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As parents, we are always looking out for what’s best for our children.

But when it comes to overall health (your kids or your own), there is a lot of misinformation distributed throughout social media, blogs, and self-help literature.

So much so, it is easy to see why anyone would have a headache trying to sift through facts backed with data, and “facts” that might be downright bad advice.

Today, we wanted to focus on one aspect of children’s health that is often marketed towards in commercials, and that is vitamins and minerals.

You know – those Flintstone’s Gummies that we have all had at one point in our lives.

But are they necessary? Will vitamins improve my child’s well being?

So, Should My Child Take Vitamins, Minerals, Or Other Supplements?

The answer is: We will need more information.

In most cases, vitamins from over the counter, or any sort thereof, are not necessary for most children to be healthy.

While there are certain circumstances where nutrient deficiencies can occur, physicians will make recommendations for dietary changes before anything else.

As one might assume, nutrients and vitamins are a lot more efficient for our bodies when received through a balanced diet.

One can liken the relationship of vitamins from a food source to white flour vs. whole wheat. White flour strips away the bran and extra nutrients within wheat to yield the useful starch in the middle.

Vitamins are similar in the fact that they can provide you with your daily nutrients, albeit they skip out on the fibre, antioxidants, healthy bacteria, and other nutritious components within our food that contribute to well-being.

It is all these pieces that combine to make a complete a balanced diet.

As well, know that plenty of foods come fortified with different vitamins and minerals to provide your children with their much-needed nutrients.

Calcium and vitamin D are often found in fortified orange juice. Yogurts can be made with essential probiotics for our gut health.

As long as you’re not dealing with an incredibly picky eater or a child who only has a few nibbles before being “full”, they should be receiving the important nutrients they need.

When Should My Child Need to Take Vitamins?

As stated earlier, in most cases your child should be fine with a well-balanced diet, but there are situations where one might temporarily (or continuously, in rare circumstances) supplement with vitamins.

Picky Eater or Nibbler

If you struggle to get your kid to eat any form of greens or your child takes two bites before they complain they’re full, then supplementing a diet (for a time being!) can be a great way to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

With that being said, this solution should only be temporary!

Vitamins and supplements can never replace a balanced diet and parents should work with their physicians to help find solutions to their children’s pickiness or lack of eating.

Certain Illnesses

Fundamentally, we cannot rule out diseases and other illnesses that cause your body difficulty when absorbing or processing vitamins from regular food sources. These can include diabetes, celiac disease,

However, these ailments will often be discovered by a physician and/or specialist, at which point, a strategy will be put in place to mitigate or eliminate the source of your child’s issue.

What Nutrients Support a Healthy Smile?

3 main nutrients contribute to a healthy smile.

All working in tandem; calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus attribute to the formation and maintenance of our teeth.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D has an especially important job of regulating our absorption of calcium and phosphorus within our bodies. Available in little foods (some fruits and vegetables, egg yolks, or enriched products), the main source for vitamin D is through exposure to the sun.

As a Canadian can imagine, we’re often subjected to days without sun for about 6 months of the year when winter takes hold. That is why Toronto-based registered dietitian, Nazima Qureshi, recommends supplements to handle our unique geographical conditions.

Qureshi further explains that you should also ensure your vitamin choice says vitamin D3, as “that is the one that’s more bioavailable for your body.” If you wanted to know more advanced specifics of Canadian’s Vitamin D and Calcium uptake, you can find it on the Government of Canada’s website.

Calcium

A quintessential building block for a healthy smile and our bones, calcium strengthens enamel with the help of phosphorus. Foods that you can add to your diet include dairy products (cheese, yogurt, low sugar milk), brown rice, beans, green vegetables (broccoli, peas, leafy greens), and nuts.

Phosphorus

Without phosphorus, our gums and jaws would not be able to function. In fact, enamel, dentin, the cementum, and alveolar bone is the only occurrence within the body where phosphates can be found so abundantly, giving our mouths a unique place to study phosphorus metabolism disorders.

Luckily, phosphorus is abundantly found from seafood to beef, pork, and eggs. For plant-based sources, families can choose lentils, seeds such as pumpkin, and soybeans.

The Other Guys

While these vitamins might not play as large or noticeable role as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, they nonetheless contribute to oral health.

They include vitamin A for healthy gums and mucous membranes, vitamin K for teeth and bone protection, and vitamin C for the formation of blood vessels that support our teeth and other key areas.

Want to Know More?

Staying up-to-date on health advancements and trends can be timely and exhausting to keep up with. Especially since there seems to be expanding and conflicting information released weekly.

The good news is Treehouse Dental Care can be your trusted source for oral health-related news for yourself and your children.

Follow along with our blog as we explore ways on how you can support your child’s optimal oral health!

For some, a visit to the dentist can be an anxiety-filled experience. Teeth clenching and body sweat-inducing, fear of dental appointments are quite common, especially amongst children. This anxiety can be so bad that people will skip their dentist visits regularly. 

Luckily, dentists are aware of these fears and have ways to reduce the anxiety of their patients enough for invasive procedures to be completed without complications. 

The most common practice to lull patient distress is through sedation dentistry – the use of medication to help patients relax, and sometimes even sleep, through their dental procedures.  

If your child has never experienced sedation dentistry you might have some concerns. Is it safe for children? What type of sedation will be used? And what are some side effects or conditions associated with sedation dentistry? 

Well, let’s get to it. 

Types of Sedation

Depending on your dental history, you may have only experienced one or two forms of dental sedation, however, there are ranges of sedation as well as different types of sedation that dentists can use.

In terms of ranges, sedation can range from minimal to deep – from fully awake and a bit relaxed, to fully unconscious and unaware of the procedure taking place. 

Typically, the range of sedation will be dependent on your comfortability and the type of dental work being done (for example, tooth extraction vs dental cleaning). You may find that you or your child only needs local anesthesia for a simple procedure, where another individual may need to be unconscious due to anxieties and fears. 

Types of sedation include oral, inhaled, or intravenous (IV) sedation. Pills are often used when minimal to moderate sedation is required. It is possible for a child or adult to fall asleep during this style of sedation, but fear not, patients are easily waked.

Inhaled sedation is probably the most common technique, especially for pediatric dentists. As the name suggests, specific gases are passed into the cardiovascular system via the lungs. 

In dentistry, inhale sedation is synonymous with laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide/oxygen. Laughing gas has a long history of safety in providing conscious sedation and is traditionally used to calm anxious patients. Inhaled sedation, however, is not a replacement for local anesthetics.

The last sedation technique is done intravenously, where medicine is passed directly into the bloodstream. IV sedation is genuinely reserved for adults and cases of surgeries. Just like dentists, needles don’t favour well amongst children, but IV sedation will be the most accurate dose possible and allows for dentists to adjust sedation levels on the go. 

Regardless of the type of sedation, most procedures will include a local anesthetic to numb the pain at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth.  

Who is Sedation Dentistry Suitable for?

If your child is ever anxious or fidgety around dental visits, sedation might be right for them. For a dentist to do their job accurately, the patient needs to sit still for a while, and that is not always possible when it comes to extreme anxiety.

Other cases of sedation can include those with poor gag reflexes, low pain thresholds, or extremely sensitive teeth. 

In some scenarios, a dentist may even recommend sedation where a large amount of dental work is needed to be completed. 

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

In general, sedation dentistry is very safe, however, that does not mean there are no concerns to be aware of. 

Certain people, such as those who are obese, experience obstructive sleep apnea, or have diabetes can develop complications from anesthesia. 

It is important to speak to your pediatric dentist about your child’s pre-existing health concerns and medical history to ensure they are suitable for sedation dentistry. 

Where Can I Learn More About Sedation Dentistry?

The best way to learn about sedation dentistry for children is to get it straight from the horse’s mouth. Treehouse Dental Care is more than happy to ensure comfortability for both you and your child by providing you all the information you would ever need on our sedation techniques. 

We pride ourselves on personable and professional care for each one of our patients, and that includes keeping our patients educated on our processes. If you have any questions for us, call today! 

As parents, we all have had our days where our child refuses to brush their teeth. It can almost feel like nothing will motivate them to take care of their oral health.

Nevertheless, we have picked up a trick or two that we are more than happy to share with struggling parents. Some will involve your participation, others will involve some creativity, but whatever keeps your kid healthy is worth it in our books.

Here are some of our favourite ways to keep brushing exciting and an activity your kid looks forward to!

Turn tooth care into a family affair by getting everyone together for bedtime brushing.

When kids see their parents and older siblings get excited about brushing their teeth, they can’t help but feel the same way.

Gathering in the bathroom to brush teeth and floss after dinner is a great way to make sure everyone in your family is getting in their bedtime brushing. This is also incredibly helpful to keep kids accountable when it’s been a long day and the temptation to skip brushing is there.

Take a Trip to the Store for a New Toothbrush

A fun toothbrush can be a motivating factor to encourage your child to brush more frequently. Plan a trip to the store with your child so that they can view the many themed toothbrushes that are offered. Often, they will choose a theme to match their favorite cartoon character or superhero. Picking a toothbrush helps the child to feel engaged in the decision to brush their teeth.

Incorporate Oral Health into Story Time

Finding different times of the day to reinforce the importance of tooth brushing can make a difference when you are rushing around at night or in the morning. For example, pick books out that encourage good oral hygiene and read them together

Try Some Experiments

Visuals and experiments are great ways to help children learn lifelong oral hygiene habits. Since children can’t see plaque, it can be hard for them to understand why they need to brush their teeth. To give them a good visual, you can buy plaque disclosing tablets at the pharmacy. When your child chews one of these tablets, it will dye the plaque on their teeth so they can see it and brush it away. Another great experiment involves eggs and soda. Have your child place hard-boiled eggs in soda. Leave the egg in the soda for a few days so your child can physically see what happens to teeth when you drink soda and don’t brush.

Play “Dentist”

Some very young kids might feel afraid of a toothbrush or having a dentist examine their mouths. This is completely normal and can make for a great opportunity to play with your child.

Role-playing as a dentist and allowing your child to brush your teeth or look in your mouth shows them there’s nothing to fear. You can even purchase toy dental kits online to really make playtime feel more realistic. As your child grows more confident you can take turns being the dentist and the patient.

The Most Important Tool

When dealing with a fussy brusher, it may feel impossible to keep their oral health at its best. It won’t be the end of the world if they miss one brushing, however, skipping out on dentist visits can be worse. After all, we are here to help when parents might not know what to do.

If you need assistance in educating your little one on how brushing their teeth is important or just haven’t been to the dentist in a while, give Treehouse a call and we will be more than happy to book your child in.

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!