Healthy Smile, Healthy Body and Mind!
Of course, we all want to have a healthy smile and avoid dental pain and cavities.
But did you know…
That poor oral health is a major risk factor for many systemic conditions? Without adequate homecare and regular professional dental visits, the bacteria in the mouth can travel to the lungs, heart and brain, causing chronic systemic inflammation and worsening many conditions.
Pneumonia - more likely to have serious complications or fatal outcomes
Heart disease - 3X increased risk of heart attack or stroke
Diabetes - 2-3X risk increase and decreased blood sugar control
Dementia - 6% higher risk of developing, and experience more severe symptoms
To name just a few.
Not to mention, recent studies show patients with gum disease are almost 9 times as likely to experience complications and fatal outcomes from COVID-19!
Gum disease and dental cavities typically progress painlessly. Waiting until you feel pain or see swelling to see your dental professional is akin to waiting until you've had a heart attack to have your blood pressure checked!
Taking Care of Your Smile.
The things you do every day make a difference!
Brush your teeth and gums twice a day - this helps remove the sticky plaque build-up that causes dental decay and gum disease.
Don’t drink your sugar! Try replacing juice and soda with flavoured water or unsweetened tea.
Rinse your mouth with water after meals. Right after you eat, your saliva is more acidic which can soften the enamel. Water helps neutralize this to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
If you wear dentures, make sure to take them out every night. Prolonged wear can cause pressure points, sore spots and even infections.
Along with brushing and flossing, regular dental exams are a must. Your dental hygienist doesn’t just clean teeth, we can spot things in your mouth that are hard for you to see:
Oral cancer
Signs and symptoms of dental decay
Oral infections and gum disease
These are all things that are checked for at your professional dental visit.
And did you know that your dental hygienist can painlessly treat small cavities and early decay without freezing or drilling? Dental hygienists use a liquid medicine and a putty-like filling material to stabilize these areas and prevent further tooth breakdown.
However, there are times when a visit from your dental hygienist may not be the right choice you.
If you are experiencing pain or swelling in your mouth or head and neck area, we would be happy to refer you to a fully mobile dentist who can diagnose the issue as well as provide treatment and prescribe medications.