April is National Oral Health Month – What You Need To Know

A person’s quality of life can be affected by poor oral health. According to the Canadian Dental Association, there is a link between oral disease with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illness. Although your mouth may not always be at the top of your priority list when it comes to caring for your body, oral health contributes positively to your physical, social, and mental well-being.

Know the Signs Of:

• Oral Infection
  – sensitivity of the teeth
  – swollen glands
  – swelling in the jaw
  – constant bitter taste in the mouth
• Oral Cancer
  – open sores that don’t heal
  – white or red patches
  – numbness or tingling in mouth
  – lumps on tongue, floor or roof of mouth, inside of your cheeks, or gums
• Gum Disease
  – bleeding when brushing or flossing
  – red/shiny/puffy/sore sensitive gums

Stay on Top of Your Oral Health

• Nutrition
  A well-balanced diet enhances strong teeth and gums.
• Daily Maintenance
  Avoid infection by keeping your mouth clean with brushing and flossing.
• Regular Visits to the Dentist
  Early detection is crucial, so it’s important to see a dentist 2 times per year (48% of Canadians who haven’t seen a dentist in the past year have gum disease).

 

The professionals at Warmstone Family Dentistry have shared some of their tips on maintaining your oral health: