Name: Dr. Tracey Mulhall
Address: Suite #200 - 605 5th Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 3H5
Telephone: (403) 262-4914

The importance of oral hygiene cannot be overstated. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. But should you brush your teeth after every meal? There are differing opinions on the matter, and it can be unclear to know what to do. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of brushing your teeth after every meal from a dentist downtown in Calgary here.

Weighing the Pros & Cons with a Dentist Downtown in Calgary

Benefits of Brushing After Every Meal

One of the main benefits of brushing your teeth after every meal is that it can help prevent cavities and gum disease. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars in your food and produce acid. This acid can erode your tooth enamel, leading to possibly needing to see a dentist downtown in Calgary to address your cavities. Brushing your teeth after every meal helps remove the food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities. Furthermore, doing so can also help freshen your breath since food particles can get stuck in your teeth and produce an unpleasant odour.

Drawbacks of Brushing After Every Meal

While there are benefits to brushing your teeth after every meal, there are also some drawbacks. One of the main drawbacks is that brushing too often can harm your teeth. Brushing too hard or too often can wear down your tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and even gum recession. Another drawback of brushing after every meal is that it can be inconvenient. Brushing your teeth after every meal may be challenging if you’re at work or out with friends. Additionally, brushing too soon after eating acidic foods or drinks, like citrus fruits or soda, can damage tooth enamel.

What Are the Facts?

According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), brushing your teeth after every meal is unnecessary. While brushing twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash are recommended for maintaining good oral health, brushing after every meal can do more harm than good. After eating, the pH level in our mouths drops, making them more acidic. Brushing immediately after can cause damage to the enamel on our teeth, as it is softer and more susceptible to erosion at a lower pH level. It can also lead to tooth sensitivity and decay over time. While it’s good to keep on top of brushing and flossing, it’s best to stay moderate and keep up with other dental care, like getting regular teeth cleaning in Calgary.

What to Do Instead

Instead of brushing immediately after a meal, the CDA recommends waiting at least 30 minutes to an hour before brushing. During this time, the saliva in our mouths will naturally neutralize the acidity levels, allowing our teeth to be brushed safely without causing harm. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the types of foods and drinks we consume, as some can be more harmful to our teeth than others. Sugary and acidic foods and beverages, such as soda, candy, and citrus fruits, can increase the acidity levels in our mouths and contribute to tooth decay. The CDA recommends drinking water between meals to help rinse away food particles and neutralize acidity levels. Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate the production of saliva, which helps to neutralize acidity and promote healthy teeth and gums. And, of course, to ensure you regularly get teeth cleaning in Calgary.

Dr. Tracey Mulhall is a dentist in downtown Calgary that can offer dental fillings, crowns, implants, and teeth cleaning. We are always available to help with your dental concerns. Our downtown dental clinic has convenient hours and knowledgeable staff. We want to make your experience at the dentist fast, fun, and friendly. Call us today to book an appointment!

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! But if you’re one of the many people who have braces, the holiday season can be a bit tricky. From all the delicious treats to the hard-to-chew meals, it’s important to know what foods you should avoid keeping your braces in the best condition. As your local dentist in downtown Calgary, we want to ensure that all our patients have a happy and healthy holiday season. So, read on to learn more about the types of holiday foods to avoid if you have braces.

Your Dentist in Downtown Calgary – Bracing You For The Holidays

The Effects of Certain Holiday Foods on Braces

As much as it would be great to dig into any holiday meal or treat, those with braces need to heed caution before consuming. Unless you’re a dentist in downtown Calgary, you will not know what food is safe to eat and which is off-limits.

Depending on the type of food, eating the wrong foods can cause damage to your braces. What can happen exactly? Eating the wrong foods can cause brackets to loosen and wires to come out of place. In addition, some foods can stick to your braces and become difficult to remove. It can lead to plaque buildup, which can cause cavities and gum disease.

Not only does damage to your braces setback your treatment plan, but it’s also costly to fix. In essence, it only creates unnecessary, avoidable dental problems and expenditures.

List of Foods to Avoid with Braces

When eating holiday dishes and treats with braces, keep an eye out for these foods you should avoid. Here are the following foods that can cause damage to your braces:

• Hard candies

• Sticky candy

• Popcorn

• Nuts

• Caramel apples

• Chewy candy

• Corn on the cob

• Hard fruits & vegetables (carrots, apples, etc.)

• Chewy bread

• Gum

Tips for Eating Holiday Foods with Braces

It might seem like there is nothing you can enjoy eating during the holidays. Don’t fret – there are other ways you can enjoy holiday treats and meals!

Check out some of these tips for eating holiday foods if you have braces:

• Cut food into small pieces – This will make it easier to chew and less likely to damage your braces.

• Chew slowly – Chewing too quickly can cause damage to your braces.

• Choose softer foods – Soft foods like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce are much easier to eat with braces.

• Avoid crunchy snacks – Staying away from crunchy snacks like chips and pretzels is a good idea.

• Consider teeth cleaning – A great way to ensure your teeth remain healthy and clean is to schedule teeth cleaning in Calgary. It’s a great measure to ensure your pearly whites look their best even after the holidays.

The holidays are a time for friends and family to come together and enjoy good food. However, if you have braces, it’s important to be aware of the types of holiday foods to avoid. Eating the wrong foods can cause damage to your braces and even lead to dental problems down the line. By following the tips above and maintaining proper dental hygiene (like scheduling teeth cleaning in Calgary), you can ensure that your braces stay in the best condition and that you have a happy and healthy holiday season.

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]

With Halloween fast approaching, it promises various treats that will entice your sweet tooth. All too often, downtown dental clinics see how readily available high-sugar treats practically trick patients into indulging more than they should. From these Halloween candy binges, it can eventually lead to cavities if you’re not careful. Enjoy all your favourite treats while keeping your pearly whites healthy this Halloween with these tips from your trusted dentist in downtown Calgary.

Tips From Your Local Downtown Dental Clinic This Halloween

Practice Moderation

Swearing off Halloween candy is not feasible – especially when it comes to children trick-or-treating. The best approach most downtown dental clinics have found is having realistic expectations when having sugary treats. One such way is by practising moderation when it comes to candy. You can do this by refraining from snacking on candy throughout the day. But instead, only have a few pieces during lunch or dinner to satisfy your sugar craving. Furthermore, keep in mind portion size. For example, it’s best to have smaller chocolate bars than huge ones since they will have less sugar.

Be Mindful of Certain Candy

Candy is already not the best for your teeth because of its high sugar content. That said, there are technically certain candies that are worse than others. Unfortunately, certain candies are worse than others. Here are a few sweets you should probably steer clear from:

Sticky or Chewy Candy: You know how annoying it is when some candy gets stuck on your teeth? These types of sweets are the culprits since they’re hard to remove. Avoid candies such as gummy bears, caramels, and taffy that create this issue.
Any Sour Candies: High acidity in anything can harm your tooth enamel by causing it to break down. Since sour candies have high acidity, it would be best to steer clear of them – especially if they’re sour gummies.
Long-Lasting Candies: Many assume hard candies like lollipops are rather harmless. On the contrary, something like a lollipop left in your mouth for a long time can coat your teeth with sugar. Bacteria turn that sugar into acid that can wear away your teeth.

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Everyone knows maintaining proper oral hygiene is expected daily. However, with Halloween candy being so abundant, you need to go above and beyond than before. If you plan to eat any candy, ensure you’re brushing and flossing properly right after. Doing so helps to get rid of any sticky, stubborn candy that’s stuck between your teeth and helps reduce tooth decay. But, if you cannot brush or floss after having candy, you can drink water to help wash away the sugar clinging to your teeth. Drinking water might not seem helpful, but it helps balance out the pH levels in your mouth that sugar makes unbalanced. Bonus tip: if you have sugar-free gum, it can also help. However, you might be asking yourself: how? It all lies in how chewing gum promotes saliva production, which helps wash away acids and bacteria present after eating candy.

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]

When it comes to the cost of services provided by a downtown dental clinic, one document is more important than the rest. This is, of course, the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which we’ve discussed in previous articles. Today, we look at how the guide affects the cost of dental crowns.

The Types of Crowns

The guide defines two types of crowns. The first type is a prefabricated, metal, primary crown, and is defined as the “crown or cap for baby teeth frequently referred to as a stainless steel crown or cap.”

The second type of crown is an uncomplicated crown made from porcelain, ceramic, polymer glass or metal. The cost of this procedure includes the cost of laboratory charges, which vary on a case-by-case basis.

Considerations for Downtown Dental Clinics

It is important to keep in mind that the costs described in the Alberta Dental Fee Guide are only guidelines. This means that individual downtown dental clinics may charge more or less based on your specific needs. For the second type of crown, in particular, any complications to the procedure may increase the price.

Therefore, it is advisable for you to visit a downtown dental clinic if you feel that a crown is necessary for your teeth. An examination and the support of a dentist can go a long way in determining the right path forward. For instance, a root canal may be necessary before the crown to reduce the risk of infection later on. Call today for more information.

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]

The cost of a root canal in Alberta is governed by the Alberta Dental Association and College Guides for Dental Fees. In 2021, there are three guides available: the Abbreviated Dental Guide, the Alberta Dental General Dentist Fee Guide and the Alberta Dental Specialist Fee Guide. Information about root canal costs can be found in all three guides, including some of the factors that affect the cost. Join our downtown dental clinic in looking at some of these factors.

Root Canal Cost Factors

Number of Root Canals

Perhaps the most obvious reason to adjust the cost is the number of root canal procedures being performed. If you visit our downtown dental clinic and we find more than one area requiring a root canal, procedures may be required to address each of them. Typically, we will schedule these for separate appointments to reduce your discomfort; unless the treatment areas are close together.

Difficulty of Access

The Dental guide defines difficult access as “limited jaw opening, unfavourable tooth inclination, through complex restorations. E.g. post/ core buildups.” In determining whether or not the root canal is difficult to access, the dentist you visit at our downtown dental clinic will provide additional information. Difficult access can affect the cost.

Additional Considerations

Other factors may increase the cost of a root canal procedure, including calcified canals, exceptional anatomy or the retreatment of a previously completed therapy. Again, these factors should be discussed between you and the dentist you visit at our downtown dental clinic before the procedure occurs.

The Cost of Root Canals

At the end of the day, you can expect the cost of a root canal to vary. The factors mentioned above can influence the overall cost and how much your insurance can cover. In this case, there is no real definitive cost for root canals. Therefore, the best way to get an accurate assessment and price for your root canal is to book a visit with our downtown dental clinic.

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]

Visiting the dentist is nowhere near the same experience it was in the past. Nowadays, it seems out of place to “fear” going to the dentist, and for good reason. Advancements in this field have made every part of the experience more pleasant, from working with the staff on a plan that works for you to the teeth cleaning itself.

Still, one area that many people are unfamiliar with is the cost of dental check-ups in Calgary. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is that every downtown dental clinic can set their prices according to the needs of their practice. But, that doesn’t mean it is a rogue operation with no benchmark by which to guide their pricing.

What is the Dental Fee Guide?

The dental fee guide was first introduced just before the turn of the century and was updated for the first time in 2018. This guide breaks down the various operations a dentist is likely to perform and offers pricing suggestions that match the complexity and length of time it takes to complete them. The whole guide is available here.

The Cost of Dental Check-ups

There are various costs associated with dental check-ups at a downtown dental clinic, which change based on the number of adult teeth and other variables. Still, what most people will be looking for is a “permanent dentition”, which is a “complete examination of an adult generally with only adult teeth.” The suggested price for this task is $101.48.

These are usually coupled with periodontal exams and x-rays to give your dentist a complete overview of your oral health. All told, the price suggestions range from $64.24-$101.48 for the common examinations.

Get a Dental Check-up Today

Again, it is important to remember that these prices are suggestions from the Alberta Dental Associate and College, so you will likely find differences between dentists. For best results, come to a downtown dental clinic you can trust!

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]

Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are painful and frustrating for people living with them. However, new treatments arrive every day to provide better relief and comfort. One of the more exciting treatments is using a well-known beauty product, namely Botox, by downtown dental clinics and other medical professionals.

What is Botox?

Botox, or Botulinum toxin A, is a neurotoxic protein produced by the disease-causing bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. Now, that may sound scary, but it has proven effective in treating a wide range of symptoms and aesthetic concerns in patients. In fact, Health Canada has approved it to fight migraines, among other things.

Typically, people use Botox to shape their smiles, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and relieve the pain from headaches. However, more uses are being discovered every day, including the reduction of sweating in armpits and hands. Plus, the main focus of our article, which is the treatment of TMJ disorders.

How Does Botox Help TMJ?

To begin with, Botox should not be your first solution. Several treatment methods can be effective for TMJ disorders, so ensure you speak with your downtown dental office before seeking this out as a potential choice. However, if you have exhausted your other options and are still looking for relief, Botox has serious potential.

Essentially, when treating TMJ disorders with Botox, the patient is injected in areas linked to the jaw joint, including the muscle groups masseter and temporalis. The Botox relaxes the muscles, reducing pain and also, the range of motion for the jaw. In this study, the method shows a 70% reduction in muscle tenderness for the patients. Still, it effectively reduces jaw tension, headaches and even lockjaw caused by severe stress.

What are the Risks?

The risks of this procedure are very similar to the ordinary risks of Botox. In a clinical setting, with the work done by medical professionals, there is very little chance of error or adverse side effects. However, some patients may encounter a temporary face-drooping, mild bruising, numbness or redness around the injection site.

Additionally, you should check with your healthcare provider before undergoing this treatment. They may or may not cover the procedure, so check with them before electing to go through with the Botox injections.

Where to Find TMJ Relief with Botox

At Dr. Tracey Mulhall, we have the right training, procedures and methods to ensure your Botox treatment is safe and effective. We have experience with the injections for aesthetic and medical purposes, and our clean facilities and friendly staff make the process feel relaxing and comfortable. To learn more, contact us with the information provided below!

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]

Our teeth are an essential part of our lives, and taking care of them is a regular part of a healthy routine. However, when we do not practice good oral health, problems can quickly develop, and issues can worsen. Therefore, it is crucial to understand each stage of tooth decay so we can effectively prevent further degradation through cleaning and routine visits to your favourite downtown dental clinic.

6 Stages of Tooth Decay

Plaque Formation

The first stage of tooth decay is plaque formation. Dental plaque is a clear acidic film that coats your teeth. Usually, its growth is accelerated by sugars and starches left on the surface of teeth. If left untreated, it can harden around the tooth’s edges, forming a tartar (calculus) deposit.

Demineralization

After the formation of tartar, the next stage is demineralization. Visually, demineralization looks like white or brown spots on the surface of your teeth. At this stage, plaque and tartar weaken the enamel but focus on removing the exterior’s protective minerals. To prevent further decay, using a remineralization toothpaste to fortify the teeth’s enamel is key, as are routine visits with your downtown dental clinic.

Enamel Decay

When plaque breaks through the mineral layer, it begins to eat away the enamel of teeth. Once the enamel completely decays, the dentin layer underneath is exposed. Typically, this is the stage where your dentist will intervene. Fillings, crowns, and inlays may become a part of your treatment, but this will depend on the decay’s location and severity.

Dentin Decay

Dentin is a softer layer in your tooth, directly beneath the enamel. Bacteria is effective at working through this layer, so dentists must treat decay before this stage. However, if you do not practice good oral hygiene, an infection can still follow afterwards.

Infection

The infection stage occurs after the loss of dentin in a particular tooth. Now, bacteria move into the dental pulp at the centre of the tooth. This stage of tooth decay hurts immensely as the pulp is nerve-rich. Additionally, the growth of bacteria in the tooth can crowd the inside, pressing the nerve ending painfully into the side of the tooth. Generally, cleaning the area, removing the bacteria, and treating with a root canal is the most effective treatment method at this stage.

Abscess Formation

The final stage of tooth decay is the formation of an abscess. This stage is characterized by the loss of bone material in the jaw and a pocket of pus replacing it. Root canals may still be possible at this stage, but the tooth will die if left untreated, and jaw problems can develop.

How to Prevent Late-Stage Tooth Decay

We can all have a bad day when it comes to maintaining our oral health. Life gets in the way, and there never seems to be enough hours in the day. However, the most effective way to combat bad tooth decay is regular brushing and flossing. Ideally, use an electric toothbrush to remove stuck-on plaque or tartar. And remember, always visit your dentist once or twice a year for checkups.

Dr. Tracey Mulhall is a dentist in downtown Calgary that can offer dental fillings, crowns, implants, and teeth cleaning. We are well established and always available to help with your dental concerns. Our downtown dental clinic has convenient hours and knowledgeable staff. We want to make your experience at the dentist fast, fun, and friendly. Call us today to book an appointment!

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]

Dental implants in Calgary are one of the most common dental treatments available. This procedure offers a range of benefits that can help your teeth, support your gums and strengthen your jaw structure. If you are missing a tooth, it is therefore essential that you consider getting a dental implant.

Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay for dental implants in Calgary, what affects the final cost, and how to obtain the required funds.

How Much Are Dental Implants In Calgary?

There is no set price for dental implants in Calgary as each situation is different, and many factors affect the overall cost. The treatment can depend on factors such as:

The dentist in Downtown Calgary and their experience when performing the surgery
If you require any additional procedures, such as tooth extraction and bone grafting
The brand, material and type of implant chosen
The material of the crown you are getting
The number of implants you need

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $4,500 to $6,000 for a single dental implant. However, the price is not guaranteed until you speak to your dentist in Downtown Calgary. It is essential to find a trusted and certified professional before undergoing any procedures.

How Can I Fund My Dental Implants In Calgary?

Dental implants can be costly for some people. If you cannot pay for it directly, there are many options available for you to help raise the required funds for the procedure, including:

Using Employee Benefits to pay for some of the funds
Using private health insurance for the procedure
Taking advantage of a Health Spending Account to use it for your dental implants
Financing or taking out a loan

Although it might seem like a lot of money, the benefits of getting dental implants far outweigh the costs. You have a regular tooth that supports and strengthens your entire mouth and is a worthwhile long-term investment.

Dr. Tracey Mulhall is a dentist in downtown Calgary that can offer dental fillings, crowns, implants and teeth cleaning. We are well established and always available to help with your dental concerns. Our downtown dental clinic has convenient hours and knowledgeable staff. We want to make your experience at the dentist fast, fun, and friendly. Call us today to book an appointment!

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected].

Winter can be a struggling time for those suffering from sensitive teeth. Many people are left wondering, why it happens, what is the cause behind it, and if there is anything they can do to stop the pain. This guide breaks it all down.

Why Do You Get Sensitive Teeth?

Your teeth are covered by a thin layer of protection, known as enamel. Over time, enamel can wear away, leaving the “core” of your teeth, known as dentin, exposed. The dentin is covered in nerve fibers, meaning it is sensitive to any exposure.

It is why cold weather can be such a struggle. The cold and hot temperatures impact the nerve fibers, making it painful and sensitive. This is the same tooth pain you feel because of cavities and gum disease.

However, there are numerous reasons why people wear down their enamel and suffer from sensitive teeth. The most common causes include:

Brushing too aggressively: You might think that brushing hard is the smart way to pushing off plaque, but brushing with excessive force can start to wear down your enamel.
Clenching & grinding your teeth: Those people that grind or clench their teeth in their sleep can wear away their enamel, leading them to have sensitivity.
Tooth decay: Sensitive teeth are signs that cavities and decay have started to impact your teeth. Make sure you see your dentist in Downtown Calgary for a check-up.
Acidic beverages: The likes of sodas, juices, coffee, tea, and other drinks with a high concentration of acid can erode your teeth and expose the dentin layer.
Bad lifestyle habits: Not brushing regularly, smoking, or drinking too much alcohol can cause your gums to recede, exposing the dentin at the base of your gums. You’ll have to change your habits if you want to improve your dental health.

How Your Dentist In Downtown Calgary Can Help

If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity this winter, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Your dentist can help in many ways, including:

Providing you with toothpaste that is for sensitive teeth. It can help you in the long-term.
Teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as making sure you have soft bristles on your toothbrush.
Covering root surfaces by applying a sealant to fix problems with receding gums.
Making a nightguard if you clench or grind your teeth at night. It will help protect your teeth while you sleep.
Applying a fluoride application. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens the enamel and thus prevents sensitivity because of exposed dentin.

Make sure that if you are suffering from sensitive teeth that you visit your dentist in Downtown Calgary for help. They can put you on the path to being pain-free.