Alderney Dental Group
81 Alderney Drive B2Y2N7 Dartmouth, NS, Canada

How do you care for your child’s teeth? Start cleaning your baby’s mouth before they have teeth. Use a baby toothbrush or a soft, clean, damp cloth or gauze to gently wipe their gums. Don’t use toothpaste until their teeth emerge. Begin brushing when they have four teeth. Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a small amount of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Gently brush their teeth in circles for two minutes.... At three years old, children can start brushing their own teeth with help. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Make sure they spit out any toothpaste and saliva after they finish brushing. Children are usually ready to begin brushing their own teeth at age six. It helps to use a timer to let them know how long they need to keep brushing.

Do you have trouble saying aaaaah? Many patients have difficulty opening their mouths wide. This article explains how the jawbone works, and how treatment can help you open wide again.

Receding gums are not necessarily a sign of aging. Although gum recession has traditionally been associated with aging, it’s actually caused by things like grinding your teeth, brushing or flossing too hard, exposure to acidic drinks such as energy drinks, smoking, or frequent teeth whitening. Fortunately, there’s a lot we can do to prevent gum recession. Regular checkups and oral hygiene appointments as well as changing dental habits can help keep gums healthy. Each case is different, so ask us for advice at your next check-up!

A crown is a dental restoration that covers a tooth to repair its function and appearance. Crowns are needed when a tooth is damaged, vulnerable to breakage, or already highly restored (with fillings, for example). Crowns can make the tooth stronger and improve the look of the tooth. With proper care, your crown should last for years. Call us today to learn more!

What’s the difference between metal and white fillings? Metal fillings or amalgam fillings have been used to fill cavities for more than 150 years. They are strong, safe, and last a long time. Some patients are concerned about the mercury content of metal fillings, but scientific studies show they are not harmful to your health. White fillings are made from a composite material that matches the natural shade of the tooth being repaired. They are a popular choice for patients because they are almost unnoticeable once they are in place. Many patients have questions about the different types of fillings, so please ask to learn more.