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Your Health and Safety is Our First Priority – What to do if you have a dental appointment with Dr. Tatra

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COVID 19 Health and Wellness Prevention Steps

As per the COVID-19/CoronaVirus Recommendations from the BCDA, CDSBC, and BC Public Health Recommendations, we have added the following notifications and posted at the entry to and within our Clinic (See images)

Although most will be able to successfully deal with this virus, and other viruses in the past (mad cow, SARS just to name a few that have been in the media), we wish to ensure everyone we are following protocols to help reduce everyone’s risks! These protocols are for the most part, not new as they are part of the “Universal Precautions” and “Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines” which have been in place well before this current outbreak risk has arisen!

However, in stepping up public awareness we have added the recommended posters to remind all of the concerns and preventive measures the Health Authorities at are recommending.

Be well Everyone and to everyone’s continued good health!

BC Dental Association and Dr. Tatra care about you, your family, and the community.

 

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Donation Summary from UBC of Dr. Tatra's Donation to support future generations of Dentistry students

Dr Sunny Tatra receives Thank you from UBC Faculty Of Dentistry for Bursary Donations

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Supporting Future Generations in Dental Care

It’s a badly kept secret – Dr. Tatra loves what he does and truly believes in the importance of Dental care, provided by caring, qualified, well-trained experts in the dental field. To this end, Dr. Tatra contributes to a bursary fund at the prestigious Vancouver University of BC where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

Over the course of the past 17 years, your support and partnership with UBC Dentistry has been instrumental in supporting one of our key goals – to enhance the student experience. As an alumnus, you are not only an important part of our history, but also significant to our future. Your generosity communicates your deep believe in making higher education accessible…

Click here to open the Stewardship Report and read more…

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Gummy Bear Vitamins: Are They Healthy for Your Teeth?

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Gummy bears are a popular candy among children but often restricted by parents. However, gummy bear vitamins have made its way to healthcare section and become a favourite for children.

Children can be picky-eaters and most of the time it’s hard for them to take a whole tablet or liquid vitamin. Thus, the evolution of gummy bear vitamins. And because gummy bear vitamins are chewy and toothsome, it’s a smart way to give your children a dose of their vitamins.

As a parent, you often restrict your kid’s consumption of sweet stuff – especially if it’s this sticky, sugary food. But how about if this sweet, chewy gummy bear contains vitamins? Is it really healthy? Is it something parents should be happy about?

Pros

  • Gummy bear vitamins, which looks like a regular sweet treat for kids, are the easiest way to have your child take their daily dose of vitamins rather than the regular tablet or pill.
  • It’s easier for them to swallow gummy bear vitamins ­compared to hard tablets– which is why even adults enjoy these sweet vitamin treats.
  • There are several flavours of gummy bear vitamins to accommodate childrens’ preferences.

Cons

  • Children often tend to take more than the required dosage since it appears like a regular sweet treat for them. Make sure to keep it in storage away from children’s reach.
  • The gummy and sticky structure of gummy bears can be damaging to your child’s teeth. It is best to let your child drink a lot of water and brush their teeth after consuming their daily dose of gummy bear vitamins.
  • Gummy bear vitamins usually have lower percentages of nutrients compared to non-gummy bear pills. Reading the labels will help you decide which form of vitamins you will give to your child.

Gummy bear vitamins contain more sugar content than regular tablets. Bacteria found in the mouth takes its nutrition by digesting sugar from the food you eat and produces tooth-destructive acid as its by-product.

Therefore, parents should encourage their child drink water and brush their teeth after consuming gummy bear vitamins. After brushing, make certain that there are no sticky bits left in between teeth. This reminder is not only for kids, but to adults who also enjoy gummy bear vitamins!

Follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips.  To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages.  To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!

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What are Early Childhood Caries?

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As a parent, seeing your child happy is one of the best feelings in the world. However, we see kids that are suffering daily with dental pain which makes it hard for them to eat or sleep well. Little do we know that dental pain in children can easily be prevented.

Dental pain in children is called Early Childhood Caries (ECC) which is also called as baby bottle feeding decay, baby bottle caries, or nursing caries. Early Childhood Caries is one of the most prevalent disease in children younger than 6 years old who have two or more decayed teeth.

According to Canadian Dental Association, Early Childhood Caries account for about one-third of all day surgeries performed on Canadian children between ages 1 and 5. Children affected with Early Childhood Caries often have problems in speaking and eating properly.

What causes Early Childhood Caries?

There are several risk factors in the development of Early Childhood Caries.

  • Increased bacterial count of Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is the normal bacteria found in the mouth. Its main nourishment comes from metabolizing carbohydrates which then produces acid as its by-product. The acid produced softens the teeth making it easier for the bacteria to invade the teeth, thus producing decay.

Increased bacterial count of Streptococcus mutans may be caused by intimate contact (i.e. adult kissing child at the lips), sharing of utensils, and poor oral hygiene of the primary caregiver.

  • Feeding habits

Most common cause of Early Childhood caries is leaving baby bottle in their mouth overnight and poor diet. Bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans in their mouth eat sugar found in infant formula milk making baby teeth more susceptible to decay formation. In addition, frequent snacking of kids with sugar-y food and beverages makes the mouth pH level acidic for a longer period.

  • Not cleaning teeth before sleeping

Wiping off the gums or brushing the teeth of your children at least twice a day is important, especially before bedtime. As food particles left in between teeth or gums removed, development of tooth decay is prevented.

  • Not visiting dentists

It is recommended for children to visit dentist at age 1. Absence of professional cleaning and early preventive treatments can speed up development of Early Childhood Caries.

How to prevent Early Childhood Caries?

  • Bring your child to a dentist by the age of 6 months or as the first baby tooth erupt
  • Do not let baby bottle sit overnight in your child’s mouth
  • Let your child drink water after drinking milk
  • Train your child to drink with cup instead of baby bottle
  • Wipe off the gums of infants after giving milk
  • Supervise proper toothbrushing even if the kid can brush his/her own teeth already

The earlier oral health promotion starts, the better the outcomes.

In our dental office, professional dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, and sealants are often recommended to children for prevention of Early Childhood Caries. Remember, the earlier oral health promotion starts ­– the better the outcome. Visit our dental clinic and we would be happy to further discuss the best treatment plan for your little one!

Follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips.  To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages.  To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!

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Do You Really Know Your Own Teeth?

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Do you really know what’s inside your mouth? Do you know that your teeth have names and parts? Do you know that your teeth have layers inside? This post will help you understand your teeth and how they work together.

Our mouth, or oral cavity, is an opening in our head which allows us to taste, chew, and swallow food and liquids.

The most noticeable part of the mouth is the teeth. We have 20 primary teeth and 32 permanent teeth. Teeth have two main parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part of the tooth while the root is found below the gums and anchor the tooth.

Our teeth are classified into four types: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.

  • Incisors are the teeth in front. There are four upper incisors and four lower incisors. They are called incisors because they are used to incise or tear food.
  • Canine teeth, also known as cuspids, are sharp-pointed teeth used in ripping food. We have 4 canines (upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right).
  • Premolars, also known as bicuspids, are the ones next to the canines. They are used to chew food. We have 4 first premolars and 4 second premolars.
  • Molars are found at the farthermost part of the mouth. They are important in keeping the bite height or relationship, and also used in chewing food. Three types of molars are found on each quadrant of the mouth: first molar, second molar, and third molar (also known as wisdom teeth).

The tooth itself is an organ with 3 layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp.

  • Enamel is the outer white layer of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in the human body.
  • Dentin is the middle layer of the tooth. It gives the tooth its yellowish color.
  • Pulp is the inner layer of the tooth which contains blood vessels and nerve fibers.

Even if the enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it can be softened by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and cause tooth decay. The dentin is porous making it easier for bacteria to reach the pulp in no time. Remember, the decay becomes irreversible when it has reached the pulp, so prevention is the key to keeping your teeth health (and intact!).

With all of this new knowledge, go ahead and check your teeth in the mirror – try to identify the four types of teeth!

Follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips.  To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages.  To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!

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New Year’s Resolution for a Healthier Smile

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Three weeks into 2018, your long list of New Year’s Resolutions may have quickly whittled down to a few.  Most of us write resolutions to improve our health like following a healthy diet or going to the gym, but we always forget to include dental health resolutions. So, we thought we would share five resolutions for a healthier smile (that you can keep!).

  • Improve oral hygiene routine

Your dentist might have taught you the proper way of brushing and flossing already, but you’re too busy or lazy to follow it. This is the year you practice the proper way of brushing your teeth and do so 2-3 times a day. Also, remember to floss at least once a day.

  • Keep track of your dental appointments

If you’re the type of person who always misses dental appointments, make sure you’re on the dot with your dental appointments this year. Missing several appointments with your dentist, especially if you’re having orthodontic treatments (i.e. braces), may delay your treatment plan.

  • Perform delayed dental treatments

If you missed any treatments last year, such as removing your wisdom tooth or teeth whitening, make sure to make some time to have it done this year.  Postponing it further can have implications for the future and cause additional treatments.

  • Stop smoking/cigarette use

This is the most common resolution in everyone’s list, yet the most forgotten given its difficulty. Make sure to commit and quit smoking as early as you can! Smoking is bad for your health and the effects to your teeth are unappealing. You surely don’t want to have gingivitis, nicotine stains on your teeth, or bad breath.

  • Cut back on sugar

We all know the direct link of sugar with tooth decay; thus, reducing the amount we consume can reduce the development of tooth decay. Decrease sugar intake and replace it with a healthier diet like fibrous-rich food. You may replace sodas with a sugar-free seltzer drink or plain water.

These are just a few of what you can add in your (revised) list of New Year’s Resolutions.  Remember to try to keep on track with your resolutions for a healthier smile this 2018!

Follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips.  To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages.  To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!

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Effects of Cold Weather on Teeth

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With winter here a while longer, recall how your body responds when the cold wind blows over you. Your body tense up and shivers. And when it’s warm again, your body relaxes. The same thing happens with your teeth.

Have you ever felt shooting pain while talking or breathing while outside on a cold day? It’s because our teeth are made up of material that expands and contracts in reaction to different temperatures.

When our teeth contract, it exposes the sensitive areas beneath the gum line and can also affect the seal of our teeth restorations.  

Causes of Tooth Pain during Cold Weather

  • Exposure of tooth structure beneath the gum line. The root area of a tooth is very sensitive to cold air.
  • Hairline cracks – can be caused by clenching or frequent tooth contractions due to cold weather. Some people tend to clench more during cold weather which can cause stress to the teeth and cause these cracks.
  • Untreated tooth decay
  • Old restorations with poor seals

Management

  • Breathe through your nose as much as possible when you are outdoors. Closing your lips prevents cold air from entering your mouth.
  • Consider changing your toothpaste if your teeth feel more sensitive due to the cold weather.
  • Avoid clenching to prevent damaging your teeth.
  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent the wearing away of tooth structures.
  • Consider using mouthrinses with fluoride to help create a seal over sensitive areas of your teeth.
  • Visit your dentist to diagnose tooth decay and have it treated.

Follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips.  To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages.  To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!

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Protect your Smile this Winter

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We know how thrilled you are to go outdoors this holiday season and experience all the wonderful joys of this special time of the year.  However, children and parents should be aware of the possible dangers associated with winter outdoor activities.

Before heading out make sure you’re well-prepared for all of the season’s activities, including protecting your teeth!  Aside from tooth sensitivity, accidents during outdoor activities may cause tooth avulsion, chipped tooth, and cracked tooth.

How to protect your smile?

Visit your dentist before your planned winter activities.

  • Have your teeth checked for any cracks or untreated tooth decay which can cause teeth sensitivity during winter
  • If you’re going for an highly-active outdoor activity such as skiing or hockey, have a mouth guard fabricated for you to protect your teeth and gums from injuries
  • Always include medical and dental first-aid kits in your travel bag

What is a mouthguard?

Helmets protect your head but mouthguards are what protect your teeth from trauma. Although mouthguards are mostly associated for contact sports like hockey, it is strongly recommended for any activity that involves falling or physical contact like skiing and snowboarding.

There are several types of mouthguards, but the common mouthguard are the moldable ones found in sports equipment stores. However, the fit and overall fit of these  mouthguards can vary for each person, as they are not custom.

Another option are custom-made mouthguards, created with an impression of your teeth for a perfect fit.  While it costs more, it is worth considering as it offers more safety and comfort for your teeth and gums.

If you would like to learn more about mouthguards and best practices for keeping your teeth safe during outdoor activities, your dentist would be more than happy to help!

Follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram to stay up to date with the latest news and tips.  To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages.  To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!

 

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Effects of Thumbsucking and Pacifier Use on Children

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Like any other parents, you may be concerned about your child’s thumb sucking or pacifier use. You may be wondering when it should be stopped and what will happen if it isn’t addressed. Aside from bacteria, thumb sucking and pacifier can cause problems with the children’s teeth. However, thumb sucking and pacifier has its pro and cons.

According to the American Dental Association, children start to suck on their thumbs while in the womb of their mother as an innate reflex that makes them feel happy or secure. Since thumb sucking is calming, it may also help induce sleep. For this reason, kids may suck their thumbs in the evening or at other times when they are tired.

Children typically stop thumb sucking around the age of 4. However, if this habit doesn’t stop before the age of 6, it is advisable for parents to intervene and stop them from thumb sucking. It is necessary for parents to encourage their kids to stop thumb sucking before the age of 6 as permanent teeth start to erupt at this stage. With that said, it is advisable to discourage thumbsucking even at an even earlier age to minimize its effect on baby teeth.

Negative effects of thumb sucking on teeth

  • Sucking can impede the proper growth of the teeth, adversely affecting the alignment of teeth.
  • Open bite: It is when both the upper and lower front teeth erupt outwards to an extent that the teeth of the upper and the lower jaw do not touch each other, even when the mouth is closed.

Breaking the habit isn’t always easy since as children won’t always understand the importance of them stopping. Here are a few tips and recommendations for parents who would like their kids to stop thumb sucking and pacifier use:

  • Pacifier use can be restricted to the time when the infant is falling asleep
  • Pacifier can be dipped into vinegar or anything that they don’t like the taste of to deter them from using it
  • Praise children for being able to control thumb sucking or for stopping pacifier use instead of scolding them.

These are just a few of the tips you can explore to help your child outgrow thumbsucking and pacifier use. Don’t hesitate to talk to us, or your dentists, if you’re concerned about your child’s habit. We will help you come up with a strategy to safeguard your child’s healthy dental development!

Follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips.  To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages.  To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!

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Halitosis: Cause and Management

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Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is an embarrassing condition that can significantly lower your self-esteem. More often, people with bad breath don’t even know it unless someone told him/her about it.

There are several factors and causes of bad breath and occasionally, even healthy people experience bad breath. Here are some common causes of bad breath:

  • Food: Certain food such as garlic, onion, spices (e.g. curry), some cheese, and coffee can cause short-lived halitosis. Also, food may get stuck in the teeth which promotes bacterial growth and in turn causes bad breath.
  • Tobacco/Cigarette products: Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco leaves a very unpleasant odor. In addition, smoking can cause gum disease which produces bad breath.
  • Poor oral hygiene: Failure to brush teeth and floss significantly causes bad breath due to non-removal of food particles trapped in between teeth. Moreover, dentures should also be cleaned daily to remove bacteria attached to the prosthesis.
  • Dry mouth: Saliva helps to clean the oral cavity by flushing away bacteria and food particles. If there is insufficient amount of saliva, the oral cavity became an ideal area for bacterial growth which causes bad breath. Certain medications and medical problems can cause dry mouth or medically known as xerostomia.
  • Infections in the mouth: Bad breath can be experienced after an oral surgery such as tooth removal. Other infections in the mouth such as gum disease, cavities, and mouth sores can cause bad breath.
  • Diseases and Medications: Diseases, such as cancer, and certain medications can cause bad breath. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is also associated with bad breath.
  • “Morning Breath”: It is very common to experience bad breath every time we wake up in the morning. During sleep, amount of saliva decreases allowing odor-causing bacteria to grow and cause bad breath.

Management of Halitosis

  • Brush and floss teeth regularly; especially the tongue.
  • See your dentist regularly to ensure the proper fit of your dentures and braces
  • If you have periodontal disease, you may see a periodontist – someone who specializes in treating gum disease.
  • If you have braces, your orthodontist might suggest that you use adjunct cleaning equipment such as WaterPik or interdental brush.
  • Quit smoking
  • Chew sugar-less gum to prevent drying of mouth
  • Keep hydrated by drinking a lot of water a day

In most cases, good oral hygiene (proper toothbrushing and flossing) can suffice to avoid having bad breath. If proper oral hygiene does not get rid of bad breath, see a dentist or doctor to further diagnose what may be causing bad breath.

Follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips.  To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages.  To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!

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