Dental Hygiene

If my dental regulatory body does not state specifically, that I need to track and trace, then who is telling me to track and trace?

A terrific question for any busy dental office to pose … who is telling me to track and trace?  To answer the ‘who’ one must understand the ‘why’.  Once the ‘why’ is understood through a risk management lens and professional responsibility to keep the public safe, the who loses its debate as you will be the person telling yourself to track and trace! 

Tracking and tracing are linking a sterilized package to the client it was used on.  Why do we label packages with the date, sterilizer #, load #, contents, and initialize? It is not just to label to see when it was sterilized but also where it’s going or in past tense, has gone. The label is the first step of having a recall system in place, it’s the tracking of packa

As new parents, you may find yourselves filled with excitement as you anticipate your infant’s milestones: their first steps, first words, and undoubtedly, their first tooth! However, it’s essential to understand that oral care should begin even before those tiny pearly whites make their grand debut. Proper oral hygiene during the early months can significantly impact your child’s dental health for years to come. In this blog, we’ll explore how to care for an infant’s mouth before teeth emerge, how to navigate the teething phase, the importance of early oral care, and the early warning signs of dental issues.

Oral Care Before Teeth Erupt

The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that your child’s oral care should start even before their first teeth appear. Typically, babies don’t begin to get their milk teeth or

As students head back to school, it’s crucial to prioritize oral health alongside academic success. Good dental hygiene is essential for maintaining a bright smile, avoiding cavities, and ensuring overall well-being. Here are some practical tips and snack ideas to help keep your child’s teeth healthy when they can’t brush at school.

1. Morning Routine Essentials

Start each school day with a solid oral care routine. Ensure your child brushes their teeth for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste before leaving home. Don’t forget to encourage flossing! An effective routine includes:

Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Maintaining our health, including oral health, becomes increasingly important as we age. Unfortunately, many older adults face unique challenges that can affect their dental well-being. With the right knowledge and care, seniors can preserve their smiles and overall health. In this blog, we will explore common oral health challenges the elderly face, and the importance of regular dental visits, daily care routines, nutrition, and more.

Common Oral Health Challenges Faced by Seniors

Older adults often encounter specific oral health issues that can impact their quality of life.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Dry mouth is a common complaint among seniors, often caused by medications or medical conditions. Saliva plays

Artificial and Augmented Intelligence is making a splash in the news and social media. AI tools used to produce music, AI to access information, and AI writing tools that generate letters, business reports, and other documents have increased the efficiency and productivity of professional life. The dental field has also been impacted. The ability to include AI in analyzing dental images, aiding in diagnosis, and improving patient care can be a game changer, but with the technology comes the responsibility of ethical implementation and protecting patients' rights.

American Dental Association (ADA) News reports that, on average, 50% of dentists said new technology, such as intraoral scanners, new radiographic imaging systems, and 3-D printing, would revolutionize their practice. This new technology lends itself to using AI to interpret the results of diagnostic tools.

As dental healthcare professionals, we know that providing high-quality care is not just about delivering treatments, but also about educating your patients on how to maintain their oral health. Patient education is a crucial aspect of dental care that can have significant impact on treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, and overall health.

Why Patient Education Matters

Patient education is essential because it empowers individuals to take an active role in their oral health. When patients understand their condition, treatment options, and maintenance requirements, they are more likely to:

• Adhere to their treatment plans, which can lead to better outcomes
• Make informed decisions about their care, rather than relying on hearsay or misinformation

Dental tooth whitening has surged in popularity, thanks partly to the influence of social media and selfie culture. A bright, white smile is often seen as a symbol of good dental hygiene and overall attractiveness. This article delves into the science behind dental tooth whitening, exploring the various methods and mechanisms involved.

Types of Tooth Discoloration

Before exploring the science of tooth whitening, we must understand that tooth discoloration is common. Discoloration refers to any change in the color or transparency of a tooth. There are two main categories of tooth discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic, or a combination of both. Extrinsic stains are surface stains that occur on the outer layer of the tooth enamel and are often caused by factors such as smoking, coffee, tea, and red wine consumption. Reducing the consumption of these

Infection control is a critical component of healthcare, yet it's often overlooked or taken for granted. In reality, the improper cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of proper hand hygiene protocols can all contribute to the spread of infections. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect millions of people worldwide each year, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. As healthcare professionals, it's essential that we prioritize infection control and take proactive steps to prevent the spread of infections in our patients and colleagues.

1. Not properly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces: Many healthcare professionals may not follow proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols, which can lead to the spread of

When it comes to maintaining optimal oral hygiene, flossing is a crucial component of your daily routine. By incorporating the right type of floss into your daily routine, you can reduce plaque and tarter buildup, prevent gum disease, and even improve overall oral health. With so many types of string floss available, choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. However, by understanding the unique features and benefits of each type, you can select the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. Whether it's waxed floss or unwaxed floss, expanding floss, or dental tape, each type of floss offers its own benefits. 

Waxed floss is a popular choice for many individuals due to its ease of use and smooth texture. This type of floss is typically made

In today's fast-paced world, where diseases and infections spread alarmingly fast, proper hand hygiene is more crucial than ever. Failure to maintain proper hand hygiene can have serious consequences, leading to the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, norovirus, and influenza. One organization in healthcare stands out as a global leader in disease prevention and health promotion: the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHO stands by a mission to achieve the highest possible level of health for all people. The WHO tirelessly works towards ensuring that healthcare standards are upheld worldwide. They provide resources, guidelines, and training programs to healthcare professionals and the general public to ensure proper hand hygiene practices. They collaborate with governments, international partners, and non-governmental organizations to raise awareness and promote the importance of hand hygiene. The World Health Organization