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

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

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

Chewing ice, biting pens, opening packaging with your teeth or cracking hard sweets may seem harmless. However, dental guidance and clinical literature consistently confirm that biting hard objects can cause structural damage to teeth and restorations. At our dental office, our dentists and dental team frequently see patients with cracked enamel, fractured cusps and damaged restorations that began with repeated exposure to excessive force. The Problem: Cracked Teeth from Hard

Behind every child who sits calmly in the dental chair, opens wide without a fuss and brushes their teeth without being asked twice, there is almost always a mom who made it happen. This Mother's Day, we want to celebrate that. At By The Lake Dental, our dentists and dental team see it every day across our dental offices in Ajax and Scarborough. The moms who book the appointments, who hold little hands in the lounge room, who say "the dentist is our friend" before every vis

At By The Lake Dental, our dentists and dental team we recognise the vital importance of preparing our dentists to support patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer. While medical therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are essential for combating cancer, they often lead to serious complications in the mouth affecting soft and hard tissues alike. The Oral Health Foundation provides essential oral care tips for cancer treatment, highlighting how these comp

It’s a common misconception: if your teeth don’t hurt, there’s no need to see a dentist. But as many patients later discover, the absence of pain doesn’t guarantee good oral health. According to the National Health Service UK (NHS) guidance on dental check-ups, a significant number of people avoid dental appointments simply because they feel no symptoms, only to face more complex and costly issues down the line. Our dentists and dental team often treat patients who say, “I di

Fear of the dentist is more common than many realise. For some, it’s a mild discomfort, but for others, it’s a serious psychological barrier that prevents them from seeking care. According to recent research from the England National Health Service's clinical guide for dental anxiety management, nearly 36% of people experience some form of dental anxiety, with 12% avoiding dental visits altogether due to fear. At By The Lake Dental, we understand that anxiety is not a weaknes

Lasting oral health does not come from quick fixes, it comes from understanding, teamwork, and personal responsibility. At By The Lake Dental, we support a patient-centred model of care that helps every individual participate actively in protecting and improving their oral health. One of the approaches gaining recognition across the UK is the model developed by the British Society of Periodontology, which combines risk assessment, education and prevention into each stage of c

Teeth are designed for chewing food, not for gripping, tearing or opening objects. Yet many people use their teeth as improvised tools without considering the structural risk involved. From a clinical perspective, this habit exposes teeth to sudden, uncontrolled forces that significantly increase the risk of fracture, displacement or restoration damage. Unlike gradual wear, trauma caused by using teeth as tools often happens in a single moment. During appointments at our

Nail biting, clinically known as onychophagia, is often dismissed as a simple stress habit. However, clinical guidance and scientific research confirm that persistent nail biting can lead to measurable consequences for teeth, gums and jaw function. During routine appointments at our dental office, our dentists and dental team frequently identify early signs of mechanical wear associated with this behaviour, particularly when patients are unaware that the habit may be affectin

March Break, a time eagerly awaited by children and parents alike, is often filled with excitement, relaxation, and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Amidst the flurry of planning activities and outings, March Break presents an ideal opportunity to prioritize your child's oral health by booking their routine dental visit. Let's delve into why taking advantage of March Break for a dental check-up is a wise decision for your child's health. It's fast and it's worth

Discover how women are shaping the future of dental care through leadership, innovation and compassionate practice that improves patient experience and outcomes.

Welcome to By The Lake Dental’s comprehensive blog series exploring the intricate relationship between childhood sugar consumption and its lifelong implications, including oral health issues. In this series, our children’s dentists embark on a journey through the historical roots, multifaceted determinants, health impacts, and practical strategies to combat excessive sugar intake among children. In today’s world, where health concerns are paramount, reducing sugar intake, esp