Category: Blog

Incorporating a healthy diet into your lifestyle doesn’t have to only be about getting you physically in shape or getting you emotionally intact. It can also be about maintaining a healthy smile. While you may think that brushing your teeth and flossing is enough to maintain oral health and hygiene, incorporating a healthy eating habit is an essential upkeep to your teeth. While, yes, there are a lot of foods that are greatly recommended to be avoided in order to keep your oral health intact, there are also plenty of foods that actually promote oral health. Incorporating these foods into your diet can do such things as protect your teeth, reduce risk of gum disease, and keep your smile shine bright.

Cheese – Filled with calcium, a crucial mineral for strong teeth and bones. Helps with balancing pH levels in the mouth, which then reduces lowers risk of tooth decay. Additionally. cheese stimulates saliva production, resulting in a natural mouth cleanse.

Yogurt – Similar to cheese, yogurt is rich in calcium and protein, which are essential for the health of your teeth. The probiotics found in yogurt benefit your gums by crowding out infectious bacteria that causes gum disease.

Greens – Foods like kale, broccoli and spinach are considered to be dental superfoods. They’re high in calcium and contain flic acid, a vitamin B that helps protect gums, particularly in pregnant women. This food group also stimulates saliva , which helps flush away bacteria from your teeth. Green tea is also a great addition to your diet for healthy teeth. It helps reduce inflammation and help reduce risk of cavities.

Apples – Dubbed as ‘nature’s toothbrush’, apples are high in fiber and water. Chewing apples stimulates saliva production, which then reduces the risk of cavities by rinsing away food particles and bacteria. Apples’ natural sugar are less harmful to teeth than refined sugar.

Carrots – Containing vitamin A, Carrots are essential for maintaining tooth enamel. They’re also high in fiber and increase saliva production.

Celery – Known as a ‘natural toothbrush’, celery scrapes away food particles from your teeth. Containing vitamin A and C, celery boosts gum health.

Almond – A great addition for your teeth as a source of calcium and protein while being low in sugar. Adding almond to your daily diet can reduce tooth decay.

Oranges – High in vitamin C, which is vital for healthy teeth and gums. It strengthens blood vessels and connective tissues, which then slows down the progression of gum disease by reducing inflammation.

Onions – While terrible for your breath, onions are a fantastic addition to your daily diet for your oral health. They contain sulfur compounds that contain antibacterial properties, which can reduce bacterial that could possibly damage your teeth.

It takes more than brushing and flossing, or using mouthwash to maintain oral health. It’s also about diet and your overall lifestyle that makes the difference. In hindsight, making sure your teeth stay healthy isn’t as hard as you think. For all you know it, you’re doing it now without even realizing it.

Teeth are the first thing people notice when you smile. They’re the make-it-or-break-it when it all comes down to making a good first impression on someone. They’re really one of the strongest parts in the human body, designed to last a lifetime. However, even teeth can decay without proper care. A balanced diet is a must for overall good health but certain foods and drinks can cause harm to your teeth. Let’s look closely at the type of foods that can be destructive to your teeth. It’s important to understand how tooth decay occurs. Your mouth is home to many bacteria that thrive on sugars and starch in the food. As they digest the sugar, they produce acids that damage the protective outer layer of your teeth, the tooth enamel. With time, the acid erosion can cause cavities and serious dental issues.

Sugar is the biggest cause of tooth decay. Sugary foods and drinks create a fertile ground for harmful bacteria to grow. For example:

• Candy (especially hard and chewy ones)
• Soft drinks
• Energy drinks
• Cakes
• Ice cream
• Sweetened foods and beverages

The longer these substances remain on your teeth, the longer these bacteria produce acids and attack the enamel. This is why candies and slowly consumed sweet foods and drinks can cause the most damage.

As mentioned above, acidic foods would directly damage the tooth enamel, weakening your teeth and leaving them more vulnerable to decay. For example:

• Citrus fruits
• Foods with vinegar
• Tomatoes and tomato-based sauces
• Carbonated drinks (sugar free too!)
• Sports drinks

Some of these foods have nutritional benefits. Therefore, it’s recommended that you consume them in moderate amounts and rinse your mouth with water afterwards to protect your teeth.

Sticky foods have the tendency to stick to your teeth and get lodged between your teeth. They may linger in the mouth, allowing the bacteria to attack your teeth for longer. Examples include:

• Caramel
• Toffee
• Gummy candies
• Dried fruit
• Peanut butter
• Potato chips

These foods can be especially damaging if consumed frequently or between meals, as snacks.

Starchy foods can contribute to tooth decay. Starches are complex carbohydrates that break down into simple sugars after the action of saliva on them in the mouth.

Such starchy foods include:

• White bread
• Potato chips
• Crackers
• French fries
• Pretzels

If these food particles get stuck in the teeth, they can cause bacterial action and decay.

Dried fruits are healthy snacks but they can be surprisingly damaging. They combine the sugar content from the fruit along with the sticky texture that can stick to the teeth, allowing bacteria to release acids and cause tooth decay. Common culprits are:

• Raisins
• Dried apricots
• Prunes
• Dried cranberries

If you enjoy eating dried fruits, don’t forget to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth afterwards.

Hidden foods that cause tooth decay but most people aren’t aware of the fact:

• Flavoured yogurt (high added sugar)
• Granola bars (sticky and sweet)
• Canned fruits (are kept in sugar syrup)

Remember to check labels for hidden sugars and opt for less processed alternatives.

Dental care is essential at any age, but even more so for children. Getting your child’s dental health in order can bring many benefits, as well as decrease any potential risks from arising. Many parents don’t realize just how crucial the early stages of oral health are, which according to Canadian Dental Association, is recommended to begin as early as by a child’s first birthday or 6 months after the first tooth appearing.

Children’s untreated dental treatments may lead to pain and infection. It can also affect a child’s sleep, speech development and eating abilities. Regular early visits to the dentist will facilitate an easier treatment in adulthood, as well as reduce anxiety when visiting a dentist and educate children on proper tooth care such as proper brushing and flossing.

What most people don’t realize is that oral health is linked to overall health, with a neglect to early dental care as early as in childhood years possibly leading to health issues like diabetes and heart disease. In addition to regular visits to the dentist early on, it’s also important for kids to maintain regular oral health at home. This includes brushing teeth twice a day, especially before bed. For children under the age of 3, a small smear of toothpaste can be used, while for children over 3, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is recommended. As soon as your child has teeth, a nylon bristle toothbrush will do its magic.

While baby teeth do indeed fall out, they’re vital for saving space for permanent teeth. If not cared for properly, permanent teeth can become damaged and/or misaligned, which leads to more necessary dental care in later years. Baby teeth need more care than anyone would assume, as they are weaker than adult teeth because they have a less dense and a much softer structure. Baby teeth are less protected than permanent teeth. They’re less anchored into the jaw, which makes them more leaner to damage even from a minor impact. Therefore, cavities can start and spread much faster than in permanent teeth. Good daily oral hygiene, on top of regular checkups with the dentist, protects baby teeth until they fall out.

As your child grows, so their teeth. You can expect constant changes in teeth just like you do in your child. That’s completely normal. What doesn’t change, however, is the importance of taking good care of these teeth. Caring for your child’s baby teeth isn’t like caring for your own adult teeth. It takes a much more delicate approach to make sure that baby teeth are in good health. Taking care of your child’s teeth is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be hard. By teaching them good habits, easing their teething, and getting them used to the dentist early, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Chroma Dental is all about making dental care fun and stress-free for both you and your kiddo. Reach out to us to book a visit. Let’s keep those tiny teeth shining bright!

As a general rule of thumb, it’s important to read the label of the mouthwash product before using it. Most of them should provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the product properly. Here are some best practices and tips you can use:

1. Don’t expect instant results. Be patient and use the mouthwash regularly for a few weeks before you see significant results.
   
2. Use only the right amount as indicated on the mouthwash’s label. If you are not sure, ask your dentist.
   
3. Swish the mouthwash for half a minute to one minute while keeping your mouth closed. Again, follow the instructions on the label.
   
4. Do not swallow the mouthwash. This is important, especially for children. Keep it away from children’s reach, as mouthwash can contain toxic materials that can be fatal when swallowed in a large amount. Supervise your children when using mouthwash.
   
5. Avoid consuming any food and drinks (and smoking) for 20 minutes after using mouthwash. This is so you can keep fluoride and other beneficial ingredients on your teeth’s surface longer.

As we can see, different mouthwash products can include different ingredients, each offering different oral health and/or hygiene benefits. So, it’s important to choose the right mouthwash product according to your current needs. ere are some important considerations in choosing between different types of mouthwash products:

1. Alcohol content. Many mouthwash products contain alcohol, which is a natural antibacterial. Alcohol is also effective in eliminating foul odor, so it can refresh your breath. However, alcohol can reduce saliva production and cause dryness (which can contribute to foul breath.) Alcohol-based mouthwash can also be dangerous when swallowed, especially by children.
   
2. Your sensitivity. Different people have different levels of tooth and gums sensitivity, and depending on the current oral health conditions, sensitivity can also increase. People with high sensitivity may find some types of mouthwash products too painful to use. If you know that your tooth and gums are sensitive, or if you are currently recovering from tooth extraction, root canal, or other painful procedure, opt for a mouthwash product with more soothing ingredients like green tea extracts, aloe vera, or chamomile.
   
3. Antibacterial needs. Does your current condition require antibacterial and plaque control ingredients? If you are currently suffering from oral health conditions related to plaque buildup (i.e., gum diseases), then you might want to get a mouthwash product with plaque control ingredients. Ask your dentist for suggestions about such a product.

While mouthwash cannot replace regular brushing and flossing, it can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. Mouthwash is especially effective in reducing halitosis (foul breath odor) and preventing plaque buildup. No matter what mouthwash you decide to use, it’s always recommended that you don’t use mouthwash directly after brushing your teeth since it may rinse the fluoride you’d otherwise get from your toothbrush.

No matter what you decide to do, using mouthwash can lead to extensive long-term oral health. We understand that choosing what mouthwash can be a very difficult decision to make. Our team at Chroma Dental will be with you every step of the way to make sure you make the right decision for you.

Strong and healthy teeth are not only a good sign of oral health but may contribute to your body’s overall health and wellness. We all know that maintaining regular brushing and flossing habits is the foundation for oral hygiene, but rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can also have its benefits. As you begin to incorporate mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine, you may see yourself confused about how you should incorporate it. You may ask yourself whether you should rinse your mouth before brushing, or would rinsing the mouth after brushing be more beneficial.

Different dental experts have different opinions about the matter. We’re here to tell your ours. We’ll first start by stating the obvious (at least to us), mouthwash isn’t a direct substitute for flossing and brushing your teeth. It’s not a sufficient substitute for your toothpaste, and you shouldn’t substitute regular brushing with rinsing. It’s important to consider the fact that mouthwash (being liquid) can be effective in cleaning areas in your mouth that can’t be reached with your toothbrush or floss. Mouthwash can help clean and control plaque (a thin bacterial film that builds up on your teeth and gums), which can cause infections, cavities, gum diseases, and other oral health issues. Mouthwash isn’t intended to cure severe oral health issues. Therefore, you should see your dentist immediately if conditions like persistent halitosis (bad breath), dental abscess, or signs of gum diseases are present.

We’ve mentioned how different mouthwash ingredients may produce different benefits, and here are the common ones you should look for when checking the mouthwash’s label:

1. Fluoride. We’ve mentioned fluoride several times in this post. It’s the most common ingredient not only in mouthwashes but in most other oral hygiene products. The main function of fluoride is to combat bacteria and reduce plaque (bacterial film) buildup, effectively reducing the risks of tooth decay, cavities, and infections, among other issues.
2. Odor neutralizer/deodorizer. Pretty self-explanatory, different ingredients can be used here, but the purpose remains to reduce halitosis (foul breath odor) and freshen your breath. Astringent salt is a common ingredient that can temporarily reduce halitosis.
3. Bleachers. Some mouthwash products may also contain bleachers or whitener ingredients like peroxide that can help remove stains from the teeth’s surface and prevent yellowing stains from building up.
4. Antibacterial. Some mouthwash products may also contain specific ingredients that can combat bacteria and other microbes to prevent and reduce plaque buildup. Mouthwash products with these ingredients may also be prescribed by dentists to help treat early-stage gum disease and light infections.

Using mouthwash can lead to extensive long-term oral health. Our team at Chroma Dental will be with you every step of the way to make sure you understand the real benefits of using mouthwash to ensure long-term dental health.

Of the many dental procedures available for treating dental and oral health issues, the root canal is among the most dreaded and misunderstood by patients.

In fact, there are still many patients who prefer to extract their decayed or infected teeth rather than undergo the root canal procedure, which is actually not ideal. And, unbeknownst to most patients, extraction may cost the patient more money in the long run.

A root canal treatment is often perceived to be painful and expensive, but that’s not actually the case. When performed by professionals, root canals can be very effective in relieving pain and stopping the spread of dental infection while being relatively cost-effective.

In this post, we will discuss five reasons why root canal treatment should be considered if you are currently experiencing dental infections and other oral health issues.

Yet, let us begin by first discussing what a root canal actually is.

What Is a Root Canal?

To really understand the root canal procedure, we have to first learn about a little anatomy of the teeth.

A tooth consists of many different parts: the enamel (hard exterior shell), dentin, the pulp chamber, root canal, and nerves. The root canal and the pul are designed to be protected by the dentin and the enamel, and when that’s the case, it will be pain-free. 

However, when a tooth decays, it may spread and expose the pulp, which can end up causing the pulp to be inflamed or even infected. An infected pulp can result in an abscess of the tooth, and the decay will not stop the process until the whole tooth is completely destroyed.

When the tooth is already abscessed, the only hope the patient has to save the tooth and stop any pain caused by it is the root canal procedure.

How does a root canal work?

During a root canal procedure, the tooth’s pulp and nerve inside the tooth’s root canal are removed (hence the name of the procedure). The root canal and the insides of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed (with a rubber-like sealant called gutta percha) after total disinfection.

By sealing the cleaned and disinfected root canal, we can not only cure the infection but also prevent the damage from happening again in the future. 

The procedure can then be followed with a dental filling, dental crown, or other treatments based on the severity of the decay, allowing the patient to save and keep (most of) the natural tooth.

Why Root canal? 5 Reasons Why You Should Have That Root Canal Done Now

As mentioned, root canals are the only viable solution to save a severely infected tooth when the pulp has already been inflamed or infected. Saving and keeping the natural tooth means that the patient can retain the tooth’s function (biting, chewing, etc.), and obviously, it will allow the patient to maintain the tooth’s appearance without needing to perform a dental implant and dental crown or other tooth replacement treatment after extraction.

Here are some other considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether you should get a root canal:

1. Root Canals Are Not That Painful

A root canal procedure does involve the drilling of your tooth so the dentist can access the pulp and the root canal, and most patients assume that this will be a very painful process.

However, this assumption is simply not true, and when performed right, this drilling won’t feel painful at all. You will be under anaesthetic (and today’s dental anaesthetic injection is very convenient with very little pain), and you’ll only feel slight pressures during the whole root canal procedure.

What about after the procedure? After the root canal procedure, the gums may be a little tender, and you might feel slight discomfort, but typically a standard over-the-counter medication is effective in relieving the mild pain and discomfort, and the recovery period shouldn’t last more than a week.

Root Canal Procedure: Overview

Learning more about the procedure may help in overcoming your fear and anxiety about the root canal, and here is a basic overview of how the procedure is typically performed:

1. Anaesthetic is given to the patient. Typically the anaesthetic administered is local, only to the surrounding tissue of the affected tooth. 
2. Once the affected tooth and the surrounding area are completely numb, a dental dam is placed to expose the affected tooth while covering the unaffected teeth.
3. A tiny hole through the top of the tooth will be drilled to expose the root canal and the pulp chamber. Slight pressure and vibrations might be filled, but it won’t hurt the patient.
4. Infected tissue inside the pulp chamber and root canal is cleaned with specialised tools. The nerves are also removed, so the patient won’t feel anything at all. 
5. The tooth is then disinfected with antiseptic and antibacterial solutions to prevent any infection from recurring.
6. The empty root canal is shaped to accommodate the gutta-percha filling. 
7. The filling is applied, and then the area is cleaned thoroughly before the sealant (typically adhesive cement) is put in place. Proper sealant is crucial to the root canal procedure to prevent bacteria from entering the empty root canal, which may cause infection.
8. The tooth is then repaired with a permanent or temporary filling or even a dental crown depending on the damage.
9. The dental dam is removed, and the procedure is done.

2. Your Tooth is Dying (or Already Dead)

A dentist may recommend a root canal procedure for several conditions, but in most of them, the infection is killing the tooth (or the tooth may already be dead.)

So, to keep the tooth, the root canal procedure is the best possible solution available. The tooth is already damaged beyond repair (and it won’t cure itself), so if you want to save at least most of this tooth, the root canal procedure is your best bet.

What will happen if you leave the tooth untreated? You will eventually lose the tooth (but you may still feel pain even after the tooth is gone.) 

So, yes, while you may feel slight discomfort during the root canal and after the procedure, it won’t compare to the ongoing pain you’ll feel when the tooth’s infection spreads and slowly kills the tooth, little by little.

3. Infection Can Spread (and The Pain Will Get Worse)

Since the tooth is not going to heal itself, the infection won’t stop, and you can expect the pain you’ve felt to only increase.

Once your tooth pulp has been infected, it will eventually weaken the dentin, and the infection may spread to the surrounding gums, causing gum diseases.

Gum disease and gum infection are not only very painful and uncomfortable but may eventually break down your mouth’s tissue and weaken the jaw bone. Choosing not to perform the root canal procedure and deciding to do nothing may end up causing long-term or even permanent damage to your tooth, gums, mouth, and jawbone.

When you consider the possibilities of long-term damage and the potential cost to repair these problems, the cost of the root canal procedure is relatively low. This is another key reason just to bite the bullet and get the root canal done now rather than having to pay more for more difficult treatments later on.

4. Infection May Affect Your Overall Health

Will your tooth’s infection stop after it has caused gum diseases? Unfortunately, the answer is no, and there’s the potential for the infection to spread to other parts of the body.

In a worst-case scenario, the infection may affect your nervous and immune systems and even your heart. So, you’d rather take the root canal procedure now and avoid these risks altogether.

Compared to all these potential health conditions in the future, a root canal is 100% safe and pain-free and is easily an overall better option for your health.

5. Tooth Extraction or Tooth Loss Is Not Ideal

Without the root canal procedure, you will lose the tooth in one way or another: whether you’re opting for an extraction or it will fall out by itself (often leaving the root behind, which will require a procedure to remove.)

The thing is, leaving the lost tooth as it isn’t actually ideal. If you don’t replace the tooth, the surrounding teeth may shift their positions, causing various functional and cosmetic issues (and it can be painful.) Yet, tooth replacement procedures like dental implants, bridges, or crowns can end up being even more expensive than the root canal procedure.

With that being said, if you have the root canal procedure now, you can repair the damage before the tooth is lost forever.

Chroma Dental: Pain-Free Root Canal Procedure

Dentists at Chroma Dental are eager to be your oral health partner, and our experienced professionals provide pain-free, 100% safe root canal treatment to help protect and maintain your oral health and overall well-being.

We use advanced technologies to ensure a high-quality root canal treatment to help your conditions. Contact us right away or by calling (416) 550-9000 to learn more about our root canal procedure.

In the past, patients had very few options when it came to replacing missing teeth. 

Today, on the other hand, patients have a variety of options available to them, which includes dental implants, one of the most popular methods of permanently replacing lost or missing teeth.

However, dental implant surgery is a considerably more complex and invasive procedure compared to most other dental treatments. 

Below, we’ll be taking a look at the dental implantation procedure, how it’s performed, and what you can expect before, during and after. 

Overview of Dental Implant Surgery 

Compared to more traditional methods for replacing teeth, such as dentures or dental bridges, this procedure involves oral surgery, where a stainless steel implant is surgically fused into your jaw bone. 

Essentially, this is the implant, which forms the simulated root of your new tooth. 

After the tissue has successfully fused and healed properly, a prosthetic is then attached to the stainless steel post, which forms your brand new tooth. 

Generally, dental implant surgery takes place during two or more visits to your dentist or oral-facial surgeon. 

During your initial visit, your dentist will surgically install the implant into your jawbone. Note that this involves opening your gum tissue, and stitching it back into place afterward.

Although this part of the procedure may seem intimidating, we assure you that all patients are given the appropriate sedatives and local anesthetics to ensure that dental implant surgery is as pain-free and as comfortable as possible.  

Once this step is completed, while the damaged tissue heals and bonds to the implant, you may be required to wait several weeks or months before the procedure can be completed. 

During this time, your dentist may request that you visit periodically to ensure that the incision is healing properly. 

You’ll also most likely be given a prescription antibiotic to prevent infection, as well as prescription pain medication to help mediate any residual pain during the healing process. 

Upon your final visit, your dentist will install the prosthetic to the implant, and then you’ll be able to show the world your brand new smile! 

Dental Implant Surgery in Toronto, Ontario 

Overall, dental implant surgery is a considerably more invasive and complex procedure compared to traditional dentures or bridges. 

However, a dental implant often provides the most permanent solution, giving patients the peace of mind they want when it comes to their smile. 

Interested in learning more about dental implants in Toronto? Don’t hesitate to contact Chroma Dental today!