Dental Did You Know: Sports Drinks, Acidity and the Effects on Teeth

Most sports drinks are quite acidic (pH 3-4) and if taken to excess, may lead to dental erosion and demineralization. One study found that 57% of 11-14 year-olds had evidence of some dental erosion.

Source: Feferman I, Healthline: Risks of Sports Drinks, Ontario Dentist, March 2012, Vol 89, No 2, pg 20-21.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Smoking Rates for Canadians

Health Canada's Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey in 2010 reported that 17% of the population older than 15 years smoked. The rate among youth aged 15-19 was 12%.

Source: Dean B, Oral Health Month-Start a Conversation, Save a Life, Ontario Dentist, Jan/Feb 2012, Vol 89, No 1, pg 52-53.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: The Increasing Rate of Caries (Cavities) in Children

The prevalence of dental decay in the United States (and presumably in Canada) in children aged 2-5 has increased 15.2% according to recent data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Factors that influence this rate include:

1. Active dental caries in the primary caregiver
2. Socioeconomic status  
3. Dental IQ  
4. Medical history 
5. Dietary habits

Source: Cohn C, Why Does My Child Get So Many Cavities? What Can I Do About It?, Oral Health, January 2012, Vol 102, No 1, pg 46-53.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Here we grow again: New Hygienist!

We welcome Joni Nauss to our family practice. Joni has an easy going personality and has a style quite similar to our other hygienists. She will mostly work on Thursdays and Saturdays for us.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Warfarin

Warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist has been an effective oral anti-coagulant for over 50 years. It was discovered in 1945 as a result of research at the University of Wisconsin looking into a pesticide for mice and rats. (Patients may need additional management involving certain dental procedures such as extractions)

Source: Feferman I, Healthline: End of an Era (Warfarin), Ontario Dentist, Dec 2011, Vol 88, No 10, pg 16-17.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Saw this infographic from Carrington College's Dental Assisting Program in California. I'm not sure I agree with the personality aspects of this graphic, but it's interesting to note what is out there in terms of information.

Source: http://carrington.edu/cccblog/programs/dental-assisting/teeth-and-your-personality/

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Happy New Year! Some Dental Resolutions for the New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! May it be happy, healthy and prosperous!

Just wanted to give some dental resolutions that could be implemented with a little effort to ensure a great smile for the New Year:

1. Brush 2 minutes twice a day...yes, I said 2 minutes (not 1 minute or 30 seconds or once a day). It really does take that long to clean the majority of surfaces your mouth decently.
2. Floss...yes, I know you tend to do it before dental appointments. However, 40% of your teeth are not being cleaned if you don't do it and a substantial percentage of cavities start in those areas
3. Clean your tongue. I would say 95% of patients don't do this. A couple of quick swipes on the tongue is usually enough.
4. Reduce your intake of candies/sweets: it will reduce the incidence of cavities, improve your blood sugar and weight.
5. Drink more water. In moderation, this a great thing, especially after staining drinks like coffee, tea and wine. Want to reduce all that coffee/tea stain between hygiene appointments? Take a sip or two of water after you finish your drink.
6. Regular maintenance appointments. Seeing your Doc/Hygienist for a checkup and scaling is truly the dental version of the oil change. Prevention is always the best option.
7. Get things fixed while they are small (don't procrastinate). Dentistry seemingly operates on an exponential cost scale as things get more involved and complex. Getting a restoration that costs a couple of hundred dollars (and is usually covered by insurance) is much better for you and your pocketbook than letting it turn into a multi-thousand dollar root canal/core/crown or implant

Again, all the best for the New Year! :) We will be back to normal operations on Wednesday Jan 4.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Merry Christmas!

Have a great Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year to everyone! We will return to normal operations on Wednesday the 28th of December.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Reminder: Use your dental benefits!

Just a reminder for everyone to take advantage of their benefits before the insurance year resets (for most plans) in the New Year. Call Jodie to schedule at (905) 273-7100.

Take care!

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Here we Grow Again: Now offering Invisalign Orthodontics!

One of the most heavily requested services in our practice has been orthodontics. Over the last year we've been steadily upgrading our skills in a variety of orthodontic techniques and are pleased to announce that we are officially adding Invisalign (no bracket) orthodontics to our practice. Invisalign allows for minor to moderate movement of teeth with clear aligners that are custom fit to each patient. Minor movements can be done in as little as 6-9 months, while more complex movements can usually be done in about 2 years. 

Call Jodie at our front desk: (905) 273-7100 to book a consult appointment to further improve your smile and the health of your mouth. 

Cheers!

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: The Price of John Lennon's Tooth.

Apparently, John Lennon's molar was sold for about $31000 at the Omega Auction House on November 4th. It went for double its listed price and was originally given by him to his former housekeeper. It is also reported to be now in the possession of a Canadian dentist (not confirmed and not me :)

Source: Rolling Stone Magazine (Online), November 6th, Read November 7th, http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/john-lennons-tooth-sells-for-more-than-31-000-at-auction-20111106


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100