Common Types of Dental Fillings

At Bear Creek Dental we offer different types of materials to fill cavities. A filling is a way to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay back to its normal shape and function. By closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, a filling also helps prevent further decay. When it comes to having a cavity filled, one of our doctors will discuss what type of filling is best for you, during a consultation. Meanwhile, here are some common types that we utilize.

• Composite resins – designed to look more like natural teeth, these tooth-colored fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler that provide good durability and resistance.


• Amalgam fillings – Sometimes described as silver fillings, these are made of metals that include mercury, silver, or tin and copper.


• Gold fillings – also called inlays or onlays are composed of an alloy of gold, copper, and other metals.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental fillings or cosmetic dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about dental cleanings and all the services we provide, visit BearCreekDental.CA for more information.  To schedule an appointment at Bear Creek Dental, located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada, call 780-539-0404.

Avoid Cavities This Halloween

Halloween is a popular holiday that most children and adults look forward to. There are candy and sugar treats galore, and it’s the one day out of the year we can make an excuse to eat as much as we want. Though the sugar cravings are strong, it’s important to have some self-control for the sake of your smile. Too much candy may cause the tooth decay process to begin and leave your teeth with cavities that only our doctors at Bear Creek Dental can repair.

Sticky candies are detrimental to teeth because they will get stuck to enamel and in-between the teeth and gums. Additionally, consistently exposing your teeth to sugar will put your teeth at risk for a dental emergency, such as a broken or chipped tooth. After indulging, be sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes with ADA approved toothpaste for at least two minutes. Once you are finished, floss your teeth and use a mouth rinse to prevent them from further damage.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health or tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn more about dental cleanings and all the services we provide, visit BearCreekDental.CA for more information.  To schedule an appointment at Bear Creek Dental, located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada, call 780-539-0404.

Infant Tooth Care

Baby teeth may be small, but they set the foundation for future teeth to come. To help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, our doctors at Bear Creek Dental recommend regularly cleaning your infant’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings. It’s important to start cleaning your child’s teeth before they come in to jumpstart a healthy smile.

Wipe the gums off after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth or a dampened piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. In addition, take measures to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, a disease that causes severe, the swift decay of baby teeth. To help prevent it, do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of formula or a sugary drink, such as juice. The possibility of tooth decay is directly related to the number of times that sugar comes in contact with the teeth. Your child’s baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth. Without a healthy set of baby teeth, your child risks having trouble chewing and speaking clearly as they get older.

If you have questions or concerns regarding pediatric oral care, please give us a call. To learn more about dental cleanings and all the services we provide, visit BearCreekDental.CA for more information.  To schedule an appointment at Bear Creek Dental, located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada, call 780-539-0404.

Eat Celery for Fresh Breath

Bad breath is a common condition that affects everyone periodically. To eliminate the odor we might catch ourselves chewing a piece of minty gum on the go, or taking a quick swig of mouthwash before we leave the house for a night out.  Here at Bear Creek Dental, our doctors understand that bad breath can be very embarrassing, but did you know that you can fight it by eating a piece of celery?

Celery fights bad breath because it is rich in fiber which fights Halitosis by breaking down plaque and sulfur compounds.  Therefore, celery is a great thing to eat to help clean your mouth. It is also effective to munch on a carrot or an apple. Snacks that include crispy fresh fruits and vegetables step up your saliva flow between meals to help wash away bacteria from the teeth, tongue, and gums that can cause bad breath. These snacks can also help alleviate bad breath caused by hunger or fasting.

If you have questions or concerns regarding bad breath, please give us a call. To learn more about dental cleanings and all the services we provide, visit BearCreekDental.CA for more information.  To schedule an appointment at Bear Creek Dental, located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada, call 780-539-0404.