How Safe is Vaping?

It seems like there’s a new vaping retailer around every corner in Kamloops. Vapes, or e-cigarettes, have been around for many years, but it’s only recently that their popularity has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry. They originated as a smoking cessation aid, but thanks to the addition of some pleasant flavors and clever marketing, vaping has become a fun way to pass the time.
So why is vaping so popular and how safe is it for your health?

Vaping 101

Vaping involves inhaling vapor from a small cylinder filled with chemicals and flavors. Most vaping devices have a battery that heats the liquid in the pipe to steam. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and sometimes look like a USB stick or pen. Global News reported that the devices are now so small that students are sneaking them into class where they exhale the mist into their shirts!

In vaping liquids, nicotine and/or flavoring compounds are dissolved in a mixture, typically propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin. The nicotine content can vary widely, some with very low levels, but some, such as JUUL, have more nicotine than a cigarette!

What are the risks?

The long-term health effects of vaping are currently unknown but continue to be researched. The Canadian Dental Association advises against use of any nicotine products and current evidence shows that vaping can lead to nicotine dependence in persons not previously using tobacco products, especially in young people. Since almost all e-cigarettes contain nicotine, stopping the vaping habit will cause the same withdrawal symptoms as quitting cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Many who vape believe that steam is safer than smoke. But in reality, the same harmful chemicals are released by both processes. A recent study found that vaping causes the same lung irritation that we see in smokers and also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Vaping is also particularly dangerous to oral health, as the chemicals create inflammation that can lead to gum disease and even oral cancer.

And just as second-hand smoke is dangerous to others, the vapor from e-cigarettes has been shown to introduce nicotine and other chemicals (including formaldehyde and lead) into the air.

One of the most troubling trends with e-cigarettes is their growing use among teenagers. The FDA has made the statement that nicotine is harmful to the developing brain. And no teenager should be using any tobacco or nicotine-containing products.

Think before you inhale

I hope this article will help you make an informed decision about vaping. In the end, it’s up to you! My best advice would be not to use e-cigarettes at all, but if you do continue to vape, talk to your dentist! We can help spot cancer and oral disease in the developing stages when it is more easily and successfully treated.

Our team at Horizon Dental is dedicated to helping people achieve optimal oral health. We are excited to be accepting new patients and you can contact us by clicking here!

Piercings and Your Mouth

Body art, such as tattoos and piercings, is a very common method of self-expression. I firmly believe that each person has a right to decide what to do with his/her body, and I can definitely appreciate the esthetic and often emotional meaning behind these modifications. But studies have shown that lip and tongue rings often come with a much higher price than just the piercing itself. So please, read on about how to avoid these common oral complications.

Chipped Teeth

Clearly, it’s fun to play with a piercing and even run it through your teeth, something I’ve seen a hundred times. Of course, most lip or tongue piercings are made out of heavy-duty metal, and even the cheapest ones are harder than enamel. We see time and again that the act of running the piercing along the teeth will wear the enamel away over time. Or if you bite down in just the wrong way, you can lose a large piece of tooth in an instant. Unfortunately, repairing even the most minor chip can be a huge challenge – nothing is ever going to be as good as your natural tooth and fillings or even crowns can also chip or break.

Cracked Teeth

The constant tapping of metal or plastic on enamel will also cause micro-cracks in the teeth. These can be hard to see, but you will definitely start to feel as the teeth become sensitive to temperature and pressure. Micro-cracks will grow over time and may eventually affect the nerve of the tooth, causing inflammation that could earn you a root canal. And if the crack grows deep enough, the tooth can also break apart and may even have to be removed.

Gum Recession & Infection

Just like rubbing things on your teeth will wear them down, the same thing can happen with your gums. This will eventually expose the sensitive root surfaces, leading to that terrible temperature sensitivity. And it will increase your risk for gingivitis and gum disease. Also, consider the fact that the rings are always in your mouth – the bacteria love these surfaces and will grow on the piercing itself, making it harder to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Sometimes this will be obvious as gingivitis, but if the piercings aren’t removed and cleaned properly, the bacteria can cause a more serious infection in the rest of your body.

So, if you’re really interested in a lip or tongue piercing, follow these key rules:

  • Don’t play with your piercing.
  • Chew carefully.
  • Keep it clean! This includes regular brushing and flossing as well as removing the piercing for proper cleaning.
  • Switch to plastic – you are less likely to cause damage with “plastic” teflon backings or balls.
  • Have regular dental exams to catch any problems early on.

Our team at Horizon Dental is dedicated to helping people achieve optimal oral health. We are excited to be accepting new patients, you can call us at (778) 765-3928 or click here. If you have any questions or comments I’d love to hear from you. If you like what you see, please share with your friends and follow me on Google +, Facebook, or Instagram!

How Important Can Flossing Really Be?

I used to ask myself this question each time I visited the dentist. I’ve been a very diligent brusher, but flossing was not an important part of my day, or even week. Good genetics and a balanced diet saved me from a mouth-full of cavities as a child. But now, I wonder how many of my patients ask themselves the same question. Of course, the choice to floss, or not to floss, is entirely up to you! But here’s a few reasons why you might want to give it another chance.

Flossing Isn’t Just About Cavities!

Before I went to dental school, I rationalized that I didn’t need to floss because I didn’t get cavities. And I cannot believe how wrong I was! Even the best toothbrush can only reach 60% of your tooth surfaces on a good day, which means you are leaving a lot of disease-causing bacteria behind. Floss was designed as a way to clean those areas between the teeth and below the gumline.

While flossing is crucial for preventing cavities between the teeth, it’s also important in preventing gum disease. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar below the gumline. The body sees this as an infection, which leads to inflammation called gingivitis. If left untreated, this inflammation can eventually erode the bone and gums supporting the teeth. Good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, together with your regular dental cleanings, helps prevent and treat this disease.

We also know that reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth also lowers the risk of developing diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Flossing only takes a few minutes everyday, but it can have huge implications for your long-term health.

How to Start Flossing

The gold standard for oral hygiene is still dental floss. However, not all floss is created equal! There are ribbon-styles for tight teeth, expanding-floss for big spaces, and a variety of flavours and textures. Take some of our samples and find what works for you!

The biggest reason for not flossing is FORGETTING! We’re all busy and tired at the end of the day. So, try switching things up:

  • Keep your floss in the shower;
  • Floss in the morning, or after dinner, instead of before bedtime;
  • Set an alarm;
  • Floss as a family!

But if you really can’t stand flossing, here are some alternatives:

  1. Proxibrushes – small “tree-shaped” nylon brushes that fit between teeth
  2. Soft Picks – very small brushes that act like toothpicks, but cause less damage to the gums;
  3. WaterPik – when used correctly, the WaterPik will flush plaque away from the teeth and is very effective for people wearing braces or with bridges that are difficult to floss around.

*Follow the links as these tools are available online for purchase through Walmart, Amazon, Costco, and other sites*

Our team at Horizon Dental is dedicated to helping people achieve optimal oral health. We are excited to be accepting new patients, you can call us at (778) 765-3928 or click here. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!

Canada’s New Food Guide and Oral Health

April is National Oral Health Month and I felt it was a great opportunity to celebrate Canada’s new Food Guide, the first re-write since 2007! The foods we choose to eat and how often we eat them have a profound impact on our overall health. Nutrient-rich foods support good oral health and help fight infection and disease. We all know that sugar-filled pop and processed foods contribute to cavities and gum disease but it can be hard to know what to eat! That’s why I’ve read through Canada’s Food Guide and have some suggestions to help you create a balanced diet.

Healthy Eating Recommendations

Health Canada has some excellent online resources with tips and recipes based on the new Food Guide. They also emphasize that healthy eating is more than just the food we eat! I recommend practicing mindful eating, cook at home whenever possible, eat meals with friends and family, and don’t forget to enjoy your food. Taking the time to plan a meal and involving others in preparing and eating is a great way to connect with people. It’s also important to eat a variety of foods each day! One of the biggest changes to the new Food Guide is to choose protein foods that are plant-based. The idea is to avoid saturated fats found in animal products. Medical News Today lists the best plant-based proteins as: tofu, edamame beans, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts, almonds, quinoa, and dark leafy green vegetables among others. I’m also very pleased to see how the Food Guide emphasizes replacing juice and other sugary drinks with water, as we know that these drinks can cause cavities. But don’t forget your about calcium! Dairy products no longer have their own group in the new Food Guide and have been included in the “protein” section. Calcium is essential for the development of bones and teeth but is not easily absorbed from plant-based proteins like tofu or beans. So, don’t forget to add sources of calcium and vitamin D to your day, either from supplements or milk products like cheese and yogurt!

Connecting Oral Health to Overall Health

Not only is good oral health critical for healthy teeth and gums, it also lowers your risk of bigger diseases. Diabetes is a disease that affects your entire body, and modifying your diet is often a key step in managing blood sugar. Oral inflammation can also play a role in clogged arteries and blood clots. The Heart and Stroke Foundation reports that 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented through lifestyle changes, including following Canada’s Food Guide! Our team at Horizon Dental is dedicated to helping people achieve optimal oral health. We are excited to be accepting new patients,You can contact us by clicking here!

Does Having a Cold and Flu Hurt my Teeth?

Cold and flu season is in full swing in Kamloops. Many of us have experienced sleepless nights with a cough that won’t stop, a stuffy head that makes breathing impossible, and a runny nose that has us constantly reaching for tissues. We are all aware of how the common cold and flu can wreak havoc on the body, but did you know how these bugs affect your oral health? Read on to learn how to deal with these issues and protect your teeth.

Nasal Congestion and Dry Mouth

The cold and flu bugs have taken up residence in your sinuses, so when you finally lay down to rest, you’re too stuffed up to breathe through your nose. Instead, you have to breathe through your mouth, leaving you feeling parched all night.  Cold and flu symptoms are a major cause of dry mouth, but medications such as decongestants may make it worse. And when the mouth is dry, bacteria grow faster, increasing your risk of gingivitis and tooth decay.

To combat dry mouth during a cold or flu, continue using decongestants as indicated, they will help in the long run. But make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Humidifiers are also crucial, especially in a dry climate like Kamloops. They add moisture to the air and help soothe dry tissues.

When cold and flu symptoms start, I also recommend using a nasal rinse such as the NeilMed Sinus Rinse products available at any drugstore. Make sure you use previously-boiled or distilled water with the saline packets. Nasal rinsing significantly reduces congestion, as well as post-nasal drip which often causes sore throats.

Sinus Pain and Toothaches

cold and flu

Don’t be fooled, cold and flu symptoms often mimic tooth pain! The telltale sign is when the pain isn’t limited to just one tooth. Other symptoms include pain and pressure around the face and eyes and nasal congestion. Acute sinus infections often resolve on their own, but sometimes require antibiotics. Please keep in mind, your dentist isn’t able to prescribe those antibiotics as the infection isn’t tooth-related, so speak to your family doctor.

Keep on Top of Your Oral Hygiene

gingivitisAlthough you might not feel up to it when sick, keep up with your oral care. Allowing plaque to build-up not only puts you at risk for gingivitis and tooth decay, but also encourages bacterial growth. This means a slower recovery from the cold and flu because your immune system is dealing with your mouth instead of fighting the cold or flu. Stick with your regular brushing and flossing routine. And if you really don’t have the energy, try a soothing mouth rinse.

Our team at Horizon Dental would be happy to help you achieve optimal oral health and we are happily accepting new patients. You can contact us by clicking here or visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and fun contests.

DIY…Dentistry?

Hey, I’m as crafty as anyone. Give me a good Do-It-Yourself project and an online tutorial and I’ll make something half-decent or have fun trying! But there is a new trend on the internet that is making all us dentists very nervous – DIY Dentistry.

Unfortunately, due to the barriers to dental treatment in our society, I can see why people are tempted to try DIY Dentistry. The online “kits” and “tutorials” look easy, are very cheap, it’s well marketed, and websites are full of positive testimonials and success stories. But what about the cases that go wrong?

DIY Dentistry Isn’t Effective or Safe

The biggest threat of DIY dentistry is that it isn’t conducted in a controlled environment and under professional medical supervision. How do YOU know if you are a good candidate for the procedure? Do you have healthy roots and gums that will support this type of treatment?

The two most common examples of DIY dentistry are extractions and orthodontics, both of which can have major consequences if not done correctly.

There are stories of people removing their own teeth or using rubber bands on their teeth in an attempt to improve alignment. Both of these DIY tactics can be catastrophic to your smile. People who remove their own teeth may not remove the entire tooth AND they could be setting the stage for a serious infection. If you’re doing your own orthodontic treatment, especially with rubber bands, you risk serious tooth or gum damage. The rubber bands can slip underneath the gums, causing the teeth to be lost or gums to recede. Sadly, you will almost never receive optimal results from these techniques. So, what happens next?

Cleaning Up DIY Dentistry is Expensive

One of the big reasons people elect to do their own treatment is the price. Orthodontic treatment alone will typically cost thousands of dollars. An extraction, on the other hand, is only a few hundred dollars. But your costs can skyrocket if your DIY project goes wrong, and there are now reports of patients attempting to perform their own treatment and then needing tens of thousands of dollars in restorative dentistry, corrective orthodontics, treatment of gum disease, etc. Some people have even been hospitalized due to major infections.

Talk to the Professionals

When it comes to DIY projects, I urge you to stick with home improvements, crafts, and cakes. Instead, ask your dentist what your options for treatment are. Ask your insurance company to verify what procedures are coverage, or ask your employer if there are options to enhance your dental benefits so that certain procedures, such as braces, might be better covered. Don’t risk permanently damaging your health before you’ve considered all the possibilities.

Our team at Horizon Dental would be happy to help you achieve optimal oral health and we are happily accepting new patients. You can contact us by clicking here!

Living with Diabetes – Considerations for Teeth and Gums

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and there are over 11 million Canadians living with diabetes or pre-diabetes today. Diabetes can lead to a wide variety of health problems, but were you aware that it can also put you at risk for dental issues? High blood sugar affects every part of the body, including the teeth and gums.

When it comes to diabetes and your oral health, here are some problems to look out for:

1) Gum Disease

Gum disease can take two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a less serious inflammation of the gingiva that can be painful and leave you with swollen, bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which eats away at the tissue and bone support around your teeth.

Once that bone is gone, it’s almost impossible to get back. Eventually, the teeth will loosen and could ultimately require extraction. Because of the bacteria hiding in those deep gum pockets, you may experience bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. For more information, check out my video on Gum Disease here!

Diabetes is a major risk factor for gum disease due to reduced blood supply to the gums, slow wound healing, and increased risk of bacterial infection. To further complicate matters, untreated gum disease will raise the blood sugar levels, making diabetes more difficult to manage.

2) Dry Mouth

If you have diabetes, you’ll be familiar with feeling constantly thirsty or having a “cotton mouth”. Saliva is very important for washing away plaque from the teeth. The more plaque means a higher risk of gum disease and dental decay. Other symptoms include dry or cracked lips and difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Dry mouth associated with diabetes is worsened by caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, as well as spicy and salty foods.

Follow these tips to enhance your oral health while living with diabetes:

1) Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice and flossing once daily. Consider investing in an electric toothbrush, such as the Sonicare which has special settings for patients with gum disease, or a Waterpik to help flush those deep pockets and clear food debris.

2) Manage your diet and experiment with diabetes-friendly recipes found at www.diabetesfoodhub.org. Also, be sure to stay hydrated and stick to water.

3) Schedule regular dental visits. While you may only need to see the dentist twice per year for check-ups, we recommend patients with diabetes see their dental hygienist for regular cleanings every 3 months. The reason is to disrupt the bacteria and inflammation so that we can stop the disease from getting worse. This will also help keep your blood sugar in-check.

4) See a Periodontist, a dentist that specializes in gum disease, if your dental team recommends their help in combating the disease.

 

Our team at Horizon Dental would be happy to help you achieve good dental health while managing your diabetes. You can contact us by clicking here! Or you can email me directly at drcindy@horizondental.clinic.

Consider a Career in Dentistry!

Dental care is a team effort – we all work together to provide oral care and dental health maintenance. While becoming a dentist is the most obvious career choice, there are many types of job opportunities within the dental field, requiring different levels of education.

Everyone in the dental office shares in the many rewards, such as job security, good compensation, great working conditions, flexible hours (typically 4 days/week), and the ability to advance in your field. Not to mention helping people preserve their oral health and enhance their smiles and quality of life. If you’re interested in a career in dentistry, check out the descriptions below!

Dentist

Becoming a dentist requires the longest (and costliest) investment, starting with a four-year bachelor degree followed by another four-year degree in dentistry. Now, you’re ready to start your career in diagnosing and treating oral diseases! Most new dentists choose to start working with an experienced professional. In time, some take on more responsibility and purchase or start their own practices. Others may decide to go back to school to pursue a specialty career, such as oral surgery.

Dental Assistant

I highly recommend looking into a career as a certified dental assistant (CDA). They are in very high demand throughout BC and quickly becoming more so. Starting with a high school diploma, there are several training programs in BC and Alberta that require only a few months to complete. Not only do CDAs assist the dentist during procedures, they also work independently doing lab work, office duties, and more. There is a huge potential to advance in this career, where many assistants evolve into office managers and treatment coordinators.

Dental Hygienist

Hygienists are highly trained specialists who perform cleanings and educate people on oral health. Candidates are required to take several first-year university courses to qualify for admission to an accredited school but can be ready to start their new career in only 18 months.  When it comes to dental maintenance, hygienists really shine. While the dentist is often trying to fix a problem, it’s your hygienist that helps you prevent problems in the first place.

Administration

If you’re working at the front desk, you’ve chosen a career as director of first impressions. By welcoming patients to the office, organizing the schedule, and maintaining patient records, the receptionists and office coordinators are invaluable to the team. A high school diploma and computer skills are crucial, otherwise no formal training is required (although there are college programs available). Those people with career experience in customer service excel in this field, and once trained often end up running the entire office!

So, with graduation fast approaching, now’s a great time to consider a career in dentistry! If you would like a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes, contact us at Horizon Dental! We are happy to have students shadow our team members.

And if you’re looking for a dentist in Kamloops, we are happily accepting new patients! You can contact us by clicking here!

Play It Safe with a Sports Mouthguard

Get your athletes ready for spring and summer sports! One essential piece of equipment for many sports is a custom-fit sports mouthguard. It will help protect against injury to the face and teeth, as well as lessening the severity of concussion. At Horizon Dental, we can customize your mouthguard with your name, team colours, and logo!

Spring in Kamloops means that it’s time to get outside and play! Registration is open for soccer, football, lacrosse, and more! So, while you’re gathering all the necessary equipment, I suggest you also talk to your dentist about a custom-fit sports mouthguard.

A mouthguard is a made of a soft plastic material and is fitting around the top teeth. It is essential for preventing injury to the teeth, tongue, lips, cheeks, and brain while playing many popular sports.

The Canadian Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for the following sports: acrobatics, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling.

Research shows that an athlete is 60 times more likely to damage his/her teeth when not wearing a protective mouthguard. These painful injuries include broken or cracked teeth, lost teeth, jaw and joint fractures, cuts, and infections.

Recently, we’ve learned that a customized mouthguard can also reduce the severity of concussions, by lessening the force of an impact by stabilizing the jaw and neck. Up to 95% of concussions are transmitted through the lower jaw to the brain.

Facts About Mouthguards

You should replace your mouthguard every 6 months or sooner if it’s worn out.

Mouthguards must be washed after every use to prevent bacterial growth. Simply scrub out the mouthguard with a toothbrush and rinse under cold water before storing in your container.

For many sports, such as hockey, combining a face-shield and mouthguard will provide optimal protection. The cage can deflect sticks, pucks, and elbows, but the mouthguard is also needed to help absorb and disperse any impact to the cage or helmet.

Selecting a Mouthguard

There are three primary types of mouthguards available:

  1. Ready-made stock. These are inexpensive mouthguards and come in various sizes, but may not fit well and can make it difficult to breath or speak.
  2. Boil-and-bite. A boil-and-bite mouthguard offers a semi-custom fit and usually ranges between $10 and $25.
  3. Custom-fit. This is the best option for anyone that participates in any high-impact sport and for kids who wear braces. Because they are custom-made in our dental office, they offer a proper fit and the best protection. It’s also easier to talk around them so you can communicate with your teammates.

We can also customize your sports mouthguard with your name, team colours, logo!

At Horizon Dental, we charge $45 for a custom sports mouthguard. All we need is an impression, or mold, of your teeth. Is gagging a problem? We can do a digital scan instead – no messy impression material required. Click on the video below to see a demonstration of our TRIOS Digital Scanner.

I hope this post got you thinking. If you have any questions or comments I’d love to hear from you. If you like what you see, please share with your friends and follow me on Google +, Facebook, or Instagram!

And if you’re looking for a dentist in Kamloops, we are happily accepting new patients! You can contact us by clicking here!

Let’s “Spring Clean” Your Oral Health

Winter is passing and signs of spring are all around us! Does this inspire you to start spring cleaning your home and yard? Before you grab your bucket, squeegee, and mop, take a moment to think about your dental health routine. Check out these tips to “spring clean” your oral health routine so your smile is healthy, vibrant, and ready for the new season!

1. Start your spring cleaning by replacing your toothbrush!

The American Dental Association recommends you replace your toothbrush (or brush head, if you use an electric toothbrush) every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or if you’ve been ill. When was the last time you replaced YOUR toothbrush?

Since we’re on the topic of toothbrushes, here are a few additional spring cleaning tips:

  • Never share your toothbrush.
  • Store toothbrushes upright if possible so they can air-dry faster after use.
  • Rinse your brush thoroughly with tap water after use.
  • Invest in a UV sanitizer to extend the lifespan of your toothbrush if you get frequent colds or infections

2. Spring to that floss & try something new

Do you find it tough to remember to floss every day? You may just need to try a different type of dental floss! Consider these popular variations on traditional floss:

  • Waxed floss: Waxed floss is a commonly used option and comes in a variety of flavors (cinnamon, mint, bubble gum – even surprising flavors, like bacon!).
  • Dental tape: Dental tape is a thin “ribbon” of floss that slides between teeth easily. I especially love Crest Glide Pro-Health.
  • Floss picks: Floss picks are a good option if it’s difficult or painful to open your mouth wide enough to use traditional flossing methods or if you’re on-the-go.

3. Spring into action and visit your favorite dentist and dental hygienist!

As you check things off your spring cleaning to-do list, don’t forget to make sure you have your family’s dental visits scheduled! Early morning and after-school appointments book up fast throughout the year, so we recommend booking ahead to ensure you get a time that’s convenient for each member of your family.

4. Don’t forget that spring cleaning your routine can get you that summer smile

Now’s the perfect time to talk about whitening options – click here for more information about our Spring Whitening Promo. A freshly whitened smile may be just what you need to feel ready for spring and summer!

Spring is a time for new beginnings

Now is the perfect time to get things back on track with a fresh toothbrush, new floss options, and a dental checkup and cleaning. These quick and easy steps can help you enjoy a healthy smile throughout the season!

I hope this post got you thinking. If you have any questions or comments I’d love to hear from you. If you like what you see, please share with your friends and follow me on Google +, Facebook, or Instagram!

And if you’re looking for a dentist in Kamloops, we are happily accepting new patients! You can contact us by clicking here!

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