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Have You Experienced The Hairy Tongue

Have You Experienced The Hairy Tongue

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A hairy tongue?! When bacteria and fungus build up on the papillae of the tongue, the papillae can grow up to 15 times their normal length. This causes the look of the tongue to be “hairy”.

Although it can look pretty scary, this oral condition is actually relatively harmless and should not hurt. Usually when this overgrowth happens, the color of the hairy tongue is black. The tongue can also become green, brown, yellow, or other colors. The color just depends on what substances the papillae of the tongue pick up.

What are the causes of a hairy tongue? When good bacteria are eliminated in the mouth due to a multitude of reasons, this can cause an imbalance. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, drinking excessive coffee/ tea, antibiotic use, dehydration, dry mouth, and regularly using mouthwash with peroxide are some reasons why someone may develop this condition.

Eliminating the contributing factors that cause a hairy tongue to begin with will be the best way to stop the condition from continuing. There are also anti fungal mouthwashes that can help speed up the process.

If you’re concerned about your hairy tongue and would like to speak with our oral experts at our dentistry in Woodbridge, ON, give Pine Seven Dental Centre a call today! We are happy to help and answer your questions.

Can You Benefits Using a Water Floss

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We understand that some people may neglect the very critical step of flossing their teeth because of the tedious nature of using dental floss. Sorry to say, but flossing is a MUST for maintaining your oral health, overall health and preventing gum disease. If traditional dental floss isn’t your thing, don’t worry, we may have just the perfect alternative for you! Have you heard of water flossing?

water flossingA water floss or water pik works by directly pulsating high pressure water from the tip of the floss to your gum line and in between your teeth. Water flossers are actually reported to be 52% better at reducing gingivitis than traditional flossing. It’s the high pressure along with the pulsating of the water that makes water flossing super effective and efficient at releasing plaque and food particles from in between gums and teeth.

 Can you benefit from water flossing?

  • If you have braces, water flossing can remove food and bacteria around braces that string floss can’t reach.
  • If you have poor hand dexterity, water flossing is much easier to control than using string floss.
  • If you have spaces in between your teeth, a receding gum line or uneven teeth, string floss may not be super effective to get in all areas of the teeth. Water flossing may be a better alternative.

At our dental office in Woodbridge, ON, we have water flossers at our office. If you’re interested and think you can benefit from using a water flosser, we can show you how to properly use one.

Give Pine Seven Dental Centre a call today to book your next dental checkup!

Let’s Talk About Root Canals With You

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A root canal? You most likely don’t want to think about this dental procedure because of the association with pain that usually comes along with it. Contrary to what many people might believe, most patients experience little to no discomfort during root canal therapy. When people talk about the pain associated with root canals, they are most likely talking about the pain caused by the inflammation from the infection inside the tooth. After all is said and done, once the infected tissue is removed, patients have much relief to look forward to.

Root canals are a conservative treatment option for restoring the health and function of an infected tooth that may prevent the need for an extraction. The main goal of this dental procedure is to remove the infected pulp from the tooth while maintaining the tooth’s structure.

When is root canal therapy needed? A few symptoms that mean you might need a root canal include:

  • Severe pain while chewing or biting
  • Pimples on the gums
  • A chipped or cracked tooth
  • Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been removed
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Deep decay or darkening of the gums

If tooth pulp becomes acutely inflamed or infected because of decay or injury, the tissue will need to be removed in order to save the tooth and stop the infection from spreading. 

Saving the tooth can prevent other troubles from occurring later on, which could include bite problems from teeth shifting position, difficulty eating and loss of jawbone volume and density.

What happens during the procedure? Infected pulp is removed and then we carefully clean and shape the inside of the root canal. We will fill and seal the space with a biocompatible material. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. 

At Pine Seven Dental Centre in Woodbridge Vaughan , we will always aim to preserve your natural smile as much as possible for the long-term stability of your bite and overall oral health.

Give us a call immediately if you think you may need root canal therapy.

Remineralize with X-Pur Remin

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At Pine Seven Dental Centre, a lot of our patients have asked us about a fluoride free toothpaste that they can add to their at-home oral care regimen. They’ve asked and we’ve found X-Pur Remin Toothpaste as a solution. Using nano medical hydroxyapatite, we love  this toothpaste for its tooth remineralization capabilities too.

X-PUR Remin toothpaste is the #1 fluoride free toothpaste against tooth sensitivity, cavities and dry mouth. Let’s take a look at what makes this toothpaste so special.

Remineralization:

● X-Pur Remin has the ingredient nano medical hydroxyapatite, which has the ability to
remineralize tooth enamel more effectively than saliva and just as effectively as fluoride.
● It fills and repairs minute surface defects on tooth enamel, restoring enamel to its original
smoothness.
● It adheres to and helps remove bacteria and biofilm, while protecting against tooth
decay.
● It removes white spots and caries, while restoring enamel almost to its original form.
● It protects against biofilm attachment and stains by reducing the crevices that harbor
them

Antimicrobial properties:

● X-Pur Remin absorbs periodontal pathogens, helping reduce the risk of oral soft tissue
infection.

Treatment for sensitive teeth:

● X-Pur Remin coats and fills exposed dentin, protecting against dentinal hypersensitivity.
Teeth whitening:
● It improves tooth whiteness and gloss from the increase in surface minerals.

What’s not to love about this wonderful toothpaste? Yes, go get it now! Your mouth will definitely thank you. Book your appointment with us at Pine Seven Dental Centre in Woodbridge and grab a few tubes here if you like. We always got it at our dental office just in case someone’s in need!

Tongue Scraping To Eliminate Toxins

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Have you heard of the ancient practice of tongue scraping? It’s been used as an Ayurvedic technique for more than 5000 years and is a practice that is highly recommended by our dentistry in Woodbridge as a holistic remedy to maintain a healthy mouth.

From the food we eat, beverages we consume and environment we’re exposed to, our bodies are continuously being exposed to toxicity. The accumulation of toxins in our body can compromise our immunity and vitality if they aren’t properly eliminated.

A list of signs that your body may be experiencing toxicity include having a white coating on the tongue, bad breath/ body odor, brain fog or confusion, a feeling of weakness, body aches, lessened appetite, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue and bloating. If you experience any of the above, you may have some level of toxicity in your body.

Tongue scraping is one way to help our bodies get rid of these unwanted toxins. It clears out bad bacteria and dead cells that accumulate in your mouth while you sleep and prevents them from being reabsorbed into the body. Benefits of tongue scraping also include enhancing your taste, gently stimulating your internal organs for digestion, reducing your risk for periodontal disease and preventing bad breath.

Tongue scrapers are relatively affordable and can also be found in local drugstores and online. After a thorough clean with a toothbrush and floss, apply the tongue scraper to the back of your tongue and drag it forward. Then, rinse and repeat. Make sure to get the sides of your tongue as well. No need to press too hard!

If you’ve never tried tongue scraping before, we definitely think you should give it a try! Making it a part of your daily oral care regimen will guarantee the best results from this ancient Ayurvedic practice.

At Pine Seven Dental Centre, we love seeing you live your best life by understanding the connection between the health of your mouth to the rest of your body. To learn more, book an appointment with our dental clinic in Woodbridge today!

The Stages of Gum Disease

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Gum disease occurs when there is an infection of the tissues that keep your teeth in place. This oral condition is mainly caused by bacteria from plaque and tartar buildup.

Plaque is the film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and around your gum line from poor oral hygiene. Flossing cleans plaque from between your teeth and around your gum line, preventing it from hardening into tartar and protecting both your teeth and gums from bacteria. With a multitude of bacteria known to cause gum disease, it is crucial to have a thorough home oral care regimen as well as make your regular dental cleanings a priority.

There are 3 stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.

Gingivitis: This is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis begins with poor oral hygiene and bacteria buildup causing irritation to the gums. Signs of gingivitis include red, swollen gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth. Implementing a daily oral care regimen of proper brushing and flossing can reverse gingivitis. This is because the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have not yet been affected.

Periodontitis: This occurs when gingivitis progresses and irreversible damage is done to the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place. Deep pockets form in the spaces between your teeth and gums, which allow plaque, bacteria, and tartar to accumulate. The vital support structures of the teeth are destroyed and gums may recede and form gaps between your teeth. Seeking immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and tooth loss.

Advanced Periodontitis: At this final stage of gum disease, pockets that have formed in the previous stage are much deeper, allowing teeth to shift and become loose. Connective tissues and bone support of the teeth are now destroyed due to the widespread of bacteria growth. Loose teeth now can move around in the mouth and affect your bite. If teeth are to be saved at this stage, seeing a doctor for gum disease is needed.

If you know you’re at greater risk for developing gum disease, a great oral hygiene routine is a must. Visit us at Pine Seven Dental Centre in Woodbridge to check up on your oral health and catch any oral concerns in the early stages!

Conscious Sedation Dentistry

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At our dentistry in Woodbridge, we understand that anxiety and fear is common for many patients to experience during dental procedures. Our goal is to make your visit with Pine Seven Dental Centre as comfortable, stress free and enjoyable as possible.

By utilizing sedation dentistry, we are able to comfortably sedate our patients who suffer from anxiety and minimize the fear that comes with going to the dentist.

Conscious sedation is one technique we use for sedation dentistry. We use a combination of medicines that allow you to stay awake during dental procedures. One medicine helps you to relax (sedative) and the other helps to block pain (anesthetic).

It is administered in a couple of ways, orally in the form of a pill or intravenously through a vein. You may feel drowsy during this sedation and if you fall asleep, you will be able to wake up easily. Because of the medication used, you may not remember too much about your procedure.

With conscious sedation, the medicines that are used wear off fairly quickly. This means recovery is fast and you’re able to continue on with your regular activities soon after your dental procedure.

Conscious sedation can be used for minor treatments like dental cleanings to more lengthy and complex procedures.

If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear of going to the dentist, our team at Pine Seven Dental Centre is ready to help! Give us a call today and ask about incorporating conscious sedation into your dental procedure.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

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At Pine Seven Dental Centre, we understand the concern of pregnant women when it comes to the health and safety of themselves and their baby. Many women wonder whether visiting the dentist is safe during their pregnancy. The bottom line is that dental care is extremely crucial, especially during this time. 

During pregnancy, hormone changes increase the risk of periodontal disease and dry mouth. On top of this, morning sickness vomiting can cause acid erosion of the teeth. An at home oral care regimen of brushing and flossing twice a day must be a top priority during this time.

Did you know that the health of your gums can affect the health of your baby? Research shows that a pregnant woman with gum disease has a better risk of having a baby that is born too small. We recommend going to the dentist for a checkup during your pregnancy to make sure your oral health is in tip top shape. 

Must Read: Why You Need Dental Implants in Woodbridge?

Waiting until after delivery for elective dental procedures is recommended, but if it’s a procedure needed for a serious health concern, consider it necessary. 

For dental procedures, local anesthetics such as bupivacaine, lidocaine, and mepivacaine are generally safe during pregnancy. A special garment to shield your abdomen from exposure if X-Rays are needed will be used, so it’s important to inform the dental staff of your pregnancy.

Going to the dentist while pregnant is not risky or unsafe for mothers and their developing babies. The opposite is true! Oral care and hygiene should be at the highest priority during pregnancy and our dental staff at Pine Seven Dental Centre will ne happy to serve you during this special time. 

 If you’re pregnant and looking for a trusted dental care provider in Woodbridge, give us a call today!

The Benefits of Invisalign

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Pine Seven Dental Centre is your experienced provider of innovative Invisalign treatment in the city of Woodbridge. We help our patients improve the vitality and appearance of their smiles without the need for traditional metal braces.

Invisalign technology digitally maps your mouth to create custom plastic aligners that fit over your teeth, which apply gentle pressure to move them into perfect position.

INVISALIGN in Woodbridge

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of choosing revolutionary Invisalign treatment for your smile transformation!

Appearance: The discretion of Invisalign clear aligners allows for a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth.

Convenience: Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you can eat and drink anything you want during treatment. They can be removed for brief periods of time if necessary and common restrictions of traditional braces are eliminated.

Comfort: Wires and brackets of traditional braces can typically cause soreness and uncomfortability due to chafing. Invisalign aligners are made from medical-grade polyurethane resin, which is comfortable in the mouth.

Better Oral Hygiene: Bacteria love to form around traditional metal braces. Because you can remove your Invisalign aligners during your daily oral care routine, brushing and flossing can be done normally. This makes it much easier to maintain your oral hygiene.

If you’re ready for your smile transformation and want to find out more about the benefits of Invisalign treatment, reach out to our staff at Pine Seven Dental Centre to see if you’re a candidate!

Who Are Veneers for

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Our dentistry in Woodbridge offers porcelain dental veneers as a cosmetic procedure to help restore patients’ smiles. Custom-designed to match the aesthetics of your natural teeth, the results of porcelain veneers can drastically transform the beauty of your smile.

Have you considered porcelain veneers and wonder if you are a good candidate for this procedure?

Let’s take a look at some factors that could suggest porcelain veneers are a right fit for your smile transformation.

Healthy Teeth: Your teeth must be healthy enough to accommodate the preparation of veneers. A small portion of the front of your teeth is removed for the procedure, so your underlying teeth must be a strong support to uphold the bonding and veneers.

Only Minor Corrections Needed: If there are only minor cosmetic issues needed to be fixed, porcelain veneers are a great procedure to consider. Stains and chips are easily fixed if the underlying gums and teeth of the patient are healthy.

Lifelong commitment: Porcelain veneers are for those who are willing to continue with veneers for the entirety of their lives. Because of the preparation required for veneers, you cannot switch to another procedure down the line such as dental bonding. You will need to eventually replace your porcelain veneers after a decade or so when your veneers start to wear down.

If you think you are a right candidate for porcelain dental veneers and want to learn more about how Pine Seven Dental Centre can transform your smile, give our dentistry in Woodbridge a call today!

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Call us today at (905) 856-2535

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March 30, 2023
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Book your appointment now, because it starts with a smile!
Call us today at (905) 856-2535