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.

When most people visit the dentist for treatment, they often associate it with freezing, and numbness. Although it is a safe and necessary part of the procedure, it's important to know how it works and how long it will last.

Dental Freezing or anesthetic is defined as "medication that produces the temporary loss of feeling or sensation", and is used during treatment as pain control.

There are two types of anesthetic:

• Topical Anesthetic - A topical gel rubbed on your gums, creates a temporary numbing around the area of the injection.
• Local Anesthetic - This solution is injected near a nerve in your mouth to numb your teeth and surrounding area.

Freezing times are usually different based on where in your mouth treatment is being done.

When the dentist is working on the top of your mouth, they will typically only freeze a few of the teeth. Whereas on the lower part of the mouth the dentist will block freeze an entire area, which may include your cheek, lip, chin and tongue. This freezing usually lasts longer on your lower jaw as well due to the bone density.

Each person processes dental freezing at different rates; and depending on the type of anesthetic used it can typically range from two to six hours. 

Some side effects can happen as a result of being frozen; such as biting your lip, cheek or tongue, so be sure to use care when eating and try to stick to soft foods as well as nothing too hot. In rare cases, a nerve can get stimulated during the injection, which can lead to paresthesia: numbness or pain that lasts a few weeks to months. Another rare side effect can be an allergic reaction from the anesthetic, if you think you've had an averse reaction to freezing before, be sure to let us know.

If you know you have a busy schedule after your appointment and wish for some of the freezing to be gone, we do have oraverse (an anesthetic reversal) available. Be sure to ask your dentist about this, and we can give you more information.

Dental Freezing is extremely safe and we try to take all the necessary measures to make sure you are comfortable during your appointment. If you have any questions or concerns be sure to ask us at your next appointment, or contact us to find out more.

The post Dental Freezing: How it Works 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!

The post Getting Your Child Ready to Visit the Dentist appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

The thought of getting a cavity filled can cause dental anxiety for patients of any age. There is now a new alternative -Silver Diamine Fluoride. A liquid painted onto cavities to help slow decay.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive, needle-free treatment that uses antimicrobial silver ions to help arrest tooth decay, and fluoride ions to prevent further demineralization. The procedure is two quick 15 minute appointments, one to two weeks apart. It is often recommended by your dentist or hygienist when they see a breakdown of enamel beginning to occur.

SDF can also be used to relieve sensitivity. It also is a great alternative for patients who need to delay dental treatment. This could occur because they are too young to receive dental treatment (under age 3). It could also occur because they are holding off on proceeding with treatment due to costs or insurance.

It can also help in situations where decay is deep and untreatable. In certain situations decay can start in an area on a tooth where a dentist cannot remove decay and place a filling. In this case the tooth would normally be pulled as we cannot fill or crown the tooth. By placing SDF this now helps us arrest the decay in the area so that the tooth can stay in the mouth for as long as possible.

SDF can be a cost effective way to help treat cavities and keep your mouth healthy. It is important to note that SDF cannot save every tooth and that teeth may require dental work in the future even if SDF is applied. It also causes some darkening in the treated tooth. This can easily be covered with a filling to help with cosmetics.

The New York Times has even written an article all about the research they have found with SDF in the United States and the success they are having with it.

Give us a call if you have any questions or talk to your dentist or hygienist at your next exam to see if this can work for you.

The post Pain-Free Treatment for Cavities appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

Yes. We recommend and encourage using fluoride to prevent cavities. Since this is a hotly debated topic, we will share some of what the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has to say about it.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral. It is found in soil, fresh water, salt water and in foods. It affects teeth making them more resistant to decay. Once decay has started, it can prevent or even reverse decay.

It is added to drinking water to insure that all members of the community are protected from tooth decay safely, effectively and cost-effectively.

In our office dental hygienists apply fluoride to our patients’ teeth in the forms of gels, foams and varnishes. It is available in some toothpastes, rinses, lozenges, chewable tablets and drops to adjust the fluoride levels in drinking water to optimal levels. (Optimal levels occur when the level of fluoride in drinking water is adjusted to achieve the right balance between using fluoride to prevent cavities and the risk of developing dental fluorosis).

Are there any health risks associated with water fluoridation?

Scientific studies have not determined a credible link between adding fluoride to drinking water and adverse effects to anyone’s health other than dental fluorosis.

What is dental fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis causes a change in the appearance of teeth when higher than optimal amounts of fluoride are ingested in children before birth and up to 6 years of age. Small white specks will appear on children’s teeth affected by fluorosis.

Does dental fluorosis happen often in Canada?

According to the Canadian Health Measures Survey of 2007-2009, dental fluorosis is not an issue of concern for 84% of children. About 16% of children have unnoticeable, mild forms of fluorosis. It is pretty rare to see.

Should I be using fluoridated toothpaste with my child?

For children who are under 3 years of age, the level of their risk of tooth decay determines their use of fluoridated toothpaste. Parents, talk with your dentist to determine whether your child is at risk of developing cavities. If your child is at risk, brush their teeth using a very small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.

Children 3 to 6 years of age should also use only a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, about the size of a green pea. Parents should assist their children with brushing their teeth.

Fluoride is believed to be an important aid in maintaining good oral health when a child patient’s daily intake of fluoride is monitored.

Your child’s Sherwood Dental dentist can assess the risk of their development of cavities and recommend the best level of fluoride protection for them.

For more information on using fluoride to prevent cavities, see CDA Position on Use of Fluorides in Caries Prevention. You can always call our office with your concerns and questions about the use of fluoride. Call 780-464-4166 today.

The post Does Sherwood Dental Recommend Using Fluoride To Prevent Cavities? appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

EXTRA! EXTRA! BIG NEWS! High-tech pain management for children is coming to dental offices everywhere!

Meet MEDi

MEDi is a robotic pain management tool invented by Dr. Tanya Beran, professor at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary and Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of RxRobots. He was developed to help children undergoing medical procedures. And he works! According to an article in Vaccine June 2013, MEDi calmed children and reduced their pain by 50 percent. Because he improves patient outcomes in hospitals, pediatric dental practices are testing how he can help their patients.

This robot does his best work using cognitive-behavioral intervention. That's a mouthful. Cognitive-behavioral intervention is based on this principle: Thinking (internal behavior) controls overt (external behavior) actions. He provides children with a new way of thinking that can lead to a change in their behavior or actions that can affect their medical or dental procedures. Dr. Richard Olin joined Mark Williams, President and CEO of RxRobots, and Dr. Tanya Beran and stated, "We agreed that MEDi was perfectly suited for integrating his skills into the pediatric dental setting. The reduction of children's fear and pain perception is a primary goal of every pediatric and general dentist in the world.

Olin's team has been using this wonderful little robot and reports his positive effects. "MEDi is constantly in the active mode allowing children to interact with him immediately and continually upon entering the dental operatory. He distracts the children, reducing their initial anxiety and fear. They listen to his instructions, which allows the rest of the dental team to move forward faster and more seamlessly with their work with a more compliant patient," Olin said.

"MEDi represents the future of robotic technology and is a first for dentistry; it will reduce the dentist's and dental team's daily stress through easier, more cooperative dental visits with their pediatric patients. He will become an essential part of the dental team of every dental office eventually."

Does MEDi the robot pique your interest? Call Sherwood Dental at (780) 464-4166 with your questions about this innovative pain management tool for children. We'd be happy to talk with you about him.

Source: http://www.protecdental.com/news/medi-could-become-part-everyday-dental-team

The post Meet MEDi: An Innovative Robotic Pain Management Tool For Kids appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

Losing a baby tooth is a normal, biologic function. But what fun is there in that?! Let's add some magic, glitter and the Tooth Fairy!

Rooted in European folklore, many stories and traditions are tied to the Tooth Fairy. Some are factual. Some are not. Some are superstitious, but most of them are fun!

Historically, the first baby tooth lost is the most valuable and yields the most money.

• In the 1940's, the Tooth Fairy exchanged a dime for the first tooth.
• In the 1950's, the exchange increased to a quarter.
• In the 1960's, children found Kennedy half dollars under their pillows.
• In the 1970's and 1980's, children could expect to receive a whole dollar from the Tooth Fairy.
• Today, the Tooth Fairy will leave up to five dollars in exchange for a first tooth!

What used to cost the Tooth Fairy a dime, now costs up to 50 times more! This video reveals the generosity of today's Tooth Fairy.

There are many ways to share the magic of the Tooth Fairy with your child. Whether you intend to go all out or keep it simple, here are a few creative ideas to make this event extra-special.

Tooth Fairy Ideas to Purchase:

• http://officeofthetoothfairy.com
• https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperandtwine?ref=seller_info
• https://www.etsy.com/shop/looploft?ref=seller_info

Tooth Fairy DIY Creations:

• http://www.purlsoho.com/create/2009/07/26/mollys-sketchbook-tooth-fairy-bags/
• http://heartmadeblog.com/tooth-fairy-pocket/

(See more links listed below!)

When your first child informs you that their two bottom front teeth are a little wiggly, it's time to prepare for a visit from your assigned Tooth Fairy. All it really takes is a little strategically-placed fairy dust to make the first lost tooth a memorable event.

Does the Tooth Fairy visit your home? Do you remember special Tooth Fairy traditions as a child? Let us know. Leave a comment or contact Sherwood Dental at info@sherwoodparkdental.ca to tell us all about them.

If you have dental hygiene questions or need to schedule an appointment, please call (780) 464-4166.

Creative links and resources:

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2012/02/10-tooth-fairy-traditions-and-ideas-tuesday-ten.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20UnderTheTableAndDreaming%20%28Under%20The%20Table%20and%20Dreaming%29

http://sometimes-homemade.com/tooth-fairy-pocket/

http://www.kristendukephotography.com/tooth-fairy-receipt-free-printable/

http://www.thesuburbanmom.com/2014/06/10/tooth-fairy-ideas-and-free-printables/#Lt3oDHJ4AA1w3vMR.32

http://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/177252/tooth_fairy_idea_tradition_diy

http://egnashfamily.blogspot.com/p/printables.html

http://busymommymedia.com/7-reasons-the-tooth-fairy-forgot-to-come/

http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/free-printable-tooth-fairy-notes/

http://savingbydesign.com/20-fun-tooth-fairy-ideas/#_a5y_p=2132885

http://www.threelittlemonkeysstudio.com/tooth-fairy-letter-freebie/

http://red-brolly.com/2015/02/tooth-fairy-letter-and-envelope/

http://fantastink.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html

http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/features/moms/5278-creative-tooth-fairy-ideas.html?start=3

The post Tooth Fairy Ideas for Fun Family Traditions appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

The day your baby is born, they have twenty baby teeth, ten on the top and ten on the bottom.  When baby teeth break through the gums varies from child to child. The two bottom front teeth usually wiggle their way into view first by the time a baby is about six months old. Next, the four top front teeth will break through. All twenty baby teeth will emerge in pairs until your baby is 2 1/2 years old. They will lose all twenty of them.

Are baby teeth important?

Yes, baby teeth are important and unique to your child. They support proper chewing and speaking. Baby teeth give your baby's face its shape and form, and they have a specific job to do. They 'hold space' in the jaw to prepare for adult teeth.

When will my child lose their baby teeth?

[caption id="attachment_4354" align="alignright" width="301"] PAN image of a 6-yr-old little girl's teeth[/caption]

Your child should lose their first tooth around 6 1/2 years of age. It is common for children to lose a first tooth after they have turned five years old but before they turn seven. This is on the average.

By age twelve or thirteen, your child will lose all twenty of their baby teeth. Because they will lose all twenty over the course of many years, it is important to take good care of the baby teeth.

Including four wisdom teeth, thirty-two permanent teeth will replace your child's twenty baby teeth! Each time your child loses a baby tooth, a permanent tooth will erupt in its place. Wisdom teeth usually arrive when your child is in their late teens or early twenties.

Are molars included in the twenty baby teeth at birth?

Yes and no. Your child will have three sets of molars:  6-year molars, 12-year molars and wisdom teeth. 6-year molars usually arrive on scene around age 6. 12-year molars, as you guessed, generally make an appearance around age 12. If your child's wisdom teeth are going to come in (some don't), they usually erupt between the ages of 15 to 25.

More often than not, there is not enough room in a child's mouth for wisdom teeth to erupt. They are almost always extracted.

The following chart, provided by webmd.com, shows when your child's baby teeth (also called primary or deciduous teeth) should emerge and fall out. Eruption times vary from child to child.

Do you have more questions about the arrivals and departures of baby teeth? If so, give Sherwood Dental a call at (780) 464-4166 or email sherwooddental@shaw.ca. We know about teeth.

Sources:

http://alpharettachildrensdentistry.com/oral-health/about-teeth/

The post Baby Teeth: What To Expect appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

Your family is growing, and that's a beautiful thing. Have you wondered if dental procedures during pregnancy are safe for you and your baby? This is a common concern of expecting moms. You are naturally concerned about putting your baby at risk. We here at Sherwood Dental would like to alleviate some of those concerns.

Should I avoid dental procedures during pregnancy?

Yes, avoiding unnecessary dental procedures during pregnancy is recommended. Procedures, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after your baby arrives.

If you have entered your third trimester, non-emergency dental work should be postponed until after the birth of your little one.

Are cleanings and exams safe dental procedures during pregnancy?

Sherwood Dental recommends dental cleanings and exams during pregnancy because hormone levels rise during pregnancy. This rise in hormone levels causes gums to swell, bleed or possibly trap food. Gums can become irritated making you susceptible to gum disease.

Because gum disease has been linked to premature birth in babies, dental cleanings and exams during pregnancy are vital. Regular cleanings can help your feel more comfortable, too.

Are fillings and crowns safe dental procedures during pregnancy?

Fillings and crowns reduce the chance of gum disease. If a filling or crown is needed during pregnancy, it is best to have these procedures done while you are in your second trimester. Lying on your back for a long period of time while in your third trimester may be difficult to do. If it is possible to postpone a filling or a crown until after your baby is born, it is best to wait.

Should emergency procedures be avoided during pregnancy?

Root canals and tooth extractions are emergency dental procedures that may happen during a pregnancy. If you must undergo an emergency dental procedure during your pregnancy, ask your dentist to administer the smallest amount of local anesthesia possible. It is important that you are comfortable. When you are comfortable, you are less stressed. When you are less stressed, there is less stress on your baby. If you experience any pain during a dental procedure, ask for more numbing medicine.

Current studies on the possible adverse side effects from using medications during pregnancy vary. Lidocaine is labeled a Category B medication. It is the most commonly used local anesthetic in dental procedures. Because Lidocaine crosses the placenta after it is administered, people wonder about its safety to your developing baby. The use of Lidocaine is safest when administered during the second trimester.

Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed after emergency dental procedures to prevent or treat infections. Penicillin, amoxicillin and clindamycin are also labeled Category B medications. They are considered safe to use while pregnant.

Be wary of the use of antibiotics while you are breastfeeding your baby. These medications can be hard on your newborn's tummy.

Before taking medications of any kind, talk with your family doctor first. Always consult your family doctor if you are concerned about the risk medications may be to you and your baby.

Should x-rays be used during pregnancy?

It is typical to have x-rays taken during annual exams. They are needed for most dental procedures, especially emergencies. According to the American College of Radiology, the radiation of one diagnostic x-ray is not significant enough to cause adverse effects in your developing baby. However, since babies develop their organs during the first trimester, it is best to avoid x-rays until after birth. If absolutely necessary, x-rays may be taken to help assess the risk of a toothache or abscess.

Sherwood Dental cares about our patients and the possible risks of dental procedures during pregnancy. We are concerned about our patients' oral health and the proper development of their little ones. We suggest:

• Getting a full dental exam before conception. If you are planning a pregnancy in the near future, it is ideal to make sure you are free of cavities and infection beforehand.
• Eating a balanced diet for pregnant women as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA)
• Brushing your teeth twice a day
• Flossing your teeth once daily
• Letting your dentist know you are expecting
• Having cleanings and exams while you are pregnant
• Postponing non-emergency dental work until your second trimester or until after delivery if possible
• Postponing unnecessary procedures, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, until after delivery

If a dental procedure is necessary, we suggest:

• Keeping your legs uncrossed while in the dentist's chair. This will help you maintain healthy circulation.
• Bringing a pillow to provide comfort for you and your baby
• Bringing headphones to listen to your favorite music during the procedure
• Asking Sherwood Dental about any concerns you may have about our procedures and protocols for our moms-to-be. We want you to be as comfortable as possible with your dental care.

If you have further concerns about dental procedures during pregnancy, please call Sherwood Dental at (780) 464-4166. We'd be happy to answer your questions. Congratulations!

Watch for our next post on what you can expect in the tooth development of your baby once they arrive!

Source: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/dental-work-and-pregnancy/

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What?! Yes, you read that right: Let the kids eat it all right now! Does this seem like an oxymoron coming from your dentist? No, business is not a little slow. No, we're not trying to generate income. Encouraging the kids to eat a lot of their Halloween candy soon after looting the neighborhood is better for their teeth.

First, let's be clear. We're not suggesting that you allow the kids to eat so much that they go into a sugar coma. Their poor pancreas! Please don't allow them to eat so much of their Halloween candy that it makes them sick. Although if they do get really sick, they may not ever want to eat candy again... No, don't let them do that.

Why should I let the kids eat all their Halloween candy right away?!

Eating no Halloween candy and sweets means fewer cavities, and that's a good thing. Our best advice is to get rid of it. But we weren't born yesterday. We all know that ain't gonna happen. So, let's talk about how bingeing on all that Halloween candy at once is better than eating a little at a time.

The acid in Halloween candy affects teeth and gums and starts the decaying process within 20 minutes after eating the candy. (Our blog post, Sugar And Its Impact On Your Teeth, explains more about this). Allowing your kids to bombard their teeth and gums with acid all day long for weeks is a sure-fire way to bring on cavities. Are you going to make your kids brush their teeth after eating every piece of Halloween candy to stop acid attacks from their teeth and gums all day long for weeks on end? We thought so.

Let the kids eat more Halloween candy, once a day. Choose the time for their once-a-day binge wisely! Right before bedtime is probably not the best time. Then, make them brush their teeth right away. The candy will be gone sooner and your stressing will be, too. You will have fewer days to stress over your kids sugar intake and their need for frequent brushing.

Do the kids a favor, Mom and Dad. Let the kids eat their Halloween candy once a day for a few days instead of all day for many. This is better for their teeth and gums! Just make sure they brush their teeth soon after they binge on this year's loot each day.

When the Halloween candy has disappeared, call Sherwood Dental at (780) 464-4166. We can check your kids teeth for tooth decay that may lead to unwanted cavities.

Sources:

http://www.heritagedentalid.com/this-dentist-says-eat-all-your-candy-at-once/

http://marketingmama.com/will-you-let-your-children-eat-all-of-their-halloween-candy

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