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KANATA, ONTARIO- Once simply known as a provider of tingly fresh breathe with a bacteria-killing bonus, mouthwash is now being associated with cardiovascular health benefits. Research conducted by the Biomedical Development Corporation wasn’t purposed to hunt for a mouthwash-heart health connection, but findings implied that those who use an oral mouth rinse once every day experienced lower levels of “LDL,” or bad, cholesterol.

The study suggested that mouthwash containing the active ingredient iodine might help to cleanse the arteries. Iodine’s positive effects on health have long sparked curiosity in the medical community, with evidence showing that the naturally-occurring chemical can remedy thyroid issues and bolster the immune system.

So, what do these findings mean to the average dental patient? Ongoing trials are necessary to solidify the claims made in the study, but the discovery reinforces the argument that oral health and cardiovascular health are strongly intertwined. In short, ridding the mouth of harmful bacteria through mouth-washing, brushing and flossing is key to enjoying good overall health.

There’s ample evidence to suggest that poor oral hygiene can induce Endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining triggered by a bacteria buildup manifested in another part of the body, like the mouth. Excessive plaque and periodontal disease is also believed to be a factor in cardiovascular disease, due to the infection and inflammation oral maladies can generate.

Consequences of bad dental health don’t end at the heart. Links to various illnesses and inadequate oral hygiene exist, such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Periodontal disease and jaw bone loss is widely considered a major risk factor for these health issues.

Knowing well that a healthy smile can indicate a healthy body, Kanata general and cosmetic dentists Drs. David Bartos and Mark Northcott at Trillium Dental are dedicated to administering outstanding teeth cleaning and comprehensive oral care to their patients in the greater Ottawa area. Ottawa dental implant providers also provide viable smile solutions such as porcelain veneers, invisible retainers and sedation options. To discover more about Ottawa dentistry and how to better your oral and general health, consult with the professionals at Trillium Dental.

KANATA, ONTARIO- Shocking reports contending diet soda’s effect on teeth mirrors that of crack cocaine and methamphetamine have littered news outlets as of late – but is this assertion true? While the beverage certainly isn’t “good” for teeth, the foundation of the claims has been common knowledge for years. All acidic drinks have the potential to severely damage teeth.

The study published in the journal General Dentistry stated diet soda erodes the teeth in a similar manner as meth or cocaine. Questioning the legitimacy of the claim, some groups fired back by criticizing the study’s subjects. The research centered around three participants- a cocaine user, a meth user and a woman who consumed two liters of diet soda each day. While the woman’s teeth closely resembled the drug abusers’, the study admitted she already had poor oral hygiene and had not received professional dental care in more than 20 years.

No matter what side of the argument you’re on, we can draw two conclusions from the diet soda debacle. Acidic beverages have the potential to wrea

k havoc on the enamel and induce erosion, and regular dental care is key to achieving acceptable oral hygiene.

The acidic properties in drinks like soda, wine, lemonade and fruit juices slowly wear away at the enamel, leaving teeth susceptible to staining, erosion and the bacteria harbored in plaque. Good oral hygiene habits like adequate brushing, flossing and preventative dentistry visits can arm teeth against the damaging effects of acidity. After the consumption of such beverages, drinking plenty of water to rinse away lingering acids and sugars is highly encouraged.

Diet soda can undoubtedly harm teeth, but the damages similar to meth will likely only occur if the consumption is excessive and oral hygiene is neglected. Practicing good judgment while consuming acidic food and drink along with scheduling regular professional cleanings will ultimately determine the health of someone’s smile.

Kanata family dentistry Trillium Dental provides extensive teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments to help diet soda lovers, wine connoisseurs and avid juicers enjoy their favorite beverages in moderation while maintaining a healthy smile. If your teeth have already suffered from erosion and decay, Dr. Bartos (a Stittsville dentist) and Dr. Northcott provide cosmetic solutions such as dental veneers and implants, among others. To learn more, schedule a consultation at Trillium Dental today.

NEPEAN, ONTARIO- There’s a new weapon in the battle against tooth decay- and it’s minty fresh. The United States Army has unveiled its newest creation: “combat gum.”

After seven years of development, the Army is confident its specially formulated, anti-cavity gum will improve the dental health of soldiers stationed in regions where running water is scarce. Such environments make implementing a proper oral hygiene routine a challenge.

The United States spends more than $100 billion on dental services each year. That’s according to the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, which recognized the need for an on-the-go way to keep troops’ teeth and gums healthy. They hope their peppermint-flavored gum, designed to be chewed 20 minutes after meals, will save millions in military dental care expenses and boost the overall health of servicemen and women.

The military says dental emergencies are to blame for more than 10 percent of disease-related soldier evacuations.

So, what makes this gum so special? Combat gum contains an anti-microbial peptide that battles plaque, cavities and gum disease. Chewing gum also stimulates saliva production, which is essential to fighting dry mouth, rinsing away plaque and mineralizing the tooth’s protective enamel layer.

Clinical trials for combat gum start this month. If successful, the gum will be given to soldiers who are considered “high risk,” meaning they have three or more cavities or decaying teeth. Developers of combat gum hope it will, eventually, be available for over the counter purchase at a rate of $2 a piece.

Meanwhile, you don’t have to be in the U.S. Army to partake in the dental health benefits of gum. Keeping a few sticks of gum on hand is a great way to freshen up your breath and dental health after meals. Chewing any sort of gum produces saliva, but make sure you choose a sugar-free variety. Bathing teeth in sugar will increase your risk of decay.

Combat gum, or any gum, is not a replacement for proper brushing and flossing. Nothing beats an adequate oral hygiene routine. Stick with your toothbrush and save the gum for those on-the-go moments. Be sure to implement regular professional dental care, too.

When was the last time you had your teeth professionally cleaned and examined? If it’s been more than six months, contact us at Trillium Dental. Our Nepean area dentists provide helpful dental hygiene tips and care to ensure you leave with a truly healthy smile.

Trillium Dental is a trusted provider of comprehensive dental solutions, like Invisalign, restorations, dental implants and cosmetic dentistry in the Nepean area. Contact our friendly staff  to learn more.

Spring and its traditional cleaning rituals are just around the corner. When sprucing up your garage and kitchen, don’t forget about your teeth and gums! Attending routine dental appointments is the best way to ensure your smile is as fresh as the spring air. Here’s some important information regarding routine visits at Trillium Dental.

What can I expect at a routine dental appointment?

A regular visit with us at Trillium Dental is enjoyable and personalized to satisfy your unique dental health needs. These appointments are recommended two to four times each year and focus on achieving good oral hygiene and detecting developing problems. From the moment you enter our doors, our goal is to make your experience as beneficial as possible. We are staffed with a team of elite dentists in the Kanata area to provide you with unsurpassed care.

Your appointment will begin with our experienced team of dental hygienists. We’re equipped with the tools and expertise to thoroughly clean teeth above and below the gum line and in areas where you may not be able to. Plaque and tartar buildup often occurs in these tricky corners, but stubborn bacteria-harboring substances are removed by our skilled hygienists. A thorough cleaning will also remove some extrinsic stains, leaving you with a more brilliant and healthy smile. Our hygienists will instruct you on proper oral hygiene techniques. Good oral hygiene is vital to enjoying a lifetime of strong dental health.

An example of our modern approach to general dentistry, our Kanata and Ottawa area offices use DIAGNOdent laser technology to painlessly identify minuscule, developing areas of tooth decay not easily visible to the naked eye. Such early detection allows for extraordinarily quick and minimally invasive restorative treatment.

We may apply a professional strength fluoride treatment at your appointment. Although fluoride can be found in many over-the-counter oral care products, professional doses are highly concentrated and offer the best defense against tooth decay, sensitivity issues and enamel erosion. We use a pleasant tasting fluoride varnish that sets quickly for your convenience. Because fluoride levels vary with each patient, our team will determine if a professional treatment is needed at each appointment.

After your teeth are brushed, flossed and beautified, your dentist will evaluate every area of the mouth while taking into account your unique health issues and risk factors. There is a protocol we follow to ensure every patient’s smile is free of dangerous conditions, however. At each appointment, our Kanata dentists check for:

• Oral cancer
• Tooth decay and root decay
• TMJ and bite problems
• Gum disease and irritation
• Tooth surface damage

If you have dentures or have undergone procedures such as dental implants, we’ll also check on the condition, comfort and fit of these appliances.

On occasion, your dentist may deem it necessary to take X-ray images of your smile. These images offer exceptional clarity about the condition of oral structures not visible to the eye, which is vital to maintaining excellent dental health. X-ray images are the ideal diagnostic tool. We use the latest in digital radiography to reduce radiation exposure and determine an optimal course of treatment.

What if it’s my first time?

No matter if it’s your initial routine appointment with us or your first professional cleaning ever, care from a dentist is always beneficial. Our friendly staff in each of our eight Ottawa area locations aims to make your experience with us as convenient and simple as possible. That’s why we provide important information regarding your first appointment on our website.

We require all patients to complete an medical history form that can be emailed to us prior to their initial visit. Oral health and dental health are closely linked, so the existence of certain medical conditions will affect our treatment approach. For example, patients with diabetes are at an increased risk for gum disease.  Once we are informed of your medical history, we will keep the information in mind for all future visits. At Trillium Dental, our methods are personalized to you.

Check out the “Patient Information” page of our website to learn more about our payment and insurance policies.

Here’s a quick tip: arrive at your appointment with a freshly-brushed teeth. Good oral hygiene is always important, but visiting us with a clean smile reduces hygienic work on our end and allows for your dentist to better spot developing problems.

Why are routine dental appointments so important?

Now you know what to expect at your routine dental appointment, but here’s why it’s important: regular professional care is essential to achieving truly healthy teeth and gums. Only professionally trained dentists and hygienists possess the insight, expertise and tools to detect developing dental health issues before they manifest in your smile. That’s why routine exams are often referred to as “preventive care”- they prevent dental conditions from developing or worsening.

Your wallet, not just your dental health, enjoys the advantages of early detection through regular preventive care. When tooth decay or gum disease strikes and progresses, it may require extensive treatment to remedy. In severe cases, tooth loss, tooth abscess and further infection can occur. Such situations call for restorative dentistry solutions like bridges or implants to repair. Do your smile and your bank account a favor- don’t skip routine dental appointments.

The wellbeing of your gums is just as significant as your teeth. In fact, the condition of gums is a window into your general health. There’s a growing body of evidence to suggest that gum disease is strongly linked to conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, low birth weight and Alzheimer’s disease. The American Heart Association even found that one professional cleaning can lower the risk of heart attack by 24 percent!

The mouth is an ideal environment for bacteria growth and a gateway to the bloodstream. It is widely believed that inflamed and bleeding gums transfer oral bacteria to other areas of the body, contributing to or exacerbating existing conditions. A healthy smile supports a healthy body. The best way to prevent gum disease, tooth decay and other issues is through good dental hygiene, which can’t truly be achieved without the help of a dentist. At each routine appointment, our dentists and hygienists remove bacteria-harboring plaque and tartar to provide a healthy and clean oral environment.

At Trillium Dental, we encourage you to commit to your dental health not just in spring, but all year round. Adequate hygiene routines, smart food choices and regular visits with us will ensure your teeth and gums stay in prime health.

Do you have additional questions regarding what a routine dental appointment entails? Contact us. Our friendly staff is eager to address any concerns and make you feel at ease. For comprehensive preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, trust Trillium Dental.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO– According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, around 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. Unfortunately, oral cancer is often discovered late in its development. Trillium dental, a family practice, is able to detect oral cancer during routine dental examinations.

Mouth cancer occurs when cells in the mouth or lips form mutations in the DNA, allowing cancer cells to grow, divide and possibly form a tumor. Mouth cancers usually begin to form in the flat, thin cells that line the lips and the inside of the mouth. However, cancer cells may also spread to other areas of the mouth, head, neck, or other parts of the body.

Signs and Symptoms

Oftentimes people mistake the symptoms of oral cancer for another ailment. It is important to analyze these precursors and be certain of all conditions. Signs and symptoms of mouth cancer may include:

• A sore that doesn’t heal
• A lump or thickening of the skin or lining of the mouth
• A white or reddish patch on the inside of the mouth
• Loose teeth
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Tongue pain
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Difficult or painful chewing
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• A sore throat
• The feeling like something is caught in the throat

Increased Risk

People who smoke and drink alcohol are more at risk of developing oral cancers. Approximately 70% of patients with oral cancer are heavy drinkers. Factors that can increase your risk of mouth cancer include:

• Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff
• Heavy alcohol use
• Excessive sun exposure to your lips
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Exposure to radiation
• Mouthwash
• Low intake of fruits and vegetables with beta-carotene
• Low intake of Vitamin C and fiber

Testing and Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose mouth cancer can be done to detect early symptoms. Our dentists will examine your lips and mouth to look for abnormalities, sores and white patches. If any abnormalities are found, a sample of cells is cut or scraped off for laboratory testing in a biopsy. The cells are analyzed for cancer or precancerous variations, indicating a risk of future cancer.

If mouth cancer is diagnosed, doctors then determine the stage of the cancer. They can do this by using a lighted scope to inspect the throat and look for signs that the cancer has spread beyond the mouth in an endoscopy. Depending on the condition, doctors may also take X-rays, an MRI, CT scans, or a PET scan.

Perform a Self-Exam Monthly

To be precautious perform an oral cancer self-exam using a mirror and a light.

• Remove any dentures
• Look and feel inside the lips and the front of gums
• Tilt head back to inspect and feel the roof of your mouth
• Pull the cheek out to see its inside surface as well as the back of the gums
• Pull out your tongue and look at all of its surfaces
• Feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes on both sides of the neck

Perform self-examinations and inspect the mouth for the following:

• Red and/or white patches
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
• An abnormal lump or thickening of the tissues of the mouth
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• A mass or lump in the neck

If you exhibit the signs or symptoms, contact Trillium Dental today to get screened and referred to a specialist. Treatment for mouth cancer depends on the cancer location and stage, as well as the overall health and personal preferences of the individual.

Treatment for Oral Cancer

Radiation therapy uses powerful rays to kill cancer cells. External beam radiation therapy is delivered from a machine outside of the body. Brachytherapy uses radioactive seeds and wires, which are placed near the cancer. Radiation therapy may be the only treatment used in cases of early-stage mouth cancer. Radiation therapy can also be used after surgery or combined with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may help relieve the symptoms brought on by the cancer, such as pain.

Side effects of radiation therapy to your mouth may include dry mouth, tooth decay, mouth sores, bleeding gums, jaw stiffness, fatigue and red skin reactions.

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy, so the two are often combined.

Side effects of chemotherapy depend on which drugs you receive. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting and hair loss.

If a tumor is present, doctors may perform surgery to remove it. The surgeon cuts away the tumor and some of the healthy adjoining tissue. Smaller cancers may be removed through a more minor surgery. Removing a large tumor may require removing a section of the jawbone or a portion of the tongue. If cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck, then the surgeon may perform a neck dissection, removing the cancerous lymph nodes and related tissue in the neck.

As always, surgery carries a risk of bleeding and infection. Surgery for mouth cancer can also affect a person’s appearance and their ability to speak, eat and swallow. There are specialists to help people with these changes.

Targeted drugs treat mouth cancer by altering specific aspects of cancer cells that fuel their growth. Targeted drugs can be used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Cetuximab is a targeted therapy used for treating certain head and neck cancers. Other targeted drugs are being studied in clinical trials.

Regular check-ups and awareness help reduce the risk oral cancer. Oral cancer is the largest group of cancers that fall into the head and neck cancer category. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, this is the fifth year in a row that there has been an increase in the rate of oral cancers. Schedule your screening today.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – When you think of Halloween, you probably think of costumes and cold weather, pumpkins and spider webs. You might be planning a costume party or gathering candy to hand out to neighborhood trick-or-treaters. Your dentist in Ottawa is thinking of your teeth.

Drs. David Bartos and Mark Northcott want you to have a fun-filled Halloween without doing damage to your pearly whites. Our Kanata dentistry practice has brainstormed ways to keep your teeth healthy and clean this Halloween.

Evaluate Your Candy

What candy have you chosen to give out on Halloween? Just how sugary are those bite-sized treats? You probably don’t want to be the lady giving out apples or dental floss, but can you choose a candy that isn’t all sugar? (We realize this might be difficult, but look at labels; take your time.)

Let Them Eat

Halloween is a magical time for children, and it’s fun for adults, too. It might not be a good idea to restrict your child from enjoying the candy she’s procured. Forbidden foods looks even more glamorous because you can’t have them. Instead, let your child pick a reasonable amount of candy – her favorites – that she can have. You could donate the rest or even freeze it for later. Thawed Halloween candy will be just as tasty in a few months.

Clean Their Teeth

This holiday is a good time to talk with your child about good oral care. Remind your child to floss and brush daily, and make sure she follows through. For times when she can’t brush – at a party or running errands – chase those bite-sized treats with a piece of sugar free gum. Chewing gum helps your saliva flow, which breaks down sugars in your mouth.

Keep Candy In a Safe Spot

Put the candy in a neutral zone after your child has sufficiently gorged herself and her teeth are clean. Don’t let your child keep her candy by her bed or in her room. This is a great temptation. She might want to snack before bed and drench sugar on those already-clean teeth. Teach your child that self-control is important. There’s no more snacking after her teeth are clean for the night.

We want you to make memories and have fun this Halloween while keeping your oral care in mind. Our practice offers general, cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry to patients in greater Ottawa. We brighten your smiles with in-house teeth whitening, and we offer IV sedation dentistry to our patients who are anxious about dental procedures. Happy Halloween to you and yours!

STITTSVILLE AND OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Stittsville dentistry team at Trillium Dental knows how important it is to treat signs of gum disease early. Gum disease is detrimental to your tooth and gum health, and it can cost you permanent teeth if left untreated. At every regular teeth cleaning, our Stittsville and Ottawa dental teams screen patients for gum disease. In its early stages, it can be eradicated.

Here are the top 10 reasons to treat gum disease:

1. To Avoid Tooth Loss

Gum disease is the main cause of adult tooth loss. Tooth loss is harmful to your bite, your bone health and your self-esteem. If you treat gum disease early enough, you can thwart tooth loss and protect your smile.

2. To Avoid Gum Recession

Gum disease often causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. The recession forms pockets where bacteria gathers and grows. Treat gum disease and keep your gums healthy, strong and prominent.

3. To Reduce Hospital Visits

Gum disease, especially in advanced stages, can cause severe pain, which may lead you to visit the emergency room more often. Studies show that treating gum disease lowers your ER visits and medical costs.

4. To Reduce Heart Disease Risk

Gum disease has been linked to respiratory disease, diabetes and even some types of cancer. It has also been heavily linked to heart disease. Untreated gum disease can heighten your risk of heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure.

5. To Avoid Bone Deterioration

Severe gum disease causes tooth loss, and tooth loss causes the jawbone to deteriorate. The bone will weaken when the tooth it supports is lost. The deterioration can spread out and weaken other parts of your jaw.

6. To Preserve Your Bite

Losing one or more teeth to gum disease can be avoided. When you lose a tooth, your bite changes. Your teeth may fit together differently, and you may have trouble chewing food. You could even experience migraines or TMJ problems from a destabilized bite.

7. To Keep Your Gums Healthy

Your gums are the foundation of your smile. Healthy teeth come from healthy gums, and strong gums will hold your teeth firmly in place. Healthy gums don’t bleed, don’t recede and don’t cause you pain.

8. To Control the Infection

Gum disease is simply an infection. Bacteria and plaque have caused gum recession and maybe even tooth loss. The infection, if left untreated, could even spread to your bloodstream. You should treat gum disease to control and remove the infection from your body.

9. To Avoid Loosened Teeth

Before a tooth is lost completely, it will grow loose. A loose permanent tooth will feel much like a loose baby tooth, except this is a tooth you’re supposed to keep forever. Treating gum disease will strengthen your gums and strengthen their bonds with your teeth.

10. To Reduce Associated Pain and Discomfort

Gum disease often causes bleeding, tender gums. You may not brush and floss regularly because of the pain, or you may avoid eating when the pain is intense. Treating gum disease will reduce your pain and restore your gums to their previous good health.

ORLEANS, ONTARIO – Think indulging in sugary candies, smoking and guzzling red wine are the only ways to harm teeth? Think again. While it’s true that teeth are among the toughest structures in the body, they’re also incredibly sensitive to a number of activities we often do daily. Orleans family dentistry practice Trillium Dental lists five surprising ways patients harm their teeth without even knowing.

Swimming.

We often discuss water’s benefits for teeth, but H20 that’s loaded with chlorine and other chemicals fails to receive our approval. Pool chemicals are often linked to enamel damage. Observations from the American Journal of Dentistry and The Journal of the Canadian Dental Association state that swimming in a pool brimming with chlorine for about 2 months triggers rapid enamel erosion and sensitivity. When taking a dip in the pool, only immerse your smile under water when necessary. Be sure to keep your mouth shut tight if doing so.

Whitening Toothpaste. 

So, how could toothpaste possibly be detrimental to teeth? When it’s engineered to scratch at the tooth’s surface. Whitening toothpastes do their job thanks to small particles that scrape stains off the protective enamel layer. Unfortunately, the enamel can fall victim to the abrasiveness. Damaged enamel leaves teeth susceptible to cavities, advanced decay and sensitivity. If you must use whitening toothpaste, opt for a gentle variety and don’t use it every time you brush.

Dried Fruits. 

As healthy of a snack as dried fruit appears to be, the sticky-sweet consistency can wreak havoc on teeth. Dried fruits are the safer choice over gummy, processed fruit snacks, but its sugars still promote bacteria growth, which leads to enamel erosion and decay. If you need a fruity fix, reach for an apple! Apples are rich in tooth-fortifying minerals.

Coffee. 

We all know that coffee stains teeth. What coffee addicts may not realize, however, is that this pick-me-up also transforms a smile into a plaque magnet. Heavy staining makes teeth increasingly sticky, allowing an assortment of bacteria to get a good grip. If you’re a coffee guzzler and would like to avoid the need for porcelain veneers or dental implants in the future, be sure to implement a proper oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing and mouth rinse to combat the added stickiness.

Brushing. 

Yes, you read correctly. When poorly timed or done aggressively, even brushing teeth can prove harmful to teeth. Emergency Dental professionals typically encourage their patients to brush following a meal, but they leave out one important stipulation. Since acids from consumed foods weaken the enamel, brushing immediately after a meal can scrub away more than just plaque. To achieve a healthy smile while keeping the enamel intact, wait about an hour after eating to brush.

The primary concern of most young children is when they can get their hands on the next chocolate chip cookie or lollipop. Needless to say, implementing a proper dental hygiene is not on a child’s priority list.

It should be on the parent’s list, however.

A clean smile is essential for people of all ages, including babies and toddlers. The mouth is the ideal environment for bacteria growth. It’s important that a consistent routine of brushing and flossing be performed, especially since the typical kid diet includes an abundance of sugary drinks and sweets. This reality means that children are increasingly susceptible to cavities and more severe forms of decay.

Kids commonly battle their parents after being told to brush their teeth. No matter how difficult the child is, parents must stand firm in their fight to teach children good dental hygiene habits. We understand that this task is easier said than enforced, so we at Trillium Dental have assembled a few helpful tips to make the process easier.

1. Begin early. Prior to the first baby tooth sprouting at six or seven months, softly wipe the gums down with a damp cloth after the baby eats or drinks. However, dental care should start once a tooth is present. Take your baby to visit the dentist and gently brush whatever teeth have grown in. Getting in a good routine early will make things easier once he or she hits the rebellious toddler years.

2. Make brushing entertaining. Kids don’t like boring. Liven up their dental hygiene routine by playing music, including a friend or stuffed animal or composing your very own tooth brushing song. By making dental hygiene fun, kids will be eager to pick up their brush and scrub away.

3. Offer a reward. Parents realize the reward of brushing and flossing is a healthy and beautiful smile, but that prize isn’t going to cut it for a small child. Keep track of every good tooth brushing session with a colorful poster and stickers in your child’s bathroom. Once he or she earns a certain number of stickers, reward them however you’d like. Avoid treating them with sugary candies, though.

4. Let your child pick the supplies. Toddlers are fiercely independent (or so they think), so let them make their own decision when selecting a toothbrush and toothpaste. When a child knows that they made their own decision, it’s exciting. He or she will likely be eager to show you that they can brush on their own.

5. Make it a family affair. Show your child that you’re excited about brushing and flossing by including other family members. Not only does this make things more exciting for the child, but it sets a great example.

6. Don’t give up! Be consistent. Brush your teeth after every meal, and let your child know that you’re doing so. By setting a consistent routine, kids will know what to expect. If he or she fights back, keep trying. Don’t give up on your child or their dental health.

If you’re looking for a family dentist in the Ottawa area, contact Trillium Dental.

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO – You know it’s coming. Every six months, it’s time to visit the Ottawa dentist for those pesky cleanings. If your smile is in generally good health, you may not see the necessity in these regular checkups. However, skipping the occasional dental cleaning can produce serious and unsightly consequences.

1. To keep your teeth. This claim may seem drastic, but your teeth face many threats to their stability on a daily basis. The advancement of gum disease and tooth decay can trigger tooth loss by eroding the enamel and weakening the bone that anchors the teeth. The best way to guard against tooth loss is by seeing a dental professional regularly for cleanings and treatment. Patients may believe they’re thoroughly cleaning teeth and gums, but they can only see what’s in the mirror. Dental hygienists possess the training, appropriate tools and viewpoints to remove all plaque that can cause conditions which result in tooth loss. Powerful topical fluoride treatments are also administered to fortify the enamel and protect teeth from decay or the need for removal. Professional dental care is the best way to sustain teeth and eliminate the need for dentures later in life.

2. To aid your overall health. The evidence is mounting that claims poor oral health can result in negative health effects elsewhere in the body, specifically the cardiovascular region. Multiple studies have uncovered links between gum disease and stroke, high cholesterol, heart disease and even early labor in expectant mothers. Periodontitis (gum disease) occurs when the health of the gums are neglected, most commonly by a lack of proper brushing. Bacteria spawned from accumulated plaque can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums and promote disease. For this reason, having cemented plaque removed and gums examined by a professional is crucial. Trillium Dental offers comprehensive periodontal care to ensure the health of patients’ smiles, and perhaps their hearts!

3. To keep fresh breath. Bad breath is…bad. Onions on a cheeseburger or garlic in pasta sauce aren’t the only ways to acquire unfavorable breath. In fact, most people have bad breath because of a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Mouthwash is a solid defense against bad breath, but sometimes, professional help is needed. Every patient’s mouth is cleaned thoroughly at regular checkups using powerful products not available in stores to help guarantee a fresh feeling. Such treatments can remove plaque and germs wedged in hard to reach areas commonly missed by patients.

4. To detect dental cancer. Just as regular blood tests and screenings are required to check for cancers, dental checkups are needed to spot the oral variety. Despite common thought, smokers and tobacco users aren’t the only ones vulnerable to this dangerous and aggressive form of cancer. Oral cancers are often caused by the HPV virus and can develop in the mouths of patients who refrain from behavioral risks. Unfortunately, oral cancer is often deadly because many patients don’t seek help until they notice obvious symptoms that generally surface in later stages. With that said, early detection is key to beating this disease. Visiting the dentist every 6 months for cleanings will allow Dr. Bartos or Dr. Northcott to spot any developing issues.

Even if your mouth is healthy, regular cleanings are necessary to achieve a radiant and healthy smile. Skipping the occasional appointment may seem harmless, but your mouth will likely suffer the consequences.

Have you forgotten to schedule a cleaning? Contact Trillium Dental to set up your appointment. Dr. Bartos and Dr. Northcott offer metal-free dentistry and popular smile solutions like Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers and crowns to further help create the smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t neglect oral hygiene – stop by for a brief cleaning and enjoy the assurance of a healthy smile.

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