TWINCity Dental
122 Weber Street North N2J 4E7 Waterloo, ON, Canada

FEATURED TEAM MEMBER OF THE WEEK : meet Ali ! Dr Harper's amazing chair side assistant + office wizard ! "After graduating from Fanshawe College Dental Assisting program in 2002, I have been a happy member of this office, as a Certified Level ll Dental Assistant ever since. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my two kids, husband, and 2 wild cockapoos. My weekends are normally consumed with traveling for my sons hockey, baking, and going for walks with my d...oggies :) " Ali, we are beyond grateful for all your hard work and leadership. You make a strong contribution to the heart and soul of this practice, and we love seeing all our patients faces light up when they get to catch up with you! You are a delight to be around, and for that; we thank you for being you! And for all you do !

Closed at 122 Weber St N for renovations for the rest of this week! However, Shazeedah is in the office managing any phone calls to assist with appointments. Dr. Harper is also available for emergencies as 124 Weber St N location is still operating as per usual!... The NEW STAFF + STERILE BAY AREA will be unrecognizably fresh + modern team ; when you all return next week ! Enjoy your mini holiday / break

Tooth Talk Tuesday let's talk decay! DENTAL DECAY aka CAVITIES : AVOIDING THEM CAN ONLY MAKE MATTERS WORSE // Cavities don’t just go away on their own. If you ignore a cavity, it WILL continue to grow in size. ... One bad cavity could lead to a second cavity before long. Decay of the tooth will widen and deepen; this will make you more prone to brittle teeth leaving them to the possibility of cracking and breaking. HOW SERIOUS CAVITIES CAN AFFECT THE NERVES: Taking it a step further, if cavities go untreated the decay will eventually reach your nerves. This can be severely painful because nerves become exposed to the air as a cavity progresses. Nerve pain can be an ongoing and excruciating ordeal as the sensitivity within the tooth continues to be compromised. By this time, the tooth will either need a root canal or to be extracted. INFECTION FROM A BAD CAVITY: Infection in the mouth and jaw area is of greatest concern even above the pain you may experience. Infection can lead to increased pain, swelling, and other health concerns. You’ll need an antibiotic to help fight the infection along with treatment of the tooth to take care of the cavity in whatever way the dentist feels is best. At TWINCity Dental, we know that your smile is important to you. That’s why we have a staff of experienced dental professionals ready to meet all your dental needs. We emphasize preventing cavities through routine exams/check ups, cleanings, and any additional treatments on a client specific basis where we see fit. For all ages. Children and elderly, especially. Schedule an appointment today, or make sure you have your next appointment booked to avoid getting behind and risking your oral health. Let us help you keep your smile looking great!!

Featured Team Member of the Week: MEET JILLIAN! ~ One of our valued Dental Hygienists! Jillian graduated her dental assisting program from Medix college in 2006. From there she spent a few years in the orthodontic field. Shortly after, Jillian decided she wanted to pursue her career and become a dental hygienist doing what she loves to do. She graduated with honours from southern Ontario dental college in 2009 and strives to make patients feel comfortable and at ease wit...h a gentle touch. She also loves to get to know the patients on a personal level and do what I can to help. "When I’m not in the office I love to do yoga, being outdoors, reading, taking my dog on trail walks with my husband. And spending time with my niece and family" Jillian, words cannot even express how grateful WE ARE to have you on our team. We adore your professionalism, and your genuine invested interest in all your patients you treat. SPOILED we were ! When you jumped on board here at TWINCity DENTAL . THANK YOU for your hard work each and every day.

Please Note : Dental Offices have not been affected. Under Ontario's provincial framework, moving from the #OrangeZone to the #RedZone means "large social gatherings" are not permitted and "the limit for all organized public events and social gatherings has been lowered to 5 people indoors and 25 people outdoors," Health Minister Christine Elliott said Friday. We currently operate at a smaller scale, and always have since the re-opening back in June, so you can be confiden...t your appointment times are scheduled just for you. This DOES mean, however, we need to take this winter back a little old school! Think pond skating, snowmen making, snow shoeing , skiing, road hockey, maybe even start your own ice rink in the back yard ~ to entertain the fam! And stay warm and stay safe PS : IF YOU KNOW Dr Matt, this photo will make total sense . He is a hockey fanatic! Used to play three times a week prior COVID-19, and wanted to try out for the @detroitredwings at the tender age of 6 . Not only has he coached his stepson's Jr Rangers team in the past, but he's also been a sponsor of the Waterloo Wolves, and donated for the purchase of team trophies for the little tykes too

Now that would be nice wouldn't it !? I wonder what their dental charting would look like throughout their lifetime ?

A hygienist and her ultrasonic have been united again ! If you've missed having your polish or teeth cleaned with the ultrasonic ~~ you're in for a pleasant surprise at your next visit . We are happy to announce these services are back ! And yes ! You can be confident all COVID 19 precautions and compliance with all associations are in place ... Happy Humpday!

Featured Staff Member of the Week : Meet Kim! One of our Dental Hygienists here at TWINCity Dental: I joined Twin City Dental in 2019 when Dr Falk transitioned client care to Dr Harper. I bring over 15 years of dental hygiene experience to the expanding team. Throughout my hygiene career, I have been a profession member of the Canadian Dental Hygiene Association and continually maintain my good standing with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario. As a registered ...dental hygienist, I love focusing on client comfort, satisfaction and education to achieve the best possible results! I so value all of the client relationships I’ve made and am always eager to develop new ones! When not working, I’m at home avidly watching sports with my husband, 2 kids and our dogs Winnie and Roo. I am a huge animal lover and look forward to continually rescuing more dogs in the future! Thank You Kim for your professionalism and excellence in patient care it was such a pleasure to gain you with the transition of the two offices, almost 1 year ago.

Need a little healthy snack inspiration ? These are highly addictive , low sugar, made from wholesome ingredients, AND also kid approved Ingredients:... 1 C frozen strawberries 1 C oats 1/2 C sunflower seeds 1/2 C coconut flour 2 Tbsp coconut oil Dedicated coconut Instructions: Place first 4 ingredients in a food processor with 1 Tbsp of the coconut oil. whip whip whip it up, be patient, it can take a few minutes fully mix together. (Eventually it becomes a fine paste to form into balls) If the mixture is a bit dry, add the second Tbsp of coconut oil. (Varies as it depends how much oil is released from the sunflower seeds) use teaspoon to scoop the balls and roll in the dedicated coconut. pop in the fridge for about 2 hours or overnight. ** IF you're kiddies like a bit sweeter try adding a touch of maple syrup or raw honey (about 1 Tbsp, in the first step) ** we love this recipe as there is no dried fruit. (During times when brushing immediately after isn't easy, avoiding sticky dried fruit, aka sugar, can help keep teeth healthy) Who else runs out of lunch box ideas right about now too? ** save this recipe and tag a mom in need

Need that morning latte, daily cup of coffee, or hot cup of tea? Prolonged exposure to teeth of acidic coffee or tea, compounded by added sugar or even just added alternative milks, milk or cream can increase your risk for new cavities. Go ahead, enjoy your coffee! But try to keep it to 20 minutes or less, and rinse your mouth with water after.... The problem with "sipping" coffee with cavity causing additives such as sugar, syrups, milks or cream is that the harmful sugars stay in your saliva over a long period of time. To counter this always have fresh water available close by to drink and/or rinse with afterwards and keep saliva from becoming too sugary and eating away at your teeth. OR.. you can also try one of our tips and tricks our hygienists here like to do themselves >>> SIP COFFEE FROM A STRAW! not only does this helps to keep those sugary liquids off your teeth and out of your saliva, but also helps prevent coffee from staining and discolouring your enamel as well

It’s true - and why we always like to send some cheese for those times brushing immediately after eating can be limited. From the fun stringable options, to the fun red peel wheels to toss in lunch boxes (neither have an age restriction ) we recommend to >> Practice Safe Snacking

For those that dislike to scoop and touch the guts... we’ve got an alternative for you ... what will the kiddies think ????? yay ? Or nay? ... ohhh JK !! let them roll up their sleeves and have some fun regardless of COVID this year. There are so many traditions we can continue with (that don’t involve bags full of sugary treats and door to door visits) Think : Pumpkin patches, trail walks, jumping in leaves, costume shopping + dress up , fall baking, apple cider, even... have the kids bob for apples and laugh for hours !! What other family fall favourites are we missing you love to do ??

One Year Thank You! What a pleasurable year it has been meeting all of Dr Falk's trusted patients. The transition of moving the two offices into one has already been a year, can you believe it ? Time flies when you are having fun even with a pandemic thrown in .... Thank you for your trust, kindness, and always, thank you for your business. This week we celebrate a HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY to the whole TWINCity DENTAL family. With some exciting renovations happening over the next few weeks { to finalize THE BIG MOVE OVER} we just know everyone will feel right at home here at 122 Weber St, N

Surprise lunch visits always make for an awesome day ! Dr Harper's newest little addition, Halle, was all smiles when she got to babble with Daddy ... We think Daddy appreciated the pop in too

Happy Birthday Dr. Matt ! You are kind, compassionate, understanding, and caring; but most of all, you are a true friend to all that enters these office doors. We appreciate all you do, and are honoured to work alongside you each day.... Wishing you nothing but happiness and health! Enjoy your special day

We at TWINCity Dental, are beyond grateful everyday for our incredible staff and patients. With the many changes this year has brought, there has not been one minute that we could not count on our team to adapt and show up. Always ready to do what they do best ! To provide professional oral health care, and to keep our patients healthy and safe. ... Grateful and Blessed Happy Thanksgiving to all of our TWINCity Family ~~ Patients, Team, and our wonderful Community

TOOTH TALK TUESDAY// Teeth grinding and clenching, also known as BRUXISM, is pretty common and can be painful and destructive to teeth. BRUXISM is fairly common and most people aren't even aware they are doing it. More often then not, its a spouse or partner that will notice. ... Some symptoms you may suffer are: Waking up with dull headaches Jaw soreness Facial pain Fatigue from lack of sleep Occasional teeth grinding may not cause any real concerns, but long-term, consistent BRUXISM can lead to broken teeth, loss of tooth enamel, and in severe cases, loss of teeth. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s believed that stress and anxiety play the biggest role. Other causes may also be alcohol use, cigarettes, caffeine, snoring, sleep apnea, an abnormal bite, and crooked teeth. NIGHT GUARDS >> Most cases of BRUXISM can easily be treated by wearing a night guard while you sleep. They work by putting a barrier between your teeth. When you clench your jaw, the night guard helps to lighten the tension and give cushion to the muscles in the jaw. Preventing face and jaw pain, but also protecting the enamel of your teeth. For our patients in need of custom fit night guards, we opt for the dual laminate design that is for moderately severe teeth grinders. They are soft on the inside and hard on the outside. ** If you suspect you might be grinding at night, make sure to mention at your next check up if its in the near future. If not, do not wait too long, you can always call in for a specific exam and we are happy to assist you.

Tooth Talk Tuesday// TONGUE SCRAPING: How is tongue scraping beneficial? Debris, bacteria, and dead cells can build up on your tongue over time ~ this leads to bad breath, and have a negative impact on your overall oral health.... Using a tongue scraper can help remove this buildup, as well as: Improve your sense of taste: 2x/day can improve your sense of TASTE. Your tongue may be able to better distinguish between bitter, sweet, salty, and sour sensations. Improve the appearance of your tongue: WHITE HAIRY TONGUE aka "excess debris buildup" can cause your tongue to take on a white, coated appearance. Daily scraping CAN HELP remove this coating and prevent it from returning! #whitehairytongue Remove bacteria: 2x/day for 7 days will reduce the overall incidence of Mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria types are known to cause bad breath and dental decay. Improve overall health. Removing bacteria is KEY to PREVENTING cavities, gum disease, and other conditions affecting the mouth, thus also affecting your overall health. Do you clean your tongue after each brushing? Have you seen what comes off your tongue after each effective scraping? Its pretty wild actually !

MASK MOUTH // referring to the dryness of our mouths while wearing masks (for some people) all day, who may have not been used to this before. Stinky Breath aka "Mask Mouth" is caused by the dryness of your mouth. Breathing through your mouth vs nose and drinking less water due to the covering of the face are contributing factors. Having a dry mouth can be more serious then just stinky breath. Saliva is also what neutralizes acid in the mouth and helps prevent tooth decay ...and gum disease. Many patients have become more aware of their oral health during this pandemic. Regularly scheduled cleanings are how we can help. Drinking more water Cutting down on caffeine Using a humidifier (to help moisten the air) Using an alcohol-free mouthwash and a tongue scraper Investing in a power toothbrush and brush after all meals Flossing daily Eliminating cigarettes and e-cigarettes and Changing to a new mask each day, or half way through your day are some ideas you can do at home to help :)

You never want to hear that your child has a cavity, but it does happen and it is the main reason your child may need to come back for a visit in the dentist's chair. Cavities are essentially holes in your teeth, caused by decay due to prolonged exposure of sugars and acids from bacteria present in the mouth. Unfortunately, once you have a cavity, the only way to treat it is through fillings; and leaving it too long will cause the hole to become bigger. (They do not stay th...e same) If you think your child might have a cavity please see your Dentist right away or find one you can trust. What we can say about them is this: it is much easier to offer solutions for an early cavity then one that has progressed. early cavities "white spots" require proper preventative protocols, and can actually remineralize with early intervention. also know, that going to the dentist during COVID-19 is safe. Please don't hesitate treatment that could lead to pain or infection. Get into the routine of examining your child's teeth, especially smooth gum line surfaces on all teeth and deep pits in the posterior chewing surfaces (molars). We recommend every six months for the children, are they on schedule? Or over due ? Call (519) 885-4250 or Email [email protected] if you need any assistance

TOOTH TALK TUESDAY: let's talk white spots and discolouration. >> CAN I WHITEN MY OLD COSMETIC RESTORATIONS?? and the short and sweet answer is no :(. The reason being is that most materials, whether composite or porcelain, are more of a semi or permanent choice and the whitening agents cannot penetrate the surface like natural enamel. Therefore, whitening treatments will whiten all around current restorations, leaving yet another patchy appearance.... As time passes, old dental work needs maintenance or even replacing, whether it's for the health of the teeth or merely the confidence of your beautiful smile. Below, this client opted to forgo the composites that served well at one time, and prepare her teeth for Porcelain Veneers. WHY WE LOVE PORCELAIN VENEERS? >> there are no margins for patchy stains over time and Porcelain doesn't stain! So the shade will always remain the same ! For more information about Porcelain Veneers, please don't hesitate to ask for a personal assessment at your next visit. Call Shazeedah 519-885-4250 if you need to schedule or confirm . NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOMED 122 Weber St N, Waterloo

Great news! For the die-hard dentist dreaders or the die-hard oral hygiene lovers that visit. Our Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean Brushes have restocked! Whether you’re playing catch up with some covid related missed appointments, or maybe the 3 month hiatus has you realizing you just need a little more at home on the daily, we have you covered ... Always available to our clients at cost, means we care about you having optimal at home professional self care in the comfort of your own bathroom . Next time you’re in or in the area ask about our Diamond Clean Sonicare Power Clean Brushes >> available in white, blue, and pink ! Call 519-885-4250 or Email [email protected] for any appointment or power brush needs

Who doesn’t LOVE ICE CREAM !?!? . Did this beautiful pic catch your attention too?? I have to admit ~~ we ALL have a sweet tooth in this office and ice cream on hot days {or cold days really } falls right into the YES category ! .... as long as you clean up your teeth just the same as you do sticky hands or face ~~ it’s OK to indulge and not have the sugars contribute to tooth decay ! . If you’re out and can’t brush > swish with water , or chew some sugarless gum .... and if you’re one to have sensitivity to cold >> be sure to always use a good fluoridated sensitivity toothpaste! The way they work >> it can take about a week for them to begin to effect and you must always use it or the sensitivity can come back. So once you start don’t stop, find your brand you like and use each day

Wishing everyone a safe and HAPPY CANADA DAY today! And all weekend long ! We still have so much to be celebrating and our country TRULY is the best ! ......... not to forget to mention...... we are also the home of THE GREATEST GAME around ... Stay Safe ! Stay Happy! Enjoy the family time !

We are thrilled to announce that under all this gear and light glare here, we have our tiny, cheerful Jillian C back on the team, Mondays-Thursdays once again . This week has been the first week back for all our hygienists and hygiene services ~ finally things are feeling normal again :). They ALL truly are the heartbeat of the office ! If you've missed your appointment, Shazeedah will be mkre then happy to help schedule you back in. Give the office a call 519-885-4250 or email [email protected]

Yes we are open! Dr. Matt and Ali ~ the same as always , serving our patients and community with their warm cheer and good humour. Day 2 was busy and a success

NATURE'S CANDY // Frozen grapes are the best snack ever! Especially in the summer They’re super refreshing, incredibly healthy, low-calorie, and SO easy. I mean you actually don’t have to do anything except putting them in the freezer. And they kind of taste like frozen candy. It’s just INCREDIBLE!! KID APPROVED >> We recommend trying this one on your kiddies as a great sugar bomb freezie alternative ... Just wash and pop in the freezer thats it! Wait 3-4 hrs and enjoy !