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It Happens in Threes | Ottawa Dentist

We have all heard the phrase “it happens in threes”, and it’s generally never meant for anything nice. We all want to be healthy and safe so that we aren’t considered in the next unfortunate set of three. And one way to ensure that you aren’t involved in the next bad luck trio is to look after your dental health. Because our oral health is very important to our health overall. You may not be aware but according to the Canadian Dental Association, seven out of ten Canadians will develop some form of gum disease in their lifetimes. 70% will have this issue, but only if they are lax on their daily dental duties.

Knowledge is power and this is no different. Gum disease is caused by bacteria found in plaque, the sticky colorless film that forms on your teeth. If this plaque isn’t removed by proper oral hygiene habits, plaque will build up and the bacteria will infect every aspect of your mouth. There are three stages of gum disease and each affect your mouth differently: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.

Gingivitis. This is the inflammation of your gums and teeth that’s caused by plaque buildup at your gum line. This is the only stage of gum disease that can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue are not yet affected.

Periodontitis. Once periodontitis occurs, the supporting bone and tissues structures are irreversibly damaged. Your gums will start to form pockets below your gum line, which traps plaque and food.

Advanced Periodontitis. This is the final stage of gum disease, where the tissue structures and supporting bones are destroyed, which can cause you teeth to shift and loosen, affecting your bite.

For more information about gum disease prevention, call Dr. Pliev in Ottawa, ON at 613-235-5348 or visit www.ottawadentistryonkent.com.

Dr. Konstantin Pliev proudly serve patients from Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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The Changing of the Toothbrush Guard | Ottawa Dentist

We know that having a healthy mouth is important for many reasons. It’s aesthetically pleasing, it prevents bad breath and other dental maladies and because it is our first line of defense, it helps keep our overall health in check. That’s why it’s important to know that while your dentist is the professional at keeping your teeth clean and healthy, most of the work depends on you and your daily habits. The more you work to prevent bacteria from settling in your mouth and causing damage, the better off your dental checkups are every year. Because our dental health starts with brushing, let’s take a look at how to care for our friend the toothbrush…

Bacteria are our mouth’s natural enemy. And the best way to limit the bacteria in your mouth is to brush your teeth. How do we do this? With a toothbrush. But brushing your teeth is not enough. The best way to keep those cavity creeps away is to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. In fact, dental professionals will recommend changing out your toothbrush every three to four months. If you use an electric toothbrush, throw out the head just as often. And if the bristles become frayed, you’re sick, or you have a weak immune system, throw it out frequently.

Every time you’re tempted to skip brushing and flossing your teeth, remember how many bacteria lurk in your mouth – and that they cause gum disease, and decay, and bad breath. Make sure you’re brushing and flossing as often as possible to eliminate some of those bacteria. Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash before or after brushing can also help reduce plaque-causing bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Happy brushing!

For more information about caring for your toothbrush, call Dr. Pliev in Ottawa, ON at 613-235-5348 or visit www.ottawadentistryonkent.com.

Dr. Konstantin Pliev proudly serve patients from Ottawa and all surrounding areas.