WHAT'S PLAQUE?

Melissa SAYS!

Plaque is bateria that joins together and attaches it self to the tooth surface and underneath the gum line. When plaque is not removed it starts to harden to the tooth surface and gum line within 48 hours. Brushing and flossing regularly helps in the removal of plaque. When plaque hardens it turns into calculus and tartar at which point it needs to be removed by a dental hygienist. Regular dental cleanings and checkups help in the removal of calculus and tartar to prevent tooth decay (cavities) and periodantal disease (gum disease), which in turn may cause tooth loss, heart disease and strokes. For more information be sure to visit your dental hygienist.

www.drelizabethdimovski.com

BLOG by Melissa O. RDH

DIABETES AND GUM DISEASE

Dr. Dimovski SAYS!

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in Canada. Almost 1 out of 10 Canadians are living with Diabetes. This number is higher in the GTA, with over 13 % in Brampton, Ontario. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association there are 20 new patients diagnosed with diabetes every hour of everyday. Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by Diabetes. Medications, diet and regular exercise can greatly control this disease. 

One of the complications of uncontrolled Diabetes is periodontal disease. This is an inflammatory condition that affects gums, causing them to become red, swollen, bleeding and uncomfortable.  There is associated  bone loss, leading to exposed root surfaces of teeth, mobile teeth and an increased risk of premature tooth loss. To make matters worse periodontal disease has been linked to cardiovascular health. It is important for patients with Diabetes to measure and control their blood glucose levels, to take their medications as prescribed and have optimal diet. Excellent oral hygiene of brushing for 2 minutes at least 2X per day and daily flossing will help slow down the rate of increase of periodontal disease. Thorough dental examination and full periodontal assessment can grade the level and type of periodontal disease. Scaling or removal of calculus (the hard deposits that brushing alone can't remove), performed by a dentist or a dental hygienist helps maintain healthy gums and bones. In more severe cases, medications and or periodontal surgery can greatly improve the health of your gums and overall oral health.

For more information on Diabetes visit:

www.diabetes.ca

THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOSSING

Mira SAYS!

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished you had a whiter and brighter smile? Now, more then ever, it's a lot easier and affordable to do so! There is many different whitening products that can help you achieve that whiter, brighter smile that you always wanted. From in-office, take-home and the most affordable, Whitestrips. However, even after whitening, remember that the most important and effective way to keep your teeth white is by brushing twice a day and flossing.

Although flossing helps your teeth be whiter and brighter, it is essential in avoiding gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss and studies have also shown that flossing can help prevent heart disease and strokes. Tooth decay is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms between your teeth,  that can not be seen while looking in the mirror. If the plaque is not removed by regular dental cleanings, brushing and flossing, combined with the sugars and starches in the food we eat, creates acid that attacks the tooth enamel. Brushing removes the plaque on the surface of your teeth, but flossing is essential to removing it from between your teeth, so between your regular dental visits, be sure to floss everyday to keep your teeth whiter, brighter and healthier.

www.drelizabethdimovski.com

Family Dentist Brampton

TOOTH DECAY - NOT EVERYONE CAN SEE IT BUT YOUR DENTIST CAN

The importance of regular checkups and cleanings helps us see what you can't. Make an appointment today so that we can together prevent and catch dental problems before they get worse or irreversible! Call to book your appointment today! 

www.drelizabethdimovski.com       

Photo by:  www.oda.ca