vivadental

Monthly tip from Viva

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 22:48:34 GMT

Did you know most bad breath start on your tongue !

Tongue scraping is a simple, effective step to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells—leaving your mouth fresher and your smile healthier.

How to do it:

Use a clean tongue scraper every morning.
Gently scrape from the back of your tongue to the front.
Rinse the scraper and repeat if needed.

Why it matters:
✅ Reduces bad breath
✅ Supports healthy teeth and gums
✅ Boosts confidence for your day

Add tongue scraping to your daily routine and feel the difference!

New-Year Reset for Dental Anxiety

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 22:22:21 GMT

New-Year Reset for Dental Anxiety

1. Start with a conversation, not a procedure
I’d book a no-pressure consultation or exam only . No drills, no surprises—just talking, asking questions, and getting comfortable with the space and the people.

2. Choose the right clinic (this matters a lot)
I’d look for a clinic that:

Clearly talks about gentle care
Offers anxiety-aware or patient-centred dentistry
Explains things before doing them
Feeling heard changes everything.

3. Be honest about my fear
I’d tell the team upfront: “I’m nervous and I’ve been avoiding the dentist.”
Most dental professionals respond with more patience, slower pacing, and extra reassurance when they know.

4. Take back control
I’d ask for:

Step-by-step explanations
A hand signal to pause anytime
Shorter appointments at first
Control reduces fear.

5. Start small and build momentum
Instead of “fix everything,” I’d start with:

A cleaning
Then one small treatment
Progress feels better than overwhelm.

6. Reframe the goal
Not perfect teeth—but less stress, less pain, and more confidence .
Avoiding the dentist usually makes things harder later.

7. Reward myself
Coffee, a walk, a treat—something to associate the visit with a positive ending ☕��

New Year mindset:
I’m not going to the dentist because I “have to.”
I’m going because future me deserves comfort, health, and peace of mind .

Thumb Sucking

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 21:58:19 GMT

Thumb Sucking: Why It Matters and How to Prevent It for Healthy Smiles

Thumb sucking is a common and natural habit in infants and young children. While it can be comforting and normal in early years, prolonged thumb sucking can have lasting effects on a child’s dental and oral development. Understanding why it matters and how to gently stop the habit can help protect your child’s smile.

Why Thumb Sucking Affects Dental Health

When thumb sucking continues beyond the age of 3–4 years , it can interfere with normal growth of the teeth and jaws. Possible dental effects include:

Flaring front teeth (increased overjet)
Open bite , where front teeth do not touch
Narrow or high-arched palate
Changes in jaw alignment and bite
Increased risk of speech difficulties

The intensity, frequency, and duration of the habit all influence how much impact it has on dental health.

How to Prevent or Stop Thumb Sucking

Breaking the habit should be gentle and positive , never punitive. Here are effective strategies:

1. Positive Reinforcement
Praise your child when they are not thumb sucking. Reward charts or small incentives can be very motivating.

2. Identify Triggers
Thumb sucking often happens when a child is tired, anxious, or bored. Offering comfort, a stuffed toy, or distraction can help replace the habit.

3. Gentle Reminders
Avoid scolding. Calm reminders work better, especially if the child is unaware they are doing it.

4. Limit During Sleep
For nighttime thumb sucking, using a soft glove or bandage (with your child’s agreement) can serve as a reminder rather than a restraint.

5. Dental Guidance
If the habit persists, a dentist can monitor tooth development and, if needed, recommend supportive options such as habit appliances at the appropriate age.

Tooth Avulsion 101

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 21:44:30 GMT

Tooth Avulsion Management

A Simple Guide in 3 Key Steps

Tooth avulsion—when a tooth is completely knocked out—is a true dental emergency. The way the tooth is handled in the first few minutes can significantly affect whether it can be saved. Here is a clear, practical guide to managing tooth avulsion in three essential steps.

Step 1: Handle the Tooth Correctly

If the tooth is found, pick it up by the crown only (the visible white part). Avoid touching the root, as this can damage the delicate cells needed for successful re-implantation. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline. Do not scrub, scrape, or disinfect the tooth.

Step 2: Reinsert or Store the Tooth Properly

If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket immediately. If re-insertion is not feasible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in cold milk, saline, or the patient’s saliva . The tooth should never be allowed to dry, as dryness greatly reduces the chance of successful healing.

Step 3: Seek Immediate Dental Care

Time is critical in cases of tooth avulsion. The patient should see a dentist as soon as possible , ideally within 30 to 60 minutes . Prompt professional care gives the best chance of saving the tooth and restoring function.

In summary: quick action, correct handling, and immediate dental attention can make all the difference in saving an avulsed tooth.

Oral health in the Age of Cannabis

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 22:41:37 GMT

Oral Health in the Age of Cannabis

A recent survey conducted in 2025 indicates a rise in cannabis use in Canada, which has significant implications for dental care. Cannabis can potentially alter the effects of medications used in dental treatments and may be linked to an increased occurrence of oral health issues.

Impact on Dental Pain Medications:

Research suggests that combining acetaminophen with CBD may lead to adverse liver effects, indicating a potential risk when these substances are used together.

Interaction with Local Anesthesia and Sedation:

Studies have indicated that local anesthetics containing epinephrine might worsen the cardiac arrhythmias typically induced by cannabis metabolites. Following marijuana use, heart rate can increase by 20% to 100%, peaking 10 to 30 minutes after consumption.

Effects of Cannabis on Oral Health:

· Cannabis, Dry Mouth, and Tooth Decay: Research has shown that cannabis users often experience dry mouth (xerostomia) after consumption. One study found that 70% of cannabis smokers reported symptoms of xerostomia, which can last from 1 to 6 hours after use. Additionally, cannabis consumption affects leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite, leading users to feel hungry. The combination of dry mouth and a diet high in sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay.

· Cannabis and Oral Cancer: Cannabis smoke contains twice as many carcinogens as tobacco smoke, potentially increasing the risk of oral cancers. Some studies have also reported a higher risk of head and neck cancers associated with cannabis use.

Recommendations for patients who use Cannabis products:

- Advise your dental health provider of any health updates including a change in any medication.

- Your dentist may advise you stop Cannabis use for 24-48 hours prior to dental appointment to avoid interactions or complications.

- Your dentist may decline to work on you if you were under the influence, for your safety.

- Usage of high fluoride tooth paste and mouth wash can help with the dry mouth .

- Use of proper brushing and waterpik techniques , helps to reduce from the risk of cavities .

Source : J Can Dent Assoc 2025;91:p12

Gum health = Heart health

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:22:08 GMT

Can your gum disease cause heart disease?

New research shows a stronger link between gum disease and atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat). Scientists found that ongoing gum inflammation might increase the chances of getting atrial fibrillation and make it worse for those who already have it.

Chronic gum infections seem to cause overall body inflammation, activate the immune system, and lead to scarring in the heart. These changes can create conditions for abnormal heart rhythms.

The review points out that treating gum disease, like getting professional cleanings and improving oral hygiene, can significantly lower inflammation link to atrial fibrillation risk.

Experts suggest that taking care of your oral health should be part of heart care, as managing gum disease could help prevent and control atrial fibrillation.

Here where we come handy, as time passes by, a layer of food and bacteria sticks on your teeth forming a tough area to brush, and with time (usually 90 days) , the layer becomes thicker and deeper and usually extends below your gum line (an area where your toothbrush does not reach) .

At a dental hygiene appointment at Viva , we start by assessing the areas that need attention , then our dental hygienists team starts treating your gum tissue systematically.

Depending on your case, most dental hygiene appointments are tailored to your specific needs , so that means , your follow up hygiene appointments can range from three time a year to four times a year.

Source: Stanisław Surma, Gregory Y H Lip, Periodontitis and atrial fibrillation, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2025;, zwaf626.

Tetracycline Staining

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:22:02 GMT

Why my teeth are stained ?

We recently saw a case for a child with stained teeth; the mom was concerned that the staining is not going away!

Upon a closer look, the staining appeared to be coming from inside the tooth structure. Unfortunately, these of kind of stains are considered permanent at least for that current dentition. For that case , we told the mom that on the bright side, the adult dentition might not have any staining on it .

You might wonder how come?

As our teeth starts developing inside the jawbone at an embryonic age, if certain medications were consumed by the mother, they would transfer to the enamel of the forming teeth at that age.

A medication called Tetracycline is known for its notorious staining for human teeth especially if it was taken any age prior to age of 8 years old .

How to cover the staining ?

Depending on the severity of the stain, as it can range from grey to brown ,options to cover the staining are :

Professional whitening : High-strength bleaching agents can help lighten the stains, but multiple sessions may be needed and results can vary.
Veneers : Porcelain veneers can be applied to the front of the teeth to cover the discoloration and correct other imperfections like chips or gaps.
Crowns : In severe cases, dental crowns may be necessary to cover the stained teeth.

Don’t forget, that meeting with your dentist will allow you to explore the options specific to your case.

Are Amalgams the best choice for you ?

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 01:48:24 GMT

Evolution of Dental Restorations: From Amalgam to Advanced Alternatives

For many years, dental amalgam was the go-to material for tooth restorations due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. However, with advancements in dental technology, a variety of alternative materials have emerged, providing dentists with more options tailored to individual patient needs.

Today, materials like gold, zirconia, composites, and E-max offer different benefits, each suited for specific cases. For instance, gold boasts exceptional longevity and biocompatibility, making it ideal for back teeth restorations, while zirconia is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal and strength, suitable for both anterior and posterior teeth. Composite fillings are versatile for small cavities, allowing for a natural look, whereas E-max is often chosen for its aesthetics in creating lifelike crowns.

While these alternatives present exciting possibilities, they also require dentists to undergo specialized training. Understanding when to use each material based on factors such as location, wear patterns, and patient preferences is critical. Mastery of these new technologies not only enhances the quality of care but also improves patient satisfaction with functional and visually appealing results.

As dentistry continues to evolve, so too does the importance of staying abreast of these advancements, ensuring that patients receive the best possible dental solutions tailored to their unique circumstances.

Dental X-rays at Viva

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:56:05 GMT

Why does my dentist need X-rays ?

X-rays are radiographic images of teeth and bone tissue , it helps with diagnosing decay and bone loss and other lesions like cervical resorption on the teeth .

Without x-rays, imagine your dentist working on your teeth with their eyes closed.

The show case was diagnosed with help of x-rays, where tooth decay started between the teeth and spread . After treatment , the teeth were restored (filled with resin material ) to the natural shape with access to the floss to help prevent new lesions from occurring .

Are Dental X-rays Harmful ?

Anything in excess is Harmful, that being said, Digital x-rays require a lower dose of energy to get them to be exposed in comparison with Analogue x-rays(Traditional) . It is found that up to 80% less when compared to traditional film-based systems.

It is the dentist’s and dental professionals duties to request x-rays within reason, aka, there is a diagnostic need for them and not just because your dental plan covers it .

At Viva our protocols involve the following:

- We attempt to acquire any none outdated x-rays from previous offices if you were transferring to us.

- Assess the quality and the date before ordering new sets.

- One Panoramic image is recommended every 5 years to assess pathologies that might start in the jaw bone and might get missed on the routine x-rays, to assess wisdom teeth and jaw joints etc.

- Four Bitewings : small view to assess between the teeth and crestal bone state , assess bone levels (this is recommended based on the caries risk from 1-2 yrs)

- Periapical View : a small view to assess the root ends (on the anterior region ) to assess root length or resorption , extra teeth , or dental infections (as needed) .

In conclusion , our dentists and their team are trained to take x-rays with safe measures to enable correct diagnosis and treatment planning .

First dental visit for children

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 02:35:07 GMT

How does a first dental visit to the dentist for your child should look like?

I usually get asked when the best time age to bring a child for the first time to the dentist. The answer is when you see the first teeth start to poke through the gums, which is by age 6 months.

At that visit, we review the basic oral health routine to be used, especially with baby teeth. As most kids at that age depend on breastfeeding or bottle feeding, both can raise some challenges when it comes to oral health. The main concern is when feeding occurs at night, and as the child sleeps with milk settling around their teeth, this creates a perfect environment for a specific bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, also known as "sugar bugs," to attack the teeth and create cavities. One of the easiest and best ways to counteract this is to use a clean, moist towel to wipe the teeth after feeding, especially at night.

We also review current habits, like thumb sucking or pacifier use, and we talk about when and how to stop those habits before they cause changes to the oral cavity. For older kids, ages 6 and above, we focus on the way they are biting. We count all the permanent teeth via radiographs, or "panoramic x-rays," and plan for the future if there are extra or missing teeth. At that age, we tend to recommend a visit to an orthodontist, or "braces doctor," if necessary. Some cases, like narrow jaws, require an initial orthodontic treatment called Phase 1 to allow the new teeth to settle into the proper bite and position.

The first visit is not just a chair ride; it allows the child to adjust slowly to a new environment and new faces—"masked faces"—so that in the future, it becomes easier to deliver dental care without tears.

Insurance breakdown help you from unexpected suprises

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 22:13:41 GMT

Why Sharing Your Insurance Breakdown Ahead of Time Matters

When it comes to dental care, planning ahead makes all the difference—for you and for us. One of the simplest ways to make your visit smoother is by providing your insurance breakdown before your appointment .

Here’s why it helps:

No long waits: Instead of us spending time chasing your insurance provider for details, we can focus on preparing the best care for you.
Clear estimates: Knowing your plan breakdown allows us to give you accurate estimates, helping you understand what’s covered and what isn’t.
Smarter decisions: When you’re aware of your annual limits and coverage details, you can make confident choices about your treatment plan.

A little preparation goes a long way. By sharing your insurance breakdown in advance, you save time, reduce stress, and ensure a more seamless experience at your dental visit.