Cold Sores… Everything you need to know

4 Apr 2023 General Dentistry , , , , , , , , ,

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As you likely know, cold sores are a group of tiny, painful blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus is highly contagious, making cold sores extremely easy to spread through touch.
Cold sores usually appear on the outside of the mouth and lips, but they can also develop on the nose and cheeks.
When cold sores do develop, they can be treated through medications and professional treatments.
At Maple Mews Dental, we offer a laser treatment that helps speed up the cold sore healing process. Many patients call the office to schedule a treatment at the first sign of a bump or tingling.
There are certain things that have been known to trigger an outbreak. These include:
Fever, colds, allergies, fatigue, stress.
Cold sores aren’t only contagious when they are visible – they are most contagious immediately before the blister forms. Many people who suffer from cold sores report that they can feel the blister coming in before it arrives.
If you have a cold sore or feel one coming on, it is very important to avoid the dentist unless you are seeking an appointment to have your cold sore treated with our laser.
Keeping this in mind will prevent you from spreading the virus to the dentist and hygienist, and help you avoid any pain or discomfort that can occur when you open your mouth wide for treatment.
If you have a cold sore and have a regular dental appointment scheduled, please contact the office and we will find an alternative time to see you.

How Does Sugar Affect Your Teeth?

22 Mar 2023 General Dentistry , , , , , , , , ,

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Sugar is one of the most common ingredients in our modern diets. We all know that sugar is bad for our health, but did you know that it can also damage our teeth? In fact, sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay and cavities, which can lead to a range of oral health problems.
Here’s how sugar affects the health of your teeth:
1. Sugar feeds bacteria
The bacteria present in your mouth feeds on sugar, which produces acid as a byproduct. This acid then attacks the enamel of your teeth, leading to tooth decay and cavities. The more sugar you consume, the more bacteria will grow in your mouth, and the more it will produce acid that damages your teeth.
2. Sugar increases plaque formation
Plaque is the buildup of bacteria, food particles, and other substances in your mouth. When you eat sugar, it sticks to your teeth and combines with bacteria to form plaque. Plaque accumulates on the surface of your teeth, and if left untreated, it can harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist, and it can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
3. Sugar decreases saliva production
Saliva is essential for keeping your mouth healthy because it helps to neutralize acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. But when you consume sugar, it decreases the production of saliva, which means that the acids are not neutralized. This results in tooth decay and cavities.
4. Sugar causes inflammation
Consuming too much sugar can cause inflammation throughout your body, including your gums. Inflammation leads to gum disease, which can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, and ultimately tooth loss. Additionally, individuals with diabetes who consume sugar are at a higher risk of developing gum disease.
5. Sugar damages tooth enamel
The enamel on your teeth is the protective outer layer that keeps your teeth healthy. But when you consume too much sugar, the enamel on your teeth weakens, making them more susceptible to damage. This damage can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain.
So, what can you do to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of sugar? The best thing you can do is to limit your sugar intake. Avoid sugary drinks, candy, and processed foods that contain added sugar. Instead, opt for healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Additionally, brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Excessive consumption of sugar can have detrimental effects on your oral health. From feeding bacteria to decreasing saliva production, sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth. However, with proper care and limiting sugar intake, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong. Our team at Maple Mews Dental in Burlington has been committed to giving our patients all the tools to have healthy smiles they can be proud of.

5 Reasons to Rethink Missing Your Next Dental Appointment

17 Feb 2023 General Dentistry , , , , , , , ,

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It may be tempting to put off your upcoming dental appointment because life is busy, or you’re feeling good so there’s no need, or you really do not want to go (we know the deal). Once you miss one appointment, it’s easy to miss others. Your Maple Mews Dental team is here to tell you that it is a slippery slope and one that could end in serious dental decay.

Prevention is the best approach to your dental health, which means keeping up with your daily brushing and flossing habits, along with visiting your family dentist at least once a year (more if you have benefits that allow for it).

Here’s 5 reasons why we highly suggest keeping that appointment:

1. Early Detection: Whether you have a cavity or something more complicated such as gum disease, early detection just makes things easier and improves your likelihood of correcting the issue before it causes too much damage. However, if left untreated, you could be looking at bigger, deep-rooted issues that could require invasive corrective procedures. Your South Burlington dental team prefers to take a proactive approach and catch any concerns early.

2. Ward Off Gum Disease: As tartar builds up on your teeth and along your gum line, it creates small pockets, or gaps, between your teeth and your gum where bacteria can collect. That bacteria can cause gum disease. Regular dental visits ensure that your gums are healthy and remove that tartar before it does damage.

3. Oral Cancer Screenings: We don’t like to think about cancer, but it is a reality. One of the core services offered during your regular dental checkups with your family dentist in South Burlington is oral screening for cancer. Like all other dental issues, early detection provides the best opportunity for treatment. If this doesn’t convince you to keep your dental appointments, we’ll keep going.

4. Maintaining a Bright Smile: If you are like our Maple Mews Dental Team you like your daily cup of coffee or tea and even a glass of red wine. While we would never suggest that you give up these treats, we do know that they can stain your teeth. Keeping your dental appointment and getting your professional cleaning can help you reverse the stains, restoring your naturally beautiful smile.

5. That Clean Feeling: You really don’t get a true clean feeling from brushing alone. Regardless of your dental hygiene habits, plaque and tartar naturally build up over time. The only true way to remove that build up is by allowing your family dentist in South Burlington to professionally remove the substance from your teeth. There’s nothing quite like that after-dentist feeling!

Have we convinced you? Call Maple Mews Dental in South Burlington today if you need to set an appointment. If you already have one on the calendar, we look forward to seeing you then!

 

Everything You Need to Know About Your Dental Visit

8 Nov 2022 Dental Treatment , , , ,

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Has it been a while since you’ve visited your dentist for a checkup and cleaning? Many people put off their dental visits because they’re busy, some because of fear or anxiety, and others simply because they just don’t see them as a priority.

Whatever your reason for putting off your dental visit, we hope that reading this article will convince you that a visit to the dentist is an important part of your overall health and wellbeing and it is absolutely nothing to fear.

What does my dentist need to know?

When you arrive for your dental examination at Maple Mews Dental, chances are the first person you speak with will be a dental assistant or hygienist. They will ask you if there are any changes in your overall health since your last visit, or if you’re having any trouble with your mouth or teeth.

If you are experiencing any of the following, it’s very important to let your dental team know so they can take this information into account during the exam. Many of these factors can give your dentist a clear idea of what to look for and where to focus.

  • Any swelling or redness in the gums
  • Any lumps or bumps in the mouth, cheeks, neck or tongue
  • Any toothaches or sensitivities to hot and cold
  • Swelling or bleeding in the gums, even during brushing and flossing
  • Consistently bad breath
  • Any medical diagnosis like diabetes or heart disease

What will my dental appointment include?

After your initial conversation with the assistant or hygienist, your dental exam will include the following:

  • A scaling to remove any plaque buildup
  • Polishing to remove any stains that are sitting on the surface of the teeth
  • Flossing
  • A general periodontal exam performed by your dental hygienist to measure any gaps in the gums, and some gentle prodding to assess whether you have any spots prone to pain or sensitivity
  • Possibly x-rays, depending on the results of the checkup and how long it’s been since you’ve had dental x-rays
  • An exam with the dentist to check on each individual tooth, review the x-ray results with you, and discuss any changes in your oral or overall health (including oral cancer screening)

Regular, twice-annual dental checkups are the most effective way to maintain a healthy mouth and enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth. If you’re overdue for a dental examination, call the team at Maple Mews Dental today. We’ll schedule a time for you to come in, have your teeth clean and assessed, and get you back on track to properly maintained oral health.

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