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Victoria Day, 24- weekend is the second most notable event next to Mother’s Day celebrated  in May. So in the interest of the Queen’s birthday, we thought it would be interesting to compare Victorian dentistry to today.

Victoria reigned from 1837 – 1901. Not too many people like to visit the dentist, but back then it was more like no one wanted to see the dentist… and the reasons were well founded. Generally the only treatment you could get were extractions and then usually by blacksmiths, barbers, or questionably trained “dentists”.

The battle of Waterloo was fought 4 years before Victoria was born 

and lends its name to Waterloo teeth, that is, dentures made from the teeth of the fallen soldiers during the battle. Other dentures might have had some form of ivory teeth and interesting solutions to keep them in the mouth.  Did I mention that extractions were without any form of anesthesia?

Speaking of anesthesia did you know that we tooth drawers were involved in its development? In 1884 cocaine in solution was used as a local anesthetic. The infamous Canadian born Painless Parker used a mix of whiskey and cocaine for his so called painless extractions.

In 1844 Horace Wells used nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for extractions and in 1846 William Morton superseded it with ether anesthesia. Since then dentistry has evolved various chemical anesthetics, electronic anesthesia, computer controlled injections and if lasers are being used, the need for anesthetic may not be necessary at all!

It should be apparent that these extractions led to a great deal of suffering, injury and illness. This changed only when dentistry was brought under legislative control. In Ontario this occurred in 1868, while in Britain it was in 1878.

Dental education was being formalized and one of the first schools was the Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore, Maryland founded in 1840. Dentistry has made an effort to evolve to the state that it is today.

Dentists in Victoria’s time didn’t have a specific office; work was done at their homes if they were not itinerant. Dentists were very expensive and only the wealthy could afford to pay. Today dental insurance minimizes that pain.

Instruments were re-used instead of replaced after every visit and infection control was primitive in comparison. Drills were powered manually with foot pedals that the dentist had to pump hard to generate power. Today the high speed drill has even been replaced by the all tissue laser in some venues.

Preventative dentistry as we know it today didn’t exist in Victorian times – William Addis in 1780 Britain is responsible for their first mass produced tooth brush. Now the electric and ultrasonic brush with associated ‘apps’ is available to one and all. Coupled with the variety of tooth pastes available today, the average Victorian would be gob smacked.

So… how are your teeth? Are you brushing and flossing properly? Are you up to date on your check-ups at your dental home?                            Remember Oral Wellness, Whole health

March is known for many things – the Ides, the spring Equinox, but the most remarkable is St. Patrick’s Day. And St. Patrick’s Day is known for its green beer!

A little tipple may be good for you, but what about a lot? The usual risks of cognitive impairment, addiction, and cirrhosis are fairly well known, as are the societal costs of alcoholism. However, as in most things, the negative impact on the mouth is lesser known.

Chronic alcohol users have more cavities, missing and filled teeth. They also have more root canal treated teeth. Alcohol being acidic also increases the erosion of the teeth. Erosion wears away the enamel that can lead to several problems – some of them quite costly.

Periodontitis, that is, gum disease is also more prevalent. This means foul breathe, loose teeth, tooth supporting bone loss with eventual loss of teeth. Gum disease has been linked to general illnesses ranging from heart disease to cognitive decline.

Chronic alcohol users have more frequent oral lesions than their counterpart occasional tipplers.  The lesions tend to be precursors to cancers and other significant diseases. One of the less than pleasant symptoms usually experienced first thing in the morning is known as abstinence or withdrawal syndrome also known as the toothbrush heaves.

So the ideal thing is to reduce your risk. Yes, much easier to say than to do. However it’s all about moderation, the golden mean, or what your mother always told you.

Limit your amount of alcohol consumption.

Brush and Floss daily: Brush at least twice a day especially before bed because that is when we have a reduction in saliva production. Saliva is protective and restorative in nature, but if we have been eating and drinking all day (feeding the biofilm bacteria in our mouths) the decreased saliva flow permits the bacteria to do their worst over night.

Use a good fluoride toothpaste or one that is specifically formulated for erosion.

Keep your dental appointments: Regular dental appointments can help you avoid gum disease, bone loss and decay. Serious diseases can be spotted early preventing suffering and hardship.

If you suspect that you may have a problem or an addiction to alcohol. We encourage you to seek counseling.

Oral Wellness, Whole health is a conscious choice like a healthy relationship with alcohol.

How many of Your New Year’s resolutions  have already lapsed, or been missed, forgotten or just plain ignored thinking you’ll start tomorrow…?

Stressed or depressed by this yet? So, maybe this year to stay healthy go without resolutions and stick to the things your mama likely told you.

Eat healthy. Eating a healthy diet doesn’t have to be complicated. A book like “What to Eat When: A Strategic Plan to Improve Your Health and Life through Food” by Roizen et.al. may be a good start.  Replace processed food with real food whenever is possible. Eating food that is as close as possible to the way nature made it can make a huge difference to the way you think, look and feel.

Exercise. Exercise helps control your weight, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers; it strengthens your bones and improves your mental health and mood. Even short walks with friends can improve your mood and health.

Rest. In our wired 24/7 world we are all sleep deprived and risking our well being. Learning to rest –meditation; self-hypnosis, disconnecting regularly, etc. is crucial to maintaining our sanity and physical health.

Me time in the out of doors. In Japan they call it forest therapy. Returning to nature to recharge and rejuvenate is the same as disconnecting from our wired world by taking the time to return to our roots…literally. We developed in the natural world and should reconnect whenever possible.

Preventive maintenance visits to your doctor and dentist is a very important thing to do if you want to stay healthy and have beautiful smile.

Stay Happy and Healthy !

By Benoit Rochon – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64014827

September is a perfect time to celebrate Healthy Aging Month since it is the time after summer when many people think about starting new tasks. Drawing on the “back to school” urge embedded in everyone from childhood, the month’s observance activities are designed to encourage people to rejuvenate and get going on positive measures that can impact physical, social, financial and mental wellness.

Are you a vibrant, active 45-plus who is taking charge of your life, following your passion, and who is happily looking forward to what’s next in life?

To get you started improving yourself, here are some ideas; maybe you will find some that will help you to think outside the box:

Do not act your age or at least what you think how your age should act. Picture yourself at the best year of your life and be it!

Stay positive in your conversations and actions every day.

Drop negativity! If you have negative friends who always complain, stay away from them. Surround yourself with happy, positive people.

Get annual check-ups done. Use this month to set up your annual physical check-up.

How is your smile? Research shows people who smile more often are happier. Your teeth are just as important to your health as the rest of your body. It is the first thing that people notice, and good oral health is a gateway to your overall well being. Oral Wellness, Whole Health! Go to your dentist on a regular basis and consider smile rejuvenation. Whitening your teeth is a good place to start.

Lonely? Stop complaining and do something about it. Pick up the phone and make a call to: volunteer your time, take a class or invite someone for lunch, dinner or coffee.

Walk 10 000 steps a day. Start walking not only for your health, but to see neighbors. Have a dog? It’s amazing how the dog can be a conversation starter. Make a goal to walk 10 000 steps a day, even 15 000 if you want to lose some weight. You can do it!

Remember Age is a state of Mind, not a number.