7 Facts And Tips To Know About Teeth Whitening

Who wouldn’t want to have the perfect set of teeth that elevates your personality and confidence and helps you create a lasting impression in the minds of the people you interact with? Most of us would readily go that extra mile to improve our smiles! With the growing popularity of cosmetic dentistry, more and more people are opting to have their teeth whitened, especially since it is an easy treatment to undergo. Having said that, it is still important to understand the primary facts surrounding teeth discoloration and teeth whitening before you head to a dental clinic near you for this treatment.

7 Facts About Teeth Whitening

The natural color of our teeth is set at birth and depends on genetics. We tend to acquire stains over the years which can be removed with professional teeth whitening procedures.
Teeth tend to get discolored with regular consumption of certain foods that leave stains on the surface of teeth. Examples of such foods are red wine, tea, coffee, and foods containing balsamic vinegar or soy sauce.
Teeth can also get stained under the surface if there are slight cracks on the surface or due to the consumption of certain antibiotics that can have this side effect.
Some unhealthy habits like smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can easily darken and discolor teeth which can then only be whitened through professional procedures carried out at a dental clinic in West Edmonton.
The most common ingredient found in teeth-whitening products is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Whitening bleaches contain this ingredient which, when applied, releases oxygen to make the teeth look whiter.
Following regular dental hygiene practices is essential in minimizing the chances of plaque formation. When left unattended for prolonged periods, plaque converts into tartar, which is a hardened mass that also causes teeth discoloration.
In several countries, such as the UK and EU, it is illegal to have your teeth whitened anywhere apart from a professional dental clinic. This law is in place to safeguard people’s health against the damages caused by the harmful effects of having this procedure carried out in the absence of a certified dental practitioner. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you approach a dental clinic providing teeth whitening in West Edmonton to achieve proper results without any threats to your dental health.
The best advice regarding teeth whitening would be to consult a qualified dentist before taking any measures or performing the procedure by yourself with the help of the at-home teeth whitening products available on the market. Why take chances by putting your health in harm’s way to save a few dollars?

However, in case you have decided to carry out the treatment at home for reasons of convenience, please follow these simple tips to minimize the risk you might be putting yourself at.

Important Tips Regarding Teeth Whitening

When going for at-home teeth whitening solutions, select surface whiteners from trusted manufacturers only. Cheaper but unrecognized brands may have higher concentrations of bleaching ingredients that could cause potential teeth sensitivity or tissue damage.
For stains or discoloration that is not just surface-deep, it is best to get customized treatment from a dentist for optimum results. When requested, your dentist providing teeth whitening in Aldergrove will be able to provide you with specific teeth whitening kits with instructions that can safely be used at home. These will work better than those bought off the market as they are customized to your specific needs.
Brushing your teeth twice every day and especially after consuming any foods that can cause decay or stains on your teeth is a healthy habit that cannot be stressed enough. Following proper dental hygiene, especially after undergoing teeth whitening treatment, goes a long way in maintaining the whiteness and shine of your teeth.

For any concerns that you might still have over teeth whitening procedures and options, feel free to reach us at Aldergrove Dental Clinic.

What causes pain in the mouth or teeth?

Experiencing pain or discomfort in your teeth or mouth can be a result of tooth decay, damage, or breakage. It could also be an effect of tooth sensitivity. The tooth may also be displaced or unstable. Visit a dentist to ask for the exact reason causing the pain. Knowing the source of pain is necessary to determine the right course of treatment.

What can I do to maintain maximum oral health at home?

Oral health begins at home. Hence, asking your dentist for a detailed plan to practice oral health care at home is vital. The dental care regime can include instructions such as how many times to brush your teeth, when is the best time to floss, how to clean your tongue, etc. The dentist can provide you with a detailed plan as well as a booklet containing instructions that can help you.

Should I whiten my teeth?

Discoloration of teeth is common. Food and liquids can cause teeth to lose their color. The use of tobacco also stains the teeth. To correct stained or tinted teeth, whitening your teeth is an option. To know the best-suited and safest whitening procedure for you, ask a dentist near you.

Do I require any dental procedures? If yes, what do I need?

If your teeth are misaligned, there are chances that this might affect your bite and cause pain or discomfort. It also affects the appearance of your smile, making you conscious. A dentist near you can determine the severity of the situation and advice you on the best course of treatment suited for you.

What are the possible dental risks in the future?

A dentist in West Edmonton can discern potential problems in the future. Prevention is better than cure. So make sure to check with your dentist what are the possibilities of future dental risks. This way, you can take precautionary measures well in advance to reduce any risks.

Can dental problems be hereditary?

Most dental problems are a result of poor lifestyle choices. Sometimes, hereditary is also a cause for dental issues. Dental issues that can be hereditary are; gum diseases, tooth decay, and dance, misaligned teeth, etc. Knowing how genetics affect your dental health is a precaution for both you and your family.

How does my diet affect my dental health?

The food you eat and the liquids you drink have a direct impact on your mouth, teeth, and overall oral health. If you experience any discomfort or your mouth tends to smell, your dentist can give you advice on what you can change in your diet.

How often must I get to go for dental x-rays and dental examinations?

When you first visit a dentist in West Edmonton, it is normal for the dentist to take dental x-rays of your mouth. Experts recommend having an oral x-ray done once a year. Sometimes, based on the advice of your dentist, you may require to have an x-ray done more than once a year. Depending on the condition of your dental health, your dentist will advise you on regularly you must visit the dental clinic in a year.

What kind of toothbrush and dental tools should I use?

Not sure what kind of toothbrush is best for and what other dental products to use to maintain your oral health and hygiene? Your dentist is the best person to ask for advice on cleaning products.

Does your insurance plan cover dental expenses?

Dental health care can be expensive. When you visit a dentist in West Edmonton, for the first time, make sure you inquire about payment plans at their clinic. If you have insurance, discuss what the plan covers under dental expenses. Next time you’re at a dentist near you, if you have any questions, make sure you ask the dentist. It is your right to know any information regarding your dental health and care.

What to Consider When Choosing a Dentist for Your Child?

Choosing the right dental professional for your child will impact their life for good. The first experience with a children’s dentist in West Edmonton can determine whether your kid is going to be afraid of the dentist or not.

Unlike regular dentists, a children’s dentist in Aldergrove took two additional years of training during their residency. During these years, they learned how to work with children in the best possible way. They learned techniques to decrease a child’s anxiety during dental procedures and understand how to address their needs.

Look no further to know what to consider when choosing a pediatric dentist near you:

1. General Dentist or Pediatric Dentist?

As we mentioned above, a pediatric dentist in West Edmonton has the proper training to work with children. Many parents who took their kids to a general dentist have stated that the experience ends up traumatizing them, leading to dental anxiety.

We recommend looking for a dentist with a specialist certification. A pediatric dentist is the best qualified dental professional to deal with children, including kids with special needs.

2. The Environment of the Dental Office

Look for a dentist who works at a dental clinic in a fun environment. When you visit a dental office, you should feel welcomed; and if it’s a children’s dentist, they should have a fun waiting room full of colors, books, toys, and friendly personnel that makes you and your little ones feel comfortable.

3. Preventive Dentistry

Children are more vulnerable to developing tooth decay because, generally, they eat more sugary snacks and skip brushing their teeth. Your dental professional must have a preventive approach to avoid further issues.

Dental procedures, such as dental sealants and fluoride, help to reduce the risk of decay.

4. Feel Like Home

Your kids are the most valuable people in your life; hence, you would want to leave them in the hands of a caring professional. Make sure that the pediatric dentist you choose treats you like family.

Keep in mind that your relationship with your dentist lasts for many years. Some people even visit a single dental professional their entire lives because they feel at home at their dental office; therefore, choose someone that cares for you and your kids. If you don't feel this way, it would be wise to keep looking.

You may ask your friends and other relatives who their dentists are and how their experiences have been.

5. Trust Your Instincts

After a dental appointment, you will know if you want to remain patient in a dental clinic or not.

Analyze how your kid feels, how they treated him or her, and how the dental procedure went. If these things are positive, you may have found your place.

You may also discuss all your expectations and preferences with the dental professional before he or she works with your children. By doing this, you will get to know the doctor a little bit more and determine if you feel confident to leave your kid in their hands.

You can always ask your child how the experience was. It’s essential that they feel comfortable before, during, and after the procedure.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact our pediatric dentist in West Edmonton We have a team of caring professionals that will make you and your child feel at home.

It is our mission to provide the best dental care to the little ones through methods that reduce their dental anxiety and maintain a fun and safe space inside the dental clinic.

How to Detect a Cavity Before It Gets Worse

Many people visit their dentist only when something is hurting, and guess what? Pain is how your body warns you that there is something wrong.

Waiting to visit a dental office near you until there is pain is too late, and the key to proper oral health care is preventive dentistry. We suggest you have your dental exams in Aldergrove every six months so we can detect any early signs of oral diseases.

However, if you struggle to keep up with dental checkups near you, we will tell you how to detect a cavity early. If you feel any of the symptoms that we will describe further, you may contact our dental office in Aldergrove as soon as possible.

Cavities – What Are They?

A cavity is a small hole in your tooth that occurs due to the destruction of the enamel. Bacteria react with food particles and produce acids that wear your enamel off. To prevent them, primary oral care habits are needed:

Brushing your teeth twice a day.
Flossing at least once a day.
Avoid sugary snacks.
Scheduling dental checkups twice a year for fluoride applications and other preventive treatments.

Signs of a Cavity

Tooth Discoloration

Sometimes, it is hard to detect a cavity because they don’t always hurt. It is for this reason that you must be aware of any visible changes in your teeth, such as discoloration, and darker surfaces in your teeth (black, brown, or grey spots). Keep in mind that white spots are also a warning sign, especially when they are chalk-colored.

Inflamed Gums

Red and swollen gums may also be a sign of cavities. Pay attention to the condition of your gingiva, especially when brushing and flossing your teeth.

Pain When You Bite Down

If you have healthy teeth, they won’t hurt when you eat; on the contrary, if you feel pain when you chew food, visit a dentist as soon as possible, as it is a common sign that there is a cavity.

Hypersensitivity

If you feel that your teeth are tender, your enamel might be wearing away. If the sensitivity occurs after the exposition to hot or cold temperatures, seek immediate assistance.

Random Discomfort

Sometimes you might feel random dental pain, and you don’t seem to know the cause. It is a typical scenario of dental cavities.

A Hole in the Surface

The clearest signal of a cavity is a visible hole. If you detect any chips, cracks, or holes, contact your visit as soon as possible before it grows even more.

When the cavity is already visible, it means that it is advanced, and you should seek treatment right away. Your dental professional will evaluate you and discuss the possible treatments, being dental fillings the most common one, if the cavity is not that large. He or she will numb the affected area for you not to feel any pain, remove the damaged dental structure, condition the surface for bonding, and apply a bonding agent that allows the composite resin adheres to the tooth properly.

If, however, you don’t have enough healthy tooth structure, your dentist might suggest restoring it with more resistant material, such as porcelain (dental crowns or dental veneers)

Schedule Your Appointment

If you experience one or more of the symptoms above, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have a team of caring doctors that will help you restore your damaged teeth and give you proper oral care instructions to prevent dental issues.

Remember that prompt treatment is the best treatment. Ignoring these symptoms may lead to more complex and expensive treatments.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal Treatment

There is a misconception that root canal treatment is extremely painful; however, in the majority of cases, people tend to confuse the toothache they already have with the procedure itself.

Before modern dentistry, dental procedures were longer, less gentle, and more invasive. At present, this has changed, and our dentist in Aldergrove will offer you modern dental treatments.

Root canal in West Edmonton is oriented to save a tooth that in the past would have been indicated for extraction; therefore, we should be thankful for a root canal, instead of fearing it. Look no further to find out about the signs that led you to think you might need a root canal near you.

Signs You May Need Root Canal Include:

Toothache that won’t go away – It is a persistent and severe pain that you cannot tolerate; sometimes, not even over-the-counter painkillers can alleviate it. It is the most annoying symptom that you may need root canal therapy.
Dental sensitivity – Sensitive teeth are not always an indicator that you need to undergo a root canal in a dental clinic near you; however, if the sensitivity doesn’t go away, it can be a sign that the pulp of your tooth is infected.
Bleeding or pus area – Pus is a clear sign of infection. If you have a dental abscess, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible to address it.
Sore gums – If your gums are red and irritated, it can be a sign that the infection has spread into the nerve of the tooth.
Abnormalities when chewing – If you feel discomfort or pain when chewing food, maybe you need root canal treatment. Visit a dental professional who will examine you and take x-rays to determine the cause of the problem.

Root Canal Therapy

As we mentioned above, thanks to modern dentistry, dental procedures are now less invasive. A root canal can be pain-free thanks to the local anesthetic. If you are too anxious, you can ask for conscious sedation to be as relaxed as possible during the procedure.

After your dentist has provided you with numb medication, he or she will remove the damaged tooth structure, along with the pulp inside the tooth. Then, your endodontist will disinfect the canals with an antimicrobial agent, and reshape them so the biocompatible material can fit inside. After the canals are filled, it’s time for the temporary restoration, and you will be ready to go.

The procedure is completed in one appointment; however, you need a second visit to the dental office for the permanent dental crown to be placed. In most cases, there is not enough tooth structure to place a resin composite, since they cannot withstand severe occlusal forces, and the tooth may break.

After the Procedure

The recovery from root canal work is not like a dental extraction. You may resume your daily activities the next day without further issues. Sure, you might feel mild discomfort because some work was done in your tooth, which leads to sensitivity, but it will go away after a couple of days. You may take over-the-counter painkillers if you cannot tolerate the sensation.

It is time that you drop the misbelief of painful root canal treatment. Nowadays, there is no need to suffer when you visit your dentist. The first thing our professionals make sure of is that the patient is comfortable enough to undergo any procedure as smoothly as possible.

If you have any other doubts regarding the root canals, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to assist you.

How Many Dental Implants Can You Have Placed at Once?

Even though nowadays dental procedures are safer and simpler than decades ago, there are still many people that lose one or multiple teeth. Losing a tooth can harm people’s lifestyles considerably since it affects daily tasks, such as eating and speaking. Also, when you lose a tooth, you tend to smile less because you are afraid of people noticing, and your self-esteem gets hurt.

Luckily, dental implants in West Edmonton are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Let’s start by discussing what dental implants are.

Dental Implants Near You

Dental implant surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure because it restores people’s smiles. With dental implants, you will be able to smile again without any shyness, and your life will improve.

Dental implants are metal posts that our dentist in Aldergrove places into your jawbone. The metal of choice for dental implants is titanium. After they fuse with your bone, they will act as your tooth roots, supporting a dental crown on top.

Even though it might sound painful, the procedure is extremely safe. Your dentist will give you medication to numb the area, so everything goes as smoothly as possible. You won't notice a thing during the whole surgery.

Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?

If you lost one or many teeth and have a dense jawbone, you can visit a dental clinic near you for dental implants. Even if your dentist sees through an X-ray that your bone is not dense enough, he or she might decide to perform a bone grafting procedure and place mini implants instead. We will explain this later on.

Other devices replace missing teeth, such as dentures; however, implants feel as natural as your natural tooth, which is why they are so demanded and popular.

Should I Be Scared of Getting Dental Implants?

The answer is no. Dental implants have a high rate of success, and they can last many decades without any concerns. However, you do need to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine to avoid oral issues.

My Jawbone Is Not Strong Enough

Your jawbone needs to be thick enough to withstand the implant surgery. If this is not the case, your dentist might suggest performing a bone grafting procedure, which consists of transplanting a small bone to the jawbone, to make it thicker.

Many patients ask if they can get as many dental implants as they want. Let’s discuss it.

How Many Dental Implants Can You Have Placed in One Sitting?

You can have as many dental implants as you want in one dental visit. Nevertheless, every person is different, with different preferences and mouth conditions; hence, your dentist will evaluate you, listen to your expectations, and together determine the best option for your case. Keep in mind that the more implants in one dental visit, the more uncomfortable the recovery might be.

There are many reasons why a person misses a tooth. It could have happened due to a large cavity, a failed root canal, dental trauma, agenesis of a dental piece, and many more.

Thanks to modern dentistry, cosmetic dentistry procedures are nearly pain-free and are completed in little time, so you don’t have to be toothless forever.

If you have any other questions about dental implants or if you already made up your mind and want to visit a dental professional to go through the process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have a team of trained dentists that will give you the best recommendations depending on your personal preferences, and help you achieve the smile you deserve.

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