When it comes to dental health - an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Just like any other part of your body, your teeth and mouth need care and attention for optimal health. Poor dental health can lead to tooth loss, gum disease, pain and problems eating and talking. Plus poor oral care may increase the risk of a number of other serious health issues including diabetes and respiratory diseases. New research indicates dental health may also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, as well as premature and low birth weight babies.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, there are five important steps to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. They are:
- Eat a healthy balanced diet
- Make healthy food choices to help prevent cavities from developing. Learn more about Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.
- Limit the amount of sugar you eat. Sugar sits on your teeth and can develop into plaque and can cause cavities.
- Use these CDA nutrition tips to cut your sugar intake:
- Choose snack with no added sugar such as vegetables and fruit, whole grain breads and cereals, milk, yogurt, cheese, hard boiled eggs, nuts and seeds (these are good choices for school lunches).
- Quench your thirst with drinks that have no added sugar such as water, milk and 100% vegetable or fruit juice. Limit sugar-sweetened soft drinks and add less sugar to tea or coffee.
- Read the ingredient lists on food labels to choose food products with less sugar. Keep in mind that fructose, glucose, liquid invert sugar, honey and molasses are all types of sugar.
- When you do eat sweets, eat them with a meal and not as a snack. Avoid sticky sweets that cling to your teeth and are harder to brush away. For example it’s best to give children sweet dried fruit like raisins after a meal at home when they can brush their teeth.
- Try to brush your teeth after eating sweets. If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth with water, eat raw vegetables or a fibrous fruit like an apple, or chew on a piece of sugarless gum.
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Visit your dentist on a regular basis to help prevent major dental problems from developing in the future.
- Regular checkups and professional cleanings are the best way to prevent and treat oral health problems.
- Your dentist is trained to help prevent, diagnose and treat oral health problems such as gum disease, cavities, infections and even oral cancer.
- Brush and floss every day
- Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Floss every day. About one third of your teeth can be missed if you don’t floss.
- Learn how to brush and floss your teeth properly from the CDA.
- Check your mouth
- Take a look at your teeth and gums on a regular basis. This is a simple way to check your dental health.
- Watch for red, puffy gums and bleeding during brushing or flossing. These may be signs of gum disease. Learn more important ways to spot trouble from the CDA.
- See your dentist right away if you notice any changes to your dental or oral health.
- If you smoke or chew tobacco, quit
- Smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to cancers in your mouth, gum disease and tooth loss and is dangerous for your overall health.
- Ask your dentist or doctor if you need support to help you quit smoking.
- Visit Health Canada for programs to help you quit now.
- In Ontario, call the Smokers’ Helpline 1-877-513-5333.
Check out these links for more information on how to take care of your teeth and mouth at different life stages…
For Children:
Caring for your Teeth and Mouth for Children from Health Canada
Frequently Asked Questions on Children’s Oral Health from Health Canada
For Adults:
5 Steps to Good Oral Health from the Canadian Dental Association
For Pregnancy:
Oral Health for a Healthy Pregnancy from the Public Health Agency of Canada
Oral Health during Pregnancy from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion
For Seniors:
Caring for your Teeth and Mouth for Seniors from Health Canada