Oral Health Resources

Below are some important facts and documents vital to maintaining good oral health and wellness. Click here to contact us if you have any questions.

Dental Hygienists: Your Guardian for Healthy Teeth and Gums.

Dental Hygienists are concerned with the prevention of oral disease, as good oral health contributes to overall health. Dental Hygienists are well acquainted with the needs of their individual patient they are instrumental in educating patients about the association between Systemic Diseases and Periodontal Disease, the proper prevention techniques and treatment. Prevention in the area of oral hygiene is a specialty of the Dental Hygienist. She uses clinical therapy, health promotion, education and research to inform and therefore empower individuals to take better care of their teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene at any age can lead to cavities, gum disease (which affects as many as 75% of adults over 30 years) gingivitis, periodontitis, and eventually even loss of the tooth. The complications arising from poor oral hygiene end up costing individuals a significant amount and, in many cases can be avoided with proper care and an effective oral care program.

Periodontal Disease (gum disease)

More than 400 bacteria have been found in the mouths of people with gum disease. Gum Disease is one of the most common infectious diseases know to man. It slowly and silently destroys gum tissue and bone. Click here to read more about the importance of good oral hygiene. (PDF 127 KB)

Elderly Patients with gum disease have an increased risk for pneumonia. Pneumonia is the # one killer in long term care homes. Risk is reduced 40 to 58% in patients receiving Oral Health Care. Click here to learn about good oral care practices for seniors.  (PDF 202 KB)

There is substantial evidence linking Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
November is Diabetes awareness month. Approximately, 95% of patients with diabetes also have gum disease, due in part to an increased susceptibility to infections. The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association would like to remind Canadians living with Diabetes of the importance of proper Diabetes control. The growing body of research points to a bi-directional relationship between Periodontal Disease and Diabetes. This means that someone with difficulty controlling their blood sugar level may be at a greater risk of developing Periodontal Disease. Also, Periodontal Disease may have a negative effect on blood sugar levels. Canadians with Diabetes should speak to their Dental Hygienist about how to develop a good oral hygiene program designed to prevent periodontal disease, or if they already have it, how they can bring it under control. Seven out of nine Diabetics who improve their oral health reduce their need for insulin. Click here to learn more about the oral signs of diabetes. (PDF 52 KB)

Want some life saving advice?
Ask your Dental Hygienist about Tobacco use and Periodontal Disease. Click here to learn more about Tobacco use and Periodontal Disease. (PDF 50 KB)

Need help to kick the habit for good?
Visit www.smokefree.gov.

Oral Cancer

Ask your dental Hygienist about Oral Cancer
Each year, nearly 30,000 new cases are diagnosed and almost 9,000 people die from the disease. Curable in its early stages, it can be treated successfully in more than 90% of the cases. However, if not detected early enough, it can spread to other parts of the body and become nearly impossible to treat.

Only 50% of people with oral cancer live more than 5 years because it is not identified.
Early detection is critical! All patients will be provided with a thorough Medical and Dental History to complete. Dental assessments will include a complete intra oral and extra oral cancer screening. Click here to read more about oral cancer. (PDF 88 KB)

Oral Health

Oral Health and your Baby
Recent research has shown that the oral health of pregnant mothers can affect the health of their unborn babies. Click here to read more about oral health and your baby. (PDF 147 KB)

Proper Oral Health for Children
Dental decay (cavities) is the most chronic disease of childhood. Click here to read more about proper oral health for children. (PDF 255 KB)

Understanding and Eliminating Bad Breath
Do you ever worry that you're the only one in the room with bad breath… Click here to read more about eliminating bad breath. (PDF 64 KB)

Mouthguards protect more than your mouth
A properly fitted is also believed to aid in reducing the severity and incidence of concussions. Click here to read more about mouth guards. (PDF 60 KB)