What are your summer plans? 🙂

Summer is here! June 21st is the first day of summer as well as the summer solstice, AND Father’s Day! How is that for one day! It will be the longest sun lit day this year and we hope you make the most of it.

Are your children on Summer Break?

If they are, be sure to remind them that a break from their regular schedule does not mean a break from good oral hygiene.

If they are heading off to camp or traveling over the upcoming weeks, make sure their next cleaning and check up is scheduled (Request Appointment). That way we can ensure that they start the summer off with a healthy smile.

Patio Season Smile

If you are interested in improving your smile for inevitable photo opportunities during patio season, give us a call or request an appointment here. Now is a great time to discuss the smile of your dreams.

White for Life Promotion!

For a limited time, at $299 (reg. $699), you can experience our brand new 2015 Philips Zoom! system, while watching your favourite TV shows. Plus, you get a custom take-home whitening kit, and receive maintenance whitening gel when you come back for a cleaning.

In this newsletter, we put together some questions that are often asked by our patients. Hope they will help. Have a great summer and Happy Father’s Day to those Dads in our dental family!

Sincerely,
Just Smiles Dental

Q: A little bleeding of the gums after brushing or flossing is normal. Fact or Fiction?

Fiction! Bleeding gums are never normal. If your gums bleed when you brush, it could be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. It also could be something simple like brushing or flossing too hard. If your gums bleed regularly or enough to worry you, make an appointment to see us.

Q: Aspirin placed next to a tooth is a good way to relieve a toothache. Fact or Fiction?

Fiction! Placing an aspirin directly on your gum causes an ulceration of the tissue, commonly referred to as an aspirin burn. Aspirin can be effective as a pain reliever when you take it as directed, however you are not supposed to put it next to a tooth. The best cure to a toothache is a trip to your dentist to find out what’s causing the pain.

Q: Discoloured teeth can be just as healthy as pearly whites. Fact or Fiction?

Somewhat Fact… Discoloured teeth are not necessarily unhealthy, but they can be. Discolouration can indicate a cavity, but can also be caused by eating or drinking certain foods/beverages (coffee, tea, red wine), smoking, aging, genetics, injury or certain medications. Whitening options can include over the counter or in-office treatments. There is one intrinsic stain that doesn’t come off, called tetracycline stain. When you were either still nursing or an infant, as the teeth are developing, if you have tetracycline in your blood stream, it will permanently stain the teeth in greenish-pink. It doesn’t happen as much anymore as the physicians are now more aware of this issue.

Q: Whitening toothpaste can bleach my teeth. Fact or Fiction?

Somewhat Fiction… All toothpastes help remove surface stains, because they contain mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Most whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach. Over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that helps lighten the colour deep in the tooth. Whitening toothpastes can lighten the tooth’s colour by about one shade. In contrast, light-activated whitening procedure in the dentist’s office can make your teeth at least three and up to eight shades lighter.

Q: Pregnant women should pay extra attention to their dental health. Fact or Fiction?

Fact! Pregnant women should pay extra attention to their dental health, because all the changing hormone levels that occur with pregnancy can actually make some dental problems worse. So if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, schedule a visit with your dentist.

Q: Baby teeth don’t need to be brushed because they fall out in a few years. Fact or Fiction?

Fiction! Baby teeth need proper care just as much as adult teeth. It’s important now and it’s important later. That’s because baby teeth can help your child chew and speak, and they also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth that are growing in under the gums.

You may notice there is a common theme here. Brush, floss and see your dentist :). Floss at least once a day, and don’t wait until right before you come to us, because first of all, we can tell :), and secondly, your gum will be healthier, which is why you are doing it in the first place, right?

As always, if you have any other questions, we are happy to help. Call us at 604-579-0117 or send us an email anytime at jsdentalclinic@gmail.com. Again, have a great summer and Happy Father’s Day to our patients, friends and family from all of us at Just Smiles Dental!