Hygiene by Careen, Independent Dental Hygienist

08/06/2026

A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that children whose mothers had high levels of untreated tooth decay were more than three times as likely to experience dental cavities compared with children whose mothers had no untreated decay. A similar association was also observed when mothers had significant tooth loss.

This relationship is likely influenced by multiple factors. Cavity-causing bacteria can be transmitted from mother to child during early childhood, while shared dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, access to dental care, and socioeconomic factors also contribute to a child's risk of tooth decay. The study identified maternal oral health as a strong predictor of a child's oral health, not the sole cause.

The findings highlight an important message: protecting a child's smile starts with protecting the mother's. Treating cavities early, maintaining good oral hygiene, limiting frequent sugar exposure, and establishing healthy dental habits at home may help reduce a child's future risk of tooth decay.

Reference: Dye BA, Vargas CM, Lee JJ, Magder L, Tinanoff N. Assessing the relationship between children's oral health status and that of their mothers. J Am Dent Assoc. 2011;142(2):173–183. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2011.0061

08/06/2026

A simple liquid treatment applied in seconds may help many young children avoid dental drilling.

A major U.S. randomized clinical trial found that 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) arrested tooth decay in more than half of treated baby teeth when applied every six months, providing strong clinical evidence for this minimally invasive approach to managing early childhood cavities.

Unlike conventional cavity treatment, SDF is brushed directly onto the decayed tooth and requires no drilling, injections, or sedation. The treatment combines the antibacterial properties of silver with the remineralizing effects of fluoride, helping arrest active decay by reducing cavity-causing bacteria and strengthening softened tooth structure.

Researchers found that more than half of the treated baby teeth had their cavities successfully arrested, reinforcing SDF as an effective evidence-based option for managing early childhood tooth decay. By helping preserve baby teeth until they naturally fall out, SDF may reduce the risk of pain, infection, and the need for more invasive dental procedures in many young children.

As minimally invasive dentistry continues to advance, studies like this are expanding treatment options that make dental care more comfortable, accessible, and effective for children.

📚 Reference
Fontana M, Moursi A, Gonzalez-Cabezas C, et al. Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride on Young Children With Severe Early Childhood Caries: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Pediatrics. 2026.

07/15/2026

This is why prolonged pacifier use is not recommended.

Pacifiers can help soothe infants during their first year of life. However, when the habit continues beyond the recommended age, it can begin to influence the normal development of the jaws and teeth.

Persistent pacifier use applies gentle but continuous pressure to the developing mouth. Over time, this may contribute to an anterior open bite, increased overjet, narrowed upper dental arch, posterior crossbite, and changes in jaw growth. The risk increases with the duration, frequency, and intensity of the sucking habit.

The good news is that many early bite changes can improve naturally if the habit stops while the jaws are still developing. However, prolonged use into the preschool years makes spontaneous correction less likely and may increase the need for orthodontic treatment later.

Most pediatric dental organizations recommend gradually discontinuing pacifier use between 2 and 4 years of age, with earlier weaning generally reducing the risk of long-term dental effects.

A pacifier can be helpful during infancy—but knowing when to stop is important for healthy jaw and dental development.

📄Sources: • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• American Dental Association (ADA)

07/15/2026

👉 Porphyromonas gingivalis—a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium and key driver of chronic periodontitis—has emerged as a critical pathogen not only in dental disease, but in serious systemic conditions affecting the heart, brain, endocrine system, and even pregnancy outcomes.

Recent years have seen a surge in research revealing how P. gingivalis escapes the confines of the oral cavity, leveraging its virulence factors to provoke local and systemic inflammation, evade immunity, and infiltrate distant organs.

06/09/2026

A simple daily habit may help reduce the risk of one of the most serious infections acquired in hospital.

In a large Australian study involving nearly 9,000 hospitalized patients, improving oral care and encouraging regular tooth-brushing was associated with a 60% reduction in non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia.

When people become ill, bacteria can build up on the teeth, gums, and tongue. These bacteria may be inhaled into the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia. Regular tooth-brushing helps reduce this bacterial burden and may play an important role in protecting vulnerable patients.

This study is a powerful reminder that oral health is closely connected to overall health.

📄Source: White NM, Russo PL, et al. Effectiveness of oral care for the prevention of non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAPPEN): a multicentre, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised trial in Australia. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2026.

05/11/2026

04/29/2026

The countdown is really on!! ✨⏰

Everyone welcome - Specifically for Seniors, Adult Children, Caregivers, Professionals + Families supporting an Aging Parent at Home.

RSVP or just show up: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/halifax-seniors-expo-2026-aging-well-at-home-tickets-1985378544672

See you on Saturday! ✨
12-5pm | 120 Brunello Blvd

Free Admission - We will be accepting donations for at the door!

04/26/2026

04/14/2026

Next Vendor Spotlight is 🦷🫧

Hygiene by Careen is a Mobile Dental Hygienist that visits Seniors right in the comfort of their home, hospital or facility. She’s one of the very few independent dental hygienists in HRM.

Be sure to stop by her booth & check out her services. 🦷

Halifax’s Seniors Expo
🗓️May 2, 2026 | 12-5pm
📍120 Brunello Blvd.
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION