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Start the Year Off with an Oral Cancer Screenings | Ottawa Dentist

While our health is on top of mind with resolutions, why not check if you have oral cancer? Below is a list of possible symptoms associated:

  • Swellings, lumps or rough spots in your mouth, neck or jaw. If they do not disappear after 3 weeks, you could be developing mouth cancer.
  • Ulcers or red or white patches. If they have a velvety texture, this is a telltale sign, especially if the patches do not heal in 3 weeks.
  • Difficulty in chewing and swallowing, moving the jaw or tongue. If this occurs, it is important to take prompt action and get it checked by a doctor.
  • Sores in the mouth, neck and face. If they have begun to bleed persistently, and do not heal within 2 weeks, they need to be checked as they are also symptoms of oral cancer. Another symptom of oral cancer is constant bleeding in your mouth that cannot be explained.
  • Loss of feeling or pain in areas. If you find that you notice this on your mouth, neck, face and ear, oral cancer could be developing.
  • Chronic sore throat. In the early stages, the sore throat can also be accompanied by a lump in your throat.

If you find you have any of these symptoms, our office has the VELscope® system to help us identify, evaluate, monitor and mark any abnormal or suspicious oral cell lesions.

So how does it work? A low intensity fluorescence light from the handheld light source will then bounce off the abnormal cells, giving them a “glowing” effect all the way down to the basement membrane where the nuclei have been rendered more prominent, making abnormal cells easier to see than with a traditional exam.

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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Making Beautiful Faces with Braces | Ottawa Dentist

In order to achieve our best smile, some of us need orthodontic help to straighten things out. Because not only is a straight smile attractive but is necessary to maintain oral health. The good news is – correcting flaws with braces is not only common, but you now have a choice as to which treatment option you prefer.

Traditional braces were typically silver metal back in the day, but they can now come in a ceramic that makes them a whole lot less noticeable. There are also colors you can choose from to create a custom look. On the downside, you still have to get them tightened every month or so and broken pieces are pretty painful.

Since 1998, Invisalign are transparent tooth aligners that have taken the orthodontic world by storm. Straightening your teeth without wires and glued brackets, it’s clear, it’s removable and the treatment time is generally a third of what wearing traditional braces would be. The downside to this is that they are more expensive, and it takes a lot more discipline to maintain the strict regimen of wearing the aligners most of the day and the additional steps it takes to clean the system’s trays.

So, which do you choose? Well, it honestly depends on your personal situation. Because despite what you may hope, not all cases are the same. Patients with bridgework, certain bite issues or rotational needs are just out of luck. Alternatively, traditional braces are not ideal for those that lead a rough and tumble life or have a job that doesn’t allow regular braces. In that instance, you may want to consider the Invisalign system or lingual braces (braces attached to the insides of your teeth) to straighten things out.

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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Using Essential Oils to Help with Sleep Apnea | Ottawa Dentist

When it comes to sleeping, we all know that it is important to make sure a solid night’s sleep each and every night. Unfortunately, many of us suffer from some sort of sleep issue. And for many, that sleep issue is sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when tissue in the back of the throat collapses, blocking the airway and reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to major organs, like your heart and brain. In severe cases, it will necessitate a CPAP machine while you sleep; for others, it can be aided through the use of essential oils. Here is a crash course in what you need to know about these various essential oils and the ways you can utilize them as you sleep:

  • Rubbing the oil into your chest, neck, beneath your nostrils and the heels of the feet
  • Diluting the oil in a glass of water as a gargle mixture or a spray
  • Using a diffuser near your bed — a diffuser this a great solution as oils can be inhaled over longer periods of time.

Valerian root. An herb used for calming and sedating properties, valerian is shown to be useful for insomnia and chronic sleep disorders.

Melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted from the brain’s pineal gland. The gland regulates a person’s biological clock, particularly day and night cycles.

Kampo extract. Kampo is a concoction consisting of five medicinal herbs: Pinella, Hoelen, Magnolia bark, Perilla, and Ginger.

Vervain. Vervain is oftentimes used to relieve anxiety and depression. It has been shown to improve mild sleep apnea symptoms.

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 a Healthy Holiday Season

Now that we are smack dab in the middle of the holiday season, it is a good time to refresh on some dental tips to keep your smile healthy. After all, this may be a different type of holiday season, but that doesn’t mean we need to change all of our favorite things that this time of year brings: We all know holidays are jam-packed with loads of foods, but there are many ways you can damage your teeth if you overindulge in certain things. Candy canes, for example, are a classic holiday treat. But they are also a hard sugary candy, and that can damage your teeth if you aren’t careful. Stockings also tend to be filled with sugary sweets. Why not try to limit the treats in exchange for other options? Or better yet, gift them a new toothbrush! When it comes to snacks and meals, there are lots of options to keeping your diet and mouth healthy. Indulge in more fruits and veggies than cakes and cookies when grazing the snack table. They are not only filled with great vitamins, but chomping on them produces saliva, ideal for washing away harmful bacteria. Other holiday staples are cheese and turkey, and both of those are the perfect options as they contain lots of proteins and calcium to strengthen your teeth. When it comes to holiday beverages, keep things simple. If you are a wine drinker, white wine won’t stain your teeth like red. If soda is the option, try to limit these super sugary drinks, or opt for fizzy water. After all the festivities are done, make sure you practice proper dental hygiene. In fact, hum a holiday tune while you brush! Schedule your appointment today. 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 Apple of My Eye | Ottawa Dentist

It’s one of the first solid foods we get to try as a baby. It is one of our favorite juices as a child and it is notorious for helping us dodge doctor appointments. Yes, the apple is one sweet treat that we have our entire lives, in all of its various forms. Originally from Central Asia and with 7,500 varieties available around the world, apples have become world-renowned as a go-to fruit. So much so, this Saturday (September 19) is International Eat an Apple Day. But it isn’t just the sweet snack that has captured our hearts – apples also have loads of health benefits that range from our bones to our heart, but it also greatly improves our smile. It’s true – this crispy fruit is fantastic for producing saliva, which is our natural way of keeping our mouths clean and bacteria free. Additionally, the fibers within the apple play an added role in cleaning our teeth in a way similar to a toothbrush. Now, it’s not a substitute… Apples are a healthy snack but shouldn’t replace your daily dental hygiene routine. These are just natural ways that you can improve your smile while enjoying a tasty treat. So, how do you celebrate International Eat an Apple Day? By enjoying this delicious fruit in all of its autumnal glory. Snack on an apple with a bit of peanut butter or a slice of apple pie. In fact, because this fruit is international, why not try some German apple cake or Polish apple pancakes? Even the French and the English got in on the fun by making a popular fermented drink called cider. So, have yourself an apple party, spin a globe and take an appley trip! If you would like more information about the benefits of apples, 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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Tips and Tricks for Wearing Invisalign | Ottawa Dentist

When you are set to receive Invisalign treatment to straighten your teeth, it is an exciting time. Not only will you end up with a gorgeously straight smile, but the aligners are clear so no one will even notice that you’re straightening your teeth. Your lifestyle is going to change while it’s happening – but it isn’t going to turn your world upside down. Here are some tips to keep in mind so the process goes as smooth as possible… Follow direction. When you get your aligner trays, you are going to receive lots of instructions from your dental professional regarding maintenance – they know what is best. And because you need to change out your aligners every other week, it is important to keep your dental appointments to check progress and address any issues. Keep the trays in. You will need to wear your aligners 22 hours a day. As much as you want to give your mouth a break, don’t. Removing the trays will only delay your treatment process and possibly damage the aligners. Don’t stray from dietary restrictions. Just like with braces, you are going to have dietary restrictions. Follow them. Not only will soft foods aid while your mouth is sore, but certain foods will stain your teeth and the clear trays. Daily dental routine. Because your trays can stain quite easily and they are covering your teeth, it is important to brush and floss regularly to prevent staining and other dental issues that may arise from bacteria trapped in between. Hold onto your trays. In case damages are made to your Invisalign trays, keep your previous trays to use as temporaries until new trays can be made. If you would like more information about Invisalign, 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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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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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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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.