Some situations go beyond dental urgency. Trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling, major facial trauma, loss of consciousness, or bleeding that will not stop can require emergency medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department when symptoms could threaten breathing, swallowing, or your overall safety.

This guide explains how to recognize common warning signs and what to do while arranging care. It cannot diagnose the cause of your symptoms, and the right response depends on what happened, how severe the symptoms are, and whether they are getting worse.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is a problem involving the teeth, gums, mouth, or jaw that may need prompt professional assessment to relieve significant symptoms, control bleeding, address infection, or protect a damaged tooth. It does not always mean the situation is life-threatening, and not every dental concern needs treatment immediately.

Urgency depends on the full picture. A small chip without pain may be less urgent than a cracked tooth that hurts when you bite. Mild sensitivity that has been stable is different from pain that wakes you at night or swelling that is spreading. A loose adult tooth after an impact needs a different response than a slightly rough filling with no symptoms.

When calling the office, explain when the problem started, what you were doing when it happened, the location and severity of the pain, and whether you have swelling, fever, bleeding, trauma, or difficulty opening your mouth. Clear details help the dental team understand what kind of assessment may be appropriate.

Which Symptoms Should Prompt a Call to an Emergency Dentist?

Contact a dentist promptly if you have severe, persistent, or worsening dental pain; swelling around a tooth or in the face; a bad taste or drainage that could suggest infection; uncontrolled dental bleeding; a broken, cracked, or loose adult tooth; a filling or crown that has failed and left the tooth painful or sharp; or an injury to the teeth, gums, jaw, or mouth.

Warning signs that deserve a prompt call include:

• Pain that is intense, worsening, or interfering with sleep, eating, or normal activities
• Swelling of the gum, cheek, face, or jaw, particularly when it is increasing
• Fever, feeling unwell, pus, or a persistent bad taste along with dental pain or swelling
• A permanent tooth that is loose, displaced, broken, or knocked out
• Bleeding from the mouth that is difficult to control
• A sharp or unstable tooth, filling, crown, or denture that is injuring soft tissue
• Pain or damage following a fall, collision, sports injury, or other trauma

Even when symptoms seem manageable, avoid assuming that the problem is harmless. Some dental conditions can worsen without constant pain. If you are uncertain, the office can help you decide whether you need urgent assessment or can book a regular appointment.

When Is Tooth Pain Urgent?

Tooth pain may be urgent when it is severe, does not settle, returns repeatedly, or is becoming more intense. Pain that occurs with swelling, fever, trauma, drainage, a bad taste, or difficulty biting also warrants prompt attention. Sudden pain in a tooth with a large filling or crown may signal that the tooth or restoration needs to be examined.

The location and pattern of pain can provide useful information, but they do not confirm a diagnosis. Throbbing pain, pain on biting, sensitivity to temperature, or pain that seems to spread into the jaw or ear can have several possible causes. A dentist may need to examine the tooth and surrounding tissues and may recommend diagnostic images before discussing treatment options.

Do not place aspirin or another medication directly against a tooth or gum. If you normally use over-the-counter pain medication safely, follow the package directions and ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you have questions about interactions, allergies, pregnancy, or medical conditions. Pain relief should not replace assessment when symptoms are severe or worsening.

What About Facial Swelling, Infection or Dental Trauma?

Facial or gum swelling can develop when inflammation or infection is present, although only a healthcare professional can determine the cause. Contact a dentist promptly when swelling appears with dental pain, tenderness, fever, drainage, a bad taste, or difficulty opening your mouth. Swelling that is rapidly increasing or spreading toward the eye, neck, or throat requires urgent attention.

Dental trauma also needs timely guidance. A blow to the mouth can damage a tooth even when the change is subtle. Call a dentist if a permanent tooth is chipped, cracked, pushed out of position, loosened, or knocked out. The American Dental Association advises keeping a knocked-out permanent tooth moist and getting to a dentist right away; avoid touching the root when handling it.

If there is a serious head or facial injury, loss of consciousness, suspected jaw fracture, trouble breathing, or heavy bleeding, seek emergency medical care. Dental treatment can follow once immediate medical risks have been addressed.

When Should You Go to the ER Instead of a Dentist?

A dentist is generally the right first call for urgent problems limited to the teeth and gums. A hospital emergency department is more appropriate when symptoms may threaten breathing, swallowing, circulation, or overall safety, or when a major injury requires medical evaluation.

Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rapidly spreading swelling of the face, jaw, neck, or throat
• Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding
• Major facial or jaw trauma, loss of consciousness, or other signs of serious injury
• Severe illness, confusion, fainting, or other symptoms that extend beyond a localized dental problem

An emergency department may help manage immediate medical risks, but it may not provide the definitive dental treatment needed for the tooth itself. Once you are medically stable, follow-up with a dentist may still be required.

What Should You Do While Arranging Dental Care?

Call the dental office and describe your symptoms clearly. While you are arranging care, use conservative steps that protect the area without attempting to diagnose or permanently repair the problem yourself.

• Rinse gently with warm water if there is debris in the mouth.
• Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek for swelling after an injury; do not place ice directly on the skin.
• Choose soft foods and avoid chewing on the painful or damaged side.
• Keep any broken tooth fragment, crown, or filling in a clean container and bring it to the appointment.
• If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown rather than the root, keep it moist, and contact a dentist immediately.
• Do not use household glue, sharp tools, or permanent do-it-yourself materials in the mouth.
• If bleeding follows an injury, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. Seek urgent help if it does not stop.

Do not delay professional care because the pain temporarily improves. Symptoms can change, and the underlying tooth or gum issue may still need attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies in Ottawa

Contact Dr. Sara Syed Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care

If you have severe or worsening dental pain, swelling, trauma, bleeding, or a damaged tooth in Ottawa, contact Dr. Sara Syed Dentistry and explain what is happening. The team can provide guidance about arranging an assessment without promising a particular treatment or appointment time.

If your symptoms affect breathing or swallowing, swelling is spreading rapidly, bleeding will not stop, or you have sustained a serious facial injury, call 911 or seek emergency medical care. Otherwise, call the clinic at 613-746-6666 as soon as possible so the dental concern can be assessed.

If you are comparing options for a Dentist in Gloucester, start by thinking about what your family may need now and what could become important over time. A practical choice should make it easier to ask questions, understand your care and access services that are relevant to different family members.

What Should You Look for in a Family Dentist?

When choosing a family dentist, compare practical fit, available services, preventive care, communication, comfort, professional standing and location. The right choice depends on how well the practice fits your family’s individual needs, rather than whether it performs best in one category.

A family may include people at different stages of life, so priorities can vary. One person may be mainly interested in preventive care, while another may need support for an existing dental concern.

When comparing practices, consider:

• The range of dental services available
• How preventive and diagnostic care is approached
• Whether treatment options are explained clearly
• Whether patients appear comfortable asking questions
• How the practice supports different family members
• The dentist’s professional standing
• Whether the location works well for your household

No single factor needs to determine your decision. Looking at several practical considerations together can provide a clearer picture of whether a dental office may be suitable for your family.

Why Does the Range of Dental Services Matter?

A broader service range can make ongoing dental care more convenient because patients may be able to address different needs through the same practice. However, offering more services does not automatically mean better care, and the available services still need to match your family’s needs.

A practice’s services page is a useful place to start when comparing options. It can help you understand the types of dental care available without needing to research every individual treatment before contacting the office.

Families can have changing needs over time. Preventive care may be the main priority at one stage, while another family member may later need assessment or treatment for a different concern.

Rather than looking for a dental office that appears to offer every possible procedure, consider whether its dental services cover the types of care your household is most likely to need.

It can also be useful to ask how care is handled if a service is required that the practice does not provide. No family dental practice needs to offer every treatment to be a practical option.

How Important Is Preventive Care When Choosing a Dentist?

Preventive care is an important part of ongoing dentistry because examinations, cleanings and individualized planning help a dental team monitor oral health over time. The appropriate approach and visit schedule should depend on each person’s findings, risk factors and clinical needs.

When comparing a family dentist, review how the practice describes diagnostic and preventive dental care.

Preventive dentistry is not simply about following the same schedule for every patient. Dental needs can differ based on oral health, previous findings, existing dental work and other factors identified during an assessment.

This can be especially relevant when choosing a dentist for several family members because children and adults may not need exactly the same type or frequency of care.

Preventive care may include:

• Examining the teeth, gums and surrounding oral tissues
• Monitoring changes over time
• Identifying areas that may need further attention
• Discussing brushing, flossing and other home-care habits
• Recommending future care based on individual findings

Preventive recommendations should be individualized rather than based on one fixed schedule for everyone.

What Should You Notice About Communication and Comfort?

Look for a dental team that explains information clearly, answers questions and gives patients space to discuss concerns. Good communication can help both adults and children understand their care, while a comfortable environment can make it easier to speak openly about dental needs.

When comparing practices, pay attention to how information is presented. Dental care can involve unfamiliar terms and different treatment options, so clear explanations can make decisions easier to understand.

Useful signs of strong communication include:

• Clear explanations of findings and treatment options
• Opportunities to ask follow-up questions
• Respect for patient concerns
• Information presented in understandable language
• An approach that takes different patient needs into account

Comfort can mean different things to different people. A child may need information explained differently from an adult, while someone who feels nervous about dental visits may value having their concerns acknowledged before care begins.

Information about a practice’s approach to patient-focused dental care may provide useful context when you are deciding whether to contact the office.

How Can Location and Convenience Affect Your Choice?

A practical location can make ongoing dental care easier to maintain, particularly when several family members may need appointments over time. Location should not be the only deciding factor, but a dental office that fits naturally into your routine can make regular care more manageable.

Dr. Sara Syed Dentistry is located at 2160 Montréal Rd #1, Ottawa, ON K1J 1G4.

If you are searching for a Dentist in Gloucester, consider how a practice’s location fits with work, school and other family responsibilities.

The closest dentist is not automatically the best fit for your household. It can make sense to balance convenience with other considerations such as services, communication, preventive care and comfort.

If practical details such as office hours, accessibility or scheduling matter to your decision, contact the practice directly rather than making assumptions about information that is not clearly stated.

How Can You Check a Dentist’s Professional Standing?

Patients in Ontario can verify a dentist’s professional registration through the province’s dental regulator and its public register. This provides an independent way to confirm professional standing while you compare practices, rather than relying only on marketing claims or descriptions found on a dental website.

Dentists practising in Ontario are regulated by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.

The College maintains a public register that patients can use to look up dentists and review available registration information.

This does not need to become a complicated part of your search. It is simply one practical step that can be considered alongside services, location, communication and overall fit.

Be cautious about using advertising terms such as “best,” “top” or “most trusted” as a substitute for checking information directly.

Professional registration is something patients can verify independently when comparing dentists in Ontario.

What Questions Can You Ask Before Choosing a Family Dentist?

Before choosing a family dentist, ask questions that help you understand the services available, the approach to preventive care, how treatment options are explained and whether the practice can support different family members. A short list of practical questions can make comparing dental offices easier.

You do not need to prepare an extensive checklist. Focus on information that matters to your household.

Useful questions include:

• What types of dental services does the practice provide?
• How is preventive care approached?
• How are treatment options explained when there is more than one possibility?
• Can the practice support patients at different stages of life?
• How can patients ask questions about a new dental concern?
• What information should a new patient review before contacting the office?

You can also ask about specific concerns that are important to your family.

The purpose of these questions is not to find one perfect answer. Instead, they can help you understand how the practice approaches care and whether that approach seems compatible with your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Family Dentist in Gloucester

Talk to Dr. Sara Syed Dentistry About Family Dental Care in Gloucester

Choosing a Dentist in Gloucester involves considering how several factors work together. Services, preventive care, communication, comfort, professional standing and location can all help you decide whether a practice may fit your family’s ongoing dental needs.

Dr. Sara Syed Dentistry is located at 2160 Montréal Rd #1, Ottawa, ON K1J 1G4. You can review the practice’s services for more information about the care available and contact Dr. Sara Syed Dentistry with questions about whether the practice may be a practical option for your family.

A dental examination is the best way to determine what’s happening beneath the surface. During an appointment, your dentist may use X-rays and a clinical assessment to identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Routine Diagnostic & Preventative Health appointments can also help detect problems before they become more serious.

Understanding when a root canal may be recommended can help you seek care sooner and protect your long-term oral health.

What Is a Root Canal?

The Canadian Dental Association explains that root canal treatment removes infected, injured or dead pulp from inside a tooth.  Beneath the hard enamel and dentin is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If this tissue becomes inflamed or infected because of deep decay, repeated dental work, a crack, or trauma to the tooth, treatment may be recommended to remove the damaged tissue while preserving the natural tooth whenever possible.

After the affected tissue is removed, the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. In many cases, a dental crown or another restoration may also be recommended to help strengthen and protect the treated tooth.

The goal is to address the source of the problem while allowing you to keep your natural tooth whenever appropriate.

Common Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Not every dental problem causes obvious symptoms, but there are several signs that may indicate a tooth should be evaluated.

Persistent tooth pain

One of the most common reasons people visit the dentist is ongoing tooth pain. The discomfort may feel dull, throbbing, or sharp, and it may occur while eating or even when you’re resting.

Persistent pain doesn’t automatically mean you need a root canal, but it does mean the tooth should be examined to determine the underlying cause.

Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold

It’s normal to notice brief sensitivity after eating ice cream or drinking hot coffee. However, if the discomfort lingers for several seconds or even minutes after the temperature is gone, it could suggest that the pulp inside the tooth has been affected.

This type of lingering sensitivity is one of several symptoms your dentist will consider during an examination.

Swollen or tender gums

Inflammation around a single tooth may also be a warning sign. Some people notice swelling, tenderness, or a small pimple-like bump on the gum near the affected tooth.

These symptoms can have several causes, including infection, so it’s important to have them evaluated rather than waiting for them to improve on their own.

A darkened tooth

If one tooth begins looking noticeably darker than the surrounding teeth, it may indicate changes occurring inside the tooth. Previous trauma or damage to the pulp can sometimes affect the tooth’s colour over time.

While discoloration isn’t always caused by an infection, it’s another reason to schedule an assessment.

Pain when biting or chewing

Pain that occurs only when biting down can sometimes point to inflammation within the tooth or damage such as a crack. Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, your dentist will examine the tooth carefully before recommending treatment.

Why Prompt Treatment Matters

Many dental problems don’t improve without professional care. If the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected, delaying treatment may allow the problem to progress.

Over time, infection may spread deeper into the tooth and surrounding tissues. This can lead to increased discomfort, swelling, or additional treatment needs. Acting early may provide more options for managing the problem and may improve the likelihood of preserving the natural tooth when appropriate.

Prompt evaluation is also important because symptoms that seem minor can sometimes indicate a more significant issue beneath the surface. Even if the pain comes and goes, it is still worth having it assessed rather than assuming it will disappear permanently.

Waiting until symptoms become severe can make daily activities like eating and drinking more uncomfortable and may limit treatment options depending on the condition of the tooth. If you have severe pain, facial swelling, trauma or worsening symptoms, contact a dentist promptly or review our emergency dental services.

What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment

Many people feel nervous when they hear the words “root canal,” but modern treatment is generally much more comfortable than its reputation suggests. The procedure is designed to remove infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.

The first step is a thorough examination. Your dentist will review your symptoms, examine the tooth, and take X-rays if needed to determine whether root canal treatment is appropriate or if another option would better address the problem.

If a root canal is recommended, the tooth is numbed before treatment begins. An opening is made to access the inside of the tooth, allowing the damaged pulp to be removed. The root canals are then carefully cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to help prevent future infection.

Depending on the condition of the tooth, a filling or crown may be recommended afterward to restore strength and function. Your dentist will explain the most appropriate next steps based on your individual needs.

If you would like to learn more about treatment options, visit Dr. Sara Syed’s Endodontic Services page for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Only a dental examination can determine whether a root canal is recommended. Symptoms such as persistent tooth pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around a tooth, discomfort when biting, or a darkened tooth may indicate that further assessment is needed. However, these symptoms can also have other causes, which is why an accurate diagnosis is important.

Does a root canal hurt?

Many people expect root canal treatment to be painful because of stories they’ve heard in the past. Modern techniques and local anesthetic help keep patients comfortable during the procedure. In many cases, people seek treatment because the infected tooth itself is causing significant discomfort, and treating the source of the problem may help relieve those symptoms.

Can a tooth heal without a root canal?

Some dental problems can be treated without a root canal, depending on their cause and severity. However, if the pulp inside the tooth has become irreversibly damaged or infected, it typically cannot heal on its own. A dental examination is needed to determine the most appropriate treatment for your situation.

How long does root canal treatment take?

Treatment time varies depending on the tooth involved and the complexity of the case. Some root canals can be completed in a single visit, while others may require more than one appointment. Your dentist will discuss what to expect after evaluating your tooth.

What happens if I delay treatment?

Delaying treatment may allow infection or inflammation inside the tooth to progress. This can increase discomfort and may affect the surrounding tissues. Seeking an assessment promptly gives your dentist the opportunity to diagnose the issue and discuss appropriate treatment options before the condition potentially becomes more complicated.

Protect Your Oral Health with Dr. Sara Syed

Persistent tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, swelling, or discomfort when biting should never be ignored. While these symptoms do not always mean you need a root canal, they do indicate that your tooth should be evaluated by a dental professional.

Dr. Sara Syed and her team are committed to helping patients understand the cause of their symptoms and recommending treatment based on a thorough examination. If you’re concerned about a painful or damaged tooth, Contact Dr. Sara Syed to schedule an assessment and discuss the most appropriate next steps for your oral health.

These cleanings can be done alone as a routine cleaning or combined with a regular check-up from your dentist. Doing both not only maintains oral cleanliness but also gives your dentist a vital opportunity to screen for early warning signs of more serious issues. This can help prevent expensive treatment, or even worse, tooth loss. In fact, studies show that routine dental visits provide one of the highest net health benefits when compared to reactive treatment approaches (Farmer et al., 2024). 

In higher-income countries, it is the norm for the general population to visit a dentist for a general checkup in 6-month intervals. For those who have a history of periodontitis, it is recommended to do these checkups in 3-month intervals. In Canada, access to dental care has historically been uneven. Health Canada reported in 2010 that lower-income families experienced oral health outcomes twice as poor as those from higher-income households (Health Canada, 2010). Since 2010, there have been changes to Canada’s plan to helping support all families regardless of their socioeconomic status. Canada has implemented the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) (Government of Canada, 2024). This plan has a couple of criteria to qualify.  

1. 1. 1. 1. First, you don’t have access to dental insurance.
         2. You must have filed your tax return last year.
         3. Your adjusted family net income is less than 90 000$.
         4. You are a Canadian resident.

If you think you might qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, don’t wait… Visit CDCP website today. If you are an existing patient or closely related to one of our patients, contact our office today to schedule your next cleaning/checkup. We are here to help keep your smile healthy! 

Work Cited 

Farmer, J., Peres, M. A., Peres, K. G., Bernabé, E., Watt, R. G., & Listl, S. (2024). Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of preventive dental interventions for primary and permanent teeth: A systematic review. Global Health Journal, 9(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844241271684 

Government of Canada. (2024, June 27). Who can apply: Canadian Dental Care Plan. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/qualify.html 

Health Canada. (2010). Summary report on the findings of the oral health component of the Canadian Health Measures Survey 2007–2009. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/reports-publications/oral-health/canadian-health-measures-survey.html 

The Importance of Oral Health: Why it matters more than you think?

To many, a healthy lifestyle is attributed with eating clean, exercising, and getting enough sleep. The one aspect that is commonly overlooked is oral health. Many people do not realize the extent to which oral health can affect your overall health. No need to bore you with specifics, we will just be outlining a few diseases that are closely associated with poor oral health.

Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)

This disease is as insufficient insulin secretion resulting to impaired regulation of blood glucose levels. Poor oral health conditions such as periodontal disease can lead to an increase rate of prevalence of diabetes and in turn negatively impact glycemic control (Fu et al., 2025). Not only that but patient with diabetes exhibit a higher risk of developing caries and root fracture (Fu et al., 2025). All that to say that patients with diabetes mellitus should consider oral health to be a vital component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Stay tuned for a more in-depth explanation.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term referring to heart failure, ischemic heart disease, stroke and much more … These diseases account for 33% of all global deaths (Fu et al., 2025). Unfortunately, there is a strong association between CVD’s and oral health. For example, the inflammatory environment of an oral cavity releases a group of signaling proteins called cytokines that impair function of certain tissues (endothelial) which contributes to hypertension (Fu et al., 2025). It is crazy how everything in your body is interconnected.

Chronic Respiratory Diseases

These types of diseases restrict or impede the main function of the respiratory system, to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, thereby supporting the metabolic activities of the body’s cell. Remember how I said earlier on that everything is interconnected, the oral activity is connected to the respiratory tract, so it is bound to have a stronger correlation. Asthma, for example, exhibit altered salivary flow rates, which causes poorer oral health such as heightened risk of dental caries (Fu et al., 2025). A study conducted in Korea found that oral health problems significantly increase the risk of pneumonia (Son et al., 2020). It was also found that the subjects that frequently brushed their teeth and get regular professional dental cleanings reduce their chances of developing pneumonia (Son et al., 2020).

Alright you guys, I know I have been spewing a bunch of facts your way. My goal here is not to scare you. Unfortunately, dental care is not taken as seriously as it should be. Our goal is to inform you of the effects of poor dental hygiene and oral health. Hopefully this made you open your eyes a little bit on how detrimental poor oral health is to your overall health.

Work cited

Son, M., Jo, S., Lee, J. S., & Lee, D. H. (2020). Association between oral health and incidence of pneumonia: A population-based cohort study from Korea. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 9576. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-66312-2

Fu, D., Shu, X., Zhou, G., Ji, M., Liao, G., & Zou, L. (2025). Connection between oral health and chronic diseases. MedComm, 6(1), e70052. https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.70052

Dr Sara Syed & Dr Sannan Sohail
(613) 746-6666

Review your dental habits: Take a few minutes to sit down and consider your current dental home care. Bonus points if you do this with your whole family. Note how your teeth feel on a regular basis, if certain foods trigger sensitivities, what habits you have that might be negatively impacting your teeth, how often you brush and floss and anything else that impacts your oral health.
Pre-schedule your annual dental visits: Pull out the calendar and call your dentist to book your recommended preventative cleanings, outstanding fillings, or other dental treatments that may have been put on the back-burner for you and your family. Lock it into your schedule now and know that you have already taken the first step to great oral care this year.
Floss daily: We can’t count the number of times people visit our clinic and tell us that they just keep forgetting to floss. Set up a flossing chart in your bathroom or design a family challenge to floss together once a day. It only takes a few minutes, this will have incredible benefits for your teeth and gums for a lifetime.
Brush twice a day: While most people already do this, many people get into their own habit of only brushing once a day. Give yourself the resolution of brushing twice a day – once every morning and once before bedtime every night.

When it comes to making new year’s resolutions that actually stick, we recommend that start by simply writing each of your resolutions down somewhere that you can see them every single day. Next, tell people about them and ask these friends of family members to hold you accountable for your decisions. Finally, set your resolutions up just like you would if you were doing a 30-day challenge at your gym and reward yourself with something every time you achieve your 30 days of success (like an electric toothbrush?).

Call us at 613-746-6666 or email us at contactus@drsarasyed.com now to book your cleanings and start the year off right!

Happy New Year from everyone on our team here at Dr. Sara Syed Dentistry!

Sugar: Sticky, sugary foods that tend to be at every social occasion and in everyone’s pantry this time of the year can promote a breeding ground for bacteria inside your mouth, creating acid and harming the enamel that protects your teeth. Be especially aware of candies that are sticky and chewy which might paste sugars right onto your teeth and candies that are hard and can risk breaking your teeth.

Starches: Pies and cakes and even freshly baked breads tend to break down into sugar and cause the same impact as sugar does. Be particularly mindful of carbohydrates that stick to your teeth. 

Spirits: Many of us look forward to a good holiday cocktail or a warm hot toddy at the end of a freezing cold day, but making a frequent habit of savouring your favourite spirit can increase tooth sensitivities and cavities. This goes for sodas, fruit juices and energy drinks too. 

Stress: Whether you are losing sleep over your social calendar or last minute gift shopping, that stress has the potential to impact your teeth. Not only can stress lead to poor diet choices, but it can also cause sleep issues which may put you at risk of jaw pain, teeth grinding and dry mouth. 

Beyond the four S’s, remember to travel with your toothbrush and floss in tow, carve out enough time for a good night’s sleep and take some enjoyable winter walks to keep your body moving and strong all holiday season long. If you plan to hosting a holiday party, offer tooth-friendly snacks like cheese which will neutralize acidity from sugar, and nuts which will strengthen your teeth. And keep in mind; if you can’t brush your teeth right after eating the tempting holiday treats, try drinking some water to help remove the lingering sugars in your mouth.

If you want to be pro-active about your oral health, we recommend calling our team now to reserve your 2020 dental cleanings. Call us now at 613-746-6666 or email our team at contactus@drsarasyed.com 

We might not be able to pinpoint exactly what your plan will cover, but we can help you understand the four basic categories that you’ll often find mentioned in dental insurance plans: basic, comprehensive basic, major services and orthodontic services. 

Basic dental care includes preventative services such as cleanings and X-rays. This means that you’ll be able to have your teeth cleaned and scanned for any potential cavities, but will not be covered if you require these cavities to be filled.

Comprehensive basic care includes procedures such as root canals and fillings. This is typically the area where most people like to be covered, as these services can come at a higher cost than cleanings.

Major services cover restorative care such as crowns, bridges and dentures. Being covered for these procedures is a wise idea, as they are – as their name suggests – a major undertaking, and can often result in an unplanned and expensive visit to the dentist’s office if you are not insured.

Orthodontic services is a specialized field of dentistry that handles the diagnosis, prevention and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. Braces would fall under this category, as would occlusion and dentistry that focuses on correcting your bite alignment. 

Some dental insurance plans will only cover you in some of the areas listed above, while others will cover all. It is also important to check whether you have a deductible and how much you are insured for in each category – you will either see a monetary amount or percentage listed.

Note that cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening are not usually covered by dental insurance, although certain services mentioned above could inadvertently improve your teeth’s aesthetics, such as replacement of defective fillings in the front teeth and their ability to improve discolouration.

Give us a call at 613-746-6666 to discuss your needs today, and if you have dental insurance we can submit a predetermination that will help you understand what fees your insurance company will assist you with.

But don’t be scared! We have some easy solutions to keep you and your family cavity-free this Halloween. A little bit of self-control and some effective candy sorting goes a long way. The best part? We actually prefer your binge! Eating your daily candy portion all at once and then brushing right away is much better for your teeth than grazing on candy all day long, which repetitively exposes your teeth to the harmful effects of sugar.

Step 1: Avoid and Limit the Worst Treats for your Teeth

If you are a closet jawbreaker junkie, this might be easier said than done, but limiting your intake of these particular candies that are known to hurt your teeth is the first step in a healthy Halloween:
Candies that are sticky/chewy including caramels that glue sugars to your teeth and can pull out old fillings.
Candies that are hard, which can literally break your teeth (they aren’t called jawbreakers without reason).
Candies that linger in your mouth too long such as suckers; the longer they are in your mouth, the more damage the sugar can do!

Step 2: Opt for Eating and Giving out Healthier Treats like

You can be a part of our collective oral healthiness! All you have to do it hand out treats such as the ones listed below, that are less likely to gravely impact your teeth.

Granola bars
Cereal bars
Chips
Pretzels
Raisins
Plain chocolate bars
Or…give out pencils, stickers, temporary tattoos instead!

Step 3: Try to Avoid Tooth Pain Post-Halloween

So, you’ve successfully conquered Halloween without overindulging in the sticky and hard candies, but you still fear the onslaught of tooth pain? Here are a few more easy tips to avoid tooth pain after Halloween:

Don’t forget to brush brush brush and floss, floss, floss. You can definitely brush more than the typically recommended two times a day when candy is involved!

If a toothbrush isn’t available, at least be sure to rinse out your mouth with water to help flush out some of the lingering sugars.
Remember…safety always comes first – check each candy before you or your children eat it.

Wondering if that tooth sensitivity might be a result of your overindulgence at Halloween? Perhaps you are experiencing the scariest part of Halloween, right inside your mouth. If that’s the case, call our team at Dr. Syed right now to schedule an appointment. We are here to help!