Know about dental fluorosis and what causes it - Brampton Dentist

Dental fluorosis is caused by excessive amounts of high concentration fluoride exposure during tooth development. It often appears as faint white streaks on enamel in most mild cases and in the most severe cases will appear as a brown mottled spots on the teeth. Usually it is a combination of fluoride sources which lead to the over exposure.  Children between the ages of 1 – 4 are at critical age of exposure. A child is no longer at risk after the age of 8 because all of the teeth have been developed already.

Since fluorosis is permanent and will not go away over time there are some ways to reduce its appearance. Most cases of fluorosis are mild and cannot be seen easily, but for more severe cases there are options such as bonding resin on fronts of teeth affected or veneers. Unfortunately, teeth whitening will often make the stains and white streaks have an almost chalky appearance which will still stand out from the regular tooth colour. The best way to find a solution which will work best for your specific case is to meet with a dental professional.

 Brampton Dentists

Brampton Dental Office

2 Philosopher's Trail, Unit 1, Brampton, Ontario L6S 4C9
905-458-6620

Recreational drugs and the effects on your teeth!

Did you know that there are consequences for your oral health when you decide to use recreational drugs? It’s true! Here are some examples:

• Tooth loss: Using tobacco, ecstasy, amphetamines and methamphetamines, can lead to the constriction of the capillaries in your gums. This affects the attachment of the bone to the tissue of your teeth and may lead to tooth loss.

• Dry mouth: Marijuana, ecstasy, amphetamines, methamphetamines, heroin and replacement therapies may decrease the saliva production that occurs in your mouth. This will in turn, increase your risk for gum disease and tooth decay.

• Erosion and tooth decay: Ecstasy raises your body temperature and you will want to consume sugary liquids. Marijuana and heroin also cause sugar cravings. Frequent consumption of sugary drinks and sweets will weaken your tooth enamel. Vomiting after alcohol consumption may also erode your teeth.

Information as per the Ontario Dental Association

 Brampton Dentists

Brampton Dental Office

2 Philosopher's Trail, Unit 1, Brampton, Ontario L6S 4C9
905-458-6620

When Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Extracted? Brampton Dentists

Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, get their name by being the last teeth to come in during young adulthood. As part of a dental visit, your dentist will examine you to determine if your wisdom teeth are healthy and properly positioned.

Every patient is unique, but in general, wisdom teeth may need to be removed when there is evidence of changes in the mouth such as:

• pain
• infection
• cysts
• tumors
• damage to adjacent teeth
• gum disease
• tooth decay (if it is not possible or desirable to restore the tooth)

Your dentist or specialist may also recommend removal to prevent problems or for others reasons, such as when removal is part of an orthodontic, restorative or periodontal treatment plan.

In addition, the condition of your mouth changes over time. Wisdom teeth that are not removed should continue to be monitored, because the potential for developing problems later on still exists. As with many other health conditions, as people age, they are at greater risk for health problems and that includes potential problems with their wisdom teeth. Regular dental visits are important so your dentist can evaluate not just your wisdom teeth but your overall oral health to help you prevent and manage dental disease and achieve optimal oral health. ADA

 Brampton Dentists

Brampton Dental Office

2 Philosopher's Trail, Unit 1, Brampton, Ontario L6S 4C9
905-458-6620

Food for Thought ... and Healthier Teeth!!!!

A balanced, nutritious diet is good for your general health as well as your dental health. Without the right nutrients, your teeth and gums can become more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Sugar is one of the main causes of dental problems. The average Canadian eats the equivalent of 40 kg (88 lb) of sugar each year. Here are a few ways to reduce your sugar intake, and help your teeth at the same time.

• Try to choose sugar-free snacks such as milk, fruit, vegetables, nuts, plain yogurt, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, cheese, melba toast, juice and salads.
• Add less sugar to your coffee or tea or try sugar substitutes. Try to avoid sugar-sweetened soft drinks and look for fruit juices and drinks with no added sugar.
• Pay attention to the list of ingredients when you are grocery shopping. Honey, molasses, liquid invert sugar, glucose, and fructose are all types of sugar.
• When you do eat sweets, there are things you can do to avoid harming your teeth: avoid sticky sweets that cling to your teeth and are harder to brush away; eat sweets with a meal, not as a snack, to improve the flow of saliva, which helps wash away and dilute sugar; and carry a travel-size toothbrush and use it after eating sweets.
• If you can’t brush, at least rinse your mouth with water or eat a fibrous fruit such as an apple or raw vegetables. Or chew a piece of sugarless gum. Trident gum, which is the first chewing gum to be recognized by the Canadian Dental Association, contains DentecTM(Xylitol). Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener that is found in plants, in fruits, such as raisins and strawberries and in vegetables such as lettuce, onions and carrots.

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski - Brampton Dentists

Brampton Dental Office

2 Philosopher's Trail, Unit 1, Brampton, Ontario L6S 4C9
905-458-6620

Free Dental Treatment For Kids - Healthy Smiles

Good oral health is very important for a child's overall health, however, for some, dental treatment is not affordable. Ontario offers a dental program called Healthy Smiles for children 17 and under that do not have access to dental coverage. If eligible, children are covered under this programs at no cost.

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a government-funded dental program that provides free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services for children and youth 17 years old and under from low-income households.

The program includes regular visits to a licensed dental provider and covers the costs of treatment including:

• check-ups
• cleaning
• fillings
• x-rays
• scaling
• urgent or emergency dental care

Cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and braces, are not covered by the program.

Your household is automatically enrolled in the program if you or your child receives benefits through:

• Ontario Works
• Temporary Care Assistance
• Ontario Disability Support Program
• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities

Children are eligible for the program if they:

• Are 17 years of age and under
• live in Ontario
• come from a household with an income equal to or less than the levels in the table below

If you know a child under the age of 17 that may be in need of dental treatment be sure to contact the local Public Health Unit in your area for more information. You may also contact our dental professionals for more information.

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski Dental Office  - We Protect Your Smile!

Dentist in Brampton

905-458-6620

DR. ELIZABETH DIMOVSKI 

Brampton Dental Office

2 Philosopher's Trail, Unit 1, Brampton, Ontario L6S 4C9

Can children be at risk for developing periodontal disease? Brampton Dentist

Periodontal disease is rarely found in children, and only sometimes found in adolescents. However, children should still learn the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy to prevent periodontal disease in the future. Children should brush their teeth twice a day and learn how to floss properly- if children learn how to floss at an early age, they will be more likely to make it a lifetime habit. These two simple acts will help protect their teeth and gums from periodontal disease.

As a parent, you should also be aware of the warning signs of periodontal disease, which include red, swollen, bleeding gums or bad breath that won’t go away. If your child develops any of these symptoms, tell your dental professional right away. It’s also a good idea to ensure your dental professional knows your complete family history, as genetics can play an important role in the early development of periodontal disease. (AAP) 

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski Dental Office - Brampton Family Dentist

905-458-6620

CAVITIES AND THINGS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

Cavities are almost 100% preventable. Since tooth decay is the #1 chronic condition in children and 90% of adults, 20-64 years old have at least one cavity, it would probably be best we do everything we can to prevent them. Sealants are a great way to help kids not get cavities. Be sure to also never share forks, spoons, straws and food as this spreads germs that cause tooth decay. And as always, be sure to brush and floss at least twice a day for 2-3 minutes at a time.

www.drelizabethdimovski.com

Dentist Brampton

DID YOU KNOW .....

Children smile 300 to 400 times a day, women smile over 60 times per day and men under 10.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.

Plaque has more than 300 different species of bacteria.

The average person spends less then a minute brushing their teeth, but dentists recommend at least 2 or 3 minutes.

A snail’s mouth can contain over 25,000 teeth!

Children smile 300 to 400 times a day, women smile over 60 times per day and men under 10.

Everyone's teeth are unique and different just like finger prints, including twins.

The reasons mice seem to chew on everything is because their teeth never stop growing. If they didn’t their teeth could end up being longer than the rest of their body.

The Blue Whale has no teeth.

In a lifetime, your mouth produces enough saliva to fill two swimming pools.

Poor oral hygiene is linked to heart disease.

Foods like apples, carrots, celery and strawberries help clean your teeth.

Dentist in Brampton

BEAUTIFUL SMILES - DIASTEMA CLOSURES

Dr. Dimovski SAYS!

Closing spaces between teeth or diastema closure is one of the most rewarding procedures I perform as a dentist. The case shown here is of a beautiful sixteen year old patient with fairly straight teeth with spaces due to tooth-jaw size discrepancy. The patient did not like the spaces and asked for options. We discussed orthodontics (braces) and resin build up. We choose to close the spaces with composite resins (tooth coloured filling material). The procedures was completed in one appointment and the patient was very pleased with the outcome. For more information on how we can improve your smile be sure to contact us at 905-458-6620.

www.drelizabethdimovski.com

Brampton Family Dentist

CHEWING ICE CUBES & DAMAGE TO YOUR TEETH - DENTIST IN BRAMPTON

Kam SAYS!

Chewing on ice cubes may seem as innocent as drinking water, but it can actually do a good amount of damage to your teeth. It can causes gum injury, microscopic fractures in enamel (which can become larger fractures) and even broken teeth. It is especially bad for those who wear braces or have just had dental work done and for those with sensitive teeth, it can most likely worsen the sensitivity, rather than numb the pain.

There are many reasons that a person might chew on ice, some people just like having something to chew on. If you're one of those people, you might want to switch to sugarless gum. If it's crunch you crave, try carrot sticks, celery, or apples!

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski

Brampton Dentist