Frequently Asked Dental Questions

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) links your lower jaw to the side of your head. Pain, tenderness, or stiffness in these joints, or in the muscles surrounding them, is classified as a TMJ disorder.

Mouth guards which are widely available in sporting goods stores offer the least protection. Additionally, they are less likely to be worn because they are uncomfortable and do not conform to your teeth. Custom-fit mouth guards from Portway Dentistry offer the best and most comfortable protection.

While anyone can get dry mouth, also called xerostomia, it is a common problem among older adults. In fact, the Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that 20% of elderly people suffer from dry mouth. This condition is also a hidden cause of tooth loss and gum disease in 30% of adults.

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small lesions that occur inside the mouth. While they are not contagious, this condition can be painful and irritating. Rinsing with warm salt water may help them heal faster.

Canker sores are very common and they are not contagious; however, if they persist beyond the span of a couple of weeks, it is important to seek a dentist’s advice. Your dentist will be able to prescribe treatment to help them heal and reduce irritation.

According to most dental insurance companies, dental procedures are broken down into four categories. The first class covers preventative treatments and exams. The second is basic procedures such as root canals, fillings, and extractions. The third category addresses more substantial procedures such as dentures, bridges, and crowns. The fourth class deals with orthodontic treatments such as braces.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a condition caused by increased hormone levels that can cause swollen, red and tender gums. It is often accompanied with bleeding when you brush your teeth. According to the Canadian Dental Association, this condition is most common between the second and eighth months of pregnancy. If you experience the symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis, be sure to visit your dentist to see if you need more frequent dental cleanings or other treatment.

The best way to prevent pregnancy gingivitis is to practice good oral hygiene and to visit your dentist and dental hygienist for regular checkups and cleanings. While good oral hygiene is important to everyone, it is even more so with pregnant women. Be sure to floss every day, brush your teeth at least twice a day, and use an antimicrobial mouth rinse such as Listerine or Crest Pro-Health Rinse.

Pregnancy is a very exciting and busy time. There are many changes going on in your body and your mouth is no exception. Good oral hygiene is extremely important during pregnancy because the increase of hormone levels during pregnancy can lead to the intensification of dental problems. Good oral health during pregnancy is also important for your baby.

Periodontitis is the serious and advanced stage of gum disease which includes bone loss. Periodontitis is irreversible. The gum tissue and bone that surround and support your teeth could become seriously damaged and the affected teeth could loosen and fall out. Periodontitis occurs when the early stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis, is left untreated. This condition has also been linked to serious health problems such as an increased risk of stroke and heart attack, as well as causing elevated blood sugar levels. Research suggests that gum disease may cause premature birth and low birth weight. Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause; so, to best prevent periodontitis, brush twice a day, floss daily, and maintain regular check-ups with your dentist.

An abscess of the tooth is an infection, often including pus and swelling of the soft gum tissues surrounding the tooth. An abscess can develop from tooth decay or trauma, such as a broken tooth. If there is an opening in the enamel of a tooth, such as a cavity, bacteria can get in and infect the pulp (nerve/centre) of the tooth, causing an abscess. Once an abscess occurs, the infection could spread throughout the mouth and body. A root canal is usually the only option to save a tooth once it has become abscessed. If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, you should see your dentist right away as this constitutes a dental emergency.

With all the bells and whistles and hundreds of toothbrushes on the market, it is common to wonder which toothbrush is the best to purchase – manual or electric. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the best toothbrush that you can buy is the one that you will actually use. It’s that simple. While both electric and manual toothbrushes have some pros and cons, the bottom line is personal preference. The Canadian Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time.

Almost all dental insurance companies use what is called a "usual, customary, and reasonable" (UCR) fee guide. This means that they set their own price that they will allow for every dental procedure that they cover. This is not based on what a dentist actually charges, but what the dental insurance company wishes to cover. For example, your dentist may charge $78 for a dental cleaning, but your insurance company will only allow $58 because that is the UCR fee that they have set. In Ontario, there is an official guideline which sets forth established fees for dental services. Dentists must inform patients should they decide to charge fees above the recommended rates.

With all the bells and whistles and hundreds of toothbrushes on the market, it is common to wonder which toothbrush is the best to purchase – manual or electric. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the best toothbrush that you can buy is the one that you will actually use. It’s that simple. While both electric and manual toothbrushes have some pros and cons, the bottom line is personal preference. The Canadian Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes.

Often taken for granted, the monotonous task of brushing and flossing our teeth daily is critical to avoiding gum disease and the risks gum disease places on overall health. It is estimated that 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease, which has been linked to serious health complications and causes various, often avoidable, dental problems.

Decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the foods that we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. If decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.

Calculus, also known as tartar, is the hardened residue that forms on your teeth when plaque is not removed. Plaque can be removed by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. If tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth and below the gum line, it can lead to chronic infection and inflammation. The only way to remove tartar is to have your teeth professionally cleaned at your dental office.

A dental implant is a metal device designed to replace missing teeth. The device is usually made out of titanium and is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Unlike a dental bridge, an implant is permanent. A dental implant is designed to act as the tooth root and can anchor an artificial tooth or teeth such as a crown, bridge or denture.

Decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and/or starches of the foods that we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar and acids are also ways to prevent decay.

A veneer is a thin shell made out of porcelain or composite material. They are custom-made and cemented to the front side of the tooth. A veneer can be used to treat dental conditions such as a slightly crooked teeth, discoloured teeth, and chipped teeth. Veneers can even be used to cover spaces in between the teeth. A veneer can be made by the dentist or in a dental laboratory, depending on the materials used and the recommendations of the dentist.

According to the Canadian Dental Association, children should visit a pediatric dentist either when their first tooth comes in or no later than their first birthday.

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is often added to drinking water and is commonly found in toothpaste. Research has shown that the rate of cavities decreases in areas where fluoride is added to the water supply. Health authorities, such as the Canadian Dental Association and the World Health Organization, both advocate the addition of fluoride to drinking water and recommend you use toothpaste that contains fluoride, if age appropriate. If you do not have fluoride in your water, the mineral is also available in:

• Tablets

• Rinse

• Varnish

• Foam

Speak with your dentist if you are concerned about whether you are receiving enough, or are receiving too much, fluoride daily. Fluoride treatments are given at your dental office after a cleaning appointment either every six months or once a year.

Silver (amalgam) filling material is composed of approximately 50% mercury and 50% various other metals. While there have been no conclusive studies relating the mercury in amalgam to any dangers, mercury by itself is very toxic. With the introduction of new filling materials, amalgam is not used as often as it once was. More than 70% of all fillings today are placed in the tooth by the dentist with resin or composite materials.

A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by decay. Decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and/or starches in the food we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and going to your regular dental checkups. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks which are high in sugar and acid are also ways to prevent decay.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease which can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. The signs and symptoms are red, swollen, and puffy gums that bleed easily. If treatment is not received, gingivitis could progress into periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease which includes bone loss and is irreversible. Gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults and has also been linked to heart attacks and strokes.

Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, regular dental checkups, and dental cleanings are the best preventions against gum disease.

Most children and adults should see their dentist for a regular cleaning and checkup every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental checkups more than twice a year. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleanings and checkups.

Going to your regular checkups will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy as well as detect any early problems such as gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer. The best way to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis.

According to the Canadian Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque which causes tooth decay and can lead to gum disease. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make sure that the toothbrush fits inside of your mouth so that you can easily reach all areas. When brushing, use gentle back and forth strokes, brushing all sides of the teeth. Always brush your tongue to remove any bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

You should floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing in between your teeth removes food debris and plaque from between the teeth which cannot be reached by your toothbrush. Plaque causes tooth decay and can lead to gum disease. Another great reason to floss is that recent studies have shown that flossing helps to prevent heart attack and stroke. When flossing, be sure to gently insert the floss in between the teeth, without snapping, which could damage the gum tissue. Gently move the floss up and down into the spaces between the gum and teeth. Floss the sides of all of your teeth, even if there isn't a tooth next to another one. There are a number of dental products available that are designed to make flossing easier, such as disposable dental flossers.

Adults and children should change their toothbrush every 3 months because they become worn out and are not as effective as they once were. Exceptions to this would be if the manufacturer of your electric toothbrush states otherwise. Some rechargeable electric toothbrushes have very good brush heads that only need to be changed every 6 months. If you have gum disease, you should change your toothbrush every 4 - 6 weeks because bacteria can harbour in the bristles. You should always rinse your toothbrush out with hot water after every use and change it after you have been sick.

Plaque is the soft and sticky substance that accumulates on the teeth from food debris and bacteria. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing thoroughly. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities. Regular dental checkups, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and eating nutritional snacks will help to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth.

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is an embarrassing condition that can affect anyone at any time, and is caused by several factors. The most common causes of bad breath are preventable and easily treated, however certain medical conditions may also cause bad breath. Chronic halitosis may indicate an underlying medical concern that should be addressed by your dentist or medical doctor.

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is an embarrassing condition that can affect anyone at any time, and is caused by several factors. The most common causes of bad breath are preventable and easily treated, however certain medical conditions may also cause bad breath. Chronic halitosis may indicate an underlying medical concern that should be addressed by your dentist or medical doctor.

Halitosis is a clinical name for bad breath. According to dental studies, about 85% of people with bad breath have a dental condition which causes the issue.

Dental sealants are a clear protective coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant protects the tooth from getting a cavity by shielding against bacteria and plaque. Sealants are most commonly placed on children's permanent back teeth because they are more prone to cavities. Most insurance companies pay for sealants on children's teeth. They can also be placed on adult's teeth, though insurance usually won't cover them for adults.

The main difference between silver and white dental fillings is the material that they consist of. Silver (amalgam) fillings, are made up of 50% mercury and 50% of other various metals. White (composite) fillings are made up of acrylic and various glass particles. Other differences between silver and white fillings are cost, strength and the way they look.

Bruxism is the clenching and/or grinding of your teeth, especially at night. Clenching refers to tightly clamping your top and bottom teeth together. The force of clenching causes stressful pressure on the muscles, tissues, and jaw. Jaw disorders, pain, soreness, headaches, earaches, damaged teeth, and other problems can result from bruxism. If clenching causes jaw pain, it can disrupt sleeping and eating, lead to other dental problems, or create TMJ issues. Nightly grinding can also disturb sleeping partners. Your dentist can make a clear night guard for you to sleep in so as to alleviate the clenching or grinding.

Most babies will start to get their baby teeth between 6 and 10 months of age. Watch for your baby's first teeth to show up in the lower front of their mouth. When this starts to happen, your baby may experience discomfort which usually leads to fussiness. The gums may be swollen and tender and the child may wish to chew on things to alleviate feelings of discomfort. The two upper front teeth are usually the next teeth to cut, or break through, the gums. The remainder of your child’s teeth can be expected to come in slowly. In time, the child will have a total of 20 baby teeth.

Frequently, teething results in a slightly elevated temperature; however, if your baby has a temperature of 100 degrees or more, it is prudent to call your pediatrician as the child may be sick and require treatment. To alleviate pain, gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger, cool spoon, or wet cloth. You can also provide a teething ring or pacifier for the baby to chew on. Many teething rings are made to be chilled as cool object against the gums may alleviate pain and inflammation, resulting in a less fussy child. There are some over the counter products that you can discuss and purchase from your Pharmacist.