Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in bodies of water (fresh or salt), soil and food. Fluoride is a safe and effective way to help prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay.  It does this by strengthening or remineralizing the outer layer of teeth (called tooth enamel).  For decades, fluoride has been added to the public water supply throughout Canada through a joint federal/provincial committee responsible for maintaining optimal levels of water fluoridation.  This is known to be very beneficial to everyone in the community regardless of age, income level or access to routine dental care.  Fluoride is also found in many over the counter products such as toothpastes and mouth rinses.  Although fluoride is very effective at reducing the incidence of tooth decay, too much of a good thing can be damaging.  Dental fluorosis is a result of consuming too much fluoride.  Although the fluoride added to our water isn’t enough to cause any damaging effects, swallowing toothpaste and mouth rinses containing fluoride can be.  This is especially important for children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years.  In its mildest and most common form, it affects the look of the tooth with small white, permanent specks appearing on the affected teeth.  In most cases this is a cosmetic condition and not health threatening.   In more severe cases, fluorosis may be treated by a dental professional.  That being said, the incidence of fluorosis in children in Canada is very low, and where fluoride has been added to municipal water supplies, there has been a marked decline in tooth decay rates.

Tips to reduce too much fluoride consumption:

1. Assist and supervise children while they use fluoridated products.
2. Use small amounts of toothpaste when brushing.  The size of a pea is all you need to properly brush your teeth
3. Children under three should have their teeth brushed by an adult, using non-fluoridated toothpaste
4. Fluoride mouth rinse is not recommended for children under six years of age.

Additional use and stronger doses of fluoride containing products is sometimes necessary for people who are at a higher risk of tooth decay:

1. Rampant cavities
2. Consistent dry mouth (due to smoking, prescription drug side effects, or systemic diseases like diabetes, hodgkin’s or parkinson’s disease)
3. Cancer treatment (Radiation therapy and chemotherapy)
4. Root Sensitivity

If you think any of these conditions might be relevant to you, talk to your dental health care provider.  It is not recommended to increase your exposure to fluoride without an assessment of fluoride sources and a thorough clinical examination by a dental professional.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call! 289-362-GUMS (4867)

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G.T.L. baby!

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
This is a form of tooth decay which occurs in babies and toddlers, (children under 3 years of age), as a result of prolonged and frequent exposure of the teeth to liquids containing sugar such as milk, formula, juice, pop, or other sweetened drinks.

How does it happen?
When children are given a bottle at bed/nap time the sugary liquid pools in the mouth. Cavities start to form because the sugar fuels the bacteria in your child’s mouth, producing acids that break down tooth enamel. The longer and more frequent the exposures, the greater the damage that occurs. The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper front teeth, which are critical to your child’s smile and health!

What are the consequences of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
This decay may even enter the underlying bone structure, which can hamper development of the permanent teeth, and be a major source of PAIN for your baby. It can also lead to poor eating habits, speech problems, low self-esteem, social problems, low weight, slowed growth, and irritability.
Keep in mind, baby’s first teeth are vital to healthy adult teeth. Primary teeth hold a space for permanent teeth. If your child loses a tooth because of decay, the permanent tooth may erupt at an angle, causing crowding of the adult teeth.
Treatment of this condition may require extensive dental work, including crowns, tooth extraction and eventually orthodontics. The cost can be significant, especially if general anaesthesia is required, and can be a traumatic experience for your child.

What does it look like?
In mild cases, your child’s teeth will have a chalky white appearance. In moderate cases, teeth will be stained brown and may be partially eroded. In the most serious cases, teeth will be dark brown or black with partial or full loss of the tooth’s crown, leaving only the root visible at the gumline.

How can it be prevented?
Baby bottle tooth decay is totally preventable. You can protect your child from this devastating syndrome simply by refusing to put your child to sleep with sugary liquids such as milk, formula, juice, pop, or other sweetened drinks. By practicing good oral hygiene at home, you will teach your child habits that will last a lifetime. Also ensure you follow regular dental visits for check ups and cleanings.

First Impressions Dental Hygiene Clinic cares about your oral health. Visit us today, because… a healthy smile starts here!

289-362-GUMS (4867)
www.firstimpressionsDHC.ca

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Here’s a copy (you can click on it to download).

Here’s a copy (you can click on it to download).

On September 1st, 2007, an amendment was made to the DHA which enabled dental hygienists to self-initiate.  Self-initiation is the decision by a dental hygienist to proceed with the authorized act of “scaling teeth and root planing, including curetting surrounding tissue” without an order from a dentist, based on the principles inherent in the Dental Hygiene Process of Care.  This amendment increased access to preventative oral-health care by giving the public the ability to choose where to obtain these services.

First Impressions Dental Hygiene Clinic in St. Catharines, Ontario is introducing its new website www.firstimpressionsDHC.ca.  First Impressions is the newest independent hygiene clinic to open its doors to the public.

We believe passionately in the importance of preventative oral care and its relationship to total health.  By placing an emphasis on patient education, we will have you take control of your smile and your quality of life.  We’ll also provide comprehensive care by working in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to help you attain optimal oral and overall health.  Along with providing the exact same preventative services offered in a traditional dental office, we’re happy to offer flexible hours in a convenient location.

Here are just some of our Dental Hygiene Services;

Teeth Whitening, Oral Health Assessments, Teeth Cleaning, Fluoride Treatments, Sensitive Teeth Desensitizing, Oral Cancer Screenings, Custom Sports Mouth Guards, and much more.

We invite you to visit First Impressions Dental Hygiene Clinic, because a healthy smile starts here!

Thanks for visiting!
Jayme and Kristine