WELCOME TO MY FIRST BLOG

I’m very excited to start this project and I hope that you feel the time you’ve spent here has been worthwhile.  I want to share with you some really interesting facts, stories, things that will make you laugh, maybe inspire you, perhaps get you thinking about your mouth. 

"What about your mouth?"  It seems clean and it’s not giving you any trouble.  But in fact, like 95% of the population you’ll have ‘gingivitis’ at some point in your life, more than likely, right now.  And it’s contributing to your risk of Heart Disease, which is the leading cause of death in both men and women today. 

Your mouth is the most overlooked area of the body in any general health assessment. 

Can you recall your last physical?  Did any doctor, traditional or naturopathic ever look at your gums or ask about your oral hygiene care as part of your health assessment?  You may have heard of the direct link between oral health and general health but your medical practitioner hasn’t yet made it part of their routine despite overwhelming research and evidence.  So you have to take it upon yourself to get your mouth healthy.  The great thing is it’s painless, fast and easy to learn.  I know you think you know how but you do need a professional assessment at some point, to make sure you making the most of your efforts.  So take the time to schedule an assessment with a dental professional, preferably an independent dental hygienist.  Here’s why. 

I believe most independent DH’s are driven to do a better job than the status quo.  Not every hygienist can open an office and practice independent of a dentist.  There are certain requirements, thank goodness.  Graduates of an 18 month to 2 year course are deemed competent to practice when they get their certificate from the Regulatory College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario but any seasoned hygienist will tell you it takes about 5 years to really develop your talent, become numb or leave the profession.  All the IDH’s I know are serious about what they do, they are dedicated professionals with a passion for spreading their knowledge and care.  In Ontario there are over 300 IDH offices joining hundreds more across Canada.  I’m the Ottawa regional director of the Dental Hygiene Practitioners of Ontario (DHPO) so I know a dozen or so personally. 

I’d like to tell you about myself, why I became an IDH.  It’s not unfamiliar to others my age.  Mid-life, needing some meaning and some balance, wanting to make a difference, willing and able to make that change.  A lifestyle change that included taking better care of my health, (as those morning aches were becoming more common).  This included eating healthier, taking supplements if I needed (I hate swallowing pills, they’re always huge!) and switch to using organic products like shampoo, cleaners etc.  where possible. 

As a professional I’m able to study and research with a critical eye, especially important when searching the Internet for information.  I’ve learned so much about natural remedies and what ingredients are in things, both natural and commercial and the effects on the body, specifically in/through the mouth. 

So I’ve made it my missions to become somewhat specialized in healing the mouth naturally as well as using natural products and remedies and sharing this information with others who wish to do the same. 

The links between poor oral health and nearly ALL other health issues have been clearly researched and documented.  The mouth is not the last great mystery to the secret of health but the way it’s ignored you would think that way.  Well, IDH’s are spreading the news. 

Not satisfied with the limitations imposed by the dental office boss, they spend more time with each client.  In a dentist’s office, generally everyone gets the same time allotted for their hygiene appointment, whether you have a little cleaning to do or a lot! Everyone gets the same brand of toothbrush, same size, told to brush often, use floss daily and (too) often told to use mouthwash. 

As every one is different so is the care they should receive.  Ask yourself, ‘are you the same as the last person that just walked out of the treatment room?’  Are you happy with the treatment at your dental office?  Taking control of your health and health care choices is becoming imperative in today’s world.  You have options.  For dental hygiene care you can search the College of Dental Hygienist’s of Ontario website to search for an IDH in your area.   http://www.cdho.org

So writing is something I think comes naturally to me, I enjoy it and it’s a creative venue when I can change gears from dental hygiene.  My parents were news writers, my father for The Vancouver Sun, (sports column) in the 60’s and my Mom wrote stories, all the time, became an editor and they started a weekly newspaper in Kitimat, BC.  I think my Dad would be especially proud of this accomplishment.  My Mom was the business owner so I know she share this success with me. 

As a ‘newbie’ small business owner I’ve had (more?) than my fair share of things going not exactly as I had planned etc.  So this newsletter too will evolve.  Please tell me what you like, like to see more of or even, not so much. 

I’m honoured you’ve taken the time to read my words. 

In good health, sincerely,

Michelle