More than one-third of all cancer patients develop complications that affect the mouth. If your mouth is not as healthy as possible prior to your cancer treatment, you may be more susceptible to oral complications. Cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, can weaken your immune system. Radiation therapy, especially in the area of the head and neck, can damage salivary glands which can cause dry mouth and can increase your chances of tooth decay and infection. Maintaining the hea

Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums, or gingiva. It commonly occurs because a film of plaque, or bacteria, accumulates on the teeth. Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease that results in symptoms such as redness, swelling and bleeding. Very often, early stages of periodontal disease are effectively treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. This involves the therapeutic and systematic removal of bacterial plaque and tartar which is present at a

Every year a national initiative called the Gift from the Heart run by dental hygienists works to raise awareness and make care more accessible and on Saturday April 6th 2019, to kick off the CDHA campaign, National Dental Hygienists week, hygienists across the city have teamed up with the beautiful state-of-the-art dental clinic at the downtown mission to raise awareness and make dental hygiene care free and accessible. There are those among us who work hard to promote aware

The social determinants of health are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. In Canada, accessing vital oral healthcare services can be problematic for millions, including those who are most affected by the social determinants of Health which are the broad range of personal, social, economic and environment

While most Canadians enjoy good oral health there are subgroups within our population that currently bear a disproportionate burden of oral disease, these tend to be our most vulnerable but they may be people you wouldn’t expect because something as simple as not having dental insurance can be a huge barrier to accessing dental care. Oral health is not isolated. It is linked to the health of the rest of the body. Very important body systems like the heart, lungs, brain and ev

Living DNA is both a receiver and transmitter of coherent light. Specific photoreceptors in the mitochondria of the cell are able to absorb monochromatic light in the red and infra red spectrum. (Similar to photosynthesis in plants) Photobiomodulation Therapy also known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a form of therapy that applies low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes to the surface of the body and has been proven to stimulate or enhances cell function, improve wou

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid Used on cavities to help stop tooth decay and prevent the damaging progression of the disease. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies and also can help relieve sensitivity. Treatment with SDF does not eliminate the need for dental fillings or crowns to Repair function or Aesthetics Upon application to the decayed surface, a layer of silver protein conjugates forms, increasing resistance to acid dissolution and enzymatic di

Denture care is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and prolonging the life of the dentures. When it comes to sleeping, it's recommended that you take your dentures out at night and give your gums a rest. Even with partial dentures, it's still best to take them out. Dentures that are not removed at night can become breeding grounds for all kind of bacteria and fungi. Making them potentially dangerous as pneumonia-causing bacteria can adhere to removable appliances and c

Your dental Hygienist is an advisor, an educator and an ally in the prevention of oral diseases and the promotion of a healthy mouth.