Happy First Birthday! Has Your Baby Seen the Dentist Yet?
At what age should a child have their first dental visit? The newest guidelines from the York Region Public Health Dental Program strongly recommend children have their first dental visit before their first birthday. The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, along with many other professional associations support and promote this message. Even at such a young […]
Mouth Breathing and Your Oral Health: Part II
More Reasons for Mouth Breathers to Quit The Habit Is the air we breathe through our nose the same as the air we breathe through our mouth Mouth breathing affects more than just the oral tissues of the mouth and facial/skeletal development. Long-term mouth breathing can actually have serious implications on your overall health. To answer the […]
Mouth Breathing and Your Oral Health
Are You A Mouth Breather? Most people have experienced mouth breathing at one time or another due to nasal congestion from either a bad cold, allergies or sinus congestion. However, when mouth breathing is ongoing, it is usually due to other reasons. It could be because the nasal airway is being partially blocked by either […]
Lip Piercings and The Damage They Leave Behind
When you’re young, lip piercings may seem like a creative way to express yourself. However, when you’re older, lip piercings may be considered as too juvenile, and may not reflect your more mature personality. Removing the hole left behind by a long term piercing is not as easy as removing the jewellery. A facial piercing […]
Do Mouth Piercings Put Your Smile at Risk?
Thinking of getting a mouth piercing? Here’s what you should know Mouth piercings, especially lip piercings, have been a common practice in many parts of the world. Various cultures associate lip piercings with rites of passage, initiation and religious significance. Today, it is a common practice of self-expression among youth everywhere in the world. The […]
Smoking Cessation and Dental Cleanings
“I’m going to quit smoking after I get my teeth cleaned”… If you are a smoker and have been trying to quit smoking to no avail, having a professional dental cleaning may be an important motivational first step. Registered dental hygienists often offer the initial support and encouragement needed for smokers to move forward with […]
Smoking and E-Cigarettes
Are E-Cigarettes Safer?? Happy New Year to Everyone!! Every New year, so many smokers take the oath to quit smoking. In addition to the overall devastating health risks associated with smoking, smoking also has a significant negative impact on oral health. Smoking is the number one cause of periodontal disease (gum disease) and tooth loss. E-cigarettes have […]
Your Ultimate Christmas Wish List for a Healthy & Bright Smile
These Goodies Deserve a Spot Under the Tree This Year… Happy Holidays, everyone! There are a few really wonderful and exciting new products now available on the market that are sure to make everyone happy this Christmas. Now, this hygienist is going to share them all with you! First off, the gift of an electric […]
My child has spaces between their baby teeth will they need braces?
This is often one of the most common questions the Dental Hygienist is asked by parents of very young children during a dental cleaning appointment. The presence of spaces between the baby teeth is absolutely great. Baby teeth are generally much smaller than the permanent adult teeth. Therefore, having spaces present between the baby teeth is […]
Braces are Beautiful
Will I need braces? One of the most commonly asked questions during a dental cleaning visit is “Do I need braces”? Most people are aware that the presence of crowded or crooked teeth is always a strong indicator that braces are needed to straighten teeth. However, what most people don’t know is that braces are […]