Blog

Why should I replace a tooth that has been removed?

This is a very common question that we are asked when a tooth needs to be taken out. It is definitely possible to leave the space with no replacement. For some people there will be no major issues aside from a decrease in chewing ability or aesthetic concerns, but there are some problems that can…

Supporting children to make healthy choices for their mouths and bodies

Here at Vita Dental we love supporting our newest generation of kids in helping them make healthy choices for their mouths and bodies! We love squashing the idea that a visit to the dentist has to be scary or painful. Let us help make your little ones first visit to the dentist a happy one!…

Can My Teeth Erode Away?

Canadian dentists are seeing more and more patients with dental erosion. Dental erosion occurs when the hard part of the tooth wears away from direct contact with acid. Dental erosion can be caused by certain health conditions such as stomach acid problems and eating disorders, but eating and drinking foods high in acid such as…

What is pregnancy gingivitis?

Besides the very obvious physical exterior changes a woman goes through during pregnancy, there are other more subtle changes that occur in the mouth. Many pregnant women ask “why do my gums bleed all of a sudden when I brush and floss my teeth? Why are my gums so sensitive when I brush and floss?”….

Dry Mouth (Also Known As Xerostomia)

Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva, or spit to keep your mouth moist and comfortable. Dry mouth is not a disease. It is a side effect of taking medications or can be a symptom of certain diseases or conditions. Dry mouth is a common complaint amongst older adults but can occur at…

What? A sugar that is good for your teeth?

What is xylitol? Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that helps prevents cavities. You may recognize other sugar alcohols used in sugarless products, such as mannitol and sorbitol. Xylitol is the sugar alcohol that shows the greatest promise for cavity prevention. It is equal in sweetness and volume to sugar and the granular form can…

Why do my gums bleed?

This is a very common question that dentists hear on a daily basis. Although this can be a painless phenomenon, it can be uncomfortable and worrisome. Luckily, for the majority of cases this can be easily corrected. The most common cause of bleeding gums is a condition called gingivitis. This refers to the inflammation of the…

What is a night guard and why should I wear one?

A night guard or an occlusal splint is an acrylic oral appliance prescribed by your dentist to be worn for a specific reason(s). There are many types of guards that exist with each type serving a specific purpose. It is important to distinguish between sport guards and occlusal guards. Sport guards are soft, flexible rubber-like…

Why should I have my child's baby teeth filled when they will fall out eventually?

It is true that baby teeth will fall out, yet there are very good reasons to have them filled when caries (cavities) are present. Any tooth which has a cavity that is not properly fixed can eventually cause a tooth ache. It can also cause infection in the surrounding gums or bone. The earlier that…

Should I change my silver (amalgam) fillings to white (composite) fillings?

This is a very popular question in dentistry today; one which does not have a simple answer. Silver fillings are composed of a variety of metals including: mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Composite fillings are made of a combination of dimethacrylate monomers(acrylic) and silica fillers (glass). Both options have their indications and limitations depending on…

3 simple things you can do to prevent cavities

Aside from the obvious things your dentist tells you like flossing and brushing your teeth, there are other simple everyday things you can do to fight cavities. Eat and drink your food/liquids in one sitting. In other words, don't graze! If you're constantly snacking and drinking (coffee, pop, juice) throughout the day you are replenishing…

What role does fluoride serve in oral health? Do we really need it?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in our environment. We are exposed to it on a daily basis from the foods we eat, the water we drink, and the ground we walk on. Unfortunately for most people, these extremely low levels are not sufficient to help reduce dental decay. Fluoride is also added to most toothpastes and some mouthwashes. In the dental…

When should a child see a dentist for the first time?

As parents tending to many of our children's needs, dental check-ups often end up at the bottom of the list. In fact most children do not see a dentist for the first time until they are well over a year old. The American Dental Association and Canadian Dental Association recommend a child be seen by a…

Why do dentists recommend coming in every 6 months for check ups and cleanings?

There are many factors that go in to the recommended time frame between dental examinations and cleanings; the average person is seen at least on a 6 month recall schedule. There are several reasons that a person should be seen by a dentist on a regular basis. The first, is this allows for the dentist…

My dentist has recommended that I get a crown on my tooth after I had a root canal. Why is this needed?

There are many circumstances in which it may be recommended that a tooth receive root canal therapy (commonly called a “root canal”). Some common reasons are trauma, very deep cavities or infections of the tooth or surrounding bone. Once a root canal has been completed on a tooth it becomes more brittle and prone to…

My dentist has found that I have a dead tooth and need a root canal. What exactly is a root canal and why is it necessary?

Most people have heard of the term “root canal” but there are a lot of misconceptions about what this procedure actually entails. A person's tooth has many layers with the innermost being the pulp – commonly referred to as the nerve. In a healthy tooth this is a narrow chamber and canals filled with blood…

How can I stop my child from sucking his/her thumb?

Thumb or finger sucking is very common and in early years it is not a major cause for concern. If this habit continues or is severe, it can cause changes in the position of the teeth and the shape of the upper jaw bone (the palate). Thumb sucking is a soothing activity that serves to…

Is there a dental device that can be used to prevent snoring?

Snoring and sleep apnea (a condition that involves periods during which a person stops breathing while asleep) afflicts many people. A large portion of people with sleep apnea are not even aware that they have it. The most common cause of both involves the throat becoming closed off by the tongue as the body relaxes…

Why do I have bad breath?

Having bad breath or ‘halitosis' can be an embarrassing and frustrating issue to deal with. We all at some point in time have experienced our own bad breath, or someone else's. Sometimes no matter how much we brush, floss or rinse we cannot escape that lingering odour, or metallic taste. So, what are the most…

What toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?

With the variety of toothpastes and toothbrushes that are available, choosing one can be overwhelming for some people. There are toothpastes for sensitive teeth, whitening toothpastes, ‘enamel strengthening' toothpastes and the list goes on. There are soft/medium/hard bristled toothbrushes, angled, raised bristled toothbrushes, and electric as well. With all that, what is the right choice?…

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are custom made, extremely thin porcelain or resin composite restorations permanently bonded to natural teeth. They are most often placed on front teeth, and sometimes on premolar teeth (side teeth) to improve/enhance your appearance. Dental veneers are considered very durable, aesthetic restorations; however, they also in many cases can serve to restore an…