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How to encourage good oral hygiene in kids

The more knowledge you can give your kids about dental hygiene, the more likely they are to continue good habits into adulthood – but that doesn’t mean teaching them needs to be boring! There are many great resources available and experiments you can do at home to spark interest in your child.

Show them the plaque that is forming on their teeth by making your own “plaque disclosing solution”. Mix 3-4 drops of red food dye in 3 tablespoons of water and have your child “swish” the solution around like a mouthwash for 10 seconds. Once they spit it out, look in a magnifying mirror and find all the red areas (indicating plaque). Have your child brush their teeth then repeat swishing the solution again to show how much plaque was removed by brushing.

Read to them; there are many great children’s books available about brushing, flossing, and “sugar bugs”.  Click the link to see the 10 Best Children’s Books on Brushing your Teeth as chosen by Babble: https://www.babble.com/crafts-activities/the-10-best-childrens-books-on-brushing-your-teeth/

Demonstrate how to brush your teeth properly – especially in toddlers when they are most interested in copying everything mom and dad do!

Let them try brushing your teeth! Not only is this a great bonding experience, it gives your child a close-up, tactile experience with teeth and gums. Don’t forget to brush again after!

Play Music when brushing. Not only does it make brushing more fun, it encourages kids to brush the full length of the song or the recommended 2 minutes.

Let them pick their own toothbrushes and fun flavoured toothpaste. Toothpaste doesn’t need to be mint flavoured to be effective! Why not let them pick a brush with their favourite character and some toothpaste that tastes like berries or bubblegum!

 

To book your family in for their next cleaning appointment, call today! (604) 936-1263

 

What to pack for lunch – the best snacks for your teeth

Your oral health is important to your overall health and the first thing to decline when you eat a poor diet is your oral health. To ensure you’re choosing the best food for your teeth pick snacks that are rich in fiber, water, calcium, and protein. The top 7 foods as recommended by the American Dental Association are:

Cheese – Rich in calcium and protein, cheese also raises the pH in your mouth by increasing saliva production.

Yogurt – Like cheese, yogurt is high in protein and calcium. It also contains probiotics which are great for your gums as they block out the bad bacteria from forming

Leafy Greens – They’re full in vitamins, folic acid, and calcium which helps build your enamel!

Apples, Carrots, and Celery – High in fiber and water, they also help saliva production through the action required to chew them so thoroughly. Because they are so fibrous they also stimulate your gums in a similar way to brushing

Almonds – A great source of calcium and protein while being low in sugar

When it comes to beverages, the best choice is always water. Remember, a healthy smile is your first step towards better overall health.

Call or email today to book your next appointment!

We’re a Family Practice with Long-Term Staff!

Even our receptionist, Dani, has been coming to our office for 27 years!

We’d love to see you and your family for your next dental appointments. Call today! (604) 936-1263

 

 

 

Why are my teeth YELLOW?

Some of us have naturally beautiful, bright white smiles – but for the rest of us, we’re left wondering: WHY are my teeth so YELLOW?

A number of factors contribute to the yellowing of our teeth:

Age

As we age the hard outer layer of our tooth (called enamel), gets thinner from brushing, eating, etc… As the enamel thins more and more of the soft, darker core of the tooth (called dentin) shows through.

Food and Drink

Intense colour pigments called chromogens that attach to the white, outer shell of your tooth (enamel) also cause staining. Coffee, tea, red wine, and beets are some of the worst culprits.

Medications

Certain medications have the unfortunate side effect of darkening and staining teeth. Antihistamines, antipsychotics, high blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy all may discolour teeth.
Commonly, young children or babies who are prescribed tetracyclines and doxycycline when their teeth are still forming may have discoloration of their adult teeth later in life

Trauma

Trauma to your teeth may cause them to change colour as the body’s reaction to tooth trauma is to lay down more dentin. As dentin is the darker layer under your enamel it begins to show through more.

Tobacco

Tar (which is naturally dark) and nicotine (which is colourless until it’s mixed with oxygen) are both chemicals found in tobacco products.

If you’re unhappy with your yellow smile Dr. Shahriary’s Office offers several different options to whiten and brighten your teeth! Call Today (604) 936-1263

Why do I need Fluoride?

Anyone who has seen their Dentist for a regular cleaning and check up knows that a fluoride treatment will be offered at the end of the appointment, but why?

Fluoride reduces the ability of plaque bacteria to produce acid, and repairs tooth decay by building up the tooth in a process called remineralization. In fact, the occurrence of cavities has significantly dropped since the 1960’s after the American Dental Association approved the use of Crest’s first fluoridated toothpaste.

While it is important to use a fluoride toothpaste regularly, having a higher dose of concentrated fluoride treatment at your dental cleaning appointments is the most effective way to prevent decay.

If you have any questions about fluoride or you’re ready to schedule your next cleaning and check up, give us a call! Dr. Shahriary and his staff would be happy to help!

604-936-1263

Gingivitis – Are You At Risk?

Gingivitis is a term many of us have heard before, but many of us do not know our risk factor or how to identify symptoms!

While gingivitis is a “non-destructive” type of periodontal disease, it can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis is a much more serious disease which can lead to tooth loss.

Many patients do not even know they have a form of gingivitis as the symptoms can be mild. Thankfully, mild cases can be resolved at home with improving your oral hygiene habits by brushing and flossing more frequently, and including an antiseptic mouth rinse (such as Lysterine) in your dental routine.

Know the Symptoms of Gingivitis:

  • bright red or purple gums
  • tender gums that may be painful to the touch
  • bleeding from the gums when brushing or flossing
  • bad breath, or “halitosis”
  • inflammation, or swollen gums
  • receding gums
  • soft gums

Some people are at higher risk of periodontal diseases, including people with cancer, HIV, and diabetes. Other risk factors include smoking, poor diet, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and the menstrual cycle), age, family history, and certain medications.

Proper dental care is the most effective way to reverse periodontal disease.

The first step to a healthy mouth is to come in for a hygiene appointment. One of our friendly hygienists will remove the built up plaque and tartar from your teeth by scaling or root planing. This can be uncomfortable if your build up is extensive or your gums are inflamed and sensitive, however, we will take the utmost care to make this appointment as comfortable as possible. You will receive instruction on how to properly floss and brush your teeth, and a follow-up appointment will be made for your next cleaning.

If left untreated, periodontitis can have serious repercussions:

Complications of untreated periodontal disease:

  • abscess or infection in the gingiva or jaw bone
  • periodontitis, a more serious condition that can lead to loss of bone and teeth
  • recurrent gingivitis
  • trench mouth, where bacterial infection leads to ulceration of the gums

Furthermore, several studies have linked periodontal disease to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Other studies have also found periodontal disease to be a risk factor for lung disease.

If you believe you have mild-severe periodontal disease, call today to book an appointment with Dr. Shahriary and our talented hygienists. (604) 936-1263