Mireille Lessard Dental Centre

Important additional content for our patients

On this page, you will find:

  • Articles for our patients
  • Post-operative recommendations.
  • Important information for your children.

Articles for our patients

The Importance of Periodic Dental Check-ups

Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining the health of our teeth and gums. Generally, we recommend scheduling an appointment every six months.

A routine check-up involves examining the teeth for cavities, plaque, or tartar. Dental plaque is a whitish deposit that adheres to the tooth surface. Made mainly of bacteria, it hardens into tartar if not removed in time; once it reaches this stage, only a dental professional can remove it. Neglecting this can lead to various problems arising sooner or later.

The second stage of the examination involves checking the gums using an instrument that measures the space between the teeth and the gums. A minimal gap indicates healthy gums, whereas a more pronounced gap suggests inflammation. Naturally, this examination considers each patient's specific circumstances (dietary habits, smoking, saliva characteristics, diabetes, etc.). Oral cancer screening tests are also available.

Tips for Healthy Gums

We all learn from a young age that we need to brush our teeth regularly to keep them healthy. But what about our gums?

Here are a few tips for maintaining good gum health:

  • Gently brush your gums every time you brush your teeth, using a soft-bristled brush (always brushing vertically, moving from the gum toward the tooth).
  • Carefully clean your molars and premolars (since these are located at the back of the mouth, they are often neglected and therefore more prone to plaque buildup).
  • Check your gums once a week for any changes in colour or texture.
  • Use dental floss daily to dislodge food particles stuck between your teeth.

It is worth noting that many patients stop flossing because they experience bleeding and pain after use. Of course, stopping is not the solution, as the situation is likely to worsen rather than improve. Bleeding is caused by the microbes in plaque; that is why you should stick to good habits and see a dental professional if the pain or bleeding persists for more than two weeks.

Also, see your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Gum disease can attack the bone supporting the tooth if left untreated. To avoid complications—and ultimately tooth extraction—it's best to take a preventive approach and seek treatment before the condition becomes too advanced.

Choosing Your Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Mouthwash

Maintaining a good brushing and flossing routine is an excellent habit, but choosing the right tools matters just as much!

For toothbrushes, we generally recommend soft bristles, though patients with tooth sensitivity are often advised to use extra-soft ones. Stiffer bristles are suitable only for people with tough gums. In general, synthetic bristles are gentler and more hygienic than natural bristles; the latter tend to be too hard and risk injuring your gums.

As for the brush head, it should be small enough to reach every part of your mouth. Brush heads come in various shapes—from simple to articulated or complex designs—with different bristle lengths and arrangements. If you aren't sure what is best for your needs, your dentist can recommend the right type of toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes are becoming increasingly popular. The best choice is a model with a round head that rotates around the teeth. Ideally, replace the electric toothbrush unit every two years, while discarding a manual toothbrush after three months of use.

Regarding toothpaste, the first piece of advice is to choose a flavour you enjoy. It’s simple: if you don't like the taste, you are far less likely to be diligent about brushing.

Many brands use buzzwords to entice us to buy their toothpaste. However, all toothpastes are designed to fight cavities, as they help remove plaque when used correctly. Most toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps protect enamel against cavities. Although fluoride is highly beneficial for children's dental health, take care to ensure they do not swallow the toothpaste to prevent fluorosis (fluoride overdose). This condition can cause, among other things, small whitish spots on the teeth. For this reason, the amount of toothpaste used by children under the age of six should not exceed the size of a pea.

Antibacterial toothpastes are also available for patients prone to gingivitis. For individuals with teeth sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can be an excellent solution to alleviate the issue. If you think one of these products might be right for you, please consult your dentist before using it.

Post-operative recommendations for patients

Tooth Extraction

To speed healing, we strongly recommend following the instructions below. Please note, however, that some discomfort and swelling in the lower face after surgery are normal.

Day of surgery:

  • Use gauze pads and keep them in your mouth for one hour, maintaining firm pressure.
  • Apply ice to your cheek at regular intervals (20 minutes on, 40 minutes off).
  • If bleeding occurs, bite down on a piece of gauze or a slightly moistened tea bag for about 20 minutes.
  • Many patients experience bleeding and notice a reddish tinge to their saliva.

Things to avoid

  • Do not rinse your mouth or spit.
  • Do not drink through a straw.
  • Do not smoke for the first week.
  • Do not eat hot foods or drink hot beverages; choose cold, soft foods instead.
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity.

Pain

  • During the first 24 to 72 hours, take acetaminophen (Tylenol, Atasol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)—or the pain medication prescribed to you—as needed, but avoid aspirin.
  • You may also have difficulty opening your mouth. This discomfort will subside within four to five days.

Suggested diet

  • On the day of the extraction, eat only soft foods and drink lukewarm beverages. Once you feel better, you can resume eating normally.

From the next day until fully healed

  • Rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water (2 ml, or ½ teaspoon, of salt in 250 ml, or 1 cup, of water). Brush and floss daily to remove plaque and promote better long-term results.
  • Avoid brushing the extraction site for the first 72 hours.
  • Avoid eating hard foods (nuts, candy, ice cubes).
  • You may find certain words difficult to pronounce and experience increased saliva production. Everything will return to normal within a week.
  • Bruising may appear on your face; this will fade after five to seven days.
  • Some patients experience difficulty opening their mouths for up to five days following the extraction.
  • If pain worsens rather than subsides after three days, please do not hesitate to call us.

Rest assured, you will likely feel better after a few days and be able to resume your normal activities. If you have pain, heavy bleeding, swelling lasting 2–3 days, or a reaction to prescribed medication, please contact us immediately at 418 335-5440.

Placement of a Crown or Bridge

To promote healing, follow the guidelines below. Please note, however, that experiencing some discomfort and swelling in the lower face after the procedure is completely normal.

Placing bridges or crowns requires two appointments. During the first visit, we take impressions of the teeth to be replaced. We then place temporary crowns or bridges to protect your teeth while we fabricate the permanent replacements.

Day of Treatment

  • Take prescribed medication as needed.

Avoid

  • Consuming hot liquids while the anesthesia is still in effect.
  • Eating sticky or hard foods (such as chewing gum or candy).

Diet

  • Chew on the opposite side.

From the Next Day Until Healing Is Complete

  • Brush your teeth normally, but use dental floss carefully to avoid dislodging the temporary crown.

If the temporary crown comes off, please visit the clinic immediately to have it re-cemented. Delaying this could make placing the permanent crown more difficult and may cause surrounding teeth to shift into the open space.

If you experience pain or have any questions, please call us at 418 335-5440.

Children

Your child's first visit

Ideally, your child's first dental appointment should happen around age two.

During this first visit, the dentist and hygienist will build a trusting relationship with your child and perform an oral exam and cleaning. They will also take the opportunity to teach you proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Nearly 50% of patients feel anxious about dental visits. To avoid passing your own anxiety on to your child, it is essential to maintain a positive attitude and explain what to expect during the appointment. Your cooperation is important before, during, and after the visit.

Before the first visit

  • Many books tell the story of a character experiencing their first visit to the dentist. We suggest choosing one and reading it with your child a few days before the appointment to help put them at ease.
  • You might also try outlining the steps of the visit the day before.
    Never tell your child that they will feel no discomfort or pain during the exam or cleaning.

During the visit

  • We may sometimes ask the accompanying adult to sit in the dental chair and hold the child on their lap during the examination.
  • For older children, you may be asked to return to the waiting room once we establish initial rapport.
  • Listen carefully to instructions and suggestions regarding your child's oral care, and maintain a positive attitude about the appointment.
  • Make a habit of scheduling appointments every six months.

After the visit

  • Ensure your child brushes their teeth three to four times a day, or after every meal, and do not skip brushing before bedtime. Monitor your child's diet and offer low-acid, unsweetened foods.
  • Make sure your child brushes their teeth before bed until age 10.

Nutrition for Healthy Teeth

Sugary foods and drinks turn into acid when they come into contact with the bacteria naturally present in our saliva. This acid causes enamel erosion and, eventually, tooth decay.

Unfortunately, many nutritious foods and beverages contain natural sugars that can also harm teeth. Examples include milk, fruit juice, and most starchy foods (such as crackers and teething biscuits), all of which break down into sugar. If these foods remain in the mouth for too long, they turn into acid. Of course, you cannot simply eliminate these foods from your child's diet, as they contain vitamins and nutrients essential for healthy development.

In short, to minimize sugar-related damage, keep an eye on what your child eats and supervise how often they brush their teeth. To do this, take time to check the ingredient list before adding products to your cart. Foods containing sweeteners derived from corn, corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, molasses, fructose, glucose, or dextrose should be consumed in moderation. Since children love snacks, opt for water instead of other beverages. Nuts, cheese, and raw vegetables make excellent snack choices for both your children's oral health and their overall well-being. Treat fruit juice, soft drinks, and sweets as occasional treats, and brush teeth thoroughly after consuming them.

The Truth About Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral formed by combining fluorine with another element. It is found in soil, fresh and salt water, and the foods we eat. Fluoride offers several oral health benefits, including preventing cavities and even reversing them in their early stages.

To prevent cavities on a large scale at minimal cost, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water ensures that public drinking water contains an appropriate level of fluoride. In short, children who drink water daily and eat a balanced diet get the fluoride they need to prevent cavities. If you have a fluoride deficiency, your dentist can advise you on options such as fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, or gel.

However, as the saying goes, moderation is key! Excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis in children. This condition typically manifests as small, whitish spots on the teeth. That is why it is always wise to consult a dental professional before making any changes to your routine.

Pacifier

Babies generally enjoy sucking because it helps them feed and relax. As your child grows older, this need will diminish. If the habit persists, it is better to use a pacifier than thumb-sucking.

Why?

It is easier to control this habit. Also, to prevent cavities, never add sugar, honey, or corn syrup to a pacifier. Ideally, the child should give up the pacifier before age two. If your child continues to suck their thumb or a pacifier *after* their permanent teeth have developed, problems regarding jaw growth and tooth alignment may eventually arise.

Tips for children wearing braces

As you know, instilling good dental hygiene habits in young children isn't always easy. And when one of your children is prescribed orthodontic braces, your diligence in ensuring proper oral hygiene becomes even more important.

Regular brushing—three times a day for three minutes—is essential for children with fixed or removable braces, as these appliances can trap bacteria. If not removed, these bacteria contribute to cavities and gum disease. Listening to a song or using a timer can help your child stick to the recommended brushing time.

Furthermore, the choice of tools and brushing technique inevitably affects the quality of oral hygiene. Those wearing braces should ideally choose a toothbrush with a short, narrow head and a slightly curved handle for easier grip. The bristles should be soft or medium-firm. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles begin to wear out. Wear and tear happens faster with braces, so keep a close eye on the brush! Under these conditions, never use a toothbrush for longer than three months.

Just as with those who do not wear braces, brushing must cover all areas of the teeth (left and right, front and back, lower and upper). Always brush from the gumline toward the tip of the tooth. Don't overlook flossing before brushing. Brushing your tongue also helps remove residual food particles, effectively complementing your oral care routine. You can choose whichever toothpaste you prefer, though your dentist may recommend a specific one based on your individual needs.