Preventative dental care

The dentists at Sunridge Family Dental believe prevention is better than the cure. Our goal is to maintain our natural teeth for a lifetime.

Building a routine to follow for lifetime

1. Brushing and flossing teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste
2. Limiting daily sugar intake
3. Limiting acidic foods that may wear down our teeth
4. Abstain from cigarettes and products that contain tobacco 
5. Routine visits with your dentist and dental hygienist 

3 common ways teeth are lost are through: 

1. Gum disease - Can present in many different ways, it is usually associated with bleeding in the gums. Over time, this inflammation if not controlled can melt the bone that surrounds the teeth leading to loose teeth
2. Cavities -  Often caused by a combination of bacteria in our mouth and sugar in the food we eat. As they mix it produces an acid which forms a hole in the tooth which is called a cavity. If left untreated with a filling the cavity progresses from the outside of our tooth towards the nerve. If this happens it can cause a toothache and can lead to root canal treatment or even worse tooth loss. Therefore, it is prudent to maintain good oral hygiene and maintain regular cleaning and check ups
3. Parafunctional Habits - A common one we see is called bruxism.  This is where a patient is either grinding or clenching their teeth subconsciously. Overtime, this can wear away the tooth enamel causing potholes in the teeth that cause sensitivity. It may also damage neighboring restorations or crowns. Often it may cause pain in the jaw or face where the muscles are tired/tight where we cannot completely open or close our mouth. We may recommend a guard that goes in the mouth to help get some pressure off the teeth and jaw joints. 

Give us a call at (587) 355-6060