Dr Pamela Li, an Ottawa porcelain veneers professional, offers some tips for parents to help get their children on the right track:

• As soon as the child has erupted molars, parents should begin flossing, which is usually around age 2.
• Get your child used to having his/her mouth cleaned out by wiping the gums with a damp cloth after feeding. Once the first tooth comes in, use a soft bristled brush with water, not toothpaste, and brush behind the tooth and around the gum line.
• After age 2 introduce toothpaste to the child, but only if it is non-fluoridated toothpaste. You may switch to fluoridated toothpaste when the child is capable of spitting out reliably, typically around age 4.
• Don’t let small toothaches become big problems. Visit the dentist regularly for teeth cleanings and if the parent finds anything abnormal inside the child’s mouth during regular inspection, they should visit the dentist as soon as possible.

“Good oral hygiene starts at home with the eruption of your child’s first tooth,” said orthodontic services provider Dr. Li. “The Canadian Dental Association encourages parents to take their infants to the dentist for an initial assessment within six months of the first tooth coming in or by one year of age.”

By getting the child’s first assessment at one year of age and then visiting the dentist regularly by age two or three, parents can ensure the cleaning they are doing at home is effective and the dentist can identify any problems that need to be addressed.

Once your child’s permanent molars have come in, your dentist will recommend sealing them to protect them from cavities. Sealants are plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to keep germs and food particles out.

When your child goes for a dental exam, your dentist can see how their teeth are growing and if they will need any orthodontic treatments. All children should be assessed for orthodontic treatment by age seven. Many orthodontic problems may be prevented by early treatment, which encourages growth in the proper direction.

For children interested in participating in athletic sports, Dr. Li recommends parents take their child to their dentist to get fitted for a custom mouth guard to protect them from damaging their teeth, gums and lips.

“People often forget how important a mouth guard is to an athlete,” said Dr. Li. “With today’s technology, guards not only protect the teeth, gums and jaw joints, they can also improve balance, endurance and strength.”

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, approximately 10 percent of children snore regularly from a condition known as Sleep-Disordered Breathing and 2 to 4 percent of the pediatric population suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Could-Child-Have-Sleep-Apnea.cfm).

The potential consequences of untreated SDB, which is classified as loud snoring caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids, are social issues, moodiness, inattention during school or at home, and slow growth and development, as they may not be producing enough growth hormone.

“Many cases of SBD are misdiagnosed as ADHD,” said Dr. Li. “Not every child with academic or behavioral issues will have SBD, but if a child snores loudly on a regular basis SBD should be considered.”

A dentist should only be consulted if they are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea, which Dr. Li is.

“Children shouldn’t be afraid of the dentist, so make the trips fun for them by rewarding them with a fun activity after the appointment,” said the smile makeover provider.

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“Wires can poke, brackets can loosen and braces can cause irritation of the cheeks and gums,” said Dr. Li. “While many patients rarely experience a true orthodontic emergency, they can face minor discomforts that can typically be fixed at home.”

The dental veneers provider has put together a list of helpful tips on how to deal with various orthodontic problems.
1- Poking wires – This discomfort usually occurs in the early stage of treatment, as teeth begin to move, the wire used to straighten them has nowhere else to go but to the back of the molar band area, irritating the cheeks. This discomfort can easily be resolved by pushing the wire away from the cheek using a cotton swab or tweezers. If the wire will not move, try trimming the wire with sanitized nail clippers or cover the wire with wax.

2- Broken bands – Bands are the metal rings that are cemented around the teeth. If the band becomes loose, do not try to put it back on. If the rubber band comes off, simply cover it with a piece of wax and make an appointment as soon as you can.

3- Loose bracket – Brackets are attached to your teeth using a composite resin and they can sometimes become unglued from your teeth. Because the bracket is attached to the wire, it will usually just slide from side to side. This is not something that has to be taken care of urgently and can be re-bonded at your next appointment.

4- Toothaches and pain – After braces have been applied or adjusted, patients may often experience discomfort for a few days. Painkillers that contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen are great at relieving pain. However, if the pain is caused from rubbing wires or brackets, swish around a warm saltwater rinse to elevate pain and prevent infection.

Braces are strong orthodontic devices that can withstand many things, but by not following the rules, you could maximize damage and minimize treatment progress, said Dr. Li.

For the first 72 hours of getting braces or having them adjusted, stick to soft foods until you get used to chewing. You need to protect your orthodontic appliances throughout the length of your treatment, so cut up tough foods and avoid eating hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods all together.

“Eating tough foods like beef jerky or sticky foods like taffy can cause serious damage to your dental work,” said the laser dentistry professional. “It is your responsibility to fully examine your braces and ensure you are taking proper care of them from day one.”

Before you brush your teeth it is best to rinse your mouth out with warm water to dislodge any food particles. You may use a waterpik to remove stubborn debris from your brackets as well. You can use a soft toothbrush, an orthodontic-cut toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to effectively clean your teeth. To floss, you will need regular dental floss and a plastic threader, which your dentist can provide for you. Brushing and flossing twice a day is a very important part of your orthodontic treatment, said Dr. Li.

If at any time you are not able to resolve your orthodontic issues at home, it is best to visit your dentist or orthodontist immediately or if you are out of town, find a dentist who can see you as soon as possible.

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“People have a fear of the dentist, sometimes because of their previous bad experiences,” said Dr. Pamela Li, an Ottawa family dentistry provider. “By practicing good oral hygiene, your mouth will be healthier, your smile will be whiter, and your visits to the dentist will be simple and pain-free.”

Dr. Li suggests you follow these simple steps to achieve good oral hygiene:

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Routine checkups and professional dental cleanings are the best way to prevent or treat dental problems at their earliest. The dentist will usually do an evaluation of your mouth, compare the X-rays to your previous visit, and check for signs of oral cancer and cavities.

“It is important to maintain a steady routine of visiting the dentist, as oral ailments that go unnoticed may lead to serious health problems,” said TMJ dentist Dr. Li. “We have the skills and knowledge to diagnose and treat oral issues as they arise.”

Maintain Good Habits

You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily, preferably in the evening. The way in which you brush your teeth is important as well. While circular motions are good for short bursts, you need to move the toothbrush from your gums to the top of your teeth. Don’t neglect the inside of your teeth or your back molars. Brush with gentle, but firm pressure and don’t forget about your tongue. It is important to remove bacteria, as it will help freshen breath and help decrease the overall bacterial levels in your mouth.

Diet

Food and drink that contain a lot of sugar and certain starches can cause your mouth to be more acidic, which leaves it susceptible to tooth decay. Maintain a balanced intake of whole grains, vegetables and fruits to keep a steady amount of acid in your mouth. Choose harder fruits such as apples to help reduce tartar buildup. Drink plenty of water and if you must drink a soda, be sure to rinse with water to prevent bad breath and remove food debris.

Clean and Replace Your ToothbrushYour toothbrush should be replaced every three months, the cosmetic dentistry professional who offers dental implants said. The bristles on your toothbrush will begin to wear out and accumulate bacteria, which have proven to not rinse away with water alone. If you would like to disinfect your toothbrush, Dr. Li recommends soaking your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide for seven minutes. Simply rinse the brush after the soak and you are ready to resume proper oral habits. Soft bristle brushes are recommended, but good quality electric toothbrushes such as Oral-B and Sonicare are the best option.  They are effective in removing plaque and biofilm.

“While your mouth does contain a certain amount of bacteria, it is important to follow these steps to prevent the bad bacteria from spreading,” said the Invisalign provider. “If you ever have any bleeding while brushing or flossing or if you experience any pain in your mouth, visit your dentist as soon as possible.”

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“Your mouth is the portal to the rest of your body,” said Dr. Pamela Li, an Ottawa tooth whitening provider. “In fact, some studies suggest there are more bacteria living in your mouth than there are people on the earth. Most of the bacteria are harmless, but if you neglect your oral health the harmful bacteria can quickly multiply and spread.”

Cavities and gum disease may contribute to serious conditions including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and premature and low weight babies. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, which can also impact the bone supporting the teeth. Plaque is a sticky biofilm of bacteria that builds up, thickens and hardens on the teeth. If it is not removed by daily brushing, it will harden into tartar and infect the gums and bone.

The bacteria in plaque can travel from the mouth and into the bloodstream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries and contributing to clot formation. Researchers have also found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease than those without periodontal disease. Additional studies have also shown a correlation between gum disease and stroke based on the number of teeth people have in their mouth.

“The exact relationship between gum disease and heart disease is not clear,” said Dr. Li, who offers dentures, teeth bleaching and dental bridge services at her clinic. “Periodontal disease can be a long-term chronic infection that can increase an overall inflammatory response in the body, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease. People with periodontal disease have an elevated C-reactive protein, which is a marker for cardiac disease.”

As we prepare for American Heart Health Month, which is celebrated for the entire month of February, it is important to understand how many people are affected by heart disease, said Dr. Li. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

People with diabetes are also more likely to develop periodontal disease than people without diabetes. In fact, gum disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Severe gum disease can increase blood sugar putting patients at more risk for diabetic complications.

Do not underestimate the importance of visiting the dentist and your general doctor regularly, the cosmetic sedation dentist said. Catching gum disease early is ideal as you can see, since diagnosing it too late can have a devastating impact on your health.

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Lena has been a dental hygienist for three years and graduated with honors from the Canadian National Institute of Health.

During her time there Lena won the Deans Award of Excellence, which is presented to the student with the best aggregate score in theory courses and who consistently strives for excellence as well the Golden Scaler Award, which is awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding proficiency in client care.

Before working as a dental hygienist, Lena worked as a dental assistant for four years. She has a great deal of experience in the dental field and will be joining Rhonda Cross, who has been working for Dr. Li since 2003, on the hygienist team.

“Lena fits in perfectly with our staff,” said the dental crown and sedation dentistry professional Dr. Pamela Li. “She is warm, friendly and very gentle. It is absolutely wonderful to have her and I think our patients will agree.”

As a dental hygienist, Lena will provide preventative treatment for oral health problems as well as educate patients to promote good dental health.

“The role of a dental hygienist is like being an apprentice to a dentist as she will work side by side with me on a daily basis,” said the implant dentist. “She will be playing an invaluable role in our clinic.”

Some of her duties include, but are not limited to:

• Collecting patient histories
• Removing calculus, stains and plaque from tooth surfaces
• Cleaning and polishing teeth
• Completing chards for the dentist on patients
• Applying fluoride and sealants
• Conducting oral cancer screenings

“I am thrilled to work in such a wonderful office,” said Lena. “Everyone has been very welcoming, including the patients, who can sometimes be weary of meeting a new hygienist. I already love it here and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

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While extra padding and a titanium face cage can go a long way, most people forget about or improperly use the most vital piece of equipment, the mouth guard, said Ottawa downtown dentist Dr. Pamela Li.

“The importance of an athlete wearing a mouth guard when playing almost any type of sport cannot be over emphasized,” said family dentist Dr. Li. “Today’s mouth guards aren’t just for protection. With advances in technology, they can improve balance, endurance and increase strength.”

Sports guards are acrylic dental appliances that are worn over teeth to provide protection for the mouth’s soft tissues (lips, cheeks, gums, tongue) and hard tissues (teeth and jaw bones).

There are several types of mouth guards available: stock, boil and bite and custom-made.

Stock mouth guards are available at most sporting stores, come in limited sizes and are least expensive and protective. They come ready to use, which means they are bulky and lack retention. They have to be held in place by biting down.

“Athletes that choose the stock guards are limiting their ability to speak and interfering with proper breathing,” said Dr. Li. “Often times they will cut the guard down for comfort, but what they are really doing is reducing the guard’s protective properties.”

Boil and bite mouth guards require you to boil the guard in water and form it to your teeth by using finger, tongue and biting pressure. They may not cover all the back teeth and athletes cut them down for a better fit.

“The biggest complaint people have of the boil and bite guards is that they cause gagging because they are so bulky,” said Dr. Li. “And once again cutting them down to fit reduces its purpose and can leave the athlete more vulnerable to injury.”

Custom-made guards are made by your dentist and address the important issues in the fitting of the mouth guard. Although it is the most expensive option, it offers the most protection and fit over guards on the shelves at the store.

While most benefits for wearing a mouth guard are easily seen when the player puts it in their mouth, others are not so obvious, said the snoring and sleep apnea professional.

The custom-made mouth guards can be designed to correct misalignment of the jaw, which enhances performance by increasing oxygen intake during physical activity and reducing tension in the jaw.

“Tension in the jaw created by misalignment prevents the body from working to its fullest potential,” said Dr. Li. “When muscles are relaxed and the airway is open, athletes experience improved balance, strength, agility and flexibility.”

Mouth guards can also help protect athletes from concussions. On the moment of impact, a player clenches their jaw muscles around the mouth guard, which in turn stabilizes the skull and neck. They also lessen the severity of injury as a properly fitted mouth guard creates a cushioning pocket of air between the jawbone and the skull, reducing the blow.

“Mouth guards protect more than then mouth, so wearing them is a no brainer,” said Dr. Li, who offers dental services for athletes.

© 2011 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, an SEO business, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“The evidence to support this is ever-growing, but a notable research was a study conducted by The Journal of Periodontology in 2007,” said cosmetic dentist Dr. Li. “The results showed that stress can lead people to neglect their oral hygiene, specifically routines such as brushing, flossing and attending teeth cleaning appointments (http://www.joponline.org). By dismissing the most basic hygiene regimens, people are leaving themselves open tooth decay, gum disease and many other problems.”

Stress can directly affect your oral health in many ways, and while some problems are treatable, others may have long-term, irreversible effects.

Canker Sores: small ulcers that appear on the inside of the mouth, which are not contagious and usually disappear within 10 days. When the sores appear in the mouth, it is harder to keep teeth clean due to tenderness; most experts recommend a rinse of warm water and salt or a topical anesthetic as pain remedies.  There are also a number of over-the-counter products that may help for a period of time.  Canker sores may be due to sodium lauryl sulfate, a common foaming agent in toothpaste, so choose toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate such as Biotene, said Dr. Li.

Cold Sores: Also known as fever blisters, they appear on or around the lip. They are highly contagious and should be treated with prescription antiviral drugs.

Teeth Clenching or Grinding: Often referred to as bruxism, a condition where people grind or clinch their teeth at night or during the day. This can lead to pain, limited range of motion, a wearing down of the teeth, tooth sensitivity and problems with the temporomandibular joint. Bruxism is usually treated with a mouth guard and stress reducing therapy.

Dry Mouth: People who suffer from stress and anxiety breath differently, which causes a lack of saliva to keep the mouth wet. Saliva helps digest food, protect teeth from decay, prevent infection by controlling bacteria in the mouth and allows for chewing and swallowing. Common treatments include practicing breathing techniques and/or meditation and yoga.

Burning Mouth: A persistent burning sensation in or around the mouth. The burning can be felt on the top of the tongue, lips or the part of the hard palate behind the upper front teeth. Usually treated with anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants.

Gum Disease: Stress is also known to compromise the immune system, the dental veneers provider said. This leaves patients more susceptible to infections and the risk of gum disease greatly increases. Stress can also increase the amount of dental plaque in the mouth, which can cause bleeding gums, gingivitis or bad breath.

“Start with a well-balanced, healthy diet and get at least eight hours of sleep a night,” said Dr. Li. “Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Take breaks during work and find activities that help you cope with stress such as exercising or listening to music. But never neglect daily brushing or flossing because stress can ruin your mood and your smile.”

© 2011 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, SEO services provider, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“Not only do children run the risk of developing buck teeth and an open bite, they also face the possibility of constricted dental arches, crowding and lisping,” said Dr. Pamela Li who practices family and cosmetic dentistry. Ottawa, ON is where her practice is located. She offers porcelain veneers and other general dentistry services. “The severity of teeth displacement correlates directly with the number of hours per day spent sucking, rather than the magnitude of pressure.”
Orthodontic soothers such as NUK are a good alternative to thumbsucking.  The soother is shaped to encourage the proper shape of the palate.  Soothers are also easier to remove, which is ideal for children that are having a difficult time breaking the thumbsucking habit.

Deformation of Facial Structures
Thumbsucking causes a constriction of the upper jaw and also forces the palate to grow upwards.  When the upper jaw is narrow and constricted, the lower jaw cannot grow properly and can become stuck behind and constricted.  Once the jaws become retruded, they can close off the airway, leading to sleep apnea.

The hard palate is also known as the floor of the nose.  As the hard palate grows upward, forming a high palatal vault, it causes the floor of the nose to rise up.  This can lead to a deviated septum and infringes upon the sinus cavity. This can lead to sinus problems and a decreased nasal airway.

Malocclusion
When the jaws become narrow and constricted, it causes crowding of the teeth, leaving them to grow in crooked and rotated.  But if the upper jaw is very narrow, it can lead to a crossbite, which can cause more serious problems if the upper teeth are inside the lower teeth instead of vice versa.

Thumbsucking can also lead to a large overjet.  The thumb forces the upper front teeth out and the lower front teeth back, known as “buck teeth.” The upper lip is often protruded and the lower lip is retruded, leading to difficulties in speech.

“Early elimination of thumbsucking is very important to the facial growth structure,” said dental care professional, Dr. Li. “Ninety percent of facial growth is completed by age 12, so you can not wait until the child is 10 or 11 years old as the damage is already done.  All children should be screened by age seven. Orthodontics can of course help regain some growth, but the help of an ENT specialist may be necessary in some cases.”

© 2011 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers professional SEO positioning services, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited with the exception of herein imbedded links.

The holidays are just around the corner, which means family photos, work parties and social gatherings are soon to follow. Instead of looking for the perfect outfit to wear or the most thoughtful gift to give, consider investing in your smile instead.

“During the holidays, people are reluctant to spend money on themselves,” said Ottawa implants dentist Dr. Li. “But the first thing people notice about you is your smile. If you are ashamed to smile during the most joyful time of the year, a cosmetic procedure is a gift you will never regret giving yourself.”

Cosmetic Options

• Porcelain crowns
• Porcelain dental veneers
• One hour whitening
• Porcelain inlays and onlays to replace dark mercury fillings
• Bonding to close gaps, reshape teeth, cover stains and repair chips or cracks
• Gum re-contouring to remove excess gum tissue
• Invisalign

The free consultation will begin with Dr. Li taking a series of digital photos, which she will review with you to determine what it is that you do not like about your smile. The next step is to look through a smile design catalogue that will explain the smile options available. Any signs of TMJ and your bite will be assessed to determine the stability of a cosmetic makeover.  Finally, you and Dr. Li will decide on a treatment plan that will give you a gift that you will truly smile about for years to come.

“A beautiful smile is more affordable than ever,” said the TMJ dentist. “And the benefits of having a cosmetic procedure done will last far beyond the holiday season.”

© 2011 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that strives for top of Google rankings, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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“The first thing that comes to mind when people think about foods that can harm their teeth, they instantly think candy,” said Dr. Pamela Li, a cosmetic dentist who specializes in dental crowns at her dental clinic in Ottawa. “While candy is certainly a culprit, there are many other foods that should be avoided during the holidays.”

When you eat sugary foods or drinks, a naturally present bacteria in the mouth begins to feed on the sugar which produces acids as a result. These acids then cause the enamel to slowly deteriorate, making it weak and more vulnerable to tooth decay and many other problems, including gingivitis.

Teeth are not generally affected by the amount of sugar we consume, instead it is the frequency and duration of the sugars that are in your mouth.

Eating sweet deserts after a meal puts you at much less risk for developing decay than a person who snacks over the course of a day on sweets.  The acid attack lasts about 20 minutes after the sugar is consumed.  Therefore, if you sip a little bit of juice every 20 minutes, you will have constant acids levels in your mouth

“I recommend flossing and rinsing your mouth with water after eating meals, especially after sweet treats, to help rid the mouth of cavity producing foods,” said Dr. Li, a dentistry professional who offers the Invisalign system. “Brushing your teeth with abrasive toothpaste may cause wear and erosion of your teeth.”

Treating Your Sweet Tooth
Limit your consumption of sticky foods like lollipops, hard candies and dried fruit. Rinse your mouth out with water after drinking juices, pop or wine. Onions, celery, kiwis, parsley and apples are good for your teeth, try to eat holiday recipes that include these items.
Cheese is a great choice as it helps produce saliva, which washes sugar off the teeth and it also contains calcium, which can strengthen them.

“Use common sense and practice good oral hygiene this holiday season and you’re sure to come out cavity free,” said Dr. Li.

© 2011 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers SEO consulting services, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited with the exception of herein imbedded links.