Thornhill Dental Blog

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants

Losing permanent teeth can be very damaging to a person's smile, both in aesthetics and function. If one or more of your teeth are missing, dental implants are one of the most reliable and dependable methods to replace them. They function as a base to support one or more artificial teeth that appear, feel, and perform just like natural teeth.

Common Dental Emergencies

The holiday season is the time for festive gatherings and indulging in delicious treats, but sometimes, unexpected dental emergencies can arise. It can be overwhelming to figure out what to do when you are caught off-guard, especially when most dental offices are closed during the holidays.

Understanding TMJ

TMJ, commonly referred to as a temporomandibular joint, connects the jaw to the skull, using the temporal bones which are found in front of the ears. Everyone has two temporomandibular joints which allow us to open and close our mouths when eating, speaking, or swallowing. Disorders associated with this area are referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and if you're noticing severe pain or discomfort in your jaw, neck, or face, it could be a sign of TMD.

Braces vs. Aligners

A beautiful smile is something most people desire, and achieving it often requires orthodontic treatment. Whether it's correcting crooked teeth, fixing a misaligned bite, or closing gaps between teeth, there are many orthodontic options to suit your different needs and preferences. Orthodontic treatment benefits people of all ages by improving both the appearance and function of teeth.

Mouthguards

A mouthguard is a protective device that covers and shields the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures in the mouth during activities that pose a risk of oral injury. They play a vital role in protecting oral health and are used in sports, dental procedures, and to manage teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep. Mouthguards prevent painful injuries and expensive dental treatments, especially for kids who are mostly active both in and out of school in physical activities that may cause dental injuries.

Back to School Dental Checklist

Summer is a time for kids to create unforgettable memories with their friends and families. They get to enjoy the beauty of nature and participate in various fun activities like summer camps, retreats, and vacations. Amidst all the fun, it may be easy to forget to take care of their dental health. While you have probably been preparing for the new school year, have you thought about checking in on their smile? To ensure your kids start the new school year with a healthy smile, below are some tips to help maintain their dental hygiene.

Smile Bright This Summer with Professional Teeth Whitening

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often called the "silent killer" because it may not have any symptoms, but can lead to serious health problems such as heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. But did you know that hypertension is also linked to oral health?

According to research, people who have periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, may have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. This is likely due to chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease, which can damage blood vessels and increase blood pressure.

Hypertension and Oral Health

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often called the "silent killer" because it may not have any symptoms, but can lead to serious health problems such as heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. But did you know that hypertension is also linked to oral health?

According to research, people who have periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, may have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. This is likely due to chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease, which can damage blood vessels and increase blood pressure.

How to Fight Gum Disease

As April is Oral Health Month, it is an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves about the importance of the health of our teeth and gums in relation to our overall health. In particular, we would like to focus on one of the most common oral health issues: Periodontitis (Gum Disease). According to the Canadian Dental Association, 7 out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at some time in their lives, and the risks can increase with age. However, the damage can be stopped if periodontitis is treated early and proper oral hygiene is maintained.

Hormones and Oral Health: What Every Woman Should Know

In honour of International Women's Day, we would like to highlight women's oral health. Some may be surprised to learn that women have unique needs when it comes to dental care, as hormones and bodily changes throughout different phases in your lives can impact your teeth and gums. By being aware of the effects of these changes and establishing preventative measures, you and the women in your lives can enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile for years to come!

What should you know about Fluoride

An essential part of oral hygiene is tooth brushing, which helps remove food particles and plaque that can cause dental and oral diseases such as cavities. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), both electric and manual toothbrushes help to remove oral plaque which causes decay and oral diseases. Read on to learn how electric and manual toothbrushes work and which one you feel is best for you.

The Impact of Alcohol on Your Oral Health

During the holiday season, many of us enjoy participating in social festivities, which could often involve consuming alcohol. Whether it's cocktails on a night out with friends or a glass of wine over a home-cooked meal with family, we sometimes tend to consume more alcohol during this time. While we are probably aware of the negative effects alcohol can have on our overall health, many do not know how bad it can be for our oral health. As fun as it was, it is safe to say that we start to feel the impact of too much alcohol consumption once the festivities are over.

Tips for Dental Care When Traveling

Maintaining good oral health while traveling sounds simple enough, but it's very challenging especially if you're super busy, out of your usual routine, or haven't properly prepared. Your oral health can be significantly impacted by a lack of regular routine, in-flight dehydration, and overindulging in particular foods and/or beverages you would normally limit.

Which Toothbrush is Right for You?

An essential part of oral hygiene is tooth brushing, which helps remove food particles and plaque that can cause dental and oral diseases such as cavities. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), both electric and manual toothbrushes help to remove oral plaque which causes decay and oral diseases. Read on to learn how electric and manual toothbrushes work and which one you feel is best for you.

Braces vs. Clear Aligners: What's the Difference?

Straight teeth and a fantastic smile are dental goals for many of us, as an attractive smile can boost our self-confidence and bring us closer to those around us. However, with so many different ways to improve a smile, many people are often left confused and unsure of which is the best option for them. Two of the most common methods of straightening teeth are clear aligners and (traditional) braces. While clear aligners are newer, many people are still opting for traditional braces. Read on to learn why, as well as which method might be best for you.

5 Tips to Help You Cope with Dental Anxiety

Although regular visits to the dentist's office are very important to maintain healthy teeth and gums, many people avoid going to appointments due to dental anxiety. In fact, it is a very common issue that can affect as many as 36% of the population. Dental anxiety can lead you to avoid appointments or allow too much time between scheduled appointments, which can lead to oral health issues. Lack of professional and regular cleanings also increases the risk for gum disease and other issues such as cavities, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Smile Bright This Summer with Professional Teeth Whitening!

Summer is in full swing, which means party and patio season is upon us! Are you going to be spending time smiling for those great summer photos? Chances are you are going to want to look your best with a sparkling bright smile. Our professional in-office teeth whitening solutions are the fastest, most effective way to brighten your smile in time for that upcoming wedding or special event.

Proactively Protect Your Smile with a Mouthguard

Did you know that between 13-39% of all dental injuries are sports-related, resulting in 600,000 emergency room visits each year? Or that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer harm to their teeth if they're not wearing a mouthguard? Mouthguards are flexible dental appliances that can be worn to protect your teeth from clenching, grinding, and sports injuries. If they aren't already on your list of equipment for you or your kids' sports, add it now!

Repair Your Smile with Dentures!

An accident, disease, getting older, or poor oral healthcare may leave you with only a few healthy teeth or none at all. Missing teeth can cause a number of issues, such as gum disease, shifting, and tooth decay. Whether you are considering getting dentures, already have them, or know someone with them, it's very likely that you may have some questions about them. Read on to learn more about the various types of dentures available and which type may be suitable for you.

Use of Cannabis and Your Oral Health

According to the World Health Organization, cannabis is the most popular recreational drug worldwide. Even though cannabis has been legalized in Canada, some patients might feel uncomfortable mentioning the use of recreational drugs to their dentists. Being transparent when filling out medical forms is extremely important because it helps dentists find the best solutions and treatments for your oral health.

Dental Bonding: An Easy Way To A Better Smile

Are you looking for a quick and painless way to improve the appearance of your teeth? Good news… composite bonding may be the solution for you! Composite bonding is a modern, quick, and easy way to reshape teeth or improve their colour using a tooth-coloured resin material.

What You Should Know About Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third set of molars located at the very back of your mouth, usually erupt during your late teen years or early adulthood (between 17-21 years old). Sometimes, these teeth do not erupt properly and may get stuck under your gum or do not have enough room to break through the gum. Dentists would consider these impacted wisdom teeth.

Do You Know the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer?

Our office is trained to be on the lookout for many signs of disease. Many oral cancers have a high success rate of being treated, especially when diagnosed and treated early. Therefore, early detection of precancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potential effects of oral cancer.

Have You Been Naughty or Nice to Your Teeth this Year?

The holiday season is definitely one to look forward to, with sweets, treats and feasts abound! Between all the fun times with friends and families, we can often lose track of our daily dental care routine. Be sure to keep your dental care habits on the nice list! Check out our tips below on how to keep your smile bright and cavity-free.