Our Oral Health Month special feature explores the habits, innovations, and people behind better oral health at every age — from a child’s very first dental visit to the evolving demand for hygienists and specialists across the province.
APRIL 2025
ORAL HEALTH MONTH 2025
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conditions, like stroke and heart attack, compared to people who have well-controlled gum disease or a healthy mouth overall. “People with poorly controlled diabetes tend to have rapidly worsening or more serious gum disease. It works in reverse as well. People who have more serious, or uncontrolled gum disease have poor control of their blood sugar.” 4. When you brush doesn’t matter Antel said it’s best to space daily brushings 10 to 12 hours apart, so the daily plaque buildup is kept in check. He reiterated the importance of waiting up to 30 minutes after eating and drinking before brushing your teeth. “After you eat… rinse your mouth, floss your teeth, and then brush them,” Hein advised. “If you rinse your mouth, you get the majority of the buildup off your teeth. Then floss your teeth, so you get the rest of that stuff out from in between your teeth. Then, give them a good brush afterwards, and it cleans everything else away.” Hein said that, in addition to carbonated drinks, if people have consumed acidic food or drinks such as herbal tea, wine, vinegar, sports drinks or some salad dressings they should give their mouths a good rinse and brush their teeth 30 minutes later. 5. How you brush doesn’t matter Spend a few seconds brushing each tooth. Once you’ve covered the mouth, that is only a couple of minutes. Another less well-known problem is that brushing too hard can damage teeth. “Gentle, soft brushing is as effective in removing that soft buildup,” Antel said. “If you get into that scrubbing, now you’re causing microscopic damage to the surface of the teeth. It can lead to sensitivity, and over time, you can see people who have notched out part of that tooth by scrubbing a lot. “Consider your brushing speed – faster brushers tend to scrub. I like the analogy you’re cleaning fine china, not bathroom grout.” “Many people like that scrubbing feeling when they brush their teeth, and they might use a medium or even a stiff toothbrush,” Hein added. “If you do scrub, and you use that side-to-side scrubbing motion on the sides of your teeth, you can cause the gums to recede. That can result in a lot of tooth sensitivity, the reason for tooth decay.” Hein and Antel said electric toothbrushes are fine but said to not apply too much pressure and let the device do its job. Use soft or extra- soft brushes, then rinse. Too much pressure also prematurely destroys toothbrushes, whether they’re electric or not.
BUSTING COMMON ORAL-HEALTH MYTHS
BY TONY ZERUCHA C anadian dental organizations are marking National Oral Health Month by countering some commonly held myths about oral health. This information travels fast online, but Dr. Joel Antel, president of the Canadian Dental Association, cautions against believing everything you read unconditionally. “Don’t mistake a Google search for research,” Antel cautioned. “Know the source of your information and what science backs it up. Talk to a dental professional.” 1. Sugar-free soda is safe Dr. Jeff Hein, president of the Manitoba Dental Association, said carbonated drinks, whether or not they contain soda, are highly acidic. That acid can wear away surface tooth enamel and produce tooth sensitivity. In more serious cases, such drinks can strip away enamel, which never returns. “One strategy people can use to help the acidic drinks from causing tooth sensitivity and enamel loss is to drink them through a straw,” Hein said. “That way, the drink goes down the throat and doesn't wash around on the teeth. It can potentially cause less damage that way.” Drinking hot and acidic beverages can temporarily soften the teeth. Hein and Antel advise to rinse with some fresh water immediately after drinking, wait for up to 30 minutes for the softening to reverse, then clean your teeth.
2. Flossing isn’t necessary Antel said brushing and flossing remove the daily soft buildup left by anything but water. If unchecked, that soft buildup produces acid that causes decay. Once it hardens over half a day or so, it can lead to gum disease. While brushing addresses the front and back of teeth, it does not reach between the teeth. “If you’re only brushing and not flossing, you’re missing almost half of the mouth,” Hein said. “So, it's important to clean between our teeth. The toothbrush alone doesn't do that well enough.” 3. Oral health isn’t connected to general health Antel said there is growing evidence of a direct correlation between oral and overall health. It makes intuitive sense. “You wouldn’t take care of your whole body except your ears or your eyes,” Antel said, adding people who care for their teeth tend to watch everything else, too. Dental problems can lead to physical problems, as well as social and mental health. “These things can be tied into having something in your body that doesn’t feel well,” Antel said. “We’ve known for a long time that oral health is intimately connected with overall health care,” Hein said. “But what we've learned lately is that people who have poorly controlled gum disease are at much higher risk for very serious medical
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A special note about teeth whiteners
Always check with your dentist or hygienist before using a teeth-whitening product. Antel said it can be hard to determine a product’s safety by just reading its label, as products sometimes don’t disclose all proprietary information. Use them correctly, either daily for a prescribed period, or not at all. Watch for sensitivity and inflammation. If you notice any, immediately schedule a checkup. “If used correctly, the over-the-counter ones will give you that whitening you’re looking for,” Antel said. Beware of quick fixes. Antel cautioned that results often take a minimum of two to six weeks and as long as nine months, in some cases. Don’t over-bleach, as it doesn’t look natural. Note that dental work such as crowns and fillings won’t change colour. Hein said the results are a factor of the concentration of the whitening agent and the amount of time it is on your teeth. Over- the-counter products containing whitening gel usually work and are generally considered safe. However, generic products are not customized to the individual user, so the gel can cause gum irritation, and, if left in too long, tooth sensitivity. “Any tooth-whitening work can result in some tooth sensitivity, but it's a temporary thing that goes away,” Hein said.
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THE EARLIER, THE BETTER
BY TONY ZERUCHA W hen it comes to children’s dental care, the earlier parents start, the better. Dentists say taking children to the dentist early helps build good habits and reduces fear. Canadian Dental Association President Dr. Joel Antel said some literature suggests starting dentist visits when children are three. That’s far too late, he said. “The recommendation going back 25 years or more is that the first visit should be before the first birthday and within six months of the eruption of that first tooth,” Antel said. “As soon as that first tooth erupts, it’s subject to the same procedures as when they are older because the teeth are subject to the same decay as they are throughout our lifetime.” Dr. Alan Grant, of Sunrise Dental Centre, said that the first visit could be with an older sibling, so the younger child can see what is involved. They can sit safely in a parent’s lap. Many dentists participate in the Manitoba Dental Association’s Free First Visit program, which provides free dental appointments to children under three. After that visit, schedule appointments for your children every six months because changes
can happen quickly. Grant said he spends a child’s first visit doing a general checkup and discussing proper care with parents. Early efforts can begin with gently wiping the child’s teeth and gums with a cloth, dental thimble, or a wet toothbrush. Use the smallest amount of toothpaste as possible so the child doesn’t swallow it. Model proper techniques by brushing teeth together as a family. That modelling should also include flossing, which Grant said is a habit best formed young. He said dental flossing is best, as water flossers are roughly 80 per cent as effective. “Flossing is one of the best habits you can start early,” he said. “It pays big dividends down the road. A lot of people don’t like to floss, so if you can encourage a little bit of flossing and make it fun, go very gentle with it, it creates a good habit.” Limit your child’s sugar intake, even with healthier foods such as apple juice. Grant suggested diluting the juice with water. If children want something to drink at near bedtime, use water to avoid sugar and acid buildup. Stress that a bedtime drink is about hydration, not flavour. After eating or drinking, especially when you’re on the go as a family, rinse your mouth with water. Bring a toothbrush with you and use a dry brush while driving home.
If your children are playing sports, ensure they have a mouthguard and that it stays in their mouth. Injuries can happen between plays, when their guard is down. Off-the- shelf models provide adequate protection, and custom ones can be even better. “A professionally made mouthguard helps avoid concussions and damage to the teeth as well,” said Manitoba Dental Association president Dr. Jeff Hein. “Anything we can do to prevent a problem is a heck of a lot better than trying to fix it.” Most young athletes don’t need sugary and acidic sports drinks to perform. Hein and Grant said water
is best. If the child insists on a sports drink, dilute it and ensure they rinse with water after drinking one. Grant suggested bringing cheese to snack on, as it helps restore a healthy pH balance in the mouth. It’s also important to properly care for mouthguards and removable liners. Grant said if left unchecked, bacteria will collect, so use a toothbrush and clean the mouthguards before putting them away. He also sees significant vaping use among teens. Parents should do everything they can to discourage it. “It can really cause problems for their teeth and gums.”
“ Flossing is one of the best habits you can start early.”
— Dr. Alan Grant
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At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to your care.
This represents a major leap forward in the denture industry. Traditionally, creating cast partial dentures takes several appointments and weeks of waiting. The process involves taking impressions, casting a custom framework, and then adding teeth for a wax try-in to test aesthetics, fit, and This represents a major leap forward in the denture industry. Traditionally, creating cast partial dentures takes several appointments and weeks of waiting. The process involves taking impressions, casting a custom framework, and then adding teeth for a wax try-in to test aesthetics, fit, and Our Milled Partials are made from lightweight, medical-grade titanium, providing incredible durability while significantly reducing production time. As with our complete digital dentures, milled partial dentures are crafted with precision using computer-assisted design. function. This entire process can take up to three weeks, as well as multiple office visits. Our Milled Partials are made from lightweight, medical-grade titanium, providing incredible durability while significantly reducing production time. As with our complete digital dentures, milled partial dentures are crafted with precision using computer-assisted design. Our milled partials are made from lightweight, medical-grade titanium, providing incredible durability while significantly reducing production time. As with our complete digital dentures, milled partial dentures are crafted with precision using computer-assisted design. This technology also allows us a groundbreaking advancement in denture technology — Two several appointments and weeks of waiting. The process involves taking impressions, casting a custom framework then adding teeth for a wax try-in to test aesthetics, fit, and function. This entire process can take up to three weeks, as well as multiple office visits.
For over five decades, we’ve been dedicated to one goal: creating confident smiles that empower you to live your life to the fullest. Our commitment goes beyond simply meeting expectations—we strive to exceed them. This drive is reflected in the exceptional team of skilled For over five decades, we’ve been dedicated to one goal: creating confident smiles that empower you to live your life to the fullest. Our For over five decades, we’ve been dedicated to one goal: creating confident smiles that empower you to live your life to the fullest. Our commitment goes beyond simply meeting expectations — we strive to exceed them. This drive is reflected in the exceptional team of skilled denturists, dental technicians, and administrative professionals we’ve brought together, all here to guide you Denturists, Dental Technicians, and Administrative Professionals we’ve brought together, all here to guide you at every stage of your journey. Our Denturists aren't just highly experienced; they're truly passionate about transforming smiles that make a difference. They stay at the forefront of at every stage of your journey. Our denturists aren’t just highly commitment goes beyond simply meeting expectations—we strive to exceed them. This drive is reflected in the exceptional team of skilled Denturists, Dental Technicians, and Administrative Professionals we’ve brought together, all here to guide you at every stage of your journey.
We understand that your smile is more than just a physical feature—it's a reflection of your confidence and well- being. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, providing At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to your care. compassionate care and personalized solutions to help you feel your best. No matter where you are in your denture journey, we’re here to help and are dedicated to giving you a smile that you’ll love We understand that your smile is more than just a physical feature—it's a reflection of your confidence and well- being. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, providing At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to your care. We By: Juline Felbel journey, we’re here to help and are dedicated to giving you a smile that you’ll love compassionate care and personalized solutions to help you feel your best. No matter where you are in your denture understand that your smile is more than just a physical feature — it’s a reflection of your confidence and well-being. Our team is here to support you every step to store a digital record of your denture, making it easier than ever to replace or create backups. If you lose your denture, no matter where you are in the world, we can send you a new one without you needing to make a single appointment!
function. This entire process can take up to three weeks, as well as multiple office visits. Appointment Milled Partial Dentures! This represents a major leap forward in the denture industry. Traditionally, creating cast partial dentures takes
innovation, embracing the latest technology and taking care to craft personalized solutions that go above and beyond. We’re particularly excited to introduce a groundbreaking advancement in denture technology—2 Appointment Milled Partial Dentures! We’re particularly excited to introduce a groundbreaking advancement in denture technology—2 Appointment Milled Partial Dentures! experienced; they’re truly passionate about transforming smiles that make a difference. They stay at the forefront of innovation, embracing the latest technology and taking care to craft personalized solutions that go above and beyond. We’re particularly excited to introduce Our Denturists aren't just highly experienced; they're truly passionate about transforming smiles that make a difference. They stay at the forefront of innovation, embracing the latest technology and taking care to craft personalized solutions that go above and beyond.
of the way, providing compassionate care and personalized solutions to help you feel your best. No matter where you are in your denture journey, we’re here to help and are dedicated to giving you a smile that you’ll love. By: Juline Felbel
By: Juline Felbel
This technology also allows us to store a digital record of your denture, making it easier than ever to replace or create backups. If you lose your denture, no matter where you are in the world, we can send you a new one without you needing to make a single appointment.! This technology also allows us to store a digital record of your denture, making it easier than ever to replace or create backups. If you lose your denture, no matter where you are in the world, we can send you a new one without you needing to make a single appointment.!
10 Queen Elizabeth Way, Winnipeg www.MinukandKoster.com 10 Queen Elizabeth Way, Winnipeg www.MinukandKoster.com
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BY JANINE LEGAL B rock Vandor remembers passing tools to his dad as a kid during summer holidays, and making molds of his own mouth. Eventually, working with his denturist father turned into a career. When the elder Vandor suffered a stroke in 2010, Brock – who had just received his license to practice – took over the business and began a journey blending the art and science of denture fabrication methods. “I got into it because I love working with my hands and I love helping people, so I can do both at the same time,” said Vandor, who operates both Vandor Denture Centres, in Selkirk and Winnipeg. “Dentures need to look great, feel great, and work great. Patients may not have the self-confidence they used to have. Maybe they’re not smiling in the pictures, maybe they can’t eat. There’s that something limiting their life. We have the solutions for them,” he said. The mere mention of orthodontics or dentures can elevate the stress levels of potential patients, but Vandor and his staff make it a priority to ensure patient comfort, beginning with the consultation. “I don’t have them sitting in the big dental chair with the big light in their face. We have a little table. We sit in regular chairs,” he explained, noting that they will review all options with patients – costs, the look and feel, and how long the process will take. “We see patients a few times, we build a relationship with them,” he said. Throughout the process, there are multiple fittings leading up to the big day. “Patients are eager. I try and hide the mirror, then I show them the mirror. It’s exciting, to make it better than they thought it would be,” he said, about the oftentimes emotional process. Vandor says that technological advancements will benefit both patients and practitioners. “There’s amazing progress happening with 3D printers that make things extremely accurate. There’s a milling machine that will actually cut the denture out of a solid piece of acrylic. There’s no shrinkage with digital manufacturing and digital designing. Things fit better. The bite is more accurate,” he explained. CREATING SMILES TO BE PROUD OF
Brock Vandor, of Vandor Denture Centre, poses with a satisfied customer. SUBMITTED PHOTO
“ I got into it because I love working with my hands and I love helping people, so I can do both at the same time.” — Brock Vandor
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Healthy habits Healthy smiles
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“We are using computers and software not only to design a new smile but also to manufacture it. You can take an impression – instead of using the goopy stuff, we can take pictures and use them to digitally design a smile.” Ultimately, though, it’s not the technology that matters most, Vandor said: “It’s the expertise of the person doing it and finding out what’s really important to the patient.” Vahid Danaei has been practicing dentistry since 2004 and denturism for 15 years and he shares Vandor’s sentiments. He loves saying that making people smile is not only his vocation, it’s his passion. “That’s why, besides being a denturist, I’m also an inventor,” said Danaei, creator of two prosthetic denture products – an anti-aging denture facelift system, and a non-invasive denture microchip implant which he hopes will allow health-care providers a secure way to view medical information quickly. Danaei is also the founder and CEO of Regent Smiles Inc., and Universal Inventive Group Inc., a family- owned and operated research company. At Regent Denture Clinic and Implant Centre, established in 1996,
the focus is on complete denture care and implant solutions. The team delivers quality, custom- made dentures, which are made in an on-site laboratory using the latest techniques to ensure patient satisfaction and comfort. “I do believe that denturism is a state of art which, combined with today’s technology and approaches, can significantly improve not only creating smiles but quality of life and therefore lifestyle,” said Danaei about the link between cosmetic dentistry and the life-changing radiant smiles he’s seen in his patients. “We are making a difference in patients’ lives every day. People are getting their smiles back. That means a lot – to have a desired social life, your confidence in front of family and friends back, besides having an ability to enjoy your food and your lifestyle.” He added: “Dentures are about both function and esthetics.” Danaei would like to see implant dentistry become affordable for all. “Our need is to make such technology more affordable for everyone – as every individual deserves a comfortable life within reach – and to keep smiles bright on everyone’s faces. That’s the goal,” he said.
April is Oral Health Month!
Great habits start at home. No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to start habits that support your oral health. • Brush your teeth twice a day • Floss daily • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet • Visit your dentist regularly Healthy smiles start with healthy habits!
Got questions? Visit your Manitoba dentist: ManitobaDentist.ca/find-a-professional
Vandor says technological advances in the field benefit both patients and practitioners. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Helping you rediscover your smile and confidence
By Dr. Audrey Pinette
A t Winnipeg Denture & they should restore confidence, comfort, and quality of life. For many people, the idea of getting dentures can feel over- whelming. That’s why we take the time to educate and support our clients every step of the way, ensuring their experi- ence is smooth, informed and positive. One of the most common questions we hear is: “Will my dentures be just like my natural teeth?” The honest answer is — no, not exactly. But that doesn’t mean they can’t look, feel and function beautifully with the right care, materials, and fit. Implant Centre, we believe dentures should do more than just replace missing teeth — Unlike natural teeth, which are anchored in the jawbone, dentures are removable. They need to be taken out daily for cleaning and to give your gums a chance to rest. While this takes some getting used to, it’s a crucial part of keeping your mouth healthy and your dentures in great shape for years to come. We custom-design each denture to fit the unique contours of your mouth, but it’s important to understand that they won’t feel exactly like your natural teeth. Full dentures rest on your gums, while partials clasp onto remaining teeth for support. At first, they may feel a bit bulk-
ier, and you might notice some tempo- rary changes to your speech or chewing. That’s completely normal — and with time and guidance from our team, most clients adjust very well. When it comes to chewing, dentures do have some limitations compared to natural teeth. Since they rely on suction or clasps rather than tooth roots for support, they don’t provide the same bite force. Sticky or hard foods might take some extra effort, but with practice and some helpful tips from our denturists, you’ll learn how to enjoy your meals with confidence. Another key difference that often sur- prises people is how tooth loss affects your jawbone. Natural teeth stimulate the bone when you chew, keeping it strong and full. Without that stimula- tion, the bone will gradually shrink — a process known as bone resorption. This can change the shape of your mouth and affect how your dentures fit over time. That’s why regular check-ups, occasional adjustments and routine relines are so important. Some clients also choose implant-supported dentures, which help preserve the jawbone and offer added stability. At Winnipeg Denture & Implant Centre, we don’t just stop at fit and function — we focus just as much on aesthetics. One
BEFORE AFTER A smile restored, and confidence rediscovered—see the life-changing difference the right dentures can make, guided by the caring hands and trusted smiles of our dedicated team.
we finalize them. You’re part of the pro- cess every step of the way. Dentures may not be natural teeth, but when done right, they can be life-chang- ing. Our team is committed to deliver- ing custom solutions using the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for full, partial, or implant-supported dentures — or just need a repair — you can trust that your comfort, confidence and smile are always our top priorities. Experience the difference a beautiful, custom smile can make — your journey begins at Winnipeg Denture & Implant Centre.
of the biggest compliments we receive is how natural our dentures look. That’s because we use premium materials from Ivoclar, one of the most trusted names in the global dental industry. Their denture teeth are crafted with advanced layer- ing techniques that mimic the look of natural enamel — down to the shine and subtle color variations that make real smiles unique. Because we have an on-site lab, we control every step of the denture-making process, from impressions to final polish. During the “try-in” stage, you’ll even get to preview your smile while the dentures are still in wax. This allows us to tweak everything — shape, fit, color — before
Complete, partial & implant-supported dentures Emergency denture care & onsite laboratory Unparalleled craftsmanship & service with integrity and care Modern, calm & comfortable office
Greg Pinette, Denturist & Associates
www.winnipegdenture.ca | 204-306-9055 | 755 Henderson Hwy.
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