Posts

Am I doing my flossing right?

/in /by

Did you know there is a right and a wrong way to floss? Many patients receive oral hygiene instructions when they are young but do not receive tips or information about their technique later in life to “refresh” their knowledge.

How to FLOSS

  1. Pull 18 to 24 inches of dental floss from the floss dispenser.
  2. Wrap the ends of the floss around your index and middle fingers.
  3. Hold the floss tightly around each tooth in a C shape; move the floss back and forth in a push-pull motion and up and down against the side of each tooth.

We are happy to provide oral hygiene instruction, tips, or answer your questions at your regularly scheduled appointments. Schedule yours today! (604) 936-1263

Whitening – What are the options?

/in /by

There are many different teeth bleaching options available over the counter and in office, but which is best for you?

 

Whitening Strips

Over-the-counter whitening strips like Crest White Strips are a popular option due to their low cost. The strips are sold as a thin, flexible membrane coated with bleaching material that conforms to the shape of your teeth.

Pros:

  • They can be worn comfortably at home or on the go, making them a convenient option.
  • Cost effective

Cons:

  • Not suitable for crooked teeth
  • Often misses the areas between the teeth
  • Saliva can get under the membrane and dilute the bleach
  • Not ideal for a “wide smile” as they are “one size fits all”
  • The strips are prone to slip and slide out of place
  • Low concentration of bleach

Brush-On Whiteners

Often sold in pen style applicators with foam or brush tip applicators, brush-on whiteners are the least expensive option. They are most effective when applied directly after a meal or beverage with high colour content (beets, red wine, etc…). While this product claims to whiten your teeth, they act as more of an “antidote” to new stains.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Convenient

Cons:

  • Does not show meaningful results as a “whitening” tool

Custom Bleach Trays (Opalescense)

Unlike whitening strips, custom bleach trays are made specifically for your teeth and can not be shared with others. First an impression is take of your mouth and model is made of your teeth. Then a tray is formed around the model using a thin, flexible plastic material. The dental office then provides you with concentrated bleaching gel in syringe applicators and instructions on how to use the bleach at home.

Pros:

  • Extremely effective whitening
  • Ideal for people with crooked teeth as the bleach reaches all surfaces of the teeth
  • Long term results, often lasting 6 months or more
  • Concentrated bleach gel often gives drastic results within 2 weeks
  • Shaped to prevent bleach from coming into contact with your gums (when used correctly)

Cons:

  • Can cause sensitivity
  • Significantly higher cost than over-the-counter bleaching solutions due to the medical grade whitening gels

In-Office Whitening (Opalescence Boost)

In-office whitening is performed by your Dentist or Dental Hygienist. A cheek retractor is placed in the mouth to pull your lips and cheeks away from your teeth. Then a protective gel is placed on to your gum line and light-cured to guard your gums from the potent bleaching materials. A layer of whitening gel is painted on to your teeth and left for 20 minutes, then removed and applied again for an additional 20 minutes. Multiple visits may be required for desired results.

Pros:

  • Highest concentration bleach, causing drastic shade changes
  • Quick, sometimes immediate results

Cons:

  • Can cause sensitivity due to high concentration bleach
  • May require multiple appointments for desired results
  • The least cost effective option
  • Some people find the cheek retractors uncomfortable as they stay in the mouth for almost an hour

Dr. Shahriary is happy to discuss your bleaching needs with you. Call today to book a consultation and start your journey to your perfect smile! (604) 936-1263

As us about Opalescence Go! a whitening strip/custom tray hybrid! (604) 936-1263

Why do I need Fluoride?

/in /by

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

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.

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.