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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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The Three Most Common Dental Problems in Canada | Ottawa Dentist

We all try to do our best to keep our smile as healthy as we possibly can, but we aren’t always the most
regimented of soldiers. And because of those slip-ups, we develop dental issues. The problem is, we
aren’t capable of diagnosing these types of issues – that is for the dental professional and why we need
to keep our dental appointments. Because the longer we delay getting treatment, the worse the
condition gets. The following are the most common dental issues Canadians currently have and how to
prevent them from happening:

Oral cancer. According to the Canadian Dental Association, 5,400 Canadians and 1,500 will die from the
affliction. Those are some scary odds. Because oral cancer can develop in the gums, lips, cheeks, tongue,
and roof & floor of the mouth, it can spread to the jaw and lymph nodes. Because regular use of
smoking and alcohol is a common cause, minimizing these bad habits will help, especially when you get
regular checkups.

Gum disease. Another very common dental issue is gum disease, something that affects 7 of every 10
Canadians within their lifetime. Gum disease generally develops from poor dental hygiene practices.
When you ignore your smile, you develop plaque which is where gingivitis occurs, and eventually leading
to tooth loss. Avoid this by brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing and keeping your dental
cleaning visits.

Tooth decay. When it comes to the little ones, cavities are the most common dental issue. Bacteria is
formed and its acid eats away at your teeth, making the holes we know as cavities. Poor dental hygiene,
and copious amounts of sweets and carbohydrates are the main cause of this malady, so make sure to
look after your 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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Your Asthma May Be Giving You Dental Issues | Ottawa Dentist

Do you suffer from asthma? Don’t worry – this isn’t a judgement. Asthma is very common. It’s so common that roughly 339 million people worldwide suffer from this inflammatory disease that narrows and inflames your airways to the point that it is difficult to breath. But did you know that asthma can also lead to future dental problems? It’s true. And this is why you need to pay extra special attention to your dental health if you suffer from this affliction. Patients with asthma can experience a number of triggers, from weather conditions to airborne irritants like pollen and pet dander. When it causes issues breathing, it is likely you will use an inhaler. These inhalers are repressing salivary glands and limiting saliva production, causing you to experience dry mouth. Dry mouth allows for damaging bacteria to remain in our mouths and cause damage, like plaque build-up – and plaque is the beginning stages of bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. Don’t worry – asthma isn’t the end of your great smile. But it is the beginning of an improvement to your daily dental hygiene routine. After you use your inhaler, rinse your mouth out with water. Not only will you kickstart saliva production, but you will rinse away any sugar your inhaler may be sweetened with to make it easier to use. In fact, drinking enough water and snacking on fruits like apples are great for increasing saliva production and reducing dry mouth. But above all else, keep up with your dental hygiene. Brush for two minutes, floss and rinse with fluoride mouthwash daily, but most importantly, keep your dental appointments. They are the only ones that can ensure you’re doing a good job. If you would like more information about the effects of asthma, 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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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.

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Long in the Tooth Isn’t Just a Saying | Ottawa Dentist

Have you ever heard of the saying, you’re getting “long in the tooth”? While it doesn’t sound like a very nice thing to say to someone getting older, there is a lot of truth to it. As we hit our forties, our gums will naturally begin to recede. And depending on how well you take care of your smile, this may become an issue. Not only do receding gums look unattractive, but there are plenty of health issues that can arise if left untreated. Since knowledge is the key to prevention, let’s take a look at the main reasons your gums may be receding:

Gum disease. The main reason you may begin to develop gum recession is due to gum disease. If proper dental hygiene isn’t practiced, bacteria will invade the gumline and attack the connective tissues, causing your gums to bleed, become swollen and detach from your tooth. Unfortunately, only your dentist can diagnose this so keeping your appointments is actually really necessary.

Poor dental hygiene. This may sound redundant, but this isn’t the same point. Not only is daily dental hygiene important, but the techniques you use are important as well. If you think brushing aggressively is getting your teeth cleaner, you are incorrect. In fact, it’s the opposite. Treat your mouth with kindness. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, hold it at a 45-degree angle and brush your teeth in a circular motion, making sure to get all areas in your mouth.

No one wants to have trouble with their teeth but a lot of the dental problems we face are our own doing. Take care of your teeth and they’ll take care of you.

If you would like more information about receding gums, 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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MythBusters: Dental Health Edition | Ottawa Dentist

Are you someone that believes in myths? Do you believe them in all aspects in your life? Sometimes myths are fun and whimsical, but sometimes they can become an issue, especially when it comes to your health. Let’s take a look at some of the more common dental myths. What you believe may be doing more harm than good…

Sugar is responsible for tooth decay. While sugar certainly plays a huge role, it’s not exactly the only suspect. Acids produced by the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouth are to blame for plaque buildup that can lead to tooth decay.

White teeth are healthy. The natural color of the teeth varies from person to person and there are those with perfectly healthy teeth, but at the same time, theirs may be darker than those whose teeth aren’t as healthy.

Milk teeth don’t matter. While it’s true that they do eventually fall out, the state of milk teeth can predict their oral health later on in their life.

Bleaching is bad. In years past, bleaching was dangerous but these days, the materials used are pH neutral and are safe for the teeth.

Pregnant women can ignore bloody gums. Hormonal changes can cause bleeding gums but check with your dentist to be sure.

Flossing and rinsing are not important. Flossing is a necessary extra step to prevent the build-up of bacteria on the teeth, mainly in the areas where brushing alone can’t reach. The same goes for rinsing.

Bad breath means gum disease. While it is possible that bad breath may indicate that you have gum disease, it could be a sign of other health complications.

If you would like more information about dental myths, 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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You Can Run, but You Can’t Hide | Ottawa Dentist

If you’re like most of us, before your teeth cleaning is time for a college cram session worth of dental hygiene. While cavities and plaque build-up may be what’s on your mind before a teeth cleaning, your dentist is looking for a whole lot more. Often, diseases will first be identified by the dentist during a regular examination. And unfortunately, can discover all of your bad habits. So, when coming up with “proof” you’re taking care of your teeth, think again…

Poor flossing habits. Sorry, but you can’t fool your dentist into thinking you floss daily by doing so the night before or morning of your visit.

Pregnancy. Nearly 40% of women will develop gingivitis during their pregnancy because of the changes in hormones. Some women will develop a deep red lump on their gums, but it’s completely benign and will go away after the pregnancy is over.

Thumb sucking. Children that suck their thumbs past the age of seven or eight may show significant changes to their bite or the position of their teeth.

Bad breath. Dentists are trained to identify different smells in breath as various scents can mean various health issues that may not have been diagnosed.

Eating disorders. Bulimia exhibits a very distinct pattern of tooth wear. Acid reflux and the use of antidepressants or mood-elevating drugs reduce the amount of saliva, also causing acid damage.

Oral cancer detection. Oral cancer symptoms: unexplained bleeding, white, red, or speckled patches, a change in the way your teeth fit together, swellings, thickenings, lumps or bumps or eroded areas on the mouth.

Soda & energy drinks. Teeth can be softened by sodas and other sugary beverages, making teeth more susceptible to chipping. Energy drinks are more acidic than soft drinks, causing even more damage to tooth enamel.

If you would like more information about dental examinations, 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.