Southeast Dental - Dentist in Markham, ON

Address : 70 Karachi Dr, Markham ON L3S 0B5
  Call Us : 905-471-2002

All Posts Tagged: dental health

Getting Your Smile Ready for Summer

Summer just got started, and that means warm weather, cold treats, and lots of sunshine! But while you’re relaxing on the beach or by the pool, sometimes your dental health can take a backseat to the fun of the warmer months. These tips will help ensure that your smile stays healthy all summer long!

Stay Hydrated

Drink lots of water throughout each day – especially on hot days! This is not only to keep your body hydrated, but also to prevent dry mouth that can cause bacteria to grow. Always have water on-hand, especially when you’re outside enjoying the warm weather.

Don’t Overdo the Sweets

There’s something about summer that makes us more likely to consume sugary snacks. Everything in moderation can be safe, and that includes sugar. But be sure not to overdo the sugary foods, and always brush and floss afterwards.

Handle the Cold Treats

What’s better than an ice-cold Popsicle on a hot day? If you suffer from any tooth sensitivity, a popsicle can quickly become a painful choice. Try using toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth, and keep some of the colder options for an occasional treat.

Keep Up Your Routine

Vacations and summer adventures can make it easy to let your daily dental routine fall by the wayside, but it’s important to make sure you continue with your brushing and flossing every day. Make an appointment for a cleaning and a check-up with the dental team at Southeast Dental in Markham to make sure your dental health stays on the right track.

And the most important tip – have a fun summer!

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How Crooked Teeth Can Cause Oral Health Problems

Crooked teeth are very common, especially in children as their adult teeth start to come in. While they’re often seen as an aesthetic issue that some may correct with braces, there are actually other oral health issues that can occur due to crooked teeth that go far beyond just appearance.

Difficulty Cleaning Teeth – When the teeth are too close together, or even overlapping each other, it can be hard to give them a proper clean. Certain toothbrushes and floss helpers can make it easier in some cases, but if there is too much of the tooth’s surface that can’t be reached, it can cause a number of problems, such as cavities and weakened enamel.

Tooth Wear Due to Crowding – Crowded teeth can also create further wear, since they are out of alignment and may rub against other teeth. This is especially common with crowded bottom teeth, which can rub against the backs of the top teeth.

Potential Injuries – If there are teeth protruding outward, it can make it much easier for injuries to occur. Chips and cracks are more common, especially when an accident happens. And when a tooth has left a significant gap, or is simply sticking out, things can also become caught in it – including your lip. This can become quite painful, since it’s likely that the lip will become caught between the teeth repeatedly.

If crooked teeth are causing you problems – appearance or otherwise – Invisalign is an excellent option, especially for those who don’t want braces to be too noticeable. Southeast Dental is Markham offers Invisalign so our patients can achieve the smile they’ve always wanted, without the injuries and potential problems that come with crooked teeth. If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign, we’re happy to help – give us a call at 905-471-2002 or via one of our other contact options.

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What’s Causing Your Toothache?

Tooth pain can occur for many different reasons. In some cases, it’s just a passing discomfort that will go away on its own in a short period of time. But in other cases, it’s more serious and requires proper care. Here are a few reasons you may be experiencing a toothache:

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Dealing with Chronic Gingivitis

Almost everyone experiences gingivitis at some point in their life. It’s very common, and often a result of not flossing enough or brushing gums properly. But for some, the gingivitis never seems to go away. Are you someone with chronic gingivitis?

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Choosing Your Daily Dental Tools

To make the most of your daily dental hygiene, it’s important to be armed with the best tools for your particular needs. Everyone’s mouth is different – and because of this, there is a multitude of dental items to choose from, to ensure every mouth gets the best care.

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All About Sealants

Everyone’s teeth are different – much like fingerprints. For some, the teeth in the back of their mouths have deeper grooves than most people, which can make it easier for bacteria to thrive and result in cavities. While brushing, flossing, and general daily dental hygiene can help, there’s another common solution. Have you heard about sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth. They create a smoother surface that acts as a barrier against food particles, bacteria, and potential cavities. They offer an effective preventative measure against tooth decay.

Often, sealants are used to for children and teens whose adult molars and premolars have come in with particularly deep grooves. Dentists sometimes recommend applying sealants as soon as the new teeth have erupted, to prevent problems. However, adults can also have sealants applied, especially if they did not have them at a younger age.

The sealant process is a quick, simple and painless one. There is no drilling, numbing or anesthetic required. First, the teeth are properly cleaned. Then, once they have been dried, the sealant liquid is painted on the chewing surface and then left to dry for a minute or two while it hardens. Because the application is non-invasive, it is a great option for younger patients.

Once applied to the teeth, they can last from 5 to 10 years with proper dental care. The dentist will be able to monitor them over the years to know if and when they need to be re-applied.

Sealants are not generally visible, unless looking closely at them. They’re often clear or slightly tinted to tooth colour and are not visible like some fillings can be. Sealants can be felt with the tongue, however, as they make the chewing surface smooth and slippery.

If you’re considering sealants for yourself or one of your family members, contact Southeast Dental in Markham for more information. Call 905-471-2002, or one of the other options on our contact page.

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Teaching Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

Once your child is old enough, there comes the task of teaching them how to brush their teeth on their own. While it sounds simple enough to do, that isn’t always the case! We want your kids to have great dental hygiene habits to last throughout their lives, so here are a few handy tips to use when you decide it’s time to teach your child how brush properly.

Choose the Right Tools – While you want to make sure you have the right toothbrush and toothpaste for children, you also want to make brushing fun for them so they’ll want to keep in the habit. Let them choose their toothbrush, maybe with their favourite character on it, and toothpaste in a flavour they’ll enjoy.

Brush With Them – Brushing along with your child as you teach them is not only a great way to show them how you brush your own teeth, but it also makes it a fun bonding experience for them. Kids love copying their parents, so this is the perfect way to learn.

Be Patient – Your child won’t be brushing on their own after one lesson – the process takes time and patience. But the most important part is showing them how to get into a habit of brushing twice every day.

Take Turns Brushing Their Teeth – When a child is learning to brush their teeth, they won’t be doing a thorough job. To make sure they’re still getting a proper clean, take turns! They can practice brushing in the morning, while you brush their teeth at night (or vice versa).

Talk to Your Dentist – The dentist will have even more advice and tips when it comes to teaching your children how to brush. They can also help during regular check-ups by letting the child know what a great job they’ve been doing. Talk to our dental team at Southeast Dental in Markham, and we’ll work together to keep your family’s smile healthy. Call us today at 905-471-2002, or book an appointment online!

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Making Your Teeth Look Their Best

Have you ever looked at a photo of yourself and thought that your teeth weren’t looking as great as they could be? Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint the issue – maybe your teeth are looking a little yellow, your gums seem red and puffy, or they just aren’t as straight as they once were. Whatever your particular case may be, at Southeast Dental we have the solution for a picture-perfect smile.

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Reasons You May Be Experiencing Tooth Pain

There’s no doubt about it, tooth pain can be a terrible experience. From a dull ache to constant throbbing, it’s a pain that can’t be ignored. But do you know what’s causing yours? There are many different reasons for tooth pain, and below we’ve listed the most common causes.

Cavities – Possibly the most obvious cause of tooth pain is from cavities forming in the teeth. This is because the inside of the tooth, which holds the tissues and nerves, has become irritated due to the hole forming.

Receding Gums & Exposed Roots – For some people, gums can recede and cause the sensitive roots to be exposed, creating quite a bit of pain. There are many reasons for gum recession, including brushing too hard, using the wrong toothbrush, and periodontal diseases.

Erosion of Enamel – The protective layer of enamel is an important part of keeping teeth healthy. But acids from food, the stomach, acid reflux, and regular vomiting can wear down that enamel and cause pain as that barrier erodes.

Gum Diseases – Bacteria along the gumline can result in periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis. This can cause inflammation, and when left untreated the infection can affect the root of the tooth and cause further pain.

Bruxism – If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, especially while sleeping, this may be the reason for your pain. We recently posted a blog with some helpful information for those of you who have this problem.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain that isn’t subsiding quickly, it’s best to make a dental appointment to find the cause of the problem and have it dealt with as soon as possible. Our Markham dentistry makes your oral health a priority, and we will work to keep your comfortable while we find the source of your tooth pain. Call Southeast Dental today at 905-471-2002, or book online at your convenience.

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