Posted on

Do You Have Tooth Decay? | Ottawa Dentist

Let’s face it – it is easy to maintain a healthy smile if we follow a few basic rules regarding dental hygiene. If you treat your teeth well, they’ll repay you by shining bright and strong. Unfortunately, many don’t follow the rules and your smile is affected. Tooth decay is something that happens when you eat sugary foods and neglect the daily dental duties. And if neglected long enough, bacteria eventually cause cavities to develop.

A cavity can appear on your teeth with no signs or symptoms, so it’s essential to see your dentist regularly to check on your oral health and catch tooth decay in the earliest stages. Pay attention to these warning signs your teeth may be decaying:

  • Toothache or pain when biting
  • Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods
  • Brown, black, yellow, or white spots on the tooth
  • Bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Gum swelling

If you find that you do have rotting teeth, there are various ways to remedy the situation. A filling can fix a simple cavity. If it reaches the pulp, you will likely need a root canal. Things progress from there, from crowns to implants or even dentures if the situation calls for it.

When a situation is bad enough that an infection develops, schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. It can develop into sepsis, which can damage tissues, fail organs or even kill you. The earlier you treat tooth decay, the better chances you can save your tooth.

Your smile is more important than making you look friendly. It also helps your entire body function. So, practice good dental hygiene, see your dentist regularly for checkups, maintain a healthy diet.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

Posted on

Do You Take Milk in Your Tea? | Ottawa Dentist

There are loads of reasons to enjoy a cup of tea. To warm (or cool) your insides, to gather with friends, to even get a good night’s sleep. No matter your reason, tea has become a favorite for people around the world. The problem is one similar to other dark drinks – they can stain your teeth over time. But it still doesn’t matter – tea is going to be a staple in everyone’s lives. So, to celebrate International Tea Day, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of our beloved leafy beverages…

First, let’s take a look at the pros: Black and green tea contain fluoride, which we all know helps ward off tooth decay while preventing cavities by controlling bacteria and reducing acid in your mouth. After all, saliva production is key to washing bacteria from inside our mouths. In fact, when making tea, use tap water for an extra fluoride boost!

Tea also contains polyphenols, which are micronutrients from plant-based foods that reduce gum inflammation and disease. Polyphenols are killing bacteria, while combatting bad breath better than a mint. If that’s not enough, tea is great for our overall health as it’s antioxidant-rich option that can even help slow the growth of certain kinds of cancer, including oral cancer.

And while this healthy drink can tinge our teeth, it isn’t a permanent feature. After your cuppa, why not give your teeth a quick brush? Not only will a teeth-whitening session improve your smile, but daily dental hygiene is the best way to slow down the staining process.

Do keep in mind that sugar and acidic add-ins can erode your teeth and make you more prone to cavities. So, try to limit the lemon, sugar and honey.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

Posted on

New Year, New Dental Hygiene Habits | Ottawa Dentist

Now that we have begun 2022, it is important to know that change is afoot for many of us. We all have some goals set for the new year, and many of them have to do with health. Unfortunately, many of us forget about our dental health when making these changes. But it’s true – dental health should be a top priority because our general health is directly linked to our dental one. And the first step? A clean toothbrush. 

The best way to limit the bacteria in your mouth is to brush your teeth. And what do we use to do this? A toothbrush. But if you’re neglecting your toothbrush, it begins to neglect you. The best way to keep those cavity creeps away is to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. In fact, we need to swap out our toothbrushes every three to four months. If the bristles become frayed, you’re sick, or you have a weak immune system, it’s time to exchange our toothbrush. If you use an electric toothbrush, throw out the head as often as you’d discard a disposable toothbrush. 

As for habits, start and close each day with a clean mouth. Because every time you’re tempted to skip brushing and flossing your teeth, remember that bacteria lurk in your mouth – and that they cause gum disease, and decay, and bad breath. Make sure you’re brushing and flossing as often as possible to eliminate some of those bacteria. Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash before or after brushing can also help reduce plaque-causing bacteria that can lead to early forms of gum disease. It’s a new year – why not start with a healthy smile? 

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

Posted on

Brighten Your Smile in the Garden | Ottawa Dentist

We are all on the search for the next great invention to improve ourselves. Sometimes it’s a fad diet, sometimes it’s a new fashion trend, but whatever it is, the goal is to become more attractive to the world around us. And because our smile is the first thing most people notice, finding ways to brighten that smile is definitely one of the main focuses. We visit the dentist for whitening treatments, we buy all of the latest over-the-counter products we can find, but still our smiles continue to stain.

Unfortunately, this is natural for everyone. Many times, our personal choices are leading to these dingy grins. Smoking, drinking dark-colored drinks like coffee or wine all lead to our teeth staining over time, even those carbonated energy drinks aren’t helping the issue as they break down tooth enamel, making way for a yellowish dentin to shine through.

So, what can we do to fix this issue? Proper dental hygiene, visits to the dentist and cutting back on bad habits will all help, but there is also an option you may not have known, a more natural option – visit the produce section.

Ever notice broccoli looks a lot like a toothbrush? When you eat it, these tiny iron-clad veggies give your mouth a quick scrub. Celery is filled with water, which not only gives the bacteria in your mouth a quick rinse, but the strings are very…floss-like. Strawberries have malic acid, which can break down tooth stains and rubbing a banana peel across your teeth can give them a quick polish in a pinch. Mother Nature is pretty awesome, right?

If you would like more information about dental hygiene, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com.

Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

Posted on

Take Care of Those Baby Teeth | Ottawa Dentist

February is known as National Children’s Dental Health Month and this year’s theme is “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile”. Now, when we think about our little human’s teeth, we hardly think there is any reason to fret about them. But taking care of them now will also ensure the next set will come in healthy. As we settle into the second month of 2019, let’s focus in on the tiny smiles in our family and make sure they have the best year as well…

Fruits and veggies. The good thing about fruits and vegetables is that not only are they good for our bodies, but they are crunchy and full of water, two things that are ideal for a healthy smile. Saliva production helps to cleanse our mouths of cavity-causing bacteria naturally.

Stay away from the 3 S’s. There are three culprits in our dental health we should be aware of – sugars, starches and sticky foods. These three options for foods are always going to be a bad idea for your smile because not only does the sugar cause cavities, but sticky foods can cause these sugars to grab hold of your teeth. If you eat these foods, make sure to brush or rinse afterwards.

Daily dental care. We all know dental hygiene is necessary on a daily basis, regardless of the age. So, teach good dental habits early in order to ensure a lifetime of health smiles. Visiting the dentist early will also help to teach your little one that there is nothing to fear. It’s a family affair.

If you would like more information about National Children’s Dental Health Month, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com.

Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

Posted on

Protect Your Teeth with Wine? | Ottawa Dentist

Here we are – a brand-new year and a chance to start over. We have our resolutions in place and have begun this year healthier and stronger than previous years. If a diet is on your list of self-improvements for 2019, you are upset that drinking is no longer on the table for you. But what if we told you that red wine can help improve your smile? Would it make you reconsider? Well, good news – it’s true. A recent study conducted by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has proven that drinking red wine can protect your smile and here is why:

Researchers in Spain have discovered that red wine has a micronutrient called polyphenol in it that reduces the ability for bacteria to settle into your teeth and gums, causing plaque, cavities and gum disease.

Before you decide on plans to build a wine cellar in your home, please realize that there are still downfalls to drinking red wine. Red wine will cause your teeth to stain and this is a well-known fact. Not only that, but it is also an acidic beverage, so overconsumption can lead to the erosion of your teeth’s enamel. Enjoy your wine in moderation and with a meal to ensure that the least amount of damage can be inflicted upon your teeth while giving them that protective micronutrient at the same time.

Start the year off on the right foot. And if that means enjoying your red wine, just make sure to practice regular dental hygiene in order keep that smile bright the all year ‘round.

If you would like more information about the effects of wine, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com.

Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

Posted on

Care for a Mint? | Ottawa Dentist

As we prepare to attend all of the holiday events of the season, we are sure to look our best. After all, social gatherings are made for taking photos and catching up with friends and relatives. But are you making sure your breath is also party-friendly? Bad breath can not only affect your social status but can cause other dental issues as well. So, how can we prevent it from happening?

Bad breath is commonly caused by our diet – those onions and garlic dishes can turn any mouth into a smelly cavern, but bacteria is the main issue we should be aware of when it comes to bad breath detection. Removing the bacteria from your mouth is essential to keeping bad breath at bay and maintain good health overall.

If you find that you have been a victim of dragon breath, you can rectify the situation with proper dental hygiene. When brushing, make it a point to brush your tongue as well as every tooth, because it is possible for bacteria to get inside the gums and cause gum infections, gum disease and even tooth loss. If you aren’t sure you are doing a good job, your dentist will be able to direct you in the right direction when you show up for your regular checkups. So, if you want clean fresh breath and a healthy smile, make sure you take care of your teeth. It is necessary to always brush and floss as often as possible throughout the day. If a toothbrush isn’t readily available, pop in a stick of sugar-free gum until one is available.

If you would like more information about bad breath, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com.

Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

Posted on

Oral Cancer: Signs and Symptoms | Ottawa Dentist

When we hear the “C-word”, we are always sent into a state of shock. Because there are so many factors that can contribute to developing oral cancer, so knowing some of the signs and symptoms you should keep an eye out for can help to diagnose the problem quickly and find some type of treatment. If you find that you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dental professional to get a proper examination.

Lumps and lesions. If you notice red or white sores on or inside your mouth, it’s important to see a dentist as they will have difficulty healing, making it a perfect bed for bacteria, etc. Finding lumps or swollen areas in your throat or cheeks can cause painful issues closing your mouth.

Dysphagia. Dysphagia, or problems swallowing, will not only cause problems breathing but can also cause you to contract infection. If you feel a lump in your throat, or you find you are losing weight because of issues swallowing, make an appointment.

Numbness. Any numbness in the mouth or chin is cause for concern, so if you find this is a new constant, it’s time for an examination.

Tooth loss. If you find that you have loose teeth for no apparent reason, you may be developing early signs of oral cancer. Tooth decay and gum disease are signs you may be subject to oral cancer in the future, so see a dentist asap.

Bad breath. There are many reasons you have bad breath. If you find that it is a chronic problem, seek advice from your dental professional.

If you would like more information about oral cancer, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com.

Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.