April is Canadian Oral Health Month. You may be wondering why there is a whole month dedicated to oral health, but the truth is that most people tend to neglect their mouth and teeth. Some may believe that just brushing once or twice a day is all that is needed to maintain good oral health. In order to promote excellent Canadian dental health, read on for some tips about why it is important to pay more attention to your teeth. 



What is Oral Health? 

Oral health deals with everything from your teeth to your gums, from your jaw to your tongue. Every part of your mouth plays a part in maintaining oral health. Many people believe dentist only checks the gums and teeth during an exam, but most dentists will look for signs of oral cancer on the tongue or will make sure there are no issues with the jaw itself. Issues with oral health can lead to other health problems if left untreated. 



How to Maintain Good Oral Health 

Brushing and flossing at least twice per day is an excellent start to keeping up with a healthy mouth. It is best to wait about half an hour after eating before you brush. Look for oral health products with the Canadian Dental Association seal of approval when choosing a mouthwash or toothpaste. Flossing after eating is ideal, but you will see improvement in oral health even if you just floss once at night. 



There are lots of other small things you can do throughout your day that go a long way in promoting great Canadian dental health! Some of these things include abstaining from things that can cause cavities such as sugary drinks or snacks, eating a healthy diet and even exercising! Snacking on healthy, non-acidic foods will help keep your mouth clean and healthy. 



It is important to visit a dentist twice per year for cleanings so that the chance of plaque building up is reduced. Plaque is a film that develops on teeth that is made up of lots of different bacteria. The bacteria in plaque are responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Dental hygienists will be able to offer suggestions for better brushing and flossing techniques, or recommend certain products that can help with issues like tooth sensitivity. 



Another way to maintain great oral health is to stop smoking. Smoking greatly increases the risk of gum disease and mouth cancer. Visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa to talk with a dentist about screening for oral cancer or periodontal disease if you are a regular smoker, and think about taking steps towards quitting. Not only will your oral health improve, your risk for other types of cancer will decrease. 



Negative Effects of Poor Oral Health 
Gum disease is completely preventable with proper oral hygiene. Early warning signs of gum disease include bleeding, swelling, and some discomfort. At early stages, dentists can treat gum disease and prevent it from progressing. If left untreated symptoms worsen and include infection, bad breath and possibly the need for a tooth extraction. 

As if pain, swelling, and bad breath weren't enough of a reason to make sure you are taking care of your mouth, there is some evidence that gum disease is linked to an increased risk of diabetes.There are also studies being done that are looking at whether there is a relationship between gum disease and early delivery of babies. The impacts of gum disease are felt far beyond the mouth, but it doesn't have to get that far. With proper oral hygiene gum disease doesn't have to be an issue. 

Having poor oral hygiene can have negative impacts on your mental health. Oftentimes our smile is the first thing another person will notice. Those who have poor oral hygiene, be it gum disease that causes halitosis or missing or rotting teeth, may not feel as confident as someone else with a bright, healthy smile. Keeping up with regular visits to the dentist can help improve your self-esteem and build confidence. 

This month make sure to visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for a cleaning or set up an appointment to talk with a dentist about how they can help you achieve better oral health. Our dental professionals are ready to arm you with the knowledge you need to fight plaque and gum disease and live an overall healthier life!