What Are The Different Types of Tooth Restorations and Their Uses?

What Are The Different Types of Tooth Restorations and Their Uses?

Do you experience difficulties speaking or chewing due to missing, decayed, or damaged teeth? Thanks to restorative dentistry, our dentist in New Westminster can fix your dental problem and restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile naturally.

What are Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations are dental procedures used to repair damaged teeth or replace missing teeth to restore your oral function and health. Getting dental restorations sooner also helps prevent further to your teeth and mouth. If you have any dental defects, you should visit our dental clinic near you to learn how to benefit from dental restorations.

Types of Dental Restorations

Once the dentist has established the type and severity of your condition, they can recommend some of the following restorative procedures:

    • Dental crowns

Teeth crowns refer to dental caps placed over a damaged tooth to repair or hide the damage. Dental crowns have various purposes:

    • Holding together a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
    • Strengthening a decayed or weakened tooth
    • Protecting a worn-down tooth
    • Covering and protecting a tooth with a large filling or after a root canal
    • Restoring the shape of an uneven or misshapen tooth
    • Covering up stained or discolored teeth
    • Dental implants

Missing teeth can significantly affect your oral function, health, and appearance. A dental implant is a restorative treatment used to replace a missing or severely damaged tooth that the dentist can’t save. The implant consists of titanium posts or screws implanted into the jawbone to replace the roots of the missing teeth.

The implant fuses with the underlying jawbone in a process known as osseointegration, which takes 3 – 6 months. Then, an abutment goes over the implant, connecting it with the outer restoration. Lastly, a dental crown goes over the abutment as the artificial tooth. Implants can also be used to restore a bridge or dentures.

    • Dental bridges

A tooth bridge is a dental restoration used to replace missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth supported by dental crowns or frameworks attached to your natural teeth. Dental implants can also anchor a bridge. Dental bridges cover the gaps left by missing teeth, improving your oral function and speech. The artificial teeth are customized to blend with your natural teeth for an esthetically appealing smile.

    • Dentures

Dentures are perhaps among the most common teeth replacement options among older adults. The denture consists of custom-made artificial teeth and gums used to replace missing teeth. A denture might be a good option if you’ve lost most or all of your natural teeth. A partial denture is ideal if you are only missing a few teeth and still have some healthy teeth, while a full denture is used to replace all your teeth.

    • Dental fillings

Cavities and other teeth damage can greatly affect your bite function and cause significant tooth pain or sensitivity. A dental filling is a restorative treatment that repairs tooth decay or damage. The procedure involves removing the damaged parts of the tooth and filling the areas with a dental filling material.

It strengthens the tooth and protects it from further damage. Common materials for dental fillings include silver fillings (amalgam), tooth-coloured fillings (composite resin), porcelain, gold, and glass ionomer.

    • Dental veneers

You can consider dental veneers if you have minor dental defects like chips, cracks, and gaps. Veneers are tooth-colored shells or coating that adhere to a tooth’s front to repair or hide the damage. While veneers are for cosmetic purposes, they can perfectly repair minor teeth damage like chips and protect your teeth against further damage.

    • Root canal therapy

A root canal treatment is a restorative procedure used to treat an infected tooth’s pulp. The pulp is the innermost tooth’s chamber containing blood vessels, nerves, and other connective tissues. The procedure involves removing the decayed or inflamed tooth’s pulp to prevent infection and save your tooth. The dentist can recommend a permanent filling or crown to protect the tooth from new infections and fractures.

    • Dental inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays repair cavities and other teeth damage. These are commonly used when the damage is too big for a dental filling but too small for a crown. Inlays and Onlays are customized to fit into your natural teeth to strengthen and protect them from further damage.

    • Dental bonding

Like veneers, dental bonding repairs minor teeth damage on the tooth’s enamel, such as chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and misshapen. The dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin material to the tooth and molds it accordingly to repair the damage.

Advantages of Restorative Dentistry

In summary, dental restorations provide the following benefits:

  • Improve bite and speech function
  • Improve oral health
  • Eliminate dental pain and swelling
  • Prevent future dental issues
  • Improves the appearance of your smile

Are you interested in Restorative Dentistry?

For more information about dental restorations and whether they are right for you, visit our New Westminster dental clinic or contact Asante Dental Centre.

What are the common misconceptions about dentures

What Are The Common Misconceptions About Dentures?

Dentures are an excellent and cost-effective restorative solution if you’ve lost a few or all of your teeth. Dentures consist of custom-made artificial teeth and gums that cover the gaps left by missing teeth. It gives you a beautiful, confident smile and improves your bite and speech functions.

Like many people, you might have heard good and bad things about dentures in the past. Some say dentures are uncomfortable, look unnatural, and easily fall off when speaking or eating.

Thanks to improvements in dentistry, this is no longer the case. Nowadays, dentures are made from quality materials and are customized to fit snugly in your mouth. Keep reading to learn more about the facts behind common denture myths and misconceptions.

Myths and misconceptions about Dentures

  • Dentures are unreliable and uncomfortable.

Dentures are reliable unless you invest in a low-quality denture or work with an inexperienced dentist. Cheaper dentures use less quality material and have minimal customization. It can cause them to feel uncomfortable, look unnatural, or break easily.

However, if you work with a highly qualified and experienced dentist or invest in quality dentures, you can expect good results. Quality dentures offer a perfect fit, comfort, natural appearance, and durability.

  • Dentures move around in the mouth.

Quality dentures should fit snugly over your teeth and gums and not move in the mouth when speaking or chewing. You can use denture adhesives to keep dentures in position. If your dentures move, they are ill-fitting, and you should consult your dentist for adjustments.

  • Dentures look fake or unnatural.

If you’ve seen someone with fake or unattractive dentures, they probably have a set of low-quality dentures made quickly with cheaper materials.

However, high-quality dentures use materials customized to match the specific shade of your natural teeth, gums, and skin tone. They also fit securely and perfectly in your mouth, offering a beautiful and natural smile. Many people might not even notice they aren’t your natural teeth.

Even better, dentures help lift your facial muscles and help improve facial sagging, wrinkles, and premature aging. Quality dentures give you a natural, bright, and youthful smile.

  • Dentures require high maintenance.

Caring for dentures is easy. While dentures are made from artificial materials and won’t develop cavities, they require excellent oral hygiene and care. Not cleaning your dentures or mouth can lead to a buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar on the denture and in the mouth. These deposits release toxic acids that erode your teeth and irritate your gums, causing sores, sensitivity, bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Besides cleaning your dentures and mouth at least twice daily, you should visit a dentist near you for routine dental checkups. You must handle your dentures with care. Dentures can easily break if dropped or exposed to heat. When handling your dentures, always keep them moist, avoid hot water, and avoid abrasive dental products.

  • Dentures will dislodge when talking and eating.

Quality dentures should fit snugly over your mouth and don’t move when speaking or eating. However, talking or eating might feel weird or difficult when you begin wearing dentures. However, this is only temporary, and you should get used to eating and speaking with them naturally within about four weeks.

If your dentures regularly fall out when speaking or eating, they are most likely broken or loose. Our dentist in New Westminster can help re-adjust, repair, or replace them. Avoid very tough foods as they can cause your denture to dislodge or break.

  • It’s OK to wear dentures all the time.

It’s only OK to wear your dentures day and night if you have fixed dentures. You should only wear dentures for several hours, probably during the day, and remove them when sleeping. Removing dentures when sleeping allows your gums and mouth to rest and reduces your risk of mouth sores and gum infections.

  • All dentures are generic.

While there are some generic dentures, quality ones are custom-made according to your mouth structure. Therefore, they provide excellent fit and comfort. Generic dentures are often ill-fitting, uncomfortable, unnatural, and can easily fall off.

  • Dentures stain more easily than natural teeth.

Most quality dentures contain quality and stain-resistant material. However, they can stain over time, especially when exposed to staining ingredients regularly. Unfortunately, once they stain, they can’t be whitened by bleaching. You may need to have them replaced.

Are you interested in Dentures?

Ready to transform your smile and oral function with dentures? Visit our New Westminster dental clinic near you or contact Asante Dental Centre.

6 Things That Can Affect Your Tooth Enamel

6 Things That Can Affect Your Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is the outermost and toughest part of the tooth. It’s also the hardest tissue in your body. The enamel protects the tooth’s inner structures, including the dentin and pulp (the innermost chamber that hosts the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves). Strong and healthy enamel is essential to protect the tooth from damage from daily use, like biting, chewing, and grinding food. It protects the tooth from painful temperatures, bacteria, and acidic attacks.

While tough, the enamel can wear down, crack, or chip. Common signs that your enamel is damaged include:

  • Sensitivity to temperature changes
  • Persistent tooth pain or pain when biting down
  • Discolouration on a single tooth
  • Visible chips, breaks, and cracks

Visit our New Westminster dental clinic for these or other dental problems. A damaged or eroded enamel makes your tooth vulnerable to fractures and decay.

Factors that Damage Your Enamel

Avoid these six things to keep your teeth healthy:

  • Certain foods

While healthy and nutritious, some foods can compromise your dental health. For instance, acidic items like lemons, grapefruit, limes, oranges, and apple cider vinegar can erode your tooth enamel when consumed regularly. Similarly, sugary, sticky, dried fruits and chewy items can encourage bacteria and plaque buildup in the mouth, increasing your risk of enamel erosion and tooth decay.

Hard items like raw nuts and ice can cause your enamel to chip, crack, or break. Acidic and highly pigmented items like sodas, coffee, tea, wine, and sauces can cause your teeth to look dull, yellowish, or discolored.

  • Bruxism

Bruxism is a common problem where one grinds their teeth and clenches their jaw unconsciously, especially during sleep. Unfortunately, grinding your teeth back and forth significantly wears down your enamel and makes your teeth susceptible to decay and fractures. If you have bruxism, your dentist can design a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth.

  • Bad habits

Certain habits like chewing on pens, cutting nails, and opening packages can cause your tooth to chip, crack, or break. For the sake of your teeth, avoid using your teeth as a tool.

  • Excessive over-whitening

Years of consuming coloured and acidic items like coffee, tea, sodas, wine, and sauces can make your teeth appear darker and stained. While tooth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile, doing it too often can wear down your enamel, making your teeth vulnerable to decay and fractures. Avoid staining habits to keep your teeth brighter and prevent the need for regular teeth whitening.

  • Smoking and alcohol consumption

Tobacco is the number one cause of stubborn teeth stains. Smoking compromises both your oral and overall health. It can increase your risk of gum disease, bad breath, and certain cancers. Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. The risk is higher when you both smoke and abuse alcohol. It’s better to limit or avoid tobacco and alcohol for the sake of your overall health.

  • Certain medications

Some medications can cause a dry mouth, leading to bacteria and acids buildup in the mouth, increasing your risk of enamel erosion and tooth decay. For instance, medicines used to treat diabetes and Alzheimer’s can cause dry mouth. You can speak with your doctor if your medications are affecting your mouth.

Tips for Preventing Enamel Damage

Below are practical tips to protect your teeth and prevent enamel damage:

  • Maintain excellent oral care hygiene. Brush at least twice daily using a quality and soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Floss daily
  • Use fluoridated toothpaste or have a regular fluoride treatment
  • Avoid or limit hard, chewy, and staining food items
  • Avoid or limit acidic and sugary food items. If you consume these items, rinse your mouth with clear water.
  • Use a straw when drinking acidic and highly pigmented items
  • Avoid regular snacking, especially on sugary and acidic items
  • Chew sugarless gum between meals
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day
  • Ask your dentist about dental sealants
  • Get treatment for existing oral and health conditions like gum disease, diabetes, bruxism, GERD, and TMJ.
  • Visit your dentist for routine dental checkups.

Schedule an appointment today

Do you need more information about proper dental care hygiene and habits? Or are you looking for dental treatments? Contact Asante Dental Centre to speak with our dentist in New Westminster.

Is Your Toothbrush Making You Sick?

Is Your Toothbrush Making You Sick?

Millions of bacteria and other living microorganisms are in your mouth. A report by Colgate suggests that over 700 strains of bacteria have been found in the human mouth. However, most people often have 34 – 70 strains of these bacteria. Some of these bacteria fight certain harmful bacteria, protecting your teeth and gums against tooth decay, gum disease, and other infections. Other bacteria act like probiotics, which are beneficial in digestion.

However, some of the bacteria in the mouth are harmful. Below are the two most common types of harmful bacteria in your mouth:

  • Streptococcus mutans: This bacteria is actively in the mouth and feeds on the starches and sugars we eat. These bacteria can overgrow and produce harmful acids that erode the teeth’ enamel, causing tooth decay.
  • Porphyromonas gingivalis: This bacteria isn’t in a healthy mouth. It’s commonly associated with gum disease or periodontitis.

Visit our emergency dental clinic for dental treatments to help manage dental decay or gum disease caused by these and other bacteria.

Can your toothbrush make you sick?

As we’ve learned above, your mouth contains millions of harmful and good bacteria. For this reason, the toothbrush you use to clean your mouth could also be a hub for bacteria. The bacteria and other organisms outside your mouth can get into the toothbrush in various ways. The ADA also confirms that your toothbrushes can harbour bacteria. Fortunately, your immune system can help fight bacteria, germs, and other microorganisms on the toothbrush that could make you sick.

Below are several ways that your toothbrush can make you ill:

  • The toothbrush can cause reinfection.

While you may have heard that you should replace a toothbrush after the flu or cold, that may only be necessary in some cases.  In some illnesses, your immune system will have already developed the necessary defense to prevent re-infection. However, the toothbrush can cause reinfections in other cases. For instance, if you have strep and the bacteria colonizes your toothbrush, you can get strep again. Contact our dentist near you if you need help choosing a toothbrush and other oral products.

  • Storing your toothbrush in the bathroom

Bathrooms are moist, making them breeding grounds for bacteria and other microorganisms. Therefore, storing a wet toothbrush in the bathroom uncovered and near sinks makes them vulnerable to bacterial colonization.

  • Flushing the toilet

Most bathrooms are small, meaning the toilet is very close to where you brush. Every time you flush the toilet, you spray bacteria into the air. Fecal coliform is a bacteria released in the air when the toilet is flushed. For this reason, it’s essential to keep brushes far away from the toilet. Since flushing can also pass bacteria to your hands, close the toilet lid when flushing and wash your hands after.

Cleaning your toothbrush

Running water over your toothbrush may not be enough to remove all bacteria and debris in your toothbrush. Bacteria can collect in a toothbrush, causing infections. The risk of bacteria buildup in the brush is higher if the toothbrush is worn or ragged. Use the tips below to prevent a germy toothbrush:

  • Wash hands before and after brushing
  • Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly with hot water after every use
  • Do not share or store toothbrushes together
  • Let your brush air-dry before storing it in an enclosed container
  • Change the toothbrush every 3 – 4 months
  • Change a toothbrush after a bacterial infection
  • Alternate between brushes to ensure you use them when dry
  • Store the brush away from the toilet

Toothbrush storage tips

Use the tips below to store your toothbrush to keep it germ-free:

  • Keep it dry. Since bacteria love moist environments, ensure your brush gets a chance to dry thoroughly between brushing. Don’t cover the toothbrush when wet. It creates a breeding ground for bacteria.
  • Keep the toothbrush upright. Always keep the toothbrush upright in its holder.
  • Don’t store the toothbrush together. Don’t store the toothbrush side-by-side or in the same cup with other people’s brushes.

Are you looking for a dental clinic in New Westminster?

For more information about general dentistry, contact Asante Dental Centre.

Can Dentists Prevent Migraine Headaches?

Can Dentists Prevent Migraine Headaches?

Migraines can come in different forms and can hurt the quality of your life. If you get regular migraines, you certainly want to know how to stop them and return to enjoying your life without pain. In most cases, they accompany symptoms like:

  • Extreme pain in one or both sides of the head
  • Blurred vision
  • Visual disturbances or aura
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Hyperactivity
  • Irritability and depression
  • Lightheadedness
  • Severe headache that doesn’t settle with OTC medication
  • Headaches that last up to 72 hours
  • Sensitivity to sounds

Causes of Migraines

Migraines have a variety of factors, including:

  • High serotonin levels in the brain
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Excess sodium intake
  • Stress and depression
  • Certain medications
  • Loud notices
  • Excessive light expose
  • Jet lag
  • Physical exertion
  • Strong smells
  • Processed foods
  • Certain underlying conditions
  • Barometric pressure changes

Migraines and Dentistry

While various factors can cause migraines, in some cases, they may have something to do with issues in your oral cavity. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common cause of migraines.

The temporomandibular joints are the joints that connect your lower jaw to the skull. They help you to perform certain oral functions like speaking, closing and opening the mouth, yawning, eating, and laughing without difficulty or discomfort.

For some reason, these joints can develop problems, resulting in mild to severe jaw pain, inflammation, and difficulties moving the jaw and mouth. TMJ pain can spread across these joints or muscles and travel to nearby structures, causing earaches, neck pain, and migraines.

Teeth grinding and clenching or bruxism are common causes of migraines. Chronic teeth grinding can cause excessive pressure and tension to your jaw muscles and joints, causing pain that can spread across the jaw to the skull, resulting in jaw pain, ear pain, tooth pain, and migraines.

Since bruxism mostly happens when asleep, most people may not know they do these things. Missing teeth or a misaligned bite can also cause pressure in the jaw and teeth, triggering migraines.

Common signs you may have underlying dental issues include:

  • Waking up with a painful jaw
  • Jaw pain
  • Difficulty or discomfort moving the jaw
  • Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
  • Pain when chewing
  • Ear pain
  • Neck pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Pain closing or opening the mouth
  • Flattening teeth
  • Teeth damage like chips, breaks, and cracks
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive and painful teeth
  • Tight, sore, painful, and tired jaws

How can Dentists Prevent or Stop Migraines

If you suspect you have underlying dental issues that can cause migraines, visit our dentist near you for consultation. The dentist will examine your teeth, jaw, muscles, and mouth to determine the underlying problem and provide the necessary treatment.

Treating TMD can help prevent tightness, inflammation, and pain in jaw muscles and joints. It will also help prevent or stop the pain in the nearby structures like the neck, shoulders, and head.

If you have bruxism, the dentist can recommend dental devices. A custom mouth guard is a perfect preventive dental care appliance to minimize jaw pain, tooth damage, migraines, and other issues caused by teeth grinding. The mouth guard is worn over the upper or lower teeth, separating them from grinding against each other. It minimizes teeth damage, tooth pain, jaw stiffness and pain, and migraines.

If you have teeth misalignments like overcrowding, overbites, underbites, crossfires, and open bites, the dentist can recommend tooth extraction, surgery, and orthodontic treatments like traditional braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign to align your bite. You can replace missing teeth with dentures, dental bridges, or implants.

Other Helpful Lifestyle Changes

You can manage dental problems like bruxism and TMD by conservative measures like:

  • Exercises and physical therapy
  • Counseling programs to minimize stress
  • Meditation and yoga to reduce stress
  • Avoid tobacco products
  • Avoid excessive alcohol and drug abuse
  • Don’t chew your fingernails
  • Avoid chewing gum
  • Avoid or limit hard, chewy, or crunchy items
  • Treat underlying dental problems

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you think dental problems may cause your migraines? Visit our New Westminster dental clinic or contact Asante Dental Centre for more information.

How Do Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss?

How Do Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss?

Losing one or more teeth can significantly impact your smile and bite function. It can make it hard to eat your favorite foods and cause you to feel unattractive and embarrassed to smile. Similarly, missing teeth causes a loss of chewing stimulation, gradually causing the underlying jawbone to shrink or weaken. It makes you vulnerable to further problems.

Similarly, since teeth and jawbone support your facial muscles, loss of teeth and jawbone causes these muscles to collapse, leading to facial sagging, premature aging, and wrinkles.

For these reasons, replacing missing teeth is essential as soon as possible. As far as your jawbone health goes, dental implants are your best option to maintain excellent jawbone density and health. Keep reading to learn how bone loss occurs and how dental implants can help prevent bone loss.

How Does Bone Loss Occur?

Like other bones and tissues in the body, the jawbone requires continuous stimulation to remain strong and healthy. Otherwise, it will re-absorb if not used.

Your teeth connect to the jawbone through the roots. The roots transmit the forces of biting and chewing into the jawbone, stimulating its growth and health. When you lose a tooth, the chewing forces transmitted to the jawbone through the root is gone too. In turn, the jawbone lacks stimulation and deteriorates.

The process of jawbone deterioration happens gradually. The bone begins to break down, and the body absorbs it. You can lose up to 25% of the bone mass within one year of losing the tooth. That’s why replacing a tooth with an implant is essential as soon as possible. While alternative treatments like dental bridges and dentures can replace missing teeth, they don’t have artificial roots that stimulate the jawbone.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial root and tooth system that replaces missing teeth. The treatment consists of a titanium implant post that replaces the lost tooth’s root and a dental crown, which replaces the natural tooth’s crown or outer structure. The dentist surgically implants the implant post into the jawbone, and a crown is placed over it. Thus, the implant looks, feels, and functions like a real tooth.

It’s worth noting that you should get a dental implant as soon as possible. Immediately a tooth is removed, and jawbone deterioration begins. The longer you wait, the fewer the chances of qualifying for dental implant treatment. You will need sufficient jawbone density to support a dental implant. Insufficient jawbone volume can’t adequately support a dental implant, increasing the risk of implant failure and other complications.

Therefore, speak with your dentist about a dental implant as soon as possible after losing your tooth. If you already have insufficient jawbone, the dentist can recommend bone grafting to rebuild and strengthen the jawbone to qualify for dental implants. Consult our dentist in New Westminster to determine whether you’re eligible for dental implant surgery and other restorative dental procedures.

How Dental Implants Prevent Jawbone Loss

One of the major benefits of using dental implants to replace missing teeth is that they can prevent bone loss. When the titanium implant post or screw is implanted into the jawbone, it fuses with the jawbone and other tissues of the mouth. The bone heals around the implant (now artificial root) in a process known as osseointegration. The implant post takes about 3-6 months to fuse with the jawbone completely.

Once it has healed, an implant functions like a natural tooth. It transmits the chewing stimulation to the jawbone, preventing further deterioration and improving your jawbone strength and health.

However, preventing bone loss isn’t the only benefit of replacing lost teeth with implants. Dental implants also:

  • Improve your bite function
  • Improve your smile and self-confidence
  • Strengthens your facial muscles, reversing premature aging, wrinkles, and facial sagging
  • Improve your speech
  • Preventive the adjacent teeth from shifting out of position
  • Improves your oral hygiene and health

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you ready to get your dental implants in New Westminster? Contact Asante Dental Centre to begin your treatment today.

What Is The Role Of Oral Health In Cancer?

What Is The Role Of Oral Health In Cancer?

While your mouth is only a small part of your body, it plays a significant role in your overall health. For instance, oral issues can affect your ability to feed properly, leading to malnutrition. Similarly, a gum infection increases your risk of developing serious health issues like diabetes, heart problems, and certain cancers. It can also make these issues harder to manage or treat.

Among other oral conditions, oral cancer is a relatively concerning issue in dentistry. Each year, oral or mouth cancer accounts for 2-4% of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. Unfortunately, the oral cancer survival rate hasn’t improved over the years, primarily due to late diagnosis. Most cancers are treatable and reversible if caught in their early stages. Keep reading to learn the role of oral health in cancer.

The link between cancer and oral health

Research suggests that there’s a close connection between mouth and cancer. According to a British Journal of Cancer study, the bacteria that causes periodontitis or Treponema denticola (TD) can contribute to the development of mouth cancer and other cancers. The bacteria also increases the level of cancer mortality.

The TD bacteria is also found in malignant tumors in the digestive tract, most commonly in pancreatic cancer. The bacteria also has a primary enzyme that activates other proteins that assist cancer cells in attacking healthy tissues. It also inactivates enzyme inhibitor molecules, affecting the immune system’s effectiveness.

How oral health can affect cancer

Below are three main ways how oral health affects cancer:

  • Routine screening

Early diagnosis offers a better chance of stopping the development of cancer. The best chance of early detection of oral cancer and other types of cancers is having routine screenings. Generally, all cancers develop gradually. You’re unlikely to experience any discomfort or symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, cancer can go unnoticed for months or years, progressing gradually. Once vivid symptoms begin to show, cancer will likely have grown and spread, significantly reducing your chances of survival.

Most dentists perform oral cancer screenings during routine dental exams to look for signs of abnormal tissues or lesions. If they suspect any issues, they will conduct a biopsy to determine whether the cells are cancerous. These tests increase the chances of catching oral cancer early when there’s a better chance of reversing it. We offer oral cancer screenings in New Westminster.

  • Oral hygiene

As we’ve seen above, bacterial infections from the mouth can spread to other body parts, like the brain, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.  This may significantly increase your risk of developing certain cancers and other serious health issues like heart disease.

Fortunately, you can prevent this through proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing daily, and routine dental assessments and cleanings will help keep the harmful bacteria at bay, reducing the risk of developing oral infections that could expose you to oral cancer and other cancers. If cancer has already developed, good oral hygiene can help manage it better, increasing the chance of survival.

  • Existing oral issues

Generally, untreated oral issues like gum disease expose your body to harmful infections. These greatly weaken your immune system, making you vulnerable to serious and life-threatening diseases like cancer and heart disease. Addressing oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease will clear infections and improve your immune system’s response and make it easier to fight off and manage potential infections much easier. Maintaining consistent dental care may help prevent cancer. Visit our New Westminster dental clinic for general dental care.

Schedule an appointment today

Do you need more information about oral health and its impact on oral and other cancers? Contact Asante Dental Centre to book your appointment today.

5 Things to Take Care Of After Tooth Extraction Surgery

5 Things to Take Care Of After Tooth Extraction Surgery

Tooth loss is a common concern across the globe. According to research, more than 100 million Americans are missing at least one of their natural teeth. Tooth decay, gum disease, and dental trauma are key reasons behind tooth loss. Your dentist can also recommend tooth extractions if you have an impacted wisdom tooth or crowded teeth.

If you have a severely damaged tooth that has broken below the gum line, or you’re getting an impacted tooth removed, your dentist might recommend surgical extraction. Extractions can vary in their complexity.  Teeth with advanced gum disease may be loose and be easy to remove.  On the other hand, badly decayed teeth or impacted teeth may require removal of bone and/or breaking the tooth into pieces to remove.

Surgical Tooth Extraction

You’ll be numbed to prevent pain and discomfort during the extraction.  The surgeon may make an incision through the gums and bone tissues surrounding the tooth. If needed, they may remove some bone or cut the tooth into pieces for easy removal.

When needed, you’ll get stitches to allow the surgical site to heal. The surgeon will give you a gauze pad to bite on to control the bleeding. It is also normal to experience minor swelling and discomfort after the extraction. Your surgeon or dentist will give you a few tips to promote quick recovery.

5 Tooth Extraction Aftercare Tips

Below are essential tips for speedy and easy recovery.

  • Rest adequately.

Following any surgical procedure, avoiding strenuous activities and tasks is essential. Lifting heavy objects and bending over can increase your heart rate and blood pressure in your head, leading to increased bleeding and discomfort at the surgical site.

Resting adequately for the next 48 – 72 hours while keeping your head elevated on a soft pillow allows natural blood flow from the extraction area, reducing bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. It facilitates faster healing.

  • Take medication as directed.

Following a tooth extraction, it’s normal to experience discomfort and inflammation at the extraction site. Fortunately, your dentist will prescribe pain and antibiotic medications to relieve the symptoms and prevent infections. You must take medicine as prescribed by the dentist. Be sure to consult your dentist if you need to take over-the-counter medications.

  • Take a soft diet.

Eating after tooth extraction provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals that accelerates cell growth and wound healing. Remember, you shouldn’t eat or drink anything hot before the anesthesia wears off. Doing so can cause you to burn or hurt your mouth.

Eating hard, crunchy, spicy, hot, or chewy foods can also disturb or irritate the surgical site, worsening your symptoms and delaying normal healing. Soft foods allow you to get the necessary nutrients without disturbing the surgical site. For the next few days, take soft food items like fruit smoothies, mashed avocado, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, soft fish, yogurt and lukewarm soup.

  • Maintain good oral hygiene.

Good oral hygiene after surgical extraction is essential to prevent infection around the extraction site. While you can’t brush or floss the extraction site for the next 24 – 48 hours, you can rinse your mouth gently with salt water solution after 12 – 24 hours. Be sure to avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes as they can irritate the extraction site called socket.

  • Cold therapy

You can use a cold compress or ice pack to manage pain and swelling around the surgical site and facilitate faster recovery. Cold therapy slows blood flow and pressure in the surgical site, decreasing discomfort and inflammation.

Summary Tips

In general, here are things you can do and shouldn’t to promote faster healing after surgical extraction:

  • Bite on the gauze gently until bleeding stops. You can change as needed.
  • Rest adequately for at least 48 hours.
  • Sleep with your head elevated.
  • Take medication as prescribed. Avoid aspirin.
  • Avoid hot, crunchy, hard, or chewy food.
  • Avoid touching or disturbing the surgical site with your tongue or finger.
  • Don’t eat or drink until the anesthesia wears off.
  • Avoid chewing at the side of the extraction area.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption for at least 48 hours after the extraction.
  • Avoid spitting, rinsing, or sucking for at least 24 hours.
  • Avoid vigorous activities like blowing your nose or sneezing.
  • Contact your dentist immediately if your symptoms worsen or persist more than usual.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need tooth extractions in New Westminster? Or perhaps you need more recovery tips for recovering quickly after tooth removal? Contact Asante Dental Centre to speak with our dentist in New Westminster, BC.

Veneers vs. Crowns: Pros and Cons of Each

Veneers vs. Crowns: Pros and Cons of Each

Thanks to improved innovations in dentistry, there’s hope for a damaged tooth. Whether your tooth is decayed, worn-down, cracked, chipped, or stained, your dentist can help. Dental crowns and veneers are some of the procedures used to treat dental imperfections and restore your oral health, function, and aesthetics.

Let’s discuss these treatments and their pros and cons.

Dental Veneers Vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference?

Perhaps the biggest difference between a crown and a veneer is that a crown covers the entire tooth structure while a veneer only covers the front.

Therefore, a crown is ideal where there’s significant damage to a tooth. For instance, the dentist can use a crown to build a severely fractured, broken, decayed, stained, or weakened tooth. On the other hand, a veneer is best suited to repair minor damage such as cracks, teeth gaps, and discolouration.

What Are Dental Veneers?

A veneer is a thin tooth-coloured coating or shell bonded to the front of a tooth to treat or hide the damage. A veneer is commonly made from porcelain or composite resin materials.

Placing a dental veneer requires about two appointments. On the first appointment, the dentist will shave down a small portion of the tooth’s enamel. Certain types of veneers like Lumineers don’t need any or much tooth shaving and are therefore more conservative.

Next, the dentist will make a mold or digital impression of the shaped tooth and other teeth. The molds and other records go to a laboratory where the permanent veneer is made. The dentist may place a temporary veneer to protect the shaved tooth.

You will be booked for a second appointment when the permanent veneer is ready. The dentist will remove the temporary veneer and test the permanent veneer for proper fit and color. If all is good, the permanent veneer will be bonded to the tooth. We offer dental veneers in New Westminster.

Veneers can correct dental imperfections like:

  • Chipped or cracked tooth
  • Discoloured tooth
  • Weakened tooth
  • Minor tooth crookedness
  • Minor teeth gaps
  • A gummy smile

Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

Pros

  • Veneers are esthetically appealing.
  • Veneers require less tooth reduction compared to a dental crown. They preserve more of the natural teeth.
  • Gums tolerate veneers well.
  • Veneers resist stains better than natural teeth.
  • Veneers are versatile.
  • Veneers are custom-made.
  • Veneers are long-lasting.

Cons

  • Since the procedure involves trimming the tooth’s enamel, it can’t be undone.
  • Veneers can’t be whitened.
  • Tooth shaving can weaken the tooth and cause sensitivity.
  • While rare, the veneer can fall off and dislodge.
  • Veneers aren’t ideal for patients with decay, gum disease, and bruxism.
  • Composite veneers are not as strong as porcelain veneers and may chip or discolour more easily.

What are Dental Crowns?

A crown is a tooth-shaped dental cap placed over a damaged tooth. The procedure of placing a crown is similar to that of a veneer. However, it requires more tooth preparation. You might also need additional treatment like a root canal and filling if your tooth is decayed or infected.

Traditionally, once the tooth was prepared, the dentist would take a digital scan or impressions of the tooth and other records and send them to a dental lab. The dentist would then place a temporary crown to protect the shaved tooth until the permanent crown is ready. The patient would return for a second appointment to have the crown inserted.

At our office, we offer same day crowns.  This means there is no need for a temporary crown or a second appointment to insert the crown.  Once the tooth is prepared, a digital scan is made.  This scan is used to design the crown in the office.  Once the crown is designed, we use a block of zirconia to mill the crown in the office. The whole process takes around two hours from start to finish.

Crowns can correct dental imperfections like:

  • Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth
  • Protect a worn-down tooth
  • Strengthen a weakened tooth
  • Improve the appearance of severely stained teeth
  • Cover a tooth with a large filling
  • Cover a tooth after a root canal
  • Support a dental bridge or implant

Dental Crowns Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Custom-fitted to look and feel like a natural tooth
  • Easy to maintain and care for
  • Most crowns last for years.
  • Saves a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed
  • Resist stains better than natural teeth

Cons

  • More tooth reduction is required which may weaken the tooth and cause sensitivity.
  • While rare, a crown can fall off or dislodge.
  • The procedure is irreversible.
  • You can’t whiten crowns.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you require dental veneer or crown treatments? Contact Asante Dental Centre to schedule an appointment with our dentist near you.

What food to eat and avoid for a child’s dental health

What Food to Eat and Avoid for a Child’s Dental Health

As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth are healthy. Apart from brushing and flossing daily, their diet plays a significant role in their dental and overall well-being. Knowing which foods to feed your child is essential to protect their dental health and ensure their mouths develop well.

Poor feeding habits can increase your kid’s risk of oral and overall health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, bite problems, esthetic problems, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and pneumonia. Most people would agree that maintaining excellent oral health is easy and more affordable than correcting these issues. Visit our New Westminster dental clinic for general dental care tips.

Gum and Dental-Friendly Food Options for Children

The best foods for your child’s mouth stimulate saliva production, supply vitamins and minerals, strengthen and remineralize teeth, repair the enamel, and wash away bacteria and acids. These include:

  • Dairy products

Dairy products contain numerous minerals and nutrients, such as calcium, which helps strengthen your kid’s teeth and protect them from cavities. Ensure you go for low-sugar dairy products such as unsweetened yogurt, milk, and cheese. You can mix dairy with fresh fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries to make the meals fun and delicious for your kid.

  • Lean Protein

Lean proteins from healthy sources like fish, eggs, and poultry have essential nutrients and minerals that help strengthen your kid’s teeth and fight demineralization. You can choose healthy protein options like eggs, chicken, beans, shrimp, tilapia, tuna, turkey breast, and eggs.

  • Fresh Vegetables and Fruits

Veggies and Fruits are healthy and nutritious snacks for a child’s dental health. Most vegetables and fruits have fiber and water, increasing saliva production and removing debris and bacteria. Be sure to avoid fruits high in sugar.
Healthy veggies and fruits to include in your kid’s diet include:

  • Apples
  • Avocado
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Leafy greens like kales and spinach which are rich in calcium and folic acids and, protect against enamel erosion and gum disease.
  • Broccoli is high in vitamin C and helps fight against oral infections like gum disease.
  • Nuts

Besides keeping your kid full, nuts are high in good fats, minerals, and protein. These nutrients are essential for your child’s both dental and overall well-being. Nuts are very low in carbs, which reduces the risk of developing cavities and health issues like diabetes. Healthy nuts to feed your child include almonds, cashews, peanuts, macadamias, and walnuts.

  • Healthy Beverages

Your child needs to take liquids to stimulate saliva production and help wash away bacteria and debris from the mouth. Healthy drinks for maintaining healthy teeth and gums include water and, milk.

Unhealthy Foods and Drinks for Kids

Some foods are bad for your child’s teeth and overall health. Below are unhealthy snacks that can hurt your child’s smile:

  • Hard, chewy, and gummy snacks
  • Caramel and taffy (they are sticky and high in sugars).
  • Potato chips
  • Sour and acidic foods
  • Dried fruits like raisins, prunes, and apricots contain highly concentrated sugars, increasing your child’s risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
  • Pop
  • Sugary fruit juices

Final Verdict

Generally, you should avoid foods and beverages high in carbohydrates, sugars, and acids. When left on teeth for long, they increase your child’s risk of developing decay and gum disease. Ensure you always have healthy snacks in the house to prevent your child from consuming unhealthy and sugary junk food and snacks.

Also, encourage your child to drink water regularly to prevent a dry mouth and help wash away bacteria and debris from the mouth. It will keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy and beautiful for many years. For more information about children’s dentistry, contact Asante Dental Centre.