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Halloween Dental Tips | Ottawa Dentist

As we swiftly approach the spookiest holiday of the year, we are reminded that there is about to be an onslaught of sugar about to hit your healthy smile. Yes, Halloween is one holiday that is not only about scary monsters, but lots and lots of sweets. In order to protect our smiles, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene while we celebrate with all of your little ghosts and goblins. When it comes to eating candy, not all are created equal. Do your best to avoid sour candies, the acidity really damages tooth enamel. Candies that are sticky are also not the best choices, especially if you have dental appliances like braces or dentures. The best options will always be the chocolate ones – not only is dark chocolate good for you, but chocolate melts easily and doesn’t stick to your teeth as much as chewy candies. After you celebrate the season with some scrumptious sweets, take the time to look after your smile. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, be sure to rinse the excess of sugar left on your teeth off with a bit of water. If you do have one, give your teeth a quick brushing. Leaving sugar to sit on your teeth for long periods of time will likely cause damage to your smile over time. Having good oral hygiene habits will keep your smile healthy and bright, making your dental appointments a breeze. Halloween is a great time of year and should be celebrated to the fullest. Just make sure you do everything in moderation and practice healthy dental habits.
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The ABCs of Dental Fillings | Ottawa Dentist

We all try to do our best to maintain a bright, healthy smile. But there are times when life steps in and accidents happen. Whether it be because of poor dental hygiene or one of life’s little tricks, dental issues should not be ignored. In fact, the sooner you get it taken care of, the better. Depending on the nature of your toothache, you may be presented with getting a filling as a treatment option. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth-colored or white fillings, it is a great option to restore your smile in a very natural-looking way. Now, keep in mind that while they do remedy the situation, fillings are not created to become a permanent fixture in your mouth. Replacement is likely, but it won’t be for quite a while due to their durability. So, what constitutes the need for a dental filling? If you have any of these issues with your tooth, or teeth, chances are you will need a composite filling or two:
  • Chipped
  • Gapped
  • Cracked or broken
  • Decayed
  • Worn
Another great advantage is that composite fillings are done in a day. Your tooth is numbed, decay is removed, the space is cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished. Keep in mind, it is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, but it will subside as your tooth acclimates to the new filling. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings. If you would like more information about fillings, 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.
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Would You Like Some Cheese with Your Wine? | Ottawa Dentist

This time of year is always filled with fun evenings spent with close family and friends. And what better way to celebrate these gatherings than with some chilled wine and a fantastic cheese plate? Not only does they go hand in hand, but certain varieties can actually improve your smile. It’s true! So, in honor of National Wine and Cheese Day, let’s take a look at how these delicious pairings are great for your grin…

You may not immediately think of wine when you are looking for ways to enhance your smile. In fact, wine would be one of the last things you think of due to the staining red wine causes, but research published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has shown that red wine and wine with grape seed extract can prevent cavities. Why? Because it slows the growth of bacteria, which is how we develop cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. Keep in mind that red wine will cause your teeth to become dingy over time, so make sure to keep up your dental hygiene routines to keep those stains at bay.

When it comes to cheese, the benefits to our teeth are plentiful. Not only is it made with calcium, which is ideal to strengthen your teeth, but keeps cavities away at the same time. When we eat, we lower the pH levels in our mouths, becoming more acidic. Cheese helps to maintain an acidic level that is safe for teeth. Is one cheese better than the other? The best options are aged cheddar, Swiss, blue, Monterey Jack, brie, Gouda, and processed American cheese.

If you would like more information about the effects of wine and cheese on your teeth, 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.