Trying to Quit Smoking? Your Dentist Can Help.

The Ontario Dental Association is calling on Ontarians to give up tobacco today

MEDIA RELEASE
April 1, 2012

TORONTO, April 2, 2012 /CNW/ - April is Oral Health Month and the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) is focusing on tobacco cessation — it's never too late to quit. According to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 15 percent of adults in Ontario are smokers — that's over 2.2 million people.

Deciding to stop smoking is the best decision you can make for your health, and your dentist can help improve your chances of success. Dentists play a key role in protecting your oral health, and they are also a valuable asset in the battle to quit smoking.

"Every day in Ontario, dentists help patients quit smoking by offering support and encouragement," says Dr. Harry Höediono, President of the ODA. "Dentists can also prescribe stop-smoking medications, where helpful, and explain the oral and overall health benefits of quitting today."

Four out of 10 smokers will attempt to quit during the course of a year, but the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine are so severe that many will fail on their first attempt.

BAD BREATH CAN RUIN MORE THAN VALENTINE’S DAY

If bad breath becomes more than an inconvenience, it may be time to visit your dentist

MEDIA RELEASE
February 13, 2012

Everyone suffers occasionally from bad breath. Bad breath is most commonly caused by certain foods, tobacco or alcohol. However, if you suffer from persistent bad breath, it could be a sign of something more serious — and a reason to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

It is estimated that 50 percent of the population has halitosis, or bad breath, at any one time, and that one-half of this group has chronic bad breath.[1] Approximately 90 percent of bad breath is intraoral in origin — it stems from bacteria on the tongue, gums and teeth — while the other 10 percent can originate from other, more serious, sources.

"Chronic halitosis can be an indicator of gum disease or dry mouth," says Dr. Harry Höediono, President of the Ontario Dental Association. "See your dentist if you are concerned about your bad breath — he or she can determine the cause and provide treatment."

If your gums and teeth are healthy, your dentist may refer you to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath. Bad breath may be a sign of a medical disorder, such as diabetes, respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, gastrointestinal disturbances or liver or kidney ailments.

UNDER PRESSURE: HOW STRESS CAN AFFECT YOUR ORAL HEALTH

Maintaining good oral-health habits can help you weather the holiday storm

MEDIA RELEASE
December 15, 2011

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The holidays are a time for joy and celebration. For some people, however, the season can also be especially stressful. From buying the perfect gifts to hosting the family get-together, stress during this time can have real consequences for our oral health as well as overall well-being.

"People may overlook the effect stress has on our oral health," says Dr. Harry Höediono, President of the Ontario Dental Association. "However, our mouths can be just as affected by stress as the rest of our bodies are."

Stress can make people neglect their oral-health routines. They may not brush or floss as often as they should or miss dental appointments. People under stress sometimes make poor lifestyle choices – smoking, consuming too much alcohol and eating more sugary foods – which can lead to serious issues including oral cancer, gum disease or tooth decay.

MAKE HALLOWEEN LESS SCARY FOR YOUR CHILDREN’S ORAL HEALTH

Learn all the tricks to help kids say "Boo!" to tooth decay

MEDIA RELEASE
October 26, 2011

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TORONTO, Oct. 26 – Halloween is one of the most enjoyable days for children; however, all the candy they're exposed to from trick-or-treating can be a nightmare for their oral health.

Eating too much candy greatly increases the risk of tooth decay – bacteria that feed on sugar from candy produce acid which can damage teeth and lead to cavities. In Ontario, tooth decay is the second most common cause of school absenteeism. But the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) has some tips to help parents protect their children's oral health without taking away their enjoyment of Halloween.

"Children should have as much fun as possible on Halloween, including eating the candy they get from trick-or-treating," says Dr. Harry Höediono, ODA President. "The trick for parents is to moderate the intake of sweets and make sure kids stick to their brushing and flossing routine."

When your ghosts and goblins return from trick-or-treating, here are some tips to ensure a healthier Halloween.

GIVE THANKS FOR GOOD FOOD – AND GOOD ORAL HEALTH

The Ontario Dental Association offers tips on a delicious – and nutritious – Thanksgiving Day meal

MEDIA RELEASE
October 6, 2011

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Toronto, ON – Planning and preparing for Thanksgiving Day can be hectic, and figuring out what food to serve can be just as taxing. With more people adopting alternative diets, it can be difficult to please everybody's palates. While we can't do anything about the stress that family get-togethers may cause, the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) has some tips to make planning your menu a little easier – and your mouth a lot healthier.

"Just like our bodies, our teeth and gums need a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy," says Dr. Harry Höediono, ODA President. "A balanced and diverse menu provides many nutrients to strengthen your teeth and gums, making them less susceptible to disease, including tooth decay."

When planning your holiday menu, include foods that are nutritious and beneficial – not only for your overall health but for your oral health. Essential vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal oral health include calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and vitamins A, C and D. Here are a few ideas:

Brush Up On Brushing Your Teeth

Back-to-school time is the perfect time to learn the ABCs of brushing

MEDIA RELEASE
September 7, 2011

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Toronto, ON – For kids, brushing their teeth isn't always top of mind, and getting them to brush properly can be a real challenge for parents. But getting back into daily school routines is a great time to make sure kids are brushing often – and properly.

"Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of absences from school, and can greatly affect a child's academic performance," says Dr. Harry Höediono, President of the Ontario Dental Association. "With proper brushing, twice a day, every parent can help ensure their children have the best possible oral health as they start a new school year."

Brushing your teeth properly at least twice a day helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Let your child watch you brush your teeth as often as possible. Children are wonderful imitators, and there's nothing like a parent's example to teach them the way to healthy dental practices.

You can also make brushing fun and easy by learning the ABCs of proper brushing.

Don't Take a Holiday From Your Oral Health

The Ontario Dental Association urges you to keep up with good oral health habits during summer holidays

MEDIA RELEASE
July 4, 2011

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Toronto, ON — For many people, summer means weekends by the lake, delicious barbeques and enjoying the warm sunshine. Whether you're preparing for a vacation at home or a getaway at the cottage, it's important to keep your oral health top of mind. Your mouth is the window to your body's overall health, so remember to maintain good oral health-care routines at all times, all year.

"Poor oral health not only affects your appearance but is associated with serious conditions, such as diabetes and respiratory diseases," says Dr. Harry Höediono, President of the Ontario Dental Association. "Getting your oral-health routine in order for summer is an important way to help ensure optimum overall health."

Here are some tips to help you enjoy the summer with a healthy smile.

New President for the Ontario Dental Association

Dr. Harry Höediono of Kitchener, Ont., will serve for 2011/2012

MEDIA RELEASE

JUNE 7, 2011

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Toronto, ON – Dr. Harry Höediono has been elected President of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA), the professional association that represents more than 8,000 dentists in Ontario.

"I feel privileged to serve our members, and all Ontarians, as President of the ODA," says Dr. Höediono. "My first priority is to ensure everyone in the province knows and understands the benefits of good oral health.

"Good oral health is the result of comprehensive care that can only be provided by a dentist-led health-care team. Ontario has some of the finest and best-trained dentists in the world."

The ODA Applauds Decision To Keep Fluoride in Toronto's Drinking Water

Toronto Board of Health accepts the recommendation of Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, experts

MEDIA RELEASE
April 6, 2011

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Toronto, ON – The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) is praising the Toronto Board of Health for its vote on April 4, 2011 to keep fluoride in the city’s drinking water and for following the recommendation of its Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David McKeown.

“Water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay – it’s just that simple,” said Toronto-based ODA President, Dr. Lynn Tomkins. “I’m glad that the board based their decision on sound science and research that support water fluoridation – this is great news for the health of all Torontonians.”

Dr. Tomkins was one of many medical and dental experts who addressed the board at the April 4 meeting. Presentations were also given by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry Department of Paediatric Dentistry, the Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association and the Ontario Association of Public Health Dentistry.

Backgrounder - Oral Cancer

April 5, 2011
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Most oral cancers are located on the sides of the tongue, floor of the mouth and lips. Oral cancer starts in the cells of the mouth. Normally these cells are quite resistant to damage, but repeated injury from smoking, alcohol or even friction may cause sores or painful areas where cancer can start.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer refers to all cancers of the oral cavity, which includes the following: