Sealants are a quick and non-evasive procedure that provides a great barrier against cavities!

• Brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. However, the bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to remove food and plaque.
• Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food.
  A plastic material usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where cavities occurs most often.
• The sealant, a plastic resin, is painted onto the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
• It protects the enamel from plaque and acids. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay.
• Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and may last several years before a reapplication is needed.
• The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.

Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy mouth are:

1. Brushing twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste
2. Cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner
3. Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks
4. Visiting your dentist regularly

Ask your dentist about whether sealants can put extra power behind your prevention program

Did you know that you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months? Bristles that become frayed and worn are less effective at cleaning your teeth. That means, celebrating the new year with a brand new toothbrush is actually smart dental hygiene.
Here are some New Year Resolutions:

1. Start brushing 2minutes 3x. Always brush three a day for two minutes for healthier teeth, good breath, fewer cavities, and to avoid painful dental problems.
2. Floss daily. Flossing is part of being mouth healthy.
3. Chew sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.
4. Eat a healthy diet. Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
5. Drink fluoridated water. Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that cause cavities.
6. See your dentist. Regular dental visits will help you be cavity-free!

Fluoride is often called nature’s cavity fighter and for a good reason. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps prevent cavities in children & adults by making the outer surface of your teeth (enamel) more resistant to the acid attacks that cause tooth decay.

• Before teeth break through the gums, the fluoride taken in from foods, beverages and dietary supplements makes tooth enamel stronger, making it easier to resist tooth decay. This provides what is called a “systemic” benefit.
• After teeth erupt, fluoride helps rebuild (remineralize) weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, or use other fluoride dental products, the fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth. This provides what is called a “topical” benefit.
• In addition, the fluoride you take in from foods and beverages continues to provide a topical benefit because it becomes part of your saliva, constantly bathing the teeth with tiny amounts of fluoride that help rebuild weakened tooth enamel.

Accidents can happen during any physical activity. The pros of using a mouthguard during sports are that it can help limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to your lips, tongue, and soft tissues of your mouth. Mouthguards also help you avoid chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, or even tooth loss. Your mouth guard should be resilient, tear-resistant, and comfortable.
Your dentist can help balance between initial discomfort and a proper fit so the plastic doesn’t rub the cheeks or gums and cause irritation.
Mouthguards are recommended for acrobatics, basketball, bicycling, boxing, extreme sports activities, hockey, football, gymnastics, skating, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, skateboarding, skiing, soccer, softball, squash, volleyball, weight lifting, and wrestling, just to name a few. Have regular checkups and bring your mouthguard along so the dentist can make sure it’s in good condition and is a proper fit.

For more information visit www.cdha.ca and/or www.oda.com

Welcome to the Prince William Way Dental Blog!
We are very pleased to announce that we have just celebrated our One Year Anniversary! Thank you so much to all of our fantastic clients who have continued to trust us with their dental needs and have referred so many of their friends and family. Referrals really are the heart of our business and the trust you show in us by referring the special people in your life, are showing us we are “doing dental right”.
If you are currently in need of an appointment please call and speak with our front desk staff. They are ready to book an appointment at your earliest convenience. We are open evenings and Saturdays and will be happy to get a date to fit your busy lifestyle. Stay tuned for some great dental tips and answers to questions  you may have wanted to ask, coming up in future blog postings. Until then, keep flossing! We hope to see you soon!

Welcome to the dental care blog of Prince William Way Dental – the dental office for the entire family! We’re currently in the process of getting things up and running, so sit tight while we work our magic. Until then, from everyone of us at Prince William Way Dental, have a safe and happy holidays – and a happy new year!