FAQs

Bad breath, often caused by bacteria on the tongue, can be influenced by several factors:

• Morning Breath: Reduced saliva flow during sleep allows bacteria to grow.
  
  

• Foods like Garlic and Onions: These foods can cause odour when compounds enter the bloodstream and lungs.
  
  

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Food particles left in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
  
  

• Gum Disease: Bacteria and food debris under inflamed gums causes bad breath.
  
  

• Dental Issues: Cavities and ill-fitting dental appliances can contribute to offputting odours.
  
  

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Bad breath can be caused by medications, salivary gland issues, or mouth breathing.
  
  

• Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco dries the mouth and causes bad breath.
  
  

• Dieting: Ketones released when burning fat can cause a foul odour.
  
  

• Dehydration and Missed Meals: Reduced saliva flow leads to bad breath.
  
  

• Medical Conditions: Sometimes bad breath is caused by conditions like diabetes, liver and kidney problems, sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Tips to prevent bad breath:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and clean your tongue. Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months. Clean dentures thoroughly.
  
  

• Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule check-ups and cleanings at least twice a year.
  
  

• Quit Tobacco Products: Ask your dentist for recommendations to quit.
  
  

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.
  
  

• Use Effective Mouthwash: Choose antiseptic rinses recommended by your dentist to kill germs that cause bad breath.

Brushing and flossing help control plaque and bacteria, preventing dental disease. Plaque is a sticky film of food, bacteria, and saliva that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. If it hardens it becomes tarter, which can destroy gums and bone, leading to periodontal disease. To avoid this, follow the daily dental care tips below:

• Brush Twice Daily: Using an ADA-approved soft bristle brush,  use a 45-degree angle and small circular motions to brush your teeth and tongue.
  
  

• Floss Daily: Clean between the teeth and under the gumline, curving the floss into a "c" shape around each tooth.
  
  

• Rinse With Water: Rinsing isn't just for after brushing your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water after meals as well.
  
  

Be sure to schedule dental exams and cleanings at least twice a year to stay on top of your oral health.

Daily home care along with professional cleanings are essential to prevent dental issues. For optimal care, use the following aids:

• Dental Floss: Removes plaque and food particles between teeth. Floss twice daily after brushing.

• Interdental Brushes: Effective for cleaning between teeth and gums, recommended by many dental professionals.

• Mouth Rinses: Choose therapeutic rinses with active ingredients for better plaque and cavity protection. Use after brushing.

• Oral Irrigators: Use to flush out debris from below the gum line, but not a substitute for brushing and flossing.

• Rubber Tip Stimulators: Helps remove plaque and stimulate gum blood flow. Use gently along the gum line daily.

• Tongue Cleaners: Removes bacteria and debris from the tongue to help with bad breath and overall oral health.

• Toothbrushes: Electric brushes are more effective than manual ones. Replace manual brushes every three months and use soft bristles.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, recommended at least twice a year, are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. These visits help prevent dental problems and ensure overall oral health. Any of the following may occur during a dental visit depending on your needs:

• Medical History Review: Understand your overall and dental health.

• X-Rays: Detect decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.

• Oral Cancer Screening: Check for signs of oral cancer.

• Gum Disease Evaluation: Assess gums and bone for periodontal disease.

• Tooth Decay Examination: Inspect all tooth surfaces for decay.

• Restoration Check: Review current fillings and crowns.

• Tartar Removal: Remove hardened plaque above and below the gum line.

• Plaque Removal: Eliminate the sticky film of bacteria and food debris.

• Teeth Polishing: Remove stains and plaque missed by brushing.

• Oral Hygiene Advice: Recommend tools and techniques for better care.

• Diet Review: Discuss eating habits affecting dental health.

Gum disease affects four out of five people, often without noticeable symptoms since it is usually painless in its early stages. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame gums and destroy bone. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can prevent this. Risk factors include:

• Tobacco Use: Increases plaque and tartar formation.

• Tooth or Appliance Issues: Misfitting bridges, crowded teeth, and defective fillings trap plaque.

• Medications: Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, and oral contraceptives can reduce saliva, making plaque stickier.

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty increase gum sensitivity.

• Systemic Diseases: Diabetes, blood cell disorders, and HIV/AIDS.

• Genetics: Family history of tooth loss can predispose some people to an aggressive type of periodontitis.
  
  

Signs and symptoms you should watch out for are:

• Red and Puffy Gums: Gums should not be red or swollen.

• Bleeding Gums: Gums should not bleed, even with vigorous brushing or flossing.

• Persistent Bad Breath: This is caused by bacteria.

• New Spacing Between Teeth: This is an indication of bone loss.

• Loose Teeth: Result of bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers.

• Pus: Sign of infection.

• Receding Gums: Gum loss around a tooth.

• Tenderness or Discomfort: Irritated gums and teeth from plaque and bacteria.
  
  

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. Make sure to brush and floss daily and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. Tap to learn more about periodontal disease.

Brushing removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from tooth surfaces but misses the areas between teeth. These areas are prone to decay and gum disease.

To floss properly, use 12-16 inches of floss, wrapping around your middle fingers. Guide the floss with your thumb and forefingers, gently sawing between your teeth. Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth, cleaning under the gumline.

If you're feeling self-conscious about your teeth, cosmetic dental treatments can give you a beautiful, confident smile. Cosmetic dentistry has grown in popularity due to advanced procedures and materials and an increased focus on overall health, including dental care for a healthier, whiter smile. Check out the cosmetic dental treatments we offer at Humber Heights Dental.

Short answer, yes!

Porcelain veneers are thin, durable shells crafted to cover the fronts of your teeth. They resist stains and are ideal for improving the beauty of your smile. They can correct discoloured or stained teeth, uneven spaces, worn or chipped teeth, slight tooth crowding, misshapen teeth, and teeth that are too small or large. 

Teeth whitening is a popular, non-invasive way to enhance your smile. Professional treatments provide superior results compared to over-the-counter products.

As we age, tooth enamel can wear down, revealing a darker shade. Stains from coffee, tea, wine, and smoking, as well as certain medications and excessive fluoridation, can also contribute to discolouration.

You can choose between at-home kits, which involve using a gel in custom trays worn daily or overnight, and in-office treatments that deliver immediate results through a bleaching solution and special light applied by your dentist.

Consult your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate for whitening and to address any existing dental work before starting. Note that whitening is not permanent, so touch-ups may be needed. Some temporary sensitivity may occur but usually resolves within a week.

Today’s advanced dental treatments mean tooth extraction is often a last resort. When a tooth is lost due to injury, decay, or disease, replacing it is crucial to prevent future dental and cosmetic issues.

Missing teeth can lead to jawbone loss, shifting teeth, and bite problems, potentially causing decay, gum disease, and TMJ issues. Early replacement helps maintain your bite, oral health, and smile. Options include:

• Removable Bridges: Economical and good for complex cases, but may have visible metal clasps.

• Fixed Bridges: Made of porcelain or composite, cemented in place, and sturdy, but requires crowning adjacent teeth.

• Dentures: Ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth, designed to resemble natural teeth.

• Dental Implants: A stable, durable, and natural-looking replacement, ideal for single or multiple teeth and supporting dentures.

If you’re missing teeth, consult us to explore the best replacement options for your needs. Early treatment helps prevent costly future problems.

If you’re active in sports, protect your teeth and orthodontics with a custom sports mouth guard. It reduces the risk of oral injuries by up to 60 times compared to not using one. Choose a mouth guard that’s easy to clean, durable, comfortable, and doesn’t affect your speech or breathing. To properly take care of your mouth guard, focus on the following tips:

• Clean: Brush with toothpaste before and after use.

• Rinse: Use soap and lukewarm water periodically.

• Store: Keep in a firm case to prevent damage.

• Replace: Monitor wear and replace as needed.

For questions about mouth guards, consult your dentist.

Old, dark fillings can affect your smile and may even lead to decay. If your fillings are unattractive or defective, modern dental options can quickly and painlessly restore your teeth. Replacement options include:

• Composite Fillings: Tooth-coloured and ideal for visible areas, improving both appearance and function.

• Crowns (Caps): Encase damaged teeth, restoring shape and strength with materials like porcelain or gold.

• Inlays/Onlays: Custom-made restorations for large fillings or damaged teeth, available in composite resin, porcelain, or gold.

• Porcelain Veneers: Thin, durable shells for front teeth to fix discoloration, chips, or gaps, providing a natural look.

Yes! Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is often caused by plaque buildup and can lead to tooth loss. It may be linked to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke risk, diabetes complications, and pregnancy risk. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for managing your oral and overall health.

Did you know that more than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year? Act quickly and calmly, and follow the steps below for your best chance at saving the tooth:

• Handle Carefully: Hold the tooth by the crown, not the roots.

• Clean Gently: Rinse lightly with your saliva or whole milk, if needed. Avoid scrubbing or using soap.

• Act Fast: Get to a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of reimplantation.

• Transport Properly: Place the tooth back in its socket and gently bite down on gauze or a wet tea bag. If that's not possible, store the tooth in whole milk or your saliva, keep it under your tongue, or store it between your gums and lips. Avoid holding it in a tissue or cloth.

To prevent tooth loss, wear a mouthguard when doing sports, always wear your seatbelt, and avoid hard foods.

Straight teeth are not only aesthetically pleasing but also function better for chewing, biting, and speaking. They help prevent dental issues and boost confidence. Misaligned teeth can lead to:

• Gum Disease: Crooked teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of periodontitis.

• TMJ Disorder: Misalignment can cause jaw pain, headaches, and lockjaw.

• Tooth Injury: Straight teeth are less likely to be damaged or injured.

• Uneven Wear: Crooked teeth can cause uneven wear and additional stress on certain teeth.

Treatment options include braces, which are effective for various alignment issues. They can be placed on the front or back of teeth and are adjusted regularly. You can also opt for aligning trays, which are removable and ideal for less severe cases. Trays are changed every few weeks for optimal results. Ask us about the best options for achieving a straight, healthy smile.

Dental anxiety is common but manageable. Our practice prioritizes your comfort with painless treatments and advanced technology. Overcome dental anxiety with these tips:

• Communicate Your Fears: Let us know your concerns so we can take extra precautions.

• Use Music: Bring a portable music player to relax and mask any dental noises.

• Agree on a Signal: Establish a "stop" signal to halt treatment if needed.

• Manage Gag Reflex: Use throat sprays like Vicks® Chloraseptic® to control gagging.

• Bring a Mirror: Seeing the procedure can help reduce fear.

• Consider Sedation: Various sedation options are available for a more comfortable experience.

• Explore Technology: Ask about modern treatments like lasers for a more relaxed process.

Sedation dentistry is another option for those with dental anxiety. It's designed to calm nerves without causing sleep, allowing you to stay awake while feeling relaxed. This can be done with nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation, or oral conscious sedation.

Dental emergencies can be painful and alarming, requiring prompt treatment to prevent worsening or loss of your teeth. Here's how to handle common emergencies:

• Knocked-Out Tooth: Contact us immediately. Rinse the tooth gently, avoiding the root. If possible, place it back in the socket or keep it moist in milk or saliva. Get to our office quickly for the best chance of saving the tooth.

• Lost Filling or Crown: Schedule an appointment right away. Keep the lost piece safe. If needed, use clove oil for pain relief and dental cement to temporarily affix the crown. Avoid using regular glue.

• Cracked or Broken Teeth: Call us immediately. Rinse the mouth and tooth fragments with lukewarm water. Apply gauze for bleeding and a cold compress for swelling. Cover with dental cement if you can't visit us right away.

• Loose or Dislodged Teeth: Seek dental help quickly. Use a cold compress and over-the-counter pain relievers in the meantime. We may need to reposition and stabilize the tooth or consider root canal therapy if necessary.