The Scoop On Oral Piercings

Posted on February 20, 2012 by dds

Before you or a loved one decide to get a lip ring or tongue piercing, you need to understand the dangers associated with this choice. Oral piercings may seem like a cool accessory, but serious complications can occur from these embellishments. Conservative estimates suggest that up to 20 percent of oral piercings become contaminated. Other issues can arise as well, nerve damage, excessive bleeding, and infection. One of the most common problems associated with oral piercings are broken and chipped teeth – caused when hard or metal tongue jewelry accidently come in contact with teeth.

If you are determined to get an oral piercing, follow these instructions for the best outcome:

Select a safe establishment

Each state has licensing and regulation in place, so check that the shop you have chosen meets these standards. Ask friends and family for referrals as well. Make sure the piercer is going to wear fresh gloves and use a sterile needle.

Consider the jewelry

You need to choose jewelry made from hypoallergenic materials such as 14K or 18K gold, titanium, niobium, surgical stainless steel, biocompatible polymers, or glass. Cheaper products can cause allergic reactions.

Take care of your piercing

Your piercer should provide instructions for home care. Clean the piercing and area with an antiseptic, alcohol-free mouthwash or a sterile saline solution after you eat and before bed. Gently rotate the piercing to so that the solution gets into the piercing. At night brush the jewelry with a new, soft-bristled toothbrush.

Contact your dentist if there’s trouble

Infections and broken teeth can cause serious problems, so call your dentist or orthodontist immediately if you notice anything suspicious. Don’t remove the piercing or attempt self-treatment.

Posted in Toronto Dentistry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Help for Sensitive Teeth

Posted on February 13, 2012 by dds

If taking a bite of ice cream causes discomfort in your mouth, you may be experiencing teeth sensitivity. Often, people feel unpleasant sensations when they eat anything that is hot, cold, or sweet. Teeth sensitivity can be caused by enamel wear, tooth damage, overzealous brushing, and whitening products.

To remedy your sensitivity and give your mouth relief, follow these tips:

Use a good toothpaste
Several companies make toothpaste designed to lessen your discomfort by desensitizing your teeth. Apply the paste directly to the teeth and allow it to sit for several minutes for the best results.

Watch what you eat
Acidic foods and drinks, like tomatoes, sodas, and orange juice, can erode enamel, which contributes to teeth sensitivity.

Resist the urge to over whiten
You can attain a brilliant smile, but don’t go crazy with teeth whitening. One side effect of these products is sensitive teeth; however, the issue tends to resolve itself once you finish the treatment course.

Take care when you brush
If you brush for too long, too harshly, or use hard bristles, your teeth may become sensitive.

Talk to your dentist
When sensitivity persists, mention the problem to your dentist. Sometimes, a sensitive tooth can indicate a cavity, so your dentist may want to check your mouth to rule out decay.

Avoid extreme temperature
Stay away from anything that is really hot or really cold because these temperature changes can exacerbate the situation.

We care about your oral health at Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry -Toronto Canada Dentist

Posted in Toronto Dentistry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Dental Floss: Not Just for Teeth

Posted on February 7, 2012 by dds

Everyone knows that flossing your teeth at least once a day promotes good oral health. Dental floss gets between teeth to remove food and other debris, which keeps gums in good shape. Although you usually keep dental floss in your bathroom, it can come in handy in other ways. Check out these creative uses for dental floss, including:

• Homemade Clothing Line
On vacation or camp outs, dental floss provides a great place to hang wet clothes.

• Food Cutting Device
Wrap the floss around one finger on each hand and neatly cut through cakes, soft cheeses, and even hard boiled eggs.

• Package Tying
If you don’t have string handy, dental floss will secure small packages and hold down the lid.

• Fishing Rod Repair
When your line breaks, pull out dental floss and use it to keep fishing.

• Plant Support
Tie hanging plants to a stick with floss for added stability.

• Temporary Shoe Lace
In a pinch, tear off a strand of floss to replace a broken lace.

• Hair Tie
Dental floss can substitute for rubber bands and keep hair out of your face.

• Fashion Accessory
Make necklaces and bracelets with dental floss instead of normal thread or when your jewelry breaks.

• Cleaning Aid
To reach between the crevices of furniture, dental floss will remove dirt and dust.

Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry -Toronto Canada Dentist – Dental Floss

Posted in Toronto Dentistry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Dos and Don’ts of Teeth Whitening

Posted on January 24, 2012 by dds

Age, certain foods and beverages, medications, and lifestyle choices can dull your brilliant smile. With teeth whitening, you can remove stains and brighten your teeth. Drugstores carry over-the-counter products like whitening strips, bleaching kits, and special toothpastes. Your dentist may also offer other options, including chairside whitening and take-home trays.

These Dos and Don’ts will maximize your smile’s beauty and minimize any issues:

Do follow directions
Use the products as instructed and don’t overdo it with the whitening agents or you may cause gum irritation and teeth sensitivity.

Do adopt a healthy lifestyle
Smoking and tobacco use can create new stains and negate the impact of teeth whitening. If you can’t quit, try to cut down on your usage.

Do practice good hygiene
Brushing and flossing as recommended will remove plaque and food from your teeth, improving the look of your smile.

Do watch what you eat
Dark foods and beverages like cola, red wine, blueberries, and blackberries can discolor your smile, so limit your consumption. When you do partake of these items, rinse your mouth with water right away.

Do consult with your dentist
Ask for recommendations about the best options for your specific situation.

Don’t allow kids to whiten
Children under 16 should not be permitted to try whitening products.

Don’t go crazy
You shouldn’t make your smile brighter than the whites of your eyes because it looks unnatural.

Don’t forget to touch up your smile
For lasting radiance, you will probably need to whiten at home every six to nine months.

Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry – Teeth Whitening – Toronto Canada Dentist

Posted in Toronto Dentistry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Natural Ways to Care for Teeth

Posted on January 17, 2012 by dds

From the time they are young, people are taught about the importance of brushing and flossing teeth. These habits, as well as regular dental checkups, form the cornerstones of optimal dental health. To augment your current routine, consider these natural steps to promoting a vibrant, health smile.

Try Tea
Drinking black or even green tea may reduce the formation of plaque, which leads to tooth decay and contributes to gum disease. One ingredient in black tea, tannin, has been shown to fight the bacteria that cause cavities.

Chew on This
When you chew sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals, saliva production increases, neutralizing the acids in your mouth.

C it This Way
Taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C each day helps eliminate the bacteria that cause gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.

Water, Water Everywhere
The health benefits of drinking water are well known. Not only will water rinse food debris from your teeth, but it also helps generate saliva, which keeps bacteria and acids in your mouth from damaging your teeth.

Crunch n Munch
Snacking on crunchy foods like carrots, celery, and apples helps remove plaque from teeth and stimulate the gums.

Cheese, Please
Eating mozzarella, Cheddar, Swiss and American cheese, especially at the end of a meal, can protect against cavity development.

The Great White Way
Once a week, create a paste of baking soda and water to remove surface stains and brighten your smile.

We care about your smile at Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist

Posted in Toronto Dentistry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

CEREC Produces Restorations in One Visit

Posted on January 10, 2012 by dds

If your tooth experiences severe trauma or deep decay, you may need more than a regular filling. Inlays, onlays, and crowns can stabilize a damaged tooth and restore its integrity. Typically, it takes two appointments to receive your custom restoration. Thanks to CEREC technology, patients can have their inlays, onlays, and crowns created and place in one appointment.

What is CEREC?
A type of CAD/CAM machine that mills restorations from ceramic materials, CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This system uses 3-D imaging to generate an image of the damaged tooth and produce a design for the restoration. Your dentist will input specific details and then program the unit to mill your new inlay, onlay, or crown.

How long does it take for the CEREC restoration?
The actual length of time for your appointment depends on the number of restorations you need, but the average is about 1.5 hours.

Will my CEREC restorations look good?
By choosing an experienced, talented dentist, you can ensure that your CEREC inlay, onlay, or crown is a high-quality, attractive restoration.

Why should I consider CEREC?
The biggest advantage to the CEREC restorations is that you can save the extra time and additional costs associated with traditional dental repairs. With CEREC, you won’t need a second appointment, and the laboratory charges are usually decreased because the restoration is created in your dentist’s office, not in an outside facility.

Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry – CEREC– Toronto Canada Dentist

Posted in Toronto Dentistry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Relieving the Pain of TMJ

Posted on January 4, 2012 by dds

Many people suffer from TMJ disorder, and don’t realize that there is treatment available. Often, identified by a variety of unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, clicking or popping in the jaw, and ringing in your ears, TMJ can make your life difficult. With treatment for this condition, you can enjoy a comfortable, healthy smile.

What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are the small, triangular joints that control the opening and closing of your jaw. Stress, fatigue, or injury can disrupt the delicate balance of these joints, causing misalignment. If your jaw joints don’t work properly, the associated muscles and nerves become strained, creating pain and irritation.

Treating TMJ
To determine the cause of your discomfort, the dentist or orthodontist will perform a complete assessment of your whole mouth to decide the best treatment. Non-surgical TMJ therapy could include lifestyle modifications to reduce stress, exercises to strengthen affected muscles, and an oral appliance to prevent clenching and grinding. Restoring balance will ease your pain and enhance your quality of life.

You can also remember these tips:

Practice Relaxing
Many people grind their teeth when they are stressed. Making a conscious choice to relax your jaw will help prevent soreness and tooth damage.

Go Easy
If you are experiencing TMJ symptoms, choose soft foods. Avoid crunchy, hard choices and don’t chew gum.

Hot and Cold
For the maximum benefit, alternate hot and cold packs about every 15 minutes.

Watch Your Yawns
Big, deep yawns can aggravate TMJ symptoms, so support your chin with your fist to keep your jaw from straining.

Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry – TMJ Treatment– Toronto Canada Dentist

Posted in Toronto Dentistry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

What You Should Know about Dentures

Posted on December 26, 2011 by dds

When people are missing teeth, their self-assurance disappears and oral health diminishes. Dentures can allow you to once again live life to the fullest. Designed to look and feel more like natural teeth, modern dentures can rejuvenate your smile.

Patients who need replacement teeth on both your upper and lower jaw will require a full denture to cover one or both arches. If healthy teeth remain, your dentist will likely recommend partial dentures, which fit like puzzle pieces into the gaps left between your teeth. After an adjustment period, most people revel in the stability and confidence they enjoy with their new dentures.

What are traditional dentures?

With this type of prosthesis, the dentures are fabricated in the lab, but the device isn’t place until the swelling has subsided. Waiting gives the gums a chance to heal and ensures that the dentures feel comfortable.

What are immediate dentures?

Placed right after removal, immediate dentures allow patients to have a new set of teeth right away. Sometimes, the fit may not be quite right, so modifications may be required.

Do I need to worry about brushing?

Absolutely. Clean the tongue, cheeks, and gums to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth.

Can I eat whatever I want?

Generally, you should be able to enjoy a wide variety of foods. When you first receive the dentures, adjusting to their fit can make eating a little tricky.

Will dentures impact my speech?

Initially, you may need to get used to talking with your new appliances, but eventually you should have no trouble communicating with others.

Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry – Dentures – Toronto Canada Dentist

Posted in Toronto Dentistry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Sedation Dentistry Helps Anxious Patients Receive Dental Care

Posted on December 19, 2011 by dds

Millions of people avoid dental visits because of fear. Without proper care, you can damage your smile and oral health. If anxiety has kept your from enjoying, a vibrant, healthy smile, sedation dentistry can help.

Because many providers understand that some people develop anxiety about seeing the dentist, they usually do everything possible to make the experience restful and pleasant. Detailed explanations, thorough answers to questions, and treatment with a gentle touch can reduce stress. Some patients need additional measures to minimize their anxiety, so consider the various types of sedation:

Laughing Gas

Also referred to as nitrous oxide, laughing gas produces feelings of warmth and calm. Laughing gas is breathed in through a mask that rests over the nose. Once the dentist turns off the gas, any side effects dissipate right away.

Oral Sedation

With oral sedation, patients take a dose of anti-anxiety medication about an hour before the procedure. A friend or relative will need to accompany you to and from the office. During treatment, you will enter a peaceful state that allows you to respond to any requests but remember little about the appointment when you leave. The affects of the oral sedation may linger for several hours, but most people resume normal activities within 24 hours.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

The highest level of relaxation is produced by IV sedation. With this form of sedation, medication is administered continuously during the procedure. Typically, IV sedation produces partial or full memory loss and is used for patients with extreme dental phobia or those who need to spend hours in the dental chair.

Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry – Sedation Dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist

Posted in Toronto Dentistry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Steps for Safe Teeth Whitening

Posted on December 12, 2011 by dds

Achieving a gorgeous smile can boost confidence and contribute to your success, both personally and professionally. The aging process, lifestyle choices, and dark foods or beverages can stain teeth and leave them looking less than desirable. Many people use teeth whitening to remove discolorations and brighten their smiles. Before your start the process, consider these tips:

• Make a dental appointment first

Even if you decide to whiten with over-the-counter products, visit your dentist for a checkup and professional cleaning. This exam will ensure that your oral health is in good shape and allow you to ask for your dentist’s input before you start the whitening process.

• Do your homework
Usually, at-home bleaching products contain often solutions that are 10 to 20 percent peroxide. Begin with the mid-level option. If you don’t attain the optimal results, select a product with higher levels of bleaching agent or consider professional teeth whitening instead.

• Carefully follow the instructions
More isn’t always better, and leaving the product on your teeth longer than recommended can irritate or inflame gums, so don’t deviate from what the directions say.

• Watch for sensitivity
Some people develop sensitive teeth when they use teeth bleaching products. Generally, this sensation goes away after you stop whitening. Talk with your dentist if the problem lingers.

• Don’t overdue it
Though you may need to touch up your smile with periodic whitening, some people get carried away. Once a month should be enough to keep your teeth looking fabulous.

• Let the experts do it
The quickest, safest, most effective way of whitening your teeth is to let the dental experts do it for you. And sometimes, your dentist may be offering in-office whitening specials or promotions

Yolonda Cruz dentistry – Teeth Whitening – Toronto Canada Dentist

Posted in Toronto Dentistry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment