Millions of Canadians think of the dentist like they think of the fire department. They don't call the fire until the house is on fire. And they don't call us until they feel a problem. 

 And that's a problem. Because almost invariably, by the time there's noticeable pain or discomfort, the trouble is already fairly serious. And will require more extensive-and expensive-treatment to remedy. 

 It makes much more sense to think of the dentist as your partner in prevention. With regular checkups and professional cleaning, the dentist can help you stop dental disease before it gets a start, and help you keep small problems from becoming serious ones. 

  How often should you see your dentist? The old rule of thumb used to be every six months, but really it depends on your own individual requirements: your susceptibility to dental disease, the extent of existing problems, the rate at which you build up plaque, the effectiveness of your own personal care program, and so on. Your dentist can advise you on the schedule that's best for you. 

 Remember, to make prevention work, the relationship has to be a partnership . Talk to your dentist. If you have a question, ask. If you can't master the right way to floss, ask. If you are uncertain about your diet, ask. If you're anxious or apprehensive, mention it. If you have special problems or concerns, talk about them. 

 As health professionals, we're committed to prevention. And with all the advances in recent years, the prevention of dental disease is now so very possible. But we can't do it alone. You have to take an active interest in your dental care.* 

For the past few months, they are: 

• Gillian Brooks 
• Andrew Wigmore 
• David Lewis 
• Krysia Collyer 
• Ashley Kotarba 
• Cheryl O'Connor 
• Karl Wilson 
• Amanda Pineo 
• Alexander Wilson 
• Hayley Brooks 
• Michelle Charest 
• Emilie McKay 
• Cassandra Martin 
• Wesley Robertson 
• Ali Basmaci 
• Madison Hardy 
• Joel Smith 
• Henrik Woods 
• Nicholas Smith 
• Emily Nadolny 
• Tyler Mandzuk 
• Claire Dutrisac 
• Cameron Rogers 
• James Sullivan 
• Maria-Joelle Robert 

DR Ross will be out of thwe office between July 19thand 22nd. He will resume regular office hours on July 26th. He will also be away for the first two weeks of August 

 DR Noël will be available for regular appointments and all emergencies during these periods.  

In the News:  

We have a new staff member and she would like to introduce herself to you... 

 "Hi, my name is Bridgit Lehmann. I am 24 years old and a graduate of Algonquin College . Apart from my work, I enjoyu fishing, camping, rollerblading, kareoke and taking my two shitz-shus for a walak at my cottage."  

Bridgit 

  
Well we do... and you can even win a prize for trying it out. 

Congratulations! 

Parents with children who suck their thumbs... 

 You might be saving money in the long run by preventing your child from ever developing bad oral habits. 

 There is nothing to worry about as long as the habit can be stopped by the time the child is three years old. Thumb sucking is detrimental to the way a child bites and chews their food. It can also affect their bone structure, like the palate, nose and cheekbones. 

 If by the age of 5 or 6, the thumb sucking habit persists, a mechanical approach like a fixed retainer may be needed. Believe me it is cheaper than braces! 

Lisette  
 

 Get your entries in! 

 
The prize to be awarded will be a free “checkup and cleaning” appointment (maximum $85 value). 

There are several ways to enter: 
you can email, write, or fax in your entries, or you can drop them off in person. 
 
The entries will be judged by a panel of experts and will become the property of this office. The judges’ decision is final and not subject to appeal. All entries must be received by 4:30pm on the 31st of December 1999 to be considered.