dental hygiene calgary

Autism In The Dental Hygiene Chair

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autism ribbonApril is Autism Awareness month, and this week is National Dental Hygienists week, so I decide to blog about both. I dedicate this blog post to my friend Allison and all families who know Autism and Aspergers well. During my time as a dental hygienist I have been exposed to clients of all ages and backgrounds including those with unique needs. After recently meeting Allison I became aware that I did not have any experience with autistic children.

How is that possible? Did I in fact treat autistic children but didn’t know it? Would a parent not indicate that on a medical chart? Could I treat clients in a city with a population of 1 million and not see 1 autistic child when the stats from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify that 1 in 88 children is diagnosed with autism? Was I so oblivious that I may have chalked up a child’s behaviour to “high maintenece” when really it was typical behaviour of an autistic child?

I don’t know the answer. I knew that after reading Allison’s blog post “Life with Liam“, about an orthodontic appointment for her 9 year old son that I was certain I may not know how to make a dental hygiene visit for an autistic child a positive one, an experience that both child and caregiver look forward to as opposed to viewing it as one more necessary but unpleasant life task. This was disturbing to me because I sincerely want to make dental hygiene visits a great, educational experience for both children and their caregivers. It is with children I feel hygienists have the opportunity to make the greatest impact – sharing  preventative dentistry knowledge – ensuring a life of “no drilling & filling”.

Of course I studied “special needs” in dental school, but how much could I recall of dealing with autism? not much. I was feeling very inadequate with my limited knowledge of the unique challenges associated with dental hygiene home care, best time of day for dental hygiene appointments, and management in the clinic. I was also certain my dated knowledge wouldn’t hold a candle to the reality of today for these families. Continuing education throughout life is a reality.

I have since learned that Autism is a general term, and there are various functioning levels – each individual is just that –INDIVIDUAL.  Autism Speaks Canada has an informative website and states that “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. ”

It is best for the caregiver to outline the functioning level of the child (where they are on the spectrum)- as well as details about sensory issues that may arise and discuss how to best handle them when at a dental hygiene appointment. If this conversation can happen prior to the child’s appointment that would be best. The dental hygienist will welcome any information that can facilitate an enjoyable visit. You know your child best, and know what sensory stimuli could be avoided or reduced. A dental hygiene clinic can have some advantages in terms of sensory stimuli when compared to a traditional dental clinic. There will be no dental drilling noises, smell of root canal mediciments, or dental materials like monomer being used in a hygiene clinic. Lighting may be an issue, so best to discuss this ahead of time. Caregivers can practice a visit at home before going to the clinic so the child has some familiarity with what may happen – practicing laying back, looking in the mouth, and counting teeth.

From the dental hygienists perspective be prepared to book a longer appointment so it isn’t rushed, the child has the time needed, you can answer all of the caregivers questions, and you can review techniques for oral home care. Repetition and routine can be very reassuring for autistic children. Establishing a relationship with one particular dental hygienist, rather than seeing someone different each visit can achieve this. Like appointments with all children, what works one day may not work the next, so be prepared with knowledge and do not hesitate to ask for recommendations from caregivers, and have patience. The first appointment may end up being a familiarity time, and perhaps no treatment carried out. Stretch your mind and skills and grow with the child & family.

Are you a dental hygienist looking for a resource to use? Dental hygienist and mother, Karen Raposa devoted six years of her life to writing “Treating the Dental Patient with a Developmental Disorder”. She cited her autistic son as her inspiration for writing the book. This book shares information on how to provide dental health services for patients with developmental disorders. You will also find the best information comes directly from parents and caregivers. Keep an open mind…. we are always learning.

Just bill my dental insurance. Why Not?

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There is high administration cost for dental hygiene clinics to directly bill dental insurance companies ins claim

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.

A Truly Happy Visit

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At Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic, we want your child’s first dental experience to be a positive one. Our Hygienist’s intuitive nature, guides how much is accomplished in this first visit. We call this first visit the “happy visit”, this appointment is to gain your child’s confidence and trust. Each child is truly unique, we will carry out different hygiene treatments with each child depending on how comfortable your child is. Treatment is never forced, as finishing everything is not the goal.  The goal of the “Happy Visit” is to keep your child happy throughout this experience and share information with parents or guardians on how best to take care of teeth at this age. We encourage parents to stay in the room, or if you feel your child will do best without you, that is your choice. You know your child best.

 

What happens at a Happy Visit?  

First, we want to show your child the chair they will be sitting in, how is goes up and down, back and forward. We will show your child the gadgets connected to the chair such as the air/water syringe and the suction (aka Mr. Thirsty). It is very important for your child to see that the tools that we will use are simply to count your child’s teeth, which always proves to be a lot of fun. Next we will apply the disclosing solution, this is our plaque finder. Once this purple odorless and tasteless liquid is painted on the teeth, we can together, with a mirror in hand, evaluate where the plaque bacteria is “hiding”. After this is done, we have an opportunity to show both child and parent/s the proper brush technique and how to eliminate more of the plaque bacteria in the future. Polishing may come next which further eliminates plaque on the teeth and always makes for a few giggles. Our polisher is a cordless version which has proven very helpful for those children not interested in sitting the chair- and prefer sitting on Mom or Dad`s lap. It  looks like an electric toothbrush which children are able to relate to. If age appropriate, and deemed necessary, fluoride (aka, tooth vitamin) can then be painted on, put into trays, or applied in the form of a mouth rinse. Lastly of course, the best part of the appointment, that well-earned prize, and picking out a new toothbrush!

 It is important for children to be seen by a Registered Dental Hygienist at an early age, to promote a less harmful population of oral bacteria and prevent tooth decay, and connect your family with other required dental or healthcare professionals, such as dentists, pediatric dentists,general physicians, and more.  Today there are many dental hygiene treatments available to ensure a lifetime of “no cavities”. This is what we want for each child.  At Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic we believe that cost of preventative treatment should not be a barrier to the beginning of  healthy teeth and habits for children – if cost is an issue ask us about options in Calgary. There are plans that assist with dental cleanings for children, and if these do not apply we see children under age 3 for their first “Happy Visit” at no cost.  Truly a “Happy Visit”

Call us (403)457-2044 to discuss your child`s first dental cleaning

Signed, SEALED, & Delivered : For Children & Adults

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Seal Out Tooth Decay before It Happens!

How can you prevent yourself or your children from getting cavities? it’s easy SEAL THEM OUT… with Sealants!

Do you remember why your dental hygienist or dentist put sealants or more commonly known as “white coats”, “clear paint” or “protective paint” on your back teeth when you were younger? Has your dental hygienist or dentist recommended having them placed? If so, you might be asking; what are sealants anyway?

The main and most important reason for getting sealants is to avoid tooth decay. They are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth… because our back teeth are primarily used for chewing; the chewing surfaces are rough and uneven surfaces with pits and grooves. Toothbrush bristles cannot get into the tiny pits and grooves of these teeth so germs and food can get stuck for a long time causing a cavity to form if not prevented.

Sealants are put on in dentists’ offices, dental hygiene clinics, and sometimes in schools. They are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth. A special light is often used to “cure” the liquid.

 

Do you know if you have any sealants now? Are they in good condition? Do you or your children need sealants?

Visiting your dental hygienist and/or dentist can help determine and exam when, and on whom will need sealants. Going in for your regular dental cleanings and check-ups will let us and YOU informed.

 

Having sealants placed on teeth before they decay will also save time and money in the long run by avoiding fillings,root canal treatment, and  crowns (also called caps) used to fix decayed teeth. Sealants are simple and painless and can last many years!!

Some dental insurance plans cover the cost of sealants. Check your dental health care booklet or call your insurance company for details!

 

What else can you do to protect against decay?

Yep, you guessed it… with proper oral hygiene care of daily tooth brushing and flossing which can help prevent tooth decay. Pit and fissure sealants are most commonly placed on molar teeth. These back teeth are harder to get at, especially with toothbrush they need the extra protection to keep the germs out! That is why sealants cover the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and help making our daily routine of proper oral home care a bit easier.

Call us to ask questions about preventative sealants- we are happy to share information to prevent tooth decay! (403)457-2044

Canadian Dental Hygiene Mission

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gift from the heart dental hygienists volunteer 2012Hygienists 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.

 
 
This is the third year for Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic to participate in the event Gift From The Heart .
 
I have participated in providing volunteer dental treatment in the past. After returning from a rewarding experience in Venezuela I decided that I could do more locally with the same amount of invested time and resources. Don’t misunderstand, travelling to another country to treat populations in need is worthwhile. Many children in Venezuela benefited from the treatment of the mission I participated in. That being said there are many in Canada that cannot afford even basic dental hygiene services.

 

I decided I wanted to participate in “local” dental missions. I knew for the same cost of travelling to another country I could reach and provide treatment to more individuals by staying local. I contacted Bev Woods regarding her initiative Gift From the Heart and offered to mobilize Dental Hygienists in Alberta. The Ontario Dental Hygiene Association, and Bev Woods have always had the goal in mind that this event would spread across Canada, and it is now doing just that. I am so pleased that Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic can join the efforts with this group of giving health care professionals and provide treatment in Calgary and Claresholm. The dental hygienists that have been involved for past years have experienced first hand the overwhelming numbers of underserviced, and negelcted individuals for whom dental treatment in Canada is unachievable.  
 
Due to the efforts of Canadian dental hygienists on national and provincial levels, government changes have occurred that now allow Registered Dental Hygienists to open their own clinics. It is in these clinics on February 9, 2013 that Canadians in need will benefit from this Gift From The Heart.
 
 This event brings attention to the fact that despite Canada’s favorable economy there are many for whom dental care just does not fit into their budget, or parents who go without so children can have treatment. I am not referring to the cost of root canal treatment or a dental crown, but basic dental hygiene care. The dental hygiene preventative services that help achieve a level of oral health, prevent more serious dental problems, and are essential to whole body health.

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

 

 

***Update

2014 UPDATE – February 8th is the date for 2014

2013 marks the fifth year for this event – – there are clinics participating in Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia- please go to http://www.giftfromtheheart.ca/2013-gfth-locations.html   to see if a clinic in your province is listed. Scroll all the way to the bottom to see Alberta!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-7Q800lgIo&feature=player_embedded]

Put your money where your mouth is…

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Do you think the cost of a dental cleaning in Calgary is expensive? outrageous? or could you care less about the cost 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.

 What could you trade each month that costs $35, to cover the cost of 2 dental cleanings a year? What are your teeth worth? What is your overall health worth? I would love to hear from you. I could easily go without Sushi..well maybe not easily.

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:

    1. Y. Fardini, P. Chung, R. Dumm, N. Joshi, Y.W. Han. Transmission of Diverse Oral Bacteria to Murine Placenta: Evidence for the Oral Microbiome as a Potential Source of Intrauterine Infection. Infection and Immunity, 2010; 78 (4): 1789 DOI: 10.1128/IAI.01395-09

 

Can good oral hygiene save your life

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Dr Oz sees the connection now is the time for you to see it.

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

test saliva and prevent dental cavities…who knew?

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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”.

 

Stick out your tongue…it could save your life

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When your dental hygienist asks you to stick out your tongue, it’s not rude to comply… they are screening for changes to the tongue and tissues inside the mouth that could be signs of oral cancer.  

 You know the drill, or hopefully you have had the experience of an “oral cancer screening”, they grab the end of your tongue with that gross tasting gauze..

If your hygienist or dentist doesn’t do this- ask for it. Some dental hygiene and dental clinics have cool equipment like velscope – that incorporates fluorescence visualization technology to help detect abnormal tissue , including cancer and precancer. Again more dental lingo I know- basically they shine a light inside your mouth and abnormal tissue fluoresces differently than normal tissue.

Often patients think hygienists are a bit overboard with concern, and it requires the attention of a Hollywood star being diagnosed with a “not talked about so much” disease to increase public awareness. Michael Douglas being diagnosed with oral cancer has done this. The Academy Award winner has recently been diagnosed with a tumour in his throat, and now faces an eight-week course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy

I read this morning

“Hollywood star’s diagnosis highlights high risk of mouth cancer

This high profile case has brought oral cancers into the limelight, and oral health experts are keen to make the public more aware of the key risk factors and early warning signs.

Douglas quit smoking in 2006, after a long ‘half a packet a day’ habit. Yet, the possibility of developing oral cancer remains higher for ex-smokers than non-smokers for 20 years after quitting. Tobacco is considered to be the main cause of mouth cancer, with three in four cases being linked to smoking. Drinking in excess is also a known factor, with those who both smoke and drink to excess being up 30 times more likely to be at risk.

The chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter said: “It is crucial the public know about the risk factors and early symptoms as early detection can save lives. Survival rates can increase from just 50% to over 90% with early detection – yet over two thirds of cases are diagnosed at a late stage. “Many people have not heard of mouth cancer, and do not realise how common it is – latest figures show that over 5,300 cases are diagnosed in the UK in a year and that men over the age of 40 are twice as likely to develop the condition as women.”  ”

So stick your tongue out ….have a look…and please feel free to “stick your tongue out” at me in the dental hygiene clinic!!!