Oral health is more important to our overall health than we may realize. After all, if your mouth isn’t healthy, you’re not healthy! We tend to overlook things like bleeding or tender gums, but these symptoms are warning signs for oral disease and should be taken seriously. These symptoms could mean you have a gum disease or other problem that needs to be assessed by your dentist. Research shows that oral disease is associated with heart disease and stroke, respiratory illness in older adults, and might even be related to the birth pre-term and low-birth-weight babies. Gum disease can also make diabetes more difficult to treat.
Try these 5 tips to keep your mouth healthy and improve your overall health.
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Keep your mouth clean. Brushing your teeth and flossing are important parts of a daily regimen for oral health. When brushing, choose a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, which helps fight cavities, and look for oral care products with the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Seal. Brush your teeth before eating breakfast, and wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth to prevent damage to your tooth enamel. It is also important to rinse after brushing with a good antibacterial mouthwash.
- Check your mouth regularly for signs of gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease include red, shiny, puffy, sore or sensitive gums, bleeding when you brush or floss and bad breath that won't go away. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is time to see your dentist.
- Go for regular dental exams. 48% of Canadians who haven't seen a dentist in the past year have gum disease ranging from mild types like gingivitis to more serious conditions referred to as periodontitis, which is associated with loss of teeth. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the best way to detect and prevent oral health problems before they get worse. Don't wait for a dental emergency to look for a dentist. You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, neighbours or co-workers, or find a dentist near your home or workplace.
- Eat well. It’s often said that good nutrition helps build strong bones the same is true for teeth and gums. Eat a well-balanced diet, and limit foods and beverages containing sugar or refined carbohydrates. When snacking, reach for something healthy, such as nuts, vegetables, cheese and non-acidic fruits. And if you consume a large quantity of fruits or fruit beverages, rinse your mouth before brushing to avoid wearing away your tooth enamel with the toothbrush.
- Don't smoke or chew tobacco, and stay alert for signs of oral cancer. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can cause oral cancer, heart disease, gum disease and a variety of other cancers and periodontal diseases. Symptoms of oral cancer include bleeding or open sores that don't heal, white or red patches, numbness or tingling, and small lumps and thickening on the sides or bottom of your tongue, the floor or roof of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks or on your gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your dentist right away.
Remember: A healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy life!
