Dr. Justin Lyn
4800 Leslie St. #408 M2J 2K9 Toronto, ON, Canada

Here's some useful info about the Moderna vaccine. Note that it is currently not recommended for pregnant women (unless they work in a high-risk setting) or people under the age of 18. Read more about it here:... https://www.who.int//the-moderna-covid-19-mrna-1273-vaccin

I always tell my patients that using an electric toothbrush makes a SIGNIFICANT difference in maintaining clean teeth. Newer models even come with features such as a pressure sensor which tells you when you are brushing too hard, or can connect to your phone via Bluetooth and track your brushing habits in an app. Read more about the benefits of using an electric toothbrush here:... https://www.chatelaine.com//electric-toothbrush-cana/amp/

It's important to take care of your teeth during the pandemic. Here's why: https://www.toronto.com//10311219-north-york-dentist-want/

Here are some facts about the COVID vaccine, courtesy of the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy

Dentists in Ontario still have not received word when we will be eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. I fully support priority given to hospital and long-term care workers, and agree that dentists should be one of the groups next in line for the vaccination due to the high-risk nature of our job. In the meantime, we continue to adhere to enhanced infection control measures in order to provide a safe environment for treatment during the current lockdown. https://beta.ctvnews.ca/local/ottawa/2021/1/7/1_5258117.html

As cases rise and schools are back in session, it's worth repeating that the best weapons we have against COVID-19 are practicing good hygiene, avoiding unnecessary crowds, and wearing a mask in public areas.

We are back open with an updated look after a week-long hiatus to replace our floor, which took damage from extensive flooding last year. Before and after photos are below.

Our office is now closed for flooring renovations. We will be back next week with an updated look!

Still nervous about seeing the dentist during the pandemic? Rest assured Canadian dentists have among the highest infection control standards in the world, and have enhanced our prevention guidelines during the pandemic. We utilize a vigilant pre-screening process, comply with social distancing guidelines, wear additional PPE, and take all other necessary precautions to avoid the spread of infection, such as hand hygiene, frequent cleaning, etc. Read the official statement b...y the Canadian Dental Association here: https://www.cda-adc.ca//sta/who_clarification/default.asp See more

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN EFFECTIVE HAND SANITIZER: - It should contain at least 70% alcohol - Type of alcohol is important. It should contain either ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) - Avoid sanitizer that contains methanol, which can have toxic side effects... - Additives such as aloe can help to reduce skin irritation from frequent use - Beware of certain sanitizers that have been recalled Here is a link where you can do a simple search to see if your favourite hand sanitizer is approved by Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca//disinf/covid-19/hand-sanitizer.html

Despite recent headlines in the US, there is no scientific evidence proving that kids are "virtually immune" to COVID-19. In fact, they can potentially transmit the virus as easily as adults can. As we gear up for back-to-school, it's especially important for kids, parents, and teachers to maintain safe social distancing, proper hand hygiene, and wearing masks whenever applicable.

This is me right after completing some fillings on a patient. I am wearing a N95 mask and a level 3 surgical mask over it. After wearing both masks for 1 hour, my oxygen saturation level (SpO2) is still at 98%, the same as it was before I put on the masks. Ideal oxygen saturation is >94%. This is evidence that even wearing 2 high-grade masks, oxygen intake is NOT decreased. For those who believe otherwise, or believe that wearing a mask poses some sort of health risk for people without an underlying condition, I found this relatively inexpensive pulse oximeter at Walmart. You can easily purchase one and see the proof for yourself.

Ibuprofen 600mg has been my go-to prescription for moderate pain. It is now available over-the-counter in the form of Advil 12-hour, meaning it no longer requires a prescription. It is 3x as potent as regular Advil and 1.5x more than extra strength Advil, so be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before use. https://www.advil.ca/product/advil-12-hour

This is the first July in 8 years that I will not be going on my yearly dental mission trip to Jamaica. Hopefully we can go back some day soon, but in the meantime here's a look back at highlights from our trip from 2 years ago:

Everyday dental procedures carry a high risk of bacterial and viral transmission from patient to provider. N95 respirator fit testing is important to ensure that the mask is properly sealed to prevent particles from getting through. A hood is worn over the mask and a bitter chemical is sprayed into the hood. If the mask blocks the bitter taste, it is fitted correctly. Interesting to note that not all N95 masks fit everyone the same. I had to test 3 different masks in order to find one that fit properly.

A fun, free app for motivating kids to brush their teeth and helps develop a good oral hygiene routine

Wearing a mask is not a political statement. It is a simple and effective way to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and now we have scientific evidence that confirms it.

BACK IN BUSINESS! Our office will be open again as of June 8. Here are some new protocols we will be following due to COVID-19: - pre-screening of patients over the phone - in-car waiting until your scheduled appointment time - spacing of appointments to allow more physical distancing - limitations on companions... - temperature check with touchless thermometer upon entry - patients must wear a mask at all times except during treatment - mandatory hand sanitizing as you enter and leave the office - reception area will have plexiglass barriers, limited seating, no toys or magazines - enhanced disinfection of operatories and reception area - all providers will be wearing increased PPE - air purifiers with HEPA filters in each operatory - washroom closed to patient use See more

Check out this update from the Ontario Dental Association about what changes to expect at your next dental visit:

As dentists in Ontario make progress towards resuming non-essential treatment, lack of access to affordable PPE threatens to put us at risk due to the nature of our work.

Dentists in Ontario are now in stage 2 of re-opening our offices. However, we are still able to provide essential care only. This does not include most fillings and cleanings. If you have a dental issue, check out this list of essential services to see if your dentist is able to provide treatment at this time:

Some useful tips on maintaining your oral health during the COVID-19 shutdown, from the president of the Ontario Dental Association

With dentists putting hygiene/cleaning appointments on hold for now, it's important to make sure we are putting extra focus on brushing and flossing. Remember, if you aren't flossing, you aren't cleaning 2/5 of your tooth surfaces.

Some good tips about how to talk to your kids about coronavirus:

Some of our world leaders and so-called "experts" have been spreading false information and advice about the coronavirus. We need to focus more on the advice given by the doctors, scientists, and others who have dedicated their lives to obtain the proper credentials to become true experts on the subject. Here is a list of some credible online resources:

DID YOU KNOW? The COVID-19 virus can remain suspended airborne as an aerosol (tiny droplet) for up to 30 minutes, and can remain on surfaces for up to 3 hours. This helps to explain why it has been so highly contagious and reinforces the need for social distancing and coughing/sneezing into your sleeve.