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I think I’m grinding my teeth, what can I do?
Can diabetes affect my oral health?
Do professional cleanings or “scaling” cause your teeth to become thinner?
Do I need to floss?
I’m pregnant, should I still see the dentist?
Are “baby teeth” important?
Are amalgam restorations or “silver fillings” harmful?
My gums bleed, what should I do?
Are dental x-rays (radiographs) safe?
What’s the difference between professional whitening and over-the-counter (OTC) whitening?
Do Root Canal Treatments Hurt?
Why is it important to see a dentist every six months?

I think I’m grinding my teeth, what can I do?

Teeth grinding or “bruxism” is a very common issue that affects people all over the world. Many people do it during their sleep and they don’t even realize it. Bruxism affects both the teeth and the surrounding structures such as the head, facial musculature and jaw. Dentists are bruxism's first line of experts. A complete evaluation of your teeth, head and neck is performed to determine whether you suffer from it. Headaches and sore jaws are common effects of bruxism. Once the dentist has determined that you suffer from grinding, a treatment plan is determined to help solve the problem. Bruxism can be stress-related, or due to misalignment of your teeth and jaw. The good news is that it can be helped once the diagnosis is determined. Remember if you have headaches, tell your dentist because you may be grinding your teeth!
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Can diabetes affect my oral health?

Research has shown that those with diabetes have a higher prevalence of gum disease. Thus, along with heart disease, kidney disease and stroke, serious gum disease is another complication associated with diabetes. It has also been found that not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but the disease may have the potential to contribute to the progression of diabetes. If you suffer from diabetes, let your dentist know. He or she will help you to prevent gum disease from occurring or to treat the disease if it already exists.
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Do professional cleanings or “scaling” cause your teeth to become thinner?

No. During professional cleanings the calculus and plaque build-up on your teeth is removed. Calculus is the rough surface that forms on your teeth when plaque isn’t removed daily. The bacteria that collects here causes the gums to become inflamed and weak. The bacteria also release endotoxins that can cause bone loss and eventual tooth loss. Removal of this plaque and calculus is essential for healthier gums and teeth.
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Do I need to floss?

Yes! By flossing your teeth daily, you remove the plaque and debris that sticks in between teeth and between the teeth and gums. Flossing helps to control bad breath, and polishes the surfaces of the teeth that can’t be reached by a toothbrush alone. If plaque, the sticky layer of material that contains bacteria, is not removed from teeth, it can lead to gum disease, caries, and eventual loss of teeth. Daily flossing will allow you to keep your teeth healthier and longer.
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I’m pregnant, should I still see the dentist?

Although most elective treatment and radiographs are avoided during pregnancy, it is important to see the dentist when you’re expecting. Hormonal changes during pregnancy exaggerate the tissue response to bacterial accumulation. If plaque, the bacterial film that builds up on teeth, is not removed, the bacteria can aggravate and make the gums tender, swollen, red and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis. In addition, it has been found that pregnant women who have periodontal (gum) disease may be more likely to give birth prematurely and have lower birth weight infants. The very best way to avoid these problems is meticulous oral hygiene at home and regular visits to your dentist.
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Are “baby teeth” important?

Your child’s first teeth are extremely important. They assist in speech development and proper chewing to provide adequate nutrition. Also, healthy teeth can help children to build self-confidence and self-esteem. In addition, they hold the space for the permanent teeth and may reduce the need for orthodontic work (braces) in the future. Your child should see the dentist every six months to prevent decay, and to detect problems at an early stage.
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Are amalgam restorations or “silver fillings” harmful?

No. Amalgam restorations have never been proven to be harmful. Across the world, millions of people have these amalgam fillings. These restorations have been studied extensively. Researchers have not found evidence of health problems or adverse effects related to the use of amalgam in fillings.
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My gums bleed, what should I do?

If your gums bleed, you MUST see a dentist. A professional scaling or “cleaning” will be done, oral hygiene instruction will be reviewed, and occasionally some medication will be prescribed. Gingivitis, or bleeding and swollen gums, can indicate the beginning of a process that may destroy the tooth’s supporting tissue. This is reversible with treatment. Bleeding gums, however, can also indicate periodontitis, a serious gum disease that can result in the loss of your teeth if not treated in a timely fashion. This is a severe and irreversible condition that, over time, may result in the loss of teeth. Individuals must brush and floss as directed by the dentist. It is mandatory also, to attend regular maintenance visits to the dentist.
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Are dental x-rays (radiographs) safe?

Yes. Everyday, individuals are exposed to low levels of radiation. Televisions, airplanes, drinking water and computers all generate low levels of radiation. The amount of radiation from dental x-rays is extremely small. Advanced technology also reduces the exposure, and your dental team will prescribe x-rays only when it is necessary and beneficial to your health. X-rays are an imperative part of a comprehensive dental exam. They help the dentist to diagnose periodontal disease, infections, cavities, and other pathology. Without the ability to see inside a tooth and beneath the gums, patients could experience more pain, more disease would go undetected, and more teeth could be lost due to delayed treatment.
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What’s the difference between professional whitening and over-the-counter (OTC) whitening?

Professional whitening occurs in a controlled environment with a dental healthcare professional for more predictable results. In fact, the bleaching agent can be harmful to the gums, so it is important to have a precisely fabricated tray by your dentist, or be under the supervision of a dental professional during treatment to ensure that the bleach doesn’t affect the gums. Some OTC whitening systems do not incorporate trays and can have uneven, “blotchy,” results or have adverse effects on the gums. Many OTC teeth whitening products also contain glycerin, which could dry out your tooth enamel. This gives a temporary “whitening” effect which goes away when the teeth are re-hydrated by saliva. Professional whitening also uses a higher concentration of bleach, and frequently a light system that activates the bleaching compound to enhance its effects. The results are more noticeable, long-lasting and can be achieved faster.
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Do Root Canal Treatments Hurt?

Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is usually NOT painful. If there is an infection and pain prior to treatment, drainage is administered and/or antibiotics are often given before doing the procedure. This increases the efficacy of local anesthesia. With effective use of local anesthesia, the tooth is numb and there is no sensation during the procedure. Modern dentistry has created magnificent options for anesthesia and your dentist will do everything they can to keep your visit pleasant and comfortable.
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Why is it important to see a dentist every six months?

The best way to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis. The dentist is in the best position to diagnose gum disease, oral cancer and cavities. Your dentist not only examines your teeth and gums for decay and disease. In addition, dentists carefully examine your head and neck, as well as the inside of your mouth and tongue. Many oral diseases don’t cause pain, but can be very serious. For instance, oral cancer can appear as a flat, painless red or white spot in an area that you can’t see. Early detection by your dentist can improve the prognosis, and decrease the time and cost of treatment for all oral diseases.
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Patient's Testimonials

"Friends told me that tooth extraction was really painful and that the discomfort would continue for almost a week. I was very reluctant to schedule a procedure when Dr. Kapoor recommended extraction. I was really worried about extracting my tooth but the Trelawny’s experienced dental team made me feel comfortable and they made the procedure almost painless. I am happy to say the modern techniques they used not only had me spend less time in the dentist’s chair, but I hardly felt any pain both during and after the procedure. I would recommend Trelawny Dental Centre to my family and friends."

- John, Mississauga.

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