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Infected Tooth – What To Do, Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Robin Mak

We’ve all experienced a toothache at some point in our lives.

Whether it’s a slight sensitivity or a sharp pain, tooth ache is not a pleasant feeling.

But did you know that a toothache could be a sign of a more serious issue?

An infected tooth can be incredibly painful and can cause long-term damage if left untreated.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what an infected tooth feels like, why you shouldn’t ignore it, and what you should do if you think you have one.

What does an infected tooth feel like?

An infected tooth can feel different for everyone, but there are a few common symptoms to watch out for. It can start as a dull ache and progress to a sharp pain that is difficult to ignore. You may also experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling around the tooth or gums, and even a foul taste or smell in your mouth. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Why shouldn’t you ignore an infected tooth?

Ignoring an infected tooth can lead to serious complications. The longer you wait to treat it, the more painful it will become. The infection can spread to other teeth, gums, and even your jawbone.

In some cases, ignoring an infected tooth can lead to tooth loss or even life-threatening complications. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and seek treatment as soon as possible.

What should you do if you think you have an infected tooth?

The first step is to schedule an appointment – we are happy to help at our dentist office in Vancouver. We will examine your tooth and take an x-ray to determine the severity of the infection.

Depending on the extent of the infection, your dentist may recommend a filling, root canal, or extraction. It’s important to follow their recommendation and get the appropriate treatment.

In the meantime, use over-the-counter pain relievers and avoid hot, cold or extremely sugary foods and drinks.

Continue to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently around the affected area.

Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) a few times a day while you have pain to help alleviate discomfort.

Avoid extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods, as they may exacerbate pain or sensitivity.

You can apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and numb the area.

Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and keep your body hydrated.

How can you prevent an infected tooth?

The best way to prevent an infected tooth is to practice good oral hygiene.

Brush your teeth twice per day for two minutes each time and floss daily.

You should also avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks and see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

Sometimes, infected teeth happen because of weaknesses in teeth or big fillings from the past. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You can still work hard on good oral care going forward!

If you do experience a toothache, don’t wait to seek treatment. The sooner you address the issue, the better chance you have of saving your tooth.

An infected tooth is not something to take lightly. It can cause serious pain and long-term damage if left untreated. If you’re experiencing symptoms like tooth sensitivity, swelling, or pain, please call us at Kits Family Dental in Vancouver. We will do our best to get you in quickly, and determine if you have an infected tooth and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Remember, prevention is key. Practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist every six months to avoid toothaches and infections. Let us know if you have any questions about you or your family’s oral health! Our team is happy to help!

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Wiggly Teeth

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Robin Mak

If your child has wiggly teeth, you may have some questions about what to do, and for that matter, what not to do! Wiggly teeth for some children are scary, all the unknowns, the thoughts of blood and pain, who can blame them! Below are some ideas and a bit of information to help you and your child.

What to do

It may be that your child wants the tooth out fast, but it is important that enough of the root has dissolved first. In the meantime – wiggle that tooth! It is just fine for the child to wiggle away at the tooth.

Do continue with healthy, crunchy snacks. Just be mindful of working around the wiggly tooth so as not to cause pain or discomfort.

When the tooth is just hanging on by a thread and ready to come out, a tissue can be very helpful to get a grip on the tooth. A twisting motion with a slight pull can work well as opposed to just a pull.

If your child is getting impatient, the preparation of a little note for the tooth fairy could be a related activity to help distract from the annoyance of the wiggly tooth.

We’re here to help

We come across many parents who wonder how to get wiggly teeth out. We are happy to answer all of your questions, just give us a call or come in to our family friendly dental office. We specialize in children’s dentistry and are experienced with children and how to minimize discomfort and help them through dental appointments and procedures.

If it’s any help, speaking as an experienced parent, this too shall pass. Maybe that is too philosophical for a dental web site though!

Contact us today:

Suites 207 & 209 – 2223 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC | 604-738-1816 | info@kitsfamilydental.com

Visit our Contact page for hours, map and more.

Here is a fantastic graphic from Delta Dental of Washington

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Treatment Options for a Cracked Tooth – Vancouver BC

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Robin Mak

Did you know that cracked teeth are quite common? Chips and breaks are also fairly common.

Why do teeth crack?

There are many reasons a tooth may chip, break or crack:

  • Teeth can crack from wear over time and with age and the enamel may thin. Tooth grinding or clenching can damage teeth and lead to problems.
  • Ceramic crowns can be quite hard on opposing teeth and can cause a problem.
  • Sometimes chewing or biting too hard, or biting into something hard can cause a break or crack.
  • Large fillings can weaken the tooth structure and lead to cracks.
  • These reasons, along with falls, sports injuries or other types of impact, can cause or contribute to a crack.

Poor oral care can make teeth more susceptible to cracking. This is another reason to try to keep those dental checkups regular.

What is the treatment for a cracked tooth?

When a tooth has a crack, the first option is a dental crown. This can fix the problem, but if the problem is deeper into the tooth dentin, then a root canal may be needed.

With these two options, in most cases, the tooth will be saved. In some more challenging cases, however, tooth removal may be necessary. If so, a tooth implant can be a good option

More…

If this has got you wondering what a dental crown is or how much a crown costs in Vancouver, BC, then we hope our previous blog post on the topic will be of help.

Also, here’s a post on Dental Options to Replace Missing Teeth, it includes information on implants. Cracked tooth Vancouver – Implants.

We’ve been in Kitsilano for over ten years now, contact us:

Cracked tooth Vancouver. Best dentist Vancouver.

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Crowns and Bridges: The Basics

Posted on January 22, 2023 by Robin Mak

If a tooth is injured or missing, it’s important to repair or replace it with an artificial one; crowns and bridges improve both the appearance of your teeth as well as your overall dental health. Kits Family Dental will help you cover the basics:

Crowns

A dental crown is an artificial covering for the visible part of your tooth, and is generally made of porcelain or metal alloys. It covers all or just part of the visible portion of your tooth and protects it from any further damage. Crowns are extremely durable and last for about 10 years, given good patient and dentist care. You’ll need a crown if you have

  • had a root canal treatment
  • particularly large fillings in a tooth
  • a broken tooth
  • severely stained, misshapen, or misaligned teeth

Crowns range from $1000 to $2000 each depending on lab fee (it can be different from case to case) and how complicated it is. Dental insurance usually covers crowns at 50%. Some policies won’t cover crowns/bridges/dentures at all – just cleanings and fillings.

Bridges

A bridge is an artificial tooth to replace one or more of your natural teeth. Dental bridges are known as a fixed partial denture, and is permanently cemented to the surrounding teeth to keep it in place. Bridges, like crowns, are also extremely durable and generally last for approximately 10 years with good care. You may want a bridge for several reasons:

  • replacing missing teeth prevents other teeth from drifting out of place
    • this may cause jaw problems
    • this can affect the way your teeth fit together
    • this can affect your ability to chew normally
  • failing to replace missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth surrounding the gap to become more susceptible to decay and gum disease

Think you could benefit from a crown or a bridge? Let us know! At Kits Family Dental, we can let you know the cost of a dental bridge or dental crown and how it can transform how you look and feel!

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Do whitening toothpastes work? Teeth Whitening Kits

Posted on December 23, 2022 by Robin Mak

Have you ever wanted to have fantastic white teeth but not have to go to the dentist’s office?

How are whitening toothpastes supposed to work and do they even work?

The answer: It really depends on what types of stains you have and the type of toothpaste you choose!

How Whitening Toothpastes Work

Contrary to a whitening treatment at the dental office, whitening toothpastes will take weeks of diligence to see any results.

It is important to remember that healthy teeth always come first, so if whitening your teeth with any of the following techniques will be detrimental, avoid it.

Types of Whitening Toothpastes

It’s funny to think that there are actually multiple types of whitening toothpastes!

There are two major ones on the market. Each have their own special results and ways they work:

Micro grit whitening toothpaste

Micro grits use tiny particles, usually calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate. These little grains help polish and buffer your teeth. 

Charcoal whitening toothpaste

Activated charcoal is an abrasive. Also, since charcoal is mildly abrasive it can help remove tartar and mild stains when brushing, it binds to everything in its path—stains, tartar and bacteria.

Other Ways to Whiten Teeth

Do whitening toothpastes work? Sort of. However, there are other options for whitening teeth such as teeth whitening strips and at-home bleaching trays.

These are considered more professional options as they can give a more lustrous shine in less time.

Teeth whitening strips

Teeth whitening strips are an excellent choice for those who wish for a faster and more permanent tooth whitening solution. Using these strips actually pulls off a layer of your teeth. It is hoped the underlying layer is more white than the one you removed. Surface stains are most affected by this treatment. While there is no definitive amount of times per year it is safe to use whitening strips, continued and constant use of this product can lead to unnecessary and irreversible enamel damage. 

LED Teeth Whitening Kits

Light Emitting Diode (LED) is the next best thing to whitening strips. LED whitening is minimally invasive and can provide great results.

Kits come with a mouth tray that fits over your front teeth, a LED attached to the tray and solution that is activated by the light, solutions are usually bleach based but non-bleached solutions are also available. Results can be seen after just 10 minutes.

At-home bleaching trays – POLADAY Vancouver

To whiten teeth with at-home bleaching trays, you carry out the procedure at home with trays custom made for you and POLA gel. Depending on the strength or system you choose, you will wear the trays and gel one to two times per day from 15 to 90 minutes (POLADAY) or overnight (POLANIGHT). See more at here.

Both POLADAY and POLANIGHT come with various strengths of active ingredients. Your dentist will work with you to determine which strength is right for you based on factors such as how many shades whiter you are likely to achieve without incurring damage to your teeth and gums.

Teeth Whitening Vancouver

Wondering which option is right for you? talk to the team at Kits Family Dental! Give us a call during office hours, and we can set something up.

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Dental Cleaning – What does it entail

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Robin Mak

Some people find a trip to the dentist nerve racking. If you don’t like needles or metal instruments in your mouth, this isn’t surprising. However, for most patients, dental cleaning is simple and painless. Knowing what to expect during the cleaning visit can help ease any nerves.

Here’s what happens at a dental cleaning at our office in Kitsilano:

Physical exam

Dental cleanings are generally performed by a dental hygienist. In some cases the dentist is the one who performs the cleaning. Prior to the cleaning, the hygienist will do a physical exam of your mouth. This is performed with a mirrored instrument and is to access overall gum health, looking for signs of gingivitis or other concerns.

Teeth Cleaning

Using the same small mirror and other specialized manual equipment, the hygienist will spend time removing plaque and tartar around the gum line and in between teeth. During this phase it is normal to hear and feel scraping on the teeth. The longer between visits, the longer this phase might take. If the build up is quite significant, then other power instruments may be used.

Polish

Once the hygienist is happy with the plaque removal step, a polishing paste is applied to the teeth with an electric polishing instrument. Due to the gritty consistency, this polish is an effective way to help remove and last pesky bits of plaque. The polish is very gentle and won’t affect your tooth enamel. In fact, your teeth will feel deliciously smooth after the polish.

Floss

Just like a home, flossing after the previous steps is important to remove any paste or plaque that might have become lodged between your teeth.

Fluoride Treatment

The final step in your cleaning process is an application of fluoride. This is a protectant for your teeth that can help fight cavities. The fluoride is a paste that is painted on your teeth prior to leaving the chair. Some offices use fluoride in a tooth tray. With the paint-on fluoride, there’s no need to spit or rinse. However, you can’t drink hot things for a few hours and not eat for at least 1 hour. We have other fluoride available.

How Often to Get a Dental Cleaning?

Hygienist cleanings are recommended every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease or deep gum pockets increasing that frequency to every 3-4 months is preferred, and we suggest x-rays taken once a year to ensure your teeth and their roots are happy and healthy. 

Call our Kitsilano office today at 604-738-1816 to schedule dental cleanings kits. Our hours are: 

Monday 9-5

Tuesday 8:30-6

Wednesday 11-7

Thursday 10-6

Friday 9:30-3

Saturday (Select) 9:00 – 5:00

Sunday Closed

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My gums hurt. What does this mean?

Posted on November 25, 2022 by Robin Mak

From time to time, we get sore gums. Causes for sore gums can be minor, such as from hard brushing or too much flossing, or from something more serious, like gum disease.

Preventing Sore Gums

Good dental hygiene starts with daily brushing and flossing. Using a hard toothbrush or being over aggressive with brushing and flossing can cause gums to become inflamed and bleed. A soft bristled toothbrush is recommended.

What Causes Sore Gums

Gum disease, often called periodontal disease, will cause gums to be red, swollen and bleed. This is usually associated with not flossing or brushing frequently enough. If not addressed, gum disease can lead to gingivitis and possible tooth loss. 

Hormonal changes, especially the increase of progesterone, can lead to red swollen gums, swollen salivary glands and bleeding gums. 

Gum recession is a form of gum disease. Receding gums is when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots underneath. This makes your teeth more vulnerable to cavities, more gum disease and tooth infections. Your teeth can become more sensitive when brushing or when eating as well.  If your teeth are suddenly more sensitive than they used to be, gum recession could be the cause.

Receding gums can mean that you are not eligible for tooth straightening programs like Invisalign without expensive gum surgery first.

Reduce Stress to Improve Gum and Overall Health

We all know that stress causes inflammation in our body (or we should) – and stress can also be a factor in swollen gums. Reducing stress in your life is always a good idea!

A highly acidic diet can cause the enamel on your teeth to erode over time. The result of this is sharp pain while consuming hot food and hot and cold drinks.

What To Do if you Have Sore Gums

If you are in pain after brushing your teeth or suffer from any of the other symptoms above, a warm salt gargle is a great option to help rinse away bacteria and soothe sore gums. However, If swollen gums, bleeding and pain persists, call our office at 604-738-1816 to make an appointment. We also recommend dental cleaning appointments every six months.

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The Best & Worst Halloween Candy For Your Teeth

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Robin Mak

This post from 2021 deserves a re-post! Happy Halloween!

Let’s make it less spooky by knowing which candy and treats can be indulged in with relatively low effort and which you might want to be a little more careful about. For yourselves and your small goblins!

Being more careful can mean things like counteracting the more acidic or sticky candies by drinking some water or chewing some sugarless gum afterwards. Timing ‘worse’ treats during the day to have a bit less impact or eating them less frequently.

We’re not aiming for 100% here. These treats can be enjoyed AND teeth kept healthy and cavity-free, yay!

Please see the below graphic. We have typed out the info here, for those of you who may prefer. A big shout out to Invisalign for the fantastic info and graphic!

The best and worst Halloween candy for your teeth

Worst: Taffy and candies with caramel, coconut or nuts are the worst because they stick to the grooves of your teeth. The longer food sticks to teeth, the longer bacteria can feed on it – which could produce cavity-causing acid.

Second worst: Hard candy like lollipops or jawbreakers, are almost as bad. Although they do not stick to your mouth, they take a long time to dissolve. The longer food stays in your mouth, the more acidic your mouth becomes.

Pretty bad: Sour candy is also bad for your teeth because it has a higher acidic content, which can break down tooth enamel.

Not so bad: Chocolate, with no sticky fillings will generally not stick to your teeth and therefore is a much better option if you’re craving something sweet.

Best: Sugar-free gum may be the best treat this Halloween season because it leaves no sticky residue, and it is sweetened with xylitos – a natural sugar the bacteria is unable to form plaque on.

About Us

We treat the whole family and are very experienced, patient and successful with the little ghosts and goblins of your family, starting at 6 months old.

See our YouTube videos of our dentists and staff working with toddlers, you will honestly be amazed. Toddler sitting on parents lap, staff singing to distract them.

You’ll love it!

Visit us at Kits Family Dental in Kitsilano, Vancouver. We’d love to see you.

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Why do we need healthy gums?

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Robin Mak

Healthy gums are important for many reasons, the human mouth, like so many other areas of the body, is full of bacteria, most of which is harmless. However the mouth is the body’s entry to your digestive and respiratory tracts and while most of these bacteria are harmless some can cause disease. 

With good hygiene and oral care the body’s natural defence keeps this bacteria at bay. If oral hygiene that should include daily brushing and flossing these levels can become out of control which leads to oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay.

Ways to maintain healthy gums

Brush teeth properly and twice a day

Floss daily

Use mouthwash

Regular dental checkups

Wondering if your gums are healthy? Come visit us at 2223 West Broadway, Suites 207 & 209. We recommend visits to the dentist every 6 months. Contact us at 604-738-1816 or 604-731-8646 to book. Our services include restorative services, custom implants and so much more.

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How to help kids brush their teeth

Posted on October 14, 2022 by Robin Mak

Are you struggling with children resisting tooth brushing? It’s important to help children understand from an early age that looking after their teeth and gums is just as important as eating well. 

Here are some ways that might help you if your child is resisting tooth brushing:

Start early, by introducing healthy tooth habits early children are more inclined to carry on as they grow and are able to brush their teeth independently. 

A good way to start before teeth erupt is wiping your child’s gums with a clean damp washcloth.

Let kids know what to expect. By helping them understand what tooth brushing is all about it can help calm any nerves they might have. Read books together, talk about how the bristles of the brush might tickle.

Lead by example. Inviting your child to watch you clean your teeth is a great way to help them understand visually how to brush their own teeth. You could even make it a game.

Use positive reinforcement. Try a sticker reward chart to help your child visualize their achievement!

Give them some independence. Encourage them to try it on their own first and follow up with mom or dad’s turn.

Make a special trip to the dentist! If your child is having a hard time, we have extensive experience with kids of all ages and can help, call our Kits office today and we would be more than happy to help.

If you are still having trouble encouraging your child to age-appropriately brush their teeth, reach out today. The staff at our Kits office have extensive experience working with children. Call or book online today. We recommend a dentist visit for children as young as six months (or when their first tooth erupts).

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