Welcome Kristine!

Kristine is the newest edition to Dr. Gray’s office! She started her dental career as a Dental Assistant, but from a young age she had a dream of becoming a Dental Hygienist. She returned to school to achieve that dream and graduated from Durham College in 2010 as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

Kristine is passionate about her profession and enjoys helping patients achieve optimum oral health. Her main focus is helping patients feel comfortable and educating them in all aspects of oral hygiene and preventive dentistry. She is a strong believer in ongoing education and likes take courses to expand her knowledge and stay current.

Aside from Dental Hygiene, Kristine enjoy spending time with her family and friends, curling up with a good book, going bike riding or being in the kitchen, baking!

She is looking forward to meeting all our patients and a long career working alongside Dr. Gray and the rest of the staff.

Kids Korner: Build a DIY Snow Globe!

Try a DIY Snow Globe, they make great decorations or gifts and the possibilities are endless!



What you will need:

• a mason jar
• craft glue or hot glue
• water (boiled and cooled or distilled)
• glitter
• an ornament for the inside

Ideas:

• Small toys, or ornaments work well
• try one larger item or group to make a scene
• try the dollar or craft store for inspiration

Steps:

1. Arrange your items on the lid of the jar once you are happy glue firmly to the lid and let dry
2. Fill Jar with water about one inch from the top, add glitter
3. Screw lid on tightly
4. Turn over and let it “snow”

Kim Thompson
Practice Manager

How To Treat Dry Mouth

Saliva helps us digest our food and cleanse our teeth by washing away food particles. When our body isn’t producing enough saliva a condition called dry mouth occurs (also called xerostomia).

What Causes Dry Mouth:

• The most common cause of dry mouth is a side effect from medication.
• Chemotherapy drugs can change the nature of saliva and the amount produced.
• Head/neck injury or surgery that caused nerve damage.
• Certain health conditions can cause dry mouth; autoimmune diseases or stroke.
• Snoring and breathing with your mouth open.
• Smoking or chewing tobacco can increase dry mouth symptoms.
• Methamphetamine use can cause severe dry mouth.

Symptoms from dry mouth:

• Soreness in the mouth and/or throat
• Cracking at the corners of the mouth
• Inside the mouth looking red and parched
• Food just not tasting like it used to
• Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing.
• A tendency to wake up more often during the night
• Bad breath

Side effects from dry mouth:

• Mouth sores
• Increased plaque
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease (gingivitis)
• Mouth infections.

What can be done to help with dry mouth?

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist.
• Take frequent sips of water if you’re mouth is feeling dry.
• Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste and use a fluoridated mouth rinse.
• Use a humidifier in your home to help bring moisture into the air.
• Avoid any products that can make symptoms worse: caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, sugary/acidic/spicy or salty foods
• Saliva substitute products are available over the counter at the pharmacy (mouth spray, gels and rinse)
• Ask your dental hygienist for more tips.

Kristine
Dental Hygienist

Meet Zoe!

As Fall often brings change, it has certainly brought about change here at the office, as a few of our staff move on to new exciting chapters in their lives. We are committed to continuing to provide excellent care to all of our patients.

Congratulations Sara!

Welcoming Baby Zoe! Zoe was born Oct 21st at 3:53pm, weighing 5 pounds and 3 ounces. Mom and baby are both doing well and resting at home.