Dental Care For Seniors

Name: Vancity Dental
Brand: Vancouver Dental Clinic
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March 13, 2020

Dental care should never be neglected, no matter your age. While many people associate tooth loss with ageing, many seniors now more than ever are keeping their natural teeth longer and that is partially due to practicing good oral health. Good oral habits can go a long way regardless if you have natural teeth, dental implants or dentures. Below we list some reasons why dental care is so important for seniors.

Oral Care And Your Overall health

Researchers have found a link between a number of diseases that can impact seniors’ health. Undiagnosed periodontal disease can increase the likelihood of developing heart problems such as heart disease, respiratory disorder and even stroke.

What Are The Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease?

Itching, swollen and bleeding gums
Loose teeth
Shifted teeth
Bad breath
Receding Gums
Dry Mouth

Dry Mouth And Senior Citizens

Dry mouth is not only a symptom of periodontal disease, but it’s also an uncomfortable condition that is popular among senior citizens. It can be caused by medications or health treatments like radiation therapy that is usually undergone by cancer patients.

Sensitivity And Senior Citizens

As we age, so do our teeth and they may become more sensitive over time. Gums naturally recede over time, and ex[pse the parts of your teeth that are not protected by enamel. If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, you should try using an antigenicity toothpaste. If the sensitivity persists you should schedule a visit with your dentist because sensitive teeth could be a sign of bigger issues, such as cavities or cracked/fractured teeth.

Maintaining Good Oral Health Is About Prevention

The key components of maintaining good oral health are regular teeth maintenance (i.e. regularly visiting the dentist, and regular brushing and flossing).

For extra protection, we suggest the following:

Get an antimicrobial mouthwash, which will help prevent and fight off periodontal disease.

Get a water flosser or one-handle flosser to help you remove food or debris stuck in between your teeth.

Get a powered wide handle toothbrush that will allow you to brush at the suggested 45-degree angle.
Clean your dentures regularly (twice a day) with warm water and brush them with denture paste.
Make sure that you are replacing your dentures every six to seven years.
Track any changes in your mouth and make sure to bring up any areas of concern with your dentist.

For all of your oral health needs, look no further than Vancity dental. Our team of highly qualified dentists aim to help you get your oral care on track. Despite the current state of your oral health, we can help diagnose your concerns, and help you determine the best course of action. Contact us today!

4 Tips for Winter Oral Care

February 4, 2020

Caring for Sensitive Teeth

When eating ice cream, popsicles, or drinking cold beverages, you may find that your teeth experience sharp and aching discomfort. If that’s the case, try not to suck in cold air when you’re outside in the cold. You can also use a specially formulated toothpaste (specific for sensitive teeth) or rinse out your mouth with saltwater. Using a softly bristled toothbrush helps with avoiding any agitation to your gums. You also want to avoid highly acidic foods. If you find yourself grinding your teeth at night or in general, consider getting a mouthguard.

Cold Sores

There are several reasons that cause cold sores. Cold weather, a weak immune system, stress, and fatigue are just a few things that may signal you have a cold sore. If you feel like one is starting to formulate on your mouth, do whatever you can to keep your hands away from your mouth. Generally speaking, bacteria are literally everywhere. No matter how many times a day you wash your hands or take a shower, we are all constantly in contact with bacteria. The last thing you want is to make the cold sore worse by touching it. Make sure you put a lip ointment or topical treatment to stop it from getting worse.

Chapped Lips

This is one of the most common ailments people deal with during the winter. There are several different remedies for chapped lips, including staying hydrated, using a humidifier, moisturizing, etc. The best option is to invest in a lip balm that contains SPF+ in order to ensure they’re protected. It’s also important to remember that your body moisturizes from the inside out. With that being said, make sure you’re staying hydrated and drinking anywhere between three to four litres of water a day.

Taking Care Of Your Cavities

It’s easy to get lost in the sweets that are offered to you during the winter/holiday season. It’s one of the things everyone looks forward to. But be careful! Too much of these sweet treats can result in a trip to the dentist that isn’t so pleasant. The best thing you can do is ensure you brush two to three times a day, floss after every meal. Drinking water will help you rinse away the particles and keep you hydrated, so why not knock to birds out with one stone. Certain foods can help improve the calcium levels of your teeth, including cheese, vegetables, and fruits.

Advantages Of Single-Tooth Dental Implants

January 24, 2020

Unfortunately, losing one or two adult teeth is a common, unfavourable part of ageing. This is a frustrating occurrence and can extend beyond being just a cosmetic issue to a painful, daunting oral health issue. Failing to have the missing tooth replaced can cause further damage. That is why many choose to have a single-tooth dental implant procedure to replace the missing tooth to restore their smile, confidence and oral health.

If you have lost a tooth or need to have one extracted, it is important to understand how and why a single-tooth dental implant is a viable solution for you.

Single-Tooth Dental Implants Explained

Dental implants are an effective, long-term solution for missing or extracted teeth. The dental treatment involves the use of a titanium rod that is fastened into the jaw in the remaining hole from the extracted or missing tooth. Joined to the top of the titanium rod is a “saddle” for a crown. The crowns are custom-fitted and applied to the area perfectly and the colour of the implant successfully matches the shade of the rest of your natural teeth. Single-tooth dental implants are so popular and successful because it is a quick procedure that can be completed in one dental appointment.

Advantages of Single-Tooth Dental Implants

Single-tooth dental implants and dental implants, in general, offer several benefits compared to other teeth replacement treatments. Here are a few of the advantages of this dental implant procedure:

Improved Speech: When you lose a few teeth or have dentures that do not fit your mouth properly, you may find yourself slurring your words or mumbling. Dental implants will not slip in your mouth to cause you to slur as the implant is anchored in.

Improved comfort: Having a hole in your mouth can make the area susceptible to bacteria and foods, which can build-up inside and cause an infection. The single-tooth implant is secured into the area which eliminates your discomfort and prevents the disease from developing.

Easier eating: It can be difficult to chew properly and comfortably with missing teeth and irritate the hole where the tooth used to be. Chewing can be extremely difficult and uncomfortable, but with the dental implant that functions exactly like the rest of your teeth, you can enjoy eating your favourite foods without a problem.

Convenience: Removable dentures are an annoyance because they are removable! Anchored down, durable dental implants stay secured so you do not have to worry about them falling out when you are eating or speaking. You also do not have to be worried about the messy adhesives that dentures require to keep them secured.

Vancity Dental is a comprehensive dentist clinic in Vancouver, BC, committed to providing our patients with full-service dental care. From general, restorative, cosmetic and emergency dental care, our dental clinic covers it all! Our team of dental professionals is committed to enhancing your smile, improving your oral health and helping you achieve optimal dental health every day! Book your appointment with us today.

How to Insert and Remove Your Invisalign

January 13, 2020

If you’re having trouble inserting and removing your aligners, you’re not alone and it’s actually quite common for patients to have difficulty putting them in and also taking them out. The right information will help make both tasks a breeze so keep these tips in mind so that you know exactly what to do!

When it comes to inserting your aligners, the first thing you need to know is that you have to start with your front teeth first and then work your way towards the back. Only when the tray is covering your teeth fully and properly should you proceed by using your thumbs to seat them firmly in place. If after doing this you still feel as though it’s not perfectly seated do not try to bite it into place regardless of how tempting or easy it may seem because this will cause your aligners to break or bend, both of which you definitely want to avoid. Instead of biting, use a soft chewing device, known as chewies, to help you seat them properly.

It’s also very important to remember not to force anything because this too will result in damage. If you feel as if your aligner feels strange or just doesn’t fit right, it’s possible that it may have folded which is common. If you see that this is the case, simply remove it and unfold the area so that it’s facing outwards and try again. Unfold it gently and this should do the trick.

When it comes to the removal of your aligners you must do the opposite; start at the back and work your way forward. The trick is to flick the tray downwards using your finger which will release it making it a lot easier to get a hold of. You must do this on both sides of your mouth and if you feel that the tray has been released you’ll then be able to grab both sides and pull it down and forward over each of your teeth. Doing it gently is the key so that it’s done correctly and applying unnecessary force is never the answer as it can result in a torn aligner or possibly even break off any attachments you may have on your teeth.

Every patient is unique but we all have difficult or crowded areas in our mouths and gently rocking or wiggling the tray to remove it from these challenging areas will help. Another thing you should keep in mind is that a dry mouth makes the removal process a lot easier so do your best not to drink something right before you remove your aligners as this will make things more challenging.

Vancity Dental is an experienced and reputable dental clinic in Vancouver, BC who can help answer all of your Invisalign and teeth whitening inquiries. For a dentist, you can trust contact us today!

Taking Care of Your Teeth as You Age

November 20, 2019

Taking care of your teeth is important at any age, but it becomes even more important as you start to get older because of the different factors that can lead to additional oral health problems. Many of these factors may not have been an issue before, but the older you get, the more responsibilities you will have in regards to dental health. Taking care of your gums and teeth must be a priority so that you avoid deterioration and pain, which can occur as you age.

Teeth are naturally strong, but over time, your oral health will decline for a number of reasons, including grinding, gnawing and crunching. Acidic foods, lack of fluoride and tobacco use will also contribute to the decline of your teeth. The reality is that the older you get, the more wear and tear your teeth will experience.

Cavities must be addressed immediately because those over the age of 65 are very susceptible to them because of the natural weakening of the enamel. While you can’t slow down this process you can help by brushing and flossing regularly and taking advantage of fluoride found in toothpaste and mouthwash.

For many seniors, medications become a part of their routine because as you age, you will face more health problems. While medication helps, it also impacts your oral health because it causes dry mouth, which is a common side effect. Lack of saliva will cause your mouth to feel uncomfortable, lead to bad breath, cause difficulty swallowing and increase the risk for tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. Drinking more water is important and will help with these issues.

As you age, it’s also common to experience reduced nerve sensitivity, making it more difficult to detect pain or discomfort. This means that a problem may become a lot worse before you are able to notice it and this is never good when it comes to oral health because early detection is crucial and can make a big difference. For this reason, regular checkups are extremely important so that your dentist can monitor your mouth and detect any problems you may not notice right away. This will also allow them to fix it before it gets worse.

Brushing and flossing twice a day should be a mandatory part of your daily routine and as much as it helps to do this at home, professional cleaning by a reputable dentist will make a world of difference. Dentists can complete deep cleanings that you would not be able to do on your own and their knowledge allows them to detect problems early on.

Vancity Dental is a wonderful dental clinic in Vancouver, BC, that can help keep your mouth and teeth healthy. They can also help with teeth whitening and offer Invisalign, so for all of your oral health needs, contact Vancity Dental today!

The Benefits of a Single-Tooth Dental Implant

March 1, 2019

If you’re missing a tooth and are looking for a long-lasting solution, then consider talking to your dentist about dental implants. A single procedure will result in decades of smile relief. The number of benefits that come with having a dental implant placed in your mouth is astonishing and we’re here to share those with you today.

A Natural Smile

One of the main reasons patients want dental implants is to improve their smile. A missing front tooth can make someone feel insecure about their smile, which is why dental implants are shaped and coloured to fit seamlessly into the mouth. No one will be able to tell the implant from the real teeth.

Reinforced Bite

As a dental implant is anchored into your jawbone, you don’t have to worry about accidentally shifting it when eating an apple or other hard food. You can chew confidently during a meal, using the same amount of pressure as you would with your other teeth.

Prevents Facial Sag

This might not be as prominent when replacing a single tooth as it would be with a larger section of teeth, but your face will shift slightly when you lose a tooth, especially over time. You don’t have to worry about the entire structure of your face changing from one or two lost teeth but it’s better to have them replaced anyway to prevent slight shifting.

Simple to Clean

You don’t have to worry about giving your dental implant special treatment when it comes to cleaning. In fact, as long as you brush your teeth and floss on a regular basis (two times a day), then your implant will be fine.

Prevents Cavities

As artificial teeth are typically made for porcelain or ceramic, not an organic material, you won’t have to worry about cavities growing in the dental crown. However, that doesn’t mean that cavities won’t grow in the rest of your natural teeth, so it’s still important to practice good oral hygiene.

Won’t Slip Out

It’s often the fear with false teeth that they’ll fall out at the most embarrassing times. However, when you have a dental implant, the mechanism itself is drilled and secured into your jaw bone. The artificial tooth that’s displayed above the gum line will be screwed into the implant, making it impossible for the tooth to fall out or shift.

Supports the Surrounding Teeth

While initially having a missing tooth won’t disrupt the surrounding teeth, that won’t be the case for long. Eventually, the teeth around the gap will begin to shift, causing misalignment. Getting a dental implant will keep your remaining teeth, and your overall smile, straight.

Named the best cosmetic dentists in Vancouver, Vancity Dental is packed with highly trained professionals that are dedicated to making your treatment as comfortable as possible. Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, our dental clinic provides services like general cleaning, teeth whitening, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and more to new and current patients. Call us today or visit our website to book your appointment.

The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

January 16, 2019

While we know the obvious benefit of teeth whitening is that your teeth become whiter with each treatment, there are other benefits specific to getting your teeth professionally whitened that we’re about to dive into.

Strong Whitening Experience

If you’re looking for a thorough teeth whitening treatment that hits all your target areas and concerns in a short amount of time, then going to a professional is your best option. Just as getting your teeth cleaned at your dentist in a more intense experience than simply brushing at home, the same goes for teeth whitening. Effective and quick results are guaranteed when you go to a reputable source.

Customized Treatment for You

It’s ‘one size fits all’ when you invest in store-bought teeth whitening kits. It’ll never provide you with the perfect fit, no matter how many products you try. This is why having your teeth whitened by a professional will provide you with the best outcome. They’ll personally customize each aspect of the treatment to your specifications.

Safe Treatment

Whitening your teeth at home holds a higher risk of damage than having them professionally done. Over-the-counter whitening strips and kits are strong, and as they aren’t placed precisely on the teeth, you can easily cause damage to your gum tissues. If used frequently, you’ll also wear down your tooth’s enamel and cause sensitivity. As enamel can’t be regrown, it’s important you go to a dentist to have this treatment done for the best results.

Grooming Method

It’s a simple way to appear put together on a daily basis without actually needing to be done every single day. Whitening your teeth every day can damage your enamel and weaken your teeth. So don’t go overboard with the whitening strips.

Makes You Look Successful

Flashing your bright smile without reserve is a sign of confidence. Whether you need a boost at work or in your personal life, getting your teeth professionally whitened will tell others that you care about yourself and your appearance. There’s a reason why highly successful individuals take the time to get their teeth whitened. Brighter teeth also make you seem more trustworthy and dependable, which is definitely something that can impact your career in a positive way.

Mentally Happy and Healthy

Having a whiter and brighter smile is a cause for celebration! In the form of smiling more that is. Research has shown that smiling more can actually affect how happy you’re feeling, raising your serotonin levels in some cases. Properly taking care of your teeth and keeping them pearly white is also a sign of mental clarity and is usually accompanied by healthy gums.

If you’re looking for a highly experienced dental practice located in Vancouver, British Columbia, then Vanity Dental is the place to go! With a staff that’s dedicated to providing a comfortable and efficient experience and customized treatments specific to each patient, what’s stopping you from making an appointment? Our dentists offer services that include general cleaning, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and more. Call us today or visit our website to book your next check-up.

Partial Dentures: What to Expect After Getting Them

January 14, 2019

Partial dentures are a great option if you are looking to fill a few gaps in your current smile and obtain the teeth you’ve always wanted. Partial dentures are fully removable and the dental apparatus simply attaches to your existing teeth. It is also more cost-effective than permanent implants which can cost a fortune.

If partial dentures are something you are considering, here are a few things you can expect after getting them.

They will feel a little strange initially until you get used to having something new in your mouth. As they are an addition, it will take time for the partial dentures to feel natural. It is normal for them to feel bulky at first but over time, they will feel perfectly fine and comfortable. It is also very normal for you to have to practice putting them in and removing them until you figure out how to do so without forcing them in place or inserting them too roughly. The last thing you want is to bend or break the attachments!

Eating will also be tricky at first, but over time, it will feel completely normal. Once your partial dentures are in place, it would be wise to start with soft foods that can be cut into small pieces until you get the hang of it and can go back to your regular food routine. Avoid hard foods until you’re ready and if necessary, you can use a little bit of adhesive if you like to help the dentures stay in place. Your dentist will provide you with all the necessary information regarding this matter and as long as you follow the instructions, you will be just fine!

Some people will experience difficulty with their speech as with the other aspects mentioned above, this too will fade over time and you will feel comfortable talking again in a short period of time. A great trick is to read out loud to yourself and practice words you are having difficulty with and you will see that you will be speaking comfortably again in no time!

While you can sleep with your partial dentures in place, it is a better idea to remove them at night so that your gums can relax and you can insert them again in the morning. Placing the dentures in water or a solution overnight will help maintain its shape. Cleaning your dentures is always a good idea. In fact, you could say it’s a must. This will ensure the longevity of the dentures as well as good hygiene which is always a plus.

Vancity Dental will help you get the smile you have always wanted! If you are looking for a dentist or a new dental clinic in the Vancouver area, then Vancity Dental is who you need to contact! Whether you require cleaning, dentures, crowns or implants, they will take care of all your dental needs! Don’t waste any more time and give them a call today so you can start showing off your beautiful smile! You can visit their new dental clinic, which is located in Vancouver, BC.

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.

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.

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