Dental Health's Blog

Understanding a brief history of teeth whitening In the late 1960s, Dr. John Munro noticed a product that he was using to treat gums also whiten stained teeth. Thus, the idea of teeth whitening, or bleaching was invented. The product in question contained carbamide peroxide which had a lightning effect on teeth when it came in contact with the gel. In 1986, Dr. Munro presented his observations to Omni International and introduced the first bleaching agent called White and Brite in 1989.  The process of teeth whitening, and the techniques used to whiten teeth have changed over the last 30 years. During the initial days that it was discovered, a patient was advised to sleep with the whitening tray on and do only the upper row of teeth or lower row of teeth at a time. The time taken to whiten either row of teeth was approximately 3 weeks. All in all, it would take approximately 6 weeks to whiten teeth. Individuals would also be exposed to over sensitivity after wearing the tree for so...

One of the biggest contributors to natural nervousness and anxiety about dental procedures such as root canal in Waterloo is uncertainty. It’s normal to be nervous and anxious about the mysterious and known. One of the best ways to reduce nervousness and anxiety, is to resolve some of the mysteries and make sure you know all the relevant information about what you’ll experience. That’s the goal of this article — to help you understand what is involved in a root canal near you. Why is root canal therapy necessary?  Root canal therapy is necessary when a bacterial infection is affecting the pulp and nerves inside your tooth or teeth. Unless such serious infection is eliminated through a root canal, those bacteria will eventually kill the tissues inside your tooth and the infection will spread within your jaw, to other teeth, and even into your bloodstream. Serious infections affecting the inside of your teeth can cause a range of symptoms, but is usually confirmed by dental x-rays o...

It’s tempting when discussing the benefits of dentures to downplay the transition that people have to go through while getting used to living with dentures in Waterloo . At Harmony Dental, we take a different approach. We want to be completely transparent and honest about every stage of providing you with dentures to solve your tooth loss. But we promise we won’t stop there. We’ll also provide you with proactive information, support, and treatment to speed and ease that transition. The combination of information, patience and diligence will hold you in good stead for decades of comfortable living and eating with dentures.   Here are five tips to getting used to living with dentures from a dental clinic in Waterloo . These tips will acknowledge some of the areas of life with dentures that will take a little getting used to and will provide you with some insight to help make that process easier.  Don’t neglect your gums  Food particles, plaque and even bacteria have na...

When most parents think of orthodontic treatment, they tend to imagine something that’s only necessary for teenagers. And if you’re the parent of young children, a trip to the orthodontist may seem like something far off in the future. But as it turns out, the practice isn’t just for teens and adults.  Here’s everything you need to know about early orthodontic treatment for kids, and how to tell if your child needs it. Why Early Orthodontic Treatment May Be Necessary For most patients, issues involving teeth alignment and irregularities tend to surface after the primary teeth fallout and the permanent teeth come in (a process that usually finishes around the ages of 12-13). However, it’s important to understand that irregularities can crop up in baby teeth as well.  And, contrary to what most people think, these issues sometimes don’t just “go away” once these teeth fall out. In fact, addressing issues in your child’s baby teeth may very well have an impact on how ...

When people lose one or many teeth, they can have a decrease in their self-esteem. If you are one of them, you may feel self-conscious about your smile or even a little embarrassed to speak to others. Luckily, dental implants in Waterloo are a solution to replace your missing teeth. Perhaps you have heard about dental implants. They are the first devices in modern dentistry that can fuse with your bone permanently to replace the root of a missing tooth. Look no further to know more about them. Dental Implants If you are looking for dental implants near you, you must know what they are. Dental implants are small metal posts that a dentist near you places inside your jawbone. Afterward, you must wait for an osseointegration period, which can last from three to six months, in which the dental implant integrates with the bone.  The Procedure First, you should visit a dental professional to discuss your wants and needs and see if you qualify for a dental implant. Most people a...

Many symptoms are signs that there is a cavity growing. A toothache, tooth and gum soreness, pain when chewing, sensitivity to cold/hot food and beverages, tooth discoloration, and random ache. But the clearest of them is a visible hole in the tooth. In some cases, there might start as a chalky white spot; if untreated, it wears the enamel down and turns into a cavity. Looking at your teeth’s mouth at home is the key to detect early signs of oral issues. Our specialist in children’s dentistry in Waterloo will give you the tips to know what to look for in their teeth and gums. Cavities in Small Children If you are the parent of a baby, you must look for their front teeth. It is the place where cavities tend to form if they are being breastfed or sleep with a bottle during the night, and no oral hygiene right after. You might as well have to check their back teeth (molars) if they are young kids with an irregular brushing. As for the cavities in between the molars (if there is...

Permanent teeth should be with us during our entire lives, hence the name. We should keep them healthy and in good condition; however, many people have oral diseases and other situations that cause the loss of a tooth. Commonly, people who are missing one or many dental pieces are self-conscious about their smiles and feel embarrassed to talk to others freely. In worse cases, it can have an impact on their self-esteem and even lead to depression. Luckily, dental implants in Waterloo are a solution to restore your smile. Not only do they look natural, but they allow you to eat and speak properly again. Why You Should Need Dental Implants The following situations may lead you to look for dental implants near you: Fractured teeth – The enamel is strong and resilient; however, excessive forces may lead to a tooth crack. If your tooth breaks, and the fracture is beneath the gum line, the treatment is to extract it. Decay – If a small cavity is left untreated, it can progress to severe too...