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

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How Much Do You Know About Canker Sores?

When it comes to your mouth, no one wants to think of sores, but it is good to always be aware if you feel something abnormal.

So let’s start with…

What are canker sores?

  • Canker sores are shallow sores shaped like craters (ulcers) on the inside of your lip or cheek, or on your tongue.
  • They have a red border with a white or yellowish center.
  • They have the potential of being quite painful, and may even make it hard for you to eat or talk. Ouch!
  • You can develop more than one canker sore at a time.
  • Canker sores are fortunately not spread to other people.
  • Odds are higher for young adults and women to get them, but anyone can get canker sores.
  • Some people may be more prone than others, finding that they get them on a more regular basis.
  • Genetics seem to play a role in whether or not you will get them.
  • Most will not leave a scar – this is why it is even more important to not pick at them.

What are the symptoms of canker sores?

  • You will likely feel a tingling or burning feeling.
  • They may be painful and/or swollen.

How long do canker sores last?

It depends on the canker sore. Sores that are mild may heal in one to three weeks. Sores that are more serious sores may take up to six weeks! They will hurt, on average, for seven to ten days.

Most of the time, it is not known exactly why someone gets a canker sore, but here are some possible explanations:

  • Lack of sleep
  • Allergies
  • Stress
  • Biting your mouth / lip.
  • Irritation from wire braces
  • Lack of vitamins and minerals
  • Acidic food and drink

How do you treat canker sores?

  • Drink a lot of water.
  • Rinse with salt water.
  • Avoid coffee, acidic, spicy, salty, and citrus foods.
  • Eat soft and bland foods.
  • Avoid touching the sore with your toothbrush bristles.
  • Use over-the-counter products such as Oragel or Anbesol.
  • Take pain relievers such as Advil or Aleve.
  • Ask your pharmacist what would be most suitable for children.

It is always a good idea to visit your dentist if you feel something out of the ordinary in your mouth. They will be able to do a physical checkup and diagnose the problem. It is best to never just “assume” it is a canker sore, when it could be something more serious.

Looking for a family dental clinic in the Surrey area? We would love to have you at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry! Give us a call to book an appointment today!

 

Buyer Beware: At-Home Teeth Straightening Kits

If you spend a lot of time on social media or watching TV, you have likely come across an ad for a product that enables you to straighten your teeth…all in the comfort of your own home!

It’s cheap and convenient! What could go wrong, right?

A LOT can go wrong.

When your teeth are straightening, you are moving bones. You need proper x-rays, equipment, and a professional dentist or orthodontist with years of training. It takes a lot more than just doing a quick mold of your teeth in the comfort of your kitchen. Not to mention, if your teeth are really crooked, you may not even be a candidate for aligners. You may need traditional wire braces.

Alignment issues need to be addressed, as well as various other oral health concerns. You need ongoing checkups to ensure your teeth are shifting into the correct positioning. Things may have to be changed along the way if your teeth are moving slower or faster than anticipated.

Plus, who are you going to talk to if something doesn’t feel right? Someone working in a call center across the country?

People have actually ended up with their teeth worse than before they started the at-home treatment. It’s scary and it’s just too risky!

You really do get what you pay for.

If you are located in Surrey, BC and are interested in Invisalign (the SAFE teeth straightening procedure that you get through your dentist or orthodontist), we would love to have you at our clinic for a consultation. Call us to book an appointment today: 604-593-8201.

 

 

 

Dental Bacteria & Your Partner’s Toothbrush

It is a disgusting thought for most, but there are surprisingly couples out there who will occasionally use their partner’s
toothbrush. While we absolutely using partners toothbrushdo not recommend this from a hygiene perspective, it is important for you to know why.

Did you know that the human mouth is home to 19,000 to 26,000 different strains of bacteria? They live together in a biofilm – your plaque. These bacteria can then, of course, lead to tooth decay. The highest amount of bacteria exists on your toothbrush right you brush, but even after 24 hours, there will still be bacteria present. Are you grossed out enough yet?

When you are using someone else’s toothbrush, their bacteria then makes their way into your mouth because it sticks to their toothbrush. It can also be transferred by sharing water bottles, on lip gloss, and when you kiss.

So although you can’t take on their tooth decay (if they have any), the more bacteria that they have on their brush, the higher the chances of you having dental issues. No one needs more bacteria than necessary after all, right?!

Moral of the story: stick to your own toothbrush and practice good oral hygiene, for the benefit of both you and your partner.

Looking for a dentist in Surrey? Give us a call at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry at 604-593-8201.

 

Top 3 Reasons Why Expecting Mothers May Experience Sensitive Teeth

It goes without saying that a woman’s body changes a lot during pregnancy, but did you know that one of those changes could be sensitive teeth?

Here are the top 3 reasons why expecting mothers may experience sensitive teeth:

Increased Blood Flow

Your body has to work extra hard when you are pregnant to support both you and your baby, which results in increased blood flow in your body. This extra blood flow can lead to swollen and sensitive gums that may become tender to the touch. You may discover that you react to very hot or cold foods, even if you don’t normally suffer from sensitive teeth issues.

Gum Disease

Pregnancy means more susceptibility to gum disease – bleeding, sore, and infected gums. This can also unfortunately be a factor in pre-term labour.

Hormones

Your hormones are all over the place when you are pregnant, and this can surprisingly affect how your body responds to bacteria. This can unfortunately put you at risk for periodontal infection and sore teeth and gums.

It goes without saying how crucial it is to maintain top notch oral health when you are pregnant because you need to protect both you and your baby. If you have any signs of anything feeling abnormal or uncomfortable, book an appointment with your dentist without delay.

Looking for a dentist in Surrey, BC? Give us a call at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry today at 604-593-8201.

Signs Your Tooth Enamel May Be Eroding

Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, containing 96% minerals. It cannot be regenerated once it is lost, which is why it is crucial that you do your best to protect it. When it wears away, your teeth become more vulnerable to cavities, chips, and cracks.

Here are the top signs that your enamel may be eroding:

Your Teeth are Yellowing

  • Dentin (a dense, hard, and bony tissue) is found under your enamel and has a natural yellowish colour. That said, if your teeth are appearing more yellow, it may be because you have less enamel and the dentin is then able to show through more easily.

You Have Dents on Your Teeth

  • Referred to as “cupping”, you may start to notice indentations on your teeth.

Your Teeth are Sensitive

  • If your teeth are extra sensitive to very cold or very hot or if you feel a quick jolt of pain when you eat very sugary foods.

You Notice Cracks or Chips in Your Teeth

  • Are you noticing tiny cracks or chips in your teeth? Weaker teeth means your teeth are becoming less defensive against biting and chewing.

If you notice any of these signs, please see your dentist as soon as possible so that you can prevent the erosion from worsening.

Looking for a family-friendly, cosmetic, or emergency dentistry in Surrey? Call us today at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry: 604-593-8201

 

Is Sparkling Water Good for Your Teeth?

Water is clearly (pun intended) the best thing to drink for when it comes to your body and your teeth. But if you have ever wondered how sparkling water compares, this post is for YOU!

Anything with “sparkling” in the label means that it is carbonated, and all carbonated drinks have a higher acid level. That is why there is concern that sparkling water could weaken your tooth enamel. However, studies have been done comparing regular water with sparkling water, and they have concluded that even though the sparkling water is slightly more acidic, it’s safe for your teeth.

Please note that the same cannot be said for FLAVORED sparkling water. If the sparkling water is citrus-flavoured for example, it will have higher levels of acid. More acid = more chance of harming your tooth enamel. Your tooth enamel is the hard outer shell of your teeth that does not rebuild itself. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, which is why it is so important to protect it.

If you are going to consume flavored sparkling water, it is best to combine it with a meal. It’s not the type of thing that you want to be sipping on throughout the day and definitely not the type of thing that you want to keep on your bedside table at night.

At the end of the day, there is absolutely nothing better for your teeth than regular water, so it’s wise to make that your top choice!

For family, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in Surrey, BC, come to Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry! Call us to book an appointment today: 604-593-8201.

Don’t Procrastinate When it Comes to Your Oral Health

Have you ever been in a position where you feel like something is off with your body, but then you spend a little too much time on Google self-diagnosing to the point where you are scared to get checked out? Well, that is pretty much the worst thing you can do. You NEED to make yourself a priority and put yourself first, especially if you feel like something is off to prevent it from getting worse.

And this isn’t only when it comes to going to the doctor. It includes your oral health too! Many people are actually surprised to know that your oral health can negatively affect the rest of your body too.

If you have any of these issues, please book an appointment to see your dentist asap:

  • Any type of oral pain, sores, or spots
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Chronic bad breath, which is also affecting your mental well-being (confidence and self-esteem)
  • Bleeding or puffy gums after you brush or floss
  • Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
  • If you feel like something is off with your filling, dental implants, or crowns
  • If your dentures are uncomfortable or not fitting properly
  • If your jaw pops or hurts when chewing, opening, and closing

Please note, it is also important to have a close relationship with your dental clinic if any of the following apply to you:

  • If you smoke or use chewing tobacco – you are at more risk for oral cancer
  • If you are undergoing medical treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation
  • If you suffer from diabetes, an eating disorder, heart disease, or if you are HIV positive
  • If you are pregnant – don’t shy away from the dentist during these nine months

And regardless if you have any of the above issues or not, everyone must see their dentist every six months for a regular cleaning and checkup to keep things in check and prevent problems from developing.

If you are located in Surrey, we would love to have you as a patient at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry. Call us to book an appointment for you or your whole family today: 604-593-8201.

Do You Know Much About Cleft Lips and Cleft Palates?

You have probably heard of a cleft lip and a cleft palate, but do you know much about them?

Sadly, they both happen during fetal development. It is a defect that may either be genetic in nature, or due to the result of something that the mother was exposed to during pregnancy.

In a cleft lip, parts of the face that form the upper lift remain split, instead of sealing together before birth. These same type of splits can also happen in the roof of the mouth or palate, resulting in a cleft palate. A baby may be born with just one or both.

Other issues that may arise from a cleft lip or a cleft palate include:

  • Speech impediments
  • Difficulty eating
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Ear infections

It can be really hard on children as they grow up because they these defects affect their appearance, resulting in lack of confidence or poor self-esteem. There is good news though – both can be corrected with surgery, most commonly when the baby is between three and six months old. More severe defects may take more than one surgery.

If you know or suspect that your baby has either of these, and it was not noticed at birth, visit your doctor and dentist asap and get informed about possible treatments.

If you are looking for a dentist in Surrey, we would love to help you out at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry. Give us a call today: 604-593-8201.

So You Think Smokeless Tobacco Must Be Safer? Think Again…

More people have cut down on smoking over the years due to an increase in education, but according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the usage of smokeless tobacco (also known as chewing tobacco) has actually been on the increase since 2000. Quite alarming, right? In most cases, this is because it is perceived as less dangerous because it cannot be inhaled, therefore, has a much lower risk of leading to lung cancer.

When people use chewing tobacco, the chew sits along the gum line in the mouth, as the person sucks on it. Doesn’t sound too appetizing, does it?!

This then causes saliva to build up, which is why people who chew tobacco will often spit. It is actually quite common among baseball players.

Nicotine is then absorbed into the bloodstream via the tissues in the mouth.

So then, you may have a much lower risk of lung cancer, but what about oral cancer? Oral cancer is a very serious disease to treat and can cause death.

Here are some of the frightening effects of oral cancer:

  • Depression
  • Decreased saliva in mouth
  • Loss of speech
  • Harder to eat
  • Head, neck, or facial disfigurement

And if that’s not enough to scare you (although I hope it is), well, you are sure to also have bad breath, stained teeth, sores in the mouth, bleeding or cracked lips, and even receding gums. And you know what receding gums can lead to? Tooth loss! And on top of that, it can definitely affect your dating and professional life.

Smokeless tobacco can also lead to:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure

All of which can put you at a higher risk of stroke, brain damage, and heart attack.

The moral of the story: no one wins with any type of tobacco product. Get the help to quit now!

Also, book an appointment with your dentist regularly for a checkup, cleaning, and so they can also check for any signs of oral cancer or other related issues. Call Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry for dental services in Surrey, BC.

 

Happy Holidays!

All of the dentists, dental hygienists, and office staff at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry would like to wish all of our lovely patients a warm, safe, and happy holiday season. Take it easy on the treats though and be sure to brush after meals!

2018 was a great year and we look forward to seeing you again in 2019 to keep your smile healthy and bright!

Be sure to book your appointments for your 6 month check-ups and cleanings. Should something not feel right, do not wait for your 6 month appointment. Book in to see us as soon as possible. It is always much better to be proactive that reactive and catch things sooner than later if there is a problem. Not to mention, it can save you more money in the long run too!

Sending our best,

The Staff of Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Surrey, BC

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604-593-8201Monday 11:00am-7:00pm
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Saturday: By appointment only6450 120 St. #6
Surrey, BC V3W 3M5