Month: January 2023

If you are in agony, extracting your tooth may appear to be the simplest solution, notably if it is damaged or infected. But hold on, not so soon. Pulling that tooth may seem like a simple solution, but we want you to realize that it might not be the best choice. However, if you can save your tooth, keeping your natural teeth will be worth it. It is your choice to make whether to pull your tooth or save it. There is often confusion about whether to pull your tooth or save it. Our main objective is to provide you with all the facts and information needed before making the right decision.

Benefits of saving your natural tooth

• Your natural teeth have more strength. Natural teeth can withstand the stress of chewing the foods you enjoy, and as a result, they are stronger than lab-made teeth. The hardest substance in your body, tougher than bone, is the exterior covering of your teeth, known as dental enamel.
• Prevents teeth from shifting. You create a gap when you pull your tooth, which allows your neighboring teeth to shift. The shifting takes time, but it might cause problems with your bite alignment and chew. Additionally, this may result in other concerns like inadequate nutrition, pain, and a decline in quality of life.
• It helps in building confidence. Saving your natural teeth can make a significant difference in building your confidence. Due to the space after a tooth extraction, you can find it harder to grin.
• Less painful. Dental treatments such as fillings, crowns, and root canals may appear intimidating, but it is a common myth that they cause excruciating pain. When you visit our Oakville family dentist, you will receive treatment recommendations that will help you save your teeth and an environment that will help you feel comfortable during any planned procedures.
• Fewer dentist visits. Many further dental procedures are frequently required after a tooth extraction to help maintain your smile. Among these are dental implants, bridges, dentures, or other oral appliances that prevent bone loss at the site of missing teeth and prevent your teeth from shifting. Saving the teeth can result in fewer dental appointments to replace the missing tooth.
• Less cost. It is possible to achieve long-term savings by preventing tooth loss. Early detection of tooth decay and other oral disorders can assist in avoiding the need for costly restorations to replace missing teeth, such as dental bridges and implants.

How to save your tooth?

• Root canal treatment. Root canal therapy can help reduce pain caused by bacteria that have penetrated your tooth’s nerve or dental pulp. The procedure comprises removing the infected pulp and using a substance to encapsulate the root to help reduce the chance of further infection. Depending on your existing tooth structure and condition, teeth treated with root canals may also require a dental crown. Your ordinary dentist or a root canal expert may perform the root canal (endodontist).
• Dental fillings. After the dentist has removed any minor tooth decay, a dental filling is a routine procedure that helps cover the teeth. Various filling materials are available, including white composite and silver amalgam fillings, which are safe and effective in restoring decayed teeth.
• Dental crowns. More extensive decay or loss of tooth structure may necessitate dental crowns. A dental crown is an artificial tooth shell that fits over your natural tooth and matches the color of your adjacent teeth. These restorations safeguard your teeth from further damage and aid in your ability to chew food effectively.

When should you get a tooth extracted?

• Irreparable Tooth Damage. Sometimes extraction of a tooth is recommended to prevent the spread of a severe infection. It could happen if the germs have reached the dental pulp, the tooth’s innermost layer, but not to the extent that a root canal operation can save the tooth.
• Teeth Overcrowding. To allow for optimal alignment during orthodontic treatment, your dentist or orthodontist may advise the removal of several teeth (braces). Also, impacted teeth, like third molars, may need to be removed if the mouth is not large enough to accommodate them.
• Tooth damage due to trauma. A tooth that has experienced trauma may fracture or chip significantly and become irreparably damaged. Based on the level of tooth damage, your dentist will assess the tooth’s likelihood of survival within the mouth.
• Lack of Tooth Structure. Dental crowns may not be able to support a tooth that has inadequate tooth structure.

Dentistry on Dunn: Oakville Family Dentist can advise you on the best treatment alternatives to pull your teeth. Depending on your dentist’s advice, you might need to pull your tooth or save it. We are willing to address all your queries, reassure you, and provide the best treatment for a beautiful smile.

As the saying goes, a true friend will tell you whether you have bad breath. Also, bad breath may practically and metaphorically stink up a social situation.  Foul breath, commonly known as halitosis, is frequently caused by inadequate oral hygiene. The main reason for bad breath could be unhealthy lifestyle behavior or underlying health conditions. Continue reading to know more about bad breath and what you can do about it.

Is bad breath a common phenomenon?

It is difficult to avoid bad breath sometimes, caused by the regular breakdown of meals for digestion causes moderate and occasional bad breath. Because bacteria accumulate in the mouth overnight while you sleep, most people don’t wake up with minty fresh breath. Maintain good oral hygiene, consume plenty of water, and chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol to prevent typical episodes of bad breath.

What is the reason for bad breath?

1) Oral Hygiene.

The most prevalent reason for bad breath is poor dental hygiene. Failure to remove food particles and bacterial dental plaque from the surface of the teeth and tongue often results in bad breath. Oral bacteria can cause gum disease, cavities, and other oral problems, in addition to foul odors.

2) Food habits and digestive problems.

Our oral health, as well as how our breath smells, are significantly influenced by the food habits which we follow. Some foods, such as onions, garlic, spices, and some vegetables, can leave a distinct aftertaste in your mouth. Furthermore, digestive difficulties such as bowel disorders and acid reflux can be the reason for bad breath.

3) Dry Mouth.

Dehydration, various drugs, smoking, and specific medical disorders are all potential causes of dry mouth. Naturally, saliva aids in washing away odor-causing food particles and germs that cause foul breath. Therefore, having poor breath may result from insufficient saliva flow.

4) Alcohol, tobacco.

Alcohol consumption can reduce salivation resulting in a dry mouth and poor breath. Additionally, using tobacco products can result in poor breath and several other health problems, such as lung cancer and gum disease.

5) Mouth, nose, and throat conditions.

Sometimes, tiny bacteria-covered stones may develop on the tonsils at the back of the throat, giving off an odor. Infections or inflammation in the nose, throat, or sinuses can also contribute to bad breath.

6) Diseases.

Diabetes, different malignancies, and renal and liver failure are all chronic health issues that can cause bad breath.

7) Crash diets.

Crash diets, such as fasting or eating a low carbohydrate diet, can induce foul breath due to the body’s creation of strong-smelling ketones. 

How to get rid of bad breaths?

1) Avoid meals that make your breath smell awful.

Don’t eat foods with a strong smell, such as onions and garlic, because they enter your bloodstream and are hard to eliminate with your toothbrush.

2) Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly regularly.

It’s important to floss at least once daily and brushes your teeth twice daily for two minutes each. It makes it possible to get rid of foods and bacteria that cause bad breath and can help to avoid numerous oral health problems.

3) Rinse your mouth frequently.

Mouthwash is an excellent way to supplement your oral hygiene regimen and combat bad breath. Try to choose mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Approval, which means it contains fluoride and is antibacterial. After eating, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away food particles and keep your mouth moist.

4) Scrape your tongue.

Bacterial dental plaque, like plaque on your teeth, can adhere to the grooves of your tongue and cause a bad smell. Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush or using a tongue scraper is essential for removing bacteria and food particles from the mouth.

5) Maintain a moist mouth.

Make sure you drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. It is also possible to stimulate saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum. A few lifestyle changes can help prevent dry mouths, such as avoiding alcohol, soda, and tobacco.

6) Stay away from sugary foods.

Sugary foods can promote the growth of oral germs, resulting in not just poor breath but also dental cavities and gum disease. Make an effort to eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

7) Maintain the health of your gums.

Many issues, such as bad breath, can be resolved by maintaining healthy gums. When brushing, it is critical to eliminate food and smelly germs from beneath the gum line. Flossing is also vital for keeping the gums clean and healthy.

8) Avoid drinking and smoking.

Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol can help reduce your chances of cancer, gum disease, poor breath, and other health issues. This factor could be the reason for bad breath.

Our Oakville Family Dentist, Dentistry on Dunn is willing to assist you if you have persistent bad breath or any other dental problem.  Our compassionate staff will perform an accurate diagnosis and provide the best all-encompassing treatment strategy to meet your dental needs. Quality time with your dentist, like all good friendships, is critical to your oral health success.