Introduction

Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with changes—some expected, others surprising. One area often overlooked is oral health. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and pregnancy gingivitis. Proper dental care isn’t just about keeping your smile bright—it also protects your overall health and your baby’s development.

This guide covers the essential dos and don’ts of dental care during pregnancy to help you maintain a healthy smile with confidence.

Why Dental Care Matters in Pregnancy

• Hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive
• Increased risk of pregnancy gingivitis
• Higher chance of tooth decay and cavities
• Oral infections may impact overall health and pregnancy outcomes

Safe Dental Visits During Pregnancy

• Routine cleanings and exams are not only safe but highly recommended.
• The best time for most procedures is the second trimester.
• Always inform your dentist about your pregnancy so they can adjust treatment as needed.
• Urgent treatments such as fillings, root canals, or extractions can often be performed safely.

Daily Oral Hygiene Tips for Expectant Moms

Brushing and Flossing

• Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once a day to prevent plaque buildup
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce gum irritation

Handling Morning Sickness

1. Rinse your mouth with water or fluoride mouthwash immediately
2. Wait 30 minutes before brushing to avoid enamel erosion

Nutrition and Oral Health in Pregnancy

• Choose a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus
• Limit sugary foods and drinks to prevent cavities
• Opt for nutrient-dense snacks such as yogurt, cheese, nuts, and fresh fruits

Habits to Avoid for a Healthy Smile

• No tobacco use – increases risk of gum disease and complications
• Avoid alcohol – harmful to both oral and fetal health
• Limit sugary snacks and sodas – major contributors to tooth decay

Watch for Signs of Pregnancy Gingivitis

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath

👉 If you notice these symptoms, schedule a professional cleaning promptly to prevent progression to gum disease.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is the perfect time to prioritize your dental health. By following these steps, you can protect your smile and your baby’s well-being:

• Maintain daily brushing and flossing
• Schedule regular dental check-ups
• Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Avoid harmful habits like tobacco and alcohol

If you have concerns, consult your dentist for personalized guidance. A healthy smile today means a healthier tomorrow for both you and your baby.

The post Smile Bright: Essential Dental Care Tips During Pregnancy appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

Take a deep breath. Did you notice how that felt, or more importantly where your breath came from? As humans, we are designed to do most of our breathing through our noses. But depending on certain conditions, nasal issues, and/or even mask-wearing, mouth breathing is becoming more prevalent.

Breathing out of your mouth may not seem like a problem, but mouth breathing can create some concerns for your dentist in terms of your oral and overall health.

Why Nose Breathing is Best

Breathing through your nose produces nitric oxide, which helps improve your lungs’ ability to absorb oxygen.

Nitric oxide can have many positive effects on your body which include:

• Increasing the ability to transport oxygen.
• Relaxing vascular smooth muscles and allows blood vessels to dilate.

Other benefits of nasal breathing are:

• Blocking out small particles such as dust, pollen and pollution
• Adding moisture to the air you breathe and helps to prevent the lungs and bronchial tubes from drying out.

Why Mouth Breathing Can Be a Problem

If you or your child is mouth-breathing often, it can be tricky to break, as most of the time it is formed out of habit. Although it can be caused by: persistent allergies, chronic nasal obstructions, overlarge tonsils, or a deviated septum.

Mouth breathing can quickly dry out the mouth and lead to decreased saliva production. Saliva is extremely important for neutralizing acid and helping to wash away bacteria. Without it, the chance of tooth decay and cavities increases. A dry mouth can also lead to bad breath and other serious concerns, such as gum disease.

Working with your dentist can help you find some solutions to control your mouth-breathing, and potentially prevent any harmful side effects. They may suggest you try out a rinse to help ease your dry mouth, increase your dental hygiene frequencies, or even recommend mouth-tape that can be used to stop mouth-breathing while you sleep.

Call us to book a dental exam so we can help identify the cause, and ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.

The post How Mouth Breathing Can Affect Your Oral Health appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

Everyone's mouth feels dry from time to time but when this feeling doesn't go away you may have a problem such as Dry Mouth. Dry Mouth is when you do not have enough saliva to keep your mouth wet and moisturized. Although you may not be experiencing a completely dry oral cavity, even low production of saliva can be a cause for concern.

Most of the time dentists can spot someone struggling with this, often before they even realize they’re experiencing it. This is important to get checked because, when left untreated, dry mouth can wreck the oral microbiome which may lead to cavities, bad breath, and other oral issues.

What Can Cause Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors. Some that are preventable or lifestyle choices, and others that are less preventable. Determining the cause can help you understand what treatment options may be available.

Some causes of dry mouth include:

• Mouth breathing
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Vaping
• Ageing
• Stress
• Dehydration
• Prescription medication
• Radiation and chemotherapy

How to Help Dry Mouth

The only permanent way to cure dry mouth is to treat its cause or make a lifestyle change.

You may be able to make some small changes to help; such as avoiding certain foods or sugary beverages that can dry out the mouth. Or using a product such as Biotene, which can act as artificial saliva, providing some relief.

If your dry mouth is the result of medication, it is best to speak with your doctor about possibly adjusting your dosage.

Undiagnosed dry mouth can have some serious consequence on your overall oral health. Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and other oral health issues become much more common.

If you are suffering from dry mouth we will sometimes recommend a fluoride or xylitol rinse and increase the frequency of your hygiene visits to stay ahead of any potential cavities that may start to form. It is important that you take good care of your teeth and gums. Give our office a call and speak to your dentist or hygienist if you’ve been having difficulties with dry mouth.

The post What You Need to Know About Dry Mouth appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

With earth day on the mind, it is a good time to make some small eco-friendly changes in your life; including your dental routine. A better environment starts little by little with eco-friendly practices. While you’re keeping your mouth healthy, why not take some steps to help keep the Earth healthy too?

Here are our top eco-friendly changes you can make every day.

Conserving Water

Even though the planet is about 70 per cent of water, only one per cent of it is clean enough to use. You can help conserve that, by being aware of how much water you use when brushing your teeth. You could save several gallons of water every day.

Turn the water off while you brush your teeth, then turn it back on to rinse.

Changing Your Toothbrush

Toothbrush disposal is another opportunity to go green. Traditional toothbrushes are typically made with hard-plastic handles and soft nylon bristles that can take hundreds of years to decompose.

With a little bit of searching, you can find eco-friendly replacements for your current toothbrush. There are a lot of options available, made of everything from bamboo to plant-based plastics. 

You can also try switching to an electric toothbrush. Although you still need to change the toothbrush head, it is a smaller amount of plastic. Electric toothbrushes are also great for travel (most include a travelling case for them) which can replace purchasing disposable travel cases or toothbrushes.

Monitor Your Energy Consumption

Most people spend a lot of time in the bathroom getting ready. So, switch out old light bulbs for LED ones or if possible just use natural light.

Unplugging your electric toothbrush charger can conserve energy as well. It isn’t necessary to charge your electric toothbrush all day or to leave the charger plugged in. Even though it’s turned off, it is still very likely consuming electricity.

At Sherwood Dental we are continuously making changes to be more green. We have recently switched out our plastic water bottles, to more recyclable aluminium. We continue to be conscious of our waste and recycle as much as possible.

Making some simple changes to your every day habits can help maintain an environment that makes everyone smile.

The post How to Go Green with Your Dental Routine appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

Our Promise to You

Dear Sherwood Dental Patients:

We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. We are reopening for our regular business hours as of May 19 to resume general dental services. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedure we follow in our practice to keep clients and staff safe.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our clients and staff. For example:

-        Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.

-        We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed.

-        You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.

-        Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between clients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.

-        We will do our best to allow greater time between clients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of clients in the reception area at any one time.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every client, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office or visit our website.

Thank you for being our client. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our clients, neighbours and friends.

Sincerely,

The Sherwood Dental Team

The post Covid-19 appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

Do you or your children have fears or anxieties about seeing a dentist? You know that dental care is essential to keeping you healthy, yet you still avoid going. You're not alone; around 22% of Canadians avoid the dentist due to anxiety.

What is Dental Anxiety?

Put simply, dental anxiety is “fear related to seeking or receiving dental care.” Many people don’t particularly like to go to the dentist, but they’re not necessarily afraid to go. Dental anxiety, meanwhile, steps into the category of fear.

Most people who suffer from dental anxiety tend to avoid the dentist altogether. This avoidance of dental visits often results in a higher incidence of cavities, which can then turn into missing teeth or more complex dental problems. This can leave you with feelings of inferiority and shame and cause further avoidance of dental care.

You don't necessarily have to have had a bad experience for your anxiety to still be overcoming. A lot of people are more anxious about what may happen, than what has happened.

How to Manage Dental Anxiety

Managing your dental anxiety can be a lifetime struggle for some people. Here are some of our top tips to help you feel more comfortable when visiting the dentist:

• Identify your fear. Once you know exactly what you’re fearful about, you can start working towards a solution.
• Build a good relationship with your dentist or hygienist. The more trust you have with them the more comfortable you will be at each appointment.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for sedation if you think it may help.
• Learn about mindfulness, meditation and breathing techniques. There are many apps available that can help you with this.
• Listen to music that relaxes you during appointments, or talk with your dentist or hygienist if you don't like the silence or sounds.
• Ask one of our staff for a blanket to help you feel comfortable, our office offers weighted blankets as well.
• Find out if you qualify for a service animal to help manage your anxiety, Sherwood Dental is a service animal-friendly office.
• Look into the benefits of CBD oil, some studies suggest this may help calm some anxieties (blog post to come on this).

Dental anxiety is a complex issue that can take a lot of patience and practice to manage. The most important thing you can do is try to keep on top of your regular visits.  In fact, seeing your dentist regularly can actually make the entire process – from making an appointment to sailing through it – easier on many levels.

If you do suffer from dental anxiety give us a call, and we can sit down and talk to you about the options we have at Sherwood Dental. We will walk you through your options from oral sedation to nitrous (laughing gas) or both. Bring a list of questions you may have so that we may address all your concerns. Depending on your needs we may suggest a referral to one of our trusted IV sedation centres. Sometimes just meeting our friendly team, touring our calm environment and understanding ALL your options is enough to get you through something you have been very stressed about.

We look forward to working with you to help understand what your concerns are and how we can help.

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Have you ever left an appointment and felt uncertain or confused about the treatment plan presented? Or have you left feeling apprehensive, and not confident in making a decision? The best thing to do is to get a second opinion.

There is no rule about which dental procedures require second opinions. But it is more likely the case for major treatments such as full reconstruction or oral cancer.

How come my diagnosis changed with a different general dentist?

The reason why treatment plans can vary between dentists is due to their approach/philosophy and training. For example, some dentists may want to fix an issue as soon as it arises, while others are more conservative and prefer to watch how things progress. Or they may want to try a non-invasive treatment, such as Silver-Diamine Fluoride, before beginning treatment.

It is important to have a good relationship and trust with your general dentist and understand why he/she is making certain recommendations.

If you decide you want another opinion, consider these questions after:

• Do you agree with the diagnosis the general dentist has made?
• What treatment options do you have for the problem?
• How much will each option cost you?
• What will happen if the problem is not treated?
• What are the risks of each treatment option?
• How long will the treatment benefits last? Will you need future treatments?

Another way you may want to seek a second opinion is by seeing a specialist.  Dentists can specialize in certain conditions such as root canals, oral surgery, and orthodontics. And seeing a specialist in addition to your general dentist can be advantageous.

Weighing Your Dental Treatment Options

Some things to keep in mind if you've received a second opinion, are the different perspectives of each dentist. While a new dentist has the advantage of a fresh outlook, your current dentist has the convenience of knowing your full dental history which can be advantageous.

The important thing is feeling completely comfortable with the care and information you have received prior to making a decision. 

Ultimately you need to feel informed and confident that your treatment makes sense. And that your questions have been answered. If you have a good relationship with your dentist it should be absolutely okay to ask to seek out a second opinion. Or if you are uncertain about your situation you can ask your dentist to reexplain your treatment plan and go over your questions or concerns.  

Here at Sherwood Dental, we are more than willing to offer or refer for a second opinion for any treatment questions you may have. As well, we welcome anyone who wants to sit down and revisit a treatment plan to go over any questions or concerns they may have. Give us a call and we'd be happy to book you an appointment.

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If you're one of the 8 million caregivers in Canada, you’ve got a lot on your mind. You understand how difficult it can be to take care of your loved ones dental care.

When you’re caring for a child—or adult—with a disability or neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's, the challenges can be even greater. It may be hard to know how to adapt your routine to include caring for their oral health.

How much help you give will depend on the individual. If the person in your care can do the basics, let them. Some simple adaptations to brushing routines for those with limited motor function or developmental disabilities can include:

• Using an elastic band to help steady the toothbrush in their hands.
• Enlarge the base of the brush for better grip with a sponge, rubber ball or bicycle grip.
• Lengthen the toothbrush by attaching it to a ruler or wooden dowel for better reach.
• Invest in an electric toothbrush or water/air flosser, as they help reach areas that may be getting missed.

Others caregivers may be looking after those with memory issues. People with dementia or Alzheimer's may need someone to clean their teeth every day. The Alzheimer's association recommends these tips for oral health care:

• Provide short, simple instructions. Break it down by telling them each step instead of a general statement such as "brush your teeth".
• Use a "watch me" technique and have your loved one follow along.
• If the person seems agitated or uncooperative, postpone brushing until later in the day.

When in doubt give our office a call or speak to one of our dental Hygienists or doctors.  Maintaining regular check up and cleaning appointments will help your loved one have a healthy mouth for years to come.

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Approximately six million Canadians avoid visiting the dentist every year because of cost. If you do not have insurance or recently lost your coverage and are looking for options to continue you or your family’s dental care, Edmonton has some great resources.

Children Dental Care

• The SHINE Dental Clinic is a student run organization established through the U of A. This organization provides dental care for youth at no cost. Our own Dr. Yeung volunteered at SHINE while he was in dental school.
• U of A Orthodontic Clinic is also a good lower cost option for kids who need braces and may not have coverage or limited orthodontic coverage under their parents insurance.
• NAIT’s Dental Assisting program provides teeth cleaning and fluoride application to kids and teens for a discounted price.

Adult Dental Care

• The Boyle McCauley Health Centre offers dental care to adults who may have difficulties accessing a dental office. They provide treatment for those suffering with mental illnesses, addictions, social barriers, and financial hardships.
• NAIT’s Denturist Technology program provides dentures for patients at a lower rate. All services are provided by the students, under the supervision of a registered practitioner.
• U of A School of Dentistry takes certain patients depending on the schools educational needs for treatment. They teach in their clinics, so it is important to understand that dental care is delivered in an educational setting with faculty supervision.

All these clinics work limited hours and have some requirements prior to becoming patients. But they are great options to be able to continue to get dental care when cost is a factor.

At Sherwood Dental we believe in making dental care as accessible as possible for our patients. We offer payment plans for those without insurance and direct billing for those who wish to not pay up-front. We also accept assistance programs like Non-Insured Heath Benefits, ADSC and IFHP Refugee program. Give us a call if you have any questions regarding fees and how we can help if you're going through a financial transition.

The post How to Care for Your Teeth When You Don’t Have Coverage appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

As you begin to age, you may notice changes that need to be made to keep your mouth healthy. The older you get, it may be even more important than ever to keep on top of your oral care.

Senior dental problems can be common, from dry mouth to gum disease. And since oral health directly impacts the health of the rest of the body, these issues need to be taken seriously. Taking care of elderly teeth and gums is just as important as heart or digestive health.

As you age, you may notice it is more difficult to keep on top of oral hygiene. Perhaps arthritis or limited mobility, makes tooth brushing painful. Or you find you can’t stand at the bathroom sink very long.

You may need to modify your brushing and flossing techniques or try using an electric toothbrush. If standing and mobility is an issue you don't have to be near a sink to brush/floss. All you need is a basin or bowl, to discharge your excess toothpaste, and a cup of freshwater to rinse.

Our Registered Dental Hygienists or doctors can also inform you, or your loved one, about purchasing a fluoride rinse, or a speciality toothpaste that can help fight cavities or sensitivity. There are also some great products available to help combat dry mouth, which is a common side effect that many seniors have from certain medications.

Caring for your teeth and gums is a life long routine. You are never too old to have healthy teeth, and you are never too old to stop seeing your dentist. Feel free to give us a call or ask at your next visit on ways to keep your teeth healthy at every age.

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