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.

Are you dreaming of a bright, confident smile? At Green Apple Dental, we believe that everyone deserves to feel great about their teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, and it can significantly enhance your appearance and boost your self-esteem. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the benefits of teeth whitening, the options available at our dental practice, and how you can maintain your stunning results—all while highlighting the patient-centered care we provide.

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening at a dental office offers several distinct advantages over over-the-counter products. Here’s why you should consider professional teeth whitening at Green Apple Dental:

1. Personalized Treatment Plans: Every smile is unique. Our dental team will assess your teeth and discuss your goals to create a customized whitening plan tailored specifically for you. This personalized approach ensures that you achieve the best possible results.
2. Effective and Safe: Professional teeth whitening treatments use higher concentrations of whitening agents than those found in over-the-counter products. Our experienced dental professionals supervise the process, minimizing the risk of side effects and ensuring your safety.
3. Immediate Results: If you’re looking for quick results, in-office teeth whitening is the way to go. You can achieve several shades whiter in just one appointment, making it perfect for special occasions or last-minute plans.
4. Long-Lasting Effects: With proper care, the results from professional whitening can last significantly longer than those from DIY kits. Our team will provide tips and advice to help you maintain your bright smile.

Our Teeth Whitening Options

At Green Apple Dental, we offer two primary teeth whitening options to meet your needs:

1. In-Office Teeth Whitening

Our in-office whitening treatment utilizes advanced technology to provide you with a bright smile in about an hour. Here’s what you can expect:

• Consultation: Your journey begins with a consultation to discuss your goals and assess your oral health.
• Preparation: We’ll protect your gums and surrounding tissues to ensure a comfortable experience.
• Whitening Process: We apply a professional-grade whitening gel to your teeth and use a special light to enhance the whitening effect. The entire procedure typically takes less than 90 minutes.
• Results: Walk out with a noticeably brighter smile, often up to 8 shades whiter!

2. At-Home Whitening Kits

For patients who prefer to whiten at their convenience, we provide customized at-home whitening kits. This option includes:

• Custom Trays: We create custom-fitted trays for your teeth, ensuring even distribution of the whitening gel.
• Professional-Grade Gel: Our kits contain stronger whitening agents than those found in stores, giving you superior results.
• Flexible Treatment Schedule: You can choose when to whiten, making it easy to fit into your lifestyle.

Patient Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Investing in teeth whitening at Green Apple Dental provides numerous benefits for our patients:

• Enhanced Confidence: A brighter smile can significantly boost your self-esteem, making you feel more confident in social and professional settings.
• Youthful Appearance: Whiter teeth can create a more youthful look, helping you feel revitalized and energetic.
• Improved Oral Health: Whitening treatments often encourage better oral hygiene practices, as patients become more invested in maintaining their smiles.
• Quick and Convenient: Whether you choose in-office or at-home treatments, teeth whitening is a fast way to improve your smile without extensive dental procedures.

Tips for Maintaining Your Whitened Smile

To keep your smile bright after treatment, consider these helpful tips:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to keep plaque and stains at bay.
• Limit Staining Foods and Beverages: Avoid or minimize coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits. When consuming these items, rinse your mouth with water afterward.
• Quit Smoking: If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting can help maintain your whitening results and improve your overall oral health.
• Use a Straw: When drinking staining beverages, using a straw can reduce contact with your teeth, helping to preserve your bright smile.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation Today!

At Green Apple Dental, we are dedicated to providing our patients with exceptional dental care, including professional teeth whitening options. Whether you’re preparing for a big event or simply want to boost your everyday confidence, our team is here to help you achieve your smile goals.

Don’t wait to transform your smile! Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our teeth whitening services can benefit you. Experience the Green Apple Dental difference and let your smile shine bright!

The post How to get a Radiant Smile: The Ultimate Guide to Teeth Whitening at Green Apple Dental 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.

The post How Often Should Kids Visit the Dentist? appeared first on Surrey Dentist | Green Apple Dental | Surrey, BC.

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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Popular Teeth Straightening Options

Invisalign Clear Braces

One definition of this new method is, “a series of clear, removable orthodontic aligners that straighten teeth without the use of metal or wires”. The amount of aligners the patient will need depends on the severity of the condition of the teeth. There are many straightening stages, however these take place once every two weeks, therefore overall Invisalign is only a slightly longer method than most.

The pros outweigh the cons when it comes to these invisible braces. They are removed before eating, brushing and flossing the teeth – resulting in less issues when it comes to cleaning the braces. The most obvious pro is that they are not nearly as noticeable as metal braces – attracting many adults!

Ceramic Braces

Another option that is not as noticeable as the conventional metal braces, are ceramic ones. Because these are made of translucent or tooth-coloured material, they are not easily detected. This is the option well-known actor, Tom Cruise chose when he needed some teeth straightening.

Lingual Braces

Your options of undetectable braces are not limited to Invisalign and ceramic braces. Lingual braces, the slightly more costly option, are inserted behind your teeth – completely out of sight. At first, they may cause irritation against your tongue and some people have battled with pronunciation in the beginning.

All these options are viable. And none of them are noticeable. Whether you are a child or an adult, you don’t want people to notice your smile more when you have braces in, more than they did when you had crooked teeth. These methods can improve your smile without the world even knowing. However, there are many more methods for teeth straightening- so be sure to do all the research when making the decision.

We can evaluate if teeth straightening is something that you would benefit from.  And not just for esthetics!  Crowding, spacing and teeth that are in the wrong position can cause irreversible damage over the years.  If you are thinking about straightening your teeth come in for a FREE consultation with Dr. Kooner.

A smile is always beautiful, as long as it’s genuine.

The post 3 Teeth Straightening Options appeared first on Surrey Dentist | Green Apple Dental | Surrey, BC.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The claims are not just idle boasts according to the long list of advantages assigned to using implants. Among these are implants’ comfort and convenience; their natural appearance; and their low impact on speech and the ability to eat. To cap it all, they are seen as lasting the longest of the tooth replacement options and putting the least strain on surrounding teeth.

However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Some disadvantages do dim the royal glow. These include the need for surgery, which by its nature brings with it a healing period and carries the threat of infection. Implants also require adequate bone to support them, and there is a chance that during their lifespan (which is cited at anything up to 20 years), problems might rear their heads in terms of the implants’ components with regard to possible mechanical failure and the dental crown fracturing at some point.

Implants also involve a commitment to high levels of oral hygiene and regular dental visits to ensure their longevity, but then again that’s a commitment that applies to other tooth replacements and our natural teeth, if we want them to last a long time.

Types of Implants and Their Components

Most implants work on similar principles and have three similar components, the body, the abutment and the crown. At the jawbone level, the body which will ultimately support the entire structure is implanted in or on the bone, and the abutment or post-like support for the visible porcelain crown is attached to it. And in most instances, a false crown is attached first to give the gums a chance to heal before the final ceramic crown is attached.

The two major types of implants differ mainly in the way the body is attached to the bone, and in the number of incisions required. The Endosteal implant involves two surgeries, one to implant the screw-like titanium body directly into the jawbone. The second allows for the abutment (or post) that will eventually support the porcelain crown, to be attached after the gums have been given a chance to heal.

The second type, the Subperiosteal implant, involves only one surgery. It also uses a different body and way of attaching it to the jawbone, instead of fitting a metal frame onto the bone just below the gum tissue and allowing it to become permanently attached to the bone as the gum heals. With the abutment post already attached to the implant and protruding through the gum, all that remains to be done is the attachment of the porcelain crown.

If considering an implant, your dentist will be the best person to offer guidance as to whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure, and, if so, which type of implant will be the best option for you.

The post The Different Parts of a Dental Implant appeared first on Surrey Dentist | Green Apple Dental | Surrey, BC.

What is more: the risk of injury to the teeth or mouth is higher. What is a mouthguard? It is a piece of equipment that has been designed to prevent injury to the teeth or jaw. It is usually moulded to fit around your teeth to provide protection from any blows to the head. Why is this piece of equipment so necessary for anybody at any age? Let’s look at just a few good reasons.

You Cannot Avoid an Accident

One dictionary defines an accident as: “An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.” Simply put: we are not in complete control of what happens when playing sport.

All sports provide a risk of injury, some of course will be higher than others. Sports such as hockey, football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, soccer, skateboarding, gymnastics, and mountain biking are more prone to mouth injuries. However, no matter what sport you do, it will always be a good idea to protect your teeth.

Protection for Teeth and Jaw

Mouthguards play a vital role in the protection of your mouth. In most sports the safety equipment that a player needs to wear seems excessive and yet it might be the reason why a player will stay in the game for longer, or even stay in for the whole season.

This thin, flexible piece of plastic could save your future in a sport by avoiding any permanent damage done to the teeth or jaw. But what if a mouthguard just doesn’t seem like the right fit for you? Well, that doesn’t have to be the end of your relationship with a mouthguard.

Many Different Options

Perhaps it hurts the teeth; perhaps it irritates the tongue. Maybe the mouthguard is too prominent or it doesn’t match your outfit. Whatever it may be that you have against this piece of equipment, it can be solved. To start off, there are three different types of mouthguards on the market:

1. Boil and Bite

It is what the name suggests. Because these mouthguards can be moulded to fit the teeth perfectly by warming up the plastic and biting into it, it provides a comfortable and customized piece of equipment.

2. Custom-made Mouthguards

Although this option may cost more money, it provides the most comfort and protection. Your Surrey dentist will design a mouthguard perfect for your teeth using an impression of your teeth.

3. Stock Mouthguards

Often uncomfortable and bulky, these pre-designed mouthguards may cause discomfort. However, they are the least expensive and could provide the athlete with exactly what they need.

Your teeth and jaw play a very vital role in daily living, and protecting the teeth from any harm is essential. We cannot avoid accidents or injury and, depending on the sport we play, our mouth is at risk of permanent damage. With all the options of different mouthguards, there is no excuse for any unnecessary sports injuries. Speak to your dentist as soon as possible and protect your future.

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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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