The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published the results of two independent and well-designed studies published in tomorrow’s Journal of the American Medical Association add to the substantial body of peer-reviewed scientific literature that supports the safety of dental amalgam as an option for patients and their dentists in treating dental decay.

The published studies measure whether children with dental amalgam fillings experienced any adverse effects related to neurobehavioral, neuropsychological (IQ) and kidney function. They found that there was no difference in neurological performance and kidney function in children who have amalgam fillings compared to a control group with composite (white) fillings.

To read articles published in the JAMA about the safety of dental amalgam click here.

To read more about dental amalgam fillings from the American Dental Association (ADA) click here.

Toronto, January 21, 2004 … Quit smoking and reduce the risk of oral cancer, says the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) during National Non Smoking Week, January 18 - 24, 2004.

Smoking, particularly if combined with heavy alcohol consumption, is among the leading risk factors for oral cancer, an aggressive disease that accounts for approximately 2.3 per cent of all new cancer cases in Canada each year.

“Oral cancer is a disfiguring and too-often fatal disease,” said Dr. Blake Clemes, President, ODA. “Avoiding high risk activities, such as smoking, will help reduce the risk of oral cancer occurring.”

Last year, there were more than 3,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed in Canada. It has a greater mortality rate than both breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Research indicates that oral health and overall health are closely related in several areas. That means dentists are more important than ever in the promotion of health and the prevention of disease.

The dentist has the medical knowledge to evaluate the patients’ health care needs, diagnose oral health-related problems and prescribe the proper treatment options or refer the patient for appropriate treatment.

Unlike some other health care providers, dentists see, and can point out to their patients some of the early effects of smoking, such as stained teeth, halitosis (bad breath), and periodontal (gum) damage and can emphasize to them that many of these may be reversed on quitting.

While public awareness is high on the association between tobacco and lung cancer or heart disease, it is quite a bit lower on known relationships with oral diseases, such as gum disease and cancers of mouth, tongue and throat. The ODA believes that dentists have an important health promotion and public education role to play in raising the general public’s awareness on this subject.

Individual dentists across Ontario can access ODA-supported programs specifically designed to help their patients quit smoking.

The ODA supports Ontario’s new Liberal government’s initiatives in the area of tobacco control: a significant and ongoing rise in tobacco taxes; and plans to make all public and work places in Ontario smoke free within three years.

The Ontario Dental Association has long been an advocate for smoking cessation.

In 1987, the ODA established a strict work-place non-smoking policy while advocating for a total ban on tobacco product advertising, smoke free public and work places and government initiatives for Ontario tobacco farmers to switch to other crops. This has been followed by more recent policies highlighting the risks of second hand smoke.

The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and its 6,300 members are committed to providing exemplary oral health care. The ODA is a voluntary professional association representing more than 80 per cent of Ontario dentists. As Ontario’s primary source of information on the dental profession, the ODA’s has been enhancing public awareness of the importance of oral health since 1867. Its mandate is to work with health care professionals, governments and the private sector to attain the highest possible quality standards of health care for Ontarians.

Source: Ontario Dental Association

There is a growing body of research indicating a possible association between your mouth and other serious health conditions.
Talking to your dentist and learning more about oral health care can help you to achieve better overall health and enhance your quality of life.

Click here to try this online quiz.

We have been in practice since 1974 and our staff stays current with the most recent advances in dentistry. Both Dr. Stanley Klimitz and Dr. Jordan Klimitz are clinical instructors at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry and at George Brown College department of Denturism. We are also active in the community promoting oral health, providing lectures at St. Hilda’s retirement home where we review oral hygiene and educate the residents about oral health.

Both Dr. Stan and Dr. Jordan are active members of the Alpha Omega Dental society, and are members of the Ontario Dental Association. We enjoy all aspects of dentistry and our patients range in age from young children to centurians.

1. The Dentist-Patient Relationship: Communication is of the outmost importance. A patient must feel comfortable to ask questions and the dentist should encourage an understanding of procedures and oral health care. A positive relationship saves time, gives comfort and allows trust.

2. Oral Hygiene: Contrary to popular belief dental “problems” are not unavoidable. Most problems can be prevented with two brushings and daily flossing. Proper oral hygiene removes plaque between teeth, which will prevent bacteria growth and thus tooth decay and gum disease.

For instructions click here.

3. Early Signs of Gum Disease: As the leading cause of tooth loss in adults it is important to be aware of these early signs and share them with your dentist as soon as possible:

a. Swollen and tender gums.
b. Bad breath.
c. Bleeding gums when flossing and brushing.

Click here to find out more about Gum Disease.

4. Healthy Diet Healthy Smile: Strong healthy teeth require essential vitamins and minerals found by eating a variety of foods from each of the basic food groups. Strong teeth and bones need calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. Healthy gums need vitamins A and C.
Eating Sweets: Most people know that eating sweets is bad for your teeth and increases the incidence of tooth decay. However, most people don’t know that the amount of sweets you eat is not as important as the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugars.

To find out more about the Canadian Food Guide click here.

5. Regular Cleanings and Check-ups: Everyone needs regular dental cleanings and check-ups because a person cannot easily examine the inside of their own mouth. A dentist is a trained professional who can detect a problem and provide the appropriate treatment. This applies even if you follow a strict dental hygiene regimen.

How often should I see my dentist? The amount of time between check-ups varies for every patient. The general guideline is every 6 months. However, for some patients this interval is shorter.

For Oral Care instructions click here.