Blog
Mouth Matters
Our COVID-19 Reopening Safety Measures: How We’re Working to Keep You Safe
During this pandemic, the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario has released the most stringent infection control protocols in the dental industry. We have worked very hard and are completely compliant with these new guidelines. We are still learning about this virus and until we know more or are on the other side of this pandemic we must do everything we can to keep everyone safe. What we do know about the coronavirus is that it is spread through droplets. Outside of a dental office this would be from sneezing or splatter from talking too closely. Inside a dental office, however, this...
Are You Thinking About Whitening Your Teeth?
It’s everywhere, people with beautifully perfect white teeth, so you ask yourself, how do I get my teeth to look like that?? First of all, don’t be fooled, much of what you see on T.V. and in magazines has been photoshopped, and most of the movie stars and models have what are called veneers (basically a half crown that is placed over the natural teeth, invasive & expensive, a topic for another day). So keep your expectation of teeth whitening products earthbound. Secondly, don’t be using “whitening” toothpastes. If you can crunch it, you shouldn’t be using it on any regular basis. Some...
College Life & Your Oral Health
Heading off to college or university is a very exciting time. Focusing on school is of course the priority, but you are also learning how to balance life with work and managing not only your course load, but your health and home as well. For many this is the time where oral health problems arise for the first time. As a student you are facing many unique challenges that can affect your oral health: Home care - pulling all-nighters to study or staying up late simply because you can is the norm. No matter the reason it’s still important to brush two times per day for a recommended two minute...
Quit Smoking to Save Your Smile
Quitting smoking helps more than just your lungs. If your resolution includes quitting smoking, then good for you! This is one of the most significantly beneficial lifestyle changes you can make. We are well aware that smoking causes major problems for organs such as your lungs and heart, but what about your mouth? Smoking is a huge risk factor for many oral health issues such as: Oral cancer – smokers are up to 6 times more likely to develop oral cancers, this is on the rise for women and more young girls take up smoking. Gum disease - Smoking can also suppress the body’s immune system,...
Gum Disease & Diabetes: It’s a Two-Way Street
We've been aware for quite some time that if you have diabetes you are at a greater risk for gum diseases such as periodontal disease (an infection of the bone and structures that keep your teeth in place), and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). In case there was any doubt about the link between the health of your mouth and your overall health, new studies are suggesting that the connection between oral health and diabetes are not one sided, that they in fact affect each other. What does gum disease have to do with diabetes? Gum diseases are infections and like any other infection in...
Dental Insurance: Use it before you lose it!
If you are fortunate to work for a company that offers you some dental insurance, don’t let it go to waste. There are many people that don’t have this benefit; in fact about 40% of Ontarians are without any dental insurance. With all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it is easy to postpone your dental hygiene appointment to the New Year, however, if your insurance renews with the calendar year you may be missing an opportunity. How does dental insurance work? The way most dental insurance benefits work is that you are provided a certain dollar amount of insurance each year. If...
Oral Cancer: We Are All at Risk!
The face of oral cancer has changed dramatically over recent years. With more and more people in the spotlight coming out about their battles, such as Michael Douglas, Roger Ebert, and Tony Gwynn, it has helped to bring this disease the attention it deserves. Some facts about oral cancer: -13th most common cancer in Canada, 6th most common worldwide - In Canada more cases are diagnosed per year than cervical or ovarian cancer -Overall survival rate is only 63% compared to 75% for cervical cancer - 3 people die every day in Canada from oral cancer -Exposure to HPV is becoming the most common...
Mastering the Art of School Lunches
It’s almost that time of year....back to school! While many of you are writhed with anticipation and yearning to be back in a routine, the thought of needing to plan and pack a lunch that your little one will actually eat and not trade for twinkies and coke creates waves of anticipation! Don’t lose too much sleep, with a bit of pre-planning you’ll master the lunch packing in no time! What parents want: to know their child is eating a well balanced lunch that will fuel their minds and bodies. What kids want: a lunch packed with loads of flavor (usually sweet) that will have their friends...
Top 5 Reasons You Should Floss
Flossing is a dental hygiene procedure that involves the use of a cord of thin filament to remove food and dental plaque from the spaces between teeth. Compared to regular brushing, this is a more effective technique for prevention of periodontal diseases and tooth loss. Despite this, people often give reasons why they don't floss. Some people say that they simply don't know how to floss. For others, it is the discomfort that comes with flossing for the initial few times before getting used to it. However, if you really value your dental health, then take a moment and consider these top 5...
Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a Dental Hygienist
They say that life is short and you can only make the best of it while it lasts. So, please your palate with whatever you fancy and make merry, but remember to brush your teeth and floss. Above all, remember to honor your appointments with your dental hygienist. Do you often find reasons to skip such appointments simply because your teeth aren’t aching, or you feel the visits have become too frequent? Consider that no matter how well you brush your teeth and floss; there will be some buildup of tartar and plaque on teeth in some of those hard-to-reach parts of the mouth. You will thus need a...
Toothbrush, Toothpaste and… Bears?!? Oh My!
Even though the weather may not suggest that it’s summer, if you’re anything like me it doesn't matter because the real beginning of the summer is marked by the Victoria Day Weekend....better known as May 2-4! My most fond childhood memories are filled with long days playing in the bushes or at the beach followed by campfires and roasting marshmallows. I still love the outdoors and although my camping is not quite as luxurious as the tent trailer and provincial parks we frequented when I was a kid, instead it’s tents and bush camping for me these days. I am a minimalist when it comes to...
Great Dental Hygiene Requires the Right Toothbrush
Do you grab whatever is on sale, stick with your tried-and-true favorite, or is it all about the color? Whatever your decision strategy is you go home with a new toothbrush, but is it the best one for the job? Here are a few do’s and don’ts for picking the right toothbrush for great dental hygiene. Do always opt for soft or extra soft bristles Brushing with anything other than a soft toothbrush will do you more harm than good. It can lead to recession, tooth and root surface abrasion and overall sensitivity. A good way to help prevent the “long-in-the-tooth” look is to stop scrubbing and...