OCTOBER 26, 2024 • WESTMAN BUSINESS • THE BRANDON SUN
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Consistent dental care contributes to overall health
People have different experiences and different requirements so preventa- tive dental care isn’t a one-size- fits-all, dental care should be tailored to each individual.”
Dr. McIntosh, who has been practising dentistry in Brandon since 2012, is a strong advocate for regular, attentive at-home care routines. (Supplied)
ample of a simple assessment tool used for those at high risk for peri- odontal disease and can also de- tect the presence of cavity-causing bacteria. “Periodontal
down into the tooth as time goes by. Left until there are problems, the tooth may need more advanced treatment or even removal.” McIntosh says most people regard tooth crowding to be an aesthetic concern - which he says is absolutely a worthwhile consideration. But there can be function- al issues as well. “Crowded teeth are harder to clean with a higher risk of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, so straightening them keeps them easier to clean and to maintain healthy gums,” he says. Orthodontic care has made huge strides and he says it is much more “user-friend- ly.” “With clear liners like Invisalign, it can be as little as four to six months and the treatment is finished,” he says. While there are good general dental health rules for everyone, McIntosh em- phasizes that each person is going to have different needs to keep their teeth in tip top shape, and says risk factors can in- clude life circumstances, genetics, or in- jury, all of which can have a huge impact on our teeth. “People have different experiences and different requirements so preventative dental care isn’t a one-size-fits-all,” says Dr. McIntosh. “Dental care should be tai- lored to each individual.” You can book an appointment for care at Princess Dental at princessdental.com or call 204-727-0440 or email them at info@princessdental.com.
BY WENDY KING K eeping your smile looking great is good for your looks, but did you know its also good for your overall health? Dr. Geoff McIntosh, lead dentist at Princess Dental (princessdental.com), says you just can’t separate one from the other. “I recently heard a quote and it goes like this: You can have a healthy mouth and a sick body but you can’t have a sick mouth and a healthy body,” he says. Dr. McIntosh, who has been practis- ing dentistry in Brandon since 2012, is a strong advocate for regular, attentive at- home care routines. “Generally speaking, daily brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush is what most people will need and - in my view - floss- ing every night is critical,” says McIntosh. A rechargeable electric toothbrush, he says, is the best option for thorough brushing, but a soft bristle, manual tooth- brush can do the job when used with care to reach every tooth. “Most electric toothbrushes have a two-minute timer, which really helps. Many will vibrate after 30 seconds to let you know to move onto the next quad- rant,” he says.
– DR. GEOFF MCINTOSH, LEAD DENTIST AT PRINCESS DENTAL
disease is triggered by a specific kind of bacteria which can cause the bones around the teeth to erode. “We can design a treatment plan based on saliva test results and after program completion, re-test to see how successful it has been.” Tooth loss from any cause is also an is- sue. Typically people will quickly address the loss of a front tooth but might over- look the loss of a back tooth. “With the loss of a back tooth, pain may have been alleviated and people just move on with life. But with time, the teeth can start to shift, almost like a gla- cier moving slowly, and our bite starts to change. It can put stress on the jaw and other teeth, causing new problems such as TMJ (temporalmandibular joint disor- der) and pain,” he says. Prompt replacement with a removable denture, a bridge or an implant can help to avoid those further complications. Another, sometimes asymptomatic problem that can be detected at regular dental visits is cracked teeth. “Some people clench or grind, are just really hard on their teeth, or may have older restorations that over time, create stresses on the teeth, causing cracking
“And water flossers can really disrupt the plaque along the gumline, in between the teeth, and in areas that maybe the toothbrush doesn’t reach well. For those who water floss daily, we’ve seen real im- provement in their gum health over six months to a year.” Consistent at-home care should be augmented with regular visits to the den- tist and the hygienist. Princess Dental of- fers a full range of dental services, from fillings and teeth whitening to full smile makeovers, as well as those all important preventative visits. “Every six months for cleaning is great. For those who have higher risk for peri- odontal disease or cavities, every four to six months might be necessary,” he says. “For people who are at really low risk for cavities and other issues, an annual check-up might be fine.” Red flags in between visits could be bleeding gums, consistent tooth sensitiv- ity or pain. “It’s telling you that something is not quite right and is certainly worth a visit to our office,” he says. Early detection and diagnosis with prompt treatment can stave off trouble down the road. Saliva testing is an ex-
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