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Many people floss less often than they should, whether that be a few times a week or every once in a blue moon. Ideally, you should be flossing your teeth at least once per day as part of your oral hygiene routine for healthy teeth and gums. So, why is this important? Our dentists and dental hygienists at Trillium Dental will explain below.

PREVENTS TARTAR BUILDUP (AND CAVITIES)

Even if you brush your teeth twice per day, bacteria can still collect in the crevices between your teeth where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. If you don’t floss regularly, this bacteria turns into plaque, which then hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar feeds on tooth enamel, creating cavities between the teeth and causing further tooth decay if it is not removed by your family dentist with a dental scaler. When you floss, you’re removing plaque before it hardens, which is an easy way to prevent dental problems like cavities and gum disease.

PREVENTS GUM DISEASE

When tartar builds up along the gum line, it eats away at the tooth enamel and infects the gum tissue, increasing your risk of developing periodontal disease. If you don’t floss your teeth on a regular basis, you may develop gingivitis, or early-stage gum disease, which is characterized by swollen, tender gums that bleed easily. Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed with various periodontal treatments like gum lasering and gingivectomies. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry — gum disease is linked to many life-threatening health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

A BEAUTIFUL SMILE

Swollen, infected gums aren’t a pretty sight, especially if the infection has progressed to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Many patients with gum disease have receding gums, which make the teeth appear longer than normal due to the infected gums pulling away from the teeth. It is also not uncommon for people with periodontal disease to have extensive tooth decay, which causes the teeth to turn a grayish color. If you value the appearance of your pearly whites, flossing daily is essential for an attractive smile.

BOOK A DENTAL CHECKUP IN OTTAWA

At Trillium Dental, our dentists and dental hygienists emphasize the importance of flossing to all of our patients. If you are due for a teeth cleaning at your local dental clinic, contact us today or book your appointment online at one of our eight dental offices in Ottawa. We look forward to seeing you!

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Talking to your child about the dentist, doctor, or any other medical profession isn’t always easy, as children have very vivid imaginations that can develop into fears if concepts are not explained in a way they understand. Because of this, parents often find themselves between a rock and a hard place when it comes time for their child’s first dental exam. After all, they want to tell the truth so their little one knows what to expect, but they also don’t want to instill any irrational fears or phobias.

At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our dentists and dental hygienists have years of experience in family dental care, and we pride ourselves on providing a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for kids of all ages. For us, it all comes down to creating a fun environment for kids to show their curiosity and learn about their oral health. Book your child’s dental appointment with us today, or continue reading for some tips about how to talk to your child about the dentist!

USE WORDS THEY UNDERSTAND

If your child is about to have their first dental appointment, odds are, they’re just one or two years old. Their vocabulary is already limited, so be sure to talk to them in a manner that they can understand. Start by showing them a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, and explain that every so often, they’ll be treated to a professional teeth cleaning with a little squirt gun and vibrating toothbrush (that sometimes tickles!).

Don’t bring up needles, drills, or dental x-rays, because these are the things that tend to develop into dental phobias. In fact, most children don’t get cavities until their elementary school years, so avoid any talk of needles and cavities until they’re a bit older and can understand the concept of preventative oral hygiene. Until then, break it down using simple, positive language so they know the basics of what to expect when they have their first dental cleaning.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

TELL THE TRUTH

It is also important not to hide information from your child, as this can throw them off when they arrive at your local dental clinic. Tell them that a dentist (or teeth cleaner) will take them back to a chair, where they can relax while their teeth are cleaned. Frame it as a pampering experience that doesn’t hurt, and they’ll be less likely to be afraid when their dental hygienist pulls out the electric toothbrush.

The dentists and dental hygienists at our Ottawa dental clinics are great about explaining what they’re about to do in an easy-to-understand, kid-friendly way, so you can rest assured that your child is in good hands with us. We’ll explain our fancy toothbrush and water sprayer to them, and that if anything, it’ll tickle, not hurt. We’ll also let them pick out a toothpaste flavor and toothbrush color to take home, which they’ll find comfort in and maybe even get excited about.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

If your child is hesitant about their first dental visit, it is incredibly important for parents to lead by example. Let your child watch as you brush and floss your teeth, and show them how to do it at home before a stranger does it for them at the dental office. Talk to them calmly about what to expect, and don’t reveal any nervousness you may have about the dentist. Instead, tell them that they have nothing to worry about, that there are no needles involved in a teeth cleaning, and that they will have fun getting to explore the office.

Ready to schedule your child’s first dental exam? Call Trillium Dental today, or request an appointment online at one of our eight dental clinics in Ottawa. We look forward to meeting your little one!

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For many people, oral health is an out-of-sight, out-of-mind concept — that is, until something goes wrong, such as a tooth cavity or the early signs of gum disease. As we’re sure you’ve heard many times before, prevention is key when it comes to dental problems and oral infections, which is why it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits at home in between general dentistry appointments. Continue reading for some key tips and tricks for establishing good oral hygiene habits at home, courtesy of our family dentists and dental hygienists at Trillium Dental in Ottawa.

START A ROUTINE

People tend to slack on their oral health practices at home if they do not have a set schedule, such as a solid morning and bedtime routine. If you find yourself forgetting to brush twice per day, or if flossing is an issue, try forming a step-by-step routine to follow every single day. Not only will this help keep you accountable with regard to your oral hygiene, but it will also help you structure your days so that self-care and your overall health is a top priority. Hate flossing because your gums are sensitive or sometimes bleed? Remember that the more you floss and brush, the better your gum health will be. Too tired to brush your teeth after a long night out with friends? Don’t let yourself crawl into bed until you’ve washed your face, brushed your teeth, and flossed that sugary plaque away.

USE A TIMER

More often than not, it isn’t a lack of brushing and flossing that is the issue — it’s the thoroughness. Many people give their teeth a quick brush in the morning and at night, flossing only between the teeth that are easy to reach and swishing with mouthwash in an attempt to compensate. The key to good oral hygiene is to be mindful about how you brush and floss, not necessarily how often (twice per day is enough), so be sure to take your time and do a good job. One way to do this is to set a timer on your phone for two minutes, brushing every nook and cranny until your teeth are squeaky clean. You can also find fun hourglasses and sand timers online, which can help you stay on track with how long you’re brushing in the morning and at night.

PRIORITIZE FLOSSING

We can all relate to the frustration that comes with flossing those hard-to-reach spaces between the molars, but it’s important not to let this stop you from using dental floss at least once per day. It’s nearly impossible to keep food from finding its way into the spaces between your teeth, which is the number one cause of cavities. Trust us, cavity fillings (yes, even the pretty white tooth fillings) are far more of a pain than making an effort to floss everyday, so do yourself a favor and prioritize flossing when you establish a morning and bedtime routine by doing it every night.

SCHEDULE A TEETH CLEANING APPOINTMENT AT TRILLIUM DENTAL IN OTTAWA

Of course, there is only so much you can do at home to maintain good oral health, which is why our dentists and dental hygienists highly recommend visiting our Ottawa dental clinic twice per year for a routine dental cleaning. Contact Trillium Dental in Ottawa to schedule an appointment, or book your dental exam with us online!

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As a family dental clinic, we understand that visiting the dentist for the first time can be a big step for kids. In fact, going to the dentist can be a dreaded experience for children, what with all the metal tools, drilling noises, and masked dentists poking around in people’s mouths. However, visiting our Ottawa dental office for your child’s first general dentistry appointment doesn’t have to be scary — we’re here to make their dental experience comfortable, easy, and even fun!

Of course, there are things you can do at home to prepare your child for their first dental appointment so they know what to expect, which is why our team at Trillium Dental is dedicating this blog post to helping you ease their nerves before visiting our Ottawa dental clinic. Continue reading to learn more, and contact us today to schedule your child’s first dental appointment!

SPARK CURIOSITY

One of the best ways to prepare your child for their first dental appointment is to spark their curiosity about oral health and dental care through books, games, kids’ TV shows, and other fun activities. You can do this by “playing dentist” at home with your child when it’s time for them to brush and floss their teeth, where you pretend to be the dentist to show them how it’s done then provide a small reward when they do it for themselves. There are also lots of popular children’s TV shows and books that feature the main character’s first trip to the dentist. Some of these include:

• The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain
• The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
• Peppa Pig — “Peppa’s Pearly Whites”
• Arthur — “Arthur’s Tooth”

For kids, watching their favorite characters overcome a fear of the dentist and turn it into an adventure can spark curiosity about the dentist and get them excited for their first dental appointment. If Peppa Pig can do it, so can they! Knowing a trusted emergency dentist in Ottawa gives parents peace of mind.

TAKE THEM EARLY

As with most other medical practices, the best thing you can do to prevent your child from feeling anxious about their first dental appointment is to start them early — ideally, before they turn one year old. Once your child reaches toddlerhood, their imagination starts to mature and they are much more likely to develop an irrational fear of the dentist, the pediatrician, and other medical professionals who use scary-looking tools. To avoid this, it’s best to bring your child in for their first dental appointment before their first birthday so they can become familiar with our family dental clinic and our friendly staff of dentists and dental hygienists.

LET THEM TAG ALONG AT ONE OF YOUR APPOINTMENTS

Lots of families bring their children in during their dental appointments to give them a firsthand account of what general dentistry is all about. Our dentists and dental hygienists are more than happy to meet your child and explain all our fun gadgets to them as we clean your teeth. This also gives us the chance to answer any questions your child might have about dentistry, like why it’s important to practice good oral hygiene at home, what flavors of toothpaste you can find, and why going to the dentist is fun. They’ll be pleased to know that the electric toothbrushes we use tickle, not hurt!

BRING THEIR FAVORITE STUFFED ANIMAL

In the event that your child does experience some anxiety when you sit them down in the dentist’s chair, it’s good to have their favorite stuffed animal or blanket on hand to make them feel more at home. Kids find a great deal of comfort in these items, which can help them get through their first dental cleaning appointment if they are nervous or start to cry. Our dentists and dental hygienists are great at comforting kids and making their dental experience fun, but it’s always a good idea to have their stuffed kitty or bunny in your bag if they need it. Our goal is to make each and every child’s first dental experience a fun adventure, and we welcome any comfort items that will help them enjoy the experience.

SCHEDULE YOUR CHILD’S FIRST TEETH CLEANING AT TRILLIUM DENTAL IN OTTAWA

Now that you have some tips and tricks up your sleeve to prepare your child for their first trip to the dentist, it’s time to schedule their first dental appointment at Trillium Dental in Ottawa. We look forward to meeting your child and showing them around our family dental clinic!

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Here at Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our family dentists take great pride in providing their patients with exceptional dental services. We understand that not everyone loves going to the dentist, and if this sounds like you, you certainly aren’t alone. Everyone is welcome at Trillium Dental, whether you are switching dental offices or are new to general dentistry altogether, and we will stop at nothing to make you feel right at home in our dentist’s chair.

We want all of our patients to know what to expect during their first dental visit, as this can help ease some of the anxiety you may be feeling as you prepare to have someone new clean your teeth. That being said, here is what an initial general dentistry appointment at our Ottawa dental clinic entails!

PERIODONTAL & ORAL CANCER SCREENINGS

As a family dental clinic, our dentists take all the precautions necessary to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy before moving on to any dental cleaning, flossing, or fluoride application. Upon arriving at Trillium Dental for your first general dentistry appointment, we will conduct a thorough inspection of your oral cavity, which includes an oral cancer screening and a periodontal screening. This allows us to become aware of any underlying issues you may be experiencing so that we can proceed accordingly with gum treatments or an oral cancer treatment referral if need be. More often than not, this is not the case, and we will move on to X-rays.

DENTAL X-RAYS

Dental X-rays allow our dentists to inspect your teeth and gums in a way that is not possible without the most advanced dental tools and technology. We will have you bite a small plastic strip on one side as we snap the photo, then switch over to the other side and repeat the process. While this only takes a few seconds to complete, it is critical for us to identify any tooth or jawbone decay, tumors, abscesses, and other issues that may have gone under the radar during the periodontal and oral cancer screenings.

DENTAL CLEANING

After completing the preliminary dental screenings and X-rays, your dental hygienist will perform a thorough dental cleaning. This includes a tooth scaling treatment, during which your dentist will use a dental scaler to gently scrape away any plaque and tartar that has built up along or below the gum line. If you have a significant amount of tartar buildup under the gumline, we might clear it out using the Cavitron®, a device that uses gentle ultrasonic waves.

Then, they will use a high-tech electric toothbrush to completely clean your teeth from front to back, reaching all the crevices you can’t get to with the standard toothbrush you have at home. Once your pearly whites are clean and shiny, we will floss between each of your teeth, watching for sticky areas that might indicate a cavity. If all is well, we may then apply fluoride to the teeth, let it sit for a minute, rinse it away, and send you off to continue going about your day!

CHOOSE TRILLIUM DENTAL FOR YOUR GENERAL DENTISTRY

We hope this information has given you a good idea of what to expect during your first general dentistry appointment, and that you will choose Trillium Dental in Ottawa as your trusted family dental clinic. We look forward to meeting you and providing you with exceptional dental care, so make an appointment today!

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Welcome back to the Trillium Dental blog! If you read part one of this blog series, you already know how regular dental cleanings can greatly reduce your risk of developing cavities, gingivitis, and moderate- to late-stage periodontal disease due to tartar buildup along the gum line. As it turns out, there are many other benefits of professional teeth cleanings, which we will continue to discuss throughout this post. Here are a couple more reasons why teeth cleanings are critical for good oral health.

EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT

During a professional dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will scope out your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissue for underlying issues that may not have been brought to your attention yet. The early signs of many oral health conditions, like developing cavities or mildly receding gums, tend to go unnoticed until your dentist takes a closer look during a hygiene visit. Other, more serious oral health conditions, such as jaw bone deterioration, are detected via X-rays, and it’s tools like these that allow dentists to discover the warning signs early-on.

As mentioned in our previous post, gingivitis, or early-stage gum disease, can be treated and even reversed if it is caught early enough by a dentist or dental hygienist. Given that gingivitis begins when something is irritating your gums (like plaque and tartar), the severity of gum disease is highly contingent on your oral hygiene habits and how often you visit the dentist for professional teeth cleanings. The same goes for cavities, bone deterioration, broken fillings, or any other oral health issue; early detection and treatment of these conditions greatly increases your chances of effectively remedying, or even reversing, the damage done to your gums and teeth.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

In addition to detecting oral health issues early on and providing the appropriate treatment, your dental hygienist will also take preventative measures to protect your teeth and gums. One of the most common preventative methods used today is the application of dental fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from cavities for the first few months between professional teeth cleanings. Here in Ottawa, this mineral is found in our water and food, which also gives us a small boost of oral protection. However, this is not nearly enough to rely on, and it is still highly recommended to have fluoride applied to your teeth by a dental hygienist during a hygiene visit.

Much like an annual doctor’s appointment, regular dental appointments also provide the opportunity for you to get professional advice about how to improve your oral hygiene habits moving forward. Whether this means adjusting to a more frequent flossing schedule or switching to a brand of toothpaste that better suits your needs, our dentists and dental hygienists at Trillium Dental are always happy to provide our insight and guidance.

We understand that prevention is far easier and less expensive than most treatments for oral health conditions, so feel free to ask us how you can better protect and care for your teeth and gums at home. Our dentists and dental hygienists are always available to help you and address any concerns you might have, as this could mean the difference between a dangerous, worsening oral health condition and early detection and treatment by a dentist you trust.

HAVE YOUR TEETH CLEANED AT TRILLIUM DENTAL

All things said and done, regular dental appointments are one of the best ways to protect your teeth in the long run. From removing tartar and reducing your risk of developing gum disease to providing preventative measures, early detection, and treatment for oral health conditions, there are many reasons why professional teeth cleanings are critical for good oral health. It all comes down to prioritizing the health of your mouth and entire body, and taking the steps necessary to ensure that you are receiving the proper dental care.

If it’s been a while since your last hygiene visit, or you think you may be experiencing issues with your teeth or gums, schedule an appointment with Trillium Dental in Ottawa today! Our dentists and dental hygienists would be happy to clean your teeth and provide you with all the resources you need to maintain your oral health.

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At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, we strongly advocate for the importance of routine dental cleanings at your local dental office. Professional dental care is a major component of good oral health. We recommend that our patients visit us at least twice per year for a thorough teeth cleaning as well as staying up-to-date with dental X-rays. Our dentists and dental hygienists care about the oral health of our patients, so we put together a list of reasons why dental cleanings are important for your overall health in high hopes that you will continue with regular maintenance visits at one of our convenient locations. Here’s how it works!

PLAQUE AND TARTAR REMOVAL

Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled deposit that naturally builds up along your gum line as you eat, drink, and go about your daily life. Plaque and tartar have the potential to eat away at your tooth enamel and create cavities if it isn’t removed via regular brushing and flossing. Given that plaque is nearly invisible, even those with impeccable oral hygiene habits have a hard time eliminating all of it when they brush and floss their teeth. Over time, this plaque buildup turns to tartar — a calcified version that requires professional removal with the appropriate dental tools and techniques. This is where teeth cleanings at your dental office come in.

During a professional teeth cleaning, your dental hygienist will perform tooth scaling or use the Cavitron® to clean beneath your gums before moving on to polishing, flossing, and taking dental X-rays (if necessary). Tooth scaling is the process of using instruments (scalers) to gently scrape the plaque and tartar buildup from along your gum line. Since tartar removal requires the work of an experienced hygienist, it is critical that you schedule a dental cleaning at your dental office at least twice per year. This way there is a far less risk of developing cavities and suffering from other painful consequences of poor oral health.

REDUCED RISK OF GINGIVITIS AND GUM DISEASE

In addition to developing cavities as a result of plaque and tartar buildup, neglecting to have your teeth cleaned at your dental clinic twice per year also puts you at a greater risk of developing gingivitis and moderate- to late-stage gum disease. Persistent tartar buildup along the gum line is one of the main causes of gum disease. As the bacteria binds and hardens to your teeth, the surrounding gums can become inflamed and irritated. This can cause periodontal pockets below the gumline, where bacteria can grow and fester (creating deeper and more extensive pocketing and eventually lead to bone loss).

People with gingivitis, or early-stage gum disease, will notice their gums swelling, bleeding, and receding. Luckily, gingivitis can be preventable with good oral health practices at home and regular dental cleanings. In some cases, gingivitis can be reversed if treated soon enough by your dentist. If left unaddressed, however, gingivitis can evolve into more severe cases of periodontal disease; an oral condition that can lead to bone loss, gum recession and tooth extraction. When significant portions of tooth structure are compromised, decayed, or lost, crowns, dentures and implants are the best option for replacement. People who suffer from gum disease also put themselves at a higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke than those who regularly have their teeth cleaned at the dentist, as bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums.

To avoid developing gingivitis or periodontal disease, simply maintain good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing at least twice per day, refraining from smoking cigarettes, and making sure to visit your dentist on a biannual basis for professional dental cleanings. Trust us — neglecting to schedule teeth cleanings at the dentist just isn’t worth the pain of gum disease or putting your life at risk.

SCHEDULE A TEETH CLEANING WITH TRILLIUM DENTAL

We hope this post has proven helpful for understanding why dental cleanings are important for good oral health, and that you will stay tuned for part two of this blog series in coming weeks. There are many other benefits of having your teeth professionally cleaned at the dentist, which we are eager to share with you. At Trillium Dental, your oral health is our highest priority, and we look forward to seeing you at our dental office for a routine teeth cleaning. If your pearly whites are in need of a professional cleaning, schedule an appointment with us today!

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Whether you are getting ready for an operation or trying to figure out why they are called wisdom teeth, today’s blog is here to help you explore what wisdom teeth are and how they can impact your life. Here at Trillium Dental, we offer a range of dental services for our clients, ranging from wisdom tooth removal (you’ll see what we mean below) to general check-ups, Invisalign treatment, teeth whitening, and more in general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.

WHY ARE WISDOM TEETH CALLED WISDOM TEETH?

Sadly, the wisdom teeth don’t automatically increase your wisdom. The real answer to why this third set of molars is called wisdom teeth has been cracked by linguists. The name comes from the late appearance of these teeth in a person’s life. This third set of molars usually show up during a person’s late teenage years or early twenties. Since this is about the same time that a person reaches adulthood, they seem to mark the point of maturity when people are “wiser”.

MANY PEOPLE DON’T HAVE WISDOM TEETH

This might become a point of jealousy at some point, but wisdom tooth development is a genetic matter and not everyone carries the genes for them. For instance, indigenous Mexican peoples have a 100% rate of not having wisdom teeth, while almost all European or African peoples develop wisdom teeth. Scientists have identified the gene PAX9 plays a big role in the development of wisdom teeth.

WISDOM TEETH ARE KINDA USELESS

Anthropologists theorize that the third set of molars appear because of evolutionary traits from when our ancestors didn’t have fire and ate coarse foods raw like leaves, roots, nuts, and meats. These required another set to spread out the wear on the molars. Today, we have access to fire, good oral hygiene, and proper dental nutrition so we don’t have worry about this. They also have no real impact on your ability to eat, and sometimes don’t even come in right or fit correctly.

WISDOM TEETH CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS

Wisdom teeth can be terribly troublesome and cause a whole gambit of dental and periodontal issues. Even if your wisdom teeth have come in in a healthy manner without complications, it is still common that your emergency dentist will suggest they be removed to prevent later, more expensive issues. Some of the common issues that can occur with the growth of wisdom teeth include:

Pericoronitis: As the tooth erupts (or gets pushed through your gums), it causes discomfort and pain, as well as unpleasant tastes and swelling that can be a bother.

Tooth Decay: Because of how far back they are in your mouth giving them proper hygiene is often times difficult and results in a high rate of cavities, which can lead to Pulpitis where the bacteria from the cavities infect the dental pulp. If untreated, this can cause severe issues in the periodontal structures of the mouth, and limit the livelihood and health of the affected person.

Impaction: Wisdom teeth can become impacted and get stuck resulting in inflammation, pain and discomfort, and potentially dangerous infections. In fact, the impactions can become so severe that some wisdom teeth try to come in sideways where they can damage other teeth and even force them into other positions much like a reverse brace of Invisalign treatment. Even without the risk of infections, this causes severe disruptions to a person’s comfort and livelihood.

Cysts: While impacted wisdom teeth can have cysts form around them as part of an immune reaction that can cause damage to the nerves in your jaw cysts around the upper set of wisdom teeth can cause sinus issues as it pushes into the cavities, including congestion, pain, and pressure.

NOT EVERYONE NEEDS THEIR WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTED

Sometimes extracting them wouldn’t be the best option even if it’s impacted. Though they are commonly removed, sometimes complications can occur where removal can cause potential nerve damage. In all cases, wisdom teeth are important to have checked out by your dentist to figure out what the best option is. Some cases may be referred to an oral surgeon for proper treatment and removal.

We hope that this blog has helped you understand a little bit about the nature of wisdom teeth and how they can affect your health. Here at Trillium Dental, we want to make sure that your health and wellness comes above all else. If you are in the Ottawa area, we provide high-quality and professional dental care from Invisalign treatment to teeth whitening, general checkups, and much more. Contact us today to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Common Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom tooth extraction is extremely common, especially for young adults. Most people develop their third molars between ages 17 and 25, and many experience problems like pain, crowding, or impaction that require removal.

Why are wisdom teeth called wisdom teeth?

They are named after the age at which they appear — late teens to early twenties — a time traditionally associated with gaining wisdom.

Does everyone have wisdom teeth?

No. An estimated 5–37% of people are missing at least one wisdom tooth due to genetic factors. Some people have none at all.

Why do wisdom teeth come in so late?

Our jaws don’t fully develop until our late teens, which is around the same time wisdom teeth are genetically programmed to erupt.

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STITTSVILLE, ONTARIO- Most can agree a smile void of a few teeth isn’t the best look, but the top reasons to seek tooth replacement aren’t strictly aesthetic. Did you know failing to replace a missing tooth endangers the health of your smile?

Many Canadians have lost one or more teeth due to a dental condition, mouth trauma or years of poor diet or hygiene habits. We at Trillium Dental, a trusted provider of family dentistry in the Stittsville area, urge you to swiftly replace teeth after they are lost. Here are three reasons why we suggest this: Missing a tooth can sometimes lead to sudden pain, swelling, or infection, and in situations like these, visiting an Ottawa emergency dentist as soon as possible can help prevent further complications.

Mesial Drift

Mesial drift refers to the tendency for teeth to shift naturally toward the front of the smile. This occurs because of the forces at play when we chew food. When a tooth is missing, mesial drift elicits the surrounding teeth to dramatically tilt into space where the tooth once existed. As teeth continue to shift, they fall out of proper alignment. Trillium Dental does offer Invisalign to correct certain cases of malocclusion, but we’d prefer that you avoid the problem altogether.

Should a missing tooth cause surrounding teeth to migrate and become misaligned, it affects more than your smile’s appearance. Overlapping, crooked teeth provide the perfect trap and hiding spot for food particles. If missed by the toothbrush and floss, lingering plaque increases your risk of cavities, gum irritation, and bad breath.

Super Eruption

When there’s no opposing force for a tooth (oftentimes a molar) to press against, the supereruption can take place. This occurs when a tooth rises out of its socket toward space where its opposite once existed, leaving a portion of its root exposed and increases sensitivity to, especially hot or cold temperatures.

The phenomenon of super-eruption typically doesn’t occur unless a tooth has been missing for a few years, but you’ll know when it does. A super erupted tooth looks painful and negatively impacts the appearance of your smile.

Gum Disease

When a tooth goes missing, gum disease is more likely to strike in multiple ways. Once a tooth is lost, the portion of the gum which once supported the tooth is left exposed to dangerous bacteria from lingering food particles. Rapid shifts in teeth caused by mesial drift can irritate gums. The gums around the root of a super erupted tooth can also grow inflamed.

Signs of gum disease include swelling, redness around the gum line, sensitivity, bleeding, and gum recession. Gum disease is a bacterial infection shown to elicit a variety general and oral health repercussions, so be sure to promptly seek help if you suspect your gums are infected.

How We Can Help

Our Ottawa dentists can restore your smile using proven treatments, like dental implants and bridges. Our restorative services include the popular “Teeth in a Day” procedure, which grants you a healthy and beautiful smile that’s natural in appearance in literally one day. These solutions are permanent and require the same amount of maintenance as natural teeth.

All procedures are performed by skilled professionals in a relaxing setting. For your comfort, nitrous oxide and oral and IV sedation options are available. It’s our goal to return your smile back to complete health and appearance while you remain at ease.

STITTSVILLE, ONTARIO– Not surprisingly, what you put in your mouth affects your oral health. What you don’t put in your mouth may have an even greater impact.

Have you been skimping on your vegetables lately? Vitamin deficiencies can manifest in your smile. It’s important to incorporate a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Adequate nutrition plays a major role in your dental health as well as your overall wellbeing. Because oral health is not isolated from the rest of the body, evidence of malnutrition can be found in many areas of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, tongue, lips and cheeks.

At Trillium Dental, a provider of family dentistry in Stittsville, we encourage patients to take note of changes in their mouth. It may be your body’s way of signaling it needs more of a particular vitamin or mineral. Check out how nutrient deficiencies may impact your smile:

Vitamin A or C– A weakened immune response, bleeding gums, poor sense of taste and oral yeast infections are signs of a vitamin A or C deficiency. Load up on broccoli, kale, spinach, leafy greens, carrots, strawberries, citrus, papaya, peaches and red peppers.

Vitamin B2– A lack of vitamin B2 in your diet may translate into lips of an unusually red hue, sores around the mouth and an achy tongue. Eat plenty of broccoli, spinach, lentils and almonds.

Vitamin B3– Overall mouth pain, mouth sores and a swollen tip of the tongue could be an indication you need more vitamin B3. Eat more shrimp, lean ground beef, liver, potatoes and avocados.

Vitamin B6– Is your mouth burning and sore, or is your tongue unusually smooth? Add more vitamin B3 into your diet by enjoying broccoli, spinach, tomato juice, watermelon, bananas, chicken breast and white rice.

Vitamin B12– A shortage of vitamin B12 can show in various ways. Foul breath, mouth sores, fissures on a bright red tongue, dry mouth, impaired taste, bleeding and numbness all point to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Consume foods like poultry, meats, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk.

Vitamin D– Sufficient vitamin D is vital to enjoying good oral health. Some research even suggests vitamin D is more effective at preventing cavities than fluoride. Eat eggs, fatty fish, fortified milk and liver to reduce your chances of experiencing oral yeast infections, tooth softening and increased bleeding in the gums.

Calcium– Calcium promotes strong bones, so it’s no surprise that a lack of it may cause loose teeth, softened teeth and bleeding gums. Try adding more cheese, milk, yogurt, salmon and spinach into your diet.

Magnesium– If your gum tissue is inflamed, eat more artichokes, halibut, green beans, cashews, sunflower seeds, spinach and broccoli for added magnesium.

Zinc– A zinc deficiency can equate to dry mouth, increased vulnerability to gum disease, a numb tongue and a weakened sense of taste. Stock up on spinach, lentils, peas, tomato juice, lean ground beef, lean sirloin steak, plain yogurt and Swiss cheese.

Sometimes, you can have too much of a good thing. It’s important to follow the recommended servings of each food group to ensure you aren’t consuming too much of a particular nutrient. Taking a daily vitamin supplement may be more convenient and easier to measure your intake. Consult with your doctor if you have special dietary needs.

We encourage you to fuel with the right foods to nourish your smile and body. If you spot sudden and unusual changes in your mouth, contact us. Your smile is a window into your general health. Our team of talented dentists can detect and alert you of serious health issues that may extend outside of dentistry.

In addition to keeping tabs on your dental health and overall wellbeing, our Stittsville area cosmetic dentists provide a broad scope of dental solutions, including Invisalign, dental implants and teeth whitening, in the Ottawa, Nepean, Kanata and Orleans areas. Call us to learn more.