National Oral Health Month

April is National Oral Health Month

Are you struggling with any of these eight common problems?

Did you know that your oral health can affect your overall health? The good news is that by maintaining good oral hygiene, you can prevent many common dental issues. Here are eight common problems to keep an eye out for as an adult:

1. Cavities

Bacteria, in the form of plaque, can erode your tooth enamel. Over time, this can expose the nerve, causing pain.

2. Stained teeth

Tobacco, dark-coloured foods and drinks, like wine, coffee and beets, as well as certain medications can discolour your teeth and cause them to turn yellow.

3. Tooth sensitivity

Gum recession and disease can expose the sensitive part of your teeth, which can result in pain when eating or drinking hot or cold items.

4. Gingivitis Excessive plaque build-up can cause red,

swollen and bleeding gums.

5. Damaged tooth

You can accidentally chip a tooth by falling or biting into something too hard.

6. Mouth cancer

This type of cancer causes bumps, sores and rough patches inside the mouth. It can usually be treated if discovered early.

7. Periodontal disease

This infection affects the tissue around the teeth, such as the gums and roots. As it progresses, it can lead to various complications.

8. Tooth movement

Your teeth shift slowly as you age. This can lead to overlapping, making it harder to brush effectively and increasing the risk of cavities.

Do you have any of these oral problems? Contact your dentist immediately to find out what you can do.

Dr. Phil and his staff are committed to providing personalized oral health care tailored for your unique dental needs and goals

Currently accepting new clients

PENDER HARBOUR DENTAL is committed to raising awareness of the importance of oral health.

Our patients are booked on a recall system of regularly scheduled check-ups and cleanings making sure no one gets left behind.

PENDER HARBOUR DENTAL provides a variety of dental solutions, should any oral health problems arise.

New patients are currently welcome.

Thank you for thinking of PENDER HARBOUR DENTAL

Teach your child about dental hygiene

Your child’s oral health is closely linked to their overall health and quality of life. Dental problems can lower your child’s self-esteem, lead to language delays, interfere with chewing and impact their growth. Here are some tried-and-tested methods to increase your child’s awareness about dental hygiene:

• Make brushing a habit. Involve your child in brushing their teeth as early as possible. This will help them understand that it’s not a task, but a habit that benefits their health. Let them choose an age-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste to make the experience more enjoyable. You can also set a good example by brushing your teeth at the same time.

• Read books on the subject. Read your child a few stories about teeth brushing to help them learn some brushing techniques. By relating to a storybook character, your child will be more likely to understand the importance of taking good care of their mouth.

• Make brushing fun. Technology and games can make teeth brushing more fun for your child. Depending on their age, you

can turn brushing into an exciting activity by setting achievable goals and rewarding their successes to encourage their sense of responsibility. Some apps and electric toothbrushes can also guide your child through brushing in a fun way.

Team up with your child’s dental hygienist and dentist to optimize their oral health all year round.

Our caring team of dental professionals provide a wide range of dental services to ensure you and your entire family can achieve beautiful and healthy smiles.

Dr. Karamanis, Dr. Burry and Dr. Klopp are accepting new patients

Open Monday to Friday with select Saturdays

Call our office to book an appointment 250.338.9085 #116 750 Comox Road Courtenay, BC

Do you have one or more missing teeth? Not replacing a missing tooth can make it difficult to chew food and lead to speech problems, jaw pain and abnormal shifting of adjacent teeth. Here are some common ways to avoid

these problems:

• An implant-supported crown is placed over an artificial root that’s screwed directly into your jawbone. This is a durable and esthetic option that’s ideal for replacing a single tooth.

• An implant-supported prosthesis is installed in the same way as a crown but requires several implants (generally four to six) and replaces a larger number of teeth, or even all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. This option

is particularly durable and long-lasting.

bridge are hollow and are secured to your existing teeth to hold everything in place. Bridges can also be installed on implants.

• A bridge is a type of fixed prosthesis that replaces one or more teeth. It consists of at least three crowns welded together. The crowns in the middle of the bridge fill the spaces left empty by the missing teeth. The ends of the

• A partial prosthesis may be a good option if you’re missing several teeth. Like dentures, a partial prosthesis replaces multiple missing teeth and can vary in size depending on how many spaces need to be

filled. The artificial teeth are supported by metal or non-metal clasps that are attached to the healthy teeth. Partial dentures are inexpensive and removable, making them easy to clean and maintain.

It’s important to discuss your options with your dentist to determine the best replacement solution for your situation. 16«

For over 30 years we have been providing the

community

highest quality of

Our dentists and hygienists stay current with the latest innovations in the dental industry and have advanced training in various dental specialties such as root canal therapy, same day crowns, sure smile clear aligner therapy, and implant surgery.

Our administrative staff is here to help you with scheduling, financial policy and insurance, to make that part of the process as simple as possible.

We accept all major insurance plans and follow the British Columbia Dental Association fee guide CONTACT US TODAY

Coast Professional Building Unit 204-938 Gibsons Way (above RE/MAX) Gibsons, BC, VON 1V7 Underground parking and wheelchair accessibility is provided