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The Effects of Autumn on Sensitive Teeth | Ottawa Dentist

Here we are – preparing ourselves for another autumn season. We swap out popsicles and lemonade for pumpkin bread and hot cocoa. For most of us, this is a welcomed treat as the weather begins to cool down. For others, this is a painful time of year for our mouths because of one reason – sensitive teeth. If you notice a painful zing in your mouth when you eat or drink anything cold or hot, you likely have sensitive teeth.

There are many reasons one could have teeth sensitivity, but it’s generally wear and tear that causes your gums to pull back, making your teeth sensitive. Tooth decay, gingivitis, and plaque buildup are various dental issues that make consuming hot or cold foods difficult. It isn’t what about the choice that you need to worry about – enjoy your favorite autumnal treats. It is the change of temperature in your choices that makes your teeth react.

Damaged teeth or worn teeth due to teeth grinding are also ways teeth can become sensitive. The sooner you fix these issues, the less likely there will be more damage caused because of the neglect. Use a mouth guard while you sleep to keep your teeth from wearing down. If you use teeth whitening products often, the chemicals can begin to wear down the tooth enamel. Acidic foods, like citrus fruit, can also contribute to wear and tear on tooth enamel. The key is to keep everything in moderation.

Wear and tear on your teeth are something not to be taken lightly. If you feel you have sensitive teeth, consult a dental professional for helpful tips so you can enjoy the warm and tasty treats this season has to offer.

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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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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Let Your Smile Enjoy the Day | Ottawa Dentist

It’s springtime – the sun is finally breaking through the winter clouds and shining lots of vitamin D love down on us! Have you gone out and enjoyed the day? You really should. Not only does getting some exercise improve your overall health, but it can also improve your dental health as well.

We all know that it’s important to keep fit in order to maintain a healthy life and body. So, we take ourselves to the gym or the great outdoors in order to get some type of workout done. And this is great – regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, hypertension and many other health conditions. But Dentistry News published a study done by Case Western Reserve University that shows it also reduces the risk of periodontitis.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory gum condition that not only causes tooth loss but afflicts one-third of our population. And in this study, the individuals who maintained a healthy lifestyle reduced their risk by 40%. Quite the decrease made simply by subtle changes in their lifestyles. Regular exercise and a healthy diet aren’t the only ways to prevent gum disease – those who were non-smokers increased their chances of prevention even higher.

When considering how much exercise is required, it really depends on you. This case study suggested five or more moderate activities or three intensive activities a week was the minimum. What you choose to do is entirely up to you, so enjoy yourself.

It could beg to say that if you have a healthy lifestyle, you take the time to care for all aspects of yourself, including your dental health. Make those subtle lifestyle changes and watch your dental visits improve.

If you would like more information about gum disease, 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.