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According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD), the delivery of special care dentistry is a common concern for parents across our country. 

Currently, treatment for special needs Canadians comes with considerable barriers, which are evaluated by the “6 A’s of Access.” Affordability, availability, accessibility, accommodation, acceptability, and ability for oral self-care. 

With so much standing in the way, it is undeniable that there is a demand for more dentists that can treat patients with special needs. 

But, before we address where you can find solutions, you might be interested in what these professionals mean to our communities, and exactly what their specialization means for families across Canada.

What’s Different About Dental Care for Special Needs Patients

The journey to becoming a dentist is admittedly not an easy one. However, much like all health care professions, dentistry is meaningful for both patients and practitioners. 

Special care dentistry (SCD) has a duty not only to increase professionals’ responsibilities, placing greater emphasis on individual care but also the leadership to increase awareness for families to understand the unique needs each patient can hold.

Much like teachers and doctors, dentists have on-going or continual education to earn speciality within their role. Examples of such are orthodontists, dental surgeons, endodontists, etc. 

Nevertheless, oral health care for those with special needs is a complex subject. 

For some, dentist visits can be limited due to physical or cognitive barriers. Because of these differences, SCD are often adapting their skillsets for new techniques and treatment options in an effort to meet the differences between each patient. 

Patients who might benefit from a special care dentist include those who experience dementia or have Alzheimer’s, patients with Autism spectrum disorder, and those who lack mobility due to injury or otherwise. You can find the Canadian Dental Association’s list of Vulnerable Canadians here.

Finding a Dentist Who Specializes in Treating People with Special Needs

Before you set out on your task of finding your special care dentist, there are aspects you should know to make the process simpler for yourself. 

Before finding a dental professional, write down the particular needs of the patient and any questions you may have on your mind. This will make it easier for your dentist to discuss their skillsets and how it will pertain to the treatments. 

Details you might want to prepare can be:

• Can appointments be taken in the office or will they be held in an outpatient scenario?
• Will the patient require sedation or any pre-medications?
• A list of any medications the patient is currently taking.
• Does the patient utilize a wheelchair?

Dentists who specialize in care for special needs are often attentive and personal, meaning they keep detailed records of their appointments and patient’s needs. Having prepared your thoughts beforehand can mean the difference between finding the right or wrong dentist for your specific needs. 

How Treehouse Dental Care Can Help You

Over the years, we have taken the time to connect with our patients and understand what is unique about them. With all of our dentists specialized to care for those with special needs, you can be sure that you or your loved one will receive professional and compassionate care from a team that understands your needs. 

If you or a loved one requires Special Care Dentist, please give us a call and we can let you know if our team is the right fit for you.

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep.

Dentists, orthodontists, and other oral-health professionals can play an important role not only in identifying children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), but in its treatment as well, and a collaborative approach between oral-health professionals and medical doctors can result in better outcomes for these children.

How do you tell if your child is experiencing OSA? How can a dentist help? Let’s answer these questions today.

What is Sleep Apnea

The term sleep apnea is derived from the Greek etymology meaning “without breath”. Breathing pauses can last anywhere from several seconds to minutes and happen as often as 30 times or more per hour.

There are two main types of this disorder; central sleep apnea (CSA) which occurs when the brain fails to send important signals to the breathing muscles, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which occurs when air cannot flow through the nose or mouth even though the body is still trying to breathe. Obstructive sleep apnea is far more prevalent and easily treatable by the dentist.

It is estimated that 1 – 5% of children are affected by sleep apnea, according to Sick Kids Canada.

 How is Sleep Apnea Treated for Children?

There are various treatments that can be very effective, depending on the cause. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can be surgically removed.

A therapy known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) involves the use of a machine that delivers mild air pressure through a mask worn during sleep to keep the airway open.

Dentistry also can also play a role in treatment. For younger children who are still growing, the use of an orthodontic appliance called a palatal expander has proven helpful in some cases.

A palatal expander gently widens the roof of the mouth (palate) over time by separating bones that don’t permanently fuse together until puberty. It’s most often used to create more room for crowded teeth, but the expansion can also increase airflow.

Older children who have stopped growing can sometimes benefit from Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). This involves wearing a custom-made oral appliance designed to reposition the jaw during sleep so that the tongue is held away from the back of the throat, reducing the potential for obstruction.

The first step is to figure out what’s keeping your child from getting the restful sleep that’s so crucial to good health and well-being. For that to occur, and for your child to receive the best treatment, you will need to see a trained professional.

Getting the Right Help

Although it’s a sleep disorder, dentists treat sleep apnea after a specialist makes the diagnosis. If you have concerns or suspect that your child may be suffering from sleep apnea, our dentists will review their symptoms and make recommendations for further testing and treatment.

For more information about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and the treatment options available for children, contact Treehouse Dental Care today to schedule your next appointment.

Most orthodontic treatments start in a person’s teen years when all permanent teeth have come in and the results are more predictable. However, some young children show a need early on.

When dentists and orthodontists make this evaluation, it doesn’t necessarily mean orthodontics are needed right away. However, monitoring growth patterns can indicate the best opportunity to start treatment to get the best results.

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child has an initial screening from the ages six to eight when first permanent molars have erupted.

But what are the signs that my child should seek attention earlier? And who can help me make that decision?

What Causes Orthodontic Problems

For some cases of misaligned teeth, we can blame genetics or inherited orthodontic issues such as crowded teeth, excessive spacing, bad bites, or protruding teeth. Other causes may be due to injury, early or late loss of baby teeth, or habits like thumb sucking.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of causes, they are some of the most prominent ones.

When Does a Child Need Early Intervention?

Some cases are easy to diagnose and some developmental issues can correct themselves as children grow into their preteen years. It is important to have a professional determine if your child’s oral development is on track or if they need intervention. Some of the issues a dentist may evaluate include:

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Thumb sucking after age five
• Mouth breathing
• Speech impediments
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Protruding teeth
• Shifting of the jaw when opening or closing (cross-bite)
• Crowded front teeth

Early Orthodontic Treatments

The goal of early treatment is to help your child’s jaw to develop correctly, so there is plenty of room for permanent teeth.

Partial braces, palatal expansion, space maintainers, or retainers can all be used to create more space and improve bone growth. These early intervention methods can help eliminate the need for corrective surgery later on and make regular orthodontic procedures shorter and more effective.

Treatments in this stage typically only last about 10-14 months as the mouth continues to grow and shift frequently. Nevertheless, once it is complete, your child will be fitted with a retainer to keep everything in place until it is time to re-evaluate the growth – roughly around the age of 11 or older, after all the permanent teeth have erupted.

Standard Orthodontic Treatments

Once most of your child’s permanent teeth have erupted (around age 11 or older), it is suggested to have your dentist or orthodontist check-in on how the jaw has adapted to previous interventions.

If there are still issues when the 12-year-old molars start to erupt, your child may need further work. However, approximately 70% of early treatment patients will not require extra treatment.

Nevertheless, if there is a need for braces or aligners, your orthodontist can prescribe a treatment plan that can span 18-24 months. After this treatment is complete, a retainer will still need to be worn every night to prevent teeth from moving back to their original position.

Treehouse Orthodontic Care

Orthodontics, like most other dental and medical services, are best used as a preventive measure. Beginning orthodontic treatment early can prevent the development of problems for your child in later years and can stave off costly restorative and reconstructive procedures.

Early treatment may not apply to all orthodontic problems, but it can help in certain cases. With braces having dramatically improved over the past couple of decades, your children can expect them to be more comfortable and more effective than what you might remember as a kid.

With proper planning, a child who has early orthodontics may enjoy better self-confidence, optimal tooth and bite function, improved tooth and jaw alignment, and more stable results.

If your unsure if your child needs early orthodontic work, don’t hesitate to call Treehouse Dental Care for all your services. With orthodontics done in-house, your child’s entire dental care can be handled with familiar and friendly faces.

Let’s get to it.

Our teeth aren’t perfect.

Not when we’re kids, and not when we’re adults. That is why, as Canadians, we spend over $13 Billion annually on dental services.

However, as many of us already know, it is a lot better to PREVENT something than to repair it all together. It is the same for your teeth as it is for your car.

For preventative measures, you might think of flossing and brushing, but there are tools your dentists have at their disposal you may not be aware of.

Dental sealants are one of these procedures we often get questioned upon we wanted to take the time to educate our clients on the wonderful benefits this simple procedure can have for you or your child.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are kinda what they sound like – a coating of sorts that works to keep bacteria and plaque off your teeth’s most vulnerable spots.

In use since the 1970s, dental sealants are most often resin-based or glass ionomer cement (GIC). By colour, dental sealants are too far from modern-day fillings. They can look opaque, clear, or have a slight tint depending on the compound used by your dentist.

Applied to areas where grooves may run deep or pits can occur (such as molars), dental sealants work as a protective barrier against decay. Most commonly, you will find these sealants applied to the occlusal (chewing) surface of our permanent teeth, but that does not mean you can find them in other areas of our teeth.

Luckily, as a preventative measure, dental sealants are often covered by your insurance and only take a quick sit in the dentist chair to apply. If you are unsure if you are covered, you can call us today to have one of our expert staff walk you through what options you may have.

Why Do Dentists Use Sealants?

Believe it or not, Dental Health plays a big factor in our success at work or school. An estimated 2.26 million school days and 4.15 million working days are lost annually due to dental visits or dental sick days.

Children who have tooth decay tend to have problems eating and sleeping, which interferes with attendance and performance in school. Now, we aren’t saying that dental sealants will improve career or educational outcomes, but they certainly prevent health issues that may be a distraction to life’s chores.

In fact, an Ontario report found that for resin-based sealants, only 27% of sealed surfaces were decayed versus 77% of control surfaces after 9 years after placement.

Who Should Get Sealants?

Dental sealants are most often used as a preventative measure against plaque and bacteria build up in the pits of our teeth. Many dentists recommend children to get sealants on their teeth when permanent molars start to arrive around the ages of 5-7, also known as “6-year-old Molars” and once more for their “12-year-old Molars”.

Not as common, but some dentists will recommend for children with specifically deep grooved teeth to have sealants applied before their first molars appear. Nonetheless, dental sealants have become a standard among dentists in the fight against childhood dental carries.

Overall, dental sealants are a fantastic preventative measure against decay and are easy to replace or repair when the time comes. Even adults benefit from the application of dental sealants.

Have More Questions?

It is hard to get to know everything from one blog – we get it!

But don’t let that be the issue stopping you from reaching out to us. If you still have questions on whether sealants are right for your child, or if you wanted to learn more about the procedure, feel free to make an appointment with one of our experts and they will happily introduce you to our staff, and what you and your child can expect in a visit.

Call or book your next appointment online. We look forward to seeing you and your children at one of our Treehouse offices!

While it may be unheard of amongst your family and friends, some children DO take to their hygiene habits quite seriously from an early age.

Obviously, not a habit that we can expect from every child, as we all learn differently, but while you may be a proud parent ready to brag about your kid’s glistening smile, there might be an issue you should be aware of that isn’t often brought up.

Overbrushing.

What is Overbrushing?

To be honest, there isn’t an amount of time or amount of times in a day that we can call overbrushing. Dentists will have their recommendations, however, a lot of the benefits and detriments of brushing come down to simply your technique.

Are you brushing aggressively? Only side-to-side? Do you brush for 1-minute or 5-minutes?

These types of habits will vary between individuals, but there is one commonality between every patient we have seen overbrush and that is their symptoms.

But first – why would overbrushing be a thing in the first place? For some individuals (not pointing fingers), they have only ever been told they haven’t been brushing enough. Let’s take a look at what

Why Would Overbrushing be Bad?

Toothpaste and Their Ingredients

There are two main reasons why overbrushing might be harmful, the first of which is the products we use to clean our teeth.

While it may seem counterintuitive to read all your toothpaste products and think, “This is bad for me”, oral product marketing is not necessarily the say-all-be-all it may try to portray when it comes to protecting your teeth.

Especially when most brands will feature healthy-sounding phrases such as enamel strengthening, sensitivity protection, and any other 5 to 10 benefits they can fit on their packaging. Why would any of this be detrimental?

The truth of it is – toothpaste products are meant to for seldom use.

Plenty of the ingredients are meant to supplement what a good diet can provide for our oral health, as well as practices such as flossing. The problem lies within how much toothpaste you are exposed to.

As we have suggested in earlier blogs, you only need a small pea-sized drop of toothpaste – none of the lengthy globs you see on commercials.

The reason is that toothpaste contains abrasives. In fact, there is even an abrasiveness scale used amongst toothpaste brands and you can find a list of common products used found here.

In practice, these abrasive ingredients are used to scrape away stuck-on plaque and bacteria that might not release from simply your toothbrush bristles. To do so, these ingredients are manufactured to be tough on tartar and plaque, which is why frequent brushing isn’t recommended.

Simply put, these abrasives don’t stop working at just your plaque. They can end up depleting softened enamel, leaving your teeth worse off without being careful of when and how often you brush.

Toothbrush and Technique

The second factor that plays into overbrushing is the technique you or your children implement with your toothbrush. Ultimately, you are looking to gently massage your gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush, however, this isn’t everyone’s preference – nor is it a likely case if you don’t set time aside for dental hygiene.

Some people are just trying to get the job done quickly, thinking that aggressive and fast brushing will seemingly produce the same results as methodically slow brushing. This could not be further from the truth.

Often with aggressive brushers, teeth will be wiped without thought and with an unnecessary amount of force to keep up the pace. But being in a rush is nothing but a deterrent for living your life to its healthiest. Brushing and flossing require your concentration. If not, you are likely to miss teeth, hard to reach places, and even potentially damage your gums due to carelessness.

While this habit might only occur once in a blue moon for you, for far too many it is almost a daily occurrence. When this occurs, plaque and tartar have plenty of time to compound themselves, leading to further degradation of your teeth and gums.

Dental Hygiene Explained

With decades worth of research and a civilizations thirst for inventing useful products, our world has luckily never taken part in as much dental hygiene as it does today.

This is, of course, thanks to all the doctors and patients providing us with the necessary knowledge and data we need to keep our mouths clean. From toothpaste to water flossers, we can stand on the backs of giants and tell you the best way to maintain optimal dental hygiene.

First, see your dentist regularly.

We can’t say this enough. You wouldn’t skip out on your checkups at the Doctor’s office, so why do it at the dentist’s? Hygiene starts with regular dentist visits, and as we all probably know from experience, it’s much better to prevent an issue than it is solving one.

Saying that our next step is to have diligence in our dental habits.

Try not to miss brushing your teeth (twice a day!); floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime so food can sit in your gums for an entire 8 hours. However, flossing is better than not flossing, so find out what time works best for you and you can keep it in your routine.

Lastly, is safety.

This doesn’t just apply to sports, but also your diet. How you might ask?

Well, it is simple enough to agree that you should wear a mouthguard when playing sports – that’s obvious, but, how about brushing your teeth after eating something overly acidic?

While that might sound dangerous to you, your enamel might disagree. Part of a proper dental hygiene routine not only requires you to brush your teeth religiously, it also essential to have the awareness to know when you should brush your teeth.

Unfortunately, our enamel is not the superhero we like to make it out to be – but if it is, then acidic foods are your enamel’s kryptonite.

Acid erosion is all too common with popular soft drinks and sugary foods often eating by today’s youth. Even too much citrus, such as in orange juice, can soften your enamel, leading to a weakened state susceptible to damage from vigorous brushing.

It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after eating to take care of brushing.

If this wait isn’t possible (maybe you’re late for school or work), rinse your mouth with water or milk to adjust the pH back to a more alkaline state. This can also be done with eating foods that are low in carbohydrates and sugar after eating something acidic.

Either way, this will help preserve your enamel’s strength over the years of brushing to come!

Worried About Your Child’s Enamel?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Treehouse Dental Care for any concerns you may have about your child’s dental hygiene or health.

Our team of highly trained professionals are naturals with children and have an appetite for educating anyone on the benefits of proper dental hygiene.

Feel free to give us a call today to book your next appointment or check-up!

Did you know that babies can develop a habit of sucking their thumbs or fingers before they’re even born?

One of human’s natural reflexes, sucking is an involuntary response to touch that is essential for sustaining human life. Generally able to be triggered by touching the roof of your child’s mouth, causing a rhythmic squeeze between their tongue and palate.

However, while sucking is a natural response, it can quickly become a habit that your child uses to soothe themselves with.

As you are most likely aware, many parents will choose to soothe their fussy babies with a pacifier, however, should pacifiers be used in this manner? Are there any downsides to constant pacifier use?

Well, to any repeated motion, there is always risk and damage that can occur, even in something as simple as sucking on a pacifier. So, let’s go through the benefits and risks you may not be aware of when it comes to using pacifiers.

Why Do We Use Pacifiers?

Newborns aren’t perfect. It may come as a surprise to some, but not all bodily actions are there from the start, such as monitoring your own hunger or thirst.

A crying infant only knows the comfort that comes from latching onto parents (known as rooting and is helpful for babies to stay in position during breastfeeding), grasping, and sucking. Each one of these reflexes develops during pregnancy and will dwindle during the 4 – 6 months after birth.

However, during this time, your baby is going to cry.

Like, A LOT.

And that is normal, but not every peep from your newborn is going to be for hunger. Sometimes they just want to be soothed with the best ways they know-how.

This is where pacifiers come in.

The first resemblance of a pacifier was patented in 1901 by Christian W. Meinecke. A disk-shaped shield with a rubber nipple on one side. Christian would dub his invention a “Baby Comforter”.

Over the years, this little object would be simplified with minor adaptations, such as a ring for easier use, and eventually, the entire list of materials was changed, such as the switch to silicone from Indian rubber.

Despite the decades in between now and the pacifier’s invention, there has been little to no real development of the product since the 1950s. Nonetheless, we think this states the efficacy of the product more than anything!

The In’s and Out’s of Pacifiers

As any new parents know, there is no replacement for a quick solution to your infant’s needs. It is why the pacifier is so ubiquitously used amongst parents across cultures. But, while there are serious benefits of pacifier use, there are also some drawbacks.

Let’s go through it to help you determine if pacifier use is for your child.

Pros of Pacifiers

• Soothe Your Baby and Reduce Crying

As mentioned before, the act of sucking is a natural reflex. One that is reinforced through positive reinforcement of food. Understandably, your infant will become responsive to a pacifier much like Pavlov’s famous conditioning experiments.

• Encourages Breastfeeding During Postpartum Depression

Mothers at high risk for PPD often have will experience agitation when dealing with a fussy baby, and that is alright. A pacifier will come in use here as it allows for the baby to self-soothe, giving Mom some much-needed peace in between feedings.

• Distracts from Stresses

You aren’t the only one that has to do with stress. Your newborn has entered a world full of bright lights, rough textures, and strange noises. During their exploration into this fascinating world, they are going to come across situations that they don’t enjoy – such as doctor check-ups and vaccinations. During these difficult situations, it often helps to distract your infant with their favourite pacifier.

Cons of Pacifiers

• Dental Implications

You can’t join our articles without hearing a message from the Dentists! Long-term pacifier use can affect the shape of your teeth and mouth. At a young age, your jaw and gum tissues are fairly malleable when compared to an adult mouth. Therefore, extended pacifier use can create dental problems such as overbite, crossbite, and crooked teeth.

• Dependence

Much like every human on this planet, babies can get addicted to stimuli. However, this does not stop at sugar or treats; pacifier use can also become a crutch for your baby’s comfort. Pacifier use becomes an issue when your child has no other means of self-comfort. To avoid dependence, some experts recommend for parents to start weaning their child from their pacifier use around 1 year of age.

Want More Health and Dental Tips?

Every parent wants what is best for their child, and that is what we try to offer through our informative blogs.

Often, there just isn’t enough time spent at the Dentist to get through all the healthy suggestions our Specialists have to offer, and it is here where we take the time to go through diets, toothbrush suggestions, staying active, and so much more!

Feel free to peruse the rest of our library of practical tips for parents and children by following the link here!

It isn’t uncommon.

A Canadian Health Measures Survey asked over 5000 participants to describe their experiences with oral pain over a range of 12 months.

Roughly 12% (1 out of 8) of respondents reported experiencing tooth or gum pain with slightly more prevalence among females compared to males.

Unsuspectingly, however, the study notes that young adults were among the highest reporting group and adolescents among the lowest.

But what is the source of oral pain? Is it always tooth decay? What can parents do to help themselves or their children get back to comfort?

How Teeth Experience Pain

You wouldn’t expect the hardest material in human bodies to be so susceptible to pain. Able to make any grown man wince, dental discomfort is no laughing matter.

In fact, tooth pain is necessary for both you and your dentist to understand sometimes complex oral health situation.

Just ask Julius Manz, director of the dental hygiene program at San Juan College, New Mexico.

“If you eat something too hot or chew something too cold, or if the tooth is worn down enough where the underlying tissue underneath is exposed, all of those things cause pain, and then the pain causes the person not to use that tooth to try to protect it a little bit more. So, it is really a protective mechanism more than anything,

But how does your tooth experience pain? You might not feel much flicking your tooth with a finger, but a bite into a scoop of ice cream can have you gripping your jaw. What’s the deal?

Well, it comes down to the layers of your teeth and what they do.

Starting from the outermost layer, your hard-white enamel is a non-living structure. By this, we mean that no blood supply is needed for enamel to continue to exist. This layer, therefore, does not have any receptors to feeling pain and enamel acts as a protective barrier.

This is why dentists are so involved with helping to preserve your teeth’s enamel! Travelling inward, we have two more layers. The middle is a fluid-like substance known as dentin (which is alive but without nerves), and the final center of your tooth, the pulp.

It is here where we find the root of our issue (we promise that is the only dentist pun in this post). The pulp is where the tooth connects to your bloodstream for vital nutrients, as well as containing our nerves meant for protecting our teeth.

While these nerves cannot experience hot nor cold sensations, they can translate temperatures as pain.

Tooth decay is usually the first suspect dentists will look for, however, as mentioned, it isn’t the only reason why your teeth could be in pain.

Unfortunately, Other Sources of Pain

It isn’t just the tooth nerves that can feel pain.

Just below your tooth is your periodontal ligament. The purpose of this ligament is to attach the tooth to your jawbone and monitor the sense of chewing, ensuring we can feel our teeth line up.

It is the periodontal ligament that is usually the source of pain during orthodontic treatments.

With all these nerves and ligaments interconnected, it is obvious to see how pain can often become unbearable for patients experiencing extreme symptoms.

Pain can be caused by numerous origins, such as tooth decay, abscessed teeth, a damaged filling, bruxism or grinding, receded gums, as well as periodontal infections.

When Should You See a Dentist?

We always recommend our clients report in immediately if they are experiencing unusual tooth pain. However, in some cases, tooth pain may be fleeting or mild.

So, how can you be sure when to see your dentist?

If your toothache is altering your eating habits, has lasted for more than 24-48 hours, or if your tooth pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or earaches, you should seek attention as soon as possible.

Are You Experiencing Pain?

Chances are, if you’ve been reading this in its entirety, you’re probably looking for a solution to your tooth pain or that of your loved one.

If this is the case, don’t wait to see what home remedies may fix your pain. Often, leaving dental health issues to their own devices will only exacerbate the issue. And of course, no one wants a root canal.

Give Treehouse Dental Care a call today to discuss options for your tooth pain. We’ll help you walk through all the possibilities with an in-depth examination and treatment path designed specifically for your situation.

Everyone’s dental health is personal, and we will make sure to find what is unique to your pain and treat it with the best course of action.

For most of us, the reality is that our kids are going to be home for quite some time.

And while we love seeing our jitterbugs more than normal during our isolation, we can’t help but notice a lot of us were running out of ideas for lunches that are not only healthy but are also quick to make, so we can get back to our busy days working from home.

So, to help all the parents of picky eaters, hectic mornings, and jungle-gym kitchens, here are some recipes and ideas to get you back on top of your lunch schedule, while providing nutritious and delicious meals.

The Assembly Line

While we can’t (and personally wouldn’t want to right now) attend a buffet restaurant, there is certainly something exciting about filling your own plate with all your favourites.

This can be done with taco fillings, assorted vegetables with dips, snacks such as yogurts, and whatever else you feel like snagging off your pantry or refrigerator shelf.

It might not feel like the most extravagant solution, but your children will be happy, as well as engaged, to piece together a mishmash of delectable treats.

As well, wraps and sandwiches are the perfect way to get their hands moving and helping. Set up stations of condiments and toppings and let your kids have fun building the ultimate meal.

As an extra activity, have your little ones write their recipes and name their concoctions. That way you’ll be able to make “Master Mike’s” sandwich every week!

Shish Kebabs (Shashlik)

With summer in full swing, you can be rest assured Canadians have been breaking out their BBQs for weeks.

For lunches, there is no better quick BBQ meal that everyone can enjoy than grilled Shish Kebabs. Skewered meats and vegetables tossed on the grill and cooked together.

What could be simpler than that?

To make it easier on yourself as a parent, try prepping your meats and veggies a night ahead. This will allow you to employ your children to help with the skewering of their own kebabs, as well, it allows you to be creative with your flavours and marinate your meats overnight in the refrigerator.

Eggs

There is no other ingredient that can be used to make so many varying meals. Eggs can be used to create fluffy pancakes to hearty stir-fries.

Not only versatile, but eggs are also quick to cook and can even be prepped ahead for a week of meal planning.

To help create a wide variety of meals with eggs as your centrepiece you’ll need to practice boiling as well as pan cooking. Scrambled, sunny-side up, poached, hard or soft-boiled, emulsification, sauces, desserts. There are so many possibilities and creations that can be made, just get creative!

Shopping Tips to Keep You Going

They say the tip to keep cooking and remaining healthy is dependent upon a stocked kitchen.

A lot of people who find their motivation to make consistent meals will eventually burn out and get upset simply because they were missing one ingredient for a dish. But don’t let little bumps in the road discourage you. Some of the best meals were invented in a pinch!

Take note of your weekly must-haves and restock on them every grocery trip. This can be yogurt, bananas, apples, flour, eggs, bread, etc.

Just make sure to hit all your food groups and purchase healthy carbs and proteins where possible (pears, apples, egg whites, chickpeas etc.)

Another popular tip from fellow COVID isolators around the world is to keep a sourdough starter handy. While making your own bread does take some commitment, the sourdough process helps to break down the anti-nutrients in bread that commercial yeasts cannot.

Lectins and Phytates in bread products block our ability to absorb nutrients and minerals, but the lactobacillus culture found within sourdough makes both these AND gluten easier for us to digest.

So, give it a shot.

Especially if you have ever been concerned with gluten intolerance. This might be your answer to loving bread once again.

Holistic Approach to Health

Healthiness doesn’t stop nor start in the kitchen.

It requires a holistic approach from your diet to mental and physical health. To truly take care of yourself and your children, you’ll need the help of professionals.

And no one is better to have on your side than Treehouse Dental Care!

We are ready to be apart of your whole health team. We’re just a call and consultation away from helping your children live their best lives. Reach out today to set up your first appointment!

As with any costly investment, you want it to be protected and maintained. The same goes for a house, a car…. And braces?

While it may not be as accessible as a corvette in a garage, braces will construct a beautiful smile and exuberant confidence for you or your child.

Nonetheless, while plenty of individuals make the choice for braces, few will keep their investment as clean and tidy as they need to – potentially resulting in gingivitis, halitosis, and several other dental health care issues. Not to mention the potential for braces to become damaged.

So, what are our tips on ensuring your child’s future smile will look stupendous after braces while also taking the best care of this invaluable piece of dental hardware?

Brush Your Braces and Your Teeth

Braces are comparable to having a kitchen strainer strapped to your teeth. Food is going burrow away like never before.

So, while your teeth may be getting straighter, bacteria and food debris will be attracted to your braces like moths to a flame.

It is imperative to brush your teeth, floss, and massage the gum line, as per usual dentist recommendations. However, with the addition of braces, your brushing technique will have to adapt.

Make sure the bristles go in and around wire connections, paying special attention to back molars, where cheek tissue helps trap debris.

Tools of the Trade

Braces pose a barrier between you and your teeth.

The thing is, brushing and flossing doesn’t have to be so hard when you invest in the proper tools.

Pick up floss threaders and Soft-Picks for food debris removal. Purchase an electric toothbrush to help protect the delicate hardware of braces while allowing you to massage your gums. You might find it worthwhile to pick up a water or air flosser for a more mechanical solution to a cleaner mouth.

Whatever you choose, know that your smile will thank you in the long run.

Remember Regular Visits to Your Dentist

Your dentist won’t expect you to get the perfect clean at home. That is why it is recommended to stay on top of your regular dentist visits.

Dental hygienists are trained and have specialized tools made for removing hard stuck-on tartar, cleaning plaque, and getting to the hard to reach nooks and crannies within your mouth.

Consider these check-ups as much needed pampering for your teeth and gums. They will need it!

Guard Yourself

Most of us who had or have braces will be teenagers. Inevitably, they will be active in sports and extra-curriculars outside of school.

While braces materials are made to be strong when realigning your teeth, outward pressure can bend wires and dislodge brackets.

Whenever taking part in physical activity that can result in an injury to the jaw, wear a mouth guard to protect not only your teeth but also your braces, cheeks and gums from potential punctures or tears.

Sweets and Treats

While treats are never great for your teeth, eating hard candy or gummy worm will always be met with pleasure.

When it comes to braces, making a choice for chocolate might be your best choice for healthy teeth. Chocolate melts quickly in any stubborn areas, where something like toffee would easily burrow away and exacerbate plaque growth.

So, review your choices when you decide to treat yourself.

Care After Removal

Once you or your child’s braces are taken off, there is most likely going to be some tooth sensitivity. Think of it as removing a cast after a broken bone. There will be a period of rehabilitation for your jaw to get used to its new position.

This is where retainers come in handy!

This little piece of plastic acts to preserve the hard work braces have pulled over the years. They reinforce your teeth, bone, and soft tissue until they have settled.

The length of time that retainers need to be worn varies in between cases and apparatus chosen. Just follow your orthodontist’s recommendations and do your best to keep an eye on your retainer – they have a knack for going missing.

Not Sure If You Need Braces?

Making the choice for braces is a costly one. For this reason, we always suggest having this discussion with your dentist to see what options are right for you or your child.

As always, Treehouse Dental Care is here to answer any questions and help assess the need for orthodontic therapy. Book your virtual consultation today!

Difficult to ignore, humans can seemingly catch a whiff of bad breath from a room away. While we may be able to avoid the malodour of a client or passerby, bad breath, also known as Halitosis, becomes a bigger nuisance when you can’t hide away from it – like with a spouse or child.

In moments like these, it is best to let your loved ones know about their rancid breath to save them some embarrassment. Especially considering that it is difficult to monitor one’s own breath.

However, if your child has frequent bad breath, it might be a sign of a much bigger issue. Let’s go through what causes bad breath (halitosis), how to treat it, and where to reach out for a solution.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Halitosis is common among children. This isn’t because their bodies are more susceptible to bacteria or that their mouth biomes are adjusting, but simply because children aren’t the best brushers.

Who is to blame them? They are learning after all!

But beyond poor dental hygiene and its inevitable plaque buildup, halitosis has a surprising number of drivers. Even with optimal oral hygiene, your child can still experience stinky breath.

So, what can cause bad breath?

• Poor oral hygiene
• Acid Reflux
• Dry mouth/Dehydration
• Retainers and Dentures
• Cavities
• Loose or Dead Teeth
• Chronic Lung and Sinus Infections
• Diseases – Diabetes, Kidney disorders, Liver disease
• Periodontal Disease
• Certain Medications

As you can see, there are innumerous conditions that cause our mouths to excrete a less than favourable odour. It is up to you and your dentist to uncover what might be the source of your child’s chronic bad breath.

How is Halitosis Dealt With?

First off, the initial solution for halitosis should be to look at dental hygiene technique (don’t forget the tongue!), diet, and habits. If your child just wets their brush and hides away from taking care of their smile, it is to no surprise that they would have bad breath.

But if halitosis is chronic, despite brushing and flossing, you will want to see a dentist as soon as possible to uncover the underlying cause.

Some bad breath catalysts will be worse than others, but it is never recommended to leave the issue to fester.

If your dentist cannot find the root cause of your child’s bad breath, the next step is generally being referred to as an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor – or ENT for short).

These doctors are specialized in dealing with diseases and conditions that affect our fundamental life sustaining-skills (eating, breathing, etc.). With their specialization comes a whole lot of equipment that dentists simply don’t have.

If referred to an ENT, they will primarily be concerned with conditions such as tonsillitis, post-nasal drip, sinusitis, rhinitis, and many other diseases that deal with the nose and throat.

Depending on the severity, an ENT’s solution might be antibiotic treatments to surgery.

Want a Professional to Take a Look?

Sometimes the problem is out of our hands. When it comes to oral health, that is why you trust the professionals.

Treehouse Dental Care has helped countless children and teens better their oral health, bringing confidence into their everyday!

If your child suffers from chronic halitosis, give us a call and Treehouse Dental Care team will get to the bottom of it!

There is nothing more terrifying in the world than thinking of our children possibly catching a disease.

However, most children (and even adults) experience bleeding of the gums during regular dental hygiene at one point in their life.

If you or your child’s gums are bleeding from flossing or brushing, you have Gingivitis; a form of periodontal disease.

Don’t be too alarmed. Gingivitis can be combated with simple education and overlooking your child’s brushing habits.

But as you know from us already, knowledge is most of your battle!

So, let’s go through what exactly is gingivitis, what it can lead to, and what are the causes of this fairly common periodontal disease.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the same, whether it affects an adult or a child.

From a medical standpoint, gingivitis is a common and mild form of periodontal disease (sometimes referred to as gum disease). In more generic terms, gingivitis is a bacterial infection within our gums that leads to bleeding, inflammation, and potentially, more chronic forms of periodontal diseases.

In fact, if we break it down the word into its root terms, Gingiva means gums, and -itis means inflammation.

The disease itself onsets from poor dental hygiene practices, such as a lack of brushing, flossing, and/or visits to the dentist. Without proper oral care, food debris from our meals will lodge itself underneath the gum line.

These bad habits result in a build-up of plaque in and around our gum tissue. If left long enough, the plaque will harden into what is known as Tartar.

At this juncture, a regular toothbrush won’t do you any good. You will need to see a dentist to have your teeth cleaned thoroughly. With enough time, your gums will heal back to their resilient selves.

With all this information, it is easy to see how children would be more susceptible to catching gingivitis, as children are often brushing without proper technique and sometimes not at all.

Is Poor Dental Hygiene the Only Cause?

While our dental habits certainly influence the majority of cases, gingivitis can stem from a variety of different causes beyond missing a brush or two.

These can include gene mutations, poor diet, prescription medication, type 1 diabetes, hormonal changes (I.E. puberty), kindler syndrome, and mouth breathing (drying of the gums).

The first steps for preventing and treating gingivitis will always be looking at oral habits, however, if you truly believe your child has been doing their best, health care practitioners can help uncover other possible illnesses for the source.

What Happens if Gingivitis Gets Worse?

Before we dive into it, know that treating gingivitis by following dental healthcare professional’s instructions will usually prevent further complications.

However, if left untreated, gingivitis can spread, evolve; and deteriorate soft tissues, teeth, and even bone (the more serious condition known as periodontitis). Eventually, periodontitis will result in a loss of teeth and will require restorative surgery to combat the symptoms.

As well, several studies have linked mouth diseases and plaque to increased risk of cardiovascular health.

According to Harvard Health, “people with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events.”

This all stems from chronic inflammation. Over the short term, acute inflammation is a defence mechanism that is a response to our immune cells attacking bacteria and irritants, which aids in healing. But with no end, inflammation can be the catalyst for many health problems.

How to Stop Gingivitis

As we have said, time-and-time, listen to your dentist!

Brush twice daily, floss at night, and make regular visits to your dentist. This will help keep you and your child’s mouths free of plaque, tartar, and food debris, allowing our miraculous bodies to do their things!

If it has been a while since you have seen your dentist or are looking for a new one, call Treehouse Dental Care today to discuss availability!

Some things never change.

But when it comes to your dental health, adapting your habits as you age is crucial for a lifetime of healthy smiling!

Brushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and flossing tools can often be marketed towards children, but are they any different than what we use as adults?

Of course!

So, let’s go through the best dental hygiene tips for your kids, no matter their age!

Dental Hygiene for Infants

Your new addition to the family might not have sprouted their first tooth, but that doesn’t mean their teeth are not there!

In fact, babies are born with a complete set of teeth underneath the gum line, ready to erupt when their time comes.

If you want an approximation, you can expect newborns to get their first tooth around the age of 6 months, but there are plenty of dental hygiene practices you should be aware of before this point!

For the first year, your child will most likely be fed milk and/or formula. After feeding, it is important to always wipe down your infant’s gums with a cloth moistened with water.

Gently massaging the gum tissue during this age helps to deter inflammation caused by bacteria. This action will also come in handy at about 4 months when babies can start teething (we recommend using cold water at this pivotal moment, as it will help to ease their pain).

However, don’t consider this pain to be a detrimental stage in their life. We all have growing pains sooner or later, and teething is a natural process moving towards your child’s first tooth.

Once you notice a tooth emerge, you can start using a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants. It was once recommended for parents to use fluoride-free toothpaste, however, if you’re using less than a grain of rice worth of toothpaste you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

If you are concerned about your infant’s fluoride intake, you can lean your child forward during brushing to let any excess toothpaste dribble out of their mouth.

Hygiene Tips for Toddlers

Around 30 months of age, your toddler will likely be smiling with all their primary (baby or deciduous) teeth in place!

While this is certainly an exciting event for parents, it is also a sign that your child should be brushing with more toothpaste (roughly the pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste).

At this stage, children will also start gaining the ability to spit, decreasing the likelihood of swallowing toothpaste. However, be mindful of using flavoured brands.

Flavoured toothpaste can certainly help entertain the notion of your child brushing themselves, but stress the importance of never swallowing your toothpaste, no matter how good it may taste.

Also, it is worth mentioning that with more teeth in a mouth, plaque-causing bacteria have more places to nestle and do damage. Flossing should start when your child has any two teeth touching each other, but most children will need help until the age of 8 or 10.

Dental Tips for Teens

At this point, you’ll be happy to know that pretty much all teens can take care of their own teeth. However, this doesn’t mean they are doing a good job.

Plenty of upbeat young adults will go about their fun-filled lives, missing a brushing or two along the way. While it may not be the biggest issue to them, as dentists, we can tell when our patients have been skipping their daily routines.

As a parent, you can help them remember by telling them to set alarms on their phones, or by mentioning their breath/hygiene.

We have spoken about it before, but teenagers are usually obsessed with looks and trying to fit in. While we need to teach our children confidence in their own skin, it is alright to use this natural tendency as leverage to increase their dental hygiene frequency.

General Dental Tips for Any Age

Now that we have age specifics out of the way, we can talk strictly about brushing techniques and random facts that you may have not known about ageing teeth.

1. Using both manual and electric toothbrushes can provide an overall better clean than just using one or the other.
2. Proper brushing technique not only reduces plaque build-up, but also helps to massage gums, lowering inflammation and infection. To get the most out of your brushing routine, your bristles should be at a 45° angle from your gumline, ensuring contact on your gum tissue and teeth. Brush away from the gum line in a rolling motion downwards 2-3 times for each tooth touched.
3. As you age, your enamel will become thinner revealing the yellow dentin layer beneath. This does NOT mean you aren’t brushing properly. It is the natural progression of our teeth as we age.
4. Only a fraction of your mouth is your teeth. Adding mouthwash to your oral care routine helps to reduce mouth bacteria found on your tongue, cheeks, and gums!

Want to Learn More?

Education surrounding dental health is always evolving as we uncover more and more about our mouth’s role in our greater health.

Because of this, we as dentists are always learning too! For more resources on your child’s oral health and hygiene, head over to our blog or FAQ page, filled with learning material for parents and your little one.

Or, if your family prefers hands-on-learning, book an appointment to visit Treehouse Dental Care today.

We always look forward to chatting about healthy smiles!