1. Keep your mouth clean  Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.  Wait at least 20-30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth.  Floss every day.  Eat a well-balanced diet.  Limit foods and beverages containing sugar or carbohydrates.  Ideal snack foods: cheese, nuts, vegetables, and non-acidic fruits.  Look for oral care products with the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Seal. 2. Check your mouth regularly Look for signs of gum disease:  Red, shiny, puffy, sore or sensitive gums  Bleeding when you brush or floss  Bad breath that won't go away Look for signs of oral cancer:  Bleeding or open sores that don't heal  White or red patches  Numbness or tingling  Small lumps and thickening on the sides or bottom of your tongue, the floor or roof of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks, or on your gums To read the entire article visit CDA-ADC.ca . Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD 280-5201 43 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1C7 (855)

Learn more about how your lifestyle can affect your oral health. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD 280-5201 43 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1C7 (855) 636-9223    VistaDentalCare.ca

Learn more about dental care and your overall health. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD 280-5201 43 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1C7 (855) 636-9223    VistaDentalCare.ca

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com   Over a decade of research has proven bleaching and other whitening methods to be both safe and effective. Several products in the market today have shown no adverse effects on teeth or gums in substantial clinical and laboratory testing. Be sure to look for clinically proven products, follow directions and consult with your dental professional. In the past, the higher bleach concentrations used in-office treatment resulted in more sensitivity. Today, however, bleaching gels are well buffered, making sensitivity less of an issue. Sensitivity may occur in people after whitening procedures, particularly when they eat hot or cold foods, but usually disappears after 48 hours and stops completely when treatment is stopped. If you do experience sensitivity, there are several ways you can help eliminate it: If using a tray applicator, wear the tray for a shorter period Brush with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth that con

Don’t replace fillings just because they’re old  When you have a cavity, the dentist removes it and puts in a filling. These fillings can last for many years, but some people get silver fillings removed because they don’t like the color. However, the process of removing a filling can weaken the tooth. Additionally, insurance may not cover the removal.  To read the entire article visit  MouthHealthy.org . Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD 280-5201 43 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1C 7 (855) 636-9223 VistaDentalCare.ca

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com  What is Bruxism? If you find yourself waking up with sore jaw muscles or a headache, you may be suffering from bruxism - the grinding and clenching of teeth. Bruxism can cause teeth to become painful or loose, and sometimes parts of the teeth are literally ground away. Eventually, bruxism can destroy the surrounding bone and gum tissue. It can also lead to problems involving the jaw joint, such as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). How do I Know if I Have Bruxism? For many people, bruxism is an unconscious habit. They may not even realize they're doing it until someone comments that they make a horrible grinding sound while sleeping. For others, a routine dental checkup is when they discover their teeth are worn or their tooth enamel is fractured. Other potential signs of bruxism include aching in the face, head and neck. Your dentist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine if the source of facial pain is a

Learn more about the importance of saliva. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD 280-5201 43 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1C7 (855) 636-9223    VistaDentalCare.ca