Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do to protect your smile, along with practicing daily home care and visiting your dentist in Thunder Bay for regular hygiene visits. There are certain types of food that are particularly damaging to your smile which we recommend limiting or avoiding altogether.

Hard Candy, Sticky Candy, and Chewy Candy

We all know that candy is loaded with sugar, but not all candy is created equal when it comes to the effect it has on your smile. For example, chocolate is less of a threat to your smile than other types of candy because it’s not acidic and it doesn’t stick to your teeth the way other types of candy do. On the other hand, hard candy and sticky candy have a tendency to leave sugar residue on your teeth long after you’re finished eating them. This can break down your enamel and allow cavity-causing bacteria to penetrate your teeth. Sour candy contains high levels of acid which also works to break down your enamel.

Snacking on high sugar foods between meals creates an additional risk. That’s because when you eat a whole meal, it causes your body to release  saliva, which helps to wash your smile clean. If you do snack on sugary foods between meals, it’s a good idea to rinse your teeth by drinking a lot of water. Of course, you will also be better off if you choose healthier snacks such as crunchy fruits like apples or celery.

Bread, Chips, and Crackers

A lot of people don’t realize that foods like wheat and potatoes contain a lot of carbohydrates. And when these ingredients are highly processed, they can actually damage your teeth as much as or more than foods containing large amounts of refined sugar like candy. For example, bread, chips, and crackers will create a gooey film that can get stuck on and between your teeth, damaging your enamel and leading to decay.

Dried Fruit

Parents often provide their kids with dried fruit, believing it’s a healthy snack. Unfortunately, dried fruits are often filled with additional sugar to make them sweeter. They are also very sticky and acidic, and this combination causes them to remain on your teeth as they attack your enamel and allow bacteria to cause cavities.

Sports Drinks and Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated soft drinks are very damaging for your oral health, even when they don’t contain sugar. This is due to the citric acid and phosphoric acid they contain, which extract essential minerals from your enamel. Of course, sodas containing sugar cause even more harm to your smile.

Many people assume sports drinks are good for you because they help you rehydrate and restore your electrolytes during and after a workout. Unfortunately, these drinks contain a considerable amount of sugar and they’re also acidic. As we’ve seen, this combination will break down your enamel and support the bacteria that cause cavities. You can help reduce the damage caused to your smile by sports drinks either by diluting them with water or drinking them through a straw.

Preventative Dentistry in Thunder Bay

At Oasis Family Dental, Dr. Elaine Chow strongly encourages preventative dentistry. We also offer a full array of dental services, including veneers and dental implants. Call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chow and find out what we can do for your smile.

The post Foods and Beverages to Avoid for a Healthy Smile appeared first on Oasis Dental.

When a person feels good about their smile, it can really boost their self-confidence. Straightening your teeth can significantly improve your self-confidence and your oral health, improving your hygiene and making chewing more comfortable and effective. Having straighter teeth will make a dramatic impact on your quality of life. That’s why our Thunder Bay dentist offers Invisalign®, a revolutionary way to straighten your teeth without the all the drawbacks of traditional metal braces.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® uses a series of clear, plastic-based trays to gradually realign your smile. Your aligners are specifically designed just for you under the supervision of Dr. Chow. The clear trays gently shift the position of your teeth over time. When you’re finished with one tray, you simply replace it with the next one until your smile realignment is complete.

The Trouble with Braces

For a long time, metal braces were the only viable option for patients who wanted straighter teeth. Metal braces are an effective treatment, but they have some serious shortcomings. For example, metal braces are bulky and distracting, which causes many patients to become self-conscious about their smile.

Metal braces can irritate the soft tissue in your mouth and they have sharp wires that can scratch your gums. These wires also require regular tightening from an orthodontist, which can be painful as well as time-consuming. Wearing metal braces also makes dental hygiene more difficult and places restrictions on the type of foods you can eat.

The Invisalign® Advantage

One of the best things about Invisalign® aligners is that they’re clear and practically invisible. In fact, most of the people you meet throughout the day won’t even notice you’re wearing them. Invisalign® trays are discrete and much more comfortable than regular metal braces. Also unlike metal braces, Invisalign® never requires painful tightening and far fewer dental visits are necessary.

Invisalign® will never interfere with your dental hygiene routine because you simply remove your tray when it’s time for brushing and flossing. That means you can eat whatever you want, as food will never get stuck in your Invisalign® trays.

The Invisalign® Process

With Invisalign®, your treatment is completed in stages, and it’s all done under the supervision of your personal dentist. For adults, the process could last up to a year, but it’s typically faster than similar orthodontic treatment using metal braces. The course of treatment with teens is similar to the time frame for metal braces.

Your Initial Consultation
The first step in getting Invisalign® is to meet with Dr. Chow to discuss your smile goals and your unique situation. If you decide on Invisalign®, Dr. Chow will design a treatment plan just for you.  

Fitting Your Customized Aligners
Dr. Chow will create an impression of your smile to share with the dental technicians at Invisalign®. Then Dr. Chow will develop a course of treatment designed specifically for your smile. Next, Invisalign® will fabricate your custom aligners. You’ll replace them every two weeks as they gradually reshape your smile.

Your Invisalign Dentist in Thunder Bay

See Dr. Chow at Oasis Family Dental in Thunder Bay if you ready to learn more about Invisalign®. She’ll make sure you get the proper care and the treatment you deserve.

The post Invisalign® — Straightening Your Teeth Without Metal Braces appeared first on Oasis Dental.

Our dentist in Thunder Bay is dedicated to providing our patients with quality care in a friendly and comfortable environment. All of our team members strive to create a professional atmosphere by behaving responsibly and treating our patients with respect. Additionally, we believe it’s essential to develop our dental skills and knowledge. One of the ways we achieve this is through continuing education for our dentists and other dental health professionals.  

Becoming a Dentist in Canada

Dentistry is a regulated profession, and it isn’t easy to become a dentist in Canada. That’s because the National Dental Examining Board of Canada wants to make sure that all our dentists are capable of delivering quality care for our patients. In order to become a dentist, you must graduate from dental school, pass a rigorous NDEB examination, and apply for NDEB certification. Lastly, you have to apply for your license with your local provincial regulating  agency. For us, that’s the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.

Continuing Education in Ontario

Once you’ve become a dentist in Canada, you still need to be a lifelong learner who engages in continuing education courses throughout your career. In fact, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario requires every dentist in the province to renew their license every three years. In order to do this, they must complete at least 90 continuing education units, which is an average of 30 units per year.

Why Continuing Education is Important

Continuing education consists of professional courses that dentists take after they have graduated from dental school. This is vital because dentistry is a very dynamic field with new scientific discoveries being made every day. Additionally, new materials and innovative techniques that have the potential to radically improve patient care are constantly emerging.

In order to keep up with this rapidly evolving field, dentists like Dr. Chow need to stay current with dental literature. They also need the kind of hands-training and human interaction with professional peers that’s best provided by continuing education courses.

In continuing education classes, Dr. Chow is exposed to the newest technology and the latest preventative and diagnostic methods and procedures. She shares this information with her team to better serve our patients in Thunder Bay. Continuing education also allows Dr. Chow an opportunity to interact with fellow Canadian dentists and learn from their extensive experience.

Your Family Dentist in Thunder Bay

At Oasis Family Dental, Dr. Chow and our dedicated team provide effective dental care for the whole family. Call today to schedule your next appointment. You can also enquire about our restorative and cosmetic treatments such as veneers and dental implants. See what we can do for your smile.

The post The Importance of Continuing Education for Dentists in Ontario appeared first on Oasis Dental.

What are Dental Fillings?

A filling is a used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay. The objective with a filling is to recover the tooth’s regular shape and function. In order to achieve this, the dentist has to remove all decayed tooth material and then thoroughly clean the affected area. Then the cavity, which is the space left by the removed tooth material, is filled with material that will harden to protect the area.

The Downside of Using Amalgam Fillings

At Oasis Family Dental, we prefer to provide our patients with porcelain or composite resin fillings. We find these materials to have many advantages over traditional amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of silver, zinc, copper, and mercury. Because they are metal, amalgam fillings aren’t very aesthetically pleasing.

Many people also have concerns about health issues related to amalgam crowns, but according to the CDA, the HPB does not restrict dental amalgam in Canada. However, we recommend composite or porcelain fillings for a number of reasons.

For one thing, over time the mercury in amalgam fillings can cause the tooth and gums to become discolored. Also, because amalgam is a soft metal, it responds to changes in temperature. This means that exposure to hot and cold foods and beverages will cause the fillings to expand and contract.

Over time, this can cause the filling to separate from the tooth structure. This creates openings where bacteria can get in and cause infection. Amalgam fillings have also been known to break, fall out, or even cause the tooth to break in two.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. Composite fillings are very attractive and they are created to match the color and appearance of your teeth. Composite fillings bond directly with your teeth, which makes them stronger and more structurally sound than amalgam fillings.

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain is an extremely durable and highly aesthetic material which can be tinted to match the color and lustre of your smile. That’s why porcelain fillings are nearly invisible. They are made to create a strong bond with the tooth and maintain the original shape and integrity of the tooth.

Your Full-Service Dentist in Thunder Bay

At Oasis Family Dental, we provide a wide array of dental services for you and your family. This includes a variety of cosmetic procedures to help you get the smile of your dreams. Call today to schedule an appointment. You can also a arrange a consultation to learn more about our dental implants and other services.

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The Benefits of Modern Dental Implants

Dental implants are a fantastic way to restore your smile. They look and feel great and they function just like your regular teeth. Whereas dentures must be removed nightly, dental implants are permanently fixed to your smile –  you’ll never have to remove your dental implants for cleaning or any other reason.

Dental implants as we know them today are the result of several recent technological innovations and biomedical advances. The most important breakthrough in oral implantology was the discovery osseointegration by Swedish scientist Per-Ingvar Brånemark in 1952.

However, this important discovery wasn’t mankind’s first foray into permanent tooth replacement. Let’s explore how our ancient ancestors understood the potential consequences of tooth loss and developed their own methods of replacing missing teeth.

Replacing Missing Teeth in the Ancient World

Although our ancient ancestors didn’t have the same understanding of dentistry we do today, they still struggled with many of the same health conditions we deal with now, including tooth loss. Like modern man, this serious oral health issue could be the result of trauma, gum disease, and tooth decay. However, these factors were exacerbated by their lack of knowledge about modern dental hygiene.

While people in ancient times didn’t have the same knowledge of modern chemistry and technology, this didn’t prevent them from trying to restore damaged or missing teeth by whatever means they had available. This meant attempting to fashion dental implants from the materials they had around them.

The Ancient Mayans

The ancient Mayans demonstrated impressive dental achievements despite their lack of modern technology. For example, they used shells as dental implants.The Mayans also practiced an interesting form of cosmetic dentistry – they adorned their teeth by pounding gemstones into them. The Mayans performed these procedures without anesthetic or electric drills. We can only imagine how painful this must have been!

Other Examples of Ancient Implants

Archeologists have discovered several other examples of dental implants in the ancient world.  For example, the ancient Chinese fashioned dental implants from bamboo pegs about 4000 years ago. These pegs were inserted directly into the jawbone. The ancient Egyptians implanted prostheses made from ivory into their jawbones. They also used actual human teeth for this purpose.

Your Completely Modern Implant Dentist in Thunder Bay

Dr. Elaine Chow at Oasis Family Dental in Thunder Bay restores smiles with beautiful and permanent modern dental implants. Give us a call today and arrange your consultation to discover what we can do for your smile.

The post Dental Implants in the Ancient World appeared first on Oasis Dental.

Of course, we all know that flossing every day is recommended for optimal dental health, but it can be a fairly difficult task if it’s not already a part of your daily routine. According to the Canadian Dental Association, 7 out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at some time in their lives. In many instances, lack of proper oral hygiene can be the main contributing factor to this common dental ailment.

While we understand that flossing isn’t the most exciting activity, it’s  absolutely essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Think of flossing as an investment in your smile! The time spent flossing will actually end up preserving your smiles for years to come, along with providing countless additional benefits.

The Benefits of Flossing Each Day

Here at Oasis Family Dental, we believe that patient education is key to truly taking exceptional care of your dental health. If you’re still unconvinced about the importance of flossing, consider the following benefits it provides:

Avoid Gum Disease: Gum disease t is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed upon probing. Flossing helps you avoid gum disease because it removes harmful bacteria that can cause infection and inflammation of the gum tissue.

Avoid Tooth Decay: Bacteria the in hard-to-reach areas between your teeth can also contribute to cavities. Flossing allows for you to routinely remove bacteria and plaque before they wreak havoc on your teeth.

Fresh Breath: Excess bacteria and food particles trapped in between teeth can contribute to bad breath. Instead of using mints and gum to cover your bad breath, try treating the problem at the source. Flossing each day will allow you to remove bacteria and enjoy fresher breath.

Whiter Teeth: When plaque isn’t removed regularly, it will eventually harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar will typically appear as a yellow or brown stain on your teeth, which can seriously hinder the overall appearance of your smile. Flossing to remove plaque before it hardens will allow you to preserve the whiteness of your smile.

Save Money: Would you rather spend a few dollars on a package of floss or a few hundred on dental treatment? The answer is simple — floss every day to avoid dental problems in the future that will require costly treatment.

Contact Oasis Family Dental

Whether you have additional questions about oral hygiene or any other dental concern, we’re here to help! Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Elaine Chow.

The post Top 5 Reasons to Make Flossing a Priority appeared first on Oasis Dental.

It’s not always easy to get kids to get into the right habit. Brushing their teeth on a daily basis is a great example. And parents can’t always be around to monitor everything their kids are doing.

Fortunately, there are entertaining apps that can your kids improve their dental health by teaching kids the importance of taking care of their teeth and encouraging them  to daily.

Denny Tooth

Dentists recommend that we brush for at least two minutes. It’s also important to fully brush all the the sections of your smile.  

To keep kids brushing thoroughly and for the recommended time, Denny the Tooth is a delightful animated app solution. Kids follow the app as they brush and it reminds them to cover all the sections of their smile.

This free app is rated E for Everyone, and it earned a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from reviewers. Parents love this captivating app because it really works.

When kids use it, they are likely to hold a cell phone in one hand and a brush in the other. According to one parent, her children loved the app and were able to follow the brushing exactly.

H2 Crazy Fun Kid Dentist

Boasting ⅘ star review, Crazy Kid Fun Dentists is free app lets kids to play dentist. In the app, kids will encounter a variety of real-life issues that actual dentists confront every day, including:

• Dental emergencies
• Dental phobia
• Teaching patients about effective dental hygiene
• Teeth whitening
• Oral Surgery
• Fitting braces

Crazy Kid Fun Dentist is rated T for Teen, but one reviewer says “I think it is for everyone and not for teens.”

My Virtual Tooth-Virtual Pet

My Virtual Tooth-Virtual Pet is rated E for Everyone and was voted a 4.2 out of 5 stars by reviewers.  With this app, your child will meet  “Dee,” a lovable tooth that will teaches the importance of dental care through interactive tooth games and the following features:

• A three-minute brushing timer to remind kids to brush thoroughly
• Kids can rename “Dee” if they want to
• Kids get to dress, feed, bathe, and take care of Dee
• Watch Dee grow into a healthy tooth
• Play mini games with Dee
• Decorate every room of Dee’s house
• Fantastic graphics

Kids and parents will fall in love with Dee while they learn about how to care for their own teeth.   A reviewer says:

This app is so much fun! I love to change the outfit and take it off for bathing. My fave mini game is tick tack toe.

Visit Your Dentist in Thunder Bay

We hope you find these apps helpful in getting your kids to take better care of their smile. Another great thing you do to protect your kids is to schedule their next checkup with Dr. Chow at Oasis Family Dental.  

We look forward to serving you and your whole family.

The post Entertaining Dental Apps for Kids appeared first on Oasis Dental.

Your teeth are designed to last a lifetime.  But it requires constant vigilance and daily attention to maintain them.

Brush Thoroughly and Regularly

It doesn’t matter whether you use a regular toothbrush or a fancy electric model.  The important thing is that you brush twice a day for at least two minutes.  You must thoroughly brush every region of your mouth.  And change your brush regularly–it will work better and it’s it a lot healthier. too.

Floss Every Day

Flossing every day is the best way to remove plaque from places your toothbrush cannot reach.  This also helps in the fight against gingivitis, a type of gum disease that can threaten the health of your smile.

Use Mouthwash that Contains Fluoride

Mouthwash isn’t just useful for freshening your breath.  It also fights against gum disease like gingivitis.  And make sure your mouthwash contains fluoride, to help prevent cavities.

Visit Our Friendly Dentist at Oasis Dental Care

In addition to practicing a daily regimen of effective dental care at home, the best thing you can do to protect your teeth is to visit Dr. Elaine Chow and her outstanding team at Oasis Family Dental in Thunder Bay twice a year for a check-up.  Go ahead and give us a call today to make that appointment.

The post Take Care of Your Teeth and They’ll Take Care of You appeared first on Oasis Dental.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Thunder Bay is a cornucopia of natural beauty.  So if you are lucky enough to live here or you are just visiting, be ready to get active and get outside.  Your only cheating yourself if you don’t take advantage of all the great outdoor activities that Thunder Bay has to offer.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

In 2007, listeners of CBC Radio One’s Sounds Like Canada selected Sleeping Giant Provincial Park as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada.  In fact, Sleeping Giant Provisional Park came in first with 177,305 votes, more than twice as many as Niagara Falls, the second most popular site in the survey.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park has plenty of activities for people who are ready get active and get outside in Thunder Bay including:

• Over 100 kilometers of hiking trails
• Fishing
• Cycling
• Guided nature walks
• Group campfires
• Cross-country ski trails
• Spectacular flora and fauna
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• More than 240 Campsites
• Scenic views of Lake Superior

I know what you’re thinking.  This sounds great, but what about that giant?  Is he going to wake up and attack us?  Relax.  The Sleeping Giant is named after a mesa on Sibley Peninsula which according to an Ojibwa legend, is actually a giant who protects an Ojibwa silver mine.  If you don’t try to take any silver, you should probably be ok with the giant.

Hillcrest Park

Located in the City’s north end, Hillcrest Park provides a spectacular panoramic view of the city, the harbor, Mount McKay, and the famous Sleeping Giant Rock Formation.  The park also contains delightful sunken gardens and a terrific playground for the kids.

According to Tripadviser commenter Merrit A:

This is a great vantage point to see all of Thunder Bay, its harbour, marina park, and grain elevators. There is also a sunken gardens and a military monument as well as green space to just walk about.

Fort William Historical Park

For all you history buffs, there’s Fort William Historical Park, an actual fur trade post fully refurbished to look just like it did in 1815.  Located on 250 acres in the City of Thunder Bay, Fort William Historical Parks includes:

• 15 and modern buildings
• 42 recreated Heritage buildings
• A recreating fur trade outpost
• A reconstructed Ojibwa village
• An amphitheater
• Educational summer day camps for kids
• David Thompson Astronomical Observatory

Dr. Elaine Chow–Your Friendly, Local Thunder Bay Dentist

Oasis Family Dental is another great place to visit in Thunder Bay.  Why not give us a call today and see what out gentle and professional staff can do for you?

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