Gift from the Heart Day, 8 Feb 2014

Reprinted in part from giftfromtheheart.ca

On Saturday February 08, 2014 Registered Dental Hygienists all across Canada will open their hearts and clinics to provide oral health care to the public who may be financially unable to receive dental hygiene care or who have difficulty accessing dental hygiene treatment; at no cost.

Visit Gift from the Heart website to view participating locations.

 

 

World Oral Health Day, 20 Mar 2014

WHAT IS THE WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY?
It is an international day to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of looking after oral hygiene to everyone old and young.

It is a day for people to have fun – a day that should be full of activities that make us laugh, sing and smile!

The aim of WOHD is to raise awareness and encourage individuals, families, communities and governments to take action and help reduce the global burden of oral disease.

WHY IS WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY HELD ON THE 20TH MARCH?
It was moved from its original date of 12th September due to clashes with other international days and specifically the annual FDI Congress. The new date was selected because:
• Children have 20 milk teeth
• Seniors should have 20 natural teeth at the end of their life
• When expressed numerically, month before day, i.e. 3/20 – the result is what healthy adults should have, 32 teeth and 0 caries

WHY IS WOHD IMPORTANT?
Because 90% of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases in their lifetime and many of them can be avoided with increased governmental, health association and society support and funding for prevention, detection and treatment programmes.
Working together helps us unite our efforts to prevent the epidemic of caries, gum diseases and tooth loss and help our
communities to maintain proper dentition for life.

QUICK GLOBAL FACTS
• 90% of the world’s population will suffer from oral disease in their lifetime ranging from caries, periodontal diseases and tooth decay to oral cancer.
• Only 60% of the world’s population enjoys access to oral health care.
• 60%-90% of school children worldwide have dental caries.

 

Information reprinted in part from http://www.worldoralhealthday.org/

© The Straight Tooth 2014

Dental FastFact on Acid Erosion (Jul 2013)

Did you know…
Many foods we enjoy on these long summer days can irreversibly damage teeth through acid erosion by demineralizing and softening our enamel. Normally, teeth will repair themselves using calcium and phosphate ions in saliva and topical fluoride in water and dental hygiene products. However, excessive acid exposure will tip the balance. Softened enamel is easily worn away, causing sensitivity and changing the colour and shape of our teeth.*

Helpful hints…

• Acidic examples: fizzy drinks, wine, sports drinks, salad dressing, pickles, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes, grapefruit, lemons, pineapples, raspberries, strawberries, apples, oranges, and tomatoes.**
• Even some healthy snacks, such as soda water, fruits, and natural fruit juices, can be damaging in excess. Enjoy a balanced diet.
• After eating, wait at least 30 min before brushing your teeth. Your enamel is softest and most vulnerable at this time. Instead, rinse vigorously with water or chew sugar-free gum.
• Use a straw to direct acidic drinks quickly to the back of your mouth instead of lingering around your teeth.
• You may wish to try at-home products, such as Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste, which claim to help protect your teeth from acid erosion.
• Ask your dental professional about in-office treatments using topical fluoride or MI Paste to help remineralize your teeth.

* GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, aciderosion.com
** .pronamel.us

© The Straight Tooth 2013

Dental FastFact on Oral Habits (Jan 2013)

Did you know…

It’s commonly said that it takes 21 to 28 days to form a new habit or break an old one. But everyone is different and some behaviours are harder to (un) learn than others. A recent study indicates an average of 66 days!*

Helpful hints…

• Beneficial oral habits to consider improving include: daily flossing; twice daily brushing for 2 minutes; use of an antibacterial mouth rinse; and wearing your mouthguard, retainer, or nightguard as prescribed.
• Detrimental oral habits to consider weening include: smoking; chewing pencils; thumb-sucking; and continual high-sugar snacking.

• Set measurable, achievable goals and write them down
• Share your goals with friends and family, ask for their support, and celebrate your successes together
• Missing a day won’t derail your efforts, but a positive attitude and consistent effort are essential

*Lally et al. (2009)

 

© The Straight Tooth 2013

Dental FastFact on Valentine’s Day Treats (Feb 2013)

Did you know…

With 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are projected to be sold for Valentine’s Day, many of us will be either giving or receiving these tasty treats.* Chocolate can actually be good for your teeth because it has an anti-bacterial effect in the mouth and can stop dental decay!**

Helpful hints…

• Chocolate (i.e. cocoa bean) is good for you, but sugar is not. If sugar tops the list of ingredients, consider choosing a different brand
• Read labels carefully. “Dark chocolate” is healthier than “milk chocolate” or “chocolate flavoured candy”
• Research shows that dark chocolate can also prevent cancer and heart disease**

* huffingtonpost.com (Feb 7, 2012)
**Chocolate Can Protect Against Tooth Decay, available at worldental.org (Apr 30, 2008)

© The Straight Tooth 2013

Dental FastFact on Holiday Eating (Dec 2012)

Did you know…
Christmas and Boxing Day are the worst 48 hours of the year for our teeth* because of the constant onslaught of food, wine, fizzy drinks, and sweets!

Helpful hints…

• Alternate pop/wine with a glass of water
• Cheese, nuts, and crunchy fresh veggies are good dental choices
• Chew sugar-free gum after eating
• If you’re staying up late to party, brush your teeth (and you kids’ teeth!) right after supper

*British Dental Health Foundation, available at perfectdental.eu.com

© The Straight Tooth 2012

Dental FastFact on Smoking Cessation (Aug 2013)

Did you know…

Smoking negatively affects your oral health. It causes bad breath, stain, bleeding gums, gum recession and bone loss, increased plaque and calculus deposits, and is a high risk for oral cancer.*

Helpful hints…

Think about the reasons why you should or should not continue to smoke. Are you ready to make a change?

If you aren’t ready to quit entirely, you still benefit by cutting-back.
Quitting smoking is hard to do on your own, so there are lots of free resources to help.

• Smokers’ Helpline, 7-days-a-week coaching by phone or text, SmokersHelpline.ca 1-877-513-5333 (Canada-wide)
• Kick Butt for 2, in-house programs at St. Mary’s Home, Bethany Hope, and Youville Centre (in Ottawa)

• Ottawa Public Health STOP study, 1-hr workshop with free nicotine patches, (613) 580-6744

Your dental professional can help you find local resources and support you while you progress towards your smoking cessation goal. Just take that first step and ask.

* Ontario Dental Hygienists Association, www.odha.on.ca

© The Straight Tooth 2013

Dental FastFact on Whitening (Apr 2013)

Did you know…

Teeth whitening is the most requested cosmetic dental procedure. A healthy, white smile builds confidence and research* shows that it significantly improves the impression you create on a job interview or first date.

Helpful hints…

• Limit stain-causing habits such as smoking and drinking red wine, coffee, and tea;
• Brush for 2 min twice a day and floss once a day to keep teeth surfaces free of sticky plaque
• Have regular dental cleanings
• Try whitening toothpaste and mouthwash
• Use an at-home or in-office bleaching system according to the instructions provided
• Bear in mind that teeth are not naturally meant to be completely white. Natural shades are actually a range of light greyish-yellow, so keep your expectations realistic!

* The Impact of Whiter Teeth on Key First Impressions, 2007 survey by Kelton Research for Crest, available at www.cda-adc.ca

 

© The Straight Tooth 2013