen.

Practice proper oral hygiene regularly

For a healthy mouth, you need to dedicate all the attention it requires to stay healthy. Brushing twice a day isn’t the only way to keep your mouth germ-free. Do it correctly, do it regularly. Daily preventative care can help you avoid serious dental conditions such as gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, etc. There are some steps that we can take to reduce the risk of oral disease such as –

Brushing twice a day: Use the right technique to brush and floss your teeth as suggested by the American Dental Association (ADA) – Tilt your brush at a 45 degree to your gums and stroke the brush back and forth across the sides and top of your dental arch. Then, use short back and forth strokes to gently clean the inside, outside and chewing surface of your teeth. Brushing correctly can help minimize plaque and tartar buildup in between teeth and gums.

Flossing daily: Supplement brushing with flossing. Although brushing helps you clean your teeth, but there are certain areas that the bristles of your brush can’t reach. Dental floss provides in-depth teeth cleaning as it cleans the areas beyond the reach of your brush, which is it removes food particles stuck between teeth and gums. Consult your dentist to know the proper use of dental floss.

Avoid junk food and eat healthy: A healthy diet means a healthy mouth. The most common reason behind tooth decay is consumption of sugary food items such as sweetened drinks, sugar-filled sodas, unhealthy snacks, etc. Diet on healthy, nutritious food to maintain the wellness of your mouth. Even your dentist will recommend you to snack less on unhealthy stuff as junk food not only affects your physical health but also deteriorates oral condition.

Use mouthwash: For additional hygiene, consider adding mouthwash to your daily care regimen. Mouthwash can help keep your mouth clean and smell fresh and nice. But before that, consult your dentist and do what he/she suggests you to.

Change your brush often: Brush bristles start to fall apart over time and this may not be doing the job anymore. It is recommended to change your brush every three months and use the one suggested by your dentist.

Maintaining good oral hygiene prevents periodontal disease and keeps your mouth healthy. Make sure to visit your dentist frequently and he/she can better guide you to follow good oral habits for a long-lasting, healthy mouth.

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Read more about the article Bleeding Gums When Flossing: Should You Call Your Dentist?

Bleeding Gums When Flossing: Should You Call Your Dentist?

Gums are bleeding while flossing, so should you see a dentist? Gum bleeding upon flossing can be a sign of gum decay, infection or gingivitis. If it is left untreated it can develop into serious gum disease, periodontitis, irreversible tissue damage, and may even lead to tooth loss. The early identification and rectification of such signs can save you from significant pain and expense. A timely dental visit can preserve your gum health and oral wellness.

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Read more about the article The Importance of Oral Health of Your Family

The Importance of Oral Health of Your Family

When we talk about health, oral health shouldn’t be ignored. Keeping yours and your family’s oral health well is very important. Dental problems are serious health problems as well and teeth and gum diseases can be a major hindrance in your healthy lifestyle.

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Read more about the article Some Facts About Cavities

Some Facts About Cavities

The most common oral disease in the world is tooth decay. So, here it is, an insight to what happens in your mouth when your teeth start to decay. This post will be helpful for you to know what’s in your mouth naturally and the causes and prevention of tooth decay.

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Read more about the article Reducing The Risk of Tooth Loss

Reducing The Risk of Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can be a common problem. When you lose one or more teeth, it may bring your confidence down and may make you feel insecure. Missing teeth also affect your oral health. There can be various reasons for the loss of teeth, it can be due to any accident or injury, periodontal disease, or extensive decay. There are professional dental treatments that you can undergo to fix your missing tooth problem, but there are a few steps that you can follow yourself to reduce the risk of tooth loss.

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