If you grind or clench your teeth, wearing a dental splint while you sleep can protect your teeth and improve your overall health. Dental splints protect your teeth and prevent damage to enamel and existing restorations, which long term, will save you money. Dental splints can also prevent headaches as well as other aches and pains, reduce or eliminate snoring, and also improve your sleep patterns.
Welcome to Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic in Calgary. We would like to introduce you to one of our dental hygienists – Jane Ma. Jane speaks Mandarin and is happy to help patients who have difficulty accessing dental care in Calgary because of the language barrier. She is happy to discuss any dental issue you or your family member are having in Mandarin, and explain procedures and dental treatment. Jane can also refer you to a dentist if need be. Would you like your children to speak Mandarin at their dental cleaning appointments? Being a parent herself, Jane is very relaxed and happy to treat children of all ages. Do you have a senior parent who speaks Mandarin and communicating in their language would be easier?
Would it be easier to discuss the cost of dentistry and dental insurance policies in Mandarin?
Dental Hygiene clinics are still a relatively new concept, despite the fact that legislation was changed in Alberta several years ago to allow Registered Dental Hygienists to achieve this. You could say it is still an unknown concept by the majority of Canadians even.
Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic wants to make it as easy as possible for individuals to arrange treatment, and handle the financial process. Therefore we do directly bill to dental insurance companies, when provided with valid dental insurance information, and to companies that will reimburse the hygienist. Some dental insurance companies require that the individual pays up front and submit a claim for reimbursement.
We make every effort to ensure all the forms submitted are processed efficiently. The are only a few companies that allow dental hygiene clinics to submit claims electronically – remember this is still a new concept and it has involved changes for insurance companies as well. Unlike dental clinics, the majority of our claims are made by paper and carried by snail mail.
As you can see in the photo- we have had so many issues with dental insurance companies paying the patient instead of our clinic- we have resorted to attaching a “flag” to the claims. There are still problems. Dental insurance companies still make mistakes- and send a cheque to the patient, or directly deposit the money into the patient`s bank account despite the fact that the submitted claim clearly states the subscriber has assigned payment to the hygienist.
What does this mean for us? We have to make phone calls when payments don`t come in on time. The privacy act limits the information the insurance company will disclose. We have to resubmit forms to insurance companies by snail mail, phone patients, and do our best to track down payments. This takes time to process and correct , adding to the cost of doing business. This drives up fees.
Why do I write this? in the hopes that more individuals will understand the effort we make to directly bill a dental insurance company, and understand why clinics need financial policies. Unfortunately, all it takes is a few individuals who are reimbursed by the insurance company incorrectly – and who do not then forward payment to the hygienist owed- to ruin it for everyone. And there are individuals who are “upset” when we have to make several calls to achieve payment from them. They feel we have somehow not been competent in handling their paperwork.
This is why many dental clinics will not directly bill – they do not want this extra work, and as a business that also have staff and overhead costs, can`t carry the high accounts receivable typically associated with this way of doing business.
We are happy to extend this courtesy to our patients, and keep in mind if the insurance company makes a mistake- extend a courtesy to us and clear up outstanding balances as soon as possible.
Thanks, and feel free to discuss payment policies with us. Our goal is that the cost of dental hygiene treatment not be a barrier to oral health. We did not raise our fees this year, and do not plan to do so next year. Please help us in achieving this.
Hygienists in Canada are participating in a wonderful event, help us to share a Gift from your own Heart this Valentine’s Day by spreading the word of what we’re trying to do.
It all started with Bev Woods – Ontario Dental Hygienist and founder of the event – who wanted to bring public awareness to the overwhelming number of Ontarian’s unable to afford oral health care. This lead to the annual event Gift From The Heart.
Everyone in Canada deserves access to care. Just imagine what a toothache feels like..a toothache that keeps you up all night…and now just imagine it is a young child in this kind of pain…we don’t want to. Dental Hygienists want to share the gift of prevention.
You don’t have to be a dental hygienist to help. Many hands make light work.
What can you do?
–contact a participating clinic and ask what they need (they may need posters distributed, or a shot of caffeine on February 9th)
-help spread the word, tell others, share on facebook, twitter, email
-tell us how you can help
There are many ways you could help. Just ask…you’ll be glad you did!!
-Thanks
Sally Lloyd,RDH
Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic
2014 UPDATE – February 8th is the date for 2014
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-7Q800lgIo&feature=player_embedded]
because your health and teeth are worth it?If you think the cost of a dental cleaning is high, then you will find the cost of treating gum disease by a periodontist, or having one cavity repaired with a filling outrageous!!
For some of you reading this- you are going to question “who would not spend money having their teeth cleaned?” This blog is not for you – you already get it. Your teeth and overall health are important, you would go without cable tv if you had to in order to afford dental cleanings. You probably drink your coffee through a straw so your teeth do not become stained. You take the Dr.Oz quiz “ How clean is your mouth” and you ace it!! You brag to co-workers about the wonderful flossing grade your dental hygienist gives you at your appointments. Or maybe you have dental insurance and have never given a second thought to the cost of a dental cleaning.
This blog is for those that value their oral health but don’t believe they can afford dental cleanings, or it is for those for those that don’t get it – yet. I want to highlight how the cost of dental cleanings can be viewed as an investment in oral health, and since your mouth is attached to the rest of the body – an investment in overall well-being. Who wants destructive mouth bacteria travelling the blood highway through the body? Yes- it is true the bacteria in your mouth causing bad breath, disease, bleeding gums loves to travel- where? to your heart, to the site of your knee replacement, your new hip – everywhere. It has been linked to pre-term delivery of babies (1).
I suggest looking at the cost of preventative dental cleanings over a year, rather than on a per visit basis.
If you neglect your oral health, your teeth and your gums – you will pay for it at some point. Perhaps it will be in terms of bad breath, bleeding gums, decayed teeth, tooth abscesses, loss of teeth, time missed from work due to dental pain and emergency dental appointments, or maybe you will end up struggling with ill-fitting dentures and not being able to chew your food properly. Does this sound horrible? it should…and I haven’t even touched on the overall health conditions that are linked to gum disease. Hygienists provide oral cancer screenings. When was the last time your medical doctor checked the tissues inside your mouth?
Why do I say this? I hear comments and concerns from public that the costs of basic dental care, including examinations, xrays and dental cleanings can be prohibitive. Dental Hygiene Clinics can help to ease the financial cost of prevention and treatment of gum disease, and keep healthy mouths healthy! You see the same Registered Dental Hygienists at Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic that you would see in dental clinics. You can also keep your diet in mind for an outcome of oral health. Inflammation plays a keey role in both gingivitis and periodontitis – read more about nutrition and inflammtion.
We answer many questions about the cost of dental cleanings. The cost generally works out to $35 month for 2 professional dental cleanings a year. There are those that do such a great job with their home care that the cost is less ( yes, it is true some people do actually floss daily- it is not a myth). This is without any type of reimbursement from your dental insurance or health spending account (if you have either). Obviously treating active gum disease is going to cost more, as is treating cavities and other dental conditions. The cost for childs dental cleaning is less.
I see patients that are wearing implant supported dentures for dental cleanings. No teeth remaining. I unscrew the denture attachments- remove the dentures and then clean the build up from around the implants. So even people with out teeth remaining still need to see dental hygienists! These patients could tell you what teeth are worth- or sorry, I should say they can tell you what the cost is to replace ill-fitting dentures that floated around in their mouths. One woman told me she has spent the equivalent of 2 automobiles on achieving dentures that fit well ( attached to dental implants), that allow her to chew properly, eat and speak in front of others with confidence knowing that her dentures are not going to move around or make a clicking noise.
Want a payment plan at our clinic? no problem- just ask. What if $35/month is still not feasible? There is assistance for low-income groups in Alberta for dental treatments, for children, and emergency dental treatment resources. Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene clinic sees children under 3years of age for their first visit at no cost. Ask us if your need dental help – we are a very resourceful group.
Journal Reference:
Take the test from the DR OZ show
http://www.doctoroz.com/quiz/how-clean-your-mouth
Dr oz is doing a wonderful job understanding the importance in your oral health follow the link and answer a couple of questions you may be surprised with what you learn.
disclaimer: please note that this information was taken off the doctor oz show. This quiz was not made by us and is property of the DR OZ show we are just providing the link
Our mouth is the opening into the rest of our body and it is important that you
understand when we are asking you about your “medical history” we are
doing this to understand your body. “Research shows that individuals
who have moderate or severe tooth decay and gum disease tend to have a
higher incidence of systemic health problems. According to the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, research has indicated a
potential link between periodontal disease and lung infections,
stroke, diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight in children, and
premature labor. For example, individuals with diabetes and
periodontal disease are faced with increased difficulty in achieving a
good blood glucose level.” Bacteria in our mouth enter our circulatory
systems through the blood vessels. Your Mouth is a gateway to your
body” It very important to keep good oral hygiene to help prevent the
spread of bacteria to the rest of our body. KEEP your mouth cleaned
through dental cleaning and proper home care.
follow the link for more information:
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/can-good-oral-hygiene-save-your-life
disclaimer: please note that this information was taken off the doctor oz show. This infromation was not made by us and is property of the DR OZ show we are just providing the link
Saliva, aka SPIT – is very important. Your may have even been complimented at your dental 
cleaning appointment by your dental hygienist on your saliva. It usually goes something like this:
dental hygienist “wow, you have a lot of saliva”
patient (who is now wondering is that good or bad) “what does that mean?”
Saliva is very important :
– helps to wash food particles off the teeth and surfaces inside the oral cavity
– contains antibacterial components – comes in handy when babies are putting everything in their mouths
– contains minerals that can help repair tooth enamel that has started to break down
– helps to buffer acids and restore neutral pH when you’ve consumed foods that have created an acidic environment
– can be tested for presence of drugs in the body
-Japan’s Keio University and University of California, have been working on developing saliva testing technology that can detect pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and oral cancer
– dental hygienists can perform saliva testing in the clinic to determine if there is a high level of the strains of bacteria that play a role in the initiation of dental decay
Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene clinic in efforts to assist in preventing dental decay can perform saliva testing. If it is determined that you are at a high risk (large population of decay causing bacteria), recommendations can be made to help change amounts of bacteria and treat the infection. Yes, dental decay is caused by bacteria and is a bacterial infection. Dental decay is the most common chronic infection of early childhood.
Should an adult be concerned? yes, as dental decay is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Prescribed medications and other health problems can decrease the amount of saliva produced, or dimish the neutralizing properties, thus creating a higher risk of dental decay.
Discuss this with your dental hygienist or other dental providers. Dental hygienists love to assist in prevention, as I have indicated in previous blogs, dental hygienists love to talk “prevention”.
I guess you could say a life of good dental hygiene starts at home. More specifically it starts with young children at home. That means parents, listen up. You have the power to provide your child with the tools and habits that can lead to a cavity free life. That’s right…no cavities.
Kids love “cavity-free dental check ups“. It means no appointments requiring sleepy juice (freezing by injection with a needle) for a dental filling. No watching them after a dental appointment to ensure they don’t chew on their cheeks because they can’t feel it.
What? Your kid loves to go to the dentist and doesn’t mind any of this? That’s good because if they have a filling as a child, chances are that filling will need to be replaced more than one time in the future. When it is replaced, more natural tooth structure is lost, and every time this tooth is treated there is risk to the nerve in the tooth. What does that mean? This means the nerve could become damaged and root canal treatment required. Then what? After a tooth has had root canal treatment it is recommended that a crown be placed. It doesn’t end there, as a crown doesn’t last forever.
But the good news is, you can spend a few minutes each day helping to prevent cavities. Dental hygienists recommend toothbrushing for 2-3 minutes. Thus the timer on electric toothbrushes is 2 minutes long. So, 3 times a day at 2 minutes = 6 minutes per child. More if they snack often. Piece of cake right?
Now in reality, and having children of my own I know it is not 6 minutes per child. When my son was 2 -3 yrs old , it was 6 minutes of brushing and 10 minutes for my husband and I to hold him down. Thank goodness that stage didn’t last forever, as it was not something we looked forward to each day.
This difficult stage I believed was pay back. Prior to having children I was a dental assistant and helped place fillings in children’s teeth. I once worked in a hospital setting with a dentist that placed many fillings, extracted decayed baby teeth, and placed stainless steel crowns on children’s teeth. Due to the amount of dentistry they required, and their young age, they were treated under general anesthesia in the OR. I remember thinking “why doesn’t someone just brush these kids teeth?”. Then I had children.
You can have the best intentions and limit sugary snacks, but essentially most foods can contribute to cavities. Fruit for example, contains natural sugars that supply bacteria in the mouth with fuel. The bacteria release acids, and the acids break down enamel, causing a cavity. Fermentable carbohydrates as well as sugars in children’s medicines are also fuel for bacteria. Bacteria love it, but tooth enamel doesn’t.
Teeth need to be cleaned properly of food particles after eating to prevent or cut short this “acid attack”. One’s own saliva can neutralize the acid after approximately 20 minutes. If a child is snacking frequently add up the minutes per day an acid attack is occurring to their teeth. In other words, for children that have a sippy cup – water is a great choice for drinking throughout the day, otherwise their teeth could be exposed to acids for a majority of the day.
Children love to exhibit their independence at an early age, and despite their best negotiating don’t give in and let them brush their teeth “by themselves”. Don’t break down even if they use the puppy dog eyes…stand firm. If really young, they are likely only chewing the toothbrush, but that good let them have “a turn”, then its “parents turn”. Children do not have the manual dexterity to reach all the surfaces throughly. Thus, parents need to help until they are 8 or 9 years old.
Flossing is another story, they really can’t master this technique until they are 10 or 11 years old. I know I have seen some adults in the dental chair who haven’t mastered their own flossing despite their own self confessed once a week attempts for 30 years , so seriously, can your children do it? Plastic floss handles are a great tool for both parents and children.
So if you have been at a loss because you thought that brushing EVERY night was all that was required for your children, and yet they have had a cavity, consider how often they are snacking, and how many minutes their teeth could be under acid attack.
Remember to prevent children from getting a cavity (also called tooth decay) one must :
– brush and floss after eating (only brushing at night 2 – 3 hours after last eating doesn’t cut it)
– adults need to help with toothbrushing until age 8 -9 yrs old
– adults need to help with flossing until 10-11 yrs old
Often children are taking medications, or using inhalers for medical conditions that can create a higher risk for cavities, if this is the case, ask for suggestions from your dental hygienist….. dental hygienists love to talk “prevention”….
