If for some reason a tooth is lost, there are 3 main ways of replacing missing teeth:

• The first category of tooth replacement is a denture. They are custom made removable appliances to replace one or more missing teeth. They can be made entirely of acrylic or have a cast metal frame with acrylic added to the frame. Full dentures are used when all the teeth in an arch are missing. Partial dentures are used when some healthy teeth still remain.
• The second option for tooth replacement is a bridge. This too is a custom-made lab solution. It holds on to the tooth/teeth in front of the space and the tooth/teeth behind the space, thus bridging the gap. It can be made of various types of metal or porcelain or a combination of the two (porcelain fused to metal). It is cemented in over the top of the prepared adjacent teeth. This a fixed, that is to say, non-removable option.
• And lastly, there are dental implants. This man-made root option is currently the closest thing to nature that dentistry can provide. They can look and feel like your own teeth.

There are many different types of teeth whitening techniques, all of which have their pros and cons. Some people choose to have their teeth whitened at the dentist, whilst others whiten their teeth themselves. But which one is better for the overall result? Dentists suggest that if your teeth are in perfect condition then at at-home whitener may be the best option for you. On the other hand, in-office procedures may be more effective if your teeth are prone to irritation. Here is a breakdown of each option.  

In-Office Procedures

The most common in-office procedure makes use of specially tailored trays. These trays are moulded around your teeth and fitted with a whitening solution to ensure the perfect fit. As the procedure is supervised by a professional, the whitening solution used is stronger than the solution found in many home kits. Often, a light or heat source may also be used to speed up the whitening process.

In general, whitening procedures done in office offer more pronounced results and can improve the shade of yellowed teeth as much as 4 shades or more. However, the procedure is more expensive than home kits because it is supervised by a healthcare professional.

It’s important to note, a side effect of using powerful whitening solution is teeth sensitivity that may last for a few days.

If you do not have the time or budget to do in-office whitening, you can have custom whitening trays made for you that you can use at home with whitening solution, and this option can offer excellent results as well.

At-Home Products

When it comes to at-home procedures, you have a wide array of products to choose from. Here are some options.

Whitening Rinses: These are extremely easy to use. Simply swirl the rinse around your mouth for a minute. As the whitening product comes into contact with your teeth, your teeth will begin to brighten. These are commonly used to prevent staining after your teeth have been whitened. 

Whitening Toothpastes: Whitening toothpastes are specially formulated to remove surface strains whilst brushing your teeth. Whilst this can improve the whiteness of your teeth, it can also cause mild teeth sensitivity among users. 

Whitening Trays: These trays are specially filled with a gel that fits over your teeth. Whilst they can whiten your teeth quickly, the solution may cause some irritation to gums and some mild teeth sensitivity as well.

These methods are great for achieving a whiter smile, though they vary in price, time commitment, and potential sensitivities. In order to decide which is best for you, we advise seeing your dentist for a regular examination, as they will be able to provide you with the professional advice that you require to get your teeth as white as possible. 

Electric Toothbrushes

Overall, electric toothbrushes can do a highly effective cleaning job, as they can provide anywhere from 6,000 to 30,000 strokes per minute. A robust meta-analysis has found that using an electric toothbrush reduced plaque and gingivitis at least as effective as manual brushing and that specifically, ionic toothbrushes statistically significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis.

Despite the fact that electric toothbrushes provide a higher number of strokes and may be more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis, it’s still critical to allocate the entire recommended two minutes to brush. In some cases, this increased efficiency can result in poorer brushing habits, as some individuals may think that the electric toothbrush will do everything for them, and they may not make the effort to brush thoroughly and clean every individual tooth properly. 

Electric toothbrushes can be of great help for people with dexterity or mobility problems, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities such as arthritis and carpal tunnel. They can help get in and around places that would otherwise be hard for them to brush.

However, the increased flexibility in movement and relying on automatic strokes can have a negative side too. A lot of people using electric toothbrushes can find it difficult to control the pressure and vigor of the toothbrush, making it problematic for people with gum issues or sensitivity. People with sensitivity or gum issues often may find using an electric toothbrush to be uncomfortable or even painful.

Another key difference between electric and manual toothbrushes is in how engaging they are to use. If you or your child have issues with getting yourself to brush regularly, then you may benefit from an electric toothbrush, as they are often perceived as being much more engaging and enticing to use. A lot of higher-end models also come with built-in timers, which help to ensure that you are brushing for the full recommended two minutes. 

In regards to price, electric toothbrushes are almost always more expensive. They also have a much wider range in price point, as lower-end models can cost as low as under $20, whereas higher-end models can go for as much as a few hundred dollars. You also have to consider the cost of the brush heads also, which you have to change on a regular basis. Depending on the toothbrush and the type & quantity of brush heads that you buy, over a longer timeframe, the total cost of the electric toothbrush may be comparable to that of a manual toothbrush, so it’s important to evaluate the options that are available.

Given that an electric toothbrush can last a much longer time than a manual toothbrush, it can result in producing less waste in the long run than manual brushes. Generally, replacing just the brush heads produces less waste than having to replace the entire toothbrush.

Lastly, due to their bulkiness, electric toothbrushes are seen as the less desirable option for traveling. If the brush is charged or recharged using a standard power outlet, you may also have difficulty charging it you’re traveling without a reliable power source. As a result, a common practice for electric toothbrush users is to use a manual toothbrush while traveling.

Manual Toothbrushes

Using manual toothbrushes is a tried and tested way of reliably brushing teeth and reducing plaque and gingivitis. 

Depending on the brush, manual toothbrushes can be very versatile and offer many different options. Although electric toothbrushes may be seen as more sophisticated, coming in various varieties that offer oscillating, pulsating, and cupping technologies, manual toothbrushes also come in a variety of styles, heads, and bristles. 

The primary benefit of manual toothbrushes is their cost. They are generally much more affordable than electric toothbrushes, and as a result, are much more accessible for most individuals. Most dental practices also give out toothbrushes following regular visits, making it much easier to access them. Being much more cost-effective also allows patients to replace them at the recommended intervals, as well as replace them if they are damaged or lost. Due to the cost savings, it’s also easier to purchase a higher quality manual toothbrush with more features, than to purchase a high-end electric toothbrush.

Manual toothbrushes are also very versatile, as they are typically smaller in size. This makes them a preferred option to take when traveling, as they are more compact and don’t require any additional hardware, such as batteries or charging units.

Although electric toothbrushes are generally safe for children to use, it may be a good idea to get them started with a manual toothbrush. This will teach them to be thorough with their brushing, as well as to develop their dexterity in order to learn to brush effectively and efficiently.

Summary

In summary, both electric and manual toothbrushes can be very effective in attaining the positive benefits of regular brushing. Regardless of the type of toothbrush, the most important factor is the person brushing, as the positive effects of brushing are most reliably experienced when you brush thoroughly and for the recommended rates and duration, at two times a day for two minutes each time.

Set an example

The best way to encourage a behaviour is by leading through example. Turn brushing into family time by brushing alongside with your child. This will give them added validation that brushing is indeed very important, and it will allow for additional time together. In addition, brushing together allows you to ensure that they are brushing for the recommended duration (2 minutes, twice a day), and can help ensure that you’re getting your required brushing as well.

Get them practicing from an early age

Set the practice before they are even old enough to brush themselves, so that the habit stays entrenched in their minds. A good way to do this is to have them practice brushing either on a toy or have them try it on you. Make sure to provide additional feedback to build a positive association with brushing – such as by commenting on how good brushing is for you or the toy, or how good & healthy it makes you feel.

Set up a reward structure

Positive reinforcement is a tried and tested way of fostering desired behavioural patterns. Reward your child for maintaining their good brushing habits by offering a small prize or reward.

A good way to execute this is by setting up a weekly “report card”. This entails having you or the child cross off a chart each time they brush for a full two minutes. At the end of the week, if they’ve consistently brushed each day for two minutes, you can reward them with a small gift. You can even add additional points if your child has taken the initiative upon themselves to brush during their usual times without having to be prompted.

One important thing to keep in mind is to make sure that the reward is reasonable and not too big. This is so that the reward is just an additional bonus the child’s good behaviour, rather than having them brush only for the sake of the prize.

Set up a regular schedule

A lot of times, unless strictly supervised, children may simply forget to brush when they have to. In order to develop a consistent routine, you can set up parameters as to when they should regularly brush. This would typically be immediately after breakfast, after bathing, or right before their bedtime ritual. Pairing brushing time with other regular daily rituals or tasks will provide them the necessary cues, so that they don’t accidentally forget.

Expand their imaginations

One way to get your child more engaged in brushing is to create a story or narrative out of it. For example, you can make a story about them going out and defending themselves from imaginary “sugar bugs”, which they defeat by brushing. Another story you can make up is having them “explore the universe”, with the toothbrush being the vessel. There are no limits to how creative you can get, although it’s important to ensure that they are brushing thoroughly and for the recommended duration.

Decorate the bathroom with images related to brushing

The bathroom should be recognized for all of the functions it serves – brushing being one of them. One good way to reinforce the idea that the bathroom is the place for brushing is by decorating it with cartoons and pictures related to brushing. You can even make it into an arts and crafts activity, by getting your child to create drawings of characters brushing, which you can then post up on the mirror or walls.

Acknowledge them after brushing

Another reliable way to reinforce positive behaviour is by acknowledging or praising it. After they finish up their brushing routine, you can acknowledge them by giving a high five, or by providing other fun or quirky comments.

Switch up the toothpaste

If your child finds brushing their teeth repetitive, you can make the experience more dynamic and exciting by occasionally switching up their toothpaste. There are a lot of different toothpaste flavours that you can try out, just make sure that it’s suitable for them and fulfills all of the necessary criteria.

Get them involved in purchasing supplies

Get them more involved in brushing by having them pick out their brushes or toothpaste. You can make an ongoing ritual out of going to the store together when it’s time to restock, and have them pick out the toothbrush that they like the most. 

Liven up the mood

You can make the experience more exciting by playing music while they brush. Find something fun and uplifting that they like, and play it during their brushing routine. This can also help you gauge time, to ensure that they’re brushing for the full two minutes.

General Dentist

A general dentist is someone you see on a regular basis to make sure your oral health is in check. This happens to be the most common dentist, as they see both children and adults, and take care of treatments that include general cleaning, dental x-rays and education in terms of at-home dental care. They’re also responsible for restorative dental work like teeth whitening, repairing chipped, cracked or missing teeth, artificial fillings and tooth decay. Even though general dentists are capable of treating most dental issues, there are other specialty dental professionals that deal with more complex situations.

Orthodontist

While an orthodontist might seem like they only deal in installing, maintaining and removing braces, their dental care can extend much further than that. Orthodontists are mainly concerned with perfecting misaligned teeth, jaw bones and other supporting features of the face for functional and cosmetic purposes. This means that an orthodontist’s field includes designing custom pieces like mouth guards, braces, alignment trays, retainers, headgear and face masks to correct any alignment problems.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons focus on treating the hard and soft tissue found in and around your mouth. This tissue includes the cheeks, lips, soft and hard palate, tongue, facial tissue, and gums. Medically trained in hospitals after dental school, these specialty surgeons perform invasive surgeries like complex tooth extractions and surgical jaw corrections. They can also perform reconstructive surgery, facial infection removal, sleep apnea treatments and more.

Periodontist

Periodontists focus on the gums, as they’re solely concerned with preventing, diagnosing and treating a variety of gum-related issues. Their specialty care includes extreme gum inflammation, pain, gum disease, installing dental implants and performing skin grafting for gum tissue. If you need extensive work done on your gums, then a periodontist should be your first stop. 

Prosthodontist

A prosthodontist is a specialist that focuses on providing oral prostheses to replace damaged, missing or decayed teeth. Oral prostheses, or false teeth, typically include crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers and teeth implants. Custom-made for both cosmetic and functional purposes, prostheses can improve your ability to chew, speak and bite, both in terms of efficiency and safety. Prosthodontists work closely with dental labs in order to create a comfortable, high-quality prostheses for each patient.

Endodontist

An endodontist is a dentist that specializes in the inner part of the tooth, past the hardened enamel exterior that general dentists deal with. The interior of a tooth that’s located below the gum line is known as the pulp, which is soft and made up of sensitive tissue. When the pulp becomes damaged, inflamed or begins rotting from within due to injury, decay or trauma, then it needs to be treated or removed by an endodontist. If the pulp can’t be repaired, then a root canal will need to be performed to restore your oral health.

Dentists

Dentists are oral health experts, who specialize in understanding how the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth relate to your overall health. The Canadian Dental Association outlines the various roles that dentists are involved in, which include:

• Prevention/Public Education 
• Detection and Management of Oral Conditions 
• Aesthetic Improvement
• Restoration
• Correction 
• Reconstruction 
• Surgery

A dental clinic generally focuses on all areas related to oral health. This can include looking at it from a health / hygiene perspective, as well as an aesthetic point of view. They are essential in developing treatment plans to improve the appearance of your smile, as well as to address existing oral health issues or to develop plans to prevent them from occurring.

Dentists are generally your first point of contact when addressing any oral health issues. They focus on a wide range of oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, broken/missing teeth, and much more. 

You would also go to see a dentist for regular ongoing checkups, which are essential to assessing and maintaining your overall oral health, as well as for proactive prevention. A dentist is also your best source of information and education in regards to oral health. They can help guide you through tips on proper oral maintenance, what kind of foods to avoid, risk factors for various conditions, and much more.

Orthodontists

Orthodontists generally have the same educational background as dentists, as well as an additional specialist degree focused around tooth and jaw alignment. They are the most qualified to provide treatment options around straightening your teeth. 

Orthodontists provide various orthodontic treatment options, which can include braces, retainers, and oral surgery. 

Braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They can come in various forms, such as traditional metal braces and tooth-coloured ceramic braces. Clear aligners are also a great option for adults. Oral surgery or tooth removal may be done if your teeth are crowded or out of position. Jaw surgery is a good option when there are major differences in the size or position of the upper and lower jaws.

Conclusion

Both dentistry and orthodontics focus around oral health and improving your smile. Dentistry encompasses a broader range of functions which includes maintenance, treatment, and prevention. Dentists are your primary source of contact regarding addressing any oral health issues and to learn more about treatment and prevention. They are also key to developing comprehensive treatment plans to treat any existing oral conditions, as well as to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Orthodontics on the other hand primarily focuses on tooth and jaw alignment. Orthodontists specialize in developing orthodontic treatment plans, which can be done using a range of methods, which include braces, clear brackets, retainers, oral surgery, and more. 

Overall, both dentistry and orthodontics are essential to prevention, maintenance, and improving your overall oral health.

Toothaches

The first course of action when experiencing toothaches is to contact your dental office. In the meantime, you can take measures to reduce the pain, namely by taking over-the-counter pain medicine such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. You can also put an icepack against the area of the sore tooth to further ease the pain. 

Upon examination, your dentist will be able to assess the origin of the pain – whether it’s of an origin that’s carious, periodontal, caused by wisdom teeth, or of a non-dental origin altogether. 

Knocked-out teeth

If a tooth is knocked out of place, it can be put back and restored to functioning if addressed quickly. Typically, if the situation isn’t addressed for longer than two hours, the likelihood that it can be restored properly is low.

In the situation of a knocked-out tooth, it’s advised to try to reposition the tooth in its socket, and go to a dentist right away. If you’re unable to put it back in the socket, put the tooth in a container of cold milk until you receive treatment.

This situation is among the most time-sensitive of all dental emergencies, so be sure to act very fast if you go through this experience. 

Broken, cracked, or chipped tooth

There are various means of fixing a broken or chipped tooth – no matter how major the damage. A lot of times, a small chip which doesn’t cause pain may not necessarily call for emergency treatment.

Larger fractures, especially ones that affect the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) or the vital structures such as the dentin and the pulp, should be addressed right away. There is a great risk if these of cracks or fractures are untreated, as it may cause pain and lead to more damage.

Tissue damage and injuries

Damage to soft tissue is commonly in the form of lacerations, contusions, abrasions, and wounds – among others. It’s important to treat injured soft tissue, as this reduces the risks of infection and contamination. 

While contacting a dental professional to have the issue treated, you can apply a clean cloth or gauze to limit bleeding. If bleeding is extensive however, it’s advised to seek immediate care. 

Contact us regarding your dental emergency

Maple Family Dentistry is here to help you diagnose, treat, and contain your emergency dental situation or condition. See our emergency dentistry page for a more comprehensive list of the types of emergency dental conditions that we treat, as well as the process involved in getting in touch with us to getting treatment. 

If you are unsure whether your condition requires emergency treatment, don’t hesitate to call us and ask. We are happy to guide you through what might be the best course of action in your situation, especially given that some conditions are highly time-sensitive. We look forward to speaking with you and you with the highest quality of care.

Teeth, Jaw, or Mouth Pain

If you’re experiencing any kind of pain that has to do with teeth, jaw, or mouth, it is a good idea to take a trip to the dentist to identify what’s going on. Sometimes it can be caused by the misalignment of your teeth, your wisdom teeth maturing at an awkward angle, or even caused by something hard that you ate. Your emergency dentist will be able to identify the root of the problem and inform you on how to fix it.

Teeth Cleaning

The standard recommendation is to brush your teeth at least twice per day. However, a lot of people don’t do this. Even the people that do, though, sometimes don’t clean them well enough. There are lots of ways in which people make shortcuts to brushing their teeth. Whether it be brushing for too little a time or skipping out on flossing altogether – everyone can do a better job cleaning their teeth. A regular trip to the dentist will ensure to clean the spots that you missed, as well as keep you in check moving forward.

Teeth Whitening

If you find that you’re trying to hide your smile, it is a good idea to be honest with yourself and ask yourself why this is the case. Quite frequently, it’s because people aren’t confident with the colour of their teeth. They think they’re too dull, yellow, or simply not white enough. Getting your teeth professionally whitened can help alleviate this concern and have you smiling again! Pro Tip: most dentists offer free whitening on your first visit. Take advantage of this.

General Checkup

It is always a good idea to be kept up to date on your current level of health. Including oral health. Going to your local dental office on a regular basis will ensure that you are treating your health in a proactive manner so that you can prevent problems from occurring before they even happen. As opposed to being reactive about your oral health, where you only go to the dentist when there’s something wrong. Overall, it is better to be informed and knowledgeable about your current situation so that you can stay on top of any potential risks or changes in the futre.

Professional, Tailored Advice

With the advent of the internet, people rely on information that they read online as a way to judge their current situation. The problem with this is that it’s very hard to verify the credibility of this type of information. What’s more, is that this information is not a personal diagnosis of your own body. By visiting your dentist, you’re able to solves both of these problems. You’re able to receive personal, tailored advice based on your own unique situation from a licensed professional. It is always better to receive your information from this route than the latter.

Types of Toothbrushes

Disposable/ Travel

These toothbrushes are often small and compact, making them much easier to travel with you. These toothbrushes typically don’t last as long as regular toothbrushes because they tend to build up bacteria rather quickly. This is because carrying a toothbrush in a case can lead to moisture buildup – moisture that breeds bacteria.

General

This is the standard toothbrush you receive from your dentist and the type of toothbrush most people use.

Electric

Electric toothbrushes are toothbrushes that use a battery or motor to spin the bristles of the toothbrush to clean your teeth. Although, this may sound like you are getting a much deeper clean, evidence suggests that the effectiveness of electric toothbrushes and standard toothbrushes are very close to being at the same level. Whichever toothbrush you decide to use comes down to a matter of preference.

Bristles

Some toothbrushes have small bristles, and some have large bristles. One thing to be aware of with toothbrushes with large bristles is that large bristles have the potential to damage enamel if not used carefully.

How Long Does A Toothbrush Last?

According to American Dental Association (ADA), toothbrushes should be changed, on average, about every 3 to 4 months. A seasonal item, if you will. This is for people who brush their tooth twice per day. The reason why this is an average is because different situations can cause your toothbrush to last shorter or longer than most.

For example, braces are known to wear down toothbrushes faster than usual. So, if you have braces, you should inspect it every so often to make sure the bristles are not yet frayed.

Another example is the sturdiness of your toothbrush’s bristles. Some bristles are stronger than others, meaning, they’re able to last longer. Always check to make sure your bristles are not splayed, bent or have lost their original rigidity.  

Maintaining Your Toothbrush

Keep It Upright

When you put your toothbrush down for the night, make sure your store it in an upright position. This helps to dry out the bristles and prevent bacteria buildup.

Rinse After Each Use

Rinsing your toothbrush under cold water after each use is imperative to making it last. Cleaning the bristles of any debris or leftover toothpaste also helps prevent bacteria buildup and ensures you have a fresh toothbrush next time you brush your teeth.

Don’t Share

Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to oral hygiene. Sharing your toothbrush with someone else will expose you to the bacteria in this other person’s mouth. It is better to avoid this.

Store In A Case With Holes (When Travelling)

When travelling, make sure that the case you store your toothbrush in has holes in it. As mentioned above, keeping your toothbrush in a closed case locks in the moisture and can causes bacteria buildup on the bristles. Having holes in the storage case will allow air to flow through it, helping to negate these effects.

Change When You’re Sick

Of course, it’s unreasonable to change your toothbrush each and every time you fall ill. However, if there comes a point in time when you’re sick for a few weeks at a time in a short period of time, you may want to consider changing your toothbrush just in case.

Sodas

It’s no secret that sodas are packed with sugar. Some sodas even have up to 12 teaspoons of sugar – 12 teaspoons of sugar for one serving! Sugar eats away at your teeth by eroding tooth enamel. Combined with the fact that sodas are a compliment to most unhealthy meals, you may want to reconsider this choice of beverage.

Coffee

Have you ever had a go-to coffee mug that you use each and every day? Well, then you may have noticed how hard it is to get the permanent coffee stains out of the mug while trying to clean it. If coffee can do this to a mug, imagine what it can do to your teeth.

Red wine

Stains. Stains. Stains. Much like coffee, red wine is also known to be very effective at staining your pearly whites.

Citrus-packed fruits

Fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons are packed with citrus. Citrus is highly acidic and can cause irreversible damage to tooth enamel. Consume in moderation.

Sports Drinks

Sugar is quickly absorbed into the blood stream and sent to the muscles for repair almost immediately. This is why sports drinks are packed with it – having a high-sugar sports drink right after a workout is great for recovery, but bad for your teeth.

Alcohol

Combined with the fact that alcohol can be packed with sugar, it also dehydrates the body. You’ll notice this sometimes when you wake up with a dry mouth after a night of drinking. Well, this lack of saliva production caused by alcohol consumption is a deadly combo when considering the fact that alcohol can also be packed with sugar – meaning, the acidic effects of sugar on the teeth become more prevalent when your body is dehydrated and you have less saliva in your mouth to protect them.

White Bread

White bread is full of “empty” calories and refined carbohydrates, but what most people don’t understand is how it also negatively affects your teeth. Starch is quickly broken down into sugar, which then erodes the teeth. So, if you’re eating sandwiches with white bread multiple times a day, it may be a good idea to switch one of your meals out with a healthy choice of bread, such as whole wheat bread.

Ice

Don’t get us wrong – ice is a great complimentary to almost any beverage. However, the problem with ice comes from actually chewing it. When your enamel has become weakened by the combination of all of the foods on this list, chewing a rock-hard ice cube can lead to breaks, cracks, and even emergency dental situations.

Although, these 8 foods have been proven to be harmful to your teeth for a variety of reasons – we’re not saying you should completely cut them out from your life forever. You can still enjoy a glass of wine and a hot cup of coffee from time to time. Just be mindful not to overdo it – for your teeth’s sake!