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Quit Smoking for Your Smile | Ottawa Dentist

We all know that smoking is bad for our health. It causes various cancers, heart conditions and other maladies. After all, our mouths are the first line of defense to our overall health. When we smoke, we are breaking down our immune systems, and that is how we are susceptible to other health issues – because our immune system is compromised. And we know that smoking will begin to cause our teeth to yellow, but there’s more to it than a dingy smile. Using tobacco products can cause other dental issues. Not only will it break down your immune system, but it also kills the good bacteria in your mouth, allowing the disease-causing bacteria to invade, take hold and flourish. In honor of World No Tobacco Day, lets take a look at how the use of tobacco products are hurting your smile. Tobacco products damage your gums by affecting the way your teeth are attached to the bone and soft tissue. When this happens, your gums will begin to recede, giving bacteria access to the tooth’s roots. If left untreated, you will begin to lose your teeth. Gum disease will affect most adults at some point in their lives. If you’re a smoker, you are raising those doubling those stakes than that of a non-smoker. And because smoking causes your blood vessels to shrink, it will also be more difficult to heal the gum disease you have developed over time. We know it is difficult, but smoking is one habit that has so many adverse effects, it is important that you make an effort to quit. So, celebrate World No Smoking Day by cutting tobacco out of your life. Your smile will thank you. If you would like more information about quitting smoking, 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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Keeping Your Routines Is Important | Ottawa Dentist

If there is anything that we know at this time, it’s that we don’t know very much. Our daily lives are changing every day, but there is one thing that remains clear – to remain healthy, keep your hands clean. The second rule? Don’t touch your face. The thing to remember here is that germs love to invade our bodies through our mouths, so keeping our mouths clean and healthy is very important right now. When you think about how much time you spend on your teeth, it is important that you don’t take things lightly. Brushing your teeth roughly for a few seconds each day isn’t properly taking care of your teeth. Choose a soft bristled toothbrush and gently brush your teeth in a circular motion for two minutes, making sure to take time in each quadrant of your mouth (tops and bottoms, left and right sides). Flossing is a step many of use think of as a chore, but it is doing the extra steps to ensure nothing is allowed to set up camp inside our mouths. Choose your own variation, but make sure you floss at least once a day to get in between our teeth the way brushing can’t. The more places bacteria have to set up camp inside your mouth, the easier dental issues will arise later on down the line. Rinsing with mouthwash is a thirty second journey that will disinfect our mouths the way brushing and flossing can’t. Using it beforehand to loosen things before you brush is an option, and a rinse afterwards will add a nice finish to what a great job keeping our mouth clean. Prevention is the best way to keep ourselves healthy, and our dental health is on the frontlines of the health of our whole body. 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.
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‘Tis the Season for Dental Health | Ottawa Dentist

While we are preparing to celebrate our holidays, it is easy for us to put off some of our “less important” routines to make room for all of the social events filling up our holiday calendar. Unfortunately, one of the first routines to go is our dental ones. But with all the holiday sweets and treats everywhere we look it is even more important to keep our teeth healthy. After all, what is a holiday party without some photos? Dental health is something that needs to be maintained year-round. Not only does it affect your smile, but lots of health issues can be prevented by keeping our mouths healthy because our mouths are the first line of defense for many health issues. During this holiday season, keep these dental tips in mind: Daily dental routines. Each day make sure you take some time out to give our teeth a good scrubbing. Brush twice a day for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss at least once a day and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. If you have little ones, it’s important to start these routines early in order to instill good health habits, so make it a family affair. Moderation is key. Far be it for us to tell you what to eat, but it is important to think about how much you are enjoying during the holiday season. We all seem to gain a bit of weight during this celebratory time, but too much can have an adverse effect on our smiles if we don’t watch how many sweets we consume. So, enjoy the holiday season – just don’t forget about the health of your smile. If you would like more information about holiday dental tips, 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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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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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.

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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.

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The ABCs of Tooth Sensitivity | Ottawa Dentist

As we progress into these chillier autumn months, our clothes begin to multiply, and our diet begins to change from ice cold drinks to piping hot beverages. For those that aren’t exactly fans of the heat, it is a welcomed season. For those that have trouble drinking those pumpkin spice lattes to warm us on these brisk months, this is a tough adjustment period.

There are some things you can do to prevent your teeth from becoming sensitive to your favorite autumn treats. Taking proactive measures will not only decrease your chances of developing tooth sensitivity, but will also maintain your mouth’s overall good health:

Avoid acids. One of the easiest ways to keep your smile is to improve your diet. Instead of junk foods and acidic drinks like sodas, try eating more fruits and dairy as snacks. They will naturally scour stains from your teeth while producing saliva to wash any sugars left away.

Be gentle. One of the main reasons your tooth enamel may be thinning is due to your brushing. Brushing harder doesn’t clean your teeth better. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. For best results, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and hold it at a 45-degree angle while you brush gently in a circular motion.

Cool it on bleaching. We all want bright, Hollywood smiles, but overbleaching will begin to have an adverse effect on your teeth as it begins to wear down your enamel, exposing the discolored layers hiding beneath.

Don’t grind your teeth. Believe it or not, if you find that you are clenching your teeth or waking with headaches, see a dentist. Clenching your teeth will wear enamel, so you may need a mouth guard.

If you would like more information about tooth sensitivity, 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.

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Your Jaw Pain May Be Serious | Ottawa Dentist

Have you noticed that you’ve begun to develop jaw pain? Does it tend to happen when you wake up? If this sounds familiar, it’s time to pay your Ottawa dentist a visit – you may have developed TMJ disorder.

For a quick overview, TMJ is another word for the joint that connects your jaw to your skull by your ear. With this temporal joint, we are able to talk, chew and yawn. TMJ disorder affects millions of adults and children in the United States today. There are a multitude of remedies and treatments an individual has available for them to try. In order to get a full diagnosis of what’s going on, dental professionals suggest patients undergo a full comprehensive examination.

What can you expect? The evaluation is conducted by reviewing the patient’s medical history, as well as a detailed clinical exam to include jaw movement, skeletal structure and posture, airway and dental health, as well as cranial and neurological examination and muscle palpitations.

Nerves, tendons, ligaments, and muscles are all interconnected with TMJ. That being said, when any one of those pieces malfunction, the system that usually works in harmony is thrown off balance, causing more TMJ symptoms such as pain, or loss of functionality in certain areas.

Because there is such an importance placed on this area, the examination focuses on a comprehensive evaluation for diagnosis and non-invasive treatment therapies. The best way to be sure your jaw pain isn’t something serious is by getting a dental professional to diagnose possible TMJ problems, direct non-surgical treatment, and monitor treatment progress.

If you would like more information about TMJ issues, 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.