FIVE STEPS TO A HEALTHY MOUTH
Content Credit: CDA
Written by: Dr.Rajvinder Bhatia
1. Keep your mouth clean
- Brush twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Wait at least 20–30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth.
- Floss every day. After flossing, roll it up in a tiny ball and put it in the garbage. Never flush floss down the toilet.
- Look for oral care products bearing the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Seal.
2. Check your mouth regularly
Look for signs of gum disease:
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Look for signs of oral cancer:
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3. Choose a variety of healthy foods & drinks each day
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Good nutrition helps build strong teeth and gums.
- Limit foods and beverages containing sugar, sodium, carbohydrates or saturated fats.
- Make water your drink of choice.
- Limit drinking alcohol.
- Munch on mouth-healthy snacks like cheeses, nuts, vegetables, and non-acidic fruits.
4. See your dentist regularly
- Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the best way to prevent and detect problems before they get worse.
- Don't wait for a toothache or a dental emergency to look for a dentist. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, neighbours, or co-workers. If you're moving, ask if your current dentist can refer you to a dentist in your new area.
5. Limit alcohol, and avoid smoking, smokeless tobacco and vaping
- Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Canada.
- Smoking tobacco can affect the appearance and health of your mouth and gums. Smokeless tobacco ("snuff", "spit" or chewing tobacco), is held in the mouth between the teeth and cheek.
- By giving up tobacco, you can dramatically reduce your chance of developing a range of health conditions.
- Talk to your dentist about how tobacco is affecting your oral and overall health.