Toronto Dental Care
Tooth brushing and flossing helps to remove the daily accumulation of tartar. However, to prevent the formation of decay and periodontal disease, professional scaling and root planning are essential.
Regular visits to see a Dental Hygienist are pertinent to maintaining optimum oral health, and keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Your dental care cleaning actually includes many important services in addition to the scaling and polishing of your teeth to remove tartar and stains. During this appointment our staff also performs a comprehensive diagnostic examination of your teeth and mouth. This exam not only involves checking your teeth for decay, but also provides screening for other serious conditions including periodontal (gum) disease, oral cancer, tooth grinding, tooth brush abrasion and the deterioration of old crowns, bridges and fillings.
If you would like to learn more about our preventative dentistry programs, simply call one of our offices nearest you. Our staff will be happy to answer your questions or arrange a convenient appointment time that fits your busy schedule.
Is Flossing Really Necessary For Good Dental Health?
Flossing is just as important as brushing, although this technique seems to get less attention. Even good brushing can only reach the outer surfaces of teeth - flossing targets the bacteria that hides between teeth that often causes the most damage. Make sure you floss every time you brush to ensure healthy teeth and gums. Our professionally trained Hygienists will provide you with dental care products for you to use at home. Remember the importance of regular dental maintenance.
Be sure to visit our Brushing & Flossing Basics page for more information.
How Often should I Brush my Teeth?
We recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, for 2 minutes and no more than 3 times a day with a soft bristle brush. The answer to other tooth brushing questions can be found on our Brushing & Flossing Basics page.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts when plaque is not removed effectively – it can irritate your gums and make them pull away from your teeth, causing the bone around your teeth to shrink away. It is possible for people to lose their teeth even if they are completely free of tooth decay. Gum disease is the major cause of adult tooth loss. Most people don’t know they have gum disease until a dentist or hygienist tells them.
Everyone has a space around his or her teeth that can be measured with an instrument called a probe. In healthy gums, that measurement should be 2-3mm deep. If the plaque, which forms around the teeth, is not removed, this space will become deeper and what is called a pocket will form. More plaque bacteria will accumulate in the pocket – the gum disease will worsen and become more difficult to treat.
If gum disease is caught early enough, it is reversible. Our doctors and hygienists are highly experienced in helping people in all stages of gum disease.
What does a Periodontist do?
When gum disease is more serious, your dentist may refer you to a dental specialist called a periodontist. A periodontist has at least 3 years of extra university training in treating gum disease, and in restoring (or regenerating) bone and gum tissue that have been lost because of gum disease. A periodontist also treats serious forms of gum disease that do not get better with normal dental care. When serious gum disease is found, brushing and flossing become even more important. It is important to have your gums assessed regularly and to learn how to keep your teeth clean. Our doctors and hygienists are dedicated to helping you learn how to keep your teeth for a lifetime! Request an appointment with one of Hygienists now!
Oral Cancer
About Oral Cancer
The American Cancer Society diagnoses an estimated 30,000 new cases of oral cancer each year. Oral cancer includes cancers of the lip, tongue, pharynx, jawbone and oral cavity. Most often, oral cancer occurs in people over the age of 40 years.
Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
- Tobacco use (smokeless, cigars, cigarettes and pipes)
- Alcohol abuse
- Previous cancer (especially oral)
- Chronic exposure to any carcinogenic
- Family history of cancer
- Solar radiation
- HIV infection
- Chronic long term periodontal disease
- Mouth sore that doesn't heal for over one week and bleeds
- A lump or thickening of tissues
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness in areas of the mouth
- Swelling of the jaw
The American Cancer Society recommends a cancer checkup every 3 years for those over 20 years of age and every year for those over 40 years. The disease often times goes unnoticed in its early, curable stages. Self and professional examination is the best method to catch early stage cancer. Be sure to have your head and neck examined as part of your dental exam. Many times a biopsy will be performed to detect if cancer is present (the stage, extent, and best treatment option). Cancer of the lip can be avoided with the use of lotion or lip balm with sunscreen and wearing a hat to block harmful rays.
Oral Cancer Diagnosis
If an abnormal area is found, a biopsy is done to determine its cause or diagnosis. Typically, you are referred to a specialist who will remove part or all of the area. An examination of the tissue for cancerous cells is done, and if cancer is present, additional tests must be done to determine if it is spreading and what areas are affected. You may also be asked to have a CT scan, ultrasonography or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) perfomed. A CT scan is a series of X-rays to show the inside areas of the body. An ultrasonography is high-frequency sound waves that bounce off tissues and organs to tell us more about that inside area. The MRI is a procedure that takes pictures of internal organs using a magnet linked to a computer.
Oral Cancer Treatment
Treatment will vary depending on the type and extent of cancer diagnosed. Two percent of all deaths in the United States are oral cancer related. Almost any cancer, when caught at an early stage, can be treated successfully. These treatments can include:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
Often times, oral problems such as mouth sores, tooth decay, dry mouth and lip peeling can occur with radiation and chemotherapy.
Oral Cancer Rehabilitation
Reconstruction of the cancer site may require the following:
- Prosthetics/cosmetic surgery
- Speech-swallowing therapy
- Physical therapy
- Psychological therapy
If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above or have questions, please contact you dental care provider. Remember that the earlier oral cancer is detected and treated, the more likely it will lead to a better prognosis for a healthier life.
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