look for in toothbrush, dentist coquitlam, dentists coquitlam

July

12 2023

What to Look for in a Toothbrush

Everyone knows we should brush our teeth a few times a day, and yet we often forget to
consider what we are using to get the job done. There are specific toothbrush characteristics
that are critical to maintain healthy teeth and gums, ensuring we do more good than harm.
Here are a few things to look for when shopping for your next toothbrush:

Soft Bristles: Dentists often recommend toothbrushes with soft bristles to prevent gum
irritation and enamel damage. Soft bristles effectively remove plaque and debris
without causing harm to the teeth and gums.
Small Head Size: A toothbrush with a small head size is preferable as it allows for better
maneuverability and access to hard-to-reach areas, such as the back molars.
Comfortable Handle: Look for a toothbrush with a comfortable grip or handle that fits
well in your hand. This makes it easier to control the brush and maintain proper
brushing technique. Children’s toothbrushes with smaller
handles can be important here!
Canadian Dental Association Seal of Acceptance: The Canadian Dental Association evaluates toothbrushes and awards its Seal to those that meet their safety and efficacy
standards. Choosing a toothbrush or product with this seal is a good idea. See list on CDA website>>
Manual or Electric: Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective, and electric
toothbrushes often offer additional benefits. They may have built-in timers to
encourage brushing for the recommended two minutes, and some models feature
oscillating or rotating brush heads that can enhance plaque removal.
Replaceable Heads (for electric toothbrushes): If you opt for an electric toothbrush,
consider choosing one with replaceable brush heads. This allows you to replace only the
bristle portion instead of the entire toothbrush, making it more cost-effective and
environmentally friendly.
Remember, it’s important to consult with your dentist for personalized recommendations
based on your specific oral health needs. Talk to us today at our Coquitlam dental office – we are here to help provide you an exceptional dental experience.

Posted by Iqbal Kathrada | 0 Comment | in Pediatric Dentistry, Tips for Oral Health

Dentist accepting new patients in Coquitlam - Dr. Kathrada is a Coquitlam dentist accepting new patients

May

02 2019

Dentist accepting new patients in Coquitlam

Austin Station Dental: Dentist Accepting New Patients in Coquitlam

Coquitlam dentists Dr. Iqbal Kathrada, and Dr. Charlotte Lee are the dentists at Austin Station Dental and are supported by a team of wonderful and experienced dental office staff.

Welcome!

We welcome you to come and join our friendly and professional dental office. Our admin staff are very efficient and experienced and our dentists have a vast combined knowledge and skill set and are dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care to each and every patient.

We are located in Austin Station on the third floor above Thrifty Foods. There is free parking and lots of handy shops and restaurants at Austin Station – Suite 20-2662 Austin Ave. Coquitlam.

Coquitlam dentist Dr. Kathrada

Dr. Kathrada is the founder and principal dentist at Austin Station Dental (previously My Coquitlam Dentist). He completed a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry with honours at the University of Victoria and completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from UBC in 2004 and has been in full time practice since 2005 after completing several residencies. Dr. Kathrada is dedicated to keeping up with the latest in technology to ensure that his patients receive the highest quality dental care and most comfortable dental experience possible. We even use digital dental x-rays which are instant, provide much clearer and more detailed images; and transmit much lower doses of radiation!

Coquitlam Dentist Dr. Lee

Dr. Charlotte Lee has proudly been serving the Coquitlam, Vancouver, and Fraser Valley communities as a general dentist. Dr. Lee completed her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) as well as masters in Public Health (MPH) and Experimental Pathology (MS) at the University of Southern California, where she received multiple academic awards including membership into the highly prestigious dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon, and awards for her contribution to Community Dentistry and Public Health by the American Association of Public Health Dentistry. Read more>>

Directions to Our Dental Office in Coquitlam

Our dental office also serves the surrounding areas and provide directions to our office from each location here:

Directions – Dentist serving Surrey, Dentist serving Burnaby, Dentist serving New Westminster, Dentist serving Port Coquitlam, Dentist serving Maple Ridge, Dentist serving Pitt Meadows and Dentist serving Port Moody.

If you are looking for a dentist accepting new patients in Coquitlam, please call or visit our Coquitlam dentists office to set up your appointment today!

Posted by Iqbal Kathrada | 0 Comment | in News

Advantages of Flossing Every Day - Coquitlam Dentist

May

15 2018

Advantages of Flossing Every Day

Did you know that the inventor of dental floss believed that flossing is the most important part of oral care? It’s true. Dental floss was invented in 1851 by a New Orleans dentist named Levi Parmly.

The theory is that the matter between the teeth is the actual source of dental disease. Flossing will clean the area between the teeth, thus preventing plaque buildup that can possible lead to cavities and gum disease. Importantly, it is recommended that teeth are flossed prior to tooth brushing, because then the fluoride from the toothpaste can access the area between the teeth.

Of course, flossing provides obvious benefit of having a nice clean smile and fresh breath! The self-confidence a clean and health smile can bring is priceless. As well, good oral care habits will help to prevent costly dental procedures down the road.

Read more of our posts on Tips for Oral Health. Or, to learn more about the advantages of flossing every day come on in and see us at our dentist office in Coquitlam, BC! We offer flexible hours we even have evening and weekend dental appointments available.

Posted by Iqbal Kathrada | 0 Comment | in Tips for Oral Health

My Coquitlam DenMy Coquitlam Dentist Pediatric Dentistry - Austin Station Dentaltist Pediatric Dentistry

September

14 2017

Best Pediatric Dentistry Practices Coquitlam

It is never too soon to start good oral habits for your kids. Find out the Best Pediatric Dentistry Practices Coquitlam

Teaching your child proper oral care at a young age will help them to develop healthy routines that will create lifelong benefits. The best time to clean your child’s teeth is after breakfast and before bedtime. A good rule is to start flossing as soon as the child has teeth that are in contact with each other, usually around age two to three years. Not all children need to have their teeth flossed at this age, so ask your dentist for advice. But you can start a dental routine even before the teeth come in. It is recommended that, after a feeding, parents wipe a baby’s gums with a soft washcloth or a baby toothbrush using water only (no toothpaste). You can start brushing a child’s teeth around 12-24 months of age, using a child-size toothbrush and a pea-size amount of toothpaste.

Another important consideration is when to start bringing your child to see a dentist. There are many benefits of bringing your child to see a Pediatric Dentist that is has been specifically trained to treat children’s developing teeth. At Austin Station Dental, we specialize in Pediatric Dentistry and know the unique problems that children face. We can keep an eye out for any potential problems such as cavities and gum problems. Not only do we understand juvenile teeth and development, we also recognise the anxiety behind a visit to the dentist. Our goal is to make sure your child’s experience is as easy and comfortable as possible. During the first visit, we focus on helping your child get used to the office and equipment in a way that is fun and child-friendly. The children’s corner in our reception area is filled with children’s books & DVDs. The overhead TVs in the office also act as a distraction to the children during restorative appointments.

Call Austin Station Dental to book a check-up or if your child has a toothache. We offer recommendations for your child’s daily oral care and cleaning, plus cavity restoration for baby teeth or permanent teeth.

Posted by Iqbal Kathrada | 0 Comment | in News, Pediatric Dentistry

May

18 2017

Wondering About Bridges Versus Implants in Coquitlam

Are you wondering about Bridges versus Implants in Coquitlam?

If you have lost a tooth you may be wondering about bridges versus implants in Coquitlam and which is the best option for you. There are several factors that you should know which will help you to understand the differences between these options and what’s likely to work best for you.

A Dental Bridge is a prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth. And, just like a land bridge, a dental bridge requires a solid structure on either side. In the case of your mouth, that solid structure is your adjacent teeth. So the surrounding teeth need to be in good shape. Dental bridges can last 10 to 15 years, or longer, with good oral hygiene and regular checkups.

With a Dental Bridge, the adjacent teeth need to be prepped by removing most of the enamel in order to affix the bridge. It will usually require 2 or more visits to your dentist. On the first appointment, the surrounding teeth will be prepped and measurements taken for the bridge to be fabricated. On the second visit, if the teeth are in good shape, the dentist should be able to attach the bridge. There are other factors to determine how many visits it will take though. How long the tooth has been missing and the health of the gums make a difference.

At one point, a bridge was your only choice for replacing missing teeth. But now there is another option: a Dental Implant (or tooth implant).

Just as the name suggests, Dental Implants actually replace the missing tooth, or teeth, and the roots below. They are made to match your existing teeth and are stronger and more durable than bridges, often lasting a lifetime. The material the implants are made of actually fuse with your jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration and they are very resistant to decay and gum problems.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both procedures and differences in cost. Some factors that guide your dentist’s decision are the health of the gums, how long the tooth or teeth have been missing, the state of the surrounding teeth and whether there are fillings, crowns or caps. Read more of our posts on Tips for Oral Health.

Book an appointment to discuss your options with one of our experienced dentists today.

Posted by Iqbal Kathrada | 0 Comment | in News

Port Coquitlam Dental Centre, Austin Station Dental Center, Dentists in Coquitlam

May

02 2017

Coquitlam Dental Centre – Located at Austin Station

Austin Station Dental is conveniently located in Austin Station in Coquitlam BC. There are many amenities to choose from in Austin Station and also FREE PARKING. Make your trip to the dentist fun or productive – combine it with grabbing a refreshment at Starbucks, doing your your grocery shopping at Save On Foods, picking up some wine or even dropping your children off for an art lesson at 4Cats studio.

Address: Coquitlam Dental Centre

Our address is Suite 20-2662 Austin Ave and our patients come from many locations in and around Coquitlam such as Surrey, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Burnaby and Pit Meadows. We even have weekend and evening dentist appointments available.

Our Coquitlam dental centre consists of a team of four dentists as well as friendly and capable office admin and dental support staff. Find us on Google Maps!

Providing top quality dental services such as family dental care, pediatric dental care, and emergency dental care. Contact us today for an appointment.

Posted by Iqbal Kathrada | 0 Comment | in News

Getting Your Teeth Cleaned Every 6 Months, Teeth Cleaning Importance - Coquitlam Dentist

May

12 2015

Getting Your Teeth Cleaned Every 6 Months

Health and beauty are often closely tied together. In the case of regular teeth cleaning, both can be improved by getting your teeth cleaned.

Getting Your Teeth Cleaned:

Even for those of us that do floss daily, and many don’t, a cleaning at the dentist office every 6 months is recommended because it will remove the remaining, difficult to remove plaque and tartar buildup. The goal of these cleanings is to prevent dental diseases and cavities. Also, the cleaning will result in teeth that both look and feel nice and smooth and clean!

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning:

During the cleaning, the dentist will check your teeth and gums and may offer services or suggest follow up treatments and offer information. Even minor things like brushing too hard can cause problems like gum irritation; your dentist or hygienist can often catch this and offer instruction on proper brushing. X-rays may be taken, fluoride treatment, discussions around stain removal or teeth whitening or referrals to any specialists needed can all occur during a teeth cleaning. All of these surrounding services are also of great importance.

So, not only does regular teeth cleaning help to keep your teeth beautiful and clean and also aid in disease and cavity prevention, but many more valuable services and information may be offered during the cleaning appointment.

Regular teeth cleaning is important, book your appointment with one of our dentists at the Austin Station Dental office today.

Suite 20-2662 Austin Ave. Coquitlam, BC V3K 6V4 (Austin Station, 3rd floor, above Thrifty Foods) FREE PARKING
Phone: 604 931 6111 Fax: 604 931 2155
E: info@mycoquitlamdentist.com

Posted by Iqbal Kathrada | 0 Comment | in Tips for Oral Health

April

13 2015

VELscope Oral Cancer Screening in Coquitlam

Austin Station Dental has a screening device called the VELscope which is the latest in technology for detecting oral diseases including cancer and pre-cancer.

It is safe, non-invasive and takes only a few minutes for the exam, which can be done during your regular dental checkup. The VELscope uses a harmless bright blue light that will cause healthy tissue in the mouth to fluoresce in different patterns than tissue that has disease or trauma.

Early detection for oral cancer is critical of course, with the statistics reflecting a much higher survival rate for early detections as well as less invasive treatment required at that stage.

The VELscope is approved by Health Canada and the World Health Organization and is used in 23 countries around the world.

We are happy to provide this service to new and existing patients. VELscope screening is also available at London Drugs in Coquitlam at 9855 Austin Ave. and at some locations in Vancouver – as specified in The Province, which also mentions that about 500 BC residents are diagnosed each year with oral cancer.

If you’d like to book a VELscope screening with your next appointment, please contact us.

For more info, see our Services page on Oral Cancer Screening in Coquitlam.

Posted by Iqbal Kathrada | 0 Comment | in Dental Office Features, Tips for Oral Health

Coquitlam Teeth whitening at the dentists office, teeth whitening coquitlam

April

07 2015

Teeth Whitening at the Dentists Office

Fast Facts: Teeth Whitening at the Dentists Office

Many people notice that teeth may darken over time and wonder how to whiten their teeth. There are several options available that vary in treatment length, treatment location and cost.

Austin Station Dental in Coquitlam, BC offers teeth whitening at the dentists office as well as take-home kits as well as the combination of in-office and take home of Pola Whitening. The dental office procedures usually provide much faster results than in-home whitening products but are, of course, more expensive. After the whitening is completed, the results can last for several months or more. Factors such as coffee and red wine consumption or smoking can hasten discoloration. At-home maintenance can be done to make the results last.

The most inexpensive teeth whitening option is Crest White Strips, which is a completely at-home treatment and can be purchased at most any pharmacy or drug store.

The next option is Pola Whitening which combines an office visit to get the impressions for the custom dental trays and then treatments at home by the patient themselves following our instructions.

We also offer in-office teeth whitening, more expensive but much faster results than the other two options. The in-office treatment costs about $500 and gives instant results.
Teeth will dull again over time and maintenance is usually recommended to be done about every 6 months. With the at home treatment, just use the trays a couple of days in a row every 4-6 months or so.

Tooth whitening products are capable of altering the color of the teeth themselves but people with crowns, root canals, cavities or very dark stains should consult with a dentist to determine if they are a good candidate for teeth whitening.

Contact Austin Station Dental if you are interested in teeth whitening in Coquitlam. Book a consultation specifically for teeth whitening or bring it up at your next dental appointment. We can discuss what options would work best for you and also if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening.

For more quick facts on keeping your smile healthy and beautiful, see our posts on The Advantages of Flossing Everyday and Getting Your Teeth Cleaned Every 6 Months.

Posted by Iqbal Kathrada | 0 Comment | in Dental Office Features, Tips for Oral Health

April

07 2015

What is Invisalign? & Invisalign Before and After

What is Invisalign?

Here it is direct from the Invisalign website. This explanation is clear, concise, and to the point. It also includes information on what the process involves:

Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that are custom-made specifically for your teeth. As you replace each aligner every two weeks, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week, gradually moving towards the projected final position. Comfortable, clear and removable, Invisalign transforms your smile without disrupting your life. Something that over 3 million people worldwide have already discovered.

Invisalign Before and After Images

Look at this link to see some real life cases of Invisalign before and after photos on the Invisalign site.

If Invisalign interests you, contact us today at 604-931-6111 to book an appointment!

Posted by Iqbal Kathrada | 0 Comment | in Tips for Oral Health

Author Archives Iqbal Kathrada

Welcome!

Coquitlam dentist Dr. Kathrada

Coquitlam Dentist Dr. Lee

Directions to Our Dental Office in Coquitlam

It is never too soon to start good oral habits for your kids. Find out the Best Pediatric Dentistry Practices Coquitlam

Are you wondering about Bridges versus Implants in Coquitlam?

Address: Coquitlam Dental Centre

Getting Your Teeth Cleaned:

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning:

Fast Facts: Teeth Whitening at the Dentists Office

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign Before and After Images