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Do You Have Tooth Decay? | Ottawa Dentist

Let’s face it – it is easy to maintain a healthy smile if we follow a few basic rules regarding dental hygiene. If you treat your teeth well, they’ll repay you by shining bright and strong. Unfortunately, many don’t follow the rules and your smile is affected. Tooth decay is something that happens when you eat sugary foods and neglect the daily dental duties. And if neglected long enough, bacteria eventually cause cavities to develop.

A cavity can appear on your teeth with no signs or symptoms, so it’s essential to see your dentist regularly to check on your oral health and catch tooth decay in the earliest stages. Pay attention to these warning signs your teeth may be decaying:

  • Toothache or pain when biting
  • Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods
  • Brown, black, yellow, or white spots on the tooth
  • Bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Gum swelling

If you find that you do have rotting teeth, there are various ways to remedy the situation. A filling can fix a simple cavity. If it reaches the pulp, you will likely need a root canal. Things progress from there, from crowns to implants or even dentures if the situation calls for it.

When a situation is bad enough that an infection develops, schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. It can develop into sepsis, which can damage tissues, fail organs or even kill you. The earlier you treat tooth decay, the better chances you can save your tooth.

Your smile is more important than making you look friendly. It also helps your entire body function. So, practice good dental hygiene, see your dentist regularly for checkups, maintain a healthy diet.

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 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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Do You Take Milk in Your Tea? | Ottawa Dentist

There are loads of reasons to enjoy a cup of tea. To warm (or cool) your insides, to gather with friends, to even get a good night’s sleep. No matter your reason, tea has become a favorite for people around the world. The problem is one similar to other dark drinks – they can stain your teeth over time. But it still doesn’t matter – tea is going to be a staple in everyone’s lives. So, to celebrate International Tea Day, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of our beloved leafy beverages…

First, let’s take a look at the pros: Black and green tea contain fluoride, which we all know helps ward off tooth decay while preventing cavities by controlling bacteria and reducing acid in your mouth. After all, saliva production is key to washing bacteria from inside our mouths. In fact, when making tea, use tap water for an extra fluoride boost!

Tea also contains polyphenols, which are micronutrients from plant-based foods that reduce gum inflammation and disease. Polyphenols are killing bacteria, while combatting bad breath better than a mint. If that’s not enough, tea is great for our overall health as it’s antioxidant-rich option that can even help slow the growth of certain kinds of cancer, including oral cancer.

And while this healthy drink can tinge our teeth, it isn’t a permanent feature. After your cuppa, why not give your teeth a quick brush? Not only will a teeth-whitening session improve your smile, but daily dental hygiene is the best way to slow down the staining process.

Do keep in mind that sugar and acidic add-ins can erode your teeth and make you more prone to cavities. So, try to limit the lemon, sugar and honey.

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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Are You a Coffee Fanatic? | Ottawa Dentist

Do you wake up and head to the closest coffee shop for a quick fix of coffee? Does it affect your day if you don’t have your caffeinated beverage? You are not alone. Canadians everywhere love to have their Tim Hortons in the morning, and sometimes throughout the day. The problem is many of those beverages are terrible for your smile due to the amount of sugar. And for many, it can be a shocking discovery to find out just how much sugar is involved in their daily. For some, it’s comparable to eating a candy bar.

  • A Tim Hortons double-double has four teaspoons of sugar in it and another teaspoon of sugar from the cream, similar to a 50 g Caramilk bar.
  • Both the Iced Capp and the Iced Capp Light have 39 grams of sugar in their medium sizes — almost 10 teaspoons.
  • McCafe’s Vanilla Chai Iced Frappe has a whopping 19 teaspoons — or 79 grams — of sugar.
  • One medium Mango Pineapple Real Fruit Smoothie has about 14 teaspoons, or 57 g, of sugar, because it is made from concentrates and purees, not real fruit.
  • Many believe drinking matcha tea is a healthy choice, but Starbucks grande matcha tea latte has 6 teaspoons or sugar.
  • The grande caramel Frappuccino is more like a desert with its 13 teaspoons of sugar.

Because these drinks have become a daily favorite, and are so sugary sweet, they can really do some damage to our smiles, it is important to look after your teeth afterwards. Rinsing your mouth with water after drinking coffee if a toothbrush isn’t handy is a great rule of thumb. The longer sugar remains on your teeth, the easier it is for bacteria to do some damage.

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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The ABCs of Dental Fillings | Ottawa Dentist

We all try to do our best to maintain a bright, healthy smile. But there are times when life steps in and accidents happen. Whether it be because of poor dental hygiene or one of life’s little tricks, dental issues should not be ignored. In fact, the sooner you get it taken care of, the better. Depending on the nature of your toothache, you may be presented with getting a filling as a treatment option. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth-colored or white fillings, it is a great option to restore your smile in a very natural-looking way. Now, keep in mind that while they do remedy the situation, fillings are not created to become a permanent fixture in your mouth. Replacement is likely, but it won’t be for quite a while due to their durability. So, what constitutes the need for a dental filling? If you have any of these issues with your tooth, or teeth, chances are you will need a composite filling or two:
  • Chipped
  • Gapped
  • Cracked or broken
  • Decayed
  • Worn
Another great advantage is that composite fillings are done in a day. Your tooth is numbed, decay is removed, the space is cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished. Keep in mind, it is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, but it will subside as your tooth acclimates to the new filling. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings. If you would like more information about fillings, 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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Can Your Dental Health Affect Your Height? | Ottawa Dentist

When we become parents, we want what’s best for our children – namely, that they have healthy, happy lives. So, we do whatever we need to ensure that happens. However, dental health seems to miss most parent’s minds. After all, baby teeth fall out, right? Why do we need to worry about dental health until they have their permanent teeth? Believe it our not, but dental health needs to begin from day one because studies have shown that tooth decay can affect a child’s growth development. The study appeared in the online version of Pediatrics journal and was conducted at University College London and King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Saudi Arabia. They graded the tooth status on the DMFT scale, which determines the seriousness of any decayed, missing or filled teeth. When analyzed, the children with severe tooth decay would tend to be shorter and weigh less than those who didn’t, but there are lots of reasons this happens: Oral hygiene. Practicing good oral hygiene is important, because if neglected, it can lead to serious dental issues. Ask your dental professional about how to care for your child’s dental health. Poor diet. Those that don’t keep a healthy diet tend to lack important vitamins and nutrients in order to grow strong and tall. And many times, a child may not let you know they’re teeth are hurting, and it may affect their appetite. As parents, it is important to tech our children about dental health early on. Not only will this help perpetuate a good relationship with their dental health but can give you signs of other health issues that may develop because of poor dental health. If you would like more information about dental health, 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.