How Cavities Damage Teeth

The sugary food and beverages we consume on a daily basis might taste delicious, but they are slowly wreaking havoc on tooth enamel. Foods that cling to the teeth, such as bread, cakes, and hard candy, produce acids that weaken enamel and cause cavities. Cavities don’t go away by themselves and will need to be filled by one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental. We’d much rather you practice prevention instead of reaching that point.

Fillings help cavities from growing larger, but the best thing you can do for your teeth is to avoid them altogether. To prevent cavities, avoid frequent snacking and specific food and drinks, such as honey, raisins, and dry cereal. If your oral hygiene routine doesn’t include brushing at least twice a day for two minutes or flossing at least once a day, you’ll need to improve to prevent holes from developing in the teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit riverwalkdental.ca.

Water Flossing

What is water flossing? Water flossing is another way to clean teeth, and this method involves using a hand-held device. Water flossing can be ideal for people who have trouble flossing by hand and our doctors at Riverwalk Dental want patients to know that if they are going to invest in a water flosser it should have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Water flossers have been tested to be safe and effective for removing plaque, and are helpful if you’ve had dental work performed on the teeth, such as bridges, dentures, or braces. Depending on which flossing technique you decide to use, keep in mind that cleaning between your teeth should never be painful. Talk to our doctors and discuss which dental cleaner is best for you and remember that whichever floss you decide to use is better than not flossing at all.

If you have questions or concerns about oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, 403-456-4994.

Back to School Cleanings

If it’s been more than six months since your child’s last teeth cleaning, now’s a great time to visit Riverwalk Dental in Calgary. We’re open late, allowing kids to come in without missing school, and if they have a dental problem, it’s best to get it taken care of early in the year.

Children are the age group that gets dental infections the most frequently. Usually, the issue is bad hygiene. We can educate children about better brushing and flossing techniques and direct parents toward toothbrush grips if their child had a motor control issue. Even if the decay is in a baby tooth, parents should take it seriously. When children have toothaches, they may have difficulty eating and sleeping, leading to worse behavior in school and slower learning.

The dental examination is an opportunity to plan for long-term dental care as well as to do a cleaning. It may be where other conditions come to light, such as if pain in the upper teeth is being caused by a nasal or sinus blockage. We can also reshape a mouthguard for school sports and provide a night guard if we observe signs of nighttime teeth grinding.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Patients at Riverwalk Dental in Calgary are accustomed to nonjudgmental, individualized care. One of the most sensitive oral health issues is the impact of autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren’s Syndrome. Because this condition is linked to gingivitis, we want our patients to be aware of it and how to manage it.

The causes of Sjögren’s Syndrome are not fully understood, but the disease mostly is found in middle-aged women who have recently had an infection or otherwise been under stress. The disease causes the immune system to attack the tear ducts and saliva glands, drying out the patient’s mouth. This puts the patient at increased risk for tooth decay because saliva helps to wash away food debris and keep the pH level of the mouth inhospitable to bacteria and fungi. Infections in the gum pockets create acid, which causes gum tissue to bleed and triggers the immune system’s inflammation response.

The test for Sjögren’s Syndrome involves plucking a few saliva glands from the lower lip and sending them to a laboratory for analysis. If the patient tests positive, we can prescribe throat moisturizers and saliva production stimulants to ease their discomfort.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.