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Preventing a Dental Emergency: Dental Habits to Adopt

Maintaining good dental hygiene is a fundamental aspect of overall health and well-being. Yet, despite its importance, emergency dentistry cases are increasing at an alarming rate due to preventable dental issues. Most of these cases could have been avoided through regular dental hygiene habits. This article outlines practical and actionable steps to uphold optimal oral health and reduce the necessity for emergency dentist visits.

Brushing Techniques:

Effective plaque removal relies on proper brushing techniques. It is important to brush at least twice a day, spending about two minutes each time, ensuring that all surfaces of your teeth are adequately cleaned. The choice of toothpaste and toothbrush plays a significant role. Fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush are recommended for most people. It’s crucial to change your toothbrush every three to four months or earlier if you notice the bristles have become worn or frayed is vital in maintaining effective cleaning.

Flossing:

Flossing is an indispensable part of dental hygiene, allowing you to reach areas inaccessible by a toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day. The correct technique involves forming the floss into a ‘C’ curve around the tooth and delicately sliding it up and down. Common mistakes, such as skipping flossing or doing it too aggressively, can damage the gum.

Mouthwash:

Mouthwash serves as an adjunct to brushing and flossing, offering additional protection against tooth decay and gum disease. It comes in various types, including antiseptic, fluoride, and cosmetic mouthwashes. Antiseptic and fluoride mouthwashes are particularly beneficial in preventative dentistry. However, usage should be as per directions to avoid potential side effects like mouth dryness or staining.

Healthy Diet for Dental Health:

Diet significantly impacts oral health. Foods abundant in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products and leafy greens, promote strong teeth and gums. Conversely, limiting the consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Importance of Regular Dental Checkups:

Regular dental visits play a critical role in preventing dental emergencies. These checkups allow your dentist to identify potential issues before they escalate into more severe conditions. Dental anxiety can deter people from visiting their dentist, but understanding the procedures and discussing concerns with your dental provider can alleviate such fears.

Avoiding Harmful Habits:

Certain habits significantly compromise oral health. Smoking and tobacco use contribute to gum disease and oral cancer. Similarly, teeth grinding or bruxism can cause tooth wear and jaw problems. Managing these habits, often through the help of a dental professional, can prevent unnecessary visits to an emergency dentist.

Oral Hygiene for Children and Teens:

Instilling proper dental hygiene habits and routines from a young age is vital. Regular dental checkups for children and teens are crucial in early disease detection and treatment. Parents can foster these habits by setting a good example and making dental care fun and rewarding.

Sports and Dental Protection:

Mouthguards are an effective way to prevent dental injuries during sports activities. There are three types: custom-made, boil and bite, and stock mouthguards. While all offer protection, custom-made mouthguards made by a professional dentist, provide the best fit and protection.

Oral Health and Overall Health:

Research has shown a distinct connection between oral health and systemic health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to oral infections, which can impact other parts of the body. Therefore, maintaining good oral health is not just about preventing a dental emergency but also about safeguarding your overall well-being.

 

In conclusion, maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial to prevent the need for emergency dentistry. Regular brushing, flossing, a healthy diet, routine checkups and cleanings, avoiding harmful habits, and using protective equipment during sports can all contribute to this goal. Taking charge of your oral health will not only prevent unnecessary visits to the emergency dentist but also enhance your overall quality of life.

 

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Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.

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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.

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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.

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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.

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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.

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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.

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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.

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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.

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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.

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As a dedicated Dental Hygienist at Torbram Dental, Aalisha brings recent knowledge and experience to ensure the best oral health for our patients. She holds a Diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries and has further enriched her education with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. Beyond her professional qualifications, Aalisha has a zest for life that extends beyond the dental chair. She cherishes quality time with family and friends, thrives on outdoor adventures, and has a passion for hiking and water-based activities, especially during the sunny summer days. She is an avid traveler, exploring tropical paradises and historic destinations while immersing herself in diverse cultures and indulging in delicious culinary experiences."

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Supreet was born and raised in Punjab, India and came to Canada in 2016. She graduated from Sheridan College as an Environmental Lab Technician but later decided to change her career to dentistry. She completed her Level I and II Intra-Oral Dental Assisting course from George Brown College and graduated in 2023. In July 2023, Supreet joined the team at Torbram Dental where she enjoys working. In her free time, she loves to read books.

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