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.

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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.

The post How to Manage Dental Anxiety appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

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.

The post Caregivers Guide to Dental Care appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

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.

The post Taking Care of Your Teeth As You Age appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

Your smile is one of the most valuable natural assets that you have. Smiling plays a huge part in our social interactions. It can make people feel good, offer comfort, and even reduce stress.

Sometimes we don't feel confident in our teeth and smile, we hide it behind our hands or simply don't smile at all. Although you may not realize it, this can negatively impact your mental health.

Each time you smile your brain feels really happy, and it improves your emotional state.

Smiling activates the release of feel-good-messengers that work towards fighting stress. When a smile flashes across your face; dopamine, endorphins and serotonin are all released into your bloodstream, making not only your body relax but also work to lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

Serotonin release can reduce stress, and dopamine increases our feeling of happiness. Low levels of both these hormones in your body can be associated with depression and aggression.

In other words, smiling can trick your brain into believing you’re happy which can then spur actual feelings of happiness.

We believe that all smiles are unique and beautiful. You do not need to have the "perfect Hollywood mouth" to be confident smiling. To us a healthy smile is a perfect smile.

The post What Smiling Does for Your Mental Health appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

If your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth you may think this is normal and ignore it, but bleeding gums can be a sign of underlying problems. Bleeding gums is often caused by harmful plaque, and the millions of bacteria in it, found at or around the gum line. Left too long this plaque can lead to gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease.

Besides gingivitis you can also have bleeding gums from:

• Smoking and/or vaping
• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy
• Medication you are taking
• Vitamin K deficiency

There are things you can do to help maintain healthy gums and reduce bleeding or the chance of developing gingivitis.

Since bleeding gums are mainly due to inadequate plaque removal, starting an effective oral hygiene regimen is a great way to help prevent bleeding gums. Brushing twice a day in a circular motion along the gum line will help stimulate and strengthen your gum tissue. As well, flossing once a day will help get rid of any plaque or food that is trapped between your teeth and under the gums.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking or vaping, and eating a diet low in sugar and simple carbohydrates will also improve the health of your gums.

If your gums continue to bleed when flossing and brushing, after you've tried to improve your oral hygiene, please call Sherwood Dental and let one of our dentists evaluate your flossing technique and whether or not there is a need for gum treatment.

The post Why Do I Have Bleeding Gums? appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

A lot of changes happen in your body when you are pregnant, but did you know that pregnancy affects your oral health as well? Changing hormone levels during pregnancy can put expecting mothers at greater risk of developing a variety of oral health issues.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect gums causing them to be more sensitive, swollen and red. This is called pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease.

Around 70% of women have some form of gum disease while they are pregnant, and studies have linked pregnancy gingivitis to premature delivery and lower birth weights.  Gingivitis can also lead to more serious periodontal (gum and bone) disease without good oral care.

Enamel Erosion

Morning sickness is a common issue that can also cause problems for your teeth. Stomach acid from frequent vomiting can eat away at the hard protective enamel. The best way to help minimize this effect is to swish with baking soda and water after getting sick. This will help neutralize any acid left in your mouth before you brush.

Pyogenic Granuloma

One of the rarer things that can happen with your gums is pyrogenic granuloma or “pregnancy tumors”. The name might sound scary, but these swellings (which often resemble raspberries between the teeth) are not malignant. They usually vanish after the baby is born but if you have any concerns regarding them it is best to speak to someone at our office.

One of the best ways to protect your teeth and gums is to continue your regular visits to the dentist. The ideal time to get a cleaning while pregnant is during your second trimester. Routine cleanings and checkups are crucial to combating some of these common issues. Give us a call if you have any questions or to book in to speak with one of our dentists.

The post How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

There is nothing more precious than seeing a child smile, and that is why our dental team loves having them come in. However, it can be hard for children to understand the importance of visiting the dentist. That’s why it is important to get them ready at an early age for the dentist. We always want it to be a positive experience for them.

It is perfectly normal for your child to feel nervous about going to a dentist for the first time. New things are often scary, and they can feed off the energy of family members. It is best to avoid certain words like pain, poke and needle. We always suggest leaving the detailed explanations of dental procedures to us.

As well, it's best to never use the dentist as a threat. Things like “if you don’t brush your teeth, you’ll have to go to the dentist” will only make a child think visits are a punishment. You can still encourage good oral hygiene without portraying the dentist as the boogeyman.

Here are some ways to help prepare your child for their dental visit:

• Play pretend – for younger children, role play can be a very effective way to explain what a dental visit may be like.
• Come early to your appointment – it can be comforting for children to take time in a new space. They can relax and play in our kid’s area prior to meeting the dentist, and get familiar with some of our staff.
• Choose a dentist that works with them – we have six dentists at our office and although all our staff is great, kids react differently to certain people. Take a look at our about us page, or ask our front end staff about who they think would suit your child’s needs.
• Be there for them – information is great, but there is nothing more comforting than your presence. Although when it comes to dental procedures like fillings we tend to find that children always behave best when mom or dad is not in the room during treatment. This is especially important if we use nitrous oxide as noises and chatter distract the child while sedated. 

We are here to help prepare your child to see the dentist. All children should be seeing the dentist for their first visit around age three or four. We all have the same goal of ensuring your child has a happy, healthy smile for life. Give us a call to book in!

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