Frequently Asked Questions

The brand of toothbrush is not as important as the type of bristle and size head of the brush. We recommend the use of a soft bristle that will not damage your gums and a small head so you can get to all the areas of your mouth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue! We recommend that you replace your toothbrush at least every other month. More on Dental Hygiene.

It is recommended that you brush in the morning, after every meal, and before bed. If you can’t brush that often, then the minimum requirement is at least twice daily. More on Dental Hygiene.

There are many people that are well into adulthood and still have their wisdom teeth. However, your dentist, through x-rays and examination of your teeth can usually advise you of any potential problems he/she sees with the growing in of these teeth. More on Wisdom Teeth Removal.

No need to be afraid. New technology for dentistry is coming out all the time. Search for a dentist who uses the new air abrasive technology which replaces the drill for tooth decay. It is quick, silent and does not cause heat or vibration so in most cases you do not need anesthetic. More on Dental Concerns.

Please do not do it! Tongue piercings can cause a lot of swelling which can cause difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Speech, eating and drinking can be impaired, as well as scratching and chipping of teeth from the barbell. More on Dental Issues.

We have several different options for teeth whitening that can be done in our office or in the privacy of your own home. Speak to one of our dentists to find the solution that works best for you. More on Teeth Whitening.

Both bridges and crowns are used in restorative dentistry and give your mouth a beautiful smile and add stability to surrounding teeth. A crown is used to replace one missing tooth where a bridge is used to replace several missing teeth. More on Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges.

Everyone has bad breath from time to time especially in the morning. Many of us may not know we have it. Bad breath can be caused by many different things. Certain foods, tobacco products, dieting, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, improperly fitted crowns or bridges, certain medical condition and medications just to name a few. Keep track of what you eat and the medicines you are taking and discuss them with your dentist and he/she can help you with your concerns. More on Dental Hygiene.

We recommend that you visit your dentist at least twice a year as long as your mouth is in good overall health. We will recommend more regular visits if there are other issues that need to be dealt with and require further attention. More on Preventative Care.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean in between the teeth and below the gum line. Flossing disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth and bone. A brush alone can’t do that. More on Dental Hygiene.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are shaped to cover the fronts of teeth to hide stains, discolouration, cracked or chipped teeth, or oddly shaped or crooked teeth. Porcelain does not stain and are very durable. More on Teeth Veneers.

We can get rid of spaces between teeth with porcelain laminates or bonding. Crowns may also be used to fix more severe gaps, as well as orthodontics. More on Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics.

OHIP does not cover cosmetic dental procedures, unless they were from an accident. Some private plans may cover a portion of cosmetic procedures but most do not. It is best that you check with your insurance company before your procedure so you are not surprised by any incurred expenses. More on Cosmetic Dentistry.

With proper care, porcelain veneers can last a lifetime. They are however, subject to breakage just like your regular teeth. More on Porcelain Veneers.

Gum disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. Gum disease accounts for about 70 % of adult tooth loss. More on Gum Disease.

Each tooth in your mouth has one to four root canals or nerves and when they become infected with gum disease or your tooth has decay or is cracked, the nerve can become exposed and your get pain when chewing, biting down or drinking hot or cold fluids. More on Root Canals.

Good oral hygiene is the key to preventing cavities and tooth decay. Brushing at least twice daily, also brushing your tongue and regular flossing. Also, don’t forget the use of an oral rinse, and regular checkups with your dentist. More on Dental Hygiene.

A properly fitted mouth guard is the most important piece of protective equipment you can wear. It will protect your mouth and smile and prevent broken teeth, and injuries to the lip, tongue, face or jaw. More on Mouthguard Use.

Most people that grind their teeth at night are unaware of what they are doing. However, your dentist can see tell tale signs. Your teeth may be worn down, become shorter and more yellow, and have a tendency to chip. You may wake up with a sore jaw and your teeth may be sensitive. If you think any of these signs may be because of teeth grinding, share your concerns with your dentist. More on Teeth Grinding.

Sensitive teeth can be caused by many factors: fractured or chipped teeth, injuries from grinding or clenching, receding gums from gum disease or improper brushing. Things that will help will be a soft bristle brush, sensitive designed tooth paste and the use of an oral rinse. If your sensitive teeth give you constant pain then you should discuss this with your dentist. More on Tooth Issues.