WINNIPEG, MB:  Fresh Dental, a leading Winnipeg dental clinic with two thriving locations, is approaching the end of a successful year with an eye to the future.  As the start of 2025 draws near, the Fresh Dental team looks forward to the possibility of expanding its already extensive patient services in innovative and exciting new ways.  

With locations at 2195 Pembina Highway and 1863 Grant Avenue (Kenaston Village Mall), Fresh Dental provides state-of-the-art dentistry in an ultramodern environment.  The clinic’s four highly qualified and experienced dentists cultivate long-term patient relationships through a high standard of care that combines cutting-edge technology with an honest, compassionate, and patient-centred approach.  Fresh Dental’s services currently include cleanings, tooth-coloured fillings, crowns and bridges, root canals, implants, night guards and sports guards, teeth whitening, dental bonding, dental veneers, complete and partial dentures, oral surgery, dentistry for children, emergency dental treatment, and more.  Starting in 2025, patients may be able to access an even broader selection of premium dental care services.  

The Fresh Dental team makes it a priority to listen actively to patient feedback and is always looking for opportunities to expand its services in new and innovative ways.  In the new year, the clinic is investing in a new digital scanner that would allow it to offer clear aligners to its patients, among other services.  This treatment, an alternative to traditional braces, straightens teeth using clear, removable aligners.  

“Clear aligners are increasingly popular and we believe it could offer tremendous benefits to many of our patients,” said Dr. Bergen, one of the owners of Fresh Dental.  “Our team is committed to providing a spectrum of innovative dental care options to our patients and looks forward to a new year filled with even more successful treatments and healthy smiles than the one before!”  

For more information about Fresh Dental and the services it provides, visit https://freshdental.ca.  

Our bodies consist of approximately 60% water, and maintaining hydration helps the body circulate healthy nutrients easily. A hydrated body eliminates waste, keeps the muscles strong and moving, and contributes to the skin's healthy glow. 

But how does hydration help oral health and prevent tooth decay or gum disease? This article will explain all the important aspects of water regarding oral health: 

Why Is Water Good For Oral Hygiene?

Water Cleans The Mouth

Our mouths deal with a lot as we go through our day. Food particles and bacteria pass through our mouths and coat our teeth and gums. The best way for this debris to pass through and ensure a healthy mouth is by drinking water regularly. We advise drinking water throughout the day to help with this.

Water Strengthens Teeth

In most homes in Canada, tap water contains a mineral called fluoride. Fluoridated water is often referred to as "nature's cavity fighter" because fluoride in drinking water prevents cavities and improves overall oral health. This is why we suggest always using toothpaste with fluoride in it; it's a mineral that does wonders to keep your enamel strong which strengthens your teeth. Keeping your teeth strong helps your overall physical health and guarantees a happy smile. 

Water Creates Saliva

Saliva is crucial to the body as it defends the mouth from gum disease and tooth decay. When your mouth has sufficient saliva, your pH level is well-balanced, and food particles wash away, helping keep your mouth clean and strengthening the calcium in your teeth. Saliva also contains minerals and proteins that act against enamel-damaging acids, keeping your teeth healthy. Saliva levels increase with hydration, specifically from drinking water, as saliva contains over 95% water. Drinking water regularly helps create a steady supply of saliva every day. 

Water Prevents Dry Mouth

As we’ve seen, saliva forms a major part of good oral health; it is a natural antibacterial and helps keep your mouth healthy and clean. Saliva is also an advantage because it prevents a dry mouth. Dry mouth or xerostomia is when your salivary glands aren't producing enough saliva to keep your mouth as wet as it should be. If your saliva supply runs low, it could result in dehydration and dryness of the mouth, creating an ideal environment for hazardous germs and microorganisms to develop in your mouth which can lead to oral disease or bad breath. This dryness can directly impact oral health and must be dealt with immediately. 

Water Is Calorie-Free

Other drinks, like aerated drinks or fruit juices, may contain sugar, which could result in high blood sugar, cavities, and/or weight gain but this isn't the case with water. Plain water is calorie-free, so you can feel good about adding it to your daily routine. 

It's not difficult to improve oral health—your first step is to start with the most basic and healthy element available to you—water. Hydration through water promotes good oral hygiene and improves general health. For optimal oral health, consult Winnipeg dentists for regular dental health check-ups and to ensure your hydration levels are right up where they should be. 

WINNIPEG, MB:  Fresh Dental, a state-of-the-art Winnipeg dental clinic, is nearing the completion of a major restoration project at its Pembina location.  The Pembina office sustained water damage in February of this year and has been closed for more than four months.  Fresh Dental has been able to comfortably accommodate all of its patients at its other location in Kenaston Village Mall (1863 Grant Ave.) but looks forward to re-opening its 2195 Pembina Highway location later this month.  

Offering a comprehensive range of dental services including cleanings, tooth-coloured fillings, crowns and bridges, root canals, implants, complete and partial dentures, oral surgery, dentistry for children, emergency dental treatments, and much more, Fresh Dental is a well-established and thriving dental clinic.  Locally owned and operated, it has been built on a foundation of excellence, compassion, and accessibility.  Fresh Dental’s four highly qualified and experienced dentists prioritize the development of personal relationships with their patients as well as community involvement. The Fresh Dental team is committed to affordable, convenient treatments, open and honest communication, and exceptional dental care that promotes overall well-being.  

In February of 2024, Fresh Dental’s Pembina Highway location sustained serious water damage, necessitating the temporary closure of the clinic.  Since then, restorations have been underway on an ongoing basis and the Fresh Dental team has been accommodating all of its Pembina location patients at its Kenaston Village location.  

“We thank our patients for their understanding,” said Dr. Lindi van Jaarsveldt, one of Fresh Dental’s owners.  “We found that some of our patients even preferred the location of our second clinic!  That being said, we are in the final stages of the restoration and will be opening our doors at 2195 Pembina Highway once again on July 15th.  We look forward to welcoming patients back!”  

Dr. Lindi also shares her tremendous pride in the way her whole team has pulled together over the past few months and the fact that Fresh Dental did not have to disrupt or suspend any patient services due to its unexpected Pembina location closure.  For more information about Fresh Dental and the services it provides, visit https://freshdental.ca.  

According to a survey by Health Canada from 2007-2009, 12% of Canadians reported they had ongoing pain in their mouth in the past year. Though those statistics may have changed in the past 15 years, the fact remains: Tooth sensitivity is a serious problem for many Canadians.

There’s good news—you can manage or eliminate tooth sensitivity. These tips will help:

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

To understand how to manage tooth sensitivity, it’s important to understand where tooth sensitivity comes from. 

Your tooth is made up of layers of material—the top layer, your tooth enamel, protects your nerves from most sensations. When the enamel is worn away, the lower level, called dentin, becomes exposed. There are hollow channels in your dentin called tubules—these tubules can transmit sensations like heat and cold to the nerves in your teeth. Exposed tooth roots can also cause sensitive teeth. 

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by:

• Brushing too hard, especially when using coarse brush.
• Gum recession (which exposes your tooth’s roots)
• Gum disease
• Cavities
• Tooth grinding (bruxism)
• Some tooth whitening products
• Acidic foods
• Certain dental procedures

Effective Dental Care Practices for Tooth Sensitivity

The practices you’ll use to reduce tooth sensitivity should address the root cause—your tooth’s nerves being exposed to stimuli. Here are some of the steps you can take to reduce sensitivity:

• Brushing regularly and drinking fluoridated water can help build up your tooth’s enamel. 
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Visiting the dentist regularly can help you catch cavities early.
• Regular teeth cleanings can reduce your risk of cavities and strengthen your enamel.
• A night guard can help reduce tooth grinding. 

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

When looking to prevent tooth sensitivity, many people will reach for desensitizing toothpaste. In addition to fluoride, which helps build back your enamel, these toothpastes may contain ingredients that block pain sensors, like potassium nitrate.

While desensitizing toothpaste can alleviate the symptoms of sensitive teeth, and fluoride can help build back your enamel, there may be other underlying causes for sensitivity. We recommend visiting your dentist if you have chronically sensitive teeth so that they can address the underlying causes. 

Dietary Considerations for Tooth Sensitivity

Some foods and drinks can exacerbate sensitivity. When you have sensitive teeth, you should avoid foods that are very hot or very cold, like soup or ice cream. You should also avoid drinking acidic foods, like soda pop or wine. Acidic foods can also wear away at your tooth enamel, so there are two good reasons to avoid them.  

Consuming too many sugary foods can promote cavities, and biting on tough or hard foods like jawbreakers can damage your teeth and increase wear and tear. These foods should be avoided or consumed in moderation at the best of times, especially when you have sensitive teeth. 

Professional Treatments and Procedures

There are several different professional treatments that can help you with your sensitive teeth—the treatment you choose will depend on the cause of tooth sensitivity. These treatments can include:

• Fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel
• Fillings to eliminate cavities
• A root canal
• A surgical gum graft for heavily receding gums
• Clinical grade desensitizer application
• Bonding treatments

All of these treatments can help decrease sensitivity and oral pain, depending on the circumstances. Routine visits to the dentist can also help prevent sensitivity from occurring in the first place. 

Preventive Measures for Tooth Sensitivity

The preventive measures you can take to stop sensitive teeth and tooth pain from occurring or getting worse are quite simple:

• Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day. 
• Floss once a day.
• Visit your dentist twice a year for teeth cleanings.
• Avoid using whitening toothpaste if you’re concerned about enamel erosion.
• Consume acidic and sugary foods in moderation.
• Visit your dentist if you start to experience sensitive teeth.

Conclusion

By taking the steps outlined here, you can manage sensitive teeth, prevent sensitivity from occurring in the first place, and address any concerns you might have by talking with your dentist. You can reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity and the problems that cause it—and by reading this, you’ve already taken the first step!

Introduction to Nutrition and Dental Health

Did you know that what you eat plays a role in your oral health? Maintaining healthy teeth starts with a well-balanced diet and proper nutrients. While brushing and flossing certainly play a huge role in oral health care, they are not the only things that matter.

Eating right can lessen your chances of developing periodontal disease and reduce your risk of developing dental caries/cavities (the most common health problems worldwide). It starts with what you put in your mouth just as much as how you care for your teeth.

What should you know about the link between oral health and a healthy diet? Here are a few must-know tips to keep your teeth in pristine condition:

Essential Nutrients for Dental Health

Tooth decay can be put on pause if you pay attention to what you put in your mouth. Most dentists consider calcium and phosphorus to be the most impactful nutrients for your oral health. Foods high in these items can improve and strengthen tooth enamel, making it less susceptible to tooth decay.

You can get other vitamins by consuming fruits and vegetables (or a good multivitamin). In particular, you want plenty of vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is essential for strengthening tooth enamel, while vitamin C plays an important role in healing the gums and promoting good gingival health.

Water and fibre should also be core components of a balanced diet, most stemming from simply drinking water or eating foods high in water content like fruits and vegetables. Consuming water throughout the day helps clean the teeth and makes them less susceptible to dental caries.

Fluoride is an essential part of good oral health and may be found directly in your drinking water. If it is not in your local water supply, consider brushing with fluoride toothpaste to get this ingredient in your diet. It plays a pivotal role in oral health and decreases the likelihood of oral diseases and decay. Keep in mind Winnipeg’s water supply does have fluoride in it.

How can you incorporate more of these foods into your diet to have healthy teeth and a beautiful smile? Eat more of these foods to combat gum and periodontal disease and promote better oral health.

Foods That Promote Dental Health and Effects of Poor Nutrition

Adding more calcium to your day is relatively easy; dairy products, from milk to cheeses to plain yogurt, are rich in calcium. Not only are these foods rich in calcium, but they might also have a high vitamin D content. This vitamin helps your body to better process and utilize the calcium you consume. Cabbage is also full of calcium.

Phosphorus can be a bit trickier to add to a diet, but protein sources tend to have a lot of it. Think eggs and meats if you want to increase your intake of phosphorus. For vegetarians and vegans, legumes and nuts are great alternatives.

As mentioned earlier, nutrition and oral health depend on your ability to consume lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. They are great for your general health, but they pack a powerful punch for your teeth as well. Many, like oranges and other citrus fruits, are high in vitamin C. They are also great for water and fibre, which clean both your teeth and gums.  You do want to be careful in over consuming citrus fruits as they are also acidic with higher concentrations of sugars which may increase the likelihood of cavities and sensitivity.  As with everything, moderation is key.

On the other hand, poor nutrition can lead to more problems within the oral cavity (from the lips to the throat), resulting in irritation and inflammation. Plus, poor oral hygiene has a serious effect on the rest of the body, leading to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and more. While your smile might be the first thing you think of for good nutrition, it shouldn't be your only reason for eating a balanced diet.

The question is: How can you incorporate more nutrition into your dental health care for a more holistic approach to practicing good oral hygiene?

Practical Tips for Incorporating Nutrition into Dental Health Care

Are you ready to practice good oral hygiene but need help figuring out where to start? The good news is that there are some simple, practical tips for incorporating nutrition into your dental health care. It starts with being mindful of avoiding sugary foods and beverages (or brushing directly after eating them). However, there are other things to keep in mind:

You may want to increase your intake of fluoride in your drinking water. This means you need to stay hydrated throughout the day. It is also recommended you use fluoridated toothpaste.

You might also want to avoid alcohol if you are concerned with your oral health. While healthy eating can permit a drink on occasion, many beverages are too high in acid to be great for your teeth. These are best avoided whenever possible. Smoking and other tobacco products should also be eliminated from your daily habits.

Apart from this, it is simply important to maintain a healthy diet with an emphasis on fresh foods. Packaged and processed food choices tend to be high in ingredients that don't do your oral health any favours. If you do eat these foods, chew sugar-free gum afterward to cleanse the teeth if you can't brush.

Conclusion

With a little attention to your diet, you can significantly decrease your likelihood of developing gum disease and dental caries. However, it isn't always a foolproof solution. If you need tooth-coloured fillings to repair cavities that already exist, Fresh Dental can help. While we work on repairing dental caries, we can chat about how to better maintain healthy teeth moving forward.

We can even help you with a crown or bridge to replace missing teeth and lessen your risk of future dental issues.

When you are ready to start marrying your nutrition to your oral health, contact Fresh Dental to learn more about the important link between what you eat and your smile!

WINNIPEG, MB:  Hallowe’en is just around the corner, and at Winnipeg’s Fresh Dental,  that means it’s time to start campaigning for the responsible consumption of trick-or-treating candies and other sweet treats.  While Fresh Dental’s team of exceptional dental professionals would prefer that kids only eat healthy veggies on October 31st and the days following, they know that’s unrealistic and, instead, focus on sharing actionable tips to help families foreground their oral health throughout the Hallowe’en season and beyond.  

Fresh Dental, located at 2195 Pembina Highway and 1863 Grant Ave. (opened March 2023), is a full-service dental clinic offering services and treatments ranging from cleanings, fillings, crowns and bridges to pediatric dentistry, implants, oral surgery, and cosmetic procedures.  Their signature approach to dentistry is rooted in excellence, accessibility, relationships, and compassion, and they pride themselves on fostering a lively yet professional office environment where patients are truly welcomed and treated like family.  

Families celebrate seasonal holidays together, which is why the team at Fresh Dental takes it upon themselves every year to enjoy the Hallowe’en spirit with its patients while also sharing tips and recommendations for consuming candy and other sweets responsibly.  Among their top suggestions are: Carefully monitoring candy consumption and rationing candy for children; limiting (or removing) candies that are particularly hard, sticky, or otherwise damaging to tooth enamel; prioritizing healthy eating habits and supplementing with an occasional treat from the trick-or-treat bag.  Avoid eating candy later at night as the sweets can get caught in the grooves of the teeth and be difficult for a toothbrush to reach. Remember to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.  

“Hallowe’en is one of my favourite holidays,” shares Dr. Bergen, one of Fresh Dental’s owners, “but the sugary habits can go overboard and have long-lasting impacts on dental health.  At Fresh Dental, we believe in an education-based approach to building healthy habits, where kids learn and understand why balancing a nutritious diet with occasional sweet treats is crucial.”  

To book a post-Hallowe’en dental cleaning or appointment or for more information about Fresh Dental and the services it provides, visit https://freshdental.ca.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba:  Fresh Dental, located at 2195 Pembina Highway, is pleased to announce its official acquisition of Kenaston Village Dental Centre, located in Kenaston Village Mall at 1863 Grant Ave.  Starting in March of 2023, all of the dentists from Fresh Dental will have working hours at both locations.  

With an emphasis on relationship-building and accessible dental services for all, Fresh Dental is a full-service dental clinic that breaks the mould.  Its four highly qualified dentists are committed to providing convenient services at the best possible value.  Their people-centric approach, combined with their skill and work ethic, has bolstered their reputation as beloved community members.  Fresh Dental’s services include tooth-coloured fillings, implants, crowns and bridges, root canals, complete and partial dentures, oral surgery, night and sport guards, emergency dental services, wisdom tooth removal, dentistry for children, cleanings and more.  

At Kenaston Village Dental Centre, the Fresh dental team will be taking over for Dr. David Short, who founded the practice more than twenty years ago.  For Dr. Alex Serebnitski, one of Fresh Dental’s owners, this means there are big shoes to fill—but he’s confident that his team is up to the challenge.  “We thank Dr. Short for trusting us with the care of his patients and look forward to building on his legacy,” says Dr. Serebnitski.  

The first change at Kenaston Village Dental Centre will be to expand hours to make access to dental services more convenient for patients.  The clinic will begin by offering evening and weekend appointments and will slowly increase the availability of hygiene services over time as well.  Kenaston Village Dental Centre’s new hours will be:

Monday 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Tuesday closed 

Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  

For more information about Fresh Dental and the services it provides, visit https://freshdental.ca.

Charcoal has become one of the biggest trends in the world of health, wellness, and cosmetics. We’ve seen it pop up in everything from face masks and scrubs to toothpaste. While many toothpaste brands have jumped on the charcoal train, it must be a sign that the highly absorbent compound really works. Right? 

One thing that we’ve all come to learn is that just because something is popular doesn’t always mean that it’s good. Here we’ll be covering the benefits and drawbacks of charcoal in toothpaste:

The History of Charcoal Remedies 

Charcoal products began popping up in many stores over the last few years, but the history of charcoal-based products goes back even further. The Romans used charcoal and tree bark to brush their teeth, which gave charcoal toothpaste a long-running history in Europe. 

In the 1930s, charcoal dental cream and gum were manufactured and advertised as a means to have fresh breath and remove tobacco stains from teeth. However, the American Dental Association raised safety concerns about those charcoal products, which stopped their production.

The Lack of Data 

Activated charcoal works well at absorbing toxins, which led to the thought process that it could be used for cleaning teeth. An excellent theory, but charcoal is a highly abrasive substance. Even though it absorbs harmful compounds, as well as rids surface stains on teeth, it can also erode your tooth enamel. 

A review featuring professional medical advice has shown that charcoal provides little protection against tooth decay, even when it’s advertised as being effective. Using charcoal toothpaste can make tooth surfaces rougher, leading to enamel loss. 

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?

There needs to be much more research on the efficacy and long-term effects of charcoal toothpaste. However, there are things that we do know about charcoal toothpaste, such as:

• Charcoal is an abrasive substance that shouldn’t be for everyday use. It can wear down your enamel over time, which could make your teeth look more yellow and feel more sensitive. 
• Charcoal particles may accumulate in the crevices or cracks of your older teeth, leaving surface stains. 
• Many of the toothpastes that include charcoal don’t contain fluoride. You need fluoride to keep your tooth enamel strong, as well as protect your teeth from decay and cavities. 
• We don’t know the effects of charcoal on the materials used for crowns, fillings, veneers, and bridges. 

Does It Work?

Activated charcoal-based products may help reduce some stains on your teeth due to it’s abrasive properties.  However, there isn’t any evidence to clarify if it has any effects on the stains below the enamel or if it can whiten teeth naturally. 

Pros & Cons of Charcoal Toothpaste

Pros

• It may prevent staining if used occasionally after professional teeth cleaning.
• It may reduce stains on the surface of your teeth.
• It may reduce bad breath. 

Cons

• Its abrasiveness can wear down tooth enamel.
• It can make your teeth look yellow.
• It won’t remove any stains below your enamel. 
• It can cause tooth sensitivity. 
• It can stain older teeth and dental restorations, such as crowns, fillings, or veneers. 
• Its long-term effects are still unknown. 

What Are Some Other Options?

There are many options if you’re looking to whiten your teeth. In most cases, professional whitening products should be obtained when visiting your dentist. 

Those options include the following:

• Whitening toothpaste
• In-office whitening
• Dentist-supervised at-home whitening
• Whitening strips

If you’re looking to keep your teeth healthy and white, regular in-office Winnipeg teeth whitening sessions are your best bet. Not only can in-office dental cleanings get rid of plaque and provide fresher breath, but they can also pinpoint any possible dental issues and correct them before they become worse. 

Conclusion

If you want the absolute best for your teeth and overall dental health, get in touch with your reliable and skilled Winnipeg dentist today. Many services can be offered to you, such as teeth whitening and cleaning, as well as dental implants, fillings, and much more. Make an appointment with us, and we’ll do whatever we can to maintain your oral health.