Summer may not be quite over yet, but with September getting closer that means it’s almost time for back-to-school! This time of year can be a chaotic one, with so much to do to get the kids ready for another school year – so to help make things a bit easier for parents, we’ve put together a few tips to make sure dental problems aren’t part of your new school year stress.
Southeast Dental - Dentist in Markham, ON
Address : 70 Karachi Dr, Markham ON L3S 0B5
Call Us : 905-471-2002
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What Not to do When it Comes to Your Teeth
You may have great teeth, and the perfect daily dental health routine – brushing twice per day, flossing daily, maybe even using mouthwash to rinse. But there could still be some bad habits or behaviours that can negatively affect your oral health, and you may not even realize it!
Using Teeth As a Tool – When items come in hard to open packages, it can seem like a good idea to use the strength of your teeth open them. In fact, this is a good way easily to chip or break a tooth. And when there is any type of opening, tooth decay can take over.
Biting Nails – Nail biting is a bad habit on its own, but it’s also terrible for your mouth. Teeth can very easily be chipped, cracked, or ground down due to nail biting. It has also been found that people who habitually bite their nails (or other items, such as pencils) may be at an increased risk for bruxism, also know as teeth grinding.
Mouth Piercings – Certain oral piercings can make big trouble within the mouth. Lip, tongue, and labret rings can cause wear to the gums and teeth, as well as potential infection, bleeding, and swelling. We would never tell you not to get a piercing – but know the risks before you commit.
Over-Whitening – While everyone would love to have pearly white teeth, there is such a thing as over-whitening – especially when it isn’t done in a professional office. Over-bleaching your teeth may cause tooth pitting or nerve damage, so it’s important to always have teeth whitened professionally. At Southeast Dental in Markham, we offer safe, effective, in-office whitening. To book an appointment to have your teeth safely whitened, give us a call at 905-471-2002, or easily book online.
Oral Health and Cancer Treatment
Undergoing treatment for cancer is an extremely difficult process for a person, one that comes with a great deal of impact of on the body. The mouth is no exception. In fact, cancer care affects dental health more than you’d expect – treatments like chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, making your mouth susceptible to infection. Radiation sometimes damages salivary glands, which can lead to dry mouth and even higher instances of tooth decay. But there are ways to make these issues less painful, and sometimes prevent them completely.
The Flossing Debate – Is it Effective, or Not?
In the past year, there have been new studies coming out that have deemed flossing to be an unnecessary task – according to some, flossing doesn’t actually improve dental health at all. But there is some debate among dentists, and most continue to recommend daily flossing to their patients. Here’s why:
Haven’t Had a Dental Visit in Awhile? Here’s What to Expect
While it is recommended that you visit the dentist regularly, there are also many reasons why some people don’t – lack of dental coverage, a busy schedule, and even fear of the dentist can all play a part. But if you’ve made the decision to make a dental visit after a very long dental hiatus, it can be a bit of a process. Here are some things you can expect on your first visit back.
Sleep Habits & Your Dental Health
It’s common knowledge that sleep plays a large role in the body’s overall health. But did you know it can also affect your oral health? It’s true – getting enough hours of sleep each night is important for your dental health, and a lack of sleep can sometimes be harmful. On the other hand, some dental problems are known to negatively affect your sleep as well. Here are a few ways that sleep influences your dental health, and vice versa:
What Are Gum Pockets?
Have you ever been told that you have gum pockets, or periodontal pockets? You may be wondering what they are, and what that means for your dental health. Gum pockets are caused by gingivitis, when tartar creates inflammation in the gum tissues. The swelling can then result in a pocket forming between the tooth and gums, which becomes a potential breeding ground for bad bacteria to thrive.
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!
How Southeast Dental Creates a Comfortable Experience
Not everyone loves visiting the dentist. Dental offices are often associated with being cold, clinical, and uncomfortable. That’s why at Southeast Dental in Markham, we strive to be a dental office where our patients will feel relaxed, and enjoy coming in for their appointments. If you’ve never visited Southeast Dental before, here’s what you can expect:
Spring Cleaning Your Oral Health Routine
It may be June already, but it’s never too late to do some spring cleaning! So why not spring clean your oral health? Tackle some items you may have been ignoring and get your smile ready for the warm-weather months. Here are a few things you can do to spruce up your dental care: