Heritage Dental Centre’s Blog

Do you have tooth or gum pain that just won't go away?

What if we said your teeth and gums are okay, and the pain is actually in the jaw?

Many people blame gingivitis or other sinus infections for their oral pain but rarely does a bone or sinus problem cause jaw pain. More often than not, your toothache is stemming from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.

Up to 25% of all Canadians suffer from some form of TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to your skull.

These disorders can cause serious chronic health issues like head or neck pain, migraine headaches, and locked jawbones.  If you suffer from or think you suffer from one of these disorders, you need relief.

Do you have missing, damaged, or deteriorating teeth? This can cause self-consciousness in social situations, causing you to hide your smile.
Over time, missing teeth can also change your facial appearance due to jaw shrinkage, as well as alter the way you speak. You might even avoid eating certain foods because they are difficult to chew, resulting in a decreased quality of life.
The solution? Consider implants.

In addition to helping your kids to eat and speak, healthy teeth are important for your children’s overall health. If kids establish an oral care routine early in life, they’re more likely to maintain the practice into adulthood.

Among dental procedures, the root canal inspires the most dread. But this routine treatment is often one of the best, most effective ways to save an infected tooth and preserve your smile. So, what exactly is a root canal treatment? When would you have to get one? And is there anything to be afraid of? Here’s what you should know.

If you’ve never had a tooth extracted before, you may be unsure of what to expect. This common dental procedure may make you feel easy, but it’s in fact fairly straightforward. Here’s some information about what to anticipate during a standard tooth extraction and some general dentistry advice straight from your neighbourhood South Edmonton dentist.

There are two main types of teeth-straightening treatments: traditional braces and clear aligners (commonly known by the brand name Invisalign). Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both options.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. While most people experience this once in a while, when it becomes a chronic issue, it can lead to halitosis (bad breath), gum disease and tooth decay.

Dentin is one of the main components of your teeth. It protects the soft, nerve-filled pulp and in turn is protected by an enamel coating. When the dentin is exposed, it can cause sensitivity or pain when it comes into contact with substances that are hot, cold, sugary or acidic. These are the main causes of exposed dentin:

Do you experience pain in your teeth when they come into contact with substances that are too hot, cold or acidic? If so, you have sensitive teeth, an issue that effects millions of Canadians. This problem is usually caused when the inner core of your tooth is exposed. Wonder how this happens? Here are the top seven of the leading causes of tooth sensitivity.

While dental crowns are used in  cosmetic dentistry procedures and are typically outside the scope of what insurance providers deem to be necessary, for many patients in Edmonton, they’re much more than a smile enhancing device. Here’s what you should know about them and why they might be right for you.

Whether it's for a teeth whitening treatment, a porcelain veneer or a dental bridge, people all across Edmonton rely on cosmetic dental procedures to perfect their smiles and boost their confidence. Indeed, thanks to modern dentistry you can create the smile you’ve always wanted, and with recent advancements in modern dental technology and techniques, cosmetic procedures are becoming more commonplace and more affordable.  Here are five common cosmetic dental procedures that you should know about.  

Are you missing one or more teeth? If so, a dental bridge may be the right treatment for you. Here are a few commonly asked questions about them.

Tooth decay is preventable. If you develop healthy oral habits now, you can mitigate the need for costly dental treatments as you age. Here’s some information to help you establish an oral hygiene routine for your entire family.

The right toothbrush can help make brushing your teeth easier and more enjoyable. Both electric and manual types are effective at cleaning your teeth, so the one you choose is a matter of personal preference. Here’s what you should know about each type of brush before making your choice.

You’ve probably heard the words plaque and tartar in commercials for toothpaste. But have you ever wondered what they are exactly? Here’s everything you should know about them.

Bad breath can be a source of embarrassment and social anxiety. Even worse, it could indicate an underlying medical problem. Here’s a look at the causes of bad breath and how you can avoid it. 

Have you noticed blood in your spit when you brush or floss your teeth? If so, you should know that bleeding gums could be a sign of gum disease or other health problems. Here’s a look at why gums bleed and what you can do about it.

Tooth decay refers to the softening and destruction of the enamel, which is the hard-outer layer of the tooth. It eventually leads to cavities, or holes in the tooth. Almost everyone will develop tooth decay at some point in their lives. Here’s everything you need to know about this common dental health issue.

Teaching your kids proper oral hygiene sets them up for a lifetime of strong and healthy teeth and gums. Regular dental visits play an important part in this. However, many parents worry about taking their kids to the dentist for the first time. Here are some tips to ensure the visit goes as well as possible.
When should my child see the dentist for the first time?

Most dental restorations will eventually need to be replaced but with proper care, they can remain functional and looking good for many years. Here’s how to maintain dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, bridges and implants.

Dental veneers are very thin tooth-coloured shells that are bonded to the surface of your teeth, usually made of porcelain. They’re a great way to subtly change the shape, colour, size or length of your natural teeth. Depending on your needs, they can be applied on only one tooth or used on all visible teeth to revamp your smile.

Healthy teeth are crucial to the overall health of your child. They help your child to talk and eat properly. Poor oral health can lead to diseases, infections and other teeth problems. It can be difficult for parents to know how to protect their kids’ teeth, which makes pediatric care very important. Count on Heritage Dental Centre for providing reliable dental care to your kids.