Roving Dental Hygiene

Services:

Oral Cancer Exam

Oral Health Assessment and Oral Cancer Screening
Assess the soft tissues, teeth, gums, tongue, lips, throat, face, neck and salivary glands. Oral cancer screening is performed at each visit.

Areas of concern are addressed regarding teeth, suspect decay, jaw/chewing concerns, lost, broken fillings, active infection, etc. We will work collaboratively with other health care professionals and provide referrals when necessary.

Scaling

Teeth Cleaning (Scaling)
Getting your teeth cleaned removes the soft plaque and tartar which is a hard buildup that you can not removed with your toothbrush. Having tartar on your teeth creates an infection-causing bacteria which can can easily grow, causing gum disease that is linked with serious oral problems as well as heart disease, stroke and many other systemic issues in our body.

Scaling is critical to prevent gum disease, improve your whole-body health, and keep your teeth looking their best. It’s also a great opportunity for your Hygienist to detect early signs of problems.

The objective of scaling and root planning is to remove the hard irritants and aggressive bacteria which cause inflammation to the gingival (gum) tissue and if left can manifest as periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease or “bone-loss” is the loss of supporting attachment around the teeth and is irreversible.

If scaling is not performed your oral health is at risk.

A cleaning can help with bad breath, which could also be a sign of other health related concerns if periodontal problems are subtle to a person, until the condition is severe. This increases risks for acute infection, tooth loss or pain. Early detection and prevention is of utmost importance.

Silver Diamine Flouride (SDF)

What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

An antimicrobial liquid that can be brushed on cavities to stop tooth decay — painlessly.
What does this fluid do to our teeth and cavities?

With silver diamine fluoride (SDF), it is now possible to stop and reverse the decay process. SDF kills the bacteria that cause decay.

Who would benefit from SDF treatment?

The fearful child, individuals living with a cognitive or physical disability, dental phobia & those with financial or accessibility issues. Some individuals can only receive restorative care with general anesthesia or sedation and some are not good candidates for general anesthesia due to frailty or complex medical conditions. SDF Treatment is easy to apply and does not require freezing or drilling.

Temporary Fillings

What is a temporary filling?
The temporary filling material releases fluoride as a therapeutic intervention to prevent further damage to a tooth and helps to strengthen/ re-mineralize the affected lesion. This temporary filling will seal out food and debris and help to conserve sound tooth structure. This temporary filling can last up to three years.

This is best used when:

• When the client is homebound or unable to seek the care of a Dentist.
• There is a reasonable risk of further damage to the tooth structure
• The client is in discomfort or is experiencing difficulty in eating
• The discomfort is due to recent trauma, fracture or lost dental restoration

What are the advantages?

• Seals open holes to prevent further tooth damage
• Conserves sound tooth structure
• Does not require anesthesia (freezing) or require “drilling”

Fluoride Applications

Fluoride Varnish
What is Fluoride Varnish?

Fluoride varnish contains 5% sodium fluoride applied by painting it on the tooth surface. The varnish adheres on the tooth as soon as it contacts saliva, allowing the high concentration of fluoride to be in contact with tooth enamel for an extended period of time. This is considered the most scientifically effective and a safe way to apply fluoride vs: trays with gel or rinses.

Why is a Fluoride Varnish needed?

Fluoride varnish works by remineralizing the enamel surface, especially during the early stages of a cavity developing.

Fluoride varnish has been found to be effective in preventing cavities on both children and adult teeth. Fluoride varnish helps to prevent root decay, often present in our senior population. This will help provide protection when daily oral hygiene is poor. This varnish is also helpful for individuals who have sensitive teeth.

What are the Disadvantages of Not Applying Fluoride Varnish?
Consider this cost-effective measure to prevent cavities vs: having decay and fillings performed. Fillings do NOT last forever and may need replacement every five to ten years. Over the course of a lifetime this can be very expensive. Fluoride varnish is a safe & effective way to strengthen our enamel and help to prevent decay.

Oral Hygiene

It is so much easier brushing our own teeth rather than someone else! When an individual has to rely on a caregiver to brush their teeth, often it is not done as thoroughly due to access and behaviour. The plaque and food accumulates on the teeth and cavities often form along the gumline. This decay continues and teeth break off. This plaque/food is bacteria in the mouth, can be ingested or aspirated into the lungs causing pneumonia. Plaque induced gingivitis develops which presents as very puffy, red and sore gums. This can make chewing difficult and painful.

Brushing with Listerine or Crest ProHealth rinse or a prescribed liquid called Chlorohexidine can help improve gum tissues.

We also show care providers how to carry out oral hygiene care competently and comfortably by thorough brushing along the gumline using the correct devices.

Mobile

I provide dental hygiene services to those who are unable to go to a dental office due to mobility issues, help give family members some relief transporting their loved one and anxiety issues by going directly into private homes and care facilities. My goal is to provide access to dental hygiene care for everyone.
Nursing Homes/Retirement homes/Group Homes/Private Homes

Residents in long term care often have complex health needs and may have difficulty brushing their teeth or dentures on their own or resist/refuse care from the nursing team. I am sensitive to each person’s needs and circumstances. I provide care to someone in their bed, wheel chair or in my portable dental chair. Poor oral health and/or dental pain can impact anyone’s ability to chew and swallow, poor nutrient intake and hydration, increasing the risk of choking, impacting mood and behaviour, and causing weight loss. I provide the skills necessary to help overcome the barriers and challenges providing care for those who resist dental care.

Review daily care for the nursing team to enhance the care for individuals with complex physical, cognitive/mental health needs and behavioural changes.