Did You Know April is National Oral Health Month?

We always think of diet and exercise when we think of health…but we should also be placing the same emphasis on oral health. This is because we need to maintain a healthy mouth to have a healthy body.

Did you know that there is a link between poor oral health and diseases such as heart disease, diabetes,  April Oral Health Monthstroke, and respiratory illness? Infections of the mouth and bleeding gums should never be overlooked.

Poor oral health also affects us mentally and socially. It can be really hard on your confidence if you have crooked or missing teeth, or even bad breath. In some cases, poor teeth can also affect the way a person speaks.

It is important to remind ourselves as to how we can best care for our mouth and teeth, starting with daily care:

  • Brush two minutes per day, twice a day
  • For the best results, use a soft-bristled electric toothbrush
    Remember to floss everyday to remove particles of food and plaque between your 
teeth. You may find that individual flossers (also found at your drugstore) make this task a lot easier than the traditional roll of dental floss.
  • Limit sugar intake 
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet – good for healthy teeth and gums
  • Limit acidic foods and beverages 
Be aware the coffee, dark soda, and red wine can stain your teeth
  • Don’t chew on things that could potentially damage or crack your teeth such as hard candies or ice cubes
  • If you cannot brush your teeth soon after a meal, drink water, rinse with mouthwash, or chew sugarless gum
  • Look for the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Seal on oral care products before you buy themBe Aware of the Signs of Gum Disease
  • Do you have sensitive gums? (Sore, puffy, red, or even shiny)
  • 
Do your gums bleed when you brush and/or floss? 
Do you have persistent bad breath?Be Aware of the Signs of Oral Cancer oral cancer screening abbotsford
  • Do you have any small lumps?
  • Do you have any lesions that have not healed on their own within 2 weeks?
  • Do you have any ‘thickening’ on the sides or bottom of your tongue / roof of your mouth / the floor of your mouth / on your gums / inside of your cheeks?
  • Do you have any bleeding in your mouth or open sores that won’t heal?
  • Do you have red or white patches?
  • Do you have any numbness or tingling?Stop Smoking
  • Everyone should be well aware of the dangers of smoking (or chewing tobacco) and why it is so important to stop this bad habit. It can lead to things like oral cancer, gum disease, heart disease, and various other health issues.Book Regular Dental Visits
  • Visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you have another issue that is cause for concern, book an appointment immediately.

Are you looking for a family, cosmetic, or emergency dentist in Abbotsford? We would love to have you as a new patient. Or maybe you want straighter teeth? We also do Invisalign and traditional wire braces. Call us to book an appointment today at Townline Dental!