This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Abba Dental believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Abba Dental!

Season’s Greetings from Abba Dental

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at Abba Dental reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2010? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Abba Dental

Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Abba Dental can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Flossing 101

Abba Dental wants to remind you how important flossing is to your oral health. We have included a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth. Many people think that flossing is only to get the food out from in between your teeth, when actually flossing should be done every day on every tooth to help protect your teeth and gums.



If you have additional questions about flossing or about which flossing product is right for you, simply ask at your next Abba Dental appointment.

Staying connected with Abba Dental

At Abba Dental Wellness Centre, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative dental treatments we offer, our high-tech website and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in beautiful downtown Vancouver.

As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our Facebook page. For social media to work, however, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we take a little time to research how to best use social media moving forward, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call! Have a wonderful weekend!

The importance of dairy, from Abba Dental

Our staff at Vancouver's Abba Dental want to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call at 604-688-7201 or ask us during your next visit.

Ask Abba Dental: Do germs really live on toothbrushes?

Fall is here in Vancouver, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, our team at Abba Dental will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook. Enjoy your weekend!

Year-end insurance reminder from Abba Dental

Our team at Abba Dental would like to give those patients with flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits a friendly end of the year reminder that it's high time to schedule your dental visits so you optimize your benefit.

Now is the time to reserve you appointment with us. Space is limited and we get very busy at our downtown Vancouver office, so don’t wait to give us a call at 604-688-7201!

Hey Dr. Lim! What's Invisalign, and is it right for me? [Video]

Perhaps you've wondered how Invisalign treatment at Abba Dental manages to straighten your pearly whites without having you go through traditional orthodontic treatment?

The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our convenient downtown Vancouver location. Dr. Baha Azizi and Dr. Keith Lim are Certified Invisalign® Providers, offering Invisalign for teens and adults. If you've been wanting to straighten your teeth but are unsure about going through traditional braces, please give us a call at 604-688-7201 to learn if Invisalign is the right option for you! Happy Friday!

Tell us what's on your mind!

Week after week, our creative team at Abba Dental blog about important topics pertinent to dental care and your continuing treatment at our convenient office in downtown Vancouver.

Today, we thought we’d step back and ask: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the field of dentistry? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we'll try to answer any questions you may have!

Enjoy the rest of your week everyone!

Featured patient reviews for Abba Dental!

At Abba Dental, we love hearing from our patients! Here are a few reviews we've received that we thought we'd share!

"I have been a patient of Dr. Keith Lim for over 30 years. He is the very best and I have referred many friends to him! His practice is definitely on top the game. Keep up the great work."‎

"I have been a patient of Keith's for over 20 years, except when living elsewhere. An excellent dentist that I was very glad to recommence visiting on my return to Vancouver."

"I have been with Dr. Lim over 7 years and I am very happy with the level of dentistry he performs. He doesn't have the best bedside manner, but that is made up by his up to date knowledge and the fact his work has been virtually pain-free on all occasions (including root canals). His hygienists are the best at what they do."

Foods for healthy gums and healthy hearts, from Abba Dental

Our staff at Abba Dental will tell you that gum disease, known also as periodontal disease, is far more common than you may think. Each year, new studies begin to link the effect gum disease can have on the heart, and we have been helping spread the word around Vancouver! One of the simplest steps to achieving healthier gums can be your diet. We recently found a great article outlining several options for healthier gums. Included among the suggestions were:

*Raisins
*Green Tea
*Whole Grains

In addition to these foods being gums-friendly, they happen to be healthy foods in general, and a great option to begin integrating into your diet.

Have a great upcoming week! Be sure to give us a call if you have any questions!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month at Abba Dental!

Ah, October is here. The leaves are beginning to fall, the days are getting shorter and all that Halloween candy is beginning to make its rounds. For our staff at Abba Dental, October is known as National Dental Health Month.

We join our friends at the American Dental Hygienists' Association in spreading the word that good dental habits are easy to develop and even easier to maintain. This year's theme is “Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think,” which focuses on prevention. At Abba Dental, we know everyone is busy; living a life on-the-go is difficult for most people, but our staff is here to tell you keeping a healthy mouth shouldn’t be.

Your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet, and visiting our convenient downtown Vancouver office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the ADHA's National Dental Hygiene Month website, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Abba dental? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call at 604-688-7201 to set up an appointment.

Have a wonderful & relaxing weekend everyone!

TV'S Dr. Oz has three tips for a stressful mouth!

Happy Friday! TV's Doctor Oz recently did a segment on Three Signs of Stress in Your Mouth, and provided some solutions to relieve tension and to check how healthy your gums are. Our staff at Abba Dental thought we'd pass along his suggestions for a stressful mouth.

1. Teeth Grinding: Mouth Guard & “Hook & Pull” Exercise - Dr. Oz said that people who grind their teeth tend to have a lot more stress hormone in their body, and that grinding your teeth can cause headaches, earaches and pain. Also, the Chicago Dental Society has suggested that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise. A mouth guard can help relieve your teeth grinding, and Dr. Oz says that you can do a “Hook and Pull” exercise when your put one index finger in either side of your mouth and pull your mouth out horizontally. Then from that position you can massage the muscle, which can be very helpful for getting rid of stress.

2. Canker Sores: Hydrogen Peroxide & Milk of Magnesia - Dr. Oz said canker sores are stress-related and often happen when your immune system is suppressed. A good home remedy, Dr. Oz said, is to swish around a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent hydrogen peroxide inside of your mouth. Also, you may dab Milk of Magnesia on your canker sore 3-4 times a day for relief.

3. Gingivitis: Cranberry Floss - Here's Dr. Oz's theory: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is more common among people who are stressed out because roughly 50 percent of people do not floss or brush regularly when they are under stress, which causes their gums to recede and pull away from your teeth. Dr. Oz recommends drinking unsweetened cranberry juice to ward off plaque, and said you can even buy cranberry floss!

If you have any questions about your gum health, we encourage you to give us a call or ask Drs. Lim or Azizi during your next visit!

Abba Dental, reminding you to wear your mouth guards

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common, especially if you participate in sports. Below are some frequently questions about mouth guards that Drs. Lim and Azizi and our staff at Abba Dental thought we'd share. Whether you are an athlete or casual sports participant, you should wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, a bite guard will help reduce symptoms of TMJ. We custom make mouth guards in both soft and hard materials.

If you have any additional questions, give us a call at 604-688-7201. We'd love to hear from you!

Q: What are athletic mouth protectors?

A: Athletic mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic. They are adapted to fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth.

Q: Why are mouth guards important?

A: Mouth guards hold top priority as sports equipment. They protect not just the teeth, but the lips, cheeks, and tongue. They help protect you from such head and neck injuries as concussions and jaw fractures. Increasingly, organized sports are requiring mouth guards to prevent injury to their athletes. Research shows that most oral injuries occur when athletes are not wearing mouth protection.

Q: When should I wear a mouth guard?

A: Whenever you are in an activity with a risk of falls or of head contact with other players or equipment. This includes football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, even gymnastics. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.

Q: How do I choose a mouth guard?

A: Any mouth guard works better than no mouth guard. We custom make mouth guards in both soft and hard materials.

Drs. Lim or Azizi can advise you on what type of mouth guard is best for you. You may schedule an appointment with us by calling 604-688-7201.

Smoking and your oral health, from Abba Dental

Our staff at Abba Dental know that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75 percent of gum disease in adults. And, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral-health problems:

• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Loss of bone in the jaw
• Gum recession
• Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
• Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
• Mouth sores
• Loss of your sense of taste and smell
• Bad breath
• Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health, Dr. Keith Lim and Dr. Baha Azizi strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
• Get support
• Learn new skills and behaviors
• Get medication and use it correctly
• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

For more information on smoking and its effects on your gums and overall health, we encourage you to check out this helpful article. Have a great weekend!

Your turn! From Abba Dental

By now, you probably know the drill: Week after week, our staff at Abba Dental blog about important topics pertinent to dental care and your well-being, including innovative dental techniques we offer at our convenient downtown Vancouver office.

Today, though, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the field of dentistry? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page! So take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Drs. Azizi and Lim, protecting you from heart disease

Did you know dentists like Drs. Azizi and Lim can play a pivotal role in saving those at risk for heart attacks? It’s true! A recent study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, or JADA, found that dentists were able to identify patients who were at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in the United States. The authors of the study looked at dentists “as a resource for identifying patients who were unaware of their increased cardiovascular risk factors.”

If you have any questions about CVD, or how our staff at Vancouver's Abba Dental can screen you for the disease, please give us a call at 604-688-7201.

Abba Dental, helping calm children's fears and anxieties about dentistry

Dr. Keith Lim, Dr. Baha Azizi and our staff at Abba Dental know that many children have a fear of visiting the dentist. Recently, we came across a helpful article that discusses how parents can help kids overcome fears of the dentist, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Our staff excels at making children feel comfortable visiting the dentist. In fact, most of our young patients look forward to their next visit!

Has your child visited Abba Dental in the last six months? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment by calling 604-688-7201! We look forward to seeing you and have a great rest of the week!

Are you flossing?

At Abba Dental, we take flossing seriously, and our professional staff will always tell you that proper flossing is just as vital for your dental health as brushing regularly. Flossing, you see, cleans food and plaque that build up between teeth and below the gumline, key areas that brushing simply cannot reach.

The act of flossing can take 3-to-5 minutes every day (as recommended), but even 60 seconds of flossing has a great benefit over not flossing at all. Also, make sure to always brush your teeth after you floss, and to rinse with water or mouthwash. When you begin flossing you may experience gum pain or bleeding, but with daily flossing and brushing this should stop within a week or so.

Lastly, has it been at least six months since your last checkup at Abba Dental? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our convenient downtown Vancouver office by calling 604-688-7201!

We hope you're enjoying your summer! Floss, floss, floss!

Love your smile? Then we invite you to review Abba Dental on Google!

For more than 27 years, Abba Dental has provided general and preventative dental care for the entire family. Drs. Lim and Azizi and staff are partners in your family's dental health, hygiene and development. You can be sure of caring and professional treatment and the most up-to-date products and techniques, for general maintenance or for the wide range of restorative and cosmetic services available in our practice.

Whether you've visited Abba Dental for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office has fared! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help us at Abba Dental create more beautiful smiles in Vancouver and surrounding communities. Thanks in advance, and we hope you have a great week!

You may write your review here.

Drs. Lim & Azizi, Vancouver's children's dentists

Let's face it, there are lots of questions when it comes to your child's oral health and well-being. This afternoon, our staff at Abba Dental found a helpful article from Today's Parent that includes some common questions parents have about children's oral health. We encourage you to definitely check it out!

Has your child been in for a visit to Abba Dental in the past 6 months? If not, it's time to schedule an appointment by calling 604-688-7201. We hope you're having a terrific summer!

Handling dental emergencies, from Abba Dental

At Abba Dental, we know all too well about the dental emergencies, which can strike at any time. From a toothache to a chipped tooth to a lost filling, summer brings with it a greater chance of our patients damaging their teeth when they're out and about. Today, Drs. Lim and Azizi thought they'd discuss a few of these instances - and what you should do.

Toothaches: Rinse your mouth with warm water and floss to remove any food lodged in your teeth. A pain reliever such as aspirin may be taken to dull the pain. If swelling appears, hold a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek. If your toothache is severe, or lasts longer than one day, schedule an appointment to see us as soon as possible.

Chipped/Broken Teeth: Save any pieces you can. Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to relieve pain and swelling, and apply gauze to the area for at least ten minutes if there is bleeding. Visit our office as soon as you can.

Objects Stuck in Teeth: Try flossing to carefully and gently remove the object. Never use a sharp or hard item to remove objects in your teeth; you risk injuring your gums and scratching your teeth. If you are unable to remove the object, visit our office.

Lost Filling: Sugarless gum and over-the-counter dental cement can work as temporary fillings, but be sure to make an appointment with us as soon as you can to replace a filling!

Lost Crown: If you cannot make it in to see us right away, apply a little clove oil to the sensitive area of the tooth with a cotton swab. Then slip the crown back on the tooth using dental cement or denture adhesive to hold it in place. Don’t use any kind of glue on your teeth. Be sure to make an appointment to see us to properly fix the crown as soon as possible.

Mouth Injuries: Injuries to the soft-tissue of the mouth such as the cheeks, tongue, and gums often result in bleeding. To stop the bleeding first rinse your mouth with a mild salt water solution. Then use a moistened piece of gauze to apply pressure to the site for 15-20 minutes. Holding a cold compress to the outside of the affected area will help ease pain and control bleeding and swelling. If the bleeding persists see us immediately or visit a hospital emergency room. Continue to apply gauze until you are treated.

Our staff at Abba Dental will always tell you ignoring any dental problem can quickly increase the risk of permanent damage and the need for more treatment in the future. If you have any concerns, and especially if you experience a persistent dental issue, please give us a call so we can assist you and prevent an emergency.

Didn't see a question you'd like an answer to? Please give us a call or ask on our Facebook page! Happy Thursday!

Drs. Lim & Azizi, saving you from halitosis

Today, we thought we'd share a few tips with you to help prevent bad breath, also known as halitosis. Drs. Lim and Azizi know bad breath can be a real downer, but want you to know it can be easily prevented!

Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds, making your breath smell. A few months ago, we read an article by Dr. Andrew Weil titled, "3 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath." Dr. Weil recommends the following ways to help prevent bad breath.

1. Brush your tongue: "The tongue, and especially the back of the tongue, is a warm harbor for bacteria," he writes, and recommends spending some time on your tongue during teeth brushing, "moving slowly toward the back so as not to activate your gag reflex."

2. Keep your mouth hydrated: Because a dry mouth typically leads to bad breath, eating oranges or celery, or drinking water, may help.

3. Freshen your mouth: Herbal palate cleansers (parsley, peppermint tea and cardamom seeds may do the trick). If bad breath returns, please give us a call! Dr. Azizi or Lim may diagnose any condition or concerns of the oral cavity that may be causing the problems, such as gum disease.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!

Ask Abba Dental: How can I avoid plaque?

At Abba Dental, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth, thanks to our friends at WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to visit Drs. Lim or Azizi here at Abba Dental is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily - you’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting our office at least twice a year, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and vegetables. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick that candy up this summer, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be. If you have any questions, visit our web site on oral hygiene, or contact Abba Dental at 604-688-7201.

The advantage of Invisalign® treatment at Abba Dental

Part of what makes Invisalign treatment at Abba Dental "work" is that it's customizable for pretty much anyone. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next Drs. Azizi and Lim use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best part? Nobody will even know you are wearing braces!

Drs. Azizi and Lim are certified Invisalign providers here in Vancouver. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you're a candidate for Invisalign treatment at our office, we encourage you to give us a call at our convenient downtown location at 604-688-7201.

Have a great rest of the week!

Drs. Azizi and Lim want to know: Are you a tooth whitening addict?

In our age—when everyone's looks matter as much as anything—more and more people want to look and feel great, and that means more and more people are compulsively whitening their teeth.

But can there be too much of a good thing when it comes to teeth whitening? Yes, in fact. At Abba Dental, we specialize in teeth whitening, offering our state-of-the-art, in-office Power Bleaching system that will make your teeth whiter in less than 1.5 hours. Another option is our home bleaching system you take with you for results in two weeks. You can also consider a combination program of both systems for optimal, long-term results.

You can also have a new smile with all-porcelain crowns (empressed material) on the anterior teeth. For the posterior, we use porcelain fused to metal. We also use Full Gold Crowns on the posterior teeth.

Give us a call at 604-688-7201 and let us help you whiten your teeth professionally and give you a new, gorgeous smile! Lastly, if you suspect you may have a teeth whitening addiction, we encourage you to check out this helpful article from our friends at WebMD.

Abba Dental is located on Burrard Street in downtown Vancouver. For more than 27 years, ABBA Dental has provided general and preventative dental care for the entire family.

What sets Abba Dental apart?

At Abba Dental, we get to enjoy quite a view of beautiful Vancouver. Being on the sixth floor, we can see all of the Westend area, ocean and the mountains. In our hygiene rooms, we have floor to ceiling windows and in our restorative rooms, we have TVs for the patients. Patients are encouraged to bring in their own Ipod or MP3 player, as this does not interfere with any dental treatment.

Every few months, we have a gift basket giveaway. Items in the past have included wine, gourmet cheese, chocolate, coffee, and mugs. We are also the sole dental office sponsor for the Welcome Wagon in the Vancouver area. New residents to Vancouver will get a visit from the hostess, and will receive a dental kit, that includes two toothbrushes, floss and a free consult for Invisalign.

Every year, usually in September, we offer a free harbour cruise around Vancouver to 80 of our patients. Dinner, dancing and a theme make the night very enjoyable. Some of the door prizes included gift certificates to local spas, $700 in office whitening, Sonicare and Oral B tooth brushes and gift certificates to local restaurants. At the end of each night, one lucky person from each table gets to take home the flower centerpieces.

That - and much, much more - make Abba Dental the best dental practice in Vancouver.

What helps you relax at Abba Dental?

Our staff at Abba Dental completely understands that not everyone is always thrilled to see their dentist. But at our convenient location in downtown Vancouver, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting dental experience at each visit.

So we’d like to know: What is it about Abba Dental that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff? Perhaps it's something about Dr. Baha Azizi or Dr. Keith Lim?

Let us know by posting here, on our Facebook page or by giving us a call at 604-688-7201!

Gum disease and you, from Drs. Lim and Azizi

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, Drs. Lim and Azizi say it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs you should watch for include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, schedule an appointment with Abba Dental right away by calling 604-688-7201. Our dedicated staff can diagnose the problem and give you back a healthy mouth!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Abba Dental, helping you save face this summer

At Abba Dental, we know how important it is to protect your face while playing sports. Summer, which is right around the corner, brings an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. That’s why Drs. Keith Lim and Baha Azizi are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Drs. Lim or Azizi will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

In addition, here are some tips for keeping your mouth safe on the field, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

Whether you are an athlete or casual sports participant, you should wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, a bite guard will help reduce symptoms of TMJ. We custom make mouth guards in both soft and hard materials. Please give us a call at 604-688-7201 to learn more about mouth guards!

Ask Abba Dental: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Vancouver dentists Drs. Baha Azizi and Keith Lim work so hard to give our patients straight, perfect teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth with Invisalign at Abba Dental can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up an appointment. Drs. Lim and Azizi can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from Invisalign treatment.

Oral cancer and you, from Abba Dental

In our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality care available to our patients, Drs. Keith Lim and Baha Azizi provide oral cancer screening services to the Vancouver community, in addition to head and neck screens. The fact is, every hour of every day, someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved.

Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. When discovered early, oral cancers have a 80-90% survival rate. Ask the doctors or our staff at Abba Dental about a thorough oral cancer screening at your next appointment! For more details and facts about this serious disease, visit the Oral Cancer Foundation’s website, www.oralcancerfoundation.org.

A little bit about Abba Dental...

From your very first visit to Abba Dental, our entire team strives to provide superior dental treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Drs. Lim and Azizi? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your smile?

For more than 27 years, Abba Dental has provided general and preventative dental care for the entire family. Drs. Lim and Azizi, as well as our staff, are partners in your family's dental health, hygiene and development. You can be sure of caring and professional treatment and the most up-to-date products and techniques, for general maintenance or for the wide range of restorative and cosmetic services available in our practice.

We look forward to connecting with you online, and especially on our Facebook page, in the coming weeks and months!

Meet Our Dentists

Keith Lim, D.M.D.
Dr. Keith Lim is a 1976 graduate from UBC's Faculty of Dentistry. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon in 1971. Dr. Lim has been practicing general dentistry for 32 years beginning in 1976 when he joined Dr. Hall in his general practice as an associate. Shortly after, he bought his own practice on Georgia Street in Vancouver, which then moved to the location where he is now. Today he owns his own practice with his associate, Dr. Baha Azizi.

Through the years, Dr. Lim completed advanced studies and continuing education in Inlays, Onlays, Endodontics, Rotary Endodontics, Implants, TMJ and Invisalign. He is currently a member of the Dr. Dick Tucker inlay and onlay study club, as well as an Invisalign study club. Dr. Lim is registered with the College of Dental Surgeons, Canadian Dental Association and will soon be licensed in China. As a child he was considered a music protégé up until the age of fourteen. He loves to golf and also has developed an acting career. He loves to travel, and will sometimes take his staff with him.


Baha Azizi, D.M.D.
Dr. Baha Azizi graduated from UBC's Faculty of Dentistry in 1990. He also received his Undergrad training in Faculty of Pharmaceutical sciences in 1984-1986. He has taken many extra courses including Rotary Endodontics in 2006, Esthetic Dentistry in 2000 and 2006, Implant Prosthodontics in 2001 and 2007, and Regenerative Periodontal Surgery in 2007. He completed a General Practice Residency at Vancouver General Hospital from 1990-1991, where he received his special training in dental surgery. He is currently a member of the Canadian Dental Association and the BC Dental Association and has been registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of BC since 1990.

Dr. Azizi has been a member of a Prosthodontic study club for 13 years, a Periodontics study club for 5 years and just recently joined a surgical Implant study club. He lives in North Vancouver with his wife of 12 years and two children, Kian and Cameron. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing squash on a weekly basis and skiing.