Welcome spring! April is Canada’s National Oral Health month. Having good oral health is important and is related to good overall health. Oral pain, tooth decay, missing teeth and infection decreases a person’s quality of life. Missing teeth or pain from decay can cause a person to be unable to eat. This lack of nutrition can decrease their overall well-being. Infections and abscessed teeth can cause us to become ill if we are not seen by a dentist. These infections can potentially spread to other parts of the body and can become life threatening.
Canadians of all ages can benefit from good oral hygiene and from regular dental checkups. These days, it is very common for people to keep their teeth for a lifetime, due to better access to dental care, more patient education, and advances in professional care.
The Canadian Dental Association has published “5 Steps to a Healthy Mouth.”
1. Keep your mouth clean! Use a soft bristle or an electric toothbrush two times daily with fluoride toothpaste. Once the fluoride has been brushed on, it is important to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Also, flossing daily to remove food from in-between teeth is important.
2. Check your mouth! It is important to be looking for red, bleeding, sore or sensitive gums. Chalky white spots near to gum line can be the first signs of decay. Lifting the lips up and checking on the gum line for pimples or anything out of the ordinary is a practice that could prevent problems. This can be a sign of infection. It is also important to be looking for any signs of oral cancer. Any sores that do not heal, white or red patches, numbness or tingling are common signs. Other areas include small lumps and thickening on the sides or bottom of your tongue, the floor or roof of your mouth, the insides of your cheeks or on your gums. Contact your dentist if any of these symptoms occur.
3. Eat a well-balanced diet! Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, cheese and other healthy foods are also healthy for your teeth. Be sure to limit foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Also drinking water for thirst is critical to maintain health.
4. Visit your dentist and dental hygienist regularly! This is one of the best ways to prevent and detect problems in the mouth. Finding a dentist is important. Do not wait until you have a dental emergency to locate the best fit for you and your family.
5. Do not smoke or chew tobacco! This has been linked to oral cancer and other cancers, heart disease and gum disease.
Alberta Seniors Benefits are available for eligible residents in Alberta over the age of 65. For more information visitseniors-housing.alberta.ca/seniors/seniors-benefit-program.html or contact 1-877-644-9992.
Alberta Child Health Benefits is for families with limited income that may not have insurance or money to go to the dentist or other medical providers. For any more questions please visit employment.alberta/hb-policy or call 1-877-469-5437. Alberta Health Services also offers a free dental screening and fluoride for eligible children. Please call your local health unit with questions or visitahs.ca/oralhealth.
Jenna Lannan is a dental hygienist with Alberta Health and can be reached via email at jenna.lannan@ahs.ca
