Happy Canada Day! Summer is in full swing and if you have kids at home, they are more than likely getting up later in the morning. It's easy to just give them a sugary bowl of cereal and get on with the day, but that is not doing them any favours when it comes to their oral and overall health. Try to provide fresh seasonal fruit for kids and foods like eggs which make a great snack and are a good source of protein without the sugars contained in so many breakfast meals. Summer nights may also come with later bedtimes, after a full day outside in the sun, make sure your family tends to their teeth before bed. Sugar can cause tooth decay so it's important for kids to brush and rinse before hitting the pillow. Practice the 3-2-1 rule: Eat 3 healthy meals, brush 2 times, and floss 1 time every day. Click here for more summertime health tips. Now is the time to get you and your child to the dentist for a regular check-up. It's always good to take advantage of this time when your child won't have to miss school to get that necessary dental check-up. Click here to request an appointment. Summer fun means lots of smiles – keep your child's smile healthy.

Periodontal disease (Periodontitis) damages the gums, ligaments and bone structure that support your teeth. It is caused by the bacterial infection associated with plaque. Plaque is that clear sticky substance that builds throughout the day on your teeth which is removed by regular brushing and flossing. Plaque that isn't cleaned off through brushing and flossing hardens into tartar which must be removed by a dentist through 'scaling'. Periodontal disease can be treated and like most ailments, the earlier it is detected the better. Click here to learn more about periodontal treatment.

How are you staying warm this winter? There's just something so great about getting cozy with a warm bowl of soup or stew. By the end of the day, after trudging through the snow, you're tired, but there's still dinner to be made...That's the beauty of the one pot meal, not only are they warming and delicious, they're pretty easy to make too! Click here for the full recipe!