Stop Tartar in Its Tracks

Everyone develops plaque because bacteria are constantly growing in our mouths. This sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth and gum line can harden into tartar if not removed by practicing proper oral hygiene. Not only can tartar threaten the health of your teeth and gums, it is also a cosmetic problem. Once tartar hardens and builds up on your teeth, only our doctors at Clareview & Belmont Dental Associates can remove it.

Proper brushing, especially with American Dental Association (ADA) approved tartar control toothpaste, and flossing is necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. The top three ways to prevent tartar in addition to plaque is to brush thoroughly at least twice a day for two minutes, floss daily, and schedule at least two regular dental visits for professional cleanings and dental examinations each year.

If you have tartar buildup, it is time to schedule a dental checkup. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Clareview & Belmont Dental Associates here in Edmonton, AB, call 780-475-5922.

Let Us Explain, Novocain

When you think of the dentist’s office, our doctors at Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates are almost certain that you’re wondering about your pain-free options. Depending on the procedure at hand, you will either be given a local or general anesthetic. Local anesthesia allows the patient to remain awake, while general anesthesia allows the patient to sleep. If you are told you’ll be receiving a local anesthetic, “Novocain” probably comes to mind. Novocain is commonly used to suppress pain in patients who remain conscious. During your consultation, our doctors will determine if Novocain is appropriate for your treatment plan as well as if it is the best option for you.

Novocain is normally injected into an area during oral surgery and other dental procedures to numb the surrounding tissues. Like any medication, however, side effects include numbness around the injection site that can last for several hours, a tingling sensation around the injection site, as well as minor swelling around or near the injection site. Novocain is a good option for some, but not for others. Be sure to provide us with as much information about your medical history as possible so that you and our doctors can make an informed decision.

If you would like to discuss sedation options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Clareview & Belmont Dental Associates here in Edmonton, AB, call 780-475-5922.

Xylitol and Tooth Decay

While strolling through the candy aisle at the drugstore have you ever noticed a sweet treat that contains xylitol? If so, you should grab it if you want to protect your teeth from decay. Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables. It tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. Our doctors at Clareview & Belmont Dental Associates encourage the use of xylitol due to its unique and clinically proven dental benefits.

Xylitol prevents cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to the teeth. With the dental benefits of xylitol, the acid attack that would otherwise last for over 30 minutes after food consumption is stopped. Because the bacteria in the mouth that are causing cavities are unable to digest xylitol, their growth is greatly reduced. In addition to reducing cavities, xylitol also reduces plaque formation and increases salivary flow to aid in the repair of damaged tooth enamel. So next time you’re strolling through the candy aisle at a convenience store, you may want to look for a label that mentions this sugar substitute.

If you have questions about tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Clareview & Belmont Dental Associates here in Edmonton, AB, call 780-475-5922.

Basics of Bruxism

If your teeth are worn, damaged, or sensitive, or if you have pain in your jaw, face, or ear, it may be time to visit us at Clareview & Belmont Dental Associates. These are common symptoms of bruxism, a condition in which you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth and the condition can have a variety of causes. Some experts view this issue as nothing more than a habit, but this habit can wreak serious havoc on your teeth, provoking you to endure invasive dental procedures in the future.

People with severe bruxism can break dental fillings or damage their teeth. Rubbing the teeth together can cause the outer layers of enamel to wear away, exposing dentin, which can lead to tooth sensitivity. Severe bruxism can also be the result of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders as well as unexplained facial pain. If one of our doctors determines that you’re a “bruxer” he or she will discuss the best way to treat the condition. The treatment of bruxism typically depends on the cause.

If you are suffering from symptoms of bruxism, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Clareview & Belmont Dental Associates here in Edmonton, AB, call 780-475-5922.

Advantages of Teeth Whitening

How many of us get a confidence boost when a stranger gives us a compliment? Have you ever paid attention to how much of a positive effect this has on your self-esteem? The same applies to teeth whitening. Teeth-whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color if you would like. Here at Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates, we can help you do just that.

With all of the lifestyle habits and environmental factors that have the ability to stain our teeth on a daily basis, even proper maintenance sometimes leave them a little dull. Fortunately through our tray whitening system, your pearly whites can revive their shine. In addition, teeth-whitening can also take years off of your appearance. This is because as we age, over time, our teeth darken and can become yellow, brown, or even develop a green or grey tint (which may be due to heredity and/or eating habits). Your smile speaks volumes about who you are and leaves an everlasting impression, so it’s only natural that you want it to be as radiant as possible.

If you wish to enhance the appearance of your smile, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com  for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Clareview & Belmont Dental Associates here in Edmonton, AB, call 780-475-5922.

Understanding an Underbite

The main cause of an underbite is a misalignment of the lower jaw, which is usually present at birth. An underbite, clinically called prognathism, is the malocclusion or “bad bite” that happens when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. Just because your mouth may have this problem doesn’t mean that it’s untreatable. If you have been diagnosed with an underbite, our doctors at Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates can correct the problem with dental braces.

Although far less common than overbites, underbites still affect 5-10 percent of the population. An extreme underbite can cause facial abnormality, resulting in an extended chin. In addition to the aesthetic problem, underbites including difficulty with chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Underbites may also wear down tooth enamel and increase your chances of developing tooth decay or other dental problems such as TMJ disorder.

If you would like to discuss your underbite treatment options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com  for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Clareview & Belmont Dental Associates here in Edmonton, AB, call 780-475-5922.

Overbite Overview

If you have been diagnosed with an overbite, this simply means that your top teeth extend beyond your bottom teeth. It is a common dental problem that our doctors at Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates can correct with braces. Overbite teeth are considered a type of “bad bite.” It can either be noticeable or unnoticeable, but it some extreme cases it can make your jaw look significantly larger or your bottom jaw look much smaller.

Most often, overbites are inherited as traits just as the color of your eyes or the freckles on your cheeks. Other causes of misaligned bites may result from an early loss of baby or adult teeth, gum disease, or common oral health problems in children, such as thumb sucking. Once one of our doctors confirms your overbite with X-rays, he or she may take regular photographs of your face to further examine the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and head. From there, an individualized treatment plan will be developed to correct the bite.

If you wish to correct your bite with orthodontic treatment, please give us a call to discuss your options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com  for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Clareview & Belmont Dental Associates here in Edmonton, AB, call 780-475-5922.

Selecting the Right Mouthwash

Mouthwash or rinses are used for a variety of reasons: to freshen breath, to help prevent or control tooth decay, to reduce plaque, to prevent or reduce gingivitis, to reduce the speed that tartar forms on the teeth, or to produce a combination of these effects. Active ingredients vary depending on the type of mouth rinse, but are normally placed into four general groups. While shopping for mouthwash at your local drugstore, it is important when searching for the rinse that’s right for you to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Mouthwash has many beneficial qualities and our doctors at Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates would like to explain a few.

• Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.


• Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.


• Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.


• Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor causing compounds.

If you have questions about oral hygiene or oral hygiene products, please give us a call. To schedule an appointment with Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates in Edmonton, AB call 780-475-5922 or visit our website, www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com. 

Soft Food Diet for TMJ Disorder

If you suffer from a TMJ disorder, you may notice a clicking or a popping in your jaw when you try to eat your favorite foods. This is because symptoms of TMJ disorder can include jaw discomfort and tenderness or pain when opening or closing the mouth. At Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates, our doctors don’t want you to live on a soft diet, but incorporating soft foods into it may alleviate your discomfort.

Soft foods give your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal. Some excellent (and healthy) foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt. If you must eat food that requires a heavy amount of chewing, we recommended chopping it up into small pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, soft cakes, cobblers and cheesecake are good things to choose from.

If you experience pain or clicking in your jaw, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates in Edmonton, AB call 780-475-5922 or visit our website, www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com. 

Electric vs Manual Toothbrush

Here at Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates, our dentists aren’t picky about what type of toothbrush you use because the important thing is that you are brushing your teeth correctly. However, we thought we would tell explain how brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush compares to manual brushing.

It’s possible to brush your teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush. However, an electric toothbrush can be a great alternative to a manual one, especially if you have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to brush well. Although almost any toothbrush can do an effective job, research suggests there is one electronic toothbrush bristle configuration that seems to be better at removing plaque and preventing gum disease.

If you choose an electric toothbrush, make sure the toothbrush is comfortable to hold and easy to use. It’s important to remember that the purpose of a toothbrush is to remove plaque and to stimulate the gums to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual one, remember that what’s most important is daily brushing and flossing.

If you have questions about oral hygiene or dental health, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To schedule an appointment with Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates in Edmonton, AB call 780-475-5922 or visit our website, www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com. 

Gum Disease Stages

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with our doctors at Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates twice a year to avoid them. 

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth is officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If your gums are inflamed, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates in Edmonton, AB call 780-475-5922 or visit our website, www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com. 

Break Those Bad Oral Habits

At Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates, tooth sensitivity is a common complaint among our dental patients. Sensitive teeth occur when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. There are many reasons why your teeth may be tender and we’d like to tell you what they are. We would also like you to call us if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity so we can discuss your treatment options.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will cause you pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

To schedule an appointment with Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates here in Edmonton, AB call 780-475-5922 or visit our website, www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com. 

Facts on Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth’s crust and widely distributed in nature and is often added to water to help reduce tooth decay. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay, even before the decay is visible. Here at Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates, we can discuss professional fluoride treatments with you to see if you are a prime candidate.

When fluoride reaches your teeth, it is absorbed into the enamel. Fluoride helps to repair the enamel by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorus to keep your teeth hard through a process called remineralization. When fluoride is present during this process, the minerals deposited into the tooth enamel help strengthen your teeth and prevent dissolution during the next demineralization phase. The results are stronger tooth enamel and a cavity-free grin.

If you think you may benefit from a fluoride treatment, please give us a call. To schedule an appointment with Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates by calling 780-475-5922 or visiting our website, www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com. 

Tips for a Camera-Ready Smile

With instant photo sharing taking over the internet, you should always be ready for your next snapshot. After all, your smile is the first thing people notice about you. At Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates, we are your best resource for pearly whites. We can whiten your smile with a cosmetic procedure (teeth whitening) or simply restore the natural color of your teeth through dental checkups. However, if you can’t go the cosmetic route at the moment, follow these tips to show off the smile you already have!

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.

• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.

• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If your smile needs a little improvement, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Clareview and Belmont Dental Associates by calling 780-475-5922 or visiting our website, www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com.