What’s on your teeth, may be in your heart

A new study in the journal Medicine reports that the bacteria initiating dental decay is also found on the heart valves of patients with heart disease. Nothing new here. Other studies have shown that Streptococcus mutans to be the dominant microorganism in diseased arterial plaque. (The picture above has blue chains of bacteria which are … Read more

High-Fluoride Toothpaste May Aid Brace Wearers

A Swedish study from Malmo University -2014 suggests that high-fluoride toothpaste hinders white spots from developing on the teeth when braces are worn. The fluoride toothpaste possesses four times the regular amount of fluoride found in toothpaste. Numerous studies have shown that 85 percent of people who have braces develop some kind of white lesions … Read more

Dental Hygienists Urge You to Commit to Good Oral Health in 2016

(Ottawa, ON), The beginning of a new year is a perfect time to set new personal and professional goals. While many of us focus on self-improvement after the holidays, dental hygienists remind Canadians not to overlook oral health when making choices about improving overall physical and mental wellness. “Good oral health is essential for overall … Read more

Dental Care for Your Mom

Two new studies involving older people, show that the following chronic diseases significantly increase the odds of dental decay: cardiovascular disease, rheumatic disease, mood disorders and eating disorders. The connection between diseases, is four or more medications taken regularly; this level of polypharmacy is the threshold for poor salivary flow. Saliva is a preventive agent … Read more

Colgate-Palmolive and CDHA Award 30 Academic Admission Scholarships to Dental Hygiene Students

As part of its ongoing efforts to support the education of dental hygiene professionals, Colgate-Palmolive has established an annual academic admission scholarship, administered in partnership with the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), to assist students enrolled in dental hygiene programs. To see the 30 Academic Admission Scholarships to Dental Hygiene Students, view here: http://www.cdha.ca/pdfs/NewsEvents/tag/2015/Scholarships_Colgate_2014_2015.pdf.  

Diabetes and Dental Hygiene

Dental hygienists join Canadians across the country in celebrating National Diabetes Awareness Month this November, and they remind us that oral health professionals are important members of the diabetes health care team. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, more than 9 million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes. These individuals are particularly susceptible to … Read more

Dental Hygienists Work to Improve Children’s Oral Health in Canada’s North

On November 20, Canada’s dental hygienists will celebrate Universal Children’s Day by reminding us all of the need to improve access to high-quality preventive oral health care in this country. The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) strongly believes that all Canadians, including children, should have access to timely oral health care by the right provider, … Read more

The persistence of high dental spending

More studies are showing that a small segment of the community needs medical care on an ongoing basis.  This pattern is called persistent care and it seems to be associated to those with more than one chronic condition. It may well apply to the chronic diseases in the mouth too. Our surveys report that 1 in … Read more

Canadian Dental Hygienists Celebrate Excellence in Oral Health and Dental Hygiene

 The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is proud to recognize 20 leaders in oral health for their outstanding contributions to the profession of dental hygiene, the national association, and to the overall health and well-being of the Canadian public.   Since 1975, CDHA’s Dental Hygiene Recognition Program (DHRP) has honoured more than 140 dental hygienists … Read more

Canada’s Dental Hygienists Meet to Explore Oral Health Care and Research

Dental hygienists from across Canada will gather in Victoria, British Columbia, from October 2931 to share leading-edge research, clinical experiences, and knowledge at the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association’s (CDHA) biennial national conference. Celebrating 52 years as a professional association, CDHA has assembled a dynamic group of speakers and scientists, who will present the latest information … Read more

National Dental Hygiene Month

For the sixth consecutive year, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program (WOHP) have partnered together for National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) to promote oral health awareness and celebrate the impact dental hygienists have in improving the public’s oral and overall health. Please click on this press release that outlines … Read more

Gum disease and high blood pressure

A new, 3-year prospective Japanese study involving over 2500 university students (mean age of 18 years at baseline) examined various risk factors for the emergence of high blood pressure (hypertension). The study found that amongst a group of students who had elevated (or prehypertensive) blood pressure at baseline, 3 factors which led to high blood … Read more

Canadian Dental Hygienists Association Supports Health Action Lobby’s Call to Action on Health Care – The Canadian Way

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) joins other members of Canada’s Health Action Lobby (HEAL) to remind federal leaders that Canadians want government to make the challenges facing our health-care system a priority. Public opinion research consistently reveals that Canadians care deeply about finding the sustainable and cost-effective options that will enhance our national health. … Read more

Treating gum disease with antibiotics

As gum disease originates from an unbalanced film of bacteria under the gum line, why don’t we use local or systemic antibiotics to treat this chronic disease? Turns out that is what the studies are starting to suggest.  Besides mechanical debridement (called scaling and root planing) of the “wound” (the inflamed gum pockets), the scientific … Read more

Removing the Smoke Screen: Dental Hygienists Call for Government Action on E-Cigarettes

Canada’s dental hygienists call on all levels of government to take steps to minimize the potential negative public health consequences of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), particularly for youth. In its recently released Position Statement on E-Cigarettes, the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) asserts that a ban on e-cigarettes sales to minors, a ban on flavourings in … Read more

“Hygienists treating cavities is something to smile about!”

This was a recent headline in the Los Angeles Times. The article outlines a new California law that authorizes dental hygienists to treat cavities without a dentist on site by placing low-cost, temporary fillings. The temporary fillings applied by the hygienist are called interim therapeutic restorations. They require no drilling or anesthetic and can be … Read more

To prevent heart disease — brush your teeth frequently!

A Scottish study of over 11,000 adults tracked over 8 years found that frequent brushing of the teeth significantly lowered the risks of having a coronary event (e.g. heart attack). This association allowed for other risk factors for heart disease such as socio-economic status, obesity and family history. Note that participants who did not brush … Read more

American Dental Hygienists’ Association Honors Dental Hygiene Profession’s Best at Center for Lifelong Learning at the 92nd Annual Session

The nation’s leading organization for dental hygienists highlights the work and service of the profession’s finest during its annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. More than 2,100 individuals gathered in Nashville, Tenn., June 17-23, 2015, for the 2015 American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Center for Lifelong Learning at the 92nd Annual Session. The ADHA is proud … Read more