Battle of the Sexes - Dental Style

In 1965 James Brown sang "It's A Man's World."  A few years earlier, Harry Belafonte sang to us "That's right - the women are smarter!"  So who is right when it comes to dental health?

It turns out one group is more likely to have healthier gums, less plaque and tartar build-up, fewer areas of bleeding gums, and lower incidents of gum disease.  This group is also twice as likely to schedule regular dental check-ups and is much better at following through with treatment recommended by their dentist.

To top it off, they have a better understanding of oral health and a more positive attitude about visiting the dentist!  So just who are these dental superstars?

According to the Journal of Periodontology, a professional journal which publishes articles on gum disease - it's the "fairer sex" who has the advantage when it comes to dental health.  Maybe it is true that "the women are smarter!"

So does that mean females are less likely to have cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and stinky breath?  Sorry guys - the answer is yes.

The good news is - it seems to have nothing to do with genetics or the fact that women and men have a different chromosomal arrangement.  It is purely because women take better care of their teeth and gums and see their dentists more regularly.

So how about it guys?  It is time to "get on the stick" - or at least the toothbrush.  Start taking better care of your teeth and gums, and be sure to give us a call at 250-338-9085 to schedule your next appointment!  And women - keep up the good work!

At Acreview Dental Clinic, we care about ALL of our patients - men and women!  We are always here to answer any questions you may have about your dental health. 
Give us a call today to schedule your next visit!

The Sahara Desert And Your Mouth??

Do you ever feel like your mouth and The Sahara Desert have something in common?

If so, you are not alone. Over 25 million North Americans suffer from dry mouth. And it’s not just the discomfort of dry mouth (called “xerostomia” by dentists) that is the problem; it is often accompanied by trouble chewing and swallowing, difficulty in speaking, a rise in dental cavities and gum disease, and most noticeably to some, bad breath. If people act like there is a fire drill taking place every time you open your mouth, this could be the culprit!

So why do so many of us have what is often referred to as “cottonmouth?”

According to The Food and Drug Administration, over 400 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can lead to dry mouth. It’s also caused by mouth breathing, dehydration (drink your water!!), and lack of salivary flow due to aging. In rare instances, dry mouth may be caused by an underlying serious disease – so it is not something to take lightly.

Of course our good old friends (actually enemies) – excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are among the leading causes of this problem, so if you need another reason to put away the cigarettes for good and cut down on alcohol use, now is a great time!

There are several things you can do to help reduce the symptoms of dry mouth, including:

• Chewing a sugar-free gum containing Xylitol
• Drinking plenty of water
• Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth (easier said than done!)
• Frequent brushing and rinsing with a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse
• Using a room vaporizer to humidify the air in your home
• Using an over-the-counter saliva substitute

Since dry mouth can also be a sign of a serious illness AND cause and increase in cavities and gum disease, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are a must. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us at 250-338-9085 for an appointment or visit our website at www.acreviewdental.com .  Your health is important to us and we are here assist and answer any questions you may have.

Do you smell when you talk?

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a major problem, especially when you're about to snuggle with your sweetie or whisper a joke to your friend. The good news is that bad breath can often be prevented with some simple steps.

Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.
Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are lots of myths about taking care of bad breath. Here are three things you may have heard about bad breath that are not true:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make bad breath go away.

Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath temporarily. If you do use mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kills the germs that cause bad breath) and plaque-reducing one with a seal from the American Dental Association (ADA). When you're deciding which dental products to toss into your shopping cart, it's always a good idea to look for those that are accepted by the ADA. Also, ask your dentist for recommendations.


Myth #2: As long as you brush your teeth, you shouldn't have bad breath.

The truth is that most people only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which just doesn't cut it. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. Remember to brush your tongue, too — bacteria love to hang out there. It's equally important to floss because brushing alone won't remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your teeth and gums.


Myth #3: If you breathe into your hand, you'll know when you have bad breath.

Wrong! When you breathe, you don't use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odors from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which simply breathing doesn't do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it's hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath.


If you're concerned about bad breath, make sure you're taking care of your teeth and mouth properly. Some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily mask odors, too.

If you brush and floss properly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. Call your doctor or dentist if you suspect a problem. They can figure out if something else is behind your bad breath and help you take care of it.

For more information on dental and general health for the whole family visit the KidsHealth website http://kidshealth.org/kid/

Sweet Easter Tips

Tips for Healthy Smiles after Easter

The Easter Bunny has come and gone and we all know that for most children, Easter means candy and lots of it!

However, when your child consumes sugary food or drinks, the bacteria (germs) in the dental plaque on the teeth mix with the sugars in the candy to make a mild acid. This acid attacks the hard outer layer of the tooth, called the enamel. If the dental plaque isn’t removed every day by brushing and flossing, over time, the enamel gets soft and a cavity forms. The damage to the tooth depends on how much sugar goes in the mouth and how long it stays there. In other words, the longer and more often sugar touches the teeth, the more damage it can do.

Healthy Easter treat tips
To keep cavities away and protect your child’s smile this Easter, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends taking these simple steps:

• Limit the number of times a day your child eats sugary treats or snacks between meals. Serve snacks that will not harm your child’s teeth, such as vegetables, cheese, nuts or seeds.
• It is best to eat sugary treats at the end of mealtime while there is still plenty of saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps to wash away the sugars and acids.
• Drinking a glass of water after eating a sugary treat will also help wash away some of the sugars and acids.
• Avoid soft, sticky treats that get stuck between teeth.
• Always have your child brush and floss before going to bed.

Easter with braces can be sweet
Easter candy can be a challenge for someone who wears braces, but it doesn’t have to be.  Children who wear braces should avoid nuts, popcorn, tortilla chips, hard candy, caramel and other chewy candies to keep their braces safe and intact. However, there are plenty of other things that these Easter Bunny trackers who wear braces can enjoy, like nut free baked goods, sugar free gum, and chocolate!

By reducing the amount of candy your child eats and by teaching your child that moderation is important, you won’t have to worry about things like tooth decay and Easter treats can still be enjoyed.

You can find more information on caring for your child’s teeth and preventing cavities all year round on CDA’s website at www.cda-adc.ca.

Are You Too Sensitive?

We’ve all noticed it from time to time – have some ice cream followed by good hot coffee and OUCH! – your tooth is telling you not to do that! According to The Academy Of General Dentistry, over 45 million Americans experience this on a frequent basis. But how do you know if your tooth sensitivity is a sign of (pardon the pun) a deep rooted problem?

Let’s start with a little quiz. What is the hardest substance in the human body?

a)    Fingernails
b)   The thigh bone, also known as the femur
c)    Your hard-headed uncle’s skull
d)   Tooth enamel

If you guessed tooth enamel, you’re not only on your way to a winning appearance on Jeopardy but you’re ready to understand tooth sensitivity.

The enamel that covers your teeth is an extremely hard substance and acts as a great protectant. Inside the enamel is something called dentin, which is a bit softer and actually has small hollow tubes leading right into the nerve chamber. Irritate that layer and your tooth will let you know!

So if the enamel on your teeth is worn away, sensitivity can set in. The roots of your teeth are in a similar situation, and receding gums which cause the roots to be uncovered can cause sensitivity as well. So what can you do?

First of all, be gentle when you brush and always use a soft toothbrush. Lots of pressure and stiff bristles don’t clean your teeth any better and actually can wear away enamel and gums.

Some people find that acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes can cause sensitivity, so avoid those if you are in that category.

Also, there are over-the-counter products, such as special toothpastes and rinses, that can help. Let us know and we’ll be glad to recommend the right one for you.

Unfortunately, many of the causes of tooth sensitivity are also signs of much larger dental problems. Things such as cavities, defective fillings or crowns, receding gums due to gum disease, grinding, and many other conditions can cause sensitivity and all of these things definitely need attention from a dental professional.

At Acreview Dental Clinic we want you to be comfortable and have healthy teeth and gums! If tooth sensitivity or any other dental issues are causing you concern, please give us a call at 250-338-9085 or visit us at http://www.acreviewdental.com/ and we will be glad to see how we can help. We want to get you comfortable again!