“Many children have orthodontic problems that develop at an early age,” said Ottawa cosmetic dentistry professional Dr. Pamela Li. “Although orthodontic problems can be treated later with traditional braces, there are some issues that should be treated as soon as they develop. That’s the case with protruding teeth.”

Children with protruding teeth are at a greater risk of suffering from injury and trauma, especially during sports, as their teeth stick out past the lips. This makes it difficult for them to close their mouth completely. This can create a mouth breathing habit and it is also more difficult to make a comfortable sports guard.

“Aside from the risk of injury, children with protruding teeth can suffer from low self-esteem, as they feel they look different from other children,” said the general dentist. “Early treatment can ensure the best result in the least amount of time and expense. And the sooner we can correct the problem, the happier and more confident the child will be.”

The causes of protruding teeth
Protruding teeth are generally a result of thumb sucking or overuse of pacifiers at a young age. While these habits are a common way for infants to exercise the tongue and mouth muscles, they should stop somewhere between the age of two and four years old.

“The amount of sucking per day, rather than the magnitude of pressure, directly correlates to the severity of teeth displacement,” the dental bridge provider said. “So if the habit is not broken early, the result of that can be protruding teeth, constricted dental arches, crowding and lisping.”

There are many natural remedies and resources to help children break the habit, but it’s important for the parents to be adamant about ceasing the habit before it’s too late.

While bad habits are the main cause for protruding teeth, genetics can also be to blame. Sometimes the upper jaw can be enlarged and out of proportion to the rest of the facial structure. The lower jaw can also be too small when compared to the upper jaw.

Tooth size discrepancy can also contribute to protruding teeth. If your child has teeth that are too large for their mouth, we can correct this with braces and filing of the teeth.

Lastly, crowding in the mouth can cause protruding teeth. When your child’s teeth begin to erupt, they could jet out, as they do not have proper space in their mouth for their teeth to properly settle.

Many of these problems can be corrected with early intervention treatments, as they are still growing, which makes treating the problems of crowding or teeth size much easier, said the Ottawa Family Dentistry specialist, Dr. Li.

As for adults who suffer from protruding teeth, their treatment will be much more extensive. Treatment may be compromised and take much longer to complete. Crowns may be needed to reshape the teeth and extractions may also be necessary.

“It’s clear to see the benefits of correcting protruding teeth early,” said the dentist who offers teeth cleanings at her office. “But there is no deadline to get your teeth fixed, as we can address issues at every age.”

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, company that helps clients improve their Google ranking, 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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In May 1992, Dr. Li graduated from the University of Toronto with her dental degree. After completing a residency at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital in Utica, N.Y., she spent one year at the Moose Factory General Hospital on the Moose Factory Indian Reservation in Northern Ontario and after associating for other dentists in her hometown of Ottawa for three years, Dr. Li bought her own practice in June 1997.

In August 2008, Dr. Li moved her practice to its current location where she employs four staff members: dental hygienists Rhonda and Lena, dental assistant Letitia and receptionist Donna.

“I always knew I would come back to practice in Ottawa, because it’s where I grew up and where my family lives,” said Dr. Li. “But the experience I gained in Moose Factory, which is a reservation accessible only by canoe or snowmobile, depending on the season, was life-changing. It really shaped my focus on dentistry and made me realize how important the human aspect of dentistry is.”

While the cosmetic dentist offers general patient care services such as dental cleanings, teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry and Invisalign in her Ottawa dental clinic, she also offers relief for people who suffer from TMJ pain, headaches, facial pain, snoring and sleep apnea.

“I like to look outside of the box and not just treat the teeth and gums,” said Dr. Li. “The world of dentistry is expanding and we are no longer tooth and gum doctors, but oral health doctors. I do a lot of continuing education and believe it is beneficial to me and my patients.”

For 15 years, Dr. Li and her staff have provided quality dental care in the Ottawa community and they hope to continue to do so for many years to come.

“I love everything about practicing in Ottawa, but I especially enjoy meeting new people and developing a relationship with them to help them with their oral health,” the emergency dentist said. “We have a great foundation of support from our community and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

© 2012 Master Google, Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that helps their clients achieve top 10 Google ranking, 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 theme for 2012 is tobacco industry interference, and the day will focus on the need to expose and counter the tobacco industry’s brazen and increasingly aggressive attempts to undermine the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control because of the serious danger to public health.

Smoking tobacco is an addiction, which can result in physical and psychological dependency. While smoking affects every part of the body, it is particularly harmful to the mouth.

“Despite the health threat and the likelihood of developing cancer, people are just not motivated to quit anymore,” said Dr. Pamela Li, an Ottawa cosmetic dentistry specialist. “The main effects of smoking on the mouth are gum disease, oral cancer, tooth and denture stains, bad breath and tooth loss.”

The most serious issue for smokers is oral cancer, said the emergency dental care professional. According to the American Cancer Society, 90 percent of people with cancer of the mouth, lips, tongue and throat use tobacco, and the risk of developing these cancers increases with the amount smoked or chewed and the duration of the habit. Smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop these cancers.

Smoking can also cause periodontal disease or gum disease and is common in smokers. While the disease starts out with red, inflamed gums, it can lead to inflammation of the bone supporting the roots of your teeth and eventually result in bone and tooth loss.

Treatments for this disease are effective if it is caught early, but because tobacco can weaken the immune system and decrease blood flow, the healing process is slowed, as the Ottawa cosmetic dentists believe.

Many people often think smokeless tobacco products are safer and less harmful to their health, said the family dentist. But one can of snuff delivers more nicotine than more than 60 cigarettes, making it harder to quit. Smokeless tobacco contains around 28 chemicals that have been shown to increase the risk of oral cancer and cancer of the throat and esophagus.

“The best way to protect your health and the health of your mouth is to quit smoking,” said the porcelain veneers provider. “I know it’s not as easy as it sounds, but there are resources available to help you quit. Smokers are urged to get regular dental checkups and brush and floss at least twice daily to lessen their risk of developing mouth issues.”

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, an orthodontics marketing company, 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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“Bruxism is a cranial and dental health problem,” said Dr. Pamela Li, an Ottawa family dentistry provider. “This is because the condition affects teeth and the structures near it, including the head.”

Scientists have not come to an agreement on a single cause for bruxism, as there is a mix of factors that can lead to this habit. If you are under a lot of stress, you may be prone to grinding your teeth, but bruxism can also be triggered by people who have misaligned teeth, missing or crooked teeth, poor diet, varied sleeping habits and many other factors.

They can have any of the following effects/symptoms, as the Ottawa Cosmetic Dentistry believes:

1. Jaw Pain
2. Chronic headaches
3. Gum recession
4. Cracked teeth
5. Lack of sleep
6. Sensitivity
7. Temporomandibular joint pain, clicking or popping of the jaw
8. Restricted facial and jaw movements
9. Sore facial muscles
10. Damage to crowns or veneers

“Because bruxism occurs during the night, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth,” said the cosmetic and general dentist. “People who grind their teeth will often wake up with sore jaw muscles and a dull headache, which are telltale signs. It is best to consult a dental professional right away to avoid causing unnecessary damage.”

Once your dentist has determined that you suffer from bruxism, he or she may recommend treatment for you in the form of bite adjustments or night guards. Improving the bite can be very effective at treating bruxism, but night guards are still recommended. A night guard acts as a protective barrier to your teeth when you grind.

Being fit for a custom night guard begins with the dentist taking a mold of your upper and lower teeth – they are made to fit either your lower or upper arch, depending on alignment of teeth, presence of retainers, jaw structure, number of teeth, missing teeth and likelihood of future dental treatment. Once the night guard is finished, approximately one week later, the dentist will check for proper fit, form and function.

While a night guard is very helpful, it is also important to reduce stress in your life, as clenching can be stress related. For clenchers, the teeth bleaching professional recommends full coverage guards with an anterior bite pad with only the four front teeth touching, preventing the user from clinching the back teeth.

In addition to a guard, experts recommend exercise such as yoga, meditation techniques, learning to sleep on your back and even practicing relaxing of the jaw muscles throughout the day. Applying ice or heat to sore muscles can be beneficial as well.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a dental marketing company, 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 annual weeklong education and awareness campaign is sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation and aims to promote the importance of sleep, especially since March 11 is when daylight saving time begins and we all lose an hour of sleep.

“A good night of sleep with uninterrupted breathing patterns can contribute to a healthier heart, stronger immune system and much more,” said Dr. Pamela Li, an Ottawa dental crown and veneers provider.

While Dr. Li is not a physician and therefore cannot diagnose sleep apnea, she can screen patients and provide a baseline for their sleep problems that patients can then discuss with their doctor.

Sleep apnea is categorized by a pause in breathing during sleep that deprives the body of oxygen. Symptoms include snoring, daytime drowsiness, irritability, weight gain, gasping, choking, sudden awakenings and many other sleep problems.

“Many people suffer from sleep apnea, but they never attribute their tiredness to the way they sleep, so they ignore the problem,” said the cosmetic dentist.

Doctors diagnose sleep apnea using a polysomnograph test that monitors and determines the severity of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. During sleep the machine records snore volume, sleeping position, airflow, heart rate and rhythm, oxygen levels, and chest movement. While a physician at a sleep clinic can make a complete diagnosis, Dr. Li has a modified home version of the PSG recorder for patient use in her dental clinic.

Patients take the machine home where they are able to sleep in the comfort of their own home and after using it for two nights, Dr. Li downloads all of the data and then gives them the results in a few days. If they appear to show signs of sleep apnea, Dr. Li will then recommend them to a physician who can officially diagnose them.

Patients are then given an oral appliance to wear while sleeping. Dr. Li prefers the two-piece removable appliances, as they can be adjusted and are the most effective. After one month of using the appliance, Dr. Li sends them home with the PSG recorder again to ensure the appliance is working properly.

“The diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea is very effective and many patients enjoy a restful night’s sleep with the oral device, which is surprisingly comfortable,” said Dr. Li.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers Google site ranking, 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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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.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that only posts articles on the top 10 article sites, 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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“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.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited with the exception of herein imbedded links. For more information on SEO consultancy, please contact Master Google.

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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.”

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited with the exception of herein imbedded links. For more information on Master Google’s Google marketing expert, please contact them directly.

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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.

© 2012 Master Google, Dr. Pamela Li. Authorization is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers an SEO guarantee, 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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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.”

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