My baby fights me when I brush her teeth. What should I do?

Brushing a young child’s teeth can be a challenge, but there are some ways to make things easier on yourself. Making oral care a fun activity can lower your child’s resistance. Singing songs and reading stories while brushing can be a great way to lighten the mood. As your child grows, brushing your teeth in the bathroom with them will help encourage participation. If you simply want to distract your child for a few minutes, playing some YouTube videos on your phone can be a good way to keep them calm.

I feel like I have chronic bad breath. Even after I’ve brushed and used mouthwash, there is still an unpleasant smell and it’s bothering me a lot. What can I do about bad breath?

The best way to attack bad breath is with regular brushing and flossing. The bacteria that cause bad breath often grow in between your teeth and in other hard-to-reach places. Scheduling both of your yearly dental cleanings also helps reduce bad breath as a hygienist can usually clean better than you can on your own.

I’m starting to have teeth stains. How can I get rid of them?

While there are many things that stain teeth, some of the biggest culprits are tobacco, coffee, tea, soda, and candy. Teeth also become discoloured as you age. This is a natural process that can be reversed with teeth whitening options.

Are cavities in my child's primary teeth a big deal?

Yes, while your child’s baby or primary teeth will eventually be replaced with adult teeth, good oral care is still important for children. Cavities and tooth pain can lead to a variety of other issues such as impaired speech or behavioural problems in school. If you think your child has a cavity, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

I’m thinking of getting dental crowns. Will crowns look different from my natural teeth?

One of the main benefits of porcelain crowns is that they look and feel the same as your natural teeth. You may feel them for the first few days as they will have a slightly different shape from the rest of your teeth, but friends and family likely won’t be able to tell which tooth is a crown.