Did you know that maintaining a healthy smile is as important as a maintaining healthy body?

Your mouth is an indicator of your general health. An entry point, your mouth is susceptible to germs, infection, and disease. Yes – disease.

You probably know that gum diseases like gingivitis can lead to tooth decay and jawbone problems, but did you know that it can also lead to respiratory illness? The bacteria found in plaque can travel from the mouth into the lungs causing infection.

There is also a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease and in turn, it can put them at greater risk of diabetic complications.

It has also been shown that pregnant women with poor oral health are at an increased risk of delivering pre-term, low-weight babies. These babies are born with a higher risk of development problems, asthma, infections and infant mortality.

The good news is that all of these problems are preventable!

By following basic oral health practices like brushing and flossing your teeth every day, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and visiting your dentist regularly, you can keep your mouth smiling and your body healthy.

Visit our conveniently located office in Marlborough, NE Calgary!

Little smiles need a little attention too!

It’s never too early to start teaching good dental habits and by making oral health a family affair, you can ensure your children grow up with healthy teeth and gums.

Get an early start on proper dental care!

It’s not always easy to brush those little teeth. Start early by cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft cloth and make sure that you make tooth brushing a regular part of your child’s routine.

Early prevention means a lifetime of happy smiles

Starting proper dental care early could prevent all sorts of tooth troubles later on. Most of the decay that doctors and dentists are seeing in children is 100% preventable. Too many sugary snacks, juice or formula overnight, or soothers dipped in honey or sugar.

You can prevent problems and maintain healthy gums and teeth by routinely brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet free from high-sugar drinks and snacks and seeing your dentist as soon as your child gets his or her first tooth.

Early trips to the dentist not only give your dentist an opportunity to spot problems early, it allows your child to become comfortable with regular check-ups at a young age.

Do you have questions about maintaining little smiles? Ask Dr. Brent MacDonald – he’s a family-friendly dentist who knows that a healthy smile starts early.

Visit our conveniently located office in Marlborough, NE Calgary!

Ouch! Dentures are uncomfortable, potentially embarrassing, sometimes painful, and always a hassle. Dental implants are an alternative to dentures that are giving people something to smile about.

Unlike dentures, which are removable, dental implants are permanent. Made of high-tech metal posts that are surgically anchored to your jawbone, dental implants act and look like real teeth.

Because the posts act like artificial roots and maintain your natural bone structure, implants are ideal for replacing one or more teeth, supporting a partial fixed bridge or a complete dental restoration.

Dental implants require multiple visits to the dentist, over a number of months. First, the metal posts are placed in the jawbone. They are then given 4-6 months to allow the bone to heal properly and ensure the posts are secure in the jaw.

Next, the dentist makes an impression of your mouth to ensure proper alignment. The new artificial tooth is then secured to the post above your gum line giving you a completely natural looking smile.

Got questions about dental implants? Dr. Brent MacDonald is happy to answer all your questions and determine if dental implants are the right ‘fit’ for you!

Visit our conveniently located office in Marlborough, NE Calgary!

Remember your mom saying “Drink your milk – it will help your teeth and bones!”? It’s true that calcium is important to maintaining a healthy smile, but it isn’t the only smile-friendly food you should be adding to your daily diet.

Even the most brushed mouths will play host to tiny living organisms. The foods that you eat comes into contact with these germs and bacteria, and when not brushed properly, this will turn into plaque on your teeth.

What does that have to do with food?

Plenty.

Plaque thrives on the starches and sugar. When these sugars combine with plaque, an acid is produced that leads to the decay of the protective enamel on your teeth. This decay is what causes cavities and other problems.

Add a few smile-friendly foods to your diet

Smile-friendly foods naturally promote healthy teeth and gums by neutralizing acid and removing harmful plaque reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Eating cheese, particularly aged cheddar, counteracts the negative effects of acid-forming sweets. Too much acid, anything below a pH level of 5.5, weakens tooth enamel causing cavities.

Just as your muscles and bones need exercise to stay healthy and strong, your teeth and gums need a food fitness regimen.

Eating ‘crunchy’ raw fruits and vegetables every day will keep your teeth and gums fit and healthy. Celery is the ideal low- sugar, fibrous snack to give teeth and gums a much needed workout while removing plaque.

Remember, brushing and flossing isn’t the only way to maintain a healthy smile. Smart food choices and a few less sugary snacks will help keep you dentally fit for life!

Visit our conveniently located office in Marlborough, NE Calgary!