Mouth Guards for Sports

If you and your family are getting active in sports this season, Bear Creek Dental can provide you with an important piece of safety equipment.  Athletes participating in any contact sport should wear some kind of mouth protection. A mouth guard helps prevent damage to the teeth and jaw, and also helps prevent injuries to the cheeks, tongue, and lips.

Sporting goods stores carry mouth guards, but they are generic in form and size.  These mouth guards often end up feeling bulky and uncomfortable, leading to child and teenage athletes in particular not wearing the protection at all.  A very ill-fitting mouth guard can even interrupt breathing and speaking. Custom mouth guards can be fit over braces and won’t interrupt normal activity, so visit Bear Creek Dental for a custom mouth guard fitting.  Get a mouth guard made of thin, hard plastic that protects your teeth and still fits comfortably.  This is an easy precaution to take to protect your mouth, and you can go right back to playing your best!

To learn more about custom mouth guards and all the services we provide 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.

Pediatric Dentistry

At Bear Creek Dental, we want the families from our community to know it’s just as important for children to have regular dental visits.  A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled between when the first baby tooth appears, and the child’s first birthday.  Baby teeth eventually come out, but their growth and development is important for overall oral health for the child and the development of their adult teeth. Baby teeth should be brushed and cared for like adult teeth, and it’s important to monitor their growth and development. 

Missing any tooth for too long can change the development of surrounding teeth and compromise the structure of the jaw bone, but regular checkups can keep a child’s tooth development right on track.  Our dentists are skilled and experienced in administering dental care to children.  If your child has seems nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, we recommend going through a brushing routine with them at home, and talking about the dental visit before you arrive.  Once we get your child’s oral health off to a great start, we offer a full range of services for child patients including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.

We love to see good oral hygiene habits formed early, and make lifetime patients out of kids from our community!  To learn more about the services provided 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.

Nutrition for a Healthy Mouth

Our body is a machine that needs the correct fuel to run efficiently. When we consume foods and beverages that contain added sugars and harmful acids, we aren’t doing our oral health a favor. If you want your smile to be in optimal health, it’s important to feed it what it needs instead of what it craves. Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental encourage you to incorporate more whole foods into your diet.

The best thing you can do to prevent tooth decay is when snacking, select foods from the five food groups. The best food choices for the health of your mouth include cheeses, chicken or other meats, nuts, and milk. These foods are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth. Other food choices include firm/crunchy fruits and vegetables. These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain, and stimulates saliva flow to wash away food particles and acid.

If you have questions about dental health, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide 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.

Periodontal Health

If your gums are in bad shape, how are they supposed to hold your teeth in place? Healthy gums are firm and pale pink in color. If yours are red, purple, swollen, or inflamed, it’s time to visit one of our doctors at Bear Creek Dental. If you don’t brush and floss on a regular basis, you’ll begin the process of tooth decay which can lead to potential tooth loss if not careful.

When you have healthy gums, your teeth are well supported by the tissue in your gums and your chances for long-term oral health are significantly increased. Because periodontal disease is linked to an increased susceptibility to systemic disease (bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease), it is important to prevent it as well as control it. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is important and helps remove the thin film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth each day and contributes to tooth decay.

If you have questions about preventive dentistry or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide 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.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea may occur as a result of an underlying condition which is why it’s critical to seek treatment immediately. Common signs of central sleep apnea include abrupt awakenings during sleep accompanied by a shortness of breath, excessive daytime sleepiness, and/or difficulty concentrating. Snoring may not be as prominent with central sleep apnea like it is in obstructive sleep apnea, but if you experience any of the following, you should schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Bear Creek Dental immediately. 

Snoring indicates some degree of airflow obstruction and is usually associated with obstructive sleep apnea but it can occur in central sleep apnea as well. Central sleep apnea may also occur as a result of other conditions, such as heart failure or stroke. Treatment for central sleep apnea may involve treating existing conditions, using a device to assist breathing.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep apnea management and treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about 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.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

You may joke with your partner about how loud you (or they) snore, but loud snoring is no laughing matter. This is because habitual snorers are at a serious risk for health problems such as diabetes, stroke, and heart complications, in addition to obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when something partly, or completely, blocks your upper-airway during sleep. Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental can treat this problem.

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people who are overweight, but it can affect anyone. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, our doctors at Vista Dental may suggest a Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) procedure as a last resort. UPPP is a procedure used to remove excess tissue in the throat to widen the airway. This sometimes can allow air to move through the throat more easily when you breathe, reducing snoring.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep apnea management and treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about 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.

Different Types of Toothpaste

The type of toothpaste you should purchase should depend on your teeth. Toothpaste is a key part of your oral care routine. Along with your toothbrush and floss, toothpaste helps remove food debris and plaque from the teeth and gums. Different kinds of toothpaste have different properties and our doctors at Bear Creek Dental will help you choose the one that’s best for you.

• Anti-cavity: This type of toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride plays an active role in preventing decay, and it actively strengthens tooth enamel.


• Anti-gingivitis: If you spit blood in the sink, this is an early sign of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Anti-gingivitis toothpaste help reduces oral bacteria and can be very effective at stopping gingivitis in its tracks.


• Desensitizing: If you’ve ever bit into an ice cream cone and felt a sharp pain in your tooth’s nerve, this type of toothpaste will provide relief by blocking the tooth’s pain signal to the nerve.


• Tartar-control: This toothpaste does exactly what it says, however, the best way to remove tartar is by scheduling a professional dental cleaning with one of our doctors.


• Whitening: This toothpaste contains chemicals that are able to help maintain the natural color of your teeth.

If you have questions about preventive dentistry or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide 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.

Mouthwash and Your Oral Health

You may be surprised to learn that just like dental floss; mouthwash has the ability to clean between the teeth. It reaches the crevices the toothbrush can’t to prevent tooth decay, reduce plaque, and freshen breath. Mouthwash has a few beneficial properties and our doctors at Bear Creek Dental would like to explain some of them.

• Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.


• Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.


• Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.


• Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor-causing compounds.

If you have questions about preventive dentistry or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide 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.

Dental Trauma

Accidents happen, but when a dental injury occurs, this can lead to physical and emotional trauma for the patient. Dental trauma is common and damage to the mouth can occur during sports injuries and even from a motor vehicle accident. Whatever the cause, our doctors at Bear Creek Dental are here to develop a plan to restore tooth function, improve overall appearance, and restore confidence that has been lost.

Examples of dental trauma include but are not limited to facial lacerations, knocked out teeth, broken teeth, or fractures to your jaw. A dental injury can affect the way you speak, chew, and smile. Dental injuries may cause psychological damage, as well as physical damage and, could leave a person feeling helpless. Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental assure you that you don’t have to feel this way. Depending on the severity of the damage, the patient may require oral and maxillofacial surgery to correct the problem.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental injury, 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.

Athletes and Mouth Guards

Mouthguards are an essential piece of equipment in contact sports such as football, hockey, wrestling, baseball, and basketball. Imagine having a tooth knocked out in the middle of a game. Not only will it dampen your performance, but the healing time might put you on the bench for a few weeks. At Bear Creek Dental, we supply athletes of all ages with custom fitted mouth guards to ensure that you maintain your highest level of performance on the field, court, or rink.

Wearing a mouth guard helps protect teeth during sports and helps cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw. At Noah Dental Group, our custom fitted mouth protectors are individually designed to fit your mouth and your mouth only. First, our doctor will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. The thinness of the custom mouth guard allows for easy breathing and also allows for easy communication so that you can shout out your signals clearly.

If you have questions or concerns regarding mouth guards, please give us a call. To learn more about 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.

Digital X-rays

At Bear Creek Dental, we utilize the latest equipment in dental technology such as digital X-rays. Digital X-rays emit low amounts of radiation which protects patients from harmful exposure because they use 90 percent less radiation than film X-rays. X-rays are an important part of a patient’s dental visit, so it’s important that we provide our patients with the best.  

Here at Bear Creek Dental, we will review your history, examine your mouth and then decide whether or not you need X-rays. Dental X-rays are a useful diagnostic tool when helping our doctors detect damage and disease not visible during a routine dental exam. How often X-rays should be taken depends on your present oral health, your age, your risk for disease, and any signs and symptoms of oral disease. For example, children may require X-rays more often than adults because their teeth and jaws are still developing and their teeth are more likely to be affected by tooth decay than those of adults.

If you have questions or concerns regarding digital X-rays or dental technology, 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.

Diabetes and Dental Health

People who have poorly controlled diabetes are at a greater risk for developing dental problems. A patient with diabetes is more likely to have infections of the gums and bones that hold teeth together than those who don’t have the condition. Diabetes can cause a person to have a lack of saliva flow in the mouth, cavities, and periodontal disease. If you have diabetes and are due for a dental appointment, contact one of our doctors at Bear Creek Dental.

If you have diabetes, symptoms of dental problems include bleeding and sore gums, frequent infections, and bad breath. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is critical. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. In addition, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. The decrease in saliva can cause an increase in tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup. You can prevent these problems by maintaining good blood sugar control, brushing and flossing and least twice a day, having a dental checkup every six months and especially by informing your dentist that you have diabetes.

If you have questions or concerns regarding diabetic oral care, 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.

Take Good Care of Your Toothbrush

Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental want you to take a look at your toothbrush. If the bristles are discolored and frayed, it’s time to replace it with a brand new one. Proper toothbrush care is important to your oral health because a toothbrush that is worn out won’t clean the mouth thoroughly. Allow us to remind you how to take good care of your oral care instrument.

The human body is constantly exposed to potentially harmful microbes, and particularly when you are sick, bacteria will contaminate your toothbrush. For effective plaque removal, and optimal oral hygiene, the American Dental Association recommends that consumers replace toothbrushes approximately every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed with use. You should never share a toothbrush with a significant other and always store your toothbrush in open air away from other toothbrushes to avoid cross-contamination.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral care, 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.

Sedation Options: Nitrous Oxide

If you have an oral surgery procedure or wish to take the edge off during a dental appointment, at Bear Creek Dental we have the sedation option for you. The type you receive will depend on the procedure, but in this post, we would like to discuss nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over the nose.

Nitrous oxide is a type of sedation that isn’t meant to put the patient to sleep. Once nitrous oxide is administered, the patient will be able to hear and respond to any request that the dentist may have. One of our doctors will ask you to breathe through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you will begin to feel the effects. You may feel lightheaded, but ultimately you will feel calm and comfortable.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation dentistry, 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.

Dangers of Snoring

Loud snoring may be comical for some, but it is dangerous for most. Snoring happens when the flow of air from the mouth or nose to your lungs makes the tissues of the airway vibrate. When this happens, the person isn’t taking in enough oxygen for the body to sleep quietly. Snoring can result in daytime sleepiness, frequent headaches, or worse, sleep apnea. Fortunately, our doctors at Bear Creek Dental can treat the problem.  

Snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea can result in disruption of sleep because a person tends to take pauses in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased health risks such as high blood pressure, stroke, or even death. If you or your partner snore during the night, it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis because doing so can save a life.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep apnea, 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.

Child’s First Tooth Loss

Children usually begin to lose their first tooth around the age of six-years-old and when this happens, it’s a monumental part of their oral health journey. When your child is about to lose a tooth, they may be excited, or they may be afraid of what it will feel like. At Bear Creek Dental, we can give you the right tools to prepare them for this moment and teach them how to take care of the rest of their baby teeth.  

Children and adults may be surprised to know that teeth usually fall out in the order that they erupted. This is why the two bottom teeth tend to fall out first. If your child loses a tooth due to trauma or decay, this can lead to complications such as malocclusion that may require orthodontic treatment down the road. After your child loses a tooth, they can soothe the gums by gargling with warm water. When it’s time to brush the teeth before bed, be sure to help them brush gently, as to not cause the gums to bleed.

If you have questions or concerns regarding pediatric dentistry, 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.

Flossing with Traditional Braces

Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental recently gave patients a lesson on how to brush with traditional braces, so naturally, we can’t forget about flossing. Flossing may seem difficult at first, but don’t be discouraged and don’t give up. Flossing will remove food particles that get stuck in between and cause bad breath. Next time you step in front of the sink to brush, utilize these tips.

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic oral hygiene, 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.

Brushing with Brackets and Wires

If you’ve recently had traditional braces applied to your teeth, our doctors at Bear Creek Dental are here to help you keep them clean. Brackets and wires make brushing and flossing more difficult, but when there is a will, there is a way, and we are here to teach you the proper way to brush your teeth with braces.  

• Prepare to brush – take off elastics (rubber bands) and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.


• Clean your braces – Use your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of each wire and then from the bottom.


• Brush your teeth – Clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, and then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Do this for about 10 seconds. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.


• Floss once a day – Carefully thread the floss under or over the main wire of your braces, taking care not to get it stuck. Then thread the floss through the wire to reach in between the spaces of your teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic oral hygiene, 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.

Bad Oral Habits

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, our doctors at Bear Creek Dental want you to review your oral hygiene habits. Bad habits such as nail biting, and opening packages with your teeth, can be detrimental to tooth enamel and the gums if not careful. Additional bad habits that can cause sensitive teeth include the following, and we encourage you to cut back on them immediately.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will cause you pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health or oral hygiene, 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.

Pulling a Tooth

At Bear Creek Dental, our doctors will do all they can to avoid pulling a patient’s tooth. There are some instances, however, when extraction is necessary. No one wants to hear that they need a tooth removed, after all, were supposed to keep our permanent teeth for a lifetime. Common reasons for tooth extractions include wisdom teeth and overcrowding.

Other reasons for tooth extraction include:

• Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.


• Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out in time to allow permanent teeth to come in.


• People getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.

 

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth extraction, 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.