Protecting your Enamel

Acid Erosion: Protecting Your Enamel

Acid erosion occurs when the enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth, is gradually worn away by exposure to acids. Unlike cavities caused by bacteria, acid erosion is a chemical process that weakens tooth structure, leading to sensitivity, discoloration, and potential tooth damage.

Layers of a tooth

Common Causes

• Acidic foods and beverages such as citrus fruits, sodas, and sports drinks

• Gastric acid from acid reflux, vomiting, or medical conditions

• Frequent consumption of sour candies

• Reduced saliva flow, which limits natural acid neutralization

Signs and Symptoms

• Smooth, shiny tooth surfaces

• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods

• Yellowing of teeth as enamel thins and dentin becomes visible

• Chipped, fragile, or worn-down teeth

Spotlight: Sports & Energy Drinks

As moms and dental professionals, we know the conversation all too well: sports season rolls around, the gear comes out, and suddenly the kids are asking for sports drinks at every practice and game. While these drinks are marketed to boost performance, they can be surprisingly tough on teeth.

Many sports and energy drinks are highly acidic, meaning they have a low pH. The pH scale measures how acidic or basic something is, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral. Tooth enamel—the protective outer layer of your teeth—starts to soften at a pH of about 5.5. Unfortunately, popular sports drinks like Gatorade (about pH 2.9–3.3) and Powerade (about pH 3.0–3.5), as well as energy drinks such as Red Bull (around pH 3.3), fall well below this level. When kids (and adults!) sip these drinks frequently during practices, games, or long car rides between activities, their teeth are exposed to repeated acid attacks that can slowly wear away enamel.

The same goes for energy drinks! Products like Red Bull (around pH 3.3) and Monster (often around pH 3.2–3.7) are not only acidic and extremely high in sugar, but are also commonly consumed slowly over time for a caffeine boost—meaning teeth stay in contact with acid for longer periods. Many also contain added sugars and citric acid, which can further contribute to enamel breakdown. Basically, tell your kids, “No!”

In our office, we like to say enamel is your teeth’s superhero shield—strong, but not invincible. During sports and busy days, saliva flow can decrease, which means teeth don’t get as much natural protection or recovery time between acidic exposures. Research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association and the International Journal of Dentistry has shown that both the low pH and the titratable acidity (how long a drink can keep its acidic effect) in sports and energy drinks contribute to dental erosion when consumed frequently.

As moms, we completely understand the convenience of grabbing a quick drink on the way to practice—but small habits can make a big difference. Drinking these beverages quickly instead of sipping, using a straw when possible, rinsing with water afterward, and waiting about 30 minutes before brushing can help protect those growing smiles while still getting through a busy sports season.

Glassy appearance of acid erosion

Prevention and Management

• Limit acidic foods and drinks; rinse with water after consumption

• Use a straw for acidic beverages to reduce enamel contact

• Wait at least 30 minutes after acidic intake before brushing

• Maintain consistent oral hygiene with fluoride toothpaste

• Seek evaluation for underlying medical conditions such as acid reflux

Products We Love & Carry To Help!

To help protect and repair enamel affected by acid erosion, we offer targeted, science-backed products right in our office, available to purchase!

Remin toothpaste - available to purchase in office

Here are our faves:

X-PUR Remin Toothpaste is a fluoride-free, remineralizing toothpaste formulated with 10% nano-hydroxyapatite, a biocompatible mineral that mimics the natural structure of enamel. These microscopic particles penetrate below the enamel surface and deliver calcium and phosphate ions directly where minerals have been lost, helping to rebuild and strengthen teeth, reduce sensitivity, and smooth early erosion lesions. It also contains xylitol, which helps reduce cavity-causing bacteria. With low abrasivity and a neutral pH, it is gentle on already weakened enamel. For best results, patients are instructed to brush at least twice daily, spit but do not rinse, and avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes to allow maximum mineral uptake.

Opti-Rinse - available to purchase in office

X-PUR Opti-Rinse Mouthwash complements this by providing additional enamel support and protection. This alcohol-free rinse contains fluoride (sodium fluoride), which enhances remineralization by promoting the redeposition of minerals into enamel and increasing resistance to future acid attacks. It also helps reduce bacterial load and supports overall oral health. Typically used once or twice daily after brushing, patients should swish for about 30–60 seconds and avoid eating or drinking afterward to allow the fluoride to fully interact with the enamel. Together, these products create a powerful at-home routine to rebuild, protect, and defend enamel—especially important for patients who regularly consume acidic sports or energy drinks.

Regular dental visits are crucial for early detection. Hygienists and dentists can monitor for enamel wear, recommend fluoride treatments, and provide advice tailored to lifestyle and dietary habits.

Questions? Just hollar at your NHDC gals and we would be happy to help!

References:

Owens, B. M., & Mallette, J. D. (2014). Effects of sports and energy drinks on tooth enamel. General Dentistry.

Jain, P., & Hall-May, E. (2012). The role of beverages in dental erosion. Journal of the American Dental Association.

Bamise, C. T., et al. (2009). Erosive potential of energy drinks on tooth enamel. International Journal of Dentistry.

https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/erosive-tooth-wear/

https://www.colgate.com/en-sg/oral-health/adult-oral-care/tooth-enamel

https://www.colgateprofessional.com/hygienist-resources/tools-resources/dental-erosion-lifestyle-choices

Understanding Cold Sores

Understanding Cold Sores: What You Need to Know Before Your Dental Appointment

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). These small, fluid-filled blisters typically appear around the lips, mouth, or nose and can be both painful and highly contagious. If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you know how uncomfortable they can be—but did you know they can also impact your dental visit?

Symptoms of Cold Sores

Cold sores often go through several stages, and symptoms may include:

Via: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cold-sores/

1. A tingling, itching, or burning sensation before blisters appear

2. Small, fluid-filled blisters around the mouth or on the lips

3. Pain, tenderness, and redness in the affected area

4. Oozing and crusting as the blisters break and begin to heal

5. In some cases, swollen lymph nodes, fever, or general discomfort

When Are Cold Sores Contagious?

Cold sores are most contagious when blisters are present and actively leaking fluid. However, the virus can be transmitted even before visible symptoms appear and until the sore is completely healed. The risk of spreading the virus decreases once the sore has dried and scabbed over, but it’s still possible to transmit HSV-1 through saliva and close contact.

Why We May Have to Reschedule Your Appointment

At our dental office, your health and safety are our top priorities. If you have an active cold sore, we may need to postpone your appointment for the following reasons:

1. Risk of Spreading the Virus – Dental procedures involve close contact, and HSV-1 can spread easily through saliva, instruments, or even aerosolized particles during treatment.

2. Discomfort During Treatment – Cold sores can be painful and sensitive, making it uncomfortable for you to keep your mouth open for an extended period during your appointment.

3. Delayed Healing – Some dental treatments, such as cleanings or procedures that require stretching your lips, can irritate an existing sore and prolong the healing process.

If you have an upcoming appointment and notice a cold sore developing, we recommend calling our office to discuss whether rescheduling is the best option.

Treatment Options for Cold Sores

While there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and speed up healing:

Via: https://www.nm.org/

1. Antiviral Medications – Prescription antiviral creams or oral medications (such as acyclovir or valacyclovir) can help reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak if taken early.

2. Over-the-Counter Creams – Topical treatments like docosanol (Abreva) may help minimize symptoms and promote healing.

3. Home Remedies – Applying cold compresses, using lip balms with SPF, and avoiding acidic or spicy foods can help soothe discomfort.

4. Prevention Strategies – Managing stress, getting enough rest, and avoiding triggers like excessive sun exposure can help reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Final Thoughts

Cold sores are common and manageable, but they can interfere with your dental care. If you experience an outbreak before your appointment, we encourage you to contact our office for guidance. Our goal is to provide the best care possible while ensuring your comfort and safety.

For more information or to reschedule an appointment due to a cold sore, please reach out to our team. We’re here to help keep your smile healthy and pain-free!

References:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Cold sores. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org

2. American Dental Association. (2023). Oral health and cold sores. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org

Why You Need an Electric Toothbrush

It’s true! We FINALLY have electric toothbrushes available to purchase at our office! Before we get into the models we carry at the office and why we love them, let’s chat about why you need an electric toothbrush in your life.

1.       Reliability

Electric toothbrushes can produce thousands of strokes per minute, where as your manual toothbrush can only work as fast as your hand.  This means more plaque removed from your teeth and a more reliable clean.

2.       Special Features

Don’t lie to us, most of you do NOT brush for a full 2 minutes like we recommend! Lucky for you, most electric toothbrushes have built in timers so you always know you are brushing for the correct time.  Other features may include pressure sensors which are great for those of you who tend to scrub really hard which can lead to gingival recession, different speeds and modes.

3.       Long Term Savings

Electric toothbrushes are an initial financial investment, however long term, they end up saving you.  Electric toothbrushes do not need to be replaced as much as manual ones, only the brush heads need to be replaced.  The brush heads for electric toothbrushes can be used for more time than a manual toothbrush, therefore you are replacing them less often.

4.       Ease of Use for Everyone

Electric toothbrushes do the work for you so they are beneficial for children and teenagers who don’t quite get to their back teeth.  They are perfect for patients who have limited dexterity due to conditions like arthritis, etc and for our “young at heart” patients who have mobility issues.  Have a child in orthodontics? Electric toothbrushes make brushing around brackets, wires, or attachments a piece of cake.

Now that you know why an electric toothbrush is the way to go, let’s chat about the options you have available to purchase at the office!

Oral B 500 – $45 (Available in Black, Mint, Lilac)

Why We Love It:

·         Although marketed as an adult toothbrush, we think this toothbrush is perfect for anyone ages 7 and up - basically anyone with adult teeth.

·         The wider handle with perforations for better grip is great for both kids and any patients with mobility or dexterity difficulty.

·         The round head is great for accessing those hard-to-reach areas.  The size of the head is not too small or big - just right!

·         Signals every 30 seconds to ensure a 2 minute clean every time.

·         It has three different speeds however we recommend only using the first two unless you want toothpaste splattered all over your mirror!

·         Comes with 2 heads with different coloured bands to place on them so siblings can use one brush, no need to purchase two!

Philips Sonicare 4700 - $75 (Available in White, Pink, Blue)

Why We Love It:

·         It’s exclusive! This model is only available at dental practices and the lower model retails for more! We recommend it for patients ages 16 and up.

·         We love the slim, streamlined handle and the longer, slimmer oval brush head especially for those with smaller mouths. 

·         Three different speeds and two different modes ensures it is perfect for anyone with any type of periodontal status.

·         Signals every 30 seconds and when you are using too much pressure.

·         A travel case is included which gives you no excuse when you travel!

Now that you are a pro on electric toothbrushes, come on down and grab yours! If you have any questions, feel free to ask, we are always ready to help you with your oral care.

Happy electric toothbrushing!

The Niverville Heritage Dental Gals

Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth Part One: Crown

The pandemic changed all of our lives in many ways, including raising our stress levels enormously.  Since then, dentists all over have noted a significant increase in cracked teeth.  It makes sense: Increased stress = increased clenching and grinding = increased forces on teeth = increased incidence of cracked teeth.

A patient presents with chewing pain. When the tooth is opened a crack is detected along the floor of the tooth (the black line).

I have personally seen for myself a dramatic rise.  Patients will come in and say they have a particular tooth that hurts almost every time they chew.  They usually describe it as a “zing” that sends them through the roof that lasts a split second, but recurs every time they eat.  This is a classic presentation of a tooth with a crack.

A filling was placed over the crack as a temporary measure until our patient returned to have their crown done.

Cracks in teeth are tricky as most times, they can’t be seen visually or on a radiograph.  They are hiding somewhere in the middle, usually along the floor of the tooth.  Through various diagnostic tests a dentist can determine the likelihood of a presence of a crack and where it is located in the tooth.

One treatment option we may recommend is placing a crown on the tooth.  A crown provides full coverage of the tooth.  Now when chewing, the forces are placed on the crown rather directly on the tooth, therefore decreasing the chance of feeling pain when chewing, along with preventing the crack to propagate deeper.

At the first appointment of a crown, the tooth is shaved down to a smaller version of itself in order to make room for the crown to be placed. A margin around the tooth is created for the crown to sit.

The process for a crown usually requires two appointments.  In the first appointment, we shave the tooth to a miniature version of itself in order to make room for the crown to be placed on top of the tooth.  A scan is taken to send to the lab in order to fabricate the crown, as well as a shade is picked in order to ensure your crown blends in with the rest of your teeth.  A temporary crown is fabricated at the end of the appointment to place on your tooth.  A few days later at the second appointment, your temporary crown is removed and we cement your permanent crown.  We ensure the fit and the bite of your teeth are correct.  You are now a proud owner of a crown which obviously makes you royalty! (Worst dental joke ever).

Tada! A gorgeous crown is cemented on top of the tooth, protecting the crack from getting deeper and preventing chewing pain.

If you are having chewing pain then it may mean you have a cracked tooth and you need to get it checked before it worsens!

Remember, going to the dentist is not meant to be torturous.  If you’re looking for an office that feels like home, the Niverville Heritage Dental Gals would love to meet you (and your teeth).  Contact the office to book your appointment now! See you soon!

The Niverville Heritage Dental Centre Gift Guide!

It’s the most magical time of year - the holiday season! This means the hot chocolate is being poured, your tree is up, Mariah Christmas tunes are blasting and if you’re like us, endless cheesy holiday movies on repeat.

However, this also means the craziness of holiday shopping has begun. As most of us our moms, we get how crazy this time of year can be, finding kids gifts that are exciting, budget friendly, and fun.

Enter the NHDC gals.  We decided to do our first ever holiday gift guide! What if you could get your kids things they could be excited about AND promoted good oral health?! Sounds like a dream, right? Here’s some of our favourite picks for both gifts and stocking stuffers.

Kids Gift Ideas:

1. Kids Dentist Role Play Wooden Set

Who doesn’t want to play dentist? Imaginary play is so important for kids, so what’s better than pretending to be a dentist with this wooden play set.  Exposure like this also helps them become better prepared for coming to see us.  Who know, maybe your little will work here one day! Click here to buy!

2. Play-Doh Drill n’ Fill Set

We love play-doh for sensory play and this set is so fun! Sip your coffee while your kids are entertained making teeth and pretending to do some fillings.  You get a break and they aren’t bugging you.  It’s a win, win.  Click here to purchase!

Stocking Stuffer Ideas:

1.Character Battery Powered Toothbrushes

We all know the struggle of getting your little ones to brush.  Enter these Colgate, battery powered toothbrushes.  With a spinning head to reach those harder places and available in your child’s favourite character, this is an easy one.  Peppa Pig, Batman, Minions, Barbie, you name it, they got it.  Click here to buy!

2. Brushing Sand Timer

Let’s face it, none of our kids brush for two minutes straight cause it’s nearly impossible. Enter these adorable tooth, multicoloured, sand timers.  It comes in a set of 7 which means EVERYONE is getting one in their stockings! Click here to purchase!

3. Froggie Toothbrush & Toothpaste Holder

This froggie toothbrush and toothpaste holder is both so cute and practical.  It is only 6x6 inches so it’s perfect for sitting on the side of the sink.  It comes in a variety of colours and makes a great stocking stuffer! Click here to buy!

4. Unicorn Sparkle & Watermelon Toothpaste

Have a picky child when it comes to toothpaste flavours? Look no further than Hello’s unicorn sparkle fluoride that is bubble gum flavoured. Looking for a non-fluoridated toothpaste for your really young one? Try their watermelon flavoured one! Click here for unicorn sparkle and here for watermelon.

Still looking for more ideas? Lucky for you we now have an entire page on our website dedicated to oral health products we love and recommend.  We have everything on there from denture care, orthodontic products, oral hygiene products and so much more.  Everything is linkable and takes you straight to where you can purchase it! Click here for the products page!

Happy shopping!

The NHDC Gals

How to Prepare Your Child for a Filling

Despite our best effort as parents, cavities happen in children that may require a filling.  Us gals here at Niverville Heritage Dental are mostly moms so we know how you feel – anxious for your child (and yourself) and feeling the need to ensure they are prepared.  We’ve gathered a few tips to help you and your child prepare for your appointment to ensure the most positive outcome!

 1.       Be calm.

We know, easier said than done, but as we all know children are extremely smart and pick up on feelings very easily.  If you are nervous, your child will be as well! Stay calm and be positive while speaking about coming to see us at home.

Miss Hadley after she rocked her filling appointment! We even gave her friend that she brought a bib too so they could do it together!

 2.       Words matter.

You know how we always tell our kids, “Words matter.” Same thing here! We want you to be honest with your kids, we are when we see them, but avoid using words such as “pain” and “needle.” Instead use words such as “uncomfortable” and “small pinch.” This goes without being said, but please don’t tell them, “It’s going to hurt A LOT!” Haha. No but seriously, don’t do that. 😊

 3.        Make them comfortable.

Let them know it’s 100% okay to feel nervous! Let them wear their favourite outfit, or bring along their cherished blankie or stuffy.  We love when kids come in with their favourite stuffed friend, we even put a bib around their stuffed animal/doll to include them!

 4.       Let us do the hard work.

Kids are so curious and inquisitive. We love questions! When at home ease their feelings by letting them know we will explain EVERYTHING to them before we do it. We prefer you let us do all the explaining!

 5.       Be patient.

Amanda with Maddex! Note: This picture was taken pre-Covid.

Oh my goodness as moms this is a hard one! Sometimes your child may not have their procedure completed at the first appointment. If we feel the child is very anxious, we may just take the time to explain everything to them and have them come back to try again and that’s okay!

 6.       Sometimes it just doesn’t work out.

It’s our job to ensure your child has the most positive experience possible.  The last thing we want to do is create an experience that will cause the child to fear coming to the dentist that carries with them into adulthood.  Sometimes despite our (and your) best efforts a child may not be cooperative.  We will never force a child to have their procedure done.  The mental aspect of their experience is just as important to us and we may feel your child will be best taken care of at a pediatric dental specialist office.  If this is the case a referral will be made.

We absolutely adore seeing kids here at Niverville Heritage Dental Centre and pride ourselves on knowing the latest on Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, and all that other stuff to win some brownie points! Haha! Know that when you bring your child(ren) here we feel honoured that you are choosing us to trust and we don’t take that lightly.  Plus, why is it so much easier to be way more patient when it’s not your own kids, right? 😊 See you soon!

 Dr. Sunayna

P.S. Don’t forget to have your kids enter our colouring contest of Dr. Sunayna! Just click here, print out the sheet and have your kids colour it and tag us on Instagram or Facebook! Your child(ren) will be entered to win a $100 gift card to Toys R Us! Yay! Contest closes Sunday, April 18th for ages 8 and under. Good luck!

So You Think You Don't Need a Teeth Cleaning......

We hear it all the time with patients, “Nah, I brush and floss my teeth so I don’t need to get my teeth cleaned” or “It’s okay, I’ll just get the filling for my cavity but pass on the cleaning.” What you don’t see is how every time we hear that we are literally trying our best not to scream, haha. Our job is to educate you and ensure we are taking care of your ENTIRE oral health. This includes the foundation of your mouth which includes your bone and gums.

The Breakdown

Your teeth are held in your mouth by the bone that surrounds them. You gums lie over your bone. When bacteria enters your gums and is not removed, your gum begins to tear away from your tooth. The presence of bacteria under your gums is called gingivitis (aka gum disease). If you’ve ever brushed or flossed and have noticed your gums are bleeding, congratulations, you have gingivitis. 

Now if the bacteria under your gums is not removed professionally by a hygienist because you aren’t coming in for a teeth cleaning, guess what? That bacteria then enters the bone surrounding your teeth and now you have periodontitis (aka bone disease). Over time the presence of bacteria in the bone will cause bone loss around the tooth therefore causing the tooth to become mobile which can lead to eventual tooth loss! Say what?!

What people don’t realize is that you can lose a tooth that has NOTHING wrong with it! No cavity, no infection, NOTHING. What happened is that you lost the bone holding it in because you had periodontitis which is 100% PREVENTABLE by brushing, flossing and wait for it - coming in for regular cleaning appointments! 

 The Low-down on Oral Bacteria

Now this bacteria I speak of also has fancy names. Plaque is a sticky biofilm that builds up on your teeth and is made of up of your saliva and the foods and drinks you have.  If the plaque is not removed from your teeth and under your gums (from lack of brushing/flossing and coming in for cleaning appointments) it hardens into calculus (aka tartar).  

Plaque can harden into tartar in as little as 24 hours! Once plaque has turned into tartar it can only be removed by a dental professional due to it’s hardness and strong bond to enamel. Tartar can be found both above and below the gums. Don’t believe me when I say you can’t remove tartar yourself? Just check out the before and after pictures above of a patient who presented with heavy tartar build up and how it looks after once our magical hygienists removed it! Remember, plaque and tartar can lead to decay (ie. cavities), bad breath, and as already mentioned, tooth loss!

Let’s Get Brutally Honest

The truth is you wouldn’t build your house on a crappy foundation, right? Well, same thing here. The health of your bone and gums make up the foundation of your mouth and if you don’t have a strong foundation to build upon, everything else will fail. This means the longevity of any fillings, crowns, bridges, dental implants or any dental work are directly related to the health of your bone and gums. Morale of the story? Book your hygiene appointment with us! Don’t make us stalk you, even though you know we will. :) Any questions? Just hollar at us (or just call and book and appointment).

Dr. Sunayna

Back to School – Snacks, Lunches & More Snacks!

Here we go, another school year.  Whether you are sending your kids to school or are homeschooling, we can all agree this year will look and feel very different .  Although the masks are new, guess what’s not? The dreaded making of lunches and snacks.

Snacks, snacks, and more snacks!

Don’t fret, as usual the Niverville Heritage Dental Gals have got your back.  We are all mostly moms so we get it – the frustration of finding healthy snacks that your kids will actually eat, finding time to pack them, and the worst one – loving something one day and then literally not eating it the next.  How is that even possible?!

Let’s start off by giving you some ideas for snacks and lunches that are good for both the teeth (obviously) AND for your kiddos overall health!

• Cheese – Not only is cheese delicious, but its calcium properties help make teeth strong and some studies have shown that it can neutralize the dental plaque in your mouth!

  Mom tip: Buy the portioned cheese from Costco so that you don’t have to spend time cutting it.  We all know every second counts!

• Fruit, Veggies & Dip – Did you know that antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and other nutrients from fruits and vegetables help protect the gums? Plus items such as apples, carrots and celery can help clean plaque off of teeth. It’s a win, win.

  Mom tip: We like to add a different dip to make it more interesting for kids.  Our favorites are hummus (make ahead and freeze) and tzatziki.

• Nuts & Seeds – Keeping in mind your child’s age, nuts & seeds are full of benefits for your teeth since they are packed full of important elements such as calcium, phosphorus, and even fiber, potassium and zinc which can help stimulate saliva.

  Mom tip: Try adding nuts into a smoothie (sneaky, sneaky) or even nut butters are a great way get your picky eater to try some!

• Yogurt – This is usually a pretty easy one for kids to have which is great cause it’s full of calcium and probiotics that can protect teeth from cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath. Perfect!

  Mom tip: To up the ante a bit, try sprinkling some granola and a dash of cinnamon.

• Water – Yup, just plain and simple water.  Water helps wash away bacteria that may be sitting on your teeth, especially after you’ve eaten. Try to avoid juices, pops, and sports drinks as much as possible.

  Mom tip: Make them want to drink water by getting a fun water bottle! We find the flashier and uglier it is, the better, hahaha.  Just ask Dr. Sunayna who cringes every time at the sight of her daughter’s Paw Patrol glittery water bottle. 

Now that we’ve covered some snack ideas, here’s some expert tips to make your life a bit easier from our favourite dietician, momma of 2, Nita Sharda of Carrots & Cake, and teacher, momma of 4, and meal prep extraordinaire, Shawna Lapointe of Too Busy Livin’:

We love registered dietician Nita Sharda of Carrots & Cake’s recipe for Tropical Green Smoothie. Find it here.

1. As Nita says, “food fatigue” is a real thing when it comes to kids.  One day they’re into it, the next they’re acting like it’s the worst thing ever.  The key is to have variety.  How do we do this? Well, Dr. Sunayna found these snack containers on Amazon that she is using for her kids this year.  It’s great for offering a variety of things in a small amount.  She packs all of them for the week on Sunday and then you are good to go!

2. Shawna is a huge fan of, “make more once, save time later.” Take for instance her take on shredded chicken.  Make more of it once in the slow cooker, freeze, use for tortilla soup, quesadillas, taquitos, and also on pizzas, or in sandwiches. Bam. Click here to see her ways.

3. Nita is a huge fan of smoothies and always tells us how it’s a great way to keep your kiddos and yourself fueled.  We love her genius tip on making smoothie packs in advance and throwing them in the freezer.  This way when you are rushing in the morning no need to get a million ingredients! Just grab that smoothie pack from the freezer, dump contents into the blender, and add your milk of choice! Voila! Our fave is Nita’s tropical green smoothie which you can find here. Happy blending!

As mothers ourselves, we get it.  We know we are all feeling so many things. Just know we are all in this together, and we can and will get through it.  As always, we are here for all our oral care needs! Happy prepping and packing!

Love,

The Niverville Heritage Dental Gals

Heart Health & Oral Health - What's the Connection?

We are laughing into 2020!

People use the beginning of a new year as a time to press the restart button.  Although we gals think any day is a great day to set new goals and intentions, we are all for New Year resolutions in which you make it a priority to take care of yourself!

At the center of our overall health is our heart.  Did you know that for years researchers have been trying to solve the link between gum disease and heart disease? Let us break it down for you:

Gum disease is inflammation of the gums and the surrounding bone which houses your teeth due to bacteria.  Similarly, heart disease is the inflammation of the heart’s arteries.  In some studies, people with heart disease have been found with traces of oral bacteria in their arteries, leading researchers to believe the bacteria from your mouth can travel through your body to your heart vessels causing an increased risk for cardiac episodes such as heart attacks and strokes.  Findings such as these strengthen the relationship between gum disease and heart disease.

Here’s the conclusion:  Many studies have linked gum disease to heart disease, however further research is needed to confirm if gum disease can actually CAUSE heart disease.  From the way the research is heading, it seems likely.

Your heart is at the centre of it all, but taking care of your teeth means taking care of your heart.

Image via Pinterest.

What does that mean for you? Daily brushing and flossing along with regular hygiene appointments at your dentist can prevent and even reverse early stages of gum disease! Now if only you knew a fantastic dental office with amazing ladies that you could come to in order to have your teeth cleaned and help you control your gum disease… Oh wait! You do, us! Let us gals at Niverville Heritage Dental educate you about gum disease, help you combat it and show you the proper way of brushing and flossing.  We know now that oral health is somehow connected to overall health, so take care of your heart, teeth, and everything in between.  Click here to book an appointment.

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-the-common-thread

https://www.cardiosmart.org/News-and-Events/2016/01/Gum-Disease-Linked-to-Increased-Risk-for-Heart-Attack

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/Dental-Health-and-HeartHealth_UCM_459358_Article.jsp?appName=MobileApp

Crowns - What, Why, How

So we’ve told you that you need a crown on your tooth.  Congratulations! You are now royalty, haha.  That’s such a lame dental joke, but you can’t blame me for trying! All lame joking aside I’m going to chat about what a dental crown is, why you may need one, and how the process works.

Can you guess which tooth has the crown that Dr. Sunayna did on this patient?

WHAT IS A CROWN?

A crown is essentially a cap that provides full coverage over your existing tooth to prevent it from fracturing.  It is cemented (ie. glued) to your tooth permanently.

Crowns can be made of a variety of materials such as gold, porcelain, and porcelain fused to metal to name a few.  The right material for you will be discussed and decided upon between you and your dentist and is dependent on the situation. However, in 99% of cases a material is used that can be matched to the shade of the rest of your teeth therefore providing a natural look.

WHY DO YOU NEED A CROWN?

Here is a patient who presented with a fractured premolar.

There are many different situations that can warrant the recommendation of a crown.  The first is a broken tooth.  A tooth can break for multiple reasons such as a crack present in the tooth, the way your teeth meet together, grinding or clenching, or accidental just to name a few.  When this happens, a filling must be done in order to fill the broken or missing part of the tooth.  If the tooth ends up being more filling than actual tooth, the tooth is prone to fracture again especially when subjected to the natural forces of chewing and grinding, therefore a crown is recommended.

Another reason a tooth may need a crown is because the tooth has had a root canal.  When a root canal is done, the tooth must be filled in order to replace the amount of tooth lost.  Again, in most situations this means the tooth will be more filling than actual tooth, therefore being at risk for fracture.

As you can see, the fractured tooth has been filled resulting in a tooth that is more filling than actual tooth. Therefore, a crown is recommended to prevent it from fracturing again.

If a tooth has a large cavity, it will require a filling in order to remove the decay present.  If the size of the resulting filling is also large, a crown may be recommended in order to protect the tooth.

If a tooth is left without the protection of a crown for too long, the tooth can fracture beyond pair requiring the tooth to be extracted!

Finally, sometimes, a crown is done for esthetic purposes to mask the discolouration of a tooth or to cover a misshapen tooth.

HOW IS A CROWN DONE?

1. At your first appointment, we will pick a shade for your crown and have you approve it.  Local anesthetic is given and the tooth is filed down to a smaller version of itself.

2. An impression of the tooth is taken so that the lab can fabricate your crown.

A back molar has been prepared for a crown.

3. We will make you a temporary crown to cover your tooth until your permanent crown is ready. Your temporary crown will NOT be the same colour or shape as your permanent crown, so don’t worry when you see it!

4. At your second appointment the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is placed.  We ensure the fit, shade, shape and colour are correct.  The crown is then permanently cemented to your tooth.

It is important to note that in some circumstances your tooth may need special procedures prior to doing a crown such as orthodontics, gum, or root canal treatment.

Don’t forget, you must treat a crown like a regular tooth! A crown can get a cavity underneath if it is not being taken care of properly! Be sure to brush, floss, and come for regular hygiene appointments in order to increase the longevity of your crown.

Well, you are officially a dental crown expert! If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to come by the office and ask me. See you at the office! -Dr. Sunayna