Did you know that April is National Oral Health Month in Canada? It is a great time to think about your dental health and the importance of preventive dentistry and ongoing dental maintenance in Whitby.
Recent research on oral health has highlighted its importance for overall health. When you look after your teeth and gums, it can help prevent or reduce the risks of developing chronic diseases. Additionally, you gain the benefit of a healthy, confident smile.
As National Oral Health Month draws to a close, below are a few reminders on caring for your dental health year-round.
Looking After the Basics of Oral Care at Home
A good daily oral care routine at home is quick, easy, and affordable. It involves brushing your teeth at least twice daily, preferably soon after you awaken and just before bedtime. Flossing every day is also essential.
Choose the Right Toothbrush
You need a good quality soft-bristle toothbrush. Don’t use a hard-bristled toothbrush as you risk damaging your tooth enamel and your gums.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Use fluoride toothpaste, preferably a brand that has received the Canadian Dental Association seal of approval, so you can be sure it is thoroughly tested and safe for use.
Daily Flossing
Flossing every day is vitally important. It removes plaque and food debris stuck between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach, and stimulates your gums, helping them remain strong and healthy.
If you don’t like flossing or find it tricky to do effectively, ask us for help when you next visit Margolian Dentistry. Our hygienist in Oshawa can examine your teeth, discuss your oral hygiene preferences, and offer useful suggestions on flossing properly.
We can suggest which dental floss to use and demonstrate how to use it correctly. Alternatively, we can look at other tools to try instead. These include soft picks, interdental brushes, or a Waterpik.
All are very effective and may be easier to manipulate than ordinary dental floss. The trick is to find the right tools so flossing becomes a regular daily habit. Once it becomes part of your routine, you will do it naturally each day. It doesn’t matter whether you floss before or after brushing, or first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Forming a regular habit is much more important.
Eat a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet ensures your teeth, gums, and jawbone receive plenty of vitamins and nutrients to keep them strong and healthy. Ensure you drink plenty of water so your body can make enough saliva.
Saliva is an important fluid that helps to keep your mouth moist and comfortable. It maintains a neutral pH and helps to wash away loose food particles and bacteria.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Lastly, don’t forget that regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments in Ajax are vital to your preventive dental care plan. During these visits, we can carefully assess your oral health, checking for early signs of problems. The sooner you receive care for any dental issues, the quicker, less invasive, and less expensive the treatment will be.
Regular hygiene appointments allow us to clean your teeth professionally, reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities, and refresh your smile. We can also provide useful tips on improving your daily oral care routine.
Oral cancer screenings are important, especially if you smoke. These screenings are quick, painless, and non-invasive, and could save your life.
If it has been a while since your last visit, why not contact us today and get back on the path to enjoying optimal oral health year-round?
