The foundation of long-term oral health begins with thorough dental exams and dental cleanings. We encourage patients to ask as many questions as they wish, and regular visits can help catch issues before they become more serious.
Bad Breath Treatment
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath can be caused by eating certain foods and using tobacco products, but the most common cause of bad breath involves the build-up of bacteria in the mouth, causing gingivitis or potentially in the late stages, periodontal disease. Dryness of the mouth can also play a role in developing bad breath.
What can I do about bad breath?
If you are bothered by bad breath, our dentists and hygienists can help diagnose its causes and provide treatment to eliminate its effects. In many cases, regular dental cleanings and proper brushing and flossing are all that is necessary to remove mouth odours.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.
Dental Exams
Why should I have a dental exam?
Dental exams are essential to diagnosing and treating tooth decay and gum disease as early as possible to minimize the chance of needing more invasive, unexpected, or costly dental treatment.
What happens at a dental exam?
There are several different types of dental exams, depending on your needs and if you’ve been to a Dental Choice before:
- New patient or a complete exam
- Recall exam or annual check up
- Emergency or Specific exam
What happens at a new patient or complete exam?
For your first visit to a Dental Choice location, you will have a series of X-rays that will allow the dentist to see visually inside your teeth, the condition of your roots and between the teeth. It will also determine bone loss, root health and the indication of any cysts or growths. The dentist will then complete a visual scan of the teeth, gums and soft tissue and compare it to the X-rays. Looking at the integrity of the teeth for possible decay, damage or any other concerns. They assess the health of the tissues in your mouth by looking for inflammation, bleeding, lesions, oral cancer or any other concerns.
Dentists will feel the glands and lymph nodes in your neck for possible signs of inflammation which could be an indicator of other general health conditions.
The dentist will be recording details of your current dentition including previous dental work like fillings, root canals or dental crowns, and missing teeth. They check the position of your jaw, bite and spacing of your teeth and the impact of the results.
Dentists will explain what they are doing during the examination and ask you questions to get a full understanding of your dental and medical history, as well as your oral health goals. Afterwards, they will provide you with a detailed treatment plan (if required) that aligns with your needs and long-term goals.
If your dentist identifies a problem that is complex or requires specialized treatment; the dentist may refer you to a dental specialist.
Approximately every three years the New Patient Exam format should be repeated for each patient. At this time it is a Complete Oral Exam. This allows for excellent long term treatment planning and comprehensive review at regular intervals.
What happens at a Recall Exam or annual “check up”?
This exam would be for Dental Choice patients. We will start with routine X-rays and any additional X-rays if required. The dentist will utilize these X-rays to assess the health of your teeth, gums and bone, as well as comparing them to your last set of X-rays. They will be looking at the condition of previous dental treatment, as well as any new decay and to confirm the integrity of your teeth.
We will also assess the soft tissue, looking for any early signs of oral cancer or other suspicious growths. Your dentist will look for changes or trends in your teeth and gums, that would not be visible at the first examination. Specific changes that your dentist may be looking for include changes in bone levels, changes in gum inflammation, increase in wear of the teeth, changes in the jaw joint, changes in the bite, and changes in your overall health that may affect the course of future dental treatment.
The value of the recall exam is evaluating patterns and changes that are not evident at the first exam. Many times at the first exam, specific issues are put under “watch” or “observe”. At the recall exam, it may become apparent that these items are in fact completely fine and no treatment is needed. Alternatively, the conditions may have become worse, but with regular recall exams changes are often caught early, keeping treatment minimally invasive. Also, with a recall exam the dentist and hygienist really then has time to get to know the priorities of you and your family. By getting to know those priorities your care will be custom to you and your family for years.
What happens at an Emergency or Specific exam?
Our main goal is to help get you out of pain and we will focus on the area or tooth that is bothering you. We start by taking appropriate X-rays to allow the dentist to see the condition of the tooth, roots and surrounding bone and may need to complete a few tests to confirm the problem. Once completed the dentist will review the findings with you and present treatment possibilities to help you get out of pain.
How much does a dental exam cost?
Most dental examinations are routine procedures. In some cases, patients may end up having variables that impact the pricing for their examination. This may include medical conditions, the use of sedation, or additional treatment requirements such as X-Rays or other analysis techniques. It’s important to note that the cost of regular dental examinations can be far less if issues are caught earlier rather than when they become infected or more damage is done.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.
Fluoride Treatment
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in soil, water, and various foods. It may also be added to municipal water and is found in most toothpaste. In weighing the pros and cons of fluoride for teeth, researchers and dentists have found fluoride provides positive effects on dental health because it makes teeth more resistant to decay. It also can prevent tooth decay or even reverse it.
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) supports using fluoride in dentistry as one of the most highly successful preventative health measures in history. More than 50 years of extensive research worldwide has consistently shown the effectiveness and safety of fluoride in preventing tooth decay.
What does fluoride do and how does it work?
Fluoride not only protects your teeth from decay, but also helps to reduce acid-related enamel wear. Certain acidic foods, such as salad dressings, fruit juices and tomatoes, can dissolve the enamel of your teeth daily. You can counteract acid attacks on your teeth by using fluoride products in your everyday oral hygiene routine.
Who requires extra fluoride?
Children’s teeth need fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay. That’s why Dental Choice hygienists often apply topical fluoride to children’s teeth following routine dental cleanings.
Various situations may require extra fluoride protection, including:
- Taking prescription medications
- Having gum recession
- Getting restorative work
- Getting orthodontic treatment
- Having sensitive teeth
- Getting radiation treatment
Should I get fluoride at my next cleaning?
Many patients can benefit from fluoride treatments. The use of fluoride-containing toothpaste and regular dental visits can provide your teeth with regular protection. If you would like to learn more about fluoride and see if it’s right for you, ask your dentist or hygienist on your next visit.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.
Periodontal Care & Gum Disease
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the supporting tissues around your teeth. These tissues include the gums, the root, the periodontal ligament and the bone. In the early stages of the disease, infection only affects the gums and is commonly known as gingivitis. In the late stages, all the surrounding structures are affected.
What are some of the signs of periodontal disease?
- Red and swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Receding gums and shaky teeth
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is mainly caused by a build-up of bacteria in dental plaque, as well as tartar, which is hardened plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that builds up when foods rich in carbohydrates, such as sugars and starches, are left on the teeth. To get rid of the bacteria, your immune system releases substances that end up damaging the gums, the root, the periodontal ligament, and the bone. This leads to bleeding and swollen gums, a sign of gingivitis. Further damage results in the teeth becoming loose, a sign of periodontal disease.
What are some risk factors that contribute to periodontal disease?
- Smoking: Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for the development of periodontal disease. Also, smoking can lower the chances of successful treatment.
- Hormonal Changes in Women: Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, can make gums more sensitive, making it easier for gingivitis to develop.
- Diabetes: People who have diabetes are more likely to develop infections in their gums.
- Other Illnesses and Treatments: Conditions like AIDS and cancer — and their treatments — can negatively affect the health of gums.
- Genetic Susceptibility: Some people are more likely to develop gum disease than others due to their genetic predisposition.
Who is at risk of getting periodontal disease?
Most people don’t show any signs of periodontal disease until they reach the age of 30 or 40. Men are more likely to develop the disease than women, and teenagers rarely get periodontitis. However, they can develop gingivitis. Most commonly, periodontal disease develops when plaque builds up along and under the gum to an extent where it compromises the structures around the teeth.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Our oral health care professionals remove the plaque using a deep-cleaning method called scaling. Scaling involves scouring off the plaque above and calculus/tartar under the gum. Medications may also be used along with scaling. Depending on how far the disease has progressed, the dentist may recommend surgical treatment. All treatments require the patient to maintain good levels of hygiene at home.
How can you prevent periodontal disease?
You can prevent periodontal disease by maintaining high standards of oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly. Regular dental cleaning visits are important in order to detect gum disease in its earliest stages. We recommend that most patients see a dental hygienist at least once every three to six months. Gingivitis can be treated with non-surgical methods such as thorough cleanings, topical application of disinfectant, or prescription mouthwash. Advanced gum disease may require surgery to repair gums and remove all traces of infection.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.
Teeth Cleaning
Why should I get my teeth cleaned?
Regular dental cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral health and keeping teeth and gums in excellent condition. Our dental hygienists perform comprehensive cleanings (called scaling) to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing and flossing alone can’t get. Getting your teeth cleaned on a regular basis (anywhere from 3-6 months) will help keep tartar at bay.
What happens at a cleaning appointment?
During each dental cleaning appointment at Dental Choice, our Registered Dental Hygienist will scale your teeth to remove tartar and hard deposits found both above and underneath the gum line. Then our hygienists will perform a polish to remove stains and will review if fluoride may be a benefit for you. All the steps performed are done to help keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Can getting my teeth cleaned improve my overall health?
Regular dental cleanings and proper home care are not only important for maintaining oral health, but also for your overall health. Scientific evidence suggests that periodontal disease is linked to other conditions in the body including heart disease and diabetes.
It is believed that gum disease allows the bacteria in the mouth to access the bloodstream. These harmful bacteria can circulate through the body to other systems where they can increase the likelihood of disease. Also, signs of osteoporosis and other conditions may first show up in the mouth.
What if I’m nervous or anxious about getting my teeth cleaned?
Our Dental Hygienists believe in the importance of patient communication and in keeping patients fully informed during each office visit. This is why we encourage patients to ask as many questions as they wish. The team members at each Dental Choice office are aiming to help patients feel at ease during their cleaning and throughout the treatment process. If you have dental anxiety, we have several options to help alleviate your stress including sedation services.
How much does a dental cleaning cost?
Cleanings are considered routine procedures; however, patients may end up having variables that impact the price. Some of these factors include the condition of a patient’s mouth, the use of sedation, and the length of time between previous cleanings.
It’s important to note that the cost of regular dental cleanings is less than more extensive dental procedures. Therefore, it’s helpful to keep up with your preventative check-ups.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.