Blog

Diabetes Mellitus, more commonly referred to as Diabetes, is an extremely common disease. There are more than 5.7 million Canadians living with diagnosed Diabetes as of 2022, with many more undiagnosed. Diabetes is the elevation of blood glucose within the body, caused when the body is unable to use or produce insulin effectively.

Individuals with Diabetes are at an increased risk of infection, including infections of the oral cavity. Diabetics are at increased risks of gingivitis (gum disease), periodontitis (disease of periodontium, which are the surrounding structures of tooth and bone), as well as candidiasis (fungal infections). 

In addition to increased risk of oral infections, patients with Diabetes often encounter delayed wound healing, which also effects the tissues of the mouth and their healing abilities. 

Periodontal Disease has also been linked to an increase in blood glucose levels in individuals with Diabetes, making Diabetes more difficult to control and manage. 

Due to these increased risk factors in Diabetics, it is recommended that individuals with Diabetes see their dental professionals frequently to monitor, diagnose and manage any complications arising from their Diabetes. It is recommended that Diabetics see their Dental Hygienist every 3 months in order to reduce any bacterial accumulation which can lead to inflammation and infection. 

Things to Know Before Your Dental Appointment:

It is important for individuals with Diabetes to monitor blood glucose levels, A1C levels and report to dental professionals at appts, in order for the dental profession to assess if their disease is under control
It is also recommended that patients with diabetes make sure to eat or take their required medications prior to dental appts to prevent spikes or drops in blood glucose levels  
Bring a list of any medications taken for control of disease 
Inform dental professional of any previous history of oral complications related to Diabetes 

References:

Department of Scientific Information, Evidence Synthesis & Translation Research, ADA Science & Research Institute, LLC. (2022, January 24). Diabetes. American Dental Association. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/diabetes

Diabetes rates continue to climb in Canada. Diabetes Canada Website. (2022, March 3). Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.diabetes.ca/media-room/press-releases/diabetes-rates-continue-to-climb-in-canada

Fluoride is a mineral that is found in our bones and teeth. Apart from these, Fluoride is naturally found in water, soil, plants, air and rocks.

Fluoride is very important to prevent cavities on teeth, as it strengthens enamel, which is the outer most layer of the tooth. Along with strengthening the enamel, Fluoride has also shown benefits with demineralizing or rebuilding the enamel, slow down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel, reverse early signs of tooth decay (cavity) and, also prevent the growth of harmful oral bacteria.

For more than 60 years, sodium fluoride has been used to aid in preventing dental decay by including it in toothpaste. Historically, the use of sodium fluoride toothpaste has been proven to be highly effective for the treatment of dental caries, as well as an important part of it carries a risk management system.

It’s no secret that visiting the dentist, whether for an appointment like a root canal or a routine cleaning, is not usually on anyone’s priority list. Despite this, such routine consultations are necessary to ensure good oral and dental hygiene. Your dentist can also help reduce any discomfort with other medical conditions closely associated with their area of expertise.

Colborne Family Dental offers complete oral health care for everyone, irrespective of age, with our dental services, including preventive dental care, restorative dental care and cosmetic dental services. We strive to create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in combination with experience and knowledge.

In this blog post, our staff has explained what you should know before going to a dentist.

Good oral hygiene is important for healthy teeth and gums. Brush twice a day, floss every day and eat nutritious food to avoid dental problems. Regular dental check-ups and cleaning are also essential to prevent such issues. Without a proper hygiene routine and treatment, you can suffer from tooth decay, gum disease or tooth loss. At Colborne Family Dental, we provide complete oral health care for your entire family. Our dental clinic has been serving clients in Oshawa since 1943, with our staff trained in the latest techniques and technology.

Gingivitis is a mild and common form of gum disease. Gingivitis is caused when plaque—a naturally occurring sticky film that contains bacteria—builds up on teeth, causing redness, swollen/puffy gums, and gums that easily bleed when brushing/flossing. Gingivitis can be prevented and reversed with good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups.

Bruxism is the grinding or clenching of your teeth together. It affects more people than you may think! Approximately 30-40 million people in North America alone have been diagnosed with this condition. In most cases, it is done at night and is involuntary.

Dietary counselling is an integral part of a dental examination. We always try to educate our patients/parents/adolescents/kids on what food or food products to eat in order to keep teeth healthy.

A dental sealant is a minimally invasive dental procedure that does not require any freezing and drilling. A plastic tooth-coloured material is placed on the chewing surfaces of the permanent back teeth (molars and premolars) to help protect them from decay.

X-rays, also known as radiographs, are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are diagnostic, but they can also be preventative by helping a dentist diagnose potential oral care issues in a patient’s mouth before they become a major problem.

A common question in the dental office by patients is, “How often should I change my toothbrush?”. This is a very good question, as some patients do not realize it is more frequently than originally thought.

Plaque is a soft, sticky, colourless (when build-up becomes abundant it can appear white) film containing millions of bacteria and is constantly forming on the surfaces of your teeth. Due to plaque accumulation being a constant cycle within the oral cavity, brushing and flossing 2x a day is extremely important in order to disrupt bacterial formation/growth. If plaque is not removed regularly from the surfaces of the teeth, the bacteria continue to grow, causing the gingiva (gums) to become red, swollen, and eventually start to bleed. When the gingiva is in this state, it is also known as gingivitis.