What's in Your Toothpaste?

Toothpaste — What's In It?

Squeezing out the facts

By Dr. George K. Stookey

Brushing one's teeth has, for hundreds of years, been a hygienic and social necessity. Removing the bacterial biofilm, or plaque, that builds up on clean teeth every 12 to 24 hours helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. None of us would think of leaving the house before brushing with a favourite toothpaste — unless, of course, we ran out. Then we would make a beeline for the nearest drug store rather than improvise for even one brushing! But what's in this substance we put in our mouths several times a day? And can toothpastes really do what they claim to do?

The short answer to that second question is yes — if the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance is on the label. That seal means the manufacturer's claims have been independently verified. If you don't see the seal, you might want to take a closer look at the ingredients list. As you compare labels, you will notice that certain terms appear frequently.

Toothpaste Demystified

There are various classes of ingredients you will find in all toothpastes, and others only in products designed for specific purposes such as reducing sensitivity, tartar or gum inflammation, or even whitening your teeth.

Here are some things to look for:

Egyptians scrubbed their teeth with a mixture of ox-hoof ashes, burnt eggshells and pumice as far back as 5000 BC.

Abrasives

One of the main points of using toothpaste is to make the mechanical action of brushing more effective. In order to scrub off stains, you need a substance with a little graininess. This has been understood since ancient times; Egyptians scrubbed their teeth with a mixture of ox-hoof ashes, burnt eggshells and pumice as far back as 5000 BC. Ancient Romans used an even rougher blend of crushed bones and oyster shells, plus powdered charcoal and bark. Even in the 18th century AD, the British were including brick dust and crushed China in their tooth powder recipes.

Abrasives (commonly called cleaning and polishing agents) in toothpastes have been produced that are much milder since then, the idea being to clean yet preserve tooth enamel. In fact, toothpastes are tested to see if the abrasive component can remove stains without damaging tooth structure. The degree of abrasiveness of a given compound depends on how much water it contains (also known as the level of hydration), the size and shape of its particles, source, purity, and how it has been treated both physically and chemically. Ideally, abrasives should be inert chemically, meaning they will not form new compounds with other substances in the toothpaste. Today, the abrasives you might find in your toothpaste include hydrated silica (which can be made from sand), hydrated alumina, calcium carbonate, and dicalcium phosphates. None of these materials would have any cleaning effect on teeth without the scrubbing action of a toothbrush. Likewise, brushing teeth without an abrasive-containing toothpaste will not adequately clean and polish the tooth surfaces and will not remove stains.

Detergents

Your toothpaste foams because it contains a detergent, another type of cleaning ingredient. The purpose of a detergent is to loosen and break down substances on your teeth that would otherwise not be soluble, meaning they could not be dissolved and rinsed away with water. Although we might associate the word “detergent” with harsher cleaning products, detergents in toothpastes are mild so as not to irritate sensitive oral tissues.

Detergents are also known as “surfactants,” short for surface active agents. They are able to break through the tension at the surface of a liquid. Surface tension is the property that makes a fluid appear as if it has a skin — noticeable when dust or even denser materials settle or float on it. The way soap breaks down grease is an example of surfactant action.

The most common detergent/surfactant in toothpaste is sodium lauryl sulfate. You may have noticed it in other beauty products that foam, such as shampoo. This ingredient can be derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. While there have been internet rumors that sodium lauryl sulfate is dangerous, these claims are unsubstantiated by scientific research. This detergent has actually been used safely in toothpaste for more than 50 years. One credible concern, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association, is increased oral irritation in people prone to canker sores. These individuals should be aware that it is possible to buy toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate.

Fluoride

First introduced into toothpaste formulas in 1914, fluoride is arguably the most valuable component in toothpaste. But it was not until the 1950's that formulations were developed in which the fluoride was available to react with tooth enamel. Marketing of the first effective fluoride toothpaste (Crest) began in February 1955 and was accepted by the American Dental Association in 1960. Fluoride serves an extremely important function: to strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride is actually incorporated into the enamel structure. If the enamel surface of a tooth is exposed to acid either ingested or produced by oral bacteria, the affected surface can absorb fluoride if present, thereby helping to reverse the process. This not only “remineralizes” the affected surface, but actually makes it stronger and more resistant to acid attack (with repeated and frequent application). Tooth enamel strengthened with fluoride is also more resistant to acid attack in the first place. All toothpastes that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance contain fluoride and have been shown to be effective in preventing dental decay. You will find fluoride in toothpaste in the form of sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP). [NOTE: Fluoride)“containing toothpastes do not need a preservative as the fluoride inhibits bacterial growth.]

Humectant Systems

This refers to a combination of ingredients that retain moisture in the toothpaste (humectants) and keep all the ingredients from separating (binding agents). If toothpaste didn't have these components, it would dry out or require stirring before use just like paint. Here are some common components of humectant systems:

• Humectants: glycerol, propylene glycol and sorbitol.
• Binders: Carrageenan (seaweed gum), gum arabic (sap from the Acacia tree), sodium carboxymethylcellulose and magnesium aluminum silicate (both synthetics).
• Preservatives for non-fluoride toothpastes: sodium benzoate, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben (gentle antimicrobial agents used as preservatives in foods, beverages and cosmetics).

Flavouring

The ADA will not put its seal on toothpastes that contain sugar or any other ingredient that promotes tooth decay.

Toothpaste would taste pretty bad without the addition of flavouring agents, which is why you will always find various natural and artificial flavourings and sweeteners such as saccharin. The humectant sorbitol also adds a sweet taste. The ADA will not put its seal on toothpastes that contain sugar or any other ingredient that promotes tooth decay.

Additional Therapeutic Ingredients

While the above list applies to all toothpastes, other ingredients will appear on the labels of toothpastes designed for specific purposes.

For other interesting and informative dental articles, visit this site http://www.deardoctor.com

What is Your Smile Worth?

What Can Your Smile Do For You?

According to a recent study done by the American Dental Association, the feature that others find most attractive is not our hair, eyes, or body - it is our smile!

In light of this, don't worry about trying to compete with the latest supermodel or those impossible-to-beat images we see on every billboard and magazine ad.  Just flash your pearly whites and smile!

There's more to it than that... Anti-aging expert, Dr. mark Stibich has come up with some fantastic reasons to smile.  Here are just a few.

• Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood for the better.

• Smiling Is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room and make things happier.  Smile lots and you will draw people to you.  

• Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces.  Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed.  When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile.  The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

• Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Stress can really show up in our faces.  Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed.  When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile.  The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

• Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin, making us feel great.  Smiling is a natural drug.

• Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger.  Don't go for a face-lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better!

There's no doubt about it - smiling is something we should be extremely thankful for.  At Acreview Dental Clinic, it is our mission to give our patients something to smile about!

If you are not happy with your smile, call us right away at 250*338*9085.

We would love to help!

How Does Your Dentist Decide What Is The BEST Treatment For YOU?

Successful Dental Treatment

Getting the Best Possible Results

By Dr. John C. Kois

Dentistry can do amazing things to change the way you look, feel and function. We as healthcare professionals want not only to treat you, but also to educate you about the “why” behind our recommendations. With more information, you are better equipped to make confident decisions about your health and treatment options. In addition, you are more likely to be successful in keeping your teeth vibrant and healthy.

We as dental professionals have learned, through science, research and technology, that when patients are looking to improve their health and appearance, it's essential for them to know what led to the current conditions in their mouths as those factors can have a significant impact on the success of their treatment. In order to create a foundation for future health as well as a beautiful new smile, your susceptibility to dental problems must be identified and managed as a team effort.

It is important for you and your dentist to have realistic expectations about what dentistry can and can't do. Successful results ultimately depend upon an analysis of all the factors that have made you “you,” dentally speaking. This includes your experience of tooth decay, gum disease, and bite or chewing problems. This type of analysis creates a basis for predicting successful treatment, both with and without dental care. Based on your unique diagnosis, a plan of action can be developed to correct or at least manage those factors that can interfere with the success of your treatment.

A plan for positive change should lay out what you can expect, detail how risk factors have contributed to your current condition, suggest changes that would benefit you going forward, and help determine how you will look and function after treatment.

Predictable success really is the name of the game. When your dentist considers your individual risk factors for disease, he or she is better able to advise you about dental treatment and safeguard your health. Hopefully, this understanding will allow you to change or modify behaviours so that your dental treatment will be more successful and you will achieve lasting health.

The cycle of dental care includes the identification, assessment and treatment of the causes of a patient's disease as well as future monitoring and maintenance of health.

Creating A Favourable Future

During your evaluation and treatment planning phases it is crucial to weigh factors that can increase or decrease elements of risk and affect prognosis (outcomes) in order to judge the chances of failure or success of particular treatments — before we undertake them. More simply stated, treatment decisions are favourable when risk for disease is lowered and compromised if risk cannot be controlled. You can think of it in the same way you would approach a home renovation. If you do a survey analysis of your house and find it has a weak foundation, risk for future problems goes up. You can improve success if you shore up the foundation first. And what if you are renovating a house on a fault line? Well, that is important to know beforehand as well. Sometimes we have to make decisions about how best to proceed, knowing that we cannot completely eliminate risks for future problems. Let's take a closer look at how all this relates to your dental health and aesthetic goals.

Identifying Risks To Successful Dental Treatment

In planning your dental treatment, risk level is determined from an assessment within four fundamental categories: Periodontal Risk, Biomechanical Risk, Functional Risk and Aesthetic Risk.

Periodontal Risk

This comprises threats to structures that support your teeth, particularly bone. If bone is being or has been lost, you are at greater risk for tooth loss from periodontal (gum) disease. This risk may be influenced by systemic (general) health conditions such as diabetes and habits such as smoking. Risk can be managed by changing personal behaviours and ensuring optimal oral hygiene. Periodontal risk (“peri” – around; “odont” – tooth) can also be affected by inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular (“cardio” – heart; “vascular” – blood vessel) disease, and vice versa. These health conditions should be controlled with the help of your physician. For those who are highly susceptible to periodontal disease, the risk cannot always be completely eliminated; treatment decisions must take this into consideration.

Biomechanical Risk

This involves the structural integrity of the teeth — past tooth structure loss due to decay (cavities), acid erosion, and fracture, as well as susceptibility to decay. Certainly the higher your decay activity or rate, the higher the risk of structural (tooth) compromise. Addressing bacterial, dietary, salivary (dry mouth) and other known risk factors can help minimize the risk for future decay. If teeth are severely compromised by tooth decay, their removal and replacement with dental implants may be recommended to lower biomechanical risk.

Functional Risk

This relates to how teeth, muscles and jaw joints are functioning and wearing. This assessment involves categorizing your bite — the way the teeth fit together and how you chew. It involves assessing muscle forces generated during biting, which can affect the way the teeth wear, cause tooth looseness by affecting their attachment to the bone, and/or affect the temporomandibular (jaw) joint (TMJ). For example, if you have worn your teeth excessively it is important to figure out why your teeth have worn and look the way they do. If the problem is not addressed, the same wear patterns can result in breakage of the teeth and damage to tooth restorations (crowns or veneers, for example). Moving, reshaping, or restoring the teeth might accomplish this but the important part is to establish and address functional risk before proceeding with any treatment. For a small percentage of people functional risk cannot be eliminated, in which case an oral appliance such as an occlusal (bite) guard should be used to protect teeth during stressful periods and/or when sleeping.

Aesthetic Risk

This is really about how your teeth look and thus the risk tends to be more subjective. It is based on an assessment of “tooth display” and (ideal) tooth position in relation to your face. Aesthetic risk is higher in those who display more of their teeth and gum tissue when smiling. In these cases, any aesthetic issues affecting teeth and gums — gum recession, for example — are that much more visible and influential to your smile. Because aesthetic value is subjective, your personal opinion will be a large consideration.

Understanding Treatment as it Relates to Your Risk Assessment

Today, we have the blessings of modern technology and data analysis of your clinical situation to assess your needs and formulate a treatment plan with realistic goals in mind. Using a risk-based assessment system helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan with reasonable and achievable goals. We need to place emphasis on the need to prevent oral health problems from progressing so you can receive the best and longest-lasting care possible at the lowest financial, as well as psychological and emotional, cost.

Stop Zombie Mouth!

Halloween is quickly approaching and children everywhere are anticipating all of the fun, excitement, and sugary, sticky, treats!

The American Dental Association, along with PopCap games has created a fun video to encourage healthy dental habits and choices.

Top Seven Ways to Stop Zombie Mouth

• 1   2x2! Brush for two minutes two times per day with fluoride toothpaste.
• 2   Floss between your teeth daily.
• 3   Eat fruits and veggies instead of sugary and starchy snacks.
• 4   Wear a mouth guard while playing sports.
• 5   Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
• 6   Don’t pierce your lips or any other part of your mouth.
• 7   Visit your dentist regularly. Dentists get lonely!

We Need Your Help!

This Halloween, the ADA and PopCap Games are redefining what a Halloween “treat” can be… by giving FUN instead of candy. They're giving away Plants vs. Zombies™ download games as a

sugar-free alternative, and you can join in the fun.

Visit the link below to print free coupons for the 

online game Plants vs. Zombies - a family friendly video game that has won over 

30 Game of the Year awards!

http://www.stopzombiemouth.com/

Your Acreview Dental Team wishes you

A Safe and Happy Halloween!

Do You brush Your Teeth Correctly? Statistics say probably not!!

Almost everybody brushes their teeth, but only one in ten people are doing it effectively!

To that, we have to say a great big "YUCK!!"  Imagine if only ten percent of the population showered correctly, that would be pretty gross.  According to researchers at the University of Gothenburg, ninety percent of the population does not brush their teeth the right way!

Don't worry, your friends at Acreview Dental Clinic are here to help you.  
So sit back and open wide as we present...

The Top Eight Tooth Brushing Tips!

1. Size Matters!
• Many people use a large toothbrush head thinking "the bigger the better."  But you can brush just as effectively if not more so with a smaller brush, especially if you have to strain your mouth to use a larger one.  Choose a brush with the right size and shape to reach all the way to your back teeth.
• According to dental consumer advisor Dr. Richard Price, "the more comfortable it is in your mouth and your hand, then the more likely you will use it and use it properly."
2. It's Good To Be A Softy!
• It would seem to make sense that firmer bristles would clean your teeth better, but many times they can cause damage your sensitive gum tissue.  The Canadian Dental Association recommends a soft-bristled brush and we agree!
3. Don't Do A Rush Job!
   • While most people spend fifteen seconds or so per round of brushing, a full two minutes is best.  To make sure you don't play favorites, divide your mouth into four sections (upper right, lower right, etc...) and spend thirty seconds on each.
   • Some electric toothbrushes actually have timers, but you don't need to be so fancy.  Find a thirty second song and sing it to yourself for each mouth quarter.
4. What's Your Angle?
   
   • While we typically picture tooth brushing to be a horizontal affair, that leaves out many important tooth surfaces, including the crucial area where the tooth meets the gum line.  Aim your bristles at a forty-five degree angle and make sure they gently dip below the outer surface of your gums.  this can get very tricky and we recommend that you have one of the fantastic members of our dental hygiene team give you a full demonstration!
5. It's An Inside Job!

• The inner surfaces of the teeth are often overlooked, but just because they hide from daylight doesn't mean you should neglect them!  Take the time to brush all tooth surfaces, inside and out. 
• It may even help to change your usual brushing pattern.  Most people brush their teeth the same way each time.  This means that the same spots are being missed each time.  Try reversing your usual pattern....
• Oh yes, don't forget to brush your tongue!
6. Rinse-a-rama!
   • After you brush, loose bacteria are floating around in your mouth having a big party. It's time to finish them up with a rinse of mouthwash or even water.  They're on your toothbrush too, so it is always a good idea to run that under the faucet for a few seconds when you finish!
7. Forced Retirement!
   
   • Many people get nostalgic over their old toothbrushes, but keeping them for too long is a big mistake!  Frayed bristles can't clean correctly, and even worse - they harbour all kinds of nasty germs.  The Canadian Dental Association suggests changing your toothbrush every three months - but we think that may even be too long an interval for many.
   • When in doubt - toss it out!
8. And There's One More Thing...

• Even though we are discussing tooth brushing, it just wouldn't be complete without mentioning those tooth surfaces between your teeth - the ones that cannot be reached with a brush.  Yes, that's right - we all need to floss!!  Daily flossing prevents cavities and helps to keep your gums in good shape.

At Acreview Dental Clinic we want to help you achieve optimum oral health and a fresh, beautiful smile!

Please call us at 250-338-9085 to schedule an appointment, ask any questions about maintaining your oral health, or even to schedule a complimentary tooth brushing and flossing lesson!

Click here for more brushing and flossing information

Social Media and Dentistry

KEEPING UP WITH THE LATEST TRENDS...

More often, we are seeing how much social media is becoming the norm in our day to day lives.  Facebook is used regularly by many to keep in touch with family and friends, Skype is used in place of long distance calling and allows for "face-to-face" conversations across the country, and many businesses are marketing using Groupon and other group coupon sites to promote their products and services.

I have often seen "dental" related offers that are available through these group coupon sites and thought I would look into the ethical use of these sites for such purposes.  When visiting the site for the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia, here is what I found...

Group Coupons contrary to Code of Ethics...

"A new way of advertising for new patients has emerged recently that involves offering group discounts through a website, usually offering a “deal of the day” (for example, “Groupon”). The savings are group focused: if enough people sign up for the offer, everyone gets the deal.

If there aren't enough people, no one gets it.  For example, a coffee company might offer a deal of "$10 for $20 worth of coffee."  provided that 500 people sign up.  the web company collects the payment and passes it on, minus their fee, to the business.

CDSBC has been asked whether it is acceptable for a dentist to use this approach to gain new patients.  The simple answer is no.  The way the system works is that the company operating the website takes up to 50% of any money that is paid.  This effectively means the dentist is paying the company a commission for the referral.  Any scheme that includes paying a third party a fee for the referral is explicitly contrary to the Code of Ethics, and is therefore not permitted."

So, in keeping with the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia and their Code of Ethics, you will not see Acreview Dental Clinic posting any "too good to be true" deals for dental treatment on your local Group Coupon site.

We do, however, sometimes post a deal or check-in offer through Yelp or Google+ so you may wish to check these sites occasionally to see what is new.  You can also find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AcreviewDental and on the web at http://www.acreviewdental.com/ .  When visiting any of these sites, please take a moment to add a review or leave a comment to let others know about your experience with us.  We appreciate your feedback.

If ever you have dental questions or concerns, please give us a call at 250-338-9085 and someone from our team will be happy to assist you.   

Why Implants?

Why would I have dental implant treatment instead of simply getting a bridge or denture?

It is true that in most cases a bridge or denture will bring back much of the form and function of your missing teeth.  However, natural teeth do much more than help you chew food and provide a nice smile.  They play an important role under the gumline where you can't see them.

Natural teeth need the support of the bone in your jaw to survive.  When you lose a tooth the bone has no more use and it begins to shrink and weaken.  The teeth adjacent to the site of the missing tooth can begin to tilt and drift, affecting the way your teeth meet together.

For some people, the amount of bone lost with missing teeth is not too serious and there is still enough bone to provide a solid foundation for a full or partial denture.  Unfortunately for some patients, shrinking bone can be the trigger for a number of problems.  It can cause dentures to fit more loosely, making it hard to bite, chew and eat right.  Underlying gum becomes sore and painful, and dentures rub.  Speech may be impaired and along with it, self image.

Implants assimilate with bone just like natural teeth.

Dental implants are the closest to natural teeth and are utilized to replace single or multiple missing teeth.  They are permanent false teeth anchored right into your jawbone just like your other teeth. 

Implants require no preparation of adjacent teeth when used instead of placing a bridge and are much more stable than traditional dentures.  You will be able to eat with ease and comfort.  Many patients find implants give them a more positive self-image and confidence.

Dental implant treatment does require a greater investment of time and money, but in the long run, it can be well worth it!

If you are considering the replacement of missing teeth, give us a call today at (250) 338-9085 to discuss your treatment options and whether dental implants are the best choice for you.

Snoring - It Can Kill You!

Sure – snoring is annoying.  But can it actually be deadly?

No – this does not mean being strangled in the middle of the night by a severely annoyed spouse or partner - as tempting as that may be!  The fact is, snoring is often related to sleep apnea, a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen during a night of heavy zzzzz’s.

One obvious problem this causes is being tired during the day, contributing to automobile and workplace accidents.  But even worse, sleep apnea, which is experienced by over 30 million North Americans, has been scientifically linked to obesity, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks and diabetes.  So if that low rumbling sound that keeps the entire neighbourhood awake isn’t enough, now there is much more reason for concern.

But wait – it actually gets worse.  A study performed at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine has just shown a significant link between sleep apnea and cancer, showing this condition increases the risk of cancer by almost a factor of five!

“This is really big news,” said Dr. Joseph Golish, a professor of sleep medicine with the Metro Health System in Cleveland.  “It is the first time this has been shown and it looks like a very solid association.”

There is no doubt that snoring can be much more serious than just a nighttime disturbance.  So what can you do if you or a loved one may suffer from sleep apnea?

Fortunately, there are many ways to have this condition treated.  Solutions range from simple dental appliances, to surgery, to wearing nighttime contraptions that make you look (and sound) like Darth Vader!  Your dentist and physician can recommend the appropriate treatment for you.

At Acreview Dental Clinic, we would be glad to review and discuss your snoring issues or any other dental questions you may have.

Just give us a call at 250-338-9085 and we will get you in right away! 

Is It Time To Replace Your Old Fillings With Composite Fillings?

Spring is here with summer just around the corner!  

With the change in seasons, our thoughts turn to projects like gardening, fixing up the house and maybe even renovations.  If you are in the mindset for sprucing things up, it might be an ideal time to think about refreshing your smile.

A simple and effective way to “touch up” your smile is by replacing any amalgam (also known as silver or mercury) fillings you have with white ones.  Not only do amalgam fillings look dark and unnatural, they present another issue that is of even greater concern.  Amalgams are typically not bonded to the tooth structure and are placed in a considerably weakened tooth due to decay removal and requirement for a larger preparation to accommodate the material.  The metals in amalgam fillings also expand and contract as you eat hot and cold foods at a rate higher than that of your natural teeth.  This expansion and contraction over the life of the filling creates cracks in teeth, making them weaker, and can eventually lead to a portion of your tooth breaking off... usually when you least expect it!    Composite fillings look natural and they expand and contract at a rate much closer to that of  your natural tooth.  These fillings are also bonded to the tooth structure, restoring the tooth back to 90 - 95% of its original strength.


If you’re embarrassed by your old fillings and tired of hiding your smile, ask us about composite fillings.


What are Composite or White Fillings? 
Composite fillings (or white fillings) are made of a porcelain-like material that bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are strong, stain-resistant, and colour-matched to the natural tooth, making them essentially ‘invisible’.

Before Amalgams Removed

How are fillings done?

In filling teeth, areas of decay and old filling material are removed and replaced with a composite restorative material.  A local anaesthetic is most often administered to numb the area and make for a comfortable, positive experience.

After Composites Completed

Why do I need fillings?

Once a cavity starts, it continues to spread into the deeper parts of the tooth affecting the pulp leading to nerve damage and may even result in an abscess.  In the process, it destroys the tooth structure making the tooth weaker and possibly resulting in a fracture.  Early treatment is less painful, less expensive and preserves more tooth structure.

Should I change my amalgam fillings to white fillings?

If aesthetics is a major concern, then you should discuss with your dental professional the best options for replacement of your amalgams with either composites or porcelain restorations.  

Remember that the presence of mercury in amalgams alone is not considered a sufficient reason by the dental community to replace them.  However, amalgam was first used as a filling material for teeth as early as the mid 1800's and has not changed much in formulation since then.  There are far better materials available to us in dentistry today.  When was the last time you used something that has not advanced technologically in the last 150 years?  If it appears that the tooth structure is significantly compromised by large amalgam restorations, it may be in your best interest to take preventive measures and replace them before a larger problem presents itself.  

If you are concerned about your amalgam fillings, feel free to discuss this with us.

Your smile will thank you!


Photos taken at Acreview Dental Clinic with permission of participant.

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear!

Here’s an interesting quiz for you.

Who originally dispensed the famous recommendation to “see your dentist twice a year?”

We all know it’s true (or do we???) – so when and where do you think that bit of advice originated?

 a)      The American Dental Association in 1933

 b)      The world’s first dental college – The University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1845

 c)      An article in The Journal of Oral Surgery by Dr. Henry Horseacre in 1909 entitled “Proper

         Protocol for Dental Cleanings.”

 d)     A radio ad for Pepsodent Toothpaste in 1929

Believe it or not, if you guessed “d” you are correct!

Most of us know the famous order to “see your dentist twice a year.” Some insurance companies even use that interval to define their standards for payment. But the fact is that phrase was developed with no scientific basis at all – and to sell toothpaste!

Another example of this logic was the ad campaign for Pear’s Soap in the late 1800s. The slogan “Have you used Pear’s soap today” ushered in the habit of daily bathing! And while that was certainly a good thing, the fact is that we are all different and to expect that everyone requires the same schedule for their health needs just doesn’t make sense.

When you wash your hair, do you “rinse and repeat?” Do you associate diamonds with engagement rings? Are you convinced that Volvo builds the safest cars? If so, you’ve been influenced by advertising, not necessarily facts. Don’t worry – we are all guilty of it!

At Acreview Dental Clinic, we don’t believe in a cookie cutter approach when your health is involved. In order to determine the correct dental treatment for you (including how often you should have your teeth cleaned) we perform a thorough examination, checking your teeth, gums, medical history, bite, jaw muscles and more. We even do an oral cancer screening at every check-up.

Everyone is different, so despite what the ad men from Pepsodent once said, let’s scientifically determine the correct schedule for your dental visits by looking at the facts, not an ad slogan. Then you can look forward to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums – and keep smiling forever!

If you have any questions or you would like to schedule a visit, please call (250) 338-9085.

We are here to help you!

A Confident Smile

Did you know that your smile is one of the first things

that people notice about you? 

Ray Shares his positive experience at Acreview Dental Clinic...

Here are the top three things that men and women notice about each other.


What WOMEN notice first...

1. Smile
2. Eyes
3. Clothing

What MEN notice first...

1. Eyes
2. Smile
3. Body

Does your smile needs a little brightening?

Stain and discolouration can dampen your smile.  There are many different stain removers available.  Most over-the-counter products are unable to deliver the results consumers are expecting.  Depending on the type and source of staining, some products won't work at all while others offer a temporary solution.

Surface stains are caused by strong discolouring agents such as coffee, tea and tobacco.  If these are the unsightly stains you wish to remove, a professional polishing with a coarse but gentle cleaning paste will do the trick.  Along with regular brushing and flossing, this will ensure a longer lasting bright smile.

Some stains are harder to remove because they are trapped in tiny fractures in the tooth surface.  These micro cracks are so small they don't become visible until they get stained by food or tobacco.  The only way to beat these stains is with professional whitening or bonding, a treatment that fills in and covers micro cracks with a tooth-colored material.

Even darker surface stains are caused by dark plaque and tartar buildup in areas around the gumline, often on the lower front teeth.  An in-office technique called scaling, performed by your hygienist, will assist in removing these especially difficult stains.

The toughest stains are the kind that become part of the tooth structure.  Bright white splotches on, or brownish gray bands across the teeth can be caused by faulty hardening of the tooth before birth or by tetracycline treatment.  You can also develop deep stains from decay and from old fillings.  Only professional whitening and masking techniques will revive smiles that have been dulled by the very toughest of stains.

Consult a Dental Professional

Almost anyone can benefit from teeth whitening.  Of course, there are many reasons for discolouration and not everyone will experience the same results.  That's why it is important to involve a dental professional.  There are many factors that play into what kind of whitening is right for you, and a dental professional will help you achieve the best results possible.

For more information on professional whitening or to schedule your regular hygiene appointment, please give us a call at (250) 338-9085 and one of our receptionists will be happy to assist you.