Oral health can affect your overall health and can show other health concerns in your body, which makes oral health such an important part of your overall health.
When bacteria collect in your mouth if can lead to gum disease and infections; which over time can damage bone and gums which can lead to sensitively, pain, and loss of teeth. Having poor oral health may increase the risk of cavities, stroke, heart disease, cancer, tooth decay, tooth loss, and pneumonia.
What can be done to increase your oral health?
• Using an electric tooth brush, helps when there is less dexterity and remove more plaque than a manual tooth brush.
• Visiting the dentists regularly, twice a year is recommended even if you wear dentures.
• Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes and flossing daily, don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria.
• Proper nutrition, making water the drink of choice and limiting sugary drinks.
• Reduce smoking, vaping and alcohol consumption
• Awareness of pain or changes in your mouth like bleeding and bad breath.
• If your gums bleed during flossing and cleaning it is a sign that the gums are inflamed and have bacteria present; the bleeding will reduce the more you take care of your mouth.
Many medications also effect oral health by causing dry mouth which can increase the risk of cavities, try breathing more from nose and drinking water or sucking on a sugar free candy. There are medications available to help with dry mouth, ask your dentist or health care provide for options.
Canadian Dental Care Plan was rolled out last year which helps make dental care more accessible and affordable for lower income seniors and families. For more information on this program visit Canada.ca/dental
Just a remember how important it is to take care of your mouth to keep your smile happy.
For more information about our programs and volunteering opportunities at Whitevalley Community Resource Centre please give us a call at 250-547-8866.
