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6450 120 St. #6, Surrey, BC V3W 3M5
604-593-8201
Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry

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3 Reasons You Cannot Ignore a Cavity

No one likes to hear that they have a cavity during a visit to the dentist, but if you do find out that you have one, you need to get it filled as soon as possible.

Do you know what can happen if a cavity should happen to overstay its welcome in your mouth?

If you do not get a cavity filled, here’s what can happen:

(1) Your cavity will progressively get worse, meaning it will get larger and more decayed.

(2) If a cavity is ignored too long, there is a risk that your nerves will get exposed to bacteria. This can lead to an infection that would require root canal treatment.

(3) Severely decayed teeth are more prone to breakage. This can then lead to a situation where you would need to get a dental crown.

So, as you can see, the sooner you get diagnosed, the better. This is another reason why it is so important to ensure that you visit your dentist every six months.

Often people postpone their dental checkups because they lose track of time, or because they may be fearful of the dentist and what they may find out. A cavity does not wait. What would have just been a filling, could turn into so much worse, not to mention become much more costly to you.

And as for the bright side, if you brush twice a day for two minutes and floss…plus have regular checkups and watch what you eat and drink, chances are you will have nothing to worry about!

Call our Surrey dental clinic today, and let’s be proactive in preventing any cavities you may have from getting out of control!  As with anything, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

5 Tips to Make Brushing Teeth Fun for Kids

It’s so important to get your kids in the habit of taking good care of their teeth as soon as they are old enough to brush so that it carries on throughout their lives. We only get one set of teeth after all!

That said, getting your kids excited about brushing their teeth can be easier said than done. Telling them about plaque and acid erosion would likely go in one ear and out the other. It has to be approached in a kid-friendly way to be more effective (and easier on you as a parent in the morning and at bedtime).

Here’s 5 tips to make brushing teeth fun for kids:

1. Let them pick out their own toothbrush. There are so many options nowadays with superheroes and various other characters, that a plain one just doesn’t cut it. If they love Spiderman, they’re sure to love their Spiderman toothbrush. Also, get an extra soft battery-operated electric one! This makes it even more exciting, and will be much more effective in getting rid of that pesky plaque as compared to a manual one.

2. Let them pick out their own toothpaste. A package that appeals to kids will be much more effective than a regular tube targeted to adults. Plus, it will be milder, taste better, and maybe even have sparkles in it! Toothpaste companies hire marketing companies for a reason…it sells their product!

3. Children love to imitate adults. If you get in the habit of brushing your teeth at the same time as your kids, it can be seen more of as a fun activity that you are doing together that turns into a routine vs. nagging at them to go brush their teeth. Plus, you are setting a good example at the same time!

4. Photocopy a calendar page each month. Get a special stamp for morning and night to use each time they brush. At the end of the month, reward them with something special or an activity they want to do. It will give them incentive and something to look forward to.

5. Buy a cute egg timer. It’s not enough that they are just brushing their teeth. You want them to brush for 2 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes at night. This will enable them to keep track of how long to brush.

In addition to all of these great tips, remember to give them positive reinforcement each time they brush. Telling kids what a great job they did and how proud you are of them goes a LONG way!

You can make going to the dentist a fun experience too by bringing them to our Surrey kids dentist.  Call us to book an appointment today!

5 Reasons to Get Porcelain Veneers for an Instant Smile Makeover

 

Veneers fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry. They are thin layers of porcelain made to fit over your teeth to improve their appearance and/or protect the surface of the tooth from damage.  Aside from being able to make a huge boost to your confidence, here’s five other reasons as to why you should consider getting porcelain veneers:

(1)  Depending on the condition of your teeth, teeth whitening may not be able to get your teeth their whitest and brightest. Sometimes staining goes through the enamel to the dentine, preventing bleaching from being a viable treatment. It is good to be aware of your options!

(2)  Porcelain veneers actually act as a barrier on the teeth. They can protect your teeth from staining from smoking, coffee, cola, certain antibiotics, and more.

(3)  Chips and cracks can be covered with veneers, preventing any further damage on the teeth. Who wants to smile with a chipped or cracked tooth?

(4)  Veneers can reduce the size of gaps between teeth. If you are self- conscious about a larger than normal gap(s) between your teeth, this can be a great solution!

(5)  They are long lasting. If you practice good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, regular checkups), porcelain veneers have the potential to last 10 to 20 years – possibly even longer.

Call us today to book a consultation for porcelain veneers! You have nothing to lose…and so much to gain!

 

FREE Oral Cancer Screening at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry til April 30

As part of National Oral Health Month, we are offering FREE oral cancer screening until April 30, 2015.  Oral cancer can be treated successfully if caught early enough, which is why it is so important to be proactive when it comes to your health.

Call us for more information or book an appointment for a cleaning and we can do your oral exam during the same visit.

CLICK HERE for more information about oral cancer from the Canadian Cancer Society.

April is National Oral Health Month

You may have seen mentions of #OralHealthMonth on social media…but it is important to really take a few minutes to recognize how an unhealthy mouth can affect your whole body. There really is no sugar-coating the serious problems that you may be confronted with if you do not focus on proper oral care.

Did You Know that Bleeding Gums Can Lead to Heart Attack & Stroke?

The majority of people have likely experienced bleeding or tender gums at some point in their life. Yet, it is often overlooked because people don’t think of it as a “serious” issue, as compared to if you had internal bleeding.

Fact is, this harmful bacteria can make it’s way into your bloodstream. If the bacteria bonds to platelets in your blood, blood clots can form. This has the potential to lead to heart attacks and strokes. No one is invincible. It CAN happen to you!

Furthermore, this can also lead to disorders of the digestive or respiratory systems, an increased risk of cancer of the pancreas, and the development of diabetes.

Have You Heard of Oral Cancer?

Did you know that every year approximately 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer? Even more frightening is that approximately 1,050 deaths are the result of it. (Source: Canadian Dental Association) Your dentist has the training and experience to detect oral cancer early. Would you rather just avoid going to the dentist and not know – or would you rather be proactive and protect your life?

A Happy Mouth is Critical for a Happy Life

Poor oral health can most definitely affect a person’s quality of life. If you have oral pain, an infection, or even missing teeth, it will affect how you speak and eat. It can also affect your confidence and the way you socialize. You don’t want to be self-conscious when it comes to smiling or scare people off with halitosis, do you?

It can’t be emphasized enough how important it is to schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups. It really only takes a short amount of time out of your day every 6 months…and can potentially save your life!

So, what are you waiting for? Call Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry TODAY and book that appointment! We also have some Saturday appointments available if you are unable to make it during the week. Just ask our receptionist when you call.

 

 

5 Reasons to Try Botox

Have you considered getting Botox, but feeling a little unsure about the procedure? You may be worried about looking too much like some of the Hollywood celebrities you see on TV who “overdo” it, but you can have a subtle, refreshed look. Botox injections have become so popular, you likely have a friend or family member who gets treatments on a regular basis…and you don’t even know it!

Botox Surrey BC

Need some more convincing? Here’s 5 reasons why you should try it:

(1)   People don’t have to know you got it, they will just think you are getting more rest and leading a healthier lifestyle. You will still be able to make facial expressions. The talk in the media about being “frozen” or looking plastic is exaggerated. You will still look completely natural and like yourself.

(2)   You will LOVE looking in the mirror because you will feel more confident about your appearance. It’s amazing how smoothing out some fine lines and wrinkles can help your confidence shine through!

(3)   Botox treatment literally only takes a few minutes. Plus, the procedure only has to be done every 3 to 4 months.

(4)   There is ZERO downtime. You could even have an appointment over your lunch break and go back to work without anyone noticing anything.

(5)   It feels like a quick pinch. Even if you are feeling anxious, you will be sure to say “Oh, that wasn’t as bad as I thought!”

The only thing you will have to get used to is everyone telling you how great you look. You can handle that, right?

Say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles and HELLO to a happier you!

 

 

6 Things to Avoid Eating & Drinking to Protect Your Teeth

It’s important to go to the dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and a checkup, but wouldn’t you want to prevent getting more invasive procedures done if you could?

There are a number of things that you should avoid putting in your mouth to lower your chances of needing dental work and to protect your teeth.

Here’s six of them:

(1) Soda (Regular or Diet) – It would be ideal to avoid soda for health reasons in general, but in terms of your teeth, soda contains acid that can weaken your tooth enamel. If you have a craving however, make a conscious effort to drink through a straw, which can help limit contact with your teeth.

(2) Ice – Chewing on ice can easily chip, break, or crack your teeth. If you chew on ice, you also run the risk of damaging existing dental work like veneers and fillings, which can end up hurting your wallet as well. It can also weaken your tooth enamel and increase your sensitivity to hot and cold.

(3) Breath Mints, Lollipops, Cough Drops, and other Hard Candy – Sucking on anything sugary is like surrounding your teeth with sugar. Opt for sugar-free…and don’t bite anything into pieces, as it can have the same effect as ice.

(4) Sports & Energy Drinks – Companies have a way of marketing their sports and energy drinks to seem like the ideal thing to reach for after a workout. Opt for water instead! It’s better for your body and won’t give you cavities.   Oh, and there is nothing “nutritious” about vitamin water.

(5) Canned Fruit – Heavy syrup combining with acids. Need I say more? It’s hard to compare the taste and quality to something fresh anyhow! If you don’t have access to fresh, opt for frozen, which is perfect for making smoothies.

(6) Lemons & Lemonade – It’s hard to say no to a glass of fresh lemonade on a sunny day, but you’ll want to limit your intake. The citric acid in lemons can be very harsh on your teeth and erode your enamel. Always use a straw and always be sure to rinse with water so that the acid is not lingering in your mouth longer than it should be.

Be mindful with oranges and grapefruits too…and also if you have a habit of adding lemon directly to your water.

It’s important to note that you should not brush your teeth within 30 minutes after drinking or eating anything acidic. Why? Because acid will soften your tooth enamel, making it even more prone to erosion after brushing.

Dr. Chohan can answer any further questions you may have about things to avoid to help protect your teeth when you book an appointment for a cleaning and checkup or one of these other dental services.  Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry proudly serves patients from Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Langley, and surrounding areas.

 

 

The Truth About Root Canal Therapy

The connotations that come along with the words “root canal” are often not very positive, even from people who don’t really even know what a root canal is. It is one of those procedures that evokes feelings of fear and and one that most people hope to be able to avoid at all costs.

The perception that root canals are super painful and scary is mostly due to the early treatment methods that are no longer in use. Getting a root canal isn’t that big of a deal…really!

Here’s Why:

  • The area will be frozen during the procedure. And the best part is…AFTER the treatment, most will experience pain RELIEF! They stop the pain caused by the infected dental pulp.
  • In addition to anesthetic, if you are still anxious, you also have the option of sedation.
  • Root canal therapy will SAVE your tooth. Would you rather have your tooth extracted or replace your tooth with an implant? Not likely. Plus, if you are fearful of a root canal, then you probably would also be fearful of the alternative procedures, and maybe even more so.
  • With proper dental care, most root canal treatments will last a lifetime, which will prevent you from having pain in that tooth again.
  • Today, some root canal procedures can be completed in a single visit, unlike in the past, where you may have needed multiple appointments.

Doesn’t sound so bad now, does it? Plus, your dentist will be able to answer any questions you may have and explain the treatment in full detail to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

How Do You Know If You May Need Root Canal Therapy?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should definitely book an appointment to see your dentist:

  • Sharp pain around the tooth
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Constant throbbing pain
  • Ongoing sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Swollen lymph nodes and gum tissues

Call us today and book a consultation. You may also be interested in our other dental services. We welcome patients from Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Langley, and surrounding communities.

 

7 Compelling Reasons to Become a Patient at Our Surrey Dental Clinic

Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry is a beautiful, new dental clinic in Surrey.  We would love to have you as a patient!  Need some incentive to check us out?

Here’s seven reasons:

(1) We are a full-service family dental office in Surrey, specializing in the following dental services: preventative, restorative, cosmetic, sedation, and children’s dentistry.

(2) Dr. Sundeep Chohan will make you feel comfortable and at ease.  She strives to keep current with the evolving field of dentistry by participating in various continuing education courses and study clubs. She is trained and experienced in treating children with a gentle touch and inviting personality, which makes kids look forward to going to the dentist!

(3)  We provide state-of-the-art dental care, so we are trained and experienced at using innovative dental office technology including digital x-rays, panoramic x-rays, intraoral cameras and monitors, iPads for education, and DentalVibe®.

(4) Have a future dental emergency? Not to worry! Dr. Chohan will accommodate you during our dental office hours. Patients of record can call our main office line for instructions on how to reach us when the office is closed: 604-593-8201.

(5) We can whiten your teeth in the clinic in just 20-minutes!  Who doesn’t have 20-minutes for a bright and beautiful smile that is sure to boost your confidence?!  We also have bleaching kits that you can conveniently take home.  CLICK HERE for more about our teeth whitening services.

(6) We offer FREE Invisalign™ consultations. We are here to provide you with information and answer any questions you may have…not to make you feel pressured to buy. You have nothing to lose by booking a FREE consultation today!

(7) New patients get a take-home teeth whitening kit, electric toothbrush, or Visa gift card at their first visit! Click for info.

These are just some of the reasons why you should book an appointment at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry today!  We would love to be able to show you firsthand that you will be pleased with your decision to give us a chance to provide you with the level of dental care you deserve in a safe, modern, and welcoming environment.

Accepting new patients from Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Langley, and surrounding communities.

Call us today! We look forward to meeting you!

 

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604-593-8201Monday 10:00am-6:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am-6:00pm
Thursday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Friday CLOSED
Saturday: 9:00am - 3:00pm (once a month)6450 120 St. #6
Surrey, BC V3W 3M5