My name is Dr. Sarah Adamson, "Dr. Sarah". I joined St. Vital Dental Centre in 2020 as an associate dentist and in 2025 became a partner. St. Vital Dental Centre was established on St. Mary's Road in 1963, and moved to our current location at 167 St. Anne's Road in 2021.
Patients ask our dental team lots of questions about dentistry, oral health, and our practice. Dr. Terry answered a few of the most common questions we receive in a previous blog post. We have been getting a lot of new questions so I thought I would share some more answers. Of course, Dr. Terry and I, as well as our dedicated team of hygienists and dental assistants, are always available to meet and answer any questions about your individual oral health.
Why am I having teeth/tooth sensitivity?
There are many reasons why teeth or a tooth can feel sensitive. Some of these reasons include: gum recession, whitening tooth paste, teeth grinding, a cavity, gingivitis, and infection. It is best to schedule an appointment with a dentist to ensure a more serious condition like a dental infection is not causing the sensitivity.
If you were to see Dr. Terry or myself at an appointment at St. Vital Dental Centre for tooth sensitivity, we would listen to your concerns, ask questions, do an exam that may include x-rays, and then discuss the cause of your tooth sensitivity as well as the best plan of action to address the cause.
How do I brush my teeth?
We recommend using an electric toothbrush for two minutes twice a day for optional brushing. If you are using a manual toothbrush, make sure you are using short brush strokes. Use a pea sized amount of toothpaste. To determine what kind of toothpaste you should be using it is best to book an appointment with your hygienist or dentist as some people could benefit from different types of toothpaste based on their individual oral health needs.
Is bad breath normal?
The scientific name for bad breath is halitosis. Halitosis can be caused by eating certain foods (e.g. garlic), habits and/or medical conditions. Some cases of halitosis can be resolved by keeping your mouth clean by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, using a tongue scraper and mouthwash. If halitosis is chronic, bad breath could be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis. If bad breath is concerning to you, it is best to contact your dentist who can listen to your concerns and do an exam to determine what the cause is, and take steps to treat the root cause of your bad breath.
Do you see dental emergencies?
If you have swelling and difficulty breathing go to your nearest emergency hospital.
Our office accepts same day emergencies, based on availability. If your emergency happens during our office hours, please call 204-233-5164. If your emergency happens after hours on a weekday or weekend, please send us an email at info@stvitaldental.ca describing your issue and include your preferred contact information. Our email is monitored and we will reach out as soon as possible.
Do you do visits online for dental emergencies?
Most dental emergencies require an in person appointment to assess what could be causing the pain.
If you have swelling and difficulty breathing go to your nearest emergency hospital.
Our office accepts same day emergencies, based on availability. If your emergency happens during our office hours, please call 204-233-5164. If your emergency happens after hours on a weekday or weekend, please send us an email at info@stvitaldental.ca describing your issue and include your preferred contact information. Our email is monitored and we will reach out as soon as possible.
How often should I floss?
It is recommended to floss once a day for optimal dental hygiene. Wax string floss is usually recommended for most people. In specific circumstances a water flosser or floss picks might be more appropriate for your specific concerns. If you have questions, our team at St. Vital Dental Centre would be happy to see you and discuss what type of floss would be best for you.
Should I use mouthwash regularly?
Using mouthwash can be a good addition to brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Try looking for a mouth rinse without alcohol as an ingredient. Mouth rinses containing alcohol can dry the mouth and may cause irritation. Using mouthwash does not replace the need to brush twice a day and floss once a day for optimal oral hygiene. Please ask myself, Dr. Terry or one of our hygienists which mouthwash is best for your specific concerns.
How can I manage dental anxiety?
Finding an oral health team you can trust is the best way to manage dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is usually related to past negative experiences. Find a dentist, hygienist and dental office that can listen to your concerns and provide a plan if you get anxious during the exam or cleaning (like raising your left hand to signal to stop and take a break). Controlled breathing and positive self talk can also help. If you have dental anxiety please let us know so we can work with you to ensure your experience at our office is a positive one.
Questions are always welcome in our office and we hope you will contact us soon at 204-233-5164 or info@stvitaldental.ca to discuss any questions or concerns you have.
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