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Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, which can progress into periodontitis (periodontal disease) if it goes untreated by your family dentist. However, it’s not all bad news if you start to notice the signs and symptoms of gingivitis — in fact, many patients are able to reverse gingivitis if they take the right precautions and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, we provide gum disease treatments for patients who are suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have symptoms. That being said, here are some steps to take if you have early-stage gum disease.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL DENTIST

We are fortunate to live in a time where we have access to all kinds of information at the touch of a finger, but this often leads people to self-diagnose when it comes to dental problems like gingivitis. However, if your gums start to cause you pain, looking up your symptoms is a good place to start. The most prominent symptoms of gum disease in its onset are gum recession (revealing more of your teeth, making them look longer), inflamed gums that are red, tender, and bleed easily, loose teeth, painful chewing, heightened tooth sensitivity, and bad breath that doesn’t go away with normal brushing and flossing. If you have one or more of these symptoms, it’s time to visit your family dentist for a professional teeth cleaning and full dental exam.

ADJUST BRUSHING & FLOSSING HABITS

If your dentist concludes that you are developing gingivitis, they will discuss treatment options with you in order to help reverse the damage it has done to your teeth and gums. Most often, gingivitis is a result of poor oral health, whether that be neglecting to brush and floss, not visiting the dentist, smoking cigarettes, binge drinking, or a combination of these factors. When plaque builds up on your teeth and gumline due to negligence, it turns into tartar, a calcified deposit that eats away at the tooth enamel and can only be removed with specialized dental tools via tooth scaling. Then, it’s up to you to maintain good brushing and flossing habits to keep the plaque at bay. Ideally, you should be brushing your teeth at least twice per day (for a duration of two minutes), as well as flossing daily.

INVEST IN ANTIBACTERIAL TOOTHPASTE & MOUTHWASH

When you visit our Ottawa dental clinic, our dentists may recommend an antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash if you have gingivitis. These oral health products help to fight bacteria and plaque throughout the day and night for long-lasting protection. Bacteria can hide in spaces that are hard to reach, like along the gumline and between crowding teeth, and an anti-gingivitis toothpaste and mouthwash can help eliminate it. If you are interested in learning more about gingivitis treatments and over-the-counter oral care products, our dentists and dental hygienists would be happy to discuss this with you at your next Emergency Dentist appointment.

BOOK YOUR NEXT DENTAL EXAM IN OTTAWA AT TRILLIUM DENTAL

Of course, prevention is key when it comes to gingivitis, tooth cavities, and other painful dental problems. So, make sure to prioritize your oral health with regular visits to the dentist and thorough brushing and flossing, as well as limiting the sugary foods that feed harmful mouth bacteria and turn into plaque. At Trillium Dental, we care about your oral health, and our dentists are here to aid in gingivitis prevention and provide gum disease treatments for our patients. Contact us today for more information, check out our eight locations in Ottawa, or book an appointment online!

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These days, there are thousands of different teeth whitening kits and treatments to choose from, making it hard to determine how to safely and effectively whiten your teeth at home. For example, there are natural teeth whitening treatments that involve baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, there are over-the-counter teeth whitening products, like Crest Teeth Whitening Strips, and there are do-it-yourself (DIY) teeth whitening kits that utilize teeth whitening gel and a blue light. Some methods work better than others, and often, it’s worth it to schedule a professional teeth whitening treatment with your dentist. However, at Trillium Dental in Ottawa, we offer both in-clinic and take-home teeth whitening kits, so here are a few tips and tricks for teeth whitening at home.

RESEARCH THE BEST TEETH WHITENING PRODUCTS

The first step in ensuring that you get the best teeth whitening product available is by doing a little research. Look up dentist-approved teeth whitening kits online, or give your family dentist a call to see what method they recommend. More often than not, your local dental clinic will have some form of take-home teeth whitening kit for you to try, so you can drop by anytime or pick one up at your next dental exam. If you’re planning on ordering a teeth whitening kit online, be sure to also check out customer reviews and read the safety label before making your purchase.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

SET ASIDE ENOUGH TIME

One of the biggest mistakes people make when doing teeth whitening at home is that they don’t allocate enough time to get it done. In most cases, teeth whitening gel should sit on your teeth for an hour, and many teeth whitening products say to repeat this process every day for a week or more until you’ve reached the desired results. So, if you’re getting ready for a wedding, graduation, or some other special event, don’t leave your teeth whitening until the last minute. If the instructions say to do a series of one-hour increments, start the week prior to your event so you learn how to whiten teeth safely and know what to expect.

BE GENTLE WITH YOUR GUMS

It is not uncommon for people to experience some gum irritation and tooth sensitivity when they do teeth whitening at home — after all, you’re not a dental professional with years of experience whitening patients’ teeth. So, take your time, read the instructions, and only apply the teeth whitening gel to the surface of your teeth, making sure not to get it all over your gums. If your teeth or gums become sensitive during the treatment, gently remove the gel completely and try again later. The good news is that even when it is removed, most teeth whitening gels will continue to lighten your teeth for up to an hour, so even if you only fit in a half hour of whitening, you may see some results.

DON’T OVERDO IT

If there’s one final piece of advice to leave you with, it’s to not overdo it when whitening your teeth at home. Follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll likely see results without having to do anything extra. Often, people think that the longer they leave the teeth whitening gel on their pearly whites, the whiter their teeth will get. This is true, but leaving the gel on too long is not good for your teeth, and it can result in heightened gum and tooth sensitivity. It is also worth noting that many dentists and doctors recommend that pregnant or nursing women do not use teeth whitening treatments, as is the case for people with dental problems, porcelain veneers, or any other kind of cosmetic dental work. Teeth whitening gel does not lighten dental crowns or composite bonding, so these may need to be replaced to match the color of your newly whitened teeth.

BOOK A TEETH WHITENING APPOINTMENT AT TRILLIUM DENTAL

If you’re looking for the best teeth whitening treatments in Ottawa, you’ve come to the right place! At Trillium Dental, we offer in-clinic teeth whitening treatments that’ll leave you with a beautiful white smile in an hour. In fact, patients’ teeth are up to nine shades whiter after just one teeth whitening appointment with us! Call us today to schedule your next teeth whitening treatment and experience the difference of professional cosmetic dentistry services like Zoom!® whitening.

Of course, we realize that some patients would rather whiten their teeth from the comfort of their own home, which is why we also offer take-home teeth whitening kits that are safe, effective, and approved by our sedation dentist. Plus, they’re affordable and easy to use! Contact us to learn more, or visit Trillium Dental in Kanata, Downtown Ottawa, Orleans, Alta Vista, Stittsville, Stittsville West, or the Bayshore or Westgate Mall to pick up a teeth whitening kit today!

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Dental implants are a fascinating piece of dental technology, and they have helped billions of people worldwide regain the strength and appearance of their teeth. When a tooth is missing or severely decayed, our dentists can replace them with strong titanium posts that bind with the underlying jawbone to allow for normal tooth function and bone regrowth. These titanium structures have white crowns that look just like real teeth, giving you a perfectly natural-looking smile that is both beautiful and functional. Contact our team at Trillium Dental in Ottawa if you are interested in Smile-In-A-Day dental implants, or keep reading for some fast facts about dental implants!

DENTAL IMPLANTS ORIGINATED IN CHINA IN 2000 BC

Dental implants as we know them are a somewhat recent dental technology that is constantly evolving, but the origins of dental implants date back to the Ancient Chinese and Egyptians. Archaeological findings show that in approximately 2000 BC, the Chinese used carved bamboo pegs to replace missing teeth, and Egyptian royalty may have hammered copper pegs into the spaces where their teeth used to be. However, it wasn’t until 1965 when the first titanium dental implant was surgically placed in a dental patient by Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon. The patient had a cleft palate, a deformed jaw, and was missing all his lower teeth, but he was able to live with four dental implants and dentures for more than 40 years after the procedure.

DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE ALMOST AS STRONG AS REAL TEETH

Unlike dentures and other restorative dentistry alternatives, dental implants are nearly as strong as real teeth. This means that you can talk and chew like you would normally, and that there are no limitations to what you can and can’t eat with dental implants. Thanks to Branemark’s invention of the modern dental implant with titanium posts screwing into the jawbone, patients who have had a dental implant procedure can live a normal life without worrying about their teeth breaking or falling out. In a way, dental implants are almost stronger than normal teeth in the sense that they cannot develop tooth cavities; however, it is still important to maintain good oral hygiene so you don’t develop gingivitis, or early-stage gum disease.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

DENTAL IMPLANTS STIMULATE JAWBONE REGROWTH

Dental implants are also the only restorative dentistry procedure that facilitates jawbone regrowth. This is because the titanium posts are screwed into the bone, preserving it and allowing it to grow naturally as it is stimulated by the patient’s bite. However, is important to note that patients must have sufficient jawbone density for their dental implants to screw into for a successful procedure. Overall, dental implants have a high success rate (90-98 percent, depending on the patient’s lifestyle and whether partial or full dental implants are placed), and the best candidates for dental implants don’t have gum disease, smoke cigarettes, or grind their teeth.

DENTAL IMPLANTS CAN EITHER BE COMPLETE OR PARTIAL

Modern dental technology has made it possible for patients to get custom dental implants that serve their unique needs. In somewhat rare cases, usually due to genetic diseases, patients require full dental implants, but most patients only need a few. At Trillium Dental, we offer partial dental implants (usually four to six) that are restored with a temporary, hybrid denture that reduces the need for invasive bone grafting or lots of dental implants. Even better, you’ll walk out of our Ottawa dental clinic with beautiful, pearly whites in a single appointment!

DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURES TAKE LESS THAN A DAY

At Trillium Dental, we offer Smile-In-A-Day dental implants, also known as same-day dental implants, which sound exactly like what they are. Upon visiting us for a dental implant consultation, we will determine whether or not you would be a good candidate for Smile-In-A-Day and discuss our dental implant prices with you. Then, we’ll schedule your dental implant procedure, where you’ll be sedated and have your implants placed with a hybrid denture.

We hope this blog post has helped you understand the basics of dental implants, as well as some reasons to consider them if you have decayed or missing teeth. Interested in learning more about Smile-In-A-Day and whether you’d be a good candidate? Want to know more about the cost of dental implants? Contact us today for more information, or book an appointment online at Trillium Dental in Ottawa!

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TMJ dysfunction (also known as TMJ disorder, TMJD, or TMD) is a common problem that many people face, causing them to seek TMJ treatment at their local dental clinic or doctor’s office. Despite the prevalence of TMJ disorder, there are no standard medications or remedies for this condition, which has led medical professionals to get creative in terms of neuromuscular dentistry treatments and therapies. At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, we offer bruxism and TMJ treatments involving the use of a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) unit that helps to realign the jaw into its correct position with a custom-made orthotic. Contact us today to learn more, or continue reading for some basic information about TMDs.

CAUSES OF TMJ DISORDER CAN BE DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE

Unlike other dental problems, such as gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth cavities, there are many possible causes of TMJ disorder, and some patients have a combination of two or more causes. These include:

• Traumatic facial injury — in some cases, patients with a TMD have suffered a facial injury that has affected their temporomandibular joint and/or the surrounding jawbone. This can cause the jawbone to be misaligned, leading to jaw pain and inhibited jaw movement.
• Teeth grinding — dental patients who perpetually clench or grind their teeth (known as bruxism) are at a heightened risk of developing a TMD, as this can interfere with the natural sliding hinge function of the jawbone. If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to your dentist about prevention methods, such as night guards for your teeth.
• Arthritis — arthritis affects the cartilage and joints in the body, and it is not particularly uncommon for patients with arthritis to also experience jaw pain or discomfort. Arthritis can damage the temporomandibular joint, causing TMJ problems, such as neck and facial pain, difficulty chewing, and more.
• Disc erosion/dislocation — since each temporomandibular joint fits to the jawbone’s socket and ball with a disc, erosion or dislocation of these discs can cause a TMD. A dental x-ray is required to determine whether or not this is the case, so be sure to consult your family dentist if you think you have an eroded or dislocated disc.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

SYMPTOMS OF A TMD CAN OCCUR ON ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF THE FACE

The human jawbone has a temporomandibular joint on both sides, allowing you to open and close your mouth in a sliding hinge motion. Given the potential causes of TMJ disorders listed above, it is possible that you can experience symptoms of a TMD on one or both sides of the face. Here are the most common TMD symptoms that patients experience:

• Jaw pain — jaw pain is the most common symptom of TMJ disorder; however, it is important to note that jaw pain can be caused by a number of things, including earaches and sinus infections. If you are experiencing chronic jaw pain that lasts longer than a few weeks, see your local dentist about possible TMJ pain treatments.
• Facial soreness — many people with a TMD will also experience soreness in other areas of the face, including the temples, forehead muscles, and even the ears. This is another reason why it’s important to rule out other medical issues before pursuing TMJ treatment; you may simply have a sinus infection or other illness.
• Popping jaw — If the disks in either side of your jaw pop or click when you open and close your mouth, this could be a symptom of a TMD. Often, this causes pain, so be sure to check in with your family dentist if your jaw constantly makes a popping or clicking sound and this is accompanied by jaw pain or headaches.
• Noise when chewing — a grinding or crunching noise when you chew is another possible indication of a TMD. This is because the natural hinge movement of the disks is inhibited when the temporomandibular joint is injured or deteriorated, causing a grinding sound when it would otherwise be silent.
• Limited jaw movement — many people with a TMD experience trouble opening their mouths, whether that be due to lockjaw or just difficulty opening their mouth more than a few centimeters wide. It is not uncommon for patients with a TMJ disorder to also experience pain when they open and close their mouths, so check in with a doctor or dentist if this is the case.
• Headaches — headaches are another common sign of TMJ disorders, but as with jaw pain, headaches are caused by a number of things, like stress, illness, dehydration, medication, hangovers, etc. Visit your family dentist if you are experiencing headaches in addition to any of the other TMD symptoms listed above.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT VARIES BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

Given that there is no streamlined process for diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder, each dentist and doctor will have a slightly different process for addressing TMDs. Some may simply take an x-ray and offer advice with regard to pain medications, while others might offer TMJ therapy options, known as neuromuscular dentistry techniques. Biofeedback techniques are sometimes used, as are other relaxation methods such as the TENS unit we use here at Trillium Dental.

When you visit our Ottawa dental clinic for TMJ pain, our dentists will take an x-ray to determine whether there is an issue with your temporomandibular joints. We will also feel your jaw and ask about the symptoms you have been experiencing, whether that be jaw pain, a popping jaw, or any other kind of facial soreness. If our dentists believe you would be a good candidate for our TMJ treatment, we will schedule a separate appointment where we can use the TENS unit to your ideal jaw alignment. This allows us to create a custom mouthpiece for you to wear as you retrain your jaw into its natural position, thus reducing or eliminating painful TMD symptoms.

SCHEDULE A TMJ TREATMENT IN OTTAWA

At Trillium Dental, we regularly treat patients with TMJ disorders by fixing uneven bites with custom orthodontics. Contact us today to learn more about our TMJ treatments, or visit us today in Alta Vista, Kanata, Orleans, Stittsville, Stittsville West, Downtown Ottawa, or the Bayshore and Westgate Malls. We look forward to helping you live without jaw pain!

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In our last blog post, we discussed some of the major ways smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco negatively affect your oral health, like by increasing your risk of developing periodontal disease and oral cancer. Now that you have a solid understanding of how these carcinogens attack the oral cavity, let’s dive into some of the other dental problems associated with tobacco use. Continue reading to learn more, and book your next dental exam today at Trillium Dental in Ottawa to experience the difference of compassionate family dental care.

LOOSE OR MISSING TEETH

Tobacco users are at a heightened risk of losing their teeth, which is a common symptom of periodontitis, or late-stage gum disease. The gums play a vital role in holding the teeth in their proper position, and when inflamed gums swell up, become infected, and pull away from the teeth, this can cause them to loosen, then fall out over time. Some of the most obvious signs of gum disease include sensitive, swollen, or bleeding gums, as well as larger tooth gaps and longer-looking teeth with exposed tooth roots. Eventually, if you are suffering from gum disease or oral cancer and do not seek medical treatment, these teeth will likely fall out due to the decaying structure in the underlying jawbone, which is responsible for supporting the entire oral cavity.

TOOTH DISCOLORATION

Often, smokers and tobacco chewers will show early signs of tooth decay, such as grey or black spots appearing on the surface where the tooth enamel has been eaten away by plaque, tartar, and acid buildup along the gumline. As mentioned in part one of this blog series, the chemicals in cigarettes and chewing tobacco accelerate the process of tooth deterioration, as they feast on the teeth and gums in much the same way that sugar does. In many cases, this leads to dark tooth discoloration, which can only be remedied with teeth whitening gel, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or even dental implants, depending on the circumstance (and the remaining jawbone structure). Smokers are especially at risk of developing this kind of tooth discoloration, as the carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco products leave a dark trail behind when frequently consumed.

TOOTHACHES & JAW PAIN

Obviously, you’ll experience some pain if your teeth are decaying, loose, or falling out altogether. Gum disease and oral cancer are largely to blame for this, as these oral diseases degrade the jawbone, teeth, and oral tissue supporting the mouth in what can only be described as a long, painful process if proper dental care is not sought out. In addition to the sores and mouth ulcers that tobacco users experience during the early stages of oral cancer, persistent toothaches, jaw pain, and sore gums are other painful consequences of smoking. Smokers may also experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouth that doesn’t go away with normal brushing and flossing, which goes hand-in-hand with oral infections, tooth decay, and unfortunately, a great deal of pain if this goes untreated.

BOOK A DENTAL EXAM AT OUR FAMILY DENTAL CLINIC IN OTTAWA

At the end of the day, the best way to avoid developing oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, and other painful dental problems is to maintain good oral hygiene habits — and to quit smoking. If you need help quitting smoking, check out these resources from the Canadian Cancer Society, and be sure to visit our Ottawa dental clinic for regular teeth cleanings and oral cancer screenings at least twice per year. Feel free to contact us to answer any questions you have about your oral health, or book an appointment online at Trillium Dental in Ottawa.

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