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Let’s Celebrate World Oral Health Day! | Ottawa Dentist

We all know that our health is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, many of us don’t link oral health to general health, even though it’s DIRECTLY linked to our overall health. We breathe with our mouths, eat and drink with our mouths, if there is a way for a germ to get into our system, it’s likely through our mouth. And this is why it is so important to keep up with our oral hygiene.

According to the FDI World Dental Association, oral diseases affect nearly 4 billion people around the globe, including gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss. About 30% of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have no natural teeth.

What better way to celebrate World Oral Health Day than to take stock of our dental health practices? You may think your dental professional holds the keys to your optimal dental health, but it is our duty to keep up with our dental hygiene in between dental appointments. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Brush regularly. You may brush your teeth daily, but it needs to last at least two minutes.

Flossing. Flossing your teeth on a regular basis is ideal to get food and debris in areas a toothbrush can’t reach.

Rinse with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash daily loosens leftover food debris and plaque, just make sure it is ADA approved.

Lose the tobacco. Avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco, as these types of products contribute to gum disease.

Get healthy. Keeping up a healthy diet will provide the nutrients that are necessary to prevent gum disease.

Visit the dentist. Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups, teeth cleanings, and other dental procedures needed to keep your mouth healthy.

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.

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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.

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Wrapping Up the Year with a Healthy Smile | Ottawa Dentist

As we wrap up 2021 and prepare for 2022, many of us take stock and set goals for the upcoming year. For some, it’s health while others try to work on lifestyle changes. All are great ideas, but one resolution seems to miss us is our dental health. Sure, many of us link health to nutrition, but the health of our smile plays an even more important role in our overall health. Think about it, many germs and viruses are often ingested via our mouth. If we take care of our smile, chances are good health will follow.

So, how do we keep our mouths healthy? Proper dental hygiene. It’s a new year – visit your dentist for a checkup. If you have an issues on the horizon, you can make specific changes to your typical dental routine. If you’ve passed your checkup with flying colors, then you can rest assured that you’re doing a great job.

For those that need a refresher course on proper dental hygiene, here’s a quick rundown:

  • Brush for at least two minutes.
  • Floss to remove food from hard-to-reach places.
  • Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.
  • Keep your dental appointments.

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.

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Dental Tips for the Baby Ones | Ottawa Dentist

When becoming a new parent, there are loads of resources available to help guide you through every step of the way. But one area that tends to be overlooked, by even the most attentive parent, is dental care. If the baby doesn’t have teeth, why would this even be a concern, right? Wrong. Just because your tiny human doesn’t have teeth, doesn’t mean their mouth should be ignored. The more pristine the conditions are when teeth do decide to make their appearance, the healthier they will be.

In order to stay on top of your baby’s future smile, here are some tips to keep in mind as their teeth prepare to come in:

Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when sweet liquids, like juices or formula, linger around in your child’s mouth. When you put your child down for a nap with a bottle of formula, or dip a pacifier in some sugary syrup, bad bacteria indulge in the sugars they crave. This causes teeth to decay and become more prone to infection as they continue to come in. Water is a better option during sleeping hours.

But they’re going to fall out – does it matter if they fall out prematurely? Losing teeth too early can cause issues with speaking, eating or other dental issues going forward. We need to look after all of our teeth, regardless of when they show up.

As for a dental routine – if your child doesn’t have teeth yet, make sure to wipe down their gums with a cloth after they eat or drink anything. As teeth begin to come in, brush them without toothpaste. As they continue to grow, make their first dental appointment. You dentist will be able to offer any recommendations you will need going forward.

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.

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International Moment of Laughter Day | Ottawa Dentist

Every year on April 14th, the world gets together to share a good laugh. Created in 1997 by Izzy Gesell, International Moment of Laughter Day was put into place to remind people that laughter is the best medicine. He said, “Laughter comes right after breathing as just about the healthiest thing you can do. It relieves stress, instills optimism, raises self-confidence, defuses resistance to change, and enhances all your relationships.”

To celebrate this incredibly positive day, we present you with a quick checklist of rules to keeping your smile bright and shiny enough to show off:

  • Brush twice a day for at least two minutes each session
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Rinse with fluoride mouthwash to loosen stuck debris
  • Limit daily snacks, and opt for healthier ones that those full of sugar
  • Visit the dentist every 3-6 months for regular checkups and cleanings

When brushing your teeth, time alone isn’t the only factor – you need to make sure that every surface is brushed and cleaned as thoroughly as possible for optimum dental health. And brush all of your teeth, not just the ones people can see. Use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to your gums, back teeth and all areas around dental work to give yourself the best cleaning.

Flossing is one of those things everyone pretends they do, but rarely do. When it comes to flossing, follow the following technique:

Start with about 18 inches of floss, hold it between your thumbs and index fingers, then gently slide it in between the gaps of your teeth. Slowly move the floss back-and-forth to bring it away from your teeth without causing any harm. Your dental appointments are going to be a breeze!

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.