What Are Dental Veneers and How Can They Improve Your Smile?

What Are Dental Veneers and How Can They Improve Your Smile?

Have you been wanting to improve the appearance of your smile? One popular option is dental veneers.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front of your teeth. They are made of either porcelain or composite material and can help improve the appearance of your teeth by making them look straighter, whiter, and more symmetrical. Let’s take a closer look at what veneers are and how they can help you smile more. Click the link to view our page on Dental Veneers: https://pacificadental.ca/services/dental-veneers/

What Are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?

Veneers can be used to address a wide range of cosmetic issues with your teeth. From gaps between teeth to discolouration, chips or cracks, dental veneers may be able to give you the perfect smile you have always wanted. In addition, they can also help protect your teeth from further damage due to wear and tear.

One of the major benefits of veneers is that we can lighten the shade in order to make teeth look brighter and more uniform. This can be particularly helpful for people who have teeth that are naturally yellow or discoloured from years of consuming coffee, tea, wine, or other foods and drinks known to stain the teeth. Not only do veneers provide a quick and relatively minor solution to lightening stained teeth, but they also give us greater control over colour choice when compared with other methods such as conventional bleaching procedures. Therefore, using this method of treatment can help patients achieve the bright smile of their dreams.

How Long Will My Dental Veneers Last?

The lifespan of your veneers will depend on the type of material that is used as well as how well you take care of them. Porcelain veneers typically last longer than composite ones but both types should last for several years with proper care and maintenance.

It is important to remember that regular flossing, brushing twice a day, avoiding hard foods, following proper oral hygiene habits, and visiting the dentist every six months for checkups will all help ensure that your dental veneers last as long as possible.

Are Dental Veneers Right for Me?

If you are looking for a way to improve the appearance of your smile, then dental veneers may be right for you. However, it is important to note that not everyone is an ideal candidate for this procedure, so it is best to consult with your dentist before having any work done on your teeth.

During this consultation, the dentist will be able to determine if this procedure is right for you based on factors such as the health of your teeth and gums as well as any underlying medical conditions that may affect the outcome of the procedure.  Click the link to see what the Canadian Dental Association say about Dental Veneers: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/procedures/bonding_veneers/

To Wrap Things Up…

Veneers can be a great way to improve the appearance of your smile if other methods have failed or if they just don’t fit into your lifestyle or budget. Not only do they provide an immediate transformation, but they also require very little maintenance which makes them an attractive option for those who want a quick fix without too much effort involved in keeping them looking bright white! So why not give yourself a boost in confidence with some new pearly whites today! Speak with one our dentists here at Pacifica Dental about whether dental veneers are right for you!

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

For more information, 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

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

Dental care at every age

Dental care at every age

There is no age category that is safe from dental problems. From the eruption of the first baby tooth, through to retirement, here are the most frequent dental conditions encountered by children, adults and seniors.

Babies and children

  • Baby bottle tooth decay and cavities

Decay occurs due to sugar in various drinks such as milk, fresh juice, or sweetened tea that remain on the teeth for long periods of time.  It is important that babies and small children do not fall asleep with the bottle in their mouth, or use it as a pacifier, and as soon as they finish eating, we must make sure that they have swallowed all the liquid.

  • Crooked teeth because of thumb-sucking

Most babies suck their thumbs or fingers. It’s a habit that hopefully ends by the time they turn five and their first permanent teeth start to erupt. Otherwise, the pressure exerted by the tongue or finger can lead to deformation of the teeth, and from here problems can arise regarding the bite or even the correct development of speech.

Adults

  • Tooth decay

Tooth decay occurs when acid is produced from plaque which builds up on our teeth. Many people tend to think that plaque is only an aesthetic problem, but in fact, if the process advances, it can lead to further concerns such as cavities, gum disease or dental abscesses.

  • Gum line cavities

Cavities that appear under the gums are harder to detect than those formed on the enamel of the teeth and have a faster evolution. The main causes are improper brushing, aggressive brushing, or the use of a toothbrush with very rough bristles. Sometimes cavities occur due to poor nutrition.

  • Gum disease

Risk factors of gum disease include vitamin C deficiency, smoking, hormonal disorders or certain drug treatments. Bleeding gums and redness of the gums are the first signs and it is recommended to go to the dentist as soon as possible. If left untreated, it could lead to tooth loss.  Basic prevention of gum disease is thorough, consistent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

  • Tooth sensitivity

As far as tooth sensitivity is concerned, we are not talking about a disease itself, but rather a problem that can have multiple causes and just as many treatments. The only one in a position to make a diagnosis and offer solutions is the dentist, following a check-up and specific tests.

  • Bad breath (halitosis)

Many associate bad breaths with digestive problems, but more often than not, the cause is poor oral hygiene. Food debris and bacteria from the oral cavity that remain between the teeth or in the gum groove need to be removed by constant and correct brushing. It is also important to brush not only the teeth, but also the tongue. Professional cleaning sessions in the dentist’s office are just as important, as hygienists can reach areas that are commonly missed at home.

  • Tooth loss

We may tend to think this mostly happens to seniors, but, in fact, some people start losing their teeth in their forties. Lifestyle, diet, general health, and oral hygiene are factors that increase the risk of tooth loss. Luckily, we have access to solutions such as dental implants for replacing missing teeth, but prevention continues to be the best route when it comes to oral health.

Seniors

  • Gum recession and periodontal disease

The chance of developing periodontal disease and gum recession increases as we age. Oral hygiene is again the main method of prevention, but it is not always sufficient. Untreated gum problems, reduced salivary gland function, and hormonal imbalances are some of the factors that contribute to the appearance of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Regular dental check-ups are necessary from childhood in order to thrive with healthy teeth and not struggle with pain, surgeries, or prosthesis.

Pacifica Dental specialists can guide you on your journey to good oral health at every age. We are here for you in our beautiful office in Victoria BC!

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 😊