What is a Smile Analysis?

What is a Smile Analysis?

Have you ever heard of a smile analysis? It’s a process used by dental professionals to assess the overall health of your teeth and gums, as well as the aesthetic appearance of your smile.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what goes into a smile analysis and how it can help you achieve the perfect smile. Check out our website to read all about a smile analysis: https://pacificadental.ca/services/smile-analysis/

What Happens During a Smile Analysis?

During a smile analysis, your dentist will take an in-depth look at all aspects of your oral health. This includes examining the condition of your teeth, gums, jawbone structure, and facial muscles. Your dentist will also evaluate any existing dental work that you may have had done in the past. All this information is used to create a comprehensive picture of your oral health.

The next step is to determine what type of treatments are necessary to improve the overall appearance of your smile. Your dentist may recommend one or more cosmetic treatments such as veneers, or braces. They may also suggest restorative treatments such as fillings or crowns if there are any issues with the structure and function of your teeth.

How Can Smile Analysis Help You Achieve Your Goals?

A smile analysis can help you identify any areas where improvement is needed in order to achieve the perfect smile that you desire. Additionally, it can help you uncover any underlying oral health problems that need to be addressed in order for you to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent future problems from occurring. The end result is that you can have peace of mind knowing that all aspects of your oral health are taken care of and that you have a beautiful, healthy-looking smile!

To Wrap Things Up…

A Smile analysis is an important tool for anyone looking to improve their oral health and aesthetic appearance. By taking an in-depth look at all aspects of their mouth – from the condition of their teeth and gums to existing dental work – dentists are able to create a comprehensive picture that helps them determine what types of treatments are necessary for achieving their desired results. With regular visits to the dentist combined with proper dental hygiene habits, anyone can enjoy a beautiful and healthy-looking smile!

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For more information, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

The Team at Pacifica Dental.

The Benefits of Flossing Your Teeth

Overall, regular flossing contributes greatly to keeping both your mouth and body healthy. Not only does it help prevent periodontal disease, but it also reduces bad breath and keeps your teeth cleaner than brushing alone could ever do! So grab some dental floss today and make sure you are taking care of yourself inside and out! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your pearly whites! For more information about proper dental hygiene habits, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Find out how flossing your teeth can improve your oral health, including reducing plaque and gingivitis.

Flossing your teeth is an essential part of oral hygiene, but did you know that flossing isn’t just important for a healthy mouth? Flossing has many benefits for your overall health as well. Let’s take a closer look at why you should make flossing a priority if you want to maintain good health.

Flossing Your Teeth Helps Prevent Disease

When you don’t floss, plaque builds up between your teeth and near the gum line. Over time, this plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which can cause gingivitis—an inflammation of the gums—and eventually lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the tissues surrounding your teeth and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. In addition to causing tooth loss, periodontal disease has been linked to other serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Flossing Your Teeth Reduces Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria in the mouth that break down food particles trapped between teeth and on the tongue. When these bacteria form plaque and tartar on your teeth, they produce sulfur compounds which cause bad breath. By regularly flossing your teeth, you can reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and prevent bad breath from occurring.

Flossing Your Teeth Keeps Your Teeth Cleaner

When you brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, it helps remove surface stains from food and drinks like coffee or tea; however, brushing alone cannot reach all surfaces of your teeth. Flossing helps remove plaque from between teeth and around the gum line where a toothbrush cannot reach; this will leave your smile sparkling clean! Click the link and see how the Canadian Dental Association shows how to floss properly: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care/flossing_brushing.asp#:~:text=Flossing%20removes%20plaque%20and%20bacteria,on%20your%20teeth%20every%20day

To Wrap Things Up…

Overall, regular flossing contributes greatly to keeping both your mouth and body healthy. Not only does it help prevent periodontal disease, but it also reduces bad breath and keeps your teeth cleaner than brushing alone could ever do! So grab some dental floss today and make sure you are taking care of yourself inside and out!

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your pearly whites!

For more information about proper dental hygiene habits, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

Sincerely

The Pacifica Dental Team

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

Learn how often to replace your toothbrush, the best way to brush your teeth, and other dental hygiene tips from Pacifica Dental.

When it comes to dental hygiene, there are a few simple steps you can take that will go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy and free from cavities. One of the most important is replacing your toothbrush regularly. But how often should you be doing this? Let’s find out.

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends that you should replace your toothbrush (or swap your electric toothbrush head) every three to four months as long as you use it at least twice daily.

If you have an illness such as a cold or flu, it is especially important to replace your toothbrush as soon as you start feeling better to avoid re-infecting yourself with the same virus.

It’s also a good idea to replace your toothbrush after any oral surgery, such as dental implants or wisdom teeth removal, since the bristles may have come into contact with germs from inside the mouth.

Brushing Tips for Better Oral Hygiene

In addition to replacing your brush on a regular basis, proper brushing technique is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Here are some tips from our team at Pacifica Dental for getting maximum benefit from brushing: 

  • Use gentle circular motions when brushing—too much pressure can cause gum damage and irritation over time. 
  • Brush for two minutes at least twice a day.           
  • Make sure you brush all surfaces of each tooth—especially hard-to-reach areas like molars. 
  • Don’t forget about flossing! Flossing removes plaque and food particles that cannot be removed by brushing alone; and                 
  • Ask our hygienists about using fluoride mouthwash to help reduce cavities and protect against bacteria growth in hard-to-reach areas like between teeth or below the gum line.                         

To Wrap Things Up

Taking care of your teeth is vital for promoting overall health and wellness throughout life. By following these simple steps – replacing your toothbrush regularly and using proper brushing techniques – you can keep your smile looking great for years to come!

For more information about proper dental hygiene habits, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your pearly whites!

Sincerely

The Pacifica Dental Team

Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy (LBR) available at Pacifica Dental

Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy (LBR) available at Pacifica Dental

We know how important comfort and time are for our patients and that’s why here at Pacifica Dental, we consistently invest in state-of-the-art technology that helps us achieve better and faster results. A recent example is Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy (LBR), a therapy that eliminates harmful bacteria in the oral cavity in less than a minute.

You often hear us talking about bacteria in the oral cavity because it represents a threat not only for our oral health but also for the rest of our body. It can lead to problems such as tooth decay and gingivitis, heart attack, diabetes and dementia.

Plaque is formed when residue from food and drink remains on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth are fed by this residue, producing acids as a result. In time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause the bone supporting the teeth to breakdown.

With manual cleaning we only eliminate part of that bacteria. Luckily, technology comes once again to our rescue 😊 With Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy, we can target up to 88% of the bad bacteria in your mouth. LBR is completely painless and it takes less than a minute. It reduces the risk of gum disease resurgence. Even better, there are no side effects and the results can last up to six months.

Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy main benefits:

  • Improved oral health
  • Stronger resistance to infection and gum disease
  • Immune system boost
  • Increased protection from other inflammation-based diseases throughout the body
  • Lower risk of cross-contamination between healthy and diseased teeth and gums

At Pacifica Dental, our patients can benefit from the advantages of laser therapy during professional cleaning sessions. We recommend it especially to patients that suffer from gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontal disease. The procedure is safe and gentle on the teeth and gums, with no pain or discomfort.

How does LBR work?

The laser used for Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy is a non-cutting laser, which means it emits a light that won’t cut through soft or hard tissue. LBR only targets harmful bacteria and diseased tissue, protecting healthy bacteria, teeth, and gums. In this way it helps to maintain a healthy environment in the oral cavity.

LBR therapy can benefit everyone, and we recognize that every patient is unique and has specific needs. That’s why we personalize every treatment to meet each patient’s situation.

We’re waiting for you to try Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy during your next appointment at Pacifica Dental.

Myths about dental care

Myths about dental care

There are many dental myths, deeply rooted in our culture and frequently repeated, which can endanger our oral health, and hinder us from obtaining proper dental care. Let’s look at the most popular myths:

“My parents have periodontitis so I will inherit this disease too”

Periodontitis is not a condition commonly inherited from parents. Statistically, only 8% of the population has any genetic predisposition to the disease. The main cause of periodontitis is incorrect dental hygiene or dental crowding. People who use the wrong brushing technique, who forget to floss or who do not address their dental crowding are the most susceptible.

The small percentage of patients at risk because of genetics may delay the onset of the disease and even slow its progression through regular dental check-ups and with proper care. The treatment of crowded dentition and the correction of the occlusion (bite) with the help of orthodontics can also aid in prevention.

“Scaling makes my gums and teeth more sensitive”

Some people avoid scaling because they believe it results in tooth sensitivity or scratches the enamel. Scaling, often using ultrasound, focuses on dislocating tartar deposits and does not affect the tooth enamel. It is possible that sensitivity may occur during scaling, but this only happens when the hygienist removes harmful tartar below the level of the gum. The sensitivity is temporary, lasting a couple of days at most, and can be reduced and often removed completely by applying anesthetic spray. Tartar build-up over long periods of time can cause gingival retraction, root discoloration, and consequently periodontitis. So, in reality, it is the avoidance of periodic scaling that is the cause of dental sensitivity, not the treatment itself.

“I don’t brush my teeth where my gums bleed”

Many people avoid using the toothbrush in areas where the gums bleed, unaware that the bleeding is caused by food debris and plaque in the area. This creates a chain of circumstances: we avoid cleaning the area because it bleeds, which in turn causes the gums to bleed even more because we do not brush. It is recommended to continue brushing and flossing exactly where the gums bleed. If the bleeding does not go away in spite of proper hygiene, dental check-ups are necessary to detect and rule out other causes, including gingivitis, areas that retain food debris, and dental plaque, which are irritating to the gums.

“It is more important to brush my teeth in the morning than in the evening”

Although it may be more convenient to believe the opposite, the most important brushing is in the evening, because the bacteria grow best in heat, darkness and humidity. If, in addition to these conditions in the mouth, the bacteria feed all night with leftover food between the teeth, they will multiply excessively, break down the food into acids and release toxins harmful to the teeth and gums. Thus, the risk of caries, gingivitis and periodontitis increases greatly.

“A toothpick is useful for cleaning teeth”

Although it is a common technique for cleaning teeth, the use of toothpicks is extremely harmful no matter how gently they are used. A toothpick can scratch the gums and even cause the gum to detach from the tooth. If toothpicks are used frequently, over time the gums will start to recede, without ever being able to grow back. In some cases, the toothpick pushes some of the food left between the teeth even deeper under the gums. Flossing is much more efficient, less harmful and recommended daily before bed. Handled carefully, flossing will not injure the gums and will reduce the risk of caries and periodontitis.

Although the internet is a useful source of information in some cases, and friends or family members wish us well, when we believe unverified information about oral care, we risk doing more harm than good. Don’t forget that regular visits to the dentist, professional hygiene services and personalized treatment can prevent most oral diseases.

We’re waiting for you in our office 😊

How a dental check-up may save your life

How a dental check-up may save your life

Most diseases of the teeth and gums can be cured.  At the same time, there are other diseases of the body which affect oral health and can be detected in a single visit to the dentist. You will be amazed to find out that a regular dental check-up may end up saving your life.

Here are some of the diagnoses a dentist can make:

  1. Heart disease.

Tooth loss can be an important clue, according to a study by researchers at the University of Minnesota. A link between heart disease and some dental problems has been established by previous studies, but more recent ones suggest that bacteria which cause gum infection can also inflame blood vessels. Early signs of heart disease include bleeding gums, bad taste in the mouth, bad breath or abscesses. In more advanced stages, the teeth weaken and begin to fall out.

  1. High blood pressure

Without visible symptoms, hypertension often goes undetected, but can lead to strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease. Inflammation of the gums is a good indicator of hypertension. In North America, many dentists monitor the blood pressure of their patients. 

  1. Premature birth

Gum disease during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of giving birth prematurely, as it increases the secretion of prostaglandins (the hormones that induce labor). In such cases, a simple dental check-up may reduce the risk of giving birth prematurely. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that properly treating gum disease can substantially reduce the risk of premature birth.

  1. Diabetes

Gum disease, infections, hard-to-heal ulcers, a swollen tongue or dry mouth may be indications of diabetes, diagnosed or not. Diabetics are prone to canker sores, which a dentist can often easily identify.

  1. Pregnancy

Bleeding or swollen gums may be the first signs of pregnancy. Hormonal changes in expectant mothers make their gums swell more easily, a condition known as pregnancy-induced gingivitis. Pregnant women are encouraged to go to the dentist for treatment.

  1. Eating Disorders

If you suffer from bulimia or anorexia, you can’t hide it from the dentist, because these diseases destroy the tooth enamel. Although eating disorders are most common in young women, the symptoms are sometimes seen in men as well.

  1. Avitaminosis, cirrhosis or HIV infection

A swollen tongue, an unusual sensation in the mouth or a strange taste can be caused by deficiencies of vitamin B, iron or zinc. If your tongue hurts, you may not have any concerns, but this may indicate a lack of vitamins that are quite difficult to identify. The sensation of pain can be an indication of more serious problems – liver cirrhosis or even HIV infection. Ulcers that are difficult to heal may also indicate herpes, canker sores, tuberculosis or syphilis.

  1. Vascular diseases

Dry mouth or a strange taste may be signs of anemia. Your doctor may also tell you that you have a blockage of your salivary glands or diabetes. Swollen gums may be a sign of leukemia.

  1. Oral cancer

If you detect unusual ulcers or abnormal swelling in the mouth, the dentist’s advice is to go to the doctor. There is a slim chance it could be oral cancer, a disease most often diagnosed by dentists. Oral cancer can be located on the tongue, lips, and under the tongue.

  1. Rheumatoid arthritis

Pain or immobility of the mandible (lower jaw bone) could indicate diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or some forms of lupus.

Our advice is not to wait for any signs of problems in your oral cavity and schedule regular appointments with the dentist, every 4-6 months. Remember that nothing is more important than your health and wellbeing!

We’re waiting for you in our office 😊

Dental sensitivity

Dental sensitivity

Tooth / dental sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth – the dentin – becomes exposed. This leads to discomfort, often triggered by hot, cold, sweet or sour food and drinks, or by breathing in cold air. Pain can be sharp, sudden and shoot deep into tooth nerve endings. The team here at Pacifica Dental can help 😊

Numerous factors can cause tooth sensitivity, including:

  • aggressive brushing
  • gingival recession and tooth root exposure
  • gum disease
  • cavities
  • cracked teeth
  • acidic food and drink
  • gastric reflux
  • fractured prosthetics
  • teeth grinding
  • pulpitis
  • long-term use of some mouthwashes
  • tooth whitening products or toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide
  • xerostomia
  • chewing tobacco
  • bulimia

If you suffer from dental sensitivity, a thorough checkup with a dentist is a must. After looking at any indicators in your medical history, the doctor will consider the intensity of the pain, when discomfort occurs and any stimuli that contribute to the increase or decrease in pain intensity.

Treatment

In building a treatment plan, the dentist will first consider the various causes that may be triggering tooth sensitivity.

If, for example, aggressive or incorrect brushing is considered to be the cause, the dentist will likely recommend the use of a soft toothbrush and special toothpaste, as well as proper brushing techniques and regular professional hygiene appointments.

Forms of treatment will vary, from topical products to surgery, depending on the cause. Here ae a few options that may be recommended by your dentist:

Attention to diet

Patients with dental sensitivity are advised to pay special attention to their diet. According to specialists, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, alcohol, and other highly acidic food and drink can dissolve small amounts of enamel over time. Using a straw and drinking water after consumption may help to balance the acid levels in your mouth. A checkup to ensure it is nothing more serious is advised.

Desensitizing toothpaste

Toothpaste specially designed to desensitize teeth can sometimes help relieve dental sensitivity. According to studies, these toothpastes contain potassium salts that have a positive effect on reducing tooth sensitivity. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using gentle stokes, twice daily.

Fluoride

The dentist may recommend an application of fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. Fluoride treatment is often incorporated into hygiene appointments, which are recommended 3- 4 times a year to maintain good oral hygiene.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment is another option for patients with dental sensitivity. Low output power lasers produce an analgesic effect related to depressed nerve transmission, thereby reducing the pain. Ask your hygienist about laser treatment for you.

Surgical gum grafting

Receding gums results in the root surfaces of your teeth becoming exposed, leading to possible decay and sensitivity. A gum graft is designed to cover the exposed roots and thereby remove the chance of any sensitivity developing or worsening.

Root Canal

If there is severe pain, the dentist may recommend a root canal. This treatment addresses problems in the dental pulp deep in the core of the tooth. Some sensitivity needs to have this kind of significant treatment, once other options have proved ineffective.

Working as a team with the experts here at Pacifica Dental, we will identify the cause of your dental sensitivity and recommend the treatment method that most suits your needs. If you want to really enjoy an ice cream or a hot tea, schedule an appointment @PacificaDental.

What are clear signs indicating it’s time for a visit to the dentist?

What are clear signs indicating it’s time for a visit to the dentist?

If you don’t normally plan regular dental check-ups for prevention, then your body will make sure you know when it has a problem. Your body will give you signs, letting you know that you should book a visit to your dentist as soon as possible. Some conditions can occur before you feel any symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms appear when the problem is already serious.

Here are some of the warnings you should pay attention to:

  1. Bad breath

Bad breath (halitosis) can affect your relationships and social life. In addition to the fact that it is unpleasant for those around you, it can be a sign that you suffer from gingivitis or gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. The chronic inflammation that causes halitosis may lead to total tooth loss. If bad breath persists, make an appointment with your dentist to detect the cause of the problem.

  1. Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Tell your doctor if you have difficulty chewing or swallowing. The dentist will help you determine why. This is not a healthy situation, so the sooner you treat the condition, the more likely it can be cured.

  1. Dental pain

Dental pain can indicate a serious underlying condition. Despite the fact that it is uncomfortable, we often wait a few days to see if the pain passes. Our advice is to go to the dentist, even if the pain subsides. The cause of the discomfort needs to be diagnosed and properly treated.

  1. Swollen or bleeding gums

If your gums are swollen or bleeding during brushing, it may be another sign that you have gingivitis. Inflammation of the gums occurs due to bacterial plaque that builds up at the base of the gums. If left untreated, as in the case of bad breath, it can lead to periodontitis.

  1. White spots on the teeth

White spots on the teeth are often the first indication of cavities. Acid produced by bacteria in the oral cavity dissolves tooth enamel, which can lead to decay. Regular visits to the dentist will identify and treat cavities in the early stages, before the onset of any complications.

  1. Teeth sensitivity

If left untreated, decay can advance to the center of the tooth, reaching the nerve. Once this happens, the tooth will be sensitive to air and hot or cold drinks. This sensitivity is a sign that you may have an advanced cavity. The faster you get treatment, the easier it will be to avoid other problems.

  1. Dry mouth

Dry mouth can occur for simple reasons such as aging or the administration of certain drugs. However, dry mouth can also be a sign of the presence of bacteria or disease in the oral cavity. It’s best not to ignore it. Schedule a visit to the dentist to find out why.

  1. Headache

Have you ever thought that oral problems can cause headaches? In fact, they are closely linked. If you often wake up with a headache in the morning, you may suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep). A dentist can detect the problem, and may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth, at the same time relieving the morning headaches.

In summary, early intervention will reduce the chance of diseases and further complications. It will also save you from other potentially expensive treatments in the future. At Pacifica Dental, we have experienced specialists and a modern clinic waiting for you. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment to discuss your oral health.

Custom timing for dental check-ups at Pacifica Dental

Custom timing for dental check-ups at Pacifica Dental

There are two main scenarios for going to the dentist: when you want to or when you need to. The second option is less desirable, because, most times, it involves dental pain or discomfort. The ideal option is to have dental check-ups regularly, according to a custom plan built together with your doctor, depending on your needs. At Pacifica Dental, we create such plans for our patients.

Some people think that, in order to have healthy teeth, going to the dentist once a year will suffice. In our opinion, this is not usually enough for most people. As you well know, every person is unique, with specific body types, habits, and health conditions. These factors influence our oral health, which in turn impacts our general health.

For example, permanent teeth are very vulnerable to cavities as soon as they come in, so in children aged six to eight, dental check-ups are recommended at shorter intervals. In adolescence, the teeth are less vulnerable until the wisdom teeth appear, on average around twenty years old. As people age, the rate of dental decay, tooth loss, mouth infections, and gum disease increases. It is also common to find that our teeth will start to move. Our oral health, and hence our general health, varies at different stages of life.

We are aware that smoking is a habit that can lead to various health problems. Not only does it increase the likelihood of bad breath, canker sores and even cancer, but it also strengthens the bacteria in the mouth, making them more resistant. The mouth is already one of the dirtiest parts of the body, and cigarette smoke will encourage the growth of bacteria, which in turn can lead to cavities and gum disease. Smokers are recommended to visit the dentist more often than non-smokers.

Stomach conditions, such as acid reflux, can often have a negative impact on our oral health. If the acidity reaches our mouth, it results in not only bad breath but can also cause cavities at the base of the gums. These cavities can be easily treated if they are found at an early stage. If not discovered right away, they can reach the tooth root or even expand to neighboring teeth, possibly becoming painful and making the treatment process a bit more complicated.

Other factors, such as frequently drinking coffee, red wine or eating sweets, will influence how often your dentist recommends you schedule a visit. To maintain excellent oral hygiene, it is often suggested that patients have professional cleanings 3-4 times a year and follow a personalized hygiene plan.

In conclusion, exactly how long you wait between visits with your dentist depends on the assessment you and your doctor will make. Schedule an appointment with Pacifica Dental and start taking better care of your oral health!