You will see several changes to our office to ensure your safety. First, you will be contacted prior to your appointment via phone, text or email and asked a set of health-related questions. It is required that we complete this Wellness Questionnaire no less than 72 hours prior to your appointment. We will have to cancel your appointment if we are unable to complete this step as we may require time to follow-up with anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms or has a risk factor for COVID-19. If you are concerned about your health, use this BC COVID-19 Assessment Tool.

Below is a list of some of the enhanced precautions we have taken to protect you in addition to extensive team training on infection control and patient management procedures.

1. Personalized arrival procedures to reduce wait times in the lobby – please text or call us when you arrive and wait outside until we are ready to complete your Arrival Screening.

2. Maintain distancing in the reception area for essential caregivers if they cannot wait in a vehicle or outside the clinic.

3. Removed magazines and items that can harbor or transfer germs of any kind.

4. Hand sanitizers are positioned throughout the clinic for your use.

5. Installed sneeze guards at all reception areas.

6. Require our patients to be performing hand sanitizing before and after all appointments.

7. Introduce an oral pre-rinse for all patients to reduce exposure to germs.

8. Daily monitoring of team members for signs and symptoms of illness.

9. Recording the temperature of every patient and team member upon entering the office.

10. Payment arrangements in advance to avoid delay and allow contactless exit from the appointment.

11. Enhanced operatory disinfection procedures with HOCl fogging.

12. Enhanced disinfection of “commonly touch items” such as computers, doorknobs, etc.

13. Our HVAC system was recently serviced and meets above expectations for air filtration.

14. New personal protection equipment like face shields and gowns to provide barriers against the smallest of germs.

15. Introduced protocols and new equipment to reduce or eliminate airborne aerosols during all dental procedures, including the Nu-Bird HV System for our dental hygienists.

16. Disinfection of all outside mail and packages that enter the building.

17. Providing tele-dentistry services for follow up lab reports or communication that can be done online or through video education.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we are taking to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice!

To find more information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus, visit the BC Center for Disease Control.

And further details regarding the guidelines for all Oral Health Care Providers in BC can be viewed at the College of Dental Surgeons of BC (CDSBC).

Why are dental offices closing?

Dental treatment, including many routine procedures such as dental cleanings, produce “aerosols” or liquid particles that can carry viruses and other microbes. This is why our team members always wear appropriate dental masks while performing procedures, and use other methods such as the rubber dam, to protect ourselves and patients from potential infections.

However, dental professionals are at higher risk than others of contracting the COVID-19 virus, despite proper protocols and use of personal protective equipment. So, as a precaution, we have been asked to stop all elective dental work until further notice.

Will my upcoming dental appointment be cancelled?

We have already been using this downtime to contact all our scheduled clients over the next few weeks and have been trying very hard to re-appoint their dental treatment in a timely manner. We are making efforts to expand our hours in the coming months to help expedite this process.

At this time, we are only re-scheduling appointments until the end of March and we hope to be back at work as soon as possible. However, this will require public health officials to assess the risks of doing so. If they see positive indications of slow COVID-19 spread and possible containment, the recommendations for social distancing will ease. As time goes on and more is understood about the virus, we will have better recommendations on how individuals can protect themselves from the virus. There are also ongoing concerns about access to personal protective equipment, such as masks, that may limit our ability to work safely.

I suggest you keep up to date on our progress by following us on Facebook or Instagram (@drcindynagel).

I visited your office recently – should I self-isolate?

All of our team members are healthy and well. None have exhibited any symptoms of the COVID-19 infection since our visit to the Pacific Dental Conference in early March.

Please know that advice from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer indicates that only those people who are one degree of separation from a potential source need to self-isolate. So, while our team members are following the new directive issued March 16th and are self-isolating until March 22nd as a precaution, we have been reassured that no one that we have been in contact with since attending the Pacific Dental Conference needs to self-isolate.

If you are concerned about symptoms or possible exposure to COVID-19 – please follow this link for the BC Symptom Self-Assessment Tool.

I have a dental emergency – now what?

Dentists are still able to address dental emergencies and offer limited treatment options during this time. A dental emergency is defined as involving severe pain, infection, or trauma. Sometimes we are able to offer help, such as prescriptions, over the phone, or we may require an emergency dental visit to assess and treat the issue. If you have a non-urgent dental concern, I recommend checking out my blog post about How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies.

If you have a concern, please call the office directly at 778-765-3928 and leave a message or follow the prompts to speak with the dentist-on-call. We will be checking the phone whenever possible over the next few weeks and will strive to get back to everyone in a timely manner.

Once you reach the dentist-on-call, you will be triaged according to the BC Dental Association Guidelines. We are not be able to offer treatment to anyone experiencing cold and flu symptoms, or has tested positive for COVID-19 and you may be directed to another office or the hospital for further evaluation.

You also have the option of seeking treatment at the emergency room, however it is recommended to avoid the hospital if possible during this outbreak.

Nasal Decongestants

Decongestants help battle a runny nose by drying out the tissues, but overuse during cold and flu season can also cause dry mouth. This reduced saliva flow promotes bacteria growth in the mouth, ultimately increasing your risk of gingivitis and tooth decay.

To combat dry mouth, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Humidifiers are also crucial, especially in a dry climate like Kamloops. They add moisture to the air and help soothe dry tissues.

Sore Throats and Lozenges

Haven’t we all fallen asleep with a sore throat lozenge in our mouth during cold and flu season? They are designed to dissolve slowly, which I’ve found dulls the pain so I can sleep. However, watch out for lozenges with sugar as prolonged contact with the teeth will lead to cavities. Look for brands that are sugar-free or sweetened with xylitol. If you do use sugary products, make sure you brush your teeth often. Last thing you want is to finally get over being sick, only to visit your dentist and discover you need fillings.

Cough Syrup

Cough syrup is always a staple in my battle against cold and flu symptoms. However, these medicines often contain sugar to help mask the awful taste. These sticky liquids will leave a coating on your teeth that can cause tooth decay. Also, watch for medicines containing alcohol, which will reduce saliva flow and make it harder to clean the teeth.

When possible, try pills or gel-caps instead of liquids. Children often struggle with pills, so give them the medicine before a meal so that the increased saliva flow caused by eating will help wash away the sugar coating.

Hot Tea & Orange Juice

I drink tea religiously during any cold and flu to help soothe my throat. But be careful, tea is erosive and will soften the hard enamel layer, leaving you more prone to decay and tooth-wear.

My grandma always said enough Vitamin C would cure any cold. And it definitely helps boost the immune system during cold and flu season. However, citric fruits and beverages are acidic and will also soften enamel.

The best plan is to have these drinks during mealtimes and use a straw, reduce any sweeteners in your tea, and drink water throughout the day. Also, it’s important to brush thoroughly, but wait 30 minutes so that the enamel has a chance to harden again.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Although you might not feel up to it during cold and flu season, stick with your regular brushing and flossing routine. I guarantee you will recover faster and protect your teeth. And don’t forget to change your toothbrush once you’re feeling better as the viruses and bacteria may linger.

Our team at Horizon Dental would be happy to help you achieve optimal oral health and we are happily accepting new patients. If you’re looking for a dentist in Kamloops, we are happily accepting new patients! You can contact us by clicking here!

Vaping 101

Vaping involves inhaling vapor from a small cylinder filled with chemicals and flavors. Most vaping devices have a battery that heats the liquid in the pipe to steam. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and sometimes look like a USB stick or pen. Global News reported that the devices are now so small that students are sneaking them into class where they exhale the mist into their shirts!

In vaping liquids, nicotine and/or flavoring compounds are dissolved in a mixture, typically propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin. The nicotine content can vary widely, some with very low levels, but some, such as JUUL, have more nicotine than a cigarette!

What are the risks?

The long-term health effects of vaping are currently unknown but continue to be researched. The Canadian Dental Association advises against use of any nicotine products and current evidence shows that vaping can lead to nicotine dependence in persons not previously using tobacco products, especially in young people. Since almost all e-cigarettes contain nicotine, stopping the vaping habit will cause the same withdrawal symptoms as quitting cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Many who vape believe that steam is safer than smoke. But in reality, the same harmful chemicals are released by both processes. A recent study found that vaping causes the same lung irritation that we see in smokers and also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Vaping is also particularly dangerous to oral health, as the chemicals create inflammation that can lead to gum disease and even oral cancer.

And just as second-hand smoke is dangerous to others, the vapor from e-cigarettes has been shown to introduce nicotine and other chemicals (including formaldehyde and lead) into the air.

One of the most troubling trends with e-cigarettes is their growing use among teenagers. The FDA has made the statement that nicotine is harmful to the developing brain. And no teenager should be using any tobacco or nicotine-containing products.

Think before you inhale

I hope this article will help you make an informed decision about vaping. In the end, it’s up to you! My best advice would be not to use e-cigarettes at all, but if you do continue to vape, talk to your dentist! We can help spot cancer and oral disease in the developing stages when it is more easily and successfully treated.

Our team at Horizon Dental is dedicated to helping people achieve optimal oral health. We are excited to be accepting new patients and you can contact us by clicking here!

So, if you’re really interested in a lip or tongue piercing, follow these key rules:

• Don’t play with your piercing.
• Chew carefully.
• Keep it clean! This includes regular brushing and flossing as well as removing the piercing for proper cleaning.
• Switch to plastic – you are less likely to cause damage with “plastic” teflon backings or balls.
• Have regular dental exams to catch any problems early on.

Our team at Horizon Dental is dedicated to helping people achieve optimal oral health. We are excited to be accepting new patients, you can call us at (778) 765-3928 or click here. If you have any questions or comments I’d love to hear from you. If you like what you see, please share with your friends and follow me on Google +, Facebook, or Instagram!

Flossing Isn’t Just About Cavities!

Before I went to dental school, I rationalized that I didn’t need to floss because I didn’t get cavities. And I cannot believe how wrong I was! Even the best toothbrush can only reach 60% of your tooth surfaces on a good day, which means you are leaving a lot of disease-causing bacteria behind. Floss was designed as a way to clean those areas between the teeth and below the gumline.

While flossing is crucial for preventing cavities between the teeth, it’s also important in preventing gum disease. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar below the gumline. The body sees this as an infection, which leads to inflammation called gingivitis. If left untreated, this inflammation can eventually erode the bone and gums supporting the teeth. Good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, together with your regular dental cleanings, helps prevent and treat this disease.

We also know that reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth also lowers the risk of developing diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Flossing only takes a few minutes everyday, but it can have huge implications for your long-term health.

How to Start Flossing

The gold standard for oral hygiene is still dental floss. However, not all floss is created equal! There are ribbon-styles for tight teeth, expanding-floss for big spaces, and a variety of flavours and textures. Take some of our samples and find what works for you!

The biggest reason for not flossing is FORGETTING! We’re all busy and tired at the end of the day. So, try switching things up:

• Keep your floss in the shower;
• Floss in the morning, or after dinner, instead of before bedtime;
• Set an alarm;
• Floss as a family!

But if you really can’t stand flossing, here are some alternatives:

1. Proxibrushes – small “tree-shaped” nylon brushes that fit between teeth
2. Soft Picks – very small brushes that act like toothpicks, but cause less damage to the gums;
3. WaterPik – when used correctly, the WaterPik will flush plaque away from the teeth and is very effective for people wearing braces or with bridges that are difficult to floss around.

*Follow the links as these tools are available online for purchase through Walmart, Amazon, Costco, and other sites*

Our team at Horizon Dental is dedicated to helping people achieve optimal oral health. We are excited to be accepting new patients, you can call us at (778) 765-3928 or click here. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!

What is a Root Canal?

I like to think of a root canal as a “big filling” that extends from the tip of the tooth (or apex) all the way through the root to the top (or crown). Root canals are needed whenever the pulp or soft tissue inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Inflammation or infection can be caused by several things, such as:

– Deep cavities

– Repeated or large procedures such as fillings or crowns

– Injury or a cracked tooth

– And sometimes there is NO reason that we can find

Common Myths about Root Canals

1. Root canal treatment is painful.

Modern technology and proper anesthetic can render your root canal as pain-free as having a cavity filled. While it can be tricky to get a “hot tooth” to calm down for treatment, it’s not impossible. Sometimes an active infection will need to be treated with antibiotics first, so that the anesthetic will work properly and can be prescribed ahead of time to prevent complications.

2. Root canal treatment causes illness.

This false claim has been around much longer than “Root Cause” and is based on research done in 1900! This was before modern medicine understood how certain diseases work. In fact, a study in 2013 actually found that patients with multiple root canals had a 45% REDUCED risk of cancer! And The Canadian Cancer Society reports there is no connection between root canals and cancer.

3. It’s better to pull a tooth than have root canal treatment.

Saving your natural teeth whenever possible is always the best option. Nothing artificial can replace what your body made! Root canals have a very high success rate and replacing a tooth with a fixed bridge, partial denture, or implant may not give you the best outcome.

When in Doubt – Talk to the Root Canal Experts

We are very lucky in Kamloops to have access to many talented dentists, and also dentists who specialize in root canal treatment! Seeing an endodontist may be helpful when your tooth has a complicated shape, a blockage, or large infection.

And our team at Horizon Dental would be happy to help you achieve optimal oral health and we are happily accepting new patients. You can call us at (778) 765-3928 or click here for more information.

Nasal Congestion and Dry Mouth

The cold and flu bugs have taken up residence in your sinuses, so when you finally lay down to rest, you’re too stuffed up to breathe through your nose. Instead, you have to breathe through your mouth, leaving you feeling parched all night.  Cold and flu symptoms are a major cause of dry mouth, but medications such as decongestants may make it worse. And when the mouth is dry, bacteria grow faster, increasing your risk of gingivitis and tooth decay.

To combat dry mouth during a cold or flu, continue using decongestants as indicated, they will help in the long run. But make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Humidifiers are also crucial, especially in a dry climate like Kamloops. They add moisture to the air and help soothe dry tissues.

When cold and flu symptoms start, I also recommend using a nasal rinse such as the NeilMed Sinus Rinse products available at any drugstore. Make sure you use previously-boiled or distilled water with the saline packets. Nasal rinsing significantly reduces congestion, as well as post-nasal drip which often causes sore throats.

Sinus Pain and Toothaches

Don’t be fooled, cold and flu symptoms often mimic tooth pain! The telltale sign is when the pain isn’t limited to just one tooth. Other symptoms include pain and pressure around the face and eyes and nasal congestion. Acute sinus infections often resolve on their own, but sometimes require antibiotics. Please keep in mind, your dentist isn’t able to prescribe those antibiotics as the infection isn’t tooth-related, so speak to your family doctor.

Keep on Top of Your Oral Hygiene

Although you might not feel up to it when sick, keep up with your oral care. Allowing plaque to build-up not only puts you at risk for gingivitis and tooth decay, but also encourages bacterial growth. This means a slower recovery from the cold and flu because your immune system is dealing with your mouth instead of fighting the cold or flu. Stick with your regular brushing and flossing routine. And if you really don’t have the energy, try a soothing mouth rinse.

Our team at Horizon Dental would be happy to help you achieve optimal oral health and we are happily accepting new patients. You can contact us by clicking here or visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and fun contests.

Unfortunately, due to the barriers to dental treatment in our society, I can see why people are tempted to try DIY Dentistry. The online “kits” and “tutorials” look easy, are very cheap, it’s well marketed, and websites are full of positive testimonials and success stories. But what about the cases that go wrong?

DIY Dentistry Isn’t Effective or Safe

The biggest threat of DIY dentistry is that it isn’t conducted in a controlled environment and under professional medical supervision. How do YOU know if you are a good candidate for the procedure? Do you have healthy roots and gums that will support this type of treatment?

The two most common examples of DIY dentistry are extractions and orthodontics, both of which can have major consequences if not done correctly.

There are stories of people removing their own teeth or using rubber bands on their teeth in an attempt to improve alignment. Both of these DIY tactics can be catastrophic to your smile. People who remove their own teeth may not remove the entire tooth AND they could be setting the stage for a serious infection. If you’re doing your own orthodontic treatment, especially with rubber bands, you risk serious tooth or gum damage. The rubber bands can slip underneath the gums, causing the teeth to be lost or gums to recede. Sadly, you will almost never receive optimal results from these techniques. So, what happens next?

Cleaning Up DIY Dentistry is Expensive

One of the big reasons people elect to do their own treatment is the price. Orthodontic treatment alone will typically cost thousands of dollars. An extraction, on the other hand, is only a few hundred dollars. But your costs can skyrocket if your DIY project goes wrong, and there are now reports of patients attempting to perform their own treatment and then needing tens of thousands of dollars in restorative dentistry, corrective orthodontics, treatment of gum disease, etc. Some people have even been hospitalized due to major infections.

Talk to the Professionals

When it comes to DIY projects, I urge you to stick with home improvements, crafts, and cakes. Instead, ask your dentist what your options for treatment are. Ask your insurance company to verify what procedures are coverage, or ask your employer if there are options to enhance your dental benefits so that certain procedures, such as braces, might be better covered. Don’t risk permanently damaging your health before you’ve considered all the possibilities.

Our team at Horizon Dental would be happy to help you achieve optimal oral health and we are happily accepting new patients. You can contact us by clicking here!