Diabetes and Gum Disease

Gum inflammation is so common that many people think it’s normal to see blood in the sink after they spit. In fact, inflammation is a sign of a problem. There are various things that could cause it, but the most common is a gum infection. At Vista Dental in Medicine Hat, we’re particularly concerned about the impact gum disease has on people with diabetes and we want our patients to know why.

Inflammation prevents pathogens from traveling to other parts of the body and makes cell membranes more permeable to proteins used by white blood cells. Unfortunately, inflammation is also painful and prolonged inflammation can weaken or scar tissues. People with uncontrolled blood sugar have higher rates of inflammation and more difficulty fighting off infections. There is evidence that gum disease causes the body to become worse at glucose regulation, creating a feedback cycle.

Gum disease in diabetic people is treatable, but they need to be especially committed to brushing and flossing. At regular appointments, we can provide deep cleanings to remove plaque from gum pockets before inflammation sets in. When gum disease is treated, blood sugar becomes better regulated. And if their blood sugar is well-regulated, diabetic people are no more at risk for gum disease than anyone else.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit Vista Dental MH.

 

Teeth-Safe Halloween

We hope all our patients at Vista Dental in Medicine Hat enjoy a tooth-friendly Halloween. It is possible to make choices that are less harmful to dental health without taking all the fun out of the holiday, and since there are lots of sugary treats available during the fall and winter festivities, we thought it would be a good idea to go over some tips.

People are right to be concerned that the sugar in candy increases their risk of tooth decay. But sugar is hardly limited to candy—it is also common in the caffeinated drinks that are popular in the fall, and winter squash is high in starch. But the amount of time sugar remains on teeth has more to do with decay than the amount of sugar in any particular food. The biggest threat to teeth comes from hard candies that people suck on for extended periods and from toffees that get stuck between teeth (and can dislodge fillings).

You can reduce your exposure to sugar by eating candy after meals, when your saliva glands will be more active. This will wash away sugary residue and food debris. If you can’t brush your teeth right away after eating, you can still chew on sugar-free gum. Keep bottles of fluoridated water around to swig from in between drinks from soda or creamy coffees. You can also gravitate toward sugar-free hard candies or candy that can be consumed quickly without getting stuck.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit Vista Dental MH.

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. 

Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is the strongest mineral substance in the body and once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back. Enamel helps the teeth fight against sensitivity and many different chemicals from food that causes the teeth harm. When enamel erodes, a patient may cringe while sipping hot or cold beverages and while brushing and flossing the teeth. To prevent enamel erosion, visit our doctors at Vista Dental twice a year for an oral exam and professional cleaning.

Enamel can erode from acids in the food and beverages that we consume. You may have enamel erosion if you experience pain or high sensitivity when exposed to cold, hot, acidic, or spicy foods. If left untreated, enamel erosion can lead to yellow-stained teeth, increased tooth decay, and fractured teeth. Though enamel can’t repair itself, if a significant amount of enamel is lost, dental bonding or another cosmetic procedure may be suggested as treatment.

If you have questions regarding dental health, 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. 

Don’t Neglect Your Tongue

You’ve been brushing your teeth for most of your life, but our doctors at Vista Dental want to know how much attention you are giving your tongue. After consuming foods and beverages, especially ones that are high in carbohydrates, the bacteria from these items fester and linger on the tongue. Cleaning your tongue should be an important part of your oral care routine and we are here to tell you why.

You can clean your tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush, or go to the drugstore and invest in a tongue scraper. A tongue scraper is a tool that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and works by starting at the back of the tongue and pulling the scraper forward. When this is done, the layer of bacteria that is removed may appear a little off-putting but the result will be a fresher breath and a cleaner mouth.

If you have questions regarding oral care habits, 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. 

Pregnancy and Teeth

Pregnancy affects almost every aspect of a woman’s life and oral health is not excluded. The body goes through many hormonal changes during pregnancy and new mothers need to be aware of the oral complications that may arise. Hormones play a role in making gums swell while pregnant which can lead to a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Our doctors at Vista Dental encourage new mothers to schedule a dental checkup to address any concerns.

Morning sickness can increase the amount of acid the mouth is exposed to which can deteriorate tooth enamel. This can also make it harder to practice proper oral hygiene because the taste of toothpaste might trigger a gag reflex, or the action of brushing may seem like an exhausting task. Some women tend to develop pregnancy gingivitis which is an inflammation of the gums. Depending on the patient, our doctor may suggest more frequent cleanings to ensure optimal oral health.

If you have questions regarding pregnancy and dental 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. 

Causes of Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are very common, but that doesn’t mean they’re healthy or that patients should have to put up with them. If you see blood when you spit out your toothpaste or sometimes taste iron while chewing, you should schedule an appointment at Vista Dental in Medicine Hat and learn more about gingival infections.

Gingivitis is the medical term for gum inflammation. The gums can be injured by being brushed too hard, which is why patients should only use soft-bristled toothbrushes. But the vast majority of the time, bleeding gums is caused by outbreaks of bacterial growth in the gum pockets. There are always bacteria in the gum pockets, but when they have an excessive amount of food available, they produce a large amount of plaque, which acid gets trapped in. This irritates the gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

Only a dental professional can clean plaque from beneath the gum line, but brushing regularly can deprive bacteria of their food source. Some people are at increased risk of gum infection, including pregnant women, smokers, and people on blood thinner medications. People with dry mouth are also at risk because saliva plays an important part in washing away food debris and maintaining a healthy pH level.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit VistaDentalMH.Ca.

 

Diet and Dental Health

If you’ve ever caught a whiff of the smell of plaque, our doctors at Vista Dental are here to tell you that those are leftover food particles that haven’t gone away. The foods that we put in our mouths tend to linger between the gums, causing plaque. When plaque festers on the teeth, this can lead to periodontal disease, bad breath, and even decay. What you eat, affects your oral health, so it’s best to get as many nutrients as possible to maintain a healthy smile.

Foods that cling to the teeth promote tooth decay. By drinking foods that have high water content, you’re cleaning your mouth with every sip. Poor food choices that do absolutely nothing for the teeth include candy, cookies, pies, potato chips, and others that contain large amounts of sugar. Instead, try reaching for more fruits and vegetables, snack on cheeses, nuts, and milk. These foods are high in calcium and can protect enamel from dental disease.

If you are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call and make your appointment, today. 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. 

Bad Breath

There’s a difference between having bad breath on occasion, from foods such as garlic, onions, or spicy foods and having it every single day. If you’ve been embarrassed by persistent bad breath, you may want to review your oral hygiene habits. Lifestyle habits such as smoking can also create an unpleasant odor in the mouth. If you have bad breath, discuss your treatment options with our doctors at Vista Dental.

If a person does not brush his or her teeth on a regular basis, food particles that remain in the mouth can rot and cause foul odors. Those who experience frequent dry mouth may also experience bad breath because the mouth isn’t producing enough saliva. Treating bad breath depends on the cause, but it helps to quit smoking, stay hydrated, and brush and floss daily.

If you have questions or concerns about bad breath or oral hygiene, 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. 

Flossing Properly

Vista Dental wants to see our patients experience a lifetime of good oral health.  Regular flossing is essential to maintaining oral health and you should floss once a day, either before or after brushing. Remember these tips to help you floss effectively:

• ·        A strand of dental floss about 18 inches long allows you to wrap the ends of the floss around a finger on each hand. This gives you excellent control over the portion of floss you are using.


• ·        The proper technique to flossing is sliding the floss between the teeth and rubbing the floss back and forth up until you reach your gums.


• ·        Pushing at your gums too hard with floss can damage your gum line and isn’t necessary to floss properly. Think of a small swooping motion as you rub the floss up to one gum, then down and back up towards the other.


• ·        As you move on to the next tooth, adjust the floss to expose an unused portion. Repeat this rubbing motion between each tooth and dispose of the floss once you are finished.

To learn more about flossing, oral hygiene, and the services we provide at our practice, visit VistaDentalMH.Ca for more information. To schedule an appointment at Vista Dental, located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, 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. 

How to Clean Dentures

Last week, we described the process of getting dentures. This week, we want Vista Dental patients to learn how to care for their new set of teeth. Although they will still need to brush regularly, there will be some major changes.

Natural teeth produce their own protective film. Since dentures do not have this, they are more vulnerable to being scratched by the minerals in ordinary toothpaste, which they do not need anyway. It is wise for patients to use two sets of soft-bristled toothbrushes; one for use on their mouths, and one to use on their dentures with toothpaste recommended by dentists specifically for that purpose. The entire denture needs to be scrubbed twice a day, and patients should brush their gums in the morning to stimulate blood flow.

Dentures need to be removed every night. During this time, they should be left soaking in room-temperature water or cleaning solution. Hot water could warp them, and patients should be careful handling them. If a denture does break, repairs should only be done by a professional.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit VistaDentalMH.Ca.

 

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. 

Reduce Dental Plaque

Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates, such as milk, soft drinks, cakes, etc. are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. This is why our doctors of Vista Dental want patients to know how they can reduce dental plaque to avoid invasive dental procedures in the future.

To prevent plaque you must first pay attention to the foods you put in your mouth. Since plaque needs carbohydrates to form, the fewer carbs you eat, the better. Avoid candy, cookies, and other sweet things as much as possible in order to prevent plaque build-up. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as plain yogurt, cheese, fruit or raw veggies. Vegetables such as celery help remove food and help saliva neutralize plaque causing acids.  In addition, the best thing you can do to reduce dental plaque is brush and floss twice a day. Brushing removes plaque that has built up on your teeth, while flossing removes food particles and debris from between your teeth.

If you are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call and make your appointment, today. 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.