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Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to come in. They start to erupt during a person’s late teens or early 20s. There are a total of four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom.

Are Wisdom Teeth Always Removed?

No. If your wisdom teeth are aligned properly, have room to come in, and aren’t damaging the surrounding teeth there’s usually no reason to remove them.

However, many people do need to have their wisdom teeth removed because they develop complications.

Wisdom Teeth Complications

Impacted wisdom teeth don’t fully erupt and remain below the gumline. This can cause pain and swelling.

Wisdom teeth that are only partially erupted may be covered by a flap of gum tissue. Food can get caught under the gum flap and lead to an infection called pericoronitis.

Impacted wisdom teeth can also push against adjacent teeth and cause damage.

How Can I Care for My Wisdom Teeth?

It’s important to have regular dental exams. Professional cleanings will help keep your wisdom teeth healthy. Be sure to brush and floss twice a day, paying special attention to your wisdom teeth, as it’s easy for food to get trapped back there.

Wisdom teeth that erupt can still cause problems later on. If you experience any pain or swelling, call your dentist.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Richmond Hill, ON

Like all teeth, your wisdom teeth show up on X-rays before they erupt. Wisdom teeth can be monitored starting in adolescence. If your wisdom teeth do need to be removed, it’s better to do it before you experience any problems.

If you or your teen are experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or discomfort in the back of your mouth, the culprit could be your wisdom teeth. Be “wise” and contact ToothMatters today to set up an appointment.

-Dr. Gao

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth#1

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/wisdom-teeth

https://www.colgateprofessional.com/education/patient-education/topics/wisdom-teeth/pericoronitis-infection-near-wisdom-tooth

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth

Does it seem like as soon as your children eat their last candy cane, it’s already time for Valentine’s Day treats? As a parent, it can feel like there is no shortage of candy this time of year.

Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be the same without chocolate. It’s okay to indulge in sugary treats now and then, just keep your oral health in mind.

Caring for Your Children’s Teeth This Valentine’s Day

Here are a few tips to keep your children’s teeth healthy when there’s an abundance of candy.

Make brushing fun. Bedtime can be hectic, but nighttime brushing is so important. This is especially true if your child has been eating candy. Young children can be motivated to brush by making it fun. You can sing a silly song while they brush their teeth, or give them a small reward like a sticker. Some children might be more apt to brush their teeth if you’re doing it with them. Make good oral hygiene a family affair.

Think outside of the box. The box of chocolates, that is. Valentine’s gifts don’t have to be candy. Consider giving pencils, books, movie tickets, small toys, or a fun pair of socks.

Rethink your “treats.” Sweet fruits like apples, oranges, and strawberries are healthier alternatives to candy. Add to the fun by creating a face or other artwork out of cut up fruit.

Family Dentist in Richmond Hill, ON

We know that you and your family are busy. It can be easy to put off seeing the dentist, but now is a great time to come in! We offer evening appointments during the week and are also open on Saturdays.

This Valentine’s Day and all year long, you can trust my team at ToothMatters Dental Clinic to take care of your teeth. Contact us to set up an appointment.

-Dr. Gao

Helping your child establish good oral health habits early is an important step in keeping their smiles beautiful for a lifetime. While the thought of taking your little one to dental checkups every six months can be overwhelming, knowing what to expect and taking a few simple steps to make sure they are ready will ensure that your child’s dental experiences are easy and enjoyable.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Dental Checkup

Once your child’s first tooth pops through, you can begin making regular dental checkups for them. This may seem soon, but it’s never too early to start building a relationship with your child’s dentist. This will also give you the opportunity to address any concerns you may have, such as thumb-sucking or teething, and allow the dentist to make sure your child’s mouth is developing properly.

Depending on your little one’s age, you will be able to hold them in your lap or stand next to their chair while the dentist inspects their mouth. During the exam, the dentist will:

• Count their teeth
• Check for cavities and tooth decay
• Examine their gums, bite, and jaw

The dental team may also take x-rays of your child’s mouth to ensure that everything below their gum line is developing normally. After the exam is complete, a hygienist will clean your child’s teeth with a fluoride paste to make sure they are squeaky clean before they leave.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their Dental Checkup

A few simple steps leading up to your child’s dental appointment can make a big difference in them being calm and cooperative at their visit. These include:

• Helping your child brush and floss every day, being sure to praise them when they do well.
• Role playing what will happen at the dentist on a stuffed animal.
• Keeping conversations about the dentist positive and happy.
• Letting your child see you practice good oral health habits.
• Planning something fun to do after their checkup, such as a visit to a friend’s house.

When it’s time to schedule your little one’s routine dental checkup, the trusted team at ToothMatters is here for you. Stop by our convenient Richmond Hill location or contact us to book your appointment today!

-Dr. Gao

When you look around Ontario, you’re truly living in a winter wonderland. While the air is cold, the month of December is a great time for enjoying family time and checking things off your to-do list. Dr. Gao knows that going to the dentist is not your favourite thing to do, but it’s the surest way to safeguard your oral health as you prepare for 2020. At ToothMatters, we are your Richmond Hill experts in everything related to oral health. Working under the guidance of Dr. Gao, we can assess your child’s present state of hygiene and create a treatment plan that will make him or her feel more confident.

How Do You Brighten Your Smile?

In our dental practice, we meet all kinds of patients who desire a better smile, but they are afraid of the cost or the pain of dental procedures. Some patients also don’t have the best dental insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket for complex procedures. However, ignoring dental problems usually ends up costing patients more down the road. If you don’t like how your teeth look in the mirror, then you want to get in for your consultation as soon as possible and explore the various treatment options. It’s important to make your oral health a priority for the New Year.

Here are some issues that should not wait:

• Inflamed or bleeding gums
• Persistent pain in one or more teeth
• Chronic dry mouth
• Bad breath
• Gum sores or abscesses
• Difficulty chewing
• Maxillofacial headaches, especially near the jaw bones
• Grinding teeth

Many dental concerns are fixable, but they require the attention of a licensed Ontario dentist. If you’re aware of dental problems and reluctant to explore the cost of treatment, don’t wait. We have a friendly staff who will confidentially and respectfully accommodate your individual needs. Take a moment to contact us for your first visit. We want to brighten your smile in 2020!

-Dr. Gao

As the year draws to a close, families in Richmond Hill are spending time together. This is a time to reflect on the past year and make plans for next year. Many people make New Year’s resolutions about their health, but how many think of their teeth?

Dental Care is Health Care

Dental health is an important part of your overall well being. If you’ve been putting off going to the dentist, make 2020 the year you start making routine appointments. Even if it’s been a while since you or your family have been to the dentist, we’re happy to see you!

Now is a great time to see the professionals at our dental office in Richmond Hill. The longer dental problems go unchecked, the more painful they become. Having regular dental examinations will help your dentist catch any concerns early.

When you have your first visit with us, we sit down and really get to know you as a person, not just your teeth. Doctor Gao, Doctor Galvez, and our friendly staff will ask you about your overall health and what your dental goals are.

Do you just need a cleaning? Maybe you’re wondering about teeth whitening. Is your child grinding their teeth at night? Whatever your concerns are, we can help you.

Multiple Payment Options

If you’ve been wondering how to pay for dental care, give our staff a call. We’ll find the payment option that is right for you. ToothMatters currently accepts all dental plans. We also accept Interac debit cards, as well as Mastercard, Visa, and American Express cards. Short-term and third party financing may also be available. Just give us a call!

New Year, New Smile

Make 2020 the year that you take charge of your dental health, and get ready to show off your new smile! Please contact us to set up your appointment.

-Dr. Gao

The month of December is full of holidays, and often full of sweets! For many of us, desserts like butter tarts and yule logs are a tasty tradition. You already know that the less sugar you expose your teeth to, the better. But most of us just can’t resist a tray of homemade sugar cookies!

Say Yes to Cookies — and Good Dental Care

The good news is, you and your family don’t have to turn down your favourite holiday treats. When you say “yes” to a holiday dessert, just make sure you’re also saying “yes” to good dental care.

Make sure you brush your teeth one hour after eating sweets. You want to wait one hour because right after eating, the acid in your saliva is at its highest level. Brushing immediately after eating can wear away your teeth enamel.

To help keep your teeth clean, drink plenty of water during and after eating sugary or sticky foods. And don’t go to bed without flossing!

Watch Out For Loose Fillings

How long a filling lasts depends on the material it’s made of. Most fillings will last for several years, but all will need to be replaced at some point. Hard or chewy foods like nuts, peanut brittle, and fudge can dislodge an already loose filling.

ToothMatters Dental Clinic has evening and Saturday appointments available. If you do lose a filling, give us a call right away.

Family Dental Care in Richmond Hill

After the holidays is a great time to visit the dentist for a routine cleaning and check-up. You can start the new year with a bright, healthy smile. At ToothMatters, we provide dental care for the entire family, in a modern, comfortable setting. With lots of free parking, getting your family in and out is a breeze. Contact us today to make an appointment.

-Dr. Gao

We often hear the importance of brushing twice a day. Sometimes we hear that it is a good idea to brush after every meal. However, brushing immediately after eating is not always the most ideal time to brush!

If you have just finished eating something acidic, such as oranges, grapefruits or any other acidic food or drink, you should avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes. Foods that contain citric acid are known to weaken tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth too soon after eating something acidic can increase your chances of damaging your tooth enamel.

Instead of brushing right away, drink a glass of water! Water helps to naturally wash away the acidity. Another great option, instead of brushing right away is to eat something that is low in carbohydrates and sugar. These foods can also help to reduce acidity levels in the mouth.

No matter the case, good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are important for good oral care. It is also important regularly visit us, your experienced and dental clinic for a professional dental exam and cleaning. Contact us for your next appointment at ToothMatters Dental Clinic in Richmond Hill. We can’t wait to see your beautiful smile!