Thursday, December 6, 2012

Your Child's First Dental Visit


When should you bring your child to the dentist for the first time ?        
It is recommend that you take your child to their first dentist appointment within about six months of their first tooth’s arrival, or by the time they turns one. The purpose of the under age one dental visit is to learn about your child's oral health and how to best care for your child's unique needs before any problems occur. Many dental problems can be prevented if proper oral care is started as early as possible.  The first visit is a great chance for you to get all your questions answered.  Your dentist should provide you with enough information both verbally and written that will ensure your child has a healthy start to oral care. 
How do you prepare your child for first dental visit?   
Preparation for the first dental visit should be age specific.  A child under the age of two needs little if any preparation.  The first visit will likely be only a visual inspection and has more to do with the new parent than the child. It’s a chance for the dentist to gauge a parent’s knowledge of oral care for an infant. With an older child, my approach has a less is more flavour to it.  Over preparation can lead a child to think that something is going on.  I wouldn’t prepare them too far in advance either. If anxiety does set in, having a longer period between the “talk” and the actual appointment may make matters much worse.  Parents are usually a source of misinformation rather than information when it comes to what will happen during a dental visit. Simply tell the child that the dentist is going to count their teeth.  That should get the ball rolling and the dentist and/or the hygienist can take it from there.
How often should you brush and floss your teeth?  
Generally speaking, a thorough brushing of the teeth should take place twice a day.  The most important time to brush is just before bedtime.  The last thing you want is the bacteria and plaque you have left behind working overtime creating cavities whilst you sleep.  The second most important time is after breakfast in the morning.  No sense brushing before you eat.  Flossing at least once a day is also a must. The floss cleans an area between your teeth that the bristles of a brush have no access to.  It is important to note that brushing not only keeps your teeth clean but also stimulates the gums.  Preventing plaque around the gum line will ensure that your gums and underlying bone, the foundation of your teeth, remain healthy. You should brush your teeth well for no less than three minutes and your brush should be replaced at least once every three months.  Always use a soft bristled brush and for children able to rinse well it is suggested that a fluoride containing toothpaste be used.  If the child is young and has a tendency to swallow rather than spit, a non-fluoride containing toothpaste should be used.  This is especially true in areas that already have fluoride in the water supply.  I’m a big fan of electric toothbrushes.  Buy a good quality one.  It should be rechargeable and have a small head to get in all the nooks and crannies.  There is no way manual brushing can compete with the modern electric toothbrush.
How important is a healthy diet to your teeth and gums?    
In addition to basic oral hygiene, a healthy diet protects teeth from decay and keeps the gums healthy. A well-balanced diet provides the minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients essential for healthy teeth and gums. Fluoride, occurring naturally in foods and water, or added to the water supply, can also be a powerful tool in fighting decay. It is a proven cavity fighter.

Fluoride is supplied through fluoridated water (not all municipalities fluoridate their water supply, however), beverages made with fluoridated water, tea, and some fish, as well as many brands of toothpaste and some mouthwash. Fluoride supplements are available for children who don’t have access to fluoridated drinking water. Your local government offices can inform you of their fluoridation policy and levels in the water.  Excess consumption of fluoride can cause mottling of the teeth so the use of fluoridated toothpaste in infants and small children (i.e. those that tend to swallow rather than spit out the toothpaste) is discouraged in areas where water fluoridation already exists.

Even eating right during pregnancy can give your child a head start to good oral health. Calcium in the diet along with the vitamin D that is required to absorb it helps to form strong teeth and bones.  Supplements are usually not required if a healthy diet is followed.

In children, it is important to limit their sugar intake.  Sticky sugary snacks adhere to teeth creating an ideal cavity-causing environment that acid creating bacteria are just waiting for.  In particular dried fruit snacks should be avoided and replaced with the fresh variety.

How often should you see your dentist?                   
Most children should see a dentist every six months. Those with a higher risk of decay or with poor oral hygiene should be seen more frequently.  The same holds true for adults. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check-ups more than twice a year. Smokers, diabetics, and smokers should be seen more often.  In addition, pregnant women should make it a point to see their dentist as the body tends to hyper react to even mild plaque build up.   A history of gum and periodontal disease will undoubted require an increase in maintenance trips to the dentist.  Finally, poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are also factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check up.  Visiting your dentist is about more than checking for cavities.

What are the benefits to regular visits?      
Regular dental check-ups are an important consideration to maintaining optimal GENERAL HEALTH as well as oral health.  There is more and more evidence linking overall health to oral health.  As the links between oral health and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, preterm birth and respiratory disease are investigated, we do know that oral health is an integral part of a person’s well being.  In addition to examining your gums and teeth, you dentist regularly screens your mouth for oral cancer. Early detection and diagnosis is the key a cure and the prevention of catastrophic results from oral cancer.            
Mark Librach DDS
Dentistry on Dundas

Monday, May 28, 2012

It is never too early to start dental care for you child

KIDS "R" US AND BABIES "R" US TOO


Many parents bring their children in for their first dental visit long after all their baby teeth have erupted, when in fact, dental care should start even before the first tooth has erupted, at the infant stage. It is recommended that the first appointment to the dentist should be from one to six months after the first tooth has erupted. This is not to worry parents that are wondering how their child will "open wide' or sit patiently. It is a quick and friendly encounter to ensure things are developing healthy and normally, and to educate moms and dads about dental care.

The average age for the baby's first tooth to appear is approximately six months. Parents should be wiping the gums with a clean, damp cloth before teeth erupt, as well as the first tooth after it erupts until a toothbrush can confindently be used. This is essential because tooth decay, or the destruction of tooth enamel by acid producing bacteria, can begin with only one tooth.

There are many other thing to to prevent tooth decay at the early stages:

1. Do not put the baby to bed with a bottle containing any milk (including breast milk), juice or anything containing sugar.

2. No sharing utensils, cups, tooth brushes, etc. because decay-causing bacteria is communicable.

3. Once the child is on solid foods, avoid excess snacks high in carbohydrates and keep in mind that the bacteria produce harmful

acids 20 minutes after the food is eaten. Healthy choices include fruits, vegetables and cheese.

4. Check your child"s teeth and gums monthly.

5. After the first visit, regular six month checkups are recommended.

6. Fluoride from tap water, toothpaste, suppliments and mouth rinses will help strengthen enamel.

It is never too early to start dental care for you child and to avoid oral health problems, such as tooth decay, that may lead to extensive and excessive procedures.

To read more on Dr. Michelle Lanys Click Here

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Dental X-rays

Dental x-rays have always been an essential tool for dental diagnosis. Without it, small problems (e.g. cavities) turn into big ones, such as, root canals. Now I know that everyone shy’s away from any form of radiation but let me put it into perspective. Dental x-ray technology has come a long way. With the use of digital radiology, exposure has been reduced to under 1.5 microsieverts for a standard bitewing x-ray. Those are the x-rays you get once per year at your routine dental check-up. To compare, an acceptable level of environmental radiation per year is 3500 microsieverts. In addition, dental x-ray techniques of today focus the x-rays on specific sites of the mouth. The extreme rarity of cancerous lesions in those areas is further proof of the safety of dental x-rays. So in a nut shell, the benefits far outweigh any risk

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

A tribute to Michael Weinberg

On May 13, 2012 some of the staff at Dentistry on Dundas will be participating in the 2012 Sporting Life 10K to make a difference in the lives of children affected by childhood cancer in memory of a dear friend of Dr. Mark Librach's, who succumbed to brain cancer earlier this year.

In honour of him we are trying to raise funds to help send a child with cancer to Camp.

Camp Oochigeas provides fun and meaningful experiences to approximately 680 children affected by cancer each year at no cost to their families. Every child deserves to experience the wonder of camp. After all, enjoying the outdoors and having fun are two integral parts of being a child!

Please help us to make a difference in the lives of children affected by childhood cancer. If you would like to sponsor one of the 'Weinberg Warriors' Click Here.

A tribute to Michael Weinberg

On Monday February 13, 2012, my dad suffered a heart attack. At 84 years old I guess these things can be expected. Fortunately for all of us he was awake, in his office and he recognized the symptoms. Less than an hour later he was sitting upright at the hospital proudly showing everyone his before and after angiograms. Three days later, his stint was working beautifully and he was released from hospital. His story was one of modern medicine and a little luck.

Far left Michael Weinberg, far right Mark Librach
Unfortunately, not all stories like this turn out so well. We still have a long way to go and some disorders still have very little treatment success. Such is the case of the glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a brain tumour which rarely responds to treatment. Although treatment can have limited success in prolonging life, it is always fatal. Famous Victims of this cancer include Ted Kennedy, Geaorge Gershwin, Gene Siskel, Roddy Mcdowell, Sandy Duncan, Tom Cheek …. the list goes on and on. What's interesting is that, out of all notable people, the most people who died from these brain tumors starting in the 19th century to present were writers, musicians, actors or sports figures, a group of talented people non-the-less.

I would like to draw your attention to one less famous but all the talented friend of mine who also passed away form this very same disease, Michael Weinberg. Michael was a friend, an Alpha Omega Frater, and an outstanding human being. Those who knew Michael had varying opinions of him but all recognized his blunt quest for knowledge. He hated bullshit and could recognize it a mile away. Once BS was recognized, a comment like, “If I want your opinion I will give it to you,” was not far behind. He knew his subject matter, especially regarding implants, to a tee.

Michael was an outstanding clinician with a great attention to detail. He enjoyed teaching and passing his knowledge on to those that would listen. He pushed himself to be the best in a world of evidence-based dentistry. He had the ability to make others feel that they were capable of anything and to strive to be the best they could be.

Michael died as the sitting President of the Toronto Crown and Bridge study club, a position that he couldn’t have been more proud of. Although, Michael was very involved in his professional life, he had never undertaken anything remotely like this in organized dentistry. I take great pride in saying it was I that persuaded a resistant Michael to take the leap and submit his application for a line position with the club. Talk about taking the bull by the horns… Michael’s enthusiasm for everything TCBSC was sometimes hard to contain but always with the clubs interest at heart. Yes he was sometimes stubborn, a suggestion to remove pasta as a starter for one meal was met with a very blunt, “from my cold dead hands”, from Michael. Michael was not afraid to shake things up and make himself heard. He stepped up to protect the reputation of the club and the members of the committee. Michael also made sure that the year he set in motion would be completed with ease with or without him.

Michael was also an integral part of the Alpha Omega Ski Seminar Series. He helped organize, he lectured and he had an insane attention to detail when it came to the culinary aspects of the trip. Michael took control of everything food. If there was an issue regarding any function everyone knew Michael would always take care of it. He was sadly missed this year in Trois Vallee’, France and Taos, New Mexico, two trips he helped organize. An integral part of the altakucker ski team, Michael will always be remembered as the one who got them down.

It was in Trois Vallee’ that I, and many who knew him well, heard of his passing. Being far away did not lesson the pain. I was fortunate to be with many friends who knew Michael as I did. He was apart of what made all of those trips so amazing. He was a fixture that was and will always be missed. When we gather on one of those trips or for any reason, “Here’s to Michael” has become the toast.

It was because of the TCBSC and the AO Ski Seminars that I spent a lot of time with Michael. For this I am truly grateful.

Now I know this tribute is not all encompassing when it comes to Michael’s life. It would take ten dedicated issues of the Aorta to do that. I didn’t even mention his family and all his friends who I know loved him dearly. I’m sure many of you have similar and different experiences, non-less dear to you as mine are to me. Appropriately, it is just a taste. It is how I knew Michael.

“To Michael!”

Mark Librach

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Invisalign Before and After



 
Greg presented to our office with lateral incisors that were protrusive and rotated. He had wanted to get them fixed but was not interested in having metal brackets. He had 14 months of Invisalign to achieve this result.

You may be surprised to learn that having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond cosmetics. Straightening your teeth can significantly improve you oral health!
To learn more watch our Youtube Video!
You can also log into the Invisalign website Click Here.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Staff Sporting Life 10k run! May 13, 2012

We are participating in the 2012 Sporting Life 10K on May 13 to make a difference in the lives of children affected by childhood cancer in memory of a dear friend of Dr. Mark Librach's, who succumbed to brain cancer earlier this year.


In honour of him we are trying to raise funds to help send a child with cancer to Camp.

Camp Oochigeas provides fun and meaningful experiences to approximately 680 children affected by cancer each year at no cost to their families. Every child deserves to experience the wonder of camp. After all, enjoying the outdoors and having fun are two integral parts of being a child!

Please help us to make a difference in the lives of children affected by childhood cancer.

To donate to the Weinberg's Warriors Team select a staff member below you would like to sponsor. Thank you for your support! Team pictures will be posted after the run!

Dentistry on Dundas Team members:

Dr. Mark Librach

Dr. Kara Gollan

Dr. Chris Chen

Nicole

Connie

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Welcome Dr. Cara Lindsay, Dentist

Dr. Cara Lindsay is joining the Dentistry on Dundas team! She graduated from The University of Western Ontario in 2006, receiving the Gold Medal in her faculty and obtaining a B.A in Psychology. She recieved her Doctor of Dental Surgery from The University of Toronto in 2010 where she won awards for her exemplary extracurricular involvement. As a student she served as social representative of Alpha Omega, Director of Dentantics, Student Council Representative, Fashion Show Producer and Head of Philanthropy for her class. Her fundraising initiative to increase oral cancer awareness helped foster the establishment of a research fund at the Princess Margaret Hospital specifically for oral cancer. She is an active member of many dental associations and organizations including the Canadian Dental Association, Ontario Dental Association, International Association for Orthodontics, North Toronto Dental Society, Alpha Omega Dental Fraterntiy and the Toronto Crown and Bridge Study Club. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry including orthodontics and enjoys keeping up to date with the latest dental trends by regularly attending continuing education seminars. In her spare time Dr. Lindsay enjoys sailing, dancing, travelling, music and art. There is also a family connection with Dr. Lindsay, she is Dr. Millman's niece!