Stress, Teeth Grinding and Headaches

Teeth grinding can be caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. The symptoms of teeth grinding include:

 

- dull headaches

- jaw soreness

- teeth that are painful or loose

- fractured teeth

 

Your dentist can fit you with a night guard to protect your teeth during sleep. In some cases, your dentist or physician may recommend taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime. If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counselling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety.

 

Teeth grinding is also common in children. However, because their teeth and jaws change and grow so quickly it is not usually a damaging habit that requires treatment and most outgrow it by adolescence.

Although in adults teeth grinding is often the result of stress, the same is not always true with children. Other possible causes of teeth grinding in children include:

- irritation in the mouth

- allergies

- misaligned teeth

If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, ask your child’s dentist about the potential causes and, if necessary, the possible solutions. (ADA)

 

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski Dental Office - Dentists in Brampton

905-458-6620

TOOTH WHITENING – Want Whiter, Brighter Teeth?

The best way to keep your teeth white is to brush twice a day, floss daily, see your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings, and limit stain-causing foods and habits. These include: tobacco, certain foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea and berries), some drugs (such as tetracycline), or trauma to a tooth. As well, your teeth may become stained or discoloured naturally as you age. Your dentist can give you the best advice about whitening your teeth.

HERE’S HOW IT’S DONE:

Chairside Bleaching – usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes and one to three visits to the dental office. A shield (or rubber dam) protects your gums from the bleaching agent (usually a form or hydrogen peroxide) which is “painted” onto your discoloured teeth and activated with heat or high-intensity light.

Mouthguard Bleaching – is done by you at home. You wear a custom-made mouthguard with special bleaching gel (provided by your dentist) for a period of time each day, or overnight, over a number of weeks.

It’s important to know that not everyone’s teeth will “whiten” the same. It depends on the number of teeth involved and the severity of discolouration. Over-the-counter, at-home whiteners are not recommended because they may cause problems associated with over exposing gum tissues to the active whitening agent. Any bleaching treatment should be done under your dentist’s supervision.

Information as per the Ontario Dental Association. 

We have three different whitening systems be sure to contact one of our dental professionals for more information.

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski Brampton Dental Office

905-458-6620

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GUM DISEASE

Gum Disease Risks

Gum disease is an infection that can cause tooth loss; it is associated with several serious health conditions including heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. After having an examination of your gums and bone you should ask your periodontist or dentist if you have gum disease. While genetics plays a role in gum disease you can still have gum disease even though your parents and siblings were never affected by it.

Gum Disease Symptoms

The presence of any of these symptoms warrants a complete examination for gum disease by a periodontist or dentist.

• Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating.

• Gum recession, which results in teeth looking longer.

• Loose teeth and shifting tooth positions where teeth no longer touch.

• Tooth loss, a consequence of gum disease.

Because gum disease can begin and progress without obvious symptoms, an examination of your gums and jaw bones is the only accurate way to determine if you have gum disease. This includes measuring the depth of the gum pockets and using x-rays to determine the bone level.

Health Conditions and Gum Disease

Gum disease is associated with many health conditions. For example heart attacks and strokes are more common when gum disease exists. Gum disease complicates blood sugar management for the diabetic and high blood sugar worsens gum disease.

As a woman, the hormonal changes during pregnancy impact your gums. Some research has suggested having gum disease can increase the risk that your infant will be born premature and or/ be low weight. You should ask your periodontist or dentist regarding oral health complications during pregnancy.

What You Can Do about Gum Disease?

• Early detection and treatment of gum disease by a periodontist can help you preserve your teeth and smile for life. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

• Smoking is a risk factor for gum disease, oral cancer and many other diseases. It also adversely affects healing and increases the likelihood of an infection following any type of surgery. Your periodontist or dentist and other health professionals can help you quit.

• Brushing and flossing every day is a very important behavior to prevent decay and gum disease.

Information as per the AAP

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski - Brampton Dentist

Call to book your appointment today 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

THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL X-RAYS - Dentists Brampton

Along with a dental examination dental x-rays are an important part of your dental health. Dental x-rays help your dentist diagnose cavities (that can not be seen by a visual examination), cracks in the tooth, diseases in the bone, periodontal or gum disease, infections underneath the gum, bone loss, abscesses, cysts or tumors.

X-rays can help diagnose problems early, when they are easily treatable and cost a lot less money. It is better to have a small filling done then to let it go until you are in pain. If there is pain or infection this means you have let the problem get too far and may need a lot of treatment which also increases time of treatment and cost.

On an individual basis, your dentist decides how often to take x-rays depending on the health of the oral cavity. If you are prone to cavities or have a lot of bone loss the dentist might suggest more frequent x-rays, then someone who has no bone loss and not prone to decay.

At our office we take digital x-rays. For more information on this or other topics, be sure to contact one of our dental professionals.

We Protect your smile!

www.drelizabethdimovski.ca
905-458-6620
2 Philosopher’s Trail, Unit #1, Brampton, Ontario, L6S 4C9

Common Mistakes Parents Make With Their Children's Dental Care - Brampton Dentists

BRINGING CHILDREN TO THEIR FIRST DENTAL VISIT TOO LATE

A child's first dental visit should be when the first tooth appears or by the age of 1, whichever comes first. It is the best practice to start a child on a good path and reduce early childhood caries. For more information click here.

ALLOWING CHILDREN TO BRUSH AND FLOSS THEIR TEETH ON THEIR OWN

It is very important to teach and help your child brush and floss their teeth to aid them in the right direction in maintaining proper care of their teeth at an early age. Being with them when they are brushing a parent can ensure that they do not rush their brush and brush for at least 2 minutes, covering all the teeth and surfaces.

THINKING THAT CAVITIES ON BABY TEETH DO NOT NEED TO BE FIXED

Some baby teeth will be in your child’s mouth until age 12 and the decayed tooth that needs to be fixed may be one of those. Decayed, broken or teeth that are infected can hurt your child’s oral and overall health and it may also affect the way your child feels about him or herself now and in the future. For more information click here.

ALLOWING CHILDREN TO DRINK SPORT DRINKS

The sugar and acid in energy drinks is a perfect recipe for bacteria growth in the mouth which may cause tooth decay and dental erosion. When given the choice, water is best for hydration. For more information on sport drinks click here.

ALLOWING CHILDREN TO PLAY SPORTS WITHOUT A MOUTH GUARD AND NOT MAKING SURE IT IS CLEANED PROPERLY

Mouth guards, also called mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Knowing how to prevent injuries like these is especially important if you participate in organized sports or other recreational activities. For more information click here.

For information on proper mouth guard care click here.

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski & Associates – We Protect Your Smile!

www.drelizabethdimovski.ca

905-458-6620

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

What you eat and drink affects your oral health! Choose wisely and protect your smile!

Your body is a complex machine. The foods you choose and how often you eat them can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums, too. If you consume too many sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks or non-nutritious snacks, you could be at risk for tooth decay. Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, but the good news is that it is entirely preventable.

Tooth decay happens when plaque come into contact with sugar in the mouth, causing acid to attack the teeth.

Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. To control the amount of sugar you eat, read the nutrition facts and ingredient labels on foods and beverages and choose options that are lowest in sugar. Common sources of sugar in the diet include soft drinks, candy, cookies and pastries. Your physician or a registered dietitian can also provide suggestions for eating a nutritious diet. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to resist infection. This may contribute to gum disease. Severe gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and is potentially more severe in people with poor nutrition.

Wise choices

For healthy living and for healthy teeth and gums, think before you eat and drink. It’s not only what you eat but when you eat that can affect your dental health. Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. If you are on a special diet, keep your physician's advice in mind when choosing foods.
For good dental health, keep these tips in mind when choosing your meals and snacks:

• Drink plenty of water.
• whole grains
• fruits
• vegetables
• lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas and other legumes
• low-fat and fat-free dairy foods

For good dental health, always remember to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste floss daily and visit your dentist regularly. With regular dental care, your dentist can help prevent oral problems from occurring in the first place and catch those that do occur in the early stages, while they are easy to treat. (ADD)

Limit the number of snacks you eat. If you do snack, choose something that is healthy like fruit or vegetables or a piece of cheese. Foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm to teeth than eating lots of snacks throughout the day, because more saliva is released during a meal. Saliva helps wash foods from the mouth and lessens the effects of acids, which can harm teeth and cause cavities.

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski and Associates 

Dentists in Brampton

Dental Offices in Brampton Ontario

2 Philosopher's Trail Unit #1

Brampton, Ontario

L6S 4C9

905-458-6620

Dental Offices, Brampton, Dentists, Oral Health

$500.00 OFF Invisalign - Invisalign Special Offer

$500.00 OFF Invisalign - Offer valid till September 30th, 2014 

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Is periodontal disease contagious?

Research has shown that periodontal/gum disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums, so periodontal disease technically may not be contagious. However, the bacteria that cause the inflammatory reaction can be spread through saliva. This means that if one of your family members has periodontal disease, it’s a good idea to avoid contact with their saliva by not sharing eating utensils or oral health equipment. If you notice that your spouse or a family member has the warning signs of a possible periodontal problem (bleeding, red and swollen gums, or bad breath) you may want to suggest that they see a dentist or periodontist for an exam. It may help to protect the oral health of everyone in the family. (APP)

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski and Associates

Brampton Dentists, Periodontists and Gum Specialists - 905-458-6620

Dental Veneers - Dentist in Brampton

Veneers are strong, thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the teeth. They are used to repair chipped, decayed or stained teeth and may help in closing gaps between teeth. With a bit of contouring, veneers may also correct slightly crowded or overlapping teeth. If your teeth have discoloured with age, a veneer may improve their appearance. Veneers can also be used for cosmetic reasons instead of crowns, which are more often used for badly damaged or decayed teeth. The tooth enamel needs to be ground down slightly in order to accommodate the veneer. Veneer preparations frequently require the use of local anesthetic and, depending on colour and shade, may take more than one appointment to complete. (Ontario Dental Association)

For more information on dental Veneers be sure to contact one of our dental professionals 905-458-6620.

905-458-6620

WHY SHOULD I VISIT A DENTIST? - Dentistry in Brampton

Regular check-ups are important for cleaning, the detection of cavities and periodontal examination. Plaque and tartar can build up in areas that are not easily reached through home maintenance. These can be removed during a dental cleaning to prevent cavities and gum disease.

While, for some patients, semi-annual visits are sufficient for cleaning and detection of cavities, patients’ needs do vary and patients should discuss the frequency of visits with their dentist.

Patients should also contact their dentist immediately, if their gums bleed, teeth become hypersensitive to temperature or pressure, or in the event of tooth pain or abscess.

For more information contact one of our dental professionals 905-458-6620.

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski and Associates

Brampton Dental Office

Proper Way to FLOSS

Flossing

Flossing removes plaque and bacteria that you cannot reach with your toothbrush. If you don't floss, you are missing more than one-third of your tooth surface. Plaque is the main cause of gum disease. It is an invisible bacterial film that develops on your teeth every day.

Within 24 to 36 hours, plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which can only be removed by professional cleaning. Floss at least once a day, and plaque never gets the chance to harden into tartar. Getting into the habit of daily flossing is easier when you floss while doing something else like watching TV or listening to music, for example.

How to floss your teeth

Step 1
Take a length of floss equal to the distance from your hand to your shoulder.

Wrap it around your index and middle fingers, leaving about two inches between your hands.

Step 2
Slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it into a "C" shape around the base of the tooth and gently under the gumline. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times.

Step 3
Be sure to floss both sides of every tooth. Don't forget the backs of your last molars. Go to a new section of the floss as it wears and picks up particles.

Information as per the Canadian Dental Association

Dental Office - Brampton Ontario

BAD HABITS FOR DENTITION - Brampton Dental Office

Joanna SAYS!

There are a number of habits that can lead to damage of your tooth structure and surrounding tissues. Some damage can happen instantly as a chip or a crack and others can occur over a length of time. Listed below are a few of these habits:

- Nail Biting

- Chewing on ice

- Using teeth to tear or open items

- Holding items with your teeth for a length of time (toothpicks, pins, pens)

- Playing with oral piercings

- Clenching or grinding

It is important to understand how these particular habits can lead to tooth damage and to discuss with your dental professionals if you participate in any of them. Together you can work with them to help find ways to break these tendencies and if any harm has already occurred to your dentition how to restore it.

Brampton Dentist 905-458-6620

Information on Gingivitis - Brampton Dentists

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal/gum disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Factors that may contribute to gingivitis include, diabetes, smoking, aging, genetic predisposition, systemic diseases and conditions, stress, inadequate nutrition, puberty, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, substance abuse, HIV infection, and certain medication use. (AAP)

For more information or treatment of periodontal or gum disease be sure to contact us 905-458-6620.

Brampton Dental 

Dental Humor Comics

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Mira Budd Dental Humor

One of our young patients asked the cutest question :)

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