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When Bleaching Your Teeth Goes Too Far | Ottawa Dentist

A bright set of pearly whites is a goal for most of us. With the diet most of us keep, it is easy for our teeth to begin to tinge as time goes on. Dark foods and beverages all contribute to the dingy look our smiles have. Thankfully, there are many ways to regain those pearlies with just a bit of effort. From natural to in-office treatments, brightening your smile not only has options, but loads of them.

While in-office treatments have become commonplace in society today, the most widely used oral products today are whitening strips and tray-based over the counter whitening kits. And yes – tooth whitening can be a safe and effective technique, but some individuals are going above the recommendations of their dentists. Therein lies the problem…

Individuals who overdo whitening techniques have noticeably snow-white teeth that oftentimes look unnatural. Some individuals get to the point where their teeth begin to inhibit transparent figures. Overuse of whitening products will cause major tooth sensitivity and leave patients more prone to needing root canal treatments. You may be surprised to know that if you over-whiten your teeth, you are essentially wearing down your enamel and that enamel is naturally tinged in yellow, so you are making your teeth yellow by overdoing the whitening. Talk about a backfire!

But don’t worry – there is hope. If you are looking for a safer, more effective form of teeth whitening, consult your dentist. They will give you an overview of certain procedures and even offer some over the counter techniques that may be used, however only if used correctly.

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 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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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.