Whitening

Whether you want your teeth whiter right now or over a few nights while you sleep, Zoom2®! is the answer. Its In-Office Whitening System uses a light activated gel to whiten your teeth an average of eight shades* in a little over an hour while you relax at Cosmo Dental Centre.
*Individual results may vary and they cannot be guaranteed. Take-Home results based on overnight wear with 6% formula  

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Dentures - Complete

There are several different types of denture options available, depending on the patient's circumstances. These include complete, removable dentures, implant-supported dentures, partial dentures and over dentures.

Dentures can be a good solution for patients who have missing teeth. They are fashioned to give the appearance of a natural set of teeth and are custom made to match the shading and appearance of your natural teeth.

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Crowns

Crowns are dental restorations otherwise known as "caps" which are coverings that fit over teeth. Crowns may be necessary because of broken down old fillings, fractured, chipped or sensitive teeth. Crowns are also used to improve the appearance of natural teeth that are unsightly, crooked or discoloured.

Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your teeth as the colour and shape can be matched to your own teeth and used to mask unsightly, crooked or discoloured teeth.

Depending on the strength of the tooth underneath, a crown can last for many years.

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Bridges

Dental bridges are false teeth, which are fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth.

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth, which fills gaps with natural-looking artificial teeth, helps minimize chewing and speaking problems, and providing overall added function to the mouth.

A bridge can improve the way you look, bite, chew and speak and since it is custom built, the bridge can be matched to the colour of your own teeth.

It can last many years if kept clean and if there is no accidental damage and natural teeth are protected from wear and tear, and from moving or tilting out of line which could cause your teeth to bite together incorrectly.

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Dental Implants

Dental implants are another method of tooth replacement. In simple terms they are titanium rods or screws that are fixed to the jawbone. An extension is then secured to the implant and a new crown is placed to match the colour and contours of the existing teeth.

You may be a candidate for "Transitional Mini Implants". If you are a suitable candidate for these implants, get ready for a "Small Wonder". You can expect:

1. Fraction of the cost of traditional dental implants.
2. Simplified one appointment dental implant placement.
3. Immediate use of the dental implants.
4. Minimal discomfort due to the nature of "micro" surgery.

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Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. There are two types of material used in a veneer, composite and porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly placed (built-up in the mouth), or indirectly fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory, and later bonded to the tooth, typically using a resin cement such as Panavia. In contrast, a porcelain veneer may only be indirectly fabricated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is plaque?

Plaque is a soft, invisible bacterial film that builds up on teeth. It can be removed by brushing and flossing on a daily basis. If left on the teeth for more than 24 hours it will need to be professionally removed.

What is tartar?

Tartar is what forms from the lack of brushing and flossing. Tartar (the dental term is calculus) is plaque that has hardened/adhered to the tooth both above and below the gums. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar (calculus).

What is a root canal?

A root canal is when the nerve inside your tooth is removed.

Why would someone need a root canal?

A root canal may be required due to a deep cavity, fractured tooth, leaking filling or trauma. The nerve in the tooth could be inflamed or have an abscess. In order to save the tooth it is therefore sometimes necessary to proceed with a root canal.

Why is it important to keep all my teeth?

Teeth fit together like puzzle pieces. Each tooth guides and functions with the next. If a tooth is lost, teeth remaining on either side tip inward or drift and create unwanted spaces. The teeth above the space drift down or up as it has nothing to stop it from doing so. Whatever does happen, ultimately your bite has changed and is no longer in its natural state. Strain may occur causing permanent damage to your jaw joint. (Other problems may also occur ...)

How old should my child be when they have their first visit with the dentist?

Ideally we see your child for the first time by the age of three. By this age most or all primary (baby) teeth are present. We are hoping their first visit to us is fun and easy. However, before this visit if there are any concerns or questions do not hesitate to call and ask.

Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?

Your gums may be inflamed and swollen, therefore even the softest toothbrushes can irritate the tissues and make them bleed. When pressure of the toothbrush is applied the blood easily escapes from the weakened gum tissue. Most times our gums get inflamed and swollen because of a plaque or tartar build-up. It is not ok to allow your gums to continue bleeding. You may require immediate attention by your dentist and follow up with daily brushing and flossing. This will not go away on its own. If left untreated bone loss is inevitable.

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It is where the lower jaw is joined to the skull. If you have a problem with headaches, neck pain, jaw pain or similar pains it could be a TMJ problem. Sometimes referred to as TMD-temporomandibular disorder.

Will whitening hurt my teeth?

No, there may be a little bit more sensitivity to cold but it should only last for a short time.

Is whitening covered by insurance?

Insurance may apply depending on your personal dental plan.

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Children’s Oral Health

Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD)
Dental Services, Middlesex-London Health Unit

Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD) is also known as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, Nursing Bottle Mouth as well as some other names.

Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD) is seen as cavities especially in the upper front teeth of infants and young children.

The cavities are seen shortly after the teeth erupt, sometimes in children as young as 9 months.

Due to the child's age and the extent of the decay, it often requires special and expensive dental treatment.

It is ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE. The decay usually results from unhealthy feeding practices by the parent(s), (People use food and drinks, particularly in bottles, to quiet or comfort the child).

All liquids (excluding water but including milk, formula, unsweetened juices) contain some sugar. This sugar combines with some bacteria in the mouth to make acid which dissolves the teeth.

Prevention

DO NOT put your child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup. If the child must have one, use ONLY water in it.

DO NOT DIP soothers in sugar or sweetened substances like honey, syrup.

Teeth may be cleaned with a toothbrush and water. For children under 7 years, use a fluoride toothpaste only twice per day and use only a small amount (pea size or smear).
Use a non-fluoride toothpaste from birth to age 3.

Parental Example - set a good example for your children with your own mouth cleaning.

"Clean" the teeth regularly, as soon as they erupt. They should be cleaned at least twice daily.

Babies usually switch from bottles to drinking or sippy cups around one year of age. Do not use bottles or sippy cups (or food) to "quiet" the child. Feeding should occur for a specific period of time. Do not allow your child to become a "bottle walker" (walk around with a bottle or sippy cup). Except for water, it is the liquid in the bottle/sippy cup that may cause tooth decay. The chances of tooth decay increase when bottles/sippy cups are used often and for longer times.

Lift the child's lip regularly to check the teeth and gums. If you see any chalky, white spots or brown spots, visit the dentist immediately.

Important Dental Ages:

1 year old: The child should have stopped using a bottle around one year of age.
3 years old: All the child's first teeth should be in the mouth. No later than 3 years of age, the child should have visited the dentist.

Fluoride/Non Fluoride Toothpaste Recommendations
Dental Services, Middlesex-London Health Unit

The dental literature indicates that there is some concern about the effects on the formation of children's teeth if excessive amounts of fluoride from toothpaste are swallowed . Some dental fluorosis may occur.

The appearance of dental fluorosis may vary from small white flecks to larger white areas or in some cases to pitting or brown areas. It is difficult to predict if fluorosis will occur and what it will look like. It is important to note that fluorosis occurs while the teeth are forming below the gums [usually during ages 0-6 years], not after the tooth erupts into the mouth.

The Health Unit recommends:

"Clean" your child's teeth as soon as they appear in the mouth.

Use a small, soft toothbrush (it may be further softened by running it under hot water).

Use a NON-FLUORIDE toothpaste, or no toothpaste, until the child is 3 YEARS OLD unless a dental professional advises differently.

If the FLUORIDE LEVEL naturally occurring in the water is OVER 1.5 MG/L (PPM), continue to use a NON-FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE until the child is 7 YEARS OLD. Check with the Middlesex London Health Unit for "Elevated Fluoride Recommendations". There are only a few communities in Middlesex County with these levels (eg. Granton, Thorndale). However, persons with private wells must check their fluoride levels.

Beginning at 3 YEARS OF AGE, use a FLUORIDE toothpaste but only 2 TIMES PER DAY.

Brushing should take 2 minutes. ("2 for 2" - Brush at least twice daily for 2 minutes each time).

Always use only a PEA SIZED amount of toothpaste (or smear).
Teeth may be cleaned more frequently than 2 times without fluoride toothpaste.

The Health Unit suggests that parents dispense the toothpaste and supervise or do the brushing until the child is 7 years old.

Children should be encouraged not to swallow toothpaste, to SPIT OUT EXCESS TOOTHPASTE and RINSE well after brushing.

If children 6 and under swallow too much fluoride, their permanent teeth that are forming may develop some dental fluorosis (white spots and areas).

NON-FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTES
These may be difficult to locate and are far more expensive. Health food stores generally have non-fluoride toothpastes. Larger pharmacies may carry some brands (eg. Early Years, Kidz Pre Step, Tom's of Maine).

DENTAL VISITS
No later than 3 years of age (earlier if problems are noted) the child should begin dental visits and continue at least yearly. Parents should regularly "lift the child's lip" and look for any dental problems.

For more information call Dental Services at the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 663-5317, ext. 2231.

SEALANTS
Sealants are used almost exclusively on the biting surfaces of posterior, or back teeth. These areas are especially vulnerable to cavities because these teeth see the bulk of chewing duty, and their surfaces are so irregular. They are usually covered with pits, fissures, indentations, and small cracks which tend to retain food and conceal plaque deposits.

The sealant material is a durable plastic adhesive that fills in these irregularities, making it much more difficult for cavities to develop.

Before sealants are applied, a thorough examination of the teeth must be done. The surfaces of the teeth must be free of decay, and the teeth themselves must be viable candidates for the sealing process. It is recommended that the sealant be applied as soon after the teeth erupt as possible, to prevent the development of any decay.

Procedure - The procedure begins with the teeth being thoroughly cleaned and dried.
An etching gel is then applied to the fissures and enamel immediately surrounding the area for thirty to sixty seconds.

The sealant material is then simply painted onto the surface of the tooth.
Once in place the sealant is polymerized, or hardened, with a high-intensity light source.

The procedure is absolutely painless, and only takes about three minutes per tooth. Applying the sealant can almost ensure that the treated teeth will remain cavity-free for a very long time.
Source: Discuss Dental, Patient Education.

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Women’s Oral Health

As a woman, you have unique oral health needs. Changes in your body, lifestyle and medications may affect your oral health, so make informed decisions and always consult with your dentist regarding these changes. A well-balanced diet and regular dental check-ups are also vital to both good oral and overall health.
There are several ways in which changes to your body can affect your oral health:

Puberty
The surge of hormones during puberty may increase blood circulating in the gums. Your mouth may become more sensitive to irritants such as plaque, and this can lead to gingivitis. Be sure to floss and brush regularly to ensure good oral health. Dental check ups are also vital at this time.

Menstruation
Your menstrual cycle does not usually cause changes in the gum tissue, however, the hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation may cause changes in the gum tissues of some women. These changes cause gums to swell and bleed during the days prior to menstruation. You may experience heightened sensitivity to pain, hot and cold fluctuations and pressure in the mouth during menses. It is important to note that most studies reveal existing gum inflammation is aggravated by menstruation rather than caused by it.

Pregnancy
Some women may experience gingivitis while pregnant, however pregnancy does not cause gingivitis. Due to hormonal changes while pregnant, you may be more sensitive to plaque, which results in swollen gums that bleed easily. If you notice any changes to your oral health while pregnant, consult your dentist.

Oral Contraceptives
If you are taking oral contraceptives, you may be susceptible to the same oral conditions that affect pregnant women. Oral contraceptives contain the hormones progesterone and/or estrogen; therefore, if you take oral contraceptives, you may experience a heightened sensitivity to plaque, which may result in gingivitis. You should advise your dentist if you are taking oral contraceptives as this may affect certain dental treatments.

Menopause and Post-menopause
As you reach menopause or post-menopause you may experience discomfort, pain and sometimes burning in your mouth and gums. You may also find that your taste perceptions may change, especially in relation to salty, peppery and/or sour foods. Experts report that gingival tomatitis during menopause affects a small percentage of women. Symptoms include: gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily or range in colour from abnormally pale to deep red. If you have developed osteoporosis, xerostomia (dry mouth) or Burning Mouth Syndrome (burning of the tongue and oral tissues), you may experience changes in your oral health due to these illnesses and you should discuss this with your dentist. Studies have also indicated that panoramic X-rays – those that show a picture of the upper and lower jaw and upper neck – can detect lesions that have significant deposits of calcium within the soft tissues of the neck, one of the many risk factors of stroke.

References:
1. Women’s Oral Health Issues: An Exploration of the Literature, Probe, Vol. 30 No. 5, 1996
2. www.womensoralhealth.org
3. Journal of the American Dental Association. 132, 1130-1136, 2001.

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FACTS ON SMOKING AND ORAL HEALTH

Smoking affects more than just your smile. Smoking...

• Reduces blood flow to the gums increasing the risk of bacterial infection.
• Increases the risk of developing destructive gum disease - almost three   times higher than non-smokers.
• Causes the loss of two teeth every 10 years. If you start smoking a pack a   day at age 18 you will lose between four and five teeth by age 35.
• Slows down the healing process for all types of oral treatment and surgery   because of chemicals in cigarettes and reduced blood flow.
• Causes oral cancer four times more in smokers than non-smokers. The   death rate from oral cancers (including cancers of the tongue, mouth and   pharynx) exceed the death rate from cervical cancer.
• When combined with drinking alcohol accelerates the risk of oral cancer.   Smokers who also drink are 15 to 38 times more likely to develop oral   cancer than those who don’t do either.
• Secondhand smoke is linked to periodontal disease.

If the facts about oral health aren’t bad enough to encourage smokers to quit, in terms of vanity, the facts about deteriorating appearance aren’t any better. In addition to cavities, high levels of dental plaque, oral cancers, gum and bone disease, hygienists and dentists can pick out smokers by:

• Bad breath
• Discoloured teeth
• Mouth sores
• Smoker’s lip (looks like a burn)

www.healthunit.com
For more information, contact the Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention Team at the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 663-5317, ext. 2220.
Source:
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
American Academy of Periodontology
National Cancer Institute

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Toothpaste

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