Category: Dental Services

Everyone learns about the basic tools involved in managing oral health. You’ve got the pillars of oral hygiene: A toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. If you’re regularly practising good oral hygiene, chances are you have a healthy mouth. However, if you’re someone with diabetes, you might notice a drastic and significant change in your teeth and gums. 

But how exactly does diabetes affect your teeth and gums? 

We’re glad you asked. 

How It Works

People with diabetes have a greater risk of oral health problems that cause cavities, gum infections, loose teeth, or worse. It all comes down to poor blood sugar levels.  High blood sugar levels over time can affect one’s ability to fight infection and cause disturbances in blood flow at the capillary level which are the smallest blood vessels in the body.  These changes can drastically affect gum health.  

According to the American Dental Association, Periodontal disease is commonly seen in people living with diabetes. This disease is capable of destroying your gums and the tissues that hold your teeth in place. If your diabetes is left untreated, it can be more difficult to manage the growing complications of your oral health. 

Common Symptoms 

Good blood sugar control is pivotal when dealing with diabetes, especially when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene. If your blood sugar levels are too high, you will be at risk of developing the following symptoms:

Gum Disease 

Whether it’s periodontal disease or gingivitis, gum disease can result in swollen or bleeding gums, intense pain, and worsening infections. When your blood glucose levels are high, the sugar in your saliva helps the bacteria grow. Higher blood sugar also lowers the body’s ability to fight infections. 

Letting bacteria fester in your mouth can lead to the formation of plaque, which can harden under the gum line and develop into tartar. The tartar can irritate your gums and cause swelling, bleeding, or the loosening of teeth.

To reduce the risk of gum disease, it’s integral to upkeep a solid brushing and flossing routine. 

Tooth Decay

When you consume foods or beverages rich in sugar and starch, they can interact with the growing bacteria in your mouth and create plaque. Plaque can stick to your teeth, and the acids within them can attack your enamel and dentin. Once your enamel has broken down, you may start to notice multiple cavities. 

Dry Mouth

Most people with diabetes will experience dry mouth. A lack of saliva can negatively impact your oral health. Saliva plays a pivotal role in preventing poor oral hygiene. Without saliva, leftover food particles, bacteria, and acids lingering in your mouth can’t be neutralized. According to Colgate, less saliva means an increased risk of cavities and gingivitis. 

Dry mouth can also cause salivary gland infections, mouth sores, irritation in the corners of the mouth, and thrush. 

Thrush 

People with diabetes are likely to develop thrush. Thrush is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans. You can identify thrush as painful red or white patches inside your mouth and on your tongue. If you regularly practise good oral health and proper dental care, you can avoid the risk of thrush.

Prevention

You know that diabetes affects your dental health, and it’s always a smart idea to prevent any possible dental problems. The last thing you want is to deal with intense dental procedures or painful fungal infections because you neglected your symptoms. 

You can prevent potential diabetes-related dental issues by the following:

• Brush Your Teeth: It’s important to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after every meal. Avoid brushing too vigorously and use proper brushing techniques with a soft-bristled toothbrush. 
• Floss Daily: Use dental floss once a day. It can help remove plaque and reduce the risk of gum disease. 
• Monitor Your Blood Sugar: Follow your doctor’s instructions for monitoring your blood sugar levels and keep them at/near target. The better blood sugar control you have, the less risk of a fungal infection or worsened dental problems. 
• Follow a Healthy Diet: Maintaining a healthier diet and controlling your sugar intake can decrease the risk of infections and cavities. It can also promote better oral hygiene. 
• No Smoking: Not only is smoking an unhealthy habit, but it can also increase complications with diabetes and oral health issues. 
• Regular Dental Visits: Make sure to visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist will be able to decrease the progression of the disease and prevent gum disease, cavities, and more. 

Managing diabetes while maintaining oral health can be a lot of work. Allow us to help you by making an appointment at your local Winnipeg dental office. We have a great team that provide cleanings, regular check-ups, and treatments that can prevent further issues. We’re always happy to accept new patients. Visit us today!

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is integral to keeping up with good overall oral health, especially for women. However, many people may not be aware of the differences between women and men. In fact, women and men deal with very different challenges in the field of dental hygiene and health. Women have some advantages over men while also being at risk for specific dental problems. 

What exactly are the oral health differences for women?

Most Common Oral Health Conditions for Women

There are two common conditions impacting oral health in women, such as:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is chronic pain that women experience in the jaw joints. The common cause of this condition includes chronic teeth grinding. However, there are other causes of TMJ, such as joint structure, vitamin deficiency, arthritis, hormones, and stress. TMD is most common in women between 20-40 years of age. 

Some of the symptoms associated with TMD include the following:

• Pain and tenderness in the jaw
• Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints 
• Tooth pain
• Difficulty chewing
• Facial pain
• Locking of the joints
• clicking of one or both joints

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the salivary glands and tear ducts. This disorder can lead to excessive dry mouth and dry eye, as well as affecting other organs and tissues within the body. A dry mouth can create difficulty when chewing or swallowing, which is essential because we need our saliva to wash away leftover food particles, neutralize the pH of our mouth, and fight oral bacteria. 

How Do Hormonal Changes Affect Teeth?

Women typically experience the most major hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. 

Puberty

Gingivitis and gum inflammation are the most common oral health concerns for women during puberty and pregnancy. During puberty, estrogen and progesterone hormones are produced, which triggers reactions in the gums leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding. Your gums may suddenly react differently to germs and bacteria and, as a result, can cause bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis. Scheduling regular dental appointments for cleanings and exams is the key to keeping healthy teeth and gums.

Pregnancy

Maintaining good oral health while pregnant is paramount. Your oral health can affect the overall oral health of your baby, so it’s necessary that you keep an eye on your oral health conditions before the due date arrives.

Much like puberty, the abundance of estrogen and progesterone hormones increases and leaves pregnant women with the development of gingivitis.  The symptoms of gingivitis in pregnant women include red, inflamed, and bleeding gums. Leaving your gingivitis untreated can lead to more serious forms of gum disease. It can also increase the risk of pregnant women having preterm, low-birth-weight babies. 

If possible, schedule a regular dental exam early on in your pregnancy to determine if there are any conditions that may need treatment. The best way to fight oral bacteria while pregnant is by making regular appointments with your dentist, flossing daily, as well as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. 

Menopause

Women going through menopause are more likely to experience dry mouth and osteoporosis (bone loss) in the jaw. Saliva is important in defending the mouth against gum disease and tooth decay, as well as getting rid of leftover food particles. Bone loss in jaws can affect the rest of your gums and the roots of your teeth, leading to tooth loss. 

The development of osteoporosis can be prevented by following more nutritious eating habits that include plenty of calcium and vitamin D. You can also learn how to maintain better oral health, and receive professional medical advice and treatment plans from dental health experts.   

Birth Control

Women taking birth control pills or oral contraceptives should notify their dentist. Taking birth control pills can increase the blood flow to the gums, which increases the risk of developing gum disease. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits while on birth control. 

Eating Disorders & Oral Health 

Eating disorders are more common in teenage girls than they are in boys. Studies show that more than 90% of people dealing with eating disorders are teenage girls. Not only are eating disorders harmful to the body, but they can also affect your oral health. 

Malnutrition, such as vitamin and mineral deficiency, leads to numerous oral health concerns and problems as the gums lack the materials needed to maintain themselves. In the case of bulimia, acid erosion can affect the teeth and gums. 

The best way to receive help when suffering from eating disorders is by seeking psychiatric help to begin the mental recovery process. However, the recovery process for your dental health will require assistance from dental health professionals and a rigorous dental hygiene routine. For women dealing with potential oral health concerns, make an appointment with your reliable Winnipeg dentist. Our office is staffed with professional and experienced dentists that are here to help. Keep those smiles healthy by visiting us today.

With root canal treatment (or endodontic treatment), you can preserve infected or badly decayed teeth. But what makes a root canal procedure different from a typical cavity filling?

Here’s something you might not know: The word “endodontic” has its roots in the Greek language; “endo” is the Greek prefix for “within”, and “odont” means “tooth”. Now you know what endodontic therapy refers to!

Nervous about your upcoming dental procedure? We’re going to offer you some peace of mind. Here’s all you need to know about root canal therapy:

Who Needs a Root Canal?

You might suspect that something is awry with one of your teeth; it may have changed colour, become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, or started to ache. Is your toothache from a cavity, or could it be caused by something else?

Once a bacterial infection reaches the nerve tissue and blood vessels, it can lead to infected pulp. In these situations, a root canal is necessary to save the tooth.

Does It Hurt?

The idea that root canals are painful dates back to an earlier time in dentistry. Thanks to dental advancements, the procedure is similar to a regular filling procedure.

In reality, root canal treatment is intended to relieve pain. When you have an infected tooth, it often causes severe pain, especially if the infection spreads to your adjacent teeth.

Using local anaesthesia, your dentist will ensure your mouth is completely numb for your root canal treatment. If you have an upcoming appointment, don’t worry: The tooth pain caused by an infection is much greater than that of a root canal in Winnipeg. 

Why are root canals necessary?

The roots of a tooth contain parts like your blood vessels, connective tissues, and dental pulp. When bacteria reach the innermost layers of a tooth, the only way to save the tooth is through root canal therapy.

During the root canal treatment, your dentist will apply a rubber dam to isolate the root canal infection from your surrounding teeth. They will drill a small access hole into your tooth. Then, they’ll remove the diseased pulp tissue and decayed nerve tissue. Your dentist will disinfect the area and fill it with gutta percha (a filling material).

Most root canal treatments require more than only one appointment. That’s because your dentist will use a temporary filling while the root canal heals; at a later date, they’ll replace it with a permanent filling. Your tooth will need a crown or filling for structural support. For especially large fillings, you may need a custom crown.

Myths About Root Canal Treatment

There are plenty of misconceptions about root canals. We’re going to clear up a few common ones:

Myth: You should get your tooth pulled instead of trying root canal therapy.

In reality, it’s best to try saving your natural tooth instead of having it pulled. Once a tooth is extracted, tooth replacement options are costly (including dentures, dental implants, and bridges). At Fresh Dental, we always try to preserve natural teeth whenever possible. 

Myth: Root canals will make you sick.

This myth has been around for ages, but recently, it’s gained more popularity due to a recent Netflix documentary. The idea came from a study that’s over 100 years old, claiming that root canals caused illness. Even though it was debunked long ago, the myth remains. 

A root canal is designed to eliminate bacteria in your mouth—not spread it throughout your body. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that root canals make you sick or cause cancer. Not only is this idea harmful (as it may encourage a patient to extract a tooth that could be saved), but it’s downright false.

Prevention

What can you do to avoid needing root canal treatment? Here’s our advice:

• Wear sportguards for contact sports. Whenever your teeth are damaged (either by cracks, impact damage, or tooth decay), it leaves them at risk for a root canal problem to develop. Try to avoid foods that can damage your teeth, including ice, hard candies, and tough meats. If you play contact sports, be sure to wear a mouthguard.
• Book regular dental cleanings and exams. If you have natural teeth with deep decay, a dental filling might not be enough. Your dentist needs to remove the dead pulp tissue, too. 
• Talk to your dentist about bruxism. Do you grind or clench your teeth? This can wear away your tooth enamel, which may expose the pulp within your tooth. A weakened tooth is more likely to break or crack. Prevent damage by asking your dentist about a night guard. 

Book Your Root Canal Today

Do you need a root canal? This highly successful procedure can prevent you from needing a tooth extraction. If you’d like to learn more about the root canal cost, or you’d like to schedule this pain-relieving treatment, Fresh Dental is here for you. 

At our Winnipeg dental centre, we offer a range of dental procedures, including root canal treatment. Whether you need a crown or filling, contact us today!

Did you know that harmful bacteria in your mouth can affect other parts of your body? Dentists do more than give you a pearly white smile—they also help prevent health conditions that result from poor oral health. 

All of the systems, organs, and tissues in our body work together. They aren’t isolated from each other—they’re all interconnected. If you have excessive bacteria in your mouth, they can spread to other parts of your body and lead to infections, diseases, or other complications.

Here’s how your oral health can affect your overall health:

Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease is the 2^nd leading cause of death in Canada. When plaque builds up in the arteries of the heart, it can lead to a fatal heart attack. 

Gum disease has not yet been shown to cause cardiovascular disease; however, it does seem to correlate with it. This could be due to how oral bacteria lead to infections and inflammations, which may affect the heart. 

Dementia

Recent studies have revealed a link between dementia and gum disease. Bacteria in the mouth can travel to the brain via the bloodstream. This may damage various parts of the brain and influence the development of dementia. 

Since this research is new, it’s too early to say whether gum disease causes conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. However, it’s important to take the best possible care of your teeth, just in case. 

Diabetes

Diabetes and your oral health interact in several ways. When you have diabetes, your body is less resistant to infections. This makes you more susceptible to developing gum disease. 

Once you develop gum disease, the infection makes it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar levels. You can probably see why this is problematic for those with diabetes, a condition that already increases the blood glucose levels in your body.  

If you have diabetes, we suggest scheduling frequent check-ups with your dentist. You might choose to go every 4 months instead of just twice a year. 

Respiratory Infections 

As we breathe, air travels through our mouth, down our throat, and into our lungs. But what if the bacteria in our mouth travel with it? Harmful bacteria can cause an infection in the lungs, such as pneumonia. 

For older adults or those with existing health conditions, pneumonia can be fatal. This is why it’s so important to maintain good oral health. 

Arthritis

If you have a cavity, you might notice that your gums are inflamed. Gum disease is also known to cause inflammation. Could those same bacteria also cause inflammation in the joints, such as the hands, feet, and legs? If you have arthritis, it’s important to monitor your oral health closely. 

By taking good care of your teeth, you’re taking good care of the rest of your body, too. 

Are you concerned about your health? Along with booking a doctor’s appointment, you might want to call your dentist. At Fresh Dental in Winnipeg, we can take care of all your oral health needs. 

Whether you need a cleaning, root canal, or dental implant, we do it all at our dental clinic. To schedule your appointment, call us today!

There are some things we’ve heard so often that they’re ingrained in our minds. We know that we should brush our teeth twice a day, floss at least once, and visit the dental office every 6 months. But do you need to have your teeth cleaned as frequently as your dentist says?

For some patients, your dentist may advise that you schedule appointments more than twice a year. This applies to high-risk individuals, such as those who: 

• Have diabetes or cancer
• Are diagnosed with gum disease
• Have a compromised immune system
• Show signs of extensive tooth decay
• Smoke
• Are pregnant

If you have any of these conditions, your dentist may suggest that you have your teeth cleaned every 3-4 months. 

We’re going to explain why it’s so important for every patient to see their dentist regularly:

Prevent the Development of Gum Disease

The signs of gum disease aren’t always obvious. They range from a strange taste in the mouth to swollen gums. The biggest indicator is how the appearance of the tissues changes—gradually, your gums begin to recede from your teeth. As the recession advances, teeth become loose and may fall out. 

During a routine teeth cleaning, your dentist can measure your periodontal pockets to detect early signs of gum disease. Once gum disease advances to the later stages, it becomes irreversible. But it can be treated if it’s caught early enough. 

Those who have gum disease, or are at a higher risk for developing it, should make sure to schedule frequent dental check-ups.

Remove Tartar & Prevent Tooth Loss

A cavity may not be obvious—when you have one, you don’t always experience a toothache or sensitivity. It takes the trained eye of a dentist to spot the signs of tooth decay.

Not only does tartar lead to bad breath and tooth decay, but it’s also incredibly difficult to remove. The hardened mineral can only be scraped away by your dentist with the use of specialized tools. 

Since tartar attracts bacteria, it makes your teeth more susceptible to decay. Cavities weaken the teeth and leave them vulnerable to infections. If the decay continues, it may reach the nerves of the teeth. At this stage, a dentist will need to perform a root canal or tooth extraction. 

However, all of this can be avoided if the cavity is caught early enough! When you see your dentist regularly, you can stop tooth decay in its tracks.

Detect Signs of Oral Cancer

If you have a family history of oral cancer, or you regularly smoke tobacco, you are at a higher risk for this disease. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor your oral health for signs of cancer. They can screen the tissues in your mouth to check for any abnormal growth. 

When oral cancer is detected early, it can result in less aggressive treatment for patients. Early detection may improve the prognosis of the condition. If you’re concerned about oral cancer, make sure to ask your dentist to screen for it at your next cleaning. 

Is it time to schedule a dentist appointment? At our dental clinic on Pembina, we provide routine cleanings and restorative treatments. We can inspect your mouth for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancer. Contact Fresh Dental today!

We all know that brushing and flossing is important for our dental health. It keeps our teeth pearly white and gives us a winning smile. However, many people don’t realize that routine hygiene actually has more benefits than just keeping your teeth clean. It can impact every aspect of your health from your gums to your cancer risk to your finances. 

If you are ready to find out more about how routine hygiene can help your health, here is the breakdown you’ve been looking for:

Healthy Gums

You probably already know that your mouth can be home to many harmful bacteria as a result of the food particles that linger there. The good news is that you can cut back on these bacteria with routine brushing and flossing. As you wash away the bacteria, you are reducing plaque buildup that can lead to inflammation in the gums. Reducing plaque leads to less tenderness, bleeding, and swelling of the gums. 

Save Money on Dental Care

Have you ever considered how much money you spend on dental care each year? If you make a habit of having good oral hygiene, you can often get away with nothing more than preventative care each year. Preventative care is often less expensive than extensive or major dental work will be. As a result, you can keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket. 

Lower Risk of Cancer

Many people do not realize that gum disease has actually been linked to cancer development. While the exact mechanism is not clear to scientists yet, the reality is that bacteria can foster a good environment for cancer cells to thrive in. Certain types of cancer, including pancreatic, are more likely if you don’t keep up with routine dental hygiene. 

Healthier Pregnancy

Did you know that good oral hygiene is actually linked to healthier pregnancies? In some studies, pregnant women with poor oral hygiene were more likely to give birth to babies with a low birth weight and to preterm babies. Both of these conditions can be problematic for newborns, so be sure to keep up with good routine hygiene if you’re pregnant! 

Less Risk of Heart Attack

If you have bacteria in your mouth, it is bound to travel throughout your body. Once it makes it into your bloodstream, it is inevitable that it will end up at the heart eventually. These bacteria can narrow the arteries and make it harder for your heart to do its job well. As it gets harder for your heart to pump blood, you will be at an increased risk of suffering from a heart attack. Routine hygiene can help keep your heart healthier for longer. 

Finding a Dentist

Routine hygiene is important, and regular dental cleanings should be a part of that. If you need dentists on Pembina, Fresh Dental could be the right fit for you. We offer a safe environment where employees wear masks, get temperature checks, and disinfect between clients!