Halloween is on the horizon and your health partners at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre want to help you protect your kids from something even scarier than zombies, ghosts and goblins this Halloween. There’s something even more bone-chilling called tooth decay!

We all remember the joys of trick-or-treating, and coming home to unload our sugary spoils and eat candy until our tummies ached. Parents are in the scariest position at Halloween, predicting the cavities, temper tantrums and hyperactivity that will result from the copious candy intake by their youngsters.

The best way to avoid any of these truly tricky consequences in the aftermath of Halloween is not to consume any candy at all. However, we know that’s highly unlikely and that’s why your experts at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre have created a Halloween candy guide to help protect your kids from tooth decay and thereby ensure their optimal oral health for life.

Below is a listing from most harmful to the safest treats your kids should be choosing from their trick-or-treat bag:

Sour Power – Sour candies are the absolute worst in that studies have revealed that the acids in sour candies are so destructive because they dissolve enamel on contact!

Hardly Harmless – Hard candy needs to be sucked on for an extended period of time and very chewy candies are harmful in that they get stuck between the teeth. Both hard and chewy candy allow bacteria to wreak havoc on your child’s teeth for a much longer period of time.

Resist Raisins – Don’t be fooled by their natural derivative. Raisins easily damage dental work because they are very sticky and do not mix well with fillings, braces or retainers.

Candy Bars Get Four Stars – While we can’t say candy bars are good for your oral health, they are less harmful because they are eaten quickly allowing less time for the sugar to damage with acid.

Dissolve Your Worry – Powder candy is fairly safe as the sugar dissolves quickly and makes little contact with the teeth.

Eat Two or Three if They’re Sugar Free – As obvious as it seems, sugar-free candy is the most highly recommended Halloween treat for your children’s teeth. You can even prevent cavities by chewing sugar free gum! Sugar free gum promotes increased saliva which neutralizes harmful bacteria.

If your little monsters will be in need a routine dental cleaning after Halloween give us a call and book an appointment today!

Cosmetic Dentistry has become increasingly more accepted for patients thanks to popular reality shows that focus on dramatic smile makeovers. Dental patients in Vancouver are beginning to understand how easy it is to create their ideal smile with the available cosmetic dentistry solutions.

“Cosmetic Dentistry in Vancouver, BC has come a long way in providing smile correction. Dental patients can benefit greatly by taking advantage of gummy smile treatment and other cosmetic dentistry solutions.”

We are often asked questions about what a cosmetic dentist can accomplish at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, and many patients are surprised at all the smile correction solutions we provide.

One popular cosmetic procedure is “gummy smile” treatment or correction. A gummy smile occurs when a large section of gums appear when the patient smiles or laughs. In some cases, there will be more gum area visible than teeth.

Patients complain about their “gummy smile” because they seem to resemble an adolescent, with prominent gums and small teeth. Generally, this smile comes from genetics, which causes the typical gum development to stop early, leaving teeth shorter than they should be.

A gummy smile correction can be treated in a few different ways. First, patients with less severe or moderate gum problems can be treated by lifting the gums and utilizing dental veneers. This “gum-lift”, similar to a face-lift, sculpts the gums to a natural height, allowing veneers to be affixed to the teeth to allow for a beautiful, new smile.

Second, for severe gum disproportion, treatment can include the physical breaking and repositioning of the upper jaw. This can require a healing time of up to two months and the jaw will be wired shut.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Vancouver has come a long way in providing smile correction. Patients at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre are able to benefit greatly by taking advantage of gummy smile treatment and other cosmetic dentistry solutions.

For more information on cosmetic dentistry in Vancouver  or to book an appointment, contact the expert team at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre.

“Always consider the options available and the gravity of your situation before phoning any local emergency dental clinic.”

Emergency situations occur all the time in Vancouver. Medical emergencies are typically treated in emergency room facilities at the hospital, but how about emergency dental treatment?

If you have ever experienced a broken or knocked out tooth, you know that treatment is needed IMMEDIATELY. However, if a patient is not covered by dental insurance or cannot see a dentist, often they resort to taking emergency dental measures. It is important to understand what is an important dental emergency, and what can wait for a few hours or days.

Examples of “Not as Serious” Dental Emergencies:

• Lost fillings
• Chipped tooth
• Wisdom teeth issues
• Toothache
• Root Canal problems
• Loose Crowns
• Mouth Ulcers

With these problems, you will be able to wait until a time when you can make an appointment with us at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre. Take some painkillers in order to experience temporary relief.

Examples of “Serious” Dental Emergencies:

• Severe, unstoppable bleeding
• Swelling in the face or neck
• Dislocated, broken or fractured jaw
• Loss of consciousness
• Infections

In these cases, emergency dental treatment is required. These injuries may commonly occur in sporting accidents, car crashes, or children and should be taken immediately to an emergency dental facility.

These serious dental emergencies are also the only problems that require a visit to the emergency dental room. Always consider the options available and the gravity of your situation before phoning any local emergency dental clinic.

Contact us today to learn more about what to do in the case of a dental emergency.

With the speed of today’s world, dental patients want instant results. How can you get a bright smile quickly, painlessly and easily?

“Have an upcoming wedding, job interview or important party to attend? Snap on Teeth are the quick, inexpensive and non-invasive way to instantly create a “Hollywood Smile”.”

Introducing, Snap on Teeth—the cosmetic dentistry solution custom designed to fit directly over teeth in order to create a beautiful new smile.

Have an upcoming wedding, job interview or important party to attend? Snap on Teeth are the quick, inexpensive and non-invasive way to instantly create a “Hollywood Smile”.

This quick fix is a great idea for patients who are curious about cosmetic dentistry, but do not wish to commit just yet. 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre is able to determine whether or not you will be able to endure permanent cosmetic dental treatments, such as veneers or Zoom! Whitening, as well as provide patients with a preview of what a permanent cosmetic dental solution will look like.

Snap on Teeth are not an ideal solution for everybody; patients with protrusive or removable teeth may not be good candidates. Additionally, always remember that Snap on Teeth are temporary, and may require replacement.

Be sure to discuss your ideal smile with a cosmetic dentistry expert at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre before committing to any permanent solutions.

Contact us at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre to book an appointment or to learn more about Snap on Teeth.

These days, CEOs aren’t fretting over their fine lines, but are more interested in the state of their smile. Executive Esthetic Dentistry is cosmetic dentistry for executives at a high-level, but differs from what a model or actor would pursue when it comes to their teeth. Here at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver, we can offer you dental procedures that will give you the smile you deserve to help achieve your work and business goals.

In a recent Forbes magazine article, executive smile makeovers were a prominent feature. Even though these types of makeover aren’t all that trendy, they are getting more media attention in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures. Having a smile you can be proud of gives you the self-confidence you need to succeed in the business world.

Executives also want a natural smile which will work to make them look younger. Business is turning into a more competitive field worldwide which has even Japanese executives turning to cosmetic dentistry. Even though everyone is unique, achieving a great executive esthetic smile has common threads that people share.

Many executives like being at the center of everything, but they seem to be more subtle when choosing a new smile. The look executives lean towards is natural and youthful–a step above their actual smile. With advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures from 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, your smile will help you appear younger, and give a more professional appearance when dealing with clients or prospective clients.

Because corporation presidents and CEO’s are generally older, teeth bleaching alone is not effective enough. Stains have become implanted on the tooth after being built up over the years and cannot be whitened. Executive restorations for patients at our dental clinic in Vancouver are more successful when veneers or crowns are used. These cosmetic dentistry procedures be utilized depending on how much healthy tooth a patient has and whatever their desired outcome may be.

One great thing about cosmetic dentistry is the ability for dentists to make each procedure individual and customized for every unique patient. A unique smile makeover is possible because of recent advancements in dentist technique and smile design, dental materials used, and laboratory expertise.

Whatever your smile makeover aspirations, 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver can help you create the smile you’ve been looking for. Give us a call today to make an appointment.

"One of the leading causes of cavities is from carbonated beverages; which not only result in cavities but also increase obesity in today’s teenager."

With teenagers eating an increased amount of fast food and carbonated beverages to keep up with their busy lifestyle, family dental clinics are witnessing a generation inflicting serious damage to their oral and overall health.

A poor diet that consists of sugary treats and fast food can result in premature loss of tooth enamel, resulting in a weaker tooth structure. Due to this, it is especially important that teenagers try to maintain a healthy diet.

One of the leading causes of cavities is from carbonated beverages; which not only result in cavities but also increase obesity in today’s teenager.

The citric, tartaric, carbonic and phosphoric acids that come from pop can often lead to the breakdown of tooth enamel, naturally leading to cavities or tooth decay.

In order to actively prevent cavities from occurring, teenagers and parents need to decrease the amount of sugar-filled pop consumed. In addition, regular checkups and cleanings need to be scheduled at your local family dental clinic to ensure optimal oral health.

Contact 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre today to book an appointment or to learn more about cavity prevention for teenagers.

Is there a connection between the two diseases? Yes. Recent studies conducted by the American Diabetes Association have proven that diabetes and gum disease are linked. Diabetics not only have the problem of everyday blood glucose monitoring and maintaining; they are more prone to gum disease and oral health complications.  With the serious disease of diabetes, numerous other complications can occur such as a low immune system and oral health complications such as gingivitis. Diabetics do not have as much fighting power within their immune system as healthy people and this makes them vulnerable to a variety of problems.

Diabetes and gum disease are connected because when blood glucose levels become unstable the teeth cannot remain strong. This can cause a diabetic to lose teeth throughout their lifetime. The risk of serious gum disease is higher when a diabetic’s blood sugar level becomes unbalanced. New research and studies performed indicate that if we focus on maintaining our oral health, we can maintain or improve our general health. An unhealthy set of teeth can lead to numerous problems and health conditions. Gum disease can seriously affect a diabetic because it can increase blood glucose levels so high that it may be more and more difficult to maintain on a daily basis.

If you are suffering from diabetes, you must take good care of your gums. By brushing your teeth two to three times daily after meals, flossing, booking routine dental cleanings, controlling glucose levels and using mouthwash, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting gum disease. It is also important to observe your teeth and gums daily to see if any teeth are loose and if any gums are bleeding as this has been a sign of individuals dealing with diabetes and gum disease

We at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre understand how diabetes and gum disease can deeply affect your life and quality of living. We remain educated and updated on the most recent dental studies, confirmed healthcare reports and offer state-of-the-art technology and treatments. It is our job to keep your teeth and gums healthy and we commit ourselves to providing optimal oral health and hygiene in all of our patients.

We are pleased to announce that 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre has been chosen for membership in 123Dentist.com’s Quality Dental Network (QDN)!

Finding the right dentist used to be hit or miss.  123Dentist.com changes that.  The 123Dentist.com website is a fast and convenient service that helps consumers find an expert dentist in their neighborhood who stands for superior quality and who is committed to putting patients first. The 123Dentist.com website search engine is an innovative and easy tool connecting BC residents to a directory of world-class quality dentists – whether one is looking for a general dentist, a cosmetic dentist, or even for a dentist who provides a particular solution such as Sedation Dentistry, Laser Dentistry, or Invisalign invisible braces – 123Dentist.com provides a list of local dental experts who can be trusted to deliver quality results.

The QDN also chooses practices that are modern and comfortable in order to create a soothing and relaxing patient experience.

To “make the grade,” a member of 123Dentist.com’s QDN must be more than skilled and certified. He or she must also be 100% committed to excellence, patient care, and professionalism. That way when patients use 123Dentist.com to find the ideal local dentist – they know they’re getting the very best.

123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre were elected and pre-screened for quality, meeting a set of high standards that cover everything from skill to attitude. We were also chosen to be a part of the QDN because we offer the latest solutions in the dental industry and we invest the quality time it takes to make sure our patients are comfortable, confident, informed and empowered.

Being a part of 123Dentist.com’s Quality Dental Network is an excellent way for 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre to reach out to our Vancouver, BC community and make our presence known to patients who are new to the neighborhood, seeking the latest in dentistry, or wanting a better dental experience.

Contact us to book an appointment and learn first hand what sets us apart from the rest!

If you think you may have gum disease make sure you check out the top symptoms below. Do not worry, there is treatment for gum disease and your oral health can be restored. It is a good idea to maintain your oral hygiene practices as usual and then set up a consultation with one of our experienced and highly knowledgeable dentists within our practice. We care about your teeth and gums just as much as you do and strive to achieve optimal dental health with every patient that comes to see us.  At 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, we want you to feel safe, cared for and treated as one of the family.

Gum disease is a tissue infection surrounding the teeth. Periodontal disease attacks an area within the mouth called the sulcus.  The sulcus is located between the gums and the teeth and when the tissue is damaged, a pocket is formed in the sulcus. There are two stages that occur when this form of disease develops. They are known as periodontitis and gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed as it is a milder form of gum disease, but if left untreated it can turn into severe periodontitis.

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease can go undetected for quite some time.  Gum disease can be prevented with regular dental checkups and routine cleanings.

Ask yourself the following questions.

1. When you brush your teeth, do your gums bleed? Do your gums bleed for no apparent reason?
2. Do you find that some of your permanent teeth are loose? Do you see gaps forming?
3. Have you noticed that your gums are protruding outwards from your teeth?
4. Do people complain that you have bad breath? Do you constantly have a bad taste in your mouth?
5. If you wear dentures, have you noticed a change in the way they are fitting within your mouth?
6. Is your bite different? Do you feel it isn’t the same bite as you previously had?
7. Have you lost teeth recently without cause?
8. Do your gums appear red, feel tender or look swollen?

If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, contact us today to book a consultation visit.

What should I do?

Call us and schedule an appointment for an exam. Many dentists and dental practices including 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre can help stop the progression of the disease with periodontal maintenance. Do your best to maintain good oral health at home and brush, floss and eat healthy foods to maintain optimal immunity. We can help save your teeth from further damage if you get in touch with us today!

We all know how Facebook is a great social media tool for getting the word out, so we decided to create our official 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre page to keep our patients updated on all are news! Facebook creates numerous opportunities for networking and connecting with patients, colleagues, as well as friends and family. At 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre we want to broaden our horizons with regards to how we communicate with our patients.

By ‘liking’ our page and following us, you will be able to keep up with our recent news, advancements and state-of-the-art technology. You can message us directly, ask questions on our wall and inquire through our website link. We want all of our patients to have access to all of our current dental practice information.

Our team at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre understands how important social media and digital communication is important to our patients and our relationship with our patients. Communication is the key to any strong relationship and by keeping you up to date on our dental practice and services we can build a long term relationship. We understand life gets busy and we can’t always be in touch, but with our new Facebook page you can hear about what is new and upcoming at all times!

We want you and your family to stay current about oral health and hygiene practices. We also offer promotions, dental  education, tips on dental health and more! Your oral health is extremely important to us as we believe a happy smile is a healthy smile. Our blog, website and Facebook page will offer everything you need to know about keeping you and your loved ones safe when it comes to dental health.

‘Like us’ today on Facebook and ‘share’ our dental practice with your colleagues, immediate family members, distant cousins and friends. We want you to keep in touch at all times, whether you have an inquiry about our services or if you just want to say hello! We are only a click away!