Do you wish your smile was white and more attractive?

If so, you're not alone. The key is to understand the most important factors that contribute to a bright white smile.

For example, you need to learn proper dental hygiene to keep your teeth looking healthy. It's also important to avoid certain lifestyle choices that can negatively impact the quality of your teeth, such as the foods you eat and smoking.

Here we take at ways smoking can ruin your teeth, as well as the importance of an oral cancer screening from a dentist at North Vancouver to ensure you have a great smile for years to come. Keep reading to learn more.

The Impact of Smoking On Oral Health

Let's start by looking at the most common ways that smoking can negatively impact the overall health of your mouth.

Some signs of smoking are visible while others aren't. The visible signs include yellow or brown teeth, hardening of plaque, tooth decay, and bleeding gums. These are obviously unattractive and often painful, thus they should be assessed with a mouth screening sooner rather than later.

There are other signs of poor oral health lurking beneath the surface. They might not be as visible, but that doesn't make them any less important. For example, you might have gum disease, have loose teeth, or need a root canal.

Smoking typically also results in bad breath, pain when chewing, and receding gums. The key is to catch these symptoms as soon as possible so that a Vancouver dentist can provide the necessary dental care to promote proper dental health.

Dental Care for Smokers

It's not easy to stop smoking. And you may love smoking and have no desire to give up your habit. When this is the case, there are some very important oral hygiene tips for smokers you need to keep in mind.

First and foremost, it's crucial that all smokers understand how to brush properly. After all, smoking puts you at twice the risk for gum disease, so you have to work hard to keep your gums as healthy as possible. The best strategy is to invest in a quality toothbrush and brush at least twice a day.

It's also wise to ask your Vancouver dentist about teeth whitening treatments.

After you brush, always rinse with a mouthwash. This will help reduce the bacteria in your mouth that smoking promotes. Focus on eating tooth-friendly foods, and avoid foods and beverages that will stain your teeth.

Schedule Regular Dental Appointments

Your Vancouver dentist is the best person for asking questions about smoking and oral cancer. That's why it's important to schedule a dental appointment at least once a year to keep an eye out for mouth cancer and other serious oral health conditions.

A Guide to the Importance of an Oral Cancer Screening

Oral health is something most people take for granted until there's a serious problem. The key is to practice good dental hygiene and have an oral cancer screening each year to keep your teeth as healthy and beautiful as possible.

Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with a North Vancouver dentist or to inquire about our dental treatments.

Are you looking for a solution for straighter teeth? Invisalign is becoming the most popular choice for creating your perfect smile! With a nearly invisible look, your teeth straightening happens without the discomfort of traditional braces.

Invisalign treatment is a specialty for orthodontics North Vancouver. At IQ Dental, we help hundreds of people every year with their orthodontic treatments. Invisalign North Vancouver offers many benefits that traditional braces don't.

Keep reading to find out why they might be right for you!

Invisalign North Vancouver

Both traditional braces and Invisalign treatments offer solutions for a straighter smile. Your orthodontist will suggest the best course of action for your needs but asking about Invisalign is in your best interest. It is one of the most popular methods of getting the look you want!

Invisalign aligners work by using custom clear trays that fit into your mouth and gently align your teeth. There are many reasons why Invisalign is the more effective choice for minor teeth alignment.

Treatment Time for Orthodontics North Vancouver

The length it takes to get your teeth where they need to be vary for each patient. Both your age and the severity of your straightening needs will affect the length of wearing aligners.

The average wearing time for traditional braces is 24 months. Invisalign works, on average, between 12 and 18 months. This means a faster turnaround time for your beautiful smile!

Less Maintenance

While both traditional braces and clear aligners straighten your teeth, Invisalign requires a less complicated oral hygiene routine. Braces make brushing and flossing difficult. With Invisalign, you pop your aligner out to take care of cleaning your teeth.

The removable clear trays allow for eating in more comfort than metal braces. This is because you take out your aligners to eat and drink. Metal braces may make eating some types of food more difficult.

Invisalign does require some self-discipline since the trays are removable. The treatment is designed to be worn as much as possible. So, it's important to remember to put the Invisalign aligners back in after removing them for eating and cleaning.

Less Painful

The Invisalign aligners feel better in the mouth. Metal braces apply a greater force of pressure and many people report they take a while to feel comfortable. The plastic aligners are made for your mouth and don't poke or scratch like metal braces sometimes do.

Metal braces also require tightening by the orthodontist by adjusting the wire. The Invisalign trays are swapped out as your teeth move towards their ideal alignment. This is much more gentle overall.

Start on Your Straight Smile Today

When exploring orthodontic treatments, Invisalign North Vancouver needs to make your list. The removable and effective clear aligners make your smile dreams come true in a discreet way. With minimal maintenance and less discomfort than traditional braces, Invisalign is the solution you've been looking for.

Make your consultation appointment to get started today. Contact IQ Dental, the orthodontics North Vancouver specialists now!

Have you been putting off a much-needed dentist visit because the idea of spending all that money on your teeth is more painful than the work that needs doing? Dental care should cause you less pain, not more!

If this is a dilemma you face every time you need a check-up or a filling, don’t agonize over it anymore. We have a few tricks up our sleeve that can help you cut the cost of that pesky dental visit!

So, what are these wonderful, money-saving ideas? Keep reading and we will tell you!

Dental School

For those of you who don’t have dental coverage, or want to save a bit of money, look for a dental school. Hearing the words “school” and “dental” together may make you feel anxious, but there is no reason to be.

While you are offering the students a much-appreciated chance to get some hands-on experience, they are all supervised by a licensed dentist. You can save between 20 and 70 percent on dental costs.

Unnecessary Procedures

Unfortunately, some dental rooms upsell their procedures. Crowns and root canals are not always needed but are often pitched as the only option, when all you need is a filling or an extraction.

Trying to get clients to agree to expensive or elective cosmetic treatments is not ethical. Cleaning is another easy money maker and one that none of us question, but you don’t need to have your teeth cleaned at every visit unless you have gum disease.

Membership Plans and Discounts

Ask your local dental surgery about in-house membership plans or discounts. Many dentists now offer dental care or payment plans to their patients that do not have a dental cover option.

This means you will pay them a monthly fee, and in turn, all your preventative work will be done at no extra charge, and procedures will be offered at a discounted price.

Low-Cost Clinics

Do some research in your area and see which government-funded or nonprofit clinics offer oral care. Just be aware that you will wait some time for an appointment as they are in high demand. Alternatively, ask around the local dentist’s room and see if any of them offer a free or low-cost day.

Look After Your Teeth

It is always said that prevention is better than cure, and this is the case with oral hygiene. If you take good care of your teeth, then your visits to the dentist should be limited to simple preventative care and not costly procedures. Brush your teeth twice a day and maintain a healthy diet and make regular checkup appointments with your dentist.

Taking the Pain Out of Dental Care

There is no need to dread visiting the dentist. Make sure you do your research if you are shopping around for a new dental care provider and know what your options are for dentists in north Vancouver. It is also worth knowing which procedures are considered cosmetic or unnecessary.

Book a check-up with us today or inquire about the services we offer. Our friendly dentist in North Vancouver is here to help.

If you have a lot of children and you live in North Vancouver, you know that choosing the best dentist can be a challenge. Things like different dentists for each family member and flexible appointments are two common concerns.

Additional worries include the time, cost, and insurance coverage for procedures or other services.

However, with family dentistry, all of these fears will begin to vanish. Family dentistry is extremely important for oral health, erasing the need for numerous dentists and the nervousness around adaptable scheduling.

Have you been Googling, "family dentist North Vancouver" for far too long? Keep reading to learn more about why family dentistry is crucial for proper oral health.

A Wide Range of Services

At a family dentist office, there are a variety of services offered to best suit the needs of you and your children. Some of these services or procedures include:

• Routine dental exams
• Cavity fillings
• Gum disease treatments
• Digital x-rays
• Sealants
• Fluoride treatments

A major service provided by a family dentist is orthodontic treatment, which many children and teenagers require. Orthodontic treatment is used to correct bite issues. Braces and Invisalign are the two most common methods.

One of the benefits of family dentistry, though, is that the dentists understand how teeth develop as children grow.

If they do have bite issues, taking them to a family dentist will ensure that treatment is implemented early on before it gets worse and causes additional problems. Family dentists have the tools for early detection!

Education for Parents and Children

Part of child development as a whole is learning how to take care of oneself, a.k.a personal hygiene. When children are introduced to this at a young age, their independence blossoms, and they feel supported in whatever they do.

As we adults know, part of personal hygiene is brushing and flossing our teeth to maintain a healthy mouth.

Family dentistry is a fantastic opportunity for parents to learn about how to encourage toothbrushing, what kinds of dental supplies to use at home (and which to avoid), and how to identify types of oral health issues.

Even for children, there is something to learn from a family dentist. The dentist is typically a master at making it fun yet educational – they can explain the process and what kinds of tools they are using.

A Helping Hand for the Whole Family

By looking into family dentistry, you are being a helping hand for your entire family.

Sure, having all of your family members see one dentist is majorly convenient – but there are other benefits you may not have considered, one of them being that parents can provide emotional support for children with a fear of dentists.

Additionally, having the whole family receive services from the same dentist allows for the dentist to get to know your entire family. This is helpful in discovering any potential dental conditions that could be passed down.

Family Dentistry: It's Worth It

Not only is family dentistry worth educating yourself about, but it is extremely important in maintaining the oral health of you and your family members. These dentists specialize in caring for groups of people!

With a wide range of offered services, having the opportunity to learn about oral health, being able to help everyone at the same time, and receiving preventative care, what's not to love about family dentistry?

At IQ Dental, we provide care that is affordable and comprehensive. If your family is in need of dental care, please request an appointment with our lead dentist, Dr. Peyman Safari-Pour.

We all go through that fledgling phase where our milk teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth. But these brand-new teeth that come in around age six are for life. They shouldn't be exiting our mouths unless there's a good reason.

In a recent study, the need for tooth extractions was found to be more common among male participants and smokers. Below, we explore other risk factors and reasons why dental extractions are necessary.

Crowding

When permanent teeth come in, they jostle for space in your jaw. You may even be one of the few people who sprout extra teeth.

When there's not enough room to go around, teeth crookedly slot themselves in wherever they can. Your oral hygiene is affected and, at an already awkward age, so is your smile.

This is where braces come in. Orthodontists have to create space to be able to straighten teeth optimally. This can involve using a palate widener or doing one or more extractions.

Tooth Decay, Trauma or Infection

Teeth can decay or become infected to a point where they can't be saved even with a root canal. In this scenario, extraction can help eliminate the negative effects of 'rotten' teeth including pain.

If you've injured your mouth and your tooth splits, removing it from its socket may be a sound course of action.

Troublesome Wisdom Teeth

You may have heard of someone getting their wisdom teeth removed. Impacted wisdom teeth don't line up with the chompers next to them. This becomes a bother when food lodges around and in between these teeth.

It can lead to plaque build-up and inflammation of the gums, among other problems. Dentists tend to be conservative about pulling teeth out. But because these large molars often cause dental issues, extractions are not unusual.

Other Health Reasons

A child's baby teeth can take longer to fall out than they should. In these cases, your pediatric dentist may consider extracting to help the process along.

Cancer patients who are due to undergo chemotherapy should see their dentist a few weeks before commencing treatment in case extractions are required. Extractions after treatment can cause bone tissue death.

Before trying to fall pregnant, it's worth going to a dentist to address any oral health issues you may have. There's a small chance that poor oral health coupled with pregnancy hormones can affect the fetus. Where a tooth is beyond repair, pulling it out may be best for you and your baby.

Key Takeaway

If your dentist informs you that you need to remove a tooth, don't be afraid. Extractions are not uncommon and you have options for pain management which can make the process a smooth one. Where necessary, extracting teeth can dramatically improve your oral health and quality of life.

Schedule A Dental Extraction in North Vancouver

At IQ Dental, Dr. Gamini, Dr. McKay and Dr. Safari-Pour provide excellent dental services. Book an appointment and one of our experienced dentists will check if you need an extraction or a more conservative approach. You'll receive high-quality care at affordable rates.

The right dentist makes a big difference in your dental experience. When you pick a good dentist, you get excellent customer service and high quality care. How do you choose the best dentist in North Vancouver? When looking for a new dentist's office, you need to ask these five questions.

Who Are the Dentists at the Office?

It is always a good idea to learn a little about the dentist before you pick your dentist in North Vancouver. Check to see how many dentists work at the office and see how much training they have. In addition to basic dental training, some dentists may take extra courses that qualify them to be an Oral Surgeon or a Periodontist. In general, more experience is usually a good thing. When you can find a doctor who has

What Services Do They Offer?

All dentists should offer a wide range of basic care, like exams, fillings, root canals, and screenings. The best dentists in North Vancouver also provide some surgeries, like dental implants and other procedures. If you are interested in changing the overall look or shape of your smile, you might also want to make sure the dentist offers services like braces and cosmetic dentistry.

Are They Easy and Enjoyable to Communicate With?

When you first contact a new dentist, pay close attention to how they communicate with you. This tells you a lot about their general customer service. Consider things like whether they reply promptly to your inquiry and whether employees are polite and respectful. An office with good customer service will make every trip easier and more pleasant.

Do They Have Good References?

The best dentists will have a lot of happy customers willing to talk about them. Many people find their dentist by getting a reference from a friend or family member. If you do not know anyone in Vancouver, you can still learn about the dentist by checking their online reviews. While some online reviews can be a little exaggerated, they do tell you a lot about other people's experiences at the dentist.

Do the Office Hours, Prices, and Location Work for You?

The best dentist in North Vancouver will be the one that fits into your lifestyle. Ideally, they should be close to your home or office and be open when you need them. Another thing to consider is price. Though a good dentist usually is not cheap, they should still be somewhat affordable. Check to see which dental insurances they accept and whether they offer payment plans.

IQ Dental is happy to be your local North Vancouver dentist office. Our team works hard to provide the best possible care in a convenient location. Interested in giving our services a try? Call our office or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation today.

Everyone has heard of the dental procedure known as a root canal.

However, if you've never had one before, you may be curious to find out exactly what a root canal entails.

Even if you have had one, you may not be completely sure of what is involved in this procedure.

Many people cringe when they hear the term root canal. For some, there is certainly a negative connotation that comes with it. But, you don't have to be afraid of getting a root canal. The process is simple.

If you're in need of root canal treatment in North Vancouver or anywhere else, read on to learn more about the root canal process. Then you can visit your dentist feeling relaxed and confident. Once it's all over, you'll be glad you went through with it and had it done.

What Is a Root Canal?

If you've been experiencing painful tooth sensitivity for an extended period of time, your dentist may suggest that you get a root canal.

When you get a root canal, your experienced dentist will do everything that he or she can to keep you from feeling pain both during and after the procedure. Local anesthesia will be administered during the process; after, you may be a little sore, but you can take over-the-counter pain medicine to help you feel better. Many people feel no pain after a root canal at all.

You may need a root canal because of an issue with an existing filling or because you have a chipped tooth. Both of these issues can result in inflamed and irritated dental nerves. When nerve tissue is damaged or exposed, bacteria can multiply quickly around it and can cause an infection that could later lead to an abscess. It's crucial that you get these issues taken care of before that occurs.

Even if you don't have either of the above problems, if you are very sensitive to hot or cold foods, a root canal can help with those issues as well.

A root canal is a very common procedure and you have nothing to fear. When the root canal procedure is complete, you'll have better chewing efficiency and your discomfort will disappear for good.

A Root Canal Step by Step

There are several simple steps to a root canal and you may be surprised how quickly your procedure is complete. An average root canal treatment takes only thirty to sixty minutes, but more complicated issues may take a bit longer.

First, your dentist will numb the area with anesthesia. Then, he or she will create a small opening in the tooth to get to the inside.

Next, the dentist will carefully remove the infected portion and the dead pulp with a tiny file.

With great precision, your dentist will shape and clean the now open area inside the tooth before filling the tooth with a filling material. Then, he or she will add a crown or filling to strengthen the tooth and to protect it from future issues.

When your root canal is over, your tooth is intact but it is dead inside. You will never again experience pain in that particular tooth. The filling or crown will keep it from becoming brittle so it doesn't crack, but you won't have to worry about the pain in it anymore.

A Root Canal Is a Relief

Don't be afraid to get a root canal. Once the procedure is over, you'll wonder why you waited in the first place. Root canals are 95% effective. Root canals are performed by dentists all over the world every day. They help free so many patients from pain and suffering.

Now that you understand this simple process, perhaps you'd like to give it a try. You'll be glad that you did. If you're looking for a root canal treatment in North Vancouver by an experienced and friendly dental office, please give us a call. We can't wait to hear from you!

 

Most people think that "root canals" (the ley term for root canal therapy) are painful and costly, but that's not the full truth. When you don't get a root canal, you're trading your own comfort and, eventually, more money.

There are plenty of reasons for you to choose a canal therapy in North Vancouver, or a dentist at Lonsdale, and alleviate your pain.

What Is Canal Therapy?

Canal therapy is the procedure that most people call a root canal. Essentially, this procedure goes into the pulp of your tooth. This is the part of your tooth underneath what you can see, and canal therapy focuses on pulp that's become exposed because of disease or inflammation.

It's a pretty quick procedure, and most patients can go right back to their daily lives as soon as it's over. However, your mouth can still be numb for a few hours afterward, so eating or drinking has to wait.

Why Is Canal Therapy the Best Option?

The reason people have to go through canal therapy is because of sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and this means pain for the patient. Canal therapy relieves that pain long-term, and it also prevents further damage that can be much more expensive.

Canal therapy has changed throughout the years, so don't rely on outdated information. Nowadays, root canals have become less painful and more cost-effective than ever. While dental procedures can be intimidating or tough, you're only hurting yourself by waiting, literally.

Root Canal FAQ

Since there's so much false information going around about what canal therapy is, here are some common topics that are tied to root canals.

Root Canals vs Fillings

A root canal, or canal therapy, focuses on cleaning the infection from the pulp of the tooth. However, a filling is just that—it removes part of your tooth while replacing it with a filling.

Do Root Canals Cause Health Problems?

Absolutely not! In fact, root canals, or canal therapy, are only used to prevent further health problems. If you need canal therapy and you ignore it, you can actually cause more damage to your teeth. This can result in tooth decay, which is more painful and more expensive to treat than a root canal issue.

Root Canal Treatment Side Effects

The only real side effect that comes with canal therapy is the numbness that accompanies it. Nowadays, the procedure is fairly quick and simple, but the numbing shot can stick around for a few hours. You'll need to be prepared to hold off on eating or drinking for roughly two hours after you've undergone canal therapy.

Canal Therapy in North Vancouver

If you're ready to take the next step and save yourself pain and money with canal therapy in North Vancouver, then it's time to book an appointment! Here at IQ Dental, we want to help you in every way we can.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people. You can prevent this by going to the dentist regularly. A routine visit is essential to keeping your mouth clean and healthy. It can prevent dental problems from developing or progressing and ensures good oral health.

When to see dentist regularly? The standard recommendation for both adults and children is to visit every six months. This frequency allows your dentist to detect potential problems while they are still affordable to remedy. 

After a thorough examination of your teeth, the dentist usually recommends how often you should go for a checkup. It may be okay for people without any dental problems to visit once a year. Talk to your dentist about this. If you have dental issues, you may be asked to visit every 3 or 4 months. The dentist may ask some patients to visit frequently especially if they fall into the categories below:

Smokers and Diabetics - Both smoking and diabetes contribute to gum disease and other oral problems. 

Pregnant women - They have a higher risk for developing cavities and gum disease.

Heart patients and cancer patients - Bacteria may make their way into the patient's heart if not checked. For cancer patients, some of the meds can easily dry out their mouths and put them at higher risk for developing oral problems. 

What to Expect During a Dental Visit

Before a visit to a North Vancouver dentist, make sure that you have enough time so you don't feel rushed in going to the clinic. For a first visit, your dentist will take a full examination of your teeth as well as take your dental history. For your subsequent visits, the dentist will check your oral health status, if whether it has changed. 

Professional Cleaning

A dental checkup will include a complete cleaning of your gums and teeth. They will remove any built-up plaque and tartar that can eventually lead to cavities, bad breath, gum disease and other oral problems. 

Dental examination

The dentist will check your mouth, teeth and gums, checking for any signs of problems. They may recommend that you get dental X-rays depending on how old you are and your oral health. Dental X-rays are used by dentists to help them diagnose problems not seen by the naked eye like damage to jawbones.

Condition of any Existing Dental Treatment

Fillings and other dental treatments don't last forever. Your dentist will need to check if they still work and if you need to get another treatment. Your dentist may recommend new fillings or crowns to ensure good oral health and a perfect smile. 

Contact a Dentist North Vancouver

Get in touch with us for affordable and comprehensive dental care. Here at IQ Dental, our top priority is your dental health. We will take care of you with a degree of professional and personal attention you won't find anywhere else. Call us today for an appointment. 

We all want our best and brightest smiles, and today there are many options we can explore at home to make those beautiful smiles a reality. Whether it’s healthy habits, a healthy diet, whitening toothpaste, or do-it-yourself home products, we have golden opportunities to achieve whiter teeth.

• Healthy Habits

Proper brushing is the first step in keeping your teeth stain-free. You should devote at least two minutes twice a day to brushing, being careful to cover the areas between and at the base of teeth, where plaque you miss can form visible tartar. Ask us about the most effective brushing techniques. And please, don’t smoke. Smoking is one of the worst offenders when it comes to discoloring teeth. If you are a smoker, quitting at any point in your life will make a big difference in the whiteness of your smile—and your lasting health!

• Healthy Eating

We all know red wine, coffee, and tea cause some of our worst enamel stains. Acidic drinks such as sodas and citrus beverages can cause even more problems by eroding tooth enamel, exposing the yellowish dentin underneath. Moderation and rinsing with water can help prevent damage. But we have some dietary allies as well! Crunchy foods like apples, carrots, and celery provide a mild scrubbing effect. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt strengthen enamel. Fruits such as strawberries and pineapples, studies suggest, contain enzymes that are natural stain removers. While no one food takes the place of brushing or cleaning, a healthy diet and a healthy body enhance any smile.

• Brushing with a Whitening Toothpaste

Toothpaste is available which can remove some surface stains, and which can keep teeth their whitest after professional whitening. They won’t penetrate the enamel surface or change the natural color of your teeth. If these toothpaste are going to work on discolored tooth surfaces, you will usually see results within a few weeks.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) Whitening Kits

These products provide a peroxide-based gel that can be applied in a tray or with strips. If you choose a tray application, make sure trays fit properly so sensitive mouth and gum tissue is not irritated. If you decide on strips, always make sure all of the tooth surfaces are covered to avoid uneven whitening. These kits have more powerful whiteners than toothpaste, and so you might see better results, but tooth and gum sensitivity can be a problem.

While all these whitening methods can be helpful, there are some circumstances when a professional whitening is best. Professional gel whiteners are more powerful and can help eliminate darker stains that OTC products can’t remove. We can make sure sensitive gum and mouth tissue are protected from bleaching agents. And, if you are on a deadline, we can provide a much faster result. Some conditions, such as deep stains caused by trauma or medication, or darker-colored caps, veneers, and crowns, require more than whitening, and we are happy to present options for those situations.

If you have any questions or concerns about whitening your teeth, please give our North Vancouver, BC office a call. Whether it’s advice on how to brush or how to quit smoking, discussing the effects of foods and drinks on our teeth, suggesting OTC whitening products, or providing a professional whitening, Dr. Kim and our team are happy to help you achieve your best and brightest smile!