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21/05/2026

Gum disease and eye health linked?

Researchers in Texas have reported a possible connection between periodontal disease (gum disease) and a wide range of eye conditions, raising new questions about how oral inflammation may affect overall eye health.

In this large retrospective study, researchers analyzed anonymized medical records to investigate whether people with periodontal disease were more likely to develop eye diseases over time. The study included patients who had visited both a dentist and an eye specialist. One group included patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, while the control group included patients without gum disease. After matching both groups for factors such as age, medical conditions, smoking history, medications, and eye injuries, each group included 12,507 patients.

The researchers then evaluated the 10-year risk of multiple ophthalmic conditions. Patients with periodontal disease showed significantly higher rates of several eye problems, including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, inflammation inside the eye (iridocyclitis), retinal and chorioretinal inflammation, retinal hemorrhage, retinal artery occlusion, dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, cataracts, optic atrophy, and both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. Increased rates of certain retinal degenerative conditions were also observed.

Because periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition influenced by oral bacteria and the immune system, the researchers believe inflammation may play an important role in these associations. However, the study does not prove that gum disease directly causes eye disease. The authors noted that further research is needed to better understand the relationship and whether additional eye screening may benefit patients with periodontal disease.

📄 Source: Nanduri RS, Govindaraju P, Golovko G, Banaee T. The Effect of Periodontal Disease on Ophthalmic Conditions: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study. Presented at: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting; 2026. Abstract 3068-0406.

15/05/2026

Lie #5 👀Powerful antiseptic rinses should be used to improve your oral health

Stronger isn’t always better when it comes to mouth rinses. Overusing harsh antiseptic products can disrupt the natural balance of your oral microbiome and may lead to unwanted side effects like staining or irritation. Not everyone needs an antibacterial rinse, and in some cases, gentler or more targeted options are more appropriate. The right rinse depends on your individual oral health needs, not just what’s strongest on the shelf.

Also! Dental hygienists don’t intentionally lie to their patients, this post is for educational purposes and offer an alternative option to consider

09/05/2026

Lie #4 👀Reducing oral bacteria is the only way to make your gums healthy

It’s not just about killing bacteria, it’s about balance. Your mouth naturally contains both good and bad bacteria, and completely wiping them out isn’t the goal. Inflammation, immune response, and biofilm disruption all play key roles in gum health. Supporting a healthy oral environment is far more effective than simply trying to eliminate bacteria altogether.

Also! Dental hygienists don’t intentionally lie to their patients, this post is for educational purposes and offer an alternative option to consider.

09/05/2026

https://www.healthcarehygienists.org/blog/The-Hidden-Link-Between-Oral-Health-and-Chronic-Disease

02/05/2026

Lie #3👀If you have dry mouth, just drink more water

Staying hydrated helps, but dry mouth is often more complex than simply not drinking enough. Medications, health conditions, and mouth breathing can all reduce saliva flow, and saliva is critical for protecting your teeth. Sipping water may provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t replace the protective benefits of saliva. And it may be washing away what little saliva you have, if your are lacking. Targeted products and strategies are often needed to truly manage dry mouth.

Also! Dental hygienists don’t intentionally lie to their patients, this post is for educational purposes and offer an alternative option to consider.

01/05/2026

Lie #2👀Eliminating sugar is the only way to avoid cavities.

Sugar plays a role in cavities, but it’s not the whole story. Frequency of eating, oral hygiene habits, saliva flow, and even the types of bacteria in your mouth all contribute to decay risk. You don’t have to completely eliminate sugar to have a healthy mouth, you just need to be mindful of how often and how long your teeth are exposed. Balance, timing, and proper care go a long way.

Is this good news for you?

Also! Dental hygienists don’t intentionally lie to their patients, this post is for educational purposes and offer an alternative option to consider.

29/04/2026

My cuticles bleed when I wash my hands, should I be concerned?

If your hands bled every time you washed them… you’d be concerned, right?
But when gums bleed while brushing or flossing, most people say, “that’s normal.”
It’s not.
Healthy gums don’t bleed—just like healthy skin doesn’t bleed when you wash your hands. Bleeding is a sign of inflammation, often from plaque buildup along the gumline.
The good news? It’s reversible.
So instead of ignoring it, think of it as your body asking for a little extra care.
Because bleeding shouldn’t be “normal for me.” 🦷✨

28/04/2026

The deadline for CDHA's Attack the Plaque kids’ colouring contest www.cdha.ca/colouringcontest has been extended to May 8! This popular annual activity features a fun jungle theme and healthy tooth tips for children ages 13 and under. Plus great prizes! If you have any entries, submit them through our easy-to-use contest portal. https://www.cdha.ca/CDHA/News-Events_folder/NDHW/2026_Colouring_Contest_Online_Entry.aspx

26/04/2026

Lie #1👀

When it comes to oral health, there’s no shortage of advice, but not all of it is as black and white as it seems. Many commonly shared “rules” are actually oversimplified, outdated, or missing important context. The truth is, your mouth is unique, and your care should be too.

Let’s break it down this week:

1. Floss is the only way to clean between your teeth

Floss is a great tool, but it’s not the only way to clean between your teeth, and for some people, it’s not even the most effective. Interdental brushes, water flossers, and soft picks can often remove plaque more efficiently, especially if you have spacing, braces, or dental work. The best tool is the one you’ll actually use consistently and correctly. Personalized recommendations from your dental hygienist matter more than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Stay tuned this week for more!

Also! Dental hygienists don’t intentionally lie to their patients, this post is for educational purposes and offer an alternative option to consider.

11/04/2026

Disclosing.

This procedure in a dental hygiene visit will indicate exactly where you have plaque biofilm collecting on your teeth.

The bright pink is “young” bacteria. Blue/purple is older bacteria which indicates more disease-causing bacteria=worse.

Do you see both here?!

Have you had this procedure performed for your educational dental hygiene experience?