Your oral health and the pandemic
Maintaining your oral health regimen, even during the pandemic, is important to your overall health.
As regulated health-care professionals, dental hygienists must follow stringent rules and uphold standards set by their regulatory college (College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario) to ensure the public receives safe and ongoing comprehensive oral care – at all times, even during the pandemic.
If you have any questions about your oral health care visit, speak to your dental hygienist. They will be able to provide information in response to your inquiries and put you at ease, so you can be confident receiving safe oral health care at your next appointment.
Passionate about oral health.
The Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association (ODHA) has always been passionate about informing the public about the importance of maintaining oral health, encouraging regular visits with a registered dental hygienist, and receiving preventive oral care to maintain overall health. Check back often for current and relevant oral health information and tips for you and your family!
Why you shouldn’t ignore bleeding gums.
 | ...of adults* may suffer from some sort of gum disease. *over the age of 30 |
Bleeding gums indicate trouble and ignoring them could put you at risk for other illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory disorders, and premature or low birth-weight babies. Oral infection can also affect blood sugar levels, making it difficult to control diabetes.
Over time, a buildup of bacteria collects at the gum line as plaque, and if not removed on a daily basis eventually hardens on the teeth forming calculus or tartar. If left untreated, infective bacteria can enter the bloodstream from the gums and travel to other parts of the body potentially causing other types of health problems.
Fortunately, with regular and proper oral care, gum disease can be controlled or even reversed. Professional dental hygiene services can remove tartar and help control bacteria. Remember, your dental hygienist can help you take action before the condition become serious.
Your mouth is in good hands
Clean, healthy teeth and gums make you feel better both inside and out. It all starts with good oral hygiene – and dental hygienists who care about your oral health, take the time to get to know you and explain the different procedures for treatment. Dental hygienists are recognized and respected for their knowledge, expertise, ethics and commitment to the prevention of oral diseases – and for keeping your smile healthy.
How to get your kids to love brushing.
One of the best gifts you can give your child is to help them develop good oral care habits. Healthy primary teeth are essential for healthy adult teeth and the prevention of oral health problems later in life. Keep your child's mouth healthy with top tips recommended by the Ontario Dental Hygienists' Association.
Quick, simple tips to improve your oral health.
It only takes a few minutes each day to protect yourself from tooth decay and gum disease. Keep your mouth healthy with tips from the Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association.
Healthy school lunches. Healthier teeth.
Whether you love planning school lunches or dread every minute of it, packing your children a healthy and nutritious lunch will not only give them a mid-day energy boost, it can also have a positive effect on their oral health.
Set your family on the right path to good oral and overall health with this printable card full of simple lunch and snack ideas!
Brushing, flossing, rinsing
It takes about five minutes twice a day and the right tools to maintain or improve oral health. Brushing, flossing and rinsing, as recommended by a dental hygienist, should be part of a person's daily regimen to prevent oral infections such as tooth caries (decay) and periodontal (gum) disease.
Local Independent Clinics Near You
Dental hygienists can help prevent oral disease and tooth decay and work with you to keep your mouth healthy. Many dental hygienists operate their own clinics across Ontario, so you can choose where you want to receive preventive oral care services. Check out one of the many independent dental hygiene clinics or mobile practices listed on the ODHA website.
Fact Sheets
E-cigarettes
Nutrition and Oral Health
Tooth Decay
Dental caries, also known as a cavity or tooth decay, is a common disease of children as well as adults. Although there have been notable declines in tooth decay over the past three decades, it remains the most common chronic childhood disease, more widespread than asthma by at least five times. For adults, nine out of 10 over the age of 20 have some degree of tooth decay. Proper oral hygiene and nutrition are necessary to prevent cavities.