Orchid Dental Care

11/01/2025

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Mouth breathing does far more than just dry the mouth — it fuels cavities, gum inflammation, and lasting oral damage.

Recent research shows that prolonged mouth breathing reduces saliva flow, disturbing the natural balance that protects teeth from bacterial acids.

With less saliva, harmful bacteria multiply rapidly, raising the risk of cavities, enamel erosion, and persistent bad breath.

Studies also link this constant dryness to gum inflammation and early signs of periodontal disease.

In growing children, mouth breathing can even affect facial growth and jaw alignment, leading to long-term developmental changes.

Addressing nasal obstruction and restoring healthy nasal breathing early can help protect teeth, gums, and overall oral health.

📚 Sources:
1. Soares ME da C. et al., Braz Oral Res., 2024 — Mouth breathing linked to higher anterior caries in children.
2. Ushanthika T., Sowmya K., J Res Med Dent Sci., 2022 — Mouth breathers showed significantly higher caries prevalence than nasal breathers.

🔹 Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional dental advice.

10/28/2025

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When a pacifier habit continues beyond the age of two, it can begin to reshape how the jaws and teeth grow. The constant sucking pressure changes the balance between tongue, lips, and muscles — gradually pushing teeth and bones out of their natural alignment.

Over time, this can cause what dentists call an open bite — when the front teeth don’t meet even when the mouth is closed. It can also narrow the upper jaw, make teeth protrude, and affect the way a child swallows or speaks.

These changes don’t happen overnight. They develop silently, while the pacifier seems harmless on the surface. But once the jaw and bite adapt to this prolonged pressure, correcting it often requires orthodontic treatment later in life.

Pediatric dentists recommend weaning off the pacifier by 18–24 months to allow natural oral muscle balance and healthy jaw growth. Early awareness can prevent long-term dental complications and support normal speech and facial development.

📄Source: PMC2791560

🔹 Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional dental advice.

10/26/2025

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The More You Delay…⏳
The More You Pay.💰

10/01/2025

https://www.dentalhygienecanada.ca/DHCanada/DHCanada/Oral_Health_for_Life/Seniors/seniorsOralHealth.aspx?fbclid=IwdGRjcANKCApleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHui4yLOdVf6uCCMP6JaHJqLc-Cebf4AVqbBXinnMQjoqW9rpj5ETyFiXm-zp_aem_MjBlhZ1instcAGgAVdC5mw

A number of medications can cause dry mouth, a condition that can contribute to cavities and other oral problems. Seniors also develop more cavities on the roots of their teeth than younger adults. Perhaps most worrisome, bacteria from the mouth can travel and develop into serious infections affecti...

09/28/2025

Orchid Dental Care is an Independent Dental Hygiene clinic situated in the Westport village.

Come experience a dental hygiene visit where you don’t feel your appointment is rushed.

The goal of an independent dental hygiene clinic is to bridge the gap of a much needed essential service for communities that don’t have dental care nearby.
You will notice the difference with the care you get with your independent dental hygienist as we can customize your appointments so we have the time to listen to your concerns and give a quality dental cleaning with recommendations with the best dental products that suit your particular needs.

Looking for a more holistic approach to your dental care?

Options of fluoride free dental products for your dental cleaning are available as well as options that you can use at home to keep your mouth healthy with the least amount of additives and chemicals in your body.

Feel free to contact my clinic by phone, text message or email:

613-200-9920
orchiddentalhygiene@outlook.com
Orchiddentalcare.ca

Open on Fridays from 9:00am-4:00pm

New patients welcome

Taking patients on the CDCP, ODSP,HSO plans.

Your dental hygienist

Joanne

For children under 3 years old, a first visit orientation helps them get used to their dental environment and prepares them for their first dental cleaning.

09/26/2025

A great read on how saliva and toothbrushing can work as a team!!

A fascinating new study suggests that toothbrushing does more than just freshen breath and protect against cavities. Researchers found that saliva collected shortly after brushing had a significantly stronger ability to neutralize the influenza virus in lab tests. In simple terms: keeping the mouth clean may actually strengthen saliva’s natural defense system, at least for a short time.

Saliva isn’t just water. It’s loaded with protective proteins, enzymes, and antibodies that form the first line of defense against germs entering through the mouth and nose. The study showed that after a thorough 5-minute brushing session, these natural antiviral properties were boosted — likely because brushing reduces harmful bacteria that can interfere with saliva’s protective functions.

The effect, however, was temporary. Antiviral activity was highest just 5 minutes after brushing and gradually reduced after an hour. That means oral hygiene alone cannot prevent flu infection — vaccines, hand hygiene, and masks remain essential. But this research highlights an important point: maintaining good oral health doesn’t just protect teeth and gums, it may also support the body’s wider immune defenses.

📄Research paper:
Kubo, Y., Iwamoto, T., Tobe, S. et al. Enhanced anti-influenza virus activity of saliva following toothbrushing. BDJ Open 11, 68 ( Published 19 july, 2025).

06/01/2025

Orchid Dental Care is providing dental sealants!!

This is a non invasive treatment to cover the deep grooves of your back teeth to prevent the risk of cavities.

It consists of a flowable white resin filling material that bonds to your tooth without the need to drill and remove enamel.

This can be done starting at 6 years old and older.

Most private dental insurances, CDCP, Healthy Smiles and Ontario Disability Support Program cover it. The cost ranges from $34 for the 1st molar in each corner of your mouth, and $17 for each additional tooth.

If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment, please contact by text messaging or emailing to:

613-200-9920
orchiddentalhygiene@outlook.com

My name is Joanne Shiaman and I have been providing Dental Hygiene Services for 25 years in private practice both in general dentistry and periodontics. Since moving to the Westport area, I felt ready to move ahead with my dream of opening up my independent Dental Hygiene Clinic to help serve my c....

10/27/2024

Orchid Dental Care’s goal is to provide a dental hygiene service for anyone looking for a professional dental cleaning closer to their home without needing to travel far.

With the shortage of dental hygienists, many are on a 6-7 month wait time for an appointment. I am seeing many people who were overdue for their dental visits and the discomfort they have been having with their teeth and gums.

Independent dental hygienists like myself are starting dental hygiene clinics in small towns to help bridge this gap.

To help prevent dental cavities and gum disease, a detailed intake of your health, medications, diet and dental home care help to customize a dental cleaning frequency that will help keep your teeth and gums stable and healthy.

Dry mouth is a huge factor that contributes to higher cavity rates, gum irritation and high levels of tartar accumulation for many. Prescription medications, over the counter medications, mouth breathing from sinus issues and sleep apnea masks are just a few of the examples that cause these symptoms.
Let your dental hygienist know if this is an issue for you and we will provide guidance to help you manage it.

10/18/2024

Who doesn’t love Halloween!! I’m still a kid at heart when it comes to the amazing decorations and festivities! Here’s a quick little guide to make candy time not too dreadful for your teeth.

09/08/2024

In case you don’t read the Mirror, I thought it would be nice to share an article that was posted about my clinic and a small glimpse of my garden hobby!!