Care News

5 Signs a Toothache is More than Just a Toothache

January 7, 2019

Pain radiating throughout your mouth, whether it’s minor or almost paralyzing, isn’t a condition anyone should live with. It can be and usually is, an indication of something worse going on beneath the surface. As bad oral hygiene can lead to problems that affect your overall health, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you’re experiencing a toothache. Not sure if the ache in your mouth is something to be worried about? Then read more to find out which five signs indicate that your toothache is something that needs to be treated.

Tooth Sensitivity

The sharp pain felt from eating foods that are too hot or cold is an indication that you have sensitive teeth. In extreme cases, tooth sensitivity can occur from cold air exposure. This symptom can be a tell-tale sign of several oral problems, including cavities, gum recession, an abscess or simply brushing your teeth too aggressively.

Occasional Stabbing Pain

If you’re experiencing stabbing pain in one or more teeth, then you’ve got more than just a minor toothache on your hands. This pain is usually in response to action, such as opening and closing your mouth, chewing, eating extreme temperature foods and more. This is likely due to the presence of a cavity, crack in the tooth or abscess.

Pain While Eating

Constant pain while eating can be an indication of a broken or cracked tooth or decay. While this discomfort can be treated with over the counter pain medication for a certain amount of time, it’s definitely not a long-term solution. An infection can occur and result in severe dental problems. It will get worse over time, guaranteed, so call your dental professional immediately.

Dull Pain

A throbbing sensation in a tooth and its surrounding areas are hints that you’re experiencing dull tooth pain. This sensation can range from slightly annoying to unbearable. Dull, consistent tooth pain can be the result of a cavity or gum disease. If left untreated, you’ll find that everyday chewing will become increasingly unpleasant.

Back Jaw Aches

This is unlike other toothache pain, as an ache in the pack of your jaw is usually a sign that you’re experiencing an impacted wisdom tooth, which is a very common issue. An impacted tooth occurs when a tooth can’t push through your gums because it’s blocked by another tooth. The gum above your impacted wisdom tooth can get infected and result in severe health issues, so don’t leave it untreated.

At Vancity Dental, our staff is dedicated to making sure you and your family are comfortable and at ease during your visit with us. Our expert team is ready to provide you with the treatments you need to ensure a healthy mouth. Our services include cosmetic and general dentistry, teeth whitening, emergency care, dentures, dental implant procedures and more. This Vancouver dental clinic is open to new patients, so call or go online today to book your appointment.

Related: Plaque-What is it? And How to get rid of it?

Taking Care of Braces

December 19, 2018

Having braces comes with a lot of responsibility when it comes to properly take care of them and, by extension, your teeth. Now more than ever, having good oral hygiene is important to keep your teeth healthy, disease and pain-free. If you’ve just got a set of braces implanted, or are about to, then here are a few tips for taking care of them.

Proper Cleaning

Plaque, food particles and bacteria are easily trapped in the metal frames of the braces and teeth. This means that, because of the barrier now present, flossing and brushing requires a bit more finesse then what you may be used too. When brushing with braces, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wire and pins that make up your braces. Do this at least twice a day, or after every meal as dental professionals recommend. Removing food debris may pull on the braces, causing them to detach from the tooth, so be careful.

Flossing is a must when you have braces, as so much can get stuck in your teeth that a toothbrush won’t be able to reach. Floss once a day to ensure a healthy mouth and remove built-up plaque and food. There are many options in terms of flossing tools that work between the wires of your braces. Flossing tape and threaders are available in pharmacies or supplied by your orthodontist or dentist to make the process easier.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods need to be avoided completely to protect the integrity of your braces from damage or detachment. Foods like popcorn, chewing gum, nuts, sticky candies, tough meats and hard foods like the whole, raw fruits and vegetables, can get stuck in your braces, cause soreness in your gums and jawline, or ruin the structure entirely.

Dark coloured beverages like coffee, tea, wine and so on will leave stains on the visible tooth surface if not properly removed through brushing. Because part of your tooth is covered by the brace, that section will not be affected by staining, which will cause discolouration across the tooth once the braces are removed. Either avoid these drinks entirely or brush your teeth after consuming them.

If you’re a nail biter or make a habit of chewing on pencils and other hard materials, you’ll need to stop, as this too can damage your braces.

Regular Orthodontist Visits

You can discuss any problems you may be having or any future concerns during an orthodontic visit. This is also where your orthodontist should properly clean your teeth and adjust your braces. You’ll probably feel a tightness in your mouth or pain in your teeth after an adjustment. This is normal, as your teeth are being pulled unnaturally. The pain shouldn’t last for more than a day or two, but if it gets worse or lasts for a while, contact your orthodontist.

Regular check-ups with your orthodontist don’t replace visiting your dentist. Regular check-ups are necessary to make sure you haven’t developed any cavities or show signs of gum disease.
At Vancity Dental, our highly experienced staff dedicated to making you comfortable and relaxing during your visit. Located in Vancouver, BC, we provide treatment plans that are customized specifically for you. With services that include general cleaning, whitening, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, Invisalign, dental implants and more, call or go online to book your appointment.

Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

October 24, 2018

Have you ever met any adult who looks forward to a dental appointment? What about a child? For most people, young or old, the thought of a masked person inserting sharp tools into your mouth is anything but appealing. At a young age, the idea is more frightening. If the first experience is unpleasant, it’s not easy to convince your little one to look forward to the next.

In some clinics, such as Vancity Dental in Vancouver, proper measures are taken to ensure your child enjoys every dental visit. Great care is taken to ensure a fun, welcoming ambiance that children take to. Below are a few helpful tips to make it easier for your child.

First Appointment

Don’t wait for the first tooth to grow before you take your child. The younger they start on dental care, the faster they will adapt. Start at six months of age, just when the first tooth is visible. Pediatric dental offices ensure that the dentist is experienced in treating kids. They have little tricks and tips up their sleeve to relax them to ensure they don’t develop fears.

Keep Them Away from Your Appointments

It may be tempting to take your kids to your appointments if there’s no babysitter available but that may not be a good idea. The noises, lights, masked doctors and unfamiliar surroundings may overwhelm your child. Children’s dental clinics are designed to appeal to kids but adult clinics can overwhelm your child. If the first dental visit is at your clinic, your child may harbour fears about their own dental appointment when the time comes.

Be Prepared for Anxiousness

Babies and toddlers get anxious. Be prepared to handle their anxiety and bring along some of their familiar, favourite toys to appease them. Few children are comfortable around strangers. Don’t yell at them to keep quiet. Gently calm them and try not to be stressed yourself. Children are quick to pick up behavioural traits and act the same way.

Practice Healthy Dental Habits

Teach your kids how to brush from a young age. Do it for them in the initial months. As soon as their motor skills are better, teach them to take over. This will start them on a good dental hygiene routine so they have a positive association with clinic appointments. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that’s gentle on their gums and plain water to rinse.

Vancity Dental: Dental Care That Your Kids Will Look Forward to

All dentists are not alike, just as all patients are not alike. Consult one who is trained to make your child feel safe and comfortable. Vancity Dental in Vancouver is a high-quality dental clinic equipped with modern tools and technology to provide a smooth, comfortable experience.

Bring your little one to us for the first dental appointment. We are committed to offering the highest quality dental care to ensure a positive association. Our trained pediatric dental specialists offer a human touch that goes beyond your typical dental experience. Give us a try so your child grows up smiling about dental care.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Plaque – What is it? And how to get rid of it?

September 12, 2018

People used to think that tooth loss was a natural part of growing older, but we now know that this is false. Maintaining proper oral care will keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.

One of the quickest ways to ruin your teeth is by leaving plaque on it. These masses of germs stick to your teeth, live in your mouth, and are difficult to see. Some plaque can cause tooth decay while others can lead to gum disease. Inflamed, red or bleeding gums are some of the first signs of gum disease. The tissue holding the teeth in place start to deteriorate when gum disease is left untreated, and the teeth can eventually fall out.

It is difficult to see dental plaque unless it is stained with a dye. It is possible to stain plaque red using disclosing tablets found at drug and grocery stores. You could also use a cotton swab and food colouring to stain plaque. The areas that are stained should be brushed more to remove the plaque. You should stain your teeth regularly to make sure all plaque is being removed. Ask your dental hygienist or dentist if your cleaning technique is useful if you notice stubborn plaque on your teeth.

Floss

One of the best ways to rid your teeth of plaque is by flossing at least once each day. The surface between your teeth is difficult to clean with a toothbrush and mouthwash alone. Plaque left between teeth will eventually become tartar, which is much more difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar is what causes the damage that ultimately leads to tooth loss and decay.

To floss correctly, use a piece of floss that is around 15 to 18 inches long and wrap it around each index finger. Slide it between your teeth and enclose it around the side of the tooth forming a “C” shape. Scrub the side with the floss by moving it up and down and be sure to scrub both sides of the tooth. You can use Super Floss if the space between our teeth is wider than usual. It looks similar to a toothpick and can be used with one hand.

Flossing is a good predictor of health issues. Bleeding gums, for example, are a warning sign telling you there are bacteria causing harm in your mouth. This bacteria can spread quickly throughout your body through your bloodstream, causing illness and inflammation in other parts of your body. Flossing regularly will prevent your gums from bleeding. If it continues to bleed after a week of flossing, you should consult a dentist.

Waterpik

You may be tempted to turn to this device as it is easier than wrapping floss around your fingers, but it is not necessary. This irrigating tool can be hard on your gums; however, it can be handy if you have braces.

Brushing

Ideally, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. The pressure you brush with should be no more than the weight of an orange. Brushing for too long or too hard can cause more harm than good. Be sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride as this protects the teeth from decay. Food residue provides nutrients for germs in your mouth to flourish. It is imperative to remove food residue routinely from your mouth to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Vancity Dental is a complete team of professionals committed to giving you the highest quality general, restorative and cosmetic dental care located in Vancouver. Contact us for more information.