Below is an excerpt from an article found on crest.com A tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure performed by a dentist. In some cases pulling teeth (removing a tooth completely from its spot in the jaw bone), may be necessary to preserve or improve your dental health. Some of the reasons for tooth extraction include: Pulling teeth for braces: Preparation for orthodontia (braces and retainers) often involves pulling one tooth or a few teeth. Pulling teeth to save space: Wisdom teeth are often removed if there is no space for them in the mouth, or if they become impacted or infected. Pulling teeth due to damage or decay: Tooth extraction may be the only option if a tooth is too decayed or damaged to be repaired with a filling or crown. Pulling teeth in radiation or chemotherapy patients: If radiation or chemotherapy to the head and neck causes teeth to become infected, pulling teeth may be necessary. Tooth Extraction Procedure: Getting a Tooth Pulled When you...

Skip the Soda Call it soda, call it pop. But sugary, carbonated beverages by any name are bad news for your child’s teeth. “One can of soda is the amount of sugar recommended for three days for a child,” Dr. Hayes says. In fact, a February 2016 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association found a strong association between sugary drinks and poor dental health in teenagers. Researchers asked teens 14-19 in Mexico about how many sugary beverages they drank, then examined their teeth. They found 31.7% had tooth erosion, which means their enamel had been eaten away. The main culprit? Soda.  Be Picky About Sticky Snacks If you’ve been under the impression that gummy or sticky fruit snacks are healthy alternatives, you’re not alone. Many parents are surprised to learn they are really closer to candy than fruit, especially when it comes to sugar. “Fruit rollups and other dried fruit snacks are like nature’s candy,” Dr. Shenkin says. “It is like candy, but in some respect ...

Brushing Right After Eating  If you feel the need to clean your teeth after eating or drinking, wait at least 60 minutes before brushing-especially if you have had something acidic like lemons, grapefruit or soda. Drink water or chew sugarless gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance to help clean your mouth while you are waiting to brush. Storing Your Brush Improperly  When you’re done brushing, keep your toothbrush upright and let it air dry in the open. Avoid keeping your toothbrush in a closed container, where germs have more opportunity to grow. Using a Brush with Hard Bristles  Soft bristles are a safe bet. And be mindful to be gentle, especially where your gums and teeth meet, as you brush. Talk to your dentist about what kind of toothbrush is best for you. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org . Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD 280-5201 43 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1C7 (855) 636-9223  ...

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy. Pita Tree Appetizers The low-fat sour cream in this recipe is a source of vitamin D, which strengthens bones and teeth. Get the recipe >>  Grinch Poppers   Be good for goodness sake to your teeth with these Grinch Poppers. For a healthier and more MouthHealthy alternative, swap the sugary and sticky marshmallow for another piece of banana.  Get the recipe >> To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org 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 MouthHealthy.org Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy. Egg Snowmen These adorable snowmen - made with hard-boiled eggs, carrots and peppercorns - will melt your heart before melting in your mouth. Eggs are a source of Vitamin D, which is needed to help absorb, carry and deposit calcium in the bone that supports your teeth. Carrots - which are crunchy, firm and full of water - help to scrub your teeth clean like a natural toothbrush. Get the recipe >>  Spinach Artichoke Frittata Trees You won’t need to cut down on these trees! Dairy products like milk contain calcium, eggs are a source of Vitamin D and leafy greens like spinach are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. (Just be sure to floss before flashing a smile beneath the mistletoe!)...

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org  You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues. Braces Braces are delicate, and any foods that are sticky, chewy or hard can easily cause them to break, including: ice nuts popcorn hard candy gum Any food that you need to bite into to eat is prime for breaking braces. You can get around this by cutting the food, such as corn off the cob or rib meat off the bone, or slicing apples and chopping carrots into small, bite-size pieces. You may also experience problems eating after your braces are tightened-teeth may feel sore. The first few days are...

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry! 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 what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Hygienist! 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 Crest.com Common Toothache Causes Are you wondering why your teeth hurt? If you have aching teeth, it may be due to a dental problem such as cavities, gum disease, bruxism, TMJ or a non-dental problem, such as a sinus infection or even stress. Sensitive Teeth: Some types of toothache pain occur if you are using dental care products like peroxide-based whitening agents that penetrate into your teeth causing tooth sensitivity. Bruxism: If you have aching teeth with no signs of tooth decay or gum disease, you may be experiencing bruxism. Bruxism is the technical term for grinding your teeth. Bruxism is a common cause of aching teeth that affects millions of people of all ages in the United States. If you experience aching teeth and other symptoms of bruxism, see a dental professional as soon as possible. If left untreated, chronic tooth grinding can damage crowns and fillings, and wear away tooth enamel, putting your teeth at increased...

5. Don't smoke or chew tobacco  Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause oral cancer, heart disease, gum disease, and a variety of other cancers.  Find a Dentist  Don't wait for a toothache or a dental emergency to look for a dentist. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, neighbours, or co-workers. If you're moving, ask if your current dentist can refer you to a dentist in your new area.  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) 636-9223    VistaDentalCare.ca

3. Eat well Good nutrition helps build strong teeth and gums.  Munch on mouth healthy snacks like cheeses, nuts, vegetables, and non-acidic fruits.  4. See your dentist regularly  48% of Canadians who haven't seen a dentist in the past year have gum disease. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the best way to prevent and detect problems before they get worse. 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) 636-9223    VistaDentalCare.ca

Learn more about the connection between your teeth and what you eat. 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

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 ...

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 that was written by Steve Auger When you hear the word "X-ray," there's a tendency to envision a youngster sitting around an ER waiting to see if he or she has a broken bone incurred playing sports or just horsing around. But X-rays are just as important to dentists' offices as they are to those of orthopedists. A teeth X-ray is invaluable to any dentist in the maintenance of good oral health when treating a patient. Here's exactly what they are and how dentists incorporate them into their practices. X-RAYS Your dentist visually examines all aspects of your teeth and gums during a typical checkup. A teeth X-ray, however, is a diagnostic tool that allows your dentist to gauge your mouth health through factors he can't see with the naked eye, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Also called radiographs, X-rays can reveal common issues such as cavities, tooth decay and periodontal disea...

Crush, Don’t Cube  Ice may be your best friend on a hot day, but it's no friend to your teeth. That's because chewing on hard foods, such as ice, can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency such as a broken tooth and can even damage enamel. If you can, put cans and bottles in a huge tub of ice so your guests won’t be tempted to crunch a few cubes when they’re done with their drinks. If you need ice to put in a glass, use crushed Serve Infused Water  Soda and sports drinks are some of the worst drinks for your teeth. They eat away at your teeth, cause dry mouth and are full of sugar. Water, however, is one of the best things you can sip, so serve up a healthy drink with a twist of whatever fruit you’d like. Infused waters are low in sugar and super hydrating. (Just go easy on citrus fruits. The acid in lemons and limes can be harsh on your teeth.) Bonus: Pitchers of infused water will also look beautiful on your table. Keep Gum Handy  Your guests may be lo...

Ask about all the options for calming your child during dental procedures  Dental work can be scary for some kids. Talk with your dentist about ways to help your child stay calm. Tips for a successful dental visit can include making sure your child is not hungry before their dental appointment and scheduling an appointment at the proper time of day. For jaw pain, try conservative treatments first  Jaw pain can be caused by stress, arthritis or an injury. A treatment plan for jaw pain should first consist of actions like exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs. To read the entire article visit  MouthHealthy.org . Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD 280-5201 43 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1C7 (855) 636-9223    VistaDentalCare.ca

Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children  For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth  Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often. To read the entire article visit  MouthHealthy.org . Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD 280-5201 43 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1C7 (855) 636-9223    VistaDentalCare.ca