MALDEN DENTAL ARTICLES

Don't Ignore Your Stained Teeth!

Stained teeth are not typically a common occurrence, except in those who smoke or chew tobacco. This is due to the nicotine, a colorless substance that becomes yellowish when combined with oxygen. And it is this yellowish tar that causes dark spots on your teeth. However, as bad as smoking is for your teeth and overall health, one should not ignore the possibility that underlying oral problems or failed tooth restorations could also be lurking in your mouth.

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The Malden Dental team sheds some light on what your teeth stains say about your oral health:

  • 1. Oral bacteria - Dental plaque can accumulate on poorly cleaned teeth.
  • 2. Nerve damage in the teeth - If you have brownish or grey stains on your teeth, it might be due to the changes in the nerve of the tooth root. The damaged teeth become susceptible to staining.
  • 3. Aging - As you become older, the outer layer of tooth enamel erodes, leaving the inner layer (dentin) yellower.
  • 4. Tooth decay - If you fail to regularly brush or floss, tooth decay may result. This neglect leads to stains on the teeth, as they lose their surface luster due to infiltration of the staining substance produced during the decaying process.
  • 5. Poor hygiene - Residues that build up on the surface of the teeth that cause yellowish and grey stains are due to lack of regular brushing and neglect.
  • 6. Teeth trauma - If only one or two teeth are dark and the rest of your teeth are fine, this is a sign of tooth trauma. The nerves may be dead, there could be a chip or crack in the enamel.
  • 7. Diet - Continued consumption of acidic foods and beverages can cause damage to tooth enamel.
  • 8. Failed tooth restorations - Some dental restorations–such as crowns, inlays, or veneers-do fail, leading to a formation of yellow, brown, or black spots on your teeth. These stains are often associated with tooth decay caused by the failed restoration.

Common Teeth-Staining Foods

Because oral health is a primary concern for a majority of the population, it's important to beware of certain foods and beverages that can contribute to the discoloration of your teeth. Moderation is key. Take a look at these teeth-staining culprits:

  • Red wine
  • Cranberry juice, grape juice
  • Colas
  • Coffee and black teas
  • Curry and saffron powder
  • Beets
  • Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries
  • Soy sauce
  • Balsamic vinegar

If you were to consume any of the above choices at meals, your best defense (if unable to brush your teeth immediately afterward) is to swish warm water in your mouth for a few seconds to remove any lingering bacteria or particles of staining power.

The Next Step

Once you've looked in the mirror and realized that beautiful white smile needs an upgrade, a visit to Malden Dental and our team of skilled dental hygienists is in order. We provide optimal care for all of your dental health needs. Whether you have gaps in your mouth from missing teeth, or your teeth aren't as white as they used to be, we can take your smile to the next level. Contact us today for a complete evaluation, exam, and cleaning. At Malden Dental, the success of your oral health drives us to help in any way possible!

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Osseointegration Plays a Role in Dental Implants!

Osseointegration describes the process of tissues in the body fusing with a foreign object and integrating it into the native tissue. With dental implants, the tissue in question is the jawbone and the foreign object is the titanium post. Because titanium posts are used specifically for dental implant placements, they have a unique ability to be accepted by the tissues of the human body. If steel posts were used in dental implant placements, the body would reject them, and the end result would ultimately fail. After the titanium post is placed, the jawbone begins the healing process. The jaw forms a merging with the titanium and the osseointegration process commences through a strong mechanical bond. It's a win win.

An Evaluation of Osseointegration

Whereas the successful outcome of any dental implant placement is mainly dependent on the interrelationship of the components, a few key things to remember that contribute to the longevity of the healing process with osseointegration:

  • The status of the implant, both in health and bone quality context.
  • The undisturbed healing phase.
  • The surgical technique used.
  • Biocompatibility of the dental implant materials.
  • The loading conditions.

The process itself can be complex, and many factors influence the formation and maintenance of the bone at the implant site. That being said, the dental implant stability relies solely on the direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load-carrying implant. This dental implant tissue interface is an extremely dynamic region where the osseointegration occurs.

Final Thoughts

If you've ever wondered why dental implants are more effective than other tooth replacement options, the answer lies in osseointegration. This phenomenon and structural connection that forms between your natural jawbone and the titanium implant shows why dental implants are far superior in mimicking the strength and function of your natural teeth. The dentists of Malden Dental and their skilled staff invite you to ask any further questions on the entire dental implant procedure, and whether or not you qualify as a candidate. Our office makes it ideal for you to schedule a visit for a consultation and exam. Contact Malden Dental today and change the course of your smile for the better!

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5 Causes of Sensitive Teeth and How To Amend

Does the taste of ice cream send your body into a wincing spiral? Do hot beverages make you flinch? Does brushing or flossing cause mouth pain on occasion? You’re not alone. There are millions of sufferers who experience sensitive tooth pain.

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Healthy teeth contain a layer of enamel that protects them from cavities and decay, without its protection you may soon begin to experience painful symptoms. So how does this occur? Let’s break it down.

The crown of your tooth is above the gum line and underneath the gum line is a layer called cementum which guards the tooth root. Subsequently, underneath the cementum and the enamel is dentin. Dentin is the hard and dense bony tissue that forms the bulk of the tooth just beneath the enamel. It’s less dense than the enamel and cementum, and when it loses its protective coating, heat and cold or acidic and sticky foods may reach the nerves inside the tooth, known as the pulp. The result is hypersensitivity.


These possible causes need to be addressed immediately:

  • Gum disease
  • Worn out tooth enamel
  • Fillings that have expired
  • Fractured or chipped teeth
  • Cavities or tooth decay
  • A tooth root that is exposed

Treatments for Teeth Sensitivity

  • 1. Root canal - If sensitivity persists, you may be suffering from a dying tooth. As a result, your dentist might recommend this procedure to treat and eliminate the problem.
  • 2. A crown, bonding, or inlay - These procedures are used to correct a flaw or decay; however, it’s important to note that over time they may result in sensitivity if worn down.
  • 3. Surgical gum graft - If the tissue of the gums has been lost from the root, a gum graft aims to cover the exposed tooth root with grafted oral tissue.
  • 4. Desensitizing toothpaste - This typically requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced. The toothpaste contains compounds that aid in blocking the transmission of sensation from the surface of the tooth to the nerve.
  • 5. Fluoride gel - An in-office technique that shores up tooth enamel and reduces transmission of sensations to the gums and teeth.

A visit to Malden Dental will help you identify why your teeth are acting so sensitive. Our dentists and skilled team will guide you towards better oral health by lessening the painful causes of your vulnerable teeth. Contact the office today. We are ready to care for your dental needs!

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How Aging Can Affect Your Teeth.

Imagine this scenario. The years are ticking by, you do everything you possibly can to ensure your health is topnotch, obstacles and challenges become typical of your aging body, you stop smiling at strangers and in the workplace, and your performance (along with your confidence) suffers in life. These are the responses to how aging can affect your teeth. Drinking coffee and red wine every day for years takes a toll. Brushing and flossing twice daily get swept under the rug. Regular dental visits are a thing of the past. Sound familiar? The team at Malden Dental has the answer to every dental problem that plagues the aging population.

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What are the Symptoms?

If you find that your teeth need an overhaul, an initial evaluation from your dentist is worth the investment. They can detect other symptoms of ill-health in the body simply by assessing what’s going on in your mouth. A dentist is a vital professional in an aging person’s arsenal of health insurance. Here’s what to look for when it’s time to make that appointment:

  • 1. Bleeding and sore gums - This could indicate not only gingivitis but perpetually bleeding gums can stir up infection and diseases in other areas of the body. If brushing and flossing are painful and your teeth are sensitive, there could be something else going on that warrants attention from your physician. A dentist is primary in detecting the symptoms.
  • 2. Yellowing or decaying teeth - Over the course of your life, the teeth tend to absorb every food and beverage and show neglect. If left untreated, a marked difference in how they look and feel will determine the next step or procedure to undergo to ensure a quality smile.
  • 3. Missing teeth - The modern, natural-looking substitute for missing teeth is dental implants. This procedure requires a sturdy jawbone to support the placement of a new natural tooth, and dental implants have become the standard for helping a patient to restore their smile and confidence. No matter how old you are, a dental implant is worth the investment if you look in the mirror and don’t value what you see.
  • 4. Infection - Oftentimes what’s going on in the mouth in a negative way can inflame other parts of the body, simply by detecting the onset of pain when chewing or biting with force. An infection in the gums typically begins with a buildup of bacteria that hasn’t been brushed or flossed away. The usage of fluoridated toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water alleviates the onset of problems that perpetuate ill health. Infection of the mouth is not to be ignored, not even for a second.

The Solutions

There is really only one solution. Schedule a dental checkup as soon as possible. As an aging set of teeth needs attention and care, so does the protocol to continue living a healthy life with a gorgeous smile. Malden Dental and their professional team can guide and provide quality treatment for everything your teeth and gums need. Malden Dental offers solutions through dental implants, gum and bone grafting, and other supplemental procedures to make certain your aging teeth receive the quality care they deserve. Find out if you’re a candidate today by calling 519-915-6646 to see why their reputation has become the best in LaSalle.

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When You Need Bone Grafting

People can experience tooth loss for a variety of reasons, including injury and gum disease. No matter the cause, it’s important to replace missing tooth as soon as possible to prevent other dental issues from occurring. Dental implants are one of the best tooth replacement options available because they preserve bone density in the jaw, preventing damage to surrounding teeth and gums. However, people who have been missing teeth for a while or who have opted for other tooth replacement methods may be lacking the bone density necessary for a successful dental implant procedure.

Hope is not lost! You can still be a good candidate for implants with a preparatory treatment called bone grafting. Malden Dental offers bone grafting for patients throughout LaSalle, Amherstburg, Windsor and the rest of Essex County.

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What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a supplemental procedure that’s often performed before dental implant placement to build up the area of the jawbone that has been weakened by tooth loss. The bone grafting surgical procedure involves placing donated bone tissue into the area of the jaw that’s lacking the necessary density. After placement, the area is allowed to heal while the new bone tissue incorporates with the rest of the jaw, creating a strengthened foundation for a dental implant.

Why Is Bone Grafting Necessary?

The strength of the jawbone depends on stimulation from the tooth roots to maintain bone density. When a tooth is missing, the bone in this area slowly begins to deteriorate. Unlike dental implants, other tooth replacement options like dentures and dental bridges have no connection to the jawbone and thus create no stimulation, which leads to bone loss. This bone loss is the one of the causes for the sunken cheeks and premature wrinkling that can occur when someone has worn dentures for a while.

For patients who have experienced bone loss from missing teeth, Malden Dental offers bone grafting right here at our Lasalle office. Bone grafting helps our patients have the best possible foundation for an optimal dental implant outcome.

Schedule a Consultation at Our Lasalle, ON Practice

Are you wondering if dental implants are the right tooth replacement solution for you? The first step is scheduling a consultation with one of Malden Dental’s professional dentists. They will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jawbone to determine if you require a supplemental procedure, such as bone grafting, before dental implant placement. Contact Malden Dental today to learn more about how dental implants can they improve the health and beauty of your smile!

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Keeping Your Implants Safe from Peri-Implantitis

Dental implants are an effective and convenient way to restore your smile. They’re also extremely safe, with an average success rate of 95 to 98 percent. Dental implants also enhance your oral health by filling gaps between teeth, which will prevent neighboring teeth from shifting. This significantly reduces your chances of contracting gum disease, a serious infection that can cause a patient to lose their teeth.

What is Peri-Implantitis?

It’s essential to keep your implants strong and healthy to prevent peri-implantitis, a bacterial infection which causes inflammation in the soft tissue around the base of your implants. That’s why you need to follow the aftercare instructions provided to you by our implant team. You should also continue to practice effective oral hygiene with your dental implants by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash twice a day at home. Furthermore, it’s essential to visit your Malden Dental dentist for regular checkups so they can monitor the progress of your implants. Peri-implantitis often progresses without noticeable symptoms, but your dentist can spot complications in the early stages and begin to treat it as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Peri-Implantitis

Choose the Right Dentist

The best way to prevent peri-implantitis is to choose a qualified implant provider. Dr. Jacobs, one of the dentists from Malden Dental, has been recognized as a Fellow by the prestigious International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Placing dental implants is a high-precision surgical procedure and the dentists from Malden Dental have the necessary skill, training, and experience to do the job right.

Use Gentle Hygiene Products

You want to select gentle home care products that won’t aggravate the soft tissue around your dental implants. This will also help prevent you from scratching your implants. You should avoid any type of whitening toothpaste or mouthwash that contains ingredients such as baking soda or stannous fluoride.
Interdental cleaners are products such as dental floss which remove plaque, tartar, and food particles from between your teeth. When you buy dental floss, choose either nylon-coated floss or floss that’s specifically designed for use with dental implants. Nylon or nylon-coated interdental brushes are also safe and effective for use around your implants.

Avoid Destructive Habits

Smoking and other tobacco products will damage the tissue in your mouth and seriously hamper your body’s ability to fight off infection. Drug abuse and excessive drinking will also suppress your immune system, making it more difficult to prevent peri-implantitis.

The team at Malden Dental have what it takes to place your dental implants. Call today to arrange a consultation and see what we can do for your smile.

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Choosing the Right Diet for a Healthy Smile

When your teeth are properly cared for, they can remain strong and healthy for a lifetime. Making regular visits to Malden Dental for checkups is an important part of caring for your teeth. It’s also essential to practice a regimen of effective oral hygiene at home that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash twice a day. Another major factor in determining your oral health are the foods you choose for yourself and your family. Just as there are foods that are known to damage your teeth such as sweets and soda, there are also foods that promote a healthy smile. By selecting some foods and avoiding others, you can help keep your smile shining bright and strong.

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Top Foods to Avoid for a Healthy Smile

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic disease for children. The good news is that we know how to prevent it – practice good oral hygiene and avoid sugary foods! Some foods you and your kids should really try to limit or avoid completely are:

  • Chewy candy - Sticky or chewy candy such as Starburst and taffy remain stuck to your teeth for a long time, feeding bacteria that causes tooth decay. Eating sticky and chewy candy can also damage your dental work.
  • Sour candy - Sour candies such as Sour Patch Kids and Jolly Ranchers are highly acidic, and this acid will erode the enamel in your teeth. That makes it easier for bacteria to get inside your teeth and cause cavities.
  • Hard candy - Snacks such as Lifesavers, Jolly Ranchers, and candy canes dissolve slowly in your mouth. This allows the bacteria which feed on the sugar in these candies to produce acids that break down the enamel in your teeth and lead to tooth decay. Hard candy can also chip your teeth when chewed on.
  • Soda - In addition to containing sugar, acids found in carbonated drinks can damage the enamel in your teeth. Even sugar-free soda can seriously damage your teeth.

Foods That Help Protect Your Smile

It’s important to eat a balanced diet to maintain your dental health. A balanced diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetable to get the nutrients your body needs. A good diet will boost your immune system and help prevent infections such as gum disease. Some of the best foods for your smile include:

  • Crunchy, watery, fibrous fruits - Fruits such as pears, apples, carrots, and celery are fantastic for your teeth. Chewing these foods causes your body to produce saliva, which helps to rinse your teeth clean. These healthy foods are also gently abrasive on your teeth. The fiber combined with the high water content in these fruits work to scrub bacteria-causing food particles from your smile.
  • Milk and cheese - These dairy products are both rich in calcium, an important building block for healthy teeth that helps keep enamel strong. They also reduce the acid level in your mouth, which helps fight tooth decay.
  • Water - Drinking water helps you maintain high levels of saliva, and saliva fights plaque that can cause cavities and gum disease. Drinking or rinsing with water also flushes away food particles. That’s why it’s really a good a idea to drink water throughout the day, especially when snacking.
  • Spinach and leafy greens - Spinach and leafy greens are great for your teeth because they contain calcium and beta-carotene, which support the development of healthy tooth enamel.

Protecting Smiles in Lasalle

At Malden Dental, we offer a full range of preventative treatments to protect your smile. We also provide several restorative and cosmetic treatments to help you find the smile you’ve been dreaming about. Call today and find out more about what our dental implants and other services can do for you.

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Save Your Smile By Giving Up Pop

Pop can attack your teeth, requiring treatment with dental implants. Anytime we enter a restaurant or take a walk around a crowded park, it is easy to find people indulging in pop. Pop is pervasive, almost everyone drinks it at least somewhat regularly. Unfortunately, these pop drinkers don’t realize that their drink of choice is actually having many negative effects on the health of their teeth. In fact, we receive many patients at our office who have lost teeth due to pop consumption and are now looking for treatment with dental implants.

How Pop Attacks Your Teeth

There are two main ways that pop works to damage your teeth. The first of these is sugar. Pop has a lot of sugar in it. Every time you drink pop, this sugar ends up plastered to your teeth, where it will sit until you eventually brush your teeth. What makes sugar bad for our teeth is the bacteria that it attracts. Using sugar as fuel, bacteria creates acids that proceed to eat away at the layers of our teeth. We call this process tooth decay, and it can eventually compromise a tooth to the point where it will need to be removed.
The second way that pop works to corrupt your teeth is through the carbonation that is used to make it taste fresh and fizzy. In order to carbonate a beverage, carbonic acid is used. This acid remains in the beverage and, when you drink it, ends up slathered on your teeth. As a consequence, drinking carbonated liquids exposes your teeth to 20 to 30-minute acid attacks. During these attacks, the defensive layers of your teeth are eaten away. After enough of these attacks, your teeth will be left defenseless against dangerous oral conditions.
Despite seeing the effects that pop has on teeth, many people are still unwilling to give the tasty treat up. In light of this, we have some steps our patients can take that will at least lessen the damage their teeth take from the drink:

  • First, try to use a straw when you drink pop. This will stop your teeth from getting a full blast of the stuff.
  • Second, try to drink your pop quickly, as taking longer than 30 minutes to finish one pop will result in your teeth receiving a second acid attack.
  • Finally, drink water directly after finishing your pop. By swishing some water around your mouth, you can wash away some of the sugar and carbonation left behind on your teeth.

As you can see, pop can eat away at a patient’s teeth to the point where they may need to have teeth pulled. For these patients, we can provide restoration treatments using dental implants. With implants, we can restore a patient’s missing teeth with quality replacements that work and feel just as good as natural teeth. If you would like to learn more about how pop damages teeth or about treatment with dental implants, contact our office and schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our dentists today.

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Do You Really Need to Buy a Power Toothbrush?

When it comes to power toothbrushes, there’s a wide range of available features, including travel cases, timers, pressure sensors, oscillating brushes, rotating brushes, etc.
Not surprisingly, there’s also a wide range of prices for power toothbrushes. They start at about $6, but the prices quickly jump as high as $200 when you start adding all those fancy options. Here’s the breakdown on whether you should splurge for this high-tech dental tool.

Do Power Toothbrushes Really Work Better?

The most important question about power toothbrushes is whether they work better than manual toothbrushes. The answer is a little bit complicated. Overall, people who use power toothbrushes have healthier smiles than people who use manual toothbrushes. But you can do just as good of a job of brushing with a manual toothbrush if you practice effective brushing habits.
It makes sense that people who use power brushes are more likely to take better care of their overall dental health. If you’re willing to invest in a power toothbrush, you’re also more likely to use the following effective brushing techniques: brushing twice a day, applying light pressure, brushing all available surfaces of your teeth, brushing for at least two minutes, and replacing your toothbrush when bristles are frayed or become hard.

How You Brush is More Important Than What You Brush With

Of all the factors which determine how effective your brushing will be, the time you actually spend brushing is by far the most important. An article from review.com concludes “how you brush is more important than what you brush with.” That’s because “an electric toothbrush may not be worth the investment” if you’re already brushing thoroughly for at least two minutes every time you brush.
The most important feature on a power toothbrush is the timer that reminds people to brush for two minutes. Of course, you could just use a stopwatch. There are also several dental apps for children that help remind them to brush all the sections of their smile while brushing for two minutes.

When a Power Brush is the Best Option

There are some cases where a power toothbrush is the best option. A lot of children think it’s more fun to use a power toothbrush. And if that encourages your children to brush longer, then a power toothbrush is certainly a good investment in their oral health. Power brushes are also a good idea for people who find it difficult to apply enough pressure on their own. For example, for people who have decreased dexterity, like those who struggle with arthritis or fibromyalgia, a power toothbrush is probably a better choice.


At Malden Dental, we provide a full array of dental services, including comprehensive hygiene services to keep you smile shining bright. We also offer several cosmetic procedures such dental implants to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Call today to see what we can do for your smile.

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The Fascinating History of Dental Implants

Today’s modern dental implants are a fantastic way to restore your smile. They look and feel like your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, you will never have to remove your dental implants for cleaning or for any other reason. You just brush them and floss around your dental implants like you do with your natural teeth. And dental implants also help protect your gums from periodontal disease by filling gaps between your natural teeth and preventing them from sliding around.
Dental implants form a secure connection with your jawbone. That’s because the implant fixture, which connects to your jawbone, is made from titanium, a biocompatible material. That means your bones will actually attach to the implant fixture, creating a bond which is similar to the way your natural teeth are held in place. This process is called osseointegration.
Many important scientific discoveries were actually made on accident, such as Teflon and penicillin. And that’s also true about the biocompatible properties of titanium. In 1952 Swedish researcher Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark was experimenting on blood flow in rabbits when he noticed that the rabbits’ bones were beginning to bond with the titanium instruments he was using. This discovery is what makes modern dental implants a reality.

Ancient Attempts at Dental Implants

Paleontologists who study the remains of ancient civilizations have learned that people have been trying to remedy damaged and missing teeth for thousands of years. Ancient dentists demonstrated a great deal of ingenuity as they attempted to fashion dental implants out of all sorts of materials, including:

  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Shells
  • Ivory
  • Bamboo

Unfortunately, our ancient ancestors didn’t know about modern chemistry. That’s why they were unable to construct lasting dental implants out of biocompatible materials like we can today.


To learn more about what dental implants can do for your smile, contact our office in Lasalle and arrange your consultation with one of our dentists. Your new smile is closer than you think.

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The Advantages of Oral Irrigators over Flossing

While everybody knows how important it is to floss, most people don’t do it. In fact, surveys indicate that “only 35 percent of patients use dental floss, and only 2 to 15 percent floss daily.” Although flossing is very effective, many people simply refuse to do it.

Why People Don’t Floss

Let’s face it, flossing isn’t a lot of fun. People give several reasons for not flossing. Recently there were widespread reports that flossing does not improve your dental health, but this simply isn’t true. People report the following reasons for not flossing:

  • It’s time-consuming
  • It hurts
  • It’s not easy to hold the floss
  • They’re not convinced it’s actually necessary
  • It can cause bleeding
  • It’s difficult to reach all sections of your mouth

Fortunately, there is a gentle and effective adjunct to flossing called oral irrigators.

Oral Irrigators–A Different Type of Interdental Cleaner

Dental floss is referred to as an interdental cleaner because it removes debris from spaces between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. It’s extremely important to keep the interdental region clean to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
Oral irrigators have been around for a while. The first oral irrigator was called the Waterpik, and it was invented in 1962. People often use the term Waterpik to describe oral irrigators, and they are also sometimes referred to as water flossers or dental water jets.
Whatever you want to call them, many people have discovered that oral irrigators can be an effective alternative to flossing. People prefer oral irrigators to flossing for the following reasons:

  • Easy to use
  • Gentle on gums
  • Effective to use around braces
  • Help prevent gum disease
  • Safe to use around dental implants

Oral Irrigators and Gum Disease

More than 70% of Canadians will develop some form of gum disease during their lifetime. Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a serious infection which can threatens the health of your smile. Gum disease is caused by bacteria which feeds on the plaque and calculus in your mouth. Plaque is the gooey film that develops on your teeth after a meal.
Plaque that is not removed through brushing and flossing can harden and develop into calculus (also called tartar), the substance your dental hygienist scrapes of your teeth. It’s essential to remove calculus with an interdental cleaner to prevent gum disease.
It’s equally important for patients to learn the warning signs of this condition. While periodontal disease can be easily prevented, it remains one of the most common oral health issues facing Canadian adults.
The symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Sore, bleeding, and sensitive gums
  • It hurts to chew
  • Pus oozes from infected pockets around base of teeth
  • Teeth become loose
  • Bad breath
  • Teeth fall out

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should visit your dentist right away. The health of your smile could be at risk!

Flossing and Gum Disease

Many people with gum disease find it particularly painful to floss. Not only does it cause pain and bleeding, but it can aggravate the condition. As gum disease advances, the soft tissue begins to pull away from teeth, creating large pockets around the base of teeth where plaque and bacteria begin to collect.
For people who suffer from gum disease, studies indicate that water irrigators are “up to 93% better at reducing bleeding” and “up to 52% better at reducing” gum disease than flossing.


In order to protect your smile from cavities and gum disease, you should brush your teeth, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash, and use an interdental cleaner like floss or a water irrigator every day.
It’s also very important to visit Malden Dental for regular checkups. So why not give us a call and schedule your next appointment today?

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5 Reasons for Implant Dentures

Whether you’ve only worn dentures for a few months or you’ve lived with this tooth replacement for years, chances are you’re familiar with how quickly this treatment can become difficult to maintain and use over time. This tooth replacement option can leave a lasting negative impact on the rest of your smile.
Rather than wait until these consequences catch up to your smile, take the proactive approach and consider dental implants. A new approach to tooth replacement, dental implants are surgically placed tooth prosthetics designed to mimic natural teeth as closely as possible. This close resemblance means patients end up with a wealth of benefits, which include:

  • Stability Patients who’ve worn dentures for any period of time are probably familiar with how this conventional solution quickly becomes loose at the most inopportune time. Dental implants are firmly secured to your smile thanks to a naturally-occurring process called osseointegration. After the recovery process, patients enjoy a fully and permanently secure smile that functions just as well as your natural smile.
  • Cost-Effective Tooth Replacement As with any type of treatment, cost is an important consideration. In addition to thinking about the immediate costs, it’s critical that patients also think of the long-term maintenance and replacement expenses that can come with treatment. While dentures may have lower upfront costs, shorter lifespans and impacts on the overall health of your smile can mean paying more for treatment in the future. Although dental implants tend to have higher upfront cost, the high success rate, long lifespan, and strong materials mean lower lifetime costs.
  • Jawbone Preservation Teeth play an important role beyond biting and chewing. Below the gum line, teeth roots stimulate the jawbone, preserving its shape and health. When teeth go missing, the bone loses this important stimulation and begins deteriorating. Known as resorption, this process also causes the bone to lose shape, diminishing the strength of your smile and causing the face to sag. Replacing missing teeth with an implant denture provides the stimulation needed to preserve the jawbone and improve your oral health.
  • Long-Term Reliability A reliable bite is more than convenience – it ensures proper oral health and function as well as confidence in the appearance of your smile. Even with plenty of adhesive, dentures can fall out at the worst times. Furthermore, this conventional treatment makes eating certain foods off limits or at least difficult to chew. With implant dentures, you can enjoy any foods without risking an unfortunate accident.
  • Oral Health Ultimately, your tooth replacement option should support and contribute to a lasting and healthy smile. While dentures can be an excellent immediate solution, the long-term implications of this treatment can lead to a worsening of your oral well-being in the future. Thanks to the placement of strategic dental implants, implant dentures can enhance the lasting health of your smile by engaging the jaw bone and improving the security of your bite.

At Malden Dental, our goal is to help patients find a tooth replacement solution that best fits their smile. Whether you’re looking for a new treatment options or alternatives for a current denture, the team at Malden Dental is here to help you find a lasting dental solution. Call us today to learn more!

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How to Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery

You did your research and you’ve decided to restore your smile with dental implants. You also selected one of the talented dentists at Malden Dental to place your dental implants. Now we want to help you become fully prepared for all steps in the dental implant process.
It generally takes between 3 and 6 months for us to restore your smile with dental implants. Sometimes the process takes longer if your dentist determines that additional treatments are necessary to achieve the highest likelihood of success. For example, your dentist may wish to strengthen your jawbone with bone grafts or provide you with one of the various treatments we offer for gum disease.

Good Communication is Essential

It’s important that our patients feel comfortable asking us questions whenever they have concerns, be it before, during, or even after the dental implant process is complete. So, don’t be shy and feel free to contact our office at any juncture.

Follow Your Dentists' Instructions for Best Results

You will be provided with extensive written instructions detailing all the steps in the dental implant process which will give you a good idea what to expect. We don’t want you to experience any surprises, and if you follow your directions closely, you should be okay. But we’re always just a phone call away if if you require any type of clarification.

The Steps of the Dental Implant Process

Restoring your smile with dental implants will proceed in the following order:

  • Your preliminary consultation with a Malden Dental dentist
  • Setting your implant timeline with someone from our staff
  • One or more pre-implant procedures such as bone grafting or treatment for gum disease–this is only necessary when your dentist determines that such procedures are required to prepare the site for implant surgery.
  • The fixture is surgically fitted to your jawbone
  • The fixture is given time to become fully integrated with your jawbone
  • Your abutment and crown are attached

What to Expect Following Dental Implant Surgery

It’s very important that you give yourself time to rest and recuperate following dental implant surgery. Follow your directions closely and maintain contact with our office to ensure optimum results.
You can expect some bleeding, swelling, and bruising following your dental implant surgery. Any pain you feel should reach its peak by 2 to 3 days following your surgery. Be sure to take all medication prescribed by your dentist as directed. You may also choose to relieve the surgical site with ice for the first 3 days following your surgery.

What to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery

For best results, avoid the following for at least a week after dental implant surgery:

  • Foods with jagged edges which could irritate the surgical site
  • Drinking with a straw
  • Hot beverages
  • Tobacco products such as cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
  • Strenuous physical activity
  • Drinks containing alcohol
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Take Care of Your Gums and They’ll Take Care You

Protect Your Gums

Almost half of Americans over the age of thirty are afflicted with some form of gum disease. And the scary part is that many of these people have no idea that they are living with a condition that could lead to serious consequences, including the loss of teeth.

Don’t Ignore Sore or Bleeding Gums

Sore and bleeding gums are two common signs that you’re probably suffering from gum disease. Unfortunately, some people actually believe that it’s natural for gums to bleed when you brush. It’s not. If your gums are irritated or swollen, you should contact your dentist right away.

Signs That You Could Have Gum Disease

Here are some warning signs that you could be suffering from gum disease:

  • Red gums
  • Sensitive gums
  • Chewing causes pain
  • Swollen gums
  • Gums pull back, making teeth appear larger
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Pus oozes from gums
  • Teeth don’t “fit” together when you bite down
  • Perpetual bad taste in your mouth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Teeth slide around

Gum disease is a serious issue that won’t go away on its own. In order to fight gum disease, you need to practice good oral hygiene at home every day through a regimen that includes brushing, flossing, and sensible eating habits. It’s also important to visit your dentist for checkups at least twice a year. Why not contact Malden Dental and make your appointment today.

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6 Dental Myths Debunked

Brushing, flossing and dental check-ups are standard for optimal oral care, but did you know that taking care of your teeth offers health benefits that extend beyond the mouth? Here in Ontario, we often hear some pretty funny dental care myths that our patients hear in their daily lives. Today, the Malden Dental team is here to set the record straight about some of the most common dental myths that patients believe.

1. “The Consequences Of Poor Oral Hygiene Are Restricted To The Mouth”

Actually, poor dental health wreaks a number of consequences throughout the whole body. Among children, tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, about five times more prevalent than asthma. And if a child’s mouth is in constant pain, they are more likely to have trouble focusing on their schoolwork or after school activities. This can lead to stress and behavioral problems.
Adults that experience dental health problems can feel the effects throughout their body as well. Periodontal disease is linked with heart disease, stroke and a number of other adverse health conditions. Additionally, adults with tooth loss may experience problems while chewing and swallowing, leading to poor nutrition.
Pregnant women should pay extra attention to their health because poor nutrition can increase the likelihood of dental health issues in their baby later in life. Deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A and protein could lead to oral defects in fetuses. To prevent this, expectant mothers should take extra care to ensure that they are in good oral health and are providing their baby with adequate nutrients.

2. “More Sugar Means More Cavities”

Our patients are often surprised to learn that sugar isn’t the real culprit behind cavities. Rather, the bacteria that lives in everyone’s mouths feeds on the sugars left behind by your morning donut or after dinner cookie. The bacteria then digest the sugar and produces acid waste—plaque.
Plaque is the real offender against your teeth. The acidic makeup of plaque and calculus attack the enamel and can cause cavities, weakening the entire structure of the tooth.
While sugar is not the direct cause of cavities, limiting your consumption of sugary foods can help prevent cavity-causing plaque from forming on your teeth.

3. “Losing Baby Teeth To Tooth Decay Isn’t A Big Deal”

Many parents believe that they do not need to worry if their child loses a baby tooth to decay because they know that the permanent tooth is still coming in. This is a big mistake. When a baby tooth develops cavities or decay, the crowns of the erupting permanent teeth can be damaged as well. And if the baby teeth fall out prematurely, the permanent teeth may emerge malpositioned and require corrective orthodontics later on.

4. “Osteoporosis Won’t Affect My Mouth”

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects bone density. In general, patients associate osteoporosis with hip and spine pain or weakness, but it can impact the structure of the mouth as well.
The jawbone, gums and palate are constantly replenishing their lost tissue, but when they are affected by osteoporosis, they cannot perform this function. Teeth are held in the jaw by the bones in the face. So when the jaw is deprived of strengthening nutrients, it can weaken and ultimately cause teeth to become loosened or dislodged.

5. “Dentures Are The Best Tooth Replacement Option”

Patients with missing teeth often pursue denture treatment in order to help them combat the symptoms associated with tooth loss. While they can help patients regain the ability to eat and smile without unsightly gaps, they are not without their problems.
Ill-fitting dentures can slip or slide in the mouth, causing difficulties while eating or talking. Plus, dentures are difficult to care for and don’t combat bone loss that results from having missing teeth.
Most dentists will recommend dental implants, as implants are the only restorative dental treatment that promotes healthy bone growth. Implants are permanent fixtures in the mouth designed to look and act like natural teeth. They are quickly becoming the standard in the field of restorative dentistry, so we generally recommend dental implants to our patients that are looking for restorative treatment.

6. “It’s Normal For My Gums To Bleed”

The Malden Dental team is constantly surprised to learn that patients often ignore blood in the sink after brushing. Dismissing bleeding gums as a symptom of brushing too hard is a common mistake, but a serious one.
Bleeding gums is often the first sign of gum disease. Its earliest stage is called gingivitis, and gingivitis happens when plaque buildup along the gum line eats away at gum tissue. This causes the gums to become inflamed and tender, which may lead to bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard foods.
It is important to address bleeding gums as a serious concern. Gingivitis is unhealthy but reversible if you take immediate action. Improved brushing and flossing habits as well as regular dental visits can stop gingivitis in its tracks, but if left untreated, can evolve into a more serious stage of gum disease.

Visit Malden Dental To Learn More

Answering our patients’ questions and concerns is important to us. We believe in keeping you fully informed and educated about your dental health, as that is the best way to maintain good oral hygiene habits. If you have questions or are unsure about a dental myth of your own, contact our office! We are happy to help you understand more about your smile.

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A Guide To Dental Implant Care

Immediately after getting a dental implant, there are specific routine practices you'll want to adopt. There's also activities you'll not want to do. All aftercare requires attention and diligence to make certain your new natural-looking teeth are healthy and lifelong.

Cleaning Your Dental Implants

Once your home regimen begins, cleaning is one of the most important elements in ensuring permanence of your dental implants. This is especially important in the days immediately following surgery. Because your implants are artificial teeth, these are the points to keep in mind:

  • Food particles and bacteria can easily get stuck in the areas around the implant. This can lead to the formation of plaque, and if neglected, can lead to infection.
  • Have on hand useful cleaning instruments that will keep your new teeth as germ-free as possible. These include floss, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and gum stimulators. The latter can really encourage healthy gum tissue, which is crucial in maintaining a dental implant.
  • Visit Malden Dental frequently for a professional cleaning. We have the wherewithal to understand every aspect of your implant and how it should be treated, especially over the several month process of dental implant placement.

Care & Maintenance of Your Dental Implant

The first 48 hours after dental implant surgery tend to be the most pivotal. Symptoms are more pronounced, and keeping any discomfort away is vital. To help a smooth recovery and avoid any complications, make sure to follow these tips:

  • Don't disturb the surgical areas
  • Brush your teeth the night of surgery with a gentle toothbrush
  • Rinse with warm salt water 2-3 times per day
  • Rest
  • Apply ice if needed

Continue care for your entire mouth after the second and third days following the procedure. Noticeable symptoms may include dry lips, a sore throat, and stiff jaw muscles. These are the normal side effects of using gauze immediately after implant placement surgery.

The First Two Weeks

After dental implant surgery you need to continue to follow the above instructions of care. Using these dental tools will allow your implants to naturally heal. The other point to consider is altering your diet by incorporating less acidic foods, eating softer foods, and having nutrient-rich drinks.
One step that also can't be overemphasized is you need to schedule post-operative appointments at our LaSalle, ON office. It's essential to the health of your dental implant, and it allows the Malden Dental team to clean and inspect your teeth to ensure everything is recovering as needed.

Final Thoughts

Before your dental implant procedure, it would be wise to have all the necessary aftercare tools on hand. The last thing you'll want to do once surgery is complete is to run to the store to buy the necessary supplies. You need your rest.

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Improve Oral Health By Avoiding Tobacco

The dangers of tobacco number almost too many to count and dental health is an area where tobacco is most harmful. Whether you smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes or cigars, or you chew smokeless tobacco, the impact on your oral health is devastating. From the fact that smokers stand a much higher chance of developing gum disease to almost a half-million deaths each year attributed to tobacco, it’s clearly a habit to avoid if possible.

How Tobacco Harms The Teeth

Although tobacco wreaks havoc on various parts of the body, its assault on the teeth is undeniable. The damage caused by tobacco doesn’t stop with the teeth. Tobacco poses a threat to every aspect of oral health, including the gums, throat and tongue. Here are some of the serious dental conditions that can be caused by using tobacco products:

  • Oral cancer
  • Periodontal disease
  • Tooth loss
  • Fewer options for dental care
  • Stained teeth
  • Diminished ability to taste and smell
  • Halitosis
  • Difficulty healing from surgery

Call Malden Dental For More Info On Enhancing Dental Health

At Malden Dental, our intelligent staff love helping patients boost their oral care. Whether you have missing teeth and are curious about an implant or you wonder what other habits are good or bad for your teeth, we can help. Contact Malden Dental with all of your questions or concerns about tobacco’s effect on teeth and dental implants.

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Experience The Dental Benefits Of Salad

We all know the common foods to avoid for excellent dental health, but what about the foods that are good for your teeth? It turns out that a lot of the foods that are beneficial for your teeth are also healthy for your body in other ways as well. Salad is one such food that is great for both your teeth and your body. With almost every ingredient in salad boosting your dental health in its own way, include salad in as many meals as possible and your teeth will thank you.

Which Parts Of A Salad Are Good For Your Teeth?

As a staple with lunch or dinner that combines a wide variety of foods, salad has huge potential to be healthy for the teeth. This is primarily because most of its ingredients are good for your teeth for some unique reason. Here are a few of the types of foods found in salad that can improve your dental health:

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens include cabbage, kale, lettuce and numerous other vegetables. Whichever leafy green veggie is your favorite, all of them are suitable as the primary ingredient in salad. More importantly, all of them are good for your teeth, containing potent levels of phosphorus, beta carotene and other essential vitamins and minerals. Whether it’s through salad or tossing some leafy greens on your next sandwich, try to consume more foods like kale and collard greens and your teeth will thank you.

Fibrous Veggies

Fibrous foods like carrots and celery have a thick, crunchy texture. While this texture adds to their crunchiness and appeal, it also plays a role in cleaning the teeth. Carrots and celery are common ingredients in salads, but are also popular as appetizers or cooked into roasts or stir fry. Whichever way you consume your fibrous vegetables, take note that they’re rich in vitamin A and have excellent teeth cleaning properties.

Cucumber

Another ingredient frequently found in salad is the cucumber. Cucumber itself contains fiber which massages the teeth and gums, but it’s juice also enhances dental health. The juice of a cucumber is known to pack advantages for the gums and teeth, making cucumbers a highly versatile veggie that will boost your dental health.

Curious About Dental Implants? Call Malden Dental!

The team at Malden Dental takes pride in restoring smiles to patients with missing teeth and other dental problems. Using the latest dental technology and cutting-edge equipment, Malden Dental dentists will develop a dental plan based on your specific needs. No matter what kind of question you have, contact us to get an informative response pertaining to your dental issues.

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Tooth Decay And Dental Implants

What Is Tooth Decay Caused By? There are many reasons why patients lose teeth. Taking a knock to the mouth with a baseball or dislodging your tooth after a fall are fairly common, but we have noticed a startling rise in tooth loss due to decay. More commonly known as a cavity, tooth decay is often associated with children after Halloween, but adults are just as vulnerable to the condition as children.
But how does tooth decay happen? And what can I do if I have it? Today, the Malden Dental team is here to offer some explanation and advice on how tooth decay occurs and the best course of action if you’re experiencing it.

How Does Tooth Decay Occur?

When you eat, the bacteria that live in your mouth feed on the food that is leftover. The bacteria digest these food particles and then dispel an acid waste. This acid waste forms the plaque that builds up along your teeth and gum lines, and this is what eats away at your teeth.
Plaque slowly digs through the layers of the teeth and into the pulp. When it descends into the pulp, which is the soft center of the teeth where nerves and blood vessels are housed, pain and sensitivity occurs.

Causes Of Tooth Decay

If the course of tooth decay is caught early, your dentist can usually remedy this with tooth-colored fillings or a root canal. But if the damage is too great, it may need to be removed.
In order to keep things from escalating to that point, we want to help you keep tooth decay at bay. A few common causes include:

  • Poor Oral Care – As obvious as it seems, not keeping up with your daily oral health regimen can hurt you. Since bacteria thrive on the food particles leftover in your mouth, it’s important that you brush at least twice per day. Start flossing regularly as well, as the toothbrush can’t always reach between your teeth and gums.
  • High Sugar or Carbohydrate Foods – The food that best sustains the bacteria are foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates. As the bacteria consume these, they dispel the acid that often forms plaque and erodes away the enamel.
  • Lack of Saliva – Saliva is a vital component of your oral health, as it’s the substance that washes away the leftover crumbs and food particles in your mouth after you eat. A lack of saliva, also known as “dry mouth,” can indicate that you don’t drink enough fluids. It could also be a sign of other adverse health conditions, so pay a visit to your dentist or doctor to get a diagnosis.
  • Smoking or Secondhand Smoke – Tobacco is harmful to your mouth, but many patients may not know that even secondhand smoke can cause damage after a prolonged period.
  • Avoiding the Dentist – Overall, one habit to maintain is to keep going to the dentist. By not attending your regular checkups, plaque can build up on your teeth and accelerate the progress of tooth decay.

How Dental Implants Can Help

At our office, we offer a variety of quality tooth replacement treatments for our patients. But at we recommend that most patients pursue dental implant treatment. They not only look and feel as natural as real teeth, but have a bonus of improving your oral health as well.
When a dental implant is embedded into the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration begins. The implant is constructed from titanium, which is biocompatible with the jawbone. This triggers the bone to regenerate and weave fibers around the implant to form a strong bond. During this regeneration, it effectively plugs the area from tooth decay and other forms of periodontal disease as well.
Each dental implant is carefully customized to fit comfortably in your mouth like a natural tooth. Even more so, the porcelain crown that is capped on top can be shaped and stained to imitate your neighboring teeth to an unrecognizable degree.

Warning Signs Of Tooth Decay

If you suspect that a dark spot on your tooth or a bit of sensitivity may be a sign of emerging tooth decay, take a look at our list below for some common warning signs:

  • Toothaches and tooth sensitivity
  • Swelling near a sore tooth
  • Frequent bad breath or bad tastes on your tongue
  • Cracks and crevices forming in your tooth
  • Discoloration or dark spots on your teeth

Treat Your Tooth Decay

At Malden Dental, we proudly accept new and current patients in and around the area. If you’ve lost one or more teeth recently or are at risk of losing a tooth to tooth decay, pay us a visit and contact us for a consultation. We will evaluate the state of your oral health and tooth decay, discuss your treatment options in preparation, and ultimately help determine if dental implants are best for you.

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6 Toothbrush Tips

Your toothbrush is the cornerstone of your oral health arsenal. But did you know that most people go through the motions of brushing their teeth and still fall short of acceptable tooth brushing practices? Failing to properly brush can lead to cavities, gum disease or tooth loss.
At Malden Dental, we aim to do more than just dental work. Our goal is to educate our patients to help them avoid these problems altogether. Today, we’re here to arm you with 6 of the most important toothbrush tips to help you improve your oral health.

6 Toothbrush Tips

Regardless of how your oral health looks like right now, we encourage you to reexamine your brushing habits for a brighter and healthier smile. These tips can help!

1. Use A Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

It’s a common myth that hard-bristled toothbrushes the best option for removing plaque and debris, but they can actually do more harm than good. Brushes with hard bristles damage gums and enamel. This can lead to tooth decay, receding gums and enamel loss. Nobody wants to speed up tooth decay, so make sure to brush thoroughly but gently with a soft-bristled tooth brush.
Pro tip: Choose toothbrushes that are approved by the American Dental Association, or the ADA. The ADA only approves products that are both safe and effective for maintaining good oral hygiene.

2. Pick A Good Brush Head Size

If your toothbrush head is too small for your mouth, you may not do an adequate job of cleaning every side of your teeth. By contrast, if you pick a toothbrush that’s too large, you may have a hard time cleaning the nooks and crannies of your teeth.

3. Touch Up Your Tooth Brushing Strategy

Your tooth brushing technique is one of the most important things to consider for your oral care routine. Some people brush too aggressively and others brush too softly. Gentle but thorough brushing is the best way to maximize the effectiveness of your routine.
Another mistake that a lot of our patients make is brushing in a straight line across the teeth. Dental professionals agree that brushing in a circular motion promotes healthy gums and targets a larger surface across your teeth. Straight strokes can help, but next time you brush, try gentle circles across your teeth. Your gums will appreciate the love!
Pro tip: Don’t forget about the molars near the back of the mouth. Make a habit of brushing every part of these hard-to-reach teeth—not just the tops. Plaque can easily build up in your mouth to catalyze the growth of cavities, but thorough brushing can halt decay and keep every part of your mouth clean and healthy.

4. Brush For Two Minutes Or More

Brushing your teeth should never feel like a sprint. Even the best toothbrush habits won’t make a difference if you don’t brush your teeth for long enough, so take your time in the bathroom.
The ADA recommends that patients brush for 2 minutes each morning and night, amounting to 4 minutes per day. But the Academy of General Dentistry finds that most people brush for somewhere between 45-70 seconds each day, which falls very far short of the recommended time.
Not brushing for long enough guarantees that you don’t remove the plaque and bacteria on your teeth. This allows cavities, gum disease and other oral health nightmares to ravage your mouth.
Pro tip: If you’re not used to brushing for 2 minutes or more, use a stopwatch. This takes the guesswork out of solid toothbrush times and encourages thorough cleaning.

5. Don’t Forget To Brush Your Tongue

As part of your daily oral care routine, don’t forget to brush your tongue as well. Your tongue actually carries most of the bacteria that live in your mouth. If these bacteria aren’t eliminated, it can lead to halitosis and even tooth decay.
To clean your tongue, use the back of your toothbrush if it has a tongue cleaner, or just your regular bristles. Reach from the back of your tongue to the front and from side-to-side with gentle pressure.
Pro tip: Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. This plastic or metal tool is specifically designed to keep your tongue clear of bacteria. But regardless of what instrument you choose, the most important thing is to stay consistent.

6. Choose The Right Toothpaste

There are enough toothpaste varieties at the store to leave anyone’s head spinning. But we recommend a good fluoride toothpaste to keep tooth decay at bay. Sodium fluoride and the ingredients found in most fluoride toothpastes are great at removing bacteria and other germs that harm your teeth.
Pro tip: Toothpaste comes in many forms. Whether you’re looking to whiten, reduce sensitivity or control plaque buildup, make sure that your toothpaste contains fluoride.

Malden Dental Can Transform Your Smile

If your oral health has been a bit lackluster lately, don’t worry too much. Resolve to visit Malden Dental! After we perform a thorough examination, we’ll know the proper way to treat your teeth to revitalize your smile in the new year.
Brushing your teeth is an important oral care habit, but so is seeing a good dentist at least twice per year. Schedule an appointment with us today!

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5 Signs It’s Time To See The Dentist

We all have busy lives. Getting the children to practice, balancing jobs and school and trying to get enough sleep can be both time-consuming and overwhelming. But it’s extremely important that you don’t let your dental health fall by the wayside.
Part of a healthy oral hygiene routine involves visiting your dentist every six to nine months, but sometimes there are signs that you need to make an appointment sooner than that. The Malden Dental team is here today to talk about the 5 warning signs that it’s time to visit the dentist.

1. Visit Your Dentist If You’re In Pain

Chances are you want to see your dentist anyway if you have a toothache. A toothache is more than a minor inconvenience—it’s a crisis. Toothaches can distract you from your work, school or family. And oftentimes, they signify a more severe health issue.
Common toothache causes include:

  • Infection
  • Tooth decay or cavities
  • Tooth grinding
  • Malocclusion (bad bite)
  • Gum disease

When your mouth is in pain, it’s trying to let you know that something isn’t right. And a lot of the time, the condition will not go away on its own. Keep your toothaches and health problems at bay by visiting your dentist as soon as you notice that something doesn’t feel right.

2. Visit Your Dentist If You Have Bleeding Gums

It always amazes us at Malden Dental that patients neglect to treat bleeding gums like a serious concern. Bleeding gums can indicate severe oral health problems and need to be addressed by a dentist immediately.
Bleeding gums can signify:

  • Gingivitis - Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease characterized by swollen or inflamed gums. When plaque is left on the teeth and gum line, bacteria can attack and infect the delicate gum tissue. This makes the gums tender and can cause them to bleed while brushing or eating hard foods.
  • Medications - The American Dental Association recognizes that certain blood thinning medications have the potential to cause bleeding gums. Blood thinners reduce the blood’s ability to clot, which can cause the gums to bleed. Let your dentist know if you’re on any medications when you make your next visit.
  • New flossing routine - If you forget or neglect to floss for a few days, you may notice bleeding and sensitivity when you begin your flossing routine again. While the bleeding should clear up within one week, we recommend that our patients floss every day to avoid bloody gums.
  • New toothbrush - Switching from a soft-bristled toothbrush to a firm brush may irritate your gum tissue and cause them to bleed. Try to remember to choose a soft brush and ask your dentist about the best toothbrush for your needs at your next appointment.

Bleeding gums should not be ignored. Make an appointment right away with your Malden Dental dentist to avoid long-term damage to your smile.

3. Visit Your Dentist If You Regularly Drink Coffee Or Alcohol

Can Wine Stain My Teeth? A lot of coffee drinkers know that your favorite early morning beverage can stain your pearly whites. But did you know that alcohol can also discolor the enamel of your teeth?
Tinted liquids like coffee, soda and red wine can have dark pigment in their chemical makeup. The pigment can get stuck in the minuscule cracks and ridges of your teeth. If the proper cleaning steps are not taken, your teeth can end up with a permanent stain.
If you notice that your enamel has yellow or brown tints and you regularly drink coffee or alcohol, make an appointment. You can discuss tips for preventing tooth discoloration or avoiding stains for whiter teeth in the future.

4. Visit Your Dentist If You Have Ongoing Medical Issues

Each part of your body is intricately connected. If one part is not functioning properly, other organs and organ systems can experience adverse side-effects. Your teeth are not exempt from this.
Certain ailments and diseases can wreak havoc on your oral health. If you have any of the following conditions, see your dentist immediately to discuss treatment options:

  • Diabetes - Diabetes patients are reported to have a higher prevalence of tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth or difficulty recovering from dental injuries.
  • Anemia/iron deficiency - When your body is anemic, it’s not producing enough red blood cells, which can cause your gums to look pale or white.
  • Thyroid problems - Thyroid complications can inhibit your body’s ability to heal, which make your gums more prone to gum disease.
  • Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia - Patients struggling with eating disorders are not getting enough essential vitamins and minerals to keep their teeth and gums strong. Additionally, patients with bulimia who vomit regularly expose their teeth to corrosive acids, which can cause tooth decay.

Regularly monitoring your health and performing self-checkups are important. If you notice your teeth or gums have changed after developing one of the above conditions, make an appointment with your dentist to prevent other serious problems from developing.

5. Visit Your Dentist If You Have Headaches

It may come as a surprise, but headaches and dental health are closely related. If you wake up throughout the night with headaches or have one in the morning, you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep. This not only causes a throbbing headache but can lead to damaged teeth and jaw disorders.
Additionally, your dental health and sinuses are interconnected. When the sinuses become inflamed due to sinusitis, your upper teeth and jaw can ache. Recurrent sinusitis can cause you to breathe through your mouth, which may dry it out and allow bacteria to grow more quickly.


Your physician should not be the only one that you call when you experience a health issue. It is critical to visit your dentist every six to nine months. Regular dental checkups can help prevent long-term oral health problems and keep your teeth healthy and strong. Make an appointment with Malden Dental to take charge of your dental care and maintain optimum health today

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Dental Implants for Diabetics

More and more diabetics are being allowed to move forward with dental implants. What makes dental implants possible is a biological process called osseointegration, which works to fuse jawbone and implant fixture. It is this process that allows implants to provide the level of comfort and stability that they have become known for. For a long time now, patients with certain conditions cannot pursue treatment with dental implants due to the belief that these conditions can prevent successful osseointegration. This has especially applied to patients with diabetes. However, some new research is causing this to change.

Don’t Let Diabetes Stop Your Dental Implant Treatment

Dental implants are unique because they are able to osseointegrate with the underlying bone structure of the patient’s mouth. During this process, new bone tissue wraps around the implant fixture, pulling it into place and holding it there permanently. This fusion process is what allows the implant fixture to perfectly replicate the feel and function of a natural tooth root, as well as allows it to support the full weight of the patient’s restoration. In order for the implant process to be considered successful, this process must work as planned.
Because of how important osseointegration’s success is to the dental implant process, some patients are turned away from the treatment because a habit or medical condition they have may cause its failure. For instance, patients who smoke are often advised against pursuing dental implant treatment. The reason for this is the fact that smoking increases the chances of a condition called peri-implantitis, which will cause the implant to fail. While implants can be placed in these patients without failure, the chances are much higher for these patients than they are for others.
For many years, the same mentality that has kept smokers from moving forward with implants has also applied to diabetics. This is beginning to change, however, as some recent research has shown that patients with diabetes can have just as much implant success as patients without the condition. This research states, “Success of dental implant in well and fairly controlled diabetic patients with proper treatment planning, prophylactic remedies and adequate postsurgical maintenance appears as good as normal individuals” (Debey, Gupta, and Singh [2013]). To simplify, so long as the patient’s condition is well taken care of, then their chances of the treatment succeeding are just as high as they would be for a healthy, non-diabetic patient.

Call and Schedule a Consultation

Because we still have a lot of research ahead of us before we can fully understand how diabetes may interact with the dental implant process, we can only determine a diabetic patient’s candidacy on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to find out whether or not you qualify for treatment with dental implants, contact our office and schedule a no-obligation consultation today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Don’t Forget To Restore Missing Teeth

Tooth decay can affect the smiles of our patients. If you take a look at your group of friends, or even your family, chances are you know someone who is dealing with a missing tooth. It is a sad fact that many people fail to get the treatment they need to complete their smile. These people get the idea that if missing teeth cannot be seen or are not causing any pain, then there is really no reason to look into restoring their missing teeth. Unfortunately, these patients don’t realize that, by failing to pursue treatment such as dental implants, the empty spaces left behind by their missing teeth can allow dangerous oral conditions to take hold.

Secure Your Oral Health with Dental Implants

When you lose a tooth, all that is left behind is the empty spot in the jawbone that tooth used to sit in. We’ve taken to calling these empty slots “food traps” because of how easy it is for food and debris to get caught in them. There are a couple of different problems you could encounter due to food traps:

  • Gum Disease: When food gets caught in your gums, it attracts bacteria, which can result in an infection. This infection is what we refer to as gum disease, and you might experience symptoms such as bad breath, bleeding or swollen gums, pain when chewing, and gum recession.
  • Teeth Drifting: Another consequence of food traps is the fact that teeth can begin leaning or moving into them. These teeth tend to end up in positions that make them hard to keep clear of plaque and food particles. If you are not properly cleaning your teeth, then you may develop tooth decay, some symptoms of which include chronic bad breath, off-color spots on your teeth, and toothaches.

If you would like to prevent these conditions, then we advise that you consider treating your missing teeth with dental implants. Implants provide the same support as natural tooth roots, and will allow your replacement teeth to work and feel just like natural teeth do. This means that you will experience comfort and stability that surpasses that of other popular tooth restoration treatments.

Call and Schedule a Consultation at Malden Dental

As you can see, it is incredibly important that you do not neglect to receive treatment for your missing teeth. By failing to do so, you could potentially open your mouth to dangerous oral conditions that can end up costing you even more teeth in the long run. If you would like to learn more about how we can address your missing teeth using dental implants, contact our office and schedule a no-obligation consultation today.

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The Benefits of Smiling

"Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful." - Thich Nhat Hanh

If you can imagine walking out your front door with a spring in your step, knowing that your confidence is at its highest in a long while. You're smiling from ear to ear, smiling at everyone and they're smiling back at you. The joy that spreads with a simple smile transcends all else.
Your work and relationships are successful because your newfound self-esteem is attributed to a new smile. The benefits to your overall well-being change your life forever.

How Smiling Impacts Your Health

Now that your smile is intact and upgraded with dental implants, here are the significant impacts smiling has on your health:

  • Smiling affects your brain - The act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness. It facilitates the release of neuro-peptides that work towards alleviating stress. These neuro-peptides are tiny molecules that allow neurons to communicate and send messages to the entire body when a person feels emotions.
  • Smiling affects your body - Your entire appearance improves when you smile. People respond differently and there's a sense of feeling rewarded. As a whole for the body, smiling makes you viewed as attractive and activates the region in your brain that processes sensory rewards. Both men and women are more attracted to images of people who make eye contact and smile than those who do not.
  • Smiling affects those around you - A smile is contagious. The part of your brain that is responsible for facial expressions of smiling when you're happy or mimicking another's smile lives in the cingulate cortex, an unconscious automatic response area. The instant you smile at another, the conscious effort to turn a frown into a smile is evident.
  • Laughing expands the lungs - A seriously good belly laugh can expand the lungs, stretch the muscles in the body, tone the abdominal muscles, and stimulate homeostasis. This replenishes the cells by exercising the body in a way that the lungs get completely filled with oxygen, similar to how cardiovascular exercises work.
  • Smiling releases endorphins - As the release of endorphins increases, the stress hormone cortisol is reduced. Cortisol is more active when we feel stressed and anxious, which contributes to unpleasant feelings. Smiling lowers the negativity and allows for positive feelings to take over.
  • A happy expression serves you well in life - From job interviews to building healthy relationships to advancing in your career, a smiling face indicates confidence and an ability to cope with challenging situations. This can be seen as favorable in the eyes of employers and potential life partners.

There's Always Something to Smile About

Once you begin to consciously view all things that are uplifting and funny, you'll be more aware of them, tune into them, and more apt to want to engage in a spontaneous laugh or smile. No more gaps in your mouth. No more stained teeth. No more reasons to not smile or feel confident. Dental implants have the capacity to completely alter your smile and life.
At Malden Dental, our team can restore your smile and ensure your transformation is a permanent one. We do not simply want to fix your teeth, we want to change your life. Get to know all the ins and outs of dental implants and how we can help renew your smile by scheduling an appointment today. With one consultation and plenty of options for your dental success, you can be on your way to a path of a lifetime.

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proudly serving the communities of Lasalle, Windsor, Amherstburg, Tecumseh and all of Essex County

5955 Malden Road LaSalle, On N9H 1S6

office hours:
Mon 8:00AM - 5:00PM | Tues 8:00AM - 7:00PM
Wed 8:00AM - 6:30PM | Thur 8:00AM - 7:00PM
Fri 8:30AM - 1:30PM | Sat (select days) 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Sun Closed

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