Why do we take your Blood Pressure at every visit?

The literature suggests that patients, on average, will see their dentist more regularly than they may see their medical doctor.  As a result we have a greater opportunity to evaluate and screen patients for high blood pressure on a more regular basis.  Interestingly, studies also propose that patients whom have high blood pressure and periodontal disease are at a greater risk of having heart disease.  Consequently, the dentist can provide additional information to the family physician with respect to a patients risk of having heart disease. Continue reading →

Mouth guards come in a variety of styles.  Some can be purchased in the store that are then warmed up in hot water and placed in the mouth to form as best as possible around the teeth.  Patients indicate that these types of mouth guards tend to be over extended, big, bulky and are not comfortable.  In some cases patients have reported that it is hard to breath because their guard is so large.  Often, as a result of these issues, the player ends up chewing on the guard in the corner of their mouth as opposed to wearing the guard to protect the teeth. Continue reading →

What is TEETHING?

Teething is the process where the baby teeth push/cuts through the gums in essence causing an open wound. Symptoms often start 3-5 days before the teeth push through and end after the teeth have pushed though all the way. Teething will start when the baby teeth begin erupting, around the age of 6 months and continue until about 2.5 – 3 years of age when the last of the baby molars erupt. Continue reading →