Harmful Acids and Tooth Enamel

Our doctors at Vista Dental want you to take a quick test and you don’t even have to grab a pen to take it. Lick your teeth, do you feel a layer of plaque there? Plaque is caused by harmful acids and bacteria that form from foods and beverages that we consume. Highly acidic foods include pickles, tomatoes, coffee, and especially alcohol. If plaque isn’t adequately removed, these harmful acids may cause tooth enamel to erode.

Once tooth enamel begins to erode, the teeth and gums may appear more sensitive than usual. Enamel protects the teeth from daily use, such as chewing, biting, crunching, and grinding. Once tooth enamel is lost, it’s not coming back and will require cosmetic or restorative procedures to repair. To prevent tooth sensitivity and periodontal disease, it’s important to visit our doctors at Vista dental twice a year for dental checkups and routine cleanings in addition to brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal.

If you have questions regarding dental health or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Toothbrush Care

We may clean our mouths by brushing our teeth on a daily basis, but what about showing our toothbrush some cleanliness? Most of us simply rinse off our toothbrush after use, but if you’ve been sick in recent weeks, your toothbrush may need a little extra attention. Our doctors at Vista Dental are here to suggest toothbrush cleaning methods and care tips.

You should never share a toothbrush with a significant other as this could put you at risk for infection because of the exchange of microorganisms. If you keep your toothbrush in the same cup as others, do you best to keep them separated so that you can prevent cross-contamination. A toothbrush should never be stored in a dark place because this is where bacteria thrive. Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months or when bristles are frayed.

If you have questions or concerns about oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Toothbrush Abrasion

At Vista Dental, we encourage patients to get excited about maintaining their oral hygiene. However, we don’t want you to get so excited that you brush your teeth away. Toothbrush abrasion, also known as toothbrush damage, can damage the teeth and gums that result from excessive brushing force. Brushing too hard can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. Allow us to explain why.

Brushing too hard can lead to tooth sensitivity and will cause more harm than good. If you have made brushing vigorously a habit, our doctors encourage you to at least try to brush a little softer because if you don’t, the gums may permanently recede. When this happens, the roots become exposed and are increasing your risk of developing dental diseases such as periodontal disease and cavities.  

If you have questions or concerns about a oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Preventive Dentistry

If you don’t take care of your teeth and properly maintain your oral health, you may find yourself spending thousands of dollars in restorative dental care down the line. Although we love to see you here at Vista Dental, we want to help save you money and assist you in keeping your permanent teeth for life. When the dental team and the patient work together, this can help to prevent the need for invasive treatment in the future.

Preventive dentistry emphasizes the importance of ongoing hygiene procedures and daily practices to prevent tooth decay and other dental diseases and conditions. Effective preventive dentistry combines at-home oral care by patients with chairside treatments and counseling by dental professionals. The American Dental Association recommends a minimum of two dental checkups each year for professional cleaning and management of any developing conditions. Obeying this recommendation can help our doctors stop a dental disease in the earliest stages, protecting your smile and your wallet.

Considering that oral health is linked to overall health, preventive dentistry is important for the sake of your overall wellbeing. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077.