Teeth Cleanings Control Plaque and Bacteria

Dirty teeth really can cause problems for surrounding gum tissue and enamel.  It’s not just the food debris, trapped between teeth, but the levels of plaque that are left to build on tooth surfaces.  Plaque is a sticky film that coats teeth, making them appear yellowish in color.  The problem with plaque is that it contains bacteria that feed on remnants of carbohydrates in the mouth – releasing toxins that not only irritate gum tissue but weaken tooth structure enabling dental decay to form.  Without effective homecare and regular trips to the dentist to remove plaque deposits a mouth soon becomes an inflamed and decaying mess – that is prone to bad breath and infections and leads to inflammation throughout the body.

What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge encourage patients to maintain regular exams and cleanings to prevent more serious dental health issues.  During a dental cleaning, deposits of plaque and calculus (hard deposit of bacteria) are removed from tooth surfaces and from below the gum line.  Plaque can get trapped between teeth, at the back of molars and under gum tissue – enabling bacteria to hide-out in hard to reach places.  But during a dental cleaning the hygienist uses tools designed specifically to access these hard to reach areas – so food debris, plaque and calculus are effectively removed.  Even the most diligent of brushers and flossers can’t remove every trace of plaque and bacteria as the size of a toothbrush head can mean some areas of the mouth get overlooked.  And for those who have to deal with crooked teeth that are even harder to keep clean due to the tricky angles of certain teeth – seeing a hygienist regularly will help keep your teeth and gum tissue in good shape.

Still not convinced about the value of regular cleanings?  Contact the team at Discover Dental today 403.285.0222

Welcoming New Patients – All procedures performed by General Dentists

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NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental understand that for patients who experience dental anxiety, a routine dental appointment can seem daunting, so often making a dental appointment is avoided.  The fact is; many people suffer from dental phobias – ranging from extreme fear that prevents them from entering a dental office, to those individuals who get pre-appointment jitters but are able to soldier through treatment.  Being afraid of dental treatment is more common than you might think – but there are ways to handle dental anxiety so that even extensive appointments are stress-free.

General Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge offer nervous dental patients the option of Sedation Dentistry.  Sedation Dentistry isn’t something new to the world of dentistry – but has been trusted and used by dentists around the world for decades – providing patients with a safe, effective option that enables them to relax during dental appointments.  For many patients who suffer from nerves and dental anxiety the thought of having dental treatment is enough to cause extreme stress – resulting in missed dental appointments and untreated issues.  Unfortunately the fear of dental treatment prevents some patients from receiving needed care to address dental decay, infections, and other ailments.

Avoiding seeing your NE Calgary Dentist is not the solution for dental nerves – finding a dental office that provides Sedation Dentistry is a great way to move forward with treatment and overcome dental fears.  Sedation Dentistry, or Sleep Dentistry, can be administered in different forms – from Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), pill form, to IV Sedation.  One of the many advantages of Sedation Dentistry is that it allows a patient to remain conscious during treatment but in a completely relaxed state – no more aching jaw muscles or tight shoulders – only a relaxed and stress-free dental appointment.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental explain that dentistry that has been avoided for years can be completed in just a few appointments with the use of sedation – allowing a patient to regain a level of dental health while building confidence in their ability to handle dental treatment.  If you experience dental nervousness that results in avoiding the dentist – call Discover Dental today and find out if Sedation Dentistry is suitable for you.

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Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary focus of providing patients with treatment options that create beautiful smiles in an affordable and efficient way. They recognize that patients desire the look of straight teeth and great arch form – but are not always naturally blessed with a great smile. That’s why these NE Calgary General Dentists turn to Damon Clear Orthodontic Brackets to help them achieve amazing treatment results in limited dental appointments. Damon Braces are a trusted orthodontic bracketing system(s) were designed by an Orthodontist – Dr. Dwight Damon – and today’s clear bracket option allows patients to straighten their teeth with minimal change to their daily appearance.
– but is esthetically pleasing due to its ‘clear’ appearance that literally blends right in so a person’s confidence to attend work functions and school events never lessens and image-conscious individuals can still participate in activities. Along with the bracket strength Damon Clear Orthodontics still allow arch wires to move through the passive self-ligating brackets – meaning that treatment time is still efficient, discomfort is kept to a minimum, and treatment results are never compromised.
NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental chose to use this orthodontic system due to its efficiency and ease of wear for patients. The system allows arch wires to move smoothly and freely through brackets, reducing friction that can cause an increase in inflammation and discomfort in some orthodontic cases. When inflammation is reduced, teeth can concentrate on moving to the desired location in the mouth, and bone can easily regenerate around the tooth to ensure that it stays in its new position long-term. Patient’s oral hygiene tends to be easier to maintain during orthodontic treatment due to the ease of cleaning around these brackets – there are no elastics around these brackets – so brushing and flossing can still be performed with minimal stress, making sure that when braces come off teeth are straight and healthy.
During orthodontic treatment it is important to maintain regular cleanings with your hygienist to keep teeth and gums in good condition. Wearing braces doesn’t mean you can skip routine dental care – so if you’re in need of a check-up and cleaning, contact Discover Dental today.

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Tired of hearing ‘there’s a cavity’ every time you take your child to the dentist?  NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental have some quick and easy tips that help eliminate the development of decay and keep everyone smiling.

General Dentists at Discover Dental want parents to know that childhood dental decay can be avoided when certain healthy habits are developed early.  Habits like daily brushing and flossing, limited exposure to sugary and acidic food, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and visiting your Calgary Dentist for regular cleanings and exams all play a huge part in protecting teeth and oral health.   Children who eat large amounts of simple carbohydrates (processed food), sugary treats and drinks, and fail to brush and floss their teeth daily will be at risk for developing cavities and loosing teeth to dental decay.  But the risk for tooth decay can be reduced dramatically when the following steps are followed:

1. Daily Brushing and Flossing is the foundation of a healthy mouth and teeth regardless of age and dietary habits.

2.     Eat a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates and lean protein.

3.     Avoid eating high sugar and acidic food in between meals. Sodas (including diet) are highly acidic and contribute to the erosion of enamel.

4.     It’s ok to have some treats with a meal – but don’t snack on high sugar foods throughout the day – the longer sugar is on tooth surfaces the greater risk of decay starting.

5.     Drink water after a meal or snacking, as water returns the PH of the mouth to a neutral level.

6.     See your NE Calgary Dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.  Early detection of any soft spots on enamel can be treated to prevent a cavity from forming.  And don’t refuse x-rays at every appointment, as this is the only way your dentist will be able to diagnose any issues that are occurring in between teeth.

For more information regarding the health of your child’s teeth contact Discover Dental today 403.285.0222

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Dentists in NE Calgary are often asked if ‘bad teeth’ are inherited just like hair color and height.  Genetics certainly influence the shape and size of a person’s mouth and jaw – as its part of the skeletal system that is influenced by genetic markers.  But whether your child displays your crooked front teeth or tendency to develop cavities doesn’t boil down to only genetics – as it is impacted by environmental, dietary, and oral habits that can sometimes play a far more significant role in how healthy teeth are, and if jaw deficiencies develop.

General Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary explain that there isn’t one simple answer as there are many factors at play in determining if a child’s smile will replicate a parent’s.  The shape of your jaw and size of teeth may be inherited by your child – it’s common to see children exhibit the same ‘big square teeth’ that their Mother has, or the same narrow jaw.  But just because a parent has lived with crooked teeth due to a deficient jaw it doesn’t mean that their children will.  Early orthodontic treatment that involves the use of arch expanders can easily create more space to accommodate adult teeth – and certain appliances can also be used to promote correct jaw and arch development.

NE Calgary Dentists clarify that a child’s tendency to develop dental decay is not genetically inherited, but more habit and diet inherited.  If parents aren’t setting a good example of brushing and flossing daily – and avoiding sugar laden foods – then the risk of children being prone to decay heightens, not due to any genetic factor but from inheriting diet and oral habits.  Unless the child was exposed to certain drugs in vitro, the chance of having ‘weak dental enamel’ is rare – and most rampant decay cases are a result of poor home care (brushing and flossing) and poor diet choices.

If you have concerns regarding the development of your child’s teeth and jaw call Discover Dental today – these NE Calgary Dentists welcome patients’ enquiries and are accepting New Patients to their practice.  403.285.0222

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NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental understand the importance of smiling – and why it’s important for people to feel confident about their teeth and smile.  Studies reveal the many health benefits of smiling – from lowered blood pressure, pain killing effects, and overall sense of well-being – so it’s hard to understand why some people don’t smile.  But for some patients with crooked, chipped, stained, or decayed teeth – smiling is the furthest thing from their mind.

 Dentists in Calgary know that for those of us who weren’t blessed with ‘perfect smiles’ the thought of having a photo taken, meeting new people, or delivering a work presentation can seem intimidating.  Hiding a smile behind closed lips, a hand, or avoidance of the outside world isn’t any way to go through life – and NE Calgary General Dentists – Dr’s Dhesi, Dhillon, and Jandu strive to provide treatment solutions and options to patients who want to fix their teeth and start smiling.  From orthodontic braces, porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges, to the barely visible Invisalign retainers, there is a dental solution that meets every dental issue and budget – and can literally open up a whole new world once confidence and self-esteem is heightened.

Teeth Whitening is a safe and easy solution to correct minor flaws like stained and discolored teeth.  Taking a smile from dull and grey to white and vibrant in just a matter of days – this affordable and effective method for improving a person’s smile is turned to by many for quick, noticeable results.  And for those who are wanting a more significant and permanent option for fixing teeth that may be out of alignment, chipped, or broken – the placement of Porcelain Veneers, Crowns, or Bridges become a great option to improve colour, shape, size and position of teeth.  Living with the embarrassment of a gnarly smile can be corrected in a matter of hours and can last forever when maintained with great home care and regular visits to a Calgary Dentist.

Dentists in Calgary welcome enquiries from patients regarding the many options for enhancing a smile.  Welcoming new patients to their dental practice in Falconridge NE Calgary – Discover Dental encourages patients to start smiling by making an appointment today 403.285.0222

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This is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth, brush our teeth.
This is the way we brush our teeth, early in the morning.

It may be a nursery rhyme dating back to the early eighteen hundreds, but this cute little ditty has saved many a child from a toothless smile.  Even our ancestors valued the importance of maintaining and preserving the health of baby teeth – and went to great lengths to conjure up any form of encouragement to make sure little ones brushed diligently.  Times may have moved on – and the birth of the electric toothbrush has made brushing time less stressful and more effective – but the underlying message remains the same – baby teeth (or deciduous teeth) play an important role in the development of healthy adult teeth, arch formation, speech, and overall oral health.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge are passionate about informing patients about the importance of keeping baby teeth healthy and for the desired amount of time.  Acknowledging that some people may view baby teeth as expendable as a set of permanent (adult teeth) are waiting to erupt – the reality is that baby teeth play a vital role in the healthy development of adult teeth, effective chewing, and the formation of words (speech).  And though the Tooth Fairy may make the odd visit to a child’s pillow – regular visits by this fantasy creature is not the goal.

NE General Dentists at Discover Dental go on to explain that early loss of baby teeth; due to decay or trauma, causes the undeveloped adult tooth to erupt prematurely and/or not in the desired position due to space being lost by the early loss of the baby tooth.  Tooth decay is the number one cause of premature loss of baby teeth – but can be easily prevented by maintaining great home care, eating a healthy balanced diet, and ensuring your child visits a Calgary Dentist regularly for routine exams and cleaning.  Regular visits to a NE Calgary Dentist provide an opportunity for any dental concerns to be detected early and treated swiftly.  Allowing a Dentist in Calgary to take x-rays also increases the chance for decay to be diagnosed in its early stages – and for the tooth to be saved.

Dentists in NE Calgary at Discover Dental want every child to have a healthy smile and encourage parents to schedule an appointment for their child to have an exam and cleaning.  Call today 403.285.0222

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NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge want to explain the importance x-rays play in maintaining dental health.  For some of us it seems easy to decline x-rays when we go to the dentist.  We just want them to ‘look’ at the sore tooth, inflamed gum, or annoying sore on the inside of our cheek.  Well when you think about it, we’d never get away with that if we went to a medical doctor and asked them to just ‘look’ at our symptoms.  We often agree to blood tests and other forms of diagnosing from our medical doctor – so why are we so reluctant to agree to dental x-rays?

Some people use the excuse that dental x-rays emit high amounts of radiation.  That just isn’t true. Most progressive dental offices in Calgary take digital x-rays – technology that reduces the amount of radiation that traditional x-rays emit by up to 90%.  To explain it in terms of sun exposure – one full day in the sun equates to roughly twenty dental x-rays.  That’s an awful lot of x-rays, as the average adult has just four x-rays taken on an annual basis – so one day in the sun is the same as five years’ worth of dental x-rays – so pretty minimal exposure to radiation per x-ray.

Now that we’ve explained just how safe dental x-rays are – let’s go on to share the many benefits there are to having routine x-rays taken by your dental provider. Your NE Calgary Dentist will recommend dental x-rays so that tissue that is not visible to the eye can be viewed and examined for health.  Teeth are supported by bone – but bone is not visible to your dentist during a routine check-up exam – so an x-ray is taken to make sure that bone and other dental tissues below the gum level are healthy.  Interproximal areas – or areas in-between teeth – are also not visible to the dentist, especially in adult patients when teeth are larger and tend to butt up against one another.  Taking an x-ray allows your Calgary Dentist to view the area in-between teeth and will show any areas when decay is starting.  Being able to detect dental decay in its early stages will help avoid more involved and costly treatment down the road – so the benefit of early detection far outweighs the cost of the x-ray.

Dental x-rays are used to diagnose dental abscesses, tumours, abnormal jaw growth, and normal eruption of adult teeth in young patients.  By refusing dental x-rays you are limiting your dentist’s ability to make a full and accurate diagnosis.  Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental understand patients’ concerns regarding the need for dental x-rays and welcome your questions to discuss the many advantages x-rays offer.  Discover Dental is welcoming new patients and is happy to address any concerns you may have regarding your dental health.  Call today 403.285.0222

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Fun facts are always a great way to start your day, so we have done a little bit of research to find you some interesting ones.

Did you know that no two people have the same identical set of teach. This makes your teeth just as unique as a your fingerprint or a snowflake.

Also, did you know that in your lifetime, your mouth produces over 25,000 quarts of saliva? That’s enough to fill two swimming pools, incredible!

Lastly, did you know that only two thirds of your tooth are visible? This means that, one third of your tooth is actually hidden under your gums.

To read more fun facts, click here

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The history of the Sunshine Gala was recently mentioned in an article by CTV:

“For five years, Sofia Kanjee, little “Sofia Sunshine”, was the light of her family’s life. In April 2009, tragedy struck and the family found themselves rushing her to the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Sadly, despite the excellent care she received, Sofia did not survive. To celebrate the warmth and love that Sofia brought to this world, the Kanjee family created Sunshine Gala, an annual event that is attended by hundreds of guests. One hundred percent of all funds raised at this event are directed to the Sofia Kanjee Sunshine Fund, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation in support of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.”

To learn more about supporting the Sunshine Gala, click here

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