Toronto Dentistry
Serving Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, and Surrounding Areas of Ontario
Frequently Asked Questions.
How will I know how to choose the right dentist?General Dentistry
What is Cosmetic Dentistry and How Does it apply to Me?
Crowns, Bonding and Veneers
Smile Makeover
Dental Implants
My treatment is complete - What now?
General Dentistry
What's the best way to keep my teeth clean?
- Regular brushing and flossing is the basis of good dental hygiene. Brushing should be done several times a day, preferably after each meal, though flossing can be done just at bedtime. Use only a soft toothbrush.
- See your dental hygienist every 6 months. However, due to certain gum conditions some individuals may require a more frequent cleaning schedule. Brushing and flossing, if done faithfully, will remove most plaque, (that sticky film that continuously forms over our teeth) but any that remains will harden into tartar, which cannot be brushed off. The hygienist will remove it, along with accumulated stains from coffee, soda, tea, tobacco and red wine (the most common staining culprits).
What causes gum disease?
Most often, it is poor dental hygiene. When the teeth and gums are not kept clean enough, plaque builds up. Plaque holds bacteria. At some point, the bacteria gets in between the teeth and the gums and causes an infection. As the infection progresses, pockets form, resulting in spaces between the teeth and gums.
Now there is an established cycle which is hard to break. Bacteria create pockets. The pockets hold bacteria, which multiply and enlarge the pockets, enabling more bacteria to dwell there. Infection develops. This starts out as gingivitis, and it's the early stage of gum disease. You'll notice it because the gums become red and swollen and may bleed while brushing or flossing. Regular visits with your hygienist combined with impeccable home care breaks this cycle and creates an environment for healthy gums.
What causes orthodontic problems?
Crooked teeth can result from:
- Heredity
- Improper development of both the upper and lower jaws
- Thumb-sucking
- Premature loss of baby teeth
- Loss of permanent teeth
Consequently the teeth may grow in too crowded, in the wrong orientation, or in the wrong position.
These factors can also lead to bite problems, known as malocclusion. Early diagnosis and treatment by a specialist in orthodontics will result in a beautiful smile.
How can I deal with continual bad breath?
- By practicing good dental hygiene. Brush after eating, and floss daily. Bad breath is the odor of certain sulphur compounds which are created by bacteria in the mouth. Brushing and flossing will remove bacteria, but the mouth is never entirely free of bacteria, and they multiply if left to themselves. That's why we must brush and floss often.
- Include your tongue when you brush, especially the back area where a mucus layer develops that hides bacteria.
- If you have a dry mouth, consult a dentist on how to increase the saliva flow. Adequate saliva benefits us by cleaning the mouth, removing particles which can create odor.
What are wisdom teeth and why are they so often removed?
They are the last teeth to develop and the last to appear as we reach maturity. Sometimes they don't appear, but become impacted inside the gum. This occurs because our jawbones have a finite amount of space for teeth, and since wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, there might not be enough space left for them.
When there is a space problem and poor alignment or impaction, it is usually best to remove the wisdom teeth, preventing future problems that could include infection in the jaw or premature loss of the healthy teeth ahead of the wisdom teeth.
To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Markham, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Ajax, Mississauga and Hamilton, Ontario, please email or call Aesthetics in Dentistry today to arrange your personal cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Soll.
