Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Canada.ca/Dental

• Our office is participating in the Federal Canada Dental Care Plan and patients eligible for this plan can use it to help with the cost of dental care for their children.
• You can apply for this program directly with Health Canada (application link). We are not able to process your application or complete it for you.
• The application is available online and can be completed quickly.

There are only two requirements for eligibility for this new program. You must

1. Not be eligible for private dental insurance
2. Have a household income below $90,000/yr (below $70,000/yr required for the best coverage).

The CDCP is like other dental insurance plans in that it is not free dental care and does not cover all costs of dental treatment. There are out of pocket expenses for patients which are higher for patients with a household income above $70,000/year.

Patients who qualify for the Ontario Healthy Smiles Program (HSO) can combine the two programs to reduce out of pocket expenses. For example, a family with a household income of below $70,000/year and who has qualified for HSO will have no out of pocket expenses (unless they chose to have procedures done that are not covered by these programs, and there are a number of such procedures). Patients with a household income above $70,000/year will have Health Canada mandated co-pays regardless of whether they have qualified for HSO or not.

Patients in our office will be given detailed information about any costs that they will be responsible for before treatment is rendered through our office. The costs vary based on your household income level and what treatment is planned. The Canadian Dental Care Plan is not as simple as we would like it to be and unfortunately we have no control over how it is administered or structured. Concerns about the structure of the plan should be forwarded directly to Health Canada.

CDCP Resources for patients

• Official Canada Dental Care Plan Information and Application – Canada.ca/Dental
• Contact Information for Health Canada, who manages the CDCP program – 1-866-337-7705
• Frequently Asked Questions for Patients about CDCP – Ontario Dental Association – CDCP for Information for Patients

Birth to 3 Years Old: Building the Foundation

During the first three years of life, primary (baby) teeth emerge, playing crucial roles in chewing, speaking, and facial appearance. These teeth also maintain space for future adult teeth, emphasizing their importance despite being temporary.

3 to 6 Years Old: Establishing Oral Hygiene Habits

By age 3, most children have all 20 primary teeth. Encourage regular brushing twice a day and daily flossing to instill good oral hygiene practices early on.

6 to 12 Years Old: Transition to Permanent Teeth

Between ages 6 to 12, primary teeth start making way for permanent teeth. The emergence of adult teeth influences the alignment and health of subsequent permanent teeth, underscoring the significance of this transitional phase.

12 to 17 Years Old: Emphasizing Lifelong Oral Health

As most adult teeth come in after age 12, maintaining oral health becomes paramount. Minimize sugar intake to prevent decay, use mouth guards during sports activities, and seek orthodontic evaluation for any signs of misalignment.

17 to 21 Years Old: Addressing Wisdom Teeth

The final stage sees the arrival of wisdom teeth, often necessitating removal to prevent overcrowding and potential oral complications. This process typically occurs between ages 17 to 30.

Conclusion: Investing in Future Smiles

Teeth undergo continuous changes throughout childhood, highlighting the importance of proactive dental care. By nurturing your child’s oral health from an early age and guiding them through each developmental stage, you lay a strong foundation for their lifelong dental well-being. Remember, the habits formed now will impact their oral health in the years to come. Stay vigilant, prioritize preventive care, and partner with dental professionals to safeguard your child’s precious smile.

Importance of Transitioning Early

Encouraging your child to start drinking from a cup by their first birthday is vital for their oral health. By transitioning early, you can help prevent potential dental problems associated with prolonged bottle use, such as tooth decay and orthodontic issues.

Choosing the Right Training Cup

When selecting a training cup for your child, consider opting for a cup with a simple spout rather than a “no spill” design. Cups with handles and a weighted base can make it easier for your child to hold and use the cup effectively. Avoid cups with valves that require excessive suction, as they may hinder your child’s progress in learning to sip from a cup.

Gradual Transition Process

Transitioning from bottles to cups should occur gradually in stages. Start by limiting the bottle to water once your child is comfortable using the cup. Reduce bottle usage over time to help your child adjust to the new drinking method. Introduce a small plastic cup without a lid once they have mastered training cups, gradually phasing out the training cup.

By following these tips and being patient throughout the process, you can help your child make a successful switch from bottles to cups while promoting their oral health and overall development. Remember, each child is unique, so tailor the transition process to suit your child’s needs and pace.

Slow Sipping of Sweet Drinks Causes Cavities

There is a big difference between a sippy cup and an open cup, and delaying the transition from the first to the second may cause decay. The big difference between an open cup and and sippy cup is that your toddler cannot play and run around with a half full open cup. If they are drinking anything with carbohydrates or sugar (like milk or juice) in a sippy cup, toddlers can sip slowly while playing because the liquid will not spill like it would from an open cup. The repeated and frequent exposure of the teeth to sugar encourages decay causing bacteria to grow and over-grow leading to cavities. If instead that same drink is put into an open cup, your toddler will have to drink it all in one go in order to go and play.

The Growing Trend and Statistics

The American Dental Association reports a significant increase in emergency room visits for dental issues, with an estimated 2.2 million patients seeking care annually. This trend highlights the need for better education on where to seek appropriate dental treatment.

When to Visit the Emergency Room

In cases of severe emergencies like a broken jaw or profuse bleeding from the mouth, the emergency room is the right choice. However, for common dental problems such as toothaches, broken teeth, or decay, visiting a dental office is more beneficial. Dental offices are equipped with specialized tools and knowledgeable staff dedicated to providing efficient and effective care.

Reasons Behind Choosing the Emergency Room

Many parents opt for the emergency room due to the perceived advantage of going to a larger health facility such as a hospital. As a dentist who is on staff at RVH, I can tell you that the hospital has very few if any facilities that allow for provision of dental care in the emergency room. Additionally, long wait times in emergency rooms can further delay treatment.

Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Preventive care through regular dental visits is key to maintaining good oral health and avoiding costly emergency room visits. Neglecting dental care can lead to more severe issues that may require emergency intervention. Early detection and treatment by a professional dental team can prevent emergencies.

Choose Quality Care

Our dental office is committed to providing excellent, affordable care promptly. With a skilled dentist and specialized tools, we offer comprehensive dental services tailored to your needs. Scheduling regular visits with us ensures proactive maintenance of your oral health and minimizes the risk of emergencies.

In conclusion, while the allure of quick fixes in emergency rooms may seem appealing, choosing the right care for dental issues is essential for long-term oral health and cost-effectiveness. Prioritizing regular visits to a dental office can prevent emergencies and ensure optimal care for you and your family’s oral health needs. Contact our office today to schedule your next visit and take proactive steps towards a healthy smile!

Hydroxyapatite: Nature’s Shield for Teeth

Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral renowned for its structural role in bones and teeth. When harnessed in toothpaste, it adheres to enamel, creating a protective barrier that can mitigate the risk of tooth decay. Beyond this shield, hydroxyapatite boasts pH-buffering capabilities and releases essential phosphate and calcium. Notably, its safety profile allows even young children to use it without the potential for fluorosis, a condition marked by white spots on teeth.

Fluoride: A Remineralizing Agent

In contrast, fluoride, another natural mineral, operates differently within the oral cavity. Rather than forming a shield, fluoride binds to teeth, aiding in remineralization and reversing early decay signs.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste for Your Child

When deciding between hydroxyapatite and fluoride toothpaste for your child, consider the following:

• Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste may be preferable if prefer avoiding fluoride exposure.
• Fluoride Toothpaste might be more suitable if your child shows signs of weakened teeth or is at high risk of cavities, and fluoride by far has a longer track record for effectiveness and safety.

Selecting Effective Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Not all hydroxyapatite toothpaste products are equal. Opt for nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste with fine particles that effectively adhere to teeth, and one with at least 10% n-hydroxyapatite content.

While further research on hydroxyapatite toothpaste is warranted, its potential benefits in maintaining healthy smiles are promising.

Beneficial Aspects of Xylitol

To understand the beneficial aspects of xylitol it is important to review the process leading to tooth decay.

The consumption of fermentable sugars, such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose, serve as a food source for oral bacteria. The oral bacteria proliferate and form a biofilm, termed plaque, over the tooth surface.Within the biofilm, bacteria metabolize fermentable sugars to yield acidic end-products which lower the pH. Lowered pH favors the de-mineralization of calcium and phosphate from the tooth’s surface enamel. However, eventually, the intake of fermentable sugars decreases, causing the pH to increase, now favoring the re-ineralization of the enamel, with the minerals dissolved in the saliva reincorporated into the enamel.

The balance between de-mineralization and subsequent re-mineralization is not the problem, but rather when the cycle is disrupted in favor of the de-mineralization of the enamel, resulting in a softened calcium-deficient tooth surface that becomes a region for
bacterial accumulation and metabolism, eventually causing a “cavity” – dental caries.

Through several mechanisms xylitol, may reduce the incidence of dental caries:

1. Xylitol is not metabolized by oral bacteria, to acidic end products. As acid-producing oral bacteria cannot ingest xylitol, their proliferation is limited and they do not stick well to the tooth surface, thus formation of a bacterial biofilm (plaque) is curtailed.
2. Products containing xylitol stimulate the production of saliva, which is inhibitory to the formation of dental caries. Thus, in addition to preventing dental caries, xylitol prevents dry mouth. Saliva, acting as a flushing and cleansing mechanism, clears the oral cavity of foods and of bacteria, acts as a buffer to keep the pH neutral, delivers minerals for the re-mineralization of the enamel, and has antibacterial properties.
3. Xylitol, itself, has antibacterial properties, which may explain its usage as a syrup, nasal spray, lozenge, and chewing gum to reduce the occurrence of middle ear infection in preschoolers.
4. Xylitol is effective in inducing re-mineralization of the deeper layers of enamel.

When used as a cavity preventive, children and adults are limited to 7 to 20 grams/day, typically divided into 3 to 5 doses. Sugar averages 3.87 calories/gram. Xylitol is not calorie-free, but contains about 2.6 calories/gram and over consumption can cause weight gain and affect blood sugar levels.

The Benefits of Xylitol for Dental Health

Xylitol, a naturally-occurring sugar alcohol, is gaining recognition for its significant benefits in promoting dental health. Unlike fermentable sugars that contribute to tooth decay, xylitol stands out as a sweetener that does not get metabolized by oral bacteria into acidic byproducts that lead to cavities. This unique property makes xylitol a valuable tool in preventing dental caries and maintaining oral hygiene.

Mechanisms of Action

1. Inhibiting Bacterial Growth: Xylitol restricts the growth of acid-producing oral bacteria by serving as a non-metabolizable alternative. This limitation on bacterial proliferation reduces the formation of plaque on teeth, thereby lowering the risk of cavities.
2. Stimulating Saliva Production: Products containing xylitol stimulate saliva production, which plays a crucial role in preventing dental caries. Saliva acts as a natural defense mechanism by flushing out food particles and bacteria, maintaining a neutral pH balance, delivering essential minerals for enamel re-mineralization, and possessing antibacterial properties.
3. Antibacterial Properties: Xylitol itself exhibits antibacterial properties, making it effective in various forms such as syrups, nasal sprays, lozenges, and chewing gums to combat infections like middle ear infections in children.
4. Promoting Re-mineralization: Xylitol aids in the re-mineralization of enamel, particularly in the deeper layers, contributing to the strengthening and protection of teeth against decay.

Safe Usage Guidelines

When used as a cavity preventive measure, it is recommended that both children and adults limit their daily intake of xylitol to 7 to 20 grams, divided into 3 to 5 doses. While xylitol is not calorie-free, with approximately 2.6 calories per gram, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and impact blood sugar levels.

In conclusion, incorporating xylitol into your oral care routine through sugar-free gums or candies can be a beneficial strategy for maintaining good dental health. By understanding the mechanisms through which xylitol operates to prevent cavities and following safe usage guidelines, individuals can leverage this natural sweetener to promote healthier teeth and gums.

Understanding Tooth Erosion and Acidic Beverages

The chemistry behind tooth erosion reveals how acidic beverages can impact enamel hardness. Enamel, the outer layer of teeth, is composed of various ions including calcium and phosphate. When exposed to low pH levels found in acidic drinks, calcium is released from the enamel, leading to demineralization and softening of the teeth. This process can result in tooth erosion, hypersensitivity, and aesthetic concerns.

Impact of Drinking Habits on Tooth Erosion

How acidic beverages are consumed also influences the risk of tooth erosion. Prolonged exposure of the teeth to acidic drinks by holding them in the mouth or sipping slowly can increase the likelihood of enamel damage. On the other hand, gulping drinks quickly or using a straw positioned towards the upper palate may reduce the impact on tooth surfaces.

Protecting Children’s Teeth

For parents concerned about their children’s dental health, limiting the intake of acidic beverages and encouraging alternatives like milk or yogurt can help prevent tooth erosion. Milk and yogurt contain calcium and phosphate which protect teeth against demineralization. Additionally, these dairy products create a protective barrier on the tooth surface, guarding against acid-induced damage.

Recommendations for Dental Health

To safeguard your child’s teeth from erosion caused by acidic beverages:

1. Limit consumption of highly acidic drinks like sodas and fruit juices.
2. Encourage drinking milk or yogurt as alternatives to acidic beverages.
3. Monitor drinking habits to minimize prolonged exposure of teeth to acids.
4. Avoid putting acidic drinks in baby bottles, especially before bedtime.
5. Maintain good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups for your child.

By being mindful of what your child consumes and promoting healthy beverage choices, you can help protect their teeth from the harmful effects of acidic drinks and promote long-term dental health.

Understanding Tooth Decay and SDF

Tooth decay, a bacterial infection primarily caused by Streptococcus mutans, poses a significant oral health threat. The process involves bacterial metabolism of dietary sugars, leading to acid formation that demineralizes enamel. SDF treatment targets existing decay areas by inhibiting bacterial growth and preventing new decay formation.

The Power of Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver Diamine Fluoride boasts a triple-action formula for oral health:

1. Fluoride: Known for its decay-preventing properties, fluoride aids in remineralizing enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks.
2. Silver: With potent antibacterial qualities, silver ions effectively kill bacteria and fortify tooth structures against reinvasion.
3. Diamine: Acting as a stabilizing agent and antiseptic, diamine enhances the solution’s efficacy in combating harmful oral bacteria.

Application and Side Effects

The application of SDF is a simple, noninvasive procedure involving direct placement on decayed areas or high-risk surfaces like first molars. The only known side effect is black staining, serving as an indicator of treatment success by halting bacterial infection.

Effectiveness and Considerations

SDF has shown remarkable success in arresting dental caries, especially in patients with special needs. While not suitable for all cases, it is a valuable tool in a pediatric dentist’s arsenal. Factors like esthetics and extent of decay influence its applicability.

Alternatives and Ongoing Care

Apart from SDF, alternative treatments like fluoride varnish and dental sealants offer additional avenues to combat tooth decay. Regular dental visits, hygiene appointments, brushing, and flossing remain crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

In conclusion, Silver Diamine Fluoride emerges as a promising ally in the fight against tooth decay, offering a blend of efficacy and simplicity in pediatric dental care. Trusting your pediatric dentist’s expertise ensures the right treatment choice for your child’s oral well-being.

Advantages of Pacifiers for Young Infants

Sucking is a natural reflex that provides babies with a sense of security and relaxation. Pacifiers offer numerous advantages for young infants, including:

• Calming Effect: Sucking on a pacifier can help soothe a fussy baby and reduce anxiety.
• Anxiety Reduction: Pacifiers may alleviate distress and provide comfort during times of trauma or medical procedures.
• SIDS Prevention: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using pacifiers at bedtime for infants older than one month to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Reasons to Limit Pacifier Use

While pacifiers offer benefits in the early months, it is essential to be mindful of the potential drawbacks associated with prolonged use:

• Ear Infections: Overuse of pacifiers after six months has been linked to an increased risk of ear infections in infants.
• Speech and Language Development: Continued pacifier use can lead to speech and language difficulties in children.
• Dental Concerns: Prolonged pacifier use can impact the development of teeth, jaws, and oral muscles, potentially leading to malocclusions and orthodontic issues.

As a pediatric dentist, I recommend gradually reducing your baby’s reliance on pacifiers within the first six months to mitigate these risks. Early intervention can help prevent long-term dental and speech-related complications, ensuring your child’s oral health remains optimal as they grow.

In conclusion, while pacifiers can offer comfort and benefits for young infants, it is important to be mindful of the potential consequences associated with prolonged use. By striking a balance between soothing your baby’s needs and safeguarding their oral health, you can make informed decisions that promote their overall well-being. Remember, as with any aspect of parenting, moderation and awareness are key when it comes to pacifier use.

1. Tongue Cleaning

The back of the tongue is a hotspot for bacteria and food debris accumulation. Encourage gentle cleaning of the tongue’s surface with a soft-bristled brush or a tongue scraper to reduce odor-causing bacteria.

2. Tooth Brushing and Flossing

Regular brushing and flossing are essential to remove food particles and bacteria between teeth. The American Dental Association recommends flossing in combination with brushing to prevent halitosis and gum disease.

3. Nose Breathing

Encourage your child to breathe through their nose rather than their mouth. Nose breathing helps maintain a moist environment in the mouth, promoting saliva flow that naturally combats oral bacteria.

4. Hydration

Ensure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Adequate hydration stimulates saliva production, which helps cleanse the mouth and reduce bacterial growth.

5. Healthy Habits

Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast can stimulate saliva flow and reduce oral bacteria. Additionally, chewing sugar-free gum can help increase saliva production.

6. Professional Care

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining good oral health in children. Professional cleanings can remove plaque, tartar, and address any underlying issues contributing to bad breath.

By incorporating these preventive measures into your child’s daily routine, you can help them maintain fresh breath and optimal oral hygiene. Remember, good oral habits established early on can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles!