by aaaparx | Jun 25, 2020
Calgary Dentist: How Acid Can Badly Affect The Teeth
Calgary Dentist — It is hard to always think about the effects certain foods and beverages have on our bodies before consuming them. In an ideal world, you would hear warning bells in your head and a voice that enumerates the risks of certain foods to your body before you eat them, but this world is far from that. The best we could do is conduct research regarding that stuff and do our best to educate ourselves.
For the most part, if you know how to limit yourself with foods that might be bad for you, you won’t experience the full effect of the damage that they might entail. Since our focus is mainly on oral health, we will inform you about the foods and beverages that are bad for your teeth and oral health in general. When it comes to oral health, it is a known fact that foods and beverages with low pH levels contribute greatly to the damage of your enamel.
Why are acidic foods bad for the teeth? — Calgary Dentist
Acidic foods are bad for your teeth because they slowly destroy the hard, outer layer of your teeth—your enamel. Tooth enamel is in charge of protecting your teeth from decay and damage. When the enamel is destroyed, it is impossible to rebuild it; that is why you should always make an effort to protect it before it’s too late.
Acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pickles, and many more can cause tooth decay and tooth discolouration because of the eroded enamel. To fix a damaged tooth like this, you might need to undergo a tooth restoration (fillings or crowns). Apart from acidic foods, beverages like coffee, soda, and wine are bad as well. This is because they heavily contribute to the staining of your teeth which results in yellowish teeth. Many of these foods and drinks bring immense pressure onto your tooth enamel which causes it to become overwhelmed. To be able to protect your enamel, you need to regulate your intake of foods that have low pH levels.
If you really want to eat acidic foods then remind yourself to rinse your mouth with water to dilute the acid that lingers in your mouth. If you want to fully rid your mouth of its acidic taste, you can choose to brush your teeth; although you will need to wait 30 minutes before you brush because your enamel is weakened by the acid so your teeth are still sensitive. Don’t forget to always practise moderation and proper oral hygiene because it will always come in handy when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy, clean, and fresh. Aside from that, it is also encouraged to visit the dentist every six months for general dental care that includes professional dental cleaning and exam.
What are the signs of dental erosion? — Calgary Dentist
Dental erosion starts to happen when the teeth are constantly exposed to harmful acids because of too much consumption of acidic and sugary foods such as soda and sticky or powdered candies. The sugar starts to get converted into harmful acids which cause teeth to erode. One sign of dental erosion is when you experience severe tooth sensitivity when your teeth are exposed to extremely hot or cold foods or beverages or even weather. If it becomes too severe, you might even need to undergo a root canal or even tooth removal.
Another is when your teeth start to get discoloured and appear yellowish. This one is a common sign of dental erosion because when the enamel erodes, the dentin (hard bony tissue of a tooth, beneath the enamel) becomes exposed and the teeth start appearing yellowish in colour. Eventually, when the enamel has completely eroded, tooth decay and cavities happen. If left unchecked and untreated, it can cause worse dental problems in the future. If you are experiencing these signs, don’t hesitate to call us or book an appointment by filling out our appointment request form.
by aaaparx | Dec 11, 2019
If you have a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth and want the beautiful results that give you the confidence to smile again, dental implants are a perfect solution you simply can’t ignore.
Our dental team at McCall Dental now places and restores dental implants to successfully fill the gaps with long-lasting, natural-looking results!
What are dental implants?
An implant is created by using a titanium post that acts as an artificial root and a custom-made dental crown that functions and fits as naturally as real teeth do. Dental implants restore your beautiful smile by filling a missing tooth in a manner that’s extremely secure, comfortable and attractive. There are no eating difficulties or slipping teeth with dental implants because they are so stable.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Getting an implant can prevent bone loss since the titanium post fuses with the jawbone over time. It can strengthen the jaw bone and can provide full chewing functionality. A dental implant can prevent premature ageing and help patients maintain their facial bone structure. Overall, it benefits your oral health since implants don’t have to be anchored to other teeth, like bridges. You can brush and floss just like you do your natural teeth.
Compared to other replacements, they are more durable, stable and comfortable. It can even be custom designed to look just like your natural teeth and are durable enough to last a lifetime. You can have a smile to be proud of again.
How do implants work?
Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth and support artificial replacement teeth. If you have a missing single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants can fill in the gaps with a restorative treatment that is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. You just need healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant if you are considering getting implants.
Implants are installed in two phases. First, we surgically place a titanium post into the jawbone that will serve as a tooth-like root. After a few months, if the post is not rejected by the body, a crown is placed on the post. Implants require time to heal before the final new teeth are placed. Our team at McCall Dental ensures that our patients have functional, natural-looking temporary teeth during the healing period.
If your bone is too thin and unable to support an implant, you may require a bone graft. Or if there’s not enough bone height in the upper jaw or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, you may require a sinus lift.
Complete your smile with our dental implant solutions in Calgary
You deserve to restore your bright smile with the best tooth replacement options available. Don’t wait when it comes to achieving a great smile and looking your best. Meet our friendly dental team to discuss your options and find a solution that works best for you.
If you are looking for a dental implant dentist in Calgary, contact us today at 587-774-2804 for more information on how we can help, or to schedule an appointment with our dental team.
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by aaaparx | Nov 8, 2019
As you become busier getting ready for the holidays, make sure to review and utilize what is left of your 2019 dental insurance benefits before they expire.
Did you know that nearly everyone’s dental benefits reset every year, and if you don’t use it – you lose it? Here are the 3 easy steps on how you can get the most out of your dental insurance benefits.
1. Know what your dental insurance plan covers
Know what is covered under your plan, your remaining annual maximum available and when your dental benefits reset. Your typical dental insurance plan at least partially covers a wide range of services and treatments. Our team here at McCall Dental can help you find out if there are any options that can help ensure your oral health is in good shape before your benefits expire on December 31st.
We are aware of what insurance will cover and to what degree so that we can help you maximize your benefits while ensuring you a happy, healthy smile.
2. Take advantage of covered preventive services
Do not miss out on preventative services! Most dental insurance companies cover a variety of preventive services, including cleanings, x-rays and even fluoride treatments. Usually, these services are 100% covered, making these treatments or appointments completely free. Use these benefits by the end of the year and get the most out of your insurance plan.
3. Visit a McCall Dental dentist s
Don’t delay your treatment! Now that you already have the information on how much credit is left in your dental insurance plan, it’s time to talk to us and schedule an appointment for a cleaning, checkup, or any dental procedure you might need. Take advantage of everything that your dental insurance provides.
We can also create a custom plan that splits your cost between this year and the next. This is to ensure that you get to utilize your benefits for this year and then you can use your renewed benefits in the new year to help cover the rest.
If you need someone to explain your dental benefits, we are ready to help. Our dental team is informed and aware of what your insurance will cover and to what degree. Call our office today at 587-747-0888 to schedule an appointment with our team at McCall Dental and see how we can help you maximize your dental benefits.
McCall Dental is your dentist in Northeast Calgary that offers comprehensive dental care including preventive, restorative, children’s dentistry and we also accept emergency walk-ins. We are conveniently located at 32nd Avenue NE and Deerfoot Trail, just across from the McCall Lake Golf Course. We welcome new patients and families! And we would like to get to know you better so that we can come up with a dental plan customized to meet your specific dental needs.
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by aaaparx | Aug 29, 2019
McCall Dental | Halitosis Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
It can be just a sign of occasional bad breath or worse, a chronic problem that needs urgent help.
Halitosis is often used as a synonym to bad breath. But there’s actually a difference between these terms. Let’s understand what halitosis is, and what causes halitosis and what treatments are there to address this concern and the health problems associated with it.
What is halitosis?
Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, is something that good brushing and flossing, or mouthwash rinsing can’t quickly resolve. Unlike “morning breath” or a strong odour that stays after eating foods which are spicy or contain garlic, halitosis remains longer and can be a sign of something more serious about your health.
Causes
The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Bad breath usually starts in the mouth, but there are many possible causes (some of which are quite serious) such as:
- Food particles: Strong foods such as garlic or onions can leave particles behind the mouth and on the tongue, resulting in an unpleasant odour. Luckily, it’s easily treated and not a chronic cause of halitosis.
- Poor oral hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles can remain in your mouth which produce bad breath odour.
- Dental issues: Cavities and gum disease can give bad breath bacteria extra places to hide in your mouth that are difficult to reach when cleaning your teeth.
- Smoking and tobacco: Tobacco has its own type of bad breath. Besides making your breath smell, smoking causes staining and loss of taste and irritates gums.
- Other chronic conditions like respiratory infections or acid reflux: While halitosis is most often linked to something happening in the mouth, it may also be a sign of gastric reflux, diabetes, liver or kidney disease.
Don’t wait for a dental emergency to happen before you talk to your dental team. See your dental team regularly or as often as they recommend.
Approximately 48% of Canadians who haven’t seen a dentist in the past year have gum disease.
Again, your dental team will be able to check and treat the problem during regular check-ups. Once the problems are found earlier, the easier they are to treat.
Risk Factors
Bad breath is not just about what you eat or drink. Most people with persistent halitosis, or chronic bad breath, have a dental condition that accounts for the problem.
Here are some risk factors that chronic bad breath can cause to your health:
- Periodontal disease
- Gingivitis
- Oral cavity
- Diabetes
- Anxiety
Treatments
Bad breath can put you and those around you in an uncomfortable situation. Unless you know how to get rid of it. Here are some ways to prevent bad breath:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily
- Gently clean your tongue before bedtime
- Prevent hunger breath by eating regularly and avoid skipping meals
- Eat more fibrous foods such as raw carrots or celery to stimulate saliva flow
- Decrease alcohol, soda and coffee intake
- Drink plenty of water
- Rinse and swish with an effective mouthwash
The easiest and most effective treatment for bad breath is regular brushing, flossing, and hydration.
If you are looking for a dentist in Northeast Calgary that treats halitosis, McCall Dental can help. Contact our office today and one of our friendly team members will be glad to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding halitosis and suggest some treatment options.
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by aaaparx | Jul 17, 2019
What Exactly Is Fluoride?
Fluoride helps in keeping teeth healthy. Fluoride is the most popular ingredient in almost all existing toothpaste brands because it does a great job at fighting tooth decay and in helping repair teeth.
Delivery Methods
Fluoride is divided into two delivery methods–systemic fluorides and topical fluorides. Systemic fluorides come naturally from water, soil, and many foods; they circulate through the bloodstream and are then incorporated into developing teeth. Meanwhile, topical fluorides are the ones you apply and place directly on the teeth to fight off tooth decay and keep the enamel strong.
Different Kinds of Topical Fluorides
Topical fluorides can be applied either professionally or through self-application. Professional topical fluorides are the ones applied by dental professionals. They usually involve the use of high fluoride concentration products ranging from 5000-19000 ppm which is equivalent to 5-9 mg F/ml. On the other hand, self-applied topical fluorides are low fluoride concentration products ranging from 200-1000 ppm or 0.2-1 mg F/ml. Some examples are gels, mouthwash, and of course, toothpaste.
Fluoride For Children
Children exposed to fluoride will need adult supervision. When used appropriately, it helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. Once children are able to spit out, they can already start using fluoridated toothpaste. Using a small smear of toothpaste will prevent them from swallowing too much of it. At our office, we have a number of options for topical fluoride. However, if there are still concerns about ingesting fluoride or if your child is very young, there are other options. Other products based on calcium and phosphate may be great alternatives, and these products are safe to use for pregnant or nursing women as well as children under 6 years old.
We respect your decisions regarding fluoride. We believe that the best way for you to make an informed decision is having an open and honest discussion about the potential risks, benefits and alternative options. Please give us a call or come in for a visit, and we can answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding fluoride.
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