Despite the fact that most patients understand the answer to “Why Should I Floss”, there is still a lot of confusion surrounding the proper techniques on how to floss.

It is important to carry out flossing as a part of your regular oral hygiene routine; brushing alone is not enough to remove all the food particles and regular flossing ensures that there is no buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, gingivitis or periodontitis. Dental floss can be flavoured or unflavoured, waxed or unwaxed. Talk to a hygienist at Academy Dental if you’re not sure which dental floss is right for you.

If you are not sure of the right way to use dental floss or if you are still wondering “Why Should I Floss?”, then contact Academy Dental or come for a  consultation to learn how to floss correctly. Here are a few starter tips:

1. Floss must be held taut and guided between each tooth and also under the gums to ensure that all food particles and plaque are removed. However, be sure the floss doesn’t scrape too much on the gums or it could cause gum bleeding. It is also important to change the strip of floss for each tooth to ensure that bacteria are not transmitted from one to the other.

2. It is important to buy dental floss that’s the right thickness. Floss that’s too thick or thin won’t give you the best cleaning.

3. Use dental floss every day after brushing, preferably before bedtime, as an effective precaution against gum disease, halitosis and dental cavities. Dental floss also helps to reduce the incidence of harmful bacteria in the mouth and hence lessens the risk of associated heart disease.

4. If you generally consume a lot of meat, you’ll want to floss at least once a day to remove the fibres that can get stuck between your teeth and cause cavities and gum disease.

You might notice bleeding the very first time after using dental floss, but this is normal and stops after the first few times. Regular bleeding, on the other hand, isn’t a good sign and you should consult an oral health professional at Academy Dental in Victoria to ensure that you are using dental floss correctly.

The video below, courtesy of Colgate, explains how to floss properly:

You are Invited to the Academy Dental Sooke Open House on Thursday, May 31 from 5pm – 7pm.

Enjoy delicious appies from Mai Mai’s Bistro and have the chance to win:

• Free Zoom! Whitening Treatment
• $100 Gift Certificate to THE EDGE Restaurant
• $100 Gift Certificate to Mai Mai’s Bistro

R.S.V.P by calling (778) 425-4140 now.

Academy Dental Sooke  | www.academydentalsooke.com
6689B Sooke Road, in the heart of Sooke on the corner of Sooke Road and Otter Point Road.

However, it doesn’t have to be that way at all – and we at Academy Dental in Victoria certainly don’t believe going to the dentist is a terrifying ordeal for any of our patients. But don’t just take our word for it! Check out some of our testimonials.

Our oral health care experts do their very best to make your every experience at the dentist a memorable one – in a good way!    We know why people dislike going to the dentist and we’ve worked to make our office, our staff and our technology into a perfect combination of excellent patient-focused care and excellent oral health care.

If you’re afraid of going to the dentist, we offer you several dental treatment options such as sedation dentistry and we believe in honest, open communication between you, the patient and us, the oral health care professionals. Let us know when you’re uncomfortable and we’ll do everything we can to make you comfortable and relaxed.

If you’re afraid of pain, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that current dental technology has made going to the dentist a virtually pain-free experience. Extractions, root canals and even routine cleanings are now the most efficient and stress-free possible.

If you’re worried you’ll be judged for your oral health care regime, we promise you’ll only get a better understanding of oral health care, not a scolding! We’re thrilled you’ve chosen our dental clinic as your partner in your quest for a healthy, happy smile.

Contact Academy Dental in Victoria and finally “feel like you’re on cloud 9″ when you’re going to the dentist.

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What is a Root Canal?

The Root Canal is the name for the space within the root of the tooth, it is a hollow area that contains soft tissues (the pulp and nerves). The number of these hollow canals (one to four) in a tooth depend on the type of tooth and the pulp nourishes and hydrates the tooth.

Why do you need Root Canal Therapy?

However, if your dental pulp is exposed, through a cavity or fracture, or becomes infected (abscessed) for any reason, it will likely require root canal therapy to allow you to actually keep the tooth instead of extracting it. These days, root canal therapy is relatively pain- and stress-free and can be done in as little as one appointment.

What to do if you need Root Canal Therapy?

Contact Academy Dental in Victoria if you have any questions about root canal therapy or if you would like to book an appointment.

Subscribe to Academy Dental’s blog for more dental secrets and contact us today to take care of your oral health care. We’re social, too! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Offer Yourself a Mint or Two

If you suffer from dry mouth, try a sugar-free mint, preferably one that has a strong and natural flavour such as spearmint. Mints should help encourage saliva production and as a bonus, you get minty-fresh breath!

Find Yourself a Tall Drink of Water 

Water is excellent for promoting saliva production and has myriad excellent benefits for your oral and overall health. If you find that your mouth is getting dry, make sure to always carry a water bottle with you and sip accordingly. Drinking plenty of water means that you won’t suffer from dehydration or a dry mouth during the summer.

Give Yourself a Pick-Me-Up with Fruits and Vegetables 

If you’re dealing with a dry mouth, snack on fruits and veggies – which are full of water and vitamins – and keep your oral and your overall health in top shape over the summer.

Dry mouth can increase your chances of gum disease, tooth decay and mouth infections so if you find that your dry mouth persists, contact Academy Dental in Victoria as soon as possible.

Subscribe to the Academy Dental Blog for more secrets straight from your dentist. We’re social, too! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Ludwig’s angina is an infection in the bottom of the mouth caused by bacteria, and occurs after your tooth has been infected, an injury to the mouth, an oral procedure or an unnecessary hazard to your health. When you get an oral piercing, the mouth develops an open wound for bacteria to travel through your blood. Bacteria has the power to make the bottom of the mouth swell quickly which blocks the airway or stops you from swallowing your saliva.

Endocarditis comes from bacteria traveling in the blood through the hole that has been pierced. This can be an infection in the heart, and people who have a history of heart problems are at risk for this disorder.

Most professionals will not recommend piercings, but if you do get a piercing, be sure to take good care of it. Unclean piercing equipment can cause other infections, like hepatitis. Make an appointment at Academy Dental in Victoria to ensure that you are getting the follow-up care you need.

The good news is, there are some tried and true toothache pain relief methods and here they are, brought to you by the caring team of oral health care experts at Academy Dental.

• Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to your jaw should alleviate a toothache. The cold reduces blood flow to the site and therefore reduces swelling and pain. Apply a cold compress as often as necessary until the pain subsides.

• Pain Medication

Pain medication can help relieve a toothache but be sure not to exceed the recommended dose. Pain relievers such as aspirin and Advil typically contain anti-inflammatory medicine which can reduce the pain and swelling associated with a toothache.

• Warm Salt Water and Baking Soda 

Salt and Baking Soda combine to make an excellent anti-bacterial mouth-rise that can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and potentially reduce the swelling and pain that stems from a toothache.

• Clove Oil and Garlic 

Pure clove oil, available in most drugstores, can act as a numbing agent if applied directly to the tooth. Don’t apply to the gums or apply too much as clove oil can be poisonous in too-high quantities. If you don’t want to use clove oil, a clove of garlic is an excellent substitute – simply hold it against the tooth for a few minutes and rinse with warm water afterward.

• Pick Dark Chocolate - dark chocolate can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Avoid Anything Gooey - candy that sticks to your teeth is more likely to feed the bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities
• Water It Down - water can help wash away-cavity causing bacteria, so be sure to keep a glassful close at hand.
• Practice Good Oral Health - be sure to brush twice a day for 3 minutes, floss daily before bed and visit Academy Dental in Victoria for your dental hygiene appointment every 6 months or if you suspect that you might have a cavity.

The dental health team at Academy Dental wishes you and your family a sweet Easter filled with smiles!

• Pain

Fear of pain is completely natural and the oral health care experts at Academy Dental understand that anxiety associated with needles and the idea of pain/discomfort in the mouth can convince patients they’re better off suffering from oral health care issues than coming to the dentist. However, we want to set the record straight. Most dental procedures are currently pain-free. If you require sedation and dislike needles, we’ll offer you alternative options or conceal the needle if necessary.

• Embarrassment 

90% of patients in one recent study reported that embarrassment is the no. 1 reason why they don’t visit the dentist. If you’re worried that you’ve neglected your teeth and your oral health care, come in for an appointment and learn about your oral health care options at Academy Dental. We’re here to help and we promise we won’t lecture you! After all, we’re your oral health care partner and your oral health is just as important to us as it is to you.

• Control 

If you don’t like feeling like you have no control over what happens in the dentist chair, come to Academy Dental in Victoria for a dental experience like no other. We promise to do our best to communicate with you, both online and offline. We’ll work out a system that allows you to alert us to any trouble or discomfort during a procedure.

At Academy Dental, our goal is to give you the best dental experience possible. Contact us today and find out why we should be your Victoria choice for oral health care.

Subscribe to the Academy Dental Blog for more secrets straight from your dentist. We’re social, too! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

The most popular complaint from dental patients is that tooth sensitivity causes so much pain that your eating habits change – even a spoonful of ice cream can be an excruciating experience for people with sensitive teeth.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

There are a variety of reasons that your teeth may be extra sensitive. One factor that may lead to tooth sensitivity is eating or drinking large quantities of foods with acid, especially citrus juices. Avoiding these foods and drinks can help alleviate the problem.

How can I prevent tooth sensitivity?

Another great way to prevent tooth sensitivity is by using the proper toothpaste. Toothpastes that have abrasive ingredients like the ones in whitening toothpastes will be hard on people with sensitive teeth. A desensitizing toothpaste is a better choice, and having your dentist apply sealants or fluoride will help.

Brushing your teeth too hard can also cause tooth sensitivity, so it is a good idea to use a soft toothbrush. Brushing too hard can start breaking down the tooth and expose the more sensitive underside. A good test to see if you are brushing too aggressively is by looking carefully at the bristles on your toothbrush. If the bristles point in several directions, then you are brushing too hard. 

The dental team at Academy Dental in Victoria have a number of regiments that can help you manage tooth sensitivity. One treatment solution is to apply a desensitizing agent or protective coating that will alleviate any discomfort you might have. 

Contact Academy Dental in Victoria today to learn more about managing tooth sensitivity.