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Want to Live a Longer, Happier Life? Smile more! [TEDx]

Posted on Jun 14, 2012

If you’re looking for a way to improve your health, your social relationships and your overall well-being, smiling is your best bet!

The simple act of smiling comes with a lot of benefits. According to a recent TED Talk given by Health Tap founder and CEO Ron Gutman, several studies support the theory that smiling improves your health and longevity. One study found that the width of a smile can be used to predict longevity – in other words, the wider your smile, the more likely you are to live longer. If you’re not happy with your smile and don’t smile often or at all, contact Downtown Dental in Vancouver to book an appointment and improve your life, one smile at a time!

Studies also found that smiling is contagious – which is a good thing, because a single smile can make you feel as good as winning $2500 dollars or eating around 2000 bars of chocolate! Children tend to smile a lot more often that adults do, so if your goal is to live a longer, happier life, get in touch with your inner child and smile.

But if your current smile doesn’t really want to make you…well, smile, come in to Downtown Dental in Vancouver for a custom smile makeover that’s sure to leave you grinning ear to ear. Smiling can lower stress levels and increase your attractiveness, so don’t miss out on the benefits of a smile and contact Downtown Dental in Vancouver today!

Enjoy the  TED Talk below, entitled the Hidden Power of Smiling, for more fascinating smile research:

 

Read Downtown Dental’s blog for more dental secrets and contact us today to take care of your oral health care. We’re social, too! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Dental Secrets Straight from Your Dentist!

Posted on Jun 7, 2012

Your oral health is important and at our Downtown dental clinic, our team of dentists want to share with you the most important oral health secrets that will give you a healthy smile you’ll be proud to show off everywhere.

  • If your gums are bleeding, there’s a very high chance you have periodontal (gum) disease. Come for an appointment as soon as possible!
  • An oral health care checkup at Downtown Dental every 6 months applies only to healthy gums. If you don’t have healthy gums, you’ll want to schedule a checkup at least every 3 months.
  • Pay attention to your back teeth when brushing/flossing. We’ve found that patients at our Vancouver Downtown dental clinic focus too much on their visible front teeth.
  • Proper oral health care includes 10 minutes of careful brushing and flossing.
  • Mouthwash that contains alcohol can dry out your mouth and actually worsen your bad breath.

Read the Downtown Dental blog for more dental secrets and contact us today to take care of your oral health care. We’re social, too! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

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Why Go to the Dentist? We’ve Got a Few Good Reasons!

Posted on May 31, 2012

Regular visits to your dentist at Downtown Dental are incredibly important for both your oral health and your general health. Why go to the dentist? Poor oral health has been link to poor general health, so come in for an appointment at Downtown Dental in Vancouver and get a great smile and something to smile about.

Still wondering “why go to the dentist”?

Prevention is key to most oral health care issues. You can avoid cavities, plaque building, gingivitis and a whole host of oral health care issues simply by practicing proper oral hygiene and booking your regular oral health checkup at Downtown Dental in Vancouver.

Invest in your oral health and come in for a regular checkup at Downtown Dental in Vancouver.

Read the Downtown Dental blog for more information and secrets straight from your dentist. We’re social, too! Find us sharing oral health care tidbits on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Understanding the Common Causes of Worn Teeth: Bruxism, Abrasion & Erosion

Posted on May 24, 2012

One of the most common causes for worn teeth is bruxism. Bruxism refers to tooth grinding or jaw clenching, especially during sleep, which wears down your enamel at an accelerated rate. You may have bruxism and not be aware of it, so contact Downtown Dental for an appointment and we’ll let you know if your teeth are showing signs of bruxism and what you can do if that’s the case.

Abrasion is another common cause of worn teeth. Simply put, abrasion describes tooth enamel that is worn down by foreign objects in the mouth. Toothbrushes are the most common type of abrasive objects. If you brush your teeth too vigorously, you risk wearing down your enamel too much. Chewing pens or fingernails can cause teeth to lose enamel fast as well, as can an oral piercing or tongue ring.

Erosion is the third common cause of worn teeth. Erosion is caused by any substance that dissolves the enamel. Citric acid is the number one eroding agent of tooth enamel, but if you or a loved one has made a habit of purging, the gastric acids in your stomach can also dissolve your enamel.

At Downtown Dental in Vancouver, we offer several dental solutions for your worn teeth, but it’s our policy to work with you to address the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Take care of your teeth and contact Downtown Dental today for an appointment.

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Proper Oral Care: Children’s Dental

Posted on May 17, 2012

We all know that maintaining oral health is important, especially when it comes to children. Experts suggest that parents should start taking care of their children’s oral health at age 1 or as soon as their first teeth come in. However, a report from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital indicates that the majority of children from ages 1-2 have not even begun seeing a dentist.

At Downtown Dental, we want to encourage our Vancouver patients to bring their children to our dental office as soon as they turn 1 or as soon as their first teeth come in. We will give your child the proper oral care they need, so they can lead healthy lives with a lifetime of smiles.

The reason that children may not be getting the proper oral care is because parents may be oblivious when it comes to early dental care. At Downtown Dental, we can discuss your child’s proper oral care and what steps you need to take to ensure your child is getting the dental care they need.

For more information about proper oral care at Downtown Dental in Vancouver or to book an appointment, please click here. 

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Prevent Cavities by Using Dental Sealants

Posted on May 10, 2012

Simply brushing your teeth is not an effective solution for preventing tooth decay and erosion. The general dentistry team at Downtown Dental in Vancouver recommends dental sealants, which give teeth solid protection against the bacteria that infiltrates your mouth and causes cavities.

What are dental sealants?

Sealants are made of durable, stain-resistant plastic and are bonded to the grooves of your teeth. After a dentist at Downtown Dental seals the tooth, the grooves are smoothed down and make it hard for plaque to build. Sealants make brushing teeth easy and efficient.

Dental sealants are safe for children and are a great way to prevent tooth decay after their permanent teeth have erupted. Sealants, however, can only be placed on healthy teeth. Sealing permanent teeth is much more common that sealing baby teeth; however, each person has different needs and your local Vancouver dentist at Downtown Dental can tell you if dental sealants are a good option for you or not.

Sealants last for a few years, although it is common for adults to have older sealants that are still functional. A dental sealant is only effective when it is in good shape, so if your sealant falls out, let your dentist know and book an appointment so we can reseal your teeth.

To learn more about dental sealants, or to book an appointment with your local Vancouver dentist at Downtown Dental to reseal your teeth, contact us today.

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