Pickfair Dental Tips

5 Tips to Make Your Child Feel Comfortable at the Dentist

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

A trip to the dentist can make even the bravest adults a bit anxious. So it’s no surprise that many children are also intimidated by the dentist’s chair. The strange, sterile environment and unusual tools can make any youngster nervous about getting their teeth checked.

Many parents will often avoid booking dental appointments for their kids because the struggle is too overwhelming. Although this may seem like a quick solution, depriving your child of regular check-ups is actually doing more harm in the long-run.

According to a report from the Canadian Dental Association , nearly 2.3 million school-days are missed each year due to dental-related illness. Meanwhile, tooth decay accounts for one-third of all day surgeries performed on children between the ages of 1 and 5.

A child’s overall well-being is intricately linked to the state of their oral health. That’s why we’ve come up with 5 tips to help your child feel more comfortable at their next appointment.

Tip #1: Begin dental visits at a young age

One of the best ways to familiarize your child with a dental setting is to bring them in early. Babies as young as 1 can be brought in for a quick look to ensure their baby teeth are coming in nicely. Because most children this young can’t sit still, this is really just an opportunity for your little one to get to know his or her dentist. By instilling a sense of belonging early on, future trips will be less of a battle.

Tip #2: Keep things simple

No need to overwhelm your youngster with all the gritty details of what goes on at the dentist. In their mind, scary things are happening when those metal instruments are poking around in their mouths. And the sound of a dentist’s drill is enough to send those little minds racing. Unless your child needs to know the details to feel comfortable, keep the explanations to a minimum.

All your child needs to know on the way over is that the dentist is doing a simple check to make sure they’re brushing twice a day. You could even say the dentist will be looking for ‘sugar bugs’ so they can be cleaned away. Avoid telling war stories about that time you had a root canal, or the day grandpa got dental implants because all his teeth fell out.

Do yourself (and your child) a favour by keeping things simple. There’s no need for your little one to know all the painful details, especially if they’re going for a routine check-up. Always frame visits to the dentist as an opportunity to have fun, as opposed to a dreaded task.

Tip #3: Do a pretend visit beforehand

In the weeks leading up to the appointment, spend some time playing pretend. Re-enact all the things that typically happen at a dental clinic. This includes checking-in at reception, listening for your name to be called in the waiting area, and finally being escorted to the dentist’s chair.

Take turns playing dentist and patient. If you’re acting as the dentist, be sure to interact with your child in a positive and friendly manner. Pretend to lay them down, most likely on your couch, and gently poke around in their mouth with a clean toothbrush or small teaspoon. Compliment your child on their good brushing habits, and remind them nicely that flossing is important too. Then spend a few minutes slowly counting all their teeth.

Avoid making ‘drilling’ noises or pretending to use ‘sharp’ instruments. And don’t forget to switch roles when you’re all done. Let your child take his or her time ‘working’ on your teeth. Playing pretend is an excellent way to familiarize your youngster with the process, so they’ll know what to expect on the big day.

Tip #4: Let the dentist do the explaining

Many dentists are trained to deal with children, so it’s best to let the professionals handle any questions or explanations. Avoid describing the appointment beforehand using words like ‘pain’, ‘needle’ or ‘hurt’. Instead, let your dentist explain what the visit will entail once your child is in the chair.

Dental professionals will be able to speak to your child in a way that is friendly, thoughtful and unintimidating. This is also a chance for the dentist to build a special bond with your child -- that will hopefully continue in the years ahead.

Tip #5: Reward your child for a successful visit

Once the visit is over, don’t forget to acknowledge your child’s good behaviour. Compliment them on the courage and patience they displayed during the appointment. This praise will boost self-confidence and help them realize a trip to the dentist isn’t so bad after all. You could go one step further and provide a reward as well. Cook their favourite meal, treat them to a movie or let them stay up an extra 30 minutes with mom and dad. By offering an incentive, your child’s perspective on going to the dentist will begin to change.

Pickfair Dental is Pickering’s top choice for family dental care. Our team has the expertise to make your little one feel comfortable and right at home. With us, you can trust your child’s teeth are in good hands.

For more information, contact Pickfair Dental at 905-831-7555 or contact us through the quick contact form below:

Life With Invisalign: What to Expect With Invisible Braces

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Let’s face it: When it comes to braces, no one wants to look like a ‘metal mouth’. For years, traditional braces have consisted of wires and clasps. But luckily, they’ve come a long way since then. If the look of braces have been scaring you off from getting them, then clear aligners may be the solution for you.

Although there are many brands of invisible braces out there, the most popular one is Invisalign. These clear aligners are like customized mouth trays that have the ability to adjust your teeth. Because Invisalign is so discreet, it’s the perfect option for those who are worried about the appearance of braces.

Here are some basic facts about Invisalign:

Clear aligners are custom-made from a computer-generated mold

They are completely removable

Changed out roughly every two weeks for a period of six to 18 months, depending on severity of misalignment

When worn regularly, Invisalign can effectively shift the teeth into proper position

If you’re interested in clear aligners, here are some answers to the most-asked questions about living day-to-day with Invisalign.

Will Invisalign get in the way of eating?

The beauty of Invisalign is that you can remove them during mealtimes. Because traditional braces are not removable, food particles can become stuck in the brackets. Simply take out the plastic mouth trays before you eat. Then brush your teeth before putting them back in.

How do I keep my aligners clean?

The best way to keep your aligners clean is to brush and floss after every meal. Otherwise, food and plaque will accumulate in your trays. Because aligners rest so close on your teeth, they can trap bacteria right next to the tooth and gum line. Letting these hazards fester all day can cause severe damage. To prevent this, make sure your teeth are clean before putting your aligners back in.

Will wearing Invisalign all day give me bad breath?

Bad breath is usually caused by an accumulation of bacteria between the teeth, on your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Invisalign will not cause bad breath if you have good hygiene habits. As mentioned earlier, people who wear Invisalign should be brushing after every meal. So you should actually have much fresher breath than if you were just brushing twice a day. If there’s a foul odour coming from your mouth or the actual trays, visit the dentist or re-assess your care routine.

Will Invisalign affect the way I speak?

During your first few days, you could notice a slight change in the way you speak. That’s because your tongue must adjust to this new device in your mouth. Many patients experience a slight lisp during the early stages. But as you become more comfortable wearing Invisalign, any speech impediments will go away.

Can I still kiss?

Yes, clear aligners are very smooth and fit close to the teeth. That’s why you’ll have no problems kissing. In fact, kissing with traditional braces is much harder since the metal brackets tend to stick out. Invisalign will not dislodge while kissing.

Although you may be tempted to take your aligners out, try to keep them in for as many hours as possible. Invisalign should stay in your mouth for 20 to 22 hours a day for best results.

Will I be able to play an instrument?

If you play a brass or woodwind instrument, you’ll find it’s easier to remove your aligners when playing. Just remember to put them back in your mouth immediately after, so you can maximize Invisalign’s benefits.

Can Invisalign double as a sports guard?

No, these clear aligners have no protective qualities. If you play a contact sport, you must wear a separate sports guard. Remove your Invisalign trays and put in your sports guard before getting out on the field. This will also keep your aligners safe from damage. Simply pop them back in once you’re finished playing.

How long will it take to straighten my teeth?

A course of Invisalign treatment for a typical adult will take about 12 months. Although actual time will vary from person to person, many people start to see noticeable results in as little as two to three months. If you have severe issues like overcrowding or a misaligned bite, you may have to stick with Invisalign for longer than 12 months.

Results also depend on how regularly you wear your custom aligners. Someone who is constantly removing them will see slower results than the person who only takes them out for eating or special occasions.

How will I know if I’m right for Invisalign?

The only way to know for sure if you’re a good candidate is to see your dentist. But if you suffer from any of the following, Invisalign may be right for you:

Gaps between teeth

Overcrowding, usually caused by a small mouth

Mild bite problems, such as over/under bite, crossbites and open bites

As you can see, living with Invisalign is much more convenient than you may have thought. Unlike traditional braces, these discreet aligners are completely removable and easier to clean.

If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign, visit our friendly team of dentists at Pickfair Dental. We’re passionate about helping you feel confident in your smile, so allow us to determine if Invisalign is right for you!

For more information about Invisalign, call Pickfair Family Dental at 905-831-7555 or contact us here .

My Tooth Hurts: Do I Need a Root Canal?

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 01:00:00 GMT

A toothache is usually a sign of serious issues with your teeth. Oral pain can be caused by a number of factors including dental decay, inflammation of the pulp, or a cracked tooth. Although there are many ways to treat toothaches, one of the more effective solutions is a root canal.

Also known as endodontics, root canal therapy is the process of removing damaged pulp from the affected tooth. Your tooth consists of several layers. These layers include a hard outer coating called enamel, which is about 1 mm thick. There’s also an inner layer known as dentin, and a soft tissue centre called pulp.

Dental pulp contains the nerve and blood supply, which keeps the tooth healthy. Root canal therapy involves removing the pulp -- essentially killing all feeling in the tooth. This treatment is necessary if the pulp has become infected. The main reasons for infection include dental decay or a cracked tooth that allows bacteria to seep in. If issues aren’t identified early, it may be too late for a root canal. This will ultimately leave a patient with no choice but to have the tooth removed.

A professional dental exam is the only way to know for sure whether you require root canal therapy. In the meantime, however, there are some warning signs that can indicate endodontics is necessary.

1. Severe & persistent pain

A toothache does not always mean you need a root canal. This pain must be considered together with other symptoms. But if the discomfort is severe and persistent, it’s best to book an appointment with your dentist right away. From a dull ache to an intense, stabbing sensation -- there are many different types of pain. Here are some scenarios that can help identify whether endodontics is required:

Pain so severe you can’t sleep at night

Toothache can’t be cured with painkillers

Patient can easily pinpoint which tooth hurts

It’s important to note that it’s normal to experience slight pain after a cleaning . That’s because your dental hygienist is using tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup. What’s not normal though is persistent pain days after the cleaning is over. Even if the pain is tolerable, don’t avoid seeing your dentist. It’s crucial to determine its exact cause, whether a root canal is needed or not.

2. Sudden discolouration

Coffee, wine or tobacco will change the colour of your teeth over time. But if you notice sudden discolouration, particularly in one tooth, you may require endodontics. When a tooth changes colour, this can indicate an infection is spreading. If you allow the bacteria to continue spreading into the gums and jawbone, this can cause severe disease. Never ignore discolouration as its often a sign the tooth’s dental pulp is infected.

3. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold

Intense sensitivity to hot or cold foods could be a sign the tooth’s enamel has worn away. This wear is often caused by grinding the teeth at night -- a condition known as bruxism. This constant grinding may have reduced the enamel so much that the nerves are now exposed. When these nerves are exposed to hot or cold, you’ll feel pain and sensitivity. One of the only ways to treat this symptom is through root canal therapy.

4. You have an abscess

Usually caused by a bacterial infection, an abscess is a collection of pus. It often looks like a pimple and can be extremely painful. If you notice an abscess at the root of your tooth, book an appointment with your dentist right away. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with saltwater three times a day.

Although your dentist may recommend a root canal, he or she may want to see if the abscess subsides with non-surgical treatment. Your dentist will try to carefully drain the bacteria from the pocket, and then prescribe antibiotics to kill any remaining infection. If these solutions don’t work, you may require endodontic surgery.

5. Swollen and tender gums

The affected tooth is not the only place that will experience symptoms. Nearby gums will often be swollen and tender too. You may feel pain when brushing, chewing or simply pressing on the area. Gum issues may be a sign that the infection has spread, and that a root canal is necessary.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Many people get anxious or worried when learning they need a root canal. But in dentistry, this procedure is quite standard. Here’s how your dentist will perform root canal therapy:

Make a small hole: Your dentist will give you local anesthesia to numb the area, and will then make a tiny hole in the affected tooth. This hole will allow access to the infection and nerve supply that are causing so much pain.

Clean out the pulp: Next step is to clean out the pulp chamber, which is the space inside the tooth that contains canals. These canals are essentially tubes where all the nerves, pulp and blood vessels lie. During a root canal, all of the contents are removed. This makes it impossible for the tooth to feel any pain going forward.

Seal the tooth: Once the canals are empty, your dentist must seal them up. The canals are filled with a special substance, and typically the tooth will get a dental crown . This restoration work will help protect your tooth from fractures.

Pickfair Family Dental provides endodontic surgery in a safe and comfortable environment. When performed properly, root canal therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat persistent toothaches. Following the procedure, your tooth may be sensitive for about a week. Although severe pain is not common, book an appointment with your dentist if discomfort persists.

For more information about root canal therapy, call Pickfair Family Dental at 905-831-7555 or contact us here .