14 Sep 2021
 Blog Permalink

4 Braces Tips to Help You Breeze Through Your First Week of Treatment

September 14, 2021

Getting braces can be a momentous occasion in your life! This means that you will have perfectly straight teeth before you know it, as well as a healthy bite, and a fantastic smile. While you get used to the new hardware in your mouth, you will barely even notice it after a while. Your first week can seem a little daunting. To help you get through this adjustment period smoothly, here are a few braces tips that can work for you during your first week of treatment.

Use An Over-The-Counter Pain Medication Before You Have Your Appointment

Although you shouldn’t suffer from any severe pain during your first week with braces, or at any point in the treatment, your teeth will be a bit tender and achy after about an hour and a day or two after you get your braces put on. This means that your braces are working to shift your teeth into place. This initial discomfort will last about a week, and after scheduled adjustments, a couple of days.

You can get a head start on dealing with sensitivity by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever right before your bonding appointment. This way, it will be active by the time you are finished and before your braces start putting pressure on your teeth. You can continue to take this pain medication as directed for a few days after first getting your braces.

Eat Soft Foods And Cold Drinks

Soft foods and cold foods are very easy on the teeth, and they will help if your teeth are tender. Cold food items and beverages can help numb the teeth and mouth a little bit, providing some relief. The best soft foods for braces include yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, soup, ripened bananas, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, milkshakes, or protein shakes. Stick to options that require minimal chewing for the first few days.

Keep Your Braces Wax Close By

Brace wax, or orthodontic relief wax, can be a great help during your first week with braces. Once you begin wearing braces, the hardware can irritate your mouth and inside of your cheeks, lips and tongue. This is normal, and after a few weeks, your mouth will get used to it and the irritation will go away. In the meantime, you can keep the wax handy.

Rinse With Saltwater

You can make a saltwater rinse by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in some warm water. Then you can gargle the solution in your mouth, and let it sit on any irritated or sore areas, then spit it out. You can swish it around a few times a day if needed. This will help speed up healing and prevent discomfort.

14 Sep 2021
 Blog Permalink

How Should Dentures Fit In Your Mouth?

September 14, 2021

If you have recently gotten dentures placed or are thinking about getting dentures in the future, you might be wondering how they should fit in your mouth or when you should get them adjusted.

These are normal things people wonder when they encounter the option of getting dentures. Dentures will help play a big role in helping you maintain a normal lifestyle, especially when you are eating, smiling and speaking. But how should dentures fit properly?

But what happens when the adjustment period seems to be taking a while? Maybe a denture adjustment and realigning are needed? Here are the answers to these questions.

How to Tell When Your Dentures Fit Perfectly

Dentures help us restore the function and form of our teeth. Although they are an artificial substitute for natural teeth, dentures should not feel artificial to you. Once the adaptation period is over, you should hardly notice them.

However, upper and lower dentures are not the same in terms of fit. Upper dentures benefit from the suction that naturally occurs in the mouth, which helps secure them to the upper jaw. Lower dentures don’t have this happen to them. Your muscles will hold them in place.

The dentures should more or less fit perfectly in your mouth, replicating the shape and feel of natural teeth. They should be able to restore the look and feel of your teeth without any trade-offs.

If you are able to chew, talk, smile and laugh effortlessly without any worries, then this is a great sign that your dentures fit you perfectly.

Signs You Need to Get Your Dentures Adjusted

Sometimes, dentures do not fit exactly right, which you will most likely notice in one way or another. These are some examples of when you would want to get a denture adjustment:

Your dentures are causing a gag reflex. Both your lower and upper dentures can cause gagging if not fitted correctly. If this is happening to you, you should get your dentures adjusted. They will need to be properly inspected by a denture specialist so that they can determine what is causing the gagging.

Dentures are slipping while eating, laughing or talking. This can happen to dentures that even fit perfectly. But, this is a sign that the underlying bone structure and gums have gone through changes. Since dentures are unable to conform to the new shape of your mouth, they will often start slipping.

Dentures cause pain or discomfort. Dentures need to make uniform contact with the upper and lower jaw tissues, and if they can’t do this, then they will rub your gums and cause sore spots.

You need to use denture adhesive every day. While denture adhesives are useful for the initial placement of dentures, they are not a long-term solution. If you need to use denture adhesive daily then you should see a professional for some help.

13 Aug 2021
 Blog, Teeth Whitening Permalink

5 Tricks to Minimize Teeth Stains

August 13, 2021

It’s unfortunate that some of life’s biggest joys (wine and coffee) can also cause the most staining on our pearly whites. A lot of our favourite foods can be culprits for teeth staining. But this doesn’t mean that you have to give them up forever. Keep reading for our recommendation on how to easily minimize teeth stains.

Drink White Not Red Wine

You might have anticipated this tip, but here’s an explanation on the science behind it: foods and beverages that are acidic will erode tooth enamel, which allows coloured compounds to affect your teeth. Tannins are a substance found in grape skins, tomato skins and tea leaves. These encourage chromogens to stick onto the teeth, which further darkens your teeth. Red wine is known as a triple whammy since it is acidic and contains chromogens and tannins.

Drinking white wine takes care of getting rid of the tannins. It will be slightly less staining on your teeth. However, keep in mind that white wine will still be acidic. It might not have the same effect as red wine, but it will still make your teeth more susceptible to staining.

One more tip is to eat cheese while you drink wine. Now, most of us can get behind this idea. This is helpful because cheese will neutralize the acidity in the wine, and act as a natural barrier to protect your teeth. It’s also a good idea to drink lots of water to wash away the chromogens and take advantage of the fluoride.

Get Alfredo Instead Of Bolognese

In the same way that red grapes contain tannins, tomatoes in pasta sauce do as well and are a recipe for teeth staining. If you are really concerned with keeping a white smile, then watch out for foods that are dark in colour, such as pasta sauce, curry, and balsamic vinegar. These foods are high in chromogens. In comparison, white sauces will not have nearly the same damage as the other options.

Pass On The Green Tea

We all know that coffee gets the bad rep for staining teeth darker, but we’re positive you didn’t know that tea can actually accelerate teeth staining as well. The leaves found in green tea are nutritious, but they also contain a large amount of tannins, even more than coffee. Thanks to the mild acidity and dark colour of green tea, it can be surprisingly worse than coffee when it comes to making chromogens stick to the surface of your teeth.

Use A Straw To Drink

Drinking any acidic and sugary beverages such as sports drinks, coffee, wine and tea from a straw will be able to help protect your teeth. This is because it gets the beverage past the front of your teeth. Using a straw can serve as a good temporary or habitual solution, so you won’t need to stop consuming these items altogether.

Does all of this mean that you need to swear off some of your favourite foods? No, not necessarily. You simply need to consume them less often, and especially after you have just used any whitening products. You should also get into the habit of brushing your teeth before and after.

13 Aug 2021
 Blog, Dental Implants, Restore Missing Teeth Permalink

How to Restore Missing Teeth

August 13, 2021

When you lose your teeth as an adult, you may find it challenging to perform simple daily tasks like chewing and speaking properly. Luckily, there are a number of solutions that can be offered to patients who are missing their teeth. Dentures, implants and dental bridges are three of the most common solutions. Each can be used in a number of ways, but what if we took all the best elements of each and brought them together? There is also another method, called the “all on 4” that gives patients the best of all worlds.

What Are Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution to one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are the most secure solution to missing teeth. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, dental implants are anchored into the jaw. Dental implants can last nearly an eternity and are a cost-effective solution.

What Is The Difference Between Regular Implants And “All On 4” Implants?

Regular dental implants are designed to replace single teeth in the jaw. Each implant is drilled into a hole and emerges as a single replacement tooth. On the other hand, “all on 4” implants are a permanent system where all teeth are supported by four or more implants on the upper or lower jaw. This solution is ideal for any candidate who has lost all their teeth and has healthy bones. “All on 4” implants marry all the best elements from dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants.

Dentures: Arguably, the best part about dentures is that they are relatively easy, and they replace all the teeth at once. The downside of dentures is that they are not permanently adhered to the mouth, may not fit and look the best and are susceptible to fall out.

Dental Bridges: Dental bridges are a fixed solution to missing teeth. Dental bridges bridge the gap created by a missing tooth or teeth. Typically these bridges are attached to healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Alternatively, a dentist may recommend adhering the dental bridge to a dental implant instead.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are titanium roots placed into the jaw. The bone heals and adheres to the implant creating a strong permanent bond. The metal top of the implant is topped with porcelain-made, realistic appearing tooth. These can last over many years in the mouth if taken care of properly.

All on 4: “All on 4” dental implants have the permanency of regular implants, the same adhering technology as dental bridges, as well as good function and incredible esthetics. Truly offering patients the best of each device.

Interested in a long-term solution to your missing teeth? Call the team at Carlton Dental, a Toronto dental office, today and book an appointment to see your options!

28 Jul 2021
 Blog Permalink

4 Quick Tips for Whiter Teeth

July 28, 2021

Everyone’s teeth are different; some are naturally whiter than others, some may stain in certain places, and some have small patchy stains. Are you looking for whiter teeth but haven’t had any luck so far? Incorporate these tips from your Toronto dentist into your daily routine and watch your teeth get whiter with each smile!

Food Choices

Foods that are high in acidity, sugars, or starch contribute to enamel deterioration. Food and beverages like coffee, wine, and tomatoes also have the ability to stain your teeth. Now, we aren’t saying give up your favourite treats or to cancel your morning coffee, but just be mindful of how it impacts your teeth.

Hydration

Drinking water could make your teeth whiter. By drinking lots of water throughout the day, you wash away bacteria, neutralize acids and support saliva productions. All of these are healthy oral factors that contribute to healthy pearly whites.

Drink from a Straw

When you drink liquids both hot and cold, the beverage meets your teeth and immediately begins depositing colour onto the enamel. With highly pigmented or acidic drinks like wine, coffee, colas, fruit juices, and tea, you may notice more staining. To avoid the connection between the drink and teeth, try drinking your liquids through a straw. You may notice that your teeth are staining less often and less severely.

Dental Whitening Treatments

The most direct and effective way to get whiter teeth is to go into your dental office for professional whitening treatments. Whitening treatments can provide you with immediate, lasting results after just one visit, or longer treatment times to take home. All of them are custom, though. In-office dental whitening treatments are perfect for before a big event like a wedding or an important dinner. Speak to your dentist today to discuss your different whitening options and which one is best for your specific teeth concerns.

Book your next in-office whitening treatment with Carlton Dental. Our Toronto dental office offers cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental services, regular dental cleanings, and so much more. Call our office today and schedule your appointment.

27 Feb 2020
 Blog No Comments Permalink

Toronto Dentist – William KangHyun Keem DDS

February 27, 2020 No Comments

Dr. Keem has joined Carlton Dental in the heart of downtown Toronto!

With the tentative retirement of Dr. Miciu, the previous dentist in the practice, Dr. Keem is bringing some changes with him that will benefit both new and old patients. With expanded hours of 8 AM to 8 PM and even Saturday hours of 9AM to 4PM, accessibility to the dentist in the downtown Toronto has never become easier.

With a deep interest in technology and evidence driven dentistry, Dr. Keem continuously strives to bring quality dental care to Carlton Dental’s patients.

Read more about Dr. Keem here.