Test Your Oral Health Knowledge

Posted on May 16, 2012 by dds

Protecting your smile is a lifelong job. With daily brushing, regular flossing, and routine checkups, your teeth and gums should stay healthy. Understanding the important facts about dental health can help you make the best decisions for your oral health.

True or False: Cavities are only a problem for children.
Answer: False. With the fluoridation of water and increase in dental care for kids, tooth decay in this age group has dropped. Unfortunately, the level of decay in older adults has risen; medication use, limited mobility, and chronic health issues are part of the reason for the increase.

True or False: Missing teeth don’t need to be replaced.
Answer: False. Even one lost teeth can create problems in your mouth. Remaining teeth can shift into the gap, causing misalignment. As well, you have an increased risk for additional tooth loss.

True or False: Dental implants are a good option for lost teeth.
Answer: True. Designed to look and function like your original teeth, dental implants are the closest prosthetic to nature. The implants are metal posted that a skilled surgeon places in your jawbone. After your mouth heals, your dentist will position a permanent crown on each post.

True or False: It’s normal for your teeth to bleed when you brush.
Answer: False. Just as bleeding somewhere on an extremity isn’t good, neither is bleeding in your mouth. If your gums bleed, it indicates some sort of problem, like brushing too aggressively or gum disease, so don’t ignore that symptom.

True or False: Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt.
Answer: True. Also called third molars, wisdom teeth usually come in during your late teens or early twenties.

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Tips for a Whiter Smile

Posted on May 14, 2012 by dds

Your teeth age right along with the rest of your body, so it’s a natural process for them to lose their whiteness and leave you wondering how to regain that youthful bright smile. Many dentists offer professional teeth whitening and stores sell at-home kits, but you should also try these techniques if you’re looking to maintain your brand-new pearly whites:

Treat your teeth right
Brush and floss your teeth carefully and regularly, and visit your dentist as scheduled to keep your teeth in good health.

Avoid foods that stain
Coffee, tea, cola, fruit juices, and red wine are some of the staining culprits because your teeth absorb colored liquids throughout your life. If you do drink dark beverages, sip them through a straw. Also, swishing water around your mouth for about 30 seconds after eating will help prevent stains.

Quit smoking
Tobacco of any kind can discolor your teeth, so either quit altogether or at least limit its use.

Eat crunchy foods
Try eating crunchy, crispy fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and celery. The abrasiveness can help lift stains from your teeth.

Chew gum
Chewing gum increases the amount of saliva in your mouth, which is like a natural cleaner inside your mouth. Also, gum containing the sweetener xylitol may help prevent plaque.

Brush with baking soda
The abrasive elements in baking soda can polish your teeth, while the mixture of baking soda and water lightens stains. Dip your toothbrush in baking soda and brush with it once a week, or switch to a toothpaste that contains baking soda.

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What is TMJ Dysfunction?

Posted on April 26, 2012 by dds

Do you suffer with chronic headaches or migraines? Do you hear your jaws click or pop? If you answered yes, you could be one of the millions living with TMJ dysfunction (temporomandibular joint dysfunction). Problems with TMJ dysfunction can generate a host of painful symptoms and negatively impact your wellbeing.

The TMJ joints hold the lower jaw to the temporal bone and allow routine jaw motion. When these joints are misaligned, associated muscles are strained and discomfort can occur. Stress, heredity, certain habits, and a number of other factors can contribute to TMJ dysfunction.

If you think TMJ dysfunction is a problem for you, contact your dentist. The doctor will complete a thorough exam and then make treatment recommendations. Dr. Yolonda Cruz offers Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA), which records the vibrations that occur during jaw movement. This gives Dr. Cruz a better understanding of the TMJ function before and during the creation of a dental appliance or oral splint. Other treatments include physical therapy, stress reduction, rebuilding damaged teeth with restorations, or habit changes to relieve TMJ symptoms.

These tips may help you deal with your TMJ dysfunction:

• Apply warm compresses to the area, which may reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort.
• Consider meditation to slow breathing, help you relax, and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.
• Find an effective way to handle stress. A calming bath, long walk, or yoga class may ease your anxiety and reduce triggers for flare ups.
• Talk with your dentist about a mouth guard. An oral splint can keep your jaw in the proper position so that the chewing system doesn’t become strained.
• Join a support group. Talking with others who have similar experiences can give you a safe place to share your feelings and find comfort.

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Eating Right for Healthy Teeth

Posted on April 19, 2012 by dds

Your diet impacts your overall wellness. Making good choices will keep your body healthy, including teeth and gums. We all know that you should get plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Certain foods and beverages provide particular benefit to your mouth.

Milk and yogurt
Low-fat milk and unsweetened yogurt are low acid foods. These options reduce the acid erosion that can weaken tooth enamel. Dairy choices, including cheese, also have the calcium you need for strong teeth and bones.

Green tea
Several benefits come from green tea. The antioxidant plant compounds, called polyphenols, in the tea prevent plaque from sticking to teeth, reducing your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Green tea may also help control bad breath.

Onions
Because onions contain powerful antibacterial compounds, they kill various bacteria that inhabit your mouth. Raw onions offer the most benefit.

Apples, celery, and carrots
These crunchy foods massage gums and clean between teeth, promoting a healthy mouth.

Sesame seeds
High in calcium, sesame seeds help build enamel, and they also slough off plaque, lessening the chances of cavity development.

Animal protein
Lean cuts of chicken, turkey, and beef, as well as eggs, contain phosphorous, which works with calcium to strengthen our bones.

Water
Drinking H2O keeps your mouth hydrated and helps with saliva production. Saliva acts as a natural cleanser, washing away food debris and bacteria from your mouth.

Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry – Dental Health – Toronto Canada Dentist

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Finding a Good General Dentist

Posted on April 12, 2012 by dds

A good percentage of dental consumers don’t currently have a general dentist. If you are looking for a dental provider for yourself or family, the task may seem overwhelming. It’s important to select someone you feel comfortable with and who fits your personality. You can make the search process easier with these helpful hints:

Ask others
Talk with friends, family, and co-workers about which dentists they use. Referrals are a great way to get the process started. You can also use the Internet as a valuable resource in your search.

Make a consultation appointment
Establishing a good relationship from the beginning is important, so schedule a consultation to meet your top choices and get a feel for their offices. This appointment is your opportunity to ask questions and gather basic information.

Evaluate the dentist’s skills and knowledge
Find out what professional organizations the dentist belongs to and how much importance he or she places on continuing education. Dentists are required to take a certain number of hours, but good providers generally exceed those levels. Some even make the time to teach, such as Dr. Yolanda Cruz, who is a clinical instructor at the faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto.

Check the dentist’s work
Most providers will have testimonials from satisfied patients. They may also have Before and After photos that will give you a chance to see some of the doctor’s handiwork. For example, you can view pictures of actual patient dental work on the website of Dr. Yolanda Cruz.

Start small
After your consultation, schedule a cleaning. During this visit, observe how the dentist and staff respond to you. Are they attentive to your needs? Do they make you feel valued and welcome? Feeling at ease with the dentist will help you commit to achieving and maintaining optimal oral health.

Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry – General and Cosmetic dentist – Toronto Canada Dentist

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While You Were Sleeping…Caring for Teeth at Night

Posted on April 7, 2012 by dds

Every day, you probably get up and brush your teeth, which starts your oral care routine. Most people do other things throughout the day to promote dental health, including flossing, drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, and rinsing with mouth wash. You may not think about how you can protect your teeth as you sleep, but these small steps can make a big difference.

Before you go to bed:

Brush one last time
Make sure you get your teeth, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Having a clean mouth means you won’t have to worry about bacteria forming cavities or harming your teeth while you sleep.

Floss before you hit the sack
Though brushing is important, flossing matters too. When you floss, you can reach between teeth and next to the gum line, removing plaque and bacteria so that these harmful substances don’t sit on your teeth all night long.

Use fluoride toothpaste
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste offers you added protection that helps strengthen your teeth.

Don’t eat sugary snacks before bed
Not only will this undermine your final brushing and flossing efforts, but it will also provide food for the bacteria in your mouth, allowing them to reproduce and wreak havoc on your oral health.

Keep water by your bed
Staying hydrated will help your teeth and gums stay moist as well. Water intake also promotes saliva production, which naturally washes germs and bacteria from your mouth.

We care about your oral health at Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry – General and Cosmetic – Toronto Canada Dentist

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The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Posted on March 26, 2012 by dds

Has your sleep partner complained about your snoring? Though you may just consider it a mild annoyance, snoring often indicates obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious health condition. With sleep apnea, you can actually stop breathing for brief time periods. In some cases, patients have hundreds of apnea episodes during the night that can last for a minute or longer.

The following symptoms could suggest sleep apnea:

• Constant fatigue
• Daytime grogginess
• Impaired judgment
• Irritability
• Moodiness

OSA is caused when the soft tissues collapse in the back of the throat, blocking the upper airway and causing the airflow to stop. If oxygen levels drop low enough, the brain signals a problem and you will awaken to restore breathing. While OSA causes daytime sleepiness and concentration problems, many people don’t realize that more serious issues are associated with this disorder. Sleep apnea patients can experience:

• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Diabetes
• Heart Problems like heart attack, congestive heart failure, and hypertension
• High Blood Pressure
• Increased risk for work-related and driving-related accidents
• Strokes

Without treatment, obstructive sleep apnea can shorten the average life span by 10 years.
After you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, which may involve a sleep study through your physician, you can talk with your dentist about treatments. Your dentist can fit you for a custom-made oral appliance that will keep your mouth in the correct position to prevent snoring and apnea episodes.

Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry – Sleep Apnea Treatment – Toronto Canada Dentist

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Exploring Teeth Whitening Options

Posted on March 19, 2012 by dds

The food you eat, beverages you drink, and choices you make may diminish your bright smile. Dull, yellowish teeth can make you look older and feel self-conscious about your appearance. Safe and effective, teeth whitening can lift discolorations and renew your smile’s radiance.

Television and print ads for home whitening kits promise stunning results, but it may be hard to tell if these products work. Most dentist offer some form of teeth whitening, such as in-office or take-home whitening. Understanding the options will allow you to make an informed decision about updating your smile.

Over-the-counter whitening
Drug stores and supermarkets stock rows of whitening products on their shelves. These rinses, strips, and toothpastes often use peroxide to remove surface stains. While you may see some change, these products don’t usually generate the lasting impact of the professional whitening products offered by your dentist.

In-office whitening
If you decide on in-office whitening, your dentist will utilize professional-grade whitening gel, with or without an activating light. In-office whitening produces immediate results, lightening teeth up to 10 shades.

At-home professional whitening
Some people would like to brighten their teeth on their own schedules, so dentist-supplied whitening kits work well for these cases. Before whitening begins, the dental team will fit you for custom bleaching trays. Your dentist will then provide the bleaching agent. Apply the gel to the trays and wear them as directed. In just two to three weeks, you should notice a dramatic difference in your pearly whites.

We create beautiful, healthy smiles at Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry

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Understanding Sedation Dentistry

Posted on March 12, 2012 by dds

Millions of people don’t receive necessary dental care because they hate to visit the dentist. Not only can your beautiful smile lose its luster, but your oral health can also suffer. Checkups allow your dentist to evaluate teeth and gums to keep an eye out for problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.

Because dentists know that patients can experience fear and anxiety about dental appointments, most practices work hard to reassure their clients. Usually, the dentist will explain any recommended treatment in detail and answer all questions so that you can feel comfortable about the procedure. Some offices provide comfort measures such as pillows, blankets, headphones, and eye covers.

Sedation dentistry is another option for nervous patients. Depending on your level of concern, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following options:

Nitrous oxide
Also referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a clear, sweet-smelling vapor that you breathe in through a mask placed over your nose. Nitrous oxide produces warm, peaceful feeling that only lasts as long as you breathe in the gas. Once your dentist stops the nitrous oxide flow, any symptoms will disappear.

Oral sedation
If you choose oral sedation, you will take a dose of anti-anxiety medicine about an hour before your appointment. A responsible adult will need to drive you to and from the dentist’s office. Oral sedation will allow you to completely relax during treatment.

IV Sedation
The deepest level of sedation, IV sedations involves administering medication intravenously. Patients will enter a semi-conscious state but will still be able to answer questions and respond to any commands.

You are in good hands at Dr. Yolonda Cruz dentistry – Sedation Dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist

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Making the Most of Your Smile

Posted on March 6, 2012 by dds

When you meet new people, you often notice their smiles right away. A bright, gorgeous smile can convey warmth and grace. In fact, most people believe that smiling is an important part of our interactions with others. People don’t often realize that smiling offers many benefits. The following facts will help you remember to put your best smile forward:

Smiling can improve your mood.
When you smile, your body releases endorphins, which helps control pain and improve your attitude.

Smiles transcend language and cultural barriers.
No matter where you live, where you are from, or where you visit, smiling communicates friendliness and sincerity.

Frowning is more work.
Did you know that it actually takes more muscles to scowl than it does to smile? Frowning can also lead to lines and wrinkles on your face, so smile often!

Smiling is often a precursor to laughter.
Research has shown that laughing can reduce stress and promote relaxation.

You can connect with other people through your smile.
On your job or in social settings, a smile lets other people know that you are approachable and receptive to engaging with them.

Smiling can make you look better.
One of the best tools available to accentuate your appearance is a vibrant smile.

If you feel self-conscious about your smile, talk with Dr. Yolando Cruz about cosmetic dentistry options such as bonding and contouring, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening. Even subtle changes can make a big difference in your image.

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

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