The Barry’s Bay Dental Hygiene Clinic will be holding the annual mouthguard clinic on Friday, September 20, 2019 from 5 to 8 p.m. It is the one day a year that a custom made mouthguard is available at cost to anyone in the Madawaska Valley and surrounding area. No appointments are necessary, the mouthguard clinic treats walk-in patients only. All ages are welcome and mouthguards can be fitted for any sport or activity that requires protection for the mouth.
The cost of a custom mouthguard on any other day is $55 at the Barry’s Bay Dental Hygiene Clinic. At the mouthguard clinic you pay $25, which covers the cost of materials. Patients are asked to bring in a food bank item in lieu of paying for the dental hygienist’s time to make the guard. These items will be donated to the local food bank afterwards. (Mouthguard photo submitted)
Although the number of people who attend the annual mouthguard clinic has gone down significantly, likely due to minor hockey’s decision to drop the rule that a mouthguard was required equipment to play, BBDHC still feels it is important. The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association has published a position paper that supports the use of a mouthguard to prevent injury to the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue during high risk activities. Some of those activities include whitewater kayaking, horse riding, football, martial arts, rugby, soccer, etc. (Photo above: Combermere martial arts: Mark Smith)
To support the position paper and to provide members of the community with the opportunity to have a custom made mouthguard for a discounted price, the Barry’s Bay Dental Hygiene Clinic will continue to hold the annual mouthguard clinic.
If you have any questions about the mouthguard clinic you can contact the Barry’s Bay Dental Hygiene Clinic at 613-75MOUTH (756-6884) or email at info@bbdhc. ca
About the author: Marcia Rutledge is an independent dental hygienist who owns and operates the Barry’s Bay Dental Hygiene Clinic. She opened up her Clinic in July of 2010 and has been providing dental hygiene services to the community since. She loves being able to provide individual care to each and every one of her patients. Preventive dentistry is Marcia’s passion.
