#AskDrSteve

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint — the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. When this joint is irritated or inflamed, we call it TMD (temporomandibular disorder). Signs include jaw clicking or popping, headaches that feel like tension headaches, facial pain, difficulty opening your mouth wide, or even ringing in your ears. Many people don't realize their chronic headaches are actually coming from their jaw. If any of these sound familiar, come in and let's talk — it's one of my favourite things to treat.

Absolutely — and this is one of the most underdiagnosed connections in dentistry. When you grind or clench (bruxism), the muscles around your jaw work overtime, often while you sleep. Those same muscles connect to your temples and the base of your skull. The result? Morning headaches, migraines, and neck tension that no amount of ibuprofen seems to fix permanently. A custom night guard can make a dramatic difference, and in more complex cases we look at bite correction or other therapies.

No — and please don't. Jaw pain is your body's way of telling you something is off. Left untreated, TMD can progress to the point where opening your mouth becomes difficult, eating is painful, and the joint itself sustains damage. The good news is that most cases respond really well to conservative treatment. Early intervention is always better. Don't tough it out.

This one comes up more than you'd think! In pets, bad breath is almost always a sign of periodontal disease — the same bacterial buildup around the teeth and gums that causes bad breath in humans. However, conditions like kidney failure, diabetes, nasal or facial skin infections, oral cancers, or situations where the animal is ingesting certain materials can also cause bad breath with or without gum disease. If your pet's breath is noticeably bad, a vet visit is worth it — it's often an early warning sign of something systemic.

Every day. I know everyone says that, but here's the honest reason: your toothbrush only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. The other 40% — the spaces between your teeth — are where cavities and gum disease love to hide. Flossing once a day removes the plaque from those surfaces before it hardens into tartar. If traditional floss is awkward for you, try floss picks or a water flosser. The tool matters less than the habit.

Oil pulling (swishing coconut or sesame oil for 15–20 minutes) has some modest evidence behind it for reducing certain oral bacteria and improving gum health. It's not a replacement for brushing and flossing, but it's not harmful either. Think of it as a supplement, not a substitute. If you enjoy the ritual and it gets you more engaged with your oral health routine, great. Just don't skip the basics.

Yes — despite the breath! Garlic's main active compound, allicin, has impressive antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. It's been shown to inhibit the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Garlic is also packed with vitamins B1, B6, and C, plus manganese, calcium, copper, and selenium. So while it may make your breath temporarily unpleasant, it's genuinely beneficial for your oral microbiome. Just follow it up with good brushing.

The usual suspects: sugary drinks (especially soda and juice, which are both acidic and sugary), sticky candies that cling to teeth, and frequent snacking in general. But here's one people miss — acidic foods like citrus, vinegar-based dressings, and sparkling water erode enamel over time even without sugar. The key is frequency. Sipping on a sugary drink all day is far more damaging than having one with a meal. Time your treats, rinse with water afterwards, and wait 30 minutes before brushing after acidic foods.

Significantly. Vitamin C deficiency, for example, directly impairs gum tissue integrity — historically this was scurvy, but milder deficiencies still show up as bleeding or inflamed gums. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseed, walnuts) have anti-inflammatory effects that benefit gum tissue. Calcium and vitamin D are critical for bone density, including the bone that holds your teeth in place. A diet rich in whole foods, leafy greens, and lean proteins is genuinely reflected in the health of your mouth.

Both can transform a smile, but they're different tools. Dental bonding uses a tooth-coloured composite resin applied directly to the tooth — it's sculpted, shaped, and polished in one visit. It's less expensive and reversible, but may stain or chip over time and typically lasts 5–10 years. Veneers are thin porcelain shells custom-fabricated in a lab and bonded to the front of your teeth. They're more durable, more stain-resistant, and look incredibly natural — but they require removing a thin layer of enamel, making them a permanent commitment. I love both options; the right choice depends on your goals and budget.

Yes, when done properly. Professional whitening uses hydrogen or carbamide peroxide at controlled concentrations with custom-fitted trays that protect your gums. The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity, which resolves within a day or two. Over-the-counter strips can work but are less predictable and can irritate gums if misapplied. What I caution against is overuse — whitening too frequently can weaken enamel. We'll find the right protocol for your teeth and make sure you're getting results without damage.

Most people brush too hard and too fast. You should be using a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline, using gentle circular or short back-and-forth strokes. Two minutes, twice a day — use a timer if you need to. Electric toothbrushes are genuinely better at plaque removal for most people because they remove the technique variable. And replace your brush (or brush head) every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Frayed bristles are significantly less effective.

As soon as the first tooth appears, or by their first birthday — whichever comes first. I know that sounds early, but the first visit is really about education for the parents: how to clean baby teeth, what to expect, how diet affects early dental development, and how to prevent baby bottle tooth decay. It also gets kids comfortable in the dental chair from a young age, which makes everything easier down the road. Early habits are the foundation of a lifetime of good oral health.

Because most dental problems are invisible until they're serious. Cavities between teeth, bone loss from gum disease, cysts, impacted teeth, and early signs of oral cancer are all things that look completely normal from the outside but show up clearly on X-rays. By the time a cavity is causing pain, it's usually reached the nerve — a much bigger and more expensive problem than if we'd caught it early. Routine X-rays (typically once a year) are one of the most cost-effective things you can do for your long-term dental health.