Dental Prevention and Maintenance

Many people believe that much of what dentists do is fix broken teeth, fill cavities and treat dental infections.   And this is very true… we do spend a lot of our time addressing these kinds of problems.

Dentistry has changed exponentially over the last decade and continues to change at a rapid pace.  We have seen the introduction many digital technologies that have improved accuracy and success in all aspects of dental treatment.  Materials are stronger and our ability to achieve natural esthetics is truly impressive.  Many procedures are much more comfortable both during and after treatment.

We have also learned how to prevent many dental problems from occurring in the first place.  Products are now available, many of them over-the-counter, that can repair teeth in the early stages of cavity formation and even stop a significant cavity in certain circumstances.   Our understanding of how to keep gums healthy for a life-time has never been better, and we know how to protect teeth from excessive pressure and wear!

At Forman Dental Care we have designed our examination and dental hygiene appointments with a focus on prevention.  Our goal is to make sure each and every one of our patients have the opportunity take advantage of the most advanced preventative products and home-care strategies and to maintain their natural teeth with a minimal of intervention.  We feel it is a true team approach to your care that allows you to benefit the most.

Dental Occlusion and "Occlusal Disease"

Dental occlusion is the coming together of teeth ̶ a meeting of two surfaces made of the hardest stuff in your body and the movement of those surfaces against each other. You likely haven’t dedicated a lot of thinking to the act of moving teeth, because for the majority of us, it just happens. Fortunately, the brain is capable of coordinating 32 teeth and several dozen muscles, letting them move harmoniously even though you aren’t giving the movements any thought. When you’re out for dinner with a friend, this is great. If you are unconsciously grinding your teeth together, though, it’s not so great. Teeth are supposed to last for your entire life, but there are factors that can interfere with the longevity of your teeth.

There are three types of diseases that harm your teeth: decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease), and occlusal disease (destruction of teeth). Many of us are aware – and have firsthand experience - with the treatments, symptoms, and causes of the first two categories. Occlusal disease, however, the aforementioned unconscious and pathological pushing together (or grinding) of the teeth, does not have the same level of awareness. This suggests an underlying issue, because the slow rate of tooth destruction means the signs of damage are usually perceived as nothing out of the ordinary.

In dental school, every dentist is trained to identify and treat decay and periodontal disease types. Dentists are encouraged to “look into the future”, and use their training to suggest pre-emptive solutions and treatments to those disease types, helping reduce negative effects before they escalate. Unfortunately, however, the number of dentists who are trained to “look into the future” for occlusal disease is far fewer in comparison.

Effects of occlusal disease

The following symptoms are linked to occlusal disease: wear, sensitivity, cracks, loose teeth, breaking teeth, sore muscles, painful jaw joints, headaches, acid reflux, breathing disorders, and sleep apnea. Injuries, like chipped teeth, frequently overshadow the actual issue of occlusal disease.

Dr. Forman has dedicated significant resources towards the investing, recognizing, treating, and reversing the negative effects of occlusal disease. If occlusal disease is detected early, your chances of keeping healthy, young teeth in your elderly years increases significantly.

In years past, a majority of seniors used dentures or partials. Now, the number of seniors who use dentures and partials has fallen. Considering that less people are experiencing teeth loss, occlusal disease is becoming more prominent in adult demographics. Many common treatments that adults undergo today could have easily been avoided if occlusal disease was detected and addressed at an earlier point in time.

Silent signs of occlusal disease
As mentioned, occlusal disease can lead to painful, immediate symptoms, but the most severe dangers are the hidden effects that you cannot easily detect. Regardless of whether or not your case of occlusal disease leads to pain, the progressive destruction of your teeth will lead to more serious injury if unaddressed. The body will not always alert you to progress damage, instead, it adapts and normalizes the process of tooth destruction, so it’s not easy to bring a case of neglected occlusal disease back to health.

Dr. Forman often includes an occlusal disease evolution in all of his periodic examinations that commence under his care. Dr. Forman is aware that “looking to the future” means considering the problems that won’t arise for years down the road, and how those problems can be addressed.

Maintaining maximum comfort, function, and esthetics for the lifespan of your teeth requires us to work together and address the diseases that interfere with your life-long, healthy smile. Forgetting to consider those diseases can have a profound negative effect on the big-picture of your dental health, and life. With our cooperation, we can form an unbreakable alliance that will leave occlusion for you, not against you. So get out there and enjoy a relaxing dinner with your friend.

Link Between Oral Health and Heart Health

Oral health is important for your overall health! Many people are living with gum disease and don't even know it! Often patients feel fine as gum disease is not painful and they avoid going to the dentist.

Today, I am going to discuss how your oral health can affect your heart health.

Studies have found people with gum disease in moderate to advanced stages are at a greater risk for heart disease than someone with healthy gums. The spread of bacteria is what links oral health and heart disease. The bacteria in your mouth travels from your mouth to other parts of your body through the blood stream. When the bacteria from your mouth travels through the blood stream it attaches to areas of the heart causing inflammation. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, this can occur from the bacteria in your mouth traveling to the heart.

People with chronic gingivitis and periodontal disease (gum disease) have a high risk for heart disease caused from poor oral health. Especially if the oral health condition is unmanaged.

What to look for in your mouth to help determine if you have gum disease:

Dental Health for Seniors

Today, life expectancy is longer than ever before.  Many of us can expect to live active and vibrant lives well into our golden years.  Through exercise and healthy living our bodies are able to help us continue to enjoy many of the activities that we love; although maybe at a slower pace!

As part of your health care team, we at Forman Dental do our best to make sure your teeth and mouth can keep pace with your active lifestyle and not slow you down or get in the way. 

By far, the most successful approach to ensure your teeth and mouth can keep up with your active lifestyle as you get older is 1) great home care with brushing and flossing  2) Maintain you professional hygiene appointments - 3 to 4 month intervals is ideal 3) Use a grinding appliance if recommended 4) Be aware of how your medications can affect your mouth – individual recommendations will be helpful in many cases.

Many of our patients avoid having dental work done while they are younger for reasons of cost and time or are not motivated because many significant changes occur slowly over time and do not hurt, only to find that problems become magnified with age.  Often at an older age it
is difficult medically to have certain treatments or physically it is tough to be in the dental chair for extended time periods.  Some patients will even reason that “I am too old to spend the money because I won’t be around long enough”.  As a result, rather than being active and vibrant many patients suffer quietly and don’t enjoy life the way they could.  Proper oral function including chewing, talking and smiling are vital for overall health and well-being.  Without good nutrition it is easy to decline at an older age.

Our philosophy at Forman Dental is to encourage our patients to work to make their mouth stable by the time they are 65yrs old.  Our definition of stable is “to require very little dental work, if at all, other than maintenance “.  This is entirely possible but does require some effort and planning.   

If you think it is time to do some long term planning for your mouth please give us a call.  Please also remember if you have an aging parent, sibling or other friend or relative that they may be great at getting to medical appointments while dental care is often forgotten. A great question to ask is when they last had their teeth and gums checked?

Causes of Bad Breath & Foods to Help Fight It!

Have you been wondering what causes bad breath?  Do you want to know how to fight bad breath?  Maintaining your oral hygiene regularly, is essential to fighting bad breath, but so is regularly visiting your dentist or hygienist in order for routine check-ups. At Forman Dentistry, we have a great team that can help you maintain your oral health and eliminate bad breath!  We are a family friendly dentist in Maple. The most common cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene.  Every time you eat, bacteria breaks down the particles in food, and sulfur compounds are produced that cause odor. There is a large list of causes of bad breath, including smoking, tooth decay, and alcohol consumption. Even certain foods like garlic, onions, curry, fish, and some cheeses take up to 24 hours to be removed from our blood system, which can cause bad breath for extended periods of time. Bad breath affects 25% of the world’s population globally, so if you experience it, know that you are not alone. Keep reading to learn how to fight bad breath! How do I treat bad breath? The best way to deal with bad breath is brushing, flossing, and hydrating your teeth regularly.  Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleaning also helps to eliminate bad breath.  Your dentist will remove any plaque, tartar, and buildup that causes bad breath. You should always inform your dentist if you are experiencing bad breath, or have a bad taste in your mouth as there could be underlying reasons. Eating certain foods also can help eliminate odors in your mouth.  Foods like lemon, parsley, apples, pears, carrots, crunch oils, mint, berries and yogurt, all facilitate the production of essential oils in your mouth and remove food particles from your mouth. Drinking lots of water also helps the production of saliva and eliminates bad breath by washing away bacteria in your mouth. Take charge of your bad breath. Book an appointment with our family friendly dentistry office in Maple today by filling out a form or call Forman Dentistry at 905-303-9355.

4 Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures for the Perfect Smile

Cosmetic dentistry procedures can drastically change and improve your smile.  There are a variety of procedures that can help you achieve the results and smile you have always wanted. At Forman Dentistry in Vaughan, we have been taking care of smiles for over 17 years.  We strive to achieve a phobia-free, comfortable, family friendly environment. There are many ways to treat discoloured, chipped, or missing teeth.  Cosmetic dental procedures can reshape teeth, close spaces, restore worn teeth, or even alter or shorten the length of your teeth. Keep reading to learn about the 4 most common procedures in cosmetic dentistry. There are many ways to treat discoloured, chipped, or missing teeth.  Cosmetic dental procedures can reshape teeth, close spaces, restore worn teeth, or even alter or shorten the length of your teeth. Keep reading to learn about the 4 most common procedures in cosmetic dentistry. Bonding Bonding uses a tooth coloured resin material to used to fill in gaps or to change the colour of your teeth.  Bonding can be done in a single dental appointment and can last for several years.  When your teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins are used to fill in the gaps.  Bonding is also used for a tooth-coloured filling for small cavities. Crowns Crowns cover a tooth and restore it to it’s normal shape and appearance. Crowns can protect your teeth from biting pressure as well.  Crowns are a necessary procedure when your tooth is severely broken down and a normal filling won’t adequately restore the tooth’s strength.  Crowns hold your teeth together and help support your teeth with larger fillings resulting in the improved appearance of discoloured and poorly shaped teeth.  Dental crowns have the longest life expectancy out of all cosmetic restoration procedures. Veneers Veneers are made of thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth that change the colour and shape of your teeth.   Veneer procedures can be used to fix uneven, chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked teeth. This procedure requires your dentist to make an impression of your tooth so that custom-made veneers can be directly cemented into your tooth.  Veneers have a longer life expectancy than bonding. Bleaching Bleaching is used to make stains disappear and to whiten your teeth to a lighter shade.   Discolouration of teeth can occur  because of  coffee, tea, and smoking cigarettes.  When your treatments begin, your dentist creates a custom mouthpiece to make sure that all of the whitening solution is evenly distributed. Dental bleaching typically lasts for 6 months or more. Which procedure is right for me? If you are looking to have cosmetic procedures done on your teeth, we highly suggest that you book an appointment with us. Everyone has different cosmetic dental needs, and we strive to find the best solution tailored to each client. The condition of your teeth dictates which procedure would be the best for you.  At Forman Dentistry, we are skilled in cosmetic dentistry and we will examine the condition of your teeth and together we will find the best procedure for you. Do you need a cosmetic dentist in Vaughan? Book an appointment today with us by filling out this form or call us today at 1-877-502-2208.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sleep Apnea Devices

Sleeping disorders are more common than you may think and affect many people worldwide. Whether it be from listening to your partner snore all night, or if you suffer from the disorder yourself, sleep disorders should never be taken lightly. If you snore more often than not,  it is possible that you have sleep apnea. Luckily, sleep apnea can be safely managed with a little research and help from sleeping aids. There are devices that can be used to treat mild cases of sleep apnea. Not sure if a sleep-apnea aid would be beneficial to you? Make a sleep dentistry appointment with us at Forman Dentistry in Maple. At our clinic, you can be diagnosed properly and we can run down potential treatment options that fit you and your lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more about sleep apnea and treatment devices. Characteristics of Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder where an individual has trouble breathing while they sleep. People who experience sleep apnea may either have slow, shallow breaths, or they may take pauses between breaths, which can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Sleep apnea can happen to anyone, but is more common in males over the age of 40. If not treated, it can have negative effects on an individual’s health. Some symptoms of sleep apnea include: Snoring Headaches in the morning Lack of energy after waking up Fatigue throughout the day Breathing pauses throughout sleep (often noticed by a family member) Advantages of Sleep Apnea Devices Sleep apnea devices include masks, mouth guards or oral appliances. There are endless advantages to using a sleep apnea device. They can make for a better night’s sleep, not only for the individual but for those around them, as their snoring will be reduced, or eradicated completely. Most patients report a reduction in headaches and increased energy throughout the day. Disadvantages of Sleep Apnea Devices The device can be uncomfortable for some, but most patients report getting used to the device quickly.  Some devices can be expensive, but low-cost options are available. Also, depending on the severity of an individual’s obstructive sleep apnea, a second treatment for their condition may be needed for consistent results. Do you have questions about sleep apnea, other treatment methods or the devices? Give Forman Dentistry a call at 05-303-9355 today! Or book an appointment here!

2 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Use At-Home Whitening Kits

While using at home whitening kits may seem like a cheaper and easier option than getting your teeth professionally whitened by a cosmetic dentist, it can actually turn out to be quite pricey and time-consuming. Keep reading for the cons of using at home whitening kits. If you’re looking to get your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist in Vaughan, book an appointment with Forman Dentistry for a safe and effective whitening treatment.  2 Cons of Using At-Home Whitening Kits Overall Cost and Time: Whitening kits might seem less expensive than going to your dentist, but the products in the kits are not as potent as the products used in dental clinics. Most over-the-counter kits will keep your teeth white for a few months at the most; this means you’ll have to keep repurchasing the kits to keep whitening your teeth, costing you extra time and money. Getting your teeth whitened by your dentist can keep them whiter for up to 2 years as the products are much stronger than the at-home methods. As long as you limit the amount of stain-causing foods and beverages you consume, you should have whiter teeth for a much longer time. Enamel: Not all at-home whitening kits are safe on your teeth’s enamel, which is the layer over your teeth that protects them from sensitivity. Once enamel has been damaged, it cannot regenerate, so you need to be very careful when using bleaching and whitening products on your teeth.   The products that dentists use to whiten teeth are much gentler on your enamel, ensuring that you get the brighter teeth you want, without damaging them. If you insist on using over-the-counter kits, check the label to ensure you are buying an enamel-safe kit. Looking to get your teeth whitened? Book an appointment in Vaughan with Forman Dentistry! Call (905)-303-9355 or book here.

The Tooth that Keeps Getting Darker - Does This Apply To You?

Note: Names have been changed to protect privacy. Susan has been coming to Forman Dental Care for more than 7 years and is now 45 years of age. When Susan was 7 years old, her and younger brother were horsing around and an accident occurred when her brother’s head collided with her upper front tooth. She felt significant pain when it happened, but the pain subsided in time. Susan had forgotten about it until she was in her mid-twenties. She didn’t have any pain, but she did notice a bump on her gum under her lip. Susan asked her dentist about it, and was told that the tooth’s nerve was dead and the tooth had abscessed. The dentist asked Susan if there had been any history of trauma to the tooth and that was when she remembered her childhood accident. Susan required a root canal to treat the infection, and once again, Susan forgot about it until a few years ago. What Susan noticed was that the tooth was getting darker and darker over the last few years. She came to her hygiene maintenance appointment with a great deal of concern and wanted to know what was happening, and if it could be improved. We explained to Susan that sometimes root canal treatments can cause a tooth to discolor and turn dark even though the root canal procedure was successful. We were able to help Susan by whitening the inside of her tooth and restoring the color to match her other teeth. This procedure is called internal whitening. It’s a simple procedure and doesn’t require any freezing. We create an opening in the top part of the tooth, (the root canal portion is not touched as long and it is well sealed) and sealed where the root canal material starts. A whitening solution is then placed inside the tooth and left for 1 week. We repeat this procedure 2-3 times until the colour is adequately improved, and a final filling is placed in the tooth. Our goal is to match the adjacent teeth so that it blends seamlessly. If you have a dark tooth, talk to us. We may be able to help. Call us today at (905) 303-9355, or click here to request an appointment.

Why Do Dentists Recommend Fluoride?

One of the most common things we do for patients when they come in for their routine hygiene maintenance appointments is to apply fluoride to their teeth. Fluoride helps prevent cavities, and is absorbed into the tooth enamel to help make the teeth strong and resistant to decay. If asked, most people think that fluoride is only necessary for kids. While it is great for children and their newer teeth, adult teeth need it too. Dr. Forman recommends professional fluoride treatment for adults, as well as kids, at least once per year. We also recommend daily use of a tooth paste with fluoride as well as fluoride rinses. Multiple sources of fluoride ensure that it can be properly absorbed by the tooth enamel. Research has also confirmed that multiple sources of fluoride produce the best results. It’s important to note that using these topical fluorides won’t produce a significant or unsafe level of fluoride in the body. Research has also confirmed that fluoride stays in the gums around the teeth and in the saliva where it’s picked up by the teeth. At your next hygiene maintenance appointment, why not think about having a fluoride treatment for your teeth? Check your tooth paste to see if it contains fluoride, and consider adding a fluoride rinse to your daily routine. Not only does fluoride make your teeth stronger but it helps kill the bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease. How Does The Fluoride Work To Prevent Cavities? Dental cavities are caused by the continuous build-up of bacteria on or around the teeth. Oral bacteria produces acid after consuming sugar, leading to demineralization of the teeth. Sources of sugar include refined sugar, fruit, breads, pasta and other carbohydrates. The tooth structure can essentially be dissolved without proper care. Teeth also have a natural re-mineralization process to repair damaged areas, so using fluoride to control the damage can allow the cavity to be avoided. As bacteria produces more and more acid, the natural pH of the mouth falls below 7. When the pH falls to 5.5, tooth enamel begins to dissolve. The re-mineralization process will begin as soon as the pH falls below 7. The lower the pH gets the more fluoride you’ll need to neutralize the acid and allow for repair. Tooth material repaired with available fluoride does not begin to dissolve until the pH of the mouth falls to 4.5 so teeth become much more resistant to cavities when fluoride is available. If you’re in need of fluoride treatment, or have any other dental needs, please use our appointment booking tool, or call us at (905) 303-9355.

Creating a Positive Dental Experience for your Children

We see a lot of kids in our practice and parents like to know what we do to try and create a positive experience for young patients. Our goal is to help children develop proper oral hygiene and oral care habits. This includes positive experiences at the dental office so that they feel comfortable for life. Right from the beginning we’ll show them that coming to the dentist can be fun. Kids love to learn, explore and ask questions. By allowing them to explore the dental environment and how we work with them at their own pace, much of the fear and apprehension simply never develops. When this happens, they start to look forward to their regular hygiene appointments. Not only do the appointments become easy and routine for them, but they are very receptive to what they can do at home to keep their teeth healthy. Even in the healthiest of mouths, it is possible that a cavity or other dental concern can develop.  Dr. Forman and the Forman Dental Care team are even more focused on making sure that when dental work is necessary, the end result is a happy child who maintains their positive feeling toward the dental office. We’ll start off with the smallest filling first to show them how easy it is. Many early cavities can even be filled without the need for local anesthetic. When local anesthetic is necessary, we tell them stories and get them relaxed at the beginning. Most children don’t even know they received the freezing until they feel the sensation in their lip. Our favourite words to hear at the end of an appointment are, “that was easier than I thought”. As your child jumps out of the chair, a final high-five from the dentist sends them on their way. At times, it’s necessary to fix several cavities at the same time or remove a baby tooth. For some children this can be simple, but for others it causes anxiety. Our goal is always the same, we want to get the treatment complete as successfully as possible and maintain their positive outlook. Some of the techniques we use are laughing gas and mild sedation. In certain cases it is necessary to refer to our team of pediatric specialists to make sure the positive experience continues. The specialist environment for kids is geared totally for them and the office is completely kid-friendly.  This often reduces anxiety so that laughing gas or sedation isn’t even necessary. Our specialists work with anesthetists and can complete work on your child while they’re asleep if necessary. All of this is done so that a fear of the dentist never develops and that the best possible treatment is provided to your child. If a referral to our specialist is necessary, we work closely to ensure your child receives the highest standard of care. If you have any questions about dentistry for your children, call us today at (905) 303-9355, or click here to request an appointment.

3 Ways to Keep your Teeth and Gums in Good Health

We’re often asked what patients can do to minimize dental work and visits to the dentist.  At Forman Dental Care we believe what makes us successful, and the key to a great relationship with our patients, is keeping dental work to an absolute minimum. Helping people care for their mouths while they’re away from the dentist has a tremendous impact on the longevity of their natural oral health and any extra treatments they may have had. Bacterial accumulation is the number one factor causing teeth and gums to fall out of good health and allow disease to take hold. This bacteria causes cavities and gum disease. Both are true infections and won’t go away unless you take the necessary actions. Bacteria will continue re-populating, so you need to stay on top of your care to keep it under control. We believe there are three key things that a patient can focus on to substantially minimize the need for extra dental work. 1)   Create an excellent home care routine. As challenging as it can be to break old habits, or influence your family to do the same; it is vital that people consistently follow a great home care routine. There are 2 keys to successfully creating this new habit. A) The most effective way to change a habit is by replacing it with a new one. B) It takes an average of 21 days of repetition to create a habit. For kids, make it a game and for adults, it’s a challenge. In both cases success should be rewarded.  Make sure everyone brushes twice daily (don’t rush) and floss or use Soft-Picks once a day. If you follow this routine, your dental work will last longer before needing repair or replacement, and your gums will stay much healthier. This means far less risk of problems, and fewer visits to the dentist’s office. 2)   Wear prescribed appliances every day. We see a lot of patients with clenching and/or grinding habits. The number two factor that causes problems with teeth and gums is too much pressure. We recommend that many patients consider a night-time clenching/grinding appliance to protect their teeth. Studies show that only around 5% of patients will faithfully wear their appliance, many won’t even try it, and even more will only wear it occasionally. A lot of you have heard me say “I’ll take some appliance wear over no wear”.  I really mean it; the more the better. After working with patients for over 15 years, it’s obvious when an appliance is worn faithfully or neglected; and the benefits of faithful use versus neglect are drastic. With consistent use, fillings look healthier and last longer, gums bleed less and are less inflamed, and teeth are far less likely to loosen from stretching tooth ligaments. Wear your appliance as much as possible if you have one, and consider trying one if it’s been recommended. Patients who are consistent with their appliances get better results, and avoid serious restorations. 3)   Do your best to restore your teeth if it’s required. Teeth with very large fillings are more susceptible to breaking. Restoration with a crown will protect at risk teeth from breaking and often avoid unplanned and extensive dental work. The bottom line is controlling bacteria and pressure on your teeth on a regular basis will save you many times the dental work and cost over the long run. In summary, create a great home care routine, wear recommended appliances faithfully, and keep your teeth restored and protected. These three concepts will help keep your oral health at its best, which is precisely what we want for you. If there are any outstanding issues you need taken care of, please use our appointment booking tool, or call us at (905) 303-9355.

Wisdom Teeth and the Removal Process

Many patients have questions about when and if they need to remove their wisdom teeth. There’s no clear cut answer that applies to everyone and decisions are made on a case by case basis. With that said, here is some general information about wisdom teeth and the removal process. Overview Wisdom teeth are the third molars that appear in the back of the mouth at approximately 18-21 years of age. As long as wisdom teeth fully break through the surface of the gums and do not overly crowd the mouth, they can remain and function just as any other teeth. Problems occur when wisdom teeth remain partly covered by gum tissue or are poorly aligned.  In these cases, it may be best to remove the wisdom teeth to avoid infection and large cavities from forming. Treatment Treatment options vary on a case by case basis. Some wisdom teeth are removed early as a preventative measure, while others are allowed to remain in the mouth until symptoms arise. Routine treatment can be performed in our office. Patients who wish to be fully asleep during the procedure, or have a more complicated case may be referred to a specialist. Procedure The procedure can be performed with a local anesthetic or under mild sedation.  When the local anesthetic is complete pressure will be applied to the gums with a blunt instrument to ensure numbness.  The teeth will be removed with as little pressure as possible, and all areas will be stitched for ease of healing.  Some pain, oozing, swelling and even bruising is normal; patients will be sent home with gauze sponges, antibiotics and pain killers.  Patients should expect to be able to return to work after 2-3 days. What Can I Expect After Surgery?            You will be sent home with gauze sponges along with a prescription for pain killers and antibiotics. Bite on the gauze for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off to stop any residual bleeding. A warm, moist tea bag works great to help stop bleeding due to the tannic acid. Some oozing is considered normal. If you are concerned please call our office. It’s normal to expect some pain, swelling and even bruising after surgery. Pain and swelling are most noticeable on the second day. After that, the area will heal and the pain will diminish. Bruising will take up to a week to subside. Older individuals are more prone to bleeding, and may heal slower. Two to three days are normally required for recovery after which you’ll be able to return to work or school. If you have any questions or concerns about wisdom teeth call us today at (905) 303-9355, or click here to request an appointment.

New Cheaper, Faster Whitening Procedure

At Forman Dental, we’re introducing a brand new in-office whitening procedure called IVERI Whitening. The new procedure is available to all patients, and saves you both time and money. Due to a drastically reduced time requirement, the treatment is far less expensive and can be competed in just 30-40 minutes. The time may increase if more than one treatment is required for your case. After we apply the whitening gel to your teeth, you can relax in the comfort of our new whitening room, which is complete with a heated massage chair and TV. When your session is over your whitening is complete and you don’t need to worry about any additional whitening at home. For best results, we recommend that you avoid food and beverages that could stain your teeth for at least 2 days while your saliva recoats your teeth. Whitening is one of the most effective ways to enhance your smile and it is certainly the most affordable. Regardless of which procedure you choose, compliance is the key to success. The better you execute the instructions given, the better your results will be. Whether you are using the over the counter, professional at home or professional in office whitening, it’s important that you minimize the ingestion of substances that can stain your teeth. This includes wine, coffee, tea, soya sauce, etc. The pores of the teeth will be open temporarily during the whitening process, and the teeth are more susceptible to staining. Saliva will eventually coat, and re-seal the pores in time. Whitening doesn’t damage the teeth at all, but can cause temporary sensitivity for 2 or 3 days following treatment. Sensitivity is very difficult to predict and is most common with professional at home teeth whitening. Our professional in-office whitening can effectively manage sensitivity in most cases. Remember to touch up your whitening every 3 to 6 months to maintain your bright smile and minimize staining. Ask us how you can earn a free whitening treatment! To make an appointment, you can use our appointment booking tool, or call us at (905) 303-9355.

Treating Bad Breath

One of the most common questions we get is “How can I make sure my breath is always pleasant?” Many patients come to our office with the complaint of bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth. Fresh breath is something we all want, and is an expected part of our social graces. It’s just as big a part of making a great impression as any other aspect of your smile. If your oral hygiene is good and you still have trouble with bad breath, you could have gum disease, which allows more bacteria to build up than you can clean away. Our hygienists can help by thoroughly cleaning around your teeth and gums.  Please make sure to talk to us if bad breath is a concern so we can evaluate your gums. In certain cases you may be more prone to the bacteria which causes bad breath even if your oral hygiene is good and your gums are healthy. This means you could have a sub-clinical bacterial infection. This is where a large amount of bacteria is present but the inflammatory response within the gums is negligible. We typically investigate by sampling the bacteria in your mouth and having it analyzed at the lab. If the bacteria levels are high, we will treat you with antibiotic rinses to lower the bacteria and allow the healthy type of bacteria in your mouth to repopulate. In cases where all of our tests are negative we will recommend that you consult your physician for stomach tests.  There are bacteria in the stomach which produce the same compounds as the oral bacteria that causes bad breath, and the cure may lay there. As we all know certain foods that we eat contribute to bad breath, such and onions and garlic, to name few. These vanish in time and can be eliminated quickly by using sugar-free mints, chewing gum, by brushing your teeth and using a mouth rinse. Bad breath can also be addressed by maintaining great oral hygiene which keeps the teeth and gums as clean and free of bacteria as possible. Remember to brush your tongue because the tongue has very deep pits and grooves where bacteria can escape lighter cleanings. If you have any concerns about your breath call us today at (905) 303-9355 or click here  to request an appointment.

Dental X-Rays Demystified

Many patients have questions surrounding when they need to take x-rays and if they have a choice. Let’s look at Dental x-rays a little closer to answer these questions and more. Dental x-rays allow us to see between your teeth and under the gums to the bone which is responsible for holding your teeth in place. These hidden areas can have a big impact on the maintenance of your teeth and gums. In short, dental x-rays allow us to catch and treat hidden problems as early as possible. X-rays also allow us to catch cysts and tumors that can occur in the jaw, but may not necessarily cause symptoms. Here are a few questions I am frequently asked by patients: How frequently should I have x-rays taken? New patients will have x-rays taken when they enter the practice. After that, we will take a few x-rays every year or two for adults and a full set every five years as a part of the Complete Oral Exam. If you’ve had x-rays taken at another dentist within the last year, we can request that they be transferred to our office. What if I don’t want to have x-rays?      You’re always allowed to refuse x-rays for yourself or for your children. However, we don’t recommend avoiding x-rays as they greatly enhance our ability to find and treat problems. We may, in some cases require that you sign a release when other medical factors are present which may we increase risk, but you will be informed of such risks and you’ll always have the final say. How much radiation can dental x-rays expose us to? Exposure to radiation from dental x-rays is minimal. Forman Dental Care switched to digital intra-oral x-rays in January 2010 allowing us to cut your exposure by 50%. You will always be protected by a lead apron with a thyroid collar. In actuality, you’ll be exposed to about one fifth of the radiation as you would from living in a brick house for a year, which is very low. If you have any questions or concerns about dental x-rays or any other dental issue, please don’t hesitate to contact Forman Dental Care. To make an appointment, you can use our appointment booking tool, or call us at (905) 303-9355.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

We see patients every day who ask us if there is anything we can do to help with their spouse or partner’s snoring. The answer is yes, we can. Oral appliances are extremely effective for reducing or eliminating snoring. There is however, a condition called sleep apnea that needs to be addressed first. Sleep Apnea often occurs in combination with snoring and can be a serious health concern. Snoring is produced by vibration of the loose tissue at the back of the throat. It’s very common in adults for both men and women. Generally snoring doesn’t pose a problem for the person who is doing the snoring, rather for other people who hear it. Sleep Apnea is a condition that occurs in people who snore, and is defined by the presence of several episodes per hour where breathing doesn’t occur and oxygen levels drop. Sleep Apnea contributes to high blood pressure because the heart has to work harder, which can ultimately lead to heart disease. Patients with Sleep Apnea often complain of daytime fatigue and drowsiness, which can be dangerous in a number of common daily activities like driving for example. Obstructive Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed by a proper sleep study at a qualified lab. No matter how bad the snoring may seem it may not necessarily be an indication of Sleep Apnea. The sleep study involves an over-night stay at the lab where the patient is hooked up to many electrodes that monitor muscle movements and oxygen levels.  You’ll need to be asleep for at least 4 hours for the test to be accurate. For mild cases, your snoring and Sleep Apnea can be treated with a dental appliance which holds your jaw forward creating tension on the tissue at the back of your throat. This holds your airway open and prevents snoring. The appliance has an upper and lower component attached by vertical struts which allow adjustment of the lower jaw. For moderate and severe Sleep Apnea you may require treatment with a CPAP machine which holds your airway open with continuous air pressure. Air is drawn into a tube that you wear on your nose. This treatment will be directed and administered by the sleep lab and is the only 100% effective treatment for Sleep Apnea. In addition to the CPAP or possibly in place of the CPAP machine, one of the most common recommendations is weight loss. Losing weight reduces the amount of tissue in the throat which can obstruct the airway and cause snoring. Once the sleep lab has controlled your Sleep Apnea you can try an oral appliance if the CPAP is cumbersome. If snoring or Sleep Apnea are a potential problem in your family, call Forman Dental Care today. Click here to request an appointment or call (905) 303-9355.

Keeping Your Gums Healthy

A common misconception, when it comes to our gums, is that it’s normal for them to bleed. We see a lot of new patients in our office, and one of the first questions we ask is if their gums bleed when they brush or floss? Many patients notice that their gums bleed and always have. Bleeding gums are indeed common, but it’s also indicative of an underlying problem: gingivitis or periodontal disease. Your gums, when they are healthy, should not bleed when you brush or floss. So how can you make sure your gums are healthy and free of disease? Start with home care. By far, the most powerful way to keep your gums healthy is to take care of them every day. If they’ve been neglected, your gums will be sore after the first few brushings, but in time they’ll adapt. Be sure to brush twice daily (morning and night), and be thorough but not overly aggressive. Electric tooth brushes are far more effective than manual brushes, so if you can, use an electric tooth brush. Be sure to floss once a day with either normal dental floss or Soft Picks. Finally, be sure to use a mouth wash like Crest Pro Health or Listerine. They’re great for your breath and for killing the bacteria which causes gum disease. If you’re unsure about any aspects of your home care, our hygienists will be happy to help you understand more about any of the above. For some patients, home care alone may not remedy the problem, and a treatment called Active Therapy may be necessary. Active Therapy is used to treat gingivitis and periodontal disease. It’s designed to promote rapid healing of the gums and tooth-supporting tissue. By removing the built-up plaque and tartar around the teeth and under the gums, your body is able to heal and stop the disease. During Active Therapy, local anesthetic is given to allow the treatment to be comfortable, and is usually performed over two appointments. Typically we treat half the mouth at a time. Patients may experience minor soreness for 2-3 days after the treatment, but the pain is easily managed with Tylenol or Advil. A follow-up appointment, approximately 4 weeks after Active Therapy, is the final step to ensure success. At that appointment, your whole mouth will be reassessed and specific oral hygiene instructions will be given for areas that need more healing. Additional build up which was not reached or that recurred, will be removed without the need of local anesthetic. Active Therapy will go a long way toward keeping your teeth and gums healthy and looking great. It will help strengthen your gums and keep your teeth healthy over the long run. Not only will your teeth look and feel great, but keeping your gums in great condition will allow your teeth to remain stable, and allow you to eat all of the foods you love. Your gums will no longer be sore or bleed when you brush or floss. You’ll be able you keep your smile looking great, and you won’t have to worry about your teeth looking “long” or developing space between them. You’ll also improve your overall health, and prevent the bacteria in your gums from spreading to the rest of your body. If your gums are bleeding when you brush and great home care isn’t improving your condition, click here or call Forman Dental at (905) 303-9355.