Give the Gift of Oral Health: 10 Smile Enhancing Ideas!

1. UPSCALED ORAL HEALTH
Add some high-end, quality oral health products to the gift list. From toothpastes to mineral drinks, put some pizzazz in their oral health care routine with Canadian and European products.
2. UPGRADE TO ELECTRIC
Electric toothbrushes are more than a luxury item. They can be more effective than manual brushes and are particularly useful for seniors with arthritis, young children, those with dexterity problems and adults with heavy plaque build up.
3. WHITEN & BRIGHTEN THEIR DAY
Know someone who wouldn't mind a mega-watt grin? Wicked White professional is an in-office whitening treatment that is safe, effective and provides immediate results, not to mention it is 100% pure, vegan, no harsh chemicals, preservatives or fillers! Gift certificates are available!
4. CHEW AWAY
You don't have to eliminate all sweet treats! Norfolk Dental Hygiene carries xylitol chewing gum and mints in fruit and mint flavours. Xylitol helps suppress the bacteria that causes tooth decay, it also increase saliva flow to help wash food debris from teeth.
5. DIY: ESSENTIAL OILS
Add essential oils to your natural tooth paste or use them to create mouth wash to enhance your oral health.
6. SHINE IT UP
Coco Rinse is the new way to oil pull! It has a delicious mint flavour, easy to use and travel-friendly. Some of the benefits include a brighter smile, healthier gums, clearer softer skin and more!
7. ROLL IT UP
A thoughtful gift for the frugal person in your life is a toothpaste clamp or two. They come is classic styles or fun cute shapes for the young at heart.
8. HOLD IT UP
There are tons of fun ways to store your toothbrush! Make sure your holder allows for upright storage and that the toothbrushes don't touch to prevent the transfer of germs.
9. SLEEP WITH THE BEST
The enVY pillow aligns your spine, reduces wrinkles and gives you the best sleep of your life! The ergonomic design allows a comfy way to sleep with minimal face-to-pillow contact which is ideal for jaw pain and TMJ relief.
10. INSURE THE FUTURE
Not everyone has the dental coverage that they need or want. If someone you know falls under this category, consider gifting them a Norfolk Dental Hygiene gift certificate. It's an especially thoughtful gift for grandkids or seniors.

Oral Health & Cold and Flu Season

Bacteria is forming in our mouth immediately after brushing. Without proper removal our immune system can become alarmed sending signals to us and our oral health professional there is a problem! These signs aren’t always visible or felt by you.

Here’s what you need to know….

If your immune system is fighting bacteria in your mouth, it is NOT able to rid your body of viruses or bacteria at full force. This can put you and your children at risk for a longer sickness with worsened symptoms.

Signs you might notice if your gums are irritated, inflamed or infected

• ·         Redness in between the teeth or along the gums
• ·         Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• ·         Achy feeling in the gums
• ·         Bad taste or smell in the mouth
• ·         Rough feeling teeth
• ·         Inability to move floss between teeth
• ·         Swelling around the teeth (usually felt with tongue)

Signs your dental hygienists can see if your gums are irritated, inflamed or infected

• ·         Redness around the gum line or between the teeth
• ·         Bleeding while gums are being touched by dental tools
• ·         Rounding or rolling of the gums around the teeth
• ·         Foul odour in the mouth
• ·         Pocketing (separation of the gums) and bleeding after traditional gum assessment
• ·         Bacteria (plaque) around and under gums
• ·         Calculus(tartar) attached to the tooth inside the gums

How should your gums appear when they are healthy?

• ·         Pink in colour
• ·         Firm against the tooth
• ·         Stippled like an orange peel
• ·         Flat and snug to the tooth
• ·         Smooth feeling on the teeth
• ·         Ideally free from recession (receding gums)

Quick Tips to keep your mouth Healthy this Season

• ·         Use natural antiviral/antibacterial mouth rinses and toothpastes
• ·         Visit your dental hygienist regularly and often to disrupt the bacteria where you can't reach
• ·         Try hard to maintain good home care habits; such as brushing for 5 minutes, flossing, sulca        brushing and using interdental aids.
• ·         Maintain good eating habits
• ·         Utilize vitamins and minerals (especially Vitamin C)
• ·         Ensure you’re a getting the right amount of good sleep
• ·         Daily exercise of at least 30 minutes

It’s important to keep the blood flowing around the body so the immune cells can move quicker when alerted. The healthier your mouth is during this time, the healthier your body will be overall.

Take a quick look in your mouth…..not sure about what you see? Let us help!

For more information about products that might be right for you, contact or visit Norfolk Dental Hygiene!

Oral Hygiene and Benefits of Essential oils

Gingivitis or gum disease is an infection of the tissues of the mouth that support the teeth. Although Gum disease, tooth decay and the demineralization of teeth differ, they can be addressed with natural treatments.

Most common gum and mouth problems are caused by periodontal diseases. These can include bacterial infections that lead to inflammation. Inflammation eventually destroys the gums and other supporting tissues surrounding the teeth. And it can wreak havoc on your overall health!

The bacteria (biofilm) is a sticky film called plaque that forms around the teeth and gums. If it is not removed it will harden and becomes what we know as calculus (tarter). Plaque, calculus and the bacteria involved irritate and inflame the gums.

The progression of periodontal disease happens in stages. The first stage is Gingivitis. The gums are red, swollen and bleed easily. Early stages of gingivitis will have light bleeding. During the next stage, Periodontal pockets form. This is caused by plaque forming below the gum line. If left untreated in becomes chronic, this stage is called Periodontitis. This chronic presence of plaque, calculus, and inflammation destroys the gum and bone structure that supports the teeth and may result in them becoming loose and needing removal.

There are many causes of Gum Disease some of which may include: poor dental hygiene, infrequent dental hygiene visits, smoking, immune-related illnesses (eg. cancer, HIV, diabetes), emotional stress, poor nutrition and/or excess consumption of sugar leading to candidiasis. 

Essential oils are another great tool to have in your oral hygiene care toolkit! Essential oil rinses achieve just as much plaque inhibitions and act against subgingival periopathogens (a cause of gingivitis) when compared with a fluoride rinses.

Essential oils can relieve anxiety. Lavender essential oil has been shown, in a variety of circumstances, to lessen mild anxiety and calm heightened emotional states. Utilizing it in dental waiting areas has been shown to calm nervous patients. Wild orange essential oil, can be useful for anxious children. Inhaling this oil reduces cortisol levels in saliva and slows anxious pulse rates.

Essential oils also aid in the health of dental implants. When the essential oils Melissa and Lavender are applied to dental implants, they have been shown to limit the amount of biofilm produced. 

  

Here are a couple of recipes and instructions to add your favourite essential oils into your oral care routine. For dentures and nightguards make a solution of distilled water and essential oils (1 cup of water per 10 drops of oil) and allow the appliance to soak for a few minutes. You can use this same solution recipe as a mouthwash. Swish the essential oil solution as you would a regular mouthwash.  Add a drop of essential oil to your toothpaste for added benefits depending on the oil your choose. Use this same toothpaste recipe to clean dental implants in place of a conventional cleaner. To clean in between your teeth, dilute a drop of essential oil with coconut oil and dip your interdental brush in the solution.

You can achieve a deep clean by oil pulling with essential oils blended in coconut oil. This is especially helpful when you are unable to brush your teeth due to a severe fever, indigestion, asthma, coughing, vomiting, and mouth ulcers. It also prevents bad breath and gingivitis.

Choosing essential oils for your oral health natural medicine cabinet depends on your needs and preferences. Clove and lavender oil are used to battle canker sores. Dilute 1 drop with 4 drops of a carrier oil (coconut oil) and apply twice daily. Peppermint can be used to reduce halitosis (bad breath). Add 1 drop with toothpaste. Or infuse oil with water and gargle. Don’t forget to brush your tongue! Clove and wild orange oil can soothe sensitive teeth. Apply 1 drop with 4 drops of a carrier oil (coconut oil) on affected tooth and gums. Blend your favourite oils to fight plaque, ward off infections and make the most of their antimicrobial effects!

There are literally textbooks devoted to the study of essential oil safety when it comes to drug interactions and contraindications. Always use PURE essential oils! They cost more but you gain the benefits of their therapeutic use and they are not filled with unknown additives.

Oil safety is still a wild frontier in the science community and no one really knows for certain how essential oils will interact with drugs or your body.

Let common sense be your guide. Still, be sure to maintain proper dilutions and general safety considerations still apply. As always, discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur and consult your doctor immediately. Always consult your doctor prior to use of any essential oils if you are uncertain.

If you have any questions about essential oils and oral health, or your looking for recommendations for a specific oral care need… please contact me at norfolkdentalhygiene@gmail.com. Keep Smiling!

Caroline Borges, RDH

  

Collaborative Health Care in Canada

Introduction

Norfolk Dental Hygiene recognizes the need for collaboration amongst health care professionals currently and moving into the future. With the Canadian government looking to rebrand Canada as an innovation nation, healthcare professionals will have to work together to create a patient centred approach to overall health.

In 2015, $219 Billion dollars was spent on healthcare in Canada. That’s $6,105 per Canadian. Investing in preventative care can not only save us millions of dollars spent on healthcare, but also save our lives. Health care providers are creating solutions within their field to help individuals conquer their overall health, as well as enlisting the help of other health care providers to assist their patients in gaining knowledge of other aspects they may not be aware of.

Collaboration between healthcare providers is becoming the norm in Ontario. Preventative health care professionals must build a network/team of other healthcare professionals to complete the overall assessment of their clients/patients. When treating or recommending preventative techniques, tools or treatment to a client/patient, one must consider the depth of what can be offered in that clinic or setting and remember that all healthcare is connected and without all aspects one can’t attain overall health and wellness.

Trends in Health Care

Proactive and Preventative Actions rather than Reactive Options

As a profession we are continuing to focus on preventative measures to reduce the risk of chronic disease and immunosuppression. This may include but is not limited to nutrition counselling, meal planning, portion control, exercise, stress management, regular medical/dental/dental hygiene examinations, great oral/overall hygiene, and visiting other care health team members as needed based on individual needs.

Personalized, targeted and achievable

Services and recommendations are now being based on individual needs rather than a one size fits all model. Lifestyle, ability, overall body health and preferences are considered during treatment planning.

Mobile Services

Services are now being offered at your door step. Currently most health services are available through mobile delivery. This is an excellent opportunity for those in remote areas of the world, people living in long term care or those who are house bound for various reasons to access health care.

Consumers are more knowledgeable and demanding more from healthcare providers

Currently there are multiple avenues for individuals to access information on health care in Canada. Often times this means patients/clients come to appointments with questions that medical professionals may not be able to answer unless they themselves have read or investigated the same information. Health professionals must stay on top of current and relevant information in their field of work to guide and assist patients on their journey/quest for overall health and wellness.

Conclusion

Patient centred care is considered to be the cornerstone of good medical practice in the 21^st Century. We must first consider the well-being of the patient. To fully support this magnitude of health practice we also must support and guide one another to better clinical practice. This includes asking questions that may not pertain to our field but have an absolute impact on our patients. It is with this evolution of medical practice that Norfolk Dental Hygiene focuses on all aspects of health and refers to appropriate health care providers both in medical, dental and preventative. Moving forward into the 21^st century we will only create change when we unite together.

References

1.      How to make Canada a health innovation nation, Canadian Science Policy Centre, By: Zayna Khayat, PhD: page 1-4: http://www.sciencepolicy.ca/news/how-make-canada-innovation-nation

2.      Transforming Health: Ontario innovations for preventative care, Mars, By: Nirusan Rajakulendran, Febrauary 18 2015:pages 1-29: https://www.marsdd.com/tag/future-of-health

3.      Dental Hygiene at a Crossroads: Knowledge Creation and Capacity Building in the 21^st Century, The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association: June 10 2009

Dental Insurance 101

Dissecting your insurance plan in the 20^th century...

The first questions asked in a dental office is always do you have insurance coverage? Many people assume there are different prices for those with insurance and those without insurance coverage. Although every office will follow the own protocols. The fact remains. The same price should be used for everyone with or without insurance coverage.

It’s crucial for each individual with an insurance plan to know what exactly their insurance coverage provides them and ensure what treatment they are being provided as well as what their insurance company is being charged for the visit to the dental office.

Just like many professionals our fees are based on time spent completing a service.

Preventative oral health services:
Examples:

	3 months	6 months	9 months	12 months
New Patient exam (every 3 years)	NA	NA	NA	NA
Dental Hygiene Exam
X-rays (as needed)
Canary Scan (as needed)
Scaling 6 units (1.5 hours) 8 units (2 hours) 10 units (2.5 hours) 12 units (3 hours) 14 units (3.5 hours) 16 units (4 hours) unlimited	BEST option 22.5 minutes 30 minutes 37.5 minutes 45 minutes 52.5 minutes 60 minutes ---------------	45 minutes 60 minutes 75 minutes 1.5 hours 1.75 hours 2 hours ---------------	67.5 minutes 1.5 hours 112.5 minutes 135 minutes 157.5 minutes 180 minutes ---------------	1.5 hours 2 hours 2.5 hours 3 hours 3.5 hours 4 hours ---------------
Root planning (as needed)	Same as above	Same as above	Same as above	Same as above
Tooth polish (as needed)
Fluoride applications (as needed)
Desensitizing (as needed)

Insurance companies also have the option to add percentage, current fee guide, calender year/rolling year or a maximum allowance.

Percentages: can be 80%, 90%, 100%, etc.
Example: Bob’s insurance company pays 80% of his services. Bob is responsible for paying the remaining 20% not covered by his insurance plan.

Current Fee Guide: Each year a new fee guide is set out by our professional association. If an insurance policy is using a 2013 fee guide and the current year is 2016. There may be a small balance owing after services have been completed.
Example: Bob had the following services completed; 3 unit scaling (45 minutes): $150. 2013 fee guide pays $145. Bob is responsible for paying the $5 insurance didn’t pay from the 3 year lag in current fees.

Calender/rolling year: Calender year refers to the January-December allowance of insurance. You have until Dec 31 of the current year to use your insurance. As of January 1^st your coverage allowance begins again. Rolling year refers to the last time your service was completed. This doesn’t go by a January-December term. It’s based on your last service date.

Maximum Allowance: you may have a maximum allowance per year or term. If you go over this amount, you would be responsible for paying any remaining amount.
Example: Bob’s insurance plan allows for a maximum of $1500 per year. He requires $2000 worth of treatment in this period. Bob is then responsible for paying the remaining $500.

Note: This table is designed to give an idea of how preventative oral health coverage can work. It is in no way a means of treatment for every dental office. All treatment and recommendations would be based on individual needs. Your registered dental hygienist will design a treatment for you, which may be more or less than your insurance allows.  This table reflects what some insurance companies provide. It’s important to note that individual businesses choose what services will be provided by the insurance companies.

Gratitude & Growth...

FALL is the beginning of Thanksgiving season. Soon all the blogs and social media will be about GRATITUDE! Have you ever, at the end of each day, recorded what you are thankful for and why. I love the idea of this, but I admit I have had many stops and starts!

In the spirit of this season, however, I started thinking about my clients. Of course I’m grateful because they give me the means and opportunity to work for myself. However, thinking about the true depth of my gratitude created an awareness of all the amazing things they bring me – not just this month but everyday!

My clients allow me to explore what’s trending in oral health. I’m perpetually curious, so I love this part of my job! This year alone, I’ve added the Canary System to my practice. A pain free, radiation free, early cavity detection tool, designed to detect problems before they are seen on an x-ray. It’s exciting to learn about where oral health is headed in Canada and the proactive changes to the medical system! I enjoy continually learning and growing and this wouldn’t happen without the work I do for my clients.

Being an Independent Dental Hygienist and a business owner allows me to meet awesome, inspiring people. We are surrounded by a variety of health care professionals in Norfolk County who aspire to achieve overall health and wellness for their patients and clients. Mind~Body~Soul. Collaborating with these individuals has built a strong foundation for the future in my practice and the county. I'm thankful to be able to work each and everyday with a group of professionals who continually show me that when we unite as one, there is nothing stopping us.

Thank you Norfolk County for opening your heart to change and embracing all that oral health has to offer in the next generation of health. I look forward to continuing my journey and building new relationships within this beautiful community I call home.

Yours in health... Karyn

SALIVA... The golden ticket!?

Saliva is essential for the digestion and breakdown of food in the mouth and gut as well as keeping our mouths healthy. It contains a complex mixture of enzymes, buffers, antibodies, minerals and nutrients that fight disease and keep our mouths and bodies healthy. Enzymes in the mouth begin the process of digesting the foods we eat. Carbohydrates, the primary nutritional component of grains, fruits, and vegetables, are broken down into simple sugars by the enzymes found in saliva.  Bacteria ingest the simple sugars and carbohydrates and convert them into acids. When our saliva is actively operating it buffers the acid and neutralises the pH. A neutral pH is key to keep acid levels maintained throughout the body.

Saliva contains antibodies and antimicrobial properties that decrease the amount of oral bacteria and facilitate the body’s defences to reduce the risk of disease in the mouth. Unfortunately, these compounds aren’t strong enough the kill all the harmful germs found in the oral cavity.

Calcium and Phosphorus are two minerals naturally occurring in our saliva. They aid in the remineralization of damaged enamel. Saliva is the best natural remedy for hardening damaged tooth enamel and creating a stronger defence mechanism.

            Our body produces high levels of saliva throughout the day, with an increase during food consumption. Generally, there is a decrease in production during the course of the night. This is especially true for those who aren’t drinking enough water throughout the day or who may be taking medications that cause a lack of saliva production. Without this natural buffer, those individuals suffering from dry mouth are at higher risk of dental diseases.

           An increase in gum disease and dental decay continues to plague Canadians, even after decades of new products, services and techniques, we are still grasping at straws, trying to control oral diseases that affect a large portion of our nation. The future of oral health is prevention and saliva is the key that unlocks the mystery.

          Could saliva be the golden ticket to all that ails us in oral health?.............

Saliva Facts

• We produce approximately 1 liter (34 ounces) of saliva a day.
• One teaspoon (5ml) of saliva contains about 2.5 billion bacterial cells.
• Your mouth does not secrete saliva when your sleep. This is why sleeping with your mouth open will result in a dry mouth.
• A neutral pH is 7.0
• Stomach acid has a pH level of 1.6 which helps kill harmful bacteria.
• Blood has a pH between 7.45 and 7.35.
• Saliva should be between 7.0-8.0

Reference: Oil Pulling Therapy (Detoxifying and healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing; Dr. Bruce Fife; Copyright 2008; pages 19-23