April is Oral Health Month and Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Good oral health starts with you, it's important to be aware of what you can do all year long to maintain a healthy smile and prevent dental plaque before problems begin. Here are some tips to keep your mouth in top form.
Key Takeaways about Oral Health Month
- April is Oral Health Month and Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month.
- A well-balanced diet helps prevent tooth decay, while sugary and acidic foods and drinks wear on enamel.
- Brushing two to three times a day with fluoride toothpaste, plus proper flossing, maintains a healthy mouth.
- Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, tonsils and salivary glands.
- Dr. Bains conducts oral cancer screenings at routine check-ups and professional cleanings.
Making Healthy Food Choices for Dental Health
A well-balanced diet is important for maintaining a healthy body and preventing tooth decay. Limit foods and beverages high in sugar and carbohydrates. These, along with highly acidic offerings like carbonated drinks and processed foods, can wear on your tooth enamel, leading to dental erosion, infection, and tooth sensitivity. Instead, reach for vitamin and fibre-rich foods, such as vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Choose water as your primary beverage between meals.
Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene
It's never too late to develop healthy dental hygiene habits that benefit your body. Regularly brushing your teeth two to three times a day with quality fluoride toothpaste and using proper flossing techniques go a long way in maintaining a healthy mouth. This can also help you avoid halitosis (bad breath) and prevent periodontitis (severe gum inflammation and infection). Work with your dental hygienist to establish a regular dental exam and cleaning routine appropriate for you to prevent and detect potential issues.
Recognizing Oral Health Changes
Tell your dentist if you notice any changes to your teeth or soft tissues in your mouth, such as bleeding, discolouration, or dental pain (tooth sensitivity for example). If you've had any recent changes to your health, including changes in medication or the development of conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, share that with your dentist. As part of your health care team, your dentist will work with you to make sure your preventive dentistry approach is in good shape to complement your overall well-being.
Limiting Harmful Substances for Oral Health
Cigarettes and chewing tobacco carry a high risk for many health problems, including serious impacts on your oral health. Vaping can also have a negative effect on your dental health. Quitting tobacco use reduces your chance of developing gum recession or oral cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption can help keep your mouth healthy as well.
Head and Neck Cancer Prevention
Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, tonsils, and salivary glands. The Canadian Dental Association reported in 2007, approximately 3,200 Canadians were diagnosed with oral cancer, and 1,100 deaths occurred from the disease. Unfortunately, this form of cancer often requires root canal treatment when diagnosed late, but early detection through dental x-rays and examinations can improve survival rates. Here are some tips you can follow for early detection.
Recognizing Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
As you would maintain your overall oral care, keep an eye on changes in your mouth, including your gums, cheeks, and tongue. This includes unexplained bleeding, patchy red or white areas, persistent sores that last for more than seven to ten days, minor lumps or thickening, or changes in sensation. Contact the dental team at Lewis Estates if you discover any noticeable concerns about your mouth, teeth, or gums.
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but some factors increase the risk. In addition to tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, increased age, sun exposure to the lips, previous head and neck cancers, and oral infections (such as human papillomavirus or HPV) can increase susceptibility. However, knowing these factors can help you make choices that will reduce the risk to your dental health.
How Professionals Screen for Oral Cancer
Dr. Bains conducts oral cancer screenings at routine preventive dental check-ups and professional cleanings. During your visit, she looks for signs of any abnormalities in your mouth, and she may use a non-invasive tool known as a VELscope. A VELscope is a handheld device that emits blue light to help dentists more easily see abnormalities that may be hard to detect with the naked eye. Regular screenings are effective in spotting problems early, making treatment options more successful if they are needed.
Maintaining Long-term Oral Health Success
Maintaining a healthy oral care routine with regular dental cleanings supports your dental and whole-body wellness. the team at Lewis Estates Dental Centre are ready to provide you with the dental care you need for a healthy quality of life. Schedule your dental examination today.