April
 is 
Oral 
Health
 Month
 and
 to 
celebrate
 – and
 encourage
– great
 oral 
health 
care,
 members 
of 
the
 123Dentist.com Community 
Dentist
 Network across 
the 
Lower
 Mainland
 are 
offering
 a 
FREE
 VELscope
 Oral 
Cancer 
Screening 
on 
April 
26, 
2012.

The
 VELscope
 system
 is 
a 
laser
 device
 that 
was
 invented
 by
 the 
BC 
Cancer
 Agency
 as 
a 
tool 
to 
fight
 Oral 
Cancer
 through
 early
 detection.
 Oral
 Cancer
 is
 a
 potentially
 deadly
 disease
 and
 early 
detection
 and
 early 
treatment are
 key 
in 
the 
fight
 against Oral 
Cancer.

The 
VELscope
 oral 
cancer
 scanner 
works
 by 
using 
fluorescent
 light 
technology
 to help
 detect 
signs 
of 
cancer 
and
 precancer
 that 
are 
not 
visible
 to 
the 
naked 
eye. 
Quick and
 painless,
 an 
oral 
cancer
 screening
 often 
takes 
just 
2 
to 
3 
minutes.

Consider
 this: over
 3,400
 new
 cases
 of 
oral 
cancer
 were 
found
 last 
year 
in 
Canada
 alone.

Take 
just 
5 
minutes 
out 
of 
your 
day
 on
 April 
26,
 2012 
to
 ensure 
you 
have
 a
 safer
 Oral 
Health 
Month.

For 
more 
information
 about 
our
 Free
 VELscope
 Oral 
Cancer
 screening
 on
 April 
26
 or
 to 
reserve 
your 
appointment, please 
click 
here.

If you’re pregnant and wondering what effect your oral health might have on your unborn baby, the dental health experts at our dental practice want patients to know the facts about how oral health can impact pregnancy.

There has been evidence that shows a correlation between gum disease and premature babies. Researchers have revealed that pregnant woman who have gum disease are more likely than other pregnant women to have a premature birth.

There needs to be more research on this subject, but it does seem that gum disease is detrimental to fluids that induce labour. If gum disease worsens during pregnancy, the risk will be greater of having a baby born too early or too small.

The dental health team at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre encourages pregnant women to visit our Vancouver dental practice for regular dental appointments so that oral health issues can be treated before they have an impact on pregnancy.

While you are pregnant, the team at our Vancouver dental practice will pay close attention to your teeth and gums. In order to keep your mouth healthy, brush and floss on a regular basis and make sure your diet is nutritious. Ensure that you visit 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre for your regular checkups and to prevent dental issues.

Aside from gum disease, another issue that women may develop during pregnancy is gingivitis. This occurs when plaque is stored in the teeth, causing gums to be irritated. Symptoms of this dental problem are red, swollen and bloody gums, and inflammation.

Gingivitis is a major concern for pregnant women who visit our Vancouver dental practice because the high level of hormones make the way gums respond to plaque much worse. It should be noted that plaque is the major cause of pregnancy gingivitis, not hormones.

If you are diligent about keeping your teeth clean, this will reduce your chances of gingivitis. Make sure to pay special attention to the gumline, as it attracts plaque and bacteria the most.

Let the 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre team know about your pregnancy when you make your appointment.

It is common for parents to wonder whether it is bad for kids to be sucking their thumbs or fingers. Lots of households have at least one “thumb-sucker” and we at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver are here to set the record straight about the problems that arise from thumb sucking.

The big question is, should you worry about your child if they are sucking their thumb? For the most part, there is nothing to worry about. Thumb sucking is completely natural for most children, making them feel secure and content and even being quite relaxing for them. This habit is something that most kids can easily grow out of when they hit the ages of two to four.

However, thumb sucking does become a problem when your child continues to suck their thumb after they’ve received their permanent teeth (usually around the ages of four to six). This habit can become quite problematic at this point, causing pressure inside their mouth and preventing teeth from growing or aligning properly.

If you think that thumb sucking is becoming a problem for your child, contact the dental team at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre and we can evaluate what’s happening and give you some helpful tips on how your child can stop this habit.

Click here for a helpful video about thumb sucking and what you can do to discourage it.

Did you know the first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany in the early 1800s out of pastry and sugar? Nowadays, Easter treats can include Peeps, Cadbury eggs, donuts, marshmallows, Mars bars, cake, ice cream – all things that might cause cavities and tooth decay.

If you’re worried that your sweet tooth might turn into tooth decay, don’t be! You can enjoy your Easter treats and keep your teeth healthy! Just keep in mind these simple things when hunting for your Easter eggs:

• Pick Dark Chocolate – dark chocolate can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Avoid Anything Gooey – candy that sticks to your teeth is more likely to feed the bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities
• Water It Down – water can help wash away-cavity causing bacteria, so be sure to keep a glassful close at hand.
• Practice Good Oral Health – be sure to brush twice a day for 3 minutes, floss daily before bed and visit 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver for your dental hygiene appointment every 6 months or if you suspect that you might have a cavity.

The dental health team at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre wishes you and your family a sweet Easter filled with smiles!

Bad breath can scare away a variety of people, whether it be your boss, family, or a potential new love interest. The team at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver are always available to share the latest tips and tricks on how to freshen bad breath.

At 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, we know that many patients are worried about how their breath smells. However, while some cases of bad breath are persistent and chronic, bad breath can typically be kept at bay.

The following video thoroughly explains the causes of bad breath and how it can be prevented. Most of the time, bad breath can be stopped if you brush your teeth twice a day after eating and floss regularly. The video focuses on morning breath and how this can be controlled, providing tips such as brushing inside the cheek and tongue where most of the bacteria accumulates. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water to encourage saliva production.

Watch the video below for more tips on how to get rid of bad breath.

To learn more about proper oral health, feel free to contact 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver.

Along with maintaining proper oral health, fitness is essential for people to improve their lifestyle. We here at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver want our patients to get active by exercising or playing sports. However, when participating in contact sports, it is incredibly important to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth and jaw bone.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human services suggest people exercise one hour each day, engaging in moderate physical activities, for example: a brisk walk or playing sports. People should also spend 1 hour and 15 minutes doing high intensity exercise like going for a run or dancing.

Staying in shape is vital for feeling great and looking great too. With daily exercise and a stunning smile from 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, you will be able to make any of your lifestyle or work goals a reality. Stay safe while exercising with a custom mouthguard and make sure you are living the proper lifestyle with a healthy, beautiful smile so you can be the best version of yourself.

Contact 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver if you have any questions or if you would like to book an appointment. 

If your child is 1 years-old or their first teeth have come in, be sure to take them to their first dentist appointment. Giving your child the proper oral care is essential to their well-being.

We all know that maintaining oral health is important, especially when it comes to children. Experts suggest that parents should start taking care of their children’s oral health at age 1 or as soon as their first teeth come in. However, a report from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital indicates that the majority of children from ages 1-2 have not even begun seeing a dentist.

At 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, we want to encourage our Vancouver patients to bring their children to our dental office as soon as they turn 1 or as soon as their first teeth come in. We will give your child the proper oral care they need, so they can lead healthy lives with a lifetime of smiles.

The reason that children may not be getting the proper oral care is because parents may be oblivious when it comes to early dental care. At 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, we can discuss your child’s proper oral care and what steps you need to take to ensure your child is getting the dental care they need.

For more information about proper oral care at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver or to book an appointment, please click here.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

For most, the look of your smile is extremely important. If you are unhappy with your smile, there are numerous ways in which you can achieve the look you want. The cosmetic dentistry team at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver will be able to perform the right procedure for you.

These five common cosmetic dentistry treatments can help with the overall look of your teeth:

Teeth Bleaching – When people ask “what is cosmetic dentistry”, this is the typically the most well-known answer. Teeth bleaching is used to whiten teeth and can eliminate stains. Years of discoloured teeth from medication, coffee, tea or from smoking, genetics or from aging can be erased–almost instantly. Cosmetic dentistry and professional teeth whitening are a perfect solution for patients with upcoming job interviews, weddings, birthdays or more.

Bonding – Filling in gaps and changing tooth color is done through bonding. Cosmetic dentistry bonding only requires one office visit, and can last for many years after the procedure is done.

Crowns – Cosmetic dental crowns, a.k.a. caps, restore teeth back to their regular shape and look. Cosmetic crowns typically last the longest out of all cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Veneers – If you want to change the color or shape of your teeth and get that winning smile you’ve always wanted, veneers are the choice for you. Thin pieces of porcelain are used on teeth to correct flaws.

Contouring and reshaping – If you have healthy teeth and want to get a subtle makeover for your smile in a single session, contouring and tooth reshaping is done efficiently and will correct the flaws in your mouth. This procedure is normally used in conjunction with bonding to change the look of your teeth.

If we have not answered your question of “what is cosmetic dentistry” yet, book an appointment today at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver to learn more and get that smile you’ve always wanted.

1. Put a thin layer of toothpaste on your already-moist toothbrush.
2. Brush your back teeth first, especially focusing on the front of the teeth.
3. Hold the toothbrush alongside your teeth, and point the bristles where the tissue is located. Your bristles need to be applied near the gum line.
4. Brush using a round motion for about 10 seconds.
5. When you’re done this step, sweep the bristles away from the gum line.
6. Continue these steps until the top and bottom teeth are clean.
7. Clean the inside surfaces of your teeth, and repeat steps 2 to 5 on your upper and lower molars.
8. Brush your front teeth by moving the tip of the toothbrush from the gum line down. Repeat twice or three times.
9. Do step 8 for the lower front teeth, but be sure to guide away from the gum line. Repeat twice or three times.
10. Brush towards the back of your tooth so you reach the biting surface.
11. You can softly brush your tongue and cheeks if you wish.
12. Rinse with either water or mouthwash.

Brushing at least two times a day is key- we recommend you do this in the morning and before bed. If your bristles look worn out, be sure to replace your toothbrush. You should also get a new toothbrush every 3 months. If you get the cold or flu or any kind of sickness, be sure to get a new toothbrush.

Another great tip would be to visit 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver, BC for your regular checkups. We can examine your mouth and give you the cleaning you need. If you have other dental problems that may be contributing to your bad breath, we can likely take care of it for you.

One thing you may not know that is a great way to keep bad breath at bay is to chew a piece of parsley after you’re done eating. The reason this works is because parsley has chlorophyll in it and this has been a proven way to freshen breath. You can also drop some tea tree oil or peppermint oil on your tongue, or you can put these oils on your toothbrush in conjunction with your toothpaste. It might also help to choose a toothpaste or mouthwash containing natural oils which can battle the bacteria causing your bad breath.

If you’re a smoker, this is undoubtedly a contributor to your bad breath. Smoking is bad for your health in many ways and you may want to consider finding a method so you can quit. Quitting smoking will also prevent you from getting gum disease.

There are certain foods that trigger bad breath and these can be things like garlic, specific spices, and coffee. Dry mouth can also lead to bad breath so make sure you stay hydrated during the day. If you’re finding your mouth is really dry, try some sugar-free gum, products or candy to trigger saliva production.

If you’re still noticing your bad breath, try combining half hydrogen peroxide and half water into a glass and use it as a mouthwash.

There are a number of breath freshening kits and remedies out there that can help you, but be sure to ask us at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre about it before you try these products.

Contact us at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver if you have any questions or want to book an appointment.

Watch the video below for more fresh breath tips: