Most people think of their dentist as the person who checks for cavities, not blood sugar. But a growing body of research suggests your gums may reveal early signs of diabetes long before other symptoms appear, making your regular dentist visit more valuable than you might expect. At By The Lake Dental, our dentists and dental team see oral health as part of your overall health picture, not something separate from it. Understanding how your mouth and your metabolism are conne

Discover what evolution explains about crowded teeth as dentists explore how changes in diet, jaw development and human lifestyles have shaped our smiles.

Discover why teeth are called biological archives by dentists and archaeologists, revealing clues about health, diet, lifestyle and human history.

If your child's snack box is full of cheese-flavoured crackers instead of candy, you might assume you are making the safer choice for their teeth. However, that assumption does not always hold up, and the reason has nothing to do with cheese. At By The Lake Dental, our dentists and dental team see this surprise often. Parents who are careful about limiting sweets are sometimes unknowingly giving their child a snack that behaves a lot like candy once it hits their teeth. It's

Most people have a skincare routine they follow every single day, not because something is wrong with their skin, but to keep it that way. Moisturiser, SPF, maybe a serum or two, applied consistently, rain or shine, problem or no problem. It is preventive by design. At By The Lake Dental, our dentists and dental team have noticed that oral care rarely gets treated with that same logic, even though it deserves to. We Already Treat Skincare as Prevention Nobody waits for a brea

Adolescence is a time when appearance and self-image matter deeply and dental alignment plays a significant role. In celebration of International Youth Day, By The Lake Dental recognises how orthodontic treatment can be a powerful tool not only for oral health, but also for boosting confidence and emotional wellbeing in young patients. Orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, crowding, or an improper bite can affect more than just oral function. These concerns often lead to

As summer draws to a close and the school bells begin to ring, parents and students alike are gearing up for another exciting academic year. Amidst the hustle and bustle of back-to-school preparations, one crucial aspect often gets overlooked: oral health. The connection between oral health and overall well-being is well-established, and its impact on academic success is no exception. In this blog post, our dentists and kids’ dentists delve into the significance of maintainin

We’re thrilled to share some incredible news: By The Lake Dental has once again been recognized as Ajax’s Favourite Dental Provider, winning every dental category in this year’s Readers' Choice Awards! This year, our team proudly earned top honours in: 🏆 Favourite Dental Experience 🏆 Favourite Dental Service 🏆 Favourite Dentists 🏆 Favourite Dental Hygienists (a brand-new category!) This achievement is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the people who mat

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most alarming dental emergencies a parent can face. In the shock of the moment, most parents are unsure what to do and lose precious time. The good news is that with the right actions taken in the first few minutes, a permanent tooth can often be saved. At By The Lake Dental Kids, our dentists and dental team are experienced in managing dental emergencies for children and families across our dental offices in Ajax and Scarborough. Our kids de

"Changing lives by promoting oral health" is the statement that has guided By The Lake Dental since day one. It reflects our belief that Every Smile Matters! After supporting the Queen's University Dental Brigade 2025 – Honduras, our team, represented by co-founder Dr. Patricia Khamis-Silva and our co-op student Sophia Silva, had the privilege of contributing to another meaningful humanitarian mission: the Queen's University Dental Brigade 2026 – Greece. Alongside 17 universi

Ice cream, cold drinks, barbecues and pool days summer brings refreshing pleasures, but also some hidden challenges for your oral health. At By The Lake Dental, our dentist and dental team help patients enjoy the season while staying aware of how hydration and diet choices affect their teeth and gums. Acidic drinks, such as soft drinks, iced teas and citrus-based beverages, can wear away enamel when consumed frequently. Even flavoured sparkling water can reduce the pH in the

A hidden infection in a single tooth kept one of the world's best midfielders out of training for more than 18 months. When Clarence Seedorf arrived at AC Milan in 2002, he brought with him a chronic groin pain that no examination could explain. Specialists looked everywhere except the one place that held the answer: his mouth. It was a wisdom tooth with a hidden infectious focus. The bacteria had entered his bloodstream and spread to the muscles he used every day. The tooth

Many parents wait until their child has a full set of teeth or a visible dental problem before booking the first visit to the paediatric dentist. At By The Lake Dental Kids, we recommend booking your child’s first dental visit as a toddler or as soon as their first tooth starts to show. Our kids’ dental team knows that early visits are not just about checking for cavities. They are about prevention, habit formation, and giving your child a positive first experience with denta

Holidays often mean long days, late nights, and routines that are anything but regular. Whether you are camping, road-tripping or flying abroad, it is easy for oral hygiene to slip. At By The Lake Dental, our dentists and dental team remind our patients that a few small preparations can make a big difference when it comes to protecting their smile no matter where summer takes them. Packing a dental travel kit is essential. Include a travel-size toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste

Teething and baby teeth are among the first oral health challenges every parent faces, yet many families are unsure what to expect or when to act. According to Health Canada’s guidance on oral health for children, baby teeth begin to appear at around six months of age, and all 20 primary teeth should be through by the time a child is two or three years old. Understanding this timeline, and knowing how to care for those first teeth, makes a real difference to your child’s long

Warm weather and outdoor activities are hallmarks of the summer season, but high temperatures and lifestyle changes can quietly impact your oral health. At By The Lake Dental, we help patients understand how summer conditions influence teeth and gums, and what to do to protect their smile all season long. Dehydration is a major concern in hot weather. When your body lacks water, saliva production decreases leading to dry mouth, a condition that raises the risk of cavities, gu

Dental anxiety in children is more common than many parents realise, and it rarely appears out of nowhere. It has identifiable causes, predictable patterns and, most importantly, effective solutions. Understanding where the fear comes from is the first step to helping your child move past it. At By The Lake Dental Kids, our kids dental team works with anxious children every day across our dental offices in Ajax and Scarborough. Our kids dental team knows that a calm, positi

While lung cancer and heart disease are well-known risks of smoking, its profound impact on oral health, and thus overall wellbeing, often goes unrecognised. In honour of World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, our dentists and dental team highlight the dental issues linked to smoking and vaping, and offer empathetic support to help you understand these challenges and their broader health implications. Stained Teeth and Bad Breath Smoking and vaping cause yellow or brown stains on te

From May 7 to 9, Toronto hosted one of North America’s most respected events in dentistry: ASM 2026. This three-day conference is Canada’s largest dental gathering, and the By The Lake Dental team was proud to attend, continuing our commitment to professional growth and exceptional patient care. At By The Lake Dental, our dentists and dental team believe that staying current with the latest advances in dentistry is not optional. It is a responsibility to every patient who wal

Many children feel uncertain about visiting our dental clinic for the first time, and that is completely normal. The good news is that parents play a much bigger role in shaping that first experience than they might realise. With a little preparation at home, you can help your child walk through the door feeling calm, curious and ready. Why the first visit matters more than you think We recommend booking your child’s first dental visit as a toddler or as soon as their first