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Are you taking care of your oral health the way you should? Most people would say “no,” but they’re not really aware of how important it is. Some don’t even know exactly what they should be doing to keep their mouth healthy.
If you’re interested in having better health overall, you’ll be interested to know that good health has a lot to do with oral health. After all, that’s where many things enter the body.
Here are five other oral health facts you really need to know.
Brushing Once a Day Isn’t Enough
Many of us brush at night before bed, after a long day of work, play, and eating. What your might not realize is that once a day isn’t enough to maintain your oral health.
You should brush twice a day and floss once a day to maintain optimal health. Brushing removes the sticky plaque from your teeth, but when you let it build up all day there’s a lot to remove and it can be hard to do properly.
Instead, brush twice a day and you’ll get the plaque off more easily.
Early Detection of Oral Cancer is Vital
In Canada, an estimated 11 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed every day. The good news is that oral cancer is often highly curable and treatable if it’s found early enough.
When you get regular dental exams, your dentist will check for signs of cancer and let you know if there are any concerns. A delay getting your exam can be a lot more serious than a cavity – you can miss the early treatment window for cancer.
You Lose Teeth Due to Your Gums
Why do teeth fall out? You might think it’s because of a problem with the teeth themselves, but it’s actually not. It’s because the gums decay and aren’t able to hold them properly.
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, and if left untreated it can also damage the bone in your jaw. The bacteria from gum disease can also enter your bloodstream and spread throughout your body, affecting your overall health.
Taking care of your teeth and having regular appointments with your dentist in London can help you prevent these problems.
Bad Breath? Could Be Due to Dental Problems
Bad breath is frustrating and embarrassing, but it might not just be a morning issue. If you have persistent bad breath, you could have a dental condition that’s causing it.
Of course, regular brushing and flossing can help, but you also want to see a dental professional like Dr. Mark Rhody Dentistry. They can look things over and let you know if you have a medical problem causing the odor. For instance, you could have dry mouth problems or another treatable issue.
When you take care of the underlying problem, you won’t have to worry about your breath anymore!
Change Your Toothbrush Often
You may have heard that you should change your toothbrush every three months, but many Canadians don’t follow through with that guideline. It’s vital to replace it often so you get solid cleaning and avoid bacteria build up.
What you might not know is that there are times you should change your toothbrush more often. If you have gingivitis, you should change it every 4 – 6 weeks. If you have been ill, you should change your toothbrush once you recover.Even when rinsed in hot water, your toothbrush can harbor bacteria. Don’t be shy about changing it!
These five health facts probably showed you something new, but the most important takeaway is that your oral health matters. Take care of your teeth and gums, and you’ll thank yourself for many years to come.
