Importance of Regular Visits

Pain is a very poor indicator of dental health. I see many patients with toothaches and it's usually the same reason: "I broke that tooth awhile ago but it wasn't painful so I left it. But now it's really sore... How do we fix it, Doc?"

Unfortunately now, it's no longer a simple problem with a simple solution. Now we have to place a very deep filling that has a high risk of requiring a root canal treatment or the tooth is abscessed (infected) and needs endodontics or removal. So if you know you have a problem, even if it's not painful, it's a good idea to get it fixed before it starts hurting. It will save you time (shorter procedure), pain (you avoid that toothache) and money (simple procedures cost less than complex ones) and possibly save your tooth!

Good dental hygiene is one of those things that we all know is a healthy thing to do, but it is also easy to put it off or simply not take the time to do correctly.

As well as preventing dental problems, poor oral health has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes (type 2), miscarriage and premature low weight babies.

Benefits of regular visits:

• Prevents cavities, which can lead to root canals or missing teeth
• Prevents bad breath
• Keeps periodontal disease at bay which means you keep your teeth longer
• Keeps your smile looking healthy and great, which means you're more self-confident, too
• May help prevent other health problems, as some studies have found a link between advanced gum disease and heart problems, diabetes and stroke.
• May play a role in preventing or detecting some oral cancers (especially when it comes to getting those regular exams)

Basics of Good Dental Hygiene:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Do not rinse - just spit out the excess toothpaste.
• Brush for at least two or three minutes every time.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months.
• Floss between teeth at least once a day. Remember brushing alone doesn't clean all the surfaces of your teeth.
• Make an appointment with one of our dentists twice a year, unless you have a condition that requires more frequent exams.
• Eat a balanced, low-sugar and low-acid diet, when possible.
• Do not smoke.