Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Healthy Snack Ideas and Tips to Maintain Healthy Teeth


If you want to maintain strong teeth for your lifetime, you need to ensure you are eating enough whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and raw vegetables and lean meats.

Some Other Healthy Snack Choices Include:


  • nuts and seeds
  • peanut butter
  • cheese
  • plain yogurt
  • popcorn

Acid Erosion and Dental Decay:

There are some drinks and snacks that are bad for your teeth and may contribute to acid erosion. Acid erosion happens when food or drink with a low PH level (more acidic) are consumed. That acid can linger in your mouth, taking the minerals away and softening the surface of your teeth. This makes your teeth more susceptible to damage and often leads to increased sensitivity and may require treatment. The big offenders seem to be soft drinks, orange juice, and lemonade.

Nutrition Tips

  • Try to avoid acidic food and drink between meals; there isn't as much saliva in your mouth at these times to protect your teeth (saliva is the mouth's natural cleanser).


  • Don't clean your teeth right after eating. If you brush while your oral PH balance is low and more acidic, you can brush some of your tooth surface away. If you wait about an hour the saliva will help your teeth battle and balance the acidic environment so it is safe to brush.
  • Try to finish your breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a little cheese or milk as these products help cut down on the acid in your mouth.


A Little Note About Sweets!

When it comes to your teeth, it's not about the amount of sweets you eat, but the length of time that you leave your teeth exposed to sweets. So it's better to eat sweets at mealtimes rather than between meals, as the amount of saliva produced at mealtimes will help protect your teeth.

If you cannot avoid sweets between meals, choose something with less sugar like those listed above. Sticky sweets like toffee or hard candy should be avoided as snacks.


--Sara Agnew, RDH

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Are Your Teeth Appearing Taller?

As we age there is no reason why your smile has to be 'long in the tooth'! It is not the case that as we age our gums naturally recede. If you notice that your crowns are getting longer it is important to have your dentist examine your teeth.

What Causes Gums to Recede?
Some reasons include:

  • Overaggressive brushing - your enamel at the gum line can be worn away by scrubbing the sides of the teeth.
  • Lack of proper oral hygiene - without regular brushing and flossing bacteria builds up in between the teeth.
  • Using chewing tobacco adversely affects the mucus membrane lining in your mouth and can cause your gums to recede.
  • A poorly placed tongue or lip piercing can cause your gums to recede.
Receding gums can be difficult to detect and will occur over time. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms contact your dentist:
  • Increased sensitivity to hot, cold or touch.
  • Teeth appear 'longer' than they once did.
  • Roots are exposed an visible.
  • Tooth feels notched at the gum line
  • Change in tooth colour.
  • Spaces between teeth seem to be growing.
  • Cavities below the gum line.
The key to treating receding gums is to identify the cause. Once identified treatment can often times be quite simple. If overaggressive brushing is the cause switching to a softer toothbrush and using a gentler brushing technique can help. If poor plaque control is the issue regular dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene are a must. In more severe cases we may have to perform an in office procedure which will halt the bacteria's destruction of your gums and bone.

With some easy steps and regular consultations with your dentist your smile and beautiful gumline can last you a lifetime.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Link Between Oral Health and Heart Health

Oral health is important for your overall health! Many people are living with gum disease and don't even know it! Often patients feel fine as gum disease is not painful and they avoid going to the dentist.

Today, I am going to discuss how your oral health can affect your heart health.

Studies have found people with gum disease in moderate to advanced stages are at a greater risk for heart disease than someone with healthy gums. The spread of bacteria is what links oral health and heart disease. The bacteria in your mouth travels from your mouth to other parts of your body through the blood stream. When the bacteria from your mouth travels through the blood stream it attaches to areas of the heart causing inflammation. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, this can occur from the bacteria in your mouth traveling to the heart.

People with chronic gingivitis and periodontal disease (gum disease) have a high risk for heart disease caused from poor oral health. Especially if the oral health condition is unmanaged.

What to look for in your mouth to help determine if you have gum disease:

  • Red, swollen gums.
  • Your gums bleed when you brush, floss or eat.
  • You see pus around the gums and teeth.
  • Your gums look like they are pulling away from your teeth.
  • You experience a bad taste or odour in your mouth.
  • Your experiencing loose teeth or feel like spaces are opening between your teeth.

How to prevent gum disease that is related to heart health:

  • Brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes each time.
  • Floss daily!
  • Drink plenty or water. (6 to 8 glasses a day)
  • Visit your dental hygienist regularly for a professional cleaning (every 3 to 6 months)

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Movember!

 
 
November is Movember, a month of action to help stop men dying too young. The team at Dr. Ian Gray Dental Group, once again is proud to sport a mustache to support this cause. Please consider giving a donation to the Movember Foundation. Thank you!
Click here to learn see the rest of the team!

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

6th Annual Food Drive


Fall Sun Catcher


 
 
What you will need:
  • fall leaves
  • fishing line
  • Mason jar lids (just the outside rings)
  • scissors
  • colorful beads
  • a hole punch
How to make:

Punch holes in the leaves and string with a one to two foot length of fishing line, securing with a knot.

Invite your child to string on as many, or as few, beads as she or he would like. When the lengths are finished, they can tie them onto the mason lid. About four or five beaded leaf strings creates a nicely balanced mobile. Finish things off with a one to two foot piece of ribbon or twine for hanging in an entry way or corner of a room near a window.

Happy Fall!!


Jennifer Bergeron 

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Loaf


 
 
Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
Recipe
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (Grease a 8-1/2x4-1/2-inch loaf pan.
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl.
  3. Beat eggs, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Beat in pumpkin and oil. Add flour mixture; mix until batter is blended and smooth.
  4. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is dark brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, about 70 minutes. Let cool in the pan, about 30 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack and slice it into 1-inch thick slices.
This bread freezes perfectly. Simply seal any leftover slices in a resealable plastic bag or wrap them in plastic and pop them into the freezer. To serve, microwave one frozen slice on high for about 45 seconds and it'll taste like it just came out of the oven!

Kristine Lundy
RDH

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Tooth Staining

 
A smile is usually the first thing people notice and can cause a huge impact on peoples self esteem, and can be a source of embarrassment if color is the issue. Color of teeth are particularly a huge importance in a lot of people and is one of the largest reasons people seek dental treatment to improve their appearance. If the known cause of the staining can be determined, it can determine the proper dental treatment to achieve the best possible results.

There are two types of tooth staining:
  1. Intrinsic staining: are created from an impression of the person's gums and teeth. They provide the best protection due to their custom fit, comfort and cushioning effect. They are custom made by a dental professional.
  2. Extrinsic Training: can be purchased at sports stores and molded at home. The sports guard material is softened in boiling water and then formed directly on the upper teeth. They cost less than custom guards but do not fit well and provide limited protection.
The source of the stain can often be identified by color, life style, diet, oral self care which helps determine the most effective way for removal.
  • Yellow: Plaque buildup on tooth due to lack of oral hygiene. Treatment: Proper home care to remove plaque.
  • Green: Most common in children with enamel irregularities; inadequate daily plaque removal. Treatment: Proper home care and removal.
  • Black line: A persistent stain from iron in saliva or oral solution. Treatment: professional scaling and polishing.
  • Brown: Tobacco tar, food, and beverage pigmentation, lack of brushing. Treatment:Professional scaling and polishing.
  • Yellowish brown: Stannous fluoride and chlorhexidene in mouth rinse. Treatment:Professional scaling and polishing
  • Orange: Chromogenic  bacteria from very poop oral hygiene. Treatment: Professional cleaning and proper plaque removal at home.
  • Blue-green: Exposure to mercury and led dust. Treatment: Professional cleaning
Proper oral hygiene is key in keeping a healthy smile. If you have concerns regarding the color of your own teeth, ask your dental hygienists for the right action plan for you to achieve a smile you can be proud of.

Sara Haire
RDH

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

What's new in the office?


Comprehensive care to dental emergencies we've got you covered!
How do I know when I need to see the dentist? Is this an emergency?

If you've had injury to your teeth or gums. If you experience trauma that causes swelling, pain, laceration (more than a small cut) or displacement of your teeth. You should seek dental treatment as soon as possible, call your dentist they will go over your symptoms and prioritize you seeing the dentist. Sometimes the results of an impact are not noticeable at first but can develop over the following weeks, when in doubt it is best to have an x-ray of the area to check for trauma to the root area of the teeth evolved.
Or you could give out a toothbrush, that's what Dr. Gray gives out!

If you have pain and/or swelling. You should see your dentist, don’t put it off. Pain and swelling are signs of infection, which can be serious and lead to not only tooth loss but also serious medical complications if left untreated.

If you have an abscess. You may notice a pimple like blister or swelling, on you gum above the tooth involved, this likely indicates an abscess. An abscess is a serious infection which should be treated right away; it can lead to tooth loss and serious medical complications if left untreated. 

If you have broken tooth or lost filling without pain. This is not a serious emergency, but you should see your dentist to have it fixed before it gets worse. Once a filling comes out, or a tooth breaks it is more susceptible to further damage and infection if not taken care of, and may become unrestorable (unsaveable).

If you have unexplained bleeding from your mouth. Unless you have caused trauma (bit your cheek etc.) your mouth should not bleed, if it does this is likely caused by gum disease, which and lead to tooth loss and medical implications such as heart disease.  Make an appointment with your dentist or dental hygienist for a thorough exam. 



Kim Thompson
Practice Manager

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Easy Halloween Lanterns

Easy Halloween Lanterns
 
 
Easy Halloween Lanterns - Materials:
  • clean Jam Jar (the bigger the better)
  • orange or yellow tissue paper
  • decoupage glue or PVA watered down
  • black paper
  • paint brush
  • candle or electric tea light
Easy Halloween Lantern - How To:
  • Make sure you jars are cleaned properly
  • Cut your tissue paper into squares - 2inch x 2inch is good)
  • Cover the glass in glue and start applying your tissue paper
  • You will need 3-4 layers - lighter colors like yellow, will need more
  • Keep adding glue as necessary
  • Cut out some Jack O'Lanter faces out of black paper
  • Use your decoupage glue and glue them one
  • Finally, add a final coat of glue and let dry fully!



Kim Thompson
CDA

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Cookies Ingredients:
  • 1/2 Cup Butter (Sweet Cream Salted)
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 Cup Canned Pumpkin
  • 2 Cups Flour
  • 4 tsp. Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp. Salt
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
  • 1/2 Cup Butter (Sweet Cream Salted)
  • 8 oz. block of Cream Cheese
  • 3 tsp. Vanilla
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp. Cinnamon
Cookies

In a mixer cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and pumpkin and mix well. Sift flour, baking powder, salt and spices together and fold into cookie batter. Mix until well blended. At this point you can add the nuts if you like. Drop a spoonful of the cookie batter onto a cookie sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 15 minutes. Here are the Pumpkin Spice Cookies straight out of the oven. Super cake-y and pumpkin-y. Mmmm … mmm … good. Allow the cookies to completely cool.
This recipe made 3 dozen cookies.

Frosting

Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla in a mixer until blended. Add powered sugar a cup at a time and continue to mix until sugar is incorporated. Finally, add cinnamon. Spread over the top of the cookies and Enjoy!

Jennifer Bergeron

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Sports Mouth Guards


 
 
With the fall/winter season fast approaching so are winter sports like hockey. Mouth guards help minimize the risk of injury to the face, jaw, teeth and head during activities and contact sports. Mouth guards are recommended for anyone participating in aggressive activities or competing in sports. Mouth guards reduce trauma to teeth, gums, jaw bone, TMJ and number of head concussions.

If a protective mouth guard is not worn during these activities, you are putting yourself at a high risk for a dental injury including; cuts to the lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue as well as chipped or broken teeth, knocked out teeth and broken jaw. Mouth guards are flexible plastic appliance that fit over rge teeth.

Types of Mouth Guards:
  1. Custom-fitted: are created from an impression of the person's gums and teeth. They provide the best protection due to their custom fit, comfort and cushioning effect. They are custom made by a dental professional.
  2. Boil and Bite:can be purchased at sports stores and molded at home. The sports guard material is softened in boiling water and then formed directly on the upper teeth. They cost less than custom guards but do not fit well and provide limited protection.
  3. Ready to Wear:these are also sold in sports stores. These mouth guards come pre-formed and are the least expensive type. They provide the least amount of fit and comfort.
Mouth guards should be cleaned after each use with a tooth brush to remove any bacteria and plaque then rinse under cold water and air to dry. Do not chew your mouth guard, as it can change the shape and will be less effective. Mouth guards become less effective over time. They should be replaced when they become loose, too thin or tear.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

What's New at the Office...

 
 
 

Well if you have ever been in our office on October 31st, you will know that we have some staff that are very dedicated to dressing up!! Check out last years, minions! Pop in if you'd like to see what we came up with this year!


Are you looking for some healthier ideas to shell out try one of these:

  • Small Toys (try the Dollar Store)
  • Pencils/Erasers
  • Temporary Tattoos
  • Stickers
  • Small Craft Kits
  • Glosticks
  • Sugar free candy (try Bulk Barn)
  • Raisins
  • Popcorn/Pretzels
  • Granola Bars
  • Sugar Free Gum

Or you could give out a toothbrush, that's what Dr. Gray gives out!


Happy Halloween!



Kim Thompson
CDA
 
 

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Women and Oral health

A woman's hormones can fluctuate throughout their life and in turn can have an impact on the oral cavity. Studies have shown that at least 23 per cent of women between 30- 54 years of age and 44 per cent of women 55-90 years of age who have their teeth, have periodontal disease- an advanced stage of gum and bone disease.

Women's hormones fluctuate during: Puberty, Menstruation, Taking oral contraceptive, pregnancy and lactation and menopause. The actual fluctuation of hormones does not cause the periodontal disease, but will cause and exaggerated response to oral irritants like plaque and calculus (tartar). Managing a regular oral care routine and dental hygiene visits will help keep this response under control.

Maintenance and home care to consider:
  • Brushing twice a day
  • Flossing at least once a day
  • Regular hygiene visits recommended by your health care provider
  • A well balanced diet
  • Mouth wash
  • And for patients with dry mouth, saliva substitutes and other alleviating products.

  • Role of your dental hygienist:
  • Provides regular oral screenings for issues
  • Reviews medication risks and health history
  • Helps develop a custom home care program
  • Referrals as needed
  • And of course, helps keep oral conditions favorable through regular dental cleaning

Sara Haire
RDH

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Healthy Back-to-School Snacks

1. English Muffin Pizzas
Top a whole wheat English muffin with tomato sauce or a tomato slice and shredded mozzarella cheese and melt in the oven.

2. Chocolate Dipped Bananas
For a healthy sweet snack, peel a banana, cut in half and insert chopstick for the handle and dip the banana into melted dark chocolate chips and freeze.

3. Apple Slices
Cut apple into wedges and serve with peanut butter or almond butter for a nut free option.

4. Veggies and Dip
Cut fresh veggies and serve with ranch or hummus dip!

5. Pita Chips
For healthy pita chips, cut a whole wheat tortilla wrap into pieces and bake for 5 minutes at 350 degree oven. Serve with dip such as hummus or salsa.

6. Fruit and Yogurt
Cut any fruit of choice into bite size pieces and serve with plain Greek yogurt mixed with a drizzle of honey for dipping.

7. Banana Oat Cookies
Mash 2 ripe bananas into a bowl, mix with 1 cup of oats and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or almond butter then mix in any topping of choice (chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, coconut, etc) Bake in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.


Kristine Lundy
RDH

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Sugar, it's not just bad for your teeth, too much is also bad for your health!

Sugar, it's not just bad for your teeth, too much is also bad for your health!

You've definitely heard it before—too much sugar isn't good for you. The recommended limit has been lowered to no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day, but most of us consume way more then that, mainly in sugar-sweetened drinks, like soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks, and snacks, like cakes, cookies, and candy. Discover what actually happens to your body when the sweet stuff hits your bloodstream.

1. SUGAR IS CALORIE RICH, NUTRIENT POOR
Sugar provides pure calories and is completely lacking other essential nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Sugary drinks and foods generally don't fare much better, and they take up room in your diet that could otherwise be filled with more nutritious foods.

2. SUGAR IS TERRIBLE FOR YOUR TEETH
Bacteria in your mouth love sugar—particularly sucrose, from everyday granulated sugar. When the bacteria munch on the sugar they produce acid, and you end up with holes in your teeth. Eating sticky sugar, like caramels or gummies, which attach to your teeth, is even worse.

3. SUGAR DOESN'T FILL YOU UP
And liquid forms are the worst offenders—soft drinks aren't exactly filling. You generally still want to eat, despite the huge hit of sugar you've just injected into your gut. Think about it this way: how quickly can you drink a can of soda? To get the equivalent 9 teaspoons of sugar in a 12 fl oz can of soda, you'd need to eat 7 cups of raspberries. Yep, 7 fiber-rich, filling cups!

4. SUGAR CAN BE ADDICTIVE
Your brain is hardwired to love sugar, its favorite form of energy. It's a matter of survival: When you eat food, dopamine is released in the brain, which makes you feel happy. But certain foods, like sugar, make dopamine levels soar. In a similar way to how the brain reacts to cocaine, sugar can be addictive—the more you eat, the more you need to satisfy that "high."

5. SUGAR COULD STRESS YOU OUT
Fast, easily digested carbs cause powerful spikes in your blood sugar levels, sending you on a wild rollercoaster ride of energy highs and lows throughout the day. The highs can give you a quick energy burst, but they also put pressure on your pancreas to produce more insulin in an effort to lower your blood sugar. The lows that follow can make you feel ravenous (hungry, even!), frantically searching for another sugar rush.

6. SUGAR CAN LEAD TO INFLAMMATION
Too much sugar, and high glycemic index foods, results in substances called AGEs being produced in your blood. These potent pro-oxidant chemicals (the opposite of a healthy antioxidant) cause inflammation, and left for too long, chronic inflammation can lead to diabetes and heart disease.

7. SUGAR MIGHT MAKE YOU, AND YOUR LIVER, FAT
There's no denying the facts—consuming too many calories leads to weight gain. It's far too easy to tip your energy input over the edge with high sugar drinks and snacks. You already know being overweight or obese can be a fast-track ticket to a whole host of scary health problems, including cancer. Eating too much fructose, in particular, which is converted into fat and stored in the liver, can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease—a condition healthy weight people can develop, particularly if you drink too much soda.

8. SUGAR CAN MESS WITH YOUR METABOLISM
Constantly flooding your blood with sugar, even if you're not overweight, is never a good thing. Your pancreas has to work extra hard to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range, your blood pressure increases, and your blood fats go up, too. If these things are constantly happening, you can develop metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions which can lead to diabetes and heart disease.

Thankfully, it's not all doom and gloom. Lowering your sugar intake is easy if you know what to look for on food labels. The new nutrition facts label will also call out added sugars versus naturally occurring sugars, making it that much easier to see what you're getting! If you skip sugary drinks, eat real, minimally processed foods, and have a light hand when it comes to adding sweeteners, you can drastically reduce the sugar in your life and improve your overall health!


Kim Thompson
CDA

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Braces or Invisalign?

A Message from Dr. Gray...
I am often asked what are the advantages of braces and that of Invisalign. Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that are changed every two weeks, resulting in the movement of your teeth over time. Invisalign aligners are removable which makes it easier to brush and floss your teeth. Therefore there is no risk of your teeth discoloring, plus you can obviously take them out when you eat so there are no dietary restrictions. The biggest advantage is that they are clear and almost undetectable visually. Some tooth movements are easier with Invisalign due to their design.
Braces have changed in that there are clear brackets now which are a lot less obvious than the traditional metal. Since the braces are bonded to your teeth, the braces are continually applying forces and moving your teeth. Almost all movements of the teeth can be achieved with braces since there is more control. Braces are very good at creating a broader arch which is usually what is required. Both treatment options have their advantages and each work well in certain cases, depending on the movements required.


newmarket dentist dr. gray


Until next month, keep smiling
Dr. Ian Gray and Staff

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Easy Gemstone Homemade Soaps

What you will need:

Here's what you'll do:

Work with about 1/4 of the 2 lb. block of soap base at a time, which makes one batch of soaps. slice the soap base into cubes (it cuts easily with a kitchen knife), place them inside a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup, and melt in the microwave in 20-30 second increments, stirring well after each microwave session to ensure that the soap is completely melted. For 1 lb of soap, microwave for 30 seconds, stir, microwave for another 30 seconds, stir once again, and microwave a final time for 20 seconds.

When the soap base is completely melted, add in the desired soap colorant (add one drop at a time until desired color is reached) and fragrance oil (about 8-10 drops). You can also add crystal glitter mica powder at this time if desired. Stir until well mixed, and pour into the silicone soap mold.

Allow the soap molds to sit undisturbed until completely cool (about 30-90 minutes depending on temperature/humidity). Unmold your pretty new soaps, and repeat the process for each new color. Trust me, you're going to want to make ALL of the colors!


Kristine Lundy
RDH
 

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Taste and tell......

Non Alcoholic Sangria

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 bottle sparkling apple juice or 1L apple/grape juice
  • 1 can soda water/7up/sprite (I used sprite)
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
  • 1 lime, sliced into rounds
  • 1 red apple, cored and sliced
  • 1 green apple, cored and sliced
  • 100g strawberries or raspberries

DIRECTIONS

  1. Combine apple juice, sprite, and all the fruits in a large pitcher.
  2. Refrigerate until chilled or for at least 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  3. Serve over ice.

Garlic Feta Dip

INGREDIENTS

  • 6 oz. (1 + 1/3 cup) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • Pinch of dried dill
  • Pinch of dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced
  • Chopped parsley, to garnish

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a food processor, combine the feta, cream cheese, greek yogurt, garlic, dill, oregano, and lemon juice.
  2. Once combined thoroughly, scoop into a serving bowl and top with top with tomato, parsley, and black pepper.
  3. Serve with crackers, pita chips, pretzels, french bread, or veggies!

Jennifer Bergeron
Dental Hygienist

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a strong, plastic, white or tooth-coloured coating that a dental hygienist applies to the grooves within the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). These grooves are called pit and fissures. A sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the enamel from bacterial plaque in these cavity-prone areas.

Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. The pits and fissures are extremely difficult places to clean. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the grooves to remove food and plaque completely. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.

The application of a sealant is easy, quick, and painless. No freezing or drilling is required. Sealants also cost less then having a cavity filled.

How sealants are applied:

  • Teeth must be kept dry throughout the procedure. If the pits and fissures are wet, the sealant material may not adhere properly.
  • After the teeth are cleaned and dried, the sealant is painted into the grooves.
  • The sealant material is then hardened with a blue curing light.
  • If too much material is added into the grooves, the excess can be polished away.

Sara Haire
Dental Hygienist

Thursday, August 10, 2017

A Message From Our Office

In the last six months, I have been using platelet rich plasma to help accelerate healing. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is obtained by drawing the patient's own blood. The blood is then place in a centrifuge (which spins the blood at 3000rpm) for 10 minutes. After which time, the PRP is extracted from the patient's blood.

The platelets are key in blood clotting for the body. But, the platelets also contain hundreds of proteins and growth factors which are important in healing. PRP is a concentration of their proteins and growth factors. By using the patient's own blood, we can accelerate this healing.

PRP is used in medicine to help with healing in dermatology, sports injury, arthritis and other fields of medicine.

In dentistry, PRP is used after extraction to decreased infection and help with healing; post wisdom teeth extraction to decrease chances of dry socket; and with bone/tissue grafts. PRP is also used to help with implant treatment.

newmarket dentist dr. gray 

Until next month, keep smiling

Dr. Ian Gray and Staff

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Kids Corner




What you will need:

  • Old muffin tins or pie pans. (they should not be used for food after this project)
  • A tub of beads.
  • A dill with a small drill bit for drilling a hole in the sun catcher for hanging.
  • Fishing line.
Here's what you'll do:
  • Separate the beads into bowls according to color (it makes them easier to work with)
  • Arrange the beads in the muffin tin or pie pan in the pattern you'd like your sun catcher to be.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes (Make sure you raise a few windows and if you can, go outside - the smell is bad and I'm sure it is not good for your lungs, but the smell goes away fast with the windows open)
  • Allow to cool.  You will probably hear a popping noise from the pans.  This is the sun catcher cooling off.
  • After cooling, they should pop right out of the pan easily.
  • Then drill a small hole at the top of the sun catcher and hang with fishing line.
  • Enjoy!

Kristine Lundy
RDH

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Taste and tell……

Broccoli is considered a "super food" try these ideas to incorporate more into your diet!
Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli
Broccoli florets are roasted after being tossed in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and minced garlic. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving seals the deal.
Broccoli and Pepper Stir-Fry
INGREDIENTS
  1. 1 tablespoon canola oil
  2. 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  3. 1 bell pepper, chopped
  4. 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets (6 cups)
  5. 1 bunch scallions, sliced
  6. 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  7. 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
DIRECTIONS
  1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
  2. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and scallions and cook, tossing often, until the broccoli is crisp-tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add the hoisin sauce and ¼ cup water and cook, tossing, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds
Creamy Summer Slaw
Raw broccoli is made for slaw. It's sweet and crunchy—and can be dressed hours in advance.
INGREDIENTS
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small bunch broccoli (about 12 oz.)
  • 1/2 medium Napa cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz. sugar snap peas, thinly sliced
  • 4 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives, divided
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
DIRECTIONS
Combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper and whisk to combine. Set buttermilk dressing aside.
Using a vegetable peeler, peel broccoli stalk if skin is thick. Halve broccoli lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise, starting at crown. Toss broccoli, cabbage, scallions, sugar snap peas, 2 Tbsp. chives, and reserved buttermilk dressing in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Serve slaw topped with remaining 2 Tbsp. chives.

Kim Thompson
Practice Manager

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

What's New at the Office

Summer Is A Great Time To Clean Up Your Diet; Here Are Some Tips For Healthy Food Choices:





The best foods and beverages for your dental health are very much the same foods encouraged for an overall healthy body. While you can still enjoy the occasional treat, following these simple tips is good for your health.
  • Eat a balanced diet including calcium rich foods, dairy, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, crunchy fruits and vegetables.
  • Limit sugar. Bacteria feed on sugars in your mouth. Watch for hidden sugars in foods, be aware of the amount of sugar you add to foods and drinks, and limit candies/sweets to mealtimes (when the saliva levels are high).
  • Avoid sticky foods. While you may know caramels and licorice are not the best choices for your teeth, other healthier foods, such as granola bars, dried fruit or fruit leather can also stick to your teeth.
  • Choose more natural foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins are better options than pre-packaged, processed alternatives.
  • Read the labels. Know what's in your food. Look for foods with a high fiber and protein content and less sugar and salt.
  • Think about what you drink. Choose water more often, especially between meals. Be aware that even healthier options, such as fruit juice and milk, contain sugar. Every teaspoon of sugar added to coffee or tea also adds up.
  • Limit snacking. Grazing throughout the day, especially on sugary treats and drinks, leaves your mouth constantly bathed in sugar - a perfect environment for bacteria. If you do need a snack choose tooth friendly foods more often such as cheese, nuts, a whole piece of fruit, or raw vegetables.

Kim Thompson
Practice Manager