Did you know that April is National Oral Health Month? Your oral health is undeniably associated with your overall health; there are links between oral disease and other types of health problems, such as diabetes, respiratory problems, as well as heart disease and stroke. As always, regular dental visits as well as brushing and flossing correctly are the cornerstones of good dental health.
Although the mouth is part of the body, we often think of it as something separate. We often ignore bleeding or tender gums, while an irritation or pain elsewhere in the body would mean a trip to the doctor.
Poor oral health can affect a person’s quality of life. Oral pain, missing teeth or oral infections can influence the way a person speaks, eats and socializes. These oral health problems can reduce a person’s quality of life by affecting their physical, mental and social well-being.
The reality is that oral health problems could be a sign of something serious such as oral cancer. Every year, approximately 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer and 1,050 deaths from oral cancer occur. This devastating disease has a low survival rate because it is often diagnosed very late. With early detection the survival rate from oral cancer can be greatly improved. This means going to your dentist for regular dental exams. Your dentist has the training and experience to detect oral cancer early.
Everything that happens in your mouth affects your whole body, which is why it is so important to visit your dentist regularly. Only your dentist has the training, skills and expertise to properly address all your oral health care needs. Regular dental exams help prevent small problems from getting worse.”
– From the Canadian Dental Association website
Make sure you’re taking care of your child’s and your own oral health! Ensure that you keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing correctly daily, and don’t forget to come in for regular dental exams, so we can catch what you don’t!
