November is upon us and that means the end of the year isn't far behind. Pumpkin spice lattes have made their annual appearance, bad mustaches for a worthy cause are on the rise while brightly coloured leaves are falling. The heavy jackets are out and there's a lot to be done in the coming colder months - holiday shopping, snow to be shoveled, and of course, taking care of any outstanding dental concerns before your insurance renews in January.

Many dental plans are based on the calendar year, so your benefits may not roll over into the new year. It is a good idea to find time for a cleaning or checkup to ensure you get the most out of your plan. We want you to enter the new year with a beautiful healthy smile so call us today, or click here to request an appointment and we will find a time that fits your schedule.

If you're still nursing a candy hangover, but are craving more, did you know that the Toronto Chocolate Festival runs all month? Hockey fans will be gearing up to watch the Legends Classic match and see who will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, which will be announced November 10-13. And why not kick off the holiday season with a bang with the Cavalcade of Lights fireworks show on November 25th.

Be safe and healthy,

Do you suffer from bad breath, bleeding gums, swollen gums, loose or moving teeth or have difficulty chewing food?

Watch out, because those are all signs of gum disease (periodontal disease).

Gum disease is an infection of the gum, bone and tissues which can eventually result in an unstable base for your teeth, which can even lead to them falling out or needing removal.

Gum disease is a common cause of tooth loss, and can be more severe in people with diabetes. Diabetes adversely affects blood circulation and causes high blood sugar levels. Bacterial levels tend to increase, promoting gum disease and tooth decay, while resistance to infection and ability to heal are reduced. Also, diabetes affects the whole body and people with gum disease may find it more difficult to control their blood sugar.

Smoking and/or poor oral hygiene for people with diabetes significantly heightens the incidence of gum disease.

Click here to learn how you can prevent gum disease.

If you can't make the Chocolate Festival and your sweet tooth has been whet from Halloween, why not celebrate at home with this tasty Chocolate Zucchini Cake. Moist and fudgy, with a slight tang, it's a perfect antidote to the fall chills. Feel free to add your own variations, maybe make it a double chocolate cake with some chocolate frosting or add a cream cheese icing for a more filling dish.

Click here for the full recipe.