For older adults, dry mouth might be related to medications.

/in /by

For older adults dry mouth is a common problem. As we begin taking more medications as we age our likelihood of experiencing some degree of dry mouth increases. Medications used to treat urinary incontinence, depression, insomnia, and anxiety, as well as diuretics used to treat high blood pressure are all linked to dry mouth symptoms.

In fact, studies have shown that medications used to treat urinary incontinence were nearly six times more likely to cause dry mouth than a placebo.

This is problematic as dry mouth means you don’t have enough saliva (spit) in your mouth to keep it moist. A dry mouth leads to bacteria growth and a much higher risk of decay and oral infections.

It’s important to inform your dentist of any new medications you are taking so that we can monitor their affect on your oral health. If you are experiencing symptoms of dry mouth it is important to mention it at your next regularly scheduled cleaning appointment.

Call us to set up your next cleaning appointment! (604) 936-1263

 

Bad Breath: Why you have it and how we can help you.

/in /by

When you chow down on your favourite foods, you’re also treating the bacteria in your mouth to a great meal. When they snack on the food left behind after your last meal they release foul-smelling odors as a by-product, causing bad breath.

Cleaning your teeth after every meal greatly reduces smells left behind. This includes brushing, flossing, and using a mouth wash, such as Lysterine.

Certain foods and beverages can also increase the likelihood of bad breath. Things like garlic, onions, coffee, alcohol, and sugary foods and drinks cultivate bad breath. Instead, choose foods high in water content such as carrots, celery, and apples which work like a “natural tooth brush” and scrub plaque bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth. Drinking water regularly also helps by washing away food debris and increasing saliva flow in your mouth.

Morning breath is a problem we all face. During the day our saliva works to wash away food debris and keep bacteria in check, however, at night our saliva production goes down – causing our mouths to become dry and creating the perfect breeding ground for odor.

The best way to keep your morning breath in check is to follow a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing before bed and when you wake in the morning are great preventative measures, but also using a tongue scraper and keeping a glass of water at your bedside to keep your mouth moisturized through the night.

Bad breath is manageable but if the severity doesn’t lessen after taking these preventative steps it may be a sign of a larger problem. Gum disease, diabetes, sinus problems, gastric reflux, and liver or kidney disease can all present bad breath symptoms.

Dr. Shahriary and staff are here to help you with all of your oral concerns. If you’re concerned about your bad breath, come see us for your personalized recommendations!

How Mouth-Guards Help Protect Athletes

/in /by

 

Today one of my Athletic patients asked me about mouth guards and how mouth guards can help to protect her teeth.

Our mission as your family dentist is to improve your oral health and, generally speaking, protect your mouth from any unpredictable injuries and parafunctional habits.

A properly fitted mouth guard must be protective, comfortable, resilient, tear resistant, odorless, tasteless, well fitting, and cause minimal interference to speaking and breathing – a critical aspect of any sport.

Unfortunately, the term “mouth guard” is universal and includes a large range of products from the over-the-counter boil and bite models to the professionally manufactured and custom fit sports mouth guards provided by our practice. GENERIC over-the-counter sports mouth guards DO NOT provide the same protection available from a properly fitted custom made sports mouth guard at our office.

To get a custom fit mouth guard, our patients visit our Coquitlam dental office for two appointments. The first is only 30 minutes long when our assistant takes an impression of your upper and lower teeth using a quick setting polymer gel.  Then at the second appointment, about a week later, we will have you try in the mouth guard and we will adjust any areas of tightness or discomfort.

It’s important to note that all sports mouth guards should be replaced after 24 months or two ‘seasons’ of play because they can wear down over time, making them less effective.

Replacement sports guards are especially important for adolescents because their mouths continue to grow as their teeth develop into adulthood. Many athletes who play different sports order new mouth guards from our dental office every six months as part of their routine dental check-up.

Oral Cancer – Are you at risk?

/in /by

While anyone can develop oral cancer, the risk factor is higher in certain demographics. It is typically diagnosed in patients aged 55-64 and occurs more often in men than women. Gender aside, 70% of people diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy drinkers.

Whether you fit into one of these high risk categories or not, knowing the symptoms and checking your mouth routinely can keep you in charge of your oral health.

When oral cancer is found early and treated (before it has time to spread to other areas of the body) the 5-year survival rate nearly doubles.

You know your mouth best – when something feels unusual it’s best to get it looked at by your Dentist. Take special note of the following:

  • a sore or irritation that does not go away within 3 weeks;
  • red or white patches
  • a lump
  • rough spots on normally smooth areas.

If you do notice any of the above symptoms, Dr. Shahriary would be happy to see you and do an examination.

During your regularly scheduled cleanings Dr. Shahriary will check your mouth for abnormalities, however, if you have specific reasons for concern Dr. Shahriary’s office also offers VELscope screenings – a special light which provides enhanced visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities. This screening can be done during your routine check up and only takes about 2 minutes.

Your oral health is our top priority! Call today for your routine check up. (604) 936-1263

 

Your Best Smile – What are the options?

/in /by

It’s no secret that being self-conscious about your smile affects the first impression you make – walking into a room with a confident smile does wonders for your self-esteem! Dr. Shahriary offers many different options for improving your oral health and giving you your “best smile”.

Tooth Whitening

If your main concerns lie with the colour of your teeth, rather than the shape or any missing teeth the best option is at-home tooth whitening. Dr. Shahriary’s office makes bleach kits which include custom trays (fit for your mouth only) and a concentrated bleaching gel you can take home and use in your own time! This gel is a higher concentration than what you can purchase at your local drug store and is sold only in dental offices.

Veneers

Veneers are a great option if you’re not satisfied with the overall appearance of your teeth. They provide a more uniform and brighter smile, while still looking like your natural teeth. Thin pieces of ceramic are bonded to the front of your teeth in your preferred shape and shade – covering any discolouration, or superficial chips and cracks that you are unhappy with. Dr. Shahriary has taken additional courses for smile design and has learned the latest techniques to give you a “Hollywood smile.”

Implants

Missing teeth can be the biggest source of embarrassment about your smile, especially if it is a front tooth. In years past the only options for replacing missing teeth were fixed bridgework or partial dentures; options which require special care and consideration when eating, flossing, or brushing.  Dental implants look and function like natural teeth without affecting the health of the surrounding teeth.  With over 13 years experience placing dental implants, Dr. Shahriary can confidently give you a new tooth and refreshed smile using the best current methods of implant dentistry.

Total Smile Overhaul

Unhappy with your entire smile? Using a combination of these techniques, Dr. Shahriary and staff are trained to give you the best options to make you smile again. From treatment planning to payment options and coordinating with your dental insurance company, we would like to help you get back your smile confidence!

Call today to set up a consultation appointment and we can help plan a treatment that works for your needs and budget.

(604) 936-1263

Why 1 in 3 Middle-Aged Americans are Embarrassed by their teeth

/in /by

A national poll taken by the University of Michigan on Healthy Aging found that a third of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 have said the condition of their teeth has caused pain, difficulty eating, missed work, and other health problems.

56% of respondents also say that they only seek dental care for serious dental problems. Lack of adequate dental insurance seems to be the main issue as overall, 28% of respondents reported not having any sort of dental coverage. Looking to the future, over half of the respondents did not know how they would obtain dental insurance once they turned 65.

When you visit a dentist, it is the dentist’s job to make you a treatment plan based on your oral health needs. It’s your right to decide whether or not you want to go ahead with any treatment. If you don’t have a dental plan, Dr.Ross Shahriary and staff can help to give you information about the options available to you.

The good news is that by brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly for dental exams (which are less expensive than fixing serious dental problems) you can avoid costly dental treatment.

Seeking A Beautiful Smile

/1 Comment/in /by

A beautiful smile can be life changing. Patients who feel confident in the appearance and health of their smiles tend to achieve their goals and may excel both professionally and personally. Many patients feel dissatisfied with the look of their smiles due to discoloration, chips, cracks, or missing teeth.

Dr.Ross and his team provide personalized cosmetic smile makeovers tailored to your individual goals and concerns. Every patient is treated on an individual basis allowing for optimal results that look and feel like natural teeth.

Dental Technology for better treatment

/38 Comments/in /by

Recent advancements in dental technology have improved the quality and appearance of many dental procedures. Patients enjoy higher quality dental care that fits, feels and functions better. Dental technology allows for less invasive treatments that promote long term oral health and beautiful, confident smiles.

  • Digital X-Rays: Digital x-rays expose patients to significantly less radiation than traditional x-rays. Safer, and more convenient, digital x-rays provide a clear picture of tooth development, overcrowding, or other developing oral health concerns. Digital x-rays are stored on a computer and can easily be transferred to other Union Square dentists when specialty treatment may be required.
  • Laser Dentistry: Lasers have revolutionized dental care. Laser dentistry has eliminated the need for drills, invasive surgery, sutures and long downtimes. Laser dentistry is an effective treatment option for a wide range of dental concerns from gum contouring and dental fillings to periodontal therapy. Laser treatment can reduce swelling and bleed while promoting