April is Oral Health Month in Canada. Oral health often takes a back seat to other signs of physical health and Oral Health Month is a great reminder to not neglect your dental health.
Dentists in South Edmonton want to make sure that patients take care of their oral health and listen to signs of wear, discomfort or pain. Some signs of concern regarding your oral health consist of bleeding or tender gums, bad breath, sores and much more. Ways to prevent poor oral health and practice good oral hygiene includes but is not limited to brushing at least twice a day, flossing and regular visits to your dentist in South Edmonton to keep your mouth healthy.
Insuring that you maintain proper oral health isn’t just important for your oral hygiene but is critical to your overall physical health. Oral health problems have the potential to mean something more serious, like oral cancer. Every year approximately 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer and 1,050 deaths from oral cancer occur. The low survival rate to this devastating disease is due to how late the diagnosis often is. When a disease like oral cancer is found early, survival rate typically improves. One of the best ways to ensure early detection of more serious oral health problems is to visit your dentist in South Edmonton for regular dental exams regularly as they have the schooling and experience to find oral cancer early.
Ways to Improve Your Oral Health
Eat healthy food and try your best to limit sugary and highly acidic foods. These types of food increase the chances of tooth decay and acid erosion.
Avoid smoking and the use of tobacco products. When you use these products, they can often cause gum damage, tooth staining, tooth loss, persistent bad breath and has the potential to cause oral cancer.
Take the time to check your own mouth regularly for signs of gum disease, tooth decay or oral cancer.
If you find that you have any of the following symptoms, ensure that you contact your dentist in South Edmonton. Symptoms of gum disease include: sore, sensitive and red gums that may bleed during brushing. Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet food or drink or pressure could suggest the presence of tooth decay. Symptoms of oral cancer include: sores in the mouth that persist for more than 7 to 10 days, unexplained bleeding, patchy white or red areas on the tongue or in the mouth-tingling or numbness or small lumps or thickening on the sides or bottom of the tongue or in other areas of the mouth.
Finally, like you’ve been hearing since you were a child, brush at least twice a day and floss at least once daily.
For more dental tips or to schedule your dental visit, contact Petrolia Dental in South Edmonton today. We are welcoming new patients and referrals of family and friends.