If you’ve noticed that your teeth tend to get sensitive in extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, you’re not alone! 

This type of dental discomfort, often triggered by extreme temperature fluctuations, can stem from various issues. These include tooth decay, exposed dentin (the tooth’s inner tissue), nerves agitated by teeth grinding, or even deteriorated dental fillings. 

Janz Family Dental is here to help you understand why your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold, the underlying reasons for this pain and ways you can manage it. 

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity, or “sensitive teeth,” is a condition where the teeth experience pain or discomfort when exposed to certain temperatures, especially extreme heat or cold. This sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of the tooth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. Usually, dentin is protected by the hard outer enamel layer and the gums.

Common Causes of Winter Tooth Sensitivity

• Enamel Wear – The protective layer of enamel can wear down over time due to factors like brushing too hard, eating acidic foods, or grinding teeth. Thinner enamel means 

more exposure to temperature extremes.

• Gum Recession – Gums may recede due to various reasons, such as gum disease or aggressive brushing, exposing the sensitive root area.

• Temporary Changes in Cold Weather – Cold air itself can be a trigger. Breathing in cold air or consuming hot beverages or cold foods can cause sudden, sharp pain in sensitive teeth.

Treating Sensitive Teeth: What Are Your Options?

If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity, the treatment plan your dentist suggests will vary based on the extent of the damage causing the sensitivity. Switching to a softer toothbrush or opting for an electric one is advisable to prevent further damage to your gums. 

Fluoride treatments at the dentist’s office can strengthen your teeth’s natural defence mechanisms. Additionally, a fluoride gel or rinse at home and a specialized toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help manage and reduce sensitivity. It’s also beneficial to reduce sugary foods, as they contribute to acid buildup on your teeth and gums, eroding the protective enamel layer.

In more severe cases, your dentist might consider a root canal as the most effective solution to address the underlying issue causing the sensitivity. 

Using Desensitizing Toothpaste

When you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures but don’t have cavities or visible tooth damage, a practical solution is incorporating toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth into your daily routine. 

Products like Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste can significantly relieve tooth sensitivity within three days of regular use. The critical ingredient, stannous fluoride, forms a protective barrier over the sensitive areas of your teeth, ensuring ongoing protection against sensitivity with twice-daily brushing.

Overcoming Seasonal Tooth Sensitivity With Janz Family Dental

If you experience persistent or severe tooth sensitivity, it’s essential to consult with a dentist. They can identify the exact cause and suggest appropriate treatments. Conditions like cavities, cracked teeth, or gum disease need professional attention.

At Janz Family Dental, we offer a range of dental services to help you manage tooth sensitivity effectively. By understanding the causes and implementing practical solutions, you can enjoy winter activities or your favourite hot beverages without the discomfort of sensitive teeth! 

Christmas is nearly here! With mince pies, festive wines, and an array of confectioneries set to grace our tables, it’s a time of indulgence and celebration. 

However, amidst the merriment, it’s important to remember that the sugary snacks and drinks so common during this season can pose risks to our dental health. The constant exposure to sweets can be challenging for our teeth, potentially leading to dental issues.

At Janz Family Dental, we’re committed to ensuring that your dental health doesn’t fall by the wayside during the festive season. To help you maintain a healthy smile while enjoying the holiday treats, we’ve compiled five essential tips for taking care of your oral health this Christmas. Let’s keep those festive spirits high without compromising on dental well-being! 

Understanding the Impact of Sugar on Teeth

It’s essential to understand how sugar affects dental health. When sugar is consumed, it interacts with the bacteria in our mouths to produce acids. These acids can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and other dental issues. The more frequently sugar is consumed, the greater the risk for dental problems. 

Strategies for a Teeth-friendly Holiday

• Moderation is Key –  Enjoy holiday treats, but do so in moderation. Teach your children the importance of not overindulging in sweets.
• Healthy Alternatives – Offer healthy alternatives alongside traditional sweets. Fresh fruits, nuts, and cheese are nutritious and less harmful to teeth.
• Maintain Regular Dental Hygiene –  Ensure your family sticks to their regular brushing and flossing routine. Consider brushing after particularly sugary meals.
• Use Fluoride Toothpaste – Fluoride helps remineralize tooth enamel and reverses minor tooth decay. Ensure your family uses fluoride toothpaste.
• Hydration is Crucial –  Drinking water, especially after consuming sweets, can help wash away sugar and acids from the teeth.
• Chewing Sugar-free Gum –  Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can increase saliva production, helping to neutralize acids and clean teeth.

Professional Dental Care During the Holidays

Even with the best at-home dental care, professional check-ups are crucial. The holidays can be busy, but attending dental appointments is essential. Regular cleanings and check-ups can catch potential problems early and keep your family’s smiles bright and healthy. 

Janz Family Dental: Holiday Dental Health

As the holiday season approaches, consider scheduling a visit to Janz Family Dental. 

Our team of dental professionals is dedicated to ensuring your family’s dental health is not compromised during the festive season. We offer a range of services, from regular cleanings to more complex dental procedures, all within a friendly and welcoming environment. 

Book your appointment today and celebrate your smile during the holidays!

Regular dental checkups to Maintain good oral health are crucial, as neglect can lead to gum disease and tooth decay and heighten the risk of systemic health problems like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

Consistent oral hygiene practices and routine comprehensive dental examinations are the most effective ways to ensure healthy teeth and gums. Adhering to a regular dental check-up routine can swiftly identify and treat emerging issues, helping preserve oral health and preventing more severe complications. 

Janz Family Dental is committed to assisting you in achieving and maintaining optimal oral health.

Why Dental Check-up Appointments are Essential 

Scheduling regular dental check-ups is crucial for ensuring proper oral health and can also assist in reducing overall dental costs. Dentists recommend that the average person schedule a check-up every six months.

However, the ideal frequency of these visits can differ based on several individual factors, which means some might need to see their dentist more often, while others less so. For instance, those who diligently follow a daily oral hygiene regimen might find an annual check-up sufficient.

Various factors can negatively impact oral health, potentially necessitating more frequent visits, such as:

• Consuming a diet high in sugary foods and beverages – can lead to tooth decay and other dental issues.
• Smoking or using other forms of tobacco –  These are known to cause various oral health problems.
• Excessive alcohol consumption – can be detrimental to oral health.
• Suffering from bruxism –  the involuntary or habitual teeth grinding, typically occurring during sleep.
• Poor sleep habits – like stress- can negatively impact overall health, including oral health. 

The Benefits of Regular Dental Check-ups

The fundamental reason for scheduling routine dental check-ups is to understand your oral health status. A dentist can evaluate whether your teeth and gums are healthy and propose customized treatment strategies, ensuring your smile stays radiant and full of confidence! 

Moreover, dentists do more than just solve problems; they also impart crucial knowledge about enhancing oral hygiene routines and guide you on the preventive steps (such as which foods or beverages to prefer) to preserve excellent oral health. The benefits of regular dental check-ups and exams include:

• Minimizing Oral Health Risks
• Prompt Recognition of Critical Health Issues
• Economical Dental Care
• Learning Opportunities for Improved Oral Hygiene
• Professional Teeth Cleaning

How to Maintain Oral Health Between Dental Check-up Appointments

Maintaining good oral health extends beyond routine dental visits; adhering to diligent hygiene practices daily is crucial. This includes brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing at least once daily. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reduced sugar intake, and ample water consumption are vital, as is using fluoride-containing dental products. 

Additionally, avoiding tobacco products and seeking regular professional dental care is critical to preserving oral health between check-ups.

Regular Dental Check-ups with Your Family Dentist in Edmonton

A saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”, which is especially true in dental health. Regular dental check-ups with a trusted family dentist in Edmonton are fundamental in maintaining oral health, preventing potential issues, and ensuring early detection and treatment of oral diseases. 

Our dental professionals at Janz Family Dental are always present for your aid. With the proper measurements and regular visits, the chances of getting your mouth adversely affected by issues such as cavities, infection, or bad breath can be reduced drastically. Book a dental check-up appointment with us today! 

It’s not just about a bright smile; it’s about safeguarding your health from the teeth inward. Your commitment to routine check-ups is an investment in your health, providing peace of mind that you’re taking proactive steps to care for yourself and your family.

If you and your family are looking for dental care in Edmonton, you’re likely searching for “family dentists in Edmonton.” However, before finalizing your choice, it’s essential to ensure you’ve picked the right practitioner.

Unless you’re dealing with an urgent dental issue, it’s beneficial to spend some time researching to find the best fit. But what should you look for when trying to find the right dentist for you and your family?

Not certain how to proceed? Dive deeper into this guide for the top 7 things to consider when selecting the perfect family dentist in Edmonton. 

1. Services Offered 

Ensure that the dentist offers a comprehensive range of services, from basic cleanings to more advanced treatments. It’s important to think about the diverse needs of your family members – orthodontics for teens, gum care for older members, and pediatric dentistry for kids.

2. Experience and Qualifications 

It’s crucial to find a dentist with the requisite experience, especially in dealing with kids. They should have the patience, knowledge, and techniques to handle young patients who may be fearful or anxious about dental visits.

3. Location and Accessibility 

Given that you may visit the dentist multiple times, especially if you have a big family, the clinic’s location becomes crucial. Opt for a family dentist in Edmonton that’s conveniently located near your home or workplace.

4. Reviews and Recommendations 

Word of mouth is powerful. Ask friends, family, and colleagues for their recommendations. Additionally, look for online reviews and ratings to gauge the experiences of other patients.

5. Emergency Services 

Dental emergencies can strike without warning. Ensure that the dental clinic you choose provides emergency services or can refer you to a reliable specialist promptly.

6. Comfort and Atmosphere 

The ambiance of the dental clinic matters, especially for kids. A welcoming, kid-friendly environment with comforting amenities can make dental visits less daunting for younger members of the family.

7. Cost and Insurance 

Ensure the dentist’s fees are transparent and reasonable. It’s also a plus if they are able to work with your insurance plan to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Janz Family Dental – Family Dentists Edmonton 

When looking for a reliable family dentist in Edmonton, Janz Family Dental stands out for several reasons. From our comprehensive services, including: 

• General dentistry
• Cosmetic/Corrective procedures
• Orthodontics
• Invisalign
• Implants
• Sedation 
• Pedodontic Dentistry, and more. 

At Janz Family Dental, we strive to treat our patients like family. Our dentists are dedicated to providing general and cosmetic dentistry procedures from toddlers to seniors. 

To learn more about Janz Family Dental and our wide range of services, reach out to us today! 

While finding the perfect family dentist in Edmonton might seem difficult, with the right criteria in mind and knowing about trusted options, your family’s dental health is in good hands.

Dental x-rays are vital to preventing these common issues!

One of the main reasons to regularly visit a dentist is to detect dental problems as soon as possible. By doing so, you’ll nip potentially serious problems in the bud before they have a chance to cause severe or irreparable damage. However, routine oral exams alone can miss a number of issues, which is why dental X-rays are so important.

What can X-rays reveal?

X-rays allow your dentist to see between, beneath and inside your teeth. In particular, the roots of your teeth and the bones of your jaw are made visible. Here are some of the major issues dental X-rays can reveal:

• Early cavities that are easy to miss during a visual exam
• Early signs of periodontal disease or infections
• Decay beneath fillings, which would otherwise go unnoticed
• Bone loss associated with disease
• Tartar and decay between crowded teeth
• Signs of tumors or cysts that aren’t visible during an oral exam

X-rays are also useful for monitoring how children’s permanent teeth are growing and how someone’s wisdom teeth are erupting. Because dental X-rays allow for early detection of dental issues, problems can be addressed quickly and at a much lower cost than if they were allowed to become more serious.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Modern technology has reduced the radiation exposure involved in this process to negligible levels. Moreover, many dental offices now use digital X-rays, which further minimize exposure. The short of it is that you have nothing to worry about when getting an X-ray.

How often are X-rays needed?

As we all have unique oral health needs, dentists evaluate when X-rays are required by patients on a case-by-case basis. However, it’s typically recommended that otherwise healthy patients have them performed every two years. A dentist will often recommend that new patients have X-rays taken in order to have a comprehensive picture of their oral health.

Dentists in Edmonton

Dental X-rays shouldn’t cause any apprehension. On the contrary, they should give you peace of mind. At Janz Family Dental, we put a premium on patient comfort and use digital X-ray technology, which makes the process safer, healthier and more pleasant. If you’re looking for a dentist, we’re always delighted to welcome new patients at our dental clinic in the Jasper Place neighbourhood in West Edmonton. For more information about dental X-rays, or to schedule an appointment or a checkup, contact us today!

Did you know daily foods impact your teeth’ long-term health?

It’s not only the typical suspects like sugary foods and sodas that can do damage. Foods that you may think are acceptable for your body, such as certain fruits, vegetables, and even your daily coffee, could negatively impact your oral health.

To maintain your dental health and prevent your teeth from aging, keep reading to discover bad vs good food for your teeth.

GOOD FOOD FOR YOUR TEETH

To maintain clean and healthy teeth, eating the right foods are essential. Here are some foods you can eat more of and how they are beneficial to your oral health.

Dairy Products

Milk, cheese, and yogurt are vital sources of calcium and vitamin D which play a key part in your bone health and strengthen your teeth. Proteins called caseins in dairy products create a protective film over our teeth, preventing decalcification.

Meat, Fish, and Tofu

Red meat and fatty fish are full of phosphorus, a mineral that protects your tooth enamel. Tofu is also a good source of calcium and phosphorous if you’re vegetarian or vegan.

Dark, Leafy Greens

Greens like lettuce, kale, and spinach are not only full of nutrients, but they also fortify your tooth enamel and protect against cavities. They contain calcium, folic acid, and antioxidants.

Crunchy Vegetables

Vegetables like carrots and celery help to keep your teeth and gums strong. They also act as nature’s floss by removing any debris stuck between your teeth as you eat them.

BAD FOOD FOR YOUR TEETH

Eating bad things for your teeth can lead to tooth decay and plaque. The following types of food and drink should be reduced in your diet to protect your teeth and gums.

Acidic Fruits

Lemons, grapefruits, and other acidic fruits are high in acids and can erode and decay your tooth enamel and stain your teeth. Limiting your teeth’s exposure to these foods is best as your tooth enamel can’t be replaced after it has eroded.

Coffee and Tea

These drinks are known to cause tooth discolouration, especially if you drink black coffee. This can be reduced by drinking with a straw and brushing after drinking.

Red Wine

Similar to coffee, red wine also contains tannins which cause colour compounds to stick to your teeth, causing them to turn purple over time. If you’re looking for an alcohol substitute, gin and vodka are the lowest acidity alcohols and are sugar-free; however, be careful when choosing your mix options, as pop and juice are not.

Sugary Food and Drink

These are high in acid and sugar, eroding and decaying the teeth even with regular brushing and flossing. Try to reduce the amount of sugar that you consume to protect your teeth in the future.

MAINTAINING HEALTHY TEETH

We hope this article showed you the good food for your teeth and what to avoid. This is the best way to maintain your teeth at home, but having regular dental checkups at your local practice is necessary for maintaining a healthy smile.

At Janz Family Dental, your dentist in Edmonton, we offer teeth cleaning and checkups, and our experienced team can help you with all your dental needs. Schedule your appointment with Janz Family Dental today.

Nothing hurts like tooth pain. It surges through your jaw, up to your ear, and down your neck, a sharp and sometimes throbbing sensation. It wakes you up at night and keeps you awake. A simple root canal can solve your tooth pain problems.

Today’s root canal is a nearly painless procedure that protects your tooth and oral health. Keep reading to learn what you can expect when seeking a root canal in Edmonton.

What Is a Root Canal?

A basic root canal is an endodontic treatment in which a dentist removes the bad pulp in your tooth, cleans the root, and fills and seals the canal. Once the dentist has completed the root canal, they will place a crown on your tooth to protect it.

If your dentist says you need a root canal, do not delay getting one. Without the root canal, an infection can set in and spread to other parts of your mouth and body. Such infection can lead to sepsis.

Signs You Need a Root Canal

Root canals are an essential procedure. You may need one when you sustain trauma to your tooth or have severe decay. Here are the main reasons why a dentist may recommend a root canal:

• Intense, persistent pain caused by an infection
• A chipped or cracked tooth that exposes a tooth to infection
• Sensitivity to cold or heat that signifies an infected tooth
• Swollen gums caused by infection or inflammation
• A discoloured tooth that indicates nerve damage and a damaged root
• Prolonged sensitivity to pressure
• Deep decay indicated by an x-ray

These symptoms can indicate a severe problem that could lead to an infection. A root canal can remedy the problem. Once the procedure is done, you’ll quickly feel relief and less discomfort.

Root Canal Procedure Steps

All dentists follow an essential procedure for a root canal.

They begin by taking an X-ray to assess the amount of damage to the tooth. Then they place a rubber dam in your mouth to protect your teeth.

After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, the dentist will drill an access hole and clean out the tooth’s root. They then fill the hole with antibacterial material if you have an infection and seal the tooth. Later, the dentist will want to place a crown over the tooth to protect it.

Seek for a Root Canal Expert in Edmonton

If you have symptoms that indicate an infected tooth, get a root canal in Edmonton today. These procedures take about an hour, and you will feel better almost immediately once the procedure has finished. Are you looking for a good dentist in the Edmonton area? If so, contact Janz Family Dental to schedule an appointment.

Are your teeth starting to feel a little more sensitive than they once did? Are cold or hot items making it difficult to chew? If so, you’re probably struggling to eat and hoping the pain will go away. Unfortunately, sudden changes in tooth sensitivity are often signs of new issues. Roughly half of North American adults show signs of gum disease, so you’re not alone, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek treatment.

Teeth get sensitive for several reasons, but they don’t typically just become more sensitive out of the blue. We’re going to look at some of the reasons why you could be experiencing sensitivity today. Hopefully, the ideas below give you the insight you need to move forward with treatment and find relief. Let’s get started.

Beginner’s Guide to Tooth Sensitivity

In most cases, sensitivity in particular teeth relates to the wearing down of enamel. Enamel covers your teeth, protecting the dentin (tissue) and nerves contained inside.

When enamel wears away, those nerve endings are much more exposed to the heat and cold of the food you’re eating. This exposure could even make it difficult and overwhelming to chew.

Enamel wears down for several reasons. You might be grinding your teeth, eating too many acidic foods, brushing too hard, or not brushing enough! All of these root causes are identifiable by your family dentist in Edmonton. At Janz Family Dental, we can identify and treat the root causes.

Gum Disease and Pain

Gums are there to protect and hold your teeth firmly in place. When an individual experiences gum disease or start to see their gumline recede, they might notice a corresponding increase in sensitivity.

It’s important to get gum disease treated early on because it can evolve into something much worse over time. In fact, advanced gum disease can even contribute to serious infections and heart attacks.

Oral Routine & Damaging Products

Enamel and gums suffer when we don’t take care of them. It’s very important that you maintain a healthy oral routine. Brushing, flossing, and the occasional splash of mouthwash are all very important.

You might notice an increase in sensitivity as you start to slack on your oral routine. Fortunately, our dental office at Janz Family Dental in Edmonton can get you back on track with the tools and information you need.

What Is a Dentist Going to Do?

If you’re experiencing increased sensitivity, the best person to see is the dentist. At Janz Family Dental we will diagnose the issue, giving you some insight into the specific reasons that it’s happening. Then, we can work with you to restore enamel, improve gum health, and repair most, if not all of the damage that’s occurred already. Further, regular visits to our dentists can prevent these issues from happening in the first place.

So long as you get regular checkups and maintain a healthy oral routine, odds are that you’ll avoid most preventable dental issues.

Looking for the Best Dentist?

We hope our look at tooth sensitivity was useful to you. There’s a lot more to learn, though. We’re here to help.

Janz Family Dentistry is here to give you the insight and care you need to keep your teeth happy. Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Many underestimate the importance of proper oral healthcare, considering that flossing and brushing your teeth can prevent life-threatening conditions. There are, of course, other reasons why people try to keep their teeth clean.

Your eyes and smile are the first two things people notice when they meet you for the first time. So, it’s considered a good idea to keep those pearly whites clean.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why are my teeth yellow?” consider reading about a few yellow tooth causes brought forward by the Janz Family Dental office in Edmonton.

WHAT CAUSES YELLOW TEETH

Yellow teeth can stand out quite a bit. Sadly, there are a ton of yellow teeth causes to keep an eye out for. This includes drinking too much coffee, aging, dietary problems, and certain diseases. The list doesn’t end there, though.

In fact, the most common causes of yellow teeth involve smoking, grinding, and certain types of medication. When following the Janz Family Dental best practices for oral health isn’t enough, you can visit our dentist in West Edmonton for solutions, but here’s a look at those three causes first.

Smoking

Cigarettes and cigars contain many dangerous chemicals that can prevent a healthy smile. Not all of them, though, cause yellow teeth. The biggest culprit here is nicotine. Reducing or eliminating nicotine use will drastically improve your fight against decay and discoloration.

Nicotine adheres to the enamel, or outer layer, of your teeth. It slowly accumulates inside the tubules on the surface over time. It can be extremely tough to reverse this discoloration. Janz Family Dental strongly recommends dropping the habit when possible.

Grinding

Grinding, also known as Bruxism, involves clenching and moving your jaw while your upper and lower teeth are in contact. This can be from side to side or forward and backward. Either way, this action slowly deteriorates the enamel on your teeth.

In this case, though, the yellow isn’t caused by a discoloration. Instead, it erodes the enamel and reveals the dentin below it. Dentin is dull yellowish, and grinding will usually expose it on the outer side of front teeth and the top of crowns in molars.

Medication

Janz Family Dental sees medication as the third most common cause of yellow teeth. This can vary greatly, of course, depending on what kind of medication a patient is taking. Chemotherapy and radiation significantly impact and alter the chemical reactions in the body, producing yellow teeth.

Some antibiotics can cause brown and yellow stains on teeth from a young age. Pregnant mothers that take tetracycline can alter the formation of a fetus’ teeth, forming brown or yellow horizontal stripes across their entire smile.

YELLOW TEETH CAUSES

While yellow teeth can be pretty embarrassing, they’re often signs of other serious oral health problems. At Janz Family Dental, you can get a check-up to be safe. They offer services like hygiene therapy and cosmetic dentistry to get that smile in tip-top shape. Schedule a visit or consultation with Janz Family Dental to get started on your journey to an amazing smile! We’re more than happy to guide you through the process from start to finish!