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Doctor’s Corner
You may have found yourselves at one time muttering “why do I need x-rays”? either quietly to yourself or out loud to your dental provider. Dental x-rays (radiographs) are an invaluable diagnostic tool used to detect decay, damage or tooth disease not visible during your dental exam. It offers a sneak peak into your mouth; the dentist’s version of x-ray vision!
The frequency at which x-rays are taken depends on variables such as your current dental health, age, risk for dental disease, and in the event of any acute oral maladies. Dental caries (decay) formed between teeth can be seen on the x-rays and restored before causing irreversible damage. If the decay has penetrated the pulp chamber (where the nerves and blood supply to each individual tooth is found) a root canal may be necessary. In extreme cases, the tooth may need to be removed.
Younger children often require x-rays more frequently because their jaws are still growing and their baby teeth are still being lost and replaced with permanent dentition. If you are seeing a new dentist and have had x-rays taken in the last 12-18months it is a good idea to have them transferred from your previous clinic. This allows the dental provider a baseline of your radiographic oral health.
Digital dental x-rays require very low levels of radiation exposure and are very safe. X-ray machines and techniques are designed to limit the patients’ exposure to radiation following the ALARA (As Low As Reasonable Achievable) principle. Rest assured that you are well protected from any harm associated with dental x-rays. Before the dental provider takes an x-ray, a lead apron is placed over your chest and abdomen; at HHD our aprons have a built in collar to protect your throat and thyroid as well.
If you are pregnant please tell your dentist prior to your appointment. X-rays will be taken on an as needed basis to limit the radiation exposure to yourself and your fetus. There is no need to delay any x-rays if you are trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Do not hesitate to contact Dr. Kate Bazydlo and associates at Heritage House Dental in Mississauga if you have any questions.
Dr. Kate Bazydlo, Heritage House Dental
You are not alone: the unwelcoming pounding and numbing pain of headache is shared by many people. Affecting more teenage girls than boys, common headache triggers include stress, lack of sleep, excessive heat or sunlight, smoking and diet. Understanding some of the hidden causes and triggers of headaches is the key to avoiding this malady.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
A condition known as TMJ or TMD occurs when the jaw is not resting in an ideal position. Over time, symptoms of discomfort including headaches may develop. Other reported symptoms of TMJ include, but are not limited to, jaw clicking, inability to open wide, jaw tenderness, difficulty chewing and ringing in the ears.If you are suffering from any of these symptoms or suspect that you may have TMJ/TMD, we can help. A therapeutic treatment program for relief may be beneficial to you and we can discuss this at your next dental visit or during a consultation. Do not hesitate to ask your dental health professional for advice.
Bruxism
Unbeknownst to you, your teeth and jaws may be busy and hard at work, all while you sleep! Bruxism involves excessive jaw clenching or teeth grinding. Many people may not even be aware that they are doing it because they don’t associate the following symptoms; chipped/worn teeth, headaches, aching jaw muscles and hypersensitive teeth. To help individuals who are clenching or grinding their teeth, a night guard may be advised. This device helps protect your teeth from possible chipping and puts your jaw in a more relaxed position. Using a night guard on a regular basis may help you start your day without a pesky headache or jaw pain.
Chewing Gum
A study of adolescents discovered that gum-chewing preteen children and young adults are giving themselves headaches. Typical triggers in this age group include stress, sleep deprivation, heat, video games, noise, sunlight, smoking, missed meals and menstruation. If you or your teen chew gum excessively and notice that a headache follows, simply cease chewing gum and monitor headache patterns to confirm whether this is a trigger. This might very well be one of the easiest and drug-free headache cures out there! If they persist, consult one of our dental professionals to rule out a TMJ condition.
Eye Strain
Inadequate or excessive lighting and using a computer all day strains the eyes and their surrounding muscles. You may be experiencing headaches due to eye strain. Another possibility is the potential need for corrective eyewear. Regular visits to your Optometrist are important to ensure healthy eyes and a proper prescription.
Stress
Working at a computer all day doesn’t just impact your eyes; your body tends to get strained as well if you sit in the same position for an extended period. Taking appropriate breaks is ideal for your overall health and to keep your headaches at bay.
Whatever your headache trigger; we can discuss symptoms and treatment options to get you on the road to comfort and prevention. At Heritage House Dental we are always accepting new patients and would be happy to help you. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 905-814-1600 for an appointment.
Dr. Kate Bazydlo, Heritage House Dental
Children will start to lose their baby teeth between the ages of five and seven. By this age they’re already in school, where friends and classmates will talk about how much money the Tooth Fairy left under their pillow for a lost tooth. So how much does the Tooth Fairy leave? Let’s find out!
A phone survey of 3,000 people conducted in 2013 determined that, on average, a child receives $3.70 for each lost tooth. Now this may seem like a significant increase from the one or two quarters that we used to find under our pillows as kids. Today’s parents are genuinely unaware of what other “Tooth Fairies” are paying out and in an effort to be fair the going rate seems to have jumped significantly. They want to be fair yet at the same time don’t want to be cheap.
As a guide, Facebook has added an application which shows the going rates for the Tooth Fairy in the United States based on various factors such as location and income.
Getting Creative with the Payout
Elaborate storage boxes and certificates for these lost teeth have become the norm. The tradition of the tooth fairy gives parents the chance to think outside the box and get creative. One mom put $100.00 bill under her daughter’s pillow along with a new toothbrush and a note. The note said she had to use the money towards an education fund, but if she brushed her teeth every day for the next 30 days, she would get $20.00 to spend wherever she wanted. This mom was trying to teach her child the importance of saving for the future as well as taking care of her teeth. This is an interesting concept and can be adapted by other parents and adjusted to fit any budget. Teaching kids about good oral health at a young age is a great way to implement healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Tooth Fairy Tip from Your Dentist
As a Dentist, I would definitely place emphasis on the importance of brushing and flossing. Leaving a reward, monetary or otherwise, under your child’s pillow for a lost tooth is a wonderful idea. Including a certificate for your child’s tooth is also a great way to make a dental experience a fun one. Click here for a Tooth Fairy Certificate you can fill out and leave under your child’s pillow.
What if You’re Asked about Whether the Tooth Fairy is Real?
Childhood belief in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy are a right of passage, we all believed. As children get older, questions of the authenticity of these characters will arise. I once had a child ask where the tooth fairy got her money, and wondered if she had a special bank machine. It is quite normal for kids to question and wonder about these traditions and how they work as they grow older.
Every parent dreads the day their child asks whether the Tooth Fairy is real. How do you answer their question without breaking their spirit? Here is an example on how one mom handled this very question:
“Mommy, are you the Tooth Fairy?” asked my 7 year old daughter this morning after finding $1.00 under her pillow for her baby tooth she lost the day before; that was the last thing I was expecting to hear! I was not prepared nor did I know what to say to her so I stammered out “What do you mean?” with a goofy look on my face. She asked me again, “Did you put the money under my pillow? Are you the Tooth Fairy?”
With a goofier look on my face I said “I’m not sure what you want me to say…” She only stared at me and almost demanded: “Yes or no?” I pulled her into my bedroom, closed the door and sat her on my bed. “Ok, listen carefully,” I said almost in a whisper. “I am- but you can’t tell anyone, not your friends, and absolutely not Billy.” My 5 year old would be devastated.
Her eyes sparkled and were as big as saucers. Giggling she squeaked, “You are?! I knew it! I knew you were!” and before I could say anything she gasped. “Wait! Are you everybody’s Tooth Fairy or just mine and Billy’s?” “Oh honey” I said, “I don’t have time to be everybody’s Tooth Fairy, just yours and Billy’s.”
“So Suzy’s mom is her Tooth Fairy and Mikey’s dad is his Tooth Fairy?” she asked looking for clarification. “Yes” I said “And remember that it’s fun to believe so don’t tell anyone our secret, I winked at her. We shook hands and made our deal, the pact was made and a bond forged.
What a great way to come clean about the Tooth Fairy while maintaining the spirit and keeping it fun.
Dr. Kate Bazydlo, Heritage House Dental
Brushing with toothpaste alone may feel like you’re getting rid of the build-up on your teeth from daily meals and snacks. However, if you skip flossing, you’re missing out on cleaning a third of your teeth. Even with diligent home care, there is more to cleaning your teeth than meets the eye. Plaque forms and builds up below the gum line, beyond the reach of your toothbrush and requires a Dental Hygienist to be properly removed.
Who is a Registered Dental Hygienist?
A Dental Hygienist in Ontario has completed a diploma program in college. Their focus is prevention, oral health education and therapy. Hygienists work together with you and your dentist to help maintain your oral health. This involves taking x-rays and measuring your gum health to assist in diagnosing any potential problems like gum disease, cavities and more.
What is involved in a Teeth Cleaning?
A teeth cleaning by a Dental Hygienist includes either manual or ultrasonic dental scaling to remove plaque and tarter from your teeth. Any visible staining from coffee, cigarettes, carbonated beverages and dark foods not removed during scaling is polished away. Afterwards the hygienist will floss your teeth and provide dental fluoride treatment if necessary.
During your teeth cleaning your dental hygienist will review your brushing and flossing technique and may suggest any changes to optimize your home care. Part of their role is education, and this involves ensuring that you have an effective brushing and flossing regime. They will help identify any problem areas that may require extra attention when you’re brushing at home.
Is Fluoride Treatment Necessary?
With the increased popularity and consumption of bottled water the amount of fluoride intake from our water source has diminished over the years. Since very little to no fluoride is present in bottled or filtered water the importance of opting for a fluoride treatment during your dental hygiene visit is essential. Fluoride accumulates in demineralized areas to strengthen the enamel, this process is called remineralization.
Extended Services Provided by a Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienists also provide dental sealants for kids. Sealants are a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars to protect them against cavities developing in the deep grooves and pits.
Hygienists are also involved in nutrition counseling and may offer you diet and lifestyle recommendations to maintain your overall health which in turn correlates with your oral health.
If you believe you are at a greater risk of gum disease as a result of lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, a dental hygienist can suggest a preventative treatment solution to reduce your risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Schedule a visit with a Dental Hygienist today, contact us now at Heritage House Dental at 905-814-1600. Our Hygienists are ready to help you regain and retain optimal oral health.
Dr. Kate Bazydlo, Heritage House Dental
The hockey season is here with us again, and for ardent lovers of the game this is a perfect season to take your championship story to a whole new level. But, even as the much awaited season draws to a close, it is crucial to keep safety first by wearing a mouth guard. A single strike to the mouth or jaw can cause serious damage that can be quite painful and expensive to treat.
Some athletes avoid wearing mouth guards because they say they feel uncomfortable and that the guards irritate them and distract them. For this reason it is important to find mouth guards that are specially designed to fit your mouth. The good news is that these services (sports guard customization) are available in our office. You simply set-up an appointment; we examine your mouth, take impressions of your teeth and create a guard that is comfortable and non-irritating.
The Three Different Types of Mouth Guards
In-stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth protectors are off-the-shelf mouth guards that can be purchased in sporting stores and retail malls across the country. They are also available on the internet and are generally inexpensive. On the flip side though, these mouth guards are quite bulky and may cause irritation or even interfere with normal breathing. They provide little to no protection and are not recommend for use in high impact sports.
Boil and Bite Mouth Guards
Boil and bite mouth guards are made from thermoplastic material which softens when placed in hot water. Just as their name suggests, you place them in hot water until they soften and then bite into them so they fit closely over your teeth and gums. Small qualms with these mouth protectors would be that they are pretty cumbersome to use. As a matter of fact, they are not the best option for tight gaming schedules and may not always be relied on.
Customized Mouth Guards
It’s amazing how a short visit to a dentist can help you achieve your full sportsmanship potential. The process of preparing custom made sports guards involves several steps which are relatively short and comfortable (modern technology is to thank for this). First, we will examine your mouth and make a simulated impression of it. The guards are later molded in line with the shape of your mouth leaving enough space for breathing. Although custom made guards are typically more expensive, when you consider the risk of missing teeth, it is a small price to pay for absolute peace of mind. These highly reputed mouth protectors can help prevent and minimize damage to the jaw, neck, tongue and even the brain in the event of a hit to the face and/or mouth.
Lucky for you, at Heritage House Dental we believe that your safety is most important, and that is why we are proud to offer a Free Custom Mouth Guard to all our patients. In order to take advantage of this complimentary mouth guard offer certain requirements must be met.
Final Word
In high adrenaline contact games such as hockey you never know when you’re going to get a nasty blow to your mouth. So, make a point of contacting us before the season kicks off. This could save you a couple of unanticipated surprises going forward. As we sign off, we’d like to wish you a flawless season and lots of success. All the best!
Dr. Kate Bazydlo, Heritage House Dental
 The choice of dental implants over traditional teeth replacement is fast becoming the optimal treatment alternative for many. Not only are dental implants proving more cost effective; patient satisfaction with the results is higher as well. These findings were reported in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants which looked at 14 independent studies between 2000 and 2010.
Below we will examine what exactly dental implants are and how they differ from traditional teeth replacement procedures. We will also look at some of the benefits of dental implants that explain the higher satisfaction and acceptance reported in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants study
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an artificial tooth root which inserted into the jaw bone in order to hold the replacement tooth or bridge in place. There are two primary types of dental implants. These are “in the bone” and “on the bone” implants.
In the bone or endosteal implants are the most common type of procedure. With ensdosteal implants metal posts or frames are inserted directly into the jaw bone mimicking a tooth root. One or more replacement teeth are then mounted onto these posts. In order to receive endosteal implants there must be sufficient bone in the jaw.
On the bone or subperiosteal implants are typically used in the case where the patient lacks sufficient bone for traditional implants. With this procedure the metal framework is fit snugly around the entire ridge with the implant posts at the top of the bone.
Why Dental Implants are more Comfortable than Traditional Teeth Replacement?
Dental implants tend to be more comfortable because the implants are fused to the jawbone. This provides a very stable foundation to crowns, bridges or dentures mounted to the implant. The fact that they are securely fastened to the jaw means that they do not slip or shift in the patient’s mouth.
Compared to traditional dentures and bridges, dental implants feel more secure and natural in the mouth. This is one of the primary reasons for the higher degree of satisfaction reported in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants report.
Why Dental Implants can be used by a Wider Range of Patients?
With a traditional bridge there must be teeth on either side of the gap where the artificial tooth will be placed. In order to fit the artificial tooth into this space the surrounding teeth require to be ground down. With a dental implant this is not necessary because the implant is inserted into the bone itself. This means that even patients who may not be suitable for a conventional bridge can still benefit from dental implants.
Comparing the Cost of Dental Implants and Traditional Teeth Replacement
One of the most interesting findings of the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants study was the relative costs of dental implants vs. traditional teeth replacement procedures. The initial cost of dental implants was found to be more expensive than with traditional procedures. However the long term cost of dental implants was found to be lower.
In addition people who received dental implants were happier paying for the procedure because of the higher level of comfort with the implant and natural look and feel of the tooth itself.
In the past patients choosing between the two types of procedures may have been deterred by the higher initial costs. This study will hopefully reinforce the importance of the long term savings and satisfaction associated with dental implants.
Dr. Kate Bazydlo, Heritage House Dental
Whether you grind or clench your teeth, prevention is the next step
If you have discovered that your teeth are becoming smaller and worn down, cracked or chipped you might be clenching your teeth or grinding your teeth excessively while you’re asleep. This is commonly known as bruxism and it has varying degrees of severity and may be mild enough not to require any treatment at all. Often times, people who suffer from bruxism, don’t even realize that they have a condition.
If your teeth grinding is more severe, you’ll be potentially taking a risk with the dental work that you may have completed or for your own natural teeth. Once your teeth are worn or chipped, they can only be restored to their original shape and size with bonding, crowns, fillings, implants or other services provided by your dentist.
To prevent these potential issues, we recommend a night guard (sometimes referred to as a mouth guard). This mouthpiece is customized for your smile and is only worn while you are sleeping. It helps protect your dental restorations from breakage and retains your teeth to be their natural size and shape.
For some people, bruxism is acute and they are painfully aware of their condition. At this point, your dental health professional will assess whether your condition has developed into a jaw disorder. Symptoms may include an aching jaw, headaches, hypersensitive teeth, ringing in your ears and more.
At Heritage House Dental, we provide a multidisciplinary approach for people who are struggling with a dysfunction in their jaw. Our TMJ Care program combines osteopathy, physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture and dentistry to provide relief for the aggravating symptoms of TMJ.
Whether you suspect that you are grinding your teeth, you have acute headaches or you’re suffering from an aching jaw each morning, we can help. We understand how debilitating it can be to have a sore jaw when you wake up, when you’re eating and struggling with constant headaches. Call us today at 905-814-1600 for a consultation and we will help you get back into your comfort zone.
Dr. Kate Bazydlo, Heritage House Dental
 It’s pretty safe to say that if you ask anyone if they would like whiter teeth, the answer would be yes! But then the questions arise… what type? In office, take home trays? Will whitening even work or give you the results you are expecting?
The first thing to do before considering any form is to see your dentist for an exam to determine if you are a candidate for dental whitening. This is needed for several reasons but most importantly, it is not recommended to commence tooth whitening if there are more pressing issues such as cavities or periodontal disease present. Verifying the location and type of staining present will indicate the type of dental whitening suitable for each individual.
External, or extrinsic, staining caused by repetitive exposure to substances such as coffee, tea, dark sodas, wine and heavily spiced or coloured foods is typically easier to remove than internal staining caused by chemical influences or hereditary conditions. It is imperative to understand that only your natural teeth will lighten; any fillings, crowns or veneers you may have will not and may need to be replaced after your whitening is complete.
A vast array of dental whitening is available today. Among them are Zoom!™ Whitening, Spa-Dent™ and Home Whitening Kits. Zoom! and Spa Dent whitening systems are performed in the dental office and require a specialized LED light and/or laser to activate the whitening gel applied to your teeth by your dental professional. Sensitivity associated with dental whitening varies as well. Spa-Dent Whitening incurs little to no sensitivity and requires less time in the dental chair. For those of you looking for fast, effective whitening, Spa-Dent may be for you.
For those of you who would rather whiten your teeth at home while watching your favorite TV program, we can offer you home whitening kits. Custom fit dental trays are made to the shape of your teeth and require diligent use at home for the desired results. Compliance is key to this whitening method!
It is important to remember that no two people and their teeth are alike and results will vary as well. 
Always consult your dentist before dental whitening so they can recommend a treatment that is specifically tailored to your needs.
Dr. Nicole Maciel, Heritage House Dental
Joiner, Andrew. “The Bleaching of Teeth: A Review of the Literature”. Journal of Dentistry 34 (2006): 412-419.
Jones, Jo-Anne. “Professional Whitening: Speed, Comfort and Effective Results”. Oral Hygiene May 2013: 28-31.
Facts about Tartar on your Teeth
What is plaque?
Plaque on your teeth is a yellow coloured film that is formed by bacteria. Dental plaque can lead to teeth decay (dental caries) and gum disease.Parents often refer to plaque as ‘sugar bugs’ to kids to help them understand that there are microscopic bacteria on their teeth that need to be brushed away twice a day.
How do I remove plaque?
The plaque film on your teeth is soft enough to be removed using your fingernail, brushing and/or flossing your teeth.
What is tartar?
Once plaque has been on your teeth for more than 48 hours, it starts to harden. It is white in colour and is also referred to as calculus. Tartar promotes the growth of plaque on your teeth which is why it’s important to remove it regularly.
How do I remove tartar?
It is important to remove plaque before the 48 hour mark because once it hardens, you’ll need a registered dental hygienist to professionally remove the tartar with a scaling instrument or an ultrasonic scaler which uses water and is often more efficient and comfortable for you.
Each person has different amounts of tartar which is why your dental hygienist will recommend a customized treatment plan for you based on the amount of build-up that you have.
Why do I need to remove tartar?
Tartar on your teeth is how your oral health connects to your overall health. Tooth tartar build-up can penetrate into your bloodstream and lead to conditions such as kidney disease.
How do I know if I have tartar build-up?
At your next dental appointment, ask us for a plaque disclosing tablet. This is the best way to illustrate where you have plaque and dental tartar. They are also sold in retail stores in the dental products section.
How do I prevent tartar build-up?
Taking care of your overall health is how you can manage your oral health. Eating fruits and vegetables, brushing twice daily, flossing at least twice per week if not daily, reduce or eliminate cigarettes, consume sour/acidic foods in moderation because they can break down your enamel and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups.
If you are looking for a registered dental hygienist to help manage your oral health, we are accepting new patients at Heritage House Dental. Please call us today at 905-814-1600 to reserve an appointment.
Dr. Kate Bazydlo, Heritage House Dental
When it comes to our children’s health, it is important to be mindful of their dental oral health because it plays an important role. Despite our best efforts, cavities in children are on the rise and as a parent and a dentist, I want to share with you some tips to help you improve and maintain good oral health for your family.
Brushing Your Child’s Teeth
The best practice for teeth brushing is to spend two minutes brushing, two times per day. Sometimes singing the song ‘happy birthday’ in their head while they’re brushing, or using a sand timer to keep track of the two-minute duration helps. Once the sand timer is done or they’re done singing, they’re finished! Here are some teeth brushing techniques to utilize:
- Under two: use a soft damp cloth or a small wet toothbrush to clean your baby’s teeth
- Ages 2-6: use a pea sized dab of training toothpaste (fluoride free) and take turns brushing their teeth so you can teach them how to brush while ensuring that everything is brushed properly
- Ages 6+: transition to toothpaste with fluoride and teach them to rinse well and spit it out when they’re done brushing so they don’t swallow any fluoride
Flossing for Kids
Once kids have two teeth side by side, they should begin flossing once per day. They can use traditional floss or flossers to clean food and plaque away from between their teeth, which gets missed from regular brushing.
Avoid Pacifiers and Utensil Sharing
Sometimes pacifiers get dropped on the ground and parents thoughtfully clean them off in their mouth before returning it to their infant. This habit along with sharing forks or spoons with your child introduces potentially harmful bacteria into your child’s mouth, which can lead to dental decay.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride can be utilized through toothpaste, drinking water and at your dental office. Fluoride helps protect your teeth against cavities. Please note that bottled water and filtered water does not contain fluoride and should be used occasionally on the go instead of replacing tap water.
Use Mouth Guards
When playing sports, it’s important for kids to wear mouth guards to protect their smile. If your child loses one of their adult teeth, it can cause orthodontic issues in their mouth and missing teeth leads to problems chewing foods properly. Retaining all of their natural teeth for a lifetime will assist in their nutritional and overall health.
Sugary Snacks and Drinks
Snacks with natural or artificial sugars are okay in moderation. What we recommend is brushing shortly after you’ve eaten these snacks so you can remove the cavity causing sugars. If you’re not able to brush right away, we recommend drinking a glass of water to help rinse the teeth.
Sugary drinks can include milk, sports drinks, juices, pop and other sweetened liquids. It’s important to drink the beverage completely at one sitting rather than sipping throughout the day. Allowing your child to sleep with a bottle or sip on it throughout the day prolongs exposure to sugar and can cause teeth decay.
Visit Your Dentist
Bringing your child to see your dentist within six months of their first tooth eruption or no later than their first birthday is recommended by the Canadian Dental Association. It is important for your child’s oral health because your dentist can detect issues when they’re small before they become larger, more involved and costly to repair.
Regular cleanings at your dental office also help remove tartar (hardened plaque) which cannot be removed from brushing at home. Your Dental Hygienist can also teach your child brushing techniques in case there are certain areas of their mouth that have developed more tartar.
If you are seeking a children’s dentist, we are accepting new patients, and would be happy to help you take care of their dental oral health. Call us today at 905-814-1600 to schedule an appointment for your whole family.
Dr. Kate Bazydlo, Heritage House Dental
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