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  • Spotlight On Women’s Oral Health

    Spotlight On Women’s Oral Health

    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.

  • A History Of Dentures

    A History Of Dentures

    When thinking about dentures, the first image that comes to mind might be George Washington’s famed wooden teeth. What you may not know is that he never had wooden dentures at all, they were carved ivory! 

    Dentures date back further than you may think. It’s incredible to see how far dental care has come over the decades, especially the progression of dentures. Today, the need for dentures has decreased, but you might be wondering just how far back dentures have appeared throughout history. 

    Dentures Past

    The Ancients 

    Some of the oldest dentures,  found in Mexico, date back to 2500 BC. When these false teeth were excavated, they were found to be made of wolf teeth. No wiring was used; the wolf teeth were simply placed in the empty sockets of a person’s missing teeth. 

    Archaeologists discovered that the ancient Egyptians’ method was to wrap gold wire around false teeth and then tie them to other teeth in the mouth with catgut. In the ancient Egyptian tomb of El Gigel, two false teeth, made from bone, were found wrapped in gold wire.

    The Romans, Greeks, and Etruscans were all found to have practiced similar false teeth methods as the Egyptians. The Etruscans made dentures from a mixture of bone, gold wire, and repurposed human and animal teeth. 

    Wooden Dentures 

    In the history of 16th century Japan, the use of wooden dentures began to be more common. Nakaoka Tei, who was a priestess of an ancient temple in Kii, was known to have had wooden teeth (unlike President Washington). The method of crafting these wooden dentures was done by using softened beeswax to make an impression on the person’s teeth. The wood was then carved to match the impression and placed on a mouthguard made of beeswax. 

    Ivory Dentures & Porcelain Teeth

    As stated, George Washington didn’t have wooden dentures. At the time of his presidency, ivory dentures had become very popular. It’s been theorized that his ivory dentures had become stained over time, which is why many thought they were made of wood. Ivory dentures were carved from the ivory plate of a hippopotamus. 

    In 1770, the first porcelain dentures were made by Alexis Duchâteau, who had initially had dentures made of ivory but found they began to rot. Duchâteau teamed up with a dentist named Nicholas Dubois De Chemant, and they both managed to improve porcelain for dentures. Porcelain dentures became patented in 1791 and became a common go-to afterward. 

    Waterloo Teeth

    There was a time when dentists’ suppliers turned to grave robbing to find teeth for dentures. Despite access to porcelain dentures, the demand for false teeth had begun to grow. People had started to consume more sugar, which led to teeth being pulled and resulted in a higher demand for tooth replacements.

    In 1815, tooth hunters flocked to the casualties of the Battle of Waterloo for a fresh supply of teeth. The thousands of fallen soldiers had their teeth removed and repurposed to match the high demand. Eventually, stealing teeth from the dead became unlawful, so the popularity of human dentures died out. 

    Dentures Present

    Modern False Teeth

    Acrylic and rubber compounds were introduced into the construction of false teeth. Today, modern dentures are made from acrylic resin, which is the most common material used in crafting dentures. Acrylic resin dentures are meticulously made, and they blend in perfectly with your other teeth, hiding the fact that you have dentures. 

    It’s impressive to see how far the science of dentures and dentistry has come. Whether you need tooth fillings, dental implants, or dentures, Fresh Dental has you covered. If you’re dealing with a dental issue, make an appointment with our dental office today and walk out with a smile. 

  • Winnipeg Dental Office Announces New Referral Program For Patients To Sink Their Teeth Into

    Winnipeg Dental Office Announces New Referral Program For Patients To Sink Their Teeth Into

    WINNIPEG, Canada – Fresh Dental, one of the fastest-growing dental practices in Winnipeg, Canada, is delighted to announce the launch of their latest initiative that’s designed to accelerate their growth even further. Their new referral program provides the referrer with a $20 Tim Hortons gift card which they can redeem for tasty treats. 

    To ensure a referring patient receives their referral reward, Fresh Dental has an online form they will need to  fill out.  Once the new patient has attended their appointment Fresh dental will mail out the gift card or have it ready for pick up.

    “At Fresh Dental, we are committed to delivering excellent dental care, matched with compassion and first-class customer service”, said Jeff Bergen. “Many of our new referrals come from our current customers, and we wanted to devise a plan that would reward our customers for recommending us to their friends and family. Most people enjoy going out for a tasty meal, so we thought that a Tim Hortons gift card was a perfect choice. We are confident that this referral system will prove to be very popular with all of our clients and believe that it will help drive the company forward, and even accelerate our growth.”

    Fresh Dental is a locally owned and operated company based in Winnipeg, Canada. They offer cosmetic and family dentistry and a full range of dental services, including but not limited to tooth-coloured fillings, implants, cleanings, crowns and bridges, root canals, complex and partial dentures, emergencies, nitrous oxide sedation, and dentistry for children. Their dentists on Pembina want every patient to feel confident about their smile. Their comprehensive dental services are designed to help with that. For more information about the clinic and the services they provide, visit their website at https://freshdental.frstage.ca.

  • How Long Do Fillings Last?

    How Long Do Fillings Last?

    After you get a new filling, it takes a bit of getting used to. For the first few days, your tooth feels different, and maybe a little sore. But once a week goes by, you forget all about it.

    A filling stops a cavity in its tracks. But here’s the thing: they don’t last forever. Eventually, they get damaged or worn out, and will require a replacement. 

    So, how long does the average filling last? That depends on what material it’s made of. In general, metal fillings last the longest and can last over 10 years. However, they have disadvantages.  They are not considered aesthetic and so they are not suitable for front teeth.  Also, they don’t bond to the tooth and often require more tooth to be drilled for mechanical retention.

    Many people opt for tooth-coloured fillings instead, even though they’re slightly less durable. On average, composite fillings last 5-7 years.

    Want to learn more about filling replacements? Here’s everything you need to know:

    Signs That You Need a Filling Replacement

    Fillings (which are also known as dental restorations) replace decayed tooth material that’s caused by cavities. How do you know when it’s time to replace a filling? If you notice the following signs, it’s time to call your dentist:

    • It feels loose. Press your tongue against the filling. Does it shift around when you apply pressure? If you just recently got the filling, it might not have been fitted properly to your tooth; call your dentist and ask them to adjust it. But if you’ve had the filling for years, and it’s only now starting to wiggle around, you might need to replace it.
    • You notice pain and sensitivity. Discomfort could be a sign that there may be a problem with your tooth. It’s never something you should ignore. You may have lost the filling. Or, a new cavity may have developed that’s letting bacteria inside of your tooth. 
    • You’ve had the filling longer than ten years. Do you remember when you got your first filling? Many of us develop our first cavity in our childhood. As an adult, you might not remember how long you’ve had that filling in your tooth. Chances are, it may be due for a replacement. 

    Make Your Fillings Last Longer

    Replacing a filling is costly. What can you do to keep your fillings from breaking?

    Rule number one: don’t use your teeth as tools. If you open plastic packages with your teeth instead of scissors, now’s the time to stop.

    The next step is avoiding hard foods. It’s okay to eat tough meat every once in a while. But remember that your teeth are not invincible. Things like ice, hard candies, and firm meats (like beef jerky) can cause damage. Opt for softer foods whenever possible. 

    Finally, take great care of your teeth! Good care (brushing twice a day) isn’t enough. By great care, we mean flossing, regular cleaning appointments, and a healthy diet, as well. 

    Schedule Your Dental Appointment Today

    If you lose a filling, how soon do you need to replace it? The answer: ASAP.

    When a dental restoration falls out, your tooth will have a hole in it. This space leaves your tooth vulnerable to bacteria, and it will also be more susceptible to breaking. At Fresh Dental in Winnipeg, we offer tooth-coloured fillings that blend in with your natural teeth. No one will be able to tell that you had a cavity. To schedule your filling replacement appointment, contact us today.

  • Recovering From Oral Surgery

    Recovering From Oral Surgery

    Having an oral surgery procedure can be necessary to ensure your oral health is at its maximum. The recovery, on the other hand, might be difficult. There are many things that you should be mindful of when it comes to the recovery period. Your dentist or oral surgeon might have given you some instructions after the procedure, which are essential to follow. However, there can be many other factors to be aware of when taking care of your mouth post-surgery. We’ll be covering what to do and what not to do on your road to recovery:

    What To Do

    Rest

    No matter what, it’s important that you get some rest after your oral surgery. You may have received a sedative before the surgery, so you will most likely still feel drowsy or fatigued. Make sure you don’t do any driving or any strenuous activities. 

    Take Your recommended and prescribed medications

    Stay on top of taking your prescribed medications. It’s important that you follow the instructions and take it when necessary, even if you aren’t feeling any pain. Don’t skip a dose. Take the medication at the instructed time.

    Ice

    Whether you received oral surgery for a root canal, dental implants, or even a wisdom tooth extraction, you may experience some bruising or swelling. Apply ice to your mouth, as your jaw muscles could use some cold relief. If surgery was done on both sides of your mouth, take 15 minutes on each side while icing. The swelling should begin to lessen after 2 or 3 days.  Ice should not be applied directly to the skin.  Wrap the ice bag with a towel first before applying it.

    Keep an Eye Out

    After your oral surgery, keep an eye on any possible infections or worsening pain or swelling. You may notice that you’re developing a fever or have extreme difficulty swallowing or breathing. If this persists or worsens, make sure to call your dentist as soon as possible.

    Eat Soft Foods

    Stick to soft foods or a liquid diet for the first few days after your oral surgery. These could be foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, gelatin, pudding, or thin soup. Make sure the soup is not too hot, as it could hurt your surgical sites. Gradually integrate solid foods as you heal, but don’t overdo it. If you’ve received a tooth extraction, don’t drink through a straw, as the suction can negatively impact any blood clotting or stitched-up wounds. 

    Maintain Good Oral Hygiene 

    Your trustworthy Winnipeg dentist or oral surgeon may instruct you not to rinse your mouth on the first day but most likely will have you start on the second-day post-surgery. A recommended method to ensure oral hygiene post-surgery is a salt water rinse. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water every 2-3 hours or 3-4 times a day for the next two weeks. It will help with keeping your wounds free of food debris, as well as take care of any bleeding that may occur. Your dentist may instruct you to wait for a day or two after the surgery to begin brushing. Make sure you don’t press too hard, as you don’t want to open the wound again. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene post-operation, as food can get stuck in your surgical wound and cause an infection. 

    What Not To Do

    Don’t Overexert Yourself

    The first few days after any oral surgery can be rough. While you might be someone who enjoys going to the gym or for a run, avoid doing so after your surgery. Even if your job requires you to do any heavy lifting, now is not the time to do so. 

    No Hard or Crunchy Foods

    As satisfying as foods like popcorn, carrots, nuts, or caramels can be, it is best to avoid them while recovering from your oral surgery. Too much pressure while you’re chewing can interfere with the healing process. Stick to soft foods, as it will give you and your jaw muscles a break.

    No Alcohol 

    It’s best not to drink alcohol after your oral surgery, as it can interfere with or slow down the healing process. It’s also best to avoid alcohol if you’re taking any medication, as it may interfere with its efficacy.

    No Smoking

    After your surgery, try to wait 72 hours before you smoke.  Smoking will impact healing negatively and may lead to complications.

    Conclusion

    Maintaining oral health is integral to keeping your lifestyle comfortable. While taking a trip to your dentist might not be on your priority list, it can prevent you from facing any serious dental emergencies. Make an appointment with your dentist for a check-up or if you’re experiencing any dental issues. If you require oral surgery in Winnipeg, our Dentists offer comprehensive services.  Don’t put off those oral health problems. Call today.

  • Everything You Need To Know About Root Canals

    Everything You Need To Know About Root Canals

    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!

  • How Dental Health Impacts The Rest Of Your Body

    How Dental Health Impacts The Rest Of Your Body

    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 2nd 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!

  • Coping With Dental Anxiety

    Coping With Dental Anxiety

    If you feel a bit nervous at the dentist’s office, you’re not the only one; that’s how many patients feel before a dental procedure. But what if your anxiety interferes with your ability to take care of your teeth?

    Dental anxiety does more than cause mental distress—it also leads to poorer oral health. Many patients avoid dental treatment for fear of the dentist. But if you neglect regular check-ups, it leads to cavities, tooth infections, and gum disease. It’s a vicious cycle that worsens your general health. 

    This puts those with dental anxiety in a difficult position: they need treatment, but they’re extremely uncomfortable at the dental office. How do you manage dental anxiety when it threatens your oral health? Today, we’re going to explore how you can cope with dental anxiety:

    What Is Dental Anxiety?

    All of us have fears, anxieties, or concerns about certain things. For some, it’s a fear of heights, or discomfort in enclosed spaces. For others, it’s a dental phobia. 

    When someone deals with dental anxiety, going to the dentist can cause severe distress. It’s different than feeling a little uneasy before you sit in the dental chair. Dental anxiety makes an appointment difficult, uncomfortable, and a large source of stress. 

    What Causes It?

    Like many health conditions, there is no single cause for dental anxiety; it depends on the person affected by it. But what causes this anxiety to manifest?

    For many patients, fear of the dentist stems from an unpleasant or painful visit in the past. Maybe you had a traumatic dental visit when you were a child. Or, you heard about someone else’s experience that went poorly. 

    If you have a fear of needles, your anxiety may arise during a filling. You may have a fear of getting a needle, or that the needle won’t work and the procedure will be painful.  

    Symptoms

    Are you concerned that you (or someone you know) could be dealing with dental anxiety? To help identify it, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

    • You spend a lot of time thinking about the dentist. On your calendar, you’ve marked the date of your next appointment. But it causes stress in the days, weeks, and months leading up to it.
    • Oral health issues. Has your dental health declined over the years? It could be due to infrequent dental cleanings. Many patients with dental anxiety will put off their appointments. 
    • Physical symptoms. An anxiety disorder can cause physical symptoms, including heart palpitations, low blood pressure, sweating, dizziness, feeling faint, and an upset stomach. 

    Tips to Help Cope

    Over the years, we’ve helped many patients cope with dental anxiety, and we’ve found a few particularly helpful methods. Here are our dental anxiety tips:

    Take Excellent Care of Your Teeth

    You can reduce your time spent in the dentist’s chair (without endangering your smile) by taking great care of your teeth. With a stringent oral health routine, you’ll have fewer cavities, and therefore, fewer dental appointments. 

    Dealing with Negative Experiences

    It may help to speak with your dentist about the incident. By sharing your concerns with them, your dentist will be aware of what cues will trigger your anxiety. If certain phrases or movements make you anxious, your dentist will know to avoid them.

    Remember that local anaesthesia will completely numb your mouth and prevent you from feeling pain. 

    Use a Stress Ball

    Need something to fidget with? If you’re feeling tense, bring a stress ball with you to the dentist. This will help you release tension and provide a mental distraction from your anxiety. 

    Wear Headphones

    Does the sound of a dental drill trigger your anxiety? Wearing headphones is a great way to block out other stimuli. Noise-canceling headphones will work best.

    Deep Breathing Exercises

    You’ve probably heard of mindfulness, a practice designed to promote relaxation and calmness. Being present and aware of your body is an effective way to manage dental fear. Combine deep breathing exercises with visualization, where you envision yourself somewhere other than the dental chair (like a beautiful park or a sandy beach).

    Nitrous Oxide Sedation

    Want to feel relaxed during dental visits? You might be interested in laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is administered by a dentist. Once you breathe it in, you feel calm, relaxed, and sometimes giggly. Laughing gas is:

    • Safe for young children. Dental anxiety affects patients of all ages, including young ones. Laughing gas can be used safely even among children.
    • Wears off quickly. With some anxiety-relieving medication, the effects last for many hours after your procedure. But nitrous oxide will wear off within the hour.
    • Relieve anxiety. Your dental visits will be stress-free with laughing gas. Ask your dentist about nitrous oxide sedation at your next appointment. 

    Talk to Your Dentist

    Open communication is so important when coping with dental anxiety. By talking to your dentist, they can adjust your appointment to make you feel at ease.

    At Fresh Dental, many of our patients deal with dental anxiety. We can help by establishing a hand signal; even if you are unable to speak clearly during your dental procedure, you can raise your hand to signal that you need a break. We can explain exactly what we’re doing, so you’re never in the dark about what’s happening. 

    These adjustments put control back in the patient’s hands; it helps establish a trusting, caring relationship between our dentists and our patients. Do you deal with severe dental anxiety? Our experienced dentists at freshdental.ca can help. Before your dental appointment, let us know about your concerns. We will do our best to accommodate you and ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible. To schedule your appointment, contact us today.

  • What Is Recommended Versus What Is Covered By Your Insurance

    What Is Recommended Versus What Is Covered By Your Insurance

    In Canada, all citizens have access to free healthcare; however, that coverage doesn’t apply to oral health services. To be reimbursed for dental treatments, you’ll need to seek out a dental insurance plan.

    You might receive insurance through your family, your school, or your place of employment. Dental coverage varies depending on your insurance provider. Some companies will cover a percentage of treatment costs, while others will give you an annual spending amount. 

    Most dental plans have a cap—once the annual maximum is reached, the insurance provider will no longer cover treatment expenses (until it resets the following year). 

    We’re going to break down the different types of dental services, and when you should prioritize dental care over insurance coverage:

    Basic Dental Care

    Is it time for your next check-up? You might be covered for up to two cleanings each year, which is what most dentists recommend. However, if you have certain oral health issues (such as extensive tooth decay or gum disease), your dentist might recommend coming in more frequently. 

    Types of basic dental care include:

    Restorative Dental Care (Comprehensive Coverage)

    The next level of coverage involves more complex treatments. These include some oral surgeries, dental implants, dentures, crowns and bridges.

    If you aren’t covered for restorative treatments, you might be reluctant to schedule the procedure. But if your dentist recommends that you receive the treatment regardless, you probably should.

    Investing in your oral health will serve you for a lifetime. It’s the best way to ensure you retain your natural teeth for as long as possible and avoid complications like tooth infections or periodontal disease. 

    Orthodontics

    Looking to straighten out your smile? You might be interested in clear aligners, which can straighten minor cases of crooked teeth. These clear retainers are removable and discreet. 

    For many people, crooked teeth are merely a cosmetic issue. But for some, crowded or overlapping teeth are difficult to clean. Getting orthodontic treatment might be necessary to prevent future oral health issues.

    Accidental/Emergency Dental Insurance

    Accidents happen. You may damage or lose a tooth from playing sports, tripping and falling, or biting down on something too hard. 

    These incidents can cause excruciating pain; you’ll need treatment ASAP. Your insurance provider may offer coverage for dental emergencies and accidents. In most cases, you won’t have the time to find out before you visit the dentist. Keep a copy of your receipt so you can send it to your insurance company at a later date.

    What If You Don’t Have Dental Insurance?

    You need extensive dental work, but your plan won’t cover it. Maybe you’ve reached your annual maximum, or you don’t have insurance at all. What should you do?

    Our dentists in Winnipeg believe that everyone should have access to dental care. Even if you don’t have insurance, our partnership with Dental Card allows you to break up payments into smaller, more manageable amounts. You can take care of your oral health without overspending; Dental Card plans let you make payments on a schedule that works for you. 

    If you have questions about dental insurance coverage, we can help. To schedule your next dental treatment, contract Fresh Dental today!

  • How Often Should You Go To The Dentist?

    How Often Should You Go To The Dentist?

    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!