“Instead of this cavity-causing, sugar-filled, junk food, consider the following alternatives that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but limit cavities from occurring…”

Vending machines are quick, easy and cheap. Put in some of your extra pocket cash and instantly enjoy a chocolate bar, chip bag, or even a can of pop. That’s not the only thing you’re getting for cheap, vending machines are not only giving out sugar-filled treats; they are also giving out cavities!

When you choose to satisfy your hunger with a chocolate bar or bag of candy, the bacteria in your mouth starts digesting sugar, quickly turning it into acid. This harmful chemical stays on your teeth and begins to eat away at the natural enamel (the material that protects your smile from tooth decay). When enamel gets eaten, you get a cavity!

So what are some helpful ways to prevent cavities from occurring? Always remember to brush your teeth after eating any sugar-filled treat. If you don’t have a chance to brush, don’t even think about treating yourself!

Instead of this cavity-causing, sugar-filled, junk food, consider the following alternatives that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but limit cavities from occurring:

• Bread
• Sliced meat
• Milk
• Raw veggies and fruit
• Nuts and seeds

Subscribe to our blog for more helpful ways to prevent cavities, or contact the friendly team at Lonsdale Dental Centre to learn more about what causes cavities.

Quality of sleep factors greatly into how you perform in your waking hours, whether at work or at home. If you are resting well, you are feeling well and needless to say the reverse is true as well. There are several ways dental professionals diagnose and treat bruxism. As with any other health problem, early detection is the key to treating this particular sleep disorder. There are various ways to test the frequency and duration of your grinding throughout the night. Most importantly, there are treatment methods available such as dental guards and splints which are typically worn on a long-term basis during each and every night’s sleep.

Over the counter mouth guards sold at drug stores, while inexpensive, are considered by dental professionals to be ineffective in preventing tooth erosion and further decay. A good nights rest is imperative to maintaining a healthy quality of life for you and your family. If you or your children experience bruxism, consult your Lonsdale Dental Centre expert for treatment options as your oral health depends upon it.

Contact our North Vancouver dental clinic to find out how we can help you get the rest you need.

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 Lonsdale Dental 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!

That’s why we created an official Facebook page for our practice!  Our Facebook page makes it easy for you to reach us on the go and stay current with practice information.

We make digital communications and social media a priority because we understand that most of our patients are busy juggling career and family. We believe communication is fundamental to building lifelong relationships with our patients and consider oral health education part of our responsibility as your health partners. Our website, blog and official Facebook page display our commitment to reaching out and keeping you educated about your family’s oral health and smile potential.

At Lonsdale Dental Centre, we will do everything possible to keep you in the loop with regard to dental education, promotions, events, new services, and more.

Please take a moment to go to the Lonsdale Dental page on Facebook to “like” us and feel free to share with your family, friends, and colleagues!

The AIR MILES® Reward Program is a great way to enjoy travel, leisure, entertainment and a wide variety of valuable merchandise.

With an AIR MILES® Collector Card, you can turn your routine dental check up into AIR MILES® reward miles for the things you really want, like dream vacations, home theatres to entertain the whole family or a relaxing evening at the movies.

Unlike other frequent shopper programs, AIR MILES® reward miles can be collected from all types of companies across Canada, and there are lots of Rewards to choose from. The list of over 100 Sponsors and hundreds of Rewards keeps growing all the time. You’ll be redeeming your reward miles sooner than you think.

Your friends at Lonsdale Dental Centre are committed to finding new ways to bring even more value to your visits as a form of thanks for your loyalty to our practice. Contact us to book your next appointment and start earning AIR MILES® towards a dream vacation for your entire family!

*Currently AIR MILES® reward miles are redeemable on cleaning appointments only.