Link Between Oral Health and Heart Health

Oral health is important for your overall health! Many people are living with gum disease and don't even know it! Often patients feel fine as gum disease is not painful and they avoid going to the dentist.

Today, I am going to discuss how your oral health can affect your heart health.

Studies have found people with gum disease in moderate to advanced stages are at a greater risk for heart disease than someone with healthy gums. The spread of bacteria is what links oral health and heart disease. The bacteria in your mouth travels from your mouth to other parts of your body through the blood stream. When the bacteria from your mouth travels through the blood stream it attaches to areas of the heart causing inflammation. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, this can occur from the bacteria in your mouth traveling to the heart.

People with chronic gingivitis and periodontal disease (gum disease) have a high risk for heart disease caused from poor oral health. Especially if the oral health condition is unmanaged.

What to look for in your mouth to help determine if you have gum disease:

• Red, swollen gums.
• Your gums bleed when you brush, floss or eat.
• You see pus around the gums and teeth.
• Your gums look like they are pulling away from your teeth.
• You experience a bad taste or odour in your mouth.
• Your experiencing loose teeth or feel like spaces are opening between your teeth.

How to prevent gum disease that is related to heart health:

• Brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes each time.
• Floss daily!
• Drink plenty or water. (6 to 8 glasses a day)
• Visit your dental hygienist regularly for a professional cleaning (every 3 to 6 months)

We are kid friendly at Kay Dental in North York

Our goal is to make each visit a positive one whether 3 or 16, here are something's we do:  

• Early detection of decay, small cavities are easier to fix and won't develop in to more serious issue if caught early.
• Prevention is the best medicine, at each visit the hygienist will complete a thorough cleaning, removing plaque and build up. As well as provide a fluoride treatment or sealants as needed.
• Guidance the hygienist will go over proper brushing technique with your child (and you if they are young) and offer tips and tools to improve their oral hygiene.
• Habit creating a good positive routine when they are young will help promote a life time of good oral health.
• Diet Counseling if your child is cavity prone or we see signs of enamel break down (from acid erosion) we will review with them and/or you their diet and what changes can be made to help them avoid the damage and cavities caused by certain foods and drinks.

Our goal is to make each visit a positive one whether 3 or 16, here are something's we do:  

• Relaxed and informed we will go slowly and explain to your child as we go along what they can expect. We find that kids are much more relaxed, cooperative and have less fear when they understand what's happening.
• Rewards we have a well stocked treasure box with toys and stickers for young ones and sugar free gum for the teens. It's nice to end each visit with a reward and positive reinforcement.
• Hygiene aids we have a large selection of brushes, floss, rinses and paste specifically designed for kids to give to you to help them at home.
• Fun we have a kids play area and iPad loaded with games to keep them entertained while they wait for their appointment. Our monthly Movie Draw is a big hit, each month we pick a winner, who receives passed to Silver City, be sure to enter when you are in :)

 

Importance of home care for dental implants

The importance of cleaning around your dental implant is the same as a natural tooth structure. Thorough regular oral hygiene helps remove bacteria and keep tissue surround the implant and adjacent teeth healthy and will help prevent and reduce the risk of peri- implant disease (destruction of hard and soft tissue around the implant).

Instruments to help keep your implants clean:

• Tooth brush: Electric or hand held brushes remove the plaque on visable tooth/ implant surfaces, and stimulate tissue to keep areas healthy.
• Floss/ Super floss: Ensures that plaque removal under implants is removed (where tooth brushes do not reach). Also helps with tissue stimulation.
• Proxy brushes/ Soft picks/ Curaprox brushes: Help removal of plaque between teeth/ implants and under tissue. Similar to floss but helps with larger spaces between implants and or teeth. Also is great for tissue stimulation.
• Water Pik: Helps with plaque removal between teeth, under implant, and helps stimulate tissue. Flushes areas that are hard to reach, and many patients find it easier then manual plaque removal.
• Mouth rinses: Help with the removal of bacteria on tissue surfaces. Great for disinfection.
• Regular dental hygiene cleanings: Your hygienist is one of your best defenses against gum disease. They reach areas that are hard to access, help diagnose tissue concerns, and are your personal coaches to ensure you and your dental implant or implants stay healthy long term.

For patients that have implant supported dentures, oral hygiene under and on your implants are just as important. Proper cleaning and care allows your tissue to stay strong and healthy, keeping your denture comfortable and functional long term.

Oral Piercings Related to Oral Health

Oral piercing sites include the tongue, lips and cheeks. Oral piercings are considered body art and is a personal statement. The jewelry is made of stainless steel, gold, titanium or niobium, and consists of studs, barbells or hoops.

Dangers of Oral Piercings:

• Pain, swelling and bleeding.
• Tissue scarring.
• Gum damage (recession) from trauma caused by the jewelry rubbing.
• Infection that can travel through the bloodstream.
• Chipped or cracked teeth.
• Problems swallowing.
• Choking on or aspiration of jewelry.
• Difficulty eating/loss of taste.
• Nerve damage.
• Bad breath (halitosis).
• Tartar formation on the oral jewelry.

Care for Oral Piercings to Help Avoid Complications:

• Wash your hands before touching the piercing.
• Brush and rinse after every meal.
• Clean the piercing site with an alcohol free antiseptic mouth wash after every meal.
• Brush the jewelry to remove any plaque present.
• Remove the jewelry before eating, sleeping or playing sports.
• Any yellow or green pus suggests an infection is present; a physician should be contacted immediately if this occurs.

Dental Hygienist are aware of the possible consequences and risks associated with oral piercings. During regular dental examinations your dental hygienist will check for cracked or chipped teeth, as well as gum infection/damage (recession). The Ontario Dental Hygienist Association does not recommend any type of oral piercing.

Importance of Dental Care for Caregivers

Good oral care is important at any age. However certain segments of the population require help with their oral hygiene care, including elderly, sick and mentally or physically challenged. Studies have shown that many family members are taking on the role of a primary care giver and oral hygiene should be another important area of focus to consider for any caregiver.

There is a huge link to oral health and overall health, and keeping the mouth healthy, keeps the body healthy (since the two are connected). A thing to consider is micro- organisms (bacteria) from oral infections that can enter the bloodstream and lungs and travel through the body. This can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and respiratory disorders.

Brushing and flossing are crucial activities that effect general health just as much as medications, proper diet and physical activity. Seeing a dental hygienist regularly aid in the process of general well being, and should be a part of everyone's regular routine.

When providing care to an individual with needs certain signs should be observed for inadequate oral care:

• Food debris
• Weight loss
• Chronic bad breath
• Red, swollen, bleeding tender gums
• Loose teeth/ tooth pain
• Abscess or pus around gums or teeth

A good routine to get into with oral hygiene should include:

• Brushing and or cleaning the mouth twice daily for two minutes
• Remove and brush dentures twice daily or more if needed
• Floss teeth at least daily
• Brushing or scraping tongue
• Booking regular dental hygiene/ dental visits.

An important resource to utilize should be your dental professionals. We can aid in advice and tips to help make home care effective and give you the tools to help make sure that individuals, no matter their disability, receive the proper care they need to maintain oral and overall health.

Cavity Prevention Snack Ideas

Cavity Prevention Snack Ideas If you have been trying to limit or decrease your sugar intake by eating only natural sugars, like those found in fruits and vegetables; but your mouth still waters whenever you're forced to wait in line and stare at the candy selection by the check-out counter... What do you do? We have five different snack ideas that are not only tasty, but help prevent cavities too! Seeds/Nuts (especially on top of yogurt or salads) Rich in both calcium and/or phosphorous, yet low in sugar Helps to rebuild and protect tooth enamel Try snacking on nuts like: almonds, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts For those with nut allergies: sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds Kale chips High in calcium to strengthen teeth Contains folate: a B vitamin that helps promote a healthy mouth, both inside and out Other leafy greens include: broccoli, spinach, collard greens, bok choy, okra Celery with hummus, or with peanut butter topped with raisins Chewing this firm vegetable promotes more saliva; saliva neutralizes cavity causing bacteria Abrasive substance that naturally cleans teeth of plaque and other food particles Also try other crunchy veggies like: carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower Apples (raw or dried apples) Contains many beneficial nutrients and vitamins; apples are high in fiber and water Similar characteristics to celery (abrasive and crunchy), and a good alternative if you can't brush and/or floss right after meals Leaving cut apple slices out overnight removes most of the water, but you won't have to worry about any preservatives or added sugar Frozen grapes Rich in antioxidants to fight bacterial growth Low levels of starch prevent bacterial infections (less acidic environment) A good source of vitamin C: a vitamin essential for protecting teeth and gum cells Evidently, the most ideal foods contain high levels of vitamins, calcium and/or phosphorus. All of these nutrients strengthen your teeth, reduce the potential for tooth decay, and fight against cavity-causing bacteria. Although these snacks help to prevent and minimize cavities, they do not eliminate them; to further avoid cavities, it is crucial to continue practicing good oral hygiene.

The Complete Invisalign Process

No matter what your age, you’re never too old to consider getting braces. If you don’t have the straight smile you want you can easily have it just by opting for orthodontic treatment. With all the wonderful advancements to orthodontics over the years, we are now happy to offer discreet ways to straighten your teeth without anyone else noticing. One example is Invisalign, a clear set of removable aligners that slowly reposition your teeth to get the smile you’ve always wanted. If you are weighing the pros and cons of getting Invisalign in North York, ON then find out what this treatment will entail.  Step 1: Dental Consultation You will need to have a thorough exam and consultation with Kaydental before you can get Invisalign. After all, we want to make sure that your treatment goals can be achieved through this specific type of orthodontic treatment. Not all alignment and dental issues can be corrected with Invisalign. We will run X-rays and determine whether Invisalign is right for you. Then we will map out your treatment plan and take impressions of your teeth to send to the Invisalign lab.  Step 2: Invisalign Fitting Once the lab is finished custom-designing your aligners, they will send your entire treatment packet to us at Kaydental. Then you will come into the office to have your first set of aligners placed on your teeth and to check the fit.  Step 3: Aligners You will wear your aligners for about 20 to 22 hours out of the day and each aligner is worn for about two weeks. You can remove your Invisalign aligners; however, you only want to do this when you eat and when you brush and floss. The longer you leave your aligners off the longer your treatment will be.  Step 4: Regular Dental Visits You will continue to see your North York, ON dentist very four to six weeks to make sure that your treatment is progressing as it should and that everything looks healthy.  Step 5: Retainers With every new aligner that you put on you will start to notice a gradual difference in the position of your teeth. Most Invisalign treatment takes about a year; however, this fluctuates depending on the severity of your case. Once your treatment process is up, you can remove your Invisalign aligners and start wearing a retainer to help maintain your new smile (your North York, ON dentist will give you specific instructions for wearing your retainers after treatment).  Call Kaydental Today! Interested in getting Invisalign? Then call Kaydental, your North York, ON dentist, today to schedule an orthodontic consultation. By conducting a thorough exam we can easily determine whether Invisalign is right for you. Call us to book your next visit with us.

How Invisalign Enhances Smiles

About Invisalign  Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that consists of a series of clear, plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit over your upper and lower teeth. The aligners are designed to slowly shift your teeth into an ideal position. Invisalign is virtually invisible, making it near impossible to see that you are wearing braces. Each aligner is worn every day for about 22 hours for about two weeks. After the two weeks are up, you can throw away the old aligners and replace them with the new set in your treatment plan.  What Invisalign Corrects  Most North York patients believe that Invisalign can only correct minor dental orthodontic problems; however, this is simply not true. In fact, Invisalign has been known to correct moderate to even severe cases of malocclusion (e.g. overbites; crossbites; underbites), crookedness, overcrowding and gaps between teeth.  Benefits of Invisalign  One of the more popular and obvious benefits is that you can get a straighter smile without anyone noticing that you are wearing braces. This is ideal for teenagers and adults who are looking to hide the fact that they are wearing orthodontic braces.  Furthermore, since Invisalign can be removed, North York patients can enjoy orthodontics that fit into their lifestyle. No need to deal with dietary restrictions, as you would with traditional braces. Just remove your aligners before you eat or drink and then make sure to brush your teeth and rinse out your aligners before putting them back in.  Also, since Invisalign trays are custom-made to fit your smile, you will experience a comfortable fit free of discomfort or pain, as some patients experience with traditional metal braces.  Invisalign Candidates  Invisalign is great for most teens and adults looking to correct common dental issues; however, Invisalign is not for everyone. Children are not right for this treatment, but your North York orthodontist is happy to sit down and discuss your child’s other orthodontic options.  Also, since Invisalign needs to be worn throughout most of the day you want to make sure that you will adhere to this as much as possible so your treatment goes according to plan. Teens who don’t think they can adhere to wearing their aligners for most of the day should consider other options.  Want to get a straighter smile? If so, then it’s time to schedule a consultation with your North York orthodontists. Let Kaydental give you the smile you deserve for life.

How Tobacco Use Can Screw Up Your Smile

Who wouldn't want the brightest and healthiest smile possible? The obvious answer is "Nobody." Yet, many people subject their teeth, gums, tongue and other parts of their mouths to the hazards of tobacco use. Whether smoking cigarettes or chewing it, tobacco use can really damage your smile. What cigarette smoke does to the mouth  The list of the adverse effects of cigarette smoking is long. Most are well-known but bear repeating. An experienced dentist will often detect the following problems when looking into the oral cavity of a smoker: Staining. Smokers have a generalized discoloration of their teeth with dark brown stains particularly noticeable on the front teeth where cigarettes are held. If someone stops smoking, this may be reversed with dental cleaning, whitening and diligent at-home hygiene. Halitosis (bad breath). Increased build-up of plaque and tartar. Everyone deals with plaque and tartar, but this increases for people who smoke cigarettes. The Canadian Dental Association has stated that this build-up leads to more cavities and gum disease. Tooth loss can soon follow. Tooth sensitivity. Teeth become sensitive to both hot and cold beverages and food as gums recede and roots become exposed. Oral cancer. Cancer can disfigure and even kill the person who is diagnosed with cancerous lesions in her/his mouth. Congenital defects. If a woman smokes while pregnant, research shows an increased risk of cleft lip and palate for her baby. What chewing tobacco does to the mouth  Even chewing tobacco can ruin a user's smile. The most obvious problem is extensive staining of tooth enamel and uneven wearing down of the teeth. In addition, many people do not realize that tobacco has a high sugar content, and therefore contributes to tooth decay. Lastly, oral cancers have been directly linked to chewing tobacco. Leukoplakia, a precancerous oral lesion, is also caused by long-term use of chewing of tobacco. The American Cancer Society says that 3 out of 4 users of tobacco have leukoplakia.  What to do about tobacco and your oral health  The simple answer is to stop abusing tobacco products in every form. Of course, many individuals would love to shake their cigarette or tobacco chewing habit but the nicotine in tobacco is incredibly addicting. Physicians and dentists alike recommend one-on-one tobacco cessation treatment and group support during the process of quitting as the best way to succeed.  Kaydental offers a wide range of dental services.  Drs. Stephen M. Kay and Melvyn A. Kay of Kay Dental in the North York and Toronto, Ontario area want to help you reach the goal of an attractive and healthy smile. They will examine your teeth and gums, discuss the concerns you have about your dental and overall health and formulate a plan of care and treatment for the best teeth and gums possible, including recommendations and support to help you quit your use of tobacco.

Are Your Teeth Appearing Taller?

As we age there is no reason why your smile has to be 'long in the tooth'! It is not the case that as we age our gums naturally recede. If you notice that your crowns are getting longer it is important to have your dentist examine your teeth. What Causes Gums to Recede? Some reasons include: Overaggressive brushing - your enamel at the gum line can be worn away by scrubbing the sides of the teeth. Lack of proper oral hygiene - without regular brushing and flossing bacteria builds up in between the teeth. Using chewing tobacco adversely affects the mucus membrane lining in your mouth and can cause your gums to recede. A poorly placed tongue or lip piercing can cause your gums to recede. Receding gums can be difficult to detect and will occur over time. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms contact your dentist: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold or touch. Teeth appear 'longer' than they once did. Roots are exposed an visible. Tooth feels notched at the gum line Change in tooth colour. Spaces between teeth seem to be growing. Cavities below the gum line. The key to treating receding gums is to identify the cause. Once identified treatment can often times be quite simple. If overaggressive brushing is the cause switching to a softer toothbrush and using a gentler brushing technique can help. If poor plaque control is the issue regular dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene are a must. In more severe cases we may have to perform an in office procedure which will halt the bacteria's destruction of your gums and bone. With some easy steps and regular consultations with your dentist your smile and beautiful gumline can last you a lifetime.

Nightguards for Bruxism | Protect Your Teeth From Wear

You probably do a lot of things while you’re sleeping that you’re not aware of, such as talking in your sleep and snoring—some people have even been known to send text messages! One common problem that often happens while sleeping is called bruxism. It’s an issue that can cause a wide variety of dental problems, but luckily it’s one that is easily resolved by a dentist. Learn more about bruxism and the treatments available at Kaydental, a popular dental office in North York, ON. What is Bruxism? Bruxism is the habit of grinding the teeth back and forth or clenching them so tightly that it affects your bite, jaw or the condition of your tooth enamel. Many people don’t realize they have this problem until they start to have dental problems or notice unexplained headaches when they wake up. This is another reason why it’s so important to get a dental checkup regularly because your North York, ON, dentist will recognize the effects of bruxism early on—before it causes major damage to your teeth. Benefits of Nightguards Severe bruxism is an issue that can usually be resolved with a night guard. This is a plastic device that you put in your mouth before you go to sleep. It keeps your teeth separate while sleeping so that you can’t grind or clench them together. Over time, you may lose the urge to grind your teeth because they’re being trained to rest in a healthy position while you’re asleep. Getting a Custom Nightguard A nightguard is made of a durable plastic material that is hard, yet malleable. It’s designed to fit comfortably over your upper or lower row of teeth and looks similar to a plastic retainer. The dentist takes a dental mold of your teeth so that the nightguard can be properly shaped for your mouth. It may be slightly modified by the dentist to ensure a good fit. Protection for Your Teeth If you struggle with bruxism, relief is available in the form of a custom nightguard from your North York, ON, dentist. Call Kaydental at (416) 223-2151 today to request an appointment to discuss your problem with tooth grinding or clenching.

4 Tips for Caring for Your Child's Teeth

Little hands don’t always like to brush little teeth. Your trusted dentists at Kaydental in North York happily provide you with tips on how to care for your young one’s teeth—even if they don’t want to.  Start early As with any good habit, instilling it early and with consistency is the best way to be sure that your child practices good oral hygiene. Teaching them when to brush, how long to brush and how much toothpaste to use, is very important. They may not be wise enough to know what this will do for their overall health in the long run, but you are, and if they see that this is something that mommy and daddy not only approve of, but celebrate, little minds will associate brushing their teeth with a positive outcome.  Make it a routine One way to be sure that they don’t see it as a cumbersome chore is to make it fun. Have them brush until you count to a certain number or finish their favorite song or nursery rhyme. Reward them for a job well done. Similar to the famous “potty chart,” you can give them a star for each time they brush their teeth. Let the sticker - itself be a reward or perhaps take them to get a new toy when they’ve filled up their chart. Your North York family dentist wants your child to develop good habits from the start so they’ll always have a beautiful smile.  Stave off a sweet tooth It’s well-known that sugar and tooth decay are partners in crime, so be sure your child is eating a balanced diet of fruits, veggies, grains and proteins, limiting the amount of starches and sugars they eat. When sugar remains in the mouth, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. And while they may just be their baby teeth, those little guys are the foundation for adult teeth and proper care for baby teeth is absolutely essential.  Stop on by Just as you should see your dentist every six months, so should your children. From the time they cut their first tooth, on, you should be bringing your child into Kaydental twice a year, unless Dr. Melvyn or Dr. Stephen request more frequent visits.  Caring for your child’s chompers is just as important as caring for your own. Be sure they get a good, healthy start to regular oral care by visiting your North York dental office, Kaydental, today.

The Clear Answer to Straighter Teeth

We know how important it is for you to have a healthy, beautiful smile. It’s one of the first things a person sees. So why shouldn’t your smile look its best? However, you might find yourself a bit self-conscious and wishing for a straighter smile. Sure, it might have seemed cute to have that little gap between your teeth when you were little, but now that you’re older you don’t find it quite as endearing. If you’re looking for a way to straighten your smile but you can’t even fathom all the metal and brackets that come with braces, then now you don’t have to. Welcome to the world of Invisalign in North York. Not sure what Invisalign is? Or maybe you’ve heard of it but you’re really not sure you know much about this revolutionary way to straighten teeth. Your North York, ON dentist is here to answer all your questions. What is Invisalign?  Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that gradually shift teeth back to their proper position. These trays are custom-designed to fit your mouth, so you have a set of clear braces that are made just for you, in North York. Also, Invisalign doesn’t come with all the metal and wires you might picture when you think about braces. You can enjoy talking to friends and colleagues without worrying that they are staring at your braces. What are the Pros of Invisalign? While Invisalign boasts a clear way to straighten your smile, another advantage is that these aligners are removable. You can enjoy meals without having to worry that your braces will get in the way. This also means that there are no dietary restrictions—unlike with traditional braces. Just remember to always brush and put your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth immediately after you’re done enjoying your meal. Additionally, since Invisalign in North York, ON is removable, brushing, and flossing just got a bit easier. You don’t have to worry about trying to brush around metal or flossing around thin, fragile wires. All you have to do is take out your clear trays and brush normally. How’s that for simple? How Long Will I Wear Invisalign? Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before you swap it for another one. The average Invisalign treatment is about 9-15 months long. Imagine—in as little as nine months, you could get the straight smile you’ve been craving. Want to find out more about how Invisalign could help you? Call Kaydental, your dentist in North York, ON today at (416) 223-2151. Your consultation is waiting!