Preparing Children for the Dentist

At Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie, we offer many sedation techniques that are safe for children. However, it is always better when children are prepared psychologically for their visits, which is why we want to provide parents with guidance on preventing dental anxiety.

We would like for visiting the dentist to be such a normal part of a child’s life that they don’t ever worry about it. Cleanings should be done on a biannual basis from the time the first tooth begins to erupt. But it is still necessary to explain the purpose of the visits to the child, which is why it’s best to just say that our doctors are experts in keeping teeth healthy and cleaning them. Children pick up most of their attitude from their parents, so it’s better if they are accompanied by an adult who is sure of their own comfort. Things also tend to go better when siblings go together, and the younger one can watch the older one set a good example. Don’t overemphasize the need for bravery, as this creates an expectation of discomfort, and remember that cleaning, providing sealants, and possibly filling in cavities are usually the only services which require explanations. We’ll be able to give demonstrations with the chair and explain anything else that is necessary in terms your child will understand.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Cleaning Night Guards

The staff at Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie is attentive to each of our patients’ individual needs, and we understand that many of them wear night guards for help with sleep apnea and night-time teeth grinding. These devices are incredibly valuable, but they have to be cared for properly or bacteria will build up in them, sickening the patient and causing bad breath.

After being removed each morning, the night guard should be brushed. As is the case with dentures, only soft-bristled toothbrushes should be used and toothpaste with extra fluoridation should be avoided. This is to prevent the night guard from being scratched. It is also a good idea to have different toothbrushes for the night guard and the teeth.

The container also needs to be kept clean with something that will not damage it. For this reason, it should not be cleaned with alcoholic solutions, but people often get satisfactory results with ordinary soap. The main difference between night guards and dentures is that they should be dried before being put away. Patients should also be sure they have thoroughly brushed and flossed their teeth before putting the night guard back in.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Filling a Cavity

Cavities are the destruction of tooth enamel and once this enamel is gone, it doesn’t repair itself. To repair a cavity, one of our doctors at Bear Creek Dental will use a filling material to fill the space that has been destroyed. We encourage all of our patients to practice cavity prevention to avoid costly procedures in the future and to ensure that your oral health status is in good condition.

Many options are available for dental fillings and one of our doctors will discuss these with you during your consultation. The two most commonly used are porcelain (composite) and amalgam. Both are very durable options, and each will last several years before they need to be replaced. If you’ve already received a filling and notice signs of wear, give us a call as you may need a dental crown instead of a filling.

If you have questions or concerns regarding cavities or tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Have a Healthy Holiday Smile

During the holidays, temptation lurks around every corner. The appetizers, the desserts, all of it can either be a good or bad decision for our tooth enamel. Making wise choices during the holiday season is definitely a challenge, but our doctors at Bear Creek Dental are here to tell you what to reach for on the holiday table to help keep your smile healthy throughout the holiday season.

A poor diet can lead to gum disease and tooth decay and the holidays are no excuse to fall off the healthy wagon. Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to decay, so it’s best to avoid candy canes, popcorn, and other foods that can chip or crack a tooth. If you notice a cheese platter on the table, cheese contains calcium that keeps enamel strong. Whatever you decide to eat, be sure to brush thoroughly after your meal and floss the leftovers out of your teeth to prevent bad breath and gingivitis from developing.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.