Empowering Dental Wellness with Expert Advice from a Dental Professional

Why is oral health essential to keeping one’s overall health?

Your oral health is connected to your overall health, and studies have shown that poor oral health can be linked to things like heart disease, diabetes, and even respiratory infections. Neglecting oral care can have consequences since the mouth serves as a window into overall health.

What inspired you to expand your profession and start your social channels (Instagram, podcast, etc) on the topic of oral health?

As a dental professional, I’ve always been deeply passionate about advancing the field of dentistry and improving patient care. However, I noticed a gap in the way information was being disseminated within our community. While there were plenty of resources available for dental professionals, I felt that there was a lack of easily accessible, engaging content specifically tailored to educate dental professionals.
I decided to expand my profession by creating social channels dedicated to oral health education for dental professionals. These platforms serve as a space where I can share valuable insights, research findings, and practical tips with my peers in the dental community. By focusing on educating dental professionals, I believe we can collectively elevate the standard of care we provide to our patients.
What inspired me to embark on this journey was the desire to bridge the gap between the rapid advancements in dentistry and the everyday practices of dental professionals. I recognized the immense potential of social media and digital platforms as powerful tools for knowledge sharing and networking within our community. By leveraging these platforms, I aim to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement among dental professionals, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and enhanced overall oral health.

Many people can be self-conscious about their teeth/smile, what advice do you have to people that want to feel more comfortable in their skin (or rather, teeth)?

Focus on the positive: shift your focus to the aspects of your smile that you appreciate. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Understand that imperfections are a natural part of being human, and many people share similar concerns. Regular Dental Care: Maintaining good oral hygiene is fundamental to a healthy and confident smile.
Consider Orthodontics: Often small shifts in the position of teeth can change not only the appearance and alignment but also provide a healthier, easier to clean and more youthful appearance if that is a personal goal.

Do you have any specific tips to help children form strong oral health habits when they are young?

Start Early: Begin cleaning your baby’s gums even before their teeth come in. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe their gums after feeding. Never put a baby to bed with a bottle as teeth are erupting. That can lead to early decay.
Introduce Brushing: As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush often at a young age having them chew on the brush is a good way to incorporate it into bathtime.
Make It Fun: Use a colourful toothbrush or play a two-minute song to make brushing time more enjoyable.
Establish a Routine: Brush teeth twice a day (morning and night) and floss once a day.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental visits for check-ups and cleanings.
Do it together: Kids like to copy us bigger humans so brushing together can be fun.

What advice would you give to people (especially children) that are scared or reluctant of going to their dentist or dental hygienist?

Start Early: Introducing kids to the dental environment early in life is key. The more familiar they become with the dentist’s office from a young age, the more comfortable they are likely to feel as they grow.
Explain the Process: Before the dental appointment, explain to the child what will happen during the visit simply and positively. It’s crucial to avoid using words that may cause unnecessary fear. Bring Comfort Items: Allow the child to bring a comfort item, such as a favourite toy or blanket, to hold during the appointment. Sometimes i’ve done an entire dental appointment on a stuffed animal to get the actual patient feeling more confident.
Gradual Exposure: For severe fear, consider a gradual approach to exposure. Start with brief visits, allowing the child to acclimate to the dental environment over time. Gradually increasing the duration of visits can help reduce anxiety.

I read a book to every child at every visit. They are all fun dental books that make visits nice from the beginning. No scary tools to start, we read a book and go with the flow.