04
SepBack to School Lunch Snacks: A Dental Guide for Healthy Smiles

As the school year kicks off, parents everywhere are packing lunchboxes with nutritious snacks to keep their kids energized throughout the day. But while focusing on fueling young minds, it's equally important to consider how these snacks impact their oral health. Here’s a guide to choosing back-to-school lunch snacks that will keep your child’s smile as bright as their future.

1. Crunchy Fruits and Veggies

Apples, carrots, celery, and cucumbers are not just tasty—they're also great for your teeth! These crunchy snacks act like natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away food particles and bacteria from the surface of teeth as your child chews. Plus, they stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth and wash away harmful substances.

2. Cheese, Please!

Cheese is a fantastic snack for dental health. It’s rich in calcium and phosphates, which help strengthen tooth enamel. Additionally, cheese can help balance the pH levels in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities. Pairing a small piece of cheese with fruits or whole-grain crackers makes for a tooth-friendly and satisfying snack.

3. Yogurt and Dairy Alternatives

Yogurt is another dairy product that's beneficial for oral health, as it contains calcium and probiotics. Probiotics promote healthy gums by reducing the number of harmful

07
JulWill AI Change Dentistry?

16
Jun "The Tooth Hurts: A Humorous Guide to Keeping Your Mouth Healthy"

"Smile! It's time to brush up on some dental humor and learn how to keep those pearly whites shining bright. We all know that taking care of our teeth is essential, but it doesn't have to be a boring chore. So, grab your toothbrush and get ready to laugh your way to good oral health!"

1. The Flossophy of Life: "Flossing is like a dance for your teeth. You have to get in there and boogie to remove all those pesky food particles. Remember, flossing isn't just for show—it's the secret to a healthy smile. So, embrace your inner flossophy and groove your way to dental success!"

2. Toothbrush Tango: "Choosing the right toothbrush is crucial. Think of it as a partner for your teeth in the dance of oral hygiene. Opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles and a handle that fits comfortably in your hand. Trust me, you don't want a toothbrush that leads you into a tangled tooth tango!"

3. The Art of Toothpaste Squiggles: "Squeezing toothpaste onto your brush is an art form. Some people go for the swirl, while others prefer the zigzag. Whatever your style, just remember to use a pea-sized amount and go easy on the squiggles. You don't want your sink looking like a modern art masterpiece!"

4. The Mythical Creatures of Plaque: "Plaque is like a mythical creature that sneaks into your mouth while you sleep. It's a sticky,

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31
MarThe top 10 must haves in your weekly groceries... From a Dentists POV

When it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, what you eat can have a big impact. A balanced and nutritious diet benefits your overall health, but also keeps your teeth strong and free from decay. In this article, we'll look at the top 10 foods to eat for healthy teeth and gums.

1. Cheese: Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, essential for strong teeth and bones. It also contains casein, a protein that neutralizes acids in the mouth that cause tooth decay.

2. Leafy Greens: Leafy greens like spinach and kale are high in calcium, as well as other critical nutrients like folic acid and vitamin K. These nutrients help to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent gum disease.

3. Apples: Apples are high in fibre, which Read more

31
JulWeekend Fireworks

Have fun this long weekend enjoying the fireworks. As beautiful as they may be, fireworks can be dangerous and scary for many. Never let a young child play with sparklers unattended. The stem gets really hot and the sparks fly off and can burn skin quite severely. Consider a glow stick instead for the very young. Make sure all fireworks are fire marshal-approved, and the person lighting the fireworks should wear fitted clothing, gloves and safety glasses. There should always be a water source nearby, such as a bucket or a hose.

Hearing loss is another common injury from fireworks, second to burns. Earplugs are a wise choice for anyone while watching fireworks. The sound can be very loud for children so ear mufflers are highly recommended. If ringing in your ears or muffled hearing persists more than 24 hours after, have your hearing checked.

The loud bang noises can often trigger a fight or flight effect in our fur babies. They may show signs of anxiety by panting, shaking or hiding. It is best to keep your dog inside, try a calming wrap and try to desensitize them with treats. Plan to take them out for an early potty break so that you don't need to go out during the loud noises in the neighbourhood.

**Please note: The August Civic Holiday is not a designated fireworks day and residents are not permitted to set off fireworks on their property unless they have obtained a permit from Toronto Fire Services. Fireworks are not permitted in

14
OctFear of Going to the Dentist?

It may not be easy for everyone to simply go to the dentist. Fear is one of the main reasons people keep away. Don’t let your fear of the dentist hold you back from regular checkups and cleanings. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health.

If you are fearful, just know you are not alone. Some common dental fears can include:

• Association with a negative past experience. Some patients had traumatic childhood treatment or treatment in another country that may not be the same as we do here in Canada. Asking some questions about procedures or freezing options may help ease your fear.
• Fear of the noises of the tools either the dentist or hygienist may use. Unfortunately, these tools do make some noise, but bringing noise-cancelling headphones with some music often helps.  We do have tv’s mounted in each treatment room as a good distraction. Choosing a less busy time can minimize the noises in the office.
• Fear of Pain.  With the many advances in dentistry today, many procedures are substantially less painful and often can be done with little to no freezing or just topical anaesthetic.
• Fear of injections or fear that the injection will not work. Needle phobia is a real thing. We will do our very best to make you as comfortable as possible…we are very good at what we do. We will hold your hand. It is true
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22
JulIs your Pool water staining your teeth?

Nothing is more refreshing than playing around in a swimming pool on a hot day. Some people visit their local community pool or participate in backyard swim and BBQ afternoons. Many children are involved in camp programs that include daily swimming lessons and open swim. If you are lucky enough to have your own pool, you may plunge in daily when temperatures are at their highest. Unfortunately, there are some downfalls to having regular exposure to swimming pool water. Besides drying out your skin and turning your hair green, you may not be aware; it can actually promote tooth erosion or tooth staining.

“Researchers at New York University (NYU) and The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) have both reported that prolonged exposure to unbalanced pool water can result in tooth stains and the erosion of tooth enamel.  Also, The American Journal of Epidemiology published the results of a survey of close to 750 competitive swimmers, from 1986 to the present. About 39 per cent of them had experienced tooth enamel erosion and stains”.
 

Swimming pools need to be kept at a pH level of about 7.5. If that level increases to more than 7.8 ( pH to high) , the water is in an alkaline state. Studies show that when children and adults swam for more than six hours each week in an alkaline pool, they were at a higher risk for developing stained teeth. Unsightly stains appear as a result of the high pH water combined with

04
AprEaster Egg Hunt

Some egg-citing ideas

With the kids being home so much these days, constant snacking is turning up to be a bigger issue than before the COVID lockdown or school at home. Today's kids are definitely not treat deprived. Easter seems to be so much about chocolate and candy that it is almost not a treat anymore. Instead, we should consider filling big plastic eggs with things that are not candy.  Here are some great ideas I have heard of from my patients over the past few weeks.

• Eggs filled with notes for a special outing or walks with Mom or Dad, ie: some one-on-one time
• Eggs filled with jewellery, lip balms, nail stickers, toy cars,
• Eggs filled with sugarless gum
• Puzzle piece scavenger hunts
• Eggs filled with money
• Eggs filled with glow in the dark stars to decorate kids rooms
• Nail polish or certificates for a home spa day
• COCO Floss , coloured floss sticks or travel size toothpaste ( had to put in a dental suggestion..lol)
• gift cards  like Roblox or Vbucks
• Air pods...that's right Air pods

Hope everyone enjoys their long weekend and stays safe. The weather is beautiful to get outdoors.

Happy Easter from your friends at Innovation Drive Dental in Woodbridge.

11
JanTik Tok trends to "NOT" try at home

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08
OctHow Do I Select the Best Dentist Near Me

How do I choose a dentist near me? There is a dentist office in every plaza. Which one do I choose? Studies have shown that most people google business or product before deciding if it is right for them. Reviews have a lot of merit. As a business owner, we take these reviews very seriously. It is one of the best compliments for someone to write an unsolicited review. But, as much as reading reviews are important, word of mouth referrals are also a great way to find a dentist. Speak to your neighbours or the other parents at school drop off or pick up, or at the other local businesses you attend. Furthermore, you can post a question on the local social