At Green Apple Dental, Surrey’s premier modern all-digital dentistry clinic, we’re committed to empowering our patients with the knowledge they need for excellent oral health. With over 20 years of experience, we understand that something as simple as choosing the right toothbrush can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.

Why the Right Toothbrush Matters

Your toothbrush is your first line of defense against tooth decay, gum disease, and plaque buildup. Using the wrong type of toothbrush can lead to improper cleaning, enamel damage, or even irritation of your gums. To help you make the best choice for your oral health, our team at Green Apple Dental has compiled a guide to selecting the perfect toothbrush.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toothbrush

1. Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush
   • Manual Toothbrushes: A great option for those who prefer a traditional brushing technique. Ensure it has soft bristles and a comfortable handle for ease of use.
   • Electric Toothbrushes: These are highly effective in removing plaque, especially for individuals with limited mobility or orthodontic appliances like braces. Look for a model with features like a timer and multiple cleaning modes.
2. Bristle Type
   • Soft Bristles: Recommended for most people, as they are gentle on the gums and enamel while effectively removing plaque.
   • Medium or Hard Bristles: These may feel more durable but can cause enamel wear and gum irritation over time. At Green Apple Dental, we always advise using soft bristles for daily brushing.
3. Size and Shape of the Brush Head
   Choose a toothbrush with a small to medium-sized head to reach every corner of your mouth, including the back molars. The shape should allow for comfortable maneuvering around your teeth and gums.
4. Handle Comfort
   A toothbrush with a non-slip grip or ergonomic design makes it easier to hold and control during brushing, ensuring you can maintain proper technique.
5. Special Features
   • For Kids: Look for toothbrushes with smaller heads, fun designs, and soft bristles to encourage good habits.
   • For Orthodontic Patients: Choose toothbrushes designed specifically for braces, such as those with V-shaped bristles.

Top Picks: Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

At Green Apple Dental, we often recommend electric toothbrushes for their superior plaque removal and ease of use. However, the best toothbrush is the one you’ll use consistently and correctly. Whether you prefer manual or electric, the key is to brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time.

Proper Toothbrush Care

Once you’ve chosen your toothbrush, maintaining it properly is essential:

• Replace your toothbrush or brush head every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
• Store your toothbrush upright and let it air dry to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Avoid sharing your toothbrush with others to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

Personalized Advice from Your Surrey Dentist

At Green Apple Dental, we believe that personalized care is the cornerstone of effective oral hygiene. During your dental check-ups, our team can assess your unique needs and recommend the best toothbrush and techniques for you.

Why Choose Green Apple Dental?

As Surrey’s trusted all-digital dentistry clinic with two decades of experience, we combine advanced technology and compassionate care to support your oral health journey. From preventive care to cosmetic dentistry, we’re here to help you achieve and maintain a radiant smile.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you have questions about oral hygiene or want to learn more about the best toothbrush for your needs, schedule a visit at Green Apple Dental. With our expertise in digital dentistry and focus on patient care, we’re proud to be Surrey’s go-to destination for comprehensive dental services.

The post How to Choose the Right Toothbrush: Expert Tips from Green Apple Dental appeared first on Surrey Dentist | Green Apple Dental | Surrey, BC.

Introduction

Halloween is an exciting time for kids – dressing up in fun costumes, going trick-or-treating, and, of course, enjoying all the candy! But for parents and dental professionals, Halloween can raise concerns about the potential impact of all that sugar on young teeth. At Green Apple Dental in Surrey, we’ve been providing modern, patient-centered dental care for over 20 years, and we’re here to help you enjoy a fun yet tooth-friendly Halloween with your kids.

1. Choose Teeth-Friendly Treats

Not all Halloween treats are equally harmful to teeth. While it’s natural for kids to want to enjoy candy on Halloween, try steering them towards options that are less damaging to their dental health. Here’s what we recommend:

• Chocolate over sticky or hard candy: Chocolate dissolves quickly, making it less likely to stick to teeth and cause cavities. Dark chocolate, which contains less sugar, is an even better choice.
• Avoid sour or sticky treats: Gummy candies, caramels, and sour candies can cling to teeth for long periods, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
• Limit hard candies: Hard candies linger in the mouth, giving sugar more time to interact with teeth and enamel.

Encourage kids to make these choices by stocking up on tooth-friendly Halloween treats at home. This can be a great opportunity to talk with your kids about how different types of candy affect their dental health.

2. Establish a Halloween Brushing Routine

Maintaining a strong brushing and flossing routine is essential during the Halloween season. Here’s a brushing routine Green Apple Dental recommends for kids, especially around Halloween:

• Brush twice a day, especially after eating candy: After kids enjoy Halloween treats, ensure they brush thoroughly to reduce sugar buildup. Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.
• Floss daily: Help younger kids floss daily to remove any sticky candy particles between teeth. Flossing is a critical part of keeping teeth healthy and preventing cavities, especially when sugary treats are involved.
• Rinse with water: After snacking on sweets, encourage kids to rinse their mouths with water. This simple habit can help wash away sugars and reduce acid formation on the teeth.

Establishing this habit early can help kids build a lifetime of good dental care practices.

3. Set a Candy Time

Instead of allowing kids to graze on candy throughout the day, consider designating a specific “treat time” when they can enjoy their Halloween goodies. Having a set time helps reduce the frequency of sugar exposure, which is a big factor in the development of tooth decay.

Encouraging kids to eat their Halloween candy after meals can also be beneficial. When we eat, our bodies produce more saliva, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles, reducing the risk of cavity formation. This timing can be an easy way to let kids enjoy their treats while keeping their teeth healthy.

4. Consider a “Buy-Back” Program

Some parents offer a “buy-back” program, where kids can trade some of their candy for a toy, book, or even a fun outing. This is a great way to limit candy consumption and get kids excited about something other than sweets.

At Green Apple Dental, we’ve found that the buy-back program is a fun, creative solution that not only cuts down on candy consumption but also opens up the opportunity for meaningful discussions with kids about the importance of dental health and making mindful choices.

5. Schedule a Post-Halloween Dental Check-Up

A dental check-up after Halloween is a great way to make sure your child’s teeth stay healthy and cavity-free. During the check-up, our team at Green Apple Dental can help assess if the Halloween season has had any effect on your child’s teeth and provide preventative care if necessary.

With our modern, all-digital technology and patient-focused approach, we make dental visits comfortable and engaging for kids. Preventative cleanings, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments are just a few of the treatments we provide to keep young teeth healthy and protected.

6. Educate Your Child on the Importance of Dental Health

One of the best ways to make Halloween more tooth-friendly is to make dental health fun and engaging. Talk to your child about the “sugar bugs” that can harm their teeth and how brushing and flossing help keep their smile strong and healthy. Simple, relatable explanations can go a long way in helping kids understand why we want to limit candy and take extra care of their teeth, especially around Halloween.

At Green Apple Dental, we believe in empowering parents with the knowledge and tools to keep their children’s smiles healthy year-round. We also make dental education fun for kids during every visit, encouraging them to build a lifetime of good dental hygiene.

Conclusion

With a bit of planning and guidance, Halloween can be a fun, memorable time for kids without compromising their dental health. At Green Apple Dental in Surrey, we’re dedicated to supporting you in keeping your child’s teeth healthy through every holiday and season. By making mindful choices, establishing strong brushing and flossing routines, and scheduling regular dental check-ups, you can ensure that your child’s smile stays bright and healthy.

If it’s time for a post-Halloween check-up, or if you have any questions about how to protect your family’s dental health, reach out to our team at Green Apple Dental. We’re here to help you navigate Halloween and every season with a smile!

For more family dental care tips, expert advice, and information about our child-friendly dental services, be sure to visit our blog or give us a call to schedule your next appointment. Green Apple Dental – Your Partner in Healthy Smiles!

The post How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy This Halloween: Expert Tips from Green Apple Dental Surrey appeared first on Surrey Dentist | Green Apple Dental | Surrey, BC.

At Green Apple Dental, we’re passionate about keeping kids’ smiles healthy and bright. As a cutting-edge, modern dental clinic located in Surrey, BC, we prioritize creating positive dental experiences for every member of your family. One question we hear frequently from parents is: How often should my child visit the dentist? Let’s dive into the details.

When Should Your Child’s First Dental Visit Be?

Here at Green Apple Dental, we follow the recommendations of the Canadian Dental Association and suggest that children should visit the dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. This first visit allows us to monitor early dental development and start your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy teeth.

How Often Should Kids See the Dentist?

After their first visit, we recommend that children come in every six months for routine checkups. These regular visits are essential for maintaining strong, cavity-free teeth and allowing us to track the growth and development of your child’s smile.

During these appointments, we focus on:

• Preventing tooth decay through professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
• Monitoring dental growth and identifying any concerns early, such as misaligned teeth or jaw issues.
• Teaching proper oral hygiene habits to ensure your child is brushing and flossing effectively at home.

In some cases, depending on your child’s unique dental needs, we may recommend more frequent visits, such as every three to four months. This may be the case if your child is more prone to cavities or has specific dental concerns.

Why Are Regular Dental Visits So Important?

1. Cavity Prevention: Children’s teeth have thinner enamel, making them more vulnerable to cavities. Our professional cleanings help remove stubborn plaque and tartar that daily brushing may miss.
2. Early Detection of Issues: Regular dental visits allow us to catch potential problems—such as early signs of tooth decay, gum issues, or orthodontic concerns—before they become serious.
3. Comfort and Familiarity: Frequent visits help kids feel more comfortable in the dentist’s chair, reducing anxiety and building a positive association with dental care.
4. Oral Health Education: During every visit, we take time to educate both parents and children on the best oral care practices, including healthy eating habits and proper brushing techniques, to support long-term dental health.

What to Expect at a Green Apple Dental Visit

At Green Apple Dental, we’ve designed our space to make visits fun and stress-free for kids. During your child’s appointment, you can expect:

• A thorough examination of your child’s teeth, gums, and bite.
• Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.
• Recommendations for fluoride treatments or sealants to protect against cavities.
• Tips and demonstrations on proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Our team uses the latest in dental technology to make every visit as efficient, comfortable, and effective as possible.

Tips for Maintaining Your Child’s Oral Health at Home

While regular dental checkups are important, maintaining good habits at home is key to keeping those smiles healthy. Our top tips include:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing daily to remove plaque from between teeth.
• Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, which can increase the risk of cavities.
• Encouraging a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support strong teeth and gums.

Schedule Your Child’s Next Visit at Green Apple Dental!

At Green Apple Dental, we believe that prevention is the best way to ensure lifelong dental health. By scheduling routine dental visits every six months and practicing good oral hygiene at home, you can help your child maintain a bright, healthy smile.

Our state-of-the-art clinic in Surrey, BC is designed to make every visit enjoyable for kids and parents alike. If it’s time for your child’s next checkup, we’re here to help! Contact us today to book an appointment, and let’s keep those little smiles shining bright.

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In today’s busy world, it’s easy to let dental care take a backseat. However, regular dental hygiene appointments are crucial not just for a sparkling smile but for maintaining overall health. At Green Apple Dental, we emphasize the importance of routine dental visits for preventing oral health issues, detecting problems early, and providing personalized care for long-term health.

Prevention is Key

Regular dental appointments, typically scheduled every six months, are a cornerstone of preventive care. During these visits, our Surrey dental hygienists perform professional cleanings using scaling tools to remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing is unable to remove effectively. This is essential for preventing common dental issues such as cavities and gum disease—a condition that affects nearly half of adults and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Preventing gum disease is not just about oral health—research has shown links between gum disease and systemic health problems like heart disease and diabetes. At Green Apple Dental, we prioritize your overall health by ensuring that your smile is as healthy as it is beautiful.

Early Detection of Oral Diseases

Routine dental check-ups at Green Apple Dental go beyond cleaning. During these appointments, our team examines your mouth for early signs of oral health issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or even oral cancer. We also use 3D imaging to precisely follow your dentition’s progress. Detecting these problems early allows us to offer more straightforward, cost-effective treatments that prevent more serious issues down the road.

In addition, dental health often reflects your body’s overall well-being. Conditions like anemia, diabetes, and some cancers may show early signs in the mouth. With regular dental visits, we can monitor these potential issues and refer you to the appropriate specialists when necessary, safeguarding your overall health.

Education and Personalized Dental Care

At Green Apple Dental, we believe that patient education is key to maintaining optimal oral health. Our team takes the time to discuss your oral hygiene habits, dietary choices, and any concerns you may have. Whether you need tips on better brushing techniques, advice on specific dental products, or suggestions for lifestyle changes that promote oral health, our dentists are here to offer personalized, expert care.

By staying on top of regular dental hygiene appointments, you’re not just protecting your teeth—you’re investing in your overall health. Contact Green Apple Dental in Surrey today to schedule your next appointment and keep your smile healthy for years to come!

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So, if you currently have braces; or your local dentist is telling you that you need to consider them in your near future, how do you ensure that you are getting the most out of the experience? A dental check-up is no doubt something that your parents, your doctor, or your dentist himself has encouraged throughout your life. Does this change when you get braces? Let’s see…

What Are Dental Check-Ups?

Dental check-ups are necessary for overall dental hygiene and oral health. We all want to look after our teeth and gums, but at times we forget the effort that is needed in order to do so. What would the dentist check for during this routine appointment?

Dental cavities in the teeth

Cavities can sometimes only be seen in an X-ray; therefore, some dentists will insist on scanning your mouth.

Plaque and tartar on the teeth

Plaque is what appears on the surface of your teeth before it becomes tartar. Because plaque and tartar are results of bacteria, if left untreated it can lead to oral diseases.

Any sign of gum disease

The spaces between the teeth and gums will determine whether a patient has developed any gum disease. The dentist will most likely use a specialised tool to determine this.

Don’t forget about the tongue and throat

Some dental check-ups will include the examination of your tongue, throat and sometimes the face and neck. Any signs of inflammation or irritation could mean that there are bigger problems to address.

How Often to Go for Check-Ups?

Because your oral health is determined at these check-ups, they are obviously vital. The recommended amount of visits a year is two. That is for someone without any complications. If, however; you have a need to see the dentist more often then that would be necessary. The golden rule here would be to listen to the advice of your dentist or oral hygienist and ensure that you go at least twice a year.

What About Those with Braces?

Well, think about it logically: would someone with braces face more complications with their teeth? Unfortunately, yes. Food and food particles can often get stuck in between the teeth and the braces. Anything that may not be removed by brushing and flossing can cause bacteria, and as mentioned above, bacteria can cause serious harm. Therefore, it is even more essential for those with braces to go for regular dental check-ups.

So please, the next time you wonder to yourself, “Do I really need to go see the dentist when nothing feels wrong?”: don’t! It’s not even a question whether regular dental check-ups are necessary. Your dentist is there to care for and protect your teeth: diagnosing any problems early on; cleaning and maintaining your oral hygiene and health; and giving expert advice on necessary homecare. Keeping in mind the goal of your dentist will make the vitality of these appointments that much clearer. Also, keeping in mind the aim of the braces themselves might help motivate you to take the best care of your teeth during this process. Keep in mind: regular dentist check-ups are essential, especially when you have braces.

The post If I Have Braces, Do I Still Need Dental Check-Ups Every 6 Months? appeared first on Surrey Dentist | Green Apple Dental | Surrey, BC.

Drinks

Let’s start by taking a look at the most common drinks that can discolour your teeth.

• Coffee
• Tea
• Wine
• Sodas
• Sports Drinks

Coffee is one of the largest causes of tooth discoloration, but teas, even herbal teas, can have the same effect. This is because of the acidity of the tea. Likewise, both light and dark sodas can stain and damage your teeth, as can both white and red wine. Don’t let decaf coffee confuse you into thinking that it will not stain your teeth either, because it is just as likely to stain your teeth as fully caffeinated coffee is. It also does not matter what type of a roast that you consume, all coffee is at risk of staining your teeth. It is best to limit your intake of all of these beverages and brush your teeth after consuming them.

Fruits

Fruits and berries are delicious to consume, but can also stain your teeth. These include:

• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Pomegranates
• Purple grapes

The more vibrant the color of the fruit, the more likely they are to stain your teeth. Not only is it because of the color, but these fruits also contain more tooth-discolouring acid. Meanwhile, lighter coloured fruits, like white grapes, apples, and even peaches, are much less likely to discolour your teeth.

Sauces

Some sauces can also cause your teeth to discolour. These include:

• Tomato sauce
• Curry

Sauce is normally highly acidic and dark in color, which can result in discoloration and not the brightest smile you can get. In the same vein, citruses in general can breakdown your tooth enamel and put you at risk of staining your teeth.

Prevention

If you are wondering what you can do to help prevent the discoloration of your teeth while still being able to enjoy the foods you love, there is a way. Eating leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, and spinach, before consuming a stain-causing food can provide a protective film on your teeth, preventing the next food you eat from staining them.

Keeping up with good brushing and flossing habits can help keep your teeth from staining as well, especially if it is done right after you eat. If your biggest concern over staining your teeth is drinks, a big helper is to use a straw for drinking. While disposable straws are becoming less available, keep a collapsible or a silicone straw in your purse or car to have on hand when you order a drink that might stain your teeth.

Another good preventative method is to eat well and drink plenty of water. Water does more for your body than just keeping your hydrated, but it can also keep your teeth and gums healthy, especially if it is fluoridated water. Avoiding many of the foods that can stain and discolour your teeth can also help the health of your teeth and your body. Foods that are high in acid will break down the enamel on your teeth, not only making them susceptible to discoloration, but also susceptible to tooth decay.

Generally, you just need to focus on eating your vegetables, brushing your teeth, and avoiding junk food, just like your mother always said.

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Severe gum disease starts small. The infection is called gingivitis and an estimated 47 percent of people have it. This mild infection can go unnoticed, but you might notice that your gums are sensitive and tend to bleed after tooth brushing or that they appear red and inflamed.

Mild gum infections such as these are caused by bacteria that build up in the mouth – even when you’re quite good with your home oral hygiene routine. There are always crevices and corners that are hard to reach with a brush and the bacteria that breed here cause gum infections.

Receding Gums are a Serious Symptom

Once your gums begin to recede from your teeth, you have a serious gum infection. It can cause damage to the bone that underlies your teeth, and there is even early research that seems to show a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease.

Trying to stop receding gums with home or folk remedies is a recipe for disaster. You have an infection and need specialized help. The good news is that the treatment of receding gums has advanced enormously in recent years. Dentists can even restore some or all of the damage that has already been done to the gum line.

How Dentists Treat Receding Gums

The treatment of receding gums depends on how bad the damage is. If the infection has damaged the bone or the pockets it forms in the gums have become too deep, you may need to undergo surgery to save your teeth. Depending on what is required to do so, it could involve bone grafting or regeneration, gum grafts, or simply a lifting and reattachment of existing gum tissue.

However, if the recession has just begun, the Surrey dentist can clean away the harmful bacteria and smooth the tooth so that it is harder for the bacteria to regain a foothold.

Taking Care of Your Teeth Means Taking Care of Your Gums

Gum recession isn’t just an aesthetic problem, it also has the potential to be a serious health problem. The longer it goes untreated, the worse it gets, the more permanent damage is done, and the more severe the intervention required to correct it.

Luckily, you don’t have to do anything extra to take care of your gums. Follow this checklist:

• Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day.
• Do not brush too vigorously at the gum line – use the correct brushing technique and a brush with relatively soft bristles.
• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Every 6 months is best, but once a year will do if you don’t already have dental complications.
• Visit your oral hygienist for regular teeth cleaning to remove tartar build-up on your teeth.
• Limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages.

Are You Worried About Receding Gums?

If you have noticed that your gums are receding it may just be that you need to adapt the way you brush your teeth or that you are seeing a normal sign of ageing. However, the possibility that receding gums come from an infection that could place your health at risk is real. See your dentist as soon as possible.

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Sugar is definitely one of the culprits behind cavities and wrecking your teeth. This is how.

History

It took literally centuries for the understanding that sugar caused cavities to become common knowledge. Aristotle observed the negative impact that sugar has on people’s teeth, but even thousands of years ago, no one thought it was true.

As science and information has improved throughout the years and with the advancements of technology, we can actually see how cavities are formed and take the right steps to preventing them.

Minerals Under Attack

The trouble with sugar and other carbohydrates comes down to what they do to the makeup of your mouth rather than what they are directly doing to your teeth. Your mouth is naturally full of a variety of bacteria, some of which is harmful, but not all of it.

When some bacteria within your mouth run into carbohydrates, the bacteria release an acid. The acid then actually takes away the minerals within your tooth enamel, leaving it weak and prone to getting caries. The demineralization of your enamel can happen when you eat not just sugar, but potato chips, and even raisins.

Saliva

Saliva is your mouth’s natural housekeeper. It washes your teeth and by keeping your mouth moist, keeps bacteria from sticking to your enamel. This is why people who suffer from dry mouth are at a bigger risk of developing cavities than those without.

Calcium and phosphate are both found within your saliva. These essential minerals will combat the bacteria that are attacking your tooth enamel, warding off the decay. Combined with the fluoride you get from your toothpaste, you can remineralize your teeth while the bacteria are fighting to demineralize your teeth.

Unfortunately, when the bacteria attacks happen repeatedly, there is ultimately damage caused along the enamel that cannot be fixed with your saliva alone. Once this happens, your tooth will form a cavity.

Controlling Your Diet

The best thing that you can do outside of having great dental homecare is to control your sugar intake. Sugar is not just harmful to your teeth, but can be harmful to your entire body. Think about what you are eating before you eat it. This means cutting down on sugar or carbohydrate-heavy snacks.

The frequency that sugar is consumed can also put your teeth at greater risk. If you are a frequent sugary snacker, for example, your enamel will be at a greater risk for developing a cavity than someone who does not.

Another change that you can make has to do with what you drink. Energy drinks, sodas, and juices are all harmful to the enamel of your teeth, leading to tooth decay as well as recession. You should even watch out for sports drinks as they often have hidden ingredients of sugar, disguised as helpful electrolytes.

Simply being aware of what you are taking in can make a huge impact on your oral health. You should also make sure to brush twice a day, with the most important being right before bed. Combined with your regular dental visits, you can expect to keep decay away.

The post How Sugar Causes Cavities and Destroys Your Teeth appeared first on Surrey Dentist | Green Apple Dental | Surrey, BC.

So how often should you be visiting the dentist?

Frequency of Appointments

The truth is that some people need to visit the dentist more often than other people. It comes down to your dental and oral health needs, which can dramatically vary from person to person. Generally speaking, however, you should go to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and at least once a year for routine x-rays and a dental exam.

When You Need To Go In More Often

Twice a year cleanings might be the average, but there are many factors that can affect how often you should be going in for a dental appointment. Some of these factors include:

• Dry mouth: Whether you naturally have underactive salivary glands or you take a medication that dries out your mouth, you will need to go in more often when you have a dry mouth. Saliva is a natural cleaner for your teeth and without it, you will become more prone to a variety of dental issues, including decay. Going in for more cleanings a year can keep the teeth as clean and healthy as possible while keeping an eye out for dental concerns.
• Pregnancy: Due to the influx of hormones during pregnancy, many women will experience inflammation in the gums, known as gingivitis. This can cause the gums to bleed more and increase the risk of decay. As a result, having an extra visit during pregnancy can prevent the problems the hormones can cause.
• Cancer: Cancer treatments can have many side effects, including dry mouth and periodontal disease. The risk of infection in the gums will increase due to the immune system suppression while the medicine will cause the mouth to dry out. For the longevity of your teeth, you should see a dentist more frequently when you are undergoing cancer treatment.
• Diabetes: Another condition that can require more dental visits is diabetes. Diabetics have a higher tendency toward gum disease as well as other dental concerns. Frequent visits can help keep the conditions at way.
• Other diseases: Many other conditions and diseases will also need more monitoring by the dentist, including immune disorders, heart disease, and even kidney disease.

How Often You Need To Go In

If you are wondering how often you should be going to the dentist, the best way to find out is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. At that appointment, your dentist will be able to review your health history, your current oral health, and review any x-rays that have been taken on your teeth. Together, you and your dentist will be able to make a plan that can ensure the health and longevity of your smile.

The post How Often Should You See a Dentist? appeared first on Surrey Dentist | Green Apple Dental | Surrey, BC.

Most people who grind their teeth do so when they’re asleep. Many folks only find out that they have this habit because a sleeping partner noticed it, a dentist picked up the signs of wear, or they wake up with an aching and swollen jaw.

What’s to be done?

First, Protect Your Teeth

Damage limitation is the first step in treating bruxism. A custom-made mouth guard fits lightly over your teeth and protects them while you sleep. Some variations, termed splints, also reposition the jaw slightly.

Although we’ve heard from patients who think they’re grinding their teeth less now that they use a mouth guard, most people still continue clenching or grinding their teeth at night. Mouth guards are primarily used to limit damage.

How Can You stop Grinding Your Teeth?

Although dentists at Green Apple Dental and doctors would love to come up with an easy and effective solution for tooth grinding, a lot of the possible strategies for stopping are down to you. In very severe cases, doctors sometimes prescribe a muscle relaxant, but medication isn’t a long-term solution.

We can’t say which of these strategies will work for you, but here’s a list of things to try.

Change your sleep position: If you sleep on your tummy or your side, try sleeping on your back instead. Give your neck good support and don’t let your chin crunch up onto your chest. In this sleep position, grinding your teeth becomes harder to do, and nobody likes hard work when they’re sleeping!

Check your meds: If you’re using an antidepressant, tooth grinding could be a side-effect of your medication. Check with your doctor and see if switching up your meds might help.

Destress: Although the exact causes of bruxism are under debate, most people agree that stress is a big contributing factor. Get some healthy exercise, do something you really enjoy, or just spend some time quietly meditating before bedtime.

Quit using cigarettes, alcohol, or recreational drugs: All three of these are unhealthy lifestyle choices, and they’re also known to aggravate bruxism. Some recreational drugs cause teeth clenching even when you’re awake.

Avoid caffeine: If you drink coffee before bedtime or love a late-night slab of chocolate, the caffeine could be aggravating your bruxism. Avoid any caffeine-containing foods or drinks, especially in the evenings.

Encourage your jaw to relax: Soothe and ease your jaw muscles with a light massage or use a warm facecloth to help your jaw muscles relax before you go to sleep. During the day, be alert to tension in your jaw and try to make relaxing it the new habit you cultivate.

Try CBT or Hypnotherapy: Breaking habits is hard, and a little help could be in order. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with a trained psychologist or hypnotherapy (not to be confused with stage tricks) might help you to break the habit.

You CAN Stop Grinding Your Teeth – But You Do Need a Mouthguard

If you’re a habitual tooth grinder, there’s good news. Habits can be broken, and a great many people stop grinding their teeth on their own. But while you’re gnashing away at night, you’re damaging your teeth, and that damage is permanent.

Be sure to visit your dentist for a custom-made mouthguard. A modern mouthguard is comfortable, not at all bulky, and it will help to prevent much of the harm that comes from tooth grinding.

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